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Consider this: Why I love Rochelle
I love the city of Rochelle for many reasons. First, and foremost, it is the city where I grew up. For this reason, I try to volunteer whenever I have a chance, to give back to the city that helped raise me.
The old adage that “it takes a village” is so true. Many people in this city looked after me when I was young, and I am very grateful for that. I believe there are many people that still have those qualities in them.
I also love this city for all the immigrants that have chosen this town to live in and establish roots. I remember when Del Monte, one of our largest industries at the time, used to send buses to Mexico to bring back migrants to work in the fields. Year after year, we would see many of the same people. After several years being here, some of them decided they would bring their families back to make this their permanent home. You can’t blame them after experiencing this country and comparing it to theirs at the time.
Immigrants from other countries came to establish businesses. Many of the restaurants were started or taken over by these citizens. They hired the best cooks around and began making great food.
Much of it is being served to those residents looking forward to great food at reasonable prices (at least as reasonable as is possible in today’s climate). Though these businesses are hard to remain profitable, the management and help do their best to keep their clientele happy. Much of the help comes from immigrant families, too. Although there are other businesses with immigrant management, I was guided by my stomach to focus on the restaurants. Happy stomach, happy life.
I am also very grateful that this city still has a newspaper. I do publish my articles on social media, but it’s not the same as a paper. A paper reaches those that don’t, or do not want to, understand or get involved with social media.
A reply to an article published in the paper challenges those that have their own ideas to publish theirs, too. Not only does this help the paper to continue growing, but it gives all readers the abil-
COMMUNITY VIEWS
Reed Harris
ity to make up their own minds when both opinions are expressed. In social media, your thoughts go to an audience that may be limited or to those readers that do not live in this area and, therefore, may not be affected in the same way.
How many small cities can boast about having their own community hospital? In today’s environment, many small-town hospitals are closing. Ours is thriving and is there for emergencies, urgent issues, local doctors, family nurses, therapy (including cardiac therapy), and many doctors with varied specialties.
Our hospital also provides some community events to help residents and their families. There is so much that our community hospital provides that residents need not leave Rochelle for day-today health needs.
Rochelle also hosts many events, has a Rec center, outdoor swimming venue, a community foundation to help with various donation needs, the Focus House, many parks, and several projects for residents in various stages of completion. Even with all this, however, it is not what I enjoy most about Rochelle. I live out in the country, mostly due to other circumstances. So, I guess you can say that I put on a few miles going to and from this city. But I live close enough to be able to get into town within five minutes. When I head in, I go through Hillcrest and remember the time, long ago, when the circus was in town. Hillcrest had a tree lined open field along what was then U.S. 51 (now Illinois Route 251). The tents stood high in the air and were exciting to see. I often remember this heading towards Rochelle.
I reach the intersection with Flagg Road and can see the city coming up. I feel as if I’m coming home every time. Heading towards a small community of people who are my family. As I get further into town, I have a feeling of
The Illinois Department of Transportation has proposed a roundabout for the intersection of Illinois Routes 251 and 64 in Ogle County, north of Rochelle, according to IDOT’s website. Jeff Helfrich ON THE COVER
respect, like that you give your parents. I feel comforted and warm. I feel the nostalgia of days long ago, and the gratefulness that it is still with me. I see the people young and old and hope that the younger ones will someday have these feelings I am having.
I keep heading down Illinois Route 251 going past the location of my high school. It is, however, no longer there but that doesn’t bother me because I still have my memories. I go further to the “S” curve where, if I didn’t follow the curve, I would run into the house that used to stand there and contained a small grocery store I used to frequent.
Rochelle used to have several small grocery stores in parts of a house or a garage or an attached addition to a house.
Now I’m on a portion of Illinois Route 251 where there are several homes that have been around for many, many years. They probably looked familiar to my grandfather and still look familiar to me. With the status quo and even the changes I am driving by, I still feel comforted and warm. Progress can be a good thing and, like it or not, it is inevitable. I am now at the overpass. So many times, this was voted down, but that couldn’t last if we wanted access and to keep our citizens healthy.
As I reach the end of the bridge I see Spring Lake. In the summer, this still is an active area for swimming. Thank God I was part of a band of residents who called themselves the “Save Spring Lake Committee”. Whether this committee was key in its salvation, it doesn’t really matter. The current pool, however, was built as we suggested, so I am proud of this accomplishment.
I am now on my way out of town. There is the golf course, which is still open. There is Kyte River with which I have many memories.
Next is Interstate 88 which was Illinois 5 (the single nickel) at one time. After many years of trying to determine what it should be named, it was designated Interstate 88. Next comes Rochelle Airport. Used for many years, through today, as a local airport for residents
See HARRIS on page 6
HOW ARE WE DOING?
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IDOT details plans for $2M proposed roundabout north of Rochelle
The state Route 251, Route 64 intersection has been a safety concern for some time, according to IDOT
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
Ogle County residents on Tuesday, Nov. 18, were able to get a glimpse at the Illinois Department of Transportation’s plans regarding a proposed roundabout for the state Route 251 and state Route 64 intersection north of Rochelle.
The plans were shared Tuesday night during a public online meeting led by IDOT Program Development Engineer Michael Kuehn, IDOT Project Manager and Geometrics Engineer Rob Bates, and Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. Project Manager Andrew Schlichting.
IDOT has undertaken a preliminary engineering and environmental study of the intersection to examine suitable traffic control alternatives that address the safety and mobility of traffic currently experienced at the intersection.
“This intersection has been a safety concern for some time,” Schlichting said. “The recent restriping step is a temporary step to try to improve safety until we can work through the entire process and get a more permanent solution implemented. IDOT is studying this intersection because of the crash history. This intersection has seen twice the rate of injury crashes statewide. It’s the combination of two high-speed routes and right-angle crashes that are the cause of injuries.”
The intersection currently is a fourway stop. Illinois Route 251 was previously four lanes at the intersection before the recent restriping project reduced the lanes to two.
The proposal for the intersection is a modern roundabout with a 20-foot-wide circulating single lane. The center of the roundabout and long splitter islands would deflect entering vehicles approaching the roundabout.
A 12-foot-wide concrete truck apron, located just outside of the central island, is proposed. The area would accommo-
date large trucks, farm equipment and emergency vehicles, providing them with an additional area to maneuver through the circle. Entering vehicles would yield to traffic circulating counterclockwise in the circle. Lighting around the roundabout would be installed. Each entry to the roundabout will have a yield sign.
Phase two of the project will involve preparing contract bid plans and phase three would be construction. All three phases currently are funded. The total project is estimated to cost $2.05 million, with the bid for the work to be awarded in November 2026. Construction would begin in the spring 2027 and be completed by the end of summer 2027. The project could take shorter or longer depending on whether traffic is allowed through the area or a detour is put into place.
Illinois Route 251 and Illinois Route 64 carry about 5,000 vehicles per day.
Due to crash concerns, rumble strips and flashers were installed at the intersection in the past before the recent restriping.
The intersection saw 26 crashes, 13 injuries and one death from 2015 to 2024. It saw 13 crashes, five injuries and one death from 2020-2024, according to
Shown is crash history data at the intersection of Illinois Route 251 and Illinois Route 64.
the meeting’s presentation. Sixty-one percent of the total crashes were angle crashes; 62% of the accidents were property damage, 15% were possible injury, 15% were non-incapacitating injury and 8% were fatal.
Images provided by IDOT
The proposal for the state Route 251 and Route 64 intersection north of Rochelle is a modern roundabout with a 20-foot-wide circulating single lane. The center of the roundabout and long splitter islands would deflect entering vehicles approaching the roundabout.
Rochelle works to overcome residents’ objections to potential data center project
A
petition titled ‘Reject plans for
a data center in Rochelle, Illinois’ had 265 signatures as of Nov.
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
18
Rochelle residents almost filled City Hall council chambers Tuesday, Nov. 18, to learn more about a 50-megawatt, 300,000-square-foot data center potentially locating in Rochelle.
Community members heard presentations from city officials and the data center developer, LFF Industrial, which has been working on a potential project with the city. Public comments and a question-and-answer segment were part of the meeting.
The city has seen recent social media reaction to news of it talking with a
developer about a new data center. A petition titled “Reject plans for a data center in Rochelle, Illinois” had 265 signatures as of Tuesday, Nov. 18. The city of Rochelle recently created a “Data Center Q&A” page on its website in an effort to address residents’ concerns.
During his presentation portion, Rochelle City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh said the developer has owned the poten-
tial site near Steward Road since 2013, contacted the city in 2024 and has been working with it on the project since.
Fiegenschuh said the city is soliciting public feedback on the project this month and next steps would be taken in December, including the city council voting on a development agreement for the data center.
The city owns Rochelle Municipal Utilities, which would provide power, water and storm water services to a potential data center.
Fiegenschuh said a development
agreement would stipulate and enforce limits on utility use by the data center, along with its obligations to pay for any improvements needed and other items such as noise pollution. The city would not provide any incentive funds to the developer. The data center would be eligible for the state’s 50% property tax abatement for six years, as other businesses located within the Lee-Ogle Enterprise Zone are.
Rochelle is already home to two data centers, owned by Allstate and Northern Trust. Those data centers have been in Rochelle for 15 years and use a combined seven megawatts of electricity. DeKalb is home to a Meta (Facebook) data center, which is about six times the size of the proposed project in Rochelle.
RMU Superintendent of Electric Operations Blake Toliver presented on the power use of the proposed data center. The data center would be RMU’s largest customer.
See CEntER on page 7
Jeff Helfrich
Rochelle
potentially locating in Rochelle.
Jeff Fiegenschuh Blake Toliver.
Photo provided by LFF Industrial Shown is a conceptual rendering for the proposed data center looking at locating in Rochelle.
Constellation
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
Constellation, owner of the Byron Nuclear Plant, presented a $15,000 donation to the Rochelle Christian Food Pantry on Monday, Nov. 17.
The donation was secured for RCFP by the Rochelle Area Community Foundation. The check presentation was attended by representatives of Constellation, the RACF board, and RCFP board members and volunteers.
“Constellation is an amazing organization,” RACF Executive Director Emily Anaya said. “They came together to make an immediate impact and they wanted it to stay local. I talked to the food pantry and asked what they would do with $15,000 and they had an answer
immediately. We know that food insecurity is a big deal right now and RCFP is
seeing that in its numbers. We knew this would be the best way to make the biggest splash. It’s definitely going to be needed and it’s going to stay right here in Ogle County and we’re truly appreciative of that.”
Constellation Community Relations Manager Val Runner said her organization is committed to giving back to communities where its employees live and where its plants are.
“This is part of that,” Runner said. “It’s important for me to be able to work with groups like RACF and RCFP to know where donations are going to make the biggest impact in the community. We want to better understand what the community needs and how we can support it as one of the largest employers in the area.”
The donation comes after RCFP saw an all-time record with 237 families served during the week of Nov. 2-8. It
ConStELLatIon on page
Jeff Helfrich
Constellation, owner of the Byron Nuclear Plant, presented a donation of $15,000 to the Rochelle Christian Food Pantry on Monday, Nov. 17.
• ROUNDABOUT
Continued from page 3
Schlichting said potentially installing signals at the intersection would not improve safety the way a roundabout would. Roundabouts result in an 82% reduction in fatal and injury crashes over a traffic signal, a Federal Highway Administration study cited during the meeting said.
“We understand that people have concerns about roundabouts being unnecessary or confusing,” Schlichting said. “Their potential for saving lives is just too significant to ignore.”
The proposed roundabout would be about 150 feet in diameter. The narrowest part between two curbs anywhere on the roundabout would be 24 feet, the width of two lanes on the highway, Schlichting said. The meeting showed a concept video of semi trucks and farm equipment moving through the intersection.
IDOT has found no potential impacts of the change so far that would delay the project. IDOT will need to purchase some
Shown is the right of way that the Illinois Department of Transportation would have to acquire for a proposed roundabout project at the intersection of Illinois Route 251 and Illinois Route 64. • HARRIS
private property for right of way for the roundabout, less than one acre.
IDOT is evaluating potential detours or traffic through the construction. Illinois Route 251 traffic would be detoured to Interstate 39, and Illinois Route 64 traffic would likely be detoured to Illinois
Route 72. With a full closure, the construction would take two months. With traffic during construction, it would likely take all of summer 2027. Construction would be done in the summer with spring planting and fall harvest operations in mind.
Continued from page 2
owning smaller planes.
Now it also contains Chicagoland Skydiving Center, and a local restaurant called the Flight Deck, a wonderful summer gathering spot.
So, I have left the city of Rochelle and feel a bit sad to go. Wait, the nostalgia, the gratefulness, where was I going?
Well, I can turn around and head back. I will then begin to feel these things again.
Oh, yeah. I live just north of town. I don’t have to leave.
I am proud to live here and of my resident family.
I just hope that ICE, or the military, or the current economy doesn’t alter it.
I love the way it is.
• Reed Harris is a longtime Rochelle resident and community volunteer.
After the development, the city would have 68 megawatts of power available for other development in the community.
“The reason we decided to cap this potential project at 50 megawatts is to not stifle the growth of any of our other businesses in the event they want to expand,” Toliver said. This data center would be significantly large as a new customer, but we do have the capacity to handle it.”
The potential data center customer would pay an 11% power distribution surcharge and standard demand charges, and may elect to manage their own capacity and transmission costs. RMU’s power rates would not increase due to a potential data center due to long-term power purchase contracts and behindthe-meter generation it has in place.
A data center developer would be required to post a surety or bond to cover any purchased power or infrastructure obligations if it ceased operations or relocated. If the data center needed more power than expected in the future, it would have to pursue a ComEd reconfiguration of transmission lines.
RMU Superintendent of Water/Water Reclamation Adam Lanning said Nov. 18 that the data center would be capped at 100,000 gallons of water use per day, but its actual use would be around 10,000 gallons per day or less. The RMU water system sees 4-5 million gallons of water used per day, with its largest current cus -
• CONSTELLATION
Continued from page 5
also set a record in October 2025, averaging 84 families served per distribution day. It has served almost 7,000 families this year, RCFP Board President Cal Jacobs said.
The food pantry, at 770 Lincoln Ave., is open from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays. People can either pick up boxes or come in and do their own shopping. On distribution days, cars are often lined up as early as 9 a.m. and occasionally distribution starts early to serve the large number of people in time. RCFP has seen rising numbers for the better part of two years.
18 at a public meeting, regarding a potential data center locating in Rochelle.
tomer using 1 million gallons per day.
“For wastewater, we establish a local discharge limit for all industries to prevent any upsets at the wastewater treatment plant,” Lanning said. “We would regularly inspect this industry as we do all others looking for any chemicals and they would provide a list of any chemicals on site and how they store them. If we didn’t approve of them, they would not be allowed to have them on site or discharge them into our system.”
Fiegenschuh said the data center
Jeff Helfrich Rochelle Area Community Foundation
Executive Director Emily Anaya speaks Nov. 17 at Constellation’s check presentation to the Rochelle Christian Food Pantry.
Items that are in the most demand at RCFP are meat, produce and diapers. If community members want to donate items or money or volunteer, they can stop by the food pantry on its distribution days.
would bring 25-35 permanent jobs with an average salary of $85,000. The project would also bring 500-800 temporary construction jobs. The developer would pay the city $125,000 in permit fees for its build, and would pay $450,000 per year in utility tax.
Based on most recent numbers, following the construction of the data center, if it was hypothetically valued at $250 million, Rochelle residents would see a decrease in their overall property tax rate from 8.55% to 7.52% and a home valued at $100,000 would see a bill decrease of $340.33.
“One of the reasons we want to see more commercial and industrial growth in this community is we want more value to tax from, so we’re not as reliant on property taxes of homes,” Fiegenschuh said.
Zach La Motta presented at the meeting representing the data center developer, LFF Industrial. The property under consideration is 124 acres and is currently farmland. The data center would use a footprint of 5-10 acres south of Interstate 88 up against train tracks and away from residential property.
Next steps would include a development agreement, a bond posted by the developer, securing of power, finding an end user for the data center, and construction. The final design of the data center would be subject to the end user, but would be subject to a development agreement with the city.
“We really do view the city as an active participant and partner in this project every step of the way,” La Motta
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
AFC releases 1st quarter honor roll
The Ashton-Franklin Center School District recently released its honor roll for the first quarter of the 2025-2026 school year.
Fourth grade A honor roll: Mason Ackley, Brennan Brenizer, Ethan Ellis, Grey Engelbarts, Arthur Etes, Tristan Freres, Carmyn Gildea, Cooper Harris, Makenna Himioben, Brayden Hinrichs, Eli Hood, Carter Hubbell, Emily Lengquist, Evelyn Lumzy, Autumn Malovich, Charlotte Nelson, Gabriel Reynolds, Grant Roberson, Lukas Stienmetz and Marley Toth. A/B: Owyn Heitz, Gracelyn Jones, Emmitt LeVake and Lincoln Zimmerman.
Fifth grade A honor roll: Ella Atkinson, Bennett Branscum, Griffin Fassler, Alexander Fernandez, Deacon Mortimer, Luke Rains and Mallori Smith. A/B: Connor Dean, Teyo DeJesus, Ryver Purvis, Jillian Ross, Beau Schaab and Abel Smith.
Sixth grade A honor roll: Taylor Cadie, Ainsly
said. “We feel we’ve eliminated the downside for the city and residents of this community and we look forward to bringing this development to Rochelle.”
During the question-and-answer portion of the meeting, Rochelle resident Megan Sneyd asked how power would be prioritized by RMU for the data center in the event of a large outage.
“RMU has an outage restoration plan that prioritizes all public services before any of our industrial customers,” Toliver said. “In the event of a large-scale outage here, the data center would be on its own. That’s how we operate here. We prioritize residents and our public services first.”
Rochelle resident Dawn Nance spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting.
“Even though we can support this, should we?” Nance said. “This industry is all new. Does our small community want to be a guinea pig? Are we sure we’re asking the right questions?”
To close the meeting, Fiegenschuh thanked community members for attending and making comments and encouraged residents to reach out to the city with questions regarding the potential data center.
“We appreciate everyone’s comments and concerns,” Fiegenschuh said. “Myself and the mayor and City Council and much of our staff live here. We want to make sure we’re getting the best development for the community. I want to see us generate more revenue for the city so we can reduce taxes overall for our residents.”
Clark, Paxton Fassler, Henry Fransen, Gianna Koenig, Lianna Lumzy, Heather Messenger, Blake Miller and Adyson Stienmetz. A/B: Leah Bays, Emalie Hewitt, Evelyn Hubbell, Anakin Kutz, Carter Mahaffey, Kalem McIntyre, William Muetze, Lucas Nedza, Luis Ramirez and Brycen Wagner.
Seventh grade A honor roll: Aivan Branscum, Paisley Ellis and Owen McLaughlin. A/B: Liliana Brenizer, Adalynn Cooper, Landon Gittleson, Esme Hatheway, Jaxon Minor, Eliana Mortimer, Cambree Penick, Lyla Pospeshil, Genevieve Seeley, Ainsely Spangler and Kenley Wilcox.
Eighth grade A honor roll: Sage Berg, Tessa Ellis, Archie Horner, Spencer McPheron, Mya Near, Makayla Pineda and Raine Winterland. A/B: Itzel Cadenas, Silas Delhotal, Thomas Gossett, William Halfacre, Juliana Jaskoske, Elliot Kromeke, Naveah Merritt, Kenzlee Price, Audrey Searing, Makenzie Wagner and Samuel Warrenfeltz. –
Jeff Helfrich
Rochelle Municipal Utilities Superintendent of Water/Water Reclamation Adam Lanning speaks Nov.
Winterizing a car can be an important part of vehicle maintenance. That’s particularly true for vehicle owners who live in regions where winter is marked by especially cold temperatures and/or significant snowfall. As fall gives way to winter, drivers can take these steps to winterize their vehicles.
• ADDRESS TIRES AND TIRE PRESSURE. The experts at Kelley Blue Book note the danger of aging and/or poorly inflated tires, particularly in winter. Icy, wet and/ or snow-covered roads can be dangerous to traverse, so it benefits drivers to examine their tires prior to winter. Worn down treads reduce traction and make it more difficult for vehicles to stop, which is already challenging on roads where ice is present. It’s equally important to keep tires properly inflated, as KBB reports each 10-degree dip in temperature can lead to a one-pound loss in air pressure. Poorly inflated tires can decrease performance and safety on the road.
• CHECK THE BATTERY AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY. Another step to winterize a car involves the battery that helps to keep the vehicle running. The automotive experts at Firestone note that sinking temperatures force the chemical reaction within vehicle batteries to slow, which reduces the amount of power the battery can generate. In fact, Firestone estimates a battery can lose as much as 60 percent of its strength in freezing temperatures. Firestone urges drivers to get a battery assessment test prior to winter to ensure the battery is healthy enough to endure the coming months. If the assessment indicates the battery is weak, replace it prior to winter.
• CHECK FLUID LEVELS. Routine vehicle maintenance at an auto body shop or car dealership typically involves checking and topping off fluid levels. Book such an appointment in advance of winter to ensure the vehicle has coolant, which KBB notes is formulated to resist freezing. Without sufficient coolant, a vehicle engine can suffer significant damage. Windshield washer fluid also should be filled to ensure the windshield can be sufficiently cleaned of salt during and after snowstorms. A pre-winter oil change also can help the vehicle run smoothly throughout the colder months.
• INSPECT BELTS AND HOSES. KBB notes cold weather weakens belts and hoses, which can become brittle and fail in low temperatures. Belts and hoses should be checked prior to winter. Engines can overheat, electrical system problems can emerge and power steering may be compromised if belts and hoses are allowed to fall into disrepair.
SUPANCIC INSURANCE
Rochelle Township High School earns ‘Commendable’ ESSA designation
Over 2 years, RTHS’ rate of graduation went up 85% to 93% and chronic absenteeism fell 33% to 17%
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
The Rochelle Township High School board on Monday, Nov. 17, heard a report from RTHS Principal Chris Lewis on the school’s Every Student Succeeds Act designation for the past year.
RTHS was graded as commendable. Schools can receive four designations: Exemplary, Commendable, Targeted and Needs Improvement/Comprehensive. RTHS’ score was 86.73. In 2024, it received a score of 76.70 and in 2023 it received a 70.37 score. Graded items that make up the scores include English language arts proficiency, chronic absenteeism, climate survey, ninth graders on track to graduate, graduation rate, math proficiency, science proficiency and English language learning progress.
The cutoff for the exemplary designation was a score of 92.03. Lewis said RTHS has seen its graduation rate increase from 85% to 93% over two years and its chronic absenteeism drop from 33% to 17% over two years. Chronic absenteeism is when a student misses 10% or more days of school.
“I’m really proud of how far we’ve come in the past few years,” Lewis said. “We’re going to continue to work to improve these scores.”
Levy
The board unanimously approved its 2026 tax levy during the meeting. The increase was 4.99% over last year’s levy, which, due to being below 5%, did not require a truth in taxation hearing.
District Business Manager Kevin Dale said last month that the district will receive $536,813 more than last year due to increased costs associated with updating school facilities.
“We are also trying to capture all of the special education money available to us in the levy,” Dale said. “That’s the only fund we’re requesting the maxi-
We have a 21-year-old fire alarm system in the school that is at the point of needing upgrades. We felt like this was the best project to put this money towards and would replace it this summer from June to August.”
Kevin Dale, Rochelle school district business manager
mum amount for. Because that cost keeps elevating astronomically.”
Grant
The board voted unanimously to apply for an Illinois State Board of Education School Maintenance grant. If the grant is received by the district, the funds would be spent on updating RTHS’ fire alarm system.
The grant has been typically received by the district when it has applied for it and it includes up to $50,000 in matching funds.
“We have a 21-year-old fire alarm system in the school that is at the point of needing upgrades,” Dale said. “We felt like this was the best project to put this money towards and would replace it this summer from June to August.”
Solar
Superintendent Jason Harper said the district’s facilities committee has been recently working with solar power vendors regarding the potential installation of solar panels on district property in the future.
“We want to get a better idea of what, if any, options would make sense for the district,” Harper said.
“We’ll continue to work on that in coming months and may have some action for the board to consider,” Harper said.
Personnel
The board unanimously approved personnel changes, including the resignation of Joseph Howard (special education teacher, end of 2025-26 school year) and the employment of Jennifer Beck (bus aide).
Jeff Helfrich Rochelle School Superintendent Jason Harper participates in a meeting on Monday, Nov. 17, at Rochelle Township High School.
Board approves $21,118 signage purchase
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
The Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District Board of Commissioners has unanimously approved a $21,118 purchase from Furniture Leisure for new signage for 10 parks.
Park District Executive Director Jackee Ohlinger said Monday, Nov. 17, that the signs will be installed by park district maintenance staff. The concrete signs will weigh about 850 pounds each, and will be 62 inches long, 8 inches thick and 42 inches tall. They will each have an engraved park name and a 12-inch acrylic insert with the park district’s logo and an anti-vandalism coating. The signs will be received in 8-10 weeks after ordering.
Jeff Helfrich
Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District Commissioners Joe Lenkaitis (left) and Jodie Hart participate in a meeting Monday, Nov. 17.
Participation numbers keep growing
Ohlinger said the park district has 408 kids across its current fall/winter youth sports leagues from 27 different zip codes. All star sports has 25 total kids, REC soccer and Little Shooters has 103 kids, Lit-
tle Hoopsters has 80 kids, REC volleyball has 126 kids and REC flag football has almost 100.
“It’s exceeded even last year’s crazy numbers,” Ohlinger said. “It’s going to be a very busy season.
Membership numbers at The REC
Center are also higher than they were a year ago. From last November to now, numbers are up by about 160 members, with 100 of them being fitness-only.
“In September our drop-in numbers were around the 300 range,” Ohlinger said. “For the first 12 days in November, we had around 300 drop ins. We are buckling in for the season.”
Spring Lake to get upgrades
The park district recently began the permitting process on a new heating system and ADA stairs for Spring Lake Pool.
The park district previously had ADA stairs at the pool at the Spring Lake facility before the state said it no longer could use it due to potential for entrapment. It currently has an ADA chair for people to get into the pool, which will remain.
“We had a lot of feedback last summer that people really preferred the stairway to walk into the pool,” Ohlinger said. “ADA stairs range from $8,000 to $13,000 for purchase and installation cost
Warranty Deeds
• Chris L. Youssi Trustee, Youssi Real Estate & Development Inc 401k Profit Sharing Tr, and Roth Yredi 40k to Laurie L. Janes and Patrick A. Janes, 1 Parcel in Marion Township: 05-26-330-005, $25,110
• Chris L. Youssi Trustee, Youssi Real Estate & Development Inc 401k Profit Sharing Tr, and Roth Yredi 40k to Laurie L. Janes and Patrick A. Janes, 1 Parcel in Marion Township: 05-26-330-003, $25,110
• Harvest Glenn Llc to Contry Homes Group Llc, 1 Parcel: 195 Autumnwood Ln, Davis Junction, $0.00
• Harvest Glenn Llc to Contry Homes Group Llc, 1 Parcel: 193 Autumnwood Ln, Davis Junction, $0.00
• Harvest Glenn Llc to Contry Homes Group Llc, 1 Parcel: 191 Autumnwood Ln, Davis Junction, $0.00
• Harvest Glenn Llc to Contry Homes Group Llc, 1 Parcel: 932 White Birch Ln, Davis Junction, $0.00
• Harvest Glenn Llc to Contry Homes Group Llc, 1 Parcel: 930 White Birch Ln, Davis Junction, $0.00
• Nicholas J. Dawtyne and Megan Dawtyne to Raymond A. Herold, 1 Parcel: 3300 N Silver Ridge Dr, Oregon, $395,000
• John Engelkes to Sandra Garcia, 1 Parcel:
1210 W. Lincoln Ave., Rochelle, $165,000
• Betty L. Calvert to Anthony Ware, 1 Parcel: 210 E Front St, Mt. Morris, $115,000
• Joshua A. Nilles to Maxwell Bradfield and Kathlene Bradfield, 1 Parcel: 1126 Old Hunter Run, Byron, $240,000
• Allison S. Toal and Erik A. Guglielmi to Tracy L. Eastman and Jeffery G. Eastman, 1 Parcel: 7148 N. River Road, Byron, $165,000
• Secretary Of Veterans Affairs to Melissa Ann Dyrdahl, 1 Parcel: 153 N Perene Ave, Byron, $234,500
• William M. Doane to Nikki Doan, 1 Parcel: 1831 N Lynnville Rd, Lindenwood, $400,000
• Brian T. Finch to Thomas Niehaus and Joyce Niehaus, 1 Parcel: 311 E. Front St., Byron, $109,000
• Damon L. Mcclung and Peggy Mcclung to Edward Medina and Kassidy Medina, 1 Parcel: 3775 E Whippoorwill Ln, Byron, $260,000
• Jordan E. Morrison and Anna Morrison to Benjamin Slomian, 1 Parcel: 2048 Southfield Ln, Byron, $280,000
• Kevin K. Coyne, Deborah J. Powless and Donna M. Coyne to Steven E. Pettenger, 1 Parcel: 417 N Mineral St, Byron, $195,000
• Creston Commons Llc to Mascote Properties Llc, 1 Parcel in Dement Town-
ship: 25-23-303-001, $26,060
• Sheryl L. Mcgee to Charles C. Becker and Denise A. Becker, 1 Parcel: 13658 Flagg Rd, Rochelle, $220,000
• Contry Homes Group Llc to Anna Morrison and Jordan Morrison, 1 Parcel: 1004 Whitetail Dr, Davis Junction, $322,980
• Ryan Mcroberts to Shannon Marie Bybee, 1 Parcel: 609 N Woolf CT, Rochelle, $120,000
• Susan F. Furman to Michael J. Roberts and Irene Roberts, 1 Parcel: 3825 S Queens Rd, Rochelle, $294,900
• Timothy W. Goodman and Jacqui L. Goodman to Kyle Skaja and Analise Hanson, 1 Parcel: 5054 E. Nordic Woods Drive, Byron, $315,000
• Edward Christopher Baxter to Terrie R. Chance and William H. Carlson, 1 Parcel: 1217 Joanne Ter, Byron, $310,500
• David C. Kne Trustee, Charles J. Knie Tr, Eileen Y Knie Tr to John Carroll and Amanda Carroll, 1 Parcel: 505 S Congress Ave, Polo, $90,000
Quit Claims
• Mildred A. Bartlett to Mildred A. Bartlett and Terry E. Tate, 1 Parcel: 5102 S IL Rte 2, Oregon, $0.00
• Martha Smith Declaration Tr and Jamie R. Smith Trustee to Dg Investments Llc, 1 Parcel: 08-28-100-025, $0.00
• Wayne K. Carter and Aimee K. Krisch to Wayne K. Carter, Aimee K.. Krisch and Gail P. Carter, 1 Parcel: 501 S 7th St, Oregon, $0.00
Trustees Deeds
• Edward C. Vock Trustee and Judson Road Tr to Betsy A. Johnson and Thomas M. Johnson, 1 Parcel: 7561 W. Judson Rd, Polo, $208,740
• Curtis R. Freeberg Trustee, Curtis R. Freeberg Tr, and Norma L. Freeberg to Scott L. Hilliard, 4 Parcels: 05-33-200-021, 05-34-376-001, 10-03-126-001, and 10-03-126-002, $321,717
• Robert L. Burke Trustee, Roberta L. Burke Trustee and Robert and Robert L. Burk Joint Tenancy Tr, to Theresa P. Ryan, Michael P. Leduc and Justin Thomas Dolan Ryan, 1 Parcel: 1050 Lincoln Hwy, Rochelle, $154,900
• Kevin D. Rudy Trustee, Lisa L. Rudy Trustee, and Kenlin Family Tr418 to Timothy O’Keefe and Kellie Cannon, 1 Parcel: 5178 E Ashelford Dr, Byron, $568,000
COMMUNITY BOARD
JOHN ENGELKES
Born: March 16, 1945 in Rochelle, IL
Died: November 16, 2025 in Rochelle, IL
John Engelkes, 80, of Rochelle passed away with family by his side on November 16, 2025. John was born on March 16, 1945,the son of August and Lorena Engelkes.
John was a guy who never had anything negative to say about a person, he was nice to everyone he met. He was a huge lifelongChicago sports team fan, with his favorites being Chicago White Sox, Cubs and the Bears. He never missed a game no matter where he was and if you wanted to know a stat by team, whether he followed them or not he was your guy. He had a true talent for remembering
• PARK
Continued from page 10
will be on top of that.”
Spring Lake’s heating system consists of four heaters. The new heating system will be more efficient and able to run with one of the heaters not in service.
Personnel
Ohlinger provided an update on personnel matters. Brian Ramsey was recently promoted to parks supervisor. He’s worked in the park district’s maintenance department for 16 years. He will oversee the entire maintenance department.
Stacy Johnson recently was hired as the park district’s new facilities and grounds manager and has worked at Spring Lake pool part time in the past.
“She will be focusing mostly on facilities such as The REC Center and Spring Lake Pool along with the beautification of our parks system,” Ohlinger said. “She
• TRANSFERS
Continued from page 11
Deeds in Trust
• Antonino Alfano and Marianna Alfano to Antonino Alfano Trustee and Marianna Alfano Trustee, 13 Parcels: 16-03-151-011, 16-03-160015, 16-03-165-001, 16-03-303-007, 16-03-327-007, 16-04-105-006, 16-04-105007, 16-04-131-002, 16-04-131-003, 16-04-131-005, 16-04-281-005, 16-04-290005, and 16-04-451-001 $0.00
• Fred J. Horner, Barbara J. Horner, Fred
numbers. In his earlier years he was also an avid bowler.
John was preceded in death by both his parents; A brother, Jerry Allen; Brother-in-law, Rae Kersten; And a nephew, Mike Kersten. He was survived by his sister, Sherryl Kersten; Brother, Ron (Lynnetta) Engelkes; His nieces and nephews, Jeff, Mark and Scott Engelkes, Michelle Ramirez, Lori Talley; As well as great nieces and nephews, Alexis (Cooper) Lowe, Nate Ramirez, Kristin Priest, James Talley.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 19th, 2025, from 9:00 - 11:00 A.M at Beverage - Lyons Family Funeral Home, 601 Richardson Ave, Ashton IL 61006. A funeral service will take place at 11 A.M at the funeral home with a graveside service to follow at Ashton Cemetery in Ashton, Illinois. Arrangements were entrusted to Beverage-Lyons Family Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.beveragefamilyfh.com.
comes with a lot of horticultural management experience. We’re thankful to have her.”
Kim Smith recently accepted a fulltime position as customer experience specialist. She has worked for the park district for six years. She will manage customer service representatives at The REC Center’s front desk.
5th anniversary of REC Center
The park district will be celebrating the five-year anniversary of the opening of The REC Center throughout the month of December. Staff members are planning special activities, treats, raffles, giveaways and more. Membership and personal training package sales will be held as well.
The park district has just more than 250 platinum and silver members, which are people who purchased a membership before The REC Center finished construction. Those founding members will be gifted a special five-year anniversary T-shirt.
Horner, Barbara Horner to Fred J. Horner Trustee, and Fred J. & Barbara J. Horner Tr1, 5 Parcels: 24-13-384-030, 24-24-153-002, 24-24-356-010, 24-24-357-002, 24-24-357003, $0.00
• Ronald L. Schulte and Debra D. Schulte to Ronald L. Schulte Trustee, Debra D. Schulte Trustee, and R&D Schulte Family Tr1, 3 Parcels: 20-09-400-003, 20-10-300-002, and 20-10-300-003 $0.00
• Elizabeth Muro and Uriel Muro to Elizabeth Muro Trustee, Uriel Muro Trustee Muro Family Tr, 1 Parcel: 2623 S Snyder Rd, Oregon, $0.00
Turkey Giveaway
A1 Hot Body Detailing
GLENN HAYENGA
Born: June 15, 1938 in Kings, IL
Died: November 16, 2025 in Rockford, IL
Born to John I. Hayenga and Helen Alcock Hayenga. Graduated from Rochelle High School, Rochelle, IL, and went straight to farming. While serving in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1960-1964, Glenn was awarded the Sharpshooter marksman badge.
Glenn was a farmer to his core. He grew up
DAVID JORDAL
David LaVern Jordal, 86, of Rochelle, passed on 11/17/2025.
Arrangements entrusted to Unger Horner Funeral Home, Rochelle.
working the land and developed a deep-seated love of the soil and of the outdoors. That passion became his identity. Glenn often commented on the fresh smell of just-turned Midwest soil.
Glenn also loved to raise livestock, particularly cattle. We wondered if he thought of himself as some sort of “cattle whisperer”.
Glenn was a stereotypical Midwesterner with a wholehearted zeal for sweet corn, tomatoes, and asparagus. He would eat eight ears of sweet corn at a sitting. It was such fun to hunt for asparagus with Glenn when it could be found wild in fence rows.
Another great love of Glenn was socializing. No morning was complete without visiting with “the boys” at the coffee shop. That visiting trend traveled through to his DeKalb Seed
DEAN HERRMANN
Dean F. Herrmann, 87, of ROCHELLE, passed on 11/19/2025.
Arrangements entrusted to Unger Horner Funeral Home, ROCHELLE.
Corn business where he had 180 customers at one time.
Glenn could not fathom slowing down. He started a successful scrap-metal project where he would buy old farm equipment at auctions and salvage the valuable metals, such as steel and copper. He loved the auctions!
Glenn was an avid football enthusiast and watched many, many games on Sundays with friends and family. Of course, no football game was complete without chicken wings.
Glenn is predeceased by his parents, John and Helen Hayenga. Glenn is survived by children Christine (James) Drumm, Gwendolyn (Ron) Deters, Michael Hayenga, and Jennifer (Alex) Munoz; siblings Norma (John) Swanson, Wayne Hayenga, and Wilma Hayenga; grandchildren Caroline Drumm, Katharine Drumm,
Michael (Julia) Drumm, Quintin Munoz, and Alexander Munoz.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the American Stroke Association or American Heart Association. Thank you. Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108. Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com
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. Our pastors are: Pastor Dan Sergeant, Pastor Nick Tornabene, and Pastor Dana Cox. (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.
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
on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 7:00 p.m at the Village of Hillcrest, 204 Hillcrest Avenue, Rochelle, IL 61068.
The public hearing may be continued from time to time to dates certain without further notice being published.
All interested parties are invited to attend the public hearing and will be given an opportunity to be heard.
204 Hillcrest Avenue, Rochelle, IL 61068, and will be accepted up to the date of the public hearing By order of the Corporate Authorities of the Village of Hillcrest, Ogle County, Illinois. Dawn Bearrows Village Clerk Novembe r 23, 2025
TECHS
Pecan
Better Shelves. Custom Solutions.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, IL LINOIS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PATRICIA A MCGEE, Deceased NO. 2025 PR 27 CL AIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of PATRICIA A. MCGEE, of ROCHELLE, Illinois. Letters of Office were issued on October 31, 2025, to REBECCA L. HALVERSON, whose address is9750 N Oracle Rd., Apt 4102, Oro Valley, AZ 85704, and whose attorneys are Fearer Nye & Chadwick, LLC, 420 4th Avenue, PO Box 117, Rochelle, IL 61068. Claims against the Estate may be filed in the office of the Circuit Clerk of the Court at Ogle County Courthouse, Oregon, IL 61061, or with the representative , or both, no later than May 16, 2026, and any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it hasbeen filed.
FEARER, NYE & CHADWICK, LLC
Attorneys for REBECCA L. HALVERSON, Executor of theEstate of PATRICIA A MCGE E, deceased
Nov. 16, 23, 30, 2025
NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLI C HEARING ON A REQUEST F OR TEXT AMENDMENT TO ORDINANCES OF THE VILLAGE OF HILL CREST BEFORE THE THE VILL AGE BOARD OF THE VILLAGE OF HILL CREST NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT ROCHELLE SOLAR, LLC, Petitioner, owner of properties with PIN numbers 25-07400-003 and 2508-300-004 has filed an application with the Village of Hillcrest, Ogle County, Illinois, requesting a Text Amendment to amend Chapter 82 - Zoning; Article VI - Land Use and Development Standards - Division 9, Sec. 82-724 as follows:
“Ground mount solar energy systems that are the primary use of the lot, designed for providing energy to off-site uses, or export to the wholesale market are allowable only by Special Use permit in the agricultural (A-1), rural residential and industrial districts.”
NOTICE IS HEREWITH GIVEN THAT the Village Board for the Village of Hillcrest will conduct a Public Hearing for the purpose of considering and hearing testimony as to an ordinance authorizing the text amendment to the ordinances of the Village of Hillcrest, on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 7:00 p.m at the Village of Hillcrest, 204 Hillcrest Avenue, Rochelle, IL 61068. The public hearing may be continued from time to time to dates certain without further notice being pub-
Any written comments should be addressed to the Village of Hillcrest, 204 Hillcrest Avenue, Rochelle, IL 61068, and will be accepted up to the date of the public hearing By order of the Corporate Authorities of the Village of Hillcrest, Ogle County, Illinois. Dawn Bearrows Village Clerk Novembe r 23, 2025
Rochelle Municipal Utilities, Ogle County, Illinois will receive sealed bids for:
Ri tchi e to Centerpoi nt Installation Con tract until 2:00 p.m. local time on December 18, 2025, at the City of Rochelle, 420 N. 6th Street, Rochelle, IL 61068.
A pre- bid conference will be held via a virtual meeting at 9:00 a.m. on November 20, 2025. Attendance is strongly encouraged. A Microsoft Teams invite will be sent to registered bidders.
The plans and specifications are on file with the City of Rochelle for viewing purposes only.
Copies of the documents may be acquired from BHMG Engineers, Inc , 9735 Landmark Parkway Suite 110A, St Louis, Missouri 63127, Consulting Engineers for the said Board. Please email Amy Wooldridge, AWooldridge@bhmg.com with request.
Bids shall be received for the aforementioned items.
A certified check or bank draft on a responsible, solvent bank, or a satisfactory bid bond executed by the bidder and an acceptable surety company, payable to the City of Rochelle, John Bearrows, Mayor or Government Bonds or cash in the amount of not less than five percent (5%) of bid, shall be submitted with each bid
The bid shall be marked to identify bid package contents, reference specification 2200 K002.
The successful bidder will be required to:
• Register as a bidder for this project
• Furnish in duplicate the following executed documents:
• Non-Collusion Affidavit
• Bid Form
• Bid Bond, Certified Check or Money Order
• And any other documents as required by the specifications
No bid shall be withdrawn after the opening of bids without the consent of the Utility for a period of sixty (60) days after the scheduled time of closing bids
The said City of Rochelle reser ves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any informalities in bidding, and to determine and accept the bid most advantageous to the Utility.
Date: November 12, 2025
City of Rochelle, Illinois John Bearrows, Mayor
November 16, 23, 30, 2025
ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION School Business Services 217-785-8779
ANNUAL STATEMENT OF AFFAIRS FISCAL YEAR ENDING June 30, 2025
SCHOOL DISTRICT/JOINT AGREEMENT NAME: Rochelle Community Consolidated School District 231 DISTRICT TYPE RCDT NUMBER: 47-071-2310-04 Elementary X ADDRESS: 1401 Flagg Rd. Rochelle, IL 61068 High School COUNTY: Ogle Unit
NAME OF NEWSPAPER WHERE PUBLISHED: Rochelle News Leader Joint Agreement
ASSURANCE
The Annual Statement of Affairs has been posted on the district’s website and published in accordance with Section 10-17 of the School Code no later than December 1. (Put “X” in blue box if yes.) Yes X
SIZE OF DISTRICT IN SQUARE MILES 47 NUMBER OF
The ASA must be posted on the school district’s website and published in a newspaper of general circulation no later than December 1, 2025. Refer to Section 10-17 and Section 10-20.44 of the School Code.
Data previously included in the Annual Statement of Affairs can be found at: Payments to certified personnel Posted on district website per 105 ILCS 5/10-20.47
Student Counts
Financial Data
Included in district’s report card Illinois Report Card
Included in district’s Annual Financial Report posted on ISBE’s Cerberus Server
SALARY SCHEDULE OF GROSS PAYMENTS FOR NON-CERTIFICATED PERSONNEL
Salary Range: Less Than $25,000; Aljabari, Abeer B; Alrasheed, Reem M; Ansteth, Stacey A; Baiocco, Andrew M; Baiocco, Ryleigh M; Balestrieri, Carl Gregory; Bames, Sandra K; Barrientos, Mercedes; Bauer, Bonnie B; Becker, Ellen C; Bell, Samantha R; Belmonte, Daisy; Belmonte, Marisol; Belmonte, Marissa I; Bolin, Chance S; Bray, Peter T; Bridge, Bailey; Bridges-Groves, Cayce A; Briggs, Jack; Brizuela, Xitiali I; Brooks, Taryn N; Bueno, Jessica Y; Calvillo, Erika W; Carmichael, Danielle M; Carpenter, Jazmene J; Cervantes, Ruby; Chu, Annette M; Contreras, Roxanna; Cosme Diaz, Janet; Cruz, Angel; Cunningham, Cynthia M; Davis, Kelli A; Davis, Tina M; De La Rosa Bruceta, Milay; Dobbs, Kay M; Dodge, Krystin M; Dougherty, Marilu A; Dreska, Alexis G; Dreska, Cheryl C; Enderle, Zeno; Friestad, Addison E; Garcia, Edgar J; Garcia, Itzel Y; Genobana, Nathaniel; Gerber, Suzanna L; Gonzalez, Monica; Goodrich, Kimberly J; Gorsegner, Marissa J; Guo, Yan; Guzman, Mercedes; GuzmanHolland, Susana G; Hale, Jenna N; Hams, Ali N; Harris, Julia A; Hart,
James C; Hickey, Christopher L; Hucke, Lillian Z; Huels, Thomas A; Hueramo Castro, Lorena; Jenkins, Norm L Jr; Johanning, Roger J; Jones, Alisha F; Kaecker, Danielle N; King, Susan N; Lang, Robert C; Lantz, Liza M; Lenkaitis, Sofia N; Long, Mary C; Lopez Guzman, Ariannis; Lopez, Enrique; Lopez-Perez, Emily; Lopez-Perez, Victoria; Luciani, Linda C; Luxton, Marissa S; Mann, Heidi L; Martinez, Sara G; Matura, Sadie J; McCanick, Paula M; Menez, Lizbeth; Metcalf, Lora L; Milan, Azeneth; Milan, Maria A; Miller, Ashley D; Mitchell, Angela K; Morse, Tamara L; Mueller, Paul M.E.; Nambo, Olga M; Norris, Noah J; Odle, Pamela D; Pasholk, Wesley J; Primrose, Katelyn A; Ramirez, Nayeli; Ramos, Macy M; Reyes, Nancy G; Richolson, Julie A; Rocha, Moncerat; Rush, Catrin S; Sawisville, Amanda K; Seebach, Ella M; Silzer, Trevor; Stevens, Suzette; Stewart, Grayson N; Stoner, Sandira M; Tarvestad, Jack C; Theisen, Alyssa M; Torres, lan G; Valle, Raquel L; Waddle, Levi M; Wagner, Malinda R; Wallace, Larry; Waters, Odessa R; Welles, Sherrie L; Wheeler, Johnathan D; Williams,
Tiffany M; Woolard, Kailey M; Zepeda, Ahtziri C; Zepeda, Leslie D; Zera, Kimberly R,; Salary Range: $25,000-$39,999; Blevins, Timothy J; Cotrell, Rachel L; Crawford, Kendrick M; Dalen, Susan N; Estock, Stephanie M; Gati, Modesta Abra; Gittleson, Michele R; Hasz, Dawn R; Johanning, Brian; Johnson, Leland F; Lopez Santos, Blanca M; Marchan, Guadalupe; Meador, Doris A; Norris, Kevin J; Patrick, Kimberly K; Potts, Jackleen T; Reynolds, Dianne M; Rogers, Danica L; Smith, Chester E III; Vazquez, Janeth, Salary Range: $40,000-$59,999; Baiocco, Breynn L; Cicogna, Debra L; DePriester, Melanie L; Gonzalez, Karina; Johnson, Kelly S; Lumzy, Peyton J; Montgomery, Laura D; Tenorio, Alejandra; Tollefson, Kimberly S, Salary Range: $60,000 and over; Davis, Lester O; Gittleson, Seth R
PAYMENTS TO PERSON, FIRM, OR CORPORATION OVER $2,500 EXCLUDING WAGES AND SALARIES AERO GROUP INC 10,935.96; ALARM DETECTION SYSTEMS, INC. 4,242.72; AMAZON MARKETPLACE 114,790.21; AMAZON.COM 17,952.26; ANDERSON PLUMBING & HEATING 7,073.84; ARBOR MANAGEMENT, INC. 605,552.09; AUDIO ENGINEERING INC 7,905.00; AVANT ASSESSMENT, LLC 4,975.00; BADGER SPORTING GOODS 4,000.00; BAPCC, LLC AOIA 203,524.23; BENCHMARK EDUCATION COMPANY 11,805.00; BERG-JOHNSON ELECTRIC 40,834.15; BEST WESTERN PREMIER PARK HOTEL 9,539.15; BONNELL INDUSTRIES, INC 10,717.20; BRUNS CONSTRUCTION INC 16,359.14; BSN SPORTS LLC 3,617.67; BUSHUE BACKGROUND SCREENING 3,293.00; CARDINAL GLASS COMPANY 47,398.00; CDW GOVERNMENT 137,154.55; CENTRAL BANK ILLINOIS 8,280,312.33; CHEM-DRY OF KISHWAUKEE 6,507.81; CINTAS FIRE PROTECTION 10,973.98; CITY OF ROCHELLE 31,286.04; COMCAST 3,329.25; COMPUTER INFORMATION CONCEPTS 43,160.00; CRAVEN, JODEE 12,000.00; CURRICULUM ASSOCIATES LLC 7,000.00; DANE DUVAL PAINTING 8,450.00; DEFRANCO PLUMBING 6,104.00; DEKALB IMPLEMENT CO. 30,620.78; DELTA DENTAL OF IL - RISK 111,920.14; DIANE SWEENEY CONSULTING 31,980.00; DIVERZIFY PRO, LLC 47,922.00; E-RATE ONLINE 3,000.00; EDCLUB INC 4,920.20; EDMENTUM 4,915.00; EDSIGHTFUL LLC 5,000.00; EFTPS 1,387,972.52; EMBRACE EDUCATION 3,579.31; ENVISION INSURANCE GROUP 3,029.00; ESGI 3,288.00; FACILISERV, INC. 18,401.00; FOCUS HOUSE/ROCHELLE TWNSP HIGH SCHOOL 61,509.83; FOLLETT CONTENT SOLUTIONS, LLC 9,485.69; FOLLETT SOFTWARE, LLC 4,231.68; FRONTIER 4,919.18;
GREEN ASSOCIATES 1,001,878.46; GUZMAN-HOLLAND, SUSANA 13,000.00; HD SUPPLY 15,359.04; HUB - REMSEN 28,664.08; IDEAL ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 60,819.83; IL ASSOC OF SCHOOL BOARDS 5,271.40; IL CENTRAL SCHOOL BUS 299,623.72; IL DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY 40,002.50; IL DEPT. OF REVENUE 470,897.50; IL MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT 204,853.49; IL PRINCIPALS ASSOCIATION 4,183.00; IL STATE POLICE 3,927.75; ILLINOIS SCHOLASTIC COOPERATIVE 1,405,282.36; ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION 3,792.50; JMAC SUPPLY CORP 2,686.55; JOHNSON CONTROLS FIRE PROTECTION LP 9,479.98; KENDALL HUNT PUBLISHING COMPANY 2,880.75; KIDDER MUSIC SERVICE 11,216.90; KLINDERA, SHERI 24,802.66; KWIK TRIP 26,842.70; LEARNWELL 12,046.54; LEE/OGLE/WHITESIDE ROE#47 25,652.00; LIMINEX, INC 36,928.00; LOVING GUIDANCE, INC 4,993.00; MARCO 57,809.37; MARTIN & COMPANY EXCAVATING 65,364.11; MIDWAY VILLAGE & MUSEUM CENTER 3,242.00; MILLER ENGINEERING CO 138,694.03; MOBILE STAIRLIFT 3,324.99; NASCO 3,002.68; NES, INC. 43,850.00; NEXTERA ENERGY SERVICES MIDWEST, LLC 48,145.76; NORTHERN IL DISPOSAL 33,973.71; OGLE COUNTY EDUCATIONAL COOPERATIVE 2,584,457.40; OMNI 133,393.86; PEPSI - COLA 3,544.43; PEST CONTROL CONSULTANTS ILLINOIS 4,900.00; PHELPS UNFORM SPECIALISTS 20,199.68; PICKUP PATROL LLC 2,781.00; PIONEER VALLEY BOOKS 3,623.40; PRAIRIE STATE INSURANCE CO OP 260,996.34; PUR - CHEM, LLC 2,747.65; PURE POWER GENERATORS LLC 3,791.66; QC GEOTHERMAL, INC. 428,936.80; RAND, DALE 2,920.00; REEA
80,503.18; RENAISSANCE 33,955.56; ROBBINS SCHWARTZ 27,390.21; ROCHELLE ACE HARDWARE 7,526.30; ROCHELLE ELEM INS ACCT/SUN LIFE 26,008.65; ROCHELLE ELEMENTARY INS ACCT 1,455,793.47; ROCHELLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT 9,629.35; ROCHELLE JANITORIAL SUPPLY 72,776.32; ROCHELLE MUNICIPAL UTILITIES 246,005.75; ROCHELLE NEWSLEADER 2,949.25; ROCHELLE TWP. HIGH SCHOOL 1,639,534.82; ROCKY RIDGE STRUCTURES 18,945.00; SCHOOL HEALTH CORPORATION 3,190.61; SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC. 7,586.34; SECURITY LOCK SHOP 3,849.00; SELDAL PROPERTIES, LLC 4,163.00; STENSTROM CONSTRUCTION GROUP 213,413.40; STERLING COMMERCIAL ROOFING 9,219.45; STILLMAN BANK 830,683.06; SYNDEO NETWORKS, INC 23,995.95; TASC 54,778.81; TEACHERS’ RETIREMENT SYSTEM 1,069,009.24; TEACHING STRATEGIES LLC 7,526.43; TESTING SERVICE CORPORATION 13,687.00; TIMECLOCK PLUS 6,635.60; TIRE TRACKS 3,440.46; TMC DON DIETZ 2,550.00; TOUCHBOARDS 2,594.48; TURNER’S CUSTOM CONCRETE LLC 36,882.00; TYLER TECHNOLOGIES 24,630.97; UBIQUITI 4,894.14; VERIZON WIRELESS 3,194.08; VETERANS FLOORS INC 6,320.00; VIRCO INC 422,087.18; VIVI, LLC 13,650.00; VOYA INSTITUTIONAL TRUST COMPANY 6,002.70; VSP OF ILLINOIS, NFP 12,873.52; WAKOH WEAR INC 8,554.25; WALMART SUPERCENTER 12,118.90; WALMART.COM 5,392.09; WELLES, ERIC 8,920.80; WHITSONS 27,121.47; WILSON LANGUAGE TRAINING 36,000.95; WIPFLI LLP 46,994.19; ZIONS BANK 1,329,050.34 PAYMENTS TO PERSON, FIRM, OR CORPORATION OF $1,000 TO $2,500 EXCLUDING WAGES AND SALARIES AIR COMFORT 2,400.00; ALL FOR KIDZ 2,372.00; ANDERSON LOCK 2,268.50; BATTERIES PLUS BULBS 2,075.55; CANFIELD, CELESTE 1,215.00; CEDAR VALLEY PUBLISHING, LLC 1,682.00; DEMCO, INC. 1,371.89; DISCOVERY CENTER MUSEUM 2,291.50; DOLLAR TREE 1,619.42; DOYLE, TONY 1,129.85; FLASHLIGHT LEARNING, INC. 1,500.00; FOCUS HOUSE 1,155.00; GRAINGER 1,677.07; GREAT MINDS 1,266.66; HEGGERTY 2,191.13; IHLS-OCLC 1,128.83; ILMEA 1,830.00; IMSE 2,490.50; IOWA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE 1,682.01; ISU CONFERENCES 1,478.00; JIM GILL INC 1,400.00; JIMMY JOHNS 2,311.45; JOHNSON TRACTOR 1,234.10; JOHNSON’S PUMPKIN STAND & CORN MAZE 1,043.00; JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD 1,201.96; KANE COUNTY COUGARS 1,585.00; LITTLE CAESARS 1,072.22; MARCO TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. NW7128 1,117.63; MARRIOTT HOTEL & CONF CENTER 1,837.88; MENARDS 1,871.62; MIDWEST PRINCIPALS CENTER 2,035.00; MYSTERY SCIENCE INC 1,795.00; NAVIGATE360, LLC 2,247.00; NCPERS GROUP LIFE INS. 1,152.00; NELSON FIRE PROTECTION 1,360.00; NICHOLS, LEWIS 1,270.00; NIU OUTREACH 1,800.00; NORTH CENTRAL JR. CONFERENCE 1,417.00; PLUM HOLLOW 1,987.20; PMA SECURITIES LLC 2,250.00; PRESCOTT BROTHERS INC 1,087.69; ROCHELLE AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION 1,811.00; Rochelle Elementary District 231 PTO 1,000.00; ROCHESTER 100 INC 1,084.80; ROCKFORD PARK DISTRICT 1,907.00; ROCKFORD STEAM BOILER WORKS 1,250.00; SCHOOL NURSE SUPPLY, INC. 2,124.36; SQUAD LOCKER 1,669.06; ST PAUL LUTHERAN SCHOOL 1,125.00; TCI 2,300.00; TEACHERS PAY TEACHERS 1,180.12; TRUGREEN 1,496.00; UNITED LABORATORIES, INC. 1,142.95; USPS.COM 1,786.70; VANGUARD ENERGY SERVICES 2,442.78; WRISTBAND EXPRESS 1,316.00 Continued on next page
ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION School Business Services 217-785-8779
ANNUAL STATEMENT OF AFFAIRS FISCAL YEAR ENDING June 30, 2025
SCHOOL DISTRICT/JOINT AGREEMENT NAME: Rochelle Township High School District 212 DISTRICT TYPE RCDT NUMBER: 47-071-2120-17 Elementary ADDRESS: 1401 Flagg Rd. Rochelle, IL 61068 High School X COUNTY: Ogle Unit
NAME OF NEWSPAPER WHERE PUBLISHED: Rochelle News Leader Joint Agreement
ASSURANCE
The Annual Statement of Affairs has been posted on the district's website and published in accordance with Section 10-17 of the School Code no later than December 1. (Put “X” in blue box if yes.) Yes X
SIZE OF DISTRICT IN SQUARE MILES 221 NUMBER OF ATTENDANCE CENTERS 1
LEASING 0.003400
OTHER OTHER
The ASA must be posted on the school district’s website and published in a newspaper of general circulation no later than December 1, 2025. Refer to Section 10-17 and Section 10-20.44 of the School Code.
Data previously included in the Annual Statement of Affairs can be found at: Payments to certified personnel Posted on district website per 105 ILCS 5/10-20.47 Student Counts
Included in district’s report card
Illinois Report Card
Financial Data Included in district’s Annual Financial Report posted on ISBE’s Cerberus Server
SALARY SCHEDULE OF GROSS PAYMENTS FOR CERTIFICATED PERSONNEL AND NON-CERTIFICATED PERSONNEL
Salary Range: Less Than $25,000; Ahrens, Emily N; Albright, Cheryl A; Aldis, Nancy M; Anderson, Benjamin C; Belmonte, Cathy A; Bivins, Danelle J; Bridges-Groves, Cayce A; Brown, Jared; Bursing, James C; Carmichael, Madison R; Chennell, Bruce A; Chiavini, Laura A; Chisamore, Brittany N; Cicogna, Randall D; Clutter, Lori A; Coglianese, Mary C; Cohrs, Steven J; Crawford, Kendrick M; Creuziger, Amy Beth; Dale, Kyler M; DeLille, David Michael; Dobbs, John H; Eckardt, Kristen A; Farrall, Jennifer June; Flanagan, Sarah K; Fulgencio, Judith; Gardner, Robert W Jr; Goodwin, Ethan C; Hart, James C; Hickman, Jason R; Hoelzer, John S; Hopkins, Olivia K; Hucke, Lillian Z; Huels, Thomas; Hurst, Mychaela N; Johnson, Bonnie P; Johnson, Jared A; Johnson, Joshua R; Konstans, Baxter; Krantz, Brandon C; Lang, Robert C; Lawrence, Marina A; Lewis, Carson R; Lodico, Riley K; Loggins, John M; Losoya, Elisabeth E; Louis, Tucker K; Lyles, James D Jr; Male, Brad D; Maliszewski, Elise R; McCanick, Paula M; Meier, Shannon A; Messer, Robert C; Mickley,
Landon J; Middleton, Katherine S; Miller, Ashley D; Miller, Bonita K; Miller, William B; Miller, Zachary G; Moore, Bonnie J; Morris, Kaiden S; Mueller, Paul M.E.; Nazario Colon, Elizabeth; O’Rorke, Katherine R; Ojeda, Maria D; Olsen, Karl T; Olson, Kathryn J; Orlikowski, Luke A; Orlikowski, Max D; Paisley, Randal J; Pearson, Karen L; Person, Nicholas P; Preston, Mikayla L; Ramos, Alejandro; Rodeghero, Trisha; Rodriguez, James R; Rodriguez, Rogelio; Rosenwinkel, Matthew B; Sasscer, Jorden J; Simmons, Jennifer L; Slattengren, John T; Smith, Diane L; Smith, Sherri M; Sommers, Alexandra; Spandet, Brandon J; Stewart, Chad; Stoos, Trevor J; Swalla, Harrison J; Tenorio, Alejandra; Theisen, Alyssa M; Threlkeld, Ronda L; Wachowski, Pamela A; Weiler, Donna R; Widick, Leslie Eric; Winterland, Heather A; Winters, Dawn R; Worthington, Victor M; Zepeda, Ahtziri C, Salary Range: $25,000 - $39,999; Aylsworth, Heather E; Bonilla, Alma C; Brass, Yvonne B; Bryan, Cathy L; Canfield, Nicole A; Carrillo, Araceli; Fox, Julie A; Gandara, Ruben R; Green, Michael A; Guerrero,
Stephanie A; Harvey, Staci E; James, Ethan O; Kuss, Josie D; LeMar, Janine A; Livingston, Rachel L; McCoy, Dena R; Miller, Edna M; Miller, Lori A; Moreland, Timothy L; Mosley, Landon T; Rattanasavanh, Heidi; Rodriguez, Anabel; Smardo, Christina L; Steder, Karla D; Summers, Ian J; Wegener, Maryellen T, Salary Range: $40,000 - $59,999; Basler, Marshall Kirk; Carpenter, Seriana V; Cuchiara, Patricia P; Daugherty, Terry L; DeKing, Austin M; Denneau, Cody M; Haggestad, Teresa M; Herrmann, Sheila M; Johnson, Denise M; Kersten, Kelly M; Mann, Jeffrey L; Mensching, Dennis B; O’Brien, Debra S; Palmer, Michael C; Reints, Keith W; Richolson, Seth M; Sage, Suzanne N; Simms, Angela T; Stevens, Scott A; Stoll, Brian D; Wittenberg, Lynsey K, Salary Range: $60,000 and over; Klouse, Mark C; Lawrenz, Ashley L; Tooley, Michael E; Wise, William S III
PAYMENTS TO PERSON, FIRM, OR CORPORATION OVER $2,500 EXCLUDING WAGES AND SALARIES 5-STAR STUDENTS 5,970.00; 926 CUSTOM EMBROIDERY 21,588.20; ACT 19,409.00; ADCRAFT 6,092.45; ADOLPH, ANNA 3,073.05; AIR COMFORT CORPORATION 7,480.00; ALFANO’S PIZZA 4,335.31; ALL AMERICAN DOOR LLC 3,334.12; ALUMNI AWARD SERVICES 4,830.05; AMAZON MKTPLACE 103,521.73; AMAZON. COM 26,666.91; AMERICAN FIDELITY 93,728.74; ANALYTIC VUE INC 7,040.00; ANDERSON PLUMBING, HEATING & COOLING 3,719.35; APPTEGY, INC 9,723.00; ARBOR MANAGEMENT INC. 518,049.51; AUDIO ENGINEERING, INC. 5,172.00; B & H PHOTO 2,636.05; BADGER SPORTING GOODS CO., INC. 8,230.00; BAPCC, LLC AOIA 255,519.85; BATTERIES PLUS BULBS 79,388.62; BEE DESIGNS 5,941.50; BEHIND THE BEATS PRODUCTIONS 3,000.00; Big Rock Auto Rebuilders 10,429.45; BLICK ART MATERIALS 2,661.05; BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD ILLINOIS 1,619,381.95; BLUE FREEDOM FARM MARKETS, INC. 8,228.57; BOCKMAN’S TRUCK & FLEET 3,592.00; BREEDLOVE’S SPORTING GOODS, INC. 5,709.29; BRIGHT DIRECTIONS 6,000.00; BROWN TIRE SERVICE 3,745.36; BSN SPORTS LLC 88,323.91; BULL, KATHY 5,562.00; Byron High School 3,210.00; CAIN MILLWORK, INC. 14,500.00; CAMILLE’S OF CANTON, INC 3,297.00; CAPPEL’S COMPLETE CAR CARE 2,983.43; CARTWRIGHT, DAVID 2,946.18; CDW GOVERNMENT, INC. 148,622.08; CENGAGE LEARNING - GALE 16,494.64; Central Bank Illinois 6,661,786.45; CENTRAL STATES BUS SALES, INC. 11,245.84; CHAMPION.COM 2,543.63; CINTAS CORP #F94 9,693.44; CITY OF ROCHELLE 91,191.10; COLLEGE BOARD 7,405.94; COMPTIA 7,953.00; CONSERV FS 100,372.46; CONSTELLATION NEWENERGY GAS DIVISION LLC 81,220.64; Contract Paper Group, Inc 25,762.00; CORRECT DIGITAL DISPLAY 67,472.00; CREASON, DOUGLAS 7,966.70; CRISWELL, ANNA 6,338.55; CSG Forte Payments 12,902.51; CURRENT TECHNOLOGIES CORP 21,375.38; CURRICULUM ASSOCIATES, LLC 7,525.00; DE LAGE LANDEN PUBLIC FINANCE 7,200.00; DECKER EQUIPMENT 4,182.45; DEKALB CUSD #428 12,216.56; DELILLE, LANDON 3,990.00; DEMOULIN BROTHERS & COMPANY 51,115.00; DIRECT FITNESS SOLUTIONS, LLC. 3,937.91; DISCOUNT RAMPS 4,879.18; DOMINIONTEK INC. 5,153.60; EDMENTUM 5,250.00; EDUCATORS
RISING 4,000.00; EFTPS 1,254,032.67; ENVISION INSURANCE GROUP 3,029.00; FEHR GRAHAM 16,236.00; FLIGHT DECK BAR & GRILL 5,837.86; FULGENCIO, JUDY 3,894.75; GEHM, JONATHON R 3,073.05; GERMANIA 3,631.04; GLEISSNER, JOHN 3,370.00; GREEN ASSOCIATES 209,908.43; GREENACRE CLEANERS 2,754.00; HARVEY, RICHARD 2,983.18; HD SUPPLY 67,698.65; HEADON AND SONS, INC. 16,172.28; HERFF JONES CO. 5,467.72; HILTON MADISON MONONA TERRACE 8,399.48; HOME2 SUITES BY HILTON 16,322.88; HP.COM STORE 2,565.86; HUB-REMSEN PRINT GROUP 8,156.52; HUDL 14,500.00; HUNT, KEVIN M 4,080.60; I.D.E.S. 18,044.63; IASA 3,753.15; IHSA 19,179.75; IL TOLLWAY 3,900.30; ILC 49,989.00; ILL ASOC. OF SCHOOL BOARD 16,675.00; ILL MUNICIPAL RETIRE FUND 245,663.88; ILLINOIS DEPT OF REVENUE 386,902.57; ILLINOIS PRINCIPAL ASSOC. 4,842.00; INCIDENT IQ, LLC 8,518.13; INGRAM LIBRARY SERVICES 4,713.17; INTEGRATED SYSTEMS CORPORATION 3,000.00; INTERSTATE 8 CONFERENCE 5,750.00; ISVI 4,438.00; J AND R RENTAL 3,529.09; JAMISON, ABBY 2,535.42; JEFF PERRY AUTO GROUP 148,295.16; JEREMY LOUI 3,000.00; JOHNSON TRACTOR 13,846.23; KARNER, HOLLY 14,467.57; KISHWAUKEE COLLEGE 3,450.00; KISHWAUKEE EDUCATION CONSORTIUM 442,585.57; KWIK TRIP 9,328.92; LASER WORKS OF ILLINOIS LLC 21,798.70; LAW EXCAVATING, INC. 180,719.20; LAWNCARE BY WALTER 11,017.99; LEE/OGLE/WHITESIDE ROE #47 12,670.00; LENOVO INC. 4,572.36; LEWIS, CHRIS 2,578.95; LODICO, KENT 3,366.00; LUNA 8,667.75; MARCO TECHNOLOGIES 31,741.02; MARIANJOY REHAB HOSPITAL 6,129.00; MARTIN & COMPANY 1,477,846.77; MEDCO SUPPLY COMPANY 5,393.46; METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 11,829.77; MF ATHLETIC 4,747.87; MIDWEST TRANSIT EQUIPMENT 60,578.05; MILLER ENGINEERING 72,579.04; MINERVA PROMOTIONS 4,670.15; MINNESOTA CLAY 2,600.89; MOLGAS ZEPEDA, DAVID 4,220.00; MOSS ENTERPRISES 5,000.00; NAPA 2,632.61; NATL BIZ FURNITURE 3,185.79; NEWEGG. COM 3,335.12; NORTHERN ILLINOIS DISPOSAL 14,259.05; OGLE CO. ED. CO-OP 1,416,965.90; OGLE COUNTY GENERAL FUND 35,000.00; OTTE, JUSTIN 4,852.40; PAGE, DONNA 7,093.70; PERRY WEATHER 4,900.00; PEST CONTROL CONSULTANTS IL. 3,581.50; PHOENIX PERFORMANCE PARTNERS 64,191.82; PILLEN, LAURA 5,553.39; PIONEER ATHLETICS 7,225.10; PSICPRAIRIE STATE INSURANCE CO OP 272,842.09; PUSHCOIN INC 7,081.10; R.T.H.S. 166,165.88; R.T.H.S. - CASH 3,464.24; R.T.H.S. REVOLVING FUND 111,075.69; R.T.H.S.E.A. 43,039.00; RAYNOR DOOR AUTHORITY 11,090.00; RENAISSANCE 4,101.41; RESILITE SPORTS PRODUCTS, INC 15,736.12; RIDDELL / ALL AMERICAN SPORTS CORP 25,690.09; ROBBINS SCHWARTZ 44,352.55; ROCHELLE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL 6,467.87; ROCHELLE ELEM. SCHOOL DIST 231 108,974.97; ROCHELLE MUNICIPAL UTIL 369,783.14; ROCHELLE NEWS-LEADER 3,334.50; ROCK TOWN POWER WASH 2,650.00; ROCKFORD CARPETLAND 13,400.00; RODEGHERO, TRISH 5,325.41; ROGERS ATHLETIC COMPANY, INC. 4,181.00; RONDO ENTERPRISES INC 9,183.13; ROSATIS PIZZA 3,043.08; SANTANDER LEASING LLC 33,702.00; SCHINDLER ELEVATOR CORPORATION 3,021.11; SECURITY LOCK SHOP 13,642.00; SHOOT-A-WAY INCORPORATED 8,805.00; SINNISSIPPI CENTERS, INC. 5,625.00; SKYWARD ACCOUNTING DEPT 8,722.05; SNAP! MOBILE, INC. 2,900.00; SUESS, LINDSAY 6,142.18; SWEETWATER 5,960.56; SYNDEO 42,096.72; T-BYRD LANES 4,895.00; TEACHERS RETIREMENT 103,486.31; TEACHERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM 643,379.15; TECHNICUT CUSTOM ENGRAVING 2,508.13; THE INDOOR GOLF SHOP 5,950.96; The OMNI Group 159,151.00; THOMPSON GAS 13,970.99; TOWER SOUND & STAGE RENTAL 21,752.48; TRI-STATE TRAVEL 7,300.00; Turf Tank 15,000.00; TWO DOE GENERAL CONSTRUCTION 69,741.90; TYLER TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 26,133.68; UBIQUITI INC. 4,267.95; UNIVERSAL DANCE ASSOCIATION 5,610.00; US AWARDS 3,666.12; US BANK 1,471,550.00; USPS STAMPS ENDICIA 3,200.00; VERIZON 3,175.38; VETERANS FLOORS INC 6,795.00; VISTA HIGHER LEARNING 3,104.22; VRBO 3,843.06; W. W. NORTON & CO 4,836.00; WALMART SUPERCENTER 7,414.36; WEBSTAURANT STORE 6,848.33; WEX BANK 30,117.21; WIPFLI LLP 36,880.81; WISCONSIN DEPT OF REVENUE 4,719.77; WRHL/WYOT RADIO
Continued on next page
3,245.00; XPERIENCE CHEER, LLC 5,000.00; ZUKOWSKI LAW OFFICES 4,780.25
PAYMENTS TO PERSON, FIRM, OR CORPORATION OF $1,000 TO $2,500 EXCLUDING WAGES AND SALARIES
ACE HARDWARE 1568.45; ANAGNOS DOOR CO., INC. 1330; APPLE. COM 1884.25; ARBITERSPORTS, LLC 1869.75; ARREZ, PALOMA 1000; BALLOONS BY TOMMY 1,125.00; BASEBALL SAVINGS 1,564.60; BERG-JOHNSON ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS, IN 2,310.70; BERGESON, DALE 1,010.25; BOWLIFI 1,961.45; CANDLEWOOD SUITES HOTEL 1,323.36; CARDIO PARTNERS 1,740.62; CHEERZONE 1,720.73; CHIPBUZ LLC 1,250.00; COLONIAL FLOWER SHOPPE 1,004.42; COOK & BOARDMAN 1,162.24; CREATIVE PIG MINDS 1,972.13; CREUZIGER, AMY 1,726.86; CYPRESS HOUSE 1,082.11; CZEKALA, DEB 1,946.48; DEKALB HIGH SCHOOL 1,146.00; DIXON HIGH SCHOOL 1,075.00; DOYLE ROWE LTD 1,238.64; DROBICK, LILLIAN 1,000.00; E-RATE ONLINE 2,000.00; E-Z UP Direct.com 1,761.65; ENCYCLOPAEDIA BRITANNICA, INC. 1,000.00; FAIRWAYS GOLF COURSE 2,460.00; FLOYD J TILTON POST 3878 VFW DEPT 1,142.00; FORNEY, SHANNON M 1,000.00; FOUNDATION FOR FOCUS HOUSE 1,800.00; GBC 2,461.10; GIMKIT 1,000.00; GLOBALINDUSTRIAL. COM 1,102.35; GOLF TEAM PRODUCTS 1,156.83; GRAHAM PIANO SERVICES, INC 1,080.00; HAGEMANN, MATT 1,057.50; HOLIDAY INN KALAMAZOO WEST 2,046.34; IHSFCA 1,277.85; ILLINOIS
ASSOCIATION OF FFA 1,479.84; ILLINOIS STATE POLICE 1,556.50; ILLINOIS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY 1,425.00; INFOBASE 1,114.30; INTERSTATE ALL BATTERY CENTER 2,035.26; J.W. PEPPER & SON, INC 2,481.72; JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL 2,125.00; JHOOLE 2,000.00; JIMMY JOHN’S GOURMET SANDWICHES 2,497.65; KELLEY WILLIAMSON CO. 2,363.92; KENNAY FARMS DISTILLING 1,181.60; KENNAY, EMMA 1,008.08; KIDDER MUSIC SERV., INC. 1,398.94; LAB AIDS INC 1,740.55; LaSalle-Peru Township High School 1,100.00; LEARNWELL 1,407.48; LOVETT, EMILY 1,500.00; MALLEY, ZOE 1,500.00; MARCO TECHNOLOGIES LLC 1,284.66; MARRIOTT 2,362.47; MCGRAW-HILL 1,128.61; MERSHON, NOAH 1,112.00; METZGER, ABBY 2,254.39; MID-WEST TRUCKERS ASSOCIATION 2,107.00; MR. OUTHOUSE 1,450.00; NATIONAL BUSINESS FURNITURE 1,034.92; NATIONAL FFA ORGANIZATION 2,348.98; NAVIGATE360, LLC 1,498.00; NEFF COMPANY 1,570.86; NIU STEELBAND 1,000.00; NORTHERN IL UNIVERSITY 1,916.50; ODP BUSINESS SOLUTIONS 1,636.52; OGLE COUNTY COLLECTOR 1,991.40; OREGON HIGH SCHOOL 1,565.00; PAVLAK, JACK 1,000.00; PEARSON EDUCATION 1,899.81; PLOCK, RACHEL 1,314.69; PMA SECURITIES, INC. 2,250.00; POLAR ELECTRO INC 1,553.65; PRAIRIECAT 1,061.50; PRESCOTT BROTHERS INC. 2,182.08; PRO-TYPE PRINTING 2,285.50; PURE POWER GENERATORS 1,062.65; QUALITY INN & SUITES 2,120.40; QUICKBOOKS 1,068.93; QUINN’S JEWELRY STORE 1,107.09; RAMADA 1,220.94; RANDALL STANDRIDGE MUSIC 1,000.00; REALITYWORKS, INC. 1,544.88; REYNOLDS, JARROD 1,942.51; RKM FIREWORKS COMPANY 2,270.00; ROAD RANGER 1,732.35; ROCK VALLEY COLLEGE 1,200.00; ROGUE 2,459.72; RUNNINGS 1,074.59; SALDANA, MARIANNA 1,500.00; SAVVAS 1,814.40; SCHOOL PRIDE LTD 1,995.00; SCHOOL SPECIALTY LLC 1,689.40; SMITH WALBRIDGE CLINICS, INC 1,845.00; SMITH, JACKSON 1,500.00; STAMPS.COM 2,102.83; Sterling HIgh School 2,115.00; SUBWAY 1,531.22; SWARTZ, SCOTT 2,155.76; SYCAMORE HIGH SCHOOL 2,395.00; TECHNICLEAN 1,579.80; TENORIO, VICTOR 1,200.00; THE DEN AT FOX CREEK 1,034.50; TIME CLOCK PLUS 1,441.68; VERTIGO 1,921.00; VILLANUEVA, ARLINE 1,000.00; VISTA LEARNING, NFP 2,374.05; Voya Institutional Trust Company 1,764.27; WALMART.COM 2,299.02; WESTWOOD FITNESS & SPORTS CENTER 1,080.00; WILSON SPORTING GOODS 2,204.36
REPORT ON CONTRACTS EXCEEDING $25,000 AWARDED DURING FY2025
In conformity with sub-section (c) of Section 10-20.44 of the School Code [105 ILCS 5/10-20.44], the following information is required to be submitted in conjunction with publication of the Annual Statement of Affairs [105 ILCS 5/10-17].
1. Total number of all contracts awarded by the school district: 1
2.
3. Total number of contracts awarded to minority owned businesses, female owned businesses, businesses owned by persons with disabilities, and locally owned businesses:
*If there are no contracts of this nature, please enter “0” in box to the right.
4. Total value of contracts awarded to minority owned businesses, female owned businesses, businesses owned by person with disabilities, and locally owned businesses:
*If there are no contracts of this nature, please enter “0” in box to the right.
Rochelle’s Dylan Manning returns home after lengthy hospital stay, multiple brain surgeries
Junior football player suffered head injury during Interstate 8 game against Morris on Oct. 3
By RUSS HODGES rhodges@shawmedia.com
Rochelle junior Dylan Manning, who suffered a head injury during the team’s varsity football game against Morris on Oct. 3 and was flown to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, has returned home after several weeks in the hospital.
An All-Interstate 8 running back and defensive back who eclipsed 2,000 career rushing yards this season, Manning collapsed on the sideline after sustaining a head injury in the team’s 37-14 loss at Morris. Manning was taken by an ambulance to a local hospital, where he was then flown to Loyola Medical Center.
At Loyola, Manning underwent multiple brain surgeries, including an initial surgery to remove a blood clot and relieve pressure on his brain. On Oct. 4, the Rochelle community gathered at the Rochelle Township High School football field to pray for Manning. Inspired to “Play like Dyl”, the Hubs won their last three regular season games and made the playoffs, finishing the year 6-4.
“I still haven’t figured out a way to express in words how thankful we are for everyone who was involved,” said Ben Manning, Dylan’s father. “We’ve had so much support from the Rochelle community and the Hub football community. The amount of love, prayer and positive comments about Dylan and how much people love and miss him has just been unbelievable... We can’t ever be thankful enough for what’s gone on and it makes us so proud to be Hubs.”
Manning remained in Loyola’s intensive care unit for about 30 days, making slow and steady progress during that period. After the initial surgery, Manning underwent a second surgery on Oct. 11 to address a possible infection and provide relief. All three of his drains were removed on Oct. 15, 18 and 24, respectively.
Manning’s breathing tube was
removed on Oct. 27. Manning’s progress continued over the next few days, as he was able to sit and stand with assistance on Oct. 28 before eating, watching a movie and interacting with others on Oct. 30. On Nov. 1, his staples and stitches were moved. On Nov. 2, he left the ICU.
“Seeing him awake at Loyola was a really big deal,” Ben Manning said. “From that first day he was awake and couldn’t get out of bed on his own to getting out of bed and walking down the hall and back with someone guiding him... That was big. Going from Loyola to Marianjoy [Rehabilitation Hospital] and seeing him walk out of there on his own... That was pretty impressive to see in that short amount of time.”
The Rochelle community supported Manning and his family throughout his time in the hospital. On Oct. 16, Culver’s
in Rochelle donated 10% of its proceeds to the Manning family. The Northern Illinois University football program also pledged to donate 10% of ticket sales from its Oct. 25, Nov. 18 and Nov. 28 home games to the Manning family.
“We’ll be happy when he can get back to being a normal high school kid,” Ben Manning said. “Jennifer [Manning] and I are so blown away by the amount of support he’s received.”
After leaving Loyola, Manning was transferred to Marianjoy in Wheaton, where he started outpatient therapy Nov. 7. On Sunday, Manning went outside for the first time in six weeks. On Tuesday, Manning returned home, where he’ll continue to recover with the support of his family and friends as well as the Hub community.
Manning, who was named Rochelle’s Hackett MVP Award winner during the
team’s awards banquet this week, had his first day of physical therapy at Northwestern Medicine in Sycamore on Wednesday. Manning will have a neurology appointment next week and will undergo a cranioplasty to replace the missing portion of his skull at some point in the short-term future.
Per Johns Hopkins Medicine, a cranioplasty is the surgical repair of a bone defect in the skull that’s left behind after a previous operation or injury. Once the cranioplasty is scheduled and completed, Manning will start the final portion of his recovery.
“He’s all sewed up, but he’s missing a big piece of his skull,” Ben Manning said. “As soon as we get that scheduled, they’ll open him back up and replace that... I’m really looking forward to getting him scheduled for that so we can start to move on.”
Photo provided by Marcy DeLille
Rochelle’s Dylan Manning (10) eludes a tackle of a La Salle-Peru’ defender during a game in Rochelle.
Rochelle’s Brody Bruns is growing his game
All-Interstate 8 forward approaching career rebounding, scoring milestones as varsity team begins 2025-26 season
By RUSS HODGES rhodges@shawmedia.com
An All-Interstate 8 honoree over each of the last two seasons, Rochelle junior forward Brody Bruns is within reach of two major milestones as the Hubs return to the hardwood for the start of the 2025-26 boys basketball season.
Approaching 1,000 career points and Rochelle’s all-time rebounding record, Bruns led the Hubs in double-doubles last season, when Rochelle finished 13-20 and reached the Class 3A regional finals for a second straight year.
Entering his third varsity season, Bruns is seeking to expand his offensive game as the Hubs shoot for their first regional championship since 2022.
“We have size and this is the first time we’ll have more size than the other team,” Bruns said. “We can really head down to the rim and body people down there. We fell short last year and the expectation this year is to win and go deep into the postseason. I’ve been working on my jump shot since the offseason. Now, I’m able to shoot, which opens my game up more.”
Rochelle tipped off the 2025-26 season with its first practice on Nov. 10. The Hubs, who went 3-7 in the Interstate 8 last season, will play at the Strombom Tournament in Sycamore later this month.
Senior guard Van Gerber, who broke his collarbone during the football season, is almost fully
healthy and said he’s hoping for clearance to play in the tournament.
“We have something to prove this year,” said Gerber, who’s entering his third year with the varsity team. “We lost two really close regional championships and that’s definitely not what we’ve wanted the last two years. Over the summer, we said we were going to win a regional and go for the sectional. We’ve set the bar a lot higher than we usually do and we’re ready to go.”
Gerber and Brode Metzger, another third-year varsity player, are two seniors to watch for when the Hubs take the court this season. In the frontcourt, the 6-foot-5 forward Bruns, along with 6-foot-7 junior forward Warren Schweitzer, are expected to take on bigger roles. While scoring wasn’t a major issue last season, preventing teams from scoring proved difficult.
“It was a defense-oriented summer,” Rochelle coach Tim Thompson said. “I don’t think scoring the basketball’s going to be difficult for us. Defending the basketball is where our biggest weakness was last year... We gave up too much dribble penetration last year and I think we’re going to be better in our man-to-man defense. We’re going to play some 1-3-1 and mix things up.”
Junior Mason Ludwig and sophomore Cohen Haedt are two second-year varsity guards returning to the Rochelle backcourt this season. The Hubs, who open the Strombom Tournament against Dundee-Crown on Nov. 26, tip off the Interstate 8 slate with a home game against Sycamore on Dec. 5.
“These kids believe there’s a way to get 20 wins and they want to compete for a regional championship,” said Thompson, who enters his 15th season and has 178 wins as head coach of the Hubs. “There are some teams in our area who’ve bumped down from 4A to 3A... We felt like we gave away that regional game last year and I think these kids are hungry for a regional title.”
COLLEGE FOOTBALL: WESTERN MICHIGAN 35, NIU 19
4th-down miss changes momentum in NIU loss
By EDDIE CARIFIO ecarifio@shawmedia.com
Running back Chavon Wright lines up at quarterback out of the shotgun. He takes the snap. Looks for an opening.
It’s a play NIU has run a lot on third and fourth downs in short-yardage situations. But it wasn’t there when the Huskies needed it the most Tuesday in a 35-19
loss to Western Michigan.
The Huskies (3-8 overall, 2-5 Mid-American Conference) scored the first 13 points, but the Broncos (7-4, 6-1) scored to get back into the game midway through the second quarter.
NIU faced a fourth-and-1 on its own 39. Earlier in the series, it was a second-and-4 when Wright ran for 2 yards. On thirdand-2, Telly Johnson Jr., who had a long
touchdown run on the first drive of the game, picked up 1 yard. That set up Wright in the Wildcat with 2:26 left in the half. He was stopped by James Camden.
Seven plays and 1:46 later, Western Michigan was up 14-13. The Broncos scored another 21 consecutive points to secure the win.
“I trust our players, but we didn’t get that situation, then they came back and
got a touchdown,” NIU head coach Thomas Hammock said. “I guess you can second-guess and say we should punt the ball in that situation. But I have confidence in our offense and confidence in Chavon that we can make a yard. He hasn’t been stopped for a yard all season.”
The loss likely means the Huskies will finish no better than 11th in their final season in the MAC.
Mark Busch
Sycamore’s Carter York goes to the basket against Rochelle’s Brody Bruns during their game at Sycamore High School.
Girls begin season in Oregon
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Rochelle, Dixon and Amboy were three of the girls basketball teams that competed in games on the opening night of the Oregon
Tip-Off Tournament on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at the Blackhawk Center and Oregon High School in Oregon.
Photos by Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network
TOP LEFT: Rochelle’s Dylan Etes (3) passes the ball against Genoa-Kingston during a game in the Oregon Girls Tip-Off Tournament on Wednesday, Nov. 19, in Oregon. TOP RIGHT: Rochelle’s Natalie Fister (2) steals the ball and heads to the basket for a layup against Genoa-Kingston. ABOVE: Rochelle’s Jaydin Dickey (25) looks to pass against Genoa-Kingston. LEFT: Rochelle’s Reese Kissack (13) rebounds against Genoa-Kingston on Wednesday. Rochelle won 50-37. Also, Dixon beat Harlem, 54-33 and Aurora Christian edged Amboy 44-42.
SPORTS
Rochelle’s Gianna Olguin (22) dribbles the ball up the court against Genoa-Kingston Wednesday, Nov. 19, at the Oregon Girls Tip-Off Tournament in Oregon. Rochelle won 50-37.
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
1977: The Bears’ Walter Payton rushes for NFL record 275 yards vs. Minnesota.
2011: Ravens’ John Harbaugh beat 49ers’ Jim Harbaugh in NFL first game with brothers as opposing head coaches.
Sunday, November 23, 2025
SEASON OPENER
Rochelle’s girls basketball team collected a 50-27 win over Genoa-Kingston on Nov. 19 at Oregon’s Tip-Off Tournament / 27
Photo by Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network
