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Wednesday, December 17, 2025 • $1.25

FIRST TRADES DAY

Late resident recalled José “Carlos” Ordaz featured in exhibit at National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago / 4

TODAY’S EDITION: 40 pages • Vol. 106, Issue 63

Rochelle Township High School spotlighted trades on Friday, Dec. 5, allowing students to meet with various local industries / 3

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 17, 2025

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Tilton School construction on schedule School improvement updates presented for Central, Tilton and RMS By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com Ongoing construction at Tilton Elementary School is on schedule as the district works to complete a $14.237 million renovation and expansion project that began this summer and will be completed in phases through summer 2026. During a presentation from Tilton Elementary School Principal Ben Schwartz on Tuesday, Dec. 9, the Rochelle Elementary School Board learned the project’s substantial completion is slated for July 29. A roof was recently put on to allow for interior work over the winter, he said. The district is tying in needed health life safety work with recommended security enhancements and staff needs and wants, namely alleviating issues caused by limited space in the building. The district’s plans include a face-lift of the existing building and additional classroom, multi-purpose room, gym, library and music room space, ADA accessibility, technology and climate control. Schwartz also updated the board on academic progress at Tilton School. Schwartz is in his first year as principal at the school, is a newcomer to the district and thanked the community and district for a “wonderful start to the year.” Tilton School’s improvement goals for the year are to reduce disciplinary referrals by 5% and increase academic STAR testing results by 5%. STAR testing results have not come back yet. Disciplinary referrals are down 26%, Schwartz said. “That’s a huge number compared to last year,” Schwartz said. “When referrals go down, I get to be in classrooms and teachers are dealing with less behavioral problems. I think our teachers are doing a wonderful job with that.” Tilton School has task forces for social emotional learning and academic readiness aimed at achieving school improvement goals. Positive student referrals are up 15% from last year.

Jeff Helfrich

Tilton Elementary School Principal Ben Schwartz provides an update to the Rochelle Elementary School District Board of Education at its Tuesday, Dec. 9, meeting.

Central

Central Elementary School Principal Justin Adolph presented an update during the meeting on progress at his school. Just over 50% of Central School students are in the district’s dual language program. Adolph said the school’s improvement goal is to see academic achievement increase by 5%. Recent STAR testing results showed more students as proficient in every category. “We’re very pleased with that,” Adolph said. “We had a huge jump in our third grade math. Teachers attributed it to a big focus on fluency, both in reading and math. That seems to have paid some dividends.” The school has also focused on improving student behavior, which Adolph called “a struggle.” He said behavioral referral data is “way up” and remains a focus. Central School has many new staff members this year, with non-tenured staff numbers matching tenured numbers. So far this year, the school has seen 100 positive referrals of students sent to parents, compared with 27 last year.

Rochelle Middle School

Rochelle Middle School Principal Katie Smith also presented an update about her school. Like Tilton School, RMS is working to grow math and English language arts testing scores by 5%, with an emphasis on student engagement. RMS is preparing to send its first class of dual language program students to Rochelle

Township High School next year. It is anticipated that 20 of 38 students will start at the Spanish IV level as freshmen. The school is also working to reduce defiance and noncompliance behavior referrals by 5%. “Currently we’re at a 2% decrease in overall referrals and a 6% increase in defiance and noncompliance,” Smith said. “Middle school is a really tough age and we continue to try to work with our students and identify strategies that are going to work with those specific behaviors and help support all of our students in that realm.”

Personnel

The board unanimously approved personnel changes, including the certificated employment of Ireland Bradford (second grade teacher at Central, 2026-2027 school year) and Jeff Mickey (math interventionist, RMS, starting January 2026), the support staff resignation of Rachel Lohmeier (lunch supervisor, Lincoln Elementary School) and employment of Michael DePriester (substitute district custodian) and Alex Morse (second shift custodian, Tilton) and the extracurricular employment of Adaleiah Villalobos (seventh grade girls track coach).

Calendar

The board unanimously approved its 2026-27 district calendar. The calendar saw no major changes from 2025-26 and the first day of the 2026-27 school year for students will be Aug. 13, 2026.

ON THE COVER

HOW ARE WE DOING?

Representatives from the Rochelle Fire Department meet with Rochelle Township High School students on Friday, Dec. 5, at the school’s first annual Trades Day. Jeff Helfrich

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Rochelle High School holds 1st Trades Day, local industry professionals meet with students

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com Rochelle Township High School hosted its first RTHS Trades Day, an opportunity for students to meet with local stakeholders and workers from various industries, on Dec. 5. Attending local businesses and organizations included Cain Millwork, Zekelman Industries, AMS Industries, Bayer Crop Science, the city of Rochelle, Rochelle Municipal Utilities, the Rochelle Fire Department, the Rochelle Police Department, Illinois Laborers & Contractors Joint Apprenticeship Training Program, Mid-America Regional Carpenters Apprenticeship

The event is in addition to RTHS’ yearly career fair, which will be held later this year. “They’re learning from the people directly, versus learning from us teachers and what we’ve found online,” Jacobs said. “This event is just more trade specific. It’s for kids that don’t necessarily want to go the four-year college route, to see what other opportunities are available out there. Today has been fabulous. We’ve had a lot of kids come down from study halls and other classes that we didn’t anticipate having. We haven’t really had kids sitting around. They’ve all been engaging with the different companies, which has been fun to see.” Representatives from Zekelman Industries meet with Rochelle Township High School students Jacobs said she and RTHS want stuon Dec. 5 at the school’s first annual Trades Day. dents to see there are a lot of different opportunities, and that they don’t necesTraining Program, Turner Concrete, an “atypical career fair” where repre- sarily have to take the four-year college Sheet Metal Workers Local 219, Rochelle sentatives from different trades can tell path to be successful. Students were Community Hospital and Electrical students about their jobs, including pos- introduced to representatives from Workers IBEW 364. itives and negatives, along with the edu- Rochelle’s large industrial sector. RTHS career and technical education cation and training it took to get where teacher Deanna Jacobs called the event they are. See Trades on page 16

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Jacobs: ‘It’s different hearing it from an employer than it is from your teacher’

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Photos by Jeff Helfrich

Representatives from Rochelle Community Hospital meet with Rochelle Township High School students on Dec. 5 at the school’s first Trades Day.

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 17, 2025

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Late Rochelle railroad worker featured in exhibit at National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago Ordaz worked for BNSF for 30 years, and family is proud to see him recognized for efforts By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com José “Carlos” Ordaz, a longtime Rochelle resident and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway worker of 30 years, was recently featured along with Rochelle in the Rieles y Raíces exhibit at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago. The exhibit highlights the contributions of Mexican and Mexican immigrant railroad workers throughout Chicago and the Midwest. Rieles y Raíces (tracks and roots), curated by Ismael Cuevas, M.A., and Alejandro Benavides, Ph.D., shares the history of Mexican and Mexican-American traqueros (railroad workers) through community stories and archival research, highlighting the communities they created along the very tracks they maintained. Ordaz’s story, photos and items were submitted to the exhibit by his granddaughter, Paola Huerta. Ordaz, who died in 2024, worked for BNSF from 1974-2004 as a laborer, grinder and welder. “It was a very big part of our family,” Huerta said. “I remember being little and seeing him leave with his uniform on with his lunchbox. My aunt and grandmother remember him being called into work in the middle of the night. He was always on call. It was very nice to see him recognized. We saw his old coworkers recognized as well. It was cool to see all of those people honored and recognized, as they should be.” Ordaz was born Nov. 4, 1940, in Rancho Grande, Zacatecas, Mexico. He married his wife, Gloria, on Oct. 21, 1971, and they had five children: Jesús, Rosa, Debora, Lorena and Carla. In 1972, Ordaz emigrated from Zacatecas to El Paso, Texas. There he heard that there were opportunities in the railroad industry. So he traveled north to Illinois. He arrived in Rochelle in 1973. He worked at Caron International and Del Monte Foods before starting at BNSF.

Photos provided by Paola Huerta

José “Carlos” Ordaz worked for BNSF from 1974-2004 as a laborer, grinder and welder. Ordaz began as a laborer, advanced to grinder and eventually became a welder, which he did until his retirement. “Though Burlington Northern often recognized its employees with anniversary gifts such as gold-filled Cross Pen sets, Red Wing boots, and commemorative rings, José also faced the painful reality of racism and isolation,” his submission to the museum exhibit said. “As one of the few Mexican workers in both the company and the town of Rochelle, he endured harassment severe enough to affect his health and force him to switch work teams. Out of fear of losing his job, he never reported the discrimination.” Huerta said her grandfather channeled the struggles he saw on the job into perseverance and proving himself. To his daughters and grandchildren, he would often say, “Tienes que ser mejor que el mejor, y aún más mejor que eso,” meaning “You have to be better than the best, and even better than that.” When Ordaz’s final day at BNSF arrived after three decades of service, the company marked his retirement with nothing more than a box of doughnuts. On his walk home that day, he removed his safety helmet and lunch box and hurled them down the tracks. In his later years, José often joked about how much water he had to drink while working on the railroads. Because of the extreme heat and conditions, he’d often have to drink a gallon or more of water each day. So, when his family would encourage him to drink water in his retirement, he would stubbornly refuse,

José “Carlos” Ordaz, a longtime Rochelle resident and Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway worker of 30 years, was recently featured along with Rochelle in the Rieles y Raíces exhibit at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago.

saying he’d already had enough water for a lifetime, now he deserved a can of pop instead. Huerta said if her grandfather was here today, he would’ve enjoyed seeing his name in the exhibit. “He always had so many stories of the railroad and BNSF,” Huerta said. “He would’ve loved to go to the exhibit and answer questions and tell his stories about what he used to do.” The Rieles y Raíces exhibit has started a new archive of Mexican and Mexican American railway workers. Huerta said the amount of submissions that were seen shows how much history there is. The Rochelle area had very few Mexican families when Ordaz came to work there in 1973. Ordaz was a well-known member of the community and St. Patrick’s Church. Along with his family, he loved music,

dancing, food, sweet treats and horses. Huerta said when her grandmother saw the museum exhibit, she was amazed. “She didn’t think there would be any sort of gallery for something like that,” Huerta said. “It brought tears to her eyes and happiness that her husband was featured in a museum. It warmed her heart.” Huerta wants to see more representation of people like her grandfather for the work that they did. “Our family is so proud to see him recognized,” Huerta said. “Especially with how the political climate is around immigration now, something positive like that is amazing to see. Having him be a part of the exhibit leaves behind a legacy of resilience, strength and love. That work was a big part of his life. His story stands as a testament to the sacrifice and spirit of Mexican workers who helped build and maintain railways across the Midwest.”

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Hillcrest board: Special-use permit, variance and code change approved for solar farm Hemstock Road bridge repair estimated to cost $85,000 in spring By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com The Hillcrest Village Board of Trustees on Wednesday, Dec. 10, unanimously approved three ordinances that will allow for the future construction and operation of a 200-acre, 49-megawatt solar farm north of Twombly Road. The board approved a special-use permit to allow for the solar farm. It also approved a text amendment to its code to allow for the location of commercial solar panels on agriculturally zoned land, and a zoning variance for the project to have barbed wire on its fencing, which the village does not allow.

The project is now owned by Greenbacker, which purchased it from Enel Green Power, which submitted for the first two special-use permits. The project has seen no changes besides the need for a special-use permit after its previous versions expired. The project has seen delays due to interconnection agreement issues with ComEd and the sale of the project. The project recently cleared a hurdle and came to an agreement with ComEd and is in the preliminary design and construction phase. Construction is expected to begin in Jeff Helfrich the second quarter of 2026 and be comJim Rodriguez, attorney for Greenbacker, speaks Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the Hillcrest Village pleted by May 2028. Greenbacker also Board meeting. has plans for a solar field in the same area south of Twombly Road that it is All three ordinances were approved by 2021 and extended it in 2022. Work on the working with the city of Rochelle on a vote of 3-1 with Village Trustee Eileen project has seen delays and construc- that would be constructed at the same Braski voting against each of them. tion has not started, which made the time. The village previously approved a project’s special-use permit through the special-use permit for the solar farm in village expire. See Hillcrest on page 7

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Jim Rodriguez, an attorney for Greenbacker, said during the meeting that the power from the solar farm will go onto the grid for purchase, and that the city of Rochelle is among those that have considered purchasing it. The project will generate about $152,000 in property taxes for the village over its 25-year life, and $4,136,951 in Village President Rick Rhoads (left) and Trustee James Wiley (right) participate in the Hillcrest total property taxes to local taxing bod- Village Board meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 10. ies. closed. The bridge is owned by the Vil- place after that. Rhoads said Wednesday Hemstock lage of Hillcrest. Baxter & Woodman that the village plans to go out for bids Village President Rick Rhoads read a inspected the bridge on Nov. 6 and found for the project in January. report from Village Engineer Kaitlin that all eight steel piles are corroded, For the full replacement of the bridge, Wright during the meeting that said a with two severely corroded and no lon- the village will work with IDOT long planned repair of the Hemstock Road ger supporting the bridge. term. Eighty percent of the anticipated bridge to reopen it in the spring is estiThe bridge is 50 years old. Long term, $1 million project could be covered by mated to cost $85,000. the bridge needs to be replaced in its federal funds. Hillcrest would cover the The bridge was closed by the Illinois entirety, which could cost about $1 mil- remaining amount. The multi-year proDepartment of Transportation in lion and take 3-4 years for funding and cess would begin soon with potential mid-October. In July, Ogle County construction. funding in 2028 or later, Wright said in inspected the bridge and found that its In the short-term to reopen it, the vil- November. load rating declined sharply from a 7 to lage will be pursuing a repair of the The bridge was previously owned a 4. bridge. Corroded parts of the two failing and maintained by White Rock TownAfter seeing those numbers, IDOT steel piles would be removed and then ship. When Hillcrest annexed land in inspected the bridge in October and encased in concrete. Concrete work the area of the bridge in recent years, it determined the steel piles that support it would need to be done in the spring. came under village ownership due to have deteriorated and that it should be Inspection and reopening would take village land being on both sides of it.

The village is still collecting donations for an “Adopt a Grandparent” campaign to benefit Liberty Village residents for the holidays. Monetary donations and unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at Village Hall at 204 Hillcrest Ave. by Dec. 19. Gift ideas include lap blankets, slip-proof socks, sweaters M-2XL, large print word search books, coloring books with colored pencils, 300piece or less puzzles, wooden puzzles, mini cans of soda, shatter-proof plastic or acrylic tumblers, Squishmallows, new release DVDs, and plastic shower caddies. Monetary donations can be made in cash or checks made out to Liberty Village.

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7 ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Continued from page 6

Rhoads informed the board during the meeting that Trustee Tim Ball has resigned from his position due to moving out of the area. The village will be seeking applicants for potential appointment to his trustee seat. Ball handled ordinances for the village. The Hillcrest Village Board is currently made up of Rhoads and Trustees Dan Potter (water), Braski (finance), Pam Pittman (community relations), Patricia Garcia (health and welfare) and James Wiley (public works).

8 ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER

O Come Let Us Adore Him We Welcome You & Your Family to Celebrate the Miracle of Our Savior’s Birth with Us this Christmas

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 17, 2025

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10 OGLE COUNTY PROPERTY TRANSFERS For Dec. 8-12

• William John Messer, Susan Lynn Messer, to William J. Messer Trustee, Warranty Deeds William J. Messer Tr, Susan L. Messer • Bradley D. Wolber and Dolores Wolber Trustee, and Susan L. Messer Tr., 1 Parcel: to Ruth D. Cross, 1 Parcel: 110 W 1st St, Mt. 5846 S Brooklyn Rd, Rochelle, $0.00 Morris, $118,000 • Andrew D. Koenig and Jacqueline L. • Rhonda Book to Dorinda R. Hammer and Koenig, 1 Parcel: 1020 N 3rd St, Rochelle, Adam W. Larson, 1 Parcel: 926 W 2nd St, $0.00 Byron, $145,000 • Washington Grove Cemetery Associa• Tammy J. Hubbard to Jfa Properties Llc, tion to Michael R. Hardesty, 1 Parcel: 4551 1 Parcel: 17684 W Eagle Point Rd, Polo, E Flagg Rd, Ashton, $1,500 $181,250 • Allison S. Toal and Erik A. Guglielmi to Trustees Deeds Tabernash Lp, 1 Parcel: 102 W Main St, • Jill L. Izer Trustee and Izer Family Tr to Byron, $122,000 Everett Albright, 1 Parcel: 603 S 10th St, • Rick Mcquality and Kayla Richolson to Oregon, $185,000 Tyler Clark, 1 Parcel: 1011 N Limekiln Rd, • John Daniel Michaux Trustee and Oregon, $244,000 William F Michaux Iii Tr to John Daniel • Meggan L. Franklin to Taylor James Michaux, 1 Parcel: 7179 German Church Mccarthy and Madison Elaine Mccarthy, 1 Road, Byron, $0.00 Parcel: 174 S Fox Run Ln, Byron, $165,000 • Donald L. Kinn Trustee and Donald L. • James O. Rainwater and Paula Rainwa- Kinn Tr to Garett Samp, 1 Parcel: 1176 ter to Timothy Gunderson and Cynthia Westview Dr, Rochelle, $162,000 Gunderson, 1 Parcel in Monroe Township: • Arlene H. Grubb Trustee and Ahg Tr314 12-21-482-014, $10,500 to Leah M. Beneventi, 1 Parcel: 05-26-403• Hre Builders Llc to Chad Herring, 1 007, $10,000 Parcel: 247 Creekside Dr, Byron, $342,000 • Jerry R. Funk Trustee and Lynn D. • Brian D. Stouffer and Gayle L. Madsen to Genandt Trustee to Joy Marie Brattrud, 1 Joshua Skinner, Selena Clemons-Skinner, Parcel in Marion Township: 02-08-100and Selena Clemons Skinner, 4 Parcels in 007, $447,850 Mt. Morris Township: 08-25-300-004, • Jerry R. Funk Trustee, Lynn D. Genandt 08-25-300-005, 08-25-300-006, and Trustee, and Robert & Johanna Funk Tr to 08-36-100-052, $695,000 Randall H. Battrud, 1 Parcel in Forreston • Kyle Phillip Macias and Crysta Nicholle Township: 02-07-200-001, $1,043,276 Macias to Abraham Martinez, 1 Parcel: 534 • Brian J. Henry Trustee, Fjh1 Tr, and Westfield Dr, Stillman Valley, $299,000 Joseph J. Henry to Brian J. Henry, Kevin M. • Lake Lida - Phase 1 to Capitol-Farwell Henry, and Kathleen M. Bybee, 1 Parcel in Corp and Capitol Farwell Corp, 1 Parcel: Rockvale Township: 09-36-100-002, $0.00 433 W Willis Ave, Rochelle, $7,450,000 • Javier R. Salinas and Carol E. Salinas to Deeds in Trust Leonard M. Schulfer and Joanne M. • Brian Morsch and Brian H. Morsch to Schulfer, 1 Parcel in Flagg Township: 24-20- Brian Morsch Trustee and Brian Morsch Tr, 203-002, $35,000 1 Parcel in Oregon-Nashua Township: • Corrine S. Wallace to Eugene R. Logan, 1 16-26-400-016; one parcel in Flagg Parcel: 412 S Congress Ave, Polo, $63,000 Township: 24-20-478-020; and 110 S 7th • Nancy D. Alderks and Becky J. Borchers St, Rochelle, $0.00 to Straight Roes Farm Llc and Straight • Robert D. Carpenter and Marlys A. Roe’s Farm Llc, 1 Parcel: 18427 E Mcneal Carpenter to Robert D. Carpenter Trustee, Rd, Monroe Center, $0.00 Robert D. Carpenter Tr., Marlys A. Carpenter Trustee, and Marlys A. Carpenter Tr., 6 Quit Claims Parcels: 2 Parcels in Lincoln Township: • Steven Sims to Steven Sims and 07-25-100-004 and 07-36-200-004; 2 Christina Sims, 1 Parcel: 411 S 6th St, parcels in Mt. Morris Township: 08-19Oregon, $0.00 300-003 and 08-30-100-001; 505 W • Raymond F. Saathoff to Angela Dawn Fieldstone, Mt. Morris, and 1 Parcel in Saathoff, Daniels Raymond Saathoff, Oregon-Nashua Township: 16-02-156-013, Raymond F. Saathoff Life Estate, 1 Parcel: $0.00 319 S. Rural Road, Stillman Valley, $0.00 • Judy L. Beesing to Judy L. Beesing • Shelby Beardin to Shelby Beardin, 1 Trustee and Jlb Tr725, 950 N Etnyre Ter, Parcel: 165 Harvest Glenn Dr, Davis Oregon; 2 Parcels in Oregon-Nashua Junction, $0.00 Township: 16-04-201-012 and 16-12-200• Bruce Powell, Tammie L. Richter, and 004, and 114 S. Marsh Road, Oregon, Tammie L. Powell to Bruce Powell and $0.00 Tammie L. Powell, 1 Parcel: 1410 Brookside Dr, Rochelle, $0.00 – Shaw Local News Network

Rochelle Lions donate new winter coats, hats and gloves

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS The Village of Ashton celebrated the Christmas season with the annual Christmas Walk on Saturday, Dec. 6. In addition to Santa’s arrival, there were other events, including the St. John’s Preschool Cookie Walk, a chili supper, vendors, and library events with Mrs. Claus reading stories. Downtown businesses also offered Christmas fun. The winners of the Christmas lighting contest were: religious – Tom and LouAnn Balch; traditional – Michael and Bridgett Messenger; and festive – Alex and Crystal Dobson. Organizers thank everyone who supported the events.

Quinonez of Kings and Britney Salinas of Lindenwood. Palmer College of Chiropractic, the first and largest college in the chiropractic profession, has campuses in Davenport and Port Orange, Florida.

Oregon Depot Museum will not host December program

The Oregon Depot Museum will not host a depot program in December. Programs will resume in January 2026. In January, there are five Saturdays and since the programs are always the last Saturday of the month, the program will be Saturday, Jan. 31. The program topic will be announced soon. Planning for a year of “Those Were the Days” depot programs is underway. Ogle County students named to For more information about programs dean’s list at chiropractic college or if you have an idea for a depot The following students were named to program, call Roger Cain at 815-757-9715, the 2025 summer trimester dean’s list at Chris Martin at 815-742-8472 or Otto Dick Palmer College of Chiropractic’s Main at 815-440-0639. Campus in Davenport, Iowa: Gyvanziel – Shaw Local News Network

Photo provided by Kevin Zilm

The Rochelle Lions Club recently donated new winter coats, hats and gloves to Lincoln Elementary School. Pictured (from left) are Lion Rick Cogswell, District 231 counselor Erin Strouss and Lion Kevin Zilm.

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rochellehospital.com

900 N Second Street Rochelle

815-561-1320

rochellehospital.com/ behavioral-health-services/ Here to Help, Guide, & Support

900 N Second Street Rochelle

815-561-1320

rochellehospital.com/ multi-specialty-clinic/ See Specialists Without the Travel.

333 Lincoln Hwy Rochelle 815-562-4155 rmu.net

900 N Second Street Rochelle

815-561-3100

rochellehospital.com/locations/ rch-convenient-care/ Quality Care, No Appointment Necessary

Occupational Health Services Clinic 900 Petro Drive Rochelle

815-561-1283

rochellehospital.com/ occupational-health/ Keeping Your Company Healthy

900 N Second Street Rochelle 2670 DeKalb Avenue Sycamore

815-561-2774 xcelorthopedics.com

Live Life to the FULLEST

13 CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES

DENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Johnson Tractor 200 S. Steward Road Rochelle 815-562-2135 johnsontractorrochelle.stihldealer.net

Rochelle Chiropractic Clinic Chad Piller, DC 227 East Route 38 Rochelle 815-562-8706 rochellechiropractic.com

Maintain Your Smile 1001 Lincoln Hwy Rochelle 815-562-2030 1110 S. Mulford Road Rockford 815-398-3879 5472 Reimer Drive Roscoe 815-623-2193 maintainyoursmile.com

ANIMAL CARE & HEALTH Rochelle Veterinary Hospital 1381 N. 7th Street Rochelle 815-562-5207 rochellevet.com

APPLIANCE REPAIRS & SERVICES

Salinas Chiropractic Timothy Salinas, DC 1381 N. 7th Street Suite C Rochelle 815-562-6661 salinaschiroandwellness.com

CONCRETE SERVICES Bruns Construction Inc 350 N. 15th Street PO Box 400 Rochelle 815-561-0099 brunsconstructioninc.com

AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICES

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

A1 Hot Body Detailing 401 2nd Avenue Rochelle 815-562-6393

Bruns Construction Inc 350 N. 15th Street PO Box 400 Rochelle 815-561-0099 brunsconstructioninc.com

Oil X-Change 1361 N. 7th Street Rochelle 815-562-6476 Prescott Brothers Ford 620 S. 7th Street Rochelle 815-562-2177 prescottbrothersford.com

Queens Trucking & Construction Inc 322 Errett Road Rochelle 815-562-6064 queens-trucking.com Theisen Roofing & Siding Co 257 W. Stephenie Drive Cortland 815-758-8998 theisenroofing.com

Acres Bistro & Scalehouse Lounge 407 Lincoln Hwy Rochelle 815-762-8212 Aldo’s Pizzeria & The Red Brick Pub 418-420 Lincoln Hwy Rochelle 815-562-3456 Roiel Scoop Rochelle’s Finest Ice Cream 316 N. 6th Street Rochelle 630-544-9673 roielscoops.com Vince’s Pizza 1071 N. 7th Street Rochelle 815-562-7300 vincespizzainrochelle.com

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B and W Appliance Repair, LLC 567 W. IL Route 38 Rochelle 815-562-6253 bwrochelle.com

DINING & DESSERTS

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 17, 2025

AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 17, 2025

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER

14 FINANCIAL SERVICES

FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES

Brown’s Tax Service Carolyn Brown Jade Brown Marilyn Oropeza 361 IL Route 38 Rochelle 815-561-6861 brownstaxoffice.com

Beverage-Lyons Family Funeral Homes 704 6th Street Rochelle 815-562-6872 601 Richardson Avenue Ashton 815-453-2441 104 Terry Street Sandwich 815-786-6715 beveragefamilyfh.com

Central Illinois Loans 310 Eagle Drive Rochelle 815-561-4035 County Financial Josh Messenger 501 N. 6th Street Rochelle 815-562-8164 josh.messenger@countryfinancial.com countryfinancial.com/joshmessenger Edward Jones Jessica Morris 1214 Currency Court Rochelle 815-561-4341 edwardjones.com Holcomb Bank 233 East IL 38 Rochelle 815-562-3838 holcomb.bank FLORAL & GIFT SHOPS Colonial Flowers & Gifts 408 Lincoln Hwy Rochelle 815-562-8101 floristrochelleil.com RCH Auxiliary Gift Shoppe 900 N. 2nd Street Rochelle 815-562-2181 rochellehospital.com

Unger Horner Funeral Home 400 N. 6th Street Rochelle 815-562-4534 ungerhorner.com FURNITURE Meyers Furniture 209 Powers Road Hwy 251 North Rochelle 815-562-8792 meyersfurniture.com 1901 IL-251 Mendota 815-539-6263 meyersfurnitureandbedding.com HEALTH SERVICES Convenient Care 900 N Second Street Rochelle 815-561-3100 rochellehospital.com/locations/rchconvenient-care/ Quality Care, No Appointment Necessary Davis Family Health LLC Kelly Ann Tonielli Davis, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC 450 Coronado Drive Rochelle 815-608-1746 1201 Meriden Street Mendota 815-538-1800

Multi-Specialty Clinic 900 N Second Street Rochelle 815-561-1320 rochellehospital.com/multi-specialty-clinic/ See Specialists Without the Travel Occupational Health Services Clinic 900 Petro Drive Rochelle 815-561-1283 rochellehospital.com/occupational-health/ Keeping Your Company Healthy Rochelle Community Hospital 900 N. 2nd Street Rochelle 815-562-2181 rochellehospital.com No Place Like It! XCEL Orthopedics 900 N Second Street Rochelle 2670 DeKalb Avenue Sycamore 815-561-2774 xcelorthopedics.com Live Life to the FULLEST HEATING, VENTILATION & AIR CONDITIONING Pemberton Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc 8884 S. IL-251 Rochelle 815-561-6119 pembertonplumbinghvac.com

Allstate Insurance Ferdinand Diego 1425 Dement Road Rochelle 815-561-2901 fdiego@allstate.com allstate.com County Financial Josh Messenger 501 N. 6th Street Rochelle 815-562-8164 josh.messenger@countryfinancial.com countryfinancial.com/joshmessenger Lassiter Agency Farmers Insurance Eve Lassiter 1220 Currency Court Rochelle 815-787-8280 elassiter@farmersagent.com

LAWN & TREE SERVICES Aguilera Lawncare Services 11084 E. Lincoln Lane Rochelle 815-517-3065 LEGAL SERVICES Fearer, Nye & Chadwick, LLC 420 Fourth Avenue Rochelle 815-562-2156 fnclaw.com

Lincoln Manor Senior Housing 615 Lincoln Hwy Rochelle 815-562-1404 lssi.org

Tess, Arnquist & Wilt, LLC 1090 N. 7th Street Rochelle 815-562-8754 tesscrulllaw.com

SPECIALTY SHOPS

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES Behavioral Health Services 900 N Second Street Rochelle 815-561-1320 rochellehospital.com/behavioral-healthservices/ Here to Help, Guide, & Support Changes Counseling, PLLC 604 N. Main Street Rochelle 815-501-2088 changescounselingllc.com Mindful Matters Therapy, LLC Loni Nolte, MSW LCSW 516 4th Avenue Rochelle 815-508-8511 loni@mindfulmatterstherapyil.com mindfulmatterstherapyil.com REAL ESTATE RE/MAX Hub City 244 May Mart Drive Rochelle 815-562-7588 remax.com SENIOR SERVICES Hub City Senior Center 401 Cherry Avenue Rochelle 815-562-5050 hubcityseniorcenter.com

The Artists’ Garden 407 Lincoln Hwy Rochelle 815-275-1217 SURVEYING SERVICES Survey-Tech 104 Maple Court Rochelle 815-562-8771 civilideas.com TRANSPORTATION SERVICES Hub City Senior Center 401 Cherry Avenue Rochelle 815-562-5050 hubcityseniorcenter.com TRUCKING COMPANIES Queens Trucking & Construction Inc 322 Errett Road Rochelle 815-562-6064 queens-trucking.com UTILITY SERVICES Rochelle Municipal Utilities 333 Lincoln Hwy Rochelle 815-562-4155 rmu.net

To Become a Community Unity Sponsor & Advertise Here, contact Chris McCarter Ackland at 815-632-2537 or cackland@shawmedia.com.

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State Farm Insurance Terri Schaefer 603 Lincoln Hwy Rochelle 815-562-7063 terrischaefer.com

Hewitt & Wagner 1124 Lincoln Hwy Rochelle 815-562-2704 hewitt-wagner.com

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 17, 2025

INSURANCE SERVICES

• TRADES

Watching all of the [trade] companies jump up and say they’d be happy to do it and give support has been huge. We’ve learned that a lot of our kids don’t really know that the industrial district south of [Rochelle] exists. That there’s all of this industry right here and they can make a successful career in this area. They don’t have to go to Chicago and they can still do really well here.”

Continued from page 3 The RTHS CTE teacher thanked local employers for their support and attendance on Dec. 5. “We sent out an email back in August to see if they had any interest in this,” Jacobs said. “Watching all of the companies jump up and say they’d be happy to do it and give support has been huge. We’ve learned that a lot of our kids don’t really know that the industrial district south of town exists. That there’s all of this industry right here and they can make a successful career in this area. They don’t have to go to Chicago and they can still do really well here.” Jacobs was happy to see students learn about trades directly from employers and people that do the work every day, rather than hearing about it from RTHS teachers as they usually do. Students were encouraged to speak with a number of employers and to ask questions. Careers at trades day ranged from nursing to firefighting to machinist to electrical lineman. Jacobs hoped that students at the event would have an interaction that gave them career inspiration.

Deanna Jacobs, RTHS Career and Trades teacher

Jeff Helfrich

A representative from the Northern Illinois Electrical Training Center meets with Rochelle Township High School students on Dec. 5 at the school’s first annual Trades Day. “It’s been fun to watch the more shy kids go up and ask questions and be fully engaged,” Jacobs said. “Seeing a student find a career that they like and latch onto it and go in that direction is the ultimate prize. You have the kids

that come in as freshmen with no idea what they want to do and they say they’ll just pick the college route and figure it out. And then they find something they’re truly interested in and they focus on classes they didn’t care

Shop Small. Shop Local. Save Big. Merry Christmas from your friends at Merlin’s!

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 17, 2025

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER

Holiday Hours:

Open: Christmas Eve, Dec. 24th 9am - 3pm

Closed: Dec. 25th

Open Friday Dec. 26th 9-5

Saturday: Dec. 27th 9am-1pm Closed Dec. 31st- Jan. 5th

Enjoy 30% off all Christmas! Thank you for all your love and support throughout the years! The Otherside Boutique is closing, enjoy 50% off store wide! (815) 732-2969 SM-ST2292074

Merlinsgreenhouseandflowers.com

much about before. Because they now have an end goal, and that’s massive.” Trades day has been a six-year dream of Jacobs that finally came to fruition on Friday. The event will continue in the coming years. “We’ve had more businesses than we expected this year and we have more that want to do it next year,” Jacobs said. “We may outgrow the library. It’s an awesome problem to have.”

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A keepsake collection of Christmas wishes from our community’s kids

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

LETTERS TO SANTA Dear Santa, I have been trrificaly fantastic! One thing I did was help Tuker. for christmas I would like eletric wact, a fliephone, most of all dhrone. Thak you. Andrew Nedza, AFC 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa, I have been great this year. One thing I did was going to Chicago. For Christmas a fake sword and a new Darth Vader figure. Thank you. Blake Grandaw, AFC 2nd Grade, Age 8 Dear Santa, I have been good this year. One this I did was get my sisters water. For christmas I would like 3Dpen, PS5, to see you. have a good year. Blair Ellis, AFC 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa, I have been really good this year. One thing I did was going to Alabama with my family. For christmas would like ninja costume and fake ninja weapons. Sincerely, Braxton Pineda, AFC 2nd grade, Age 8 Dear Santa, I have been goodier this year. one thing I have fun plaing in the snow. For, christmas, I want a Nintendo switch and dinosaur eggx Thany yoy Brody, AFC 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa, I have been kind of good this year, One thing i did was make my mom and dad and my brother a drawing. For Christmas I would like a switch 2. have a grate year Carter robert Bogle, AFC 2nd Grade, Age 7

Dear Santa, I have been ok this year. One thing I trick or treat. For Christmas I want a little grain cart. Thank you Cayson Wolf, AFC 2nd Grade, Age 7

Dear Santa, I have been o k this year. One thing I did was I went to Florida. For Chris mas Nintendo Switch steering wheel and vbucks. Thank you Griffin, AFC 2nd Grade, Age 7

Dear Santa, I have been good this year. One thing I did was swim in the pool. For Christmas I want Model Magic. Thak you Colette, AFC 2nd Grade, Age 7

Dear Santa, I have been ok these year. I like playing in the snow. I want a PS5 and xbox. thak yuo, to Jaxstyn, AFC 2nd Grade, Age 7

Dear santa, I have been good and some bad. I helpped my mom cook. For chrismas i would like a swich 2 Game and a iphone 15. Your friend Colton O’Connor, AFC 2nd Grade, Age 7

Dear Santa, I have been Ok this year. I went mutton bustin this fall. Santa I want for Christmas is a new dirt bike. and I want new dirt bike gear. I hope you have a great year Santa. Laken Ackland, AFC 2nd Grade, Age 7

Dear Santa, I have been very good this year. One thing I did was Being Kind to my tetcher and family. for christmas I would like a toy collection Of cars and a drone nintendo switch two and I phone 16 pro, and a mini dirt bike have a gerte year Cruz fassler, AFC 2nd Grade, Age 7

Dear Santa I have been very good these year. One thing that I got to do is swim at a pool. Santa I rille want a elf to make toys for me. Have a grat year Maverick, AFC 2nd Grade, Age 7

Dear Santa, I have been phantactic this year. One thing I did was go to my party with my frends. I really hope to get a hoover board Thank you, Emery Bellows, AFC 2nd Grade, Age 8 Dear Santa, I have been really good tris year One thing I did was helping my parents clean the house. For Chris tmas I would like skateboadr n Nintendo switch blg Kia legos. Your friend Everett Brown, AFC 2nd Grade, Age 7

Dear Santa, I have been really kind this year. one thing I did was help mom decorate the tree. for christmas I would like a bitsy sled a unicorn plushy that grose up when you take it out of the box. You friend, Parker Miles, AFC 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa, I have been good this year. One thing I did was I swam. For Christmas I want a pet unacorn. and a randeer. Thank you Rowan, AFC 2nd Grade, Age 7

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 17, 2025

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER

Drawn by Kameron Koch – Central School – Age 8 – 3rd Grade

1150 South 4th Street DeKalb, IL 60115 815-756-3898 Barbcityautomotive.com

Drawn by Brooklyn Albers – Central Elementary School – Age 8 1/2 – 3rd Grade

420 North 6th Street Rochelle, IL 61068 815-562-6161 cityofrochelle.net

Dear Santa, I have been Fantastic this year. One thing I was doing this December was playing in the snow. What I want for Christmas is a hello kitty curtain. Thank you Thank you. Selena Jones, AFC 2nd Grade, Age 8 DeAr SANtA, I hAVe been FiND this yeAr. ONe thiNg I did WAS help MY MOM At the grocery store For CHrisMAS I woHld ike Apple watchl Barbie ore AM Hosse, new shoes, And A hair set, slime Yosr frienNd Serenity Lovejoy, AFC 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear santa, I have been perfectly good this year. One thing i did that i helped my mom and dad clean the house. For christmas I would Like K pop demon hunter Posters, and K pop demon hunter keychains, all of the dandys world Plushs, and a party Pack of Robux, New clothes, Phone cases cloud slime. Sincerly Shayley Smith, AFC 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear santa, I have been good and bad this year. One thing I did was Help my classmates. For chist mas I would like an I Phone 17 Pro Max, vr headset, swich 2, magnet, mine craft blocks. Your friend Tanner Meiners, AFC 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa, I have been kind of good This year. I helped my baby sister. For chrisTmas I would like 900000000000000 dollares. Thank you. Tucker Magnuson, AFC 2nd Grade, Age 7

Dear santa, I have been good this year. I would like a Iphone 17 pro max, and a labubu, babydolls, slime, corgis 5 and a zimomo. Love, Adelynne Crosby, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa I hope you have a nice night. Can you Please bring me a girl toy elf? I would also like a Kuromi Plush and a realistic baby doll. A toy Christmas tree would be fun too. I hope You have a nice trip. Love, Aaliyah Beatty, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa For christmas I would like vrass squishmellaw Thank You Alicia, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa, I want a Labubu, Legos, a roeking chair, a marble set, an I Phone 17 pro max and a stuffed animal owl. Love Ariella Pena, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa, I hope you enjoy the cookies I left out for you! I would like it if you could please bring me an Indominus Rex toy, an Indoraptor toy, or any Jurassic World toys. I would also like a Cinderella baby doll. I am very grateful for you. Have a safe flight. Love, Aryn Hying, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like Five Nights at freddy toys, D rex, and goku Action figure. Thank you Braxton Leitsch, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7

dear santa, I have been good all year. I would really like a microscope, Legos, insanity nerf gun, Hoverboard, remote control off road truck, a drone, a spider man Flying HelicoPter and games to play with my little brother. thank you santa For all this stuFF. from Braxton Williams, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 I would Like a x-Box with a steering wheel and Pedals. Can I Please have an I Phone Seventeen Pro max, a LaP toP and smelly markes Love, Brently Whetsal, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa For Christmas I would like a Roblbx car. I woulD like a Teddy Bear Thank You Caleb Gazman, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dere SANTA I want a coloringBook and slime and the new playgrond. Camila Gonzalez, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear santa, For Christmas I would like #20 hockey puck Necklace Road runners. Tank you, Camilla Ramos, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa I have been Really good this year. Please please send me a Amarican girl doll Raquel. Charlotte Really wants Amarican girl doll 125. Caroline, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 A 3d Pen because it will make stuff 3d Cataleya Guzman, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 17, 2025

LETTERS TO SANTA

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Drawn by Jacob Chadwick – Rochelle Area Homeschool Group – Age 10 – 4th Grade

420 Fourth Avenue Rochelle 815-562-2156 fnclaw.com

Drawn by Stella Seidal – Central Elementary School – Age 8 – 3rd Grade

304 East Highway 38 Rochelle, IL 61068 815-562-2200 firststatebank.biz

LETTERS TO SANTA Dear Santa. For chrimas I wont a xbox thank you Daniel Gorrea, Central 2nd Grade, Age 8 Dear Santa, I have been good this year! I would like a labubu, I phone 17 Pro max, marble sets, slime, and baby dolls. From Daniella Loyd, Central 2nd Grade, Age 8 Dear Santa, I have been good this Year. I would like a Labububu VR head set I Phone 17 Pro Max, and a zlmoma. Love, Donavan Bundy, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa, For chritma9 I Would like Bosalina dress Daisy Daisy Dress. thank you Ellie/Eleanor, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa, I have been good this Year! I would like a Labubu, and a I Phone 17 Pro Max, and a VR head set, and My own tablet, and a xbox. from Elliot Seemenn, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7

Dear Santa, This year I tried really hard to be good. I listened, helped at home, and did my best at School. I learned new things, made new friends, and tried to be nice to everyone. For Christmas I would love a PS5, Nike Shoes size 3, Shirts, Nintendo Switch, A bone for my dog, Dinosaur books, Underwear, one pelce toys, And could you also bring something for my sister too? She would like a PS5, doll toys, and some clothes Ethan Castellanos, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa i have been very good this Year helping my mom out with my brother Jeremiah and working hard at school. for Christmas this I’d like a dolphin plushy and a monster jam truck for my baby brother. thank you and safe travels! Ezequiel V, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7

Borbey PlaDo Pusiner iy fone roodof the red nos rander toy juney b jons capter Books lunchBox. Thank you Harper, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa, I have been good this year! I would like a table and a play station 5. Dear Santa, I would like a X box and Stich and angel legos and crafts stuff. Love, Isabella Fitzpatrick, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa, I hope you have a good Christmas. Can you please bring me Rollerskates and a Grinch toy and a Mr Beast toy? love, Isabella Rosende, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa, Can I have a I Phone 17 Pro Max, a VR head set and a Labiubu? Love Jace Ramirez, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7

Dear Santa, This year I would like slime, or beez, the game Headbands, purple headphones, and a watch, Love, Grettel Lopez, Central 2nd Grade, Age 8

Deur Santa I would like a remot control simi, a titanic boat, a hover board, a vr Head set, legos, sled, and play stattion 5, and a hammock, a titanic Lego set. Luve Jayden Chmura, Central 2nd Grade, Age 8

Pupys, K-POP demon hunters suff sticker roll bracelet, prank stuff, My life doll clothes. Elliott Vanus, Central 2nd Grade, Age 8

Dear Santa. For chrimas I would like PS6. Fornit Figrs that can move thak you. Greyson Carll Love Grey. Greyson Stell, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7

Santa, I want a Stich toy or plushie because I like Stich and watching any Stich movie. Thank you Santa. Jayleen, Central 2nd Grade, Age 8

Dear Santa, I wold like a Doc mobile, Doc McStuffins Legos, and a Doc McStuffins pillow case. Love, Emma Bruno, Central 2nd Grade, Age 8

Dear Santa, For chrismis I would like I wont a toybox bloeloBoBo DrPey Plushey Play Station DrPey rug, tevey cireuder miney backpak DrPey dres Bunkbed giiant borBey hous Popit Praslit Borbey grem kompers Borbey cor rmot cinchrol car popits lechans drprey scwsmelow strikerrak

Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like a playstation DS5 the singing Walrus. Thank you Jordan Fleenor, Central 2nd Grade, Age 8

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 17, 2025

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER

Drawn by Genesis L Arredondo – Central School – Age 8 – 3rd Grade

233 East Illinois Route 38 Rochelle, IL 61068 815-562-3838 holcomb.bank

Drawn by Naomi Sobo-Rice – Central School – Age 8 – 3rd Grade

322 Errett Road Rochelle 815-562-6064 queens-trucking.com

Dear Santa I want a Play Station Portal Remote for Play Station and a apple wach series 10 GPS U2Mn Jet black aluminum case with black. Thank you Santa. Javy Maciel, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like a PS5 and a X box And a vr head set and a toy D. rex and clothes love Jayce tyrone Simmons, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa. I no I have ben bad with the game sorry but I will be better this year. I want a house for My barbies. I want a phone for me Love you! From Kami South, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa, I hope you like the milk abd cookies for christmas, I hope to get snow boots, a barbie, and a baby doll. I hope you have a safe flight. Love Kanlani Baker, Central 2nd Grade, Age 8 Dear Santa, Merry Chistmas. I am 7 years old. I would like: 1. a chicken stuffed animal 2. a chicken jockey stuffed animal 3. a barbie camper. I have been very good this year. Sincerely, Katelyn Mosher, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa, How have you and your Elves been? For christmas, can I please have a 6/7 brain rot, a sammy, toy. emergency car, and an EMT car that is big? Have a safe ride. Love, Kayson Perez, Central 2nd Grade, Age 8

Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like 19 Necklace, Gum bill Machine and bracelets Thank You Kinsey Sherbrok, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa, I hope yoy have a good night. For Christmas I would like a BarBie, a mini brands a toy dog and toy Thanky or the I gifts I you have a sa flrght! Lacey Koivisto, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7

Dear Santa, Thank you for The Presets on Christmas. Can I have an eleotronic car robots That fight, a TaBlet, and Pikachu costume? I hope you like The cookies and milk. Love, Lincoln Cook Rhodes, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 in a haf Dear Santa, For Christmas I would Nintend Switch 2. Hover Board. I Phone. Thank you Ms. Lizzie White, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7

Dear Santa, I hope your elfs are good this Christmas. Can I please have a lol doll, I phone, and a lol doll house? I hope you have a safe ride. love, Leah White, Central 2nd Grade, Age 8

Dear Santa, I want an I Phone 17 Pro Max, a nintendo swich, a toy car lambo. Star wars lego sets, and a titanic lego set Love, Lucas Egland, Central 2nd Grade Age 7

I hope you have a good Christmas. I wold like it if you wald wald pleas bring me a Diary of a Wimpy Kid book, and RoBux Monstren Her High, and Miny Brands. I hope that you have a great ride. Love, Leila Musselman, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7

deaR Santa For ChRistMas I would like suerhero action figure thank you LUCAS, Central 2nd Grade, Age 8

Dear Santa, For Christmas i would like a D-rex anD Dinos. Thank you Mr Levi, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa, I what a iPhone 17 Pro Max and the nintendo swith 2 and also 67 Dollers for Chismas. Liam G, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa. I hope you have a good Christmas, Can you please bring me a hot wheels set and a nerf gun? I hope you have a good year. Love, Liam Jay Thompson, Central 2nd Grade, Age 8

Dear Santa, What I want for Christmas is a dirt bike. I also want snow boots and snow suit so I can play in the snow. Sincerely, Lucious A., Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa, I hope you like the cookies I set out for you. For Christmas, I would like a Barbie. Elf on the Shelf, and a student table so I can play school. Thank you. Enjoy your flight santa claus. Love Luna Wagner, Central 2nd Grade, Age 8 Dear Santa, I hope you are having fun getting ready for Christmas. I am trying to be really good and listening to my mom and my dad. I really want a pencil sharpener and a tumbling mat. Please tell your reindeer hi for me. Madison Dunphy, Central 2nd Grade, Age 8

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 17, 2025

LETTERS TO SANTA

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Drawn by Maddie Johnson – Central Elementary – Age 9 – 3rd Grade

900 N. 2nd Street Rochelle 815-562-2181 rochellehospital.com

Drawn by Madison Mosher – Central Elementary School – Age 8 – 3rd Grade

333 Lincoln Hwy Rochelle 815-562-4155 rmu.net

LETTERS TO SANTA Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like A VR, Blanket Pillow and Alcohol Markers and World Most Sower Balls thank you Madison Gomez, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa, For Christmas I Would like my dad home, and my family Back together, Gumball machine squshmellow and a pink pillow and a sign, pop its and ladodoa stickers. And a Apple pen. And An Phone. Thank you, Marlow Morton, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa, Can you Please get me a hoverboard, slime a labubu baby dolls a Phone and more Love Mercaydez Ross, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa I want a toy kitchen, makeup, air pods, makeup bag, blush, lipstick, Bracelet maker, Jellycat, fridge Naomi Williams, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa, I hope you have a good Christmas, I hope you like the cookies and milk I set out for you. I would like to have Grinch toys, play doh, Mr. Beast toys, to stay in 2nd forever in Mrs. Husseys class, and a pS5. thank you for these presents! love, Noah Hamilton, Central 2nd Grade, Age 8 Dear Santa, I have ben good this year! I would like a game table and a slime! Love, Noah Jarvis, Central 2nd Grade, Age 8 For Christmas I want neckleses and iring sat a blet a new gimnastic Bar to paractis and thats my Chrsitmas List. Olivia Lassiter, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7

Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like a pS5 and a VR and 67 toys and Hedleys and a Monitor and a Necklace and a Nintendo Switch. And a labubu and doors toys. Thank you, Otltman Al Janabi, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa I hope the elves are not to crazy. I would like you to bring me five mini babies series 2 and series 1 and roller skates and a heating blanket thank you have a save ribe thank you For seNDing mikey to my House. Love Raelynn Whetsels, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa, I would like a VR head set. a play Station 5, real dog, and a kids size gas powered motorcycle. Rydlee Norris, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa. I love Christmas. I have not seen you yet but i hope this year it can be different and i am able to see you. I have been a good kid this year. I helped my parents out around the house. I wish that for Christmas i can get a toy Police car and a Police shirt and a comfy rolling chair so i can sit and roll around the house and a Nintendo switch. Sankalp Patel, Central 2nd Grade, Age 8 dear Santa, For Christmas I would like bead sets squish mellows ty stuffys nintendo Switch iPhone 17 Tablet K Pop demon hunter clothes strings S necklace K Pop demon hunter golden costem stickey notes thank you, Serenity Hanson, Central 2nd Grade, Age 8

Santa querido porfavor me traes uno chamara calientita talla 10/12 y un snopants talla 8/10 y unos guantes para la nieve y culsetas peluditas 10/12 una gorra para el frio una botella de aguce para ponerle agua con agarradela y un peluche grasias. Att. Shantall Te quizro mucho Santa un ABraSo! Shantall Dannely Martinez, Cemtral 2nd Grade, 7 anos Dear Santa, I hope you have a good night please can you get me a foltri, plus, Corlus plush Sammy Plush and a steal branrot? Love, Tald Morsir, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa, I have been good this year! I would like a orbeez, rocking horse, VR head set, dog, Legos, baby dolls, slime, sled, labubu, marble sets, a new phone, Nintendo switch. Love, Taylor Nelson, Central 2nd Grade, Age 8 Dear Santa, I hope you have a nice ride. For Christmas, I would like for you to get me therien masks with mask elastic, a hot glue gun with glue stickes, and a tablet. thank you so much Santa. I hope you have a safe ride. Love temperance Wilson, Central 2nd Grade, Age 9 Dear Santa, I have been good this year. I would like a labubu and a play station five. I want two head sets, One blue controller and a red controller. Love, Timothy Balch, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 17, 2025

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER

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Dear Santa, I would like a sled, a new Nintendo switch controller, and a Labubu. Love, Weston Lewis, Central 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa, You are the Best. I think you are pretty cool and I love Your gifts. For Christmas I would like a nintendo and an I Pad. I Miss you and I Love you. GoodBye. Zoey Scott, Central 2nd Grade, Age 8 Dear Santa, What I want for christmas is a tood of candy as all ways, a box of toys like slinkys, and a elf on the shelf every one has one so I feel left owt. Caroline, Creston 2nd Grade, Age 7 almost 8 For Christtmas I want a X ray fish and the globe made from Leap frog Clayton Taft, Steward 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa, all I want is you to come to our house and have movie night. This is a list of items I want below: a nintendo swich, a crafting kit, a hug from you, chicken glasses gems, 1,000,00$ a phone and art supplies Safe travels! Come to our house and have hot cocoa, cookies and milk! Genevieve Becker, Steward 2nd Grade, Age 7 Dear Santa can I please have a elf on the shelf, a balens beem, gimnastics bars, Lesa Frank colering suplis or merch, Keath Haring merch and finely a mistary gift sinserly your good Ella Cobbly, Steward 2nd Grade, Age 8

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ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 17, 2025

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ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER

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makes us aware of an empty chair this Christmas, an illness may cause us to struggle with positive or joyful feelings, Sometimes we find ourselves a bit out or even sorrow or dismay regarding the of sync with the holiday cheer surround- state of the world around us may cause ing us. There are many reasons for this. us to struggle to find reasons for hope or A loss in our lives during the past year, joy. We might feel a bit like we have the

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

“Fa-la-la-la-la-blahs.” When this is our reality, it helps to take some time away from the festivities of the season for some time of intentional quiet. Blue Christmas Services began around 1990 in the U.S., and are traditionally held on the Longest Night, or Winter

Solstice. They allow space for reflection, comfort, and quiet for people who are experiencing grief or sadness during the Advent/Christmas season. Rochelle United Methodist Church

daughters-in-law that were always considered her daughters, Doris Carlos, Kelly Stevens and Tonya Cooper. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Rochelle, IL. For many years, after moving, she transferred membership to Oregon First Baptist and then transferred back to Rochelle when she didn’t trust herself to drive anymore. She was on the board at the Hub City Senior Center for many years, she loved working with and being with the elderly. She had many jobs in her lifetime. Working as a nurses aid at the hospital and nursing home - then called Americana. The funniest job she had was grinding dirt at Nu-Ag years ago. She had a house cleaning business for many years. Also, worked in housekeeping at Rochelle Hospital until Retiring in 2005. Not fully retired, still

hung on to one of her favorite houses to clean because of the owners who became two of her closest friends of which she had many. She cleaned for these folks for over 30 years. She loved you so, Mike and Julie Hardesty. Genevieve loved spending time with family and friends and spending time at church and reading her bible. She loved baking pies and going to music shows. Visitation will be Thursday, Dec. 18, from 9:30-11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church in Rochelle, IL. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM at the church. Burial will be at Lawnridge Cemetery in Rochelle. Memorial is to be established. Visit www.ungerhorner.com for online guest book.

See blue on page 28

OBITUARIES GENEVIEVE HELEN Born: December 3, 1939 in Rochelle, IL Died: December 12, 2025 in Oregon, IL Genevieve Helen Rains, 86, of Rochelle, passes away Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 at the Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon, IL. Genevieve was born at home in Rochelle IL on Dec 3rd 1939 to Harold J. Berkheimer and Daisy Anna Koch. She married her Childhood sweetheart Raymond Bedford Rains on October 12th 1956. God Blessed them with 5 children, Dale, Russell, Mark, Dawn and Korre-

na. They also adopted a son Daniel. She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Rains, her biological father, Harold Berkheimer and as she liked to call him, her “Real Dad” PD Russell, Daisy Russell her mother, many in-laws, her oldest son Dale, third son Mark, son-in-law Lloyd Sutton and great grand baby Quinton Liam. Genevieve is Survived by Son Russell Rains of Ashton, Dawn (Robert) Pittman of Ashton, Korrena Sutton of Alabama. She had 10 grandchildren, Lindsey Cooper, Allyssa Rains Joseph Rains, Corissa Wallace, Amanda Newman, Nick Pittman, Melissa Grimes, Heather Bartlett, Joshua Sutton and Haley Good. She had 25 Great Grandchildren, 8 babies that went to be with the Lord too soon, but will meet them there for the first time and 3 ex

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ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Rochelle UMC to host Blue Christmas service Dec. 21 25

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 17, 2025

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28 OBITUARIES DALLAS “LANT” ALANSON HUNTLEY

• BLUE

The year of 1978, Lant became certified with the International Society of Arboriculture where he remained active throughout the next Born: March 15, 1939 in Pine Rock Township, IL forty years. Lant, a Certified Arborist, was the Died: December 15, 2025 in Rockford, IL owner of Huntley Woods Tree Research Facility Dallas “Lant” Alanson near Oregon, Illinois. Lant once said, “He never Huntley, 86, of Oregon, thought of it as a job--it was a way of life.” Dallas is survived by his three daughters: Illinois, passed away Melissa (John) Green of Fernandina Beach, Monday, December 15, FL, Carrie Grimail of Tampa, FL and Suzan 2025 at Anam Care in (Michael) Monsky of Clearwater Beach, FL; six Rockford, IL. Dallas was born March grandchildren: Elizabeth, Hunter, Logan, Olivia, Garrett and Nicole; and sister-in-law, Norma 15, 1939, to Roland and Grace (Strang) Huntley in the family farm Huntley of Chana. Dallas was preceded in death by his parents; house five miles southwest of Chana on what is now known as Sportsman Club Road in Ogle two sisters: Margene Rager, and Dellouise County. Later in life, Dallas would be known as Greenfield and brother, Don Huntley. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 5:50 P.M., “Lant” as he was named after his great uncle, Thursday, December 18, 2025 at Unger-Horner Alanson Huntley, also called Lant. Lant was raised on the family farm where he Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle with the funeral immediately following at 6:00 P.M. developed a deep love for the outdoor world. He attended both Rochelle and Ashton schools with Pastor Dave Rogula officiating. Cremation care will be provided after the funeral service. and managed Spring Lake in Rochelle during A private burial will be at a later date at Washsummers. Lant attended Northern Illinois, Southern Illinois University and Western Illinois ington Grove Cemetery, a rural cemetery near University. Upon graduation, he taught school, Chana. In lieu of flowers, donations may be served as District Scout Executive for the Boy made to Chana Methodist Church, Chana, IL. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online Scouts of America and was Park Ranger at guest book. White Pines Forest State Park.

ATTENTION VENDORS!

Continued from page 25 has offered an inter-denominational Blue Christmas service to the community for the past few years, and is offering one again this year on the evening of Dec. 21, which is the Longest Night. Called “A Service for the Weary,” it takes its name from a poem by Rev. Sarah Speed. There is no sermon or homily in this service. It consists of a series of readings, some hymns, and prayers. There is also an opportunity for reflection and leaving anonymous prayer

requests. Each person who desires to do so may take a prayer request left by someone else. Praying for each other gives strength to both persons. This is an opportunity to take time for quiet, healing, and prayer and it is open to all. Rochelle United Methodist Church is located at 709 Fourth Ave., at the corner of Seventh Street and Fourth and Fifth avenues, across from the library on one side and Central School on the other. The parking lot and main entrance are off Fifth Avenue. Rochelle United Methodist Church is a place where all people are welcome and loved.

OBITUARIES DOROTHY SMITH Dorothy Mae Smith, 93, of Esmond, passed on 12/14/2025. Arrangements entrusted to Unger-Horner Funeral Home, Rochelle. Additional information: Chad Horner.

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 17, 2025

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spondent and for other relief; that summons has been issued out of this Court against you as provided by law, and, that this action is still pending and undetermined in said Court. NOW, THEREFORE, unless you filed your answer or otherwise make your appearance in said action in this Court, by filing the same in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court on or before January 19, 2026. AN ORDER OF DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED EGAL OTICES L N AGAINST YOU. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court on this 12th day of December, 2025. Kimberly A. Stahl Clerk of the Circuit Court TESS, ARNQUIST & WILT, LLC 1090 N. 7th St. Rochelle, IL 61068 (815) 562-8754 lawyers@tawlegal.com

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LEGAL NOTICES STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, COUNTY OF OGLE IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF: CYNTHIA AGUAYO, Petitioner, vs. DANIEL LUEVANOS GARCIA, Respondent. Case No. 2025 DN 21 PUBLICATION NOTICE The requisite affidavit(s) having duly filed been herein, NOTICE IS GIVEN HEREBY TO ALL RESPONDENTS IN THE ABOVE ENTITLED ACTION, that said action has been commenced in said Court by the Petitioner, naming you as the Retherein spondent and praying a Judgement of Dissolution of Marriage to be entered dissolving the bonds of matrimony between the Petitioner and Respondent and for other relief; that has summons been issued out of this Court against you as provided by law, and, that this action is still pending and undetermined in said Court. NOW, THEREFORE, unless you filed your answer or otherwise make your appearance in said action in this Court, by filing the same in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court on or before January 19, 2026. AN ORDER OF MAY DEFAULT BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court on this 12th

2026 FLAGG TOWNSHIP MEETING SCHEDULE JANUARY 12th MONDAY REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. FEBRUARY 9th MONDAY LEGALREGULAR NOTICES MEETING 7:00 P.M. MARCH 9th MONDAY REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. APRIL 13th MONDAY REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. APRIL 14th TUESDAY ANNUAL MEETING 6:00 P.M. MAY 11th MONDAY REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. JUNE 8th MONDAY REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. JULY 13th MONDAY REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. AUGUST 10th MONDAY REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. SEPTEMBER 14th MONDAY REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. OCTOBER 13th TUESDAY REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. NOVEMBER 9th MONDAY REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. DECEMBER 14th MONDAY REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. Dec. 17, 2025

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Dec. 17, 24, 31, 2025 Notice of Availability of Audit Report For Flagg Township Flagg Township hereby provides public notice that an audit of its funds for the period April 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025, has been made, and that a report of such audit dated November 20, 2025, has been filed with the County Clerk of Ogle County, in accordance with 30 ILCS 15/.01 et. seq. The full report of the audit is available for public inspection at 303 W. Highway 38, Rochelle, IL 61068. contact Please Sue Messer, Supervisor, Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 3:00 pm at (815) 562-7360 or e-mail her at supervisor@flag gtownship.org for audit information. Dec. 17, 2025 2026 FLAGG TOWNSHIP MEETING SCHEDULE JANUARY 12th MONDAY REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. FEBRUARY 9th MONDAY REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. MARCH 9th MONDAY REGULAR

RFQ NOTICE The Village of Creston is soliciting Request for Qualifications (RFQ) from interested qualified Engineering firms for Professional SerEngineering vices. The firm selected will fill the role as Village Engineer for the Village of Creston. RFQ requirements may be obtained by contacting the Village of Creston, Attn Village Clerk,

RFQ NOTICE The Village of Creston is soliciting Request for Qualifications (RFQ) from interested qualified Engineering firms for Professional Engineering Ser(6397) vices. The firm selected will fill the role as Village Engineer for the VilLEGAL N lage ofOTICES Creston. RFQ requirements may be obtained by contacting the Village of Creston, Attn Village Clerk, 110 N. Main St. Creston, IL 60113. Phone 815-3844140. All RFQ proposals shall be returned to the Village Clerk by 8 pm on January 28, 2026. Dec. 17, 2025

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PREP BOYS BASKETBALL: KANELAND 92, ROCHELLE 62

By CHRIS WALKER contact@shawmedia.com Connor Kimme got fouled in midair coming down after skying high for a defensive rebound late in the second quarter of Kaneland’s game against Rochelle on Friday night in Maple Park. The senior dusted himself off with the help of his teammates and headed to the other end of the hardwood, where he converted a pair of free throws. It’s just what he does. “It really comes from my teammates,” Kimme said. “The way they picked me up after I got down, they immediately came running over to me and picked me up. Our coaches do a great job in practice, always working us hard, putting us in aggressive drills and stuff to prepare us for game-like situations, so when we get

knocked down we get right back up.” That explains why there was no hesitation for Kimme to rise high for a putback with 5:15 remaining in the third quarter as Connor Kimme the Knights were well on their way to victory, having broken the game open to cruise to a 92-62 victory over the Hubs. “Everybody on our team, no one is selfish, no one is trying to get their own,” Kimme said. “We’re all playing to win and that’s what makes us a great team. We’ve all gotten really close off the court, so our team chemistry is on the court. We all know what to do all the time, know how we work and are doing

the best to win.” Kaneland (6-0, 2-0) led 43-28 at the half and extended its lead to 53-28 after opening the third quarter on a 10-0 run. Rochelle (3-4, 0-2) didn’t get a basket in the second half until Warren Schweitzer scored inside with 2:24 left in the third quarter. It was the first field goal for the Hubs since Van Gerber scored on a drive with 29 seconds remaining in the first half. The Hubs drilled five 3-pointers in the first half but only had one in the second half when Kasin Avila connected in the final seconds of the third quarter to make it 71-46. “Our coach told us before the game to pressure them and pick them up, don’t let them get anything easy,” Kimme said. “That’s what makes teams flustered, what makes them out of control and

that’s what happened when we were aggressive.” Kimme was one of four Knights in double figures with 19 points. Marshawn Cocroft led the way with 25 points, Jeffrey Hassan had 20, and Isaiah Gipson had 10 points off the bench. “We knew they wanted to run, so we had to figure out ways to defend them and then just be able to score,” Cocroft said. “We knew we’d figure it out. We all know our roles on the team. We know we have to come out and make sure we play hard, play defense, and when I have the ball they know I’ll find them. They’re doing their job and getting open and our team chemistry had been good since the summer. We know what each one of us can do.” Brody Bruns led the Hubs with 16 points. Gerber added 11 points.

RTHS competition cheer teams place first in Batavia SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

Junior varsity started the day winning first in their division.

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Varsity and junior varsity Rochelle Township High School competition cheerleaders took home first-place finishes at the Batavia Sleigh Bells Ring Competition on Saturday, Dec. 13. Junior varsity started the day winning first in their division, with the varsity team finishing the day with their thirdstraight first-place win and scoring the highest point total of any RTHS competition team in the school’s history.

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Connor Kimme leads Kaneland to runaway win

The varsity team finished the day with their third-straight first-place win and scoring the highest point total of any RTHS competition team in the school’s history.

34 ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER

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SPORTS VIEWS Andy Colbert

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Local News Network File Photoß∑

Ronald Reagan’s Birthplace and Museum is located in the 100 block of South Main Street in Tampico, Ill. for a high school football game. That’s too bad, because the grassy expanse was still in good shape. Someone had been maintaining it, just like a treasured antique. There was even a cinder track ringing the field, something rarely seen anymore. As someone with a fond remembrance of the era of cinder tracks, it was very nostalgic for me to slowly make my way around the 440 yards, as it was measured before the metric system was foisted upon us, and conjure up thoughts of what it was like all those years ago. Like in 1960. Teams from Atkinson, Buda, DePue, Neponset, Paw Paw and Tiskilwa would come to Tampico to play football and run track. Today, that’s hard to fathom, as they are all out of the football and track business, having been merged into other school districts. What took place between all those schools and Tampico is just as much a part of history as Ronald Reagan being

born there. Actually, that deserted football field and cinder track had a bigger impact on people’s lives than having a United States president call your town his place of birth. Other than a lawn mower going in the distance, it was a quiet place to be. If one wanted to, there was even a tree stump to sit on in, with chin on hand and further contemplate things, a la Rodin’s “The Thinker.” What a perfect place to be, I thought. The football field was surrounded by farmland on three sides, just like what was seen in so many small rural towns. I don’t know what type they were, but a few large trees lined much of the premises, adding another quintessential touch to its environs. Finishing my lap around the track, it was time to go. But, one more remnant of times gone by caught my eye in the far northeast corner of the grounds. It was an abandoned blocking sled, just like I remember from my era of playing in the 1970s. Like an old-model

car, it was showing its age and starting to rust. Right below where it said Rae Crowther Co. Ardmore, Pennsylvania, I laid my shoulder in and gave it a whack, managing to move it a few feet. A kinder, gentler task from those dog days of summer when a coach would be standing on it for extra weight and barking commands at you. “Head up, butt down, move it,” seemed to echo back at me all these years later. As I walked back to my car, I noticed the man mowing his yard was looking in my direction. Yes, I realize it probably looks stupid for a 45-year-old in a deserted field to be hitting a two-man blocking sled. That’s OK. If I ever get back to Tampico, I would probably do the same thing again. Andy Colbert is a longtime Ogle County resident with years of experience covering sports and more for multiple area publications.

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Andy Colbert is away for a couple weeks. Here is one of his columns from August 2003. All of sudden last week, I found myself with a rare commodity – unexpected spare time. An interview I had in Prophetstown for a sports article was postponed. With nothing else to do for about an hour, I decided to head east on the back roads and visit one of the few towns in northwest Illinois I hadn’t been to – Tampico. As everyone knows, Tampico is noteworthy as the birthplace of former President Ronald Reagan, but I stumbled upon another historical site that offered more intrigue to me. A deserted high school football field is what I found. I knew Tampico hadn’t had a football team for a few years. As I drove by a brick building with the inscription, “Township High School 1921,” I had a last-second thought to see what became of the football field. I parked north of the school, made my way around to the side of the building and there it was. It was like walking into a time warp. Two goal posts, with faded maroon and white paint, gave evidence of what once was. Another worn-out relic, a scoreboard with the insignia, “Home of the Warriors,” stood at the west end. It was almost like visiting a Civil War battlefield, but with a different type of history being played out. These grounds had been the stage for countless players, coaches, cheerleaders, band members, parents, referees, students, faculty and townspeople. With the smell of popcorn filling the air, so many different stories were told on Friday nights in the fall. Whether it was a running back streaking to the end zone with the winning touchdown, or a proud grandparent watching their granddaughter shake pom poms, or a teenager being asked to go to the homecoming dance, or fans questioning a play call, or a young kid dreaming of the time he would get to don a helmet and uniform, and the list goes on and on. Now, this magical place where so much of small town life happened sat empty, probably never to be used again

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Unexpected spare time and a visit to Tampico

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 17, 2025

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER

Mark Busch

Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift highsteps past two Cleveland Brown defenders on his way to the endzone during their game Sunday at Soldier Field in Chicago.

CHICAGO BEARS 31, CLEVELAND BROWNS 3

Bears answer coach’s challenge in rout of Browns Field in Chicago less than two weeks later. But Johnson set his intention for the week before he finished speaking About a week ago, Chicago Bears with reporters after the loss. head coach Ben Johnson wanted to send “We’ve got another good opponent out a clear message. coming in in Cleveland,” Johnson said The Bears had just experienced a at the time. “I don’t care what their heartbreaking loss to the Green Bay record says. They’ve got a damn good Packers at Lambeau Field. The Packers defense.” loomed again for a rematch at Soldier A week later, the Bears clearly

By MICHAL DWOJAK

mdwojak@shawmedia.com

showed they got the message. Chicago took care of business and played its best game of the season against an inferior Cleveland Browns team Sunday. All three phases played dominant football in order to win 31-3, the Bears’ biggest margin of victory since December 2020. “It sets a precedent that we need to go out there and work and earn this win,

not just go out there and just play because of their record,” Bears wide receiver DJ Moore said Sunday at Soldier Field. “But just because they are a good team and a top-three defense. We had to go out there and do our thing.” The Bears did their thing by fixing some of their mistakes that had stopped

See Bears on page 39

• BEARS

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them from putting away teams in games earlier this season. After going three-and-out on its opening possession, Chicago’s offense came alive on its following two drives. The Bears took advantage of favorable field position and strong blocking by their offensive line to move the ball 42 yards on six plays to take an early lead when running back D’Andre Swift scored on a 6-yard drive. Quarterback Caleb Williams continued his strong start to the game when he completed back-to-back passes to rookies Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III for 64 yards. Williams then found Moore for a 3-yard touchdown pass toward the back of the end zone to make it 14-0 with just over a minute left in the first quarter. Chicago’s offense had been a tale of two halves, even in the dramatic wins. Williams and the offense failed to gain any momentum in the first half, which then usually forced a comeback in the second half. The Bears valued building an early lead against a top-rated defense that included league sacks leader Myles Garrett. “We knew we had to start fast,” tight end Cole Kmet said. “Especially with the elements and, quite frankly, with where they were at in the season. So we knew if we did what we had to do early on the game, we could put them away later.” Williams himself also rebounded with one of his best performances since the Bears’ Week 3 win over the Dallas Cowboys. His 242 passing yards, two touchdown passes and 60.7% completion rate were hardly any of his season-bests. But Williams looked comfortable throwing the ball despite a game-time temperature of 8 degrees Fahrenheit and the absence of top wide receiver Rome Odunze. Williams spent the afternoon by leading his receivers to yards after catches. He also made incredible throws like his second touchdown pass to Moore in the third quarter that somehow went through three Browns defenders in the back of the end zone. “I thought he did a good job of finding some open guys and it did feel like we had a little more run after catch here this week than we’ve had maybe over the past few weeks,” Johnson said. “Usually that’s a good sign.” While the Bears offense worked some things out Sunday, the defense continued to play up to its potential

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Continued from page 38

Mark Busch

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams looks for a receiver during their game against Cleveland on Sunday at Soldier Field in Chicago. with as much health as its had this season. With a two-score early lead, that made things even easier. Chicago eliminated Cleveland’s running attack and forced Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders into mistakes that derailed the offense. Cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and C.J. Gardner-Johnson and linebacker D’Marco Jackson each intercepted Sanders and the Bears sacked him five times. Cleveland’s offense finished the game with nine first downs and 192 total yards of offense, the fewest the

Bears have allowed this year. “I can’t say enough good things about our defense,” Ben Johnson said. “This was really an outstanding performance.” The complete performance secured the Bears their first 10-win season since 2018 when they won 12. Chicago hadn’t won more than eight games in a season since 2020. The win also allowed the Bears to move on and look forward to Saturday’s game against the Packers. Chicago will not only want to avenge their

Week 14 loss but also move up in the NFC playoff and NFC North standings. The Bears had done a good job of putting aside their emotions of a tough loss to the Packers in order not blow a prime opportunity Sunday. Now they’ll shift their attention to what could be a monumental game against their longtime rival in front of a national audience. “I’m definitely excited,” Williams said. “I’m excited for the moment. They’re coming here and it’s another game for us, but I’m excited.”

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 17, 2025

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER

SPORTS

TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY 2000: 49ers Terrell Owens sets NFL mark of 20 receptions vs. the Bears. 2013: UConn women’s basketball team gives coach Geno Auriemma 850th career win with victory over Duke.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: ROCHELLE 47, GENOA-KINGSTON 34

Audrina Rodriguez leads Hubs’ trio of sophomores past Genoa-Kingston By EDDIE CARIFIO ecarifio@shawmedia.com Rochelle’s three sophomores didn’t just contribute to a victory Monday. They defined the Hubs’ 47-34 home win over Genoa-Kingston in a nonconference matchup. Natalie Foster, Audrina Rodriguez and Gianna Olguin combined to score 33 points, almost outscoring the Cogs (6-6). They also scored all 15 of the fourth-quarter points for the Hubs (4-7), including seven for Rodriguez. “She’s a really good basketball player,” Rochelle coach John Gehm said. “We don’t have to remind her of that very often, she does a very good job of that herself. Tonight was one of those moments you can tell she was feeling it.” Olguin led the way with 14 points, Rodriguez 10 and Foster had nine. The Hubs forced 29 Genoa-Kingston turnovers and had 15 steals in the game. Only one of those belonged to Olguin, but Gehm said she was still a defensive force both in the game and on the season. “Gianna is constantly a threat to score,” Gehm said. “Defensively, she seeks out those opportunities to get steals.” Foster was the one seeking out the steals in the fourth quarter. She had three, each of them leading to points for the Hubs. The Cogs made it 32-29 on a bucket by Ari Rich, who scored 12 points despite missing a chunk of the second quarter with an apparent leg injury. The Hubs scored 10 of the next 11 points, with Foster getting a steal in the stretch to aid the effort to seal the win. “Natalie always plays hard,” Gehm said. “We always know what we’re going to get from her.” The Hubs never trailed in the game, but also never led by more than six

Mark Busch

Rochelle’s Audrina Rodriguez gets hit in the head by Genoa-Kingston’s Regan Creadon as she goes to the basket during their game Monday, Dec. 15, at Rochelle High School. until the fourth quarter. Genoa-Kingston coach Doug Brewington essentially used his five-player starting rotation the entire game, with the exception of the final two minutes

of the first half when Rich left with her injury. Brewington said this was because he felt the Cogs’ best chance to win was in man defense, and their top two players

off the bench are very inexperienced in that defense. “It was a coaching blunder, maybe I should have got them in, kept us a little fresh early on,” Brewington said. “That was kind of the thought process was to go with just five so we could stick in man. But, ultimately, it may have cost us in the fourth quarter because we didn’t have enough gas to give it that last go.” Rich had three rebounds and two blocks for the Cogs. Presley Meyer had five rebounds, four steals and two blocks. Regan Creadon finished with seven points, 10 rebounds, two steals and a block. The two teams met earlier this year in the Oregon tournament, with the Hubs coming away with the 50-37 win in that one. Brewington said he felt like his team progressed in some areas but took a step back in others. “We did better in the things that got us beat the first time and we regressed in things we did well the first time,” Brewington said. “Ultimately I saw a lot of good things.” Rodriguez had five rebounds and five steals, while Foster had five rebounds and three steals. Carmela Bright led the Hubs with eight rebounds. The Hubs improved to 4-3 in nonconference games this year but are 0-3 in the Interstate 8. Rochelle doesn’t play another conference game until they play at Morris on Jan. 10. Gehm said he thought both teams improved since that November meeting, and he felt like his players realized that. “What we have to take from tonight and apply to those conference games is that we are a good basketball team,” Gehm said. “Genoa-Kingston is a good basketball team. We can compete with any team in this conference but we have to play our style of basketball.”