Rochelle Township High School has established an emergency crisis response team due to a rise in out-of-hospital emergencies nationwide. 

At its monthly meeting Tuesday, the Rochelle Elementary School District Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution of intent to issue $4 million in working cash fund bonds related to upcoming work at Tilton Elementary School.

At its monthly meeting Wednesday, the Hillcrest Village Board heard an engineering update from Village President Rick Rhoads. The village has a number of ongoing engineering-related projects including a water main project, a lead service line inventory, and this summer's chip seal work. 

The Vince Carney Community Theater will present its production of “Leaving Iowa” on Friday, April 19 & 26 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 20 & 27 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 21 at 2 p.m.

At its meeting Monday, the Rochelle City Council unanimously approved a $1.276 million construction contract with Neumann Brothers Contractors for painting and rehabilitation of the water tower off the Illinois Route 251 overpass.

On Thursday, April 4, a Small Business Bingo Spring Kickoff event was held at the hangar at Chicagoland Skydiving Center and raised $4,105 that will be split evenly between the Rochelle Area Community Foundation and The Kitchen Table. Well over 200 people attended the event, Event Organizer and AP Massage Therapy Owner Ashley Patrick said.

Ralph Papke of Rochelle served in the United States Army from 1946-1947 during World War II. He was in a construction battalion that worked to rebuild Tokyo, Japan. 

At its monthly meeting Tuesday, the Creston Village Board of Trustees discussed potentially joining the Ogle County Economic Development Corporation. 

On March 20, City of Rochelle City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh and Rochelle Municipal Utilities Superintendent of Electric Operations Blake Toliver made their thoughts known against potential state legislation that could impact electric public utilities like RMU. 

April is National Cancer Control Month. Rochelle Community Hospital’s infusion services department offers cancer patients different types of chemotherapy along with hydration and adjunct therapy, RCH Manager of Outpatient Services Tracey Busby said. 

Last fiscal year, Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center conducted 219 forensic interviews with potential victims of child abuse in Ogle and Lee counties. The nonprofit organization has been in operation for over 20 years and has worked with over 3,000 children. 

A Rochelle man passed away due to injuries suffered at an apartment fire on Sunday evening in Rochelle, Rochelle Police Department Chief Pete Pavia said Wednesday. 

Following the receipt of a $1.1 million downtown grant and the recent snow-related collapse of the gazebo in the downtown area, the City of Rochelle is considering the construction of a new structure on the site that could include five public bathrooms, storage and a stage area, City Community Development Director Michelle Pease and City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh said March 20. 

Two people were transported by ambulance following a second-alarm fire at an apartment complex in Rochelle on Sunday evening, Rochelle Fire Department Lt. Jason Underwood said Monday. 

United States Congressman Darin LaHood (R-16, Peoria) visited Rochelle on Tuesday, March 26 and spoke at the Rochelle Rotary Club's weekly meeting. 

On Tuesday, March 26 at the weekly meeting of the Rochelle Rotary Club, four area nonprofits each accepted $11,250 checks from proceeds of the recent From the Heart Gala that raised a record $90,000.  

This year marks the 100th birthday of the Rochelle Fire Department’s historic 1924 American LaFrance Fire Truck, affectionately known to the community as “Gertie” in parades and at the RFD Museum. 

Jason Hardin of Creston served in the United States Army from 1999-2005 and reached the rank of specialist (E4). He served during combat in Iraq as a Blackhawk helicopter crew chief/door gunner. 

At its meeting Monday, the Rochelle City Council unanimously approved a $251,984 change order for its renovation work at its 1030 S. 7th St facility. The building was purchased in recent years and was the former site of Johnson Tractor. City and Rochelle Municipal Utilities staff occupy the space and it is being fitted to their needs.

On Thursday, March 21, a ribbon cutting was held for the Lincoln Arts Center at 108 S Main Street, Rochelle, the former site of Lincoln Elementary School and the recently-renovated home of the Vince Carney Community Theater. The Lincoln Arts Center is now also open for rentals and non-VCCT events. 

On Thursday, March 21, a ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening were held for Runnings at 1240 N. 7th St. in Rochelle. 

There were no injuries after a fire at a home in Steward on Monday afternoon, Rochelle Fire Department Lt. Zach Prewett said. 

On Tuesday, March 19, City of Rochelle Mayor John Bearrows and City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh presented their 2024 State of the Community address at City Hall and live on Facebook. 

At its monthly meeting Wednesday, the Ogle County Board unanimously approved a resolution declaring Ogle County a non-sanctuary county for immigration. 

Results from Tuesday’s general primary election in Ogle County showed that Christie Cox of Polo (3,812 votes, 50.68 percent) defeated Chad Horner of Rochelle (3,709 votes, 49.32 percent) in the race for the Ogle County coroner’s office. As of Thursday afternoon, 100 percent of Ogle County precincts had reported, but results will be unofficial for two weeks following the race, which is election protocol.