In an effort to keep the community informed and safe, Rochelle Community Hospital recently released information on measles, as the United States is currently experiencing its largest measles outbreak in decades.

At its March 11 meeting, the Rochelle Elementary School District Board of Education unanimously approved a Stepping Stones Preschool fiscal year 2026 transition plan that will see it expand the district's preschool offerings and utilize the currently-vacant May Elementary School building for that purpose.

The Vince Carney Community Theatre will present ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ at the Lincoln Arts Center at 108 S. Main St. in Rochelle on March 28-30 and April 4-5.

At its monthly meeting Tuesday, the Ogle County Board unanimously passed a resolution opposing township consolidation in bills that the state is currently considering.

At its monthly meeting Monday, the Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District Board of Commissioners heard an update from Executive Director Jackee Ohlinger on a potential future Helms Park redevelopment project.

At its monthly meeting Monday, the Rochelle Township High School Board of Education unanimously approved a $102,229.74 bid from DeMoulin for 150 new marching band uniforms. 

The Rochelle Fire Department Social Organization will host its 102nd Annual Fireman’s Ball on Saturday, April 5 from 7 p.m. to midnight at the hangar at Flight Deck Bar & Grill at 1207 W. Gurler Road in Rochelle. 

BrightFarms will be suspending operations at its Rochelle greenhouse facility later this year, a March 5 Cox Enterprises press release said. BrightFarms is owned by Cox Enterprises. 

On Thursday, March 13, the Rochelle Hiring Expo, presented by the City of Rochelle, the Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, Kishwaukee College and Rochelle Township High School was held at RTHS at 1401 E. Flagg Road.

At its monthly meeting Wednesday, the Hillcrest Village Board of Trustees heard a report from Village Building Inspector Aaron Moore on recent demolition work that has been done at 201 and 203 Powers Road at the former bowling alley site after the ownership obtained another permit after their previous permit for demolition work expired.

At its monthly meeting Tuesday, the Rochelle Elementary School District Board of Education unanimously approved a Stepping Stones Preschool fiscal year 2026 transition plan that will see it expand the district's preschool offerings and utilize the currently-vacant May Elementary School building for that purpose.

On Monday, the deceased person was identified as Jill Bier, 67, of Oregon. Bier was a staff member at Oregon Elementary School, which was detailed by Oregon School District Superintendent PJ Caposey in a release to district families and confirmed by VanVickle.

At its meeting Monday, the Rochelle City Council reviewed and discussed two potential designs for a proposed downtown mural. 

Ron Sondgeroth of Rochelle served in the United States Army from 1966-1968. He served in an artillery division in Vietnam on a two-year tour. 

The Ogle County Sheriff’s Office has opened a death investigation after receiving a call to an address Friday in rural Oregon with a report of a deceased person. 

On Wednesday, March 5, City of Rochelle Mayor John Bearrows and City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh presented their 2025 State of the City address at City Hall and live on Facebook. 

With move-in plans in place, the new Creston-Dement Public Library building at the corner of Main and Cederholm Streets is planned to open March 17, Library Board President Doug Kroupa said March 3.

At its monthly meeting Tuesday, the Creston Village Board of Trustees unanimously approved a $4,164 bid from Blood Hound Underground Utility Locators for work on locating service lines as it hopes to alleviate rust issues in the village’s water system. 

There were no injuries and a home was a total loss after a structure fire on Wednesday afternoon in rural Ashton, Rochelle Fire Department Captain Zach Prewett said.

In a Feb. 28 press release, Ogle County State’s Attorney Mike Rock announced that a 29-year-old Palatine man pleaded guilty to the charge of first degree murder of a Rochelle woman in 2022. Gary C. Freeman, 29, of Palatine was then sentenced to serve 35 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

On Friday, Feb. 28, Rochelle VFW Post 3878 presented a $458,464.50 check to the winner of its Queen of Hearts contest, Lauri Hays. The contest ran for 49 weeks and reached a $705,330 total jackpot.

After a dry fall, Ogle County farmers have seen lower-than-expected moisture over the winter months so far, Ogle County Farm Bureau Manager Ron Kern said Feb. 26. 

In a letter to the community on Feb. 24, From the Heart President and Founder Dave Eckhardt said the organization would be ceasing operations after 18 years. 

Ed Libberton of Rochelle served in the United States Air Force for 20 years. He worked as a flight simulator technician for most of his service.

At its meeting Monday, the Rochelle City Council voted unanimously to authorize City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh to obtain proposals for a passenger bus for a potential future purchase.