My brain has frozen and is devoid of any original thought. Hoping to get an easy weekend coming up to rejuvenate and aching body and a sluggish brain.

If it’s not obvious what type of government President Trump wants by now, then we aren’t listening, watching, and/or don’t care.  I would say to those still wondering that it’s a government where he can be the most powerful and dictate all that happens in America. 

I am a resident of Rochelle, in the congressman’s 16th district. I have some concerns I want to express as we approach July 4. I am used to seeing stories about dictators arresting people …

Sometime or another we will experience a time when we are alone. Some people fear of being alone for various reasons.

The primary purpose of the U.S. military is to protect the country from its enemies and eliminate threats. However, the military has become an entity for experimental social DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) programs such as accommodating gender dysphoria, racial preference promotion, and varying physical requirements depending on gender.

The City of Rochelle is fortunate to own and operate its own electric distribution and power generation assets. As recent warm weather has driven up energy demand, I thought it would be helpful to explain why our community benefits so greatly from city ownership of our electric utility especially with localized generation capabilities.

First, and foremost, I want to thank all the people that showed up at the No Kings rally in Oregon on June 14. There were people there rallying for President Trump and those rallying under the No Kings banner. 

In March, the Illinois State Board of Education provided some happy news: the number of teacher shortages went down this year, showing slight easing of this problem for our K-12 schools. While some chronic shortages remain in specific content and geographic areas, these numbers are certainly cause for celebration.

We can still drive through the countryside and see crops growing on farmland and cattle out grazing on pasture. Both a serene and bucolic setting, but there’s things going on in the background that are much different from 50 years ago. Getting into farming or sustaining a farm these days has changed from when our grandparents farmed full time. With the help of the American Farm Bureau let’s delve into how many farmers today use off-farm income to sustain their operation.

Among the four different types of technology, production technology is the knowledge, tools, machines, and systems that we use to make artifacts we need and want for living our lives.

As the month of June comes close to an end, it has been bustling for the City of Rochelle, filled with numerous events and activities aimed at keeping our community informed and engaged.

Some people have a difficult time in managing their depression which can make things very challenging.

In this session of the Illinois General Assembly, Farm Bureau has been working diligently to gain bipartisan support for a legislative solution to reforming the estate tax in Illinois. But there is another shoe to drop and that is how the federal government taxes estates. Let’s look at the fed side of the equation courtesy of the American Farm Bureau.

Elections, it is said, have consequences. Indeed, they do. Consider, if you will, what different consequences our country could reasonably expect to have seen if Kamala Harris had been elected president instead of Donald Trump.

The first settlers to arrive in Hickory Grove brought a few essentials with them. Not the least of these was their faith. Which religion was first, is dicey. Jeptha Noe and John Randall held services in the Noe log cabin; the minister was Reverend R.L. Walker.

That time of year where young people will be parading across stages and accepting their diplomas at various podiums across the land. It’s graduation day!

Remember when as children we used to ask, “Are we there yet?”  I don’t know about you, but I’ve been asking this question of myself and my government for the past 4.5 months. 

A healthy public school system is essential for a vibrant society and robust economy. These institutions are a cornerstone of American life. However, the ongoing shortage of educators and administrators in rural schools limits the capacity of the district to serve this function.

Summer Reading is here!  We have started our Summer Reading Program.  Level Up, at the Library is our theme and we have something here for everyone.  Check out all of our programs on our website, rochellepubliclibrary.org.  The entire schedule with descriptions is available.  Follow our Facebook page for updates and the most current information.  We are looking forward to seeing all of you at the Library this Summer! 

Just saw the USDA expected plantings report and it looks like Illinois producers are moving toward more corn acres planted in 2025. Numbers look for corn acres to be up around five percent and bean acres to be off the same amount.

As your city manager, my role is to serve as the chief administrative officer for Rochelle.  My responsibilities include overseeing the day-to-day operations of the city and ensuring that policies set by the mayor and city council are implemented impartially and effectively.  My position can best be described as a critical bridge between city staff, residents, and our elected leadership, fostering collaboration and alignment to enhance the quality of life in our community.

Upon leaving office, George Washington said that a political party “serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration. It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments occasionally riot and insurrection.”

“He who saves his country does not violate any law.”

I have many Republican and Democratic friends with whom I discuss issues.  Most will listen and provide alternative thoughts to mine.  I listen to both.  If I have an alternate thought, I will provide it.  If I change my position, I will let them know.  There should be no reason that I would not listen.  Both groups have their opinions, and all these people are important.  It’s not possible for me to think for them nor to tell them what to believe.

With Memorial Day now behind us, summer has officially arrived in Rochelle, bringing a wave of excitement and pride for our community. As I reflect on the happenings around us, I am filled with admiration for our local athletes, dedicated residents, and the many upcoming events that promise to bring us all together.