On Aug. 9 at 7:13 a.m. deputies were dispatched to the 100 block of East Wilson Street in Stillman Valley for a report of a stolen vehicle. During the course of the investigation, deputies arrested Nolan M. Wortman, 25, of Stillman Valley for motor vehicle theft (class-two felony), burglary to motor vehicle (class-three felony), theft under $500, and driving while license suspended. Wortman was transported to the Ogle County Jail. Due to the Pretrial Fairness Act, Wortman did not meet the criteria to be detained, and was released on a notice to appear with a future court date.

On Aug. 7 at 9:38 p.m. Jacob N. Garza, 21, of DeKalb was cited for operating a motor vehicle without insurance. He signed a promise to comply and was given an Aug. 30 Rochelle court date.

There were no injuries after a Monday afternoon garage fire in Rochelle, Rochelle Fire Department Chief Dave Sawlsville said. 

The Rochelle Chamber of Commerce recently presented its Lawn of the Week award for the week of Aug. 12 to the home of Tyler Ryan and Jovana Delatorre. They received a sign and a $25 Rochelle ACE Hardware gift card, presented by Rochelle Ace Hardware Manager Jesse Lopez.

Decorated World War II U.S. Army veteran Bert Cote of Rochelle passed away last month at the age of 102. 

At its meeting Monday, the Rochelle City Council unanimously approved three ordinances for Rochelle Municipal Utilities electric work. 

Last Tuesday I received a text from someone with a first name only.  Later I received a phone call from the same person.  Since there was no last name, and no links to an internet site.  This appeared to be a scam.  None-the-less, what the text said was very interesting. 

This summer has been a very busy time for our team at the City of Rochelle.  Various projects are either underway or will be by September.  

There were no injuries after a box truck fire on Friday morning on Petro Drive in Rochelle, Rochelle Fire Department Firefighter/Paramedic Tyler Carls said. 

A Rochelle woman dealing with kidney failure that has been on dialysis for 4.5 years and her family are working to raise awareness of kidney disease and organ donation. 

On Aug. 6 at approximately 11:28 p.m. deputies, with the assistance of the Byron Police Department, conducted a traffic stop at Illinois Route 2 and Illinois Route 72. After a brief investigation, deputies arrested Samuel Helms, 27, of Mendota, for an outstanding warrant from Henry County. Deputies also arrested Christopher Cloe, 42, of Dixon, for an outstanding Lee County warrant. Helms was also issued citations for suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

On Aug. 6 at 5:10 a.m. Paul Perez, 30, of Rochelle was cited for speeding and improper passing. He signed a promise to comply and was given an Aug. 30 Rochelle court date.

Michelle Snode of Lee County was recently inducted into the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame.

The Roberts Armory World War II Museum will be open from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17, as part of the Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival in Rochelle.

At its weekly meeting Tuesday, Aug. 6 at Luna, the Rochelle Rotary Club saw Paul Harris Fellows awards given.

On Tuesday, the Rochelle Police Department held its annual National Night Out event at Atwood Park.

At its monthly meeting Tuesday, the Creston Village Board of Trustees heard a report from Village Engineer Kevin Bunge on a planned storm sewer project that may take place before the end of the year.

Environmental challenges have always driven innovation and advancement in agriculture.

On Wednesday, Aug. 7, a ribbon cutting was held for the new Rochelle satellite office of 4-C (Community Coordinated Child Care) at 1201 S. 7th St.

The Ogle County 4-H Fair was held July 31-Aug. 4 at the Ogle County Fairgrounds in Oregon, where 689 4-H livestock exhibits were judged on and showcased by Ogle County's 284 4-H members in 13 clubs. 

Both sides in this presidential election proclaim that it’s a battle for the survival of democracy. In that case, we need to be clear about what American democracy is. It’s not just that the people vote. There are also safeguards against the abuse of power by the government, or by the people themselves.

Rochelle basketball standout Eli Luxton earned Interstate 8 honors over each of his last two seasons with the Hubs. The 6-foot-5 guard will be continuing his career at the collegiate level after signing earlier this summer with Kishwaukee College, where he will study engineering. 

Kay F. Webb, 84, of Rochelle, passed away peacefully Monday, August 5, 2024, at her daughter’s home in Oregon surrounded by her loving family and close friends.

Brian John Smith, “Smitty”, 63, passed away Sunday, August 4, 2024 at his home in Monroe Center, IL with family by his side. 

“Doc” Onley, 86, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on August 3, 2024.