Last September, Illinois embarked on a trailblazing journey toward justice by enacting the Pretrial Fairness Act, making it the first state in the nation to eliminate money bail. The law's smooth and successful implementation has ensured that more people are now able to return to their communities while awaiting trial. That means more people are maintaining employment, housing and connections with loved ones, which makes us all safer. 

I have been fortunate to spend 22 years in the school human resources role.  More recently, I have also been working as the executive director of the Illinois Association of School Personnel Administrators (IASPA) representing more than 560 educational human resources professionals in Illinois. We are here to tell you: The teacher shortage is real.

The Rochelle Lions Club would like to thank everyone that supported our Rose Day event on Saturday, April 20.

The Lee-Ogle Transportation is currently conducting a study on the feasibility of a potential scheduled bus route in the City of Rochelle and has been holding public meetings and gathering survey feedback on the topic. City of Rochelle Mayor John Bearrows and City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh spoke with the News-Leader on April 17 and said they hope to see the fixed bus route come to fruition in Rochelle.

The Rochelle Lady Hub varsity soccer team honored its six senior members on Thursday evening, when the purple and white faced off against the Dixon Duchesses.

Wednesday was a successful Senior Night for the Rochelle Hub varsity tennis team, which honored its five seniors before facing the Harlem Huskies in nonconference play.

Solid outings from freshman Brody Bruns and junior Brandyn Metzger weren’t enough for the Rochelle Hub varsity baseball team on Wednesday evening, when the purple and white continued their Interstate 8 Conference series against the LaSalle-Peru Cavaliers.

A singles sweep and two doubles points allowed the Rochelle Hub varsity tennis team to score a nonconference road victory over the Dixon Dukes on Tuesday evening.

Spectators slowly clapped their hands as Rochelle sophomore Andrew Nuyen attempted to make history during the 50th Annual Ogle County Invitational on Tuesday evening.

The Rochelle Rampage 11U baseball team went 4-0 to win the 2024 Silver Series Championship tournament in Rockford from April 19-21.

Yep, legislators are back at it in Springfield working on legislation that may or may not see the light of day. As usual they will be racing to get their bills filed by the filing deadline, then the speakers in both chambers will decide what does get assigned to committee, and what doesn’t (that’s known as killing the bill). Then chamber committees will hold hearings and meetings. And eventually those that pass muster will be brought to a vote in both chambers. After that the Governor either signs it or vetoes it, and if it is the latter an entire new process kicks in.

Nearly 10 years ago, Illinois adopted the “60 by 25” goal: that 60% of adults would have a postsecondary degree or credential by the year 2025 to meet projected workforce needs.

On April 16, City of Rochelle officials attended Lobby Day in Springfield and met with legislators on potential bills that could impact it in the future. 

The grants were awarded at RACF’s Granting Futures event, hosted April 24 at Luna. 

On April 23 at 10:17 a.m. Chad M. Curry, 39, of Rochelle was arrested for criminal trespass to residence. He was released on a notice to appear with a May 24 Ogle County court date.

On April 26 at approximately 7:55 a.m. deputies arrested Tony Parker, 38, of Rock Island when he turned himself into the Ogle County Jail.  He was arrested an outstanding warrant for driving on a suspended license, there was no bond set on the warrant. Parker appeared in court, was released, and will return to court on May 13 at 9 a.m.

James Myron Vagle, 81, passed away Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, Illinois.

Freshman Jaclynn Lira singled to help the Rochelle Lady Hub varsity softball team avoid a no-hit shutout during Monday’s Interstate 8 home matchup against LaSalle-Peru.

Juniors Elijah Harley and Breydan Andrews each hit RBI singles to spark the Rochelle Hub varsity baseball team during Monday’s Interstate 8 game against LaSalle-Peru.

Rochelle Township High School hosted the Hub Varsity Invitational on Saturday.

Growing up there was one place that I could always go for an adventure. From “The Wonderful Flight to the Mushroom Planet” by Eleanore Cameron, “Glass Bead Game” by Herman Hesse, and “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens, I could go anywhere and do anything within the walls of the Flagg-Rochelle Public Library.

Understanding the technology our world is filled with is one way that we can gain a level of comfort in our lives. If we have a sense of understanding, instead of confusion, it’s a better way to go through life.

On Tuesday, City of Rochelle staff took part in crisis communication training, which included hearing a presentation, learning about case studies and best practices for social media, and a mock press conference.

The Rochelle Moose Lodge will celebrate its 95th anniversary on May 27. The Rochelle Moose Family Center at 311 N. Main St. houses the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 903 and Women of The Moose Chapter 438. The Rochelle Moose Lodge was instituted on May 27, 1929.

The City of Rochelle is seeking proposals from area artists to provide art, in any form, to public spaces in the community. Proposals are due May 21 by 4 p.m.