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. 

On April 2 at 9:31 a.m. Laura A. Woodard, 34, of Machesney Park was cited for speeding 67 miles per hour in a 40 miles per hour zone. She signed a promise to comply and was given a May 10 Rochelle court date.

On April 2 at approximately 10:41 a.m. Kiana Smith, 33, of Aurora was arrested for an outstanding Ogle County warrant. Smith posted bond and was released with a return court date of April 26 at 9 a.m.

Patricia Ann McAdam, 90, formerly of Rochelle, passed away Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at Franklin Grove Living and Rehab Center in Franklin Grove, Illinois. 

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. 

Serenity Hospice & Home is delighted to introduce its new medical director, Dr. John Plescia. Active in the Mt. Morris-Oregon area for several years, Dr. Plescia has demonstrated care for all in need since joining Serenity in the fall of 2023. Many have heard the name Dr. Plescia in his professional roles at KSB’s Oregon Health Clinic and Allure of Pinecrest in Mt. Morris.

The Rochelle Township High School soccer pipeline into Kishwaukee College continues to grow, with senior forward Diego Salazar signing to continue his academics and his soccer career with the Kougars next year.

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. 

Rochelle senior Kennedy Adamski said she’s excited to reunite with a former Lady Hub teammate next year, when she takes the floor with the Kishwaukee College women’s volleyball team.

Rochelle senior Kara Martinez has been a multi-sport athlete throughout her four years in high school, competing in three sports including tennis, basketball and soccer while earning varsity roles with all three teams.

Mayor Bearrows and I had the honor of presenting the 2024 State of the Community address at City Hall and live on Facebook last month. Our team accomplished a lot in 2023 and we are excited for great things to come in 2024.

The most powerful nation in the world fails again and again, like a giant in chains, at the most basic tasks of government.

For his March 2024 local business highlight, State Rep. Bradley Fritts (R-Dixon) chose to highlight Kennay Farms Distilling in Rochelle.

The 2024 Rochelle-area American Legion Essay Contest is complete. The topic was “What does freedom mean to me?”

The Ogle County Republican Party recently hosted their Annual “Draw Down” at The Rivers Edge Experience in Oregon, right before Easter weekend on Thursday, March 28, and it was a huge success. 

On March 29 at 7:35 a.m. Amber D. Rose, 37, of DeKalb was cited for disobeying a stop sign and expired registration. She signed a promise to comply and was given a May 10 Rochelle court date.

On March 30 at approximately 8:44 a.m. deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 10,000 block of North Kishwaukee Road.  After an investigation, deputies arrested and cited Jackie St. John, 62, of Rockford for driving while license revoked.  St. John was additionally cited for suspended registration and no valid insurance.  St. John also had an active Boone County warrant.  St. John was transported to the Ogle County Jail where they were held in lieu of bond.  

Frances J. Griffith, age 94, formerly of Ashton, Illinois, died on Friday, March 29, 2024. Private Graveside Services will be held at a later date. She will be buried in the Spangler family plot in Evergreen Cemetery, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon, Iowa, is assisting the family.

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. 

The Rochelle 561 Sluggers 11U baseball team took second place in a Round Robin tournament at the Floyd J. Tilton Sports Complex over the weekend.

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. 

The Rochelle Lady Hub varsity softball team traveled to the Future Champions Sports Complex in Jacksonville over the weekend for its annual Spring Break tournament.

Freshman left-hander Brody Bruns was in firm command on the mound Friday evening, when the Rochelle Hub varsity baseball team hosted Belvidere in nonconference play.