On Feb. 28, the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office announced the official implementation of its Handle with Care program in cooperation with nearly all of the school districts in Ogle County to protect children. 

The Rochelle Lady Hub track and field team opened the indoor portion of the 2024 season at the Sycamore Invitational on Tuesday evening.

2024 is off to a great start in Rochelle. Our team at the City of Rochelle is looking forward to a productive and eventful year.

After serving Ogle County as county clerk and recorder for over 19 years and as County Board member for five years, I am writing to express support for Chad Horner, Republican candidate for Ogle County coroner.

As a former Whiteside County sheriff with a decade of leadership and over 30 years in law enforcement, I write to you today not only as a fellow public servant but as an advocate for the principles that underpin our shared commitment to justice, integrity, and community welfare.

At its Feb. 12 meeting, the Rochelle City Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing a professional services agreement with Teska Associates Inc. for $20,000 to conduct a study on potential development tools for the Caron Ridge Shopping Center, the former site of Sullivan's that has been vacant for six years.

On Friday, March 1, the Rochelle VFW Post 3878 presented a $201,276 check to the winner of its Queen of Hearts contest, Steven Bialas. The contest ran the full 54 weeks and reached a $335,460 total final jackpot.

On March 1 at 12:37 p.m. Kristina M. Armenta, 37, of Rockford was arrested on an outstanding Ogle County warrant. She paid $300 and was released with an April 5 Ogle County court date.

On March 1 at approximately 9:06 p.m. deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 100 block of North Grant Street in Byron. Upon investigation, Ariel C Williamsen, 32, of Sterling, was placed under arrest for driving while license suspended, and an active Lee County warrant for failure to appear. Williamsen was also cited for no front registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Williamsen was transported to the Ogle County Jail before being released on a notice to appear and given a future court date.

Small Business Bingo will be holding a spring kickoff event on April 4 from 6-8 p.m. at the hangar at Chicagoland Skydiving Center at the Rochelle Municipal Airport, Event Organizer and AP Massage Therapy Owner Ashley Patrick said.

At its meeting Feb. 12, the Rochelle City Council unanimously approved items to allow phase two of upgrades to the Rochelle Municipal Utilities wastewater treatment plant to move forward. 

Kings School hosted the 2023-24 Meridian Conference Girls Basketball Championship tournament this past week. The Kings Comets defeated the St. Paul Lady Crusaders 29-21 in the final round to take home this season's championship.

The St. Paul Crusader seventh and eighth-grade boys basketball team took third in the 2024 Lutheran State Championship tournament over the weekend.

The Rochelle Middle School eighth-grade girls basketball team took third in the North Central Junior Conference Championship tournament.

The Rochelle Middle School seventh-grade girls basketball team finished fourth in the North Central Junior Conference Championship tournament.

Rochelle Township High School hosted the IKWF North Sectional on Saturday, when 13 members of the Rochelle Wrestling Club competed in hopes of advancing to the IKWF State Championship series later this month.

When you hear a statement like, “No I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You gotta pay. You gotta pay your bills.”, what is the first thing you think of?  That some store owner has not paid their periodic “bill” for their protection to the Mafia (if it still exists)?  How about the IRS saying that you are required to pay your taxes?  Or did you wonder about who is “them” in this statement before anything else?

Internationally-known standup comic Andy Beningo will perform at the Lincoln Arts Center at 108 S. Main St. in Rochelle on Friday, March 8 at 7 p.m.

Liquor ‘N’ Wine has continued its commitment to the Rochelle Area Community Foundation (RACF) with its second donation towards a multi-year pledged aimed at supporting the RACF Endowment Fund, which supports the overall well-being of the community.

On Feb. 27 at 6:54 a.m. Robert Thompson, 55, of Sterling was cited for speeding 50 miles per hour in a 30 miles per hour zone. He signed a promise to comply and was given an April 5 Rochelle court date.

On Feb. 27 at approximately 8:45 a.m. deputies arrested Sean Callaway, 28, of Dixon when he turned himself into the Ogle County Jail. He was arrested an outstanding Ogle County warrant for driving while license suspended. There was no bond set on the warrant and Callaway appeared in court on Feb. 27 at 1 p.m. Callaway was released and will return to court on April 28 at 9 a.m.

The Rochelle Middle School seventh-grade girls basketball team hosted Kaneland Harter in North Central Junior Conference action on Monday, falling 34-21.

The Rochelle Hub and Lady Hub track and field teams are less than one week away from beginning the indoor portion of the 2024 season.

I was initially supporting Christie Cox for coroner simply because I’ve known her for many years and always found her to be a person of integrity. 

At the Feb. 19 Ogle County Fair Board meeting, two retiring members were recognized for their years of service on the board. Denny Alderks served on the board for 27 years and Rita Dauphin served for …