On Jan. 29, Carol Weidmann of Rochelle passed away at age 77. She leaves behind a legacy of education and theater work in the local community. 

At its monthly meeting Monday, the Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a bid from Martin & Company Excavating for the removal of the competition track at Helms Field for $137,031.

The Freedom of Faith, Places of Worship in Rochelle exhibit recognizes many of our places of worship, some that date back to the 1850s. A reception with refreshments will be held on Feb. 24 from 1-4 p.m. at the museum.

On Feb. 14 at 2:03 p.m. James E. Reints, 87, of Rochelle was cited for improper lane usage. He signed a promise to comply and was given a March 15 Rochelle court date.

On Feb. 15, the Special Operations Unit of the Ogle County Sheriff's Office conducted a search warrant at a residence located on 2940 S. Skare Road in rural Rochelle. The search warrant was executed based on information provided by federal partners about illegal activities taking place at the residence. During the search, Laurie A. Watson, the occupant of the residence, was arrested on charges related to drugs and firearms.  Under the Pretrial Fairness Act, Ms. Watson was released on a future court date.

Ray Neal Cockrum, 88, of Siler City, went home to be with his Lord and savior on Sunday, February 11th, 2024.

Florene passed away February 15 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO.

Junior Kaiden Morris had his moment under the lights as wrestling fans from all over Illinois united at the State Farm Center for the IHSA State Championships on Saturday.

The Rochelle Middle School seventh-grade girls basketball team scored a 36-14 home win against Belvidere Central in North Central Junior Conference action earlier this week.

The IHSA State Championships resumed on Friday, with all four Rochelle Hub varsity wrestlers scheduled to take the mat. 

Fairways Golf Course will be open for play Sunday, Feb. 18 through Thursday, Feb. 22. Tee times start at 10 a.m. The Pro Shop will be open to take tee times over the phone on Sunday, Feb. 18 at 9 a.m. Additional days may be added as weather permits.

Byron senior Ryan Tucker has enjoyed a stellar season on the hardwood. The standout guard has eclipsed multiple school records, setting a new mark for career 3-pointers made and breaking a nearly 70-year-old career scoring record set by Marvin Dennis in 1956.

The Rochelle Hub varsity wrestling team has four athletes competing in the IHSA State Championships at the State Farm Center this weekend.

Over the next five years, millions of dollars could be funneled into efforts to help farmers rotate their crops, preserve their soil, improve how their animals are fed and, along the way, significantly reduce the 10% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions that come from agriculture.

The work firefighters do is among the most essential, needed, but hazardous jobs worldwide. Firefighters not only save lives when a fire breaks out but are often the first responders in other emergencies, too. The job comes with many risks to their life and health, such as heat stress and associated cardiovascular disease, accidents, exposure to various toxic chemicals, and consequently, an increased risk of developing certain job-related cancers.

The Rochelle Public School Districts recently announced that four of their teachers have been recognized as part of the “Those Who Excel” teacher recognition program through the Illinois State Board of Education.

At its monthly meeting Tuesday, the Rochelle Elementary School District Board of Education unanimously approved a $437,000 paving bid for Tilton Elementary School. 

At its monthly meeting Wednesday, the Hillcrest Village Board of Trustees unanimously approved the awarding of a bid contract to Elliott & Wood, Inc. for $1.037 million for its priority 1A water main project that will take place this year. 

On Tuesday, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the Rochelle Recovery Center at 242 May Mart Drive in Rochelle. 

On Feb. 13 at 2:58 p.m. Tyron J. Moore, 27, of Rochelle was arrested on an outstanding DeKalb County warrant. He paid $375 and was released with a Feb. 26 DeKalb County court date.

On Feb. 13 at approximately 10:25 a.m. deputies initiated a traffic stop in the 19,000 block of East Illinois Route 72 in Monroe Center. After further investigation, deputies arrested Adam Malone, 33, of DeKalb, for driving while license suspended. Malone was additionally cited for failure to obey a stop sign. Malone was released on a notice to appear with a future court date given.

The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) is proud to announce that Girls Flag Football will be the latest sport to debut an IHSA State Series, as the IHSA will conduct its inaugural postseason, culminating with an IHSA Girls Flag Football State Champion being crowned, in the fall of 2024.

The Rochelle Middle School eighth-grade girls basketball team hosted Sycamore for a North Central Junior Conference game on Tuesday, falling 44-19.

The Rochelle Middle School seventh-grade girls basketball team defeated DeKalb Huntley 24-7 on Monday evening.

One of the primary issues on farmers’ minds in 2024 will be reauthorization of the federal farm bill. We all depend on agriculture’s success, so it’s important for farmers and ranchers to be supported by strong farm programs as they face weather disasters, high supply costs and inflationary pressure.