Lois Ann Jaeger, age 97, passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024 at Wesley Willows in Rockford. 

For years, enrollment in Illinois’ public schools has been on the decline, but the number of English Learners (ELs) – students in PreK through 12th grade who require additional programming to develop academic English enabling their full participation in school – is on the rise. From 2010 to 2011 to SY2020-21, the EL population in Illinois has more than doubled, from 156,888 to 245,592 students. These students require qualified bilingual educators to succeed. Without such teachers, vital lessons in math, science, and reading fall by the wayside.

The Rochelle Middle School wrestling team finished seventh at the 2024 North Central Junior Conference Tournament on Saturday.

Mapping out a succession plan to keep a farm in the family and family members on the farm is important. Farm family members must adopt a vision for keeping their farm operation in the family to pass onto future generations.

The Rochelle Lady Hub varsity bowling team celebrated Senior Night on Friday, when the purple and white hosted Belvidere for its final dual matchup of the 2023-24 season.

The Rochelle Hub varsity basketball team allowed Rock Falls to reach the century mark during Wednesday evening's nonconference road game against the Rockets.

Susan Jean (Kosterman) Bauman, 65, of Sycamore, passed away unexpectedly at her home Monday, January 22, 2024. 

There were no injuries following a school bus fire on Friday morning, a release by Shared Rochelle School Districts Superintendent Jason Harper said.

On Jan. 23 at 11:42 a.m. Marco A. Hernandez, 31, of Rochelle was arrested for no valid driver’s license and cited for no insurance. He signed a promise to comply and was given a Feb. 16 Rochelle court date.

On Jan. 23 at 11:58 a.m. deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 8,000 block of North Kishwaukee Road.  As a result, Karina F. Canizal, 34, of Rockford was arrested for driving while license revoked. Canizal was additionally issued citations for operating a motor vehicle with registration/suspended, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and possession of cannabis/improper container/driver. Canizal was transported to the Ogle County Jail and released on a notice to appear with a future court date.

Jane Helen Reineck, 70, passed away on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.

The Rochelle Lady Hub varsity bowling team concluded its Interstate 8 Conference schedule with a road match against Kaneland on Thursday.

The Rochelle Hub varsity wrestling team traveled for its final dual match of the 2023-24 season on Thursday.

The Rochelle Hub varsity basketball team was on pace to eclipse the century mark in scoring halfway through Thursday’s Senior Night matchup against Stillman Valley.

Junior Logan Frye wasn’t expecting to hear his name called as awards were handed out at the conclusion of the Interstate 8 Conference Boys Bowling Tournament on Wednesday.

Senior Kara Martinez and the Rochelle Lady Hubs were on point defensively during the varsity basketball team’s Interstate 8 matchup against Ottawa on Wednesday night.

Caroline Ethel Kessen, 95, passed away Thursday, January 25, 2024 at Liberty Village in Rochelle, Illinois.

The Rochelle Lady Hub varsity bowling hosted its final Interstate 8 Conference home match of the season on Wednesday.

Preliminary planning is underway for the potential return of Small Business Bingo events in Rochelle in fall 2024 after its inaugural four events raised $18,853 for area nonprofits in 2023, Event Organizer and AP Massage Therapy Owner Ashley Patrick said at Jan. 23’s Rochelle Rotary Club meeting. 

Ronald A. Dinsmore of Ashton, IL, 82, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 in Rochelle, IL. 

I am writing to lend my support to Chad Horner for Ogle County Coroner. first met Chad through his wife, Dionne. Dionne became employed by me as a freelance court reporter, and we worked together for nearly 12 years. During that time, I got to know them on both a professional and personal level.

Kennay Farms Distilling in Rochelle has collaborated with The DeLong Company and its Grown Climate Smart program to showcase the use of sustainable grain in its spirits. 

In August 2021, Nolan Turner of Rochelle suffered a C5/C6 incomplete spinal cord injury in a car accident. Turner has spent the past year practicing and competing in wheelchair rugby.

Are you looking for a fun, friend-filled, free club to learn about vegetables and gardening? Ogle County 4-H is excited to partner with Flagg-Rochelle Public Library and the Ogle County Master Gardeners to teach youth about growing vegetables. This new horticulture club, Rochelle Green Thumbs 4-H Club, is open to any youth in Ogle County, ages 8-18, by Sept. 1, 2023.

Following a jury trial on Jan. 18 at the Ogle County Courthouse, a Hillcrest man was found not guilty of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, Eric Arnquist of law firm Tess, Crull & Arnquist, said.