With Memorial Day now behind us, summer has officially arrived in Rochelle, bringing a wave of excitement and pride for our community. As I reflect on the happenings around us, I am filled with admiration for our local athletes, dedicated residents, and the many upcoming events that promise to bring us all together.
One heartwarming moment recently occurred when our Police and Fire departments provided an amazing escort for the Rochelle Township High School track team as they left to compete in the state competition. As your mayor, witnessing such support for our athletes reinforces my pride in what our community stands for. Their dedication, hard work, and commitment exemplify the spirit of Rochelle. I would also like to express my personal pride as a grandparent — my grandson, Jonny Bearrows, was among the qualifiers representing our town. I wish all our athletes the best of luck as they strive for excellence.
In addition to our athletic successes, Rochelle is experiencing significant growth and development. The City Council unanimously supported a major expansion of our public/private transload yard, a crucial facility owned by the city and the Greater Rochelle Economic Development Corporation. This expansion, which includes improvements to the rail system, underscores our commitment to fostering economic growth and ensuring our community remains a vibrant place for both residents and businesses.
Looking ahead, there are numerous exciting events scheduled for the summer months. Mark your calendars for Railroad Days on the weekend of May 31 and June 1 —an event cherished by families across our community. This annual celebration provides an excellent opportunity for residents to come together, enjoy each other’s company, and appreciate our town's rich history.
Additionally, this year, we are thrilled to introduce a new community event at the Rochelle Airport on Sunday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This family-friendly event will feature live music, an air show, and even thrilling rides on trike planes for the kids. Local organizations, such as the Kiwanis Golden K, will serve their famous hot dog meal and collaborate with the Flight Deck and various food trucks to ensure there are plenty of delicious options available. We are still finalizing the details, so please stay tuned for more information!
Over the past few months, I have had the privilege of participating in several joint meetings with the R1 Planning Committee, the North Council of Governments, and the Northern Illinois Mayors Association. As a member of these groups as I represent Rochelle, I have engaged in discussions surrounding a significant issue we face—housing shortages in our communities. In response, I am in the process of forming a "Residential Growth" committee here in Rochelle. This group will explore various funding options to assist developers with the goal of increasing the availability of affordable housing. Everyone in our community deserves access to quality housing, which is vital for our growth, stability, and sustainability in building a healthy community where everyone benefits.
As we transition into summer, I want to remind all residents to be mindful of the children who will be out and about enjoying their break from school. It is our collective responsibility to ensure their safety as they walk, ride bikes, and skateboard around town. Please take a moment to be aware of your surroundings, as these young ones may not always see us.
In closing, I encourage everyone to embrace the beauty of the outdoors this summer and check out our community calendar for all upcoming events on the City of Rochelle Facebook page. Spend time with family and friends, appreciate the small moments, and create lasting memories that you can cherish. Community bonding is what enriches our lives, and together, we can make Rochelle an even better place to live.
My quote for today is: "The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members." Let's continue to support one another and build a thriving future for Rochelle. Enjoy the summer!
John Bearrows is the mayor of the City of Rochelle.
