Rochelle Little League’s 10U Baseball All-Stars earned a
the community.’
BY JEFF HELFRICH MANAGING EDITOR
ROCHELLE — Rochelle Community Hospital is currently in the process of planning a multi-year facilities improvement process, RCH CEO Karen Tracy told the Rochelle News-Leader and Ogle County Life on July 23.
In 2023, RCH received the results of a master facilities plan that analyzed the entire RCH campus. At one time, RCH previously owned farmland off Illinois Route 251 in Hillcrest and there was an idea that a new hospital would be built there one
52 stories of
McDermott publishes 2nd book with stories of Rochelle history as fundraiser for museum
BY JEFF HELFRICH MANAGING EDITOR
BY
JEFF HELFRICH MANAGING EDITOR
OREGON — The Ogle County K9 Fund Bark and Whine Ball will take place Saturday, Nov. 1 from 5-10 p.m. at the River’s Edge Experience at 103 S. 1st St. in Oregon. The event will include live music by The Vodka Boys, food catered by Ralfie’s BBQ, a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle. Only 250 tickets will be sold and they can be purchased at the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office, Merlin’s Greenhouse & Flowers and Cork & Tap. All proceeds will go to supporting the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit, which in-
day. Tracy said that idea is no more, and the master facilities plan will launch a process of updates and changes to RCH’s campus at 900 N. 2nd St.
See RCH page 2
ROCHELLE — Flagg Township Museum Historian Tom McDermott often quotes the phrase, “People die twice. Once when they stop breathing, and again when someone says their name for the last time.”
McDermott recently published his second book containing 52 stories of Rochelle-area history. “STORIES 2: Glimpses into the history of the Rochelle area and its residents” is now available for purchase at the museum and online.
See STORIES page 3
Ogle County K9 Fund Bark and Whine Ball is Nov. 1 in Oregon Proceeds from event will fund dog food, vet bills, training and equipment
cludes Deputy Kyle White and K9 Gator and Deputy Ali VanVickle and K9 Saint. Expenses for the K9 program include food, veterinary bills, training, equipment and future K9 acquisitions.
The K9 unit is supported solely by donations and self-funding and was recently established as a 501c3 nonprofit. After gun raffle fundraisers in recent years, White and VanVickle decided to attempt to fundraise in a different way with more community engagement. They’ve been organizing the event since April.
“We wanted to fundraise on a bigger scale,”
VanVickle said. “We expect it to sell out. We’ve sold about half the tickets already. We’re out in the community a lot and what we’ve learned most from that is that people don’t realize that the K9 expenses aren’t paid for by the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office. It’s all donated and self-funded to keep these dogs healthy, fed, trained and in equipment. People want to help when they realize that and we’ve seen people wanting to donate.”
The initial cost for a K9 and its training is about $14,000-16,000. Most of the dogs come from Europe.
See K9 BALL page 8
The Ogle County K9 Fund Bark and Whine Ball will take place Saturday, Nov. 1 from 5-10 p.m. at the River’s Edge Experience at 103 S. 1st St. in Oregon.
Rochelle Community Hospital is currently in the process of planning a multi-year facilities improvement process, RCH CEO Karen Tracy told the Rochelle News-Leader and Ogle County Life on July 23.
(PHOTO BY JEFF HELFRICH)
Tom McDermott recently published his second book containing
Rochelle-area history.
(PHOTO BY JEFF HELFRICH)
(COURTESY PHOTO)
LOCAL NEWS
RCH: Hospital CEO Tracy details expansion to health and wellness building
From page 1
“There are some things we can do to renew services, expand and improve that will keep us relevant, and provide more and improved services to the public in a fiscally responsible way,” Tracy said.
The process will start this August with the expansion of RCH’s Health and Wellness Building on the south side of its campus to merge its Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Therapy departments and Physical and Occupational Therapy departments into one convenient location to serve all rehabilitation and therapy patients.
The expansion will take place on both the top and bottom floors and will consist of a new gym space below for rehab and therapy, and more space above for Primary Care operations and RCH’s newly-launched Behavioral Health department.
“We want to expand primary care, which is always important for RCH and serving the community and getting those patients in for other additional services,” Tracy said. “We’ll add another hallway and exam rooms. Our newly-launched behavioral health program will move upstairs. We’ve designed one end of that hallway to work really well for them and have bigger spaces. We’re excited about that. That project will start in August and likely be finished by April.”
Along with consolidating all rehab and therapy services into one area, the move is being made with possible changes in mind to
the north portion of RCH’s building which currently houses physical and occupational therapy.
That part of the building was built in the 1940s. RCH was recently made aware of infrastructure needs in that location, the oldest part of its campus.
“We agreed administratively and with the board that it would be in our best interest to eventually take down that part of the structure,” Tracy said. “The rehabilitation services project is the first part of the plan to renew the north end. We want to focus on patient care services we provide in the 1940s portion of the building because those are the essential on-campus services that we have to figure out where to put. Another patient care service in the original part of the hospital is respiratory therapy, which will be moved.”
RCH recently purchased the former Rochelle Rehab nursing home property across the street at 900 N. 3rd St. after it was vacated by its former owners. There are no plans for RCH to revive or offer elderly care services in the space. It is possible the south end of the building could be used to aid in the transition on RCH’s campus to house staff that are displaced temporarily by construction, which could take five years or more.
Tracy said acquiring the property made sense because of its proximity to the hospital, and the north end of it could be used for storage.
“Other than being able to potentially use it to get us through a building project on our north end,
we haven’t developed a plan for how to use that property long term,” Tracy said. “The nursing home company had already decided to abandon it. It was readily available and they were motivated to sell it to another healthcare entity.”
Tracy likened the full facility update plan to a game of dominoes, with different pieces affecting each other. RCH’s Laboratory Services department is landlocked in the hospital and needs expanding. Tracy said projected plans for the new north end of the hospital could include a new Emergency department and moving Convenient Care to that location and offering a centralized triage process to
help emergent and urgent patients to decide which department they need. Radiology services would be moved closer to the Emergency department to better aid in situations like strokes.
RCH’s Registration department could be moved to the 2nd Street side of the building with the north side being only for emergency and convenient care with its own registration.
“We want to keep our staff involved and understanding of what our plans are,” Tracy said. “We had employee forums and shared our vision and answered their questions. It’s a very fluid process. It’s not set in stone because a
lot could happen. We just keep moving forward until it doesn’t make sense. It’s important to keep looking to the future and planning.”
Tracy said RCH strives to provide the best possible care for patients through top-notch staff, equipment and software. She said hospitals are advised to have one bed for every 1,000 patients it sees per year in its emergency department.
RCH currently has six beds in its emergency department and sees 8,500-9,000 patients in it per year.
“There’s a need there for capacity improvement,” Tracy said. “We anticipate growth. In 2005 we expanded our ER, radiology, our laboratory and our
surgery department. That construction has lasted us 20 years. We’re looking to last another 20 years if we’re able to move forward with our plans.”
Tracy said she’s excited to see the changes come to fruition in the future.
“I believe the way RCH stays relevant to the community is by showing we are investing,” Tracy said. “We’re not for profit. Our focus is reinvesting in services we provide to the patients of our community. We want to continue to do what we do best at a high level throughout the building. I want the community to understand that commitment to excellence for them. This is for them.”
Surf Zombies to play Mt. Morris Bandshell on Aug. 8
MT. MORRIS — Encore Mt. Morris is pleased to announce the debut performance of Iowa Band, Surf Zombies, who will play a free concert on Aug. 8 from 7-9 p.m. on the Historic Campus Bandshell for the second day of Encore’s 10th annual Straw Sculpting Competition.
Surf Zombies raise surf rock from the dead with fast, crazy, original instrumentals that straddle retro surf, bubblegum punk and garage rock, conjuring images of beach parties, Saturday morning cartoons, and hot rod car shows. The driving rhythms, swirling tremolo, crashing spring reverb from dueling guitars and authentic growl of vintage tube amps make for a truly weird Midwestern wonder. Surf Zombies have played in all corners of Iowa and frequently
visit Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, and Nebraska. They twice shared the stage with the late surf guitar godfather Dick Dale, have a beer named after them from Iowa Brewing Company, and received the Spirit Award from the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.
Concessions for the evening will be provided by the Mt. Morris Masonic Lodge #96, who will serve pulled pork sandwiches and drinks.
Popcorn Girls Emmie and Lily from the Mt. Morris Center will likely be serving fresh popcorn uptown too.
The Campus will be extra festive with several new straw sculptures and many more favorites from years past adorning the grounds as the tenth annual Encore U.S. Na-
(PHOTO BY JEFF HELFRICH)
The process will start this August with the expansion of RCH’s Health and Wellness Building on the south side of its campus to merge its Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Therapy departments and Physical and Occupational Therapy departments into one convenient location to serve all rehabilitation and therapy patients.
Encore Mt. Morris is pleased to announce the debut performance of Iowa Band, Surf Zombies, who will play a free concert on Aug. 8 from 7-9 p.m.
(COURTESY PHOTO) tional Straw Sculpting Competition continues. Their Art Gallery and the Mt. Morris Historical Museum will be open during concerts on the Campus as well. Please bring a blanket or lawn chair, as the benches will likely
ll fast, and join us on our historical campus,
located two blocks south of Illinois Route 64 on Wesley Avenue and enjoy the free surf rock concert.
LOCAL NEWS
STORIES: ‘If it gets people interested in local history, that helps. It gets people involved’
From page 1
All proceeds from the book will go towards the museum.
In 2021, McDermott began writing history-based stories for the Rochelle News-Leader’s opinion page. After his number of stories completed and published began to number in the dozens, he began to consider publishing a collection of them in a book after the urging of Museum Director Jan Devore. The first STORIES book was published in the summer of 2024 and sold nearly 400 copies.
STORIES 2 contains pieces including the history of the Rochelle library, stories on grave robbings and arson fires in Rochelle, the history of the Rochelle Fire Department, Lincoln Highway and cutting the square, how the Hub became the high school and town’s mascot, stories of local veterans and their time at war, the Spanish Flu in Rochelle, the railroad and the growth of Rochelle, stories on wellknown Rochelle families, the history of newspapers in Rochelle, Rochelle High School’s mythical 1909 state championship, and more.
“History may seem like something that’s long
gone, but a lot of times it ties in with us today,” McDermott said. “We bump into it. I enjoy that. I often tell people that there’s almost nothing that happened in the world that somebody from Rochelle didn’t have something to do with.”
STORIES and STORIES 2 are both available for in-person purchase at the museum for $20. To purchase a copy of either or both online, buyers can go to flaggtownshipmuseumrochelle.org , click the donate tab and make payment and write in the comments which books they want and mailing information. Postage is $5 per book ordered. No postage cost is required if you pick up your book at the museum. Flagg Township funded the printing of the books to assist with the fundraiser and keeping Rochelle’s history alive. McDermott said the fundraiser has been the biggest the museum has ever had.
“What we found last time was that people get interested in the book and some decide to donate to the museum too,” McDermott said. “Some will give $50 instead of $20 when they buy a book. You get support and you can talk to people about becoming a member when they
buy one. When you have a $40,000 budget total for the museum and you can make a few thousand dollars off something like this, it makes a difference. If it gets people interested in local history, that helps. It gets people involved.”
After his first book was published, McDermott had a few dozen stories left over and decided to try for a second. Each of the 104 total stories was written over four years. He was aided in editing and proofreading by his wife, Denise McDermott, and Deena Cipolla Guptil.
McDermott is not a writer by trade. He was previously chief of the Rochelle Fire Department and is a current Rochelle City Council member. He previously wrote a book on the history of RFD and got into research at the museum and scanning historical items in the electric file.
“At one time I was a fire chief. And then I retired,” McDermott said. “So, I looked ahead, and I found something else to do with my time. It was fun for me. I get a kick out of all this stuff. Years go on and people forget things. This puts these stories back out into the community. I’ve had family members of people from the stories reach out to me.”
2 contains pieces including the history of the Rochelle library, stories on grave robbings and arson fires in Rochelle, the history of the
partment, Lincoln Highway and cutting the square, how the Hub became the high school and town’s mascot, stories of local veterans and their time at war, the Spanish Flu in Rochelle, the railroad and the growth of Rochelle, stories on well-known Rochelle families, the history of newspapers in Rochelle, Rochelle High School’s mythical 1909 state championship, and more.
McDermott believes the book is good for light reading of a couple stories at a time, and for the reader to be able to immerse themselves in the stories that take place in different notable time periods in history.
The Flagg Township Museum’s mission is keeping Rochelle’s history alive. McDermott is proud of the fact that the book features people who were
well-known in the area, along with those who simply just did their jobs in the community and made an impact. The books, and the stories in them, have become a point of pride for himself and the museum.
“Once I saw people really taking an interest in the stories, I wished my mother would have been alive to see it,” McDermott said. “She would have been tickled that one
of her kids did something like writing a book. Selling 400 books wouldn’t be a big deal for Stephen King. But for a small-town local book, that made me happy. I had fun doing it. There’s a little over 100 people mentioned in those books. If someone cracks one of the books and reads their names again, maybe those names live on to 2026. Maybe they won’t be forgotten quite yet.”
The Jimmys to play Mt. Morris Band Shell on Aug. 8
MT. MORRIS — The Jimmys make their triumphant return to the Mt. Morris Band Shell on Aug. 8 with a very special guest, Blues legend Marcia Ball! One of the hottest tickets on the summer festival circuit and recent recipients of many more Madison Area Music Awards, Jimmy and his stellar group, with Marcia joining in on piano and vocals, bring their high energy show back to the Mt. Morris Jamboree for a two-hour performance starting at 7 p.m.
“Fifty years have passed in a flash,” says pianist, songwriter, and vocalist Marcia Ball of her long and storied career. Ball, the 2018 Texas State Musician Of The Year, has won worldwide fame and countless fans for her ability to ignite a full-scale roadhouse party every time she takes the stage. Born in Orange, Texas and raised in Vinton, Louisiana, her deep Acadian heritage and a lifetime of absorbing Gulf Coast rhythm and blues is evident in her original songs and the classics she chooses to cover. This has made her a one-of-a-kind favorite with music lovers all over
the world. With each new release, her reputation as a profoundly soulful singer, a boundlessly talented pianist and a courageous, inventive songwriter continues to grow. Her love of the road has led to years of soul-satisfying performances at festivals, concert halls and clubs.
The Jimmys have been ripping up stages with their unique blend of blues, soul, funk and R&B for 14 years. Award-winning keyboardist/singer/songwriter Jimmy Voegeli has put together an allstar lineup: Perry Weber, veteran blues guitarist/ singer/songwriter; Chris Sandoval on drums; John Wartenweiler with his powerful bass lines and deep groove; Amateur Horn Stars - Pete Ross, saxophone; Chad Whittinghill, trumpet; and Joe Goltz on trombone. With multiple awards under their belts, and a growing legion of fans, the band will give everyone a good time to remember for a good long time. Get yourself to this next performance and see what all of the fuss is about.
The Mt. Morris Firefighters Association will be serving walking tacos with
The Jimmys make their triumphant return to the Mt. Morris Band Shell on Aug. 8 with a very
guest, Blues
all the toppings. Drinks will be Pepsi products, water, and Berryview Orchard Aronia Berry lemonade slushies. All proceeds stay in Mt. Morris, and benefit the firefighters association, serving since 1889. The Leaf River Lion’s Club will be serving hot dogs, brats, chips, and drinks.
Just 4 Fun Ice Cream
will be there as well, all starting around 5 pm. Ewe and Me Acres will have a fresh produce stand with a variety of fruits, vegetables, baked goods, jams, jellies and dog treats on the campus along with other craft and plant vendors from 4-8 p.m. Popcorn Girls Emmie and Lily from the Mt. Morris Center will
likely be serving fresh popcorn uptown too. The campus will be extra festive with several new straw sculptures and many more favorites from years past adorning the grounds as the tenth annual Encore U.S. National Straw Sculpting Competition celebrates its opening night. Their art
gallery and the Mt. Morris Historical Museum will be open during concerts on the Campus as well. Please bring a blanket or lawn chair, as the benches will likely fill fast, and join us on our historical campus, located two blocks south of Illinois Route 64 on Wesley Avenue and enjoy the free blues concert.
(PHOTO BY JEFF HELFRICH)
STORIES
Rochelle Fire De -
special
legend Marcia Ball!
(COURTESY PHOTO)
OBITUARIES/LOCAL NEWS
Fritts announces August 2025 Summer Tour events
DIXON – State Rep. Bradley Fritts (R-Dixon) has officially announced his 2025 Summer Tour events for August.
The tour consists of coffee & conversation events and town halls held on most Wednesdays from June 4 to Aug. 27. Coffee & conversation events will all be held at locally-owned coffee shops and restaurants.
The events scheduled
for August include the following:
Coffee & Conversation:
Aug. 6 at Sunrise Family Restaurant, located at 1181 N. 7th St. in Rochelle, from 8-10 a.m.
Aug. 21 at Mary’s Diner, located at 607 Depot Ave. in Dixon, from 8-10 a.m.
Town Halls:
Aug. 6 at the Earl Township Building, located at 1506 US 34 in Earlville,
from 6-7 p.m.
Aug. 18 at the Ogle-Lee Fire Protection District, located at 311 Main St. in Steward, from 6-7 p.m.
Please note that due to a scheduling conflict, the Dixon Coffee & Conversation and Steward
Town Hall events have been rescheduled from their originally listed dates.
To view the full Summer Tour schedule, visit RepFritts.com/SummerTour.
Manhole repair to take place on Route 251 Aug. 6-7
Joe Edward Thiele
ROCHELLE – Joe
Edward Thiele, a devoted husband, father, educator, and community servant, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on May 25, 1936, in Perry, Illinois, Joe was the son of Dale and Dienie Thiele of Perry.
er. He helped construct the church building and shared Sunday morning messages on WRHL radio for many years, spreading encouragement and the word of God to the wider community.
ROCHELLE — The Rochelle Municipal Utilities Water Reclamation Department will close the northbound lane of Illinois Route 251 between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue on Wednesday, Aug. 6 and Thursday,Aug. 7 to perform an emergency repair on a sanitary sewer manhole. Traffic will be reduced to one lane, and flaggers will be present to direct traffic through the work zone.
Please use caution when
traveling in this area. The closure is necessary to ensure the safety of crews and motorists during the repair. Drivers are encouraged to plan for minor delays and use alternate routes when possible.
Stillman Valley man arrested for 1st degree murder in Schaumburg
SCHAUMBURG –
Stillman Valley man was recently charged with first degree murder stemming from an incident in Schaumburg that left a 45-year-old woman dead, a Schaumburg Police Department press release said.
On July 25 at 10:15 p.m. the Schaumburg Police responded to a report of a shooting in the parking lot of 50 N. Martingale Road. Officers located one gunshot victim, identified as Christine Moyer ,45, of Galena, Ohio, outside near the front entrance to a hotel. She sustained one gunshot wound to the head and medical aid was rendered at the scene. Moyer was transported to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, Illinois, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
The offender was being subdued on the ground by a citizen and turned over to police custody. The of-
fender, identified as Roland Schmidt, 76, of Stillman Valley, was transported to the Schaumburg Police Department for investigation. The firearm was recovered from the scene and secured. During the investigation, detectives determined both the victim and offender were attending a wedding at the hotel. The victim, Moyer, and offender, Schmidt, are related. Moyer is the daughter-in-law of Schmidt, the press release said. The shooting occurred when Moyer was leaving the event and Schmidt followed her outside. Schmidt approached Moyer and shot her in the head, the release said. Through the investigation, it was discovered, Schmidt was upset with Moyer over divorce paperwork which was filed against his son, the release said. Detectives conducted a thorough investigation of the case. After reviewing all the facts of the investi-
Roland Schmidt gation, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office approved a felony charge against Schmidt. He was charged and appeared at a detention hearing at the Circuit Court of Cook County Third Municipal District, Rolling Meadows Court House, on July 28.
Members of the public are reminded the arrest and complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Joe attended Perry Schools and graduated from high school in 1954. In his youth, he delivered the GRIT newspaper, helped his Uncle Buddy at his grocery store, and enjoyed listening to St. Louis Cardinals baseball games, playing basketball, and sharing his musical talents on the trombone.
A lifelong learner, Joe earned four advanced degrees: a bachelor’s from Western Illinois University, a Master’s and Certificate of Advanced Study from Northern Illinois University, and a Doctorate of Education from Northern Illinois University.
Joe dedicated his life to education and public service, impacting countless lives throughout his career. He began as a junior high teacher, coach, and referee, later serving as superintendent of schools in Rochelle, Illinois, and as principal and superintendent in the Lindenwood and Esmond communities. He also worked with the Regional Service Center in DeKalb and Rockford, Illinois, supporting area schools with his expertise and leadership.
A man of deep faith, Joe was baptized into Christ in 1959 and was an active member of the Rochelle Church of Christ for many decades. He served as an elder, treasurer, Bible class teacher, song leader, and occasional preach -
From 1958 to 2020, Joe called Rochelle home, where he loved his neighbors and dedicated himself to civic service. He served on the city Planning Commission and was a leader in the local Lions Club. While a Rochelle Lion, he always enjoyed Rose Day and selling fresh sweet corn out of the back of a truck every Saturday during corn season. He received the Lions Club Melvin Jones Fellow Award, and was named Illinois Children’s Advocate of the Year. He was honored to be named the Rochelle Community Leader of the year. His passion for his community was evident in everything he did, and he cherished the friendships and connections built over a lifetime of service.
On May 4, 1957, Joe married his beloved wife, Norma Miller. Together, they shared 68 years and 78 days of marriage, raising two children, Debra and Mark, and creating a legacy of love, faith, and family devotion.
Joe is survived by his wife, Norma of Wylie, Texas; daughter Debra (Craig) Sweet of Wylie, Texas; son Mark (Michelle) Thiele of Greencastle, Pennsylvania; grandchildren Jonathan (Lori) Sweet of Pullman, Washington; Daniel Sweet of Greenwich, Connecticut; Michael (Amanda) Sweet of Hutto, Texas; Megan (Jason) Elmore of Tampa, Florida; and Paris Thiele of San Diego, California.
He was blessed with seven great-grandchildren: Logan, Allison, Addyson, Landon, Anniston, Annabelle, and Luke.
He is also survived by his brother Bill (Barbara) Thiele of Florida; sister Linda (Ron) Boston of Illinois; sister-in-law Brenda Bonnett of Pittsfield, Illinois; and nieces and nephews Becky Aiken, Brent Bonnett, Kent Bonnett, Gina (Randy) Harris, Greg (Kim) Bonnett, Jody (Todd) Koebler, Jake (Tasha) Bartlett, Jackie (Tom) Cuclich, and Jennifer Hoffman, as well as many great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws Lloyd and Irene “Ma” Miller (whom he loved like a mother); brother Jack and nephew Darin Thiele.
Joe’s unwavering dedication to faith, family, education, and community service leaves behind a legacy of kindness, leadership, and love that will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
In lieu of flowers, suggested memorials are:
The David Crawford Foundation; 1401 Flagg Road; Rochelle, IL 61068; c/o Jason Harper jharper@ rths212.org
The Rochelle Lions Club; PO Box 283; Rochelle, IL 61068; rochellelionsclub@gmail.com
Sacred Selections (sacredselections.org)
Rochelle Moose Lodge coin appraisal is Aug. 10
ROCHELLE —
The Rochelle Moose
HOW TO CONTACT US
News-Leader Main Switchboard General Manager (815) 561-2124
USPS (467-820) ISSN (1075-2811)
Published every Wednesday and Sunday by Rochelle Newspapers Inc. at 211 E. State Route 38, Rochelle, IL 61068. Periodical postage paid at Rochelle, IL 61068. Postmaster send address changes to the Rochelle News-Leader, P.O. Box 46, Rochelle, IL 61068. Subscription rates are $139.99 per year by mail in Ogle County. Outside county rate is $149.99 per year. The circulation department is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For subscription information, contact Kelly White at 562-4171.
211 IL Route 38 East, Rochelle, IL 61068 (815)562-4171 IN-COUNTY REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION RATES •$139.99 for one year • $79 for six months •$34.99 for three months • $13.99 for one month
Call (815) 562-4171 or Visit our website at www.rochellenews-leader.com
Newsroom Staff
Jeff Helfrich, Managing Editor Russ Hodges, Sports
(815) 561-2151 rhodges@ rochellenews-leader.com
Lodge will be having the semi-annual free coin appraisal at the Rochelle Moose Lodge on Sunday, Aug. 10 from 1-5 p.m. in its dining room. John Gruben and Dave Schabacker will be appraising coins, foreign and domestic. They also do appraisals on currency. This appraisal is open to the public and is free. This event will take place at the Moose Lodge located at the intersection of North Main Street and 4th Avenue.
Report policy
cackland@ rochellenews-leader.com
To Place a Legal Ad Mike Feltes
To Place a Display Ad Chris Ackland (815) 561-2153 mfeltes@oglecountylife.com
To Place a Classified Ad Chris Ackland (815) 561-2153
Subscriptions and Delivery
Kelly White (815) 562-4171 kwhite@rochellenews-leader.com
Any arrests listed in this paper are merely charges and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Please note that all police reports received from the Rochelle Police, the Ogle County Sheriff’s Department and the Illinois State Police, will be printed without exception. Requests to omit particular reports will not be considered or honored at any time.
LOCAL NEWS
100+ Women Who Care of Ogle County donate to Rochelle Community Action Network
OREGON — 100+
Women Who Care of Ogle County met at Rock River Center in Oregon on July 17 and, after hearing from Rochelle Community Action Network, The Haven Network and Pegasus Special Riders, chose to donate $11,400 to Rochelle CAN.
Every quarter members of 100+ WWC of Ogle County meet in various locations in the area and choose between three local charities. Each member donates $100 and the accumulated funds are given to the organization receiving the most votes.
Rochelle CAN serves children in low-income households and provides
backpacks with school supplies, books, coats, shoes and Christmas gift cards.
Their Operation Blessing serves roughly 3,800 children and depends heavily on volunteers. If you are interested in learning more about becom-
ing a member or about the donation process contact Deanna Forrest at forrest-
CHURCH DIRECTORY
Ashton Bible Church, corner of Main and Paddock in Ashton. Pastor Farrel Stauffer, church phone is (815)453-2190, church website www.ashtonbible.org0. Sunday School for all ages 9:00-10:00am, Morning Worship 10:15am, Wednesday Prayer Meeting/ Bible Study 6:30-8:00pm.
Calvary Lighthouse Church, Assemblies of God, Senior Pastor, Dr. James Horvath. 14409 Hemstock Rd., Rochelle. Sunday Morning: Sunday Worship & Children’s Church 10:00 A.M., Wednesday Evening 7:00 P.M. – Adult Teaching, Missionettes & Royal Rangers Childrens Classes, Nursery available for all services. HE-Brews Cafe is open before and after services. For further information, please call the CLC office at 815-562-7701, or email us at staff@calvarylighthouse.com
Rochelle Church of Christ, Keeping Christ at the center in the Hub City. We meet Sundays at 9:00am for Bible Study and 10:00am for worship. We also have a Wednesday Bible Study at 7:00pm. 206 Erickson Rd, Rochelle, IL 61068. You can call us at (815) 562-6572 or visit us on the web at rochellechurch.com. We also have a radio program Sundays just after 8am on WRHL 1060AM. Minister Dominic Venuso.
Creston United Methodist Church and Steward United Methodist Church - Rev. Ilhan You, Creston: 126 West South Street, P.O. Box 209, Creston, Illinois 60113. Sunday morning worship 9:00am. Coffee fellowship at 10:15am. Steward: 507 Main Street, P.O. Box 80, Steward, IL 60553. Adult Sunday School, 10:00am. Sunday morning worship and Children’s Sunday School 11:00am. Contact the church office at 847-730-4370 for more information. facebook.comcrestonumcil faccebook.com/ stewardilumc
Elim Reformed Church, 140 S. Church Road, Kings, IL 61068. Phone: 815-562-6811. Email goelimchurch@gmail.com Website www.goelimchurch.org Sunday Morning Worship 10:00 Rev. Marv Jacobs
Faith Lutheran Church – (14206 E. Flagg Rd.) – “Making Christ Known Through Lives of Faith.” In-person worship is available each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. or online at “Faith Lutheran Social” on YouTube. Worship resources are also available on our Facebook page - ‘Faith Lutheran Church ELCA.’ You may also e-mail Pastor Joy Alsop at Pastor@faithlcrochelle. org for more information. All are welcome to join us!
First General Baptist Church, 500 S. 12th St, Rochelle. Phone: 815-562-5221. Email: fgbcrochelle@gmail.com.Website: www.fgbcrochelle.org. Facebook: www.facebook. com/fgbcrochelle.Pastor: Rev. Angelo Bonacquisti. Sunday worship services: 8:30 am, 11:15 am and 6:00 pm. Sunday school: 10:00 am. We’d be honored to have you join us as we worship JESUS and continue to grow in truth and love for God and each other. A nursery, children’s church, youth group and small groups are available. If you need a ride please contact our church bus driver, John, at (815) 262-4275 by 8:30 am on Sunday. “For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9
First Presbyterian Church – An Amazing Place for Amazing Grace - 1100 Calvin Road, Rochelle. Email: info@placeforgrace.com. Sunday morning worship 9:00am. In person or streamed online. On our Website and Facebook Live. www.placeforgrace.com/ www.facebook.com/placeforgrace
Harvest Baptist Church 241 Scott Ave. (Hillcrest). Rev. Duane Boehm, pastor. Email duane712@hotmail.com, cell 815-757-3427. Visit us on Facebook! Service times: Sunday morning worship with Children’s Church at 10 am. Wednesday night worship at 7 pm.
Immanuel Lutheran Church Missouri Synod 16060 E. Lindenwood Road, Lindenwood, IL 61049. Rev. Dr. Matthew Rosebrock. Church Phone 393-4500. Church Worship 9:00 a.m. Sunday School Christian Education Hour at 10:30 a.m.
dede5@gmail.com or find them on Facebook www. facebook.com/oglegives.
Living Water Community Church 405 N. Main St, Downtown Rochelle. Phone 815-5616249, Website: www.lwccr.com, Like us on Facebook. We are Non-Denominational, Christ Centered, Casual dress, Christ Centered Live Band Worship. Mike Vogeler - Outreach and Seven C’s Pastor, Chris Bender- Teaching Pastor and Doug Bunger - Missions and Children’s Pastor. Sunday Worship Service- 10:00am. Nursery/Toddlers Ages 0-5 available during the service in the Splash building. Swim- Grades 1st-5th worship with the adults then break out for age appropriate teaching. Youth groups, Small groups, Life Groups and Workshops meet throughout the year for Bible teaching. 7C’s Mission- serves the community physically & spiritually each month from 1135 Lincoln Hwy, providing lightly used clothing, Hygiene items, a light lunch and Elder Prayer open the second Saturday from 10am-2pm and the 4th Thursday from 4pm to 7:00pm and by appointment.
New Hope Fellowship (Church of God - Anderson, IN), 1501 10th Ave., Rochelle, IL 61068. Service: Sunday at 9 a.m. 10:30 a.m., (815)561-8400, www.NHFchurch.net Pastor: Dan Sergeant and Pastor Nick Tornabene. (Classes for children through age fifth grade during service.)
Rochelle United Methodist Church welcomes everyone to their worship service, and practices openness for all activities including communion. Worship is at 9:00 am. Sunday school for children begins around 9:15, following the Children’s Time in worship. A fellowship time with food and space for conversation occurs in Hicks Hall every week following the worship service. We celebrate communion with an open table on the first Sunday of every month, and on other appropriate occasions. Youth group is on Sunday evenings from 5:30-7:30. Our youth program includes service projects, discussion topics, Bible Study, and lots of fun and fellowship together. Some of our activities include packing meals at Feed My Starving Children, helping at Rochelle Christian Food Pantry and 7C’s, working with animals at Barn on Baseline, Mystery trips (Destination Unknown!), and Interactive experiences on Dating boundaries, refugees, and homelessness. Youth group is for grades 6-12 and friends are always welcome. Recorded services are available on our YouTube channel and our website at www.rochelleumc.com. Our services are on the radio (93.5 FM) on Sunday mornings at 9:00 am. Our Facebook page is www.facebook.com/rochelleumc. Our pastor is the Rev. Dr. Katherine Thomas Paisley. Our address is 709 Fourth Ave. (815) 562-2164. Email is admin@rochelleumc.com. At Rochelle United Methodist Church, everyone is welcome and loved!
St. John’s Lutheran Church, 126 E. South Street, Creston. Phone 815-384-3720, Email: StJohnsLutheran@aol.com, members of NALC/LCMC. Worship is led by Pastor Terese Whitten 231-878-4150. St. John’s Lutheran Church is a part of God’s Family, planting hope, nurturing faith and harvesting love. Coffee or Fellowship at 10:00 a.m. Worship begins at 10:45 a.m. Sunday school is conducted during worship service except during the summer.
St. Patrick Catholic Church Rev. Jesus Dominguez; Deacon Prosper Agbetrobu; Deacon Fermin Garcia; Deacon George Schramm; 244 Kelley Dr. (Corner of Kelley & Caron Rd.) PO Box 329, Rochelle, IL, 61068. Office Hours: 9:00 AM - 4 PM MondayThursday, Phone: 815-562-2370. Mass Times: 8:00 AM Monday-Thursday, Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:00 PM English, 7 PM Spanish, Sunday Mass 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM in English and 11:00 AM in Spanish. Confessions: Monday 8:30-9:00 AM & 6:00-6:45 PM, Tuesday 8:30-9:00 AM, Thursday 6:00-6:30 PM, Saturday 4:00-4:45 PM Or by appointment. Religious Education: Erin Robles, Director of Religious Education, 903 Caron Road, Rochelle, IL 61068, 815-561-0079 or 815-562-2370. Website: stpatricksrochelle.com. Email: stpatrick-rochelle@rockforddiocese.org. Facebook. com/StPatrickRochelle.
St. Paul Lutheran Church “Building Relationships in Christ, Now and Forever!” Steven Hall, Principal, Parish Nurse-Marcia Schnorr. 1415 Tenth Ave., Rochelle. Church Office-562-2744. Worship times: 6:00 p.m. Saturday, 9:00 a.m. Sunday. Our service is broadcast over WRHL 1060AM at 10:00 a.m. Sunday. Sunday School 10:1511:15 a.m. Call 562-6323 for more information about the school.
100+ Women Who Care of Ogle County met at Rock River Center in Oregon on July 17 and, after hearing from Rochelle Community Action Network, The Haven Network and Pegasus Special Riders, chose to donate $11,400 to Rochelle CAN.
(COURTESY PHOTO)
LOCAL VIEWS
Kurt Wolter: Concrete use in roadbuilding
HOPEFULLY as you have travelled by automobile, truck, motorcycle, or bicycle around the Hub City, you have noticed the many roadways which run through and around Rochelle. Our residential streets, the Lincoln Highway, Illinois Routes 251 and 38, and Interstates 88 and 39 are all integral parts of our daily lives. It is helpful for us to spend time thinking and learning about these road systems to understand the human-built world we live in. In my previous transportation article, we learned about the use of asphalt as a material for roadbuilding, and in this article, we’ll discuss how “concrete” has contributed to our remarkable road systems.
Concrete is one of the most widely used building materials in the world, but it also plays a critical role in modern road construction. It is a composite material made from cement, water, and aggregates like sand or gravel which hardens over time into a durable, rocklike mass. Its strength, versatility, and longevity make it ideal for infrastructure projects, particularly roads. Unlike asphalt, which is petroleum-based, concrete is mineral-based and tends to last longer under heavy traffic loads and in variable weather conditions. While concrete is often associated with modern construction,
its use dates back thousands of years.
The roots of concrete can be traced to ancient times, with the earliest known use by the Egyptians around 3000 BCE, who used a form of concrete made with gypsum and lime to build pyramids. However, it was the Romans who truly advanced the use of concrete by developing a hydraulic cement containing lime and volcanic ash. This Roman concrete, known as “opus caementicium”, was used to construct vast networks of roads, aqueducts, and buildings. The longevity of Roman roads set a precedent for using concrete-like materials in transportation infrastructure.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, concrete use declined during the Middle Ages in Europe, with many construction practices reverting to stone and brickwork. It wasn’t until the 18th and 19th centuries that concrete began to resurface in civil engineering. In 1756, British engineer John Smeaton developed a form of modern hydraulic cement while rebuilding the Eddystone Lighthouse, and in 1824, Joseph Aspdin patented Portland cement, a product that would become a key ingredient in modern concrete. The development of reinforced concrete, which is concrete combined with steel rods or mesh, soon followed in the
mid-19th century, providing greater tensile strength and flexibility. These advances paved the way for its industrial-scale use.
Concrete’s role in roadbuilding became more prominent in the early 20th century. The first concrete street in the United States was built in 1891 in Bellefontaine, Ohio. His mix of Portland cement and aggregates created a smooth, durable road surface that outlasted its gravel and wooden counterparts. Encouraged by its success, more cities adopted concrete for their streets. The rise of the automobile in the 20th century created an urgent need for more durable and reliable roads, leading to the widespread adoption of concrete in highway construction. During the 1930s and again in the post-World War II era, major road-building initiatives such as the New Deal and the Interstate Highway System in the U.S. heavily relied on concrete for building long-lasting roads and infrastructure.
Kurt Wolter
crete reflects more sunlight than asphalt, which helps reduce the urban heat island effect and lowers lighting requirements at night. Concrete’s light color also improves visibility and safety for drivers. Furthermore, concrete requires less frequent maintenance and fewer repairs over its lifespan, leading to lower long-term costs. In terms of environmental benefits, concrete can be made with recycled materials, such as fly ash or slag, and it produces less tire resistance, which can improve fuel efficiency for vehicles traveling on concrete roads. Today, concrete roads can last 30 to 50 years or more with proper maintenance, significantly longer than asphalt roads, which typically require resurfacing every 10 to 15 years.
its relatively lower initial cost and faster installation. Asphalt surfaces are smooth and quiet, but they tend to deteriorate more quickly under heavy traffic or extreme temperatures, often requiring resurfacing every 10 to 15 years. Concrete, in contrast, can last 30 to 50 years or more, which often offsets its higher initial cost.
Despite these advantages, concrete also has some drawbacks. The initial cost of building a concrete road is typically higher than that of asphalt. The construction process is more complex and time-consuming, as concrete takes longer to cure and requires more specialized labor and equipment. Additionally, concrete can be more prone to cracking due to shrinkage or freeze-thaw cycles in colder climates. Repairing concrete roads can be more difficult and expensive compared to asphalt, which can often be patched quickly.
tively sequestering it.
The future of concrete in roadbuilding lies in sustainability and smart infrastructure. Researchers are developing new types of concrete that incorporate recycled materials, reduce carbon emissions, and even self-heal small cracks using embedded bacteria or chemical agents. Moreover, advancements in sensor technology have led to the integration of smart concrete that can monitor structural health, temperature, and traffic loads in real-time. These innovations are poised to make concrete roads not only longer lasting but also more adaptable to modern needs and environmental concerns.
In the modern era, concrete continues to be a vital material in road construction around the world. Concrete roads are resistant to rutting, potholes, and surface deformation, even under the stress of heavy vehicles. Additionally, con-
When comparing concrete to other roadbuilding materials like asphalt and gravel, several key differences emerge. Gravel roads are typically used in rural or low-traffic areas because they are inexpensive and easy to install. However, they require constant maintenance, can wash out easily, and are prone to dust and erosion. Asphalt, a petroleum-based material, is more flexible than concrete and is commonly used in urban and suburban streets due to
How to contact government officials KEEPING YOU IN TOUCH WITH YOUR LOCAL LEADERS
IL Sen. Li Arellano Jr. Stratton Office Bldg Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-1942
IL Rep. Bradley Fritts Stratton Office Bldg Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-0535
Have a letter you want to submit to us? Send it to (news@rochellenews-leader.com
Rochelle City Council
*John Bearrows jbearrows@rochelleil.us
Kathryn Shaw-Dickey kshaw-dickey@rochelleil.us
Bil Hayes bhayes@rochelleil.us
Rosaelia Arteaga rarteaga@rochelleil.us
Dan McDermott dmcdermott@rochelleil.us
Tom McDermott tmcdermott@rochelleil.us
Benjamin Valdivieso bvaldivieso@rochelleil.us
Rochelle Elementary School Board
*Steve Builta sbuilta@d231.rochelle.net
Ashley Jackson ajackson@d231.rochelle.net
Stephanie White swhite@d231.rochelle.net
Javier Zepeda jzepeda@d231.rochelle.net
Jennifer Thompson jthompson@d231.rochelle.net
Evan Tracy etracy@d231.rochelle.net
Stacey Dunphy sdunphy@d231.rochelle.net
Rochelle Township High School Board
*Jeff Tilton jeff.tilton@rthsd212.org
Bobby Chadwick bobby.chadwick@rthsd212.org
Brent Ohlinger brent.ohlinger@rthsd212.org
Laurie Pillen laurie.pillen@rthsd212.org
Joel Thompson joel.thompson@rthsd212.org
Trisha Vaughn trisha.vaughn@rthsd212.org
Janet Kacvinsky janet.kacvinsky@rthsd212.org
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY
The Rochelle News-Leader encourages responsible letters to the editor on subjects of interest to our readers. Editing may be necessary for space, clarity or to avoid obscenity or libel, but ideas will not be altered. All letters must bear the handwritten signature of the writer and include address and phone number or e-mail address for verification purposes. Neither the street address nor phone number will be printed. Letters should be typed
The net effect of concrete production and use inputs CO2 into the atmosphere, which contributes to the greenhouse effect and climate change. But once it has been poured and set, it begins to absorb CO2 through a process called carbonation. During carbonation, CO2 reacts with concrete, particularly with calcium hydroxide and calcium silicate compounds, to form calcium carbonate. This process can trap CO2 within the concrete, effec-
As technology evolves, concrete is being improved to meet environmental challenges and the growing demands of infrastructure systems. The story of concrete in roadbuilding is one of ancient wisdom, industrial advancement, and futuristic possibilities, all built on a foundation that has literally stood the test of time.
Kurt Wolter has studied and taught technology - including production, transportation, energy, and communication - for over 30 years. He enjoys trying to better understand technology and its past, present, and future while also attempting technical journalism. He can be reached at technohistory100@gmail.com.
or legibly handwritten, and no anonymous letters will be published. Any letters from boards or organizations must include at least one name of an individual. Any criticism of public officials should be limited to issues related strictly to their position or actions made in office, as personal attacks will not be published. Letters involving private disputes between the writer and a business will not be published. Political endorsements will be published,
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Flagg Township
Sue Messer supervisor@flaggtownship.org
Joanna Patrick clerk@flaggtownship.org
Rachel Berry assessor@flaggtownship.org
Scott Seebach commissioner@flaggtownship.org
Board of Trustees
Lance Noggle noggle62@gmail.com
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Flagg-Rochelle Library
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however letters from candidates endorsing themselves will not be printed. Letters may be dropped at the News-Leader office (211 IL Route 38 East), mailed to the News-Leader (P.O. Box 46, Rochelle, IL 61068) or e-mailed (news@rochellenewsleader.com.) The News-Leader reserves the right to edit or reject any letter to the editor for any reason, and letters chosen for publication do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper.
COMMUNITY
RACF’s 20th Anniversary Golf Outing set for Aug. 29
ROCHELLE — The Rochelle Area Community Foundation (RACF) invites businesses, organizations, and individuals to join them in celebrating 20 years of philanthropy and community impact at their annual Golf Outing on Friday, Aug. 29 at Fairways Golf Course. The event will feature a 10 a.m. shotgun start, a day of community connection, and a shared celebration of the foundation’s growth since its founding.
This year’s outing honors not only the impact of RACF’s first 20 years but also the vision of its founding father, Leonard Carmichael, whose belief in the power of local philanthropy planted the seeds for what RACF has become today—a trusted partner in strengthening our community through grantmaking, partnerships, and stewardship.
Participants will enjoy a
pristine box lunch provided by Luna Catering, meet the local nonprofits and community partners RACF supports, and see firsthand how every donor dollar remains local and continues to do the good it was intended to do through the generosity of individuals, businesses, and organizations.
“This outing is about more than just a day of golf,” said EmilyAnaya, executive director of RACF. “It’s about celebrating the work we’ve done together over the past two decades and recognizing how far we’ve come thanks to the generosity of those who believe in giving back locally. Together, we’ve built something lasting—and this is a moment to honor that legacy and look ahead to what we can accomplish next.”
RACF Board President Jeff Fiegenschuh added, “This is a great opportunity for the community to come
together, not only to support RACF but to celebrate the meaningful partnerships and the lives we’ve touched over the past 20 years. None of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors and the commitment of local businesses and organizations. We are a team, and together we’ll continue to do meaningful work.”
Sponsorships and four-
Coffee Break
somes are still available. This outing is an opportunity to visibly show your commitment to Rochelle while connecting with others who care deeply about our community’s future.
For more information, to register, or to sponsor this special event, visit https:// rochellefoundation.org/donate you can register online today!
July 25 - Shannon Underwood, Rochelle, $25
July 26 - Kayte Hamel, Sycamore, $25
July 27 - Jon Coughlin, St. Charles, $50
July 28 - Guillermo Martinez, Rochelle, $25
July 29 - Frnak Hartman, Maple Park, $25
July 30 - Adam Lanning, Rochelle, $25
July 31 - Jeanie Sparaciro, Rochelle, $25
Aug. 1 - Linda Hoffman, Rochelle, $25
Aug. 2 - Graham Isaacson, Rochelle, $25
Aug. 3 - Allison Reed, Byron, $50
The Rochelle Area Community Foundation (RACF) will host its annual Golf Outing on Friday, Aug. 29 at Fairways Golf Course.
(PHOTO BY JEFF HELFRICH)
soccer team.
Salazar adapts to defensive role during freshman season at Kishwaukee College
BY RUSSELL HODGES SPORTS EDITOR
DIEGO Salazar never played defense throughout his four varsity seasons with the Rochelle Hub soccer program. A two-time All-Interstate 8 Conference forward, Salazar scored 42 goals and dished out nine assists over his junior and senior years with the Hubs.
Despite his success on offense as a high-schooler, Salazar transitioned to a defensive role during his first season of NJCAA soccer at Kishwaukee College, where he became the team’s starting left back and helped the Kougars to five victories in 2024. Although Salazar spent more time protecting his team’s goal as opposed to attacking the opponent’s goal, the RTHS alum is eyeing a bigger role on offense in 2025 after finishing the 2024 season as the left midfielder.
“It was my first time playing defense at a high level,” Salazar said. “When I first started, it was very different because as a forward, my job was to score goals and help my teammates. But on defense, I couldn’t go up very much and if I did, I had to work even harder to get back and help my teammates… If I made one mistake, then the other team could counter-attack and score.”
Salazar posted two goals and two assists during his freshman season with the Kougars.
The former Hub recorded his first collegiate assist during Kishwaukee’s match against McHenry County College on Aug. 24, when the Kougars earned a 2-1 victory, their first of the season.
“The team was very welcoming and everybody got along pretty quickly,” Salazar said.
“When we trained, we tried pushing each other to our limits. Since we did a lot of conditioning during my four years at high school, I thought that helped me a lot because, when I first started training with the Kish team, we did a lot of conditioning and I found that I was already in good shape because we’d run a lot during practice. There was a lot more intensity and a lot more pressure.”
Salazar scored his first collegiate goal on Oct. 2, helping the Kougars avoid a shutout during a 5-2 defeat at College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn. The former Hub forward connected on another goal two weeks later, finding the net during Kish’s 3-1 loss against Carl Sandburg College.
“It made me feel pretty good and it motivated me to score more goals,” Salazar said. “Scoring as a left back gave me more confidence, especially when I started playing left midfielder later in the season. If my coach moves me to left midfielder, I know that I can be scoring more goals.”
Salazar, whose second assist came during an 8-0 win against UW-Whitewater at Rock County on Oct. 4, said his goals for the 2025 season include playing more in the midfield and helping the Kougars improve upon their 5-9 record from the 2024 campaign. Salazar, who’s currently studying for his associate’s degree, intends on pursuing a career as an electrician after college.
“As a team, I want us to communicate better and push ourselves to our limits more,” Salazar said. “If we push each other, then we can all get better individually and start playing with more confidence. I think I’ll be playing more on offense this year, which motivates me because this is my final year with the team. I want to score more goals and have the best season possible.”
“The team was very welcoming and everybody got along pretty quickly. When we trained, we tried pushing each other to our limits.”
Diego Salazar
Former Rochelle student-athlete Diego Salazar scored two goals and added two assists during his freshman season with the Kishwaukee College men’s
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509 HOUSE FOR RENT
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The
SPORTS
NIU Football Hammock inducted into Indiana Football Hall of Fame Huskie head football coach started at Fort Wayne’s Bishop Luers
DEKALB – Northern Illinois University head coach Thomas Hammock was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame
Tuesday night during a ceremony in Hammock’s hometown of Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he starred as a running back at Bishop Luers High School.
Hammock, who was inducted into the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2022 after a stellar career for the Huskies, enters his seventh season as head coach at his alma mater in 2025.
“To be inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame is a tremendous honor and something I was not expecting,” Hammock said. “I’m extremely proud of my high school experience at Bishop Luers. It was a big part of helping me develop on and off the field. When you receive an honor like this, a lot of people had a part – from my family to my coaches to my teammates – they all put me in a position to excel.”
A two-time first team
All-State selection for Bishop Luers in 1997 and 1998, Hammock rushed for more than 1,000 yards each season. As a senior, he carried 274 times for 1,775 yards and 28 touchdowns after totaling 1,158 yards on 174 with 17 touchdowns as a junior.
A three-sport standout, he was named the Fort Wayne News Sentinel Athlete of the Year as a senior, while also garnering all-conference and all-area honors in football. He placed third at the state wrestling championships as a junior and a senior, compiling a 36-1 record his final season.
Hammock was presented at Tuesday night’s ceremony by his high school wrestling coach, A.J. Kalver, who he credited with instilling in him the confidence to excel in athletics.
Hammock carried his high school success into a Hall of Fame career at NIU where he earned first team All Mid-American Conference honors as a sophomore and junior while surpassing 1,000 yards in rushing each season. Hammock was also a two-time first team Academic All-American for the Huskies. He still ranks among the Top 15 rushers in school history despite seeing his senior season cut short after just one game.
NIU is coming off a 2024 season which saw the Huskies earn a historic win over fifth-ranked Notre Dame, the first win by any MAC team over a Top 5 opponent and finish the year with its second consecutive bowl victory,
a 28-20 double overtime win over Fresno State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. The Huskies return four offensive and defensive starters in 2025 after fielding one of the most experienced teams in the country a year ago.
The Huskies open preseason camp on Wednesday, July 30 with the 2025 season opener set for Saturday, August 31 versus Holy Cross in Huskie Stadium.
Season ticket prices for NIU's six 2025 home games begin at as little as $110 each for a general admission ticket. With the purchase of the Huskie 4-Pack (four or more tickets), pay $110 each for a reserved seat in sections A, B or F on the West Side. Reserved west side seats are priced at $152 or $170 with discounts available for NIU alumni, NIU faculty/staff, DeKalb County residents, seniors (62+) and members of the Varsity Club (former student-athletes).
Renew or purchase tickets for the 2025 NIU Football season anytime online at NIUHuskies. com/tickets. For more information, call the NIU Ticket Office at 815-753PACK (7225) weekdays between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. or email huskiestickets@ niu.edu.
High School
Curry nominated for Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Junior
offensive
DEKALB – Northern Illinois University offensive lineman Abiathar Curry (Janesville, Wis./ Parker HS) is NIU’s 2025 nominee for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team announced today (July 15) by Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association.
Curry, a junior who has volunteered for 13 different activities with organizations ranging from NIU to the City of DeKalb, to local schools, camps and churches. He has logged community service hours in DeKalb, Sycamore and Rockford, in Boise, Idaho – where
lineman leads Huskie football team in
the Huskies played in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl – in his hometown of Janesville, Wisconsin and in teammate Evan Malcore’s hometown of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.
The first Huskie football student-athlete to volunteer anytime an opportunity presents itself, Curry leads the team in number of community service hours committed. He said that he enjoys taking the time to engage with different people in volunteer efforts and intends to continue that commitment beyond his time at NIU.
A few of the events
he has appeared at include the Beautiful Lives Project with developmentally disabled youth and adults, Winter Family Night at Littlejohn Elementary School in DeKalb and the City of DeKalb’s Juneteenth Celebration.
Curry is one of a record-breaking 197 nominees across all divisions of NCAA and NAIA football for the 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, a 23-member team which will be announced in September.
For the second year, Allstate is partnering with the Wuerffel Foun-
dation to align two of college football’s most meaningful honors: the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy. Together, they recognize student-athletes who demonstrate excellence in community service, academics and athletics.
Season ticket prices for NIU’s six 2025 home games begin at as little as $110 each for a general admission ticket. With the purchase of the Huskie 4-Pack (four or more tickets), pay $110 each for a reserved seat in sections A, B or F on the West Side. Reserved
community service hours
west side seats are priced at $152 or $170 with discounts available for NIU alumni, NIU faculty/staff, DeKalb County residents, seniors (62+) and members of the Varsity Club (former student-athletes).
Renew or purchase
tickets for the 2025 NIU Football season anytime online at NIUHuskies. com/tickets. For more information, call the NIU Ticket Office at 815-753PACK (7225) weekdays between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. or email huskiestickets@ niu.edu.
(COURTESY PHOTO)
Northern Illinois University head coach Thomas Hammock was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame Tuesday night during a ceremony in Hammock’s hometown of Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he starred as a running back at Bishop Luers High School.
NIU Football
Rochelle Hub football team holds Rochelle Junior Tackle Camp at RTHS from July 21-24
The Rochelle Hub football team held its annual Rochelle Junior Tackle camp for elementary and middle-school players at Rochelle Township High School from July 2124. The four-day camp serves as the introduction to the Rochelle Junior Tackle football season, which opened with rst practices on July 28. The RJT camp teaches the fundamental skills needed to play football such as running, passing, blocking, catching and more. Campers worked alongside current RTHS coaches and studentathletes as well as RJT coaches.
Huskies rank fifth in 2025 Mid-American Conference Preseason Poll
DETROIT – The Northern Illinois University Huskies were picked to finish fifth in the 2025 Mid-American Conference Football Coaches Preseason Poll
released Thursday during the 2025 MAC Football Media Day in Detroit. NIU Football
NIU collected 94 points, 21 behind No. 4 Buffalo and 13 ahead of sixth-place Bowling Green. Toledo narrowly edged Miami (Ohio) for first place with 135 points to the RedHawks’ 131. They were followed by defending champions Ohio with 123.
NIU will open its final season in the Mid-American Conference versus Miami on Saturday, October 4 in the Huskies’ 118th Homecoming game, will play Ohio in Athens on Saturday, October 18 and face Toledo on Wednesday, November 5 in Toledo. 2025 MAC Football Coaches Preseason Poll
(7)
(3)
also will take on
UMass and
State in 2025 with Ball State, Western Michigan and Kent State all coming to Huskie Stadium. The November 28 game versus Kent State
(PHOTOS BY RUSSELL HODGES)
Huskies hold first
practice of 2025 Fall camp opens with split squad workouts
DEKALB – By 7 a.m.
Wednesday morning, the Chessick Practice Center was with abuzz with whistles blowing, footballs in the air and the Northern Illinois University Huskies going through drills signifying the start of preseason training camp.
The Huskies began preparing for the 124th season of NIU football indoors due to a forecast for inclement weather. The team was split into two groups, with one group starting at 7 a.m. and another at 9 a.m. with an overlapping special teams period. Head Coach Thomas Hammock was happy with what he saw on the first day of practice.
“We’ve got a lot of guys with a lot of skill and a lot of talent, and we’ve got to give them as many reps as possible to give them a chance to compete,” Hammock said. “The wide receiver group and running back group stepped up in the second session today, as did our young tight ends.”
“Coach Sanders and the offensive staff has done a good job of getting on the same page and gelling quickly,” said Hammock. “The one thing about our offense is it’s very versatile. We’re going to use the pieces we have available and not be pigeonholed to one particular style. That allows us to be more dynamic week to week, day
to day, practice to practice. What I saw today was a lot of guys we can use to exploit what the defense gives us.”
Wide Receiver Gary Givens (Tampa, Fla./Valparaiso), who transferred to NIU from Valparaiso during spring semester, was ready to get out on the practice field and get to work again.
“Football season is back and I’ve been waiting for this since January,” said Givens. “We’ve been working for months, getting up at 5 a.m. every day, to get to this point. Now it’s time to go and put everything we worked on over the summer and talked about for the last four, five months on the field and make it come true.”
For a veteran on defense like cornerback Jacob Finley (Birmingham, Ala./Hoover), Wednesday marked another opportunity to provided a start to helping guide his side of the ball and pay it forward to the newcomers.
“When I came in as a freshman and saw the older guys lead and make plays, it helped me build into the role of being a leader,” Finley said. “I have to step us this year because I’m older and have been here and help them follow in my footsteps like the guys before me.”
The Huskies will be
Kishwaukee College Athletics
in split-squad practices tomorrow morning and Friday morning as they start their first week of camp.
NIU opens the 2025 season exactly one month from today, Saturday, August 30 against Holy Cross at Huskie Stadium. Season ticket prices for NIU's six 2025 home games begin at as little as $110 each for a general admission ticket. With the purchase of the Huskie 4-Pack (four or more tickets), pay $110 each for a reserved seat in sections A, B or F on the West Side. Reserved west side seats are priced at $152 or $170 with discounts available for NIU alumni, NIU faculty/staff, DeKalb County residents, seniors (62+) and members of the Varsity Club (former student-athletes). Renew or purchase tickets for the 2025 NIU Football season anytime online at NIUHuskies. com/tickets. For more information, call the NIU Ticket Office at 815-753PACK (7225) weekdays between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. or email huskiestickets@ niu.edu.
RTHS grads earn student-athlete honors at Kishwaukee College
MALTA — Kishwaukee College had a College-record 57 student-athletes nominated for Arrowhead Conference or National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) academic awards during the 2024-2025 athletic season.
“The past athletic year showcased incredible competition, and we are proud of our student-athletes who have not only excelled in their sports but also achieved academic honors. Their commitment to their studies is remarkable, and it is inspiring to see so many stepping up as positive role models for our College and community,” said Scott Kawall, Director of Student Involvement, Athletic Director.
Team recognition by completing at least 12 credits per semester while achieving a 3.00 or higher cumulative grade-point average (GPA) for the academic year. The following Kish student-athletes were nominated:
Men’s Baseball — Aidan Rodriguez of Rochelle
Men’s Basketball — Elijah Luxton of Rochelle
Women’s Basketball — Kara Martinez of Rochelle
Women’s Soccer — Mavi Avila of Rochelle, Kara Martinez of Rochelle
Women’s Volleyball — Kennedy Adamski of Chana, Addie Friestad of Rochelle,
NJCAA All-Academic Team
Additionally, 24 Kish student-athletes received NJCAA All-Academic nominations. Student-athletes with a 4.00 GPA earned NJCAA All-Ac-
Dyer, Lewis medal in Rockford Junior Classic at Ingersoll GC RTHS golfers Alex Dyer and Connor Lewis posted top-3 medalist performances during the 2025 Rockford Junior Classic at Ingersoll Golf Course from July 2122. Dyer nished second in the Boys 15-16 Flight with a 3-over-par 145, shooting a 1-over-par 72 in the rst round and a 2-over-par 73 in the second round. Lewis took third with a 10-over-par 152, ring a 6-over-par 77 in the rst round and a 4-over-par 75 in the second round.
Follow The Leader
ademic First Team, a 3.80-3.99 GPA earned NJCAA All-Academic Second Team, and a 3.60-3.79 GPA earned NJCAA All-Academic Third Team. The following student-athletes were nominated:
First Team — Kennedy Adamski of Chana Second Team — Addie Friestad of Rochelle, Kara Martinez of Rochelle Third Team — Aidan Rodriguez of Rochelle
With a new athletic season starting in August, Kishwaukee College is ready to welcome its next class of athletes. Learn more about Kish athletics at kishkougars.com.
NIU Football
RTHS Golf (COURTESY PHOTO)
10U: Rochelle All-Stars finish season as state quarterfinalists
From page 16
Adolph scored on a steal of home for the fifth and final run.
Leading 5-1, Rochelle tacked on two runs in the bottom of the second inning, taking a six-run advantage after Spencer Kulwicki fi red an RBI single to center field and Grey Engelbarts scored on a steal of home. Ridge Beverly brought Rochelle within two, scratching one run in the top of the third inning before adding three runs on two singles and a triple in the top of the fourth.
Wells Millard delivered a clutch hit for the 10U All-Stars in the bottom of the fifth inning, smacking an RBI single to right field that brought home Tyton Dahman and made the score 8-5 in favor of the 10U All-Stars. Although Ridge Beverly responded with one run in the top of the sixth inning, a groundout to first baseman Xander Gonzales secured the Rochelle victory.
Tri-County
Rochelle recorded 14 hits during the team’s 12-1 win over Tri-County on Saturday afternoon. Elliot Huff went 3 for 3 with one double and three RBIs, while Connor Isley went 2 for 3 with three RBIs in the win. Jacob Chadwick and Brekkon VanKirk each collected two RBIs.
Elliot Huff pitched the final two and twothirds innings, working around four walks to hold the Tri-County offense to one run. Jacob Chadwick started on the mound, throwing two and one-third innings while striking out five batters
and holding Tri-County without a hit or a run.
An RBI groundout from Connor Isley and an RBI double from Elliot Huff gave Rochelle a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning. The 10U All-Stars added two more runs in the top of the second inning, where Brekkon VanKirk scored on a steal of home and Spencer Kulwicki blasted an RBI double into center that drove home Paul Martinez Jr. Jacob Chadwick’s RBI groundout and Elliot Huff’s RBI single in the top of the third inning extended the Rochelle lead to 6-0.
Leading 6-1 after four frames, Rochelle broke the game open with six runs on four hits in the top of the fifth inning, where Connor Isley smacked a two-run double to center and Jacob Chadwick brought home Wells Millard with an RBI
groundout to second base.
Elliot Huff ripped an RBI single to short and Brekkon VanKirk pounded a two-run triple to right field for the 10U All-Stars.
Mendota
Conrad Harper collected one RBI and Rochelle finished with three hits during a 9-2 loss against Mendota Little League on Sunday. Paul Martinez Jr. doubled, while Jacob Chadwick and Spencer Kulwicki added singles for the 10U All-Stars, who ended pool play with a 2-1 record.
Cooper Harris pitched the first two and onethird innings, striking out one batter. Paul Martinez Jr. followed with two strikeouts over one and two-thirds innings of relief and Grey Engelbarts fired the final two frames while striking out one batter.
Rochelle drew six walks on offense.
The 10U All-Stars led 1-0 after the bottom of the second inning, where Paul Martinez Jr. doubled and Brekkon VanKirk scored on a steal of home after reaching on a two-out walk. Mendota answered in the top of the third inning, tallying five runs on four hits before adding four runs on four hits in the top of the fifth inning. Conrad Harper drew a bases-loaded walk for Rochelle in the bottom of the sixth, where two fielder’s choice grounders ended the game.
Moline
Rochelle battled Moline during the state quarterfinals on Monday evening, falling 10-6 to end the tournament with a 2-2 record over four games. Connor Isley went 2 for 2
with one double and two RBIs, while Elliot Huff went 2 for 3 with two singles and an RBI for the 10U All-Stars, who finished with nine hits in the loss. Rochelle held a 6-3 lead over Moline after three innings. Trailing 2-0 entering the top of the second inning, Rochelle tied the game when Xander Gonzales ripped an RBI double to score Elliot Huff and Brekkon VanKirk reached on an infield single for an RBI. Moline added a run in the bottom of the second, but the 10U AllStars surged ahead in the top of the third inning, where three straight walks led to a two-run, go-ahead double from Connor Isley. Jacob Chadwick and Elliot Huff followed with backto-back RBI singles.
Rochelle’s 6-3 lead stood until the bottom of
the fourth inning, where Moline rallied for seven runs on five singles and six walks. Rochelle put two runners on base in the top of the fifth inning, but an out on the basepaths and a fielder’s choice grounder ended the frame. The 10U All-Stars trailed by four entering the top of the sixth, but three consecutive outs sealed Moline’s victory.
District 19
Rochelle advanced to the state tournament after winning the Illinois Little League District 19 Championship tournament with a 4-1 record. Rochelle won four consecutive games to take the district title, defeating Freeport twice to clich the championship. The 10U All-Stars concluded their postseason with a 6-3 record over nine games.
The team includes Cooper Harris, Wells Millard, Jacob Chadwick, Elliot Hu , Xander Gonzales, Bryce Adolph, Brekkon VanKirk, Spencer Kulwicki, Grey Engelbarts, Conrad Harper, Tyton Dahman, Connor Isley and Paul Martinez Jr. The team is coached by Johnny Gonzales, Jimmy Hu and Tim Isley.
(COURTESY PHOTO)
FARGO NATIONALS: RTHS wrestlers compete at tournament in North Dakota
From page 16
“My favorite part of the Fargo experience was competing at a national level,” said Lopez, who’s entering his sophomore year at RTHS and his second year with the RTHS wrestling team. “It was a new experience for me. I enjoyed how close every Illinois wrestler is, it was like a big family… My goal for this upcoming season is to be on the podium at state. This offseason helped me get closer to my goal because I got extra mat time and a boost of confidence.”
Lopez advanced all the way to the sub-quarterfinals after recording his fifth and final win of the tournament in the consolation round of 32, where Lopez pinned Nebraska’s Kain Ornelas. Lopez, who ultimately finished 5-2 over seven Fargo matches in the greco-roman discipline, was one of multiple RTHS wrestlers who trained with the Forge Wrestling Club this offseason.
Junior Josh Lassiter and senior Freddie Hernandez, both varsity
wrestlers at RTHS, each brought home two wins during greco-roman competition at the Fargo tournament. Lassiter scrapped in the 16U 150-pound weight class, reaching the round of 32 after two technical falls including an 8-0 win over Vermont’s Carter Jones and an 11-3 win over Washington’s Tyler Holt.
“I performed pretty well this year,” said Lassiter, who represented Rochelle at last year’s Fargo tournament as a sophomore. “Camp was definitely the most enjoyable part of the experience. I wrestled multiple times a day and worked with different people at practice, which was pretty cool. Mentally, last year definitely set me up for this year. I think my biggest takeaway is that I know I can compete with the top guys and I can bring that mentality into the folkstyle season.”
Hernandez tangled in the Junior 120-pound division, finishing with two wins including a 12-3 technical fall against North Carolina’s Joseph Little III in the round of
128 and a win against Illinois’s Antonio Clark in the consolation round of 64. RTHS graduate Dempsey Atkinson, who will wrestle collegiately at Quincy University this coming school year, competed in the Junior Girls
155-pound freestyle division, taking the mat for two matches but finishing 0-2 overall.
“My experience of competing at Fargo was amazing because I was surrounded by the best wrestlers in the country,
which pushed me to be a better wrestler,” Hernandez said. “I enjoyed learning new things and making memories with the team. My biggest takeaways are how there are levels to wrestling and if you want to be up there
with the top guys, you have to put in the work and be mentally tough. This will help prepare me for my senior season because it reminds me to stay focused and I know that I have to earn what I want.”
(PHOTOS BY YESSENIA ANDRONIC)
RTHS sophomore Aidan Lopez (left) and junior Josh Lassiter (right) competed at the 2025 USA Wrestling Junior Nationals in Fargo, North Dakota from July 10-19.
SUNDAY, AUG. 3, 2025
Rochelle Little League
BY RUSSELL HODGES SPORTS EDITOR
LA GRANGE PARK
— Rochelle Little League’s 10U Baseball All-Stars posted a top-8 finish at the Illinois Little League State Championship tournament in La Grange Park over the weekend. Rochelle finished 2-2 over four games, defeating Ridge Beverly and Tri-County on Saturday before falling against Mendota on Sunday to end pool play and advance to the quarterfinals. Rochelle faced Moline in the quarterfinal round on Monday evening, falling just short of victory.
The team includes Cooper Harris, Wells Millard, Jacob Chadwick, Elliot Huff, Xander Gonzales, Bryce Adolph, Brekkon
RTHS Wrestling
VanKirk, Spencer Kulwicki, Grey Engelbarts, Conrad Harper, Tyton Dahman, Connor Isley and Paul Martinez Jr. The team is coached by Johnny Gonzales, Jimmy Huff and Tim Isley.
Ridge Beverly Rochelle scored five runs in the bottom of the first inning during the team’s 8-6 win against Ridge Beverly on Saturday morning. Spencer Kulwicki went 2 for 2 with two singles on offense, while Connor Isley held Ridge Beverly to one run over two innings of work on the mound. Bryce Adolph and Wells Millard combined for three strikeouts over the final four innings in relief. Rochelle posted four hits in the bottom of the
terfinals.
BY RUSSELL HODGES SPORTS EDITOR
FARGO, N.D. — Determination enabled Rochelle Hub sophomore Aidan Lopez to fight back from a first-round loss during the 16U Greco-Roman competition at the 2025 USA Wrestling Freestyle & Greco-Roman National Championships in Fargo, North Dakota this past week.
Lopez fell just one point short of victory during his opening-round match against Iowa’s Caleb Arroyo, conceding an 8-7 decision to move into the consolation side of the massive 126-pound weight bracket, which featured 92 total wrestlers from across the United States of America. Facing a long and difficult road through the consolation rounds, Lopez clawed his way back into the competition, rallying off an impressive five consecutive wins to reach the sub-quar-
“I felt like I had something to prove the whole time I was on the back side of the bracket,” Lopez said. “My biggest takeaway from Fargo is that ranks don’t matter. This will help me going into my sophomore season because I know I can go out and wrestle with the best as a sophomore.”
One of four Rochelle wrestlers competing in Fargo, Lopez scored a narrow victory to begin his run through the consolation bracket, edging out Iowa’s Cale Johnson for a 9-8 decision before scoring an 8-0 technical fall against Ohio’s Boston Noland. Lopez remained on point during the next two consolation rounds, picking up back-to-back technical falls including a 14-6 victory against Alaska’s Quenten Halverson and a 10-2 victory against Alaska’s Kaden Costigan.
See FARGO NATIONALS page 15
first inning, where Jacob Chadwick sparked a twoout rally with an RBI single to short that drove
10U BASEBALL ALL-STARS SHINE AT STATE
Rochelle team records top-8 finish during state tournament in La Grange Park
The team includes Cooper Harris, Wells Millard, Jacob Chadwick, Elliot Huff, Xander
Bryce
Brekkon VanKirk, Spencer Kulwicki, Grey Engelbarts, Conrad Harper, Tyton Dahman, Connor Isley and Paul Martinez Jr. The team is coached by Johnny Gonzales, Jimmy Huff and Tim Isley.
home Cooper Harris. Bryce Adolph reached on an error and Elliot Huff scored on a steal of home to give the
10U All-Stars a 3-0 lead. Brekkon VanKirk kept the offense moving, rolling an RBI single to second
base that allowed Xander Gonzales to score.
See 10U page 14
Hub athletes take the mat at 2025 Junior Nationals
Lopez, Lassiter, Hernandez and Atkinson represent Rochelle in
Fargo, North Dakota
(COURTESY PHOTO)
Gonzales,
Adolph,
(PHOTO BY YESSENIA ANDRONIC)
RTHS senior Freddie Hernandez was one of four Rochelle athletes to represent the Hubs during the 2025 USA Wrestling Junior Nationals in Fargo, North Dakota from July 10-19.
