The 2025 Rochelle Summer Tennis Tournament was held July 25-27 at RTHS.
City presents facade grant check to Bill’s Trading Post
‘It means a lot to invest in the building we’ve been in for so long’
BY JEFF HELFRICH MANAGING EDITOR
ROCHELLE — On
Thursday, July 31, the City of Rochelle presented a facade grant check for $5,000 to Bill’s Trading Post at 408 4th Ave.
The city’s facade grant program covers half the cost of any improvements made to business fronts in town with a limit of $5,000. The improvements included brick refurbishing and new windows and window frames, Owner Frank Smardo said.
“We refurbished the brick on the front of the building so it would all look uniform,” Smardo said. “We did the whole wall. My son did it, he’s a bricklayer. The previous windows were in bad shape.”
See BILL’S page 2
Ribbon cutting held July 31 for RE/MAX Hub City’s new location Broker/Owner Humpal: ‘We thank you all and we thank the city for embracing us’
BY JEFF HELFRICH MANAGING EDITOR
ROCHELLE — On Thursday, July 31, a ribbon cutting and grand opening were held for RE/MAX Hub City’s new location at 244 May Mart Drive. The organization recently moved from its previous space at 136 May Mart Drive.
The event was hosted by the Rochelle Chamber of Commerce and the City of Rochelle and attended by chamber members, community members and city staff. Speakers included Chamber Executive Direc-
tor Tricia Herrera, Mayor John Bearrows and RE/ MAX Managing Broker/ Owner Tom Humpal.
Herrera said that along with marking openings of new businesses, she enjoys ribbon cuttings to celebrate other happenings such as anniversaries or moving locations.
“Thank you for inviting us today,” Herrera said. “We are excited that you stayed on the Illinois Route 38 corridor here so that when people come into town it’s very welcoming.”
See RE/MAX page 7
On Thursday, July 31, a ribbon cutting and grand opening were held for RE/MAX Hub City’s new location at 244 May Mart Drive.
On Thursday, July 31, the City of Rochelle presented a facade grant check for $5,000 to Bill’s Trading Post at 408 4th Ave.
(PHOTO BY JEFF HELFRICH)
(PHOTO BY JEFF HELFRICH)
Library holds foam party to mark end of summer reading program Outreach Clerk Ashley Capes:
BY JEFF HELFRICH MANAGING EDITOR
ROCHELLE — The Flagg-Rochelle Public Library marked the end of its summer reading program on Friday, Aug. 1 with a foam party.
The theme this year was Level Up At Your Library. The library has hosted a summer reading program for over 50 years to offer area kids a place to go and activities while they’re on summer break from school.
Summer reading programs included Coloring Club, Gamer Thursdays, Outdoor Movie Nights, Library Lego Club, Outdoor games with the Park District, a Youth Talent Show, Story time, 4-C Play and Learn Group, Pokemon Fan Club, a Vegetables and
Gardening Workshop, Put on a Play in 90 minutes, Star Weaving Ornaments, Musical Theatre Dance, Art & Chill, Teen Trivia Night, Summer Thrill Teen Book Club, Theatre Camp, Adult Art Workshop, Designing with Denim and Adult Morning Book Club.
The summer also included a Reading Dragons program, where children earned dragon cards by reading books and could use them to play against their friends. That program will continue through the end of August.
“Summer reading has been amazing,” Library Outreach Clerk Ashley Capes said. “We’ve had a lot of fun and we’ve done a lot of different things. We had an amazing theater program this summer that was really popular. We’ve
‘It’s been really great. It’s been a quick two months’
had art classes. We’ve had kids just wanting to read and doing our Reading Dragons program. It’s been really great. It’s been a quick two months. My favorite part has been seeing all different ages of people coming to the library and doing reading activities or any type of activity. Our foam party is probably the highlight of the summer.”
Capes was happy to see a large turnout for the foam party and said it serves its purpose well to wind down summer reading and send kids back to school. The summer reading program works to keep kids’ reading skills sharp while they’re away from school.
“Reading is important all the time, especially in the summer,” Capes said.
See LIBRARY page 3
Follow The Leader
The Flagg-Rochelle Public Library marked the end of its summer reading program on Friday, Aug. 1 with a foam party. The theme this year was Level Up At Your Library. The library has hosted a summer reading program for over 50 years to o er area kids a place to go and activities while they’re on summer break from school.
BILL’S: City of
Rochelle
gives facade grant to local trading post
From page 1
“One of them had a bullet hole in it and the others were cracked and one was thermopane and one was regular glass. We got all new thermopane windows that are all uniform. I think they did a really good job. They’re all new window frames and it’s all one piece, no cracks. I really like them. Hopefully it will help with the heating bill and it has helped with air conditioning costs. It’s like 100 percent different from how it was. It makes it more exciting for people to come in, because something has been improved and updated.”
Bill’s Trading Post has been in existence since 1943 and it’s been at its current location at 408 4th Ave. since 1950. Smardo said it meant a lot to invest in the longtime building and thanked the city for the grant.
“Hopefully it means we’ll be here for a while longer,” Smardo said. “The improvement makes that more feasible. The building doesn’t need as much maintenance now. Old buildings require
a lot of money to keep them standing. Having access to a program like this meant I could get new windows and a new front and tuckpointing. Things like this are very expensive and they’re getting more expensive. It helped us to do some upgrading. It’s encouraging to get the support.”
Rochelle Mayor John Bearrows was on hand for the check presentation, and said it was special to present it to a longtime local business. The downtown area will soon see improvements by the city such as new and reconstructed parking lots, undergrounding of utilities, a new urban park and a bathrooms, storage and stage structure.
“This is just another example of reinvesting in the downtown to make it more attractive to people coming in,” Bearrows said. “We try to do our best to be a destination and this business is a destination. It’s jam packed with special things and I hope people are drawn in to find the special thing they’re looking for. We’re very thankful to have Frank.
His family has been here a long time. I’ve known the family for about 65 years. They’re good people. They do a lot to help the community and this is a way to pay that back.” Bearrows said he and the city council continue to support the facade grant program year after year because they want to improve the downtown area and the city as a whole. He’s well aware of the current high costs of renovations and that local businesses are still dealing with effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This program helps ease the burden of doing improvements that need to be done,” Bearrows said. “This is really special because it’s a longtime business. It’s very special for us to retain businesses like this. The support of the city council for this facade improvement program is extremely important and it has been supportive of programs like this. It’s great to be able to see some of those funds come back to people who have helped build our community and have been the backbone of it.”
(PHOTOS BY JEFF HELFRICH)
LIBRARY: Summer reading program concludes with foam party Aug. 1
From page 2
“Teachers will notice if a child has been keeping up on their reading over the summer. They always talk about the summer slide in reading. It’s important to keep those skills sharp during the summer. I think our Reading Dragons program really helps some
of our reluctant readers to want to read at the library. That’s been really successful.”
Patrons did not need to be a district resident or have a library card to participate in any of the library’s summer reading programs. Capes said the library prides itself on having open doors for
families, children and anyone of any age and being able to offer free, quality programming for families in Rochelle and surrounding communities.
Planning for the summer reading program starts 6-9 months out, Capes said. The library receives a free sum-
mer reading curriculum through iRead Illinois, which made the framework of the program. The library added pieces of its own such as its Book Bucks program and the foam party.
The library will be rolling out its fall programming in the coming weeks on its social media
channels and website. It recently received a grant from the Rochelle Area Community Foundation for new sensory toys and more will be rolled out soon.
Capes said she was “amazed” by the turnout for the library’s foam party to mark the end of summer reading.
“This makes me so happy just to see kids out having fun and everyone interacting with each other,” Capes said. “We have little kids all the way up through middle schoolers. We have high schoolers helping out serving food and being a part of the library that way. I love seeing that.”
Venetian Night returns with Sauk Valley’s 1st-ever drone light show
DIXON – Discover Dixon is excited to present one of the area’s most anticipated summer events as Venetian Night returns to the Downtown Dixon Riverfront on Saturday, Aug. 9 at 5 p.m.
This year marks a magical addition: the Sauk Valley’s first-ever drone light show, produced by Northern Lights Drone Shows, a national leader in innovative aerial entertainment.
“We are so excited to
Moose
bring the first drone light show to the area,” said Amanda Wike, executive director of Discover Dixon. “Venetian Night has grown into such a can’tmiss family friendly event through the years, and this new twist will no doubt make it even more special and end the night in a truly unique way.”
Known for “transforming the night sky into a canvas of light and movement,” Northern Lights has created more than 300
Fraternity
custom shows across the country using cutting-edge technology, storytelling, and choreography. Their team of FAA Part-107 licensed pilots brings a new level of spectacle to this longstanding community event – one that has never been seen in the Sauk Valley.
Venetian Night is presented by Sauk Valley Collision, Ken Nelson Auto Group, and Hicks Insurance Agency & Associates, Inc.
In addition to the drone show, this year’s event will include an expanded lineup of entertainment and family activities:
New performances by Dixon Stage Left Magician Zack Percell of TNZ Magic and numerous street performers
Live music and entertainment throughout the evening
Mini boat races, glow stick party, face painting, and a mystery rock hunt
Spaghetti Eating Con-
chairman to speak at Rochelle Moose Lodge Sept. 6
ROCHELLE – John R. Reiter, chairman of the board for the Moose Fraternity, will be speaker at Rochelle Moose Lodge #903, located at 311 N. Main St., Saturday, Sept. 6 between 5 and 7 pm as a part of his statewide tour in Illinois. For more information about the event please contact the Moose Lodge 903 office at 815-562-4286.
Reiter was elected as the Moose Fraternity’s Chief Presiding Officer in May 2025 by the Moose delegates during the February’s 137th International Convention held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The Moose organization, with its headquarters located in Mooseheart,
Illinois, comprises nearly a million men and women in around 1,300 lodges across the U.S., Canada, and Great Britain.
The Moose organization is responsible for operating Mooseheart, a 1,000-acre community and school for children in need, situated 40 miles west of Chicago, as well as Moosehaven, a 63-acre retirement community near Jacksonville, Florida. Additionally, Moose lodges collectively contribute between $40-$60 million worth of community service annually, including monetary donations, miles driven, and volunteer hours.
The community service initiatives are tailored to
local needs and are also part of organization-wide programs. One such program is Tommy Moose, through which lodges have distributed over 220,000 plush Moose figures since 2003, free of charge, to first responders and hospitals for children in distress.
Furthermore, the Moose Youth Awareness Program
brings together hundreds of talented teenagers annually for Youth Congresses to discuss effective ways to deliver positive life messages to your children aged 4-9 through “Kids Talks.”
Since 1990, Moose-trained teens have reached over 701,000 youngsters across North America with these messages.
test, sponsored by Lena’s Social Club
Food and beverage vendors, including Kona Ice of the Sauk Valley Venetian Night continues to be a celebration of community, creativity, and summer fun – now with an unforgettable aerial experience lighting up the Riverfront.
It is a night designed to bring families, neigh-
bors, and visitors together for a truly one-of-a-kind evening.
Special thanks to our 2025 Event Season Pinnacle Sponsors: Sauk Valley Bank and Raynor Garage Doors.
For more information on Venetian Night and other upcoming events, go to discoverdixon.com and follow Discover Dixon on social media.
The library receives a free summer reading curriculum through iRead Illinois, which made the framework of the program. The library added pieces of its own such as its Book Bucks program and the foam party.
(PHOTOS BY JEFF HELFRICH)
OBITUARIES/LOCAL NEWS
Sandra Kay Burkhart
ASHTON — Sandra Kay Burkhart, 78, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at her home in Ashton, Illinois. Sandra was born on March 30, 1947 in Rockford, IL, the daughter of Francis and Arlene (Klein) Lace. She proudly served with the United States Army.
Sandra loved to read and decorate her home. Above all, she thoroughly enjoyed the time she spent with her family.
Sandra is survived by three children: Amy (Scott)
Johnson of Dixon, IL, Quint (Melinda) Burkhart of Chana, IL and Chad Burkhart of Rochelle IL; nine grandchildren include: Connor Johnson, Tyler (Kennedy) Burkhart, Kenslie Burkhart, Brayden Burkhart, Haleigh Burkhart, Cole Burkhart, Stephanie Murray, Ashley Daugherty, Michael Daugherty; and niece, Amber Slawson. She was preceded in death by her brother, Jim Lace and sister, Vicki Klein. There will be no services at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made
to Wounded Veterans of America. Cremation care has been provided by the Unger-Horner Funeral Home. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.
Jimmie L. Summers
ROCHELLE – Jimmie L. Summers, 93, of Rochelle, IL passed away on July 27, 2025. Jimmie was born on March 5, 1932 in Makanda, IL to Lester and Edna (Holmes) Summers. He married Audrey Anders in Clinton, Iowa on December 24, 1949.
Jimmie worked at Goss in Rockford for 34 years as an inspector making printing presses. Jimmie’s family moved to Rochelle when he was 15. He met Audrey two years later when she started her temporary work at Caron International. Jimmie’s dad was a greens keeper when he was young and taught Jimmie and his brothers to play golf. He loved playing golf throughout the years with family, friends and on his golf league at Goss. He was self-taught on playing the guitar, singing, auto mechanics
and home repairs. He enjoyed playing and singing in music jam sessions with family and friends, which was enjoyed by everyone. He was always willing to help family, friends and others when possible. Jimmie and Audrey had their loving home for 60 years and were married for 75 years.
Jimmie is survived by his wife, Audrey; Children, Mary K. Summers, Debbie (Kevin) Howard and Susan Furman; Grandchildren, Stephanie (Danny) Williams, Chris Furman, Dana Howard, Ashley (Sonny) Landrum and Luke (Mae) Furman; Great Grandchildren, Kennidy Cecil, Grace Williams, Echo Cecil, Rory Williams, Eleanor Furman, Sammy Landrum and Otis Furman.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his
ROCHELLE POLICE REPORT
ROCHELLE — On July 22 at 9:46 p.m. Alissa Y. Nambo, 19, of Rochelle was arrested for driving under the influence and DUI .08 and cited for speeding 68 in a 40 miles per hour zone, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and illegal transportation of alcohol. She signed a promise to comply and was
given an Aug. 22 Rochelle court date.
On July 23 at 9:59 p.m. Yoseclyn Escamilla, 26, of Belvidere was cited for disregarding a stop sign. She signed a promise to comply and was given an Aug. 22 Rochelle court date.
On July 24 at 2:11 a.m. Mark Butler, 37, of DeKalb was cited for
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OGLE COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT
OREGON — On July 25 detectives arrested Darrell Strang, 71, of Belvidere, for battery following an investigation into an incident that occurred at Lake Louise on July 1, 2025. Strang was transported to the Ogle County Jail, where he was processed and released on a notice to appear with a return court date of Aug. 15 at 9 a.m.
brothers, Leland Summers, Charles Summers and Richard Summers.
A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025 from 5:00 –7:00 P.M. at Beverage-Lyons Family Funeral Home, 704 N. 6th St. Rochelle, IL 61068. A memorial service will follow at 7:00 P.M. with pastor Dan from New Hope Fellowship Church in Rochelle officiating.
Arrangements were entrusted to Beverage-Lyons Family Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.beveragelyonsfamilyfh.com
operating an uninsured motor vehicle. He signed a promise to comply and was given an Aug. 22 Rochelle court date.
On July 24 at 6:57 p.m. Dominic Mireles, 43, of Rochelle was arrested on an Ogle County warrant and transferred.
See POLICE page 5
On July 25 at approximately 9:14 p.m. deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 1,000 block of West Blackhawk Drive in Byron. After an investigation, deputies placed Jeff A. Fithen, 56, of Rockford, under arrest for aggravated driving while license revoked. Fithen was additionally cited for driving while license revoked, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration, and operation of an uninsured motor vehicle. Fithen was transported to the Ogle County Jail, where he was released with a notice to appear in court on a later date. Deputies were assisted at the scene by officers of the Byron Police Department.
On July 26 at 4:01 p.m. deputies conducted a traffic stop on North Illinois Route 2 at Creekside Drive in Byron. As a result, deputies arrested Kylin L. Carter, 24, of Forreston for driving while license suspended. Carter was additionally issued citations for no front registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Carter was released on a notice to appear with a future court date. Deputies were assisted on scene by the Byron Police Department.
On July 27 at 1:14 a.m. deputies were advised of a possible intoxicated driver traveling southbound in the area of North Stillman Road that had struck a parked trailer. Deputies located the vehicle shortly after, and conducted a traffic stop at the intersection
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of East Illinois Route 64 and South Daysville Road. After an investigation, Joel Sanchez Jr., 19, of Lost Nation, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Sanchez was transported to the Ogle County Jail where he was released on a notice to appear. Sanchez was additionally cited for failure to report an accident, leaving the scene, improper lane usage and illegal transportation of alcohol.
On July 27 at 11:55 a.m. deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 16,000 block of West Milledgeville Road. As a result, deputies arrested Joshua K, Vancil, 42, of Dixon on an active Lee County warrant. Vancil was transferred to Lee County deputies.
On July 27 at noon deputies conducted a traffic stop on North Union Street at the intersection with West Third Street in Byron. As a result, deputies arrested Heidi M. Julia, 53, of Stillman Valley for driving while license suspended. Julia was transported to the Ogle County Jail and released on a notice to appear.
On July 28 at approximately 10:44 p.m. deputies conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of North Freeport Road and West Illinois Route 64. After an investigation, deputies placed Jessica Valladares-Villalta, 25, of Freeport, under arrest for driving with no valid license. Valladares-Villalta was additionally cited for speeding. Valladares-Villalta was transported to the Ogle County Jail where she was released on a notice to appear bond with a return court date.
On July 29 at approximately 10:44 a.m. deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 400 block of North 4th Street, Oregon. After investigation, deputies placed Diego Jose Valecillos-Rangel, 32, of Rockford was placed under arrest for driving while license suspended. Valecillos-Rangel was additionally issued citations for speeding 11-14 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, operating a vehicle with a suspended registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Valecillos-Rangel was transported to the Ogle County Jail where he was released on a notice to appear and given a future court date.
investigation, deputies arrested Patrick E. Sheely, 59, of Oregon, for operating an ATV/off-highway vehicle on a highway and driving with a revoked driver’s license. Deputies determined there was no accident. Sheely was given a notice to appear and released to Polo EMS. Sheely was transported to OSF St Katharine’s Hospital.
On July 29 at approximately 10:47 p.m. deputies conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of East Montague Road and North Hoisington Road. After an investigation, deputies placed Adrian Peralta, 26, of Rockford, under arrest for driving while license suspended. Peralta was additionally cited for disobeying a stop sign. Peralta was released on a notice to appear bond with a return court date.
On July 29 at approximately 4 p.m. deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 700 block of West Blackhawk Drive, Byron. After an investigation, deputies placed Trenton Sefton, 64, of Janesville, Wisconsin, under arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol. Sefton was additionally cited for improper lane usage, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and transporting an open alcohol container. Sefton was transported to the Ogle County Jail where he was booked and released on a notice to appear with a return court date.
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On July 29 at approximately 6:12 a.m. Polo EMS and the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 2,600 block of South Anterier Road in reference to a check welfare. After an
On July 30 at approximately 11:06 a.m. deputies responded to the 11,000 block of North Illinois Route 2 for a two-vehicle accident with injuries. After an investigation, it was determined that a red Chevrolet S10, operated by Brian A .Woods, 59, of Oregon was traveling northbound on North Illinois Route 2, attempted to conduct a left turn into a field entrance, failed to yield to oncoming traffic, and was struck by a black Volkswagen Passat traveling southbound on North Illinois Route 2. The driver of the Volkswagen was uninjured, while the passenger was injured. Both Woods and the passenger of the Volkswagen were transported to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Woods was issued citations for operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and for an improper left turn into oncoming traffic. Deputies were assisted by Byron Fire/EMS, Byron Police Department, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
See SHERIFF page 5
OGLE COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT
From page 4
On July 31 at approximately 6:55 a.m. deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 1,000 block of West Flagg Road. After investigation, Roman A. Aguilar, 40, of Streamwood was placed under arrest for driving while license revoked. Aguilar was additionally issued a citation for no front registration. Aguilar was transported to the Ogle County Jail, where he was released on a notice to appear and given a future court date.
On July 31 at approximately 12:32 p.m. deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 9,000 block of North Barker Road. After investigation, Robert L. Benson, 24, of Rockford was placed under arrest
for driving while license revoked. Benson was additionally issued a citation for expired registration. Benson was transported to the Ogle County Jail, where he was released on a notice to appear, and given a future court date.
On July 31 at approximately 11:02 p.m. deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 900 block of West Washington Street in Oregon. As a result of the investigation, deputies placed Joaquin A. Beltran-Huesca, 34, of Savanna under arrest for no valid driver’s license. Beltran-Huesca was released from the scene with a notice to appear in court on a later date.
On Aug. 1 at approximately 6:40 a.m. deputies conducted a traffic stop in
ROCHELLE POLICE REPORT
From page 4
On July 24 at 11:17 p.m. Amber Talab, 45, of Rochelle was arrested for domestic battery and transferred.
On July 25 at 12:31 p.m.
Patrick B. Coleman, 41, of Rochelle was arrested for two Ogle County warrants and transferred.
On July 25 at 6:36 p.m. a 14-year-old juvenile of Belvidere was arrested for domestic battery.
On July 26 at 8:02 p.m. Dayron R. Villafuerte, 26, of Rochelle was arrested on an Ogle County warrant. He paid $451 and was released.
On July 26 at 4:19 p.m. Douglas Rega, 34, of DeKalb was cited for expired driver’s license. He signed a promise to comply and was given an Aug. 22 Rochelle court date.
On July 27 at 8:07 p.m. Felipe Vera, 40, of Rochelle was arrested for two aggravated driving under the influence times two, driving while licensed revoked and DUI times two. Vera was also cited for disobeying a stop sign. He signed a promise to comply and was given an Aug. 13 Ogle County court date.
On July 27 at 8:25 a.m.
the 7,000 block of North Illinois Route 251. After investigation, deputies placed Jorge Laurencio Herrera, 59, of Rockford, under arrest for no valid driver’s license. Laurencio Herrera was additionally cited for no insurance and released on a notice to appear at a future court date.
On Aug. 1 at approximately 12:20 p.m. deputies conducted a traffic stop at Illinois Route 26 and Henry Road. After an investigation, deputies cited Jesse Gillman, 59, of Polo for driving while his license was suspended, no insurance, and no valid registration. Gillman was given a notice to appear and given a future court date.
On Aug. 2 at approximately 11:29 a.m. dep-
Aleksandra J. Ilic, 18, of Buffalo Grove was cited for speeding. He signed a promise to comply and was given an Aug. 22 Rochelle court date.
On July 27 at 9:59 a.m. Joe D. McKinney, 31, of Rockford was arrested on a Rockford PD warrant for obstructing identification and transferred.
On July 27 at 8:14 p.m.
Jason M. Wheeler, 48, of Rochelle was arrested for violation of an order of protection and transferred.
On July 24 at 5:20 p.m. Jason M. Wheeler, 48, of Rochelle was cited for failure to yield right of way at
uties conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of White Eagle and Baileyville Road. After an investigation, deputies cited Jonathan Beckman, 31, of Forreston for driving while his license was suspended. Beckman was given a notice to appear on his citation.
On Aug. 2 at about 12:22 a.m. deputies, assisted by the Oregon Police Department, conducted a traffic stop in the 200 block of North 4th Street, Oregon. After a brief investigation, deputies arrested Joseph McCray, 63, of Dixon, for driving while license revoked. McCray was transported to the Ogle County Jail, processed and released with a notice to appear. McCray was also issued
an intersection. He signed a promise to comply and was given an Aug. 22 Rochelle court date.
On July 30 at 1:17 p.m. Amandamarie Sarabia, 26, of Rochelle was arrested on a Lee County warrant. She was released with an Aug. 28 Lee County court date.
On July 30 at 9:54 p.m.
Jordan I. Subora, 29, of Geneva was arrested for driving under the influence times two and cited for improper lane usage, improper turn, possession of cannabis and illegal transportation of alcohol. He signed a promise to comply and was given an Aug. 22
a citation for inoperable registration light.
On Aug. 3 at approximately 8:49 p.m. deputies responded to the 3,000 block of West Sumner Road, Leaf River for a citizen complaint. After investigation, Troy A. Bedgood, 35, of Leaf River, was placed under arrest for domestic battery. Bedgood was transported to the Ogle County Jail and held pending an appearance before a judge. Deputies were assisted by the Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office.
On Aug. 4 at approximately 10:16 p.m. deputies responded to the intersection of South Queens Road and East Flagg Road, in rural Rochelle, for a vehicle in the ditch. Deputies made contact with the operator of the vehicle, identified
Rochelle court date.
On July 30 at 5:16 p.m. Jaycelynn M. Malone, 18, of Rochelle was arrested for battery. She signed a promise to comply and was given an Aug. 29 Ogle County court date. In the same incident, a 16-yearold juvenile was arrested for aggravated domestic battery. He signed a promise to comply.
as Gae F. Schabacker, 76, of Rochelle. Schabacker was transported to an area hospital for treatment of a possible injury/medical episode by Rochelle Ambulance. Members of the Rochelle Fire Department assisted deputies at the scene.
On Aug. 4 at 5:30 p.m. deputies responded to the 200 block of Powers Road in Hillcrest for a domestic disturbance. After investigation, Latasha R. Maxwell, 36, of Rochelle, was placed under arrest for domestic battery. Maxwell was transported to the Ogle County Jail where she was held pending an appearance before a judge. All individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty in the court of law.
On July 31 at 4:05 p.m. Consuelo A. Perez, 53, of Rochelle was cited for speeding 64 in a 40 miles per hour zone. She signed a promise to comply and was given an Aug. 22 Rochelle court date.
On July 31 at 3:50 p.m. Diego E. Cacique, 20, of Rochelle was cited for speeding 65 in a 40 miles per hour zone. He signed a promise to comply and was given an Aug. 22 Rochelle court date.
All individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty.
On July 30 at 7:40 p.m. Paul L. Martinez, 38, of Creston was arrested for driving while license revoked and cited for disobeying a traffic control device. He signed a promise to comply and was given an Aug. 22 Rochelle court date.
Traffic shift scheduled on I-88 for ongoing bridge repairs in DeKalb
DEKALB – Traffic the Reagan Memorial Tollway (Interstate 88) is scheduled to shift this week from the eastbound side onto the westbound side of the bridge over the Union Pacifi c Railroad in DeKalb. Traffi c will continue to be reduced to one lane in each direction to accommodate construction.
Electronic message signs and construction signage are in place in advance to alert drivers to the lane closures and traffi c shifts scheduled throughout the work. Up-to-date closure information will be available on the Illinois Tollway’s Daily Construction Alert All work is weather dependent.
Beginning Wednesday, July 30, work will begin to shift I-88 traffi c onto the newly reconstructed westbound side of the bridge and create a work zone on the eastbound side of the bridge. The shift will take two nights to complete. Traffi c will remain reduced to one lane in each direction and
is scheduled to remain in this configuration through late fall.
The traffi c shift and lane reductions will allow the Tollway to safely accommodate traffi c while repairs are underway on the I-88 bridge over the Union Pacifi c Railroad. Repairs include bridge deck, parapet, abutment and approach slab repairs, as well as bridge joint work and pavement and shoulder repairs.
Lane closures are being coordinated with the Union Pacifi c Railroad, as well as local fi re and police departments.
In 2025, the Illinois Tollway work on the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88) will include repairs to the mainline bridge over the Union Pacifi c Railroad in DeKalb and corridor-wide pavement repairs, as well as the completion of the York Road Bridge reconstruction over the ramps connecting eastbound I-88 to southbound I-294 and northbound I-294 to westbound I-88 in Oak Brook. This work is part of the
Tollway’s 16-year, $15 billion capital program, Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future Maps and construction information are available in the Projects section on the Tollway’s website at illinoistollway.com
Work zone safety Construction zone speed limits are in effect in all construction zones
24/7 and drivers should continue to watch for changing traffi c patterns and use caution, especially when workers are present. On I-88, a 45 miles per hour work zone speed limit is in effect throughout the construction season.
The Illinois Tollway reminds motorists that the “Move Over Law” requires motorists to
change lanes or to slow down and proceed with caution when passing any vehicle on the side of the road with hazard lights activated. If you see flashing lights ahead, please move over or slow down.
Illinois State Police have zero tolerance for drivers speeding in work zones or failure to comply with the Move Over Law.
The minimum penalty
for speeding in a work zone is $250 with up to a $25,000 fine and a 14-year jail sentence for hitting a roadway worker. Penalties for failure to slow down or move over for a vehicle on the shoulder with flashing lights include up to a $10,000 fine, two-year suspension of driving privileges and jail time, in extreme cases.
LOCAL VIEWS
A summer of progress and anticipation
AS we bask in the warmth of summer, it’s hard to believe that we are just a couple of weeks away from the start of a new school year. This time of year brings a mixture of excitement and nostalgia, especially for families preparing for the return of their children to the classroom.
With more kids walking to and from school, it’s an essential reminder for all drivers to remain vigilant and prioritize safety on our roads. Together, we can ensure a safe environment for our young learners as they embark on their educational journeys.
Recently, I had the privilege of attending an open house with City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh at the Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center location in Dixon. The facility stands as a testament to our collective commitment to supporting children in need. It is heartening to witness the positive impact of our community’s efforts, and I am grateful for the invaluable work done by the dedicated staff at Shining Star. Their tireless advocacy offers hope and support to families in challenging circumstances.
Our community has also seen the grand opening of several exciting projects, including the most recent Willis Senior Lofts. This facility has created an
In addition to the backto-school preparations, the city is actively engaged in developing next year’s budget. This process is crucial as we assess various changes and projects on the horizon. Every community has unique needs, and we carefully consider all aspects to ensure that our budget reflects the priorities and aspirations of Rochelle.
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
inviting and supportive environment for our seniors. Such developments are vital in fostering a sense of community and ensuring that every age group has access to appropriate housing and resources. It’s rewarding to see our vision for these spaces come to life, and I commend all those involved for their hard work and dedication.
As we approach August, I am thrilled to highlight several upcoming events that promise to bring families together for fun and celebration. One of the most anticipated gatherings is the annual Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival (LHHF), which has become a cherished tradition in our community.
festival is sure to be a highlight of the summer. I encourage everyone to check out the LHHF website at https://lhhfest.com for full details, including the beloved “Little Miss Peanut” contest taking place on the festival’s Friday evening—mark your calendars for Aug. 15, 16, and 17!
With an itinerary filled with family-friendly entertainment, this three-day
In the spirit of family-friendly fun, I am also excited to announce a much-anticipated fly-in/drive-in event scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This event will be a delightful experience featuring food, pedal planes for the kids, live music, a captivating car show, and pop-up informational tents from local organizations, including Rochelle Community Hospital and the Rock Valley Blood Bank.
KEEPING YOU IN TOUCH WITH YOUR LOCAL LEADERS
* Denotes Chairman/President
A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who contributed to making this event possible; such community support is what makes Rochelle special.
Looking ahead, I am also preparing for the IML conference in Chicago, which will take place in mid-September. This event presents a remarkable opportunity to network with other community leaders and gain insights into the challenges that many towns, including ours, face. By sharing experiences and exploring innovative solutions, I hope to bring fresh ideas back to Rochelle that will help us continue to thrive.
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 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, however
As we look to the future, let us continue to work together as a community, embracing the challenges and opportunities ahead. Together, we can create a thriving, inclusive city that honors our past while boldly stepping into tomorrow. Thank you for your support and commitment to making our town a better place for all.
In closing, another quote that I feel is fitting as we look ahead to early fall: “Every summer has a story, and as the leaves begin to turn, we remember that it’s not just the end of a season, but the promise of new beginnings.” -Author unknown John Bearrows is the mayor of the City of Rochelle.
This past month, we had the honor of hosting a “Town Hall” meeting with our Senator, Li Arellano Jr., and State Rep. Brad Fritts. Both individuals have been strong advocates for not districts only Rochelle but their entire for the betterment of all Illinoisans. Their support in Springfield is invaluable, and I extend my gratitude to them for their dedication to our district.
Hillcrest Village Board
*Richard Rhoads rrhoads@hillcrestil.us
Pam Pittman ppittman@hillcrestil.us
Dan Potter dpotter@hillcrestil.us
Tim Ball tball@hillcrestil.us
Eileen Braski ebraski@hillcrestil.us
Patricia Garcia pgarcia@hillcrestil.us
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
Eric Gruben egruben@comcast.net
Susan Hager susanhager303@comcast.net
Jim Kenney jimk@rocketsupply.com
Flagg-Rochelle Library
*Teresa Haggestad haggestads@comcast.net
Lanning Nicoloff nicoloff118@comcast.net
Sheri Klindera alwayslefty2@gmail.com
Susan Sevedge nit1prl22@yahoo.com
Darci Waltrip doobs12@comcast.net
Jaqueline Dickow dickow@comcast.net
Faten Abdallah abdallahawad@gmail.com
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@ rochellenews-leader.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.
John Bearrows
Ritchie Road work over I-39 began Aug. 5
ROCHELLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that weather permitting, repairs on the Ritchie Road bridge over Interstate 39 in Ogle County begin Tuesday, Aug. 5. The bridge is just south of Interstate 88 and Rochelle.
Work will repair the bridge deck and replace expansion joints. The bridge will be closed during the project, which is anticipated to be completed at the end of September.
Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zone areas, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment.
Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve more than 3,200 miles of highway and nearly 9 million square feet of bridge
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that weather permitting, repairs on the Ritchie Road bridge over Interstate 39 in Ogle County began Tuesday, Aug. 5. The bridge is just south of Interstate 88 and Rochelle.
deck as part of Rebuild Illinois, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation. Accomplishments through Year Six of Rebuild Illinois include
almost $20.8 billion of improvements statewide on 7,897 miles of highway, 815 bridges and 1,181 additional safety improvements.
For IDOT District 2
Coffee Break
updates, follow us on X at @IDOTDistrict2 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.
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
Aug. 4 - Sarah Flanagan, Rochelle, $25
Aug. 5 - From the Heart, $25
Aug. 6 - Rochelle Rescue Mission, $25
(COURTESY PHOTO)
LOCAL NEWS
Think outside the box turtle with program exploring 20 years of wildlife research
URBANA — Every box turtle has a story to tell. These charismatic, longlived turtles are omnivorous and use both land and water ecosystems, which makes them a good indicator of how strong the overall ecosystem is.
In the last 18 years, the Wildlife Epidemiology Lab at University of Illinois has assessed the health of more than 4,000 turtles to better understand the threats to this species and create strategies to save them. Explore what they’ve learned and how you can help with a free webinar “Saving the World, One Box Turtle at a Time” from University of Illinois Extension at 1 p.m. on Aug. 21. Sign up at go.illinois.edu/EETurtle.
The session will be led by Illinois Extension natural resources, environment, and energy staff and presented by Dr. Matt Allender, clinical associate professor and director of the Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this webinar, contact
Erin Garrett at emedvecz@ illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. All sessions are recorded and available to watch on YouTube within a few weeks.
Everyday Environment explores the intricate web of connections that bind us to the natural world. From water, air, energy, plants, and animals to the complex interactions within these elements, we aim to unravel the ties that link us to our environment through podcasts, blogs, webinars, and videos. The fall 2025 series explores Illinois wildlife and the birds, mammals, amphibians, and other creatures we share the state with. Get program updates by subscribing to the Everyday Environment newsletter at go.illinois.edu/ EESubscribe.
To connect with Extension natural resources, environment, and energy staff about a program or for a consultation, visit go. illinois.edu/NREEstaff.
and water ecosystems, which makes them a good indicator of how strong the overall ecosystem is.
Extension’s natural resources, environment, and energy program provides research-based education for awareness and action to sustain healthy environments and ecosystems that support quality living
and resilient communities. Extension staff empower people across Illinois to make a difference through the Master Naturalist, Climate Steward, and Watershed
volunteer and training programs.
Submit photos that capture resilient spirit of Illinois agriculture
URBANA — Have a farm photo that brings a smile every time it is shared? Inspire others and create more smiles by having that photo be part of the 2026 Seasons of Strength calendar from North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center and University of Illinois Extension.
The calendar will highlight the strength, beauty, and everyday moments of farm life in Illinois while also including important resources for mental health and stress relief.
Farming is a challenging but rewarding livelihood,” says Josie Rudolphi, assistant professor and Extension specialist, College of ACES. “As people flip through the calendar, they will visualize what it means to be an Illinois farmer and experience a bit of their lives month-to-month.”
Illinois Extension is asking Illinois farmers to submit photos to be consid-
ered for the 2026 calendar. Photographers whose submissions are accepted will receive five copies of the calendar and a gift card. Specifically, the designers are looking for:
Landscape, equipment, and livestock photos that show the realities, possibilities, or beauty of agricultural work and life. Please refrain from including photos with people unless they are in the background and not recognizable.
Quotes and testimonials that are three to five sentences describing what the photo means to you and what it represents.
Photos that are at least 1650 x 1275 pixels; 150 pixels per inch; 6 MB
The deadline to submit photos for consideration is Sept. 1. By submitting a photo, you grant permission for it to be used in the calendar. All notifications for featured photos will be sent out by Oct. 1. Get started by visiting
the submission form at go.illinois.edu/FarmCalendar. This project is funded by the USDA Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, under agreement number:
Dement Town Music Fest lineup hits Depot Avenue on Sept. 6
DIXON – One of Dixon’s favorite neighborhood traditions is back! The third annual Dement Town Music Festival hits Depot Avenue on Saturday, Sept. 6, with a full day of live music, food, art, and community connection.
This event has allowed Discover Dixon to shine a light on a neighborhood that’s doing such great things. It’s safe to say this event already holds a special place in the hearts of
many, not just for those in that neighborhood, but the entire community.
Come see what it’s all about this year! Gates open at 2 p.m., the music kicks off at 3, and it won’t stop until 10.
Advance tickets are $15 and available online until noon on Saturday, Sept. 6. After that, it’s $20 cash at the gate (ATM available).
This is a fun, all-ages event – and kids 5 and under get in free. Feel free
to bring your own lawn chairs, but outside food, drinks, or coolers are not allowed. There will be plenty to eat and drink from local vendors and Dement Town businesses, including Mary’s Diner, Lil’ Smoked Bar + Grill, Dement Town Tavern, and PJ’s Pub.
This year’s lineup: On the Rocks – Southern rock, blues, and a little outlaw country attitude
Desirée & The Wilde –Dixon’s own country band
with Nashville roots and a crowd-ready sound
Hard Love – Alternative rock/post-hardcore trio delivering energy, edge, and emotion
Cookiebread Instrumental Music Co. – Opening the festival with original instrumental jams
Also featuring: Live painting
Local vendors
Food & drink
Alcohol available (ID and wristband required to
be served)
Parking: Most parking is street parking in the surrounding area. Please be respectful, careful, and considerate of homes and businesses nearby.
Dement Town Music Fest is all about music, creativity, and community. Whether it’s your first time or a return visit, it’s an event that always brings Dixon together for a great time.
Get your tickets now at bit.ly/dtmf2025
Dement Town Music Fest is presented by Sauk Valley Collision, Ken Nelson Auto Group, and Hicks Insurance Agency & Associates, Inc.
Special thanks to our 2025 Event Season Pinnacle Sponsors: Sauk Valley Bank and Raynor Garage Doors.
For more information on Dement Town Music Fest and other upcoming events, go to discoverdixon.com and follow Discover Dixon on social media.
Every box turtle has a story to tell. These charismatic, long-lived turtles are omnivorous and use both land
(COURTESY PHOTO)
Steward
Inspire others and create more smiles by having that photo be part of the 2026 Seasons of Strength calendar from North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center and University of Illinois Extension.
(COURTESY PHOTO)
LOCAL NEWS
Crop dusting: Exploring aerial application safety by plane or drone
URBANA — One of the trademarks of summer is the sight of planes and helicopters making gravity-defying turns as they make passes up and down cornfields. While this evokes awe and amazement, it also elicits curiosity as to what they are doing and why. Additionally, when serious or fatal agricultural aviation accidents make local news headlines, they raise concerns about the safety of these practices and prompt questions about possible alternatives.
In mid-to-late-July, field corn reaches its reproductive stage of growth, marked by the emergence of tassels at the top of each plant.
“This is an extremely important time in the growth of the crop, as the plants will begin to expend all their resources on producing grain,” says Kathryn Seebruck, commercial agriculture educator, University of Illinois Extension.
As such, it is imperative that the crop be protected from stress during this time. Adverse weather conditions and pest pressure during grain fill can significantly impact yields, resulting in economic loss to the producer. Already facing razor-thin margins due to low crop prices and high input and land costs, farmers strive to set their crop up for success and reduce the negative impacts from stressors like weather and pests.
One such method is to apply crop protection products such as fungicides and insecticides to prevent diseases and insects, respectively, from damaging the crop during this sensitive period. Many of these products are designed to be applied at the tassel stage of corn when the crop is most vulnerable to these pests. Aerial application of these products using airplanes or helicopters, also referred to as crop dusting, offers multiple benefits in comparison to using a ground rig, including: No crop damage or soil compaction, the
ability to make a timely application within a narrow timeframe, the ability to cover more acres per day, more effective application of the product at the upper half of the plant, and limited availability of high clearance applicators.
While product application via manned aircraft is efficient and timely, the biggest drawback to their use is their safety. What makes them exciting to watch is also what makes them dangerous.
Spray drones
Newer agriculture technology in the form of spray drones can address this issue, but there is nuance to their use. Spray drones offer significant safety advantages over traditional manned aircraft used in agricultural applications. Unlike manned airplanes or helicopters,
spray drones eliminate the risk to human pilots by operating remotely, which reduces the potential for fatal accidents.
In 2024 alone, the National Traffic Safety Bureau reported 60 agricultural aviation accidents, 13 of which were fatal. Only one accident involved a drone with a serious but non-fatal injury. Commercial piloting, especially in agriculture, is among the most dangerous occupations, with a death rate of 57 per 100,000 workers.
Spray drones also minimize the risks associated with carrying large volumes of hazardous materials and aviation fuel, as they typically carry much smaller payloads and operate at low altitudes within field boundaries. This precise application greatly reduces the risk
of harm in the event of an equipment failure or crash, making spray drones a safer alternative for agricultural input application. Drones vs. crop dusters
While drones offer a higher degree of safety, manned crop dusters still have several key advantages, especially for large-scale agricultural operations. Manned aircraft can carry much larger payloads and cover hundreds to thousands of acres per day at significantly faster speeds, making them more efficient for broad area spraying. Their longer operating times also make them well-suited for continuous, high-output applications. Although drones are advancing quickly, their limited battery life, smaller coverage capacity,
and regulatory restrictions currently make them less cost-effective for large operations.
“As technology and regulations evolve, swarms of drones working in coordination will likely overcome many of today’s limitations,” says Dennis Bowman, digital agriculture specialist, Illinois Extension.
That said, drones have notable strengths of their own. They are ideal for small or irregularly shaped fields, and when owned by the farmer, they offer a major advantage for time-sensitive applications. Additionally, the initial cost of a spray drone is substantially lower than that of a manned aircraft, which can exceed $2.5 million, making drone ownership much more attainable. The producer
must carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks of these application methods, as the practicality of each will differ by operation. Agriculture is one of the most dangerous professions in the United States. Whether one works directly on the farm or in an adjacent occupation like agricultural aviation, safety should always be top of mind. One of the paramount advantages of advancing agricultural technology like drones is that they make ag work easier and, more importantly, safer. And while a much less important aspect, spray drones are just as fascinating to watch. As their benefits are realized, they may just become as much of a familiar sight in the summer as crop dusting airplanes and helicopters.
UNI’s Neighboring State Rate approved by Iowa Board of Regents
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa
– The University of Northern Iowa is offering in-state tuition to new undergraduate students from Illinois and the five other states bordering Iowa beginning this fall. The Iowa Board of Regents officially approved UNI’s tuition rates for out-of-state residents on Wednesday, July 30.
Tuition and fees for in-state students and new students from Illinois and the five other states bordering Iowa will be $10,201.00 for the 202526 academic year. Families taking advantage of UNI’s Neighboring State Rate will save over $12,000 annually compared to paying traditional non-resident
tuition.
UNI’s Neighboring State Rate will help students from Illinois and across the Midwest access affordable, high-quality education while enhancing workforce-ready skills to address job shortages in the region.
Increasing UNI’s affordability is the fact that
one in eight students from the University of Northern Iowa graduate in only three years, the highest mark in the institution’s history. Additionally, UNI’s four-year graduation rate stands nearly 20 percentage points higher than similar universities across the country.
Cedar Falls is an easy
drive for students and families from across the region, making UNI an attractive destination for those wishing to pursue a college education far enough, but not too far from home.
UNI remains the most affordable public institution in Iowa and has long been recognized for help-
ing first-generation college students achieve their educational and professional goals. It is consistently ranked No. 2 on U.S. News and World Report’s annual list of the Best Regional Universities in the Midwest, underscoring UNI’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and student success.
One of the trademarks of summer is the sight of planes and helicopters making gravity-defying turns as they make passes up and down cornfields.
(COURTESY PHOTO)
ON THE FARM
Food prices follow inflation uptick; beef hits record high
BY RHIANNON BRANCH FARMWEEK
AFTER a few months of a downward trend, inflation is on the rise again with food prices following suit.
The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 0.3% in June and 2.7% in the past 12 months.
Food prices rose faster than overall inflation. The CPI for all food increased 0.3% from April to May, with food prices in May 2.9% higher than a year ago.
Prices for beef and veal jumped 8.6% higher in May compared to a year ago. Overall, beef and veal prices are predicted to increase 6.8% this year due to tight supplies and continued consumer demand.
“U.S. demand for beef
has remained strong even as prices hit record highs,” said Bernt Nelson, American Farm Bureau Federation economist, who noted the domestic cattle supply is at a 74-year low.
Meanwhile, pork prices rose 0.7% from April to May and were 0.6% higher than in May 2024. Pork prices are predicted to increase a modest 0.5% in 2025. In contrast to beef, pork production is projected to increase this year.
“It is a bit of a delicate balance and especially with all the global uncertainty, more measured (pork) production growth is probably beneficial in these times,” said Erin Borrer of the U.S. Meat Export Federation.
Retail egg prices decreased for the second month in a row, falling 7.5%. Egg prices in May
were still 41.5% higher than in May 2024, continuing to experience volatile month-to-month changes due to an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) that began in 2022. In April, confirmed cases of HPAI tapered and in May, the number of confirmed detections remained low compared with earlier in the year.
Egg prices are predicted to increase 33.2% in 2025, which includes price increases already realized from January through March 2025. USDA reported that even if retail egg prices continue to decrease over the coming months, higher prices realized earlier in the year will continue to factor into the forecast.
In 2025, overall food prices are anticipated to rise at about the historical
average rate of growth. This year prices for all food are predicted to increase 2.9% with food-at-home prices up 2.2% and foodaway-from-home prices up 3.9%. Prices for poultry, sugar and sweets and nonalcoholic beverages are predicted to increase, while prices for items like fresh vegetables are expected to ease.
USDA data shows farmers both made and paid more for products in May.
The index of prices received for May rose 1.7% due to gains in categories like cattle, hogs and milk, that offset losses in categories like broilers, market eggs, lettuce, and strawberries.
The index of prices paid was up 0.4% as increased costs for categories like feeder cattle, hay and forages and nitrogen canceled
AFC NEWS
Lee County Sheriff’s Office K9 Dax has received donation of body armor
DIXON — Lee County Sheriff’s Office K9 Dax has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Dax’s vest was sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.”.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National
Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,159 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by both private and corporate donations.
The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,800, weighs an average of 4-5
ties, please call (508) 8246978. Vested Interest in K9s,
provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.
Kish College to host Discover Kish for Fall 2025 new students
MALTA — Kishwaukee College will host Discover Kish from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 13, at the College. Discover Kish helps new students and their families explore and learn about Kishwaukee College before the start of the semester.
The event includes: Guided tours at 10:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m., noon and 12:45 p.m.; Student ID photos; Textbook and course material pickup; Kish swag; and a Resource Fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“Discover Kish offers new students a valuable opportunity to begin their college journey with confidence,” Sandy Castillo Guzman, coordinator of outreach & enrollment, said.
Check-in will take place in the Student Center, C-Wing Lobby. Guests can park in Parking Lot A and enter through Door 6. Registration is not required, but it is recommended for a faster check-in or to reserve a preferred time. Learn more or register at kish. edu/discoverkish
pounds, and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information or to learn
about volunteer opportuni-
Lee County Sheri ’s O ce K9 Dax has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-pro t organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
(COURTESY PHOTO)
RTHS Tennis Become
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 6, 2025
BY RUSSELL HODGES SPORTS EDITOR
ROCHELLE — Over 150 players from 56 cities around the region took to the courts at Rochelle Township High School from July 25-27 for the 6th Annual Rochelle Summer Tennis Tournament, which has seen continued growth in both numbers and scale since the inaugural event in 2019.
Players ranging from middle-schoolers to senior-aged adults laced up their tennis shoes for the three-day tournament, which featured several divisions as well as singles and doubles brackets. Once a small-scale tournament with 38 players from 14 cities six years ago, RTHS head tennis coach and tournament director Kristy Eckardt said 154 players participated in this year’s event.
“It’s fantastic,” Eckardt said. “We’re all about promoting tennis and having
RTHS Football
BY RUSSELL HODGES SPORTS EDITOR
ROCHELLE — Junior
lineman Adam Cobos showcased a series of successful moves during one-on-one pass rush drills as the Rochelle Hub football team welcomed Sterling’s varsity and fresh-soph teams to RTHS for a nearly two-hour-long padded practice on Tuesday morning.
Entering his second varsity season, Cobos started at right tackle and was the only sophomore to play on the offensive line for the Hubs last fall, when Rochelle went 10-2 and advanced to the IHSA state quarterfinals in Class 5A. Cobos played exclusively on offense last season, but the 6-foot-2, 240-pounder has been training for a big-
fun. The fact that there are so many people coming and some of them are coming from so far away… It’s really heartening to see how many people love tennis. It’s great to see the support from the school for letting us have the tournament here and we’re always trying to bring more people here.”
Players and spectators were invited to purchase tennis equipment, books and RTHS tennis spirit wear, with proceeds benefiting the RTHS tennis program. Several current and former RTHS student-athletes participated in the tournament, which spanned three days for the first time in its brief history. Additionally, Eckardt said the high school division was split into two levels (fresh-soph and junior-senior) to accommodate the growing number of high school players.
“It’s a nice way to end the summer and it’s
ger role on the defensive line as the Hubs gear up for the 2025 season. Additionally, Cobos has moved to left tackle in preparation for the fall.
“Our schedule is pretty tough and that’s going to help us get a lot better,” said Cobos, who has been working out at Oak Strength in Loves Park over the offseason.
“I definitely want to start both ways and I’ve been working for that. I’m very hungry for a spot on defense and I really want that. We’re very competitive and our speed is one of our strengths... I feel like we’re nasty.”
Rochelle and Sterling squared off in a variety of formats including team offense, 7-on-7 and headto-head drills Tuesday morning. The padded prac-
AT TENNIS TOURNAMENT
The 6th Annual Rochelle Summer Tennis Tournament was held from July 25-27 at the Rochelle Township High School courts. Above are medalists from the High School Boys Doubles Division.
a great way for our kids to put what they’ve been working on into action,” Eckardt said. “The girls are getting pumped up for their season and it’s a lot of fun to see. I enjoy when people show up and everything goes as planned. It takes a lot of planning to get it all ready
and seeing everything come together… That’s what it’s all about.”
Below are the results from each of the boys, girls, men’s, women’s and senior divisions.
Jackson Hartnett won the Middle School Boys Singles Division with 17 points, while L.J. Bing-
ham finished second with four points. Parker Brigl won the Middle School Girls Singles Division with 15 points, while Aly Smith finished second with 12 points in the tournament.
tice was the final combined practice of the summer for the Hubs, who will conclude their summer schedule with team competitions on Thursday. Rochelle is one month away from its season opener against Geneseo on Aug. 29.
“I love it out here,” Cobos said. “Playing football is the best feeling ever. We’re looking a lot better than we were against Woodstock last week… We really need to improve on everything. We need to improve on the right side of the line, the left side of the line and our defense.”
While the Hubs are replacing multiple starters in the trenches, Rochelle will also need new and returning players to emerge at the skill positions.
See HUBS page 2
Landon Horn won the High School Boys Junior/ Senior Division with 21 points and a 6-0 record. Devon McVey finished second with 21 points and a 4-1-1 record, while Easton Schuld took third with 20 points and a 4-1-1 record. Luke Curtis placed fourth with 16 points and a 3-3 record.
See TENNIS page 4
(COURTESY PHOTO)
Senior Brandon Cortes goes head-to-head with a Sterling defender during lineman drills at the Rochelle Hub football team’s combined practice with the Golden Warriors on Tuesday.
(PHOTO BY RUSSELL HODGES)
HUBS: Rochelle holds combined practice with Sterling at RTHS on July 29
From page 1
One player to watch is senior Gavin Neale, who started at inside linebacker in 2024 and has been taking significant reps at tailback this summer in preparation for a bigger role on offense. Neale finished second on the team in tackles last season, recording 58 stops while adding 2.5 sacks and one
forced fumble.
“It feels good to be back,” said Neale, who has focused on pad level and aggressiveness as he seeks to replace All-Interstate 8 and All-State tailback Grant Gensler. “The left side of the line is looking better… I want to win at least nine games and I want to run for 1,000 yards this year.”
Rochelle has seen
several seniors emerge throughout the summer. Van Gerber has played quarterback and defensive back, while Keagan Albers, Martiese Pogue, Mark Green and Freddie Hernandez have earned reps in the secondary. Reece Harris and Roman Villalobos have stepped into linebacker roles for the Hubs, who will hold their first fall practice Aug. 11.
The Rochelle Hub football team held a combined practice with Sterling at RTHS on Tuesday, July 29. Above, junior Warren Schweitzer (left) runs upfield to make a block and sophomore Holden Liebhaber (right) snags an interception on defense. Below, head coach Kyle Kissack addresses his team after the conclusion of the practice.
(PHOTOS BY RUSSELL HODGES)
Rochelle Hub football team concludes summer with Team Competition Day on July 31
The Rochelle Hub football team capped off its summer schedule with its Team Competition Day on
formed teams and competed in games such as tug-o-war. Head coach Kyle Kissack and senior Van Gerber’s team (top left)
SPORTS
TENNIS:
From page 1
Annual tournament held at Rochelle Township High School July 25-27
Traizen Falls won the High School Boys Fr/Soph Division with 21 points and a 5-0 record. David Eckardt finished second with 22 points and a 4-1-1 record, while Ben Bradac took third with 20 points and a 3-0-3 record and Austin Hartnett placed fourth with 17 points and a 3-2 record.
KevinAulner and Landon Horn won the High School
Boys Doubles Division with 20 points and a 5-0-1 record over six matches.
Easton Schuld and Luke Curtis finished second with 21 points and a 5-1 record.
Declan Wagner and Frank Schuler took third with 16 points and a 4-1-1 record.
Aidan Meister and Devon McVey placed fourth with 20 points and a 3-2 record.
Ella Lewis won the High School Girls Singles Division with 22 points and
a 5-0-1 record. Jenna Mustapha finished second with 19 points and a 4-1 record, Adelyn Leone took third with 21 points and a 4-1-1 record and Liliana Vasquez placed fourth with 15 points and a 2-2-1 record.
Emerson Wheeler and Lyla Conley won the High School Girls Doubles Division with 23 points and a 3-0 record. Avery Olson and Ella Kushnick finished second with 15 points and
a 2-1 record, while Maysen Pethoud and Rayna White took third with 12 points and a 1-2 record. Olivia Novick and Adrienne Cherven placed fourth with 10 points and a 0-3 record.
Matthew Sommer won the Men’s Singles Division with 21 points and a 5-0-1 record. Reyan Sanghvi finished second with 22 points and a 5-1 record. Andrew Choy took third with 20 points and a 4-1 record and
R.J. Salerno placed fourth with 17 points and a 2-2-2 record.
Randy Paisley and Rick Paisley won the Men’s Doubles Division with 21 points and a 6-0 record.
Andrew Choy and Nikkash Senthil finished second with 18 points and a 4-1-1 record. Aaron Kramer and Ira Lathan took third with 20 points and a 4-1 record, while David Wanner and Owen Haas placed fourth
with 18 points and a 3-3 record for the tournament.
Kristy Eckardt won the Women’s Singles Division with 18 points and a 4-0 record. Amy Karp finished second with 15 points and a 3-1 record, while Jamie Brigl took third with 14 points and a 3-1 record and Kerry McEvoy placed fourth with 15 points and a 2-2 record in the tournament.
See TENNIS page 5
(COURTESY PHOTOS)
Above are medalists from the High School Fresh-Soph Boys Singles Division (top left), High School Junior-Senior Boys Singles Division (top right), High School Girls Singles Division (middle left and center), Middle School Boys & Girls Singles Division (middle right), High School Girls Doubles Division (bottom left) and UTR Singles Division (bottom right).
are medalists from
TENNIS: Annual tournament held at Rochelle Township High School July 25-27
From page 4
Kristy Eckardt and Lizzie Cartwright won the Women’s Doubles Division with 26 points and a 5-0 record over five tournament matches. Kerry McEvoy and Lauren Babka finished second with 20 points and a 4-1 record.
Maddie Wahl and Joyce Walkling took third with 18 points and a 3-2 record. Iris Espinoza and Avery Jenks placed fourth with 12 points and a 2-3 record.
Andy Eckardt and Kristy Eckardt won the Mixed Doubles Division with 14 points and a 3-1 record. Michaela DeLong
and Noah DeLong finished second with 21 points and a 4-1 record. Andrew Faruga and Ellie Taylor took third with 12 points and a 3-1 record, while Nicholas Born and Katelyn de Guzman placed fourth with 17 points and a 3-2 record for the tournament.
Kristy Eckardt and Sar-
ah Eckardt won the Family Doubles Division with 13 points and a 4-0 record. Andy Eckardt and David Eckardt finished second with 16 points and a 4-1 record, while Mark Swanson and Foster Doll took third with 13 points and a 3-2 record. Chad McEvoy and Andy McEvoy placed
fourth with 12 points and a 2-3 record over five tournament matches.
RJ Salerno won the UTR Coed Singles Division with 21 points and a 5-0 record. Noah Pawlak finished second with 16 points and a 3-2 record, while Ira Lathan took third with 15 points and a 3-0-2 record. Easton Schuld placed fourth with 16 points and a 3-2 record for the tournament.
Shawn Van Kampen and Ira Lathan won the Senior Doubles Division, scoring a 6-1, 6-0 win over second-place finishers John Prabhakar and Roy Threlkeld.
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BUDGET HEARING
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held on the Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the Flagg-Rochelle Public Library District, Ogle County, Illinois, at 7:00pm on September 18, 2025 at the Library District building located at 619 Fourth Avenue, Rochelle, Illinois 61068.
Notice is further given that a Tentative Budget and Appropriation Ordinance will be available for inspection at the Library, August 4, 2025 to the day of the public hearing, during normal library hours.
Dated this 17th day of July, 2025 Susan Sevedge, Secretary-Treasurer No. 0803 (Aug. 6, 2025)
101 LEGAL NOTICE
This publication does not knowingly accept fraudulent or deceptive advertising. Readers are cautioned to thoroughly investigate all ads, especially those asking for money in advance.
105 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
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113 FINANCIAL
NOTICE Advance Fee Loans or Credit Offers Companies that do business by phone can’t ask you to pay for credit before you get it. For more information, call toll-free 1-877-FTCHELP. A public service message from your hometown newspaper and the Federal Trade Commission.
119 ANNOUNCEMENTS
“This publication does not knowingly accept fraudulent or deceptive advertising. Readers are cautioned to thoroughly investigate all ads, especially those asking for money in advance.”
201 DOMESTIC/CHILD CARE
NO INDIVIDUAL, unless licensed or holding a permit as a childcare facility, may cause to be published any
advertisement soliciting a child care service. A childcare facility that is licensed or operating under a permit issued by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services may publish advertisements of the services for which it is specifically licensed or issued a permit. Your Hometown Newspaper strongly urges any parent or guardian to verify the validity of the license of any facility before placing a child in its care.
203 HELP WANTED
Looking for Class A CDL FULLTIME and PARTTIME TRUCK DRIVER to haul farm commodities. Call Roger Jameson at 815-252-8576.
301 ANTIQUES
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Targeted Local Advertising
Community Unity
Youth programs, schools and nonprofit groups look to our businesses first when fundraising. These community-minded businesses donate faithfully to local youth sports programs, community clubs, nonprofit groups and churches – just to name a few. Shouldn’t we look to those same businesses first when we need goods and services? Of course we should!
High rate of return. For every $100 spent in independently owned stores, $68 returns to the community through payroll, taxes and other expenditures. Online orders return absolutely nothing to Rochelle, IL.
9 Biggest Benefits Of Shopping Rochelle First
Banking with people who know you is a luxury found only in hometowns. You don’t have to show your ID every time you go in. You can get a loan from people who know you and understand your needs, whether it be money for your first car or to help your business grow. Local banks believe in the value of community members helping one another.
Customer service after the sale is invaluable. Local retailers not only take responsibility for the product they sold, they will often fix it or replace it – no questions asked. Appliances, furniture, computers and electronics sometimes have glitches. Would you rather box yours up, send it to who knows where, and wait six to eight weeks, or just go back to the nice guy that helped you when you bought it?
One word: Jobs. When you do business of any kind in Rochelle, it creates and maintains jobs for others in our area . A healthy employment rate is the cornerstone of all economies. How can you help the economy recover? Start at home. 1 5 9 2 6 3 7 4 8
Seeking health care in your hometown brings the comforts of receiving qualified care from people you know and trust. Whether it be a trip to the dentist, regular health care screenings, a visit to a specialist or an emergency, you need not travel. It’s all right here.
No one wants to have to make an insurance claim, but it’s painless when your agent is your neighbor. You don’t have to convince them that there was a hail storm, or that the wind nearly took your roof off. They know because they live here. Which do you want when you’ve had a bad day: A face-to-face meeting with your local agent, or a machine answering the phone at that big national insurer that advertises on TV?
Time is money. It’s simple math (especially when you figure in gas mileage.) Shopping locally can actually save you both time and money!
Keeping it local encourages community growth. By choosing to do business locally, you help maintain Rochelle’s diversity, charm and appeal; which attracts new community members.
3 benefits of extracurricular activities in secondary education
Adolescence is a critical period for physical, intellectual and social development. Extracurricular activities can significantly enhance young people’s integration and growth while they’re in high school. Here are three key benefits.
1. A SENSE OF BELONGING
Extracurricular activities, whether in sports, arts or sciences, allow young people to meet peers who share their interests. This connection fosters friendships and cultivates a greater sense of belonging, which is vital for building strong interpersonal relationships.
2. BETTER CONCENTRATION
Studies indicate that young people who participate in extracurricular activities often show higher moti-
vation and exhibit fewer behavioural issues in class. Moreover, they can concentrate better, which leads to an improvement in overall academic performance.
3. HEALTHY EMOTIONAL MANAGEMENT
Participating in activities like volleyball, music rehearsals or volunteering teaches valuable lessons related to emotional management. Young people can learn to calm themselves and express their feelings appropriately. These skills enable them to handle stressful situations effectively throughout their lives.
In short, extracurricular activities in secondary school are a win-win! Encourage your teenager to get involved in one. If they need equipment or materials, check out your local shops.
Breakfast: a key ingredient for academic success
As the new school year approaches, it’s important to get back into a routine that will set you up for success. This includes getting a good night’s sleep and eating a balanced breakfast. However, many students go to class on an empty stomach, which leads to fatigue and difficulty concentrating. Here’s a look at why you should never skip breakfast.
Students who skip breakfast lack the energy to kickstart their day. Their developing brains require fuel to help them maintain focus and effectively absorb new information. Without the right nutrients in the morning, they can experience fatigue faster, which negatively impacts their motivation and participation. Additionally, hunger can lead to headaches and increased restlessness, making it harder for students to engage in their studies.
WHICH FOODS SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
Starting your child’s day with lasting energy means pri-
oritizing nutritious food choices. Aim for a balanced meal featuring:
Fruits. Apples, bananas, berries and more are up for grabs. Whole grains. Choose whole wheat bread, oatmeal or low-sugar cereals.
Proteins. Yogurt, eggs, nut butter, cow’s milk and plant-based milk are all good protein sources.
Always try to choose fresh, local foods to nourish your little ones.
Avoid foods like boxed cereals, sweetened drinks and store-bought muffins and pastries for breakfast, as they provide only a short-lived energy boost. 3 keys to improving your child’s sleep
bedroom is dark and cool, ideally between 18 and 20 C. Keep the humidity level below 50 per cent and use blackout curtains to block outside light. A firm mattress and comfortable pillow are also important.
1. Establish a wind-down routine. Set aside 30 minutes to one hour before bedtime to allow your child to wind down. They should avoid video games, intense physical activities and stimulating programs during this time. Encourage relaxing activities like reading, drawing or listening to soft music to help your child transition to sleep.
2. Create an optimal sleeping environment. Make sure your child’s
3. Avoid noise disruption. Keep the noise levels low by turning down the television and refraining from loud conversations near the bedroom. If your child is sensitive to sound, playing white noise can help them sleep more peacefully.
Finally, maintain a smoke-free environment, as exposure to second-hand smoke can harm your child’s health and affect their sleep quality.
Rochelle’s Place for History
Visit the Museum After School or Over the Weekend!
Open Thursday - Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday is FREE ADMISSION DAY!
ENNEDY Adamski and Addie Friestad were varsity teammates for two years during their time with the Rochelle Lady Hub volleyball program. Friestad, a two-time All-Interstate 8 Honorable Mention, spearheaded the charge on offense from the outside hitter position, while Adamski helped anchor the front-row defense from the middle blocker position during that time frame.
After one year apart, Friestad and Adamski reunited on the volleyball court this past school year, when Friestad returned for her second season and Adamski made her NJCAA debut with the Kishwaukee College women’s volleyball team. The RTHS graduates each took on significant roles for the Kougars in 2024, with Friestad playing outside hitter and Adamski filling multiple positions including setter. The girls played in all 18 of the team’s matches this past season.
“It was a breath of fresh air when I knew Kennedy was going to play because I tried really hard to convince her during the offseason after my freshman year,” Friestad said. “We needed hitters and when I knew Kennedy was going to play, it was a sigh of relief because I knew I wasn’t going to have every ball set to me. We have a great relationship and we spent a lot of time together because a lot of our classes were at the same time. We were able to study together and we both worked in the wellness center, so we were able to see each other a lot.”
“I was really excited to play with Addie again,” Adamski said. “We had a really good connection in high school and she had mentioned me to coach Zach [Salapatek] when he was recruiting… We had a lot of fun moments on the court together and we know each other as players, so it was a lot easier for us to build upon that. She helped me balance school and volleyball, she helped me
with learning new drills and she gave me advice on how certain teams played.”
Friestad made her collegiate debut in 2023 after playing three years of varsity volleyball at RTHS. Friestad led the Kougars in kills (151) and service aces (17) while finishing second on the team in both digs (154) and total blocks (13) as a freshman. In her debut match against Elgin Community College, Friestad posted 15 kills and a season-best six aces in a 3-1 victory.
“The program was just getting started again when I entered as a freshman,” Friestad said. “The last two seasons have been more about getting the program going again, but individually, I had a lot of success and I grew a lot in between seasons. I got to meet a lot of new people and bond with them. It was challenging sometimes, but we learned lessons and we improved a lot.”
Friestad recorded six double-doubles, including five over her final eight matches, during her freshman season with the Kougars. As a sophomore, Friestad remained Kishwaukee’s top attacker, leading the team with 182 kills and 26 aces while ranking third on the team in digs (152) and total blocks (15). During Kishwaukee’s match against South Suburban College on Sept. 21, Friestad notched a career-best 21 kills and one of her four double-doubles in 2024.
“I grew the most during the summer because we had morning practices almost everyday and I wanted to focus on my passing,” Friestad said. “I knew I would be successful as a hitter since I had played that position for most of my life, but I didn’t play a lot of back row during high school and I realized over the summer that I needed to get better there. I did that and I thought that helped me a lot during my sophomore year. My athletic abilities definitely improved because I was able to get a lot more one-on-one time. Going from high school to college was a big step.”
This is the first of a two-part feature story. See the Sunday, Aug. 10 issue for the second part.
Former Rochelle student-athletes Kennedy Adamski (left) and Addie Friestad (right) took the court for the Kishwaukee College women’s volleyball team in 2024. The Lady Hub graduates were varsity teammates for two years at Rochelle Township High School.
