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Hegseth’s new policy for the military
A recent speech by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth presented the current administration’s policy for the military in front of an unprecedented meeting of all serving generals and admirals at Marine Base Quantico on Sept. 30.
Hegseth is an Army veteran with two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman Badge (he served in combat), who served in Afghanistan and Iraq. The speech dealt with eliminating “woke” (left-leaning) policies, requiring “male standards” for all combat troops regardless of gender, raising physical fitness standards, eliminating DEI (diversity equity inclusion) sessions, and requiring troops to follow strict grooming rules. Hegseth said, “The era of politically correct, overly sensitive, don’t-hurt-anyone’s-feelings leadership ends right now.”
Much of this policy is outlined in Hegseth’s book, “The War on Warriors, Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free.” Promotions in the military in the past were often based on DEI, which resulted in some unqualified people being placed in important positions. DEI has, on occasion, resulted in an unintended slam against minorities and women. If a minority or a woman attains a high position, many wonder whether the achievement was a result of the competence of the person or because of DEI.
State Rep. Brad Fritts, R-Dixon, and Regional Office of Education 47 are co-hosting an upcoming winter clothes drive for local students and families in need. The drive will run from Nov. 1-16.
Accepted items include new gloves, hats, jackets, coats, scarves, snow pants, snow boots and socks.
“Let’s come together as a community to ensure everyone has warm clothing for the winter season,” Fritts said.
COMMUNITY VIEWS
Chuck Roberts
in the military. For instance, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the first Trump administration, commented on the politics of the George Floyd controversy, which is inappropriate for a general officer, who should concentrate on military readiness and not leftist propaganda. According to “Peril” (a book by Woodward and Costa), the chairman also conducted two secret phone calls with Chinese General Li Zuocheng – on Oct. 30, 2020, and Jan. 8, 2021 – to assure China that the U.S. would not launch an attack. Aiding and abetting the enemy is grounds for a court-martial.
Hegseth called for the end of using official resources directed at monthly celebrations of DEI months, such as Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Asian American Heritage Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and National American Indian Heritage Month. Time should be spent on the firing range and not in DEI classes. These celebrations tend to divide those in the military, which is contrary to the military doc-
trine of cohesive military units. In civilian life, DEI has fomented anti-Semitism (https://www.spiked-online.com), anti-Christianity, anti-conservatism, etc.
He stated that it was “tiring to look out at combat formations, or really any formation, and see fat troops.” Hegseth considers physical fitness and appearance to be a requirement for military readiness. He directed the development of a single set of physical standards for combat based on the previous male standards. If a woman meets these standards, then she is qualified for combat. He also considered it unacceptable to see “fat generals and admirals” occupying the Pentagon. His new policy is that every member of the armed forces takes a physical training test twice a year and meets height and weight requirements. All soldiers are to be clean-shaven and present a good appearance.
It is difficult to predict how this new policy will turn out. Some soldiers think that the new policy is way overdue. Others believe the current status will not change. Nevertheless, the speech summed up the new policy that DEI is out, military-related training and physical fitness are paramount, and there is no room for “fat generals.”
Chuck Roberts is a freelance writer in Rochelle.
“Every donation will make a real difference in the lives of our neighbors who need some extra help this year. Thank you to the Regional Office of Education, along with our 18 drop-off locations, for partnering with us to make this drive a reality,” Fritts said. Donations can be made at a drop box at
Bradley Fritts
Rochelle Community Hospital staff members of the involved departments were on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony. Staff members have provided input on RCH’s upcoming facility changes. Jeff Helfrich ON THE COVER
any of the following locations: Dinges Fire Company, Emerson’s Pub, Extreme Image Salon, Graves-Hume Public Library, Lee County Farm Bureau, Mendota City Hall, Mendota Police Department, Odell Public Library, Oliver’s Corner Market, Paw Paw Community Building, Polo City Hall, Rochelle City Hall, Rochelle Municipal Utilities, Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce, Sauk Valley Community College, Rep. Fritts’ District Office, Sterling Public Library, Sterling Rock Falls Family YMCA, and The Flight Deck. Shaw Local News Network
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Rochelle hospital holds groundbreaking ceremony for Health and Wellness Building expansion
Tracy: To me, it means that this hospital is thriving and going to be here for years to come
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
Rochelle Community Hospital hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the ongoing expansion of its Health and Wellness Building on Monday, Oct. 20.
Construction started in August on the south side of the RCH campus to merge its Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Therapy departments and Physical and Occupational Therapy departments into one 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.
“The progress has been really encouraging,” RCH CEO Karen Tracy said. “We might be a week or two behind at most. The weather has been in our favor. Our team has been working so hard. We’re really proud of the construction workers and how fast they’re putting things together. We’re doing pretty good, and I think we’re still on track for completion in April or May.”
Tracy said the merging of the therapy and rehabilitation departments will allow for more competitive services and the ability to serve a higher volume of patients.
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’ve done so much talking about construction, and it feels good to see action,” Tracy said. “The planning was
all beneficial, because it was the foundation to moving forward. To me, it means that this hospital is thriving and going to be here for years to come. I’m excited most by this project being a starting point to a bigger project. We’re continuing to work on the eventual bigger project at the north end. We want to be thoughtful about how we plan that.”
RCH has moved the Health and Wellness Building entrance to the west off Third Street between the emergency entrance and the Health and Wellness Building. Tracy said the community has been gracious with the changes that have been made due to construction.
Staff members of the involved departments were on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony. Staff members have provided input on RCH’s upcoming facility changes.
“We have great staff,” Tracy said.
“They’ve been really cooperative with the work and we’ve given them a voice and input on what we’re doing. Our
architects have done a fantastic job of incorporating staff’s comments and making sure the functionality is there.”
Photos by Jeff Helfrich
Rochelle Community Hospital hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Monday, Oct. 20, for the ongoing expansion of its Health and Wellness Building.
Construction started in August on the south side of the RCH 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.
Herrera: That’s what keeps us going, we’re helping to grow, expand and add businesses
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
Rochelle small-business retail incubator “The Spark Shop” officially reopened Oct. 18, in the city’s historic filling station at 500 Lincoln Ave., Rochelle Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tricia Herrera said.
The Spark Shop opened in 2021 for businesses that are home-based but are looking to someday have their own brick-and-mortar location. Vendors fill the space for intervals selling merchandise. The idea was put together by the Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, Rochelle Retail Advisory Board and the City of Rochelle.
Herrera said The Spark Shop was closed intermittently due to a shortage of vendors and volunteers to staff it. It has now returned after bringing in vendors from a wider area and finding a volunteer, Sarah Smith, to coordinate it.
“Just like any other project, it takes a lot of time, energy and commitment,” Herrera said. “All of those things kind of went up and down. We’ve had some great six-month stretches and some bad six-month stretches. It took finding a volunteer to take the lead on it. The project doesn’t have a huge budget. We’re very appreciative that the city lets us use the building for The Spark Shop. We’re ready to relaunch it this fall as we go into the holidays. It’s a perfect time. We’re excited.”
The Spark Shop currently has seven vendors, all selling different types of products, ranging from crafts to sweet treats to bread. Spark Shop vendors keep 100% of their proceeds, pay a vendor fee each quarter and are required to staff the shop eight to 10 hours a month.
Spark Shop hours are Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon-4 p.m. Vendors
include ShyNox Decor & More, Legacy Farms and Creations by Kate, CreaTiffity Sewing, Holy Grain, Watgen Warrior Family Farm, Cards by Kim and Jaime, and baked goods by Wendy Martinson.
“We’re really excited to relaunch this project,” Herrera said. “I’ve tried in many ways to get it relaunched and I think we finally have the combination that works. We’ve learned a lot from The Spark Shop, good and bad. The good is the vendors that are committed and want to see a business grow. We meet with them all and ask what their goal is. They all say they want a brick and mortar business. After a few months, I think they decide whether or not they really want that. That’s a win to know either way.”
Herrera said The Spark Shop’s mission is to mentor small-business owners on having a storefront on a small scale. One of the retail incubator’s greatest successes so far was one past business owner that saw sales increase 700%
ness’s sales went up 700% in The Spark Shop is a good day. That’s when all of the downtimes become worth it. It works when you trust the process.”
Herrera said other communities surrounding Rochelle have tried to implement small business retail incubators like The Spark Shop and have seen the same issues such as staffing and filling them with vendors. Others have not seen the successes Rochelle’s has, she said.
The Spark Shop emerged as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic when there was more community-wide emphasis on supporting small businesses.
while in The Spark Shop before moving into a mobile boutique.
“Right now, we just want to mentor these businesses and lift them up and teach them how this all works,” Herrera said. “And it benefits the community and gives us more retail. People always ask for more retail. Hearing that a busi-
“That’s what keeps us going, we’re helping to grow, expand and add businesses to the community,” Herrera said. “That’s always our goal at the chamber. Small business is near and dear to our hearts. We had a lot of ‘shop local’ sentiment after the pandemic to support small business. We want to see that continue and get people in those doors.”
Photos by Jeff Helfrich
Rochelle small-business retail incubator “The Spark Shop” officially reopened Oct. 18 in the city’s historic filling station at 500 Lincoln Ave., Rochelle Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tricia Herrera said.
The Spark Shop opened in 2021 for businesses that are home-based but are looking to someday have their own brick-and-mortar location. Vendors fill the space for intervals selling merchandise.
Davis Family Health and Trim IV Infusions grand opening intros new site
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
A grand opening and ribboncutting ceremony were held Oct. 22 for Davis Family Health and Trim IV Infusions at their new location at 450 Coronado Drive in Rochelle.
Davis Family Health is owned by Dr. Kelly Ann Tonielli Davis and offers primary care services along with physicals and weight loss programs. Trim IV Infusions is owned by Dan and Ashley Luevano and offers weight loss programs, IV therapy, vitamin shots, botox injections and more. Davis serves as Trim IV’s medical director and the businesses teamed up to expand and fill the formerly vacant space that was previously Northwestern Medicine.
services to people in the community and focuses on what patients need.
Speakers at the event also included Rochelle Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tricia Herrera and Rochelle City Council member Kate Shaw-Dickey. Herrera welcomed the businesses to the community and said she’s happy to see a once-idle space become vibrant again.
NOTICE OF PROPOSED TAX INCREASE FOR KISHWAUKEE COLLEGE
I. A public hearing to approve a proposed 2025 property tax levy increase for Illinois Community College District #523 will be held on November 11, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at Kishwaukee College.
Any person desiring to appear at the public hearing and present testimony to the taxing district may, but does not have to, contact Dr. Laurie Borowicz, President or Jill Fletcher, Chief Financial Officer, Kishwaukee College, Malta, Illinois, 60150, 815-825-2086, extension 9324 or 9517.
II. The corporate and special purpose property taxes extended for 2024 were $16,194,766. The proposed corporate and special purposes property taxes to be levied for 2025 are $19,591,567. This represents a 21.0% increase from the previous year.
“Thanks to everyone for coming,” Davis said. “I started here with Davis Family Health in 2019. The whole reason I became a provider was because I wanted to help people. I am a doctor of nursing practice and a nurse practitioner. I was graced with Dan and Ashley coming to ask me to help them out with their business. Now we’ve expanded so we can help more people.”
Dan Luevano said Trim IV works to provide affordable health and wellness
“We always say you can put your business anywhere, but the fact that your business is expanding now and you’re still staying within our community makes us very proud that you see that this is a community you want to spend your time and resources in. Thank you for offering these services. Thanks to Ashley and Dan and your whole family. It’s local people that are investing in our community. We wish you well and we’ll do anything we can to help you.,” Herrera said.
Shaw-Dickey marveled at the new space and said locals improving the business community is “a win for everyone.”
“We’re thrilled to have new life in this building,” Shaw-Dickey said. “We have a unique and great community of people. Thank you for bringing your business here and staying here. We’re excited about the future.”
III. The property taxes extended for debt service and public building commission leases for 2024 were $4,773,753. The estimated property taxes to be levied for debt service and public commission leases for 2025 are $4,922,515. This represents a 3.1% increase from the previous year.
IV. The total property taxes extended for 2024 were $20,968,519. The estimated total property taxes to be levied for 2025 are $24,514,082. This represents a 16.9% increase from the previous year.
Robert Hammon Secretary
Kate Shaw-Dickey
Photos by Jeff Helfrich
Rochelle Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tricia Herrera and Rochelle City Councilwoman Kate Shaw-Dickey (far left) speak at a ribbon cutting on Oct. 22 for Davis Family Health and Trim IV Infusions. Also shown at right are Trim IV owners Dan and Ashley Luevano and their family and Davis Family Health owner Kelly Ann Tonielli Davis.
HONORING OUR AMERICAN HERO
Byron’s Huber served 33 years in National Guard
Huber saw deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan and reached rank of brigadier general
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
Steve Huber of Byron served in the U.S. National Guard from 1979-2012, including 26 years of active duty. His service included deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan and reaching the rank of brigadier general.
Huber grew up on the north side of Chicago. After college and influence from his Army veteran father, he decided to enlist in the National Guard for a few years to better himself. He later went to officer candidate school and went on to become a platoon leader, company commander and battalion staff member, and worked in operations and logistics, in command at battalion brigade and deputy command at division level. He retired as a brigadier general.
Huber was deployed to Iraq from 2004-2005 and to Afghanistan from 20082009. In Iraq, he was embedded with a Polish division. Every U.S. National Guard unit has a sister or brother country.
“When Iraq broke out, Poland agreed to go as one of the coalition countries to join the U.S. and they asked for Illinois, so we went,” Huber said. “There were about 13 years of that rotation and I was the second one to go with my team. We were just below Baghdad. That was a year. I was the assistant chief of staff. You’re just doing staff work for the division and they were doing patrols and nation building-type stuff.”
Huber’s deployment to Afghanistan was with the 33rd Infantry Brigade, where he was in charge of 10,000 troops spread all over the country. He said serving on those deployments put his years of training to the test. Being away from his family was difficult.
“I think it’s harder on the family than the person that goes, depending on what they’re doing,” Huber said. “When you’re over there, you’re so focused on
the mission. The people back home are dwelling on you being there and the things they have to deal with at home.
Poland asked Illinois to go. I agreed to go. I was asked to lead up the team. It’s what you train for. Most military mem-
bers look forward to that day to do something like that. That’s the mindset you’re in. You want to go and do well and represent the country well.”
Upon enlisting into the military, Huber didn’t know he had a desire to be an officer. He’s glad he took the chance and he found gratification in leadership and doing what he’d been trained to do. He sees his deployment to Afghanistan as a culminating event in his military career after so many assignments and schools.
Huber found himself always working toward the next responsibility in the military.
“When I went active duty and full time and I became an officer, I figured I could make major and retire and maybe make lieutenant colonel and retire at 20 years and do something else,” Huber said. “And then one thing leads to another and you see the next rank and stay a little longer. I don’t regret any of it.
See HUBER on page 12
Byron’s Steve Huber’s deployments to the Middle East required time away from his family.
Photos provided by Steve Huber
Steve Huber of Byron served in the U.S. National Guard from 1979-2012, including 26 years of active duty.
Highland gets Northern IL CPR & First Aid gift
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Northern Illinois CPR & First Aid has announced a financial donation to Highland Elementary School to purchase fun and engaging new equipment for students to use on the playground.
The contribution, announced Oct. 14, aims to enhance playtime and promote physical activity during recess.
The funds will allow Highland Elementary to acquire a variety of new playground supplies, such as sports balls, cornhole boards, new soccer goals and other materials designed to encourage cooperative games, creativity and active play for all students.
“While our primary focus is on safety, we also understand the critical role that play has in a child’s development,” said Zach Oltmanns, owner of Northern Illinois CPR & First Aid. “We are thrilled to support Highland Elementary in pro -
viding more opportunities for their students to be active, collaborate and have fun. It’s a joy to know our contribution will lead to more smiles and healthier recess periods.”
The new equipment will be a welcome addition, giving students a wider array of activities to choose from and helping to reduce congestion on fixed structures.
“We are incredibly thankful for this thoughtful donation from Northern Illinois CPR & First Aid,” said Jacque Buchanan, principal of Highland Elementary School.
“Recess is a vital part of the school day. Having a variety of engaging equipment means every student, regardless of their interests, will find something fun to do. This gift will make a huge difference in enriching our students’ outdoor experience.”
Highland Elementary plans to purchase the new playground equipment immediately and integrate it into the school’s recess activities in the coming weeks.
Photo provided by Meridian School District
Northern Illinois CPR & First Aid on Tuesday, Oct. 14, announced a financial donation to Highland Elementary School to purchase fun and engaging new equipment for students to use on the playground.
Rochelle’s downtown stage and parking lot construction is underway
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Construction began on Rochelle’s downtown stage, outdoor gathering space and parking lots on Monday, Oct. 27.
For the first phase of construction, which includes retaining wall footings and excavating, lot four (across from the fire department) will be closed until December 2026.
In the spring of 2026, construction will begin on the remaining lots – one, two and three along with the alley. Fourth Avenue between Main Street and Sixth Street will also be under construction in the spring for installation of a new storm sewer.
Also beginning Oct. 27 is construction on a new parking lot located at the corner of Second Avenue and Washington Street.
Beginning the first week of November, the city’s contractor, Helm Group, will be working on placing power lines underground throughout the downtown in the alleys from Fourth Avenue to Sixth Avenue between Lincoln Highway and North Main Street.
Alleys will be closed intermittently during daytime hours for this portion of the project.
Jeff Helfrich
Shown is the planned location for the City of Rochelle’s new bathrooms, stage and storage structure off North Main Street.
Village of Progress celebrates at annual banquet, awards presented to consumers and volunteers
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
The Village of Progress held its annual banquet on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at St. Mary’s Parish Center in Oregon. Eight VOP consumers and volunteers were presented with awards during the festivities.
VOP is in its 56th year of serving people in Ogle County with developmental disabilities through evaluation and assessment, job training, supported employment, social and recreational experiences, health care and maintenance, and living skills instruction.
This year, VOP launched its Summer Thrive program in which it invited high school special education students to attend the Village for three one-week sessions free of charge to give participants and their families a glimpse of what life after school can look like. Activities included hiking, zoo visits, cooking classes, gardening projects, museum tours, cookouts and sports.
“It was an excellent program, not just for the men and women that attended, but for our clients and staff,” VOP Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional Mark Probasco said. “We look forward to offering it again next year.”
The event was emceed by Tom Wadsworth, who presented the first award of the evening to Daniel Norris, the recipient of the John Herrmann Personal Achievement Award. Norris has participated in VOP programs for 15 years.
“Through lots of hard work and becoming more familiar with the Village and its people, his attitude has steadily improved and he’s come a long way learning to adjust to the challenges in his routine,” Wadsworth said. “Daniel likes to work and is open to new jobs. He’s very thorough and precise. And he enjoys a variety of Village trips and athletic events.”
Sue Croft was the recipient of the Robert Moehle Personal Achievement Award. Croft has been part of the VOP family since 1969 when it first opened its doors.
“Though she is one of our most senior
participants, she is very young at heart,” Wadsworth said. “In her last 56 years, Sue has embraced new experiences with courage and joy.”
The Janie Etnyre Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Kristy Eckardt, who has volunteered with VOP for the past two years and also serves on its board of directors. She helps with VOP lunches and its bike club, and assisted with creating a point of sale system for use at the Village Corner snack shop.
“This is a huge honor,” Eckardt said. “I get so much out of volunteering at the Village. I wish I could be there 24/7. I really thank everyone. I plan to continue doing it forever.”
The Fred Smith Competitive Employment Award was given to Jeremy Reynolds, who has been part of VOP since 2013. Reynolds has worked many jobs through VOP over the years including office cleaning, at Crest Foods, and VOP maintenance tasks.
“Jeremy is a hard worker and is known as the ‘go-to guy’ when work shifts need to be filled,” Wadsworth said. “He is quick to learn new jobs, which makes him valuable whenever there is a need for more hands on deck.”
The Carly Heller Special Olympian of the Year Award was presented to Rachel Brooks, who has been involved with VOP
Wadsworth said.
The Coach Cookie Warren Memorial Award was presented to Tim Koebler, who has participated in all Special Olympics sports that have been offered at VOP over the past 55 years.
“When Tim participates in a sport, he always shows great excitement and loves giving and receiving high-fives,” Wadsworth said. “Tim is a wonderful example of a lifelong sports enthusiast whose dedication to his teams stands strong.”
and Special Olympics since 2009, with events including bocce ball, tennis, floor hockey and bowling.
“Rachel is a great athlete to have on the Village’s Special Olympics teams,” Wadsworth said. “This is not just because she’s athletically gifted, but also because she is willing to play or try any sport.”
Sherri Drew was the recipient of the Robert Stahl Friendship Award. Drew began attending VOP programming in 2002.
“Sherri was chosen for this award because she has a gift for connection, whether she’s shaking hands, showing off her fun socks, or simply being near others, she makes people feel welcome,”
The Herrmann family was the recipient of the Robert Stauffer Special Recognition Award. Family members have continued a long family legacy of support for the VOP through serving on its board, supporting programming, and interacting with Village consumers.
“We’re very honored,” Brett Herrmann said. “We’re happy to continue my grandfather’s legacy. We absolutely love volunteering at the Village and will continue to do so.”
Wadsworth made remarks to close the event.
“We hope that each of you leave this evening with a better understanding of and appreciation for the men and women – both those who attend and those on staff – who make the Village of Progress the exceptional place that it is,” Wadsworth said.
Photos by Jeff Helfrich
Jeremy Reynolds received the Fred Smith Competitive Employment award at the Village of Progress Annual Banquet on Wednesday, Oct. 22, in Oregon. At left is Master of Ceremonies Tom Wadsworth.
Mark Probasco
Tom Wadsworth presents Sue Croft with the Robert Moehle Personal Achievement award at the Village of Progress Annual Banquet on Wednesday, Oct. 22 in Oregon.
now 71, has lived in Byron since he was in his late 30s. Since his retirement, he’s worked as a contractor for the Department of Defense, now the Department of War, as a trainer for the past 13 years.
• HUBER
Continued from page 7
I’d still be doing it today if I could.”
Huber, now 71, has lived in Byron since he was in his late 30s. Since his retirement, he’s worked as a contractor for the Department of Defense, now the Department of War, as a trainer for the past 13 years.
That work allowed Huber to stay connected to the military and still work with soldiers and get them ready for deployments. He may return to the work in the future under a new contract.
Huber’s time in the service gave him an appreciation and understanding for how large of a machine the military is. He recalls being deployed as a general and realizing how small the things he was dealing with were compared to the people above him.
The military saw advancements and change under different presidents during Huber’s service. He started in the post-Vietnam era and saw funding increase along with more training requirements and improvements in technology, equipment, logistics and weapons.
OBITUARIES
MICHAEL ‘MIKE’ GALL
Born: October 2, 1949
Died: October 25, 2025
BYRON, IL – Michael
“Mike” Gall, age 76, passed away peacefully at his home in Byron. Mike graduated from Ashton High School in 1967, and went on to earn a degree in business from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.
On June 6, 1970, Mike married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Beardin, and together they built a beautiful life filled with love, hard work, and family.
Throughout his career, Mike worked in outside sales and also spent time farming – a reflection of his strong work ethic and love of the land. Known for his craftsmanship and generosity, he enjoyed building houses,
crafting furniture, and helping others with home remodeling projects. He found great joy in creating things with his hands and lending those hands to anyone who needed them.
Mike enjoyed many years serving as a deacon of his church, Forest City Fellowship. His faith was central to his life, and knowing Jesus as his Lord and Savior brought him deep peace and purpose.
Mike’s greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Nancy; their children, Nicholas Gall, Benjamin (Eli) Gall and Krystal (James) Hoppe, and his cherished grandchildren, Logan and Luke Hoppe.
A celebration of Mike’s life will take place November 2, at 1:00 PM at Forest City Fellowship, 1300 17th St., Rockford. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Tunnels to Towers. Mike will be remembered for his kindness, his humor, his stories, his faith, and his unwavering love for his family and friends. His legacy of love, hard work, and service will continue to inspire all who knew him.
Huber’s service taught him that character is everything.
“If you lose that, you lose your ability to lead,” Huber said. “You have to be competent and be willing to do what you’re ordering others to do. I am very glad I started as an enlisted private and knew how that felt. I saw the military from different perspectives.”
As Veterans Day approaches, Huber feels pride. He’s part of the Byron American Legion and spends that day each year celebrating with other veterans and speaking to younger generations in the community to help them understand what service and sacrifice mean. During his deployment to Afghanistan, Huber saw the loss of 43 service members.
“I remember every one of them,” Huber said. “Their death or loss of life wasn’t in vain. It was for something bigger. And that’s why they went. It means something.”
Honoring our American Hero is a feature on local veterans that runs twice a month in the Rochelle NewsLeader. To submit a veteran or service member for consideration, please email Jeff Helfrich at jhelfrich@shawmedia. com.
Photo provided by Steve Huber
Steve Huber,
Air, Land & Sea Art Exhibit awards presented
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Awards were presented for the Air, Land & Sea Art Exhibit at the awards reception at the Coliseum Museum on Oct. 10.
Judge Jon Wildman recognized the following artists who entered their art in the exhibit that is now on display on the main floor of the Coliseum Museum in Oregon until Nov. 15.
Best of Show went to Timothy Griffith of Cherry Valley for his oil on canvas painting “Sante Fe Sunflower;” first place went to Paula Kuehl of McHenry for the pastel “Sandy Shore;” second place went to Cindy Bear of Belvidere for the watercolor “Ripples, Reflection, and Relaxation;” third place went to Robb Robbins of Oregon for his oil on canvas “Quiet Reflection;” and honorable mentions went to to Linnea Koch of Sterling for her etching “Fantasea;” Paula Kuehl for the pastel, “Waterfall;” Bob Cholke of Rockford for his photograph “Three Trees;” and Kathe Wilson of Oregon for her watercolor “Rock River Bridge.”
Visitors also are allowed to vote for their favorite art piece, with the People’s Choice winner announced at the close of the exhibit. The Air, Land & Sea Art Exhibit features a record-setting 44 artists from across the northern Illinois area, on display from Oct. 1-Nov. 15.
The Coliseum Museum’s mission is to present Art, Antiques, Americana and history through permanent and rotating exhibits, workshops, music, theater and more. Additional information can be found on the website, www.cmaaa.org and Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ ColiseumMuseum/
Air, Land & Sea Art Exhibit Art judge Jon Wildman (left) stands with Best of Show winner “Sante Fe Sunflower” Timothy Griffith of Cherry Valley. Griffith’s oil on canvas painting stood out among the rest of the field at the Oct. 10 award reception at the Coliseum Museum in Oregon. The show continues until Nov. 15. BELOW LEFT: Second place went to Cindy Bear of Belvidere for the watercolor “Ripples, Reflection, and Relaxation.” CENTER: Third place went to Robb Robbins of Oregon for his oil on canvas “Quiet Reflection.” BELOW: First-place honors went to Paula Kuehl of McHenry for the pastel “Sandy Shore.”
Photos provided by Coliseum Museum
ABOVE:
Warranty Deeds
• Randy J. Barton and Jerrie J. Barton to Vincent Pekarek and Brittany Pearson, 8 N Highland Court, Stillman Valley, $225,000
• Richard Hicks and Stacey Hicks to Christopher Woods and Roger Woods, 209 Roy Ave., Rochelle, $257,500
• Samantha Jo Bradley to Colten Varilek, 2001 N Silverthorn Drive, Byron, $250,000
• Richard L. Speiden and Sherry K. Speiden to Sherry K. Speiden Trustee, Richard L. Speiden Trustee, Speiden Rev Living Tr., 1623 Southfield Lane, Byron, $0.00
• Richard P. Herrmann, and Beverly J. Herrmann to Shane Erdman, 312 W. Willis Ave., Rochelle, $218,000
• Hunter R. Gray and Brittanie R. Gray to Jacob Parola, 303 S. Prairie Ave., Polo, $265,000
• R. Brad Long to Justin Broitzman, one parcel in Buffalo Township: 14-09-355-003, $10,000
• T&r Property Management II Llc to Scott Brown, 370 W. Lightsville Road, Leaf River, $75,000
• Ernest M. Lindgren Trustee, Ruth C. Lindgren Trustee, Ernest M. Lindgren, and Lindgren Rev Lv Tr. To Hunter R. Gray and Brittanie R. Gray, 10245 W. Penn Corner Rd, Polo, $360,000
• Mattie E. Detweiler to Pamela J. Oleson, 15812 W. Robin Rd, Polo, $176,000
• Friends Of Nachusa Grasslands to Nature Conservancy, two parcels in Taylor Township, $84,000
• Timothy J. Gleason to James B. Cappel and Caroline L. Cappel, 924 Carrie Ave., Rochelle, $134,000
• Thelma M. Bell to Mark Capps, 1133 N. 7th St., Unit 806, Rochelle, $119,000
• Jeffery M. Byerly and Laura B. Byerly to Jeffery J. Whaley and Katrina N. Whaley, 9310 E Valley Rd, Stillman Valley, $396,000
• Km’s Properties & Investments Llc and Jose Manuel Reveles Murro to Jeremy Mote, 431 E 2nd St., Byron, $212,500
• Martin J. Decrane and Tracey R. Decrane to Amber Kay Frye, 504 S. Green Ave., Polo, $30,000
Quit Claim Deeds
• Troy A. Vandenbroek to Vandenbroek Investments Llc, 309 W Center St., Mt. Morris, and 5965 N Esther Dr, Byron, $0.00
• Allan H. Gravenstein to Allan H. Gravenstein Trustee and Allan H. Gravenstein Trustee, 6185 N Brookville Rd, Forreston, $0.00
• Trisha, Blassage to George Blassage, 6070 N Knoll Rd, Monroe Center, $0.00
• Martha P. Gonzalez to Emilia D. Lopez, 128 E. North St., Creston, $0.00
• Wade S. Terviel to Anthony Dinges and Richelle Dinges, 7040 Crestview Rd., Stillman Valley, $0.00
• Manitoqua Ministries Inc. to Kings Camp Llc., 9634 E Lindenwood Rd, Chana, $100
• Youssi Investments Llc to Youssi Real Estate & Development Inc 401k Profit Sharing Tr, Yredi Roth 401k, and Yredi Roth 401k, two parcels in
Marion Township: 05-26-330-003 and 05-26-330-005, $0.00
• Youssi Real Estate & Development Inc 401k Profit Sharing Tr, Yredi Roth 401k, and Yredi Roth 401k to Youssi Investments Llc, two parcels in Marion Township: 05-26-327-002 and 05-26-328-001, $0.00
Trustees Deeds
• Roger F. Kelly Trustee, and Joan Kelly Rev Tr. To Roger F. Kelly Trustee and Roger F. Kelly Rev Tr., three parcels in Grand Detour Township: 21-14-276-007, 21-14-277-003, and 21-14-277004, $0.00
• Arlene H. Grub Trustee and Ahg Tr314 to Tim M. Devres, one parcel in Marion Township: 05-26-400-019, $24,000
• Roger F. Kelly Trustee and Roger F. Kelly Rev Tr to Roger F. Kelly, three parcels in Grand Detour Township: 21-14-276-007, 21-14-277-003, and 21-14-277-004, $0.00
• Chicago Title Land Trust Company Trustee, South Holland Trust And Savings Bank Trustee, Tr10062,Chicago Title Land Trust Company Tr10062, Mb Financial Bank Tr10062, South Holland Trust And Savings Bank Tr10062, North Star Trust Company Trustee, Mb Financial Bank Trustee, and North Star Trust Company Tr10062 to Kings Camp Llc, three parcels in Whiterock Township: 18-07-200-002, 18-07-200-003, and 18-07-400-001, $649,900
• Shirley M. Gentry Trustee and Shirley M Rev Tr. To Paul S. Mitchell and Nancy G. Mitchell, 513 E. Buffalo St., Polo, $60,000
• Daniel W. Montague Trustee, Douglas E. Montague Trustee, and Darlene A. Montague Trustee to Julie Hodgson, 7649 W Anterier Rd, Dixon, $336,000
Deeds in Trust
• Mary R. Devries and Todd M. Devries to Arlene H. Grubb and Ahg Tr314, one parcel in Marion Township: 05-26-403-007, $20,000
• David A. Head and Patricia Head to David A. Head Trustee, Patricia Head Trustee and Dph Tr825, 208 S. 5th St., Oregon, $0.00
• Jan B. Emmons to Jan B. Emmons and Emmons Family Tr825, 1 Parcel: 03-05-31-106008, $0.00
• Timothy A. Dayton to Timothy A. Dayton Trustee and Timothy A. Dayton Trustee, three parcels in Flagg Township: 24-04-300-005, 24-04-300-008, and 24-17-400-031, $0.00
• Gregory Folkers and Mary Jo Folkers to Gregory J. Folkers Trustee, Mary Jo Folkers Trustee, and Fokers Family Rev Tr1, 422 Sunbeam Court, Stillman Valley, $0.00
• Edward M. Tyne and Kay F. Tyne to Edward M. Tyne Lv Tr, Edward M. Tyne Trustee, Kay F. Tyne Trustee, and Kay F. Tyne Lv Tr., three parcels in Eagle Point Township: 13-14-200001, 14-12-200-006 and 14-13-200-001; two parcels in Buffalo Township: 13-14-100-002 and 14-13-400-001; and three parcels in Pine Creek Township: 15-07-100-002, 15-18-100001 and 15-18-100-002, $0.00
ROCHELLE VETERINARY HOSPITAL
LOCAL
Creston Library hosts 100+ Women Who Care of Ogle County
Creston-Dement Library recently hosted the 100+ Women Who Care of Ogle County for their quarterly October meeting.
This quarter the charitable group gave $11,400 to United Way of Ogle County for their work with children less than 5 years old to encourage and support early reading skills by sending an age-appropriate book every month.
This is especially important for rural neighbors who may not have easy access to a library. The program is called Imagination Station and was founded by Dolly Parton.
The other program the money will support is Summer Eats, a program to feed children when school is not in session. This program has already given 2,295 meals since its inception. For more information for this and other helpful programs in Ogle County go to uwogle.org.
Every quarter, members of 100+ Women Who Care of Ogle County meet to choose between three deserving charities. Each member gives $100 and the accumulated funds are presented to the charity of choice. A small gift becomes part of a larger gift which supports the community.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a member or about the donation process contact Deanna Forrest at forrestdede5@gmail.com or on Facebook www.facebook.com/oglegives.
Arellano to host veterans appreciation program and expo State Sen. Li Arellano Jr., R-Dixon, is inviting veterans and their families from across the 37th District to join him for a special event honoring their service and dedication.
The event will feature remarks from Terry Prince, director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.
“We want our veterans to know how much they’re valued,” Arellano said. “This event gives us the opportunity to say thank you in person and learn more about the incredible people
who have served our country from right here in our district.”
The Veterans Appreciation Program and Expo will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3, at the Rock Falls Community Building, 601 W. 10th St.
Attendees can connect with representatives from veterans organizations and local agencies, receive information on available programs and resources and enjoy complimentary refreshments.
The event is free and open to the public. Reservations are appreciated but not required. Those interested in attending can email moldenettel@sgop.ilga.gov to RSVP.
Rochelle’s Vaughan graduates from UW-Madison
Just over 1,500 students received doctoral, bachelor’s, master’s, and professional degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in August 2025.
Among them was Rochelle’s Elizabeth Vaughan, who earned a degree from the College of Letters and Science, Doctor of Musical Arts, Music: Performance. Although the university does not hold a commencement ceremony in August, many graduates participate in the May or December ceremonies.
4 Ogle County fire departments receive Compeer Financial grants
Fifty-three emergency response departments supporting rural communities across Illinois recently received up to $4,000, totaling $202,878, to fund
much-needed equipment and technology upgrades.
Through its Fund for Rural America, Compeer Financial awarded a total of 160 Emergency Response Equipment Grants, accounting for more than $600,000, to departments across Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The grants are intended to help volunteer fire, rescue and ambulance departments improve their operational efficiency, safety and response times.
In Ogle County, the German Valley Fire Protection District received funds for a UTV slide-in unit for brush and field fires. The Monroe Township Fire Protection District received funds for a portable suction unit. The Mt. Morris Fire Protection District received funds for portable radios. The Oregon Fire Protection District received funds for confined space rescue equipment.
Rural volunteer emergency response departments are struggling to service their communities due to fewer volunteer first responders, outdated personal protective equipment, increases in service requests and rising costs for essential equipment. Because of budget constraints, as volunteer departments, they are heavily reliant on public funding, grants, donations and local support to fund needed equipment, gear and training.
Grants like these from Compeer are one way departments can continue to serve and protect their local communities.
“For first responders to give their best, they need to be equipped with the proper
tools. We recognize the challenges volunteer emergency response departments face with funding, and we hope these grants help give them the life-saving equipment necessary to effectively respond to critical situations,” said Karen Schieler, manager of Compeer Giving at Compeer Financial.
Committee looking for members to build horse barn at fairgrounds
Build-a-barn is looking for some horse-loving people to be on its committee to build a competition horse barn at the Ogle County Fairgrounds.
It will be having its annual meeting at 3 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Bertolet Memorial Library in Leaf River.
The library is located at 705 Main St. For more information, call Lynne Radville at 815-238-7892.
– Shaw Local News Network
Photo provided by 100+ Women Who Care of Ogle County
Creston-Dement Library recently hosted 100+ Women Who Care of Ogle County for their quarterly October meeting.
Build-a-barn is looking for people to be on its committee to build a competition horse barn at the Ogle County Fairgrounds.
State Sen. Li Arellano Jr.
FUN&GAMES
Archie
B.C.
Pearls Before Swine
Frank & Ernest
Beetle Bailey
Blondie
Monty
Baby Blues
Arlo & Janis
Zits
HOW TO PLAY
Each row, column and set of 3-by-3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 through 9 without repetition.
Pickles
Wizard of Id
Alley Oop
Garfield
Hagar the Horrible
Barney Google and Snuffy Smith
Daddy Daze
JANRIC CLASSIC SUDOKU
Friday night fun
Shaw Local News Network
The Rochelle (6-3) varsity football team ended the regular season with a 27-6 win over visiting Waterloo.
The Hubs, riding a three-game winning streak, travel to Geneseo for a 7 p.m. Friday contest to open the first round of the Class 4A IHSA playoffs.
The two teams met to kickoff the season with Rochelle winning, 41-14.
Photos provided by Marcy DeLille
TOP LEFT: Rochelle’s Luke Chadwick (32) tackles a Waterloo player during their game Friday, Oct. 24, in Rochelle. TOP RIGHT: A host of Rochelle defenders tackle a Waterloo player during their Friday game.
ABOVE: Rochelle’s Tyler Gensler celebrates a score during the Hubs’ game with Waterloo. LEFT: Rochelle’s Tyler Gensler (41) celebrates his touchdown with teammates Jonathan Andrist (37) and Brode Metzger (25).
Rochelle meets goal, beats Waterloo for sixth win
By ANDY COLBERT for Shaw Local News Network
If the rugged slate in the Interstate 8 wasn’t enough for the Rochelle football team, the nonconference portion of it provided quite a test also, with all four opponents playoff bound.
Starting with a renewal of a storied rivalry with Geneseo, a trip to Chicago against King, hosting the state’s premier 1A program in Lena-Winslow and ending with a 27-6 win over a Waterloo team that traveled 290 miles to Rochelle, it was a diverse challenge each week.
“Those are sustained, successful programs,” Rochelle coach Kyle Kissack said. “For us to finish at 6-3 is a credit to our kids and a testament to how well they responded to adversity.”
The Hubs racked up 318 rushing yards and despite a fumble at the 5-yard line on the opening drive, they were unstoppable.
“It was old-fashioned football math –four times three equals 12, and they’re very good at it,” said Waterloo coach Dan
Rose in reference to Rochelle’s ability to rack up first downs by running the ball.
After forcing a Waterloo punt, it was Tyler Gensler keying the Hubs’ first score with runs of 16 and 31, the latter going for TD and 7-0 lead. Gensler gained 115 yards on eight carries, the second straight week he averaged over 10 yards a run.
“The O-line was firing off every single play,” Gensler said. “As a team this year, we’ve stuck together.”
The Bulldogs (6-3) put together an impressive 15-play drive, converting twice on fourth down, but were stalled at the 36-yard line. It was 6-foot-3, 215-pound linebacker Brode Metzger with a crushing sack of QB Conrad Lindhorst that gave the ball back to Rochelle.
“Brode is the epitome of what Rochelle football is all about with his accountability and responsibility,” Kissack said.
Besides five tackles, Metzger also forced a fumble and knocked down a pass. Mark Green led Rochelle with nine tackles, adding to his season-high total of 57. Gavin Neale had seven tackles.
Late in the second quarter, Rochelle increased its lead to 13-0 on a 4-yard run by Roman Villalobos, as the Bulldogs staggered against the Hubs’ blocking.
“Every single play we come out of the huddle, relentless and aggressive,” senior center Markell Pogue said.
With all the injuries Rochelle has had, this was only the third time all season that this group of offensive lineman played together.
“We were very physical at the point of attack and on the back side,” Hub line coach Erick Olson said.
At the beginning of the second half, Waterloo showed why it is playoff worthy. Effectively using misdirection in the backfield, Waterloo drove 68 yards on 15 plays to close the lead to 13-6.
It was Owen Niebruegge grabbing a 17-yard pass from Lindhorst to start the rally. Leading rusher and receiver Derez Sayles closed it out with a 4-yard TD reception on fourth down. Waterloo was 5-for-7 on fourth down.
“We moved the ball okay,” said Rose,
the 26th-year head coach. “We wanted to come out and score and then get a stop.”
The Bulldogs did force a fourth down on Rochelle’s next possession, but it was Gensler going 17 yards on that same play to up the lead to 20-6.
Metzger and Cooper Holmgren then pressured Lindhorst into an incompletion on fourth down to squelch any chance the Bulldogs had of coming back. A steady dose of Villalobos up the middle made it 27-6 late in the fourth quarter.
Villalobos’ 157 rushing yards put him at 1,030 for the season, to go with 15 touchdowns. Dylan Manning, who suffered a head injury against Morris three weeks ago, finished with 829 yards and 11 TDs. After two surgeries, he remains at Loyola.
“Dylan is continuing to make progress,” Kissack said. “He has a lot of work left to do, but he’s a fighter. We love Dylan and his family and our praying for him to get better. In a nice gesture, Waterloo gave us a number 10 jersey and we continue to get support from all over the state.”
Photo provided by Marcy DeLille
Rochelle’s Roman Villalobos runs in for a touchdown during Friday’s game with Waterloo in Rochelle. The Hubs (6-3) closed out the regular season with a 27-6 victory.
Not many surprises from playoff pairings
VIEWS
The eagerly awaited IHSA football pairings have been announced. With all the prognostication leading up to them, there weren’t too many surprises.
Here at Shaw Local Sports, we have a numbers guru in Steve Soucie, who turns the state over in predicting the pairings in advance of the IHSA. After Friday’s results from the final regular-season games were in the books, he and his partner, Matt Rodewald, stayed up until the wee hours of the morning, putting up mock brackets for all eight classes.
A bit much you say?
Not for us high school football nerds. I was one of those still awake past 2 a.m. to see what the “Souc” came up with. It’s kind of like when you were a kid on Christmas Eve and could hardly wait until the morning to open presents.
Sure, we could have got it straight from the IHSA on Saturday night, but there is something in the human psyche about the desire for immediacy. Admittedly, it is a character defect, but once in a while, curiosity gets the best of us.
The first thing that stood out is how tough the north bracket is in Class 3A. It has the top five teams in the last statewide AP poll in it.
The potential quarterfinals are doozies with Richmond-Burton (9-0) vs. Bloomington Central Catholic (9-0) and Byron (9-0) vs. IC Catholic (6-3). Even with an undefeated record, Bishop McNamara probably won’t get past ICC in the second round.
Such overloading on one side of the state gives further evidence that each class needs to be seeded 1-32, not north and south 1-16 brackets.
A big question mark is the opposition to 1-32. Where is it coming from? It’s not from the coaches. For years, they have been pleading to play teams from all over the state.
Is it from school administrators who do not want to facilitate long trips? Or is it from schools in the south, who have a pronounced advantage by steering clear of northern teams?
before. Most of us assumed Oregon would beat Dwight, even Steve Soucie himself.
Although it was a long drive to Dwight, there was an air of intrigue for a first-ever matchup between strangers. When Oregon goes to Byron or Forreston goes to Le-Win in the playoffs, there is no such thing, as these teams have been playing each other forever.
One quirk of the playoff pairings was Benton and Chicago South Shore needing a coin flip to decide who would go 3A or 4A as both had identical enrollments and were right on the 3A/4A bubble. It’s extremely rare for this occurrence and Benton won the coin toss, putting them in 3A.
A side beneficiary of this was Rochelle as a No. 10 seed in 4A, a team that Soucie had forecasted as facing a very tough Metamora squad. With South Shore ending up in 4A, it became the No. 10 seed and will take on Metamora. Rochelle moved to No. 11 and will face Geneseo, a team it soundly trounced in the first game of the year.
With all the adversity this season, it was good to see the Hubs catch a break. If their defense plays the way it did against Geneseo earlier, they should win. Also, the second-round opponent is a better draw for them as No. 11.
Hard luck story of the playoffs was 4-5 Chicago Marist losing out to 4-5 Chicago Urban-Bronzeville for the 256th and final spot. Six criteria were needed before Bronzeville was declared the qualifier.
In 2022, the IHSA decided to go 1-32 for all classes, only to rescind that a few months later. Gas prices are a consideration, but I will tell you this from years of covering state tournament action: It doesn’t matter if gas is $10 a gallon; fans and parents will travel anywhere for an important football game. That’s the emotional pull the sport has on us.
And football is a different animal than all other IHSA sports. Certainly, basketball or volleyball would not be bracketed statewide.
Maybe the IHSA feels 1-16 is an adequate compromise over the eight-team quadrant form that used to be in place, which was such a travesty to the landlocked NUIC.
Even with 1-16, it is still Forreston vs Le-Win and Galena vs Stockton, both NUIC rematches. Nobody wants
that. At least Le-Win and Stockton wouldn’t meet until the semifinals.
But anything is possible in high school football. Three weeks ago, I mentioned that Oregon and Stillman Valley were locks to make the playoffs.
Well, SV didn’t make it and Oregon barely limps in after a running clock loss to 1A Dwight. Driving home from an early starting Rochelle game, I turned my radio on to listen to 95.7 FM’s Sam Ramirez and Mark Herman call the second half of the Hawks game and was stunned to hear a 28-0 halftime score in favor of Dwight.
At first, I thought Sam had made a mistake. Not so and this partially explains why the IHSA needs to implement 1-32 seeding.
There was an enticing mystery to facing a team you never have seen
Feel-good story of the area is 5-4 Rockford Jefferson making the playoffs for the first time since 1993 when Joe Blume was coaching.
The next longest drought might be Rock Falls, which last qualified in 1992. In a battle between winless opponents, it was Rockford Lutheran edging the Rockets, 22-16.
North Boone got into the playoffs with a 5-4 record, but was whipped by Genoa-Kingston 56-36, which did not get in. G-K (4-4) lost three games by a touchdown or less.
Byron and Dixon ended up with a 828-115 advantage in points over the rest of the BNC.
• Andy Colbert is a longtime Ogle Countyresidentwithyearsofexperience covering sports and more for multiple areapublications.
Andy Colbert
Photo provided by Marcy DeLille
Rochelle’s Reece Harris runs with the ball during a game with Waterloo on Friday, Oct. 24, in Rochelle. The Hubs qualified for the 4A playoffs and will play at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, against host Geneseo.
NIU tops 300 rush yards in reclaiming Bronze Stalk
By EDDIE CARIFIO ecarifio@shawmedia.com
In reclaiming the Bronze Stalk for the first time since 2021, NIU ran right at Ball State, rushing 57 times for 305 yards in a 21-7 victory Saturday at Huskies Stadium.
“We came in and chose violence,” said running back Chavon Wright, who carried the ball 37 times for 166 yards. “The focus on practice this week was being physical and I feel like we came out and were physical. We dominated at the point of the attack.”
The domination started almost from the start. On third and 3 from the NIU 47 on the Huskies’ third play from scrimmage, Telly Johnson found a hole up the left side, going 53 yards for a touchdown.
Johnson finished with 100 rushing yards on 15 carries.
Wright said he didn’t mind the workload.
“When you get into the flow of the game, it didn’t feel like 37 carries,” Wright said. “You get in the flow, you get in a zone. Let me get the ball in my hand, see what I can do.”
The Huskies (2-6, 1-3 Mid-American Conference) never trailed in the game. The Cardinals (3-5, 2-2) tied things up early in the second quarter, but NIU regained the lead on a 7-yard touchdown run by quarterback Josh Holst with 7:26 left in the third, capping a 15-play, 78-yard drive that drained 7:30 off the clock. They threw the ball four times on the drive.
Holst also threw for a touchdown early in the fourth, finding DeAree Rogers on a screen. Rogers sped 14 yards into the end zone for a 21-7 lead with 13:59 left in the game.
It was the last pass attempt of the game for the Huskies. Holst only threw the ball 11 times in the contest for 65 yards on six completions.
“We talked about choosing violence this week, and we chose it,” NIU head coach Thomas Hammock said. “We ran the ball 57 times and our defense played tremendously, gave us a chance all game.”
It was the second time this year the Huskies broke the 20-point threshold last year. They lost at Ohio 48-21 last week.
Hammock said there was still room for improvement on offense as NIU turned the ball over three times, twice when the ball was in the red zone.
Northern Illinois University’s quarterback Josh
Saturday, Oct. 25, at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb.
carrier Eric Weatherly (3) during Saturday’s game.
Facing a first and goal at the 4, Joedrick Lewis intercepted Holst late in the first, ending the Huskies attempt to push the lead to two scores early.
Late in the second quarter, after a 36-yard run by Holst, the Huskies faced a third and 9 at the Ball State 22, but Johnson fumbled at the 18 at the end of a run.
Wright fumbled at the end of a 17-yard run with 1:47 left in the game. The Huskies would have been able to run out most or all of the clock after the gain.
“It’s 21 points or whatever but we should have had a lot more than that,” Holst said. “Obviously some mistakes in the right moment, three turnovers. But the resilience was great.”
The defense and special teams helped mitigate those turnovers, forcing three turnovers. Jasper Beeler and James Finley had interceptions. Beeler’s came on third and long from the NIU 13 with 3:52 left in the game, ending a golden scoring chance for the Cardinals.
“[Defensive coordinator Rob] Harley has been doing a great job stressing takebacks, taking the ball back and giving it to the offense,” Finley said. “We just want to give them the ball and give them chances. ... Our defense does it all, keeps 10 toes on the ground. It was great the whole time. Defense never gave up.”
Marc Pretto also recovered a fumbled punt by Lewis.
Photos by David Toney for Shaw Local News Network
ABOVE:
Holst (15) hands the ball off to running back Chavon Wright (10) during the game on
BELOW: Northern Illinois University’s safety Owen Belman (31) tries to tackle Ball State ball
SPORTS
OGLE COUNTY PLAYOFF FOOTBALL MATCHUPS
4A: Rochelle at Geneseo, 7 p.m., Friday. 3A: Oregon at Byron, 7:15 p.m. Friday
1A: Forreston at Lena-Winslow, 1 p.m. Saturday. 8-MAN: Kirkland-Hiawatha at Polo, 1 p.m. Saturday.
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
SIXTH SENSE
Roman Villalobos and Tyler Gensler each rushed for over 100 yards as Rochelle beat Waterloo, 27-6, for the Hubs’ sixth win / 19, 20
Rochelle’s Roman Villalobos (40) runs for extra yards during the game with Waterloo on Friday, Oct. 24 at Rochelle Township High School.
