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Rochelle’s progress and community engagement
As we move deeper into the fall/winter season, I am excited to share some highlights and updates from the past month in Rochelle. Our community is continually evolving, and it is essential for us to come together to celebrate our achievements and address our challenges.
One of the most significant events this month was the public meeting regarding the latest developments on the data center proposed project. This initiative promises to boost our local economy, create new jobs and position Rochelle as a technological hub in Northern Illinois.
We had a good turnout, and the feedback from residents was incredibly valuable. The enthusiasm, as well as concerns for this project, reflects our community’s commitment to cautious innovation and growth.
In a festive spirit, we held a ribboncutting ceremony in partnership with the local Chamber of Commerce, celebrating the grand opening of the Fit Hub and Royal Arcade. These establishments not only contribute to our economy but also provide our residents with opportunities for recreation, fitness and community engagement. Such events underscore the importance of supporting local businesses, which are the backbone of our community.
Welcome to you both, and thank you to the chamber.
Additionally, this month marked the importance of fiscal responsibility as we conducted a budget workshop. This session drew participation from both council members and City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh, and it facilitated important conversations about funding for infrastructure and public services.
We are committed to transparent governance and aim to ensure that our financial strategies align with the community’s needs and expectations going forward.
COMMUNITY VIEWS
John Bearrows
Rochelle also had the honor of hosting the Northern Illinois Mayor’s Association Meeting, a gathering that allows local leaders to share insights, discuss challenges and collaborate on regional initiatives. This meeting emphasized the power of unity in our goals to enhance the quality of life and economic development across our cities and towns.
As part of our commitment to regional collaboration, I also represented Rochelle at the North Central Illinois Council of Governments (NorthCOG) meeting. This platform provides an excellent avenue for local governments to address shared challenges such as transportation, land use and economic development initiatives. Building partnerships with surrounding municipalities is vital as we confront both opportunities and obstacles together.
In lighter news, I am thrilled to announce that the Christmas tree is up at our city hall! The tree’s lights are a joyful reminder of the upcoming holiday season and the spirit of togetherness that it brings. That event will take place on Dec. 5 following the lighted Christmas parade, which starts at 5 p.m. We encourage families to come down and take part in the festivities we’ve planned this year, as community bonding is crucial during these times.
Speaking of community involvement, I am pleased to share that we held our first live feed for community updates on the first Friday of the month, and will continue on the first Friday each month. This initiative aims to increase transparency and bolster community participation in local governance. I shared the
virtual screen with our city manager, and the topics were varied. Each broadcast, I will try to bring in not only various city departments, but also other entities that are vital to our community. Moreover, the annual 2-ton food drive was a tremendous success! Thanks to the generosity of our residents and local businesses, there was a significant amount of food donations as well as monetary donations that will support those in need in our community. There was approximately $30,000 raised.
This initiative exemplifies the compassion and solidarity that resonate in Rochelle, demonstrating that we are stronger together.
Lastly, I want to update everyone on the downtown construction project, which is progressing well. The enhancements promise to rejuvenate our town’s heart while maintaining the historical character that we all cherish. This project is crucial for attracting visitors and promoting local businesses, and I look forward to seeing it completed in the coming months.
As your mayor, I am incredibly proud of all that we, as a team, are able to accomplish together. Our community’s growth and vibrancy come from each of you – your engagement, your support and your passion for Rochelle. Let us continue to work hand in hand, build a better tomorrow, and celebrate the spirit that makes our town truly special.
Thank you for your continued dedication to our community. Together, we can make Rochelle an even better place to live, work and play. In closing, I will share another quote that I found very fitting:
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
• John Bearrows is the mayor of the city of Rochelle.
The 422 Cherry Ave. property in Rochelle has been vacant for 13 years and a developer wants to give it a facelift and call it ‘The Echelon.’
Jeff Helfrich ON THE COVER
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Historic downtown Rochelle building being redeveloped into ‘The Echelon’ for multiple uses
Gun shop, apartments, rentals, entertainment and more planned for space
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
A historic and long-vacant downtown Rochelle building will be redeveloped over the next year.
The Rochelle City Council on Oct. 13 unanimously approved a tax-increment financing redevelopment agreement with Down Range Properties LLC for a renovation project at 422 Cherry Ave.
Down Range Properties is owned by Matt Gerard, who also owns local gun shop Down Range Firearms at 303 Cherry Ave. The $398,152 renovation project at 422 Cherry Ave. includes tuckpointing, doors, renovation of the office and residential spaces, and a roof.
Gerard will receive a maximum of $199,076 in the agreement, 50% of the project. Upon the work’s completion, Gerard will receive a payment of $39,815.20 by each December from 2026 to 2030.
The 422 Cherry Ave. property has been vacant for 13 years. In a letter to city officials, Gerard said his plans for the building include transforming it into a “vibrant, multi-use facility that will directly contribute to the economic and cultural growth of the downtown district.”
Plans consist of residential units, tourism-oriented spaces and multiple small business suites. TIF districts generate increment funding from property value increases within them, which can then be used to help fund renovation projects.
Gerard said Nov. 28 that the building will be called “The Echelon,” a unique project planned to breathe life into the 120-year old building that was previously the Savings & Loan building. Two upstairs apartments in the building are occupied.
There will be two short-term rentals upstairs, with Rochelle themes. The main floor will be the new site of Down Range Firearms, with former bank vaults used to house firearms. Two professional suites will be available for operations such as podcasting. The basement space is being considered for a cigar lounge and
“speakeasy”-type establishment, Gerard said.
“It will be themed after the Continental Hotel in the John Wick movies,” Gerard said. “That’s what the entire idea is for the building. There will be shortterm rentals upstairs and monthly events and work to attract people from out of town. The staff will come in in suits and ties, and we’ll have a sommelier and will do tours of the gun vault. It will be a tourist attraction to bring people to downtown Rochelle.”
Gerard said he wants to see the downtown business community return to the condition it was in 10 years ago, with filled and thriving storefronts. He believes the answer to that is attracting people from outside Rochelle, which is what he hopes The Echelon will do.
“We need to bring in people from out of town to sustain these businesses,” Gerard said. “This being a tourist draw would help with that, and I want to bring other businesses in here to offer their services. I want this to grow and expand. I think the plan we have will bring people from outside Rochelle. People can come in and get the John Wick experience. We’ll tailor it
to other movie themes as well.”
Gerard thanked the City Council and the community for their support of the project so far. He said just about every part of the building needs work, which he hopes to complete by the end of 2026.
The venture has brought Gerard out of his comfort zone. He’s worked as a firearms instructor for 10 years and opened his gun shop three years ago. Working with contractors and financing a large project has been new to him.
The project also will have a GoFundMe fundraiser likely started for it, in case more costly issues come up and to encourage community input and involvement. Interior work to bring revenue generation sooner will be done first, with outside work, such as the facade and roof, being done starting in the summer.
“I want community opinion on what we do here,” Gerard said. “To be truly successful, a small business has to be built for the community you live in. A part of the GoFundMe will be people telling me what they want to see. If the GoFundMe gets rolling, I can start focusing on things that add to the beautification of the building.
“There are so many buildings downtown that have been renovated and cleaned up. We want to contribute to that. It’s a nonstop chase of getting financing done and getting cash together and getting the contractors to get the work done.”
Gerard said he’s most excited for the specialty event portion of the project. He wants to bring people to Rochelle and bring other local businesses to The Echelon to be a part of those events.
The historic building still features original tin ceilings and marble in its entryway. Gerard said he wants to clean up the original facade and entryway. During construction, he recently found documents from the 1910s and 1920s and donated them to the Flagg Township Museum.
“It’s a gorgeous, 120-year-old original historical component of Rochelle,” Gerard said. “It should be preserved and maintained and made into a vital space for people to come and visit. The community engagement and involvement and the support I’ve been getting from other businesses and contractors absolutely blows my mind. I couldn’t be happier about the project.”
Jeff Helfrich
At its Oct. 13, meeting, the Rochelle City Council unanimously approved a tax-increment financing redevelopment agreement with Down Range Properties, LLC for a renovation project at 422 Cherry Ave.
Ribbon-cutting held for Rochelle hospital’s new Behavioral Health Services department
‘We know the need is there and we are happy to step up to the plate and be able to help our community’
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
A ribbon-cutting was held Tuesday for Rochelle Community Hospital’s Behavioral Health Services department that launched in April.
The new department is located at the RCH Multi-Specialty Clinic at the hospital at 900 N. Second St. It is open Tuesday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Services are offered by appointment only. Call 815-561-1320 for appointment information. No walk-ins are accepted. Services are available for patients 12 years old or older. Health insurance is required for payment.
Offerings include face-to-face counseling, behavioral telehealth evaluations and medication management services.
Behavioral health providers in the clinic are Licensed Clinical Social Worker Danica Reints and Nurse Practitioner Chiedza Nwakudu. Reints provides in-person counseling services for individuals as well as couples (partners, family, parental, etc.) Nwakudu provides behavioral health evaluations and medication management through telehealth visits.
Reints and Nwakudu offer treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, couples counseling, depressive disorder, grief counseling, mood disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorder and suicidal thoughts or ideation.
RCH has had a desire to start a behavioral health clinic since 2022. The idea came about due to a need that was discussed in quarterly meetings that take place with RCH and local police and fire representatives and mental health organizations. The Rochelle Fire Department and the RCH emergency department
have seen a rise in mental health cases in recent years.
RCH CEO Karen Tracy said Dec. 2 said that after having relationships with local behavioral health service providers for years, RCH wanted to help expand those services in the area and make them more available.
“This didn’t happen overnight,” Tracy said. “We’ve talked about this for quite a long time. Our staff did the work and researched it to understand what it would take to bring it here and what the community needed. I’m so proud of our team and being able to provide those services here. Because that’s what we’re all about. Trying to meet the needs of all of our community.”
RCH Chief Nursing Officer Rhonda Marks said that RCH has seen the need for behavioral health services increase in the area and its emergency department caters to people in crisis. RCH wanted to do something to help the community before situations get to a crisis point.
The clinic offers some evening hours to accommodate patients and their
schedules, RCH Manager of Outpatient Services Tracey Busby said.
“We’re very fortunate to be able to provide these services,” Busby said. “We are pretty new to being open and have already seen exponential growth over the past several months. We know the need is there and we are happy to step up to the plate and be able to help our community.”
The ribbon-cutting was hosted by the Rochelle Chamber of Commerce and the City of Rochelle. Chamber Executive Director Tricia Herrera said the community is fortunate to have RCH and praised its leadership for being responsive and reactive to what the community needs.
Rochelle Mayor John Bearrows called the ribbon-cutting for the behavioral health services department a “proud and meaningful day” for the city.
“We’re here not only to celebrate a new service, but to also celebrate a commitment,” Bearrows said. “That commitment is to the health and welfare of every citizen in the area. This is just amazing. I want to thank everyone at RCH on behalf of the city. Mental and behavioral health
are as equally important as physical health. I’m happy that in Rochelle we have a hospital that has that same belief and pushes towards making these things happen.”
The event was attended by State Rep. Bradley Fritts, R-Dixon, who praised RCH for being an independent rural hospital amid difficulties in the industry.
“Many independent rural hospitals are cutting services, going under and having to merge with bigger networks,” Fritts said. “It’s unbelievable to be here today where RCH is not only not cutting services, but it’s expanding and building and growing to provide for its community. I want to commend RCH for that effort and the city and community for supporting it.”
Photos by Jeff Helfrich
ABOVE: A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Tuesday for Rochelle Community Hospital’s new behavioral health services clinic.
BELOW: From left to right: Rochelle Community Hospital CEO Karen Tracy, Chief Nursing Officer Rhonda Marks, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Danica Reints and Manager of Outpatient Services Tracey Busby.
Rochelle man pleads guilty, sentenced to time in prison
By EARLEEN HINTON
Shaw Local News Network correspondent
A Rochelle man was sentenced to 9 1/2 years in prison Wednesday, Dec. 3, for possessing and intending to deliver cocaine in January.
Christopher L. Reed, 31, pleaded guilty to the Class X felony when he appeared in Ogle County Circuit Court for a pretrial hearing with his attorney, Brian Erwin, in front of Associate Judge Anthony Peska.
Reed initially pleaded not guilty Jan. 22 to possessing between 200 and 600 ecstasy pills, also called MDMA, and 15 to 100 grams of cocaine - charges that followed a Jan. 8 traffic stop in Rochelle.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, ecstasy/MDMA, commonly called “molly,” is both a stimulant and a hallucinogen, “producing an energizing effect, distortions in time and perception, and enhanced enjoyment of tactile experiences. Known as a party drug, ecstasy comes in pill or powder form; the pill has a variety of logos and
colors.”
At the start of Wednesday’s hearing, Erwin told Peska that a plea agreement had been reached wherein Reed would plead guilty to the cocaine charge, and the MDMA charge would be dismissed.
Assistant Ogle County State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten said Reed was a passenger in a car that was pulled over at 7:20 p.m. Jan. 8 by Rochelle police for a traffic offense on Lincoln Avenue.
Leisten said a K-9 alerted Rochelle police officer Trevor Owen to a backpack that was on the floor of the car in front of the passenger seat Reed was sitting in.
Leisten said Owen discovered pills and cocaine in the backpack.
“The K-9 alerted the officer to the backpack,” Leisten said. “There was a
plastic bag with powder, which was identified as 29 grams of cocaine and $450 in cash. We believe there was an intent to deliver.”
In exchange for his guilty plea, the charge of possessing the MDMA was dismissed, Leisten said, adding that Reed’s criminal history included battery and DUI charges.
“You have the right to address me,” Peska told Reed. “Is there anything you would like to say?”
“No,” replied Reed.
Reed was sentenced to the Illinois Department of Corrections and credited with 329 days served. He will be subject to 18 months of mandatory supervised release (parole) when he is released from prison. Reed also was ordered to pay $2,315 in fines and costs.
He had been held at the Ogle County Jail since his arrest after requests for pretrial release were denied.
During a January detention hearing, Peska denied Reed’s initial request to be released from custody.
Criteria used by judges to make that
decision include the nature of the alleged offenses, whether the defendant’s release would present a “clear and present danger” to the community or individuals and whether the defendant is considered to be a “flight risk” and likely not to appear again for scheduled court cases.
Leisten argued that Reed should not be released, citing his criminal history and that Reed was on probation for another offense in another county when the Ogle County offense occurred.
Reed’s attorney at the time, Assistant Public Defender Michael O’Brien, argued that Reed could be released with the condition that he be electronically monitored.
Peska denied the request, noting that Reed was on probation when the traffic stop occurred.
On Wednesday, Peska encouraged Reed to take part in any drug abuse program offered by the IDOC.
“That will be helpful. I do believe this [charge] is a result of drug abuse,” said Peska. “Good luck sir.”
Christopher Reed
THE FIRST AMENDMENT
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
The early development of the telephone that occured in north-central Illinois changed society
The human-built systems, including tools, machines, knowledge and resources to send and receive messages to other humans or machines, are called communication technology. These systems have a great influence on people throughout the world.
Communication technology influences, and often controls, our lives, and when we understand more about it, we can adapt by making choices about how it will be used in our lives. This understanding can start with having a general knowledge of its history.
Message sending is the fundamental goal of communication technology. Messages are composed of data, the smallest pieces of the message content. If we think of a message as if it were a song, the data are the individual notes, notations and symbols. By themselves, they are meaningless. But when combined in an organized way, the entire song makes sense and provides information and emotion.
As I discussed in a previous article, the telegraph emerged during the mid-1800s as a new, nearly instantaneous process to move a message over a long distance by using binary data of dits and dahs (dots and dashes).
Wires connecting locations near and far carried the electric data from one telegraph to another, creating the communication system.
Starting in the mid-1800s, telegraph companies began to emerge and eventually grow to be large, connected hubs of communication.
But telegraph messages had to be encoded and decoded by specially trained telegraph operators. And the messages were typically just short, to-the-point statements.
They certainly lacked that “human touch” and were not widely used by the public, unless a very important message needed to be sent.
The development of the telephone in north-central Illinois changed that. During the late 19th and early
20th centuries, the telephone began to transform how communities communicated, conducted business and organized social life.
While the invention of the telephone itself occurred far from Illinois, its adoption in Rochelle and the towns around us mimicked the broader pattern of development shaped by local needs, private enterprise and community culture.
In north-central Illinois, the telephone became a crucial link between rural life and an increasingly modern, interconnected society.
After the telephone moved beyond experimental use, telephone service began appearing in Illinois in the late 1870s and 1880s.
Early systems were only local and very simple, typically connecting just a handful of businesses, railroad depots and/or government offices.
Because it didn’t require a telegraph operator at every terminal, the telephone could be adopted by small private companies, rural cooperatives and local governments.
This characteristic was especially important in rural regions of north-central Illinois, where farms and small towns demanded faster communication without waiting for large urban corporations to take interest in their specific town.
These private and public ventures promoted telephone service in our region. Early telephone companies were often small, locally-owned enterprises created by businessmen, farmers or local investors. These companies built wooden poles, strung wire along roads and fence lines and set up switchboards staffed by local operators who became important figures in their communities.
Everyone knew the telephone operators, (Just think, they eventu -
ally would get their own spot on the telephone dial).
Over time, larger corporate systems such as Illinois Bell expanded outward from Chicago and major cities, absorbing or interconnecting with these smaller companies.
This gradual consolidation brought greater reliability and long-distance capability, while still relying heavily on infrastructure first established at the local level.
When two separate telephone companies became interconnected, a telephone “exchange” was needed.
The exchange provided a location where the wires from one system could be connected with the wires from another. This is where they exchanged telephone signals.
Typically, the exchange operator would plug one cable from one system into the connection to another cable from the other system.
You may have seen this depicted in movies or on television, or even old Carol Burnett comedy shows.
In larger cities such as Rockford, telephone development occurred earlier than in the smaller rural towns, and at a faster pace. Rockford’s industrial economy and growing population demanded efficient communication for factories, banks, utilities and municipal services.
By the early 20th century, Rockford had multiple telephone exchanges, purpose-built telephone company buildings and a workforce of technicians and operators. Businesses depended on the telephone to coordinate production and shipping, while city government used it to modernize public services such as police and fire response.
Smaller rural cities and towns, such as DeKalb, Oregon and Rochelle, each experienced a slightly different but related pattern. All were agricultural centers, with DeKalb a growing educational town, Rochelle a major transportation Hub and vacation destination (because of our railroad connections to Chicago), and Oregon as a legal and govern -
mental center.
Each relied on a mixture of local independent companies and later connections to larger networks.
Small businesses of all kinds came to rely on and demand easy access to quality telephone communications.
Surrounding rural area farmers wanted the telephone to reduce their isolation, facilitate the sale of crops and livestock and allow rapid communication during emergencies –particularly important in regions where travel could be difficult during winter months.
In all places, the telephone connected people from different walks of life. I wonder who the first person in Ogle County was to mutter the words, “Can you hear me now?”
The social effects of telephone adoption were just as significant as the economic ones.
Telephones changed patterns of social interaction by making communication faster and more frequent.
Neighbors no longer needed to travel to relay news, and families could remain in closer contact despite distance.
In rural towns, the local switchboard became a social hub where operators not only connected calls but also helped spread information –sometimes officially and sometimes informally.
This new communication culture reshaped community life throughout north-central Illinois.
The telephone didn’t have the last word, surprise, surprise.
It paved the way for more, better, faster communication technology in the years to come.
Stay tuned for more on that later!
• Kurt Wolter has studied and taught technology, including production, transportation, energy, and communication, for over 30 years.Heenjoystryingtounderstand technology and its past, present, and future while also attempting journalism. He can be reached at technohistory100@gmail.com.
Kurt Wolter
COMMUNITY VIEWS
Road crews worked through Thanksgiving weekend clearing snow, battling wind for travelers
By EARLEEN HINTON
Shaw Local News Network correspondent
Old Man Winter delivered Saturday, Nov. 29, as he dropped close to a foot of snow across the region, launching road and highway crews into action during the Thanksgiving weekend.
Ogle County Highway Engineer Jeremy A. Ciesiel said early weather forecasts helped his department plan for the storm.
“Saturday’s snowstorm was nice along the lines that it was predicted well in advance, the prediction was accurate and many people and organizations altered their travel plans and activities ahead of the storm,” Ciesiel said. “I would like to thank the residents of Ogle County for limiting their travel during the storm. The fewer vehicles on the roadways during inclement weather, the better.”
Heavy snow coupled with wind made clearing the roads more difficult for
Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network
Two Ogle County Highway Department snowplows head east on Pines Road Nov. 30, en route to the garage on state Route 2, south of Oregon, after a long day of clearing county roads. State, county and township trucks were busy over the weekend clearing almost 12 inches of snow that fell on Nov. 29.
crews throughout the day.
“Saturday was a challenge due to the constant snow and wind. This resulted in the roads being snow covered even
shortly after being cleared by the plows,” Ciesiel said. “Even though the snowfall died down overnight, the winds picked up, resulting in substantial drifts
across the highways. Thankfully, the sun came out on Sunday, the temperature rose and the wind died down. These improved conditions allowed us to finally clear most of the county highways.”
In Oregon, Public Works Director Bill Covell said his crew started prepping for the storm five days ahead of its predicted onset.
“We started preparing for the storm on Monday [Nov. 24],” Covell said. “Salt was ordered, all plows were installed and serviced, all equipment was refueled and we began planning for labor.
“On Wednesday, we had a quick meeting with the city manager, police and Public Works to make sure we were all on the same page. Friday night, we pre-salted the roads to keep them from icing up.”
Covell’s crew started plowing early Saturday morning.
CHURCH DIRECTORY
Ashton Bible Church, corner of Main and Paddock in Ashton. Pastor Farrel Stauffer, church phone is (815)453-2190, church website www.ashtonbible.org0. Sunday School for all ages 9:00-10:00am, Morning Worship 10:15am, Wednesday Prayer Meeting/Bible Study 6:30-8:00pm.
Calvary Lighthouse Church, Assemblies of God, Senior Pastor, Dr. James Horvath. 14409 Hemstock Rd., Rochelle. Sunday Morning: Sunday Worship & Children’s Church 10:00 A.M., Wednesday Evening 7:00 P.M. – Adult Teaching, Missionettes & Royal Rangers Childrens Classes, Nursery available for all services. HE-Brews Cafe is open before and after services. For further information, please call the CLC office at 815-5627701, or email us at staff@calvarylighthouse.com
Church of Christ, Keeping Christ at the center in the Hub City. We meet Sundays at 9:00am for Bible Study and 10:00am for worship. We also have a Wednesday Bible Study at 7:00pm. 206 Erickson Rd, Rochelle, IL 61068. You can call us at (815) 562-6572 or visit us on the web at rochellechurch.com. We also have a radio program Sundays just after 8am on WRHL 1060AM. Minister Dominic Venuso.
Creston United Methodist Church - Rev. Ilhan You, Creston: 126 West South Street, P.O. Box 209, Creston, Illinois 60113. Sunday morning worship 9:00am. Coffee fellowship at 10:15am. Steward: 507 Main Street, P.O. Box 80, Steward, IL 60553. Adult Sunday School, 10:00am. Sunday morning worship and Children’s Sunday School 11:00am. Contact the church office at 847-730-4370 for more information. facebook. comcrestonumcil faccebook.com/stewardilumc
Elim Reformed Church, 140 S. Church Road, Kings, IL 61068. Phone: 815-562-6811. Email goelimchurch@gmail.com Website www.goelimchurch.org Sunday Morning Worship 10:00 Rev. Marv Jacobs
Faith Lutheran Church – (14206 E. Flagg Rd.) – “Making Christ Known Through Lives of Faith.” In-person worship is available each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. or online at “Faith Lutheran Social” on YouTube. Worship resources are also available on our Facebook page - ‘Faith Lutheran Church ELCA.’ You may also e-mail Pastor Joy Alsop at Pastor@ faithlcrochelle.org for more information. All are welcome to join us!
First General Baptist Church, 500 S. 12th St, Rochelle. Phone: 815-562-5221. Email: fgbcrochelle@gmail.com.Website: www.fgbcrochelle.org. Facebook: www.facebook. com/fgbcrochelle.Pastor: Rev. Angelo Bonacquisti. Sunday worship services: 8:30 am, 11:15 am and 6:00 pm. Sunday school: 10:00 am. We’d be honored to have you join us as we worship JESUS and continue to grow in truth and love for God and each other. A nursery, children’s church, youth group and small groups are available. If you need a ride please contact our church bus driver, John, at (815) 262-4275 by 8:30 am on Sunday. “For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9
First Presbyterian Church – An Amazing Place for Amazing Grace - 1100 Calvin Road, Rochelle. Email: info@placeforgrace.com. Sunday morning worship 9:00am. In person or streamed online. On our Website and Facebook Live. www.placeforgrace.com/ www. facebook.com/placeforgrace
Harvest Baptist Church 241 Scott Ave. (Hillcrest). Rev. Duane Boehm, pastor. Email duane712@hotmail.com, cell 815-757-3427. Visit us on Facebook! Service times: Sunday morning worship with Children’s Church at 10 am. Wednesday night worship at 7 pm.
Immanuel Lutheran Church Missouri Synod 16060 E. Lindenwood Road, Lindenwood, IL 61049. Rev. Dr. Matthew Rosebrock. Church Phone 393-4500. Church Worship 9:00 a.m. Sunday School Christian Education Hour at 10:30 a.m.
Living Water Community Church 405 N. Main St, Downtown Rochelle. Phone 815561-6249, Website: www.lwccr.com, Like us on Facebook. We are Non-Denominational, Christ Centered, Casual dress, Christ Centered Live Band Worship. Mike Vogeler - Outreach and Seven C’s Pastor, Chris Bender- Teaching Pastor and Doug BungerMissions and Children’s Pastor. Sunday Worship Service- 10:00am. Nursery/Toddlers
Ages 0-5 available during the service in the Splash building. Swim- Grades 1st-5th worship with the adults then break out for age appropriate teaching. Youth groups, Small groups, Life Groups and Workshops meet throughout the year for Bible teaching. 7C’s Mission- serves the community physically & spiritually each month from 1135 Lincoln Hwy, providing lightly used clothing, Hygiene items, a light lunch and Elder Prayer open the second Saturday from 10am-2pm and the 4th Thursday from 4pm to 7:00pm and by appointment.
New Hope Fellowship (Church of God - Anderson, IN), 1501 10th Ave., Rochelle, IL 61068. Service: Sunday at 9 a.m. 10:30 a.m., (815)561-8400, www.NHFchurch.net. Our pastors are: Pastor Dan Sergeant, Pastor Nick Tornabene, and Pastor Dana Cox. (Classes for children through age fifth grade during service.)
Rochelle United Methodist Church welcomes everyone to their worship service, and practices openness for all activities including communion. Worship is at 9:00 am. Sunday school for children begins around 9:15, following the Children’s Time in worship. A fellowship time with food and space for conversation occurs in Hicks Hall every week following the worship service. We celebrate communion with an open table on the first Sunday of every month, and on other appropriate occasions. Youth group is on Sunday evenings from 5:30-7:30. Our youth program includes service projects, discussion topics, Bible Study, and lots of fun and fellowship together. Some of our activities include packing meals at Feed My Starving Children, helping at Rochelle Christian Food Pantry and 7C’s, working with animals at Barn on Baseline, Mystery trips (Destination Unknown!), and Interactive experiences on Dating boundaries, refugees, and homelessness. Youth group is for grades 6-12 and friends are always welcome. Recorded services are available on our YouTube channel and our website at www.rochelleumc.com. Our services are on the radio (93.5 FM) on Sunday mornings at 9:00 am. Our Facebook page is www.facebook.com/rochelleumc. Our pastor is the Rev. Dr. Katherine Thomas Paisley. Our address is 709 Fourth Ave. (815) 562-2164. Email is admin@rochelleumc. com. At Rochelle United Methodist Church, everyone is welcome and loved!
Steward United Methodist Church - Rev. Ilhan You, Creston: 126 West South Street, P.O. Box 209, Creston, Illinois 60113. Sunday morning worship 9:00am. Coffee fellowship at 10:15am. Steward: 507 Main Street, P.O. Box 80, Steward, IL 60553. Adult Sunday School, 10:00am. Sunday morning worship and Children’s Sunday School 11:00am. Contact the church office at 847-730-4370 for more information. facebook. comcrestonumcil faccebook.com/stewardilumc
St. John’s Lutheran Church, 126 E. South Street, Creston. Phone 815-384-3720, Email: StJohnsLutheran@aol.com, members of NALC/LCMC. Worship is led by Pastor Terese Whitten 231-878-4150. St. John’s Lutheran Church is a part of God’s Family, planting hope, nurturing faith and harvesting love. Coffee or Fellowship at 10:00 a.m. Worship begins at 10:45 a.m. Sunday school is conducted during worship service except during the summer.
St. Patrick Catholic Church Rev. Jesus Dominguez; Deacon Prosper Agbetrobu; Deacon Fermin Garcia; Deacon George Schramm; 244 Kelley Dr. (Corner of Kelley & Caron Rd.) PO Box 329, Rochelle, IL, 61068. Office Hours: 9:00 AM - 4 PM Monday-Thursday, Phone: 815-562-2370. Mass Times: 8:00 AM Monday-Thursday, Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:00 PM English, 7 PM Spanish, Sunday Mass 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM in English and 11:00 AM in Spanish. Confessions: Monday 8:30-9:00 AM & 6:00-6:45 PM, Tuesday 8:30-9:00 AM, Thursday 6:00-6:30 PM, Saturday 4:00-4:45 PM Or by appointment. Religious Education: Erin Robles, Director of Religious Education, 903 Caron Road, Rochelle, IL 61068, 815-561-0079 or 815-562-2370. Website: stpatricksrochelle.com. Email: stpatrick-rochelle@rockforddiocese.org. Facebook.com/StPatrickRochelle.
St. Paul Lutheran Church “Building Relationships in Christ, Now and Forever!” Steven Hall, Principal, Parish Nurse-Marcia Schnorr. 1415 Tenth Ave., Rochelle. Church Office-562-2744. Worship times: 6:00 p.m. Saturday, 9:00 a.m. Sunday. Our service is broadcast over WRHL 1060AM at 10:00 a.m. Sunday. Sunday School 10:15-11:15 a.m. Call 562-6323 for more information about the school.
Trial for animal rights activist accused of falsely reporting an Ogle County shooting set for February
By PAYTON FELIX pfelix@shawmedia.com
An Ogle County judge set a Feb. 17 trial for an animal rights activist accused of falsely reporting a shooting at a rodeo near Rochelle.
Jodie Wiederkehr of Chicago is charged with two counts of falsely reporting an offense, a Class 4 felony, and one count of harassment by telephone, a misdemeanor. She pleaded not guilty at a preliminary hearing Aug. 20.
Wiederkehr is the campaign director of Showing Animals Respect and Kindness, which has been advocating for the closure of a rodeo holding steer-tailing events in the county.
SHARK has provided officials with videos of the events, reviewed by Shaw Local, that show participants beating animals, and events resulting in animal injuries such as severed tails and broken legs.
The charges against Wiederkehr stem from May 25, when prosecutors allege that Wiederkehr repeatedly called 911 and told an Ogle County dispatcher that she saw someone get shot at 16989 Ritchie Road, south of Rochelle, when she knew what she was telling them was not true, Ogle County State’s Attorney Mike Rock said in a previous interview with Shaw Local.
That property on Ritchie Road is the location of the rodeo, Rancho La Esperanza, that SHARK and several Ogle County residents have been urging officials to shut down, according to county records.
Wiederkehr’s attorneys have argued that the context is important, and the intent of those calls was to report animal cruelty.
The rodeo has continued to operate under a permanent special-use permit issued by the county, records show. The most recent event was held Oct. 18.
Wiederkehr and one of her attorneys, Brad Thomson of Chicago, appeared via Zoom before Ogle County Associate Judge Anthony Peska on Wednesday for a status hearing. She’s also being represented by Chris Carraway of Colo-
rado, but he was not present.
At the hearing, Thomson told Peska that he’d been discussing the possibility of a plea agreement with the state, but “it appears that we will be going to trial” and requested a date be set.
Ogle County Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Leiston disagreed with the request.
On Oct. 1, Wiederkehr’s attorneys filed a motion requesting an extensive list of discovery items from the state, including all documents, reports and dispatch calls from May 1 to June 17 concerning the rodeo, among several other items.
Leiston said he had a written objection to the motion, which he had not yet filed because he was planning to give a copy of it to Thomson at Wednesday’s hearing, but he did not appear in person.
The objection “contains issues that need to be addressed before a trial,” Leiston said.
Thomson said he understands the state having an issue with the motion,
but “would appreciate getting a trial date set sooner rather than later.”
“It is extraordinarily rare for me to set a trial date when you’re not here to ask for it in person,” Peska said.
But he agreed to set the date under the condition that all parties appear before the court in person.
Judge Anthony Peska holds court Aug. 20 in Ogle County during a hearing for Jodie Wiederkehr. A trial date has been set for February.
Wiederkehr’s next court appearance is set for 1 p.m. Feb. 4. At that hearing, Peska will hear attorneys’ arguments related to the motion filed by the defense.
Peska also set Wiederkehr’s final pretrial hearing for 9 a.m. Feb. 13, and the trial will be at 9 a.m. Feb. 17.
Photos by Alex T. Paschal
Jodie Wiederkehr appears with her attorney Brad Thomson via Zoom Wednesday, Dec. 3, in Ogle County Court. The animal rights activist is accused of falsely reporting a shooting.
Jodie Wiederkehr
Clothing, Hats, and Jewelry for the Whole Family plus Horse Care Supplies, Tacks & Bits & More
Ask Sandy about the Holiday Rebate for Qualifying Purchases during the Holiday Season.
IL
ACTIVITIES:
• Pictures with Santa • Live Reindeer • Hot Cocoa Bar • Candy Canes • Toy & Apparel Specials
Surprisingly
rates right around the corner.
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Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network
An employee of Oregon’s Public Works department clears snow from sidewalks Nov. 29 in the city’s downtown. The Oregon Chamber of Commerce’s Candlelight Walk was rescheduled to Dec. 6 due to the snowstorm.
available to all public works agencies to request equipment.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Chana Education Center’s Kalnins wins IPA Middle School Principal of the Year award
Ogle County Educational Cooperative and Chana Education Center recently announced that Lynn Kalnins has been chosen as the Illinois Principal Association Northwest Region Middle School Principal of the Year.
Communities; and Youth & Families.
From the stage to the classroom, from the doctor’s office to the riverfront, and at all points in between, the projects funded by Community Grants help build a more vibrant region, according to a news release.
Continued from page 7
“We started plowing at 2 a.m. and quit at 8 p.m. because we had to wait for the odd/even parking to change [the 16-hour maximum had been reached]. We were back in at 1 a.m. Sunday and plowed until 1 p.m. … then came back in at 8 p.m. to clean up the parking stalls.”
The storm was the first of the season for road crews and their equipment.
“As with the start of any season, we did have a couple mechanical issues. Thankfully, these were minor and resulted in minimal delays. We now have a small window to get everything back working ahead of the next forecasted snow,” Ciesiel said.
Covell said his department battled some major mechanical issues.
“We experienced three truck issues/ breakdowns. At one point, all we had were small trucks to plow. Two of the trucks were fixed, but we were down one truck for the entire snowstorm,” Covell said.
He said he reached out to the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network, a statewide mutual aid system that is
Through IPWMAN, hundreds of Illinois member agencies work together to find mutual aid and support during natural or man-made disasters by coordinating personnel and resources for those who require assistance.
“Luckily, two of the trucks were fixed before we had to finalize emergency help,” Covell said.
Both Ciesiel and Covell praised their crews for battling the wind and snow over a holiday weekend.
“I want to thank our crew for altering their holiday weekend plans to keep the roads in Ogle County passable for the traveling public,” Ciesiel said.
“The guys did a fantastic job, especially with all the variables thrown at them. We also had two employees experiencing their first-ever municipal plowing, and it was during a winter storm. Both employees did a tremendous job,” Covell said.
Covell said the storm also impacted the sewage treatment plant.
“Like always, Scott [Pennington] was amazing and took care of all the obstacles himself,” Covell said.
“With 18 years of service in alternative education, Lynn has dedicated her career to supporting students who need it most,” according to a Chana Education Center news release. “She has served as building principal for two years and assistant principal for 11 at Chana Education Center, following years of teaching at the elementary, junior high and high school levels. This wide-ranging experience gives her a deep understanding of students’ academic and social-emotional needs.”
“The people of Northern Illinois consistently demonstrate a deep spirit of generosity and a shared commitment to building a stronger, more vibrant future for all,” said James Patterson, CFNIL president. “We are profoundly grateful for the donors whose vision and generosity make this work possible, and for the nonprofit partners whose dedication brings that vision to life each day.
“It is an honor for CFNIL to help connect donors and nonprofits in ways that strengthen our entire region. The ongoing impact we see throughout Northern Illinois is a testament to the generosity of thousands of donors, the commitment of hundreds of volunteers, and the exceptional efforts of our nonprofit grantees.”
She was instrumental in building Chana’s PBIS program and shaping the school’s foundational principles, fostering a culture grounded in respect, responsibility and student success. Known as a creative and compassionate interventionist, she develops innovative strategies to help struggling students thrive, always guided by her unwavering belief in their potential, according to the release.
Ogle County organizations land Community Foundation of Northern Illinois grants
The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois recently announced the recipients of Community Grants for the 2025 program cycle: $1.63 million granted to 91 organizations in support of projects, programs and events benefiting the people of Boone, Ogle, Stephenson and Winnebago counties.
The grants were awarded in eight focus areas: Arts & Humanities; Basic Needs & Compassionate Support; Career Pathways; Complementary Education; Equity, Dignity, & Respect; Health; Sustainable
The 2025 Community Grants Program cycle continues CFNIL’s 71-year commitment to investment in Northern Illinois through grantmaking.
Ogle County organizations that received grants are:
Arts & Humanities: Coliseum Museum of Art, Antiques & Americana - Moveable Steps for Stage Access, $8,372. The Arc of Winnebago, Boone and Ogle counties - Project Art, $28,750. Village of Mt. Morris - 2026 Mt. Morris Jamboree Free Concerts, $5,750.
Career Pathways: United Way of Ogle County - Fueling Imaginations! The Dolly Parton Imagination Library for Ogle County, $11,252.
Equity Dignity, & Respect: Farmworker and Landscaper Advocacy Project - Empowering Low-Wage Youth and Families Through Culturally Responsive Support, $34,500.
Sustainable Communities: Habitat for Humanity of Ogle County - Habitat Housing Solutions 2026: Impacting Futures, $5,750. Mt. Morris Fire Foundation - NFP Mount Morris Fire Department Training Room Equipment, $20,000. – Shaw Local News Network
Lynn Kalnins
Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department releases holiday tips
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The holiday season is in full swing all over Ogle County as residents and businesses are decorating and preparing for all of the festivities that lie ahead.
The holiday season, with all of the celebrating, also comes with a large increase in the waste produced.
Take some steps this holiday season to go green and have a more waste-free holiday experience. Choose from some of the ideas below to go green this holiday season and reduce our waste footprint:
• When deciding on gifts, choose a gift of experience, gift cards or certificates if possible. These gifts are truly enjoyable for the recipient and require very little packaging, no shipping and very little gift wrap, and will not become a burden to the recipient when the item has lost its use or value and would be disposed of.
• When entertaining, plan meals accordingly and plan for how to distribute the leftovers to your guests or ask them to bring a reusable container for leftovers to take home. Skip the disposable plates and utensils and use washable and reusable items to avoid excess waste. There’s some extra work with doing the dishes, but very well worth it to avoid single use items.
• When preparing the house for the holidays, many people clean and have many items that are no longer wanted. Consider taking all of your gently used, but still useful items, to a local resale shop or another outlet that accepts donations. Doing so helps those in need and gives items another life as opposed to final disposal in a landfill.
• When shopping, shop local first to help local businesses, avoid longer drives, and avoid excess packaging from buying items online. Bring reusable shopping bags and consider gifts that last and have real value to the recipient.
• When wrapping gifts, avoid excess paper and trim and consider reusable gift bags or other creative gift wrap. The excess ribbons, bows and other trim is not recycled and ends up for final disposal, creating additional waste. Save gift boxes for reuse next year if possible, and try to recycle boxes from packaging
and gifts. Remember to flatten boxes and keep them clean and dry for efficient recycling of these items.
• Remember the 10 county locations to recycle your holiday light strands, located at fire stations in Mt. Morris, Byron, Rochelle and Stillman Valley, and at village halls in Forreston, Polo, Creston and Davis Junction. There are
also containers at the old courthouse and at the county offices located at 909 Pines Road.
Finally, starting Dec. 26, there will once again be several drop-off locations around the county for your live tree so it can be recycled into usable mulch, and there will once again be pick- up service available in Oregon, Mt. Morris,
Byron, Polo and the Forreston areas courtesy of the local FFA groups on Jan. 10, 2026.
For more information on waste reduction and recycling in Ogle County, visit the county website and use the RecycleCoach widget, call 815-732-4020, or see OCSWMD on Facebook at Ogle County Solid Waste Management Dept.
The Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department released some holiday tips.
Stillman Valley man pleads not guilty
By EARLEEN HINTON Shaw Local News Network correspondent
A Stillman Valley man has pleaded not guilty to the predatory criminal sexual assault of a child.
between Feb. 19, 2024, and Feb. 19, 2025.
Dreesen is accused of touching the boy for his own “sexual gratification or arousal,” according to court records.
that Dreesen had touched him inappropriately several times and would not stop when he asked him to.
being investigated by that agency for allegedly possessing images of child sexual abuse. Dreesen is not charged in Ogle County for that offense.
Joseph G. Dreesen, 25, entered his not-guilty plea Wednesday, Dec. 3, and asked for a jury trial when he appeared with his attorney, Assistant Ogle County Public Defender Eric Morrow, for a preliminary hearing.
Dreesen was arrested Feb. 26 by Ogle County Sheriff’s Office detectives and the FBI after a search warrant was executed at a rural Stillman Valley home.
He was charged Feb. 27 with the Class X felony and is accused of knowingly committing “an act of contact, however slight” with a 6-year-old boy
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Rochelle DAR chapter sets area Wreaths Across America ceremonies
The Rochelle Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, is continuing its efforts to honor local veterans through the Wreaths Across America program, expanding to include Dixon’s Palmyra Cemetery in 2025 and supporting the national theme “Keep Moving Forward.”
As an official Wreaths Across America group, Rochelle Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, will lead ceremonies to place ceremonial wreaths in honor of each military branch as well as Prisoners of War/Missing in Action, with volunteers placing wreaths immediately following. Ceremonies will be held at the following locations, dates, and times:
1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14: St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Rochelle.
About 2:15 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14:
Wednesday’s preliminary hearing was held seven months after Dreesen was ruled mentally unfit to stand trial following an evaluation by a court-appointed psychologist.
At that hearing, Associate Judge Anthony Peska rejected Dreesen’s attorney’s argument to release him from custody until he was deemed to be fit again. Instead, Peska ruled that Dreesen would remain in custody.
Dreesen was determined to be fit again in November.
During Wednesday’s preliminary hearing, Kevin Most, a former detective for the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office and now a detective/sergeant for the Oregon Police Department, testified that the sheriff’s department began investigating Dreesen following a complaint by a relative.
Most said the boy told his father
Lawnridge Cemetery, Rochelle.
The Rochelle Chapter joins more than 4,900 other locations across the country for National Wreaths Across America Day.
Coordinated and led by local volunteers, sponsorship groups have raised funds throughout the year to sponsor the hundreds of wreaths to be placed at veteran headstones.
This annual event seeks to further the yearlong mission to “Remember, Honor, Teach,” ensuring that the memory of those who served our county endures.
“Our chapter sponsored 31 wreaths to be placed at a national cemetery during the first year we were involved in Wreaths Across America. We sponsored one local cemetery the next year and have continued to add more cemeteries to our sponsorship group through the support of our community,” said Sarah Flanagan, Rochelle Chapter regent. “Our local program has grown so much in just a few years – we appreciate every person that’s willing to sponsor wreaths to keep the annual event going to honor our veterans.”
Those interested in volunteering to help
During a Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center interview, Most testified the boy said the contact occurred when Dreesen was watching him after he returned home from school.
“He [the boy] would tell him to stop, but he [Dreesen] would continue,” Most testified.
During a Feb. 26 interview at the sheriff’s department in Oregon, Most said he and an FBI officer asked Dreesen about the allegations.
“When I asked him if he knew why he was being interviewed he said because we had found out he was messing with [the boy],” Most testified.
Most said Dreesen acknowledged several times that the boy did not want to “do it,” but he continued because it made him [Dreesen] happy despite knowing he was “ruining” the juvenile’s life.
Most said an FBI officer took part in the interview because Dreesen was
During a preliminary hearing, a judge determines if there is enough probable cause to determine if the case should continue.
Prosecutors can call witnesses and police officers to the stand to testify and defense attorneys can ask them questions during cross examination.
Peska ruled that Assistant State’s Attorney Melissa Voss had met the burden of probable cause to continue the case to trial.
Morrow entered Dreesen’s not guilty plea and demanded a jury trial. He requested the next hearing be set for 1:30 p.m. Feb. 5.
Class X felonies are punishable by six to 60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, with three years to natural life of mandatory supervised release. Defendants must serve 85% of their sentence and must register as a sex offender upon their release.
place wreaths at veterans’ graves are invited to participate, as a group or on an individual basis. No registration is required.
Wreaths Across America is an outdoor event that will be conducted regardless of weather conditions.
An announcement regarding a 2-for-1 matching period is anticipated in mid-December to kick off 2026 fundraising efforts.
Oregon’s Rock River Center will host singalong Dec. 15
Rock River Center will host a Christmas singalong with Denny Diamond from 1 to 2 p.m. Dec. 15. Donations will be accepted. Reservations are requested.
Rock River Center is a resource center located at 810 S. 10th St., Oregon. Activities and trips are open to all ages. Call the office at 815-732-3252 for assistance with a Benefit Access Application for a license plate discount, Medicare, housing, homemaker service or heating assistance. Visit www.rockrivercenter.org.
Property tax assessment freeze: This
exemption “freezes” your assessed value at a certain level and base year, depending on what year you originally applied. Your future real estate tax bills are calculated at this “frozen” assessed value, thereby slowing the increase of your property taxes.
You must reapply for this exemption every year. To qualify, you must meet guidelines as follows: you must be 65 or older, own and use the property as your principal residence, and your total income and the income of any other individuals using the property as their principal residence must be less than $65,000.
Homestead 65: This annual exemption is available for a single-family property that is occupied as the principal residence of a person who is 65 years of age or older during the assessment year. The person must be the owner or a lessee with an ownership interest in the property who is liable for the payment of the property taxes. The amount of the exemption is a $5,000 reduction in the EAV of the property.
– Shaw Local News Network
Joseph G. Dreesen
20th annual 2-Ton Thanksgiving Food Drive in Rochelle raises more than $30,000
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The 20th annual Two-Ton Thanksgiving Food Drive in Rochelle, hosted by 102.3 The Coyote, SuperHits 93.5, and Prescott Brothers Ford, set records this year with more food and monetary donations than ever.
On Nov. 20, dozens of local businesses, organizations and residents contributed hundreds of pounds of nonperishable food and more than $30,000 in cash donations.
The Coyote and SuperHits owner Gary Petersen expressed gratitude for the support, saying, “A big thank you to all the sponsors that support our Two-Ton Food Drive every year. This event started long before I was here, and Prescott Brothers Ford has done an outstanding job taking the lead over the past five years. Every little donation helps a lot.”
Rochelle Christian Food Pantry Manager TyAnne Unger called the drive “a
Ford Ranger to be filled with donations.
“It’s crazy. Over four pallets of food were dropped off today, stacked higher than I’ve ever seen,” General Sales Manager Chad Young said.
“We’re always amazed by the generosity of our community and our sponsors,” Kris Wexell, program director and operations manager for The Coyote and SuperHits 93.5, said. “Every year, they step up and make a huge difference, and this food drive was no exception.”
The more than $30,000 collected will allow the Rochelle Area Christian Food Pantry to buy food at rates far below retail prices, stretching the impact of each donation. Unger said demand continues to grow, noting the pantry served 744 families last month, double the previous year.
OBITUARIES
JOANNE SWAN
Joanne Conley Swan, 95, of Princeton, IL, passed on 12/01/2025.
Arrangements entrusted to Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments, Princeton, IL. Additional information: www.norbergfh.com.
wonderful asset for our community. There aren’t a lot of other places that do this, and we are always so blessed with
the food we receive.”
Prescott Brothers Ford opened its showroom for 11 hours and featured a new
Frozen turkeys, canned goods, pasta and other essentials collected during the drive will help stock shelves and support families across Ogle County this holiday season.
113 S. Peoria Ave.-Dixon, IL 61021 Located inside the Dixon Telegraph 815.632.2577
Photo provided by 102.3 The Coyote
On Nov. 20, dozens of local businesses, organizations and residents contributed hundreds of pounds of nonperishable food and more than $30,000 in cash donations to the Two-Ton Thanksgiving Food Drive in Rochelle.
More than 51,000 deer harvested during first weekend of Illinois firearm deer season
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Hunters in Illinois harvested a preliminary total of 51,409 deer during the first weekend of the Illinois firearm deer season between Nov. 21-23.
Comparatively, hunters took 54,661 and 53,348 deer during the first firearm weekends in 2024 and 2023.
Boone County saw 81 deer harvested during the opening weekend in 2025 after 80 in 2024 and 74 in 2023.
Carroll County saw 416 deer harvested during the opening weekend in
2025 after 387 in 2024 and 389 in 2023.
DeKalb County saw 98 deer harvested during the opening weekend in 2025 after 97 in 2024 and 83 in 2023.
Lee County saw 405 deer harvested during the opening weekend in 2025 after 424 in 2024 and 385 in 2023.
Ogle County saw 446 deer harvested during the opening weekend in 2025 after 418 in 2024 and 503 in 2023.
Stephenson County saw 335 deer harvested during the opening weekend in 2025 after 307 in 2024 and 375 in 2023.
Whiteside County saw 461 deer har-
vested during the opening weekend in 2025 after 391 in 2024 and 402 in 2023.
Winnebago County saw 162 deer harvested during the opening weekend in 2025 after 174 in 2024 and 181 in 2023.
Illinois’ seven-day firearm deer season concludes Dec. 4-7.
Youth hunters with an unfilled, valid youth deer permit may hunt with the permit during the firearm deer season Dec. 4-7.
This is the first year that unfilled youth permits are valid for both segments of firearm season.
Other deer hunting opportunities in
the weeks ahead include: Muzzleloader-only deer season, Dec. 12-14.
Late-winter antlerless-only and chronic wasting disease deer seasons in select counties only, Jan. 1-4 and Jan. 16-18.
Archery deer season continues through Jan. 18. Please note that archery deer hunting is closed Dec. 4-7 in counties open for firearm deer season.
Visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources online for more details about deer hunting.
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
CLASSIFIED
LEG AL NOTICES
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, IL LINOIS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL A MISCH,
Deceased
NO. 2025 PR 65 CL AIM NOTICE
Notice is given of the death of MICHAEL A MISCH, of Rochelle, Illinois. Letters of Office were issued on December 1, 2025, to HEATHER D AJAZI, whose address is 519 S Regulators St., Rochelle, IL 61068, and whose attorneys are Fearer, Nye & Chadwick, 420 4th Avenue, PO Box 117, Rochelle, IL 61068.
Claims against the Estate may be filed in the office of the Circuit Clerk of the Court at Ogle County Courthouse, Oregon, IL 61061, or with the representative, or both, no later than June 7, 2025, and any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it hasbeen filed.
FEARER, NYE & CHADWICK, LLC
Attorneys for HEATHER D AJAZI, Administrator of the Estate of MICHAEL A MISCH, deceased
Dec.7, 14, 24, 2025
Watts, DeKalb ‘D’ come up big in win at Rochelle
By EDDIE CARIFIO ecarifio@shawmedia.com
It’s hard to turn the ball over 27 times and win a game, let alone by double digits on the road.
But the DeKalb girls’ basketball team forced 19 turnovers of its own against Rochelle on Monday night, and Zora Watts had 10 rebounds and three blocks in the Barbs’ 46-31 win over the Hubs.
“Defense was really big, that’s what kept us steady at the beginning of the game,” Watts said. “It’s what kept us going, even when we ... hadn’t scored on offense as much as we wanted to each quarter. We would get it all back on defense.”
DeKalb (2-3), entering on a threegame losing streak, never trailed and built up a 16-5 lead in the first quarter after a layup by Alicia Johnson, who finished with seven points and six rebounds.
The Hubs (3-3) got as close as 17-12 to start the second quarter on a bucket by Audrina Rodriguez, her only points of the game, but never any closer. The DeKalb lead never shrank below 11 in the second half.
“I think defense is a really valuable part of my game,” said Watts, who finished with 10 rebounds, two points and three blocks. “I think that sometimes I can be, like, not offensively there. I know I want to be there for my team at all times, and I know I can do that on defense at all times.”
Rochelle only scored 12 second-half points and seven in the fourth quarter. The Hubs cut the lead to 42-28 on a steal and layup by Natalie Foster, who finished with six points, five steals and two rebounds.
After another DeKalb turnover, the Hubs were poised to shrink the lead further with around five minutes left, but Watts came away with another block.
“She’s a great athlete, great kid, senior captain,” DeKalb coach Bradley Bjelk said. “She’s kind of our clean-up person. Loose balls, rebounds, she gets them. That’s where her game excels.”
Me’She Eubanks had eight points, two rebounds and three steals off the bench for the Barbs, who finished with a 33-24 edge on the boards.
Bjelk said the Barbs did a good job holding the Hubs to one shot, or even no shots, on each possession. He said that’s
important until the offense finds its footing, especially with the trusted ball-handlers getting back into the swing of things.
“They need to put themselves in a good position and not put their teammates in a bad position by the ball leaving their hands,” Bjelk said. “They just have to be strong and confident with the ball, and we’re working on that. It’s moving slowly, but we’re turning in the right direction.”
Gianna Olguin led the Hubs with 15 points, while Jayden Dickey added eight points, five rebounds and two steals. Carmela Bright, playing her first game since surgery to repair cartilage in her knee in October, had two points and five rebounds.
Rochelle coach John Ghem said his team showed much improvement defensively since last week at the Oregon tournament and likes the direction they’re heading in. Interstate 8 play starts Friday against Sycamore.
“I thought we had a poor showing defensively last Tuesday [in a 59-53 win] against Ottawa Marquette,” Ghem said.
“I thought we responded very well against a physical DeKalb team and forced them to turn the ball over quite a bit.”
Monday was also the continuation of the streaky nature of the Rochelle offense, Ghem said. They put 50 or more against Genoa-Kingston and Marquette, but were held to 31 or less against Newman, St. Edward and DeKalb.
He said Bright’s return should help toward that. And even though it was more famine than feast, he said the effort has him optimistic ahead of the start of conference play – although the team still has a contest at Rock Falls on Thursday.
“If we can play that way, we’re going to be in a lot of games,” Ghem said. “We still have to figure some things out ... but it’s all things we can fix.”
Photos provided by Marcy DeLille
DeKalb’s Zora Watts (20) pursues a Hubs’ ball handler in the Barbs’ 46-31 win on Monday, Dec. 1, in Rochelle.
Rochelle’s Gianna Olguin heads to the basket past DeKalb’s Olivia Schermerhorn on Monday, Dec. 1, in Rochelle.
Evan Malcore, Gary Givens III enter portal as NIU offensive exodus continues
By EDDIE CARIFIO ecarifio@shawmedia.com
Two more starters from the Northern Illinois offense entered the transfer portal on Tuesday, bringing the total number of opening day offensive starters looking to leave the program to five.
Evan Malcore, who started 32 games in his career at NIU, including 12 this year at left tackle, entered the portal as a graduate transfer.
Malcore joined the program out of Sun Prairie High School in Wisconsin in 2022 and, although listed as a junior on the roster, was celebrated at senior day at the team’s final home game on Friday, a 35-31 loss to Kent State.
Wide receiver Gary Givens also announced his entry to the portal after one season with the program. The Valparaiso transfer was third on the team with 12 catches, second with 145 yards, and second with one touchdown catch as part of the anemic passing offense that was the third worst in the country.
Quarterback Josh Holst and leading receiver DeAree Rogers previously announced their entry into the portal since the season ended Friday, as did tight end Jake Appleget. Holst, Rogers, Appleget, Givens, and Malcore combined to appear in 52 games, starting 47.
Danny Vuckovic, who began the year as the starting punter, also announced he entered the portal. He was replaced after five games by Jake Ference.
Two players who appeared in a combined one game, Andrew Bond and Thomas McCoy, also reportedly have entered the portal.
The transfer portal opened on November 22 and closes on December 21. Although still early, the Huskies haven’t lost any young running backs or key defensive players yet.
The signing period also begins on Wednesday and runs through Friday. No news conference has been set to announce signings for the Huskies, but a pair of local quarterbacks have announced their commitment to NIU football.
Last month, DeKalb quarterback
Cole Latimer announced he would play both football and baseball at NIU. In an email sent by Kaneland High School administration announcing its signing
day ceremony,
NIU may not announce all its sign -
ees during the first signing period. Generally, the Huskies announce their walk-ons during the late signing period in February.
Knights quarterback Jalen Carter, who also played wide receiver, also will commit to NIU.
Shaw Local News Network file photo
Northern Illinois University’s offensive line Evan Malcore (right) tries to defend Jay’shon Thomas during practice April 26 at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb.
Football familiarity translates to wrestling win for Sycamore’s Adam Carrick; Spartans beat Rochelle
By EDDIE CARIFIO ecarifio@shawmedia.com
Adam Carrick entered his 215-pound match against Rochelle’s Tyler Etes feeling pretty confident, and it wasn’t necessarily from anything on the wrestling mat.
Carrick and Etes had squared off on the football field and the Sycamore junior felt pretty good about both the team and individual outcome of the matchup.
He said that carried over on Thursday in his first-period pin of Etes, a victory that helped the Spartans claim a 48-24 win over the visiting Hubs in an Interstate 8 Conference match.
“That kid was their right guard and I was playing D-line against him the whole time,” Carrick said. “I knew I could dominate him athletically the whole time. So that was the goal. Go out there and wrestle him like I’m playing football against him.”
After his first takedown and some back points, Carrick got the pin after 1:43. It was one of three pins the Spartans finished with in the match.
Carrick said since he got the feel of how Etes was going to move with bulky shoulder pads on, he had a pretty good idea how he’d move without them.
Sycamore coach Randy Culton said Carrick was pretty confident prematch.
“Adam came up to me and said I’m going to beat this...” Culton said. “And he goes, for the team. Because it was still close. And he left some on the table Wednesday [in a season-opening quad]. He lost a match he should have won, which happened a lot last year. But his goal is to make the state tournament, and I think he has the qualifications to do it.”
Culton said he also liked the way freshman Chase Cook stepped in at 106 and picked up a 12-7 win over Jonathan Hernandez-Fonseca in the last match of the night.
Cook, filling in for a sick Carson West, trailed 3-0 after the first period. A quick escape, takedown, and threepoint nearfall helped him survive a reverse. He added a late takedown in the third to ensure the win in his first
non-forfeit varsity match.
“He deserves an attaboy,” Culton said. “That’s his first varsity win and he battled. That was the most fun match and that made my night.”
Cooper Bode (175) and Douglas Gemberling (157) won by pins for the Spartans. Michael Olson had an early takedown in the third period of his 11-3 win of his 120-pound match and rode out the major decision, ensuring the extra team point.
Jayden Dohogne (144) picked up a tech fall to round out the on-the-mat wins for the Spartans.
For the Hubs, Roman Villalobos picked up the fastest pin of the day, needing 1:16 to defeat Peter Gehrig in their 190 match.
Villalobos made his first trip to state last year. This year, the senior is hoping to finish on the medal stand.
“The goal is to definitely get on that podium,” Villalobos said. “I was a match away from placing. Coming back this year with that in my mind just motivates me every day, keeps me disciplined, keeps me moving forward.”
Like Bode, Villalobos got the pin after his first takedown. He joined teammate Deegan Schabacker (138) as the only Hubs with pins.
Rochelle coach Alphonso Vruno said Villalobos has really stepped it up off that mat.
“He’s put in the work in the practice room, which is obviously showing on the mat,” Vruno said. “I know he has aspirations to be on the podium at the end of the year so we’re just trying to do whatever we have to to get him there.
Brenden Voight (major at 150) and Alex Pellicer (tech fall at 165) also won
for the Hubs.
Vruno said he was also impressed with Aidan Lopez’s 9-4 win over Tyler Lockhart at 126. Lockhart got a quick penalty point, but Lopez got a takedown late in the first to regain the lead.
Lopez was up 5-2 when Lockhart started the second on the bottom. Lopez controlled the first 90 seconds on top, but Lockhart got a reverse with 27 seconds left. He gave up a quick escape to try and get the take down and the win in the closing seconds. Instead, Lopez got a late takedown to ensure the win.
“Tyler Lockhart is a really talented wrestler but Aidan Lopez really stuck his nose in there, got an early takedown and didn’t look back,” Vruno said. “He was just tough on top, really stingy. I think he rode Lockhart for two and a half minutes of the match, and I think that was a big difference.”
Eddie Carifio
Sycamore’s Michael Oslon works on top of Rochelle’s Freddie Hernandez in the 113-pound match on Thursday, Dec. 4, during Sycamore’s 48-24 win over Rochelle. Olson held on for an 11-3 major decision.
SPORTS
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
1970: The Saints’ Tom Dempsey kicked a then-record 63-yard field goal.
2001: Kobe Bryant (Lakers) and Antawn Jamison (Warriors) each scored 51 points in a game, the first time opposing players hit 50+ since 1962.
Sunday, December 7, 2025
DEKALB TOPS HUBS
The DeKalb girls basketball team forced 19 turnovers against host Rochelle on Dec. 1, earning a 46-31 win over the Hubs / 20
Rochelle point guard Carmella Bright looks for room past DeKalb’s Alicia Johnson in the team’s game Monday, Dec. 1, in Rochelle. DeKalb won 46-31.
