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A message to Rochelle News-Leader subscribers
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
Rochelle News-Leader subscribers, I’m writing to share an update about our print schedule. Beginning this week, the Rochelle News-Leader will publish one print edition each Wednesday. The Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 issue served as our final weekend edition.
This adjustment allows us to align our print operations with changing reader habits while continuing to invest in the strengths that matter most: reliable local reporting, timely updates and expanded digital access.
Our continually enhanced website and always up-to-the-minute coverage can be found at https://www.shawlocal. com/ogle-county/.
What will not change is our commitment to covering the Rochelle area with depth and consistency. Our newsroom will continue to report on local government, education, public safety, business, community events, opinion columns and sports – the full range of coverage our readers expect.
With this transition, you also will notice a more robust weekly print edition, with higher page counts and expanded space for news, features and
community information.
This year has been one of evolution for the News-Leader, and our focus remains squarely on serving Rochelle with strong, local journalism. As a lifelong resident, I’m proud of the work our team is doing and energized by what’s ahead. This change strengthens our ability to continue telling the stories of this community, in print and online, for years to come.
If you have any questions about this update, please reach out to me at jhelfrich@shawmedia.com.
– Jeff Helfrich, News Editor
Recent controversy with refusing military orders
A recent controversy has arisen over the duty of military members to follow orders.
Several politicians, including those who also are veterans, have said in a video on Nov. 18, 2025, directed at current serving members of the military, that “You must refuse illegal orders. No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution.”
The politicians are Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado, Rep. Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania, Rep. Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire and Rep. Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania.
Pundits suggest that this video was aimed at the current president, insinuating that he has given illegal orders. Authorizing blowing up drug boats in the Caribbean or the deployment of the military in U.S. cities has fueled speculation among the left that these may be illegal orders. However, none of the six politicians in the video could point to an order given by the president that was illegal.
Members of the military, upon enlistment, swear that they “will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me,” according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice (USMJ).
Orders that are clear violations of
COMMUNITY VIEWS
the U.S. Constitution, international law, or treaties such as the Geneva Convention are examples of illegal orders. Members of the military presume that the orders they receive, that are consistent with the USMJ, are legal.
Since members of the military already receive education on the UCMJ, especially Article 92, which establishes that they must obey lawful orders and disobey unlawful orders, the video produced by these politicians clearly has a political rather than an instructional motive. However, if a member of the military refuses an order, insisting it is illegal, a military judge (in a court-martial) determines whether the order was legal or illegal. If the judge determines that the order is legal, then the member of the military will be determined to be guilty of disobeying orders and may end up in a suite at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas (military prison).
Of the six politicians in the video, Kelly stands out as the only one subject to the USMJ. He is a retired Navy officer, receiving pension-related benefits,
is pictured with his grandson, Tyler Isham-Schmitt (left). Photo provided by Tyler Isham-Schmitt ON THE COVER
and can be recalled to active duty. According to military.com, “When an officer retires, their commission normally remains in force and effect forever. In return for the privilege of being legally entitled to being addressed by their military rank and getting all their retirement benefits, they basically remain an “officer of the United States” until death. That means that, if there is a recall, the officers can be brought back without an act of Congress or presidential recall.”
The Department of War is investigating bringing Kelly to active duty and submitting him to a court-martial for sedition. DOW asserts that Kelly’s comments constituted conduct “to the prejudice of good order and discipline” or a violation of U.S. code, which prohibits encouraging disloyalty or insubordination among the armed forces. There is precedent for this, as indicated in United States v. Dinger and United States v. Larrabee, where military appellate courts reaffirmed that retirees receiving service-related benefits under the jurisdiction of the USMJ can be tried for offenses after retirement. However, there is no precedent of a sitting senator being court-martialed after retirement. Kelly has been fundraising based on his comments in the video. (The Independent) It does not
See ROBERTS on page 10
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Steve Strang (center)
Chuck Roberts
Grandson of Rochelle’s longtime Santa dons suit to keep holiday traditions alive
Tyler Isham-Schmitt steps in this season where his grandfather, Steve Strang, who died Oct. 2, left off
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
For more than 20 years, the Rochelle community has had a Santa Claus it could believe in.
That Santa was at every lighted parade and old-fashioned Christmas Walk. He visited school classes, nursing homes, the Community Action Network Shopping Trip, the Vince Carney Community Theater, the Flagg-Rochelle Public Library and more.
Rochelle children over the past 20 years never had to wonder why Santa Claus looked a little different than he did the last time they saw him.
That Santa Claus was Steve Strang. This Christmas season will be Rochelle’s first without him. Strang died Oct. 2 after a 6½-year battle with ALS. The disease never stopped him from fulfilling his Santa responsibilities or from making the most of his time with his family, even in recent years after it took the use of his arms.
Strang came from a family that loved Christmas, and he passed it on to his own. He had a 58-year total history as Santa. His family would gather and his father and uncles would take turns in the suit. When Strang got into high school, his turn as Jolly Old St. Nick came. He carried the mantle through the remainder of his life.
“It was just known that we were booked up during Christmas time,” said Strang’s wife, Sally Sawicki, who sewed his Santa suits and played Mrs. Claus. “We couldn’t go up north on vacation until after Christmas. Everything stopped so he could be Santa. He had a special thing with kids. Everything revolved around Christmas with him.”
Strang’s daughter, Wendy Schmitt, helped her father build his sleigh in the garage for the Rochelle lighted parade. She also played an elf alongside her father, making sure Santa got to all of
his appearances. Grandchildren often would play the part of snowmen and accompany him as well.
When Strang’s grandchildren were little, he would play Santa at family gatherings. And when they’d get older, they’d become Santa’s helpers.
“He just loved Christmas,” Schmitt said. “He liked doing things for other people. He liked to make the kids happy. He would go out of his way. He got a lot of letters from kids and kept them. Sometimes he was able to get those kids stuff they needed. He really enjoyed it.”
Christmas will be different this year for Strang’s loved ones. But the mantle of Santa Claus has been taken up, and will remain in the family. Strang’s grandson, Tyler Isham-Schmitt, will be making appearances in Rochelle this holiday season as Santa Claus.
Isham-Schmitt will use the same sleigh as his grandfather. Sawicki and Schmitt believe the love for Christmas is genetic, and that Strang would be proud of his grandson.
“I just want to do it for him,” Isham-Schmitt said. “He got me into Christmas. I’ve always loved being a part of it with him, ever since he stuffed me into a snowman suit that was three times my size when I was little. We had to stuff newspapers in it just to keep it up.”
Even as his ALS worsened, Strang never complained about his condition or pain or going out in the cold for events, such as parades. Schmitt’s stepdaughter rode with him in the sleigh in the parade and waved to people, acting as Santa’s hands.
Strang remained positive and upbeat in his later years despite his condition. He still wanted to go out and do things with his family, and that’s just what they did. A veteran, he took an Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C., with Schmitt accompanying him. The family took trips to Disney World and to North Carolina. He and Sally took their usual trips up north to the lake.
Two years is the average remaining life expectancy for someone after being diagnosed with ALS. Sawicki called the past 6½ years the family had with Steve “priceless.” She thanked the Department of Veterans Affairs for its help in getting Strang an accessible van, wheelchair, hospital bed and caregivers.
“He made the most of his final years,” Schmitt said. “I remember when Sally called me and told me he was diagnosed with it. I figured we would only have him a couple more years. And he made it two years. And then came three and four. He just kept going. It was never about him. Even when he got sick with
ALS, it still wasn’t about him. He wanted to make sure that everyone else was taken care of. He put other people first.”
Strang’s loved ones remember him as a family man who was always there and could be called at any time, day or night, if something was needed. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he still fulfilled his Santa responsibilities, bringing his sleigh and passing by for pictures that wouldn’t break restrictions. That was who he was, Schmitt said.
“That’s how the whole town knew him,” Schmitt said. “When he was walking into physical therapy, it wasn’t ‘There’s Steve.’ It was, ‘Santa’s here.’ It’s nice that a lot of people got to know him and see what we saw in him. He was very special. He will be missed by many.”
Strang made special moments with his family, and thousands of Rochelle children. Sawicki recalled one specific case of that.
“I remember one little girl that he was Santa for at a daycare,” Sawicki said. “Steve always wore the same blue mittens with his suit. And then she saw him again the next year at kindergarten. I heard the girl tell her dad, ‘That’s the real Santa Claus. The ones that you take me to see at the mall are all phonies.’”
Photo provided by Tyler Isham-Schmitt
Steve Strang (right) is seen with his daughter, Wendy Schmitt.
Ogle County sheriff hopes for conversations with governor, legislators on SAFE-T Act reform
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle, along with other sheriffs in the state, released a statement Dec. 4, expressing desire to work with Gov. JB Pritzker and the state legislature on revising the criminal justice reform SAFE-T Act that took effect in September 2023.
The statement was made in response to Pritzker saying the state government is “open to listening to what changes might need to be made” after a woman was set on fire Nov. 17 in Chicago. A Chicago man who has more than 70 prior arrests, including eight felony convictions, has been accused in the case.
The SAFE-T Act’s history
The SAFE-T Act eliminated cash bail. Judges still can order someone to be detained as they await trial, but the new system is instead based on an offender’s level of risk of reoffending or fleeing prosecution. The SAFE-T Act also reformed police training, certification and use-of-force standards, expanded detainee rights and gave the attorney general’s office authority to investigate alleged civil rights violations by law enforcement. It also required body cameras at all police departments by 2025.
VanVickle was president of the Illinois Sheriff’s Association when the SAFE-T Act was written and passed. His desire is to see judicial discretion restored, accountability strengthened, and ensuring that victims’ rights remain at the forefront in a potential revision, the statement said. He hopes the governor and legislators will engage directly with frontline law enforcement as they evaluate next steps.
“I welcome an honest, expert-led conversation about what is – and is not –working for public safety in Illinois,” VanVickle wrote. “Law enforcement across the state has raised consistent concerns about provisions that restrict our ability to detain violent and repeat offenders. We all want fairness in the justice system – but fairness cannot come at the expense of victims or our communities. When individuals accused of the most serious crimes are released after a single hearing, victims lose confidence and families feel less safe. That
must change.”
The main change VanVickle would like to see in a revision to the SAFE-T Act is judges having more control over the detention or release of defendants. The Ogle County sheriff said the legislation has yielded different results in each of Illinois’ 102 counties.
Some counties have seen jail populations cut in half, while others have seen them rise significantly, VanVickle said. That is due to counties’ operations differing and lawyers interpreting the law differently in each county, he said. After the SAFE-T Act, defendants are being released almost immediately, or serving longer than they would have before 2023, he said.
“We’ve seen people that get arrested on a no bond failure to appear warrant on Thursday now sit in jail potentially until Monday,” VanVickle said. “Whereas pre-SAFE-T Act, they would have been out the next morning. Those are issues we see when they take away that judicial oversight. For me, that’s the biggest issue at hand, not allowing the judges to make those decisions.”
VanVickle cited the case of a woman who was arrested, transported to the Ogle County Jail for a detainable offense and kept in jail due to being “an issue with society” and was in a “true mental health situation.” She remained in jail for almost five months with no avenue, such as bond, to be released to seek care, he said.
The sheriff also cited cases of failure
to appear arrest warrants issued if someone doesn’t show up to multiple court dates. A policy has been instituted by the sheriff’s office to only service those warrants north of Interstate 80 due to the likely quick release of those arrestees, he said.
“Because we know they’re going to get out of jail, so it makes no sense to go all the way across the state to pick up somebody to just be released immediately,” VanVickle said. “Those are the unintended consequences of taking judicial discretion away.”
VanVickle: Act has had negative effects on safety, taxpayers
Daily population numbers in the Ogle County Jail taken at the end of the day are typically low-to-mid 40s since the SAFE-T Act took effect. Prior to 2023, numbers were typically in the upper 60s. VanVickle said overall numbers of inmates processed into jail since 2023 are actually slightly higher, due to multiple arrests and quick releases under the new system.
The abolition of cash bail has created more processing and release work for Ogle County Jail personnel.
“Our corrections staff is three deputies on the day shift,” VanVickle said. “They still have to do rounds and take care of the jail population and get them to court, all while doing the processing for new inmates that are all basically in and then right back out. It has definitely created a strain on staff that really is a concern and, at some point, will need to be addressed
through more staffing.”
Ogle County’s jail was constructed in recent years and opened in early 2021, and was designed to be operated preSAFE-T Act. Now-nonexistent bail money was planned for the county’s debt service.
“The jail is now essentially funded 100% by taxpayers,” VanVickle said. “The vast majority of our taxpayers don’t go to jail, but they have to fund the facility. It has not been that way in the past. Previously fines, fees and bond money contributed to that. Now it’s all on the backs of the taxpayers. It was previously never that way. That wasn’t our plan when we built the jail.”
The Ogle County sheriff believes bond has a place in the criminal justice reform structure, namely as a way to ensure that people attend court appearances. He said that process has become “more cumbersome” since the SAFE-T Act.
Ogle County Sheriff’s Office deputies are paid for their time in court on cases, and VanVickle said defendants not appearing in court due to less consequences is causing additional cost.
“It’s an unfunded mandate, spending more overtime dollars to have people in court and defendants don’t show up,” VanVickle said. “I remember one day being at the courthouse and over 30 different defendants didn’t show up for one court call. It definitely is an issue.”
VanVickle still is involved with the ISA’s executive board as its treasurer and as a past president. He will be part of an ISA legislative call in coming weeks on the topic of the SAFE-T Act. It is the Ogle County sheriff’s hope that discussions on criminal justice legislation are had by the legislature in coming months.
VanVickle estimates that “probably 90 percent” of sheriffs in the state would support a revision to the SAFE-T Act. As ISA president at the time of the legislation, he was the lone sheriff to testify in front of the legislature.
“I was asked one question: ‘Will you stop referring to offenders as criminals?’ That’s pretty much how the supermajority of the state legislature has worked with law enforcement since I’ve been in law enforcement,” VanVickle said. “That’s the frustrating part, the safety of our communities. While they came up with a catchy little title for the act, it hasn’t made our communities safer. It’s made it safer for the criminals.”
Alex T. Paschal
Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle released a statement Dec. 4 about the SAFE-T act.
Rochelle city manager Jeff Fiegenschuh resigning in mid-January to pursue a ‘new opportunity’
City council to discuss interim city manager appointment, recruitment
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
Rochelle City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh will be leaving his position in mid-January to manage a new community, according to a Tuesday city of Rochelle news release.
Fiegenschuh, who has served in his position for the past eight years, shared the news with the Rochelle City Council during closed session on Monday night. His last day is planned for mid-January, according to the release.
Fiegenschuh’s work over the past eight years has included navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, economic development progress, work on the city’s financial reserves, infrastructure investment, such as work on two new electrical substations, public safety staffing expansion and personnel development.
“Serving as Rochelle’s city manager
has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” Fiegenschuh said. “I am deeply grateful to the mayor, city council, our dedicated staff and the residents of Rochelle for their support and partnership over the past several years. I am proud of what we have accomplished together. While it is not easy to step away, I believe this is the right time and I leave with great confidence in the team that will continue this important work.”
Mayor John Bearrows thanked Fiegenschuh for his service and contributions to the community in the release.
“Jeff has provided steady leadership
through times of both opportunity and challenge,” Bearrows said. “His commitment to responsible financial management, economic growth, and high-quality city services has made a lasting impact on Rochelle. On behalf of the city council and our residents, I want to thank Jeff for his years of service and wish him all the best in his next chapter.”
The city council will discuss the appointment of an interim city manager and the process for recruiting a permanent city manager in a special meeting on Dec. 23, according to the release.
Jeff Helfrich
Rochelle City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh speaks on Aug. 14 at the City of Rochelle’s groundbreaking for the expansion of its Rochelle Intermodal Transload Center at 1851 S. Steward Road.
Rochelle City Council OKs special-use permit for cannabis infusion business
New phase of fire training facility authorized Monday
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
The Rochelle City Council voted 6-0 on Monday to approve a special-use permit for an adult-use cannabis infusion business at 600 N. 15th St., which is zoned I-2 general industrial.
Cannabis infusion businesses are required to not be located within 200 feet of residential-zoned property, schools or daycares. The business, Stash Holdings Corporation, will not be permitted to do any retail sales of cannabis products and will be subject to all state cannabis business guidelines.
The business will not include any external signage and will consist of can-
nabis infusion and storage operations. The property was previously used for light industrial purposes by Del Monte Foods and is currently vacant.
As a stipulation of the special-use permit, the business will be required to sub-
Phase three of Rochelle’s fire training facility, approved Monday, is a three-story structure to simulate incidents within a multi-story building, both residential and commercial.
rity plan.
Fire training facility
The council unanimously approved $334,500 for its half of the purchase price for the third phase of the joint fire training facility utilized by the Rochelle Fire Department and Ogle-Lee Fire Protection District at 920 S. Main St., which began in 2021. The OLFPD recently approved its half of the $669,000 next phase.
mit a security plan to the Rochelle Police Department and have it approved. At its Dec. 1 meeting, the city’s planning and zoning commission voted unanimously to recommend the special use permit’s approval with the request of the secu-
Phase one of the project was securing the property and building infrastructure that included two concrete pads, water drainage, water retention, water supply including two hydrants and a parking lot with curbing. Phase two included the placement of two prefabricated training structures. One single-story structure features a built-in burn room, staircase, moveable walls and a rooftop prop and
See CounCIL on page 10
Photo provided by city of Rochelle
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the second structure simulates a residential or commercial garage.
Phase three, approved Monday, is a three-story structure to simulate incidents within a multi-story building, both residential and commercial. The prefabricated structure includes burn rooms, stair wells, fire escapes, standpipes, balconies and a simulated elevator shaft. The structure is designed to facilitate high-angle technical rescue drills and confined space drills. The $669,000 cost for the new structure does not include concrete work, which RFD Chief Dave Sawlsville said is estimated to cost an additional $30,000. The structure is set to be delivered in 14 months.
The council also approved the $34,275 purchase of lighting for the fire training center from Wesco Distribution, which handles lighting products for other Rochelle Municipal Utilities projects. The cost will be split 50/50 between the city and the OLFPD.
“I think this will be great for the training center when they’re out there,” RMU Superintendent of Electric Operations Blake Toliver said. “Most of their training is at night. They’ll be able to have lighting other than the lights on their trucks when they work out there.”
Bonds
The council held a public hearing
• ROBERTS
Continued from page 2
take a genius to conclude that this smells politically motivated.
The implication that the current president is preparing to issue illegal orders is a form of political speculation. Using the serving military as a political pawn is contrary to the integrity and stability of the armed forces.
regarding its plan to issue no more than $5 million in general obligation bonds to fund projects at the Rochelle Municipal Airport and Rochelle Technology Center.
The projects include a new hangar at the airport and electrical upgrades at the tech center. City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh said the airport project will cost approximately $2 million and the tech center will cost about $700,000. Bond approval would be made at the city council’s Jan. 12 meeting.
“We have the revenues in both departments to fund it,” Fiegenschuh said. “On the airport side we’ll be getting a grant that reimburses us for close to $1 million. Hangar rental revenues will support the rest of the debt service.”
During the meeting, the council also approved a $1,736,696 bid from Bruns Construction for the construction of the eight-unit hangar with concrete floors and bi-fold doors, lights and receptacles. The Bruns bid was the only one received by the city after two requests for proposals.
All current city-owned hangar space at the airport is currently full with waiting lists. The Rochelle Municipal Airport currently has seven different hangars with about 40 aircraft based there. Monthly rent and property leasing are the biggest sources of revenue at the airport. The new hangar would result in about $2,000 or more in monthly lease payments to the city.
The Rochelle Technology Center work
The six politicians in the video could not point to any illegal order given by the president. Their discussion encourages doubt in military discipline, undermining national readiness and going against the national interest. A court-martial conviction of Kelly would tamp down such seditious commentary but would also spark a political firestorm unheard of in recent years.
• Chuck Roberts is a freelance writer in Rochelle.
would involve electrical upgrades to the system that supports Rochelle Municipal Utilities fiber service customers, city data center customers and the information technology system of the city itself. Having multiple power feeds and redundancy in the case of outages would differentiate the Rochelle Technology Center from other small data centers.
Truck purchase
The council unanimously approved the $289,546 purchase of a new AT48M bucket truck for the RMU electric department. The new truck is expected to be delivered in mid-2027 and will replace a model that will be 14 years old by that time.
Toliver said the truck is used daily by RMU and it has started to see maintenance needs increase and reliability decline.
Collective bargaining agreement
The council unanimously approved a collective bargaining agreement with the Police Benevolent Labor Committee for the Rochelle Police Department’s patrol officers, sergeants and dispatchers through April 30, 2028.
Changes from the previous CBA include allowing new employees to use vacation time at the six-month mark rather than previously waiting a year, awarding members two days of personal time, and a new insurance tier system
aligning with a recent CBA with Rochelle Fire Department firefighters.
The CBA also includes a 1% equity adjustment awarded to dispatchers, and an 8% equity adjustment across the board. The city reviewed its wages relative to comparable competitors during negotiations and found it paid the lowest out of 20 competitors. After the adjustment, Rochelle is slotted to pay eighth best out of 11 competitors that have settled a contract.
“Our goal is to try to keep our officers instead of having this revolving door,” Fiegenschuh said. “If we’re going to spend the money, we should spend it on our officers and not on new recruitment because our officers are leaving.”
Budget
The council held a public hearing for and unanimously approved its fiscal 2026 budget and ongoing 20-year capital improvement plan.
The total budget this year is $120,019,874, down from last year’s $133.5 million budget, primarily due to less spending on capital projects. The 2026 budget includes funding to hire police officers, construction of the new hangar, a new electric substation on Centerpoint Drive, completion of an event space and utility undergrounding in the downtown area, and new pickleball courts at Fairways Golf Course.
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.
Creston honors attorney Tess for 27 years of service
$198,955 bid approved for South Street water line work
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
The Creston Village Board of Trustees honored Village Attorney Dave Tess for his 27 years of service Dec. 2.
The longtime Tess, Arnquist & Wilt partner will be stepping back from the village attorney role, which will be fully taken over by Andrew Wilt.
Tess spoke about his experience over 27 years and thanked village officials and residents. He was presented with a plaque by Village President Tom Byro.
“I wish to thank everybody for the opportunity over the last 27 years,” Tess said. “It’s been my pleasure. Some of you have been here for 27 years with me. I hope the village understands all of the effort that you have put into this. It’s an honor, but it’s also a great responsibility to take on.”
Tess thanked Byro, and former Village Presidents Wayne Williams and William Heal for their leadership.
“I can’t tell you how many hours we spent together,” Tess said. “Houses out of code, cars parked in yards, farm leases, and the expansion and the future closing of the landfill. There were so many hours. Hours that we could never bill for. Hours that we just did what we thought was right. I worked for these village presidents. But my oath was to the citizens.”
Byro thanked Tess for his years of dedication and contributions to the village.
“We deeply appreciate all you have done for this community and its residents,” Byro said. “Your hard work will have a lasting impact on this village for years to come.”
Water main
The board unanimously approved a $198,955 bid from Martin & Company Excavating with an up-to-10% contingency for project changes for water system work on South Street.
The project is being done in an attempt to alleviate rust issues in Creston that would include upsizing 4-inch mains, shutoff valve work and hydrant work including removing dead-end lines.
The work likely will start in March and will take up to 20 working days to complete. Byro said the contingency funds were put in place due to the village desiring larger valves, among other
things. Creston will work with the contractor on the changes.
“It’s going to cost a little more money,” Byro said. “We’re going to get it done right and we won’t have to go back into that intersection again in 10 years and change things.”
Engineer
Byro said during the meeting that Village Engineer Kevin Bunge of CES Inc. has resigned from his position. The village will be seeking proposals for a new engineering firm in the coming weeks and will be working on the return of its utility inventories, maps and documents from past work from CES.
“There are a number of good engineers around and we’re going to go out for four to five proposals and look for a new one,” Byro said.
Levy
The board unanimously approved its 2026 tax levy, which will amount to $26,861. That averages to about $42 a person in Creston, which has a population of 626, Village Treasurer Penny Payton said.
The village did not need to hold a truth in taxation hearing for the levy due to it being below a 5% increase from last year. The increase was 1.49%. The levy funds will be used to pay for salaries of hourly village employees, Payton said.
Insurance
The board unanimously approved its yearly insurance renewal with Crum Halsted Insurance. Its general liability
and property insurance amounted to $15,458, up 6.5% from last year. Its worker’s compensation insurance amounted to $3,022, which stayed “flat and in line with the market,” Adam Heal of Crum Halsted said.
“Nobody likes any increases, but if I could tell all my customers they were only getting a 6.5% increase this year, we’re doing pretty good,” Heal said.
Tower
Byro said work on installing a mixer in Creston’s water tower will not be completed until the spring due to the weather and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency permitting.
The mixer installation project was put into motion following rust issues that have been seen in Creston’s water system. The village found difficulty hiring an electrician for the project and approved an $11,725 bid for the work. The electric work will be done in coming weeks and will involve new lighting and an electrical box up on the tower.
“We’re not shutting off people’s water in the middle of winter,” Byro said. “It’s going to be put on hold.”
Sidewalk
Trustees again held discussion on a potential sidewalk replacement program in Creston in the future with dedicated funds each year.
Village Trustee Mark Hibshman has said in past meetings that “most of” the sidewalks in Creston need replacement. Any sidewalk that hasn’t been replaced in the village since its installation will need replacing to meet ADA requirements.
The top of the village’s sidewalk replacement plan list is work in the area of Depot and South streets, along with Main Street.
“We’re sitting on some money and we need to put some money into the village,” Hibshman said. “We have a liability with some of these broken sidewalks here. We need to get downtown and Main Street all fixed up. Let’s move on this and get it bid out.”
Photos by Jeff Helfrich
Village of Creston Attorney Dave Tess speaks Dec. 2 the Village Board meeting. The meeting was Tess’ last as village attorney after 27 years.
Creston Village President Tom Byro (right) presents longtime Village Attorney Dave Tess with an award Tuesday at the Village Board meeting.
Ogle County releases Christmas tree recycling info
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The holiday season is in full swing, but soon it will be time for the decor to be put away and the Christmas tree taken down.
The Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department is once again coordinating Christmas tree recycling in Ogle County.
The trees will be ground up into usable mulch instead of going to a landfill.
Mulch will be available at no cost for pickup at most locations.
Please remove all decorations, lights, garland and the water stand.
If using a tree bag for transport, remove the tree from the bag and keep the bag for use next year.
Only trees are accepted at these drop-off points; wreaths or other designs with metal frames are unable to be mulched and are not accepted.
The drop-off locations are as follows. They will be in operation from Dec. 26 to Jan. 16.
• Byron: Byron boat launch lot, East
• Monroe Center: Lichty’s Landscaping, 309 Pacific St. (south of railroad tracks)
• Mt. Morris/Oregon: Oregon Park District Maintenance Department, 507 Hill St.
• Polo: Southwest corner of East Colden Street and South Green Avenue
• Rochelle: The city will chip trees left at the curb the first two weeks of January; nonresident drop-off at Atwood Park, 10th Avenue and 20th Street.
In some areas, FFA groups from Byron, Forreston, Oregon and Polo high schools will be collecting trees left at the curb Jan. 10.
Please have your tree at the curb by 8 a.m. for this service. As with dropoff, remove all decorations and do not place the tree in a bag.
The areas where this service is provided are Adeline, Baileyville, Byron, Forreston, German Valley, Mt. Morris, Oregon and Polo.
Blackhawk Drive (Route 2)
• Forreston: 407 N. Locust St.
• Leaf River: 208 Railroad St. (near water treatment plant)
For more information about this program, call the OCSWMD at 815-7324020 or visit oglecountyil.gov.
Gary Middendorf file photo
Please remove all decorations,
Candlelight
Thursday,
VERNA HORN
Born: March 22, 1934 in Markville, MN
Died: December 6, 2025 in Rochelle, IL
Verna K. Horn, 91, passed away December 6, 2025 at Manor Court Nursing Home in Rochelle after a long illness. She was born March 22, 1934, in Markville, MN to Dean and Dollie (Furman) Kendall. She graduated from Rochelle Township High School in 1952 and started working as the secretary to the Superintendent the next day. She
ABEL MARTINEZ, SR.
Born: April 2, 1948 in Lytle, TX
Died: December 7, 2025 in Maywood, IL
Abel Martinez, Sr., 77, passed away Sunday, December 7, 2025 at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois. Abel was born on April 2, 1948 to Navidad and Trinidad (Mendez) Martinez in Lytle, Texas. On January 23, 1970, he married Belen Peredo in Rochelle, IL.
Abel enjoyed a good cup of coffee in the morning while reading the newspaper. He was a coin collector, an avid Cub fan and was always available to help out family and friends. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
SHERRYL ROBERTS
Born: March 21, 1967 in Rochelle, IL
Died: November 25, 2025 in Loves Park, IL
Sheri (Mifflin) Roberts, age 58, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on November 25, 2025 unexpectedly at home. Sheri was born in Rochelle, IL on March 21, 1967, the third of four children. She was the daughter of Carol Mifflin. Sheri married Ed on June 5, 2009 and relocated to Loves Park, IL, where they spent an amazing 17 years.
Sheri enjoyed spending time with her precious daughter, grandchildren and gardening. Sheri loved Christmas, she was fully engaged in preparation for all holidays.
was later employed as a secretary at Kepner & Kepner Insurance in Rochelle. She married Bill Wren in 1953; they were divorced in 1960. She married Norman A. Horn in 1961. He preceded her in death on December 17, 2009. She and Norman traveled throughout the U.S. and Canada on meandering driving trips. She never outgrew her love of dolls and collected them for many years. She made many of her own clothes. Her real talent was in knitting and crocheting, which she started as a young girl and kept up for nearly 80 years. Verna was well-known for her customized designs, such as family name panels and oneof-a-kind sweaters. Many people in the area were gifted the cozy knitted socks that she made by the dozens for years.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Abel Martinez, Jr. and two brothers: Jesse Zapata and Aldolf Castro.
Abel is survived by his wife, Belen of Rochelle; daughter, Maria (Mike) Albers of Black Earth, WI; two brothers: Joe Martinez and Alex Carillo; sister, Yolanda Martinez all three of Natalia, TX; four grandchildren: Jessica (Nate) Timm, Cole (Suzi) Albers, Noah Albers and Sam Martinez and three great grandchildren: Cole, Jr., Walker and Millie.
The visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00
P.M., Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle with a Rosary Service at 7:00. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, December 11 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 236 Kelley Drive, Rochelle with Father Jesus Dominguez officiating. Burial will follow the service at St. Patrick Cemetery in Rochelle. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.
Sheri enjoyed traveling to Florida to put her toes in the sand and walks on the beach with her sister Karen. She enjoyed visiting her sister Kathy once a month for sister time. Family was the most important thing in life for Sheri, she always had a big smile on her face, and her heart was completely full when they were all together.
Sheri leaves behind husband Ed Roberts, daughter Amanda Gomez (Courtney), stepson Gerald Roberts and stepdaughter Sarah Roberts. Grandchildren, Casen and Journey, sisters Karen (Randy) Reints, Kathy Davidson, brother Rob Mifflin, Joseph (Jana) Cagle, Josh Cagle and plenty of nieces and nephews whom she adored. Sheri was the life of the party wherever her travels took her.
A celebration of life will be held on January 31, 2026 from 2-4 at VFW 318 4th Avenue Rochelle, IL.
She used her love of needlework to help others as much as possible, sending baby clothes and blankets to charities, warm clothing and afghans for soldiers and veterans in need, and even sweaters for chickens and penguins in distress.
She gave generously to many charities and was especially happy to be a charter member of the World War II Museum in New Orleans, LA. In addition to her husband and parents, Verna was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, Clifford and Betty Jane Kendall of Covington, TN, and stepdaughter, Kathy Bush of Mississippi.
She is survived by her loving children, Warren Dean Wren and Wendy Horn, both of Rochelle; four grandchildren, Angelica
(Mark) Janssen, Alicia Eirls, and Alexis (Aaron) LaBrie, all of Spokane, WA, and Cullen Wren of Reno, NV; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; stepdaughter, Cynthia Eaton (Dena Beecher) of Cape Coral, FL; daughters by choice, Renee Page of Rochelle and Victoria Wren of Zephyr Hills, FL; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., December 12, 2025 at Unger Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6 th St., Rochelle, IL with Pastor Michael Wolff officiating. A private burial will be held later at Trinity Memory Gardens, Rochelle, IL. Memorials can be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Rochelle, IL. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.
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
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
Deceased
Notice
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
Attorneys for HEATHER D AJAZI, Administrator of the Estate of MICHAEL A MISCH, deceased
Dec.7, 14, 24, 2025
PUBLIC NOTICE
The annual Ogle County Township Assessors Meeting will be held on Thursday, January 8th at 2:00 P.M. at 105 S 5th St, Oregon, IL. We will meet on the 3rd floor conference room. The meeting is held pursuant to 35 ILCS 200/9-15 which states, in part, that the supervisor of assessments shall “assemble all assessors and their deputies for consultation and shall instruct them in uniformity of their functions.” No action will be taken. The meeting is open to the public
Truly, Tricia M Black, Chief County Assessment Officer December 17, 2025
Dec. 14, 19, 22, 2025
Hubs
JV girls basketball team in action
Photos provided by Robin Rethwill
TOP LEFT: Rochelle’s Mackenzie Bybee gets fouled as she drives to the hoop during a JV basketball game against the Spartans on Dec. 5 in Sycamore. The Spartans won 34-19. TOP RIGHT: Rochelle’s Tess Kissack is fouled as she attempts a shot against Sycamore. ABOVE: Rochelle’s Tess Kissack guards a Sycamore player closely. LEFT: Rochelle’s Ariana Hueramo dribbles the ball up the court.
Chicago Bears vs. Cleveland Browns: 5 storylines to watch in Week 15 matchup
By MICHAL DWOJAK mdwojak@shawmedia.com
It’s crunch time for the Chicago Bears. They enter a critical final fourgame stretch of the regular season Sunday when they host the Cleveland Browns at Soldier Field.
Chicago controls its own playoff destiny. The Bears enter Week 15 as the No. 7 seed in a NFC playoff field where they’re behind the No. 1 seed Los Angeles Rams by one game. They’re also half a game behind the Green Bay Packers
for the NFC North lead.
If Chicago (9-4) can pick up a couple wins against the Browns (3-10), Packers (9-3-1), San Francisco 49ers (9-4) and Detroit Lions (8-5), the franchise will return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
It’ll start Sunday against a Browns team that plays better than its record. Cleveland has one of the league’s best defenses, spearheaded by defensive end Myles Garrett. Meanwhile, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders has give the offense a spark since he was named
the starter.
Sunday afternoon’s game kicks off at noon on FOX. Here are the top five storylines to watch.
Slowing Garrett’s run to history
Chicago will need to limit one of the NFL’s best pass rushers for a second straight week Sunday after going against the Green Bay Packers’ Micah Parsons in Week 14.
Garrett is having an impressive season even for himself. He’s already set a career-high with 20 sacks this season,
beating his previous record of 16 that he set in 2021 and matched in 2022. It’s not a very close race for the NFL lead this season either. The New York Giants’ Brian Burns is second with 13.
While the Browns are out of playoff contention, Garrett will still has a lot to play for as he chases history. He’ll have four more games to try to break the NFL single-season sack record of 22.5 set by Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Straham and the Pittsburgh Steelers’
Shaw Local News Network file photo
Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (left) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during a Nov. 23, game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Continued from page 22
T.J. Watt.
The Bears will try to scheme as best they can for Garrett. But he’s a player where there’s only so much scheming can do.
“He’s just a complete player,” Bears head coach Ben Johnson said. “I think when you look at the size and strength and speed, it’s just a unique package where he really has it all. I mean, he’s very strong. He’s got that bull rush that can take a tackle and put him on roller skates and walk him right back into the quarterback, which happens quite a bit. Because every team that you see on tape, I mean, they have a plan for him to slow him down, and yet the chip gets off of him, and he just still walks that tackle on back into the quarterback. And so he does a great job with that.”
Forcing Sanders into mistakes
Sanders might be the NFL’s mosttalked about rookie this season despite being a fifth-round pick. Many analysts have spent the year arguing whether Sanders, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, should be the Browns starting quarterback.
He’s shown both good and bad since Cleveland made him the starter in Week 12 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Sanders has a strong arm to along with an ability to scramble out of trouble to pick up yards with his legs. But Sanders’ decision-making, not a surprise for an rookie, is questionable at times.
Cleveland’s game against the Tennessee Titans was a good example of that. Sanders threw for a season-high 364 yards and three touchdowns to spark a fourth-quarter comeback. But he also threw an interception earlier in the game and missed some key throws.
Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will try to force Sanders into those mistakes by throwing different fronts at him before plays.
“I think he’s just getting more comfortable within not only just the offense but just being an NFL quarterback and I’m expecting him to continue to take that next step this week,” safety Kevin Byard said. “So just because he’s a rookie does not mean we could take this guy lightly. He’s very talented.”
Looking for a defensive weakness
Yes, a lot of attention will and should be spent on stopping Garrett from making history Sunday. But the Bears can’t just focus on Garrett.
Cleveland’s defense under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is at the top of
Scott Anderson file photo
Chicago Bears defensive back Kevin Byard III reacts after making a catch in the end zone to score a touchdown over the Dallas Cowboys on, Sept. 21, at Soldier Field.
most major categories. The Browns have the second-lowest average yards allowed per game (272.8) heading into Week 15 and the lowest passing yards allowed per game (165.2). They rank 13th in rushing yards allowed per game (107.7) and are tied for 14th with 16 takeaways.
There’s talent all around the Browns’ defense. Defensive tackle Maliek Collins is behind Garrett with 6.5 sacks while rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger has made an impact with two interceptions and a team-leading 119 total tackle.
But with a 3-10 record, the Browns defense isn’t perfect. The Tennessee Titans’ Tony Pollard broke through and rushed for 161 yards against the Browns on Sunday. With a cold forecast expect, the Bears will try to replicate that success in their own way.
“It’s a challenge because they’re a really good defense, but we have to go back to focus on, you know, what makes us, us,” Bears offensive coordinator
I think [Shedeur Sanders is] just getting more comfortable within not only just the offense but just being an NFL quarterback and I’m expecting him to continue to take that next step this week. So just because he’s a rookie does not mean we could take this guy lightly. He’s very talented.”
Kevin Byard, Bears safety
terbacks for much of the season and ranks near the bottom in most major pass rush categories.
But players like defensive end Montez Sweat have found ways to break through even during the struggles. He could be a major player Sunday.
“We’ve done a lot of study in terms of who their guys are, who their guys potentially could be, and then we have to adjust based on the lineup that’s in the game,” Allen said. “But the No. 1 thing we have to be able to do is, we’ve got to be able to defend the scheme first before we can worry about how we’re attacking different players.”
Blustery cold
Sunday will be a frigid game for both the teams on the field and fans in the stands at Soldier Field.
Declan Doyle said. “Where you know what we want to show up in the run game, and you know, that’s the [offensive] line, that’s the tight ends, that’s the backs and then that’s us blocking the perimeter.”
Golden opportunity
A lot of the attention Sunday will be on the Browns’ pass rush. But the Bears’ pass rush could take a major step Sunday.
Cleveland’s offensive line is riddled with injuries. Starting guards Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller and right tackle Jack Conklin have all missed practice this week with injuries while center Ethan Pocic will be out for the remainder of the season after he tore his Achilles tendon on Sunday against the Titans.
That could present an opportunity for the Bears pass rush, which itself is dealing with some injuries this season. Chicago has struggled to pressure quar-
The high temperature is forecasted to be around 11 degrees Fahrenheit while the wind chill will make it feel like minus 3 degrees. The low temperature could get down to 3 degrees while winds will swirl around 10 to 20 miles per hour at the lakefront. That will be a few degrees shy of setting the lowest record high for Dec. 14, which is 5 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
It will be one of the coldest games in Soldier Field history if the forecast holds, though it won’t set the record. The Bears’ coldest game in Soldier Field came in Dec. 28 against the Green Bay Packers when it was 2 degrees at kickoff.
But players and coaches weren’t worried about the cold ahead of the game. They felt they’re prepared to execute in this weather.
“It’s obviously cold this time of the year,” rookie tight end Colston Loveland said. “Everyone knew that coming in that Chicago gets cold, the Midwest is cold, so it’s going to be chilly, but I think that’s what we’re built for.”
SPORTS
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
1937: Washington beat the Chicago Bears for the NFL Championship. 2011: The Packers’ 19-game win streak ended.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
NIU’s move to the Mountain West was big
The Group of 6 needs to build something better
Eddie Carifio VIEWS
NIU’s move into the Mountain West was a great, proactive step to try and stay relevant in an ever-evolving college football landscape.
That evolution got shoved headfirst into a nuclear reactor Sunday when Notre Dame got left out of the College Football Playoff, leading to the type of temper tantrum that only rich, entitled people can make.
And like most temper tantrums of the rich and entitled, it will get results. Which in this case will likely mean the end of Group of 6 teams in the playoff. Instead of some sort of half-measure like a Group of 6 playoff, which seems like begging for scraps, the G6 should stop pretending they’ll ever get a seat at the table and see if they can build something better at the FCS level.
The Group of 6 schools should join the Football Championship Subdivision.
The Huskies in the Mountain West may have seemed like a big swing a year ago (derp there are no mountains in DeKalb I’m clever and smart and have many friends), but it may be time for a bigger swingthere are A big swing the G6 schools are going to have to take together. Considering a third of them are suing each other at the moment, that may be a big ask.
It’s a lot, but there are bones of something there. For starters, let the Power 4 schools have their own semipro (or, let’s face it, fully professional) upper-level league. Live the dream, boys.
That lets the G6 and FCS schools design a system almost from scratch. There are two big issues from the get-go that smarter minds would have to fig-
ure out. There’s a competitiveness issue that would have to be resolved, and then there’s the issue of money.
The competition issue doesn’t seem too severe, as I’m sure NIU fans really don’t want to be reminded of that tooclose-for-comfort Holy Cross game earlier this year and the Eastern Illinois loss a couple of years ago. This year, four FCS teams beat G6 schools; last year, it was six.
As for money, it would be a great put-up-or-shut-up time for all the people out there who complain about the lack of amateurism in college sports. It doesn’t seem like viewership for any of these conferences would be any differ-
ent. MACtion still would exist. Mountain West after dark would still exist. And a new and improved FCS playoff could be a moneymaking machine. We saw how much interest Illinois State’s upset sparked locally. While all the big boys are crying and whining and sitting out for the draft, the FCS/G6 playoff gets to play the blue-collar card. That’s the potential for a lot more than scraps.
Instead of a constantly changing playoff system at the whims of crybaby institutions that would rather change conferences than be accountable for losing to the University of Miami, a framework would be in place from Day 1 of an equitable playoff.
The current FCS playoff is 24 teams, with all 11 conference champs getting in. In this wild and crazy new world I’ve invented, there would be 17 conferences. Lends itself pretty well to a 32-team playoff if you ask me. Fifteen at-large bids instead of 13.
Big swings are the only answer. NIU heading to the Mountain West was one. If the Group of 6 schools want to matter, they’ll have to swing bigger –together. Dropping a level might look like giving up, but it could be the reset that finally gives them control.
And if that feels like a tantrum, well, at least it makes more sense than Notre Dame’s.
Scott Anderson file photo
Members of the NIU football team celebrate after beating Notre Dame in 2024 at Notre Dame Stadium.
