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WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

Man fought in WWII

Franklin Grove’s Willard Simpson, 101, served in the U.S. Army during World War II / 7

TODAY’S EDITION: 32 pages • Vol. 106, Issue 64

Cold and snow didn’t stop volunteers from honoring local veterans buried at Daysville Cemetery southeast of Oregon / 3 ​

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

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Consider this: What do we want from our elected leaders?

What do we really want from our leaders? Maybe we just don’t care what they say or do as long as we agree with them in some way.

Take, for instance, President Donald Trump saying the following about the death of Rob and Michele Reiner.

This information is taken from an ABC News update: “Trump wrote in a social media post on Monday morning that Reiner’s death was “reportedly due to the anger he caused by others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction … known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME.” Trump called Reiner “a tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star.”

What is “Trump Derangement Syndrome?” Were either one of the Reiners tortured or struggling? Are these secrets that the President has kept close to him and has just now mentioned to us? Are there more of these secrets that Trump is holding onto?

How many of us believe that he feels anyone who doesn’t agree with him has this syndrome? Are we really OK with our President saying these things? Is hate now the norm in this country? Is hate of others OK if the person spouting it is someone who also says a few things we agree with?

If we answer any of those questions with a “yes,” then maybe we are as hateful as the President. And for some of us, maybe that’s OK since he has told us what a great job he is doing. I would rather experience the great things happening than being told they are. In any case, however, if the Reiners truly had this syndrome, and were prejudiced against the President, then for all the comments the President has made in the past, he would assuredly have “Biden Derangement Syndrome.” And yes, that would be very sad, too.

Does anyone now feel that America’s actions concerning the Caribbean and Venezuela had anything to do with drugs?

COMMUNITY VIEWS Reed Harris They certainly had no connection to fentanyl. The following is from Vanda Felbab-Brown, an expert on drug trafficking and addiction at the Brookings Institution. “Whatever actions are taken in the Caribbean have no effect on fentanyl,” she said. Cartels operating in the Caribbean region are heavily involved in cocaine trafficking, Felbab-Brown said, but much of that illegal product goes to countries other than the United States.”

Of course, cocaine is a terrible drug, too. It must be stopped or its use slowed down. President Trump says that with every boat that gets hit we save 25,000 American lives. The same article mentioned in the previous paragraph states, “But most experts on criminal cartels and deadly street drugs say military strikes on speedboats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific will also have little or no impact on overdose deaths in the United States.”

So, we are taking a huge chance bombing these boats and killing these people in international waters. Our standing in the world will not only be reduced further, but we may sometime in the future be called a rogue nation. I feel we are seeing some of this already.

So, have we come up with an answer?

If we say yes this is a drug issue, then we are wrong. America’s hand was shown as soon as they seized the oil tanker. As for drugs, we need to have much better border security if we are still seeing them in our country. President Trump ran on this so we should have this covered, right?

Now let’s talk about tourism. Read the article at www.cbsnews.com/news/ us-tourists-social-media-history-5-yearstrump/. “The Trump administration is proposing to ask visitors from several

dozen nations that enjoy visa-free travel to the U.S. to submit additional personal information before entering the country, including five years of their social media history, the Department of Homeland Security said in a notice this week.”

The tourism dollars spent in our country in 2024 was $155 billion. If this proposal is committed to that, we should see these dollars increase, right? How do you even find five years of social media?

Good luck, tourists. Maybe they will be able to pay a certain amount of money to eliminate the social requirements.

After all, President Trump’s Gold Card that allows people to pay $1 million to get a visa and a possible pathway to citizenship is one way the administration found money for our coffers. This article expresses the possibility for employers in our country. It is at www. forbes.com. “Employers also have the ability to sponsor workers for $2 million with the program’s Gold corporate cards, coming with a 1% annual fee and 5% transfer fee in the event a company wants to change the recipient.”

The most interesting thing here is that companies are simply paying back some of the tax breaks we gave them. We could have just eliminated the tax breaks and saved much more.

By putting all these things together, with some other missteps being made by our government, we see that we need to find the answer to the following: Are government employees, in total, just laying around doing nothing? It certainly looks as if Congress is. It also looks as if many other department officials are, too.

At least in those departments that are still functioning.

On the other hand, maybe it’s not laying around that is the problem. Maybe it’s lying that is the biggest problem.

Once we find the true answer to this, we may be able to start the changes necessary to keep our democracy.

Reed Harris is a longtime Rochelle resident and community volunteer.

ON THE COVER

HOW ARE WE DOING?

Wreaths repping each military branch were placed on Dec. 13 in front of the Civil War Veteran’s Memorial at Daysville Cemetery, southeast of Oregon, at the start of Wreaths Across America. Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network

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215 veteran graves receive special attention during Wreaths Across America

By EARLEEN HINTON Shaw Local News Network correspondent Below-zero windchills and piles of snow did not stop volunteers from braving the winter weather to remember and honor veterans who are buried at Daysville Cemetery southeast of Oregon on Saturday, Dec. 13.

“The temperatures this weekend will be very cold and there’s still plenty of snow at the cemeteries, but those who serve in our U.S. Armed Forces don’t stay home when it’s cold and neither will we,” said Laurie Carlin-Perry, regent of the Rochelle Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, which coordinated the Wreaths Across America event with help from Oregon VFW Post 8739.

As wind whipped through the rural

moment of silence and prayer.

Ceremonial wreaths were placed in front of the cemetery’s Civil War Veteran’s Memorial to honor of all of the military services, including the U.S. Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, and POW/ MIAs. Laying those wreaths for each branch were Don Stevens, Brian Guida, Roberta Kelser, Jim Lauer, Anne Stevens, Chip Lewison, Stan Asp, Mike Long, and Gary Burgess.

About 20 volunteers – some clad in snow pants and boots, covered in multiple layers – spread out across the cemetery to place the donated wreaths at each grave, signified by American flags.

According to Saturday’s program, 215 veterans are buried at the Daysville Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network Cemetery, located five miles southeast of Oregon on Daysville Road.

Veteran Don Stevens of Oregon lays a wreath at a veteran’s grave at the Daysville Cemetery “We will check our list and walk during the Wreaths Across America program on Saturday, Dec. 13. through the cemetery again to make sure no one was missed,” said Perry, cemetery dropping temperatures below national effort to honor local veterans clutching a map of the cemetery and the zero, Perry spoke briefly about the by placing wreaths at their graves. list of veterans buried there.

Wreaths Across America program, notGirl Scouts from Troop 2189 led the ing that Saturday’s event was part of a Pledge of Allegiance followed by a See Wreaths on page 4

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ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Volunteers fight snow, cold to honor veterans

3

• WREATHS Continued from page 3 Wreaths Across America Day, held annually in December, also includes a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, in addition to other locations in all 50 states. All the wreaths are provided through donations.

Other local Wreaths Across America events were held on Saturday at Palmyra Cemetery, Dixon; Creston Methodist Church/Woodlawn, Creston; and St. Patrick’s and Lawnridge Cemetery in Rochelle.

About Wreaths Across America

According to the Wreaths Across America website, the wreath-laying that began more than 30 years ago still is held annually on the second or third Saturday of December.

WAA’s annual pilgrimage from Harrington, Maine, to Arlington National Cemetery has become known as “the world’s largest veterans’ parade.” Every year the convoy of trucks, local law enforcement, staff and supporters stop at schools, monuments, veterans’ homes and communities along the way to talk about the Wreaths Across America mission and remind people how important

Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network

Volunteers Anne Stevens of Oregon (right) and Craig Beauchem braved bitter cold temperatures to lay wreaths on veteran graves at the Daysville Cemetery during the Wreaths Across America program on Saturday, Dec. 13. it is to remember, honor and teach.

In 2024, more than 3 million sponsored veterans’ wreaths were placed on headstones of service members at 4,909 participating locations. More than 4 mil-

lion volunteers helped place wreaths, a third of whom were children. This was accomplished with the support of more than 7,400 sponsorship groups, corporate contributions, and in-kind dona-

tions from the transportation industry across the country, according to the website.

For information or to donate, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org.

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER

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Aug. 10 will be the first day of school next fall

RTHS’ 2026-27 school calendar at the meeting. Superintendent Jason Harper said the schedule underwent no major changes from the previous year. Aug. 10 will be the first day of the 2026-27 school year. There will be two uninterrupted weeks of winter break and spring break will remain the same, the last full week in March.

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com The Rochelle Township High School board heard a monthly report from Principal Chris Lewis on Monday, Dec. 15, as the fall semester draws to a close.

Lewis said RTHS will hold its final exams from Dec. 17-19. Makeup exams will be done on Jan. 5. Final exams make up 15% of students’ final grades in each class. Jan. 6 will be students’ first day of school for the spring semester.

RTHS recently saw high attendance at its combined holiday music concert and Madrigal Dinner, Lewis said.

The school recently hosted an AP and dual credit information night along with a curriculum night for incoming eighth grade students. Discussed at the latter were dual language program offerings next year. The Rochelle Elementary School District will send its first class of dual language

Personnel

The board unanimously approved personnel changes, including the resignation of Joe Howard (Key Club adviser) and the employment of David Cartwright (head golf coach, effective 2026-27 school year) and Aaliyah Losoya (bus aide).

Meetings

The board will see dates changed at its next two regularly scheduled meetings due to holidays and school cloRochelle Township High School Board member Trisha Vaughn (left) and Superintendent Jason sures. Its January meeting will be held Harper participate in a meeting Monday, Dec. 15.

Jan. 20 because of Martin Luther King program students to RTHS next year. ryn Groves (vocal jazz, alto) and Ash- Jr. Day on Jan. 19. Its February meetThe school recently saw three stu- ley Villanueva (vocal jazz, alto). ing will be held Feb. 17 because of the dents selected to ILMEA all-state for Presidents Day holiday on Feb. 16. music. They include Vivian Worthing- Calendar Both meetings will begin at 5:30 p.m. in ton (senior chorus, soprano II), KathThe board unanimously approved the district office boardroom at RTHS. Jeff Helfrich

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ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Rochelle H.S. board OKs 2026-27 school calendar 5

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

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In Recognition of All U.S. Veterans Who Served and are Currently Serving.

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HONORING OUR AMERICAN HERO

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‘I was 19. I guess I thought I was a grown man. I thought it was an honor to go and serve’

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

Jeff Helfrich

Willard Simpson of Franklin Grove served in the United States Army from 1943-1946 and fought in the Battle of the Bulge in Europe during World War II. was sent to the Rhine River with direction to build a pontoon bridge across it into Berlin, Germany. He and his fellow servicemen watched planes fight overhead.

Simpson and company never got into Berlin, as the war ended in April and the treaty was signed in May. He worked on picking up and disposing mines until July, when he came back to the U.S. on a French ship. Upon his entry back into New York, he saw the Statue of Liberty again.

“The song ‘You’re a Grand Old Flag’ says ‘We almost lost World War II,’” Simpson said. “And we almost did. What would it have been like if we lost and we had to come home? People would have frowned on us. And it was close.”

After spending 45 days on leave back in Plainfield, Simpson was sent back to New Jersey to a military hospital to finish out his service. There he was in charge of three German prisoners, who would do work like cleaning and snow clearing.

Simpson made friends with the prisoners and would often play cards with them. He was discharged from the service and came home on March 1, 1946.

Simpson called serving his country “an honor” and said it was hard to leave his family. He returned home to more than them. Nine months after he came

“I bought my farm here and grew it over the years and I worked it and have lived here ever since,” Simpson said.

“Farming has changed. It’s a different way of doing things now. My philosophy was to try to get by with what I had.

Instead of a 12-row planter, if you can get it done with a six-row planter with some extra hours, do that. I wanted to save money. It isn’t what you make, it’s what you save.”

Simpson has been an American Legion member since he got out of the service in 1946. He’s been involved with the Franklin Grove American Legion since moving to the area. He goes to area schools for Veterans Day each year.

“I’ve had a wonderful life,” Simpson said. “I don’t think it could be any better. I have a wonderful woman named Pauline Cultra that takes care of me. I have the best farm tenants I could ask for in Colwell Farms. That’s what makes it easy.

They’re right here to help me. I’m 101 years old. I never would have believed you if you told me when I was 20 in the war that this was the way my life would turn out.”

Honoring our American Hero is a feature on local veterans that runs twice a month in the Rochelle NewsLeader. To submit a veteran or service member for consideration, please email Jeff Helfrich at jhelfrich@shawmedia. com.

Honoring Our American Heroes for their Service

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Willard Simpson of Franklin Grove served in the United States Army from 1943-1946 and fought in the Battle of the Bulge in Europe during World War II. Simpson, 101 years old, is one of the last World War II veterans living in the area. He grew up on a farm in Plainfield, Illinois, and was drafted into the Army at age 19. On Dec. 1, 1943, he was inducted into the Army and put on a train to Bend, Oregon, where he underwent 16 weeks of training as a combat engineer.

“A lot of it was infantry, but most of it was about building bridges and how to lay minefields,” Simpson said. “I got through that and they shipped me to California. I was there for about two months. I thought I’d be going to Japan and the Pacific Theater. And then they put me on a train back east to New Jersey, where I boarded the Queen Mary. I went by the Statue of Liberty and said goodbye to it, hoping I’d come back. We sailed to England and arrived there in July 1944.”

After a few months of work at the first base post office helping with government mail, Simpson was put on a duck across the English Channel on Jan. 1, 1945 and landed at the front of the war.

About a week after that, he was put in the 28th Infantry Division, in charge of a trailer with tools and equipment, such as mine detectors. His specialty became finding mines. In early January, he became involved in the Battle of the Bulge.

“It was pretty bad,” Simpson said. “We got through it. We always slept in tents. It was a cold winter. We lost some men, but a lot of it was from the cold weather. Toes were the first body part that froze. I was lucky enough to get through it.”

After the Battle of the Bulge, Simpson

home, he married his wife, Maxine, whom he wrote letters to during the war.

“Before I left I met a girl,” Simpson said. “I told her there was no way my mother could write to me like I wanted her to. The girl was a neighbor to my parents and said she would write to me when I was in the service. We wrote pretty faithfully throughout my service. When I came home, we got together and got married.

We were married 72 years until she passed away in 2019.”

While traveling around the country and abroad during his service, Simpson often thought about farming like he did back home. He would look at land across the U.S. or how farming was done in Europe. He had a chance to go to Paris after the war, but he chose not to. All he wanted to see was farmland.

“When I found out the war was over, I was the happiest person in the world,” Simpson said. “I couldn’t wait for the day that I got on a ship to come back to the U.S.” After getting out of the Army and coming home, Simpson worked on oil wells and in a factory for a while. One day he came home and told his wife that he wanted to be a farmer. He went north looking for farm work, and found it in Milledgeville.

Simpson then became friends with a banker and started looking for a farm for himself, which he found in Franklin Grove.

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Franklin Grove’s Simpson, 101, served in U.S. Army in WWII

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

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ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER

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ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

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Rochelle’s public works department will pick up Christmas trees at the curb, Jan. 2-16.

Rochelle releases info on Christmas tree recycling SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com The city of Rochelle public works department will pick up Christmas trees at the curb from Jan. 2-16.

There will also be a drop-off location at Atwood Park from Dec. 26-Jan. 16.

Please remove all decorations. No wreaths, garland or plastic bags will be accepted.

The Christmas tree recycling is sponsored by the city, the Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department, and the Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District.

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‘[The Community Action Network] help every family we can. I think there’s a great need out there’

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com The Community Action Network of Rochelle hosted its annual Holiday Shopping Trip for children in need in the community at First Presbyterian Church.

The event sees children take a trip to Walmart with donated gift cards and volunteer shoppers to help them. It also features free coats and shoes at the venue along with a free meal and toys donated by community organizations. Santa

Jeff Helfrich

Rochelle Community Action Network board members pose for a photo with toys donated by the community.

Claus was on hand as well to visit with the kids.

The longtime event is supported by

W I S H I N G YO U A

community donations and grants, CAN Board President Michelle Pease said.

This year, it supported 225 Rochelle chil-

dren, giving them each $100 gift cards to buy needed clothing and a toy.

“Last year we started doing $100 gift cards after it was $75 in years past,” Pease said. “We’ve done really well with donations. We have a letter drive that goes out each year. We have members of our community that donate every year to get us to the amount we need. It’s continued to grow.”

Organizations that support the event include the Rochelle Area Community Foundation, Rochelle Kiwanis Golden K, Small Business Bingo, Rochelle Township High School’s Student Council and Interact Club, and The Horicon Masonic Lodge of Rochelle.

Volunteer shoppers included city of Rochelle officials and staff, RTHS cheerleaders and Rochelle Police Department

See CAN on page 16

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ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

CAN’s Holiday Shopping Trip serves 225 kids in Rochelle community

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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 Bunger Missions and Children’s Pastor. Sunday Worship Service- 10:00am. Nursery/Toddlers

Ages 0-5 available during the service in the Splash building. Swim- Grades 1st-5th worship with the adults then break out for age appropriate teaching. Youth groups, Small groups, Life Groups and Workshops meet throughout the year for Bible teaching. 7C’s Mission- serves the community physically & spiritually each month from 1135 Lincoln Hwy, providing lightly used clothing, Hygiene items, a light lunch and Elder Prayer open the second Saturday from 10am-2pm and the 4th Thursday from 4pm to 7:00pm and by appointment.

New Hope Fellowship (Church of God - Anderson, IN), 1501 10th Ave., Rochelle, IL 61068. Service: Sunday at 9 a.m. 10:30 a.m., (815)561-8400, www.NHFchurch.net.

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.

SM-ST2279369

Rebecca Duke appointed to fill clerk & recorder seat

Rebecca Duke appointed Ogle County clerk and recorder

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com The Ogle County Board unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday, Dec. 16, recognizing Ogle County Clerk and Recorder Laura Cook, who will retire this month after 271/2 years in the clerk’s office.

The board proclaimed Dec. 19 as “Laura Cook Day” in Ogle County and Board Chairman Bruce Larson presented Cook with a plaque for her service. Cook began as a deputy clerk in 1988 and was chief deputy clerk before being elected clerk and recorder in 2016.

“She has faithfully and diligently served the citizens of Ogle County,” Larson said. “She has demonstrated exceptional commitment. Her service has been

Jeff Helfrich

Ogle County Board Chairman Bruce Larson (right) presents a proclamation in honor of retiring Ogle County Clerk Laura Cook (center). Rebecca Duke (left) was appointed to fill the role of clerk. marked by dedication to the efficient and transparent operation of county government in its various departments.”

Cook thanked the board and the county for their recognition and work over the years.

2025

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To request your FREE copy, simply call us at (815) 632-2566 or email your requests and address to: knull@saukvalley.com

Executive Director Brion Brooks to retire from Village of Progress

Village of Progress Executive Director Brion Brooks spoke to the board during the public comment portion of the meeting and said he will be retiring from his position.

See OGLE on page 17

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“When I first moved here, I knew three people, my husband and two children,” Cook said. “Coming from my humble beginnings of not knowing anyone here to being a representative of the county, I’ve enjoyed every bit of it. Thank you.”

Following recognition of Cook for her retirement, the board voted unanimously to appoint Rebecca “Becky” Duke to the office of county clerk and recorder until the next election. Duke will hold the powers and responsibilities of clerk and recorder until Nov. 30, 2026. Duke is an employee of the county clerk’s office.

“She is qualified and capable to serve in the position,” Larson said. “It is in the best interest of Ogle County to ensure a seamless transition of continuity and government operations.”

15 ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Ogle County Board Clerk Laura Cook recognized upon retirement after 271/2 years of public service

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

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• CAN

Now Available

Continued from page 13 officers. Much of the work on organizing the event itself is done by CAN’s board.

“This is my 26th year involved with this event,” Pease said. “It’s a well-oiled machine now. A lot of the preparation work happens before the day of. We have a really good group of organizers.

Our CAN “elves” set up and collect donation boxes throughout the community and gather the coats. When the kids start rolling in, we match them with a volunteer and send them shopping. We have a group of volunteers each year that show up with homemade cookies.

There’s really a lot of people that make this happen.”

Toys were donated by Small Business Bingo and the RTHS Student Council and Interact Club. Pease said those toys allow kids to get more items they need while shopping. The lifelong resident called Rochelle “a giving community.”

“This is what life is about, giving back,” Pease said. “We’re put on this earth to help each other. This sets the Christmas season for me. Kids will come in and get a winter coat, gym shoes and some clothes that they need. And they

Jeff Helfrich

Clay Smart of the Rochelle Horicon Masonic Lodge presents a donation to Rochelle Community Action Network Board Members Mike Dale, Pat Burch, Michelle Pease and Kristin Bigelow. can look like their friends when they go back to school. It’s huge.”

The CAN Holiday Shopping Trip caps the number of kids it helps at 225 each year due to resources. Pease said her organization helps every family it can.

She believes there is “a great need” in the community that increases each year. She hopes that changes, but as long as there is a need, CAN, and the rest of the community, will continue to try to fill it.

“It’s a really big community project,” Pease said. “We accept donations and help all year round.”

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• OGLE Continued from page 15

The Village of Progress serves people with developmental disabilities in Ogle County through evaluation and assessment, job training, supported employment, social and recreational experiences, health care and maintenance and living skills instruction.

Brooks thanked the county board for its years of support to his organization. He’s served in his position for 11 years.

“The past 11 years have been the most rewarding of my professional life,” Brooks said. “Ogle County has been exceptional in its willingness to Historic Ogle County Courthouse help the disabilities community at roof work continues large and VOP in particular. We would Board member Zach Oltmanns said not be where we are without the counroofing work on the historic Ogle Jeff Helfrich ty’s support. Thanks for all you have Ogle County Board Chairman Bruce Larson (right) reads a proclamation in honor of retiring Ogle County Courthouse will be continuing done and all you will continue to do.” through winter weather. The contracCounty Clerk Laura Cook (center). Rebecca Duke (left) was appointed to fill the role of clerk. tor recently installed heated pallets for Solar update winter work at no additional cost to the The board unanimously approved a Lincoln Township in the Forreston battery energy storage system siting county. Work will be done as long as special-use permit by a vote of 20-2 to area and will be operated by Summit and operating ordinance by a vote of weather doesn’t provide hazardous allow for the construction and opera- Ridge Energy. The entire property par- 15-7 for renewable energy. conditions, Oltmanns said. tion of a two-megawatt community cel is 47.54 acres, and what is not used The state legislature’s recently Sterling Commercial Roofing was solar energy facility on 17.1 acres in the for solar panels will remain agricul- passed Clean and Reliable Grid Afford- the low bidder for the project at 12000 block of West Grove Road. tural land. ability Act (CRGA) will include new $813,125, with a $30,000 general continThe solar facility will be located in The board also passed a commercial standards regarding battery power gency allowance.

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17 ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

storage. Board members Wayne Reising and Ryan Reeverts spoke against the ordinance Tuesday, stating the county should wait until a state standard is seen.

Board Vice Chairwoman Pat Nordman said the language of the ordinance could be edited in the future after the state puts the act into effect.

“I believe we are on the curve of this and need to be in front of it just as we were with solar,” Nordman said.

“Going forward is the best idea. We can always come back and look at it. I think this is a good foundation to start with.

What goes on in Springfield is not always best for Ogle County.”

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Warranty Deeds

• William Chernick and Margaret Chernick to Justin D. Cone and Meghan E. Kohler, 1 Parcel: 8752 N. Rainier Court, Byron, $295,000 • Clinton Shuler and Katlin Shuler to Brody Massolle, 1 Parcel: 606 S. 2nd Ave., Forreston, $170,000 • Elliot F. Keller and Katy J. Keller to Steven Day and Robin Mennega, 1 Parcel: 7830 W Renee Rue, Dixon, $247, 000 • Christopher S. Fant and Tina A. Fant to Jason Paul Peterson and Michelle Lynn Peterson, 1 Parcel: 104 N Elm St, Davis Junction, $169,900 • Donna M. Mann to Jean A. Suneson, 1 Parcel: 807 Webster St, Oregon, $187,500 • Daniel E. Ihnen and Linda S. Ihnen to Thomas A. Crabb and Edeltraud Crabb, 1 Parcel in Oregon-Nashua Township: 16-01-252-004, $17,500 • Jean A. Suneson to Nitram Properties Inc.: 1511 N. River Road, Oregon, and 1 Parcel in Rockvale Township: 09-34-200015, $377,000 • David Whitcombe and Amber Whitcombe to Zachary Bomkamp and Sidney Bomkamp, 2 Parcels: 107 Blackberry Cir, Dixon, and 109 N Blackberry Cir, Dixon, $199,900 • Hre Builders Llc to Juan Villanueva-Bonilla, Juan Villanueva Bonilla, and Maria Pena Herrera, 1 Parcel: 59 S Regulators St., Rochelle, $311,000 • Kathern M. Fritz to Shady Oak Holdings Llc, 1 Parcel: 511 W Blackhawk Dr, Byron, $480,000 • Daniel J. Kelly Jr. to Maria G. Ayala and Jose Natividad Ayala Huerta, 1 Parcel: 9955 E High Rd, Stillman Valley, $240,000 • Nicolo Venezia to Jamie Trunko, 1 Parcel: 310 W Hitt St, Mt. Morris, $72,000 • Nicolas Michael Escobar and Lindsay Marie Mitchell to Lucas Tyler Murphy and Jennifer Lynn Murphy, 1 Parcel: 604 W Oregon St, Polo, $280,000 • Patricia K. Guillotte to David Martin, 1 Parcel: 208 Irene Ave, Rochelle, $175,000 • Debbra A. Ohlwine Trustee and Debbra A. Ohlwine Rev Tr. to Joel B. Bear and Jenette R. Bear, 1 Parcel: 8455 W Judson Rd, Polo, $330,000 • Gerardo Murillo to Jose Antonio Nambo Belmonte and Yasmin Nambo, 1 Parcel: 822 N. Main St., Rochelle, $65,000 • Gerardo Murillo to Jose Antonio Nambo Belmonte and Yazmin Nambo, 1 Parcel: 115 S 12th St, Rochelle, $65,000 • Tom J. Hartnett Iii to Jaime E. Barragan Anaya and Zara K. Barragan Anaya, 1

Parcel: 1002 W 1st Ave, Rochelle, $148,470 • Thomas L. Hada and Stephanie L. Hada to Jamie Schifferer, 1 Parcel: 620 S 3rd St, Rochelle, $193,000

Quit Claims

• Todd P. Stecker to Todd P. Stecker and Kimberly J. Stecker, 1 Parcel: 7620 S Woodlawn Rd, Rochelle, $$0.00 • Ronald S. Viederis and Barbara J. Viederis to Ronald S. Viederis Trustee, Barbara J. Viederis Trustee, and Ronald S & J Viederis Tr. 1 Parcel: 4711 N Wendorf Rd, Monroe Center, $0.00 • James M. Kohler to Joy A. Kohler, 1 Parcel: 155 Harvest Glenn Dr, Davis Junction, $0.00 • Tamika M. Willstead to Dennis K. Willistead, 1 Parcel: 2964 W Oregon Trail Rd, Oregon, $0.00

Trustees Deeds

• Carolyn A. Rink Trustee and Pauline M. Smith Tr to Carolyn & Stuart Smith Farm Llc and Carolyn And Stuart Smith Farm Llc, 1 Parcel in Byron Township: 05-01-100001, $0.00 • Carolyn A. Rink Trustee and Pauline M. Smith Tr. to Carolyn A. Rink Trustee and Carolyn & Polly Smith Tr2025, 1 Parcel in Byron Township: 05-05-200-002, $0.00 • Janice B. Russo Trustee, Janice B. Russo Rev Tr, Karl V. Dauphin, Randall Osborne, John Osborne, and Michele Stretz to Matthew Blum and Krista Blum, 1 Parcel: 8848 W. Pines Rd., Polo, $1,550,000 • Susan A. Engebretson Trustee and Barnes Tr1 to Susan A. Engebretson Trustee and Susan A. Engebretson Tr2, 1 Parcel: 917 W 8th Ave, Rochelle, $0.00 • Marta Brown Trustee, Kathleen Brown Trustee, Jean O. Brown Lv Tr, to Joel Alan Detig, 1 Parcel in Lynnville Township: 19-09-300-011, $434,490

Deeds in Trust

• James C. Youssi to James C. Youssi Trustee and James C. Youssi Tr1, 1 Parcel: 1145 Clifton Terrace, Rochelle, $0.00 • Doug Collins and Anna Collins to Douglas C. Collins Trustee, Anna Collins Trustee, Douglas C. Collins Tr, and Anna Collins Tr., 1 Parcel: 5997 S Ridge Rd, Oregon, $0.00 • Randy Baker and Jeanne Baker to Jeanne A. Baker Trustee and Jeanne A. Baker Tr., 1 Parcel: 6948 N Deer Trl, Byron $0.00

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We’d like to extend our sincere appreciation to our many valued customers, employees, associates & friends.

Without your support we wouldn’t be a part of this wonderful community nor have the opportunity to wish every one of you a happy, healthy and memorable holiday season.

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER

20 OGLE COUNTY PROPERTY TRANSFERS FOR DEC. 15-19

Spring Lake work wrapped up after utility pole failure

Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District Executive Director Jackee Ohlinger (left) and Board Member Dale Wells participate in a meeting Monday, Dec. 15.

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com The Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District Board unanimously approved an $11,260 proposal from Bruns Construction on Monday, Dec. 15, for concrete work at the driving range at Skare Park.

The work will see the replacement of asphalt in the hitting area and will extend the driving range by two bays. Room will remain for grass area hitting. The concrete work will be done when weather allows in the spring.

“Our maintenance department has a whole list of different things they’re working on doing to improve the driving range for the upcoming season,” Park District Executive Director Jackee Ohlinger said.

incident where a utility pole fell at Spring Lake on June 5 has been wrapped up.

After a Rochelle Municipal Utilities pole and transformer fell into the waterfall area at Spring Lake, Clean Harbors took soil samples and found the continued presence of mineral oil, and required the excavation of the oil-impacted soil. At its Sept. 22 meeting, the Rochelle City Council approved a $73,937 expenditure for cleanup.

Spring Lake Soil samples were approved by the Park District Risk Superintendent Illinois Environmental Protection Brent Boardman said during the meet- Agency. RMU installed a new transing that cleanup work relating to an former on a pad to prevent future issues

a clear vision for our future improvements and enhancements that will benefit the community and we consistently demonstrate fiscal responsibility and remain mindful of the impact on our taxpayers.”

The REC

Following the five-year anniversary of construction completion of The REC Center, Ohlinger provided the board Jeff Helfrich with a numbers update. To date, the and the city restored the bottom of the park district has its highest number waterfall after a dam was put in place to ever of 1 zone fitness members at 454. It contain the initial spill. Fence repair has its highest number of all-inclusive was done by the city as well. members at 2,365.

“It’s been a great five years,” Levy Ohlinger said.

The board unanimously approved its 2026 tax levy during the meeting. The Adviser park district’s tax levy rate will decrease The board unanimously approved a to .58 from .63 last year.

2026 municipal adviser agreement with “The district remains in strong finan- Raymond James for $7,500 plus expenses cial condition and has maintained this not to exceed $5,000. Raymond James will stability for many years,” Ohlinger said. provide the park district with long-term “We’re committed to maintaining our and capital planning, debt and financial current assets to ensure they remain assistance under the agreement and has safe, functional and accessible. We have for the park district for a number of years.

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ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Rochelle Park District Board OKs concrete work

21

Ogle County Fair Association has meeting

DALLAS “LANT” ALANSON HUNTLEY

The year of 1978, Lant became certified with the International Society of Arboriculture where he remained active throughout the next Born: March 15, 1939 in Pine Rock Township, IL forty years. Lant, a Certified Arborist, was the Died: December 15, 2025 in Rockford, IL owner of Huntley Woods Tree Research Facility Dallas “Lant” Alanson near Oregon, Illinois. Lant once said, “He never SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK gave an update about her activities as Huntley, 86, of Oregon, thought of it as a job--it was a way of life.” contact@shawmedia.com queen.

Dallas is survived by his three daughters: Illinois, passed away The mowing crew of Brian Grover, Monday, December 15, Melissa (John) Green of Fernandina Beach, The Ogle County Fair Association Rick Bergner, Steve Pumfrey and Chip FL, Carrie Grimail of Tampa, FL and Suzan 2025 at Anam Care in had its annual meeting at the farm Lewison was recognized as volunteers (Michael) Monsky of Clearwater Beach, FL; six Rockford, IL. bureau building Nov. 15. of the year.

After a potluck dinner, a business New bylaws were approved, which Dallas was born March grandchildren: Elizabeth, Hunter, Logan, Olivia, Garrett and Nicole; and sister-in-law, Norma meeting for all association members included adding three more directors 15, 1939, to Roland was held. The meeting included to the board. The association members and Grace (Strang) Huntley in the family farm Huntley of Chana.

Dallas was preceded in death by his parents; approval of last year’s minutes and voted to fill this year’s open director house five miles southwest of Chana on what treasurer’s reports, and a review of the seats with Brenda Holm, Justin Simpis now known as Sportsman Club Road in Ogle two sisters: Margene Rager, and Dellouise Greenfield and brother, Don Huntley. year’s activities. son, Randy Anderson, Joseph Ring County. Later in life, Dallas would be known as Visitation will be from 5:00 to 5:50 P.M., Miss Ogle County Ruby Mulvaney and Jon Sheely.

“Lant” as he was named after his great uncle, Thursday, December 18, 2025 at Unger-Horner Alanson Huntley, also called Lant.

Lant was raised on the family farm where he Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle with the funeral immediately following at 6:00 P.M. developed a deep love for the outdoor world.

He attended both Rochelle and Ashton schools with Pastor Dave Rogula officiating. Cremation care will be provided after the funeral service. and managed Spring Lake in Rochelle during A private burial will be at a later date at Wash- DOROTHY SMITH PATRICIA MANN summers. Lant attended Northern Illinois, ington Grove Cemetery, a rural cemetery near Southern Illinois University and Western Illinois Dorothy Mae Smith, 93, of Esmond, passed on Patricia “Patti” Mann, 87, of Rochelle, passed University. Upon graduation, he taught school, Chana. In lieu of flowers, donations may be 12/14/2025. on 12/22/2025. served as District Scout Executive for the Boy made to Chana Methodist Church, Chana, IL. Arrangements entrusted to Unger-Horner Arrangements entrusted to Unger Horner Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online Scouts of America and was Park Ranger at Funeral Home, Rochelle. Additional informaFuneral Home, Rochelle. guest book.

White Pines Forest State Park. tion: Chad Horner.

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER

22 OBITUARIES

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ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER

24

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ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER

26

spondent and for other relief; that summons has been issued out of this Court against you as provided by law, and, that this action is still pending and undetermined in said Court.

NOW, THEREFORE, unless you filed your answer or otherwise make your appearance in said action in this Court, by filing the same in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court on or before January 19, 2026.

AN ORDER OF DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED EGAL OTICES L N AGAINST YOU. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court on this 12th day of December, 2025.

Kimberly A. Stahl Clerk of the Circuit Court TESS, ARNQUIST & WILT, LLC 1090 N. 7th St. Rochelle, IL 61068 (815) 562-8754 lawyers@tawlegal.com

dress 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 (6397) is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be OTICES LEGAL Nor mailed 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

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LEGAL NOTICES STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, COUNTY OF OGLE IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF: CYNTHIA AGUAYO, Petitioner, vs.

DANIEL LUEVANOS GARCIA, Respondent.

Case No. 2025 DN 21 PUBLICATION NOTICE The requisite affidavit(s) having duly filed been herein, NOTICE IS GIVEN HEREBY TO ALL RESPONDENTS IN THE ABOVE ENTITLED ACTION, that said action has been commenced in said Court by the Petitioner, naming you as the Retherein spondent and praying a Judgement of Dissolution of Marriage to be entered dissolving the bonds of matrimony between the Petitioner and Respondent and for other relief; that has summons been issued out of this Court against you as provided by law, and, that this action is still pending and undetermined in said Court.

NOW, THEREFORE, unless you filed your answer or otherwise make your appearance in said action in this Court, by filing the same in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court on or before January 19, 2026.

AN ORDER OF MAY DEFAULT BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court on this 12th

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Dec. 17, 24, 31, 2025 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL A. MISCH, Deceased.

NO. 2025 PR 65 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of MICHAEL A. of RoMISCH, chelle, 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, and any 2025, not filed claim 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.

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27 ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025 RNL

Rochelle freshman girls basketball

By JOSHUA WELGE jwelge@shawmedia.com

Photos provided by Robin Rethwill

TOP LEFT: Rochelle’s Jamie Riddell puts up a shot during a freshman basketball game with Genoa-Kingston.

Rochelle won 49-34. TOP RIGHT: Rochelle’s Elizabeth Garland gets fouled putting up a shot during a Here are Robin Rethwill’s pho- basketball game with Genoa-Kingsfreshman game with Genoa-Kingston. ABOVE: Rochelle’s Tess Kissack scores during a freshman girls tos from Rochelle’s freshman girls ton. Rochelle won 49-34. basketball game with Genoa-Kingston. ​

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER

28

Rochelle JV girls basketball

By JOSHUA WELGE jwelge@shawmedia.com Here are Robin Rethwill’s photos

from Rochelle’s JV girls basketball game with Genoa-Kingston.

Rochelle won the game, 37-23.

Photos provided by Robin Rethwill

LEFT: Rochelle’s MacKenzie Bybee makes a 3-pointer during a JV basketball game with Genoa-Kingston. Rochelle won 37-23. ABOVE: Rochelle’s Preslee Sanders (22) shoots and scores during a JV girls basketball game against Genoa-Kingston.

Sports on Sundays? How values have changed Andy Colbert is away for a couple of weeks. Here is one of his columns from Dec. 27, 2019.

In a testament to how spiritual values have changed, a Sunday conclusion to the prestigious Dvorak wrestling tournament did not merit much, if any consternation.

It was a 9 a.m. start for the finals, held at Harlem High School, on a day that has always been set aside for church worship.

Club and AAU sports have long used Sundays as a day for competition, but school districts have generally refrained from it.

In decades past, it would have been scandalous for a school to even consider having competition on a Sunday morning. How dare sports be put above church?

At least that was the prevailing attitude in this country for generations and not just with high school athletics.

There was a time when stores and businesses were closed on Sunday.

Besides religious observation, there was a matter of one day a week rest for workers, a Sabbath if you will.

Those so-called blue laws have loosened up, but you still can’t buy a car on Sunday in Illinois. Alcohol sales went from never on Sunday, to noon only and now to anytime of the day.

SPORTS VIEWS Andy Colbert I can remember my Rochelle football team making the 1975 playoffs. That was when the first round was played on Wednesday, giving a team limited time to prepare.

An impromptu decision was made by the school to allow us a Sunday evening practice, bearing in mind that it would not interfere with morning church worship.

That was also an era when schools had an unwritten rule not to schedule games on Wednesday nights, as that was when churches had youth activities.

The majority of school administrators were churchgoers and perhaps God-fearing ones at that. It would have been unthinking to desecrate God’s day of worship for the sake of highschool athletics As we’ve seen, though, there has been a secular movement to separate church and state. Court cases have ruled against government, and particularly public school districts.

The long-held belief that Sundays

were a time for church and rest is slowly dissipating.

School administrators, coaches and teachers that influence decision-making are not as responsive to the church as they once were.

Statistics on declining church attendance bear that out, making Sunday just another day to most of America.

Maybe that’s why Sunday morning wrestling wasn’t that big of a deal.

Of the 30-team field at Harlem, several of the schools were Catholic, including champion Lombard Montini and runner-up Mt. Carmel. Being on the mats instead in the pews must have been OK with them.

This piece isn’t meant to be critical of Harlem High School, but rather a reflection (or lack thereof) of the influence of church on today’s society.

Truthfully, very few parents put church ahead of athletics. That is borne out by the large number of parents and grandparents, as well, who would much rather travel with their son or daughter to sporting events than church.

I’ve seen a jam-packed parking lot at the Blackhawk Center in my town of Oregon for club volleyball on Sunday morning.

What is happening there is no different than anywhere in the country, save deeply religious pockets.

But, for schools to adopt Sunday play makes a much more significant societal statement, effectively giving God second billing.

Prayer left the public school long ago, so why get so wrapped up with a wrestling tournament that was trying to schedule the 30-team event as conveniently as possible?

The only answer that comes to mind is that the more God has been edged out, the more schools have experienced anxiety and depression among students, suicide, violence, less student motivation and discipline problems.

What a church can do is show the love of God and that every single person is important to Him. That lesson is far greater than learning algebra or a wrestling takedown.

If God’s love can come into the heart of our young people through the workings of the Church, it stands to reason that the woes of a school would be drastically reduced by such a spiritual transformation.

Shouldn’t that be enough of a reason to set aside just a few hours each week for Him?

– Andy Colbert is a longtime Ogle County resident with years of experience covering sports and more for multiple area publications.

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Mark Busch File Photo

Northern Illinois Huskies wide receiver Tyrice Richie tries to get by Wyoming Cowboys linebacker Chad Muma during their 2021 game in Huskie Stadium at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.

NIU’s first Mountain West games announced Huskies will head to UNLV, host Hawai’i

By EDDIE CARIFIO ecarifio@shawmedia.com The Mountain West Conference announced its home and away oppoNIU athletics nents for the 2026 season, the first for NIU’s 2026 Mountain West opponents Northern Illinois University in the conference.

The Huskies will host Hawaii, They will travel to Air Force, New MexNevada, Texas-El Paso and Wyoming. ico, San Jose State and UNLV.

The Huskies have played UNLV five times, Nevada and UTEP twice, and San Jose State once.

The Huskies played Nevada and San Jose State when they were members of the Big West Conference from 1993-1995.

“This is an exciting announcement as we can now begin planning travel and logistics for our 2026 conference schedule,” NIU athletic director Sean Frazier said in a statement. “Our road games include many attractive destinations that I know Huskie Nation will look forward to visiting. As we make this move into a new era for Huskie football in the

Mountain West, we also understand the need for additional resources in order to compete in the new landscape of college athletics. There has been no greater time for our supporters to directly impact the success of our student-athletes than right now, and I am confident that Huskie Nation will continue to help us do that.”

NIU had previously announced road games at Iowa and Arizona on the schedule, as well as a home game against Illinois State.

The complete NIU schedule will be announced at a later date.

NFL: CHICAGO 22, GREEN BAY 16, OT

By MICHAL DWOJAK mdwojak@shawmedia.com

Mark Busch

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore catches the game-winning touchdown pass in front of Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon in overtime Saturday during their game at Soldier Field in Chicago. left on the clock.

They were right.

Chicago’s offense looked completely different from the one that had put up three points during the first three quarters. Williams completed five straight passes, including a 20-yard completion that Moore jumped to snag, to get the ball to the Packers 6 yard line. After two straight misses, the Bears faced fourthand-4 with the game on the line.

The play seemed doomed from the start. Packers defensive Brenton Cox blitzed uncovered and ran straight to Williams. But before he could get there, Williams jumped and unleashed a pass to a wide-open Jahdae Walker in the corner of the end zone to tie the game 16-16 with 24 seconds left in the game.

The catch was Walker’s, an undrafted rookie, second of his career. The first had come earlier in the night.

“Not really surprised,” Walker said of the catch. “I’m just trying to be ready when my number was called.”

Johnson decided to kick the extra point to force overtime after he hinted at going for two against the Packers had they scored a late touchdown. This time around, the odds told Johnson to do something else.

“The two-point conversion percentage is under 50%,” Johnson said. “I felt

like we had an above 50% chance to win it in overtime.”

Green Bay started overtime with the ball and looked like it would score when Malik Willis completed a 31-yard pass to Jayden Reed. But the Bears defense forced Green Bay into a fourth-down situation and the Packers fumbled the ball, giving the Bears a clear path to victory.

Johnson seemed like he’d rely on his run game and try to get as much time off the clock as possible. Running backs D’Andre Swift and rookie Kyle Monangai combined to gain 18 yards on two runs. Then Johnson decided to go to the throw.

The Bears had installed the play Thursday at practice a day after Williams and Johnson had talked it over in Johnson’s office. When they ran it in practice, Williams had thrown a dime and Moore made an impressive catch.

After one rep, it was in the playbook.

Williams saw the single coverage that he wanted Saturday. He faked the handoff to Monangai and saw Moore had beat Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon, the same player who had intercepted Williams a couple weeks ago. Williams sailed the ball up into the night sky and the 46-yard pass landed into Moore’s arms.

The rest was history.

“I knew it was good,” Williams said.

“You’ve got that belief, you’ve got that confidence, you’ve got that swagger as an offense.”

“I could track the ball and know where, if I got to slow down or speed up to get to where my hand placement is,” Moore said. “So, I mean, it was scary, but it was cool.”

“Just a special throw and a special catch in a huge moment for us,” tight end Cole Kmet said.

Saturday became Williams’ and the Bears’ sixth fourth-quarter comeback of the season. Wins against the Las Vegas Raiders, Washington Commanders, Cincinnati Bengals, New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings all seemed improbable in their own ways. But Sunday’s was to another level.

It led some Bears to wonder whether they’re a team of destiny this season. At 11-4 and two weeks to go in the regular season, there’s one way to find out.

“That’s the cool part about destiny, you got to get to the end to know,” Williams said. “We’re going to keep working. We’re going to keep striving for wins. We’re going to keep striving for being a top team in this league. We’re going to keep fighting until that clock says zero, and then from there, we’ll look up and see who wins.”

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DJ Moore laid near the corner of the Soldier Field north end zone, turned to face the night sky on Saturday night and let go of everything.

Bedlam took place around him. Most of his Chicago Bears teammates had stormed onto the field. Madness took place in the stands as fans couldn’t believe what had just happened. Three of his teammates ran to the end zone and surrounded Moore, who had one feeling go through his mind.

“Hurt,” Moore told reporters in the Soldier Field locker room after.

But as soon as he took a moment to collect himself, Moore asked his teammates to pick him up. He started to realize what had just happened as he watched his surroundings.

Moore had caught a game-winning touchdown pass to beat the Green Bay Packers 22-16 in overtime.

“Thrilling and amazing having that walk off here at Soldier Field, especially against Green Bay,” Moore said “It was amazing.”

It felt amazing given how improbable Saturday night’s win seemed. In a season of stunning comebacks wins, the Bears pulled out the most-surprising of them all against their hated rival.

Chicago trailed 16-6 with 5:03 left in the game after Green Bay had just knocked in a field goal. Bears head coach Ben Johnson had communicated his plan to quarterback Caleb Williams about putting up points quickly to create a shot at a comeback.

Williams and the offense executed the first part. They got into field goal range and kicker Cairo Santos battled through strong crosswinds and knocked in a 43-yard field goal at the two-minute warning to make it a one-score game.

Then it was time for the impossible.

According to NFL Next Gen Stats, the Bears had a .5% chance of winning the game before they attempted an onside kick. But when Santos attempted the kick, Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs’ arms couldn’t recover the ball and Bears cornerback Josh Blackwell was there to jump on it.

“It went through his arms, more or less,” Blackwell said. “I was just there to just jump on it.”

At that point, some Bears players said they knew they’d win the game. Williams thought there was too much time

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Inside the Bears’ comeback win over the Packers

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SPORTS

TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY 1967: Jets QB Joe Namath became the first to pass for 4,000 yards in a season.

1990: Montreal traded Tim Raines and two minor leaguers to the White Sox for Ivan Calderon and Barry Jones.

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Rochelle’s Ariana Hueramo takes a shot during a JV basketball game with Genoa-Kingston. Rochelle won 37-23.

Photo provided by Robin Rethwill

HUBS JV GIRLS GARNER WIN

The Rochelle JV girls basketball team played on Monday, Dec. 15, against Genoa-Kingston and the Hubs earned a 37-23 victory / 28