Local news - The Rochelle News-Leader (2024)

Sheriff: 3 Ogle ERT members, barricaded individual shot after incident in Lost Nation

Three Ogle County Emergency Response Team members and one barricaded suspect were shot late Wednesday morning at a residence in Lost Nation in the rural Dixon area and survived after being transported to area hospitals, Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said in a press conference Wednesday afternoon.

Hillcrest board: Solar panel ordinance approved

At its monthly meeting Wednesday, the Hillcrest Village Board of Trustees held a public hearing for and unanimously approved a new solar panel ordinance.

Elementary school board: Bond issuance resolution for Tilton School work approved

At its monthly meeting Tuesday, the Rochelle Elementary School District Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution to issue a maximum of $11,163,432 in general obligation school bonds for renovations at Tilton Elementary School and possible future work at its other schools.

Rochelle Chamber of Commerce hosted 54th Annual Play Day on Tuesday

On Tuesday, the Rochelle Chamber of Commerce hosted its 54th Annual Chamber Play Day at Fairways Golf Course.

City council: Steward Road project bid approved

At its meeting Monday, the Rochelle City Council unanimously approved a bid, possible change order allowance and the use of motor fuel tax (MFT) and Rebuild Illinois (RBI) funds for a Steward Road pavement improvement project.

Grand opening held Friday, June 7 for Luna in Rochelle

On Friday, a grand opening event was held for Luna at 531 S. 7th St. in Rochelle. The event included a ribbon cutting, appetizers & drinks, and live music.

Honoring Our American Hero: Rochelle’s Lee served in U.S. Army in Germany 1958-1960

Robert Lee of Rochelle served in the United States Army from 1958-1960 as a maintenance supply clerk in the 555th Engineer Brigade.

Honoring Our American Hero: Rochelle’s Gruben served stateside as medic during Vietnam War helping wounded

John Gruben of Rochelle served in the United States Army from 1970-1972.

Creston Village Board: Storm sewer project discussed

At its monthly meeting Tuesday, the Creston Village Board of Trustees heard an update from Village Engineer Kevin Bunge on a storm sewer project that the village is considering.

Graber retires after 55 years, has worked in insurance and as a teacher at RTHS

Sam Graber, owner of Graber Financial Group at 409 4th Ave. and a former Rochelle Township High School history teacher and assistant basketball coach, recently retired from his work selling insurance in the community.

RPD takes part in 2024 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois

On Wednesday morning, the Rochelle Police Department took part in its annual Law Enforcement Torch Run to raise money for Special Olympics Illinois.

RCH’s XCEL Orthopedics offering sports physicals this month, proceeds will be donated

Rochelle Community Hospital’s XCEL Orthopedics will provide sports physicals this month on June 11, 18 and 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sports physicals will be performed this season by Harrison Swalla, MPAS, PA-C; and Carter Gallick, PA-C, ATC of XCEL Orthopedics.

City presents facade grant check to Luna

On Tuesday, the City of Rochelle presented a facade grant check for $5,000 to Luna at 531 S. 7th St. in Rochelle.

City plans to begin alley reconstruction work this summer

The City of Rochelle will begin alley reconstruction work this summer, City Street Department Superintendent Tim Isley said May 15.

Lincoln Manor residents make sleeping mats out of plastic bags to donate to Miss Carly’s

Residents of Lincoln Manor have spent the past two months making sleeping mats from recycled plastic shopping bags to donate to Miss Carly's, a non-profit dedicated to the homeless in Rockford.

Flagg-Rochelle Public Library’s Summer Reading program is underway

The Flagg-Rochelle Public Library kicked off its Summer Reading program this week. The theme this year is Read, Renew, Repeat. The library has hosted a summer reading program for over 50 years to offer area kids a place to go and activities while they’re on summer break from school.

RTHS Art program earns nearly 50 recognitions in ‘really strong’ 2023-2024 year

The Rochelle Township High School Art program recently wrapped up its 2023-2024 year, with students boasting nearly 50 awards from competitions including the annual RTHS Art Show, the I-8 Conference competition, the Rockford Art Museum Young Artist Show, the Kishwaukee College Juried High School Art Show, and the Northern Illinois University Art Invitational.

From the Heart to host Queen of Hearts game weekly at Luna starting this month

Local charitable organization From the Heart has established a Queen of Hearts drawing that will take place weekly on Thursday evenings at Luna starting June 13.

City council: Potential urban park design for vacant 4th Avenue lot discussed

At its meeting Tuesday, the Rochelle City Council discussed a potential urban park that it may erect in the future at 517 W. 4th Ave., where it recently demolished a building that was the former site of Vinny's Barbershop.

RTHS held graduation ceremony Saturday for class of 2024

On Saturday, Rochelle Township High School held its graduation ceremony for the Class of 2024 outdoors on the football field. There were 209 graduating seniors.

City manager: No recent interest seen in former site of Hickory Grove

The City of Rochelle hasn’t seen any recent developer interest in the former site of Hickory Grove at 1127 N. 7th St., City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh said May 15.

RTHS Assistant Principal Perrin to retire at end of year after 30 years with district

Rochelle Township High School Assistant Principal Dr. David Perrin will be retiring at the end of the school year this month.

Ogle County Board: Elected official salaries approved

At its monthly meeting Tuesday, the Ogle County Board approved the setting of elected official salaries for the Ogle County circuit clerk and coroner through fiscal year 2028 by a vote of 14-8 with one board member abstaining.

Rochelle Christian Food Pantry saw a record for need in April

Last month in April, the Rochelle Christian Food Pantry served 645 families (2,177 individuals total), which broke a record for the most need the pantry has seen, RCFP Manager TyAnne Unger said. In April 2023 it served 498 families and in April 2022 it served 326 families.

Park district board: Playground equipment purchase approved

At its monthly meeting Monday, the Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the purchase of playground equipment for $12,795 for Flannigan, Tilton and Sweeney Parks.