Jeff Helfrich

A farm equipment and field fire Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, in rural Steward resulted in a fatality, Rochelle Fire Department Capt. Zach Prewett said.

Rochelle resident and co-owner of Institute of Languages, Mathematics, & Sciences, Faten Abdallah, was awarded the 2025 EIGERlab 815 Innovation Award for Education Innovation on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025.

The City of Rochelle has recently seen social media reaction to news of it talking with a developer about a data center potentially locating in Rochelle.

The Rochelle City Council unanimously approved a $7,673,358 bid from Tri-City Electric Co. on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, for the construction of a new electric substation for Rochelle Municipal Utilities on Centerpoint Drive off Illinois Route 38 west of town.

A ribbon-cutting and energization ceremony were held Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, for Ducks Solar, a new 31-acre and 7.7-megawatt community solar energy project at 1067 W. Oregon Trail Road in Oregon.

On Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, the annual Downtown Trick or Treat was held in Rochelle. Candy seekers took to the streets on Halloween and were greeted by downtown business owners and employees.

Camren Hastings, 18, is charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm, a Class 1 felony, and aggravated use of a firearm as a person under the age of 21, a Class 4 felony.

Ogle County’s Dewayne Adams placed fifth in his division at the National Corn Husking Contest in Nappannee, Indiana on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. At age 90, he was the oldest competitor at the event.

A dedication ceremony was held for a new memorial in honor of Illinois Gov. Frank O. Lowden on Oct. 14, 2025, on the lawn of the historic Ogle County Courthouse in Oregon.

There were no injuries and minimal damage to equipment and crops after the Rochelle Fire Department was called for a report of a combine fire Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, RFD Chief Dave Sawlsville said.

The Village of Progress held its annual banquet Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, at St. Mary’s Parish Center in Oregon. Eight VOP consumers and volunteers were presented with awards during the festivities.

Rochelle Community Hospital hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, for the ongoing expansion of its Health and Wellness Building.

Rochelle held a retirement celebration and open house Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, for Finance Director Chris Cardott, who will retire at the end of the year after 20 years with the city.

A ribboncutting was held Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, for three automotive businesses at 1400 N. Seventh St. in Rochelle: Doug Smith Motors, Mason Smith Auto Repair and Superior Dent Services.

A grand opening and ribboncutting ceremony were held Oct. 22, 2025, for Davis Family Health and Trim IV Infusions at their new location at 450 Coronado Drive in Rochelle.