Jeff Helfrich

A Davis Junction woman who was the subject of a 9 1/2-hour missing persons search was found dead Wednesday afternoon, Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said Wednesday night.

The Ogle County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies in the Davis Junction area are searching for a missing 68-year-old woman who has dementia.

The late Kenneth Roeglin of Rochelle served in the United States Navy in World War II as a ship’s cook third class aboard the USS Zaurak. 

Following two heavy storms in early December, the Rochelle street department has seen a lighter winter in the months that have followed, Public Works Director Tim Isley said Wednesday.

Following the Jan. 26 Rochelle City Council's approval of an $11.89 million bid for transmission line construction, Rochelle Municipal Utilities will see its new electrical substation project on Centerpoint Drive west of town break ground in mid-March.

March will see three city of Rochelle construction projects in the downtown area ramp up, and two of the three will continue until the end of 2026, Interim City Manager and City Engineer Sam Tesreau said Feb. 25.

Wheatland Tube presented a $25,000 donation Thursday to the Rochelle Area Community Foundation.

The Rochelle Fire Department Social Organization will host its 103rd annual Fireman’s Ball on Saturday, March 14, at the hangar at Flight Deck Bar & Grill in Rochelle.

The Rochelle City Council unanimously approved an ordinance Monday for its intent to borrow funds from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to drill a new well, build a new well house and construct approximately 7,400 feet of water main.

A referendum to establish the Oregon Park District passed by 56 votes in 1966. This year, the organization is celebrating 60 years of services, expansion and improvements.

U.S. Congressman Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, visited Focus House north of Rochelle on Wednesday to tour the facility and meet with the organization’s leadership regarding its programming and desire for a new residence hall.

A potential solar array project at Rochelle Township High School is being put on an indefinite pause, Superintendent Jason Harper told the Rochelle Township High School Board of Education at its monthly meeting Tuesday.

The Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival will again be held at Atwood Park in 2026 after the Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a special-use permit for the event at its Monday meeting.

The Rochelle Community Hospital Foundation hosted a Valentine’s Brunch at The REC Center on Thursday for local couples who have been married for 50 years or more.

The Rochelle Elementary School District Board of Education on Tuesday unanimously approved a transition back to a traditional grading model at Rochelle Middle School.