Jeff Helfrich

Rochelle Apple Roasted Cafe & Family Restaurant opened in mid-December at 134 May Mart Drive in Rochelle at the former site of Dog Hub.

An Oregon man died from his injuries following a two-vehicle crash on Monday afternoon north of Grand Detour, according to an Ogle County Sheriff’s Office news release

Laura Cook’s work over 27 years in the Ogle County Clerk and Recorder’s Office included elections, records, property taxes and land transactions. She retired from her position as clerk and recorder Dec. 19.

The City of Rochelle’s work in 2025 included infrastructure work, small business development, and staffing replacement and expansion, City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh said Dec. 17.

The city of Rochelle presented a facade grant for $2,550 on Monday, Dec. 22, to Tecalitlan Restaurant at 1071 N. Caron Road.

At a special meeting Tuesday, Dec. 23, the Rochelle City Council voted unanimously to appoint City Engineer Sam Tesreau as interim city manager following the resignation and impending departure of City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh.

Rochelle presented a facade grant program check for $1,550 on Monday, Dec. 22, to Salon Idyll at 400 Lincoln Highway.

The city of Rochelle on Dec. 9 announced the resignation and impending departure of City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh, who has accepted a position as city administrator of Washington, Illinois.

The Rochelle City Council and Ogle-Lee Fire Protection District Board of Trustees recently approved a $669,000 purchase for the third phase of their joint fire training facility at 920 S. Main St. in Rochelle.

Julie Dudziak won the $2,500 prize.

Rochelle Community Hospital on Thursday, Dec. 18, hosted its fifth annual holiday drive-thru dinner and distributed 200 meals to people in need.

Superintendent Jason Harper said Monday, Dec. 15, that the 2026-27 schedule underwent no major changes from the previous year. Aug. 10 will be the first day of the 2026-2027 school year.

The Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District Board of Commissioners unanimously approved an $11,260 proposal Monday, Dec. 15, from Bruns Construction for concrete work at the driving range at Skare Park.

At its monthly meeting Tuesday, Dec. 16, the Ogle County Board unanimously approved a resolution recognizing Ogle County Clerk and Recorder Laura Cook, who will retire this month after 27 1/2 years in the clerk’s office.

The Rochelle Area Community Foundation announced Tuesday, Dec. 16, a new designated fund, Future of Focus House, that will be aimed at continued improvement of the Ogle County facility that recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.