Oregon High School held its Class of 2026 commencement ceremony Sunday, May 24, 2026, at the Blackhawk Center in Oregon. A total of 113 students, including exchange students, took part in the event.

The Oregon Community Vacation Bible School is being hosted by Oregon United Methodist Church and St. Paul Lutheran Church this year.

Wabash College recently congratulated more than 400 students who were named to the spring 2026 dean’s list.

Graduating Oregon High School seniors Andrea Chavez-Jimenez and Daniel Gonzalez have each been awarded a $1,000 scholarship by the Oregon Woman’s Club.

The dinner is scheduled from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at the Ogle County Fairgrounds, with a live auction following the dinner.

A single-family home in Rochelle that sold for $155,000 nears the top of the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in Ogle County during the past week.

Here's a list of Lee, Whiteside and Ogle county property transfers for May 11-15.

Byron High School Students of the Month for May were recently named.

The 40th annual Rochelle Township High School art show was held May 14, celebrating the creativity and accomplishments of student artists throughout the school year.

Fans of classic Western movies and entertainment are invited to visit the Polo Historical Museum during Town & Country Days' open hours on Saturday, June 20, for a special exhibit celebrating legendary entertainer Roy Rogers.

Byron High School students of the month for April were recently named.

The Rochelle Township High School board on May 18 recognized retirees who will finish their careers this month.

Belmont University released the dean’s list for the spring 2026 semester, with approximately 49% of the university’s 6,724 undergraduate students earning the academic recognition.

Belmont University released the dean’s list for the spring 2026 semester, with approximately 49% of the university’s 6,724 undergraduate students earning the academic recognition.

Kris and Jessica Wexell were recently named the first 2026 winners of the Rochelle Chamber of Commerce Lawn of the Week contest.

In one of the most competitive 2A boys track & field sectionals in the state, Rochelle and Byron finished in the top 5 of team standings.

The pool will open one hour earlier each day, starting at 11:30 a.m. rather than 12:30 p.m. Early access will be available for pool pass holders and all-inclusive REC members at 11 a.m. Adult swim will take place Monday through Thursday from 7-10:30 a.m.

Clarke University recently announced that 222 students earned a spot on the dean’s list for the spring 2026 semester.

Betty Obendorf of the Polo Historical Society talks spring flowers around Polo and upcoming programs.

The Ogle County Board unanimously approved two change orders May 19 for an ongoing Memorial Plaza project on the south side of the historic Ogle County Courthouse property.

The Lynn-Scott-Rock Fire Department in Lindenwood is holding its 73rd annual fish fry fundraiser from 4-7 p.m. Friday, June 5.

Here's a list of Ogle County property transfers for May 11-15, 2026.

Forreston High School held its annual honors night May 12.

The Learning Technology Center (LTC) will host its third annual LTC Gives Golf Outing on Aug. 3 at Prairie View Golf Course in Byron.

The Polo Lions Club recently awarded scholarships of $500 to 16 graduating seniors of Polo Community High School.

A grand opening was held May 16 for The Echelon in Rochelle. The recently remodeled downtown building is now home to Down Range Firearms, photography businesses Kitty’s Kaptures and JuliaVsoftstudios, more business suites, a meeting room and living spaces.

The Board of Education of Meridian Community Unit School District 223 recently announced the appointment of Lisa Hilliard to fill the current vacancy on the board of education.

Andrea Voss of Lindenwood was recently elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.

Upgrades to Park East Inland Side recreation area were met with an enthusiastic “thumbs up” during an official grand opening celebration May 18.

The Oregon Park District’s recent upgrades to Park East Inland Side recreation area were met with an enthusiastic “thumbs up” on the evening of Monday, May 18, during an official grand opening celebration.

Amanda Headon, daughter of Dr. Cassandra and Lance Headon of Rochelle, graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine with a doctor of veterinary medicine degree in May 2026.

Dede Ponto will retire this month after 33 years as a teacher in the Rochelle Elementary School District.

The event will start at 10 a.m. with the Weak End Antique Pullers. In the afternoon, there will be farm stock and the night will end with truck pulls and exhibition hooks.

Jason King took fourth place in the straight truck division at the 2026 Wisconsin State Truck Rodeo in Appleton, Wisconsin.

The Illinois Municipal Utilities Association recognized RMU for earning all three national association awards.

Giuseppe Venezia, 31, is accused of possessing videos that show acts of sexual abuse involving children under the age of 13.

The Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department will conduct a residential tire collection Saturday, June 6, in Oregon.

It’s “showtime” for track and soccer this week.

Presented by local history enthusiast and researcher Mary Rose Fillip, the program explores the history of the Women’s Ambulance Safety Patrol.

Stillman Trust & Wealth Management recently announced the winners of the Eickman Scholarship, an annual scholarship awarded to four area high school seniors who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine.

Rivers Estock of Steward was recently named to the spring 2026 dean’s list at Olivet Nazarene University.

Many World War II artifacts are on display, including tanks, trucks, cannons and Rochelle News-Leader newspapers from 1945.

Southern New Hampshire University recently congratulated Rochelle-area students on being named to the list.

John Foxley was honored with the silver axe and celebration Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Grand Detour station.

Four Ogle County students were recently named to the spring 2026 dean’s list at Olivet Nazarene University.

Gwendolyn Hodson of Mt. Morris, a student at Cedarville University, was recently named to the dean’s honor list for the spring 2026 semester.

"The Polo Lions Club would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to the many local businesses and community members who helped make this year’s Candy Day a tremendous success."

Here's a list of Lee, Whiteside and Ogle counties' property transfers for May 4-8, 2026.

A residence in Rochelle that sold for $400,000 nears the top of the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in Ogle County in the past week.

Rochelle Middle School social studies teacher Beth Hahn will retire this month after teaching sixth grade for the past 33 years.