Jeff Helfrich

Work began June 1 on a new mural at the city of Rochelle’s recently completed pocket park at 517 W. Fourth Ave. The mural is being painted by Mat Steder, owner of Steder Tattoo in Rochelle.

The Flagg-Rochelle Public Library’s summer reading program is underway, with numerous events running through Aug. 26 for kids, families and people of all ages.

The Hillcrest Village Board heard an update June 10 from Village Engineer Kaitlin Wright of Baxter & Woodman on a short-term repair of the currently closed Hemstock Road bridge.

The Rochelle Police Department held its annual Law Enforcement Torch Run June 10 to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics Illinois.

The Rochelle Elementary School District Board of Education heard an update June 10 on its current Tilton Elementary School addition project.

Monday’s Rochelle City Council meeting was the first for City Manager Zeke Jackson, who officially began his new role June 8.

Rochelle held a ribbon cutting June 9 for the completion of recent upgrades to its Rochelle Municipal Utilities wastewater treatment plant at 888 Elliott Way.

A Shining Hope luncheon fundraiser in Oregon raised $8,000 to support local nonprofits Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center and HOPE of Ogle County.

A signing ceremony was held June 4 to establish the HOPE of Ogle County Domestic Violence Support Fund through the Rochelle Area Community Foundation.

The Creston Village Board of Trustees on June 2 discussed plans for festivities on Friday, July 17, in honor of America’s 250th birthday.

William Haas of Rochelle served in the United States Army from 1970-1972. Most of his service was spent in Okinawa, Japan, during the Vietnam War. 

U.S. Congressman Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, visited Rochelle and Ogle County on May 28 and met with city and county officials.

Over 2,000 people are estimated to have come to the Rochelle Railroad Park on Tuesday to see the Union Pacific’s Big Boy 4014 steam locomotive make a whistle stop.

A grand reopening and ribbon cutting were held May 29 for The Blackstone Bar & Grill in Rochelle.

A ribbon cutting was held May 28 for Rochelle’s recently completed pocket park.