More local news
On Friday, July 11, a ribbon cutting and ice cream social were held at 604 N. Main St. Suite 4 in Rochelle to commemorate Changes Counseling’s 15-year anniversary.
Changes Counseling hosts ribbon cutting, ice cream social to mark 15-year anniversary
On Friday, July 11, a ribbon cutting and ice cream social were held at 604 N. Main St. Suite 4 in Rochelle to commemorate Changes Counseling’s 15-year anniversary.
A North Carolina man has been identified as the victim of a Wednesday, July 9 skydiving accident near Chicagoland Skydiving Center and the Rochelle Municipal Airport, a release from Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said the afternoon of Friday, July 11.
North Carolina man identified as victim of Wednesday skydiving accident in Rochelle
A North Carolina man has been identified as the victim of a Wednesday, July 9 skydiving accident near Chicagoland Skydiving Center and the Rochelle Municipal Airport, a release from Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said the afternoon of Friday, July 11.
Junk Removal Dudes started part-time with a borrowed SUV and a small wooden trailer 12 years ago. The business that serves the area has now grown to as many as 400-500 customers a month, and utilizes four new dump trucks.
Sycamore-based Junk Removal Dudes works in local area: ‘We can tackle almost anything’
Junk Removal Dudes started part-time with a borrowed SUV and a small wooden trailer 12 years ago. The business that serves the area has now grown to as many as 400-500 customers a month, and utilizes four new dump trucks.
Sports

Girls Track: Oregon Hawks conclude season at IHSA State Championships

Above from left to right are Madeline Rogers, Lorelai Dannhorn, Taylor Weems, Gabby Hoyle, Skylar Bishop, Miranda Ciesiel, Jillian Hammer, Sonya Plescia, Alease McLain, Daleanah Koertner and Grace Tremble.
The Oregon High School varsity girls track and field team brought home multiple medals from the IHSA 1A State Championship at Eastern Illinois University from  May 22-24.

Girls Track: Byron Lady Tigers compete at IHSA State Championship

The Byron High School girls track and field season concluded in the IHSA 2A State Championship at Eastern Illinois University from May 23-24.
Boys Track: Forreston-Polo athletes medal at IHSA State Championship
The Forreston-Polo boys track and field team's season concluded at the IHSA 1A State Championship meet from May 29-31. Forreston-Polo medaled in three relay races.
Boys Track: Byron Tigers compete at IHSA State Championship
Byron High School's boys track and field season concluded in the IHSA 2A State Championship at Eastern Illinois University from May 29-31. 
Boys Track: Oregon's Gonzalez medals at IHSA State Championship
Oregon High School's boys track and field team sent two athletes to the IHSA 1A State Championship at Eastern Illinois University from May 29-31.
Girls Track: Stillman Valley Cardinals compete at IHSA State Championship
Stillman Valley High School's girls track and field season concluded in the IHSA 2A State Championship meet at Eastern Illinois University from May 23-24. 
Track & Field: Byron Middle School athletes medal at IESA State Championship
The Byron Middle School track and field program had several athletes compete and earn medals during the IESA State Championship at East Peoria High School from May 23-24.
Track & Field: Oregon Junior High's Anaya medals at IESA State Championship
Oregon Junior High sent three athletes to the IESA State Championship at East Peoria High School from May 23-24.
Find us on Facebook
Obituaries
Obituaries
Dorothy A. Springer
Dorothy A. Springer
Dorothy A. Springer, 90, of Polo, passed away Friday, July 4, 2025, at FHN Hospital in Freeport. 
John T. Spradlin
John T. Spradlin
John T. Spradlin, age 94, passed away at home on Monday, July 7, 2025.
Keith Henry Padgett
Keith Henry Padgett
Keith Henry Padgett, 81, passed away peacefully at home on April 1, 2025 in Shawnee, KS.
Jeremy Walter Bolisenga
Jeremy Walter Bolisenga
Jeremy Walter Bolisenga, 47, of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, tragically passed away at the University of Alabama Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama, on Saturday, June 28, while surrounded by loved ones.
Teresa Boyden Johnson
Teresa Boyden Johnson passed away at home on July 9, 2025 with her family by her side.
Opinion

Letter: Response to Larson letter

We are writing in response to the June 26 letter released by Ogle County Board Chairman Bruce Larson and published by the Ogle County Life and Rochelle News-Leader (“Ogle County releases letter addressing claims of permitting animal cruelty”).  As concerned residents, we feel compelled to correct misinformation, present the facts, and help government leaders and community members better understand the troubling reality of animal abuse taking place in our county—abuse that continues with no accountability.

Letter: The tree of liberty

Last Saturday morning, while at the coffee get-together, I watched as some of the guys ordered breakfast, and the proprietor had furnished cupcakes to celebrate their eighth year at the restaurant. 

Marveling at stupidity

My brain has frozen and is devoid of any original thought. Hoping to get an easy weekend coming up to rejuvenate and aching body and a sluggish brain.
Special Sections
Web extra content