Features
Local News Day: Comments from our founding editor, Michael McGinnis
Rockton-Roscoe News began five years ago with no expectation of what it would become.
Alycia Dioneda Schneedle
Alycia Dioneda Schneedle is an associate editor at Rockton-Roscoe News and a reporter for the Calhoun County Phoenix and Osage Oracle, covering local government and community stories. She is also an award-winning children’s book author.
Features
Local News Day: Jean Seegers retires after decades of reporting local news for the community
Jean Seegers spent 25 years telling the stories of others. As she tries out retirement, she’s looking back on the people, the stories, and the work that remains part of who she is.
Books
After 80 years of magic, Roscoe’s ‘Magic Bill’ becomes the story
At 103, Bill “Magic Bill” Hunter is still sharing his story, as friends, family, and fans gathered April 4 to celebrate the release of A Life of Magic.
Features
Local News Day: After 25 years covering local news, Marianne Mueller still reporting across the Stateline
As part of the inaugural Local News Day, Marianne Mueller shares what 25 years in local news have looked like and why she’s still doing the work.
Government
Upcoming municipal meetings March 16–18 in Rockton, Roscoe, and South Beloit
Officials in Rockton, Roscoe and South Beloit will meet March 16–18 to consider zoning changes, development proposals, and other municipal business.
Businesses
Vintage Shop Hop: grab your friends and hit the road
The shopping event is Friday and Saturday, Mar. 6-7, 2026, with more than 400 shops in both states.
Government
Upcoming municipal meetings March 2–3 in Rockton, Roscoe, and South Beloit
Here’s what’s on the agenda as Rockton, Roscoe, and South Beloit officials meet March 2–3.
Editorial
Editorial: We knew this was coming
When a story touches politics, we brace for the comments. We told you what happened. The reaction became its own story.
Hononegah
Lunch detentions follow Hononegah student walkout
Days after a student walkout at Hononegah High School, questions continue to surface regarding disciplinary actions, and communication to families.
South Beloit, IL
South Beloit City Council to meet Monday
Annexation, equipment purchases, and a deputy clerk hire are among the items on Monday’s South Beloit City Council agenda.
Roscoe, IL
Here’s what’s on the agenda for Roscoe trustees this week
The Roscoe Village Board of Trustees will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17 at Village Hall, 10631 Main St. A Committee of the Whole meeting is scheduled immediately following the board meeting.
Rockton, IL
What Rockton officials will be discussing in the weeks ahead
Rockton leaders have a busy stretch ahead, with multiple meetings scheduled to address redevelopment plans, budget changes, and a proposed multi-use path along Old River Road.
Hononegah High School
How Hononegah students spoke out Feb. 6
One school day. Different reactions. Amidst unrest over immigration, students at Hononegah responded in their own ways.
Hononegah High School
Hononegah students launch ‘The Digital Reset’ to rethink screen habits
Phones go everywhere now. Three Hononegah students are asking what that means for focus, balance, and everyday life.
Government
Municipal meetings scheduled this week in Rockton, Roscoe, and South Beloit
A rundown of municipal meetings scheduled this week in Rockton, Roscoe, and South Beloit, including committee meetings and village board sessions.
Roscoe denies blasting request for multi-family project at Hawks Pointe
Contractors claimed blasting with dynamite would be over quicker than jackhammering.
Government
Municipal meetings for mid-January 2026: Roscoe, Rockton, and South Beloit, Illinois
Here’s a look at the municipal meetings scheduled this week in Roscoe, Rockton, and South Beloit.
Downtown Rockton
Blooms and brews: Christy and Jake Krupa take the reins at DeeDee’s Main Street Coffee & Décor
Rockton, IL — Christy Krupa, owner of Buckets n Blooms, and her husband Jake have officially taken over DeeDee’s Coffee, continuing the downtown café’s role as a familiar gathering place for local residents.
Books
April Graves releases third book in Meet the Hotdogs series
Local author and Rockton Grade School art teacher April Graves has published the third title in her Meet the Hotdogs series.
Books
Prairie Hill teacher turns grief into love with debut children’s book
Kindergarten teacher Valerie Baumann’s book, “Guess What? I Love You,” honors her son Jack and helps families talk about grief with compassion and hope.
Rockton, IL
Community steps up as SNAP pause brings added pressure to local food pantries
When SNAP benefits pause in November, Rockton’s Old Stone Church Food Pantry expects more families to need help. But volunteers say they’ve seen time and again how the community steps forward in moments like this.
Hononegah
Debate over proposed Turning Point USA club reaches Hononegah board
The Hononegah school board heard mixed reactions to the proposed Turning Point USA club at their Oct. 15 meeting.
Ask the experts: Tips from local school nurses to keep kids healthy this school year
As the school year continues into fall, local nurses say the basics matter most.
News
Fall in the Stateline: apples, markets, and hometown traditions
Your guide to orchards, festivals, and local stops across Rockton, Roscoe, and South Beloit
Hononegah
One student’s voice brought the flags down at Hononegah
Kennlee Rayann has now founded a student chapter of Turning Point USA at Hononegah Community High School.
