Roscoe, IL
Hometown Holiday and Merry Market brought out seasonal fun
The expanded Christmas event in Roscoe, Illinois introduced several new features for 2025.
Marianne Mueller
Marianne Mueller grew up in Roscoe, IL. She is a longtime community volunteer. Mueller's writing journey began more than 20 years ago with Rockton Ramblings. She also writes for The Herald.
Rockton Ramblings
Christmas cheer was everywhere at the 41st Annual Rockton Christmas Walk
Christmas music played outside the Rockton Village Hall, setting the scene for the 41st annual Rockton Christmas Walk from Friday, Dec. 5, through Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. Gingerbread characters and a Nutcracker greeted visitors as they arrived. The Friends of Talcott Free Library's book sale offered the best
Rockton Ramblings
Community partners with Old Stone Church Food Pantry to assure local families have a happier holiday season
The Rockton, IL food pantry filled 98 boxes of Thanksgiving meals.
Roscoe, IL
Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department wins Roscoe Township Historical Society's Heritage Award
On Monday, Nov. 17, 2025 Roscoe Township Historical Society President Laura Zwart presented the Harlem-Roscoe Protection Department with the 2025 Heritage Award at the Cross House. Harlem-Roscoe Fire Chief John Bergeron accepted the award for the department. The RTHS launched the Heritage Enterprise Recognition program in 2021 where the RTHS
Rockton Ramblings
Rockton Christmas Walk starts the holiday season next weekend
The event runs from Friday Dec. 5 through Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025.
Rockton Ramblings
Hononegah students learn local history at Rockton Township Historical Society Museum
“Many of the kids didn’t know how old Rockton is. The RTHS does a really nice job with the artifacts."
Rockton Ramblings
Mystery solved- Hononegah Performing Arts’ Clue was a hit
Clue, Hononegah’s fall play, ran Nov. 7, 8 and 9, 2025.
Rockton Ramblings
Local students share camp experiences with Hononegah Woman's Club
Hononegah Women's Club offers camperships to local students, who later make presentations to the club.
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.
Rockton Ramblings
Hononegah sophomores recognized for kindness to incoming freshmen
Last spring, sophomore Student Council leaders began planning to give out 500 goodie bags to new students on the first day of school.
Deaths
Remembering Rick Kinser
His family urges family members to make plans while they still have a voice to advocate for themselves.
Rockton Ramblings
Rockton Fire Department welcomed public to Fire Safety Open House
To honor a hundred year long tradition, Rockton Fire Protection District hosted an open house on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Rockton Ramblings
Students were busy creating memories during Hononegah's Homecoming Week
Hononegah's Homecoming celebration culminated on Sept. 27, 2025.
Music
Bluegrass roots remain strong in 42nd year of Two Rivers Bluegrass Festival
In Harrison, Illinois, east of Durand, the Two Rivers Blue Grass Festival holds a rich history. This festival started over 40 years ago when Lloyd and Vivian Gaines decided that they wanted a place where people could go to an alcohol free event and listen to bluegrass music. Bluegrass music
Rockton Ramblings
Village of Rockton welcomes new administrator
Also hiring: a community outreach/special event coordinator and an economic development coordinator
Hononegah
Hononegah students recognized as Academic All-Stars at school board meeting
Hononegah students represent half the National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists in the entire Rockford region.
South Beloit, IL
Catch the Wave Swim Club invites public to interactively learn about water safety
Catch the Wave Swim Club begins their annual Safety Week on Sunday, Sept. 21-27, 2025.
Jack Lovejoy Memorial Golf Outing
The 7th annual Jack Lovejoy Memorial Golf Outing raised $11,860 for the Jack Lovejoy Memorial Scholarship
The Rockton Lions created the scholarship for high school students from Hononegah and South Beloit.
Rockton, IL
Public Works projects coming to Village of Rockton
The projects will improve the pool and the water system, and limit utility excavation on roadsides.
Steve Cofoid Hononegah Legend
Steve Cofoid - Hononegah alumnus educator, former athletic director, club supporter
Cheerleaders sat on Kelsey Field, each holding 22 balloons in the school colors, signifying the life of a person who made a difference to everyone he met.
Hononegah High School Purple and Gold 2025
Purple and Gold celebrated the new school year, blending in special moments
Purple and Gold balloons adorned the entrance to Hononegah Community High School on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, welcoming everyone to the 31st annual Purple and Gold Festival. Earlier in the evening, volleyball games were played inside the field house. Outdoor action started with soccer and girls' flag football. As
Rockton, IL
Village of Rockton bidding fond farewell to Planning and Development Administrator
Tricia Diduch will become Byron's City Administrator. Her final day with the Village of Rockton was August 22, 2025.
Hononegah
Hononegah School Board hires Dr. Ehren Jarrett as next superintendent
Hononegah's Board of Education voted to hire Dr. Ehren Jarrett as the next superintendent at their July 2025 meeting.
Rockton, IL
American Legion Post #332 corn boil sees record high attendance
Over 500 people were served in under four hours on Aug. 3 in Rockton, Illinois.
Rockton, IL
Talcott Free Library offers services beyond the shelves
Behind Talcott Free Library is a dedicated team of 15 staff members who uphold its tradition of friendly, helpful service, along with a Board of Trustees who work closely with Library Director Megan Gove. With the 2025 election, new Trustees were sworn in in May and immediately went to work.
