Rockton, IL
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.
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.
Deaths
Remembering Rick Kinser
His family urges family members to make plans while they still have a voice to advocate for themselves.
Rockton, IL
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.
Hononegah High School
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, IL
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.
Roscoe, IL
New Rotary District Governor raising the bar on goals and vision during her term
Melissa McCormick was previously president of the Rockton-Roscoe Rotary Club.
Rockton, IL
Vicki Lynn named Illinois American Legion Auxiliary Unit Member of The Year
Lynn joined the Auxiliary in October 2017 and hasn't stopped since.
News
Rockton Roscoe Rotary Club Rib Fest supports community and education
Our local Rotary Club has served Northern Winnebago County since 1959.
Rockton, IL
Thousands welcome Ironman 70.3 athletes to Rockton
Cheers and cowbells greeted two-wheeled speedy visitors to Rockton.
Shirland, IL
Shirland's sixth Freedom Festival celebrated Fourth of July with spirit
Rain failed to deter the spirit of spectators who lined Shirland's Main Street on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
Rockton, IL
Old Settlers Days Festival: special moments captured, memories made
Mega sized crowds poured into Settlers Park in Rockton from June 12-15, 2025.
Shirland, IL
Shirland Wax Museum provided educational fun
Students at Shirland School finished the school year in a creative learning environment as a wax museum came to life on Tuesday evening, May 29 2025. Behind the educational fun, students researched a historical figure or a celebrity, took notes from multiple sources, composed a speech, and then presented it
Hononegah
Committee assignments for Hononegah school board members
Hononegah school board positions are elected, volunteer, and unpaid.
Hononegah
Hononegah swears in reelected school board members
All four incumbents were reelected in the April election and the board is keeping the same officers.
