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Nicole Welty (front) was the first place winner
in the Rochester High School’s annual
National Poetry Out Loud Recitation Contest,
with Caleb Jones placing second and Ryan
Heaton placing third. Participants competed
in classroom contests and a school contest
to determine the top three placers, with Welty
and Jones moving on to the Regional
competition held February 9 at the Hoogland
Center for the Arts in Springfield. Welty took
third place at the Regional and will be an
alternate for the State Contest, scheduled for
March 11 in Springfield. Other RHS students
who competed in the school contest were
Sarah Trader, Izabel Miller, Haley Shures,
Wesley Tilford, Laura Schartz, Clare Frachey,
Abigail Steck, Allen Schmitz and Hannah
Collins.
in the Rochester High School’s annual
National Poetry Out Loud Recitation Contest,
with Caleb Jones placing second and Ryan
Heaton placing third. Participants competed
in classroom contests and a school contest
to determine the top three placers, with Welty
and Jones moving on to the Regional
competition held February 9 at the Hoogland
Center for the Arts in Springfield. Welty took
third place at the Regional and will be an
alternate for the State Contest, scheduled for
March 11 in Springfield. Other RHS students
who competed in the school contest were
Sarah Trader, Izabel Miller, Haley Shures,
Wesley Tilford, Laura Schartz, Clare Frachey,
Abigail Steck, Allen Schmitz and Hannah
Collins.
The Rochester High School Scholastic Bowl
team works on an answer in Saturday’s
match against Auburn in the County
Tournament. Left to right are Vicki Martin,
Drake Jamali, Mario Cannamela, Brett
Geever and Chris Campe. The Rockets won
the Regional title Monday and will advance to
the Warrensburg-Latham Sectional this
Saturday.
team works on an answer in Saturday’s
match against Auburn in the County
Tournament. Left to right are Vicki Martin,
Drake Jamali, Mario Cannamela, Brett
Geever and Chris Campe. The Rockets won
the Regional title Monday and will advance to
the Warrensburg-Latham Sectional this
Saturday.
RHS wins Scholastic Bowl Regional title
Rochester High School’s Scholastic Bowl team won the championship of the Rochester Class A Regional
Monday.
Rochester won three games at the Regional, opening with wins over Lovington (329-80) and Arthur (245-160)
before topping Athens 238-88 in the finals. Members of the RHS team are Brett Geever, Drake Jamali, Mario
Cannamela, Chris Campe, Todd Drewenski, Abbi Steck, Vicki Martin and Mitch Baker, and they are coached
by Amy Reynolds. Three Rockets earned All-Sectional honors, Cannamela, Campe and Drewenski. The
Rockets advance to the four-team Sectional at Warrensburg-Latham Saturday, which also includes
Monticello, Williamsville and Warrensburg-Latham. All four teams will meet head-to-head to decide which
team moves on to the State Finals at Carver Arena in Peoria Friday, March 18.
Rochester High School’s Scholastic Bowl team won the championship of the Rochester Class A Regional
Monday.
Rochester won three games at the Regional, opening with wins over Lovington (329-80) and Arthur (245-160)
before topping Athens 238-88 in the finals. Members of the RHS team are Brett Geever, Drake Jamali, Mario
Cannamela, Chris Campe, Todd Drewenski, Abbi Steck, Vicki Martin and Mitch Baker, and they are coached
by Amy Reynolds. Three Rockets earned All-Sectional honors, Cannamela, Campe and Drewenski. The
Rockets advance to the four-team Sectional at Warrensburg-Latham Saturday, which also includes
Monticello, Williamsville and Warrensburg-Latham. All four teams will meet head-to-head to decide which
team moves on to the State Finals at Carver Arena in Peoria Friday, March 18.
RPD to conduct Youth Police Academy in April
Beginning in April, the Rochester Police Department will hold a police academy program. Individuals who are
ages 14-20 who have an interest in law enforcement are encouraged to participate. There will be four
sessions which will run from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on the following Wednesdays, April 6, 13, 20 and 27. Each
session will be held at the Rochester Police Department. The format of the program will consist primarily of
"hands on" training. The department is hoping to highlight those topics which the participants will find most
interesting and those which provide opportunities for "hands on" learning. Topics may include the following:
hiring practices/qualifications; control and arrest tactics; vehicle stops; crime scene processing; use of force;
arrest, search and seizure; and scenario training.
Rochester officers will instruct the course and will serve as role players during various segments of the
curriculum. All participants will have the opportunity to be placed in the role of an officer and will have to carry
out those duties associated with the position while using various police training equipment. If you are
interested in this program, you must complete an application and submit it to the police department. Once
your application is received, a background check will be completed and you will be contacted by an officer.
Due to the type of training which will occur during the program sessions, enrollment is limited to the first 16
applicants who apply and qualify. Application forms may be picked up at the Rochester Police Department. If
you have any questions, contact Chief Marass or Corporal Schwartz at 498-8443.
Beginning in April, the Rochester Police Department will hold a police academy program. Individuals who are
ages 14-20 who have an interest in law enforcement are encouraged to participate. There will be four
sessions which will run from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on the following Wednesdays, April 6, 13, 20 and 27. Each
session will be held at the Rochester Police Department. The format of the program will consist primarily of
"hands on" training. The department is hoping to highlight those topics which the participants will find most
interesting and those which provide opportunities for "hands on" learning. Topics may include the following:
hiring practices/qualifications; control and arrest tactics; vehicle stops; crime scene processing; use of force;
arrest, search and seizure; and scenario training.
Rochester officers will instruct the course and will serve as role players during various segments of the
curriculum. All participants will have the opportunity to be placed in the role of an officer and will have to carry
out those duties associated with the position while using various police training equipment. If you are
interested in this program, you must complete an application and submit it to the police department. Once
your application is received, a background check will be completed and you will be contacted by an officer.
Due to the type of training which will occur during the program sessions, enrollment is limited to the first 16
applicants who apply and qualify. Application forms may be picked up at the Rochester Police Department. If
you have any questions, contact Chief Marass or Corporal Schwartz at 498-8443.
Cemetery clean up March 26-April 2
Rochester Cemetery will hold a clean-up week Saturday, March 26 through Saturday, April 2. The actual
clean-up day will be Wednesday, March 30. Please do not put new decorations out during this time. Any
questions can be directed to Steve Taft at 498-8820.
Rochester Cemetery will hold a clean-up week Saturday, March 26 through Saturday, April 2. The actual
clean-up day will be Wednesday, March 30. Please do not put new decorations out during this time. Any
questions can be directed to Steve Taft at 498-8820.
Athletic Boosters begin spring membership drive
The Rochester Athletic Booster Club invites parents of the school district and community to join them in a
“Spring Into Action - Renew Your Spirit” membership drive during the upcoming months. The RABC is a not-
for-profit organization whose mission is to support athletic programs in the school district. This is done
through concession sales, apparel sales and an annual golf outing. All profits generated go back to the
athletic programs to assist with projects/purchases that could not be made through the normal school
budget. And all of the money generated could not happen without the assistance and volunteer spirit of
parents and the community. In recent years, the RABC has funded requests from the school district and
various coaches for such things as warmups and equipment bags for boys and girls soccer, girls basketball,
track, cheerleading, tennis, volleyball, golf and wrestling; scoreboards at the baseball field and junior high
gym; soccer field goal backstops and team shelters; video equipment for the athletic department; orange and
blue tents for the track teams; play clocks for the football field; improvements at the baseball field, weight
room and track complex; track timing system; dugouts for the softball field; chairs for the RAC; and banners
and signs for team accomplishments. These contributions have totaled nearly $130,000 over the last five
years, and recently, the RABC voted to donate up to $150,000 for a new concession stand at Rocket Booster
Stadium.
During the months of April and May, lifetime members are invited to “renew their spirit” by recommitting to the
club. RABC meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month from August through May at 7 p.m. in
the high school commons. The RABC is offering an updated lifetime member shirt to all current members; for
more information, contact Toni Perry at 494-0154 or toni.perry@comcast.net. Lifetime members are also
invited to update their contact information with an email to Toni that includes name, address, phone and
email. Those who are not current members are invited to “spring into action” and join. Contact Toni or go to
https://sites.google.com/a/rochester3a.net/athletic-booster-club for an order form.
The Rochester Athletic Booster Club invites parents of the school district and community to join them in a
“Spring Into Action - Renew Your Spirit” membership drive during the upcoming months. The RABC is a not-
for-profit organization whose mission is to support athletic programs in the school district. This is done
through concession sales, apparel sales and an annual golf outing. All profits generated go back to the
athletic programs to assist with projects/purchases that could not be made through the normal school
budget. And all of the money generated could not happen without the assistance and volunteer spirit of
parents and the community. In recent years, the RABC has funded requests from the school district and
various coaches for such things as warmups and equipment bags for boys and girls soccer, girls basketball,
track, cheerleading, tennis, volleyball, golf and wrestling; scoreboards at the baseball field and junior high
gym; soccer field goal backstops and team shelters; video equipment for the athletic department; orange and
blue tents for the track teams; play clocks for the football field; improvements at the baseball field, weight
room and track complex; track timing system; dugouts for the softball field; chairs for the RAC; and banners
and signs for team accomplishments. These contributions have totaled nearly $130,000 over the last five
years, and recently, the RABC voted to donate up to $150,000 for a new concession stand at Rocket Booster
Stadium.
During the months of April and May, lifetime members are invited to “renew their spirit” by recommitting to the
club. RABC meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month from August through May at 7 p.m. in
the high school commons. The RABC is offering an updated lifetime member shirt to all current members; for
more information, contact Toni Perry at 494-0154 or toni.perry@comcast.net. Lifetime members are also
invited to update their contact information with an email to Toni that includes name, address, phone and
email. Those who are not current members are invited to “spring into action” and join. Contact Toni or go to
https://sites.google.com/a/rochester3a.net/athletic-booster-club for an order form.
Village board approves zoning change Monday
After a short debate, the Rochester Village Board voted 5-1 to change the zoning classification for property at 100 Park Forest from an R-2 (single family
housing) to R-5 (multi-family) with no restrictions, during its monthly meeting on Monday. (more)
After a short debate, the Rochester Village Board voted 5-1 to change the zoning classification for property at 100 Park Forest from an R-2 (single family
housing) to R-5 (multi-family) with no restrictions, during its monthly meeting on Monday. (more)
Rochester Schools Annual Jazz Night Saturday, April 30
Bring your dancing shoes and relive the golden era of the big bands as the Rochester Schools Music Department presents its annual “Night of Jazz” Saturday,
April 30 at 6:30 p.m. in the junior high school gymnasium. The evening will feature vocal and instrumental jazz groups from Rochester High School and
Rochester Junior High School. Tickets are $17, which includes a fully-catered buffet dinner from Nelson’s Catering. Tickets can be purchased by calling Susan
Gleason at 498-2005.
Bring your dancing shoes and relive the golden era of the big bands as the Rochester Schools Music Department presents its annual “Night of Jazz” Saturday,
April 30 at 6:30 p.m. in the junior high school gymnasium. The evening will feature vocal and instrumental jazz groups from Rochester High School and
Rochester Junior High School. Tickets are $17, which includes a fully-catered buffet dinner from Nelson’s Catering. Tickets can be purchased by calling Susan
Gleason at 498-2005.
Fire Board to have four new trustees
Change will be coming to the Rochester Fire Protection Board and Village Board after voters went to the polls in Tuesday’s consolidated election. (more)
Change will be coming to the Rochester Fire Protection Board and Village Board after voters went to the polls in Tuesday’s consolidated election. (more)
Village board holds routine meeting Monday
The Rochester village board approved two recommendations made by the Zoning Board for fence variances; one at 323 Cumberland Drive and the other at 9
Gilson Drive during its April 11 meeting. (more)
The Rochester village board approved two recommendations made by the Zoning Board for fence variances; one at 323 Cumberland Drive and the other at 9
Gilson Drive during its April 11 meeting. (more)
Village approves water, sewer rate increase
Rochester residents will see higher utility bills after water and sewer rate increases go into effect, beginning next month. (more)
Rochester residents will see higher utility bills after water and sewer rate increases go into effect, beginning next month. (more)
Registration for summer recreation program May 21
It’s time once again for the Rochester Summer Recreation program. This year, though, paper copies of the books will not be distributed through the schools but
instead will be available online through the village web page at www.rochesteril.org. Click on the Activities tab and then select “Summer Recreation Program.”
All necessary forms and information are located on the web page and will be available the week of May 2. Registration will be held at the Community Room of
the village hall/library Saturday, May 21. Rochester village residents will register from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. (proof of residency, such as a current water bill is
needed). Open registration for all community members will be held from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Late registration will be held Friday, May 27 from 4 to 6 p.m. For
more information, call 529-8489 or 585-0967.
It’s time once again for the Rochester Summer Recreation program. This year, though, paper copies of the books will not be distributed through the schools but
instead will be available online through the village web page at www.rochesteril.org. Click on the Activities tab and then select “Summer Recreation Program.”
All necessary forms and information are located on the web page and will be available the week of May 2. Registration will be held at the Community Room of
the village hall/library Saturday, May 21. Rochester village residents will register from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. (proof of residency, such as a current water bill is
needed). Open registration for all community members will be held from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Late registration will be held Friday, May 27 from 4 to 6 p.m. For
more information, call 529-8489 or 585-0967.
A donation of $1,000 has been made by the
Rochester Lions Club to the Land of Lincoln
Honor Flight, local hub of the nationwide
program that transports World War II
veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the
national WWII Memorial. Club president
Louie Daugherty (second from left)
presented the check to Joan Bortolon,
representing the Honor Flight. Ralph Foster,
who heads ground operations for the flights
from Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport is at the
far left. Also pictured are three World War II
veterans from Rochester who attended the
meeting, Bitty Tate, Larry Edwards and
Harold Weaver.
Rochester Lions Club to the Land of Lincoln
Honor Flight, local hub of the nationwide
program that transports World War II
veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the
national WWII Memorial. Club president
Louie Daugherty (second from left)
presented the check to Joan Bortolon,
representing the Honor Flight. Ralph Foster,
who heads ground operations for the flights
from Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport is at the
far left. Also pictured are three World War II
veterans from Rochester who attended the
meeting, Bitty Tate, Larry Edwards and
Harold Weaver.
Annual children’s holiday party Saturday, Dec. 10
The annual children’s holiday party will be held Saturday, December 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Rochester
Firehouse, located at 700 East Main Street. The Rochester Public Library and Rochester Fire Department are
joining together again to give the children of the community a fun and exciting holiday celebration with crafts,
refreshments, holiday music, fire trucks and Santa Claus. The Fire Department is also conducting its annual
Toys For Tots Drive, asking everyone to bring a new, unwrapped gift that will be donated to the children in
need in Rochester. Due to limited parking at the firehouse, a shuttle will be provided between the firehouse
and Rochester Intermediate School.
The annual children’s holiday party will be held Saturday, December 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Rochester
Firehouse, located at 700 East Main Street. The Rochester Public Library and Rochester Fire Department are
joining together again to give the children of the community a fun and exciting holiday celebration with crafts,
refreshments, holiday music, fire trucks and Santa Claus. The Fire Department is also conducting its annual
Toys For Tots Drive, asking everyone to bring a new, unwrapped gift that will be donated to the children in
need in Rochester. Due to limited parking at the firehouse, a shuttle will be provided between the firehouse
and Rochester Intermediate School.
RHPS holiday potluck Dec. 5
The Rochester Historical Preservation Society’s annual holiday potluck will be held Monday, December 5 at 6:
30 p.m. at Rochester United Methodist Church. The public is invited to attend. The potluck also serves as the
RHPS’s annual meeting as officers and board members for the coming year will be confirmed. In addition to
the dinner, a silent auction will be held and winners of raffles for a “Remembering Abe” quilt and four 20-inch
bicycles will be drawn. Tickets for the raffles will be sold up until the drawing and can be purchased by calling
585-0079 and 523-1068. Those attending are asked to bring a covered dish as well as an item for the silent
auction. Baked ham, beverages and table service will be provided.
The Rochester Historical Preservation Society’s annual holiday potluck will be held Monday, December 5 at 6:
30 p.m. at Rochester United Methodist Church. The public is invited to attend. The potluck also serves as the
RHPS’s annual meeting as officers and board members for the coming year will be confirmed. In addition to
the dinner, a silent auction will be held and winners of raffles for a “Remembering Abe” quilt and four 20-inch
bicycles will be drawn. Tickets for the raffles will be sold up until the drawing and can be purchased by calling
585-0079 and 523-1068. Those attending are asked to bring a covered dish as well as an item for the silent
auction. Baked ham, beverages and table service will be provided.