Rochelle local news summary
Week of August 10 2025
Council Reviews Plan for Route 251 Detention Pond
Power and Fiber Lines to Go Underground at Future Diverging Diamond
Electric Grid Upgrades Move Forward with Cost Adjustments
Energy Program Offers Soaring Payouts to Local Businesses
Mayor Touts Benefit of Locally Owned Utility
Council Reviews Plan for Route 251 Detention Pond
ROCHELLE - The Rochelle City Council reviewed a revised proposal from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for a new stormwater detention system at Hickory Grove and Route 251. The project, which includes a dry detention pond and a pedestrian path, is designed to significantly reduce flooding at the intersection of Routes 251 and 38 during heavy storms. Council members, who had previously raised concerns, reacted favorably to the updated design, which reserves more frontage property for future commercial development and includes additional parking. A key point of discussion was the long-term maintenance of the site, with council members seeking clarity on who would be responsible for mowing and upkeep before a developer purchases the commercial lot. The detention project would be built concurrently with the larger Route 251 reconstruction, which is estimated to begin in 18 months to two years.
Power and Fiber Lines to Go Underground at Future Diverging Diamond
ROCHELLE - In preparation for the state’s construction of a diverging diamond interchange, the City Council has taken steps to move utilities at the intersection of Route 38 and Dement Road underground. Council members approved a $94,800 contract with Utility Dynamics Corporation for the boring project. The decision was prompted by concerns that the widening of the intersection would place existing utility poles too close to the new curb, making them vulnerable to vehicle collisions. Once the underground pipes are installed, city crews will perform the work of pulling the new wires to save money. When the project is complete, no overhead electric or fiber lines will cross the intersection. Work is expected to begin within two weeks.
Electric Grid Upgrades Move Forward with Cost Adjustments
ROCHELLE - A significant, four-year-old project to upgrade the city’s electric system is moving closer to construction, but not without adjustments for rising costs and project changes. The council approved a resolution for a change order with BHMG Engineers, Inc. for Phase 2 of the electric system upgrades, which includes a new substation and power lines. The adjustments were needed to cover increased labor and material costs, as well as changes to the project’s scope, such as burying a power line around Lake Lida. The engineering changes remain under 10% of the project’s total estimated cost. City officials expect to receive construction bids for the new substation and power lines by the end of October 2025, with work potentially starting in early December.
Energy Program Offers Soaring Payouts to Local Businesses
ROCHELLE - A presentation on the city’s “demand response” program revealed that participating Rochelle businesses have earned over $300,000 since 2021 by agreeing to reduce their power consumption during times of high demand. Shawn Troxell of CPower Energy, which administers the program for Rochelle Municipal Utilities (RMU), explained that market changes have caused payments to skyrocket. An energy commitment that would have paid a company approximately $10,500 for the 2024-25 season is now valued at nearly $98,000 for the 2025-26 season and is projected to increase to over $120,000 for the 2026-27 season. The program helps stabilize the regional power grid, and with rising demand from data centers and artificial intelligence, the financial incentives for local companies to participate are greater than ever.
Mayor Touts Benefit of Locally Owned Utility
ROCHELLE - During his mayor’s report, Mayor John Bearrows highlighted a key financial benefit for Rochelle residents: the city’s municipally owned power utility. He expressed gratitude that the city can generate its own power locally through Rochelle Municipal Utilities (RMU). The mayor stated that this capability is instrumental in “holding the prices down for everyone”. He also extended his thanks to the RMU crews responsible for operating the local power infrastructure.
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