Payton Felix

A Dixon man originally facing three felony charges in Lee County pleaded guilty to aggravated domestic battery Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025.

Dixon School Board has approved a $1.7 million deficit budget for fiscal 2026, mainly due to a $4.6 million drop in federal funding. The district is exploring cost-saving measures but won’t cut staff this year.

The attorney of an animal rights activist accused in Ogle County of falsely reporting a shooting in May at a rodeo near Rochelle is looking to set a February trial date.

Several Rock Falls officers told the City Council on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, that their applications were not looked at during the chief selection process. Council members also indicated they won't support the mayor’s choice of Rollie Elder when they are asked to vote.

Lee County officials have made a few changes to a proposed ordinance that would regulate open burning in the county's unincorporated areas. The revisions would make the ordinance less restrictive, most notably by allowing open burning at any time of day or night.

An attorney of a rural Dixon man charged with the attempted murder of three police officers at his home in June 2024 is planning to file a petition asking that his client be allowed to wear civilian clothes at hearings.

Lee County officials are still working on an ordinance to regulate open burning, as agriculture fires are increasing in the area. It’s set to be up for approval again at the Oct. 23, 2025, county board meeting.

The Dixon City Council has OK'd two redevelopment agreements that will bring a string of businesses into the Gateway project area as well as a suite of dental service providers – including one for pediatric dentistry – to the other side of South Galena Avenue.

Coloma Township officials also are looking into buying a new building and moving township operations.

Wahl Clipper is aiming to reduce its Sterling workforce by 20% starting with voluntary resignation packages, company officials confirmed Friday, Sept. 19, 2025.

The Blackhawk Firefighter Association will host a Sept. 11 memorial ceremony Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, at Sauk Valley Community College.

Three members of the Dixon Police Department were sworn in to their new positions at the Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, city council meeting. Sergeant Timothy Pratt was promoted from detective and two new officers were hired.

A Lee County judge ordered Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, that a Dixon man charged with aggravated battery and several other offenses submit to a mental health evaluation.

Two Dixon residents were honored Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, for stepping in and disarming a Dixon man Sept 3.

Voices from the Dixon Mausoleum will rise to observe the structure's 100th anniversary during the annual Oakwood Cemetery Walk. Five volunteers will portray historically significant people buried in the mausoleum during the cemetery walk from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 28, 2025.