Dixon’s OSF HealthCare Saint Katharine Medical Center is expanding with the opening of a new clinic in Sterling on Oct. 13, 2025.

The Sterling City Council unanimously OK'd an ordinance Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, that will map a portion of the city as a River Edge Redevelopment Zone, an action that could provide up to $50 million in tax incentives for economic development along the city's riverfront.

A Polo man was sentenced Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, to 5 years in prison for a January 2022 crash on a Sterling bridge that killed a pedestrian and injured a police officer.

The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call around 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, reporting an airplane crash near Apple Hill Road, south of Mount Carroll, according to a news release.

Nathan Sandell, 34, faces charges of aggravated fleeing to elude, theft over $500, and possession of a stolen vehicle, according to a news release issued by Whiteside County Sheriff John Booker

The award builds on Dixon’s earlier success in securing a $13 million federal grant for the project. Rising construction costs in recent years created a funding gap, but the new state grant ensures Project Rock can now move forward without delay, city officials said.

The 2025 Dixon High School Homecoming Parade will begin at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3. Motorists should expect the route to be closed off to traffic for about one hour and are asked to use alternate routes.

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.