M5 is taking on two big projects in downtown Sterling. The company plans to reopen the former Starlight’s Theatre and Lounge and rename it The Spark Center for the Performing Arts. The company also will renovate the former Amcore Bank and turn it into a business center.

Bailey Schneiderbauer will oversee market operations, community partnerships and customer service initiatives for the Sterling area, according to a news release.

For owner Suzy Simmer, Saged Souls is the manifestation of a lifelong love for holistic healing – one rock, one breath, one peaceful space at a time.

After two years of success and a growing customer base, Angel Mendoza recently expanded his operation by adding a second food truck that he takes to Dixon and Tampico.

For his June 2025 local business highlight, state Rep. Bradley Fritts, R-Dixon, chose to highlight Carquest Auto Parts, which has two store locations in the 74th House District.

Crystal Boehm’s body care business is sailing full steam ahead, anchored in Sterling and steered by passion.

Kari Carpenter owns The Midwest Mercantile, which sells a collection of carefully curated, “giftable” items at the Shoppes at Grandon Plaza in downtown Sterling.

What started as a simple desire to avoid disposable Christmas wrapping paper has become Leigh Alan Designs, an enterprise founded on reuse and resourcefulness.

Elston Psychotherapy is a full-service mental health practice offering psychotherapy to clients of all ages and backgrounds.