Russell Crull to fill vacancy due to judge's upcoming retirement.

After almost 28 years as the Ogle County Animal Control administrator, Dr. Tom Champley has retired. Ogle County Board members at their Sept. 17 meeting recognized Champley for his work since his hiring on Nov. 19, 1996.

Therese Michels, a media relations spokesperson for Mercyhealth, has confirmed the company is currently hiring for the new facility that will be “coming soon.”

Steven Coleman claimed public defender's representation of him was tainted by boss' loyalty to previous employer Mertes & Mertes, which is representing a plaintiff in a $100M civil suit that names Coleman as a defendant.

Clinton Symphony Orchestra performance, Movie in the Park in Sterling also on list of things to do.

The Paw Paw Illinois Lions Club is sponsoring the Paw Paw Tree Fest from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at Veterans Memorial Park.

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The Polo Area Community Theatre will perform its rendition of “James and the Giant Peach” at 7 p.m. Sept. 20, 21 and 27; and at 2 p.m. Sept. 22 and 28 at the Polo Town Hall. The show revolves around orphan James, played by Mady Weilacher, who is given a bag containing magical items that have the power to grow things to colossal size.

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An 1856 stone sign erected on the original building for the First United Methodist Church in Sterling has been retrieved from storage.

Morrison’s downtown will be transformed Saturday into an outdoor canvas for hundreds of amateur artists of all ages who gather to Paint the Town.