The process for hiring a police officer is among the most exhaustive, intrusive and professionally demanding screening processes in any field of public service, writes columnist Tom Weitzel

On Dec. 31, I finally finished reading a great book I started on Jan. 1, 2025. Yep, it took an entire year to read. But that was the plan.

Police departments faced many challenges in 2025 and policing will be even more demanding in the coming year, Tom Weitzel writes

My brain has changed my daily routine. The most significant impact has been on those precious moments in the morning when I am on the edge of waking up.

Hellmich: Most people in the Sauk Valley value the spirit of collegiality and use it to find common ground with people of varying political, social, and religious views to improve our communities.

How do you assess a year that’s about to end? A simple enough task, I thought. But turns out it is not. It began as a challenge in the form of a writing prompt. That’s a writing assignment, if you choose to accept it.

Columnist Tom Weitzel asks whether justice is always blind or is sometimes "bent to power" when individuals with political pull are involved?

As the year comes to a close, communities in the Sauk Valley area are working with IDOT to secure funds for public works road maintenance projects for the upcoming year.

Seeing the book sparked a flashback. One thing led to another. The book was “Alone: The Classic Polar Adventure.” I was suddenly pulled back to my high school years, when I had read a printing of the 1934 edition of “Alone.”

DeWalt: When I crave a cookie, but I don’t want to blow my diet, I like to use recipes like this one. It’s just two ingredients, not counting the salt, and the recipe only makes six cookies.

“Read all about it! Read all about it?”

Police departments rely on lateral transfers to resolve staffing shortage. Tom Weitzel examines the pros and cons of officers moving from one department to another

Columnist and former police chief Tom Weitzel offers tips to stay safe during the holiday season

Devan Gagliardo, Program Director for the Community Foundation of Grundy County

The “waiting room.” What a perfect name ... for a room where you wait.

I was wondering if Jesus would stomp a spider or smash a fly?

“Got a question for you. Would Jesus swat a fly or stomp on a spider?”

Political influence has moved from reasonable policy setting into operational micromanagement, and that shift is corroding public safety, Tom Weitzel argues in his Roll Call column

How did we do it? There are days I wonder.

Police departments must prioritize data analysis as a crime-prevention tool

Who were my teachers?

There’s a large hunk of rusted iron lingering in my backyard. Waiting.

Ambushes of law enforcement officers are a disturbing trend that must be stopped, columnist Tom Weitzel writes

I throw away a lot of useful stuff. At least that’s how it feels. And this is not easy for me. I grew up with parents who found a way to use most everything they had. I inherited that habit.

The assassination of Charlie Kirk serves as a reminded that security is of the utmost importance at political events

So I’m at the cinema this past week. While enjoying my popcorn time, something strange happened when movie previews started bursting on the screen.

Technology tends to creep into our lives. This is most striking to me as I travel the ever-so-convenient interstate highway and pass under those colossal power lines that stretch beyond sight.

Columnist Tom Weitzel believes changes are needed in the warrant arrest system

A campfire caps a long day in the sun full of friends and family, good food and loud fun, including volleyball. We call it the Lost Weekend, which has been locked into the Labor Day holiday since 1978.

The topic of child pornography is a serious and complex issue that affects many people.

Rochelle mayor: As we close the chapter on August, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the numerous activities that kept our community engaged and lively throughout the month.

Opinion from Lonny Cain: The dangers of curiosity don’t fade with age and I don’t think that toddler inside me has ever stopped exploring or asking questions

I’ve been scooped before, but never by my own paper. It was quite a shock when I saw Tuesday that we had broken a story about Peru getting a new Chick-fil-A location.

It feels good to show the kind of connection that grows when people simply help each other. We forget how far a helping hand can stretch.

Columnist Tom Weitzel outlines several safety tips for parents and students as back-to-school season begins.

So I must figure out how to be angry but not express it. My anger process is often referred to as venting. Let the steam out, then move on. Not only do dog and wife not like it, but there are some experts now saying it’s not healthy. I actually thought it was healthy.

Unauthorized video recording has become an increasingly serious crime throughout the country

Communities must take proactive steps to put an end to teen takeovers.

I’m having flashbacks. Big time. This started with a personal story told by actor-comedian Jim Carrey. He had a frightening experience that reminded me of a fear I’ve carried since the early ’60s.

It was early Sunday. Our air conditioner kicked on. My happy button triggers every time that happens. It had been happening a lot.

Before me was an invitation that beckoned: “Come. Discover.” I had stepped through this old wooden door before. This time I was on a mission and this was the perfect portal — taking me nowhere in particular or anywhere I wanted to be.

The public’s perception of police and policing has changed since the George Floyd murder in Minneapolis.

It’s fitting that Aldo Leopold would mourn the death of the prairie in a graveyard. I feel I am doing something similar in my front yard. But let me tell his story first.

Sterling city councilman: The city clerk is the person who keeps the wheels of municipal government turning by keeping it connected, informed, motivated, and involved in the community.

Dennis Marek is shocked by the increasing number of high school graduates who are not interested in a college education.

Yes, today my age rolls into a higher number. Oh boy. My Facebook page is heating up with friends and family wanting me to be happy.

We had wandered into an oasis away from the steel and glass stalagmites, congestion of traffic and humanity, and major tourism beacons.

"For me, (inspiration is) often a comment I hear or read that captures me and demands that I do something with it," Lonny Cain, retired managing editor of The Times in Ottawa, in his weekly PaperWork column.

"But know this. If I ever say to you, 'Good luck.' I really mean it," Lonny Cain, retired managing editor of The Times in Ottawa, writes in his weekly PaperWork column.

"A trip to New York always provides stories to tell. Or for starters, a series of observations. Let me share more of my notes," Lonny Cain, retired managing editor of The Times in Ottawa, writes in his weekly column PaperWork.