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.

"I never cared for report cards," Lonny Cain, retired managing editor of The Times in Ottawa, writes in his Paperwork column.

High-speed police pursuits are on the rise. Columnist Tom Weitzel weighs in the risks and rationale for the pursuits

Let me tell you about this dream. I’m driving down a long stretch of highway, and I can see my future in the distance. I see myself slowly aging as I get closer.

School districts should conduct the most thorough background checks available when hiring new employees, columnist Tom Weitzel mantains

Opinion: Being a voter is important. Being an informed voter who knows how to root out fact from fiction, especially in a social media-fueled age of misinformation, is even more so. The Daily Chronicle can help with that, writes editor Kelsey Rettke.

Opinion: How does one sum up a life? How do we build a legacy? By letting actions speak for themselves, as the late DeKalb County Sheriff Roger Scott's loved ones shared at his funeral Friday.

Tom Weitzel examines whether Trump administration policies will benefit the law enforcement community

Improved mental health services and daycare are among the priorities for police officers

The law enforcement community seeks changes now that a new Cook County state's attorney has taken office

Weitzel criticizes Foxx proposal regarding traffic stops

Is concealed carry effective in Illinois? Or are other solutions needed to reduce violent gun crime?

Roll Call columnist will be the featured speaker at ‘Policing in the 21st Century’ forum May 23 in Brookfield

Rettke: The sacrifice of being a first responder often trickles down to their families. So today, we say "Thank you" to first responders throughout our DeKalb County communities, and thank you also to the families for all the ways you put service before self.

The police response to the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas, was the worst police tactical response to a school shooting in the nation, says former Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel

What are your rights when pulled over by police? Tom Weitzel explains.

Never hesitate to call 911 when you observe suspicious activity

Many emerging technologies make a big difference in law enforcement’s ability to effectively conduct investigations and swiftly catch offenders.

Roll Call columnist Tom Weitzel outlines the rules for firearm safety

Police officers have many needs that, if met, would help them improve their performance in 2024

Former Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel will participate in a panel discussion and the pros and cons of the SAFE-T Act in Brookfield in January.

Follow these simple steps to avoid being victimized while holiday shopping

Too often, hit-and-run cases are not given a high priority.

Keeping neighborhoods safe requires a crime prevention strategy, not the ‘same old policing’