Dixon

Events include the Bellson Music Fest on June 7 at RB&W District Park, 201 E. Second St., and the Sick The Magazine Block Party on July 19 in downtown Rock Falls.

A group of eight Dixon students with disabilities attended a clinic May 6 at an Oregon nonprofit to learn about horse care and safety. Students helped groom the horses, walked them around the arena and learned how to introduce themselves to the animals.

Lee County Special Education Association's Transition Program students attended a workshop at Pegasus Special Riders in Oregon on Tuesday, May, 6, 2025, to learn about horse care and safety.

Check out these northern Illinois restaurants known for their burgers. From McHenry County to the Illinois Valley and everywhere in between, we've got you covered with a variety of places to try during National Burger Month.

In his column this month, Sterling City Councilman Jim Wise asks Sauk Valley residents to take a few moments on Monday, May 26, to pay tribute to the fallen with somber respect and dignity.

Choosing two of four art-making stations, students had the opportunity to build a 3D work, fold origami paper, create glowing works under a black light or form unique paintings with bubbles.

Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon held its commencement ceremony Friday, May 9, 2025, at the school.

Russ Shuck is closing his automotive service business. He will continue to offer towing services.

Longtime Dixon mechanic Russ Shuck of Russ' Automotive Service has closed his auto repair business after a 55-plus-year career. Shuck will continue to run the towing side of the business.

The SafeSitter Essentials with CPR course prepares students in grades 6-8 to care for younger children and handle emergencies. The one-day class will run from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at the RiverWorks Coworking building, 114 E. Everett St. in Dixon.

Here is a list of property transfers for Lee, Ogle and Whiteside counties for April 22 to May 3, 2025.

Students officially become alumni as Sauk Valley Community College holds its commencement ceremony Friday, May 9, 2025.

An Ogle County judge will now be presiding over the felony case of a former Carroll County sheriff’s deputy accused of reckless homicide and destroying evidence in connection with the July death of a Mount Carroll teen.

Concerned with a change in who is leading local protests against the Trump administration, Sterling’s police chief said an increased police presence and enhanced security measures will be put in place at upcoming protests.

The Dixon School Board was unable to elect its next vice president after a series of tie votes during an organizational meeting Tuesday, May 6. The three officer roles are for a two-year term and come with specific responsibilities on top of those given to a board member.

YMCA Executive Director Andy McFarlane: "The rising costs of running our programs – from staffing to supplies to utilities – are outpacing our ability to cover them."

On May 9, 1861, hundreds of eager Civil War recruits streamed into Dixon for training as they formed the 13th Regiment of the Illinois Infantry. Their initial training grounds were at Camp Dement, which was located on the east side of Oakwood Cemetery.  

Students exercised their creative side Friday, May 9, 2025, with a day of making art at St. Mary's School in Dixon.

Country artists Kelsey Hart and Delaney Ann to perform May 31 at River Country 101.7 FM's summer kickoff concert.

Also, get ready for two events on June 7: the fourth annual Bellson Music Fest at the RB&W District in Rock Falls and the 40th annual Sauk Valley Child Fair, with the theme Candy Land, from 9 a.m. to noon at Sauk Valley Community College, Dixon.

On Talk-Line for May 7: Dixon Family YMCA Chief Executive Officer Andy McFarlane and 2025 Reagan Run Committee representative Jim Lillyman discuss the upcoming 5K run/walk taking place on Saturday, July 5, and the changes being made.

Read the transcript from our May 7 Talk-Line podcast: Dixon Family YMCA Chief Executive Officer Andy McFarlane and 2025 Reagan Run Committee representative Jim Lillyman on the upcoming Reagan Run and changes coming for this year

The 2025 Dixon Petunia Festival entertainment lineup was unveiled Wednesday.

Dixon Public Schools’ newest addition, Thomas J. Dempsey Therapeutic Day School, is nearing what is sure to be a historic moment for the district - the end of its first school year. The school provides special-education services to students in kindergarten to 12th grade.

Dianna Brevitt is Sauk Valley Community College’s radiology program director, its Outstanding Faculty Award winner, and is being nominated for the 2025 Illinois Community College Trustees Association Outstanding Full-time Faculty Award.

Dixon High School's choir and life skills classes joined forces early in the 2025 spring semester to create a new singing ensemble, Voices United, that includes students with disabilities who want to sing and perform.

Combining her passion for teaching and basketball, a third grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary in Dixon started her own March Madness tradition centered around picture books.

Open Sesame celebrates 50 years of providing child care in Dixon.

Read the transcript from our Talk-Line podcast: Shaw Local Editor Charlene Bielema on our Thank You Teachers section and more local news in the Sauk Valley.

From the May 7 Talk-Line: Shaw Local Editor Charlene Bielema details our Thank You Teachers special section and more local news in the Sauk Valley

The Dixon Sister Cities Association has retired its 36-year-old charter with its first established sister city – Dikson, Russia, which is one of the world's most northern settlements.

Dixon High School students signed letters of intent Tuesday, May 6, 2025, to go into the teaching profession.

A federal program is working behind the scenes to ensure students experiencing homelessness, including those in the Sauk Valley, do not fall between the cracks.

In anticipation of Dixon Police Chief Steve Howell’s retirement, Dixon Deputy Chief Doug Lehman was sworn in as interim chief Monday, May 5. The new police chief will be selected in the first week of June by a committee of 10 community members.

The TALK-LINE interview for May 6 featured the Executive Director of the Dixon Park District, Duane Long, discussing the latest park projects going on currently, including the Page Park “Project Rock” walking bridge construction.

The 41st Illinois Watercolor Society National Exhibition is on display at The Next Picture Show in Dixon until May 31.

Dixon hosts North Boone Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in baseball. North Boone took the win 5-2.

Read the transcript from our Talk-Line podcast featuring the Community Relations and Events Director with Dixon Chamber of Commerce, Dixon Main Street and Discover Dixon, Jennifer Lang.

The TALK-LINE interview for May 5 featured the Community Relations and Events Director with Dixon Chamber of Commerce, Dixon Main Street and Discover Dixon, Jennifer Lang.

Investigating deputies have determined that a 2013 GMC Acadia was traveling east on Route 2 at a high rate of speed when it struck an eastbound 2014 Ford Fusion. The Acadia then crossed the median and collided with a westbound 2012 Dodge Charger.

The Next Picture Show in Dixon is hosting the 41st Illinois Watercolor Society National Exhibition. The art will be on display until May 31.

Katarina Verdick plans to become a marriage and family counselor as well as further her education in psychology and therapy.

The 12th annual Worldwide Metaphysical Tribe gathering is scheduled for Aug. 21-24 at a new venue: the East of Yellowstone Lodge and Retreat, 6685 S. Lost Nation Road in Dixon.

Dixon city officials are moving forward with a $21 million project to update and repair the aging infrastructure at the wastewater treatment plant, which will be funded through a state-run loan program.

The outdoor classroom features stone bench-style seating, several black pillars equipped with power outlets for students to charge their electronic devices and three large whiteboards for instructors. Future capital projects are focusing on expanding and improving the space.

Here is a list of property transfers for Lee, Ogle and Whiteside counties for April 14-27, 2025.

Several groups and individuals were recognized Thursday, May 1, 2025, for their work this past fundraising year. Those awards include Rising Star of the Year, Campaign Champion, Business of the Year, Employee Excellence, Partner Agency of the Year and Spirit of United Way.

Both drives will run from May 1 to 31. Community members can support the initiatives by dropping off food or cleaning supplies at the Dixon Park District, Dixon YMCA, Lee County Health Department, Mount Carroll Farm Bureau, Save-A-Lot in Rock Falls, and the Dixon City Market.

State Senator Li Arellano, Jr, R-Dixon, and his staff will continue their Mobile Constituent Services program across the 37th Senate District with 10 stops scheduled for May, including three in Bureau County.

Sauk Valley Community College over the past few years has been working to create an outdoor multipurpose space for its students. The outdoor classroom features stone bench-style seating, several black pillars equipped with power outlets for students to charge their electronic devices and three large whiteboards for instructors. Future capital projects are focusing on expanding and improving the space.