Woodlawn Arts Academy students will be showing off their theater and music skills this winter, with performances of “Mary Poppins Jr.” and winter music recitals both set for January.

As the calendar flips into 2026, here are a few of the stories we’ll be following in the months ahead.

A 65-year-old Dixon man was charged Wednesday, Dec. 31, with home invasion and attempted murder, accused of entering a Dixon home and stabbing a man, according to Dixon police.

Here's a list of Lee County property transfers for Dec. 22-26, 2025.

Host Brandon Clark sits down with Greg Gates and Steve Davis from the Reagan Mass Transit District to talk about the RMTD's holiday schedule, construction updates on the new Oregon facility, the "Find the Shaw Local" bus promotion and more.

Fourteen area students were named to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater dean’s list for the 2025 fall semester.

From clothing and hobby stores to restaurants and auto shops, read a recap of 2025's business activity in the Sauk Valley.

Catch up on the week’s top Sauk Valley news for Dec. 21-27 in minutes. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

Here's a list of Lee, Whiteside and Ogle property transfers for Dec. 15-19, 2025.

Dixon Public Schools District 170 administration is looking at ways to reduce spending due to recent federal funding cuts along with several years of rising health insurance costs and decreasing student enrollment numbers.

Shaw Local photographers across northern Illinois captured some amazing moments this year, including the excitement and drama of high school sports, the hometown pride of a summer festival, and the reality of the news events that shaped our communities. Together, these images preserve not just what happened in 2025, but how it felt to live in the towns and neighborhoods we call home.

A former student at Dixon Public Schools District 170 is returning in July as superintendent.

Here's a list of Lee County property transfers for Dec. 15-19, 2025.

Dixon City Hall has announced its hours for the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

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.

The Dixon City Fire Department, Dixon Rural Fire Department and Advance EMS responded Tuesday, Dec. 23, to a report of a grill fire at McDonald’s, 207 N. Galena Ave., Dixon.

A Lanark florist who sees the world through Rosemary-colored glasses loves to help people find just the right flowers for any occasions, from roses of red to violets of blue.

Want to see some life entertainment in the Sauk Valley? All it takes is a ticket and trip to a theater where history and headliners share equal billing. Shaw Local catches up with The Dixon Historic Theater executive director Spencer Aurand to preview the Spring 2026 season.

At Nomia Meadows Farm in Franklin Grove, John and Lisa Ayers tend to bees, apples and 110 acres of native ground, welcoming visitors into the full-circle quiet of their prairie sanctuary.

OSF HealthCare Saint Katharine Medical Center, located at 403 E. First St. in Dixon, is enhancing its commitment to area moms by offering an expanded selection of classes and support groups, now hosted in a newly designed space called The Mom Spot at Town Square Centre clinic.

A grill fire broke out at Dixon's McDonald's early Tuesday afternoon. The restaurant is expected to be closed Wednesday, Dec. 24, before reopening Friday after Christmas.

New Dixon Schools superintendent Melydi Huyett will start the position on July 1, 2026.

The $500 donation will be used to purchase meat, produce and dairy to give to those in need in the local community.

Catch up on the week’s top Sauk Valley news for Dec. 14-20 in minutes. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

Here's a list of property transfers for Dec. 8-12, 2025.

A new 6-round competition (instead of seven rounds) will be introduced at this year's Stupor Bowl trivia event that will be Saturday, Feb. 7, at Reagan Middle School, 620 Division St., Dixon.

On this episode of Talk Line, host Brandon Clark chats with Penny Stark, the Board president for the Sauk Valley Voices of Recovery (SVVOR) and senior outreach manager for Recovery Centers of America.

As Dixon’s oldest landmark, the 1837 foundation of the Nachusa House reaches back almost 200 years. None of the city’s other historic buildings – religious, commercial, residential or governmental – come even close to the age and prestige of the grand old Nachusa House.

The Dixon School Board approved new hires, a change of status, and several coach appointments Wednesday, Dec. 17.

Take a journey back in time by viewing the images SVM photographer Alex T. Paschal has chosen as his favorites of 2025. Included in each picture caption is the photographer’s own words about what the photo means to him.

A Dixon native now serving as an elementary principal in Polo will be Dixon Public Schools' next superintendent after current Superintendent Margo Empen retires in July 2026.

OSF HealthCare Saint Katharine Medical Center in Dixon has recognized two Mission Partners for their extraordinary commitment to compassionate communication and patient-centered care.

Host Brandon Clark chats with Dixon's mayor about the city's tax levy, comprehensive plan, high school fall sports teams, and more.

On this episode of Talk Line, host Brandon Clark chats with Sinnissippi Center's Andy Jackson about National Impaired Driving Prevention Awareness Month and how listeners can keep themselves and loved ones safe while enjoying the holiday season.

On this episode of Talk Line, host Brandon Clark speaks with bonus guest Spencer Aurand, executive director of The Dixon: Historic Theatre. The pair chat about the theater's upcoming 2026 season.

The Dixon School Board approved Melydi Huyett on Wednesday, Dec. 17, to be the district's next superintendent. Huyett will replace Superintendent Margo Empen after her retirement.

The American Legion in Dixon will serve from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19.

Almost year since OSF HealthCare took over Dixon’s former KSB Hospital, the City Council voted Monday, Dec. 15, to repeal the 130-year-old ordinance that created KSB.

Under a one-year management agreement that went into effect Dec. 1, the YMCA of Rock River Valley will provide executive leadership support to the Dixon YMCA, working closely with the local Board of Directors and staff

Supporters call it Medical Aid in Dying. Opponents call it assisted suicide. The health care network serving the Illinois Valley favors the latter phrase – and pledged to not engage in it.

Here's a list of Lee County property transfers for Dec. 8-12, 2025.

Ogle and Lee counties' events on Saturday, Dec. 13, were part of a national effort to honor veterans by placing wreaths at their graves.

James Cocar is planning to work toward a dual major in mechanical engineering and saxophone performance.

Dixon Police and Lee County sheriff's deputies took 48 kids through Walmart Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, on a shopping spree to ensure a happy holiday.

A Wreaths Across America ceremony was held in Dixon at Palmyra Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025.

The Improv Workshop with Stephen Osborne is back by popular demand at Dixon Stage Left.

Catch up on the week’s top Sauk Valley news for Dec. 7-13 in minutes. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

Bill and Dick’s Barber Shop in Dixon will close for good in March 2026 after 60 years of operation.

United Way of Lee County will host a Pop Culture Trivia Night on Thursday, Jan. 22, at the Post House Ballroom. Doors open at 5 p.m., with trivia beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Here's a list of property transfers for Lee, Ogle and Whiteside counties for Dec. 1-5, 2025.