On this episode of Talk Line, host Brandon Clark talks with Cheyanne Bellows of Lifescape Community Services about elder abuse awareness, the organization’s Community Care program, and the range of support services available to seniors in the region.

MANDRELL: From the vision of Pete Dillon and the founding board, who worked tirelessly to establish the college, to the graduates of the Class of 2026, the college’s history is filled with remarkable examples of overcoming challenges, pursuing opportunity, and changing lives.

Upcoming performances include a tribute to country music legends, Broadway musicals and classic movies.

Whatshername, a tribute to Green Day, will perform May 30 at The Dixon Historic Theatre. Dement Town Music Fest is also set for May 30.

The Dixon Police Department began a criminal investigation earlier this month, according to a news release issued Tuesday.

The 10-week program will run through Aug. 5, with meal distribution taking place each Wednesday. Each child will receive three free grab-and-go meals per week to help provide food access during the summer months.

Dixon held its annual Memorial Day parade and observation Monday with a parade through the downtown and a ceremony at Oakwood Cemetery.

Former Dixonite Nick Lazaris, now of Philadelphia, donated copies of “Distinctive Dixon: Fascinating Stories of Dixon’s Rich History” to all 196 graduates of Ronald Reagan Middle School during graduation ceremonies on Friday, May 22.

The Dixon VFW and American Legion held their joint Memorial Day observation Monday, May 25, 2026.

Dixon High School held its Class of 2026 graduation ceremony Sunday, May 24, 2026, on the high school football field.

Boston Leather's professional-grade belts are available locally at Modern Shoe Shop and Kaleels, in Dixon, and The Fitting Room in Sterling.

On this episode of Talk Line, host Brandon Clark talks with Dixon Deputy Chief Chris Scott about upcoming DPD summer and charity events, community policing efforts, new officer updates, and how school resource officers continue serving the community during summer break.

Catch up on the week’s top Sauk Valley news for May 17-23 in minutes. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

Here's a list of Lee, Whiteside and Ogle county property transfers for May 11-15.

Here's a schedule of Memorial Day observances taking place Monday in the Sauk Valley.

The Reagan Run welcomes runners and walkers of all experience levels and continues to draw participants from throughout the Sauk Valley and beyond each Independence Day.

BELZER: Winning the Reagan Run Scholarship is an incredible honor, and it has given me a chance to reflect on what this race, and this community, really mean to me as I get ready to graduate.

Summer is almost here, and that means it's festival season across northern Illinois.

Dixon city officials selected a different contractor for a water tower paint project Monday after the previously recommended contractor indicated they’d be unable to comply with an Illinois employment law if it were to go into effect.

The Red, White, & Blue Ball on June 27 at Loveland Community House in Dixon will be an evening of patriotism, music, and community held in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and in support of the Wounded Warrior Project.

As Shaw Media celebrates its 175th anniversary, we looked back at four historic front pages from May 21 across different decades.

A morning of fun activities and games, a petting zoo, and costumed characters await Saturday, June 6, at Discover Dixon’s Summer Block Party at Plaza North Shopping Center.

Summer events include Dixon City Market, Music at the Square and Fitness Fridays.

An Expression Swing has been added to Dixon's EC Smith Park, which will see more upgrades in the fall. A recent grant will allow the Dixon Park District to dismantle the aging equipment and install a new playground with rubberized flooring.

Dixon’s pedestrian bridge that’s being constructed over the Rock River near Dixon High School has officially been named "Petunia Crossing" after city council members voted Monday to approve it.

he Dixon American Legion will have an open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 25. A free meal will be served at noon.

To get more information about the important part that “smithing” played in the Sauk Valley area, come to the Lee County Historical and Genealogical Society at 7 p.m. Monday, May 25, to hear Greg Dutchoff, a local blacksmith, speak.

On this episode of Talk Line, host Brandon Clark is joined by Shaw Local news reporter Payton Felix to breakdown the latest on several of her stories, including updates on Dixon's Gateway project, the future of the Magnuson Hotel, and a high profile Rochelle court case.

The Reagan Run is more than miles and medals – it’s about community, growth, resilience, and discovering the strength that’s been inside you all along.

Sauk Valley Community College held its 2026 commencement Friday on the school campus in Dixon.

Catch up on the week’s top Sauk Valley news for May 10-16 in minutes. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

As Shaw Media celebrates its 175th anniversary, we looked back at four front pages from May 17. These archives serve as a time capsule, capturing everything from early industrial booms to the local impact of world-changing events

On this episode of Talk Line, host Brandon Clark is joined by Mike Duerst of the Dixon Petunia Festival to unveil this year’s entertainment lineup and preview what festival-goers can expect during one of the Sauk Valley’s biggest summer traditions.

Here's a list of Lee, Whiteside and Ogle counties' property transfers for May 4-8, 2026.

A single-family home in Compton that sold for $320,000 tops the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in Lee County / Whiteside over the past week

The public’s voice has been heard, and choices have emerged for the name of the new pedestrian bridge in Dixon. Now is the chance to vote from the final list of names.

State Sen. Li Arellano Jr., R-Dixon, is encouraging students across the 37th District to stay engaged this summer by participating in his annual Summer Reading Program.

Ermira Ramadani, an intensive care unit nurse at OSF HealthCare Saint Katharine Medical Center in Dixon, has been recognized with a DAISY Award for providing extraordinary compassionate care for a patient and his family.

Sycamore, Kaneland, Genoa-Kingston, Sandwich, St. Viator, Plano, Crystal Lake South, Dixon, Rochelle, and Carmel are among the teams that took part in the Class 2A girls track sectional Friday at Genoa-kingston High School.

In the quiet rear section of Oakwood Cemetery stands a towering 12-foot monument bearing three names: Reynolds, Harvey and Ralston. The stone is striking. So is the story behind it.

Laynie Berkey of Dixon was among a record 3,762 graduates who received degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln during commencement exercises May 8-9.

A new swing at EC Smith Park in Dixon is another step the district is taking in making the parks more inclusive.

Derek Prieto won the 200 and 400 as Sterling took third at the Western Big 6 Conference track and field meet. Dixon's Brady Lawrence pitched a complete game, Dixon softball won 14-1 and more in Thursday's Sauk Valley roundup.

Here's a list of Lee County property transfers for May 4-8, 2026.

May brings live theater, tribute bands and movies to the stage at The Dixon Historic Theatre.

The Post will have an open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 25. A free meal will be served at noon. Donations are appreciated.

As Shaw Media celebrates its 175th anniversary, we looked back at four front pages from May 13

There will be a guest speaker, a reading of veterans and a graveside service with placement of flowers on veterans’ graves.

Eighteen students will participate in the final graduation ceremony May 20 at Clipper Kiddies Christian Preschool, Amboy’s only private preschool. The preschool will officially close in June.

The United Way of Lee County held its 2025 campaign celebration Tuesday in Dixon to wrap up its donation year.