News, articles, information about Lee County, Illinois from Sauk Valley News and Shaw Local
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs through July 19.
Strong winds are making their way through northern Illinois, with a wind advisory for several counties until 1 p.m. Wednesday.
Conditions are favorable on Wednesday for two rounds of fast-moving severe storms bringing not only heavy rains but the chance of hail, damaging winds, and even tornadoes, the National Weather Service said
The prize package consists of four Best of Show passes good for Lee County Fair gate and grandstand admission on one day of your choice and four vouchers to one of the fair’s food vendors.
After 17 tornadoes struck northern Illinois last week, experts say the state is nearing another record-breaking year for tornado activity
Forecasters warn northern Illinois could see long-track tornadoes, destructive winds, and flash flooding on Wednesday as a powerful storm system moves in
The Sublette farmers market will take place in downtown Sublette on Tuesdays, starting June 23.
Northern Illinois is under a Level 3 severe weather risk on Wednesday as forecasters warn of tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail, and flash flooding
Here's a list of Lee, Whiteside, and Ogle counties' property transfers for June 1-5, 2026
From Capitol News Illinois: Gov. JB Pritzker announced Friday that 434 Illinois pharmacies will receive nearly $25 million in support, the first distribution of annual funding established through legislation he signed last year.
Local youths ages 10 to 14 are invited to explore the exciting world of engineering and creativity at an upcoming hands-on workshop where participants will build their own DIY hydraulic hand using everyday household materials.
Youths ages 5–10 are invited to get creative and explore the natural world at the University of Illinois Extension 4-H Nature’s Paint Box workshop series happening this summer across Carroll, Lee and Whiteside counties.
Harley R. Delander, 28, of Dixon, is charged with intimidation/physical harm, a Class 3 felony; and one count each of stalking/cause fear for safety and cyberstalking/cause person to fear, both Class 4 felonies, court records show.
The charges stem from a drug investigation that the Dixon Police Department began several months ago, according to police.
An Illinois appellate court has upheld the 67-year prison sentence imposed on a Dixon man convicted of sexually assaulting and abusing a child
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.
Local residents have had negative reactions in recent weeks after learning about a real-estate listing posted on the Lee County Industrial Development Association’s website – a listing that has since been removed – advertising a 387-acre property along Interstate 88 and U.S. 30.
A Shining Hope luncheon fundraiser in Oregon raised $8,000 to support local nonprofits Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center and HOPE of Ogle County.
Here's a list of Lee, Whiteside, and Ogle counties' property transfers for May 25-29, 2026.
United Way of Lee County is hosting a Dolly Book Bash series this summer to bring free, family-friendly literacy events to communities across Lee County.
The college held its 169th commencement exercises May 17.
The Dixon City Council voted Monday to accept a donation of a vacant residential property that officials hope to demolish with state grant funds and open for redevelopment as housing.
As another group of freshly graduated college students enters the job market, challenging times may be ahead with slow hiring rates across the country.
Backyard memories don’t just happen, they’re built over time. A Freeport business is helping families turn pools, hot tubs and more into spaces for connection, relaxation and lasting moments.
Teachers are asking the same questions on technology: What is changing, and how do we keep up? A Dixon educator is helping them find answers, even as the technology keeps shifting beneath him.
Full closure of the Bollman Road Bridge, which carries traffic over Interstate 88 in Lee County, began Monday, June 1, to allow for bridge repair work.
On this episode of Talk Line, host Brandon Clark speaks with Samantha Bay of the Lee County Health Department about tick season, the risks it brings, and the simple precautions residents can take to protect themselves and their pets.
A residence in Dixon that sold for $350,000 nears the top of the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in Lee County / Whiteside in the past week
Here's a list of Lee, Whiteside, and Ogle property transfers for May 18-22, 2026.
Stark and Tazewell counties had the state’s top average corn and soybean yields, respectively, in 2025.
A Dixon man has been formally charged with three felonies in connection with social media posts and emails that authorities say directed threats toward a Lee County economic development official over data centers
A Dixon man faces felony charges accusing him of threatening a former state representative in connection with social media posts and emails, according to Dixon's police chief.
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.
Former Lee County Sheriff Tim Bivins, who served a decade in the Illinois State Senate, reminded a Sublette audience on Monday that Memorial Day is about more than a day off, a long weekend and family picnics.
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.
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.
A Lee County judge issued an arrest warrant Wednesday for a Downers Grove man accused of felony charges related to vehicle theft.
Cash prizes are up for grabs for the winners of Woodlawn Arts Academy’s 18th annual Juried Art Exhibit. The academy is now accepting fine art and photography entries from adults as well as children in kindergarten through 12th grade.
A pregnant ER nurse was kicked by a patient. Prosecutors, hospitals and nurses say violence has become routine – and convictions remain rare
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.
Rivers Estock of Steward was recently named to the spring 2026 dean’s list at Olivet Nazarene University.
John Foxley was honored with the silver axe and celebration Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Grand Detour station.
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
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.
A farmers market will make a return to Sublette this summer and the village will host a cruise night on Saturday, May 16.
Cody Schmitz of Ashton was recently elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.
Here's a list of Lee County property transfers for May 4-8, 2026.