Ogle County

The ban was approved by the Illinois legislature in January 2023. It bans the sale, purchase and manufacturing of firearms that the legislature defined as “assault weapons,” such as AR-15-style rifles. 

Joshua M. Conway, 19, of rural Polo and Michael C. Gul, 29, of Wauconda, were both found dead late Saturday night on the third floor of a Polo home.

Riders from across the region took their best shots at climbing the 100-foot “hill” on their motorcycles, competing in a variety of class divisions.

Approximately 500 people lined two sidewalks around the historic Ogle County Courthouse for 2 hours on Saturday, June 14, 2025, carrying signs critical of Trump and his administration.

Event is for Ogle County residents only; free permit is required in advance of the event.

Our hearts go out to the victims of this tragic event, their families, and all who have been affected.

The incident remains under investigation. No further threat to the community exists at this time, authorities said.

Approximately 500 people took part in a 2-hour ‘No Kings’ rally in Oregon on Saturday, June 14, 2025, to protest actions by President Donald Trump. People carried signs critical of Trump’s policies and executive orders as they lined the north and east sidewalks of the Ogle County Courthouse Square in the town of 3,566. A small group of Trump supporters also displayed signs at the rally, with no altercations reported.

Students from throughout the Sauk Valley are being recognized for their achievements.

Check out Shaw Local's list of Sauk Valley-area students who have been named to dean and president's lists, earned their degrees

Lifescape Community Services, which provides adult protective services in Whiteside, Lee, Carroll and Ogle counties and works to increase understanding of abuse and neglect of older people, will spread awareness at its outdoor information booth from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday.

Payment methods include cash, check (payable to Ogle County Collector) or credit card.

Duane Upchurch, 60, found guilty three years ago of sexually assaulting two young girls in 2004 and 2008, was sentenced April 11, 2025, to a total of 25 years in prison following an emotional hearing in a packed courtroom at the Ogle County Judicial Center.

A quick downpour didn’t stop the Leaf River Daze Parade from stepping off at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 8, 2025. The parade capped off the 3-day festival in Leaf River which included fireworks, a car show, and the FFA Alumni Tractor and Truck Pull.

Read the transcript from our Talk-Line interview with Ogle County Health Department Environmental Health Director Ashly Whaley discussing the West Nile Virus

The TALK-LINE interview for June 9 featured Ogle County Health Department Environmental Health Director Ashly Whaley discussing the West Nile Virus: what it is, how it is transmitted, what the department is doing.

The free concerts will continue each Wednesday evening through July 30.

Work will include replacing a reinforced concrete box culvert in addition to widening the intersection with Penn Corner Road and the installation of a storm sewer.

The program challenges students to read eight books before Monday, July 14.

The TALK-LINE interview for May 30 featured United Way of Lee and Ogle Counties' Executive Director Ashley Richter.

Beginning June 4, all children and teens can enjoy free meals in Lee County when school is out. This year, United Way will provide nutritious meals to kids and teens 18 and younger.

The private attorney representing a rural Dixon man charged with the attempted murder of three police officers said he will be pursuing a motion made by a former Ogle County public defender to hold the trial outside the county.

McHenry County authorities say a man and woman from Ogle County were traveling in a stolen vehicle while in possession of methamphetamine, open alcohol containers, billy club and a toddler in tow.

One Oregon resident said passage would have been “an act of tyranny.”

Wadsworth, 72, first became the pronouncer for the Lee County Spelling Bee in 1983. Over the years, he has declared 43 local champions and sent them to Washington to represent the local bee, which is now the Lee Ogle Whiteside Spelling Bee.  

Sinnissippi Centers’ Byron office is a full-service location offering outpatient treatment for mental illness and substance use.

Founded in 1965 as part of the national community action movement, Tri-County Opportunities Council has played a role in fighting poverty and empowering individuals and families to achieve economic self-sufficiency.

According to Oregon fire crews, occupants in the vehicles were treated at the scene and did not need to be transported to a medical facility.

The Ogle County Health Department sponsored the construction of another mini-food center Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Dixon Public Library.

The Citizens Utility Board blamed years of poor policies and planning by grid operator PJM Interconnection for the rate increase.

Members of the Oregon High School Ag Construction class spent Friday, May 16, 2025, building a mini-food center at Dixon Public Library. The center will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for people to take the food they need.

Illinois officials are urging people not to travel amid dust storm warnings across parts of the state, including much of the Chicago area.

After severe storms swept northern Illinois Thursday, the region faces increased fire risk and wind advisories Friday.

It will be at least another eight months before an Ogle County jury decides the fate of a Stillman Valley man who is charged with killing his ex-wife in 2016 and then setting her Byron home on fire, also resulting in the death of their 3-year-old son.

A tornado watch is in effect until 10 p.m. Thursday for most of northern Illinois, the National Weather Service reports.

City Manager Darin DeHaan introduced the ordinance last month, telling city commissioners the new ordinance would give the city necessary information and time to prepare for demonstrations.

Jared Babler, 28, was charged in connection with an April 15 incident.

This year’s sale will be held at the Oregon Coliseum in downtown Oregon from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, May 30, and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 31.

The driver of the semi-tractor and trailer was ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and improper lane usage.

The workshop will be taught by artist Valerie Butcher of Rock Falls and is open to everyone.

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.

The open houses are designed to seek feedback on the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP), and Human Services Transportation Plan (HSTP).

The idea of adding shade came from a citizen

Matthew L. Thoreson, 23, is charged with aggravated arson, a Class X felony, following a Thursday, May 1, house fire in Oregon.

Representatives from Business Employment Skills Team, Inc. and Illinois Department of Employment Security will be on hand to share information and resources for area job-seekers.

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.

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

Attendees displayed a variety of signs critical of the Trump administration during a May Day Rally on Thursday, May 1, 2025, around the historic Ogle County Courthouse in Oregon, Illinois. Approximately 150 people attended the evening event.

Timothy J. O’Dell, 28, of Rochelle, was remanded to the Ogle County Jail following the decision by Judge Anthony Peska on April 24.

State Rep. Brad Fritts congratulated owner Ashley Bick for her continued hard work and noted that she had recently purchased a catering truck to support her expanding restaurant operations.