Dixon's massive game at No. 1 Byron highlights the 15 matchups in the Sauk Valley area in Week 2. Newman heads to Mendota, Sterling has a nonconference home game, Rock Falls hosts North Boone and more this Friday.

It might seem crazy early to be talking about pivotal games. But the Week 2 slate provides a number of contest that could heavily shape what happens later in the season. Steve Soucie takes a look at some of Week 2's top games.

Marc Silverman: This will be my 31st season covering the Bears as a reporter, talk show host, or columnist after growing up a diehard fan. I’d like to think I’ve seen it all and have refined the way I predict a season

The honorees include two groups from Franklin Grove and Dixon recognized for their vital roles in conserving and maintaining Franklin Creek State Natural Area.

L-P fell behind early in the first set but bounced back to beat Rock Falls 25-18, 25-18 in a nonconference match.

The TALK-LINE interview for Sept. 3 featured Dixon Park District Executive Director Duane Long discussing infrastructure activity taking place on road surfaces in Lowell Park and river shore-up plans for the Rock River shoreline in Lowell Park.

The Illinois State Board of Elections said this week it will not hand over to the Trump administration a copy of the state’s complete, unredacted voter registration database, citing state laws that require the agency to protect voters’ sensitive personal information

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams learned a lot in both if his matchups against the Minnesota Vikings last season. Here's how he plans to use what he learned to get ready for Monday's season-opener.

The Natural Land Institute has closed on a conservation easement in Carroll County regarding land donated by owners Jim and Marilyn Anderson. The easement protects the land in perpetuity.

The Grand Detour Arts Festival is Sunday, Sept. 7 at the John Deere Historic Site.

The IHSA's changes to the multiplier rules altered the way that the 2025 playoffs are likely to look. And the first regular season projection reflected that fact. Steve Soucie's first playoff projection of the season predicts how all eight classes of the field will look.

Dr. Linda Hellmich: Fritts "could have used this moment to bridge differences and mediate a common ground. Unfortunately, his one-sided words and actions attacked a vibrant community organization’s credibility and viability."

Princeton coach Andy Puck was happy to catch Newman early in the volleyball season. He knows they have a young team that will only improve by the next time they meet. The Tigresses caught the Comets this time, scoring a 25-19, 25-14 win Tuesday at Prouty Gym

Genoa-Kingston took advantage of its opportunities to pull out a 2-1 victory over Dixon in the BNC opener for both teams Tuesday evening at A.C. Bowers Field.

Pritzker encouraged residents to learn their rights and film ICE’s work. “Authoritarians thrive on your silence,” he said. “Be loud for America.”

Exhibitors have the opportunity to meet face to face with senior citizens and caregivers who are anxious to learn about products and services designed for them.

Newman's Evan Bushman made key throws in a big win over Princeton, Dixon rolled at Rockford, Milledgeville stepped up in a big win over Amboy and more in this week's Sauk Valley football notes.

Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson revealed on Tuesday that a groin injury had kept him away from practice during training camp. He also said he's doing everything he can to play in Monday's season-opener against the Minnesota Vikings.

Congratulations to these 22 Illinois high school football players who were voted onto Friday Night Drive's Team of the Week for Week 1 of the 2025 high school football season

Construction on the bridge carrying Cordova Road over Interstate 88 in Whiteside County begins this week, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

If your body makes more cholesterol than it needs, there could be several reasons, and most of them are related to your lifestyle.

Dixon and G-K face off on the soccer pitch Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025.

Culvert replacement work on U.S. 52 in Lee County near Amboy will begin Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Dixon has unveiled a comprehensive plan to address needs and wants in the community to improve the lives, and future, of its residents.

The majority of the west entrance parking lot is now designated as patient parking only, according to a CGH Medical Center news release. 

The Chicago Bears starting preparing for their season-opener against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday at Halas Hall. Here's how the defense is getting ready for the unknown of Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

Representatives from Business Employment Skills Team and Illinois Department of Employment Security will be on hand at this free event.

Illinois' oldest continuing county fair returns this week with a packed schedule.

That the Sauk Valley Chamber of Commerce should be not partisan is a no-brainer.

Prevent Child Abuse America has announced that the Healthy Families America affiliate, Sinnissippi Centers Inc., has been accredited as a provider of high-quality home visiting services to pregnant families and families with infants and young children.

The Paddle & Feast Canoe & Kayak Adventure launches Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, and will take up to 25 participants on a scenic, three-hour trip from Grand Detour to Lowell Park in Dixon.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides one-time benefits to income-eligible homeowners and renters to help with energy bills and energy service reconnection.

Catch up on the week’s top Sauk Valley news for Aug. 24-30 in minutes. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

Dixon girls tennis took first at Freeport, Fulton boys golf shot a school record 290 and Oregon girls golf won its home tournament in Saturday's Sauk Valley roundup.

Through this initiative, in partnership with the Dixon Rural Fire Department, the organization was able to purchase 13 kits to be distributed to schools in Dixon, Sterling and Rock Falls.

The TALK-LINE interview for Aug. 29 featured Reagan Mass Transit District Assistant Director of Operations Steve Davis

Sauk Valley Community College is seeking volunteer tutors for a free program in Dixon helping non-native English speakers improve their language skills and prepare for the U.S. naturalization process.

For a free-will donation, the all-you-can-eat breakfast includes eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, biscuits and gravy, and pancakes.

It didn’t take long for Dixon to figure out how to get tuned up for next week’s clash with Byron, having little trouble Friday with a 47-8 Big Northern Conference win over Rockford Lutheran.

Milledgeville's defense stepped up, and sophomore quarterback Kyson Francis threw three touchdown passes as the Missiles beat Amboy 30-22 in a rematch of last year's I8FA state championship

Bureau County rivals Bureau Valley and St. Bede met for the first time in three seasons Friday night at the Academy gridiron with the Bruins winning 47-6.

Sauk Valley Voices of Recovery will host an overdose awareness event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, at the Grandon Civic Center, 304 Brinks Circle in Sterling.

Here is a list of Lee County property transfers for Aug. 18-22, 2025.

Overcoming earlier injuries, George Jungerman has answered the bell as a versatile athlete for Newman football. 'I’ll play anything for my team to help out.'

National touring artists Orianthi, Buckcherry and Dishwalla will perform at The Dixon Theatre this fall.

Families and individuals will be able to use stone-ground flour, mix it up and knead it into dough and 20 minutes later have a fresh baked loaf of rye or wheat bread to take home.

The first Chicago Bears training camp under head coach Ben Johnson is over. Here are some of the key superlatives of what we learned over the past six weeks.

Byron scored touchdowns on three of its first offensive five plays, and added tochdowns on interception and punt returns on its way to a 63-0 win over Rock Falls on Thursday night at Hinders Field.

Dixon and Oregon girls golf won, Sterling volleyball beat Newman, Dixon girls tennis won and more in Thursday's Sauk Valley roundup.

Dixon has emphasized playing as one team this season. The experienced Duchesses improved to 2-0 after sweeping Rochelle in Thursday's home opener.