The TALK-LINE interview for Aug. 14 featured Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Sam Kersey reviewing previous chamber happenings, including the multi-chamber “Business After Hours” event at Sauk Valley Community College.

The university awarded degrees to 6,770 students.

Ted Dabrowski is joined by DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick in the race. Mendrick called Medicaid cuts signed by President Donald Trump “unsustainable,” but said he believes the president is doing a good job overall

Mercyhealth health care system agreed to pay over $1 million to employees and offered to reinstate employees after the company terminated workers for refusing to comply with its COVID-19 vaccine policy for religious reasons.

Dixon American Legion Post 12 will serve hamburger, pork chop sandwich, brat, or hot dog picnic dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15.

Here is a list of personnel actions approved by the Dixon School Board on Aug. 7, 2025.

The Lincoln Highway Heritage Fest happens in Rochelle Aug. 15-17.

From free concerts to fairs to family-friendly events, Lee County has something fun for everyone this summer.

Sterling’s new Cornerstone Special Care facility hosted a ribbon-cutting on Tuesday

With lots of young players gaining valuable experience last season, the Forreston Cardinals look to return to their high standards this fall.

By the end of the year, I need Caleb to clearly show that the Bears have a franchise quarterback going forward, Marc Silverman writes

The Federal Trade Commission just released a report showing adults over 60 years of age who reported losing more than $100,000 increased seven times from 2020 to 2024.

Cowboys get down and dirty Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, during the Next Level Pro Bronc rodeo at the Whiteside County Fair.

Students in Sterling head back to class Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, for the first day of the school year.

Rockford Christian and Schlarman Academy both recently announced they will be cancelling their upcoming 8-man football seasons, leaving a question mark in the schedule for their opponents.

Democrats across the country are searching for a winning message in the 2026 elections, but Illinois Democrats say they’re already found one

Here is a list of Lee County property transfers for Aug. 4-8, 2025.

The TALK-LINE interview for Aug. 13 featured Shaw Local News representatives Charlene Bielema and Brandon Clark discussing featured local news coverage in the Sauk Valley area.

The Newman Comets take the practice field Tuesday, August 12, 2025, ahead of the 2025 season.

The Rock Falls Rockets hit the field for the first week of football practice Tuesday, August 13, 2025. The Rockets open at home against Byron August 29.

Encore! Mt. Morris has announced the return of Chicago entertainers Rick Lindy and the Wild Ones to the band shell from 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, to close Straw Fest Day festivities.

Shaw Local Radio’s Dani Holland interviews country music superstar Trace Adkins as Adkins prepares to play at the Bureau County Fair on August 21 in Princeton

We take a look at the top players in the Big Northern Conference, a team-by-team breakdown, key games and predict the order of finish.

After falling short of an eighth straight playoff appearance, Fulton hopes to build off last year's strong finish as it heads into a fifth year in the Northwest Upstate Illini Conference.

As students across Whiteside County head back to school, Whiteside County's sheriff is reminding drivers, parents and the community to take extra precautions to keep children safe.

Students in Dixon head back to class Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, for the 2025-26 school year.

Police agencies in Illinois will soon be required to do more thorough background checks on prospective officers

The university named more than 400 student-athletes to the honor roll.

A Dixon man faces several drug and weapons charges following an early morning car crash Sunday in Amboy where responding deputies said they smelled cannabis and alcohol.

Here's a list of Whiteside County property transfers for Aug. 4-8, 2025.

With schools across Illinois preparing to open for the new year, the Illinois State Police are reminding motorists to obey school zone speed limits, stop for buses and avoid distracted driving.

Attendees can learn how to identify, understand, and respond to youth mental health illness signs and substance use disorders.

August is National Sandwich Month, and we're highlighting some of the Sauk Valley's favorite delis.

The Mt. Morris Jamboree has announced the return of premier Eagles tribute band, Heartache Tonight, to the bandshell for a free concert starting at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22.

After snapping a 6-year playoff drought with back-to-back playoff berths, the Oregon Hawks are hoping to take the next step this fall in the postseason.

Scattered showers and thunderstorms could bring heavy downpours Monday evening capable of causing localized flooding across Will, Kankakee and Grundy counties.

No Republican candidates have publicly announced they’re running for three statewide offices and just two have announced plans to run for governor as Gov. JB Pritzker seeks a third term.

Here's a list of Ogle County property transfers for Aug. 4-8, 2025.

Get caught up on news, sports and features from the week of Aug. 1-7, 2025, in the Sauk Valley.

Explore a variety of unique martini flavors at Bartini's in Rock Falls.

Sterling players hit the field Monday, August 11, 2025, for the first day of football practice.

Dixon footballers look to continue their winning ways with the first day of practice Monday, Aug. 11, 2025.

Oregon's vintage base ball team, the Ganymedes, won a game and lost a game, on the opening day of the 22nd World Tournament of Historic Base Ball, held at the Henry Ford Museum's Greenfield Village on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, in Dearborn, Michigan. The Ganymedes fell to the Columbus Ohio Buckeyes 22-13 and beat the Bay City Independents 22-7. The tournament continued on Sunday.

Venetian Night in Dixon on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, featured magicians, street performers, face painting, a spaghetti eating contest, mini boat races, a drone light show and more. The Discover Dixon event was held along the riverfront.

Culver’s restaurants in Dixon and Rock Falls partnered with TwinCities and PADS homeless shelters during the month of June, donating over $1,500 from a share day event and shelter-requested items given by the community.

Building community was an overwhelming theme last week in the Sauk Valley as seen in this collection of Photos of the Week.

The opening reception will run from 5-6:30 p.m. Aug. 22, 2025, at the Academy, 3807 Woodlawn Road in Sterling, where visitors can enjoy refreshments while viewing artwork displayed in the halls and lounge.

Here's a list of property transfers for Lee, Ogle and Whiteside counties for July 28 to Aug. 1, 2025.

Danny Kolb retired nine years before his son, Korbyn, 8, was born and wanted to give his son a taste of what his big league baseball career was like. He got got that opportunity in the 25th anniversary of the Milwaukee Brewers’ stadium on July 25.

The TALK-LINE interview for August 7 featured Sauk Valley Community College Marketing Director Jim Grot and Adult Education Literacy Coordinator Ana Lara.