Catch up on the week’s top Sauk Valley news for March 8-14 in minutes. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

The top five highest yielding counties in Illinois were Macon, Carroll, Edgar, Ogle and Schuyler.

Audiences can expect a full slate of musicals, dramas and even a murder mystery in 2026.

From Capitol News Illinois: Prediction market platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket rake in millions from wagers on sports and current events but pay nothing in state betting taxes and ignore regulations that govern online sportsbooks.

Join Black Hawk College to celebrate seven new members of the BHC Alumni Hall of Fame on Thursday, April 2, at the Black & Gold Celebration.

A single-family home in Dixon that sold for $229,000 tops the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in Lee County / Whiteside during the past week

From Capitol News Illinois: The Illinois Principals Association expressed skepticism about the bill, citing concerns about burdening schools with the costs of purchasing female manikins for CPR training

The newly created Sterling Street Fest, an afternoon and evening downtown festival that will launch this summer, took a giant leap forward Wednesday as the group organizing the July 25 event announced the three musical acts that will take the stage.

More than 1,200 students received their bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from Northern Illinois University in December.

This month’s Friends of the Hennepin Canal hike will be held on Sunday, March 15, and will travel from Lock 3 to Lock 1 on the Illinois River. This hike is approximately 3.8 miles and is called “Walk on the Wild Side.” Meet at 1:30 p.m. at Lock 3, where the hike will begin.

NFL free agency produced plenty of drama this week. But Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles has had a quieter free agency so far. Here’s a look at every player the Bears have signed so far.

A growing trend on social media promotes the idea that going barefoot is more “natural” and beneficial for foot health. But according to Dr. Brandon Gumbiner, a podiatric surgeon with OSF HealthCare Saint Katharine Medical Center, the risks often outweigh the perceived benefits.

Northern Illinois could see a dramatic weather swing this weekend: rain and 61 degrees Sunday before a powerful cold front brings wind gusts up to 40 mph and the potential for snow by Monday

The Chicago Bears acted quickly to trade for center Garrett Bradbury after Drew Dalman's sudden retirement. Here's how Bradbury can help Caleb Williams continue his growth.

A single-family home in Amboy that sold for $40,000 is leading the list of the best real estate deals in Lee County / Whiteside in the past two weeks.

ComEd reported that more than 33,400 customers were without power by 12:30 p.m. on Friday as northern Illinois is under a high wind warning.

Mitchell White was a part of the team that finished third at the 2026 Safety Olympics hosted by Southeastern Oklahoma State University on Feb. 26-27.

State Sen. Li Arellano, R-Dixon, is co-sponsoring a bill to ban steer tailing.

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs recognized these leaders in their fields for their accomplishments and service to community.

Next week is a “big, big, big” week for hopes of a Chicago Bears stadium in the suburbs as state legislators return to Springfield to debate a tax break and other financial incentives, Arlington Heights Mayor Jim Tinaglia said Thursday

Dailey Damhoff from Morrison, who is studying Legal Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, is a dancer in “DanceScapes ’26”.

A single-family residence located at 916 South Hennepin Avenue in Dixon has a new owner since Feb. 23.

The clinic is an ideal time to have a child reviewed for bone and joint development. If your child has feet pointing inward or outward or complains of foot pain they can be seen at this clinic.

Eastland’s impressive run back to the Class 1A state semifinals came to an end after a 61-43 loss to Lawrenceville in Thursday's third-place game. The Cougars still took home back-to-back state trophies for the first time as a program.

Five Illinois producers, including one from Dixon, were honored Thursday as 2026 Master Farmers at Prairie Farmer magazine’s annual event in Bloomington.

You can train yourself to avoid fraud. First, recognize the characteristics of most scams. Then tell yourself, if this happens to me, I will always talk to someone I trust to ask for help. Who do you trust? Write down their name and number.

From Capitol News Illinois: A coalition of 19 manufacturer, business, and labor organizations has petitioned to end ongoing workshops studying the future of natural gas in Illinois after a statewide resource adequacy report warned of energy shortages

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles met with reporters Thursday at Halas Hall in Lake Forest a day after NFL free agency officially started. Here are three of the most interesting things Poles said.

From Capitol News Illinois: A Senate bill regulating the volume of commercials on streaming services so they can’t be noticeably louder than entertainment content passed the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee on Thursday

A Lee County judge on Thursday denied a furlough request made by a 65-year-old Dixon man charged with attempted murder and home invasion.

Eastland was unable to settle in against Chicago Marshall's speed and athleticism in a 66-38 loss in Thursday's Class 1A state semifinal matchup. The Cougars will play Lawrenceville for third place later tonight.

This spring, we at Friday Night Drive will start looking ahead to the fall with players we are keeping our eye on. After starting with quarterbacks last week, we move our attention to the running back position this week.

The National Weather Service has placed Kankakee County, along with many other counties in northeastern Illinois, under a High Wind Watch that goes into effect Thursday night.

A Sterling man is jailed in Whiteside County as a result of an investigation into a criminal sexual assault allegation

From Capitol News Illinois: Republican county clerks cautioned that while they weren’t fazed by President Donald Trump’s messaging or proposed changes to voting laws, they are concerned about how federal cuts to cybersecurity initiatives could affect future elections

The Volunteer Educators at the Windmill Cultural Center in Fulton are inviting the public to the last Wild Winter Wednesday of the season on March 25.

The Rock River Valley Shamrock Club parade steps off at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 14, from Dixon High School, and the party follows at 3:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

State Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore, has proposed a state law that would mandate funding a study of Illinois universities to develop a 10-year plan focused on school accountability, sustainability and affordability.

Wild Rose Casino & Hotel in Clinton, Iowa, will present Fool House – The Ultimate 90’s Party: The Millennium Tour on Friday, March 20, in the Oakwood Grand Ballroom.

A 1,968-square-foot single-family residence, built in 1925, has changed hands.

Irish wood shipped from overseas, crowd-pulling music, history-rooted stories and a sense of welcome that treats strangers like family awaits guests at Frank O'Dowd's pub in Galena.

You don’t have to win free agency in order to win games, but the pressure is on Bears GM Ryan Poles to find guys who can pressure the quarterback in next month’s draft, Marc Silverman writes

Bob Smith of Morrison has joined Sauk Valley Bank as a VP commercial and agriculture lender.

A Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico school bus driver has been cited for improper lane usage in connection with a Tuesday incident that sent bus passengers to the hospital.

Dean Huisingh, founder, developer and director, will present a PowerPoint slide show about the Huisingh Family Foundation, which is dedicated to saving Illinois plant and animal species through conservation, restoration and education.

The NFL officially started a new year at 3 p.m. Wednesday, which marked the official start of free agency. The Chicago Bears' trades that included DJ Moore and Garrett Bradbury became official while the team reportedly made another signing.

From Capitol News Illinois: Bills creating new insurance requirements for boaters and establishing local pension buyout programs are moving forward in the Statehouse

From Capitol News Illinois: While there are efforts to protect and expand abortion access in Illinois, some state lawmakers are pushing for increased restrictions

The Next Picture Show will host the second annual Chapter and Verse Open Mic Night for area authors from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 10.

A single-family house located at 2304 22nd Avenue in Sterling changed owners on Feb. 10.