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.

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.

The seven-session academy will meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday starting Sept. 9, 2025, in the Sterling Police Department’s training room, 212 Third Ave.

A Sterling developer and business owner has purchased Coloma Township’s former US Bank building in Rock Falls.

Kelly's in Sterling combines traditional Irish pub with authentic Mexican cuisine, making for a unique experience in the Sauk Valley.

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

A Rock Falls man has been sentenced to a total of 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to separate Whiteside County cases that accuse him of recklessly shooting a firearm in May 2024 and possessing meth

As autumn approaches, Emerald Hill Golf Course is welcoming players to enjoy cooler weather, vibrant scenery, and affordable rates during Fall Shoulder Season, beginning Sept. 2 and continuing through closing.

When couples fall in love with each other, they can call someone who’s fallen in love with photography to capture the picture-perfect moments in their wedding.

A Chadwick couple's labor of love and Earth has given area veggie and fruit lovers a fresh product for their meals.

For decades, Sterling teacher Fern Shore donated what she could to Hope for Haitians to build homes there. The organization said Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, that Shore, prior to her death at 101 last fall, bequeathed $220,000 in McDonald's stock to the organization.

Woodlawn Dance Academy’s 2024-25 Competition Team wrapped up a standout season with a strong showing at the Talent On Parade Dance Nationals in Branson, Missouri.

Catch up on the week’s top Sauk Valley news for Aug. 17-23 in minutes. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

Augustana College recently recognized 555 students during its 165th commencement ceremony.

Here is a list of property transfers for Lee, Ogle and Whiteside counties for July 11-15, 2025.

The department is increasing its efforts to focus on stopping dangerous driving habits. The “Click It or Ticket” campaign will focus on seat belt law enforcement. Police officers also will be searching for drivers impaired by alcohol, cannabis and drugs.

Attendees can navigate scenarios families in poverty encounter, such as securing housing, feeding families, and accessing essential services.

Alexander Kurtz, 19, was remanded to the Ogle County Jail on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, after Ogle County Associate Judge Anthony Peska denied Kurtz’s request to be released pending his Aug. 27 court date.

JCB Investments returned to the Sterling City Council on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, with updates on its proposal to transform the former National Manufacturing basin building at 201 Locust St. into what could become northwestern Illinois’ largest indoor entertainment complex.

The Sauk Valley Community College volleyball team is ranked No. 11 in the NJCAA Division II preseason poll ahead of Friday's first match. The Skyhawks return eight players from last year's team.

The TALK-LINE interview for Aug. 20 featured Shaw Local News representatives Charlene Bielema and Brandon Clark with an update on happenings across the area, including infrastructure work in Sterling.

Construction began July 23, 2025, with an original completion date of Oct. 1. The sewer replacement work is expected to push the project back by about six weeks, with crews now aiming for Nov. 11.

Utility coordination problems could delay reconstruction of Second Street, a project that spans 10 blocks from First Avenue to Route 2 in Sterling.

After about 3 1/2 hours of deliberation Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, a Whiteside County jury said it had found Zachary J. Rivera not guilty of five counts of unlawful restraint and one count of battery, making physical contact, according to court documents.

The pastor at a rural Sterling church is seeking to make its annual Farm Heritage Show just like how the church acts as a beacon of light to the community: helping those in need become mentally healthy and hungry.

Here is a list of property transfers for Whiteside County for Aug. 11-15, 2025.

A Whiteside County judge ruled Monday that a Sterling man accused of robbing a Morrison bank in July will undergo a mental fitness evaluation at the request of his attorney.

While pickleball remains the fastest growing sport, municipalities across northern Illinois are looking to the latest fads of pump tracks, futsal courts and inclusive playgrounds to add in public park renovations

The Sauk Valley Community College greenhouse and JL Acres LLC organic crops are among sites that will be toured.

Just because a school day is over doesn't mean students aren't alone after the dismissal bell rings. Sterling Township has a place where local students in middle school and high school can gather for fun and frolic with new friends.

Sterling goes on the road to Metamora on Aug. 29, 2025, to start the season.

Get caught up on Sauk Valley news, sports and features from the week of Aug. 8-14, 2025.

Here is a list of property transfers for Lee, Whiteside and Ogle counties for Aug. 4-8, 2025.

For many first-time buyers, the idea of purchasing a home can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating mortgages, credit scores and down payments.

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

Illinois saw 142 tornadoes in 2024. With weather teams stretched thin because of federal budget cuts, forecasters warn the next storm might slip through the cracks

The Friends of the Hennepin Canal will hold its next “Hike the Hennepin” event at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17, at Bridge 50, 25060 Illinois Route 172, Rock Falls.

Tyler Tarlton, Lou Pignatelli Sr., and Lou Pignatelli Jr. of Tarlton & Pignatelli LLC plan to construct multiple duplex-style townhomes, with one cluster planned for the 200 block of West Seventh Street and Avenue B, and another set at Lynn Boulevard and 16th Avenue.

There are fraternal organizations in the Sauk Valley where veterans gather to share stories and celebrate camaraderie. However, these fraternal organizations may not be around much longer unless more is done to help keep them open.

After nearly five decades of serving individuals with developmental disabilities, Cornerstone Special Care has opened a new 45,000-square-foot, long-term care facility in Sterling, designed for residents with developmental and medically complex needs.

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

The academy offers classes and workshops in visual arts, dance, music, theater, culinary arts and education for children and adults, along with a private, arts-based preschool program for ages 3 to 5.

According to court records, the two were charged after they were pulled over during an Aug. 3 traffic stop near Lincoln Road and Rock Falls Road near Rock Falls

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.

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

In Sterling, shovels are already in the ground for big park upgrades while in Morrison, the wait for state grant money continues.

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

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

When a Sterling family saw an outdoor family gem with an uncertain future, they stepped up and gave their campground a renewed use. Now in its 60th year, Ruffit Park is flourishing with new owners encouraging people to experience the outdoors.

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