Sterling

Business Employment Skills Team, Inc. and the Illinois Department of Employment Security will be available to share resources and information to area job-seekers.

Sterling/Rock Falls and Dixon hosted a National Night Out celebrations Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. The event is meant to build community and police partnerships.

A coffee and conversation will be from 8 to 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, at Mary’s Diner, 607 Depot Ave., Dixon.

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

If approved, Barrel & Boards would offer year-round family-friendly entertainment, including on-site food courts, a brewery, a winery, 20,000 square feet of games, including bocce ball and pickleball courts, a boutique bowling alley, and virtual reality video games.

A new studio in Sterling is turning fitness upside down, sometimes literally, with a unique twist on breaking a sweat.

Here's a list of property transfers for Whiteside County for July 28 to Aug. 1, 2025.

Sterling Federal Bank has announced the retirement of Steven Brewer from its executive team.

Savana Egan wants to help every girl in the Sauk Valley find that one special dress for homecoming and prom.

They say you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink – but you can lead people to a horse trailer and let them drink, thanks to a Sterling woman who’s brought her own twist to the mobile bar service business.

Here is a list of property transfers for Lee, Whiteside and Ogle counties for July 21-25, 2025.

During Sterling’s annual Hot Dog Day on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, community members got to take a peek inside the new performing arts center that will open this fall in the city’s downtown.

With the first full day of school quickly approaching on Thursday, Aug. 14, Sterling Public Schools has a few important events you might not want to miss.

The dean’s list honors students with a semester grade-point average of 3.5 or higher.

The Sterling Park District has released its fall 2025 Activity Guide, showcasing fitness programs, recreational sports, wellness services, and family-friendly events designed to engage residents of all ages.

Franklin Elementary and Challand Middle schools were recently awarded a Readers’ Choice Grant from the Association of Illinois School Library Educators/LBSS Endowment Fund.

Here is a list of Whiteside County property transfers for July 21-25, 2025.

The meal includes half a chicken, chips, roll and drink for $11. Drive-thru and dine-in options will be available. Proceeds will fund Sterling American Legion charities.

The Back to School Splash Bash will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, while the special anniversary celebration is set for 5-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22.

Students must have a semester grade-point average of 3.5 or higher.

The Sterling Junior All-Stars wrapped up their Little League season with a district championship and appearance in the state semifinals.

To celebrate its 150 years of ministry, Messiah Lutheran is hosting a special anniversary service at 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025, followed by a catered lunch for $5 per person.

With the Sauk Valley’s annual Fiesta Parade set for Sept. 20, 2025, nominations are now being accepted for the parade’s grand marshal honor.

The Whiteside County Natural Area Guardians scholarship committee recently awarded a scholarship to Megan Plumley of Geneseo.

The list honors students with a semester grade-point average of 3.5 or higher. The students also earned at least three academic credits.

Here’s a look at what’s in store for parents as they get ready to send their children back into the classroom.

Here is a list of property transfers for Lee, Whiteside and Ogle counties for July 14-18, 2025.

Beth Wiegmann of Polo will shed some light on the Underground Railroad in the Sauk Valley area at 7 p.m. Monday, July 28, at the Lee County Historical and Genealogical Society in Dixon.  

DQ stores in Rock Falls and Sterling on Thursday, July 31, 2025, will work to change kids’ health and bring hope to University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital, a Children’s Miracle Network member hospital, through their annual Miracle Treat Day.

The shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Centennial Auditorium.

Attend performances by the Dixon Municipal Band on Thursday night, or check out the Rock River Riders Hillclimb on Saturday.

The Wild Rose Clinton will host Sins N' Roses and Electric Shock on July 25.

As part of the new redevelopment agreement, the city will reimburse M5 up to $958,000 for eligible costs tied to the rehabilitation of the former Starlight’s Theatre & Lounge and Amcore Bank.

Here is a list of property transfers for Whiteside County for July 14-18, 2025

Sterling students also have been named to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee dean’s list.

The Sterling Police Department invites residents to join officers from 5-7 p.m, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in Central Memorial Park (Grandon Civic Center) for an evening of free food, entertainment, vendors, games, giveaways and raffles.

The 72nd annual Fiesta Parade, organized by the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Hispanic Business Leaders Committee, will be Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.

Here is a list of property transfers for Lee, Ogle and Whiteside counties for July 7-11, 2025.

Dixon, Sterling and Rock Falls students also graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and were named to the university's chancellor's list.

The TALK-LINE interview for July 16 featured Shaw Local News representatives Charlene Bielema and Brandon Clark discussing local happenings, including the homeless situation in Sterling.

This month’s Friends of the Hennepin Canal hike will be Sunday, July 20, and will be on the feeder canal from Bridge 59 to Bridge 62.

Each concert begins with a 6:15 p.m. pre-concert performance by a talented local musical group followed by the municipal band at 7:30 p.m. at the Grandon Civic Center.

Lining up along East Fourth Street in Sterling on Thursday, July 17, 2025, hundreds of protesters displayed their dissatisfaction with the Trump administration in a nationwide gathering known as “Good Trouble Lives On.”

Hundreds of people in Sterling took part in the “Good Trouble Lives On” protest Thursday, July 17, 2025. The day was marked as a national day of peaceful protest marking the fifth anniversary of the death of U.S. Rep. John Lewis, a civil‑rights icon.

The Sterling Municipal Band performed Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at the Grandon Civic Center as part of its weekly series.

Sterling Police Chief Alex Chavira made the official announcement during the July 7, 2025, Sterling City Council meeting, when Potthoff’s father, Ron Potthoff – a former Sterling police chief – had the honor of pinning his son.

The community group formerly known as Keystone has officially rebranded as Sauk Valley Under 40, reflecting a renewed commitment to building community, connection and leadership opportunities for young adults throughout the Sauk Valley region.

Here is a list of property transfers for Whiteside County for July 7-11, 2025.

As Sauk Valley Community College marks its 60th anniversary in 2025, its founders, leaders and supporters are reflecting on how a grassroots movement built a thriving institution from the ground up while continuing to shape futures across northwest Illinois.

Myles Newberry speaks about the current conditions Tuesday, July 15, 2025, for homeless shelter needs in the area.