Here's a list of Lee, Whiteside, and Ogle counties' property transfers for June 1-5, 2026

Here's a look at some of the happenings in the Sauk Valley for June 5 to 13, 2026.

Sergio Garcia Castro of Sterling graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of science degree.

The free community art event will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grandon Civic Center. Participants of all ages are encouraged to come out and transform the park’s sidewalks into colorful works of art.

South Dakota State University announces Dale Johnson of Sterling has been named to the dean’s list for the spring 2026 semester.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs through July 19.

The grand opening and ribbon cutting for the new splash pad at the Northwestern Steel & Wire Park at 201 Wallace St., Sterling, was celebrated June 13. The newly dedicated Riverfront Park features a large, modern splash pad with moveable water cannons and a large dump bucket.

Communities around the Sauk Valley are gearing up for fireworks shows to celebrate Independence Day and the nation’s 250th birthday.

To qualify for the dean’s list, students must earn a grade-point average of 3.50 or better during the semester, based on 4.0 for straight As.

A ribbon cutting on Saturday will officially open Northwestern Steel and Wire Park on Sterling's riverfront but for Riverfront Commission co-chair Terry McGuire, the work put in by the commission over the last four years already has been rewarded.

Here's a list of Whiteside County property transfers for June 1 to 5, 2026.

The Sterling Park District's summer plans call for work on the multi-use path and major upgrades at Thomas Park.

Properties within the zone are eligible for state and local financial incentives for redevelopment and historic tax credits aimed at attracting private investment.

The 73rd annual Fiesta Parade will be held on Sept. 19. Nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 Fiesta Parade grand marshal.

On this episode of Talk Line, host Brandon Clark sits down with Janna Groharing from Sterling Main Street to discuss upcoming summer events, including the opening of the city's new riverfront park, the Twin City Farmers Market, the return of Cruise Nights, and more. 

Locations that could be impacted include Sterling, Rock Falls, Morrison, LeClaire, Fulton, Prophetstown, Hampton, Port Byron, Erie, Garden Plain, Rapids City, Albany, Princeton, Tampico, Cordova, Lyndon, and Riverdale.

Jury trials will remain on hold in Whiteside County after University of Chicago mathematicians’ work, though not complete, points to irregularities in how names surface for jury duty, a Whiteside County judge ruled Tuesday

The multi-use path, which will eventually run to Sauk Valley Community College, is set to enter its next construction phase.

More than 2,300 students – including 21 from the area – received their bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from Northern Illinois University in May.

Catch up on the week’s top Sauk Valley news for May 31-June 6 in minutes. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

The results of a survey about parking in downtown Sterling are out and the reviews are mixed.

After hearing the results of a parking survey and differing concerns from downtown Sterling business owners, employees and customers, the message was clear – more free downtown parking is needed.

Here's a list of Lee, Whiteside, and Ogle counties' property transfers for May 25-29, 2026.

A Rock Falls man who police say threw a pregnant woman to the ground Wednesday is facing felony aggravated battery, fleeing, and weapon charges.

Due to forecasted extreme heat and possible thunderstorms Saturday, organizers are moving the fifth annual Bellson Music Fest and Drum Clinic indoors.

Northern Illinois University announces the students who have made its spring 2026 dean’s list.

After hearing repeated concerns from the public regarding its Flock Safety network, the Sterling City Council and the Sterling Police Department are set to review how their cameras are used.

A Whiteside County judge ruled Wednesday that enough evidence exists for prosecutors to proceed with a meth trafficking case filed last month against a Morrison man

Newman Central Catholic High School in Sterling recently announced its 2026 spring semester honor roll.

Sterling Fire Lt. Garrett Ramos wanted to give back to his community and wanted his department to be active in the community. A scholarship that he envisioned to give back and involve the department now honors his memory.

The Bellson Music Fest, which honors Rock Falls native Louie Bellson, is Saturday, June 6.

The Sterling Municipal Band's “Music Under the Stars” summer concert series will take place at Grandon Civic Center in Central Memorial Park in downtown Sterling.

The bucket truck was one of several vehicle purchases the City Council approved Monday.

State Rep. Brad Fritts, R-Dixon, is hosting a shred event from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 13, at Self Help Enterprises in Sterling.

Fire Chief David Northcutt and several members of the Sterling Fire Department and their families were on hand as Brandon Monical was officially welcomed into the SFD ranks.

An outdoor fire broke out late Tuesday morning at Cimco Recycling Center in Sterling, with over 21 fire, EMS or sheriff’s departments called in to help put out a shred pile blaze at the back of the property.

Hundreds of people stood along both sides of the Union Pacific tracks on Wallace Street in downtown Sterling on Tuesday to get a look at Union Pacific’s Big Boy 4014 as it made its way east on a coast-to-coast tour to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Here's a list of Whiteside County property transfers for May 25 to 29, 2026.

At five, it thrives: Five years after opening, Candlelight Inn's location at Lake Carroll has found its footing – built on staff, service and a tight-knit community.

Nostalgia overload: Wind through the hills of northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin, from Scales Mound to Lead Mine, and there are scenic views and a time warp back to life – in the form of old-time stores and taverns – from many decades ago.

The Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 steam locomotive made a whistle stop in Sterling on Tuesday on its coast-to-coast trip to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding.

Seedling Explorers is a free drop-in program that meets Tuesdays at 10 a.m. throughout the summer, with the last session Aug. 4.

Clinton Symphony Orchestra’s annual free outdoor Pops Concert will be performed Sunday, June 7, in the bandshell at Riverview Park in Clinton, Iowa.

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

In recognition of Infrastructure Week, Illinois American Water is highlighting significant investments underway in Sterling to strengthen water service, enhance reliability, and support long-term system performance for customers.

Here's a list of Lee, Whiteside, and Ogle property transfers for May 18-22, 2026.

It’s not even officially summer yet, but the Sterling Public Works Department is planning ahead for winter snowfall.

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy parks, trails, sports and outdoor activities throughout Sterling, but warmer temperatures and longer days also make sun safety and hydration more important than ever.

A resident who brought concerns over Sterling's uncontrolled intersections wants to see changes made and cleanup done.

The University of Dubuque named students from Dixon and Sterling to the list.