Payton Felix

Dixon on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, was established as the 41st Purple Heart City in Illinois. The designation from the Military Order of the Purple Heart is given to cities, counties and other entities that show a commitment to honoring and supporting Purple Heart recipients.

An animal rights activist accused in Ogle County of falsely reporting a shooting at a rodeo near Rochelle pleaded not guilty Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, after a judge ruled that the case against her will move forward.

Coloma Township was refunded nearly $8,000 in property taxes paid by the board's previous supervisor on the former US Bank building that the township purchased in 2023.

Two Dixon police officers were sworn into their new roles Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, as deputy chief and patrol sergeant. The promotions were brought on by former Deputy Chief Matt Richards' retirement on July 31.

A Colorado man on a mission to walk about 3,180 miles, from top to bottom of the continental United States, spent the night in his self-made wagon-style camper Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Rock Falls. He started in Angle Inlet, Minnesota, and will end in Key West, Florida.

An Ogle County all-breed dog rescue is bringing multiple rescues together for a September event where people can hang out with adoptable dogs. The event will be at Carnation Park, 1 Webster Street, in Oregon from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 27.

The Erie Fire Protection District has expanded its ambulance services over the years and one volunteer has seen it all. Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Jeff Wirth joined the department 48 years ago.

Several northern Illinois counties have struggled in the past two years to regulate area rodeos after an animal rights group captured multiple videos of animal abuse at the events. The advocacy group's footage shows animals being hit in the face, tripped and prodded.

The mayor of Rock Falls says its police department is “running smooth” after the father of a Rock Falls murder victim called for the chief's resignation in June.

The city of Dixon is working with the Dixon Park District to apply for a federal grant to help cover Dixon's celebration of the 250th anniversary of America’s independence and enhance the new pedestrian bridge that is now under construction.

News Media Corporation‘s decision to end operations has led to the closure of the Rochelle News-Leader, Ogle County LIFE, Ashton Gazette, Amboy News, Mendota Reporter, and three other northern Illinois newspapers

The city of Dixon is preparing to welcome new businesses to the Gateway project – the city's major commercial development in the Interstate 88 corridor.

Lee County’s approach to emergency management is getting a revamp following the retirement of the agency's director of nearly two decades, Kevin Lalley. Lalley, who was hired in 2006, retired June 30, 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.

Dixon residents can now enjoy a new, more convenient location for R.P. Lumber. It reopened June 16 at 1350 N. Galena Ave. with the same open hours: Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 7 p.m. to noon.