Artists within a 35-mile radius of Dixon or who are permanent residents of Lee, Ogle, Whiteside, Carroll, Stevenson or Jo Daviess counties and who are at least 16 years of age are eligible to enter.

The Next Picture Show is now accepting submissions for Blooming Fusion, a juried exhibition celebrating artistic interpretations of flowers, plants, and gardens. The exhibition will be on view Feb. 18 through March 28 at The Next Picture Show.

Alcohol won't be served on the Stephenson County Fairgrounds when the 2026 Stephenson County Fair kicks off July 21 in Freeport, the fair board has announced.

A total of 251 full-time and part-time Sauk Valley Community College students have been named to the president’s list for high academic achievement during the fall semester. Another 155 students made the dean's list.

Sterling High School and Challand Middle School recently announced honor rolls for the first semester of the 2025-26 school year. The high honor roll is all As and the honor roll is As and Bs.

The 2026 season is designed to support local businesses, encourage city-wide engagement and celebrate all that Dixon has to offer, according to a news release.

For those who are looking for an indoor event to cure their cabin fever this weekend, Rock River Disc Golf and the Dixon Park District have the solution. The two groups are sponsoring an indoor disc golf tournament to raise money for Lee County Honor Flight.

Rock Falls Rotary donated $250 to two different organizations that helped out the community during the holidays.

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Rock Falls Deputy Fire Chief Kyle Sommers was promoted to chief and Fire Capt. Nathan Hartman to deputy chief Tuesday, Jan. 20. The internal promotions follow the retirement of former Chief Ken Wolf III, which went into effect Jan. 16.