Whiteside County voters in April 2025 will once again be asked to consider a countywide sales tax to help fund emergency dispatch services.

The money comes from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant from the state of Illinois. The splash pad project will be located on the AFC school grounds in Ashton, along Highway 38.

Following the Nov. 5 general election, there were vacancies in both districts. Ryan Rod was appointed to the open seat in District 2 and Jennifer Dallas was appointed to finish the unexpired term in District 4.

The Ogle County Board voted 13-11 Tuesday to approve a special use permit for a solar project in Haldane, between Forreston and Polo, following a lawsuit filed by the petitioner.

The Fulton City Council during a special session Thursday night selected Chad Hermes to replace Chief Nick Neblung when he leaves the position in January. Hermes started his career in Rock Falls and has also served in Albany and Morrison.

The Dixon City Council has approved an engineering agreement for the construction of a pedestrian bridge across the Rock River that is expected to take about two years to complete.

The rate increase will go into effect Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, and will vary by district, with typical residential customers using 3,500 gallons per month with a 5/8-inch meter seeing a $16 monthly increase for water and an $8.50 increase for wastewater services.

Sterling’s Park District is set to receive $600,000, while Morrison will get $81,500.

The property tax levy for fiscal 2025 is just more than $5.1 million, 5.51% more than what was levied in fiscal 2024.