Community news in northern Illinois
The free events included a bike parade for kids, presentations at two museums, speeches, and a special, brief appearance by “Paul Revere” on a motorcycle.
Sauk Valley Community College will host an American Red Cross blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, June 29, in West Mall.
Anthony Venier of Venier Jewelers and his friend, Evan Hackbarth, have collaborated to create a completely redesigned Reagan Run medal, bringing a fresh vision to one of the event’s most recognizable traditions.
Sergio Garcia Castro of Sterling graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of science degree.
Plano Library offers free programs for kids and adults through June
Rick Burchell succeeds Nate Kloster as the executive director of Voluntary Action Center of Northern Illinois. Kloster is retiring in July.
The Waterman United Methodist Church will host an ice cream social for community members.
About 45 volunteers took to sites across DeKalb County as part of Day of Caring, hosted by Kishwaukee United Way, on Thursday to give back to the community.
State Sen. Li Arellano Jr., R-Dixon, will host two legislative session updates, one on June 24 in Dixon and another on June 30 in Geneseo to provide residents with an overview of the recently completed spring legislative session and discuss issues impacting the 37th District.
The village of Montgomery took an evening to celebrate the special volunteers who through small acts of kindness “create lasting impacts” across the community. The 2026 Volunteers of the Year honorees were awarded on June 8.
From 1 to 9 p.m., in the park in front of Dixon High School, attendees can show their support for the LGBTQ+ community, jam out to live music, watch drag show performances, explore over 125 merchant vendors and enjoy food and drinks from over 12 vendors.
Here's a list of area students who graduated from Cedarville University in spring 2026.
It is estimated the village of Oswego has grown by 5,553 people, a 16% increase. That would put the village’s population at 40,138.
The annual festival brought together residents, visitors, volunteers, businesses and community organizations for three days of family-friendly entertainment and hometown tradition.
Sauk Valley Community College’s Board of Trustees chairman has been honored for his leadership, service and commitment to advancing the mission of Illinois community colleges.
Joliet Historic Preservation Awards go to St. Joseph Catholic Church, the George Werden Buck Boys & Girls Club, and Ray and Mari Hernandez for the restoration work they did on their house at 408 Whitney Ave.
Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lindenwood will host a one-day Vacation Bible School from 3-6 p.m. Saturday, July 25.
The Moms’ Group at OSF HealthCare Saint Katharine Medical Center in Dixon is inviting local families to attend its next quarterly pop‑up playdate at 5 p.m. Thursday, June 18, at Lowell Park in Dixon.
Plainfield had requested a special census be done because of the estimated 10% increase in its population since 2020, the year of the most recent U.S. census.
The Summer Sounds of the Dixon Municipal Band continue at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 11, at the Page Park Band Shell.
Events include a bike parade for kids, tug of war and programs at two museums.
The city of Morrison is informing residents, businesses, and other stakeholders that Morrison City Hall will be closed intermittently through July to accommodate staff training and the implementation of a new computer system.
The Montgomery Historic Preservation Commission invites residents and visitors to discover the heritage of the community during a free historical presentation.
Amboy's upcoming Food Truck Monday will feature not just a selection of food trucks and vendors but live music as well.
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.
The festival will be from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, June 12, in Montgomery's downtown area along Fox River.
The event will begin at 7 a.m. and residents should have all items or brush for disposal at the curb by then.
Kendall County’s century of post-Civil War population decline and its subsequent explosive post World War II growth will be the underlying theme at the Little White School Museum program.
UpliftedCare Community Grief Center offers free support groups and workshops for people navigating grief, caregiving, and the practical challenges that follow a loss, with multiple groups meeting throughout the week.
Rock Falls held its annual Touch-a-Truck event Saturday, May 30, 2026. Over 150 trucks, cars and various motorized vehicles were put on display for people to explore and learn about.
The free event runs 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 2121 W. Jefferson St. in Joliet and features live entertainment, free food, giveaways, and adoptable dogs.
Some of the persons to be portrayed include Augustus Adams, founder of the Sandwich Manufacturing Company, which at one time was well-known for its quality agricultural implements that were sold worldwide.
Sauk Valley Bank is welcoming Ashley Crawford as its new private banker.
Oswego American Legion Post 675's ultimate goal is to move into a new building that would have a banquet hall that would have a minimum capacity of 250 people,
The Dixon Ag FFA Alumni and Support Group is expressing gratitude to several agricultural partners for their contributions that support the Dixon ag plots.
Rock Falls resident Ozell Taylor created the mural that honors local veterans while bringing pride and beauty to the space for all visitors to enjoy.
Dixon Chamber of Commerce & Main Street invites business leaders, community members and area residents to attend its upcoming Legislative Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 9 at the Post House Ballroom in Dixon.
The fourth annual Dement Town Music Fest will take place May 30 along Dixon's Depot Avenue, bringing a full day of live music, food, art and community to help kick off the summer season.
Batavia District 101 is seeking community members to serve on the school board following the recent resignations of two members.
The 50th Pembroke Rodeo hosted hundreds of spectators and riders over Memorial Day weekend as Latting Rodeo Productions continued its annual tradition on May 23 and 24, 2026. See photos from Sunday here.
This free, family friendly event will honor America’s history, patriotism, and military heritage through interactive living history demonstrations, patriotic music, ceremonial traditions, and educational programs for all ages.
The 10-week program will run through Aug. 5, with meal distribution taking place each Wednesday. Each child will receive three free grab-and-go meals per week to help provide food access during the summer months.
Dixon held its annual Memorial Day parade and observation Monday with a parade through the downtown and a ceremony at Oakwood Cemetery.
The city of Sterling and Sterling Main Street are proud to announce the installation of a new series of banners along the First Avenue Bridge in celebration of the upcoming America 250 commemoration.
Here's a roundup of ceremonies and parades being held across Will County on Monday.
The Iowans will be at the next live Music @ the Museum event taking place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 29, at the Savanna Museum & Cultural Center.
The Red, White, & Blue Ball on June 27 at Loveland Community House in Dixon will be an evening of patriotism, music, and community held in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and in support of the Wounded Warrior Project.
A morning of fun activities and games, a petting zoo, and costumed characters await Saturday, June 6, at Discover Dixon’s Summer Block Party at Plaza North Shopping Center.
The Learning Technology Center (LTC) will host its third annual LTC Gives Golf Outing on Aug. 3 at Prairie View Golf Course in Byron.
An Expression Swing has been added to Dixon's EC Smith Park, which will see more upgrades in the fall. A recent grant will allow the Dixon Park District to dismantle the aging equipment and install a new playground with rubberized flooring.