Sterling

A Sterling man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison after pleading guilty Wednesday, May 7, 2025, to fatally stabbing a man found severely injured last August in a vehicle that crashed in the hospital parking lot.

Here is a list of property transfers for Lee, Ogle and Whiteside counties for April 22 to May 3, 2025.

Concerned with a change in who is leading local protests against the Trump administration, Sterling’s police chief said an increased police presence and enhanced security measures will be put in place at upcoming protests.

Read the transcript from our TALK-LINE interview for May 8 which featured the chairperson of the 2025 Relay For Life event locally, Betty Clementz, inviting those who wish to participate in this year’s relay to sign up as soon as possible.

The TALK-LINE interview for May 8 featured the chairperson of the 2025 Relay For Life event locally, Betty Clementz, inviting those who wish to participate in this year’s relay to sign up as soon as possible.

The number of reports of stolen vehicles and burglaries in Sterling also increased in 2024, according to the report.

Also, get ready for two events on June 7: the fourth annual Bellson Music Fest at the RB&W District in Rock Falls and the 40th annual Sauk Valley Child Fair, with the theme Candy Land, from 9 a.m. to noon at Sauk Valley Community College, Dixon.

Megan Grady, an eighth-grade social studies teacher at Sterling's Challand Middle School, uses competition and interactive curriculum to keep kids engaged in history.

Challand Middle School’s art program offers students a range of classes, from drawing to painting and printmaking to sculpture.

Brian Lobdell is a second grade teacher at Sterling’s Franklin Elementary School. He transitioned into his career at Sterling schools years ago after spending a decade as a stay-at-home dad.

Nolan Baker is a social studies teacher at Sterling High School and also serves as its head wrestling coach. Zhane Baker is an advanced placement English teacher at SHS.

As a young boy, Jeff Mohr witnessed his sister being robbed of the money she’d collected from selling candy bars for a church fundraiser. That theft led their parents to call the police and, ultimately, inspired Mohr to become a police officer. He will retire June 17.

Read the transcript from our latest podcast: Shaw Local News Network reporter Brandon Clark recently sat down with Sterling Police Department Deputy Chief Jeff Mohr as he prepares for his upcoming retirement in June.

Listen to our latest podcast: Shaw Local News Network reporter Brandon Clark recently sat down with Sterling Deputy Police Chief Jeff Mohr as he prepares for his retirement in June.

A federal program is working behind the scenes to ensure students experiencing homelessness, including those in the Sauk Valley, do not fall between the cracks.

June Drinkall is currently ranked first and second in the nation in her respective divisions heading into the Youth Equestrian Development Association National Finals this June in Tennessee.

This national recognition comes from Students for Life of America, honoring student groups that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to pro-life activism both on campus and online.

Representatives from Business Employment Skills Team, Inc. and Illinois Department of Employment Security will be on hand to share information and resources for area job-seekers.

Private music students will perform in recitals set for May 19, May 20 and May 29. Woodlawn Dance Academy dancers age 3 to adult will perform three recitals with the theme “Elements.” The dance events are set for May 30 and 31.

Katarina Verdick plans to become a marriage and family counselor as well as further her education in psychology and therapy.

Natalie Eddinger plans to become a pediatric cardiologist.

The married fighter pilots, both currently stationed in northern Japan, fly F-16 training missions together, serving their country while navigating military life side by side in the air and at home.

Here is a list of property transfers for Lee, Ogle and Whiteside counties for April 14-27, 2025.

Indivisible SRFD (Sterling-Rock Falls-Dixon) organized a march and protest Saturday, May 3, 2025, from Rock Falls into Sterling.

Pleas for due process were among messages displayed by approximately 150 people May 1 in a May Day rally to protest actions by President Donald Trump.

Read the transcript from our latest podcast: New Sterling fire chief David Northcutt talks with Shaw Local reporter Brandon Clark about the job and his plans for Sterling.

Check out these northern Illinois restaurants known for their burgers. From McHenry County to the Illinois Valley and everywhere in between, we've got you covered with a variety of places to try during National Burger Month.

Shaw Local News Network reporter Brandon Clark recently interviewed the Sterling Fire Department's newly appointed fire chief, David Northcutt. The pair discussed Northcutt's extensive history in emergency services and his future plans for the department.

Northcutt plans to improve training and professionalism within the SFD to make it a leader in both areas.

PACT to present play in Polo starting this weekend; United Way of Lee County Bingo is May 8 at the Elks Club in Dixon.

Sterling’s annual Clean & Green event will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, May 9, and from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 10. Here is a list of what items will and will not be accepted.

Read the transcript from our April 30 Talk-Line interview with Shaw Local News representatives Charlene Bielema and Brandon Clark discussing organized protests in Rock Falls/Sterling and more.

The Talk-Line interview for April 30 featured Shaw Local News representatives Charlene Bielema and Brandon Clark discussing the area’s top news stories, including Mental Health Awareness Month spotlighted in May and the connecting story of a mental health incident in Sterling.

Merrick Amankwa plans to go to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville to study business and play volleyball.


According to a joint news release, dispatchers had received a report shortly before 11 a.m. that a woman had entered a silo near city hall and was on its roof, about 50 feet off the ground.

State Rep. Brad Fritts, R-Dixon, will partner with the Lee County Health Department and Dixon Family YMCA to host a sharps drop-off drive from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, May 8, in the Dixon Family YMCA parking lot.

Here is a list of the graduation dates and times for high schools throughout the Sauk Valley.

The Velocity Youth Group from Sterling’s Abiding Word Church has partnered with Culver’s of Rock Falls, 1901 Harley Davidson Drive, to host a Share Night fundraiser event from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 29.

Hiram Zigler plans to go to Sauk Valley Community College for accounting, transfer to a four-year college and become the CFO of Zigler’s Machine & Metalworks.

State Rep. Bradley Fritts, R-Dixon, honored Dallas Knack and Dr. Jennifer Hintzsche on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at the Women to Watch event in Springfield.

The annual student trade show was part of the Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities program at the Whiteside Area Career Center in Sterling. Now in its 12th year, the program is a year-long high school course that teaches students the basics of starting and running a business.

Here is a list of property transfers for Lee, Whiteside and Ogle counties for April 7-20, 2025.

The Whiteside Area Career Center CEO program student trade show took place Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Northland Mall in Sterling.

Members of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31 urged the Sterling City Council on Monday, April 21, to pass a resolution showing its support for CGH management to quickly reach an agreement with the union.

Some details of the project are currently confidential while the land deal is being finalized, including the new facility’s location and the landowner’s name, but construction is expected to begin 2 to 3 years after the acquisition, with an additional 2 years for completion.

Read the transcript from our April 23 edition of Talk-Line: Brandon Clark from the Shaw Local News Network discusses a controversial homeschool bill trying to be passed through the Illinois legislature, plus more from Sterling.

On the April 23 edition of Talk-Line: Brandon Clark from the Shaw Local News Network discusses news stories being covered, including a controversial homeschool bill trying to be passed through the Illinois legislature.

The free after-school program is held at Sterling Township’s Elevate Youth Center, 505 W. Lynn Blvd.

A Swedish study suggests a link between playing golf and longer life expectancy, highlighting the sport’s health benefits.

Held throughout March, the long-running contest encourages Sterling Federal employees to nominate and select local charities for a chance to receive financial support.