Sterling

Two big projects are happening concurrently that will "ignite" downtown Sterling, according to developer M5,

Here's a list of Lee County property transfers for June 30 to July 3, 2025.

Construction on the Northwestern Steel & Wire Park and its splash pad, part of Sterling’s $300 million Riverfront Reimagined project, are on track to be completed by the end of the month.

Jacob Wetzell recently completed what may be one of the most unique scavenger hunts on two wheels.

Here's a list of Whiteside County property transfers for June 30 to July 3, 2025.

Playground equipment installation was underway Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Sterling's riverfront park.

A Sterling man is accused of producing a note at Community State Bank in Morrison, demanding money and threatening to kill the teller, before leaving with $2,000, a prosecutor said Monday.

A benefit is planned for July 12, 2025, to assist Jeremy Hunter and his family. Hunter suffered a severe stroke May 20, 2025, and recently returned home after several weeks of intense physical, occupational, speech and vision therapy at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago.

Chalk the Walk is set for 11 a.m to 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 12, at Grandon Civic Center.

A Sterling man is accused of aggravated robbery and burglary in connection with a reported bank robbery Saturday, July 5, in Morrison.

Local students have been named to dean's and president's lists.

Here is a list of property transfers for Lee, Ogle and Whiteside counties for June 23-27, 2025.

The Sterling Public Library will host a job search workshop from 2-3:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, at the library, 102 W. Third St., Sterling.

In the 7 years since her breast cancer diagnosis, Sterling native Starr Shamp has balanced cancer treatments, a wedding, pregnancy, the premature birth of her son and graduate school. She shared her story at her college graduation June 7, 2025, to bring others a message of hope.

A Whiteside County judge has set the trial date for a Rock Falls man facing charges in five separate cases, including one for attempted murder. What has yet to be determined? Prosecutors must decide by July 18 which one of Daveon Lucas’ five cases will go to trial on that date.

From live music and food vendors to car shows and carnivals, here is a list of local places to celebrate the holiday.

The Wild Rose Clinton will host Sins N' Roses and Electric Shock on July 25.

Bailey Schneiderbauer will oversee market operations, community partnerships and customer service initiatives for the Sterling area, according to a news release.

The freeze applies to funding already approved by Congress, and state education leaders say the delay is putting school districts in a difficult position with the 2025-26 school year looming

The Sterling/Rock Falls Jaycee’s fireworks display ignites at dusk (about 9:30 p.m.) Thursday, July 3, and OSF HealthCare Saint Katharine Medical Center will sponsor Dixon's Petunia Festival Family Fun Night from 5-7 p.m. Friday, July 4.

A Sterling Fire Department investigator and a Sterling police detective completed an investigation into the Monday, June 30, 2025, fire and found the blaze to be accidental in nature, according to a news release.

In observance of PTSD Awareness Day, 13 volunteers, including veterans, jumped out of a perfectly good airplane Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Chicagoland Skydiving Center in Rochelle.

Growing food doesn’t have to be a dirty job, just ask a local farmer who can coax herbs and veggies from rockwool and water

When couples fall in love with each other, they can call someone who’s fallen in love with photography to capture the picture-perfect moments in their wedding.

When a Sterling family saw an outdoor family gem with an uncertain future, they stepped up and gave their campground a renewed use. Now in its 60th year, Ruffit Park is flourishing with new owners encouraging people to experience the outdoors.

The college named 263 full- and part-time students to the president’s list for high academic achievement. The dean’s list includes 130 students.

The university named more than 1,250 students to the president’s list.

Town hall, coffee and conversation events will be held through Wednesday, July 16.

Sterling student named to Normandale Community College graduates list.

Here's a list of property transfers for Lee, Ogle and Whiteside counties for June 15-21, 2025.

They say you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink – but you can lead people to a horse trailer and let them drink, thanks to a Sterling woman who’s brought her own twist to the mobile bar service business.

Twin City Conservatives will host their monthly meeting at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, June 28, at A’s Kitchen, 2004 First Ave., Rock Falls.

The Sterling Fire Department is awaiting federal funding approval for upgrades to its radio communications.

The state’s appellate court has vacated a Whiteside County judge’s 2024 ruling denying a Sterling man’s motion to withdraw the guilty plea he made three years ago in the 2017 drunken driving death of a Sterling woman.

Looking for something to do in the Sauk Valley? Here are five suggestions.

Many Illinois communities are adding back a 1% grocery tax that will otherwise expire on Jan. 1. Is your town among them?

Take a look back at the drama, excitement and all-out effort put forth by the hundreds of high school spring sports athletes from throughout the Sauk Valley who competed in 2025.

A Rock Falls High School athlete who suffered a broken neck that left him partially paralyzed during a March 15 track meet has filed a lawsuit against Sterling’s park district, the Sterling School District and Rock Falls High School District in connection with the injury.

Blood sugar spikes can influence your health even if you do not have diabetes or pre-diabetes.

Crystal Boehm’s body care business is sailing full steam ahead, anchored in Sterling and steered by passion.

The Sauk Valley Diversity Alliance hosted a Juneteenth celebration Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Grandon Civic Center in Sterling.

Kari Carpenter owns The Midwest Mercantile, which sells a collection of carefully curated, “giftable” items at the Shoppes at Grandon Plaza in downtown Sterling.

Dixon, Sterling and Rock Falls graduates earn diplomas.

The drive-through-only coffee chain 7 Brew is quickly expanding its presence in the McHenry County, with several new locations planned.

What started as a simple desire to avoid disposable Christmas wrapping paper has become Leigh Alan Designs, an enterprise founded on reuse and resourcefulness.

Here is a list of property transfers for Lee, Whiteside, Ogle counties for June 8-14, 2025.

Parks are ideal venues for physical activity, encouraging individuals to engage in regular exercise. Ultimately, parks serve as vital resources that support both mental and physical health, fostering healthier and more active communities.

Organizers hope to gather enough school supplies Saturday, June 21, to assist 1,500 students in Ogle, Lee and Whiteside counties.

Dixon, Rock Falls and Sterling students were named to the list.

Enjoy the summer sounds of the Dixon Municipal Band on June 19 in Page Park; celebrate diversity at annual Juneteenth observance on June 21.