Students from St. Anne's school in Dixon made a trip over to Westwood in Sterling on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, to learn about the game of pickleball from instructor Chris Duffy.

The Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 72nd annual Fiesta Day Parade grand marshals: the YWCA of the Sauk Valley staff and board of directors.

Bartel’s promotion was announced during the Sterling City Council meeting Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, when the city recognized the upcoming retirement of Police Chief Alex Chavira.

Sterling’s Briar Ivey, a Newman Central Catholic High School graduate, received an out-of-state scholarship to University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Before most students even graduate high school, participants in the Whiteside Area Career Center’s Early Childhood Education program are already shaping the lives of children.

Adam Delgado, a Democrat and Sterling High School alum, has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin.

Taste of Fiesta kicked off the Sterling-Rock Fall’s Fiesta Days celebration with a day of fun Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at RB&W Park in Rock Falls.

Lindsay Young, formerly of Sterling, was presented the 2025 Illinois 4-H Alumni Award on Aug. 8, 2025, at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield for her contributions to her profession, service to her community and support of the 4-H program.

Taste of Fiesta in Rock Falls kicked off a celebration of the deep roots of Mexican culture seen in the Sauk Valley. The Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, event is, as the name implies, a taste of the Fiesta Days parade and celebration that will take place Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. Photos by Katie Holloway and Alex T. Paschal

At the Whiteside Area Career Center in Sterling, students are using hands-on training to shift into high-gear careers in the automotive industry.

Catch up on the week’s top Sauk Valley news for Sept. 7-13 in minutes. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

Bears Army Sauk Valley is a new Chicago Bears fan club for those who want to watch games together and earn perks along the way.

No one was injured in the blaze on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, the sixth fire at this location this year, according to a Sterling Fire Department news release.

The popular community-wide event gives residents the opportunity to clean out their homes, find new treasures, and shop local bargains throughout the Sauk Valley.

Here is a list of Whiteside County property transfers for Sept. 1-5, 2025.

Catch up on the week’s top Sauk Valley news for Aug. 31 - Sept. 6 in minutes. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

At the Whiteside Area Career Center in Sterling, students are not just learning about technology – they are taking it apart, putting it back together and coding their way into the future.

Melton has dedicated 32 years to the Erie Fire Department as a volunteer, rising through the ranks to become fire chief.

The art exhibit features nearly 100 art pieces created by more than 50 student and adult artists.

Here's a list of Whiteside County property transfers for Aug. 25-29, 2025.

Exhibitors have the opportunity to meet face to face with senior citizens and caregivers who are anxious to learn about products and services designed for them.

Through hands-on projects in photography, graphic design, video editing and digital drawing, Whiteside Area Career Center students explore the tools and techniques used by professionals in the creative industry, all while building portfolios of their own.

The majority of the west entrance parking lot is now designated as patient parking only, according to a CGH Medical Center news release. 

More than 200 demonstrators gathered outside the Grandon Civic Center and Sterling’s post office on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, joining thousands across the country in a “Workers over Billionaires” Labor Day protest aimed at highlighting labor struggles and income inequality.

Representatives from Business Employment Skills Team and Illinois Department of Employment Security will be on hand at this free event.

While their classmates head to math or English, students at the Whiteside Area Career Center are taking part in mock trials and learning how to deescalate suspects – all as part of real-world law enforcement training.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides one-time benefits to income-eligible homeowners and renters to help with energy bills and energy service reconnection.

Catch up on the week’s top Sauk Valley news for Aug. 24-30 in minutes. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

Through this initiative, in partnership with the Dixon Rural Fire Department, the organization was able to purchase 13 kits to be distributed to schools in Dixon, Sterling and Rock Falls.

Sauk Valley Voices of Recovery will host an overdose awareness event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, at the Grandon Civic Center, 304 Brinks Circle in Sterling.

A Sterling developer and business owner has purchased Coloma Township’s former US Bank building in Rock Falls.

The seven-session academy will meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday starting Sept. 9, 2025, in the Sterling Police Department’s training room, 212 Third Ave.

Kelly's in Sterling combines traditional Irish pub with authentic Mexican cuisine, making for a unique experience in the Sauk Valley.

Here is a list of property transfers for Whiteside County for Aug. 18-22, 2025.

A Rock Falls man has been sentenced to a total of 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to separate Whiteside County cases that accuse him of recklessly shooting a firearm in May 2024 and possessing meth

As autumn approaches, Emerald Hill Golf Course is welcoming players to enjoy cooler weather, vibrant scenery, and affordable rates during Fall Shoulder Season, beginning Sept. 2 and continuing through closing.

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.

A Chadwick couple's labor of love and Earth has given area veggie and fruit lovers a fresh product for their meals.

For decades, Sterling teacher Fern Shore donated what she could to Hope for Haitians to build homes there. The organization said Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, that Shore, prior to her death at 101 last fall, bequeathed $220,000 in McDonald's stock to the organization.

Woodlawn Dance Academy’s 2024-25 Competition Team wrapped up a standout season with a strong showing at the Talent On Parade Dance Nationals in Branson, Missouri.

Catch up on the week’s top Sauk Valley news for Aug. 17-23 in minutes. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

Augustana College recently recognized 555 students during its 165th commencement ceremony.

Here is a list of property transfers for Lee, Ogle and Whiteside counties for July 11-15, 2025.

The department is increasing its efforts to focus on stopping dangerous driving habits. The “Click It or Ticket” campaign will focus on seat belt law enforcement. Police officers also will be searching for drivers impaired by alcohol, cannabis and drugs.

Attendees can navigate scenarios families in poverty encounter, such as securing housing, feeding families, and accessing essential services.

Alexander Kurtz, 19, was remanded to the Ogle County Jail on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, after Ogle County Associate Judge Anthony Peska denied Kurtz’s request to be released pending his Aug. 27 court date.

JCB Investments returned to the Sterling City Council on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, with updates on its proposal to transform the former National Manufacturing basin building at 201 Locust St. into what could become northwestern Illinois’ largest indoor entertainment complex.

The Sauk Valley Community College volleyball team is ranked No. 11 in the NJCAA Division II preseason poll ahead of Friday's first match. The Skyhawks return eight players from last year's team.

The TALK-LINE interview for Aug. 20 featured Shaw Local News representatives Charlene Bielema and Brandon Clark with an update on happenings across the area, including infrastructure work in Sterling.

Construction began July 23, 2025, with an original completion date of Oct. 1. The sewer replacement work is expected to push the project back by about six weeks, with crews now aiming for Nov. 11.