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

The results of a survey about parking in downtown Sterling are out and the reviews are mixed.

After hearing the results of a parking survey and differing concerns from downtown Sterling business owners, employees and customers, the message was clear – more free downtown parking is needed.

Here's a list of Lee, Whiteside, and Ogle counties' property transfers for May 25-29, 2026.

A Rock Falls man who police say threw a pregnant woman to the ground Wednesday is facing felony aggravated battery, fleeing, and weapon charges.

Due to forecasted extreme heat and possible thunderstorms Saturday, organizers are moving the fifth annual Bellson Music Fest and Drum Clinic indoors.

Northern Illinois University announces the students who have made its spring 2026 dean’s list.

After hearing repeated concerns from the public regarding its Flock Safety network, the Sterling City Council and the Sterling Police Department are set to review how their cameras are used.

A Whiteside County judge ruled Wednesday that enough evidence exists for prosecutors to proceed with a meth trafficking case filed last month against a Morrison man

Newman Central Catholic High School in Sterling recently announced its 2026 spring semester honor roll.

Sterling Fire Lt. Garrett Ramos wanted to give back to his community and wanted his department to be active in the community. A scholarship that he envisioned to give back and involve the department now honors his memory.

The Bellson Music Fest, which honors Rock Falls native Louie Bellson, is Saturday, June 6.

The Sterling Municipal Band's “Music Under the Stars” summer concert series will take place at Grandon Civic Center in Central Memorial Park in downtown Sterling.

The bucket truck was one of several vehicle purchases the City Council approved Monday.

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.

Fire Chief David Northcutt and several members of the Sterling Fire Department and their families were on hand as Brandon Monical was officially welcomed into the SFD ranks.

An outdoor fire broke out late Tuesday morning at Cimco Recycling Center in Sterling, with over 21 fire, EMS or sheriff’s departments called in to help put out a shred pile blaze at the back of the property.

Hundreds of people stood along both sides of the Union Pacific tracks on Wallace Street in downtown Sterling on Tuesday to get a look at Union Pacific’s Big Boy 4014 as it made its way east on a coast-to-coast tour to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Here's a list of Whiteside County property transfers for May 25 to 29, 2026.

At five, it thrives: Five years after opening, Candlelight Inn's location at Lake Carroll has found its footing – built on staff, service and a tight-knit community.

Nostalgia overload: Wind through the hills of northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin, from Scales Mound to Lead Mine, and there are scenic views and a time warp back to life – in the form of old-time stores and taverns – from many decades ago.

The Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 steam locomotive made a whistle stop in Sterling on Tuesday on its coast-to-coast trip to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding.

Seedling Explorers is a free drop-in program that meets Tuesdays at 10 a.m. throughout the summer, with the last session Aug. 4.

Clinton Symphony Orchestra’s annual free outdoor Pops Concert will be performed Sunday, June 7, in the bandshell at Riverview Park in Clinton, Iowa.

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

Here's a list of Lee, Whiteside, and Ogle property transfers for May 18-22, 2026.

In recognition of Infrastructure Week, Illinois American Water is highlighting significant investments underway in Sterling to strengthen water service, enhance reliability, and support long-term system performance for customers.

It’s not even officially summer yet, but the Sterling Public Works Department is planning ahead for winter snowfall.

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy parks, trails, sports and outdoor activities throughout Sterling, but warmer temperatures and longer days also make sun safety and hydration more important than ever.

A resident who brought concerns over Sterling's uncontrolled intersections wants to see changes made and cleanup done.

The University of Dubuque named students from Dixon and Sterling to the list.

Sterling is preparing for the return of the Big Boy 4014 steam locomotive and, with it, is issuing guidance on where visitors can park.

A Sterling man has been charged with home invasion and battery following a Thursday incident at a West Fifth Street residence

Three men were charged with drug offenses Friday in Sterling after a two-month-long task force investigation, according to Sterling police.

Sauk Valley Bank is welcoming Ashley Crawford as its new private banker.

A proposed Illinois law would require police to delete license plate reader data after three days unless it’s tied to an active investigation.

Concerns from a Sterling resident about Flock Safety cameras, what those cameras are recording and who has access to that footage, continue.

Clarke University has announced that 222 students earned a spot on the dean’s list for the spring 2026 semester.

Central College in Pella recognized 251 graduates during Commencement 2026 on May 16 in P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium on Central’s campus.

A Sterling developer, accused in civil court of siphoning money from the Rock Falls company he co-owns, has lost the Amcore Bank property in foreclosure, according to a Whiteside County court ruling.

Here's a list of Whiteside County property transfers for May 18-22, 2026

Stering Police Chief Pat Bartel said police have seen an uptick of e-bikes with riders not old enough to ride them and e-bikes being ridden in places where they are prohibited.

Real estate news: The house, built in 1956, has an interior space of 2,973 square feet. The house has four bedrooms and four bathrooms. The property sits on a 1.5-acre lot.

American Legions from Sterling and Rock Falls marked Memorial Day with various events on Monday, May 25, 2026. Events included a rifle volley, playing of taps, a Memorial Day service and an American Flag mural dedication.

The donation will be used for a veterans memorial at the Northwestern Steel and Wire Park.

The workshop will feature representatives from Business Employment Skills Team, Inc. and the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

Boston Leather's professional-grade belts are available locally at Modern Shoe Shop and Kaleels, in Dixon, and The Fitting Room in Sterling.

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

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 list of Lee, Whiteside and Ogle county property transfers for May 11-15.