In a news release issued Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, Dixon Police Chief Ryan Bivins said David Dykema, 52, of Dixon, had been found deceased in Whiteside County.

Thomas Dugger admitted in a plea agreement that he sold 55.7 grams of methamphetamine in July 2021.

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.

State Rep. Brad Fritts, R-Dixon, announced Wednesday that he withdrew his membership in the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce after the Chamber added a DEI statement to its website and removed the word “God” from a prayer at its annual scholarship fundraiser

Coloma Township was refunded nearly $8,000 in property taxes paid by the board's previous supervisor on the former US Bank building that the township purchased in 2023.

The single-vehicle crash happened Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, on Moline Road west of Yorktown Road, according to a Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office news release. She's the second Erie resident to die in a crash in less than a week.

Utility coordination problems could delay reconstruction of Second Street, a project that spans 10 blocks from First Avenue to Route 2 in Sterling.

After about 3 1/2 hours of deliberation Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, a Whiteside County jury said it had found Zachary J. Rivera not guilty of five counts of unlawful restraint and one count of battery, making physical contact, according to court documents.

The crash happened at 3:03 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, on Moline Road near Hillside Road, according to a Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office news release.

A major overhaul that began in July is expected to wrap up by Nov. 1. Work runs from 10th Avenue to 13th Avenue and includes replacing water service lines with copper, installing new electrical systems and streetlights, replacing curbs and gutters, and pouring new sidewalks.

Here is a list of property transfers for Whiteside County for Aug. 11-15, 2025.

The pastor at a rural Sterling church is seeking to make its annual Farm Heritage Show just like how the church acts as a beacon of light to the community: helping those in need become mentally healthy and hungry.

A Whiteside County judge ruled Monday that a Sterling man accused of robbing a Morrison bank in July will undergo a mental fitness evaluation at the request of his attorney.

The Sauk Valley Community College greenhouse and JL Acres LLC organic crops are among sites that will be toured.

A Colorado man on a mission to walk about 3,180 miles, from top to bottom of the continental United States, spent the night in his self-made wagon-style camper Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Rock Falls. He started in Angle Inlet, Minnesota, and will end in Key West, Florida.

Severe thunderstorms with the risk for damaging winds and even tornadoes could hit northern Illinois on Monday afternoon and evening, the National Weather Service warned.

Just because a school day is over doesn't mean students aren't alone after the dismissal bell rings. Sterling Township has a place where local students in middle school and high school can gather for fun and frolic with new friends.

Dr. Susan Buchanan of the University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health said lead found in paint used inside older homes remains the primary source of lead exposure for children

The Erie Fire Protection District has expanded its ambulance services over the years and one volunteer has seen it all. Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Jeff Wirth joined the department 48 years ago.

Here is a list of property transfers for Lee, Whiteside and Ogle counties for Aug. 4-8, 2025.

For many first-time buyers, the idea of purchasing a home can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating mortgages, credit scores and down payments.

Employees of Fulton’s Gold Leaf Bakery and Dispensary gathered at the Fulton City Council meeting Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, to protest the council’s earlier decision to ban Delta-9 products in the city and the closure of Gold Leaf because of it.

In his program “Smithsonian Bird Friendly Certification Coffee: Conserving Birds One Cup at a Time,” Greg DuBois will discuss a brief history of coffee consumption and production.

The Friends of the Hennepin Canal will hold its next “Hike the Hennepin” event at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17, at Bridge 50, 25060 Illinois Route 172, Rock Falls.

Full Throttle Monster Trucks roared and stomped their way through the Whiteside County Fair in Morrison on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025. Photos by Jessie Ottens - Shaw Local News Network

There are fraternal organizations in the Sauk Valley where veterans gather to share stories and celebrate camaraderie. However, these fraternal organizations may not be around much longer unless more is done to help keep them open.

The mayor of Rock Falls says its police department is “running smooth” after the father of a Rock Falls murder victim called for the chief's resignation in June.

Cowboys get down and dirty Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, during the Next Level Pro Bronc rodeo at the Whiteside County Fair.

According to court records, the two were charged after they were pulled over during an Aug. 3 traffic stop near Lincoln Road and Rock Falls Road near Rock Falls

As students across Whiteside County head back to school, Whiteside County's sheriff is reminding drivers, parents and the community to take extra precautions to keep children safe.

The university named more than 400 student-athletes to the honor roll.

Attendees can learn how to identify, understand, and respond to youth mental health illness signs and substance use disorders.

Here's a list of Whiteside County property transfers for Aug. 4-8, 2025.

Fair runs from Tuesday, Aug. 12, through Saturday, Aug. 16, at the Whiteside County Fairgrounds in Morrison.

The first Make a Farmer festival was held Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, in Prophetstown.

The TALK-LINE interview for August 8 featured 2025 Whiteside County Fair Publicity Manager Todd Mickley.

Here's a list of property transfers for Lee, Ogle and Whiteside counties for July 28 to Aug. 1, 2025.

Bethesda Lutheran Church in Morrison will host an open house Aug. 31 to honor Pastor Tammy Anderson on her retirement and to celebrate her 5 years of ministry in Morrison.

Several Whiteside County students are among the graduates.

Students from Rock Falls, Dixon and Oregon were named to the list.

Just steps from Sterling High School and Challand Middle School, Whiteside Area Career Center students are earning certifications, college credits and real-world experience through hands-on training in a variety of fields, such as healthcare, construction and culinary arts.

Bashkim Rockwell has been charged and ordered detained following a shooting in Mount Prospect last month.

The Clinton Symphony Orchestra is based in Clinton, Iowa, and also includes musicians from the Sauk Valley area.

Business Employment Skills Team, Inc. and the Illinois Department of Employment Security will be available to share resources and information to area job-seekers.

A coffee and conversation will be from 8 to 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, at Mary’s Diner, 607 Depot Ave., Dixon.

Village Clerk and Office Manager Maureen Johnson said that work is underway to inspect the Lyndon Bridge’s more than 700 planks for weather deterioration and replacement.

Here's a list of property transfers for Whiteside County for July 28 to Aug. 1, 2025.

Two counts of aggravated battery filed against Carlos T. Loyola, 27, of Rock Falls, were dismissed July 31, 2025.

Families at the Coloma Township Homes in Rock Falls were treated with a couple days of fun Thursday, July 31, and Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, from the Whiteside County Housing Authority.