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.

At its monthly meeting Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, the Ogle County Board voted unanimously to deny special-use permits for two solar energy developments.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Individuals will be selected based on receipt of the highest bid per ton that is harvested.

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 Federal Trade Commission just released a report showing adults over 60 years of age who reported losing more than $100,000 increased seven times from 2020 to 2024.

Vice President of Academics and Student Services Jon Mandrell said the number of students has been climbing for the past three years – from 1,507 two years ago, to 1,586 last year, and now 1,686 this fall.

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.

With schools across Illinois preparing to open for the new year, the Illinois State Police are reminding motorists to obey school zone speed limits, stop for buses and avoid distracted driving.

In Sterling, shovels are already in the ground for big park upgrades while in Morrison, the wait for state grant money continues.

The Illinois Attorney General’s Office says a new operation from a multi-state task force is the latest step to crack down on “intrusive and illegal” robocalls nationwide.

Get ready for a hot weekend across northern Illinois as triple-digit heat levels are expected by Friday

The utility company has ended applications for an assistance program meant to help customers with rising electricity costs after more than 70,000 applications were received within the first two weeks.

Antique farm machinery in a spectrum of colors and styles will descend again on the Bos Brothers Historical Farm, located on Springhill Road south of Erie, for the 10th anniversary show Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 25-27, 2025. Show hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Hadley Vandermyde was chosen because of her dedication to her
pony and desire to continue learning while helping others.

The National Weather Service says threats for strong to severe thunderstorms and flash flooding will continue across northern Illinois through Saturday.