Alex T. Paschal

Alex T. Paschal

Photojournalist, Columnist

A native of the Sauk Valley, I started as a photography intern in 1999 at Sauk Valley News while I finished my degree at NIU. Have worked on countless stories ranging from hard news to features to sports. Have recently began writing a photography based column. Have been recognized by my peers for photo excellence my times, ranging from spot news to portraiture to sports action.

Latest from Alex Paschal

Petunia Festival royalty keeps up annual crafts with kids tradition

Petunia Fest was in full bloom Wednesday, July 2, 2025, as royalty met with kids to make crafts at the Dixon library.

By Alex T. Paschal●

Photos: Polo's history with the Underground Railroad

Polo was a major hub in helping slaves get to safety in the 1800s through the Underground Railroad, a series of secret routes and safe houses.

By Alex T. Paschal●

Photos: 2025 Petunia Festival carnival set up

The prizes are in place and rides ready to roll as the 61st annual Dixon Petunia Fest carnival is set to begin Wednesday, July 2, 2025.

By Alex T. Paschal●

Rock Falls’ Touch-A-Truck lets kids get close-up view of over 170 tractors, cars and trucks

Trucks, tractors, rat rods and cars were all on display Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Rock Falls' Touch-a-Truck event.

By Alex T. Paschal●

Herbal Roots’ CannaFest near Dixon gets high praise: ‘They got the vibe right’

All things bud were put on display Saturday, June 28, 2025, for Herbal Roots' third annual CannaFest in Nelson.

By Alex T. Paschal●

Polo’s Little Miss and Mister crowned at annual Town and Country Days

Asked questions such as “What’s your favorite dinosaur” and “What’s the best thing about being a kid,” the 4- and 5-year-olds did their best to give insightful answers.

By Alex T. Paschal●

Photos: 2025 Herbal Roots CannaFest

All things bud were on display Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Who Else Land in Nelson.

By Alex T. Paschal●

Photos: Touch-a-Truck in Rock Falls

Over 170 vehicles were put on display Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Rock Falls for one of the largest Touch-a-Truck events in the region.

By Alex T. Paschal●

Photos: Valor Support Project skydivers observe PTSD Awareness Day

Thirteen volunteers agreed to jump out of a perfectly good airplane Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Chicagoland Skydiving Center in Rochelle in recognition of PTSD Awareness Day. The jumps were organized by the Valor Support Project in Sterling.

By Alex T. Paschal●

Sauk Valley Views: Photos of the Week for June 20-26, 2025

Get caught up on news and features from the week of June 20-26, 2025, in the Sauk Valley.

By Alex T. Paschal●

Photos: Little Miss and Mister pageant in Polo

Ten kids competed Thursday, June 26, 2025, for the title of Little Miss and Mister in Polo.

By Alex T. Paschal●

Photos: Morrison Community Hospital expansion

Construction on a $14 million expansion at Morrison Community Hospital is experiencing some slight delays, pushing the completion date from January to May 2026.

By Alex T. Paschal●

Photos: Amboy wildlife rehabber in need of help

Jane Hochstatter is losing the home where she has rescued and rehabbed hundreds of wild animals.

By Alex T. Paschal●

Sauk Valley sports: A look back at the 2025 high school season in photos

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.

By Alex T. Paschal●

Photos: Dolly's Book Bash in Morrison

The United Way of Whiteside County sponsored Dolly Parton's Book Bash on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the Odell Library in Morrison. Craft tables, books and resources were made available for families who attended.

By Alex T. Paschal●