Charlene Bielema

Several Whiteside County candidates turned in their nomination papers Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, the first day they could file in the run up to the March 17, 2026, primary election.

Just weeks ago, the Dixon Family YMCA faced the threat of closing both its facilities. But thanks to nearly $200,000 raised in emergency funding and swift action by community leaders, the YMCA has stabilized operations and is laying the groundwork for a long-term comeback.

Officers' search of a Savanna residence on Tuesday led to the seizure of three assault rifles, unlawful firearm silencers, ammunition, high-capacity assault rifle magazines and firearm components, according to the Savanna Police Department

Whiteside County sheriff’s deputies were called at 3:40 a.m. Thursday, to a single-vehicle ATV crash on Mellotts Road, west of Fenton

A concerned citizen reached out to the Prophetstown Police Department after observing a 12-year-old child with apparent facial injuries, according to the Illinois State Police

A Polo man was sentenced Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, to 5 years in prison for a January 2022 crash on a Sterling bridge that killed a pedestrian and injured a police officer.

The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call around 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, reporting an airplane crash near Apple Hill Road, south of Mount Carroll, according to a news release.

Nathan Sandell, 34, faces charges of aggravated fleeing to elude, theft over $500, and possession of a stolen vehicle, according to a news release issued by Whiteside County Sheriff John Booker

A Whiteside County judge has rejected a plea agreement that would have put a Sterling man behind bars for 8 years in connection with an October 2024 fire that destroyed a Galt home and injured two people

After graduation, Kayla Hackbarth plans to attend Sauk Valley Community College to major in Early Childhood Education and continue her track and field career. She hopes to transfer to a university such as Illinois State to finish her degree.

Jacob Penaflor, 40, is charged with aggravated driving under the influence of drugs in connection with the May death of Benjamin Weidel, 39, of Prophetstown

A Morrison bank robbery case has moved into federal court

The Sterling Fire Department was called at 9:09 a.m. Friday, Sept. 19, to a reported residential structure fire at 309 W. Seventh St., according to a news release

A large crowd gathered on the lawn of the Old Lee County Courthouse in Dixon on Friday evening, Sept. 12, 2025, to mourn the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk

Several Illinois Lottery players won big money from Wednesday night’s Powerball drawing, including the holder of a $50,000 winning ticket purchased at a Rock Falls convenience store. The jackpot is now at $1.7B for the Sept. 6 drawing