Sauk Valley Media staff report

Thirty-one finalists from Lee, Ogle and Whiteside elementary and middle schools in grades 5 through 8 will compete for the regional championship.

We asked Shaw Local News Network readers to send in photos of their special ornaments that are hung on their Christmas trees. Here are responses and photos we received from our readers.

Sauk Valley events also include a course on cooking with herbs, an adult homecoming dance and a day of shopping.

See the bison herd and learn about the prairie

A job fair involving five state agencies that are looking for, among other things, correctional and security officers, medical workers at all levels, engineers and accountants, will be held July 27 at the AFSCME union hall in Dixon, and online.

Farmers, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses and private nonprofit organizations hurt by the severe storms, high winds and tornadoes of late March/early April are eligible to apply for federal low-interest loans.

Around the Sauk Valley is a roundup of local events and a calendar of other upcoming activities.

Our weekly sampling of all the things to do in the Sauk Valley this weekend

Light fixture repairs and deck patching will be done Thursday on the U.S. Route 30 Mississippi River bridge in western Whiteside County.

Scheduled events from Discover Dixon, Sterling Main Street and Visit Rock Falls.

The Avenue G Bridge over the Rock River between Sterling and Rock Falls will be closed for about 2 months, beginning Monday.

The Lee County Health Department is giving away home COVID-19 tests, condoms, radon tests and other freebies from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Steward city park shelter, and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at the Dixon Riverfront pavilion.

American Legion Post 12 will serve creamed chicken and biscuits with mashed potatoes, salad and a dessert from to 7 p.m. Friday at the post at 1120 W. First St.

The Lee County Health Department is giving away home COVID-19 tests, condoms, radon tests and other freebies from 2 to 3 p.m. Friday in front of Fresh Mart, 121 N. Elm St.

The Dixon American Legion Post 12 is serving baked or fried cod with fries or a baked potato, a vegetable, salad, roll and dessert, from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday.