Ashton

Rochelle Fire Department was dispatched at 6:32 p.m. Sunday in response to smoke coming from a basement unit on the southeast corner of the building.

At 6:37 p.m. Tuesday, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated heavy rainfall continuing across portions of southeastern Lee and southern DeKalb counties, with rainfall rates up to 1-2 inches per hour.

A private investment group has bought Crest Foods in Ashton, but no major changes are in store for now, President Jeff Meiners said.

Lost Nation Golf Club has an enthusiastic new owner, who lives just a stone’s throw away from the scenic Ogle County course.

The 33-year-old woman whose body was found Sunday in the 1600 block of South Galena Avenue was from Rochelle, and formerly of Ashton, police and SVM archives show.

A semi from Mexico hauling a load of Hamburger Helper it picked up at Crest Foods in Ashton got hung up on the icy tracks at a crossing east of Franklin Grove and was struck by a Union Pacific train, sending boxes of “America’s favorite one-pan meal” spilling in the snow.

Should you find yourself in the middle of a heat emergency, there are several locations around the Sauk Valley – libraries, senior centers, government offices, even cop shops and hospitals – that serve as warming centers.

Several Sauk Valley-area students have been named to Northern Illinois University's 2023 dean’s list.

Local students also named to Southern New Hampshire University's president’s list.

Local musicians Scott Webb and Jason Stephens are giving away free guitars, amps, pedals and other accessories, as well as other kinds of instruments, through their Music Gear for Kids project.

State Rep. Bradley Fritts, R-Dixon, chose Kozmic Salon for his October 2023 local business highlight.

Law enforcement in Lee and Whiteside counties are looking for whomever tried to break into teller machines at two banks in the early morning hours on Sunday.

Common football injuries may include shoulder sprains, concussions, ankle/foot injuries, knee injuries or broken bones.

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for Sunday through at least Wednesday for most of northern Illinois, including Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside counties, although relief appears to be a least a week away.

Central Bank Illinois is building a branch in the Northland Mall parking lot at 2900 E. Lincolnway in Sterling.