As Sauk Valley Community College President Dave Hellmich prepares to retire in spring 2026, today we are publishing his first of several columns in which he will "examine the Sauk Valley’s many opportunities to improve itself so it can be a beacon of everything good."

This Strawberry Pretzel Protein Bowl has about 300 calories and over 30 grams of protein. It makes a great breakfast, snack or a healthy dessert.

Sterling city councilman: The city clerk is the person who keeps the wheels of municipal government turning by keeping it connected, informed, motivated, and involved in the community.

Dixon's Lowell Park has a remarkable history. In his column this week, historian Tom Wadsworth shares unique stories about who designed the park and the land's importance in northern Illinois as far back as the early 1800s.

Today's column showcases the story behind Charles Russell Lowell's 1859 purchase of the land that would someday become Dixon's Lowell Park.

Gary Sooter from FamilySearch will give a genealogy program at 7 p.m. Monday, June 23, at the Lee County Historical and Genealogical Society, 113 S. Hennepin Ave., Dixon.

Parks are ideal venues for physical activity, encouraging individuals to engage in regular exercise. Ultimately, parks serve as vital resources that support both mental and physical health, fostering healthier and more active communities.

Several extensive public infrastructure projects are underway in the Sauk Valley region, and project managers are working diligently to keep them moving forward.

The role of the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office is to uphold and protect the right to protest – while also ensuring the safety of all participants, bystanders and the broader community.

In his column this month, Sterling City Councilman Jim Wise asks Sauk Valley residents to take a few moments on Monday, May 26, to pay tribute to the fallen with somber respect and dignity.

YMCA Executive Director Andy McFarlane: "The rising costs of running our programs – from staffing to supplies to utilities – are outpacing our ability to cover them."

As some question America’s standing as a nation of immigrants and our intentions and ability to fulfill our responsibilities under international law respecting people fleeing persecution, it is important to recall the concept of E Pluribus Unum, the association says.

Asparagus is a good choice for us nutritionally. It’s low in calories and contains fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. It even contains some protein.

During this spring’s legislative session, bills calling for the consolidation or elimination of townships were filed. They are working their way through committees and will eventually be called for a vote or, hopefully, forgotten.  

As the spring season approaches, so does one of the most significant biblical feasts – Passover.

Booker: I am writing to you today to strongly urge your support for the upcoming public safety tax measure. As the sheriff of Whiteside County, | have witnessed firsthand the growing demands placed on our law enforcement, fire and emergency services.

Eating out less, planning meals and comparison shopping are just a few tips to stretch your food dollars.

What I love about the church is it’s a place to journey through life together. To walk through times of doubt, belief, sorrow, and joy together.

Who managed Ronald Reagan's media campaign? Armed with 30 years of radio, television, and advertising experience, 58-year-old Moon Reagan became the media mastermind behind Ron’s 1966 campaign.  

“Spamilton” is The Dixon's first show of the 2025 season. It is a musical, comedy spoof of one of the biggest Broadway shows ever, “Hamilton.” This national touring show comes straight off Broadway and onto the Dixon stage.

GriefShare is designed for people who are experiencing grief due to the loss of a loved one. It is a nondenominational, faith-based seminar that is offered in Catholic and Protestant churches around the world. 

At Westwood, The Lab provides various features that are universal to all sports, yet designed specifically for the biomechanical and physiological demands of each individual’s sport.

Whether it’s in the stillness of your home, at church, or while walking through the beauty of Dixon, take a moment to turn your heart to God.

Sterling councilman: The issue of homelessness transcends communities, social services, organizations, agencies and all levels of government.

All the Catholics of Dixon would love for you to celebrate this year with them, however you wish. Local Catholic pastors welcome visitors to any and all of the Masses and devotions at St. Patrick’s and St. Anne’s.

Do you want to live a life of gratitude every day, not just one day a year?

Check out this baked pears recipe, made with three simple ingredients.

Like so many others, Charles Rudolph Walgreen became forever attached to Dixon, a historic endearing town by the Rock River. Even though he acquired more wealth and business success than any other person in Dixon history, he remained attached to Dixon throughout his life.

Menopause is a topic that would not have come up in polite conversation years ago but these days there is more research available, and more attention being paid, to addressing a woman’s physical and mental health needs during this big “change” in her life.

Has Lee County always voted Republican? Why is it so hard for a local Democrat to get elected? To answer these questions, Shaw Local columnist Tom Wadsworth researched Lee County results for all 42 presidential elections from 2020 back to 1856 when the Republican Party began.

CGH's Sherry DeWalt: Making your own soup from scratch is easier than you think and allows you to control the sodium content and avoid questionable additives.

George Page was a local boy who built a global business empire that included the world’s largest condensed milk factory in Dixon. He certainly left his mark on Dixon and Palmyra and experienced a level of business success that few other locals, if any, have ever achieved.

Only 20% of those with a substance use disorder get the help they need. There are many barriers, but stigma and lack of coverage or adequate coverage are two major reasons.

In part 1 of this series about George Page, published on Sept. 5, we learned about the meteoric rise of George Page, Dixon’s homegrown mega-successful entrepreneur. In this installment, we learn of his return from Switzerland to Dixon to build his largest condensed milk factory.

Examples of grains that go well in salads include brown rice, farro or quinoa. Roasted butternut squash, beets or sweet potatoes also are great for cool weather salads.

In all the history of the Dixon area, it’s likely that no other homegrown native has reached such pinnacles of business success as George Ham Page.

Learn how to plan before you plant to extend your home garden veggie harvest.

A new seminar of GriefShare for the Sauk Valley is beginning from 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, at Sauk Valley Community Church.

The Methodists were the first to organize in 1837, but the Baptists and Episcopalians would soon follow. All these churches would share the use of Dixon’s first school house, erected in 1837.

Dixon’s only formal presence of Christianity in 1836 was an occasional visit from a traveling preacher. Caleb and Amanda Talmadge (Methodists), Rebecca Dixon (a Baptist) and Eliza Hamilton (a Presbyterian) “were all that represented the Christian religion in Dixon in 1836."

Wadsworth: When did the frontier town of Dixon first “get religion?” What denomination was the first to get established here? How did it happen? Did the town oppose the early religious folks? I researched a variety of sources, such as early church records, to find the answers.

On May 11, 1876, 91-year-old John Dixon followed his routine of walking to the post office from his home in North Dixon (at Jefferson and Bradshaw). But later that day, as the Chicago Tribune reported, he was “struck with palsy," which probably meant that he suffered a stroke.

On June 20, 1927, 97 years ago, the citizens of Dixon voted to build one new high school for all northsiders and southsiders. After that momentous election, Dixon built “the castle,” its majestic high school that has stood along the banks of the Rock River for almost a century.

The development of the Route 40/I-88 intersection is a significant step in our region’s growth.

This is a busy time of year with graduation parties, weddings, festivals, etc. If you are trying to watch your weight and/or stay healthy, it can be challenging.

This is the rarely told story of the “lost” Lincoln Pavilion, which was also known by other names. Created when the Sterling-Dixon electric trolley opened in May 1904, it was first called “Oak Park, the Sterling and Dixon pleasure park.”

Hellmich: KSB’s merger with OSF HealthCare holds great promise. As chairman of the KSB Board of Directors, I am convinced this merger will allow Judge Solomon Bethea’s life mission of providing superior local health care to live on for generations to come.

Sutcliffe: Together, we can witness the restoration of hope and the rebirth of our community. Together, we can demonstrate that the greatest force for change is the love of God, lived out through us, his people.

The horror of the bridge story may be best understood through the experience of one particular Dixonite who was standing on the bridge on that day in 1873: Colonel Henry T. Noble.

Swifties celebration, Fleetwood Mac tribute on schedule at downtown venue.