Ogle County

Pungent smells and sour tastes often are what one thinks of when it comes to sauerkraut, but Forreston makes a big deal about it – with plenty of fun and entertainment in a four-day festival that is pleasant and appetizing.

The Sterling Public Library will host a job search workshop from 2-3:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, at the library, 102 W. Third St., Sterling.

Average gas prices in many northern Illinois counties are expected to be cheaper than last year for the Fourth of July weekend as the cost of fuel continues to decline over the past several years.

The Polo Historical Society is applying to become a designated Network to Freedom site with the National Park Service after uncovering local ties to the Underground Railroad.

A variety of featured gardens in Mt. Morris and the surrounding countryside will be part of the tour

Illinois Department of Transportation crews were busy the night of Tuesday, July 1, 2025, patching the blowouts – one just north of the Silver Ridge Golf Course north of Oregon and the other south of Byron, near Town Line Road.

Duane Meyer has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges and has been held in the Ogle County Jail since his arrest Oct. 9, 2019.

Having some cents of Ogle County history: Centennial, quasquicentennial, sesquicentennial, dosquicentennial … Ogle County can observe them all this year, from the anniversary of driving through a cut up rock to blazing trails and rails.

Royally hand-in-hand: A pair of Stillman Valley businesses under one roof sought to bring back memories of generations ago: one with the name of a longtime grocery store chain, and another with Grandma's beef jerky recipe.

The martial art of jiu jitsu is more than just taking people to the ground, there are abundant life lessons to learn from engaging in it, and an Ogle County club teaches it all.

Here's a list of property transfers for Lee, Ogle and Whiteside counties for June 15-21, 2025.

Officials say the move will enhance the partnership with the city of Oregon and transform the plaza into a central space for events, outreach and visibility.

Andrew Gornick, 43, appeared in court Tuesday, June 24, with his attorney, Cassandra Hirth of Rockford, for a petition to revoke hearing on the 2022 charge.

The ban was approved by the Illinois legislature in January 2023. It bans the sale, purchase and manufacturing of firearms that the legislature defined as “assault weapons,” such as AR-15-style rifles. 

Joshua M. Conway, 19, of rural Polo and Michael C. Gul, 29, of Wauconda, were both found dead late Saturday night on the third floor of a Polo home.

Riders from across the region took their best shots at climbing the 100-foot “hill” on their motorcycles, competing in a variety of class divisions.

Approximately 500 people lined two sidewalks around the historic Ogle County Courthouse for 2 hours on Saturday, June 14, 2025, carrying signs critical of Trump and his administration.

Event is for Ogle County residents only; free permit is required in advance of the event.

Our hearts go out to the victims of this tragic event, their families, and all who have been affected.

The incident remains under investigation. No further threat to the community exists at this time, authorities said.

Approximately 500 people took part in a 2-hour ‘No Kings’ rally in Oregon on Saturday, June 14, 2025, to protest actions by President Donald Trump. People carried signs critical of Trump’s policies and executive orders as they lined the north and east sidewalks of the Ogle County Courthouse Square in the town of 3,566. A small group of Trump supporters also displayed signs at the rally, with no altercations reported.

Students from throughout the Sauk Valley are being recognized for their achievements.

Check out Shaw Local's list of Sauk Valley-area students who have been named to dean and president's lists, earned their degrees

Lifescape Community Services, which provides adult protective services in Whiteside, Lee, Carroll and Ogle counties and works to increase understanding of abuse and neglect of older people, will spread awareness at its outdoor information booth from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday.

Payment methods include cash, check (payable to Ogle County Collector) or credit card.

Duane Upchurch, 60, found guilty three years ago of sexually assaulting two young girls in 2004 and 2008, was sentenced April 11, 2025, to a total of 25 years in prison following an emotional hearing in a packed courtroom at the Ogle County Judicial Center.

A quick downpour didn’t stop the Leaf River Daze Parade from stepping off at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 8, 2025. The parade capped off the 3-day festival in Leaf River which included fireworks, a car show, and the FFA Alumni Tractor and Truck Pull.

Read the transcript from our Talk-Line interview with Ogle County Health Department Environmental Health Director Ashly Whaley discussing the West Nile Virus

The TALK-LINE interview for June 9 featured Ogle County Health Department Environmental Health Director Ashly Whaley discussing the West Nile Virus: what it is, how it is transmitted, what the department is doing.

The free concerts will continue each Wednesday evening through July 30.

Work will include replacing a reinforced concrete box culvert in addition to widening the intersection with Penn Corner Road and the installation of a storm sewer.

The program challenges students to read eight books before Monday, July 14.

The TALK-LINE interview for May 30 featured United Way of Lee and Ogle Counties' Executive Director Ashley Richter.

Beginning June 4, all children and teens can enjoy free meals in Lee County when school is out. This year, United Way will provide nutritious meals to kids and teens 18 and younger.

The private attorney representing a rural Dixon man charged with the attempted murder of three police officers said he will be pursuing a motion made by a former Ogle County public defender to hold the trial outside the county.

McHenry County authorities say a man and woman from Ogle County were traveling in a stolen vehicle while in possession of methamphetamine, open alcohol containers, billy club and a toddler in tow.

One Oregon resident said passage would have been “an act of tyranny.”

Wadsworth, 72, first became the pronouncer for the Lee County Spelling Bee in 1983. Over the years, he has declared 43 local champions and sent them to Washington to represent the local bee, which is now the Lee Ogle Whiteside Spelling Bee.  

Sinnissippi Centers’ Byron office is a full-service location offering outpatient treatment for mental illness and substance use.

Founded in 1965 as part of the national community action movement, Tri-County Opportunities Council has played a role in fighting poverty and empowering individuals and families to achieve economic self-sufficiency.

According to Oregon fire crews, occupants in the vehicles were treated at the scene and did not need to be transported to a medical facility.

The Ogle County Health Department sponsored the construction of another mini-food center Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Dixon Public Library.

The Citizens Utility Board blamed years of poor policies and planning by grid operator PJM Interconnection for the rate increase.

Members of the Oregon High School Ag Construction class spent Friday, May 16, 2025, building a mini-food center at Dixon Public Library. The center will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for people to take the food they need.

Illinois officials are urging people not to travel amid dust storm warnings across parts of the state, including much of the Chicago area.

After severe storms swept northern Illinois Thursday, the region faces increased fire risk and wind advisories Friday.

It will be at least another eight months before an Ogle County jury decides the fate of a Stillman Valley man who is charged with killing his ex-wife in 2016 and then setting her Byron home on fire, also resulting in the death of their 3-year-old son.

A tornado watch is in effect until 10 p.m. Thursday for most of northern Illinois, the National Weather Service reports.

City Manager Darin DeHaan introduced the ordinance last month, telling city commissioners the new ordinance would give the city necessary information and time to prepare for demonstrations.

Jared Babler, 28, was charged in connection with an April 15 incident.