The Amboy City Council learned the details of a fundraising campaign Monday that could pay the bill for Amboy High School students to attend Sauk Valley Community College. 

U.S. Congressman Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, visited Focus House north of Rochelle on Wednesday to tour the facility and meet with the organization’s leadership regarding its programming and desire for a new residence hall.

I have a sign in my front yard and I am not running for office. The sign says: “Congratulations, Natalie O’Connor. 2026 Illinois Teacher of the Year. West Carroll Elementary School.”

Here's a list of Ogle County property transfers for Feb. 9-13, 2026.

Joey Rowland was recently named the January Student of the Month at Polo Community High School. He received a scholarship from the Polo Schools Foundation for his efforts.

Breanna Cisketti, ag/commercial lender at First State Bank Shannon Polo Lake Carroll, recently attended the Community Bankers Association of Illinois Ag Lenders Conference.

The Polo Area Community Theatre is gearing up for its rendition of Agatha Christie’s “A Murder is Announced.” The play will be performed Feb. 13, 14 and 20 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 15 and 21 at 2 p.m. at the theater at 117 N. Franklin Ave. in Polo.

Dixon city and rural firefighters and Advance EMS were called at 6:40 a.m. Wednesday to the 900 block of West Fourth Street, according to a news release.

Here's a list of Ogle County property transfers for Feb. 2-6, 2026.

Guest Column: Recently someone said the temperature was to get up in the 40s and someone else said 50s. Right away, I wondered when do we start looking for robins?

Spray tan business owner Caitlin O'Connor has studios in Dixon and Polo, and has become part of wedding mornings – helping brides feel comfortable, natural and camera-ready for their big day before they ever step into their dresses.

Here's a list of Ogle County property transfers for Jan. 26-30, 2026.

Here's a list of upcoming events planned for February at the Polo library.

Polo Area Community Theatre is in rehearsals for Agatha Christie’s murder mystery “A Murder is Announced”.

Polo School District Superintendent Kelly Mandrell has been named the 2026 Northwest Region IASA superintendent of distinction, a district news release said.

Here's a list of Ogle County property transfers for Jan. 19-23, 2026.

Obendorf: Since I have been shut up in the house, I have been working with a bucket of apples that Mike left for me. I started first with sliced apples and cheese. Then I went to cooked apples with cinnamon. Next in line was applesauce made in my blender.

Polo’s Harper Clark was recently named to the president’s list at Iowa State University.

Iowa State University awarded degrees to 1,751 graduates this fall.

Here's a list of Ogle County property transfers for Jan. 12-16, 2026.

Obendorf: This is the weather for soup and more hot chocolate as I stay huddled up in my chair. Alexa tells me the next day or two will not be any better as she warns people to stay in.

Jada Garcia was recently named the December Student of the Month at Polo Community High School.

Polo Area Community Theatre is hosting a trivia night Jan. 24 at The Polo Room.

Here's a list of Ogle County property transfers for Jan. 5-9, 2026.

Recently we lost Nancy Parks from our church and Max Snook and Richard Jacks from our community.

To make screenings easy and accessible, OSF Saint Katharine offers free blood pressure checks at two convenient locations in Lee and Ogle counties.

Guest column: A special doll and a phone call from a friend brighten the holiday season.

Here's a list of property transfers for Ogle County for Dec. 29 to Jan. 2.

The following seven area students were named to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater's dean’s list for the 2025 fall semester.

Obendorf: I am always amazed how quickly some people say goodbye to Christmas and look to the year coming next.

Fourteen area students were named to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater dean’s list for the 2025 fall semester.

Here's a list of Ogle County property transfers for Dec. 22-26, 2025.

A look back at some of the top Ogle County Life stories from the past year.

Here's a list of upcoming programs taking place at the Polo Library.

As Christmas gatherings take place, enjoy being with your friends and family. This is what the holiday season is all about.

Here's a list of Ogle County property transfers for Dec. 15-19, 2025.

4-H Camp is a five-day, four-night residential camping experience that is conducted cooperatively by University of Illinois Extension staff in Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside and Winnebago counties and the professional staff at RRCC.

Firefighters from eight departments worked to put out fire that destroyed machinery Friday, Dec. 19.

Obendorf: Polo’s Christmas celebration came off in fine style and Polo Historical Society had two full trolleys and two partial ones.

A Dixon native now serving as an elementary principal in Polo will be Dixon Public Schools' next superintendent after current Superintendent Margo Empen retires in July 2026.

Here's a list of Ogle County property transfers for Dec. 8-12, 2025.

Obendorf: The Polo Historical Museum has very old Christmas ornaments and trees that have been donated. We love the tree with bubble lights that still work and of course our Santa that spent many years in Muench Shoe Store is still dancing at the museum.

Jocelyn Bogatitus was recently named the November Student of the Month at Polo Community High School. She received a scholarship from the Polo Schools Foundation for her efforts.

Cassandre R. Mlakar has been promoted to senior vice president, FSB Wealth Group. Mlakar joined FSB Wealth Group and First State Bank Shannon-Polo-Lake Carroll in 2009.

Jered T. Vautsmeier, 22, pleaded guilty Dec. 4 to the misdemeanor offense when he appeared in Ogle County Circuit Court - other charges were dismissed through a plea agreement.

Here's a list of Ogle County property transfers for Dec. 1-5, 2025.

First State Bank Shannon-Polo-Lake Carroll recently announced the promotion of Allyson Roling to lending officer.

Obendorf: I remember the days when I would get a 25-pound turkey and wrap it in foil. Then it went into the oven at a very high temperature and came out four hours later in great shape for eating. Now they do it in a big deep fryer in half the time.

The Polo Christmas Festival offered activities for kids, shopping, refreshments and more on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025.

The Polo Chamber of Commerce recently announced its Home and Business Holiday Decorating Contest. Prizes will be awarded for first, second, third and honorable mention in both home and business categories.