Polo

Polo homeowner battles back with a hose of her own during annual parade.

Polo hosted its annual Town & Country Days June 26-29, 2025.

The William and Beverly Burkardt Family Foundation has awarded 116 scholarships since 2012.

Asked questions such as “What’s your favorite dinosaur” and “What’s the best thing about being a kid,” the 4- and 5-year-olds did their best to give insightful answers.

Ten kids competed Thursday, June 26, 2025, for the title of Little Miss and Mister in Polo.

Fireworks, a parade, a historical trolley tour and a carnival are just some of the attractions at Polo’s Town & Country Days from June 25-29.

During the public comment period at the start of the meeting, several people alleged misconduct by a female high school teacher played a role in the deaths.

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.

Event starts at 1:15 p.m. at Town & Country Days festival tent

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.

Scholarships are given to those students who best exemplify the goals of PFLAG: advocacy, support, and education.

Armon D. Pearson, 25, was sentenced to 24 months of probation after pleading guilty to the misdemeanor offense as he appeared before Judge Anthony Peska.

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.

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 Illinois College & Career Pathway Endorsement Program allows students to earn a formal endorsement on their high school diploma or transcript by completing a series of structured requirements designed to prepare them for life after high school in their chosen career path.

Here's a list of the public pools and splash pads opening across the Sauk Valley.

With a number of ceremonies, parades and speakers planned throughout the Sauk Valley on Memorial Day, here is a list of what local communities will be doing to remember the fallen.

Oregon and Polo announce services for Monday, May 26

Polo High School juniors researched veterans' stories and then shared those stories with their classmates as part of “The Grateful Nation Project” – a nationwide effort honoring those who gave their lives while serving.

Trustees voted 4-1 to donate the building to the Polo Area Community Theatre following a presentation by Hart DuBois, a PACT board member, who outlined how the not-for-profit group planned to raise enough money to keep the building viable as a performance venue.

Oregon qualified seven individuals and three relays for this week's state meet at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.

This year’s sale will be held at the Oregon Coliseum in downtown Oregon from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, May 30, and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 31.

The driver of the semi-tractor and trailer was ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and improper lane usage.

The idea of adding shade came from a citizen

PACT will perform “The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood,” a satirical look at the classic tale of the rebel who “steals from the rich and gives to the poor.”

PACT to present play in Polo starting this weekend; United Way of Lee County Bingo is May 8 at the Elks Club in Dixon.

Polo Area Community Theatre will perform "The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood” through May 10 at the former Polo City Hall theater.

Robert DeVries, a former Forreston High School multisport standout athlete, has been hired as the Cardinals’ new boys basketball coach.

The show starts at 6:30 p.m.

Performances begin May 2.

One person is dead and another charged with first-degree murder in what police are calling a “domestic incident” that happened late Monday afternoon.

Voters this week in Whiteside, Lee, Ogle and Carroll counties determined who will make the important decisions regarding their communities, schools, townships, fire departments, parks and libraries. See the results here.

Buffalo Township on Tuesday, April 8, tabled a decision on the fate of its former building, which the Polo Area Community Theatre has called home for 19 years.

The tractor, a 1949 Case, was sold Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Hazelhurst auction.

Andrew Emberson, 19, was released from custody April 3 after his defense attorney said he suffers from “cognitive issues” and needs mental evaluations rather than incarceration.

Rock Falls and Sterling firefighters and CGH EMS were called at 9:37 p.m. Sunday, April 6, 2025, to 222 Ave. D in Rock Falls for a reported structure fire with a possible explosion.

Farm machinery of all makes and models were the big draw at the Hazelhurst Spring Consignment Auction on Saturday, April 5, 2025, The outdoor auction has been held on a 30-acre site since the 1940s and has become a local must-attend event for northwestern Illinois farmers.

Sale to be in the Polo High School's FFA greenhouse.

A free-will offering will be taken to benefit the Loaves and Fish Food Pantry in Mt. Morris.

Three-story building was built in 1899 and closed as school in 1985.

Workers continued to demolish the historic, but dilapidated, school building that had stood in Polo for 126 years. Demolition crews from Fischer Excavating of Freeport continued demolishing the Congress School, 208 N. Congress Ave., Tuesday, March 28, 2025, creating small clouds of dust as the 18-inch-thick brick walls were collapsed, sparking waves of nostalgia from former students.

Six members were honored for more than 50 years of service.

Whiteside, Lee, Ogle and Carroll county voters get to decide who will make the important decisions regarding their communities, schools, townships, fire departments, parks and libraries.

Police say the vehicle overturned several times.

Razing of older, taller portion of building to begin Monday.

Workers from Fischer Excavating, of Freeport, continued demolishing the north part of the Congress School, 208 N. Congress Ave., on Friday, March 28, 2025. Demolition of the older, larger portion of the building has been tentatively set for Monday.

No injuries to residents or firefighters.

Firefighters from several departments responded to a structure fire at 6727 W. Henry Road, southeast of Polo, around 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, 2025. At least one vehicle and a camper along with several items were lost in the garage fire. No injuries were reported. Crews responding included Polo, Mt. Morris, Sterling, Forreston, Oregon, Dixon Rural, EMS Advance, Milledgeville, Chadwick, Dixon City, and Franklin Grove.