From Capitol News Illinois: Gov. JB Pritzker will present his eighth budget on Wednesday and outline a plan to deal with limited revenue growth and significant uncertainty over the future of federal funding for the state

Travis Howell and Mandi Ballard have joined Sauk Valley Bank.

Get caught up on news, sports and features from the week of Feb. 6-12, 2026, in the Sauk Valley.

National Drink Wine Day is Wednesday, Feb. 18.

Be prepared for sudden changes in visibility with some locally dense patches of fog Monday morning.

The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association will award over $58,000 in college scholarships throughout the state of Illinois to students wishing to pursue higher education during the 2026-2027 academic year.

The Chicago Bears have shifted their focus to the offseason after a memorable 2025 and will have some big decision to make. Here’s a look at three key players on the Bears’ roster who are set to become free agents next month.

This adults-only event offers participants the chance to enjoy a lively night out while supporting programs that strengthen education, health, and financial stability throughout Lee County.

NTSB and the FAA were expected to be on site in Poplar Grove Sunday following a single-engine plane crash in the Boone County village Saturday.

If you're looking for a camping adventure this summer, check out Starved Rock Family Campground and other award-winning campgrounds across the country.

Catch up on the week’s top Sauk Valley news for Feb. 8-14 in minutes. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

Long-stalled legislation that would give the Chicago Bears a long-term property tax break and pave the way to construction of a stadium complex on the prime Northwest suburban acreage is finally set to move this week in Springfield

Newman's Blair Grennan, Fulton's Kerby Germann and E-P's Michelle Naftzger won sectional wrestling titles as six area girls advanced to state. Fulton, Polo and E-P girls basketball won, and Sterling's Sarah Doughty qualified for state bowling on Saturday.

Last-second victories. Avenged losses. Blood-round wins, an undefeated champion and tight decisions. Saturday’s 1A Byron Sectional was an exciting one as area wrestlers advanced to state.

The following area students have been named to Illinois State University’s fall 2025 dean’s list.

From Capitol News Illinois: Illinois citizens and retailers are grappling with the slow disappearance of the penny in the Land of Lincoln

Little Jack Henegar got a big smile on his face when he saw his dad on the floor at the Storm Cellar. He was still smiling along with his dad, Jon, the BV coach when the coach’s Storm girls team scored the first 26 points of the game of the game on the way to dominating 51-11 win

Sauk Valley Bank is pleased to welcome Warren Laube as its new chief credit officer.

Wrestlers punch their ticket to the state tournament Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026 at the Byron Class 1A wrestling sectional.

From Capitol News Illinois: Federal Judge Jeffrey Cummings ordered the Department of Homeland Security on Friday to release four people arrested without warrants amid ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ by Monday evening

The Distinguished Alumni Award is bestowed in recognition of a particular achievement of noteworthy value, a series of such achievements, or a career of noteworthy accomplishments that bring honor to the college.

An I Love America rally was held Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, in downtown Sterling. About 100 people attended the rally.

Here is a roundup of where area boys and girls wrestlers are heading into Saturday's final day of sectionals.

Dixon built a double-digit lead early in the seconds quarter and never trailed again in a 69-61 BNC win over Rock Falls on Friday night at Tabor Gym.

Forreston wins tight one in NUIC over Fulton. Plus more scores in Friday's Sauk Valley Media Sports Roundup.

Fresh off being ranked No. 1 in the latest Associated Press Class 1A poll, Newman rode a hot start on its way to a 77-57 win on Friday at Kewanee. Evan Bushman hit six of the Comets' 11 3-pointers and finished with 18 points.

Clinton Symphony Orchestra’s annual Family Concert will be performed at 2 p.m. March 1 at the Camanche High School auditorium in Camanche, Iowa.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the cause of a single-vehicle crash that injured an Amboy man Thursday.

The IHSA announced Friday that member schools voted to approve a proposal impacting the start date of the 2026 football season and the number of practices required per player to compete in the first contest.

From Capitol News Illinois: A bill that would give state insurance regulators authority to review and modify homeowners insurance rates failed on the floor of the House last year but could be revived for a second vote when lawmakers return to the Statehouse

Several students throughout the Sauk Valley have been recognized for their academic achievements at the collegiate level.

Axe throwing is a great way to have fun and blow off some steam. Here are are locations around northern Illinois.

This innovative five-session workshop series, developed in partnership with the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, is designed to bridge the gap between classroom education and the real-world business sector.

Azul Cantina is open for business in Sterling. The Mexican-style restaurant moved into the former Applebee's building.

Erie-Prophetstown's Connor Keegan scored 18 points in a win over Oregon. Fulton boys basketball beat Polo, Faith Christian won and more in Thursday's Sauk Valley roundup.

Discover Dixon, the Lee County Industrial Development Association and Dixon Public Schools will host a career fair and public hiring expo March 11 at Dixon High School.

From Capitol News Illinois: Rick Heidner was a late entrant into the GOP gubernatorial primary, but is betting that his alignment with President Donald Trump, business background and outsider status will persuade enough Republican primary voters

Warehouse Pollution Reduction Act described as 'first in the nation' would monitor and regulate warehouse pollution across Illinois.

From Capitol News Illinois: Marimar Martinez, the Chicago teacher’s aide shot five times by a Border Patrol agent last fall, will release evidence that was recently unsealed from the government’s dismissed case against her

Most Republicans vying to replace outgoing U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin contend U.S. support for Ukraine is crucial as it battles Russia, although some raised concerns about the cost.

From Capitol News Illinois: None directly criticized President Donald Trump, but each signaled differences on tariffs and rejected his call to “nationalize” elections, backing voter ID while keeping election administration in state hands

On this episode of Talk Line, host Brandon Clark is joined by Dr. Matthew DeBaene, the Superintendent of Morrison Community Unit School District #6. The pair discuss the district's goals, new curriculum, career pathways for students and more. 

The Dixon Historic Theatre will show the romantic comedy "Love Actually" on their big screen on Friday, Feb. 13.

The 2026 season at The Dixon Historic Theatre includes tribute artists, comedy, live rock and country music, Disney favorites and much more.

This unofficial holiday, celebrated annually on Feb. 13, is a time for ladies to ditch the romance and have an evening out with your best girls.

Rock Falls High School hosted its 14th annual career fair Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. This year's event featured 54 college and business booths for young students.

Preston-Schilling Funeral Home has purchased the former Bright Beginnings Pre-school building. The buy will double the funeral home's space.

Enjoy a romantic dinner to celebrate Valentine's Day at one of these restaurants in northern Illinois.

In order to be at SoFi Stadium on Valentine’s Day 2027, the Bears must get to work immediately on many issues that need to be addressed now that the offseason has officially begun, Marc Silverman writes

The River Cities Quilters Guild will meet at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 at Fulton Presbyterian Church, Fulton.