Sauk Valley Living

Growing food doesn’t have to be a dirty job, just ask a local farmer who can coax herbs and veggies from rockwool and water

Having some cents of Dixon history: Centennial, quasquicentennial, sesquicentennial, dosquicentennial … Dixon can observe them all this year, from the anniversary of an unbeatable high school football team to the establishment of governance in its rural areas.

A Mount Carroll craftsman is happy when he’s in his own neck of the woods, having the run of his Mill and creating hand-crafted pieces made with tools that have some history behind them and more work ahead of them.

A father and child reunion is only an ocean away for a pair of Prophetstown natives who love getting together to make music

When it comes to our health, times have really changed – but a Tampico woman would like to change them back, to a time when nature would nurture us, and she’s offering an oasis where people can do just that: a retreat where they can regroup, relax and recharge.

It doesn't happen often when competing in sports gives kids an experience of earning a medal in national competition, but Dixon's Lily Haws has one in the sport she enjoys playing. The 13-year-old recently brought home silver from a national curling competition.

Drag racing and Arnie Beswick were born around the same time – one on the dry lake beds of California and the other in Morrison – and they’ve both found fame through the years, with drag racing attracting legions of fans and “The Farmer” becoming a legend in his field

When Chadwick lost its only diner, the community didn’t have to go far to find someone to pick up the spatula, and now the new owner aims to serve meals that will keep folks coming back for Second helpings.

When a Sterling family saw an outdoor family gem with an uncertain future, they stepped up and gave their campground a renewed use. Now in its 60th year, Ruffit Park is flourishing with new owners encouraging people to experience the outdoors.

Petunia City's providers: Making the city they love come up flowers every year is the mission of a group of Dixon women who enjoy adding a little more pink to their community.

Duane Dickison is the fire chief of the town he grew up in, and it's a badge of honor he takes seriously and with great responsibility. He leads a department that not just fight fires, but tackles the growing issue of recruitment and managing a substation in a neighboring town.

When a Rock Falls guitarist gives his musical passion to the community, he hopes it brings many smiles and positive memories to their minds, and makes them happier. It's a lifelong passion for music that keeps evolving for Todd Lorenc, from electric guitar to ukulele and back.

When a photo opportunity knocks, a Dixon photographer opens the barn door to find the grit and determination that tells the stories of farmers and their families

They say you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink – but you can lead people to a horse trailer and let them drink, thanks to a Sterling woman who’s brought her own twist to the mobile bar service business.

Sugarbakers serves more than 60 cocktails and over 20 martinis, along with 60 different wines, and just as many bourbons, by the bottle, glass or flight.