Here's a list of property transfers for Lee, Whiteside and Ogle counties for Dec. 22-26, 2025.

Saying he wasn’t comfortable with forcing the county to pay, a Whiteside County judge has denied the public defender’s office's request to hire an expert to watch consumptive DNA evidence testing in a case accusing a Sterling man of sexual assault and abuse.

Woodlawn Arts Academy students will be showing off their theater and music skills this winter, with performances of “Mary Poppins Jr.” and winter music recitals both set for January.

As the calendar flips into 2026, here are a few of the stories we’ll be following in the months ahead.

Join the Tri-County Opportunities Council in partnership with the Northland Mall for the second annual Frosty Fun-Day Family Fun Fair on Saturday, Feb. 21, at Northland Mall in Sterling.

As Shaw Media celebrates its 175th anniversary, we looked back at our New Year’s Day archives across three different centuries. These front pages serve as a time capsule, capturing the unique concerns and celebrations of our communities from 1890 to 2010

OSF HealthCare Saint Katharine Medical Center has announced that Jennifer Hernandez, APRN, will join its team as a family medicine provider beginning in early January.

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

From clothing and hobby stores to restaurants and auto shops, read a recap of 2025's business activity in the Sauk Valley.

Sterling American Legion Post 296 will host a public open house from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 1, when veterans, and descendants and spouses of veterans, can learn about Legion membership.

A Sterling man was charged Friday, Dec. 26, with felony aggravated battery after being accused of hitting and kicking two Sterling police officers on Christmas Eve.

A Sterling man accused of sexually assaulting a 9-year-old girl three years ago is headed to trial after a plea deal fell through Friday, Dec. 26.

The collision occurred Thursday, Dec. 25, at First Avenue and East Third Street in Sterling, according to a Sterling Police Department news release.

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

These 10 stories defined conversations around dinner tables, dominated social media feeds, and shaped how residents see their corner of Illinois during 2025

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

Memberships are available for a variety of household situations, and can be purchased monthly or annually.

The Sterling Public Library will host a job search workshop Tuesday, Jan. 13.

OSF HealthCare Saint Katharine Medical Center joined the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Dec. 18, to celebrate the ribboncutting for the OSF Saint Katharine Center for Health – Sterling.

The concert will begin at 7 p.m. Jan. 9 and is presented by the city of Sterling. It will feature pieces from many genres, including traditional and contemporary band works, jazz and popular music.

The charges, filed Oct. 10 in Whiteside County Circuit Court, accused man of striking Sterling police officer, grabbing the officer by the vest and kicking him on Oct. 9.

Torrie Nelson of Sterling was named to the fall 2025 dean’s list at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais.

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

Take a journey back in time by viewing the images SVM photographer Alex T. Paschal has chosen as his favorites of 2025. Included in each picture caption is the photographer’s own words about what the photo means to him.

Longtime Sterling-Rock Falls Family YMCA youth sports and swim instructor Deb Mortonson is calling it a career after 39 years of work with the YMCA.

The Job Search Workshop is held the second Tuesday of each month from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Sterling Library.

Palmer College of Chiropractic has campuses in Davenport and Port Orange, Fla.

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

As the year comes to a close, communities in the Sauk Valley area are working with IDOT to secure funds for public works road maintenance projects for the upcoming year.

Catch up on the week’s top Sauk Valley news for Dec. 7-13 in minutes. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

Bill and Dick’s Barber Shop in Dixon will close for good in March 2026 after 60 years of operation.

Host Brandon Clark gets updates on Sterling's East Second Street construction project with Mayor Diana Merdian. They also talk about the city's seasonal Sights and Sounds event, and the upcoming 2026 Sterling budget. 

Here's a list of property transfers for Lee, Ogle and Whiteside counties for Dec. 1-5, 2025.

The Sterling-Rock Falls Family YMCA will host a Dec. 17 open house for Aquatics Director Deb Mortonson, who is retiring after being involved with YMCA communities for 39 years.

Host Brandon Clark discusses holiday fire safety, the Community Connect app, and fire department training integration with Sterling Fire Department Chief David Northcutt and Rock Falls Fire Department Deputy Chief Kyle Sommers.

David Tessmann of Sterling has been named to the 2025 summer trimester dean’s list at Palmer College of Chiropractic’s Main Campus in Davenport, Iowa.

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

The Sterling girls basketball hosts Geneseo at Musgrove Fieldhouse in Sterling. The action took place on Thursday, December 11, 2025.

Author Josh Binder’s newest title in the growing Mighty Maddie series – “Mighty Maddie’s Christmas Adventure” – is an inspiring, heart-warming holiday story celebrating courage, kindness and the unique magic that individuals with Down Syndrome bring into the world.

Sterling Federal Bank has announced President and Chief Executive Officer Dean Ahlers will retire and that Bo Mays will take over that role next month.

Strategic Steps Counseling will offer individual, youth, family and couples counseling specializing in anxiety, depression, grief and life transitions, among other areas. Opening day is Jan. 5 at 603 First Ave., Suite 202, in Sterling.

Grant Hartman plans to attend trade school for welding or mechanics.

Host Brandon Clark speaks with Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dallas Knack about Sterling’s recent Sights and Sounds event, while exploring future 2026 events

From Capitol News Illinois: More than 700 Illinois schools are within a quarter-mile of crop fields, yet state law doesn’t require pesticide applicators to notify them before spraying.

Host Brandon Clark chats with Shaw Local editor Charlene Bielema about recent court coverage, the jury selection process, sports and other news.

Judge James Heuerman agreed to give the city of Rock Falls and two fire officials until Jan. 12 to file the post-trial motion that could put them on the path to appealing the verdict in connection with the 2021 death of Sterling Fire Lt. Garrett Ramos

Catch up on the week’s top Sauk Valley news for Nov. 30-Dec. 6 in minutes. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

Sterling’s snow emergency will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Rock Falls' snow emergency will begin at 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and run until 6 a.m. Monday, Dec. 8.

State Sen. Li Arellano, R-Dixon, will lead a legislative update Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, that will provide a great opportunity for residents of the 37th District to hear about recent legislation and ongoing policy discussions from the fall veto session and beyond.

Sights & Sounds is Sterling’s Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, kickoff to the holiday season.