The results of a survey about parking in downtown Sterling are out and the reviews are mixed.

After hearing the results of a parking survey and differing concerns from downtown Sterling business owners, employees and customers, the message was clear – more free downtown parking is needed.

After hearing repeated concerns from the public regarding its Flock Safety network, the Sterling City Council and the Sterling Police Department are set to review how their cameras are used.

Sterling Fire Lt. Garrett Ramos wanted to give back to his community and wanted his department to be active in the community. A scholarship that he envisioned to give back and involve the department now honors his memory.

The bucket truck was one of several vehicle purchases the City Council approved Monday.

Fire Chief David Northcutt and several members of the Sterling Fire Department and their families were on hand as Brandon Monical was officially welcomed into the SFD ranks.

Hundreds of people stood along both sides of the Union Pacific tracks on Wallace Street in downtown Sterling on Tuesday to get a look at Union Pacific’s Big Boy 4014 as it made its way east on a coast-to-coast tour to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

It’s not even officially summer yet, but the Sterling Public Works Department is planning ahead for winter snowfall.

A resident who brought concerns over Sterling's uncontrolled intersections wants to see changes made and cleanup done.

A proposed Illinois law would require police to delete license plate reader data after three days unless it’s tied to an active investigation.

Concerns from a Sterling resident about Flock Safety cameras, what those cameras are recording and who has access to that footage, continue.

Stering Police Chief Pat Bartel said police have seen an uptick of e-bikes with riders not old enough to ride them and e-bikes being ridden in places where they are prohibited.

The Sterling Police Department made 53 arrests for drug and narcotic violations in 2025, compared to 58 in 2024, according to Sterling Police Chief Pat Bartel.

It's race week at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as fans gear up for the Indy 500, but Sterling Police Chief Pat Bartel is waving a caution flag for drivers using Sterling's newest stretch of pavement, Second Street.

Sterling’s long-awaited Northwestern Steel and Wire Park will officially open at 11 a.m. June 13. That is the date and time for the official ribbon cutting that will open the park to the public.

Residents' concerns over uncontrolled intersections and high-speed drivers in a residential area brought debate to the Sterling City Council on Monday.

The three officers graduated April 23 from Sauk Valley Community College‘s police academy, where they completed 16 weeks of training.

From the Sterling City Council to the Riverfront Commission, people are looking for answers about the Northwestern Steel and Wire Park and when it will be open to the public.

The event will be from 4:30-6 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, at the city of Sterling’s Council Chambers.

Sterling residents will be paying more for garbage and sewer as of May 1 and the city will see a major downtown street project later this year.

Millie, the Sterling Police Department’s comfort dog, and her handler, Community Service Officer Mary Toth, were recognized by the Sterling City Council on Monday for the work they do and the comfort they provide.

The sections of the 160-foot pedestrian bridge that will link the multi-use path along Sterling’s riverfront over state Route 40 have been delivered. But when the pedestrian bridge will be installed depends on action from Union Pacific Railroad regarding a single utility pole.

As funding dwindles for nonprofit organizations, how much financial assistance should the Sterling City Council give to groups that help Sterling residents?

During Monday’s Sterling City Council meeting, Sterling Public Works Superintendent Brad Schrader said that as of May 1 the city will change its 50/50 sidewalk replacement program to one in which homeowners pay for the concrete and city crews install the sidewalks.

A 27-year Sterling Police Department employee who started while still in high school and a patrol officer who is following a family tradition of public service were honored at Monday’s Sterling City Council meeting.

With an opening day on the horizon, contractors, city officials and Riverfront Commission members continue to iron out wrinkles with Northwestern Steel and Wire Park.

The Riverfront Commission met Wednesday and discussed some of the larger issues that need to be resolved before Northwestern Steel and Wire Park can officially open.

Summertime - and wintertime - care and maintenance were on the minds of the Sterling City Council as the council discussed what kind of care and maintenance the new Northwestern Steel and Wire Park is going to need.

The Sterling Fire Department has put out the help wanted sign for a new deputy fire chief.

With a surplus of $529,665, Sterling’s 2026-27 general fund budget is in the black. What to do with that surplus was a topic of discussion during Monday’s Sterling City Council meeting.

For Girl Scout Troop 150 leader Stephanie Olivas, Girl Scouts means more than selling cookies.

Sterling's work on stormwater management projects took the spotlight during a March 2 Sterling City Council budget discussion.

The Sterling Fire Department also is hiring. With the two newest candidates starting at the academy March 6, the SFD is pulling applications for the position left open by a resignation.

After extensive debate and discussion, the Sterling City Council will proceed with plans for a house at 701 First Ave. in Sterling to eventually be demolished.

The Sterling City Council approved an economic development incentive agreement for improvements around a Second Street business Monday night.

The city of Sterling wants to know from residents and businesspeople whether parking needs are being met in the downtown business district.

With a sudden midwinter warm spell comes the urge to be outside and start cleaning up your yard. But Sterling city officials are warning residents against pushing yard waste into the street.

The work includes Griswold Avenue from Ninth Street to LeFevre; Woodburn Avenue from 11th Street to LeFevre; 11th Street from Dillon to Woodburn; 13th Street from Dillon to Woodburn and 15th Street from Dillon to Griswold.

The Sterling City Council is looking forward to warmer weather, a birthday party and a new festival.

A Sterling man concerned about how data from automated license plate readers could be used – and possibly shared – expressed his concerns Tuesday night to the Sterling City Council.

That feeling when your new boss has good things to say about your work so far - on your first official day on the job? Two new Sterling firefighters had that feeling as they were sworn into office Tuesday night. 

Work on Sterling street and road projects is shifting into higher gear for 2026.  One of the major road projects that Sterling drivers will see is resurfacing of Fourth Street, Illinois Route 2, from Locust Street to 19th Avenue. 

Work on the Lawrence Brothers and National Manufacturing properties is continuing and includes work to clean up the properties and stabilize the structures.

The Sterling Police Department will be getting a 2025 Chevy Tahoe to replace the 2023 Ford Explorer that was wrecked in a Christmas Day 2025 crash in downtown Sterling. 

A summertime block party-style event is coming to downtown Sterling on July 25. Sterling Street Fest will be a one-day, afternoon-to-evening event featuring live bands, food and activities.

Second Street is on track to reopen to traffic Friday from Fourth Avenue to First Avenue, the Sterling city manager told the Sterling City Council.

The city of Sterling will host two open houses from 9-11 a.m. and 5-7 p.m. Dec. 3, 2025, at Sterling City Hall to provide information about the rental inspection program.

Former Rock Falls Fire Chief Cris Bouwens testified Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, that several of his actions were contributing factors that led to the 2021 death of Sterling Fire Lt. Garrett Ramos.

Sterling’s Riverfront Commission met Oct. 16, 2025, to discuss updates – and anticipated delays – to Sterling’s $300 million multiphase Riverfront Reimagined project.

During a Riverfront Commission meeting Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, Ron Clewer of developer Gorman & Co. said discussions on JCB Investments’ proposed entertainment complex at 201 Locust St. are on hold until spring 2026 because of high interest rates and other financial challenges.