Dixon

Books on First will host a special book-signing event with George John Beier, author of “Baked Fine Since ’69,” on Saturday, July 12, at Books on First, 209 W. First St., Dixon.

The initiative aims to ensure that children from preschool through 12th grade start the school year with confidence and comfort, according to a news release.

Dixon Public Schools will kick off a new transitional kindergarten program at the start of the 2025-26 school year. The program was developed in response to kindergarten students’ increasing behavioral issues at Washington Elementary School.

A Dixon man has written a book about the long-lasting impact of childhood bullying and the quiet strength it takes to survive it.

The TALK-LINE interview for July 9 featured Shaw Local News Managing Editor of the Dixon Telegraph and Sterling Gazette, Charlene Bielema, looking at stories of interest to the area.

Here's a list of Lee County property transfers for June 30 to July 3, 2025.

The Rock River Jazz Band will perform music from the Big Band and Swing eras at 7 p.m. July 12 at the Page Park Band Shell, 300 Lincoln Statue Drive, Dixon.

National Dive Bar Day is Monday, July 7. If you're looking for a local pub to check out, these neighborhood dive bars in northern Illinois are worth visiting.

The Dixon Municipal Band returns to the Page Park Band Shell at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 10.

The Dixon Police Department has announced the promotion of two officers who’ve each been at the department for 17 years.

Dixon officials are looking into the zoning of the city's shooting range after a resident questioned the legality of its existence at the Monday, July 7, 2025, City Council meeting.

The TALK-LINE interview for July 8 featured Kreider Services of Dixon Administrative Manager Sue Ely reviewing the recently held Florissa Center 5K run/walk fundraiser at Sauk Valley Community College.

The one-hour program includes more than 100 rare photos and PowerPoint slides

Neighbors are complaining Dixon's gun range is too close to residential areas.

Under the theme “Fun at the Beach”, here is the list of parade winners.

A Lee County judge decided Monday to allow the pretrial release of a Dixon man accused of disseminating images and videos of child sexual abuse.

The 61st annual Dixon Petunia Festival featured a parade Sunday, July 6, 2025.

Check out our Dixon Petunia Festival coverage from Saturday, July 5, 2025.

The Reagan Run 5K was held Saturday, July 5, 2025, during the 61st annual Dixon Petunia Festival in Dixon.

In a news release issued Saturday, July 5, 2025, the police department announced what to do if inclement weather appears and people need to take shelter quickly.

Nice weather and sweet rides made for a fun time Friday, July 4, 2025, at John Dixon Park for the annual Petunia Fest car show. From vintage to modern rides, the park was filled with vehicles of all kinds for fans to check out and admire.

Heath A. Knipple, 46, was charged in Lee County Circuit Court with six counts of Class X felony dissemination of child pornography with each listing that the victim was younger than 13

Here is a list of property transfers for Lee, Ogle and Whiteside counties for June 23-27, 2025.

Sweet rides were put on display Friday, July 4, 2025, at John Dixon Park for Petunia Fest's annual car show.

1990s music stalwarts Blind Melon and The Smoking Popes take the main stage Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Dixon's Petunia Fest. The fest is in full swing with lots more on tap for the weekend.

Dixon's Lowell Park has a remarkable history. In his column this week, historian Tom Wadsworth shares unique stories about who designed the park and the land's importance in northern Illinois as far back as the early 1800s.

From live music and food vendors to car shows and carnivals, here is a list of local places to celebrate the holiday.

The much-anticipated summer event will feature live bands, a carnival, parade, fireworks and more.

The Wild Rose Clinton will host Sins N' Roses and Electric Shock on July 25.

Petunia Fest was in full bloom Wednesday, July 2, 2025, as royalty met with kids to make crafts at the Dixon library.

The TALK-LINE interview for July 1 featured Dixon Park District Executive Director Duane Long.

The TALK-LINE interview for July 2 featured Dixon Family YMCA Chief Executive Officer Andy McFarlane and Dixon Petunia Festival Reagan Run board member Deb Trancoso previewing the 25th annual Ronald Reagan 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, July 5.

Michelle Harris is the newest member of OSF Saint Katharine's women’s health team and sees patients at Commerce Towers, 101 W. Second St., Dixon.

The TALK-LINE interview for July 2 featured Shaw Local News representatives Charlene Bielema and Brandon Clark with an update of news coverage across the area including extensive Dixon Petunia Festival reports.

The Sterling/Rock Falls Jaycee’s fireworks display ignites at dusk (about 9:30 p.m.) Thursday, July 3, and OSF HealthCare Saint Katharine Medical Center will sponsor Dixon's Petunia Festival Family Fun Night from 5-7 p.m. Friday, July 4.

The Dixon City Council approved an amendment to the city liquor code June 23, 2025, that restricts the presence of those under 21 in bars.

Police Chief Ryan Bivins asks those attending the festival to keep an eye on younger children so they don't get lost; to ask someone for a ride if you've been drinking at the festival; and to call police if you see something that doesn't feel right.

The school board also accepted a slate of coaches for the 2025-26 school year.

This week's Reagan Run 5K column was written by Brittany Geiger, a longtime Reagan Run 5K participant and former Petunia Fest Board member. Geiger writes that the 5K marked the beginning of a life-long journey for herself and her son, Dean.

The prizes are in place and rides ready to roll as the 61st annual Dixon Petunia Fest carnival is set to begin Wednesday, July 2, 2025.

The TALK-LINE interview for June 30 featured Dixon Chamber of Commerce and Dixon Main Street Marketing Director Lucas Pauley.

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.

Looking for someone who will give you tiers of joy? You’ll find it up the Street in downtown Dixon, at the intersection of talent and creativity.

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.

After two years of success and a growing customer base, Angel Mendoza recently expanded his operation by adding a second food truck that he takes to Dixon and Tampico.

The college named 263 full- and part-time students to the president’s list for high academic achievement. The dean’s list includes 130 students.

Heartfelt moments from nearly 30 same-sex couples are paired with historical text to highlight the 10th anniversary of the Obergefell v. Hodges decision, which extended marriage equality to same-sex couples nationwide.

The university named more than 1,250 students to the president’s list.

Town hall, coffee and conversation events will be held through Wednesday, July 16.

Sterling student named to Normandale Community College graduates list.