Rock Falls police, council balk at mayor’s police chief selection, say in-house resumes were ignored
Several Rock Falls officers told the City Council on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, that their applications were not looked at during the chief selection process. Council members also indicated they won't support the mayor’s choice of Rollie Elder when they are asked to vote.
Sterling man’s arson plea deal folds; judge expresses discomfort with proposed prison sentence
A Whiteside County judge has rejected a plea agreement that would have put a Sterling man behind bars for 8 years in connection with an October 2024 fire that destroyed a Galt home and injured two people
Dixon school board OKs new hires, resignation, dismissal
The Dixon School Board approved several personnel actions Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025.
Man charged with stealing vehicle in Morrison, crashing into another vehicle while fleeing deputy: sheriff
Nathan Sandell, 34, faces charges of aggravated fleeing to elude, theft over $500, and possession of a stolen vehicle, according to a news release issued by Whiteside County Sheriff John Booker
The Mercantile in Sterling adding seating space, pushing for extended hours during special events
Owners of The Mercantile want to increase the establishment's seating capacity by opening up a wall in the cocktail lounge, creating a larger dining area that will feature darts, and obtain a permit that will allow their doors to stay open later during special events.