Eleven independent short films got screen time Wednesday night during the fourth annual Shorts-A-Palooza film festival.

The trade show was held Wednesday and Thursday nights, with 31 student-run businesses selling everything from jewelry and video promotions to made-to-order grilled cheese sandwiches.

The Lee County Council on Aging has announced the acquisition of two new minivans, made possible through a rural transportation grant of $60,000 from the Northwestern Illinois Area Agency on Aging.

Forreston FFA members hosted their end-of-the-year banquet to celebrate accomplishments and recognize community members.

Jon Henegar has been wanting to become a head basketball coach one day and he has found that opportunity at Bureau Valley. He was named as the Storm’s new varsity girls basketball coach at Wednesday’s board meeting, succeeding Matt Wasilewski, who resigned after three seasons.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 27, the Sterling Park District will have disc giveaways, free lessons and contests at the new nine-hole disc golf course at Kilgour Park. Come play, learn about disc golf and meet some of the Rock River Disc Golf Club members.

The 2024 event is scheduled for Sunday, May 5, at the Sterling Marketplace, 111 W. Second St., in downtown Sterling. Onsite registration is from 8 a.m. until noon that day.

Newman defeated Bureau Valley, while Rock Falls fell to Stillman Valley in softball games. Plus more in Wednesday's roundup.

Dixon Petunia Festival organizers on Friday announced the musical entertainment lineup for the 2024 festival, which runs from July 3 to 7.