Fire science program has 'unlimited potential'

DIXON – Sauk Valley Community College hopes its fire science program catches, well, fire among firefighters in the region. ... Read More »

Farm bill would cut corn subsidies

U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, whose district includes Whiteside County, voted for a farm bill this week that she said provides farmers with "strong and stable" crop insurance. On Wednesday, the House Agriculture Committee, which includes Bustos, voted 36-10 for a farm bill that would, among other things, trim food stamps.

Sterling High administrator, of Dixon, new assistant principal

ROCK FALLS – The Rock Falls High School Board on Wednesday hired Vicki Dunphy, an associate principal at Sterling High School, to be its new assistant principal.

Students climb, crawl and pedal in Rock Falls

Rock Fall High School sophomores Adryan Bales (left), Emily Kitsmiller and Selena Raymond maneuver to the top of a rock-climbing wall while transporting a ball. The team had t

Probe begins after Conn. commuter trains crash

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (AP) — Officials described a devastating scene of shattered cars and other damage where two trains packed with rush-hour commuters collided in Connecticut, sa ... Read More »

Illinois cracks down on social media 'flash mobs'

CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois now has tougher penalties for those who use social media to organize violent "flash mobs" like those that have occurred on Chicago's Michigan Avenue an ... Read More »

8 Illinois Lottery payout checks bounce

CHICAGO (AP) — Some lucky winners of the Illinois Lottery weren't so lucky when they went to cash their checks.Lottery spokesman Mike Lang says checks to eight recent winners ... Read More »

Dixon firefighters, police will compete for blood

DIXON – Unlike most bloody battles, this one will save lives.Dixon's fire and police departments are going head to head to collect blood for the American Red Cross.The first a ... Read More »

Local libraries given thousands

Jesse White, secretary of state and state librarian, awarded more than $1 million in “Back to Books” grants.The money will be used by 230 libraries to buy books, CDs, DVDs, an ... Read More »

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Wise saw collapse in support

Last week, Sterling Alderwoman Amy Viering attended her last meeting as a city official. She gave the usual praise one hears at such departures. But one compliment stuck out. At the end of her speech, she turned to City Administrator Scott Shumard and said, "You're awesome."

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On pensions, Bivins and GOP far apart

Sen. Tim Bivins, R-Dixon, joined with many of his fellow Senate Republicans this week to reject a pension bill sponsored by Democratic Senate President John Cullerton of Chicago. The measure passed 40-16. Bivins had a different reason for his no vote.

Fire science program has 'unlimited potential'

Farm bill would cut corn subsidies

Sterling High administrator, of Dixon, new assistant principal

Students climb, crawl and pedal in Rock Falls

Nation & World

Probe begins after Conn. commuter trains crash

State

Illinois cracks down on social media 'flash mobs'

8 Illinois Lottery payout checks bounce

Community

Dixon firefighters, police will compete for blood

Local libraries given thousands

Blogs

Wise saw collapse in support

On pensions, Bivins and GOP far apart

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