The TALK-LINE interview for Aug. 20 featured Shaw Local News representatives Charlene Bielema and Brandon Clark with an update on happenings across the area, including infrastructure work on a Sterling sewer improvement, continuing work on a main street in Sterling, and an update on the proposed new family center for Sterling.

The Talk-Line interview for Aug. 20 featured 2025 Amboy Depot Days spokesperson Mellissa Eisenberg previewing the annual celebration starting Thursday, Aug. 21. running through Sunday, Aug. 24.

The TALK-LINE interview for Aug. 18 featured Kreider Services of Dixon Administrative Manager Sue Ely discussing the recently held “Meaningful Day of Golf” fundraiser in July.

Also discussed: a Kreider Alliance annual board meeting held in early August, distributing seven scholarships to those entering the health care field, and an upcoming “Quarter-Mania” fundraiser this week at the Dixon Elks Club.

The TALK-LINE interview for Aug. 15 featured Illinois 37th District State Senator Li Arellano of Dixon discussing his participation at the Illinois State Fair Governor’s and Republican Day.

Also discussed: the recent redistricting situations in Texas and California and what he calls the “double standard” of the Illinois Governor with this issue along with new laws dealing with agriculture and health that will benefit the state. In addition to that, Arellano criticizes the problems within the Department of Children and Family Services and moving forward with ideas shared by constituents of the district that he will take to Springfield as work in the upcoming session.

The TALK-LINE interview for Aug. 14 featured Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Sam Kersey reviewing previous chamber happenings, including the multi-chamber “Business After Hours” event at Sauk Valley Community College.

Other topics discussed: a preview of upcoming events, including a free technical seminar on “How To Grow Your Business” on Aug. 19, and the Sauk Valley Leadership program on Sept. 10.

The TALK-LINE interview for Aug. 13 featured Shaw Local News representatives Charlene Bielema and Brandon Clark discussing featured news coverage, including the 2025 Whiteside County Fair in Morrison through August 16.

Also covered: back-to-school for educational facilities across the area this week and back-to-classes for the fall semester at Sauk Valley Community College.

The TALK-LINE interview for August 13 featured Hope Cancer Wellness Executive Director Joan Padilla with a spotlight for August through September 2025 special events, including a “Facing The Challenge” support group meeting for cancer patients and caregivers on August 19.

The TALK-LINE interview for Aug. 12 featured Lee County Extension 4-H Youth Development Coordinator Katie Baker. She reviewed activities held at the 2025 Lee County Fair and 4-H Show in July, including a successful Federation Donation Drive for local food pantries.

The discussion also included foundation scholarship winners and representation from Lee County at the Illinois State Fair plus the start of the 2025-26 4-H year, coinciding with the start of fall school classes, with opportunities to join 4-H and a new SPIN Club starting in October.

The TALK-LINE interview for Aug. 11, 2025, featured Lee County Industrial Development Director Tom Demmer discussing the latest additions of business to the South Dixon Gateway Park area. That includes a new strip mall and a new McDonald’s restaurant.

He also discussed work adding new industrial business to areas in Dixon and grant funding available to help incorporate new industries and to improve sites in Lee County that are beyond repair.

The TALK-LINE interview for August 8 featured 2025 Whiteside County Fair Publicity Manager Todd Mickley.

Mickley previews the upcoming event running Tuesday, August 12 through Saturday, August 16 on the fairgrounds in Morrison, featuring a look at daily events, gate admission, ticket prices for carnival rides, special traditional activities, and special thanks to honorees this year.