The TALK-LINE interview for May 19 featured the Lee County Extension 4-H Youth Development Coordinator, Katie Baker.

Baker discusses scholarship opportunities through the extension Foundation for those that qualify could receive a $1000 scholarship but the deadline is May 23. Also discussed: upcoming Lee County Fair and 4-H Show “pre-fair” activities including a fair orientation at the fairgrounds in June, deadlines coming up for animal entries into the fair in June and July and a 4-H informational booth at the Dixon City Market in May and June.

The TALK-LINE interview for May 16 featured Illinois 74th District State Representative Brad Fritts of Dixon discussing the progress made moving towards the end of the General Assembly session at the end of this month along with the status of his proposed legislation he put forward this year.

Also discussed: plans for his Summer Tour of “Coffee and Conversation” and “Town Hall” meetings planned from June through August and the recent selection of the new Pope.

The TALK-LINE interview for May 15 featured the Executive Director of Visit Northwest Illinois, Matthew Lenox discussing the work on the organization’s website as well as the Carroll County webpage by Visit Northwest Illinois, plus the popularity of the 2025 visitor guides and a look at area events and activities across our region.

The TALK-LINE interview for May 14 featured Brandon Clark from Shaw Local News with stories on a possible shutdown of an important area of Sauk Valley Community College due to federal cutbacks, a new substance abuse prevention home opening in Rock Falls, a local business changing in Dixon, a new barbershop location in Rock Falls, a Sterling Police department official retiring and a new Sterling Fire Chief named.

The TALK-LINE interview for May 14 featured Lutheran Social Services of Illinois Representatives Kelsey Kant and Danielle Horst discussing an upcoming free presentation Thursday June 12 at the Dixon Elks Club featuring Kevin Polky, founder of “Shatter Our Silence.”

Polky will be sharing insights on mental health and suicide prevention. There will be food served along with prizes and exhibits from participating organizations.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the program to start at 6 p.m. Registration is required by going to the LSSI website before May 28.

The TALK-LINE interview for May 13 featured the Administrative Manager at Kreider Services of Dixon, Sue Ely.

Ely reviews the recently held Kreider Gala fundraiser for the Meaningful Day program at Kreider, plus takes a look at upcoming events including the Florissa Center 5K run/walk at Sauk Valley Community College June 14 part of the “Hope” series of summer 5Ks, a Florissa Center “Summer Boys” series starting June 2, 10 Kreider Alliance scholarships given out during graduation this month and the “Meaningful Day Of Golf” event in July.

The TALK-LINE interview for May 12 featured the Community and Personal Health Director of the Lee County Health Department, Jenny Conderman.

She discusses family planning services related to Women’s Health Month this month along with other services offered like the “SHARPS” disposal program, strep throat examinations, and various physicals available.

The TALK-LINE interview for May 9 featured Lee County State's Attorney Charley Boonstra discussing the cases that have been completed through his office, a new hire for the states attorney’s office, the recent “Hands Around The Courthouse” observance on behalf of the Shining Star Advocacy Center and the Shining Star fundraiser.

The TALK-LINE interview for May 8 featured the Chairperson of the 2025 Relay For Life event locally, Betty Clementz, inviting those who wish to participate in this year’s relay to sign up as soon as possible. 

The goal is 30 teams and they will take sign-ups until the event on June 14 at Westwood in Sterling as well as a call for past participants to join in and cancer survivors to take part in opening ceremonies plus a team captains meeting May 21 and a local business – Chipotle of Dixon – giving 25% of their proceeds from purchases made between 4 and 8 p.m. Wednesday May 14 to Relay For Life.

Sauk Valley Editor Charlene Bielema highlights news coverage including the announcement made by the Whiteside County Sheriff on his seeking a third term of office and the retirement of Dixon Police Chief Steve Howell and the process of finding the next chief.

Plus: Thank You Teachers special inserts, the Regional Office of Education’s efforts to help homeless children with their education and upcoming court cases.