Dixon Family YMCA Chief Operating Officer Andy McFarlane with an update on the new Lovett Child Care Center in south Dixon, a contribution made from a local financial institution to help the facility and the progress in opening more areas plus a look at this year’s “Strong Kids Campaign” with the goal of $85,000 and a shout-out for the need of lifeguards at the Dixon Aquatics area this year.

The TALK-LINE interview for March 31 featured Dixon Chamber of Commerce/Dixon Main Street Director of Community Relations and Events Jennifer Lang discussing upcoming events including the “Best Of Dixon” gala April 4, Dixon “Founders Day” presentation April 11, a Lunch and Learn April 16, a “Ladies Night Out” shopping event May 1 and the Rock River Madness Cycling run May 3.

The TALK-LINE interview for March 21 featured the Marketing Manager of Sinnissippi Centers of Dixon, Andy Jackson, discussing the upcoming “Gathering For Good” fundraising event in May, the annual golf open in August, a blood drive in April and the delayed opening of the new Byron facility plus a look at “Self Harm Awareness Month” this month.

The TALK-LINE interview for March 20 featured Lee County Farm Bureau and Lee County “Ag In The Classroom” representative Katie Pratt.

She discusses National Ag Week and agriculture’s impact locally, regionally and nationally. The theme this year is “Together We Grow” looking at the way all of us are affected by agriculture in some form plus an emphasis on agriculture classes being offered to educate future farmers.

The TALK-LINE interview for March 19 featured Shaw Local News representatives Charlene Bielema and Brandon Clark covering stories in our area featuring the rental housing situation that the city of Sterling is facing and how the city council is dealing with it.

They also covered the purchase of fire department equipment in Sterling, 2025 consolidated election forums held in Dixon and Sterling and special election information coming up.

The TALK-LINE interview for March 19 features Lee County Sheriff Clay Whelan discussing the weather situation involving grass fires in the county, the spring planting season and the farm implements back into the fields and using caution when approaching this equipment on the roads. Whelan also takes a look at some state legislation concerning law enforcement procedures opposed by the sheriff and the state sheriff’s association.

The TALK-LINE interview for Tuesday March 18, 2025 featured Dixon Mayor Glen Hughes discussing the 2025-2026 Dixon City Budget which has been placed on file. Also discussed: news concerning water main repair issues, street work In a portion of the city, work on the Rock River pedestrian bridge and a candidates forum for the upcoming consolidated elections in April.

The TALK-LINE interview for March 17 featured Lee County Extension 4-H Youth Program Coordinator Katie Baker discussing upcoming activities taking place on the 4-H calendar including: “Project Pool” at the Lee County Fairgrounds April 5, deadlines for those wanting to show animals at the fair in July regarding quality care, a junior gardening program from April through July and the need for Lee County 4-H Ambassadors.

The TALK-LINE interview for March 14 featured Illinois 74th District State Representative Brad Fritts discussing the time table of general assembly work underway plus comments concerning Governor Pritzker’s budget address, work in various committees, map re-districting and local issues addressed at the statehouse level.

The TALK-LINE interview for March 13 featured the Executive Director of Visit Northwest Illinois, Matthew Lenox, discussing the new 2025 Expedition Guide featuring travel information for our area like hotels, motels, campgrounds. state parks and more along with a plea to save the Taft Learning Center at Louden State Park, recently closed by Northern Illinois University.