The Radar Free Press - News & information for Sterling, Rock Falls, Dixon and the surrounding area in northwest Illinois

Watch the Latest Episodes of 'Along the Rock'

September 13, 2026

Cash and Coffee – Are You Really Saving Money? The Hidden Costs of “Deals” & Free Shipping

September 10, 2026

Along the Rock: S3 Ep 178-Remembering Tristan: A Memorial Ride Brings the Community Together for Suicide Awareness

September 10, 2026

Along the Rock: S3 Ep 177-20 Years of Support: PFLAG Sauk Valley Celebrates Two Decades of Community & Inclusion

September 9, 2026

Along the Rock: S3 Ep 176-A Safe Place to Belong: Inside Elevate Youth Center’s Free After-School Program

Interested in hosting a camera at your location in Dixon, Sterling or Rock Falls? Contact us for details on camera hosting and sponsorships!

Latest Stories

September 10, 2026

Last Alarm Pub’s Queen of Hearts Donation Helps SVCC Clippers Campaign Secure $50,000 Matching Gift

A popular local fundraiser has helped the Sauk Valley College Foundation reach a major milestone in the Clippers Campaign.

September 10, 2026

Next Honor Flight to Honor Women Veterans

On Sept 22nd the 67th Honor Flight will leave the Quad Cities International Airport with over 80 veterans on their way to Washington, D. C., to see the memorials built in their honor.

September 9, 2026

Homeless shelter requests community input at town-hall style meeting

More than 75 people attended a town-hall style meeting at Sterling Township's Elevate Youth Center on Wednesday night to learn more about the recent temporary closure of Twin Cities PADS. Those in attendance included local government, nonprofit and church leaders.

September 9, 2026

Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office Fishing Derby on Saturday

The Whiteside County Sheriff's Office and Mounted Patrol's annual Youth Fishing Derby is set for Saturday, September 12th at Morrison-Rockwood State Park.

September 9, 2026

Community Invited to Donate Essential Care Items for Mothers and Babies

Beginning October 1, mothers and families in need will have access to essential baby and personal care items through Blessing Baskets at the OSF HealthCare Saint Katharine Medical Center OB/GYN Clinic and The Mom Spot at Town Square Centre.

September 9, 2026

This Week in the Sauk Valley: September 10-16, 2026

Here’s a roundup of local and regional events for the upcoming week:

Obituaries

September 10, 2026

Obituary-Kathleen E. Potter

Kathleen Ellen Potter, 80, of Sterling, died on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, IA.

September 10, 2026

Obituary-Domingo Rodriguez

Domingo Rodriguez, Jr., age 77, passed away Friday, September 4, 2026, at The Citadel of Sterling.

September 10, 2026

Obituary-Alice J. Ebersole

Alice Jean Ebersole, 98, of Dixon, IL, passed from this life into the arms of Jesus on Aug. 28 at Heritage Square, Dixon, IL.

September 9, 2026

Obituary-Rosemary L. Buckert

Rosemary Buckert, 66, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2026, at OSF Richard Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL following a courageous battle with Small Cell Lung Cancer.