Government & Politics

October 2, 2026

Petitions Available for 2027 Rock Falls Consolidated Election

The City of Rock Falls has announced that petitions will be available beginning Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, for the Consolidated Election to be held April 6, 2027.

October 1, 2026

Whiteside County’s Gary Camarano Named Economic Development Director of the Year 2026 by Gov Business Review

The Northwest Illinois Region is celebrating a major professional achievement as Gary Camarano, Economic Development Director for Whiteside County and Executive Director of the Northwest Illinois Film Office, has been named Economic Development Director of the Year 2026 by Government Business Review.

September 29, 2026

Kemp Commends Sterling for Ending Flock Camera Program, Calls for Statewide Action

Nolan Kemp, Democratic candidate for Illinois House District 74, today commended Mayor Diana Merdian, the Sterling City Council, Police Chief Edward “Pat” Bartel, and the Sterling residents who raised concerns about automated license plate readers following the city’s decision to terminate its agreement with Flock Safety and deactivate its cameras.

September 24, 2026

Governor Pritzker Announces LIHEAP Applications for Utility Bill Assistance

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) are encouraging eligible families to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to support income-eligible households with utility costs for natural gas, propane, and electricity.

September 24, 2026

Whiteside County Clerk’s Office Mailing Requested Ballots

Whiteside County citizens who requested a ballot for Early Voting or Absentee (Mail-in Voting) should receive their ballots soon.

August 16, 2026

City of Rock Falls Announces 2027 Consolidated Election Petition Information

The City of Rock Falls is reminding prospective candidates that petitions for the April 6, 2027, Consolidated Election will be available beginning Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

August 16, 2026

Twin City Conservatives to Hold Open Forum Meeting

Twin City Conservatives will hold its next meeting on Saturday, August 22, at 8:30 a.m. at A’s Kitchen in Rock Falls.

August 13, 2026

Rep. Ryan Spain Statement on Tyson Foods Plant Closure Announcement in Rock Island County

State Representative Ryan Spain (R-73rd District) issued the following statement after news broke on Thursday that the Tyson Food Factory in Joslin, Illinois, in Rock Island County, will be closing its doors as of August 14, 2026.

August 11, 2026

League of Women Voters Hosts Day of Civic Action in Illinois Communities

On August 8, 2026, the League of Women Voters of Illinois and local Leagues around the state hosted more than 30 events as part of a nationwide day of civic action in honor of the anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

July 27, 2026

Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Establishes Charitable Foundation to Expand Community Opportunities

The Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the creation of the Sauk Valley Area Chamber Foundation, a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening economic vitality, expanding educational opportunities, and improving quality of life throughout the Sauk Valley region.