Police & Fire

October 6, 2026

Lee County Sheriff’s Office Makes Two Arrests Following Methamphetamine Investigation

On the evening of October 3rd, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant in the 100 block of W. Provost Street in Amboy with assistance from the Amboy Police Department.

October 6, 2026

Sterling Police Department to Host Annual Trunk or Treat Event

The Sterling Police Department will host its annual Trunk or Treat Community Event from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at the Twin Cities Farmers Market pavilion, 106 Avenue A.

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

Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office Conducting Internal Investigation Regarding Flock Camera System

September 23, 2026

Rock Falls Fire Department to Conduct Fire Hydrant Flow Tests Beginning Oct. 5

Beginning Monday, October 5, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday until completed and weather permitting, the Rock Falls Fire Dept., in conjunction with the City of Rock Falls Water Dept., will be conducting fire hydrant flow tests as per NFPA 291 Recommended Practice for Fire Flow Testing.

September 23, 2026

Sterling Police Department Addresses Flock ALPR System Investigation

The Sterling Police Department and Sterling City Administration are aware of the internal investigation of a Whiteside County Sheriff's Department deputy for possible misuse of the Flock ALPR System.

September 21, 2026

Sterling to Discontinue Flock Safety Contract, Deactivate ALPR Cameras

In May 2025, the City of Sterling, specifically the Sterling Police Department, entered into a contract with Flock Safety Inc. for the placement of automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras in the city.

September 18, 2026

Fundraiser for EMT Amanda Wegner on September 19

The Prophetstown and Tampico Fire Protection Districts will be hosting a fundraiser for one of their own who is battling cancer for the second time.

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 3, 2026

Whiteside County Sheriff Calls for Review of Illinois Pretrial Release Laws

As Sheriff of Whiteside County, John F. Booker believes it is time for the State of Illinois to take another serious look at its pretrial release laws and make changes where experience has shown they are needed.