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.

On September 1, 2026, at approximately 11:38 a.m., the Sterling Police Department responded to the 1700 block of Avenue F following a report of an unwanted person.

At approximately 8:03 a.m., Whiteside County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to several reports of a woman yelling for help in the 28,000 block of West Thome Road in Rock Falls.

A 911 call at approximately 9:57 p.m. on August 31st reported a fire at 606 Broadway Ave. This initiated a structure fire response for the Sterling Fire Department, with automatic aid from the Rock Falls Fire Department, CGH EMS, and the Sterling Police Department.

A 911 call at approximately 9:33 p.m. on August 29, 2026, reported a barn fire with heavy flames showing.

On 08/28/26 at approximately 2:15 p.m., the Sterling Police Department was dispatched to Walmart, 4115 East Lincolnway, Sterling, for a report of 2 individuals fighting outside the business. 

The Sterling Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating Howard F. Crusan, who is currently wanted on a Whiteside County arrest warrant for possession of a stolen firearm, a Class 2 felony.

On October 27, 2025, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a report of a burglary at All-Safe Storage Center, located at 690 Timber Creek Road in Dixon.

The Lee County Sheriff's Office is investigating damage to three Flock License Plate Readers (LPRs) in the area of I-39 in eastern Lee County.

The Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office has announced a change in police services for the Village of Albany.