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AMBOY – Tragedy occurred Monday, June 2 in Amboy when a man trimming trees was struck by a power line exposed after impact of a fallen branch.
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Ex-speaker Madigan sentenced 7 1/2 years in prison for bribery, corruption

CHICAGO — The number of years former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan spent in Springfield has often been used as shorthand to explain his outsized impact on state government and politics. His political career spanned 50 years in the General Assembly, 23 years chairing the Democratic Party of Illinois, and 36 years as House speaker — the longest tenure of any state or federal legislative leader in U.S. history.

Lee County Sheriff begins Fourth of July traffic campaign

LEE COUNTY – The Lee County Sheriff’s Office announced plans for Fourth of July traffic enforcement with a focus on impaired and unbuckled drivers.

Compton to celebrate turning 150 on July 19

COMPTON – Every 25 years for as long as anyone can remember, Compton has had a celebration to honor the village and all of its residents, current and former.

ComEd customer relief fund

CHICAGO – ComEd is partnering with Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago and the Salvation Army to launch the ComEd Customer Relief Fund.
Obituaries
OBITUARIES
Leo Bushman
MAYTOWN – Leo Bushman, 84 of Maytown, passed away on Thursday, June 12 at Liberty Court in Dixon.
John H. Leffelman
AMBOY – John H. Leffelman, 93, of Amboy, passed away Sunday, May 25 at Franklin Grove Living and Rehab.
Robert Joseph Eisenrich
VANCOUVER, Wash. – Major Robert Joseph Eisenrich, 91, joined his Heavenly Father on April 19, 2025 from Vancouver, WA, after living a rich and full life that he enjoyed.
Scott J. Schulz
AMBOY – Scott J. Schulz, 68, of Amboy, passed away on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford.
Linda E. Nowacki
AMBOY – Linda E Nowacki, 64 of Amboy, passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at her home.
Victoria "Vicki" A. Conderman
AMBOY – Victoria “Vicki” A. Conderman, 72, of Amboy, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Liberty Court in Dixon.
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Community
local news/COMMUNITY
Amboy Fourth of July celebration
AMBOY – The City of Amboy Fourth of July celebration will take place Saturday, July 5.
Discover Dixon launches Downtown Banner Program
DIXON – Rooted in Pride. Vision in Bloom. Future in Motion. It’s the story of Dixon.
“Morning Chores” an acrylic on canvas by Kate May Fitch of Belvidere which is viewable at the Coliseum Museum in Oregon.
Around the Farm Art Exhibit opened June 6 at Coliseum Museum in Oregon
OREGON – The Coliseum Museum announced the opening of the Around the Farm Art Exhibit featuring 34 artists from across the northern Illinois area, on display from June 6 – July 12.
Dixon City Market Jr. open to ages 6-16
DIXON – Dixon City Market Jr., sponsored by Value Lab LLC, is open to young entrepreneurs ages 6-16 during the 2025 City Market season.
Sports

Nominations open for 2025 Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame

SPRINGFIELD – Do you know someone who has left a lasting mark on the outdoors in Illinois?

Swimming: No room left for medals

Norah Shearer, a then Amboy Junior High School eighth grader and now Amboy High School freshman, won nine medals at the 2025 Illinois YMCA State Swimming Championship March 14-16 in St. John, Ind.

AMBOY – When Norah Shearer stretched out her arms to showcase her medals after the 2025 Illinois YMCA State Swimming Championship, she had very little room left.

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10 cool cars you can't buy in the US yet

CheapInsurance.com reports on 10 exciting cars unavailable in the U.S. due to regulations, costs, and brand strategies.

Dog breeds losing popularity

Stacker pulled data from the AKC to compare dog popularity rankings from 2004 and 2024; the 2024 popularity rankings were released in March 2025.

How to understand your home energy use — and cut costs

(BPT) - Heating and cooling systems account for around 55% of the average home's energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). And during the warmer summer months, HVAC systems are …

4 ways to celebrate National Mac and Cheese Day

(BPT) - Macaroni and cheese is a quintessential comfort food everyone loves. It's homey, cheesy and tasty, evoking comfort like no other dish. National Mac and Cheese Day is the perfect excuse to …