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SPRINGFIELD –  State Representative Brad Fritts (R-Dixon) was inaugurated Wednesday, Jan. 8 for his second term as the State Representative for Illinois’ 74th Legislative District. 
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Li Arellano sworn in as Senator of Illinois’ 37th District

SPRINGFIELD – Newly elected State Senator Liandro “Li” Arellano Jr. (R-Dixon) took the oath of office on Jan. 8, in the newly remodeled Illinois State Capitol Senate Chambers in Springfield. He now represents the 37th District, which comprises all or parts of Bureau, DeKalb, Henry, LaSalle, Lee, Marshall, Ogle, Peoria, Rock Island, Stark, Whiteside, and Woodford counties.

Mayor Frank Stenzel gives thank yous for Amboy Christmas Walk

AMBOY – There has been plenty to be thankful for through the holiday season in Amboy.

Amboy Community Unit School District #272 places largest Chromebook order

AMBOY – Meetings for the Amboy Community Unit School District #272 have been busy the last few months wrapping up all 2024 transactions and projects.

K9 Nemo retires from Lee County Sheriff’s Department

DIXON – K9 Nemo  retired December 31 from service with the Lee County Sheriff’s Department. 
Obituaries
OBITUARIES
Eugene T. Chandler
AMBOY – Eugene T. Chandler, 76, of Amboy, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 after a brief illness.
Teresa A. Jones
ROCKFORD – Teresa A. Jones, 61, formerly of Amboy, passed away on Sunday Dec. 22, 2024 at Javon Bea Hospital in Rockford.
Leila A. Garland
DIXON – Leila A. Garland, 91, of Dixon, formerly of Sublette, passed away on Monday Dec. 23, 2024 at Liberty Court assisted living in Dixon.
Jean A. Scarbrough
DIXON – Jean A. Scarbrough, 81, formerly of Amboy, died Friday Dec. 20, 2024 at KSB Hospital in Dixon.
Marguerite E. Daniels
AMBOY – Marguerite E. Daniels, 83, of Amboy, died Friday, Dec. 13, 2024 at her home.  
Nancy Forward
TAMPICO – Nancy Forward, 78, of Tampico, died on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Rock River Hospice Home in Sterling.
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Community
local news/COMMUNITY
AHS’ January Student of the Month is...Addison Pertell
AMBOY – Addison Pertell, daughter of Rick and Janelle Pertell, has been named The First National Bank in Amboy’s Student of the Month for January.
Amboy High School Report 1-15-25
Students started back to school on Tuesday, Jan. 7, being allowed to visit their classes and change schedules if necessary.
Shirley Harrison is turning 90
AMBOY – Shirley Harrison will be celebrating her 90th birthday on Friday, Jan. 17. 
Amboy High School Report 1-8-25
Winter break is a great time for the maintenance and custodial staff to work on cleaning and taking care of areas that need extra time and attention.
Come celebrate Donna Wellman’s 90th birthday
AMBOY – Donna Wellman, who was the 2023 Amboy Depot Days grand marshal and has been a dedicated volunteer at Teen Turf for many years, is turning 90.
Sports

Girls Basketball: Three games in four days; all victories for Lady Clippers

AMBOY – Daunting could have been used to describe the schedule for the Amboy girls basketball team this past week.

Wrestling: Amboy wrestles triangular with Mendota, G-K

AMBOY – The wrestling mats were laid out Thursday, Jan. 9 at Amboy High School for a triangular between Amboy, Mendota, and Genoa-Kingston.

Opinion
Special Sections
Web Extras

‘Y'all,’ that most Southern of Southernisms, is going mainstream – and it’s about time

A sign encourages people to vote in Charlotte, N.C., ahead of the 2022 U.S. midterm elections.

The use of ‘y'all’ has often been seen as vulgar, low-class and uncultured. That’s starting to change.

4 expert insights on AI adoption across nonprofits in 2025

(BPT) - However you use AI, its adoption across organizations of all sizes — including nonprofits — has proven to help people increase their productivity and impact at work."It's …

Expert Tips for Keeping Loved Ones Healthy This Winter

(Family Features) Winter can bring plenty of opportunities for cozy gatherings with loved ones and these moments can be bright spots during cold months.

David Lynch exposed the rot at the heart of American culture

Actress Diane Ladd in a scene from David Lynch

When Lynch’s films were first released, they seemed to be funhouse-mirror reflections of society. Not so anymore.