The Forreston FFA Alumni is very excited and proud to host the 37th Annual Farm Toy and Craft Show. The show will be held at Forreston High School on March 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Leaf River Soaring Eagles recently celebrated Valentine’s Day with a party during their recent 4-H meeting on Feb. 10.

Meridian CUSD 223 proudly announces that Ms. Cali Carl has been awarded the Early Career Educator Award of Special Recognition by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) as part of the Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year program.

Late in the morning of Friday, Feb. 14, area fire departments responded to a detached garage fire at 7483 E. Husking Peg Road in a rural area between Rochelle and Chana. The fire reached the second-alarm level and involved a trailer as well. Fire departments were first called at 11:28 a.m.

Natalya Witkowski was recently named the January Student of the Month at Polo Community High School and received a scholarship from the Polo Schools Foundation for her efforts. She is the daughter of John Witkowski and Christina Corcoran.

Byron High School Students of the Month for January were recently named.

On Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Faith United Methodist Church in Polo the Polo Cub Scout Pack 337 held its Blue & Gold Party.

The annual Art Dash, hosted by Serenity Hospice and Home, has successfully united local artists and community members in a vibrant celebration of creativity, beauty, and connection. With excitement, Serenity has begun preparations for Art Dash 2025 and warmly invites the community to participate in this year's event. Mark your calendars for April 9, as Art Dash 2025 will take place at the River’s Edge Experience in Oregon.

Stillman Valley High School Students of the Month for January were recently named.

Seven talented students from Oregon High School participated in the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) All-State Festival this past weekend, joining top musicians from across the state for an unforgettable experience.

Curators of the Ogle County Historical Society recently presented two different examples of research demonstrating a wide variety of work in local historical preservation.

The Byron Museum of History will host an art exhibit of work by members of the Eagle’s Nest Art Group. The show will begin with an Opening Reception on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 1-3 p.m. Several artists will be on hand to welcome visitors.

On Saturday, Feb. 22 at 10 a.m. at the Oregon Depot, the “Those Were The Days” presentation will be given by Dr. Tom Wadsworth of Dixon.

Benny’s Corner Market is proud to announce a $500 donation to Meridian Junior High School, made possible through the Alliance Grant from U.S. Energy. This contribution reflects the market’s ongoing commitment to supporting local education and investing in the future of education in the Meridian CUSD #223 community.

The Oregon Park District Nash Recreation pool renovations were completed in September 2024, with one outstanding amenity eagerly awaited: the AquaZip’N. This unique feature replaces the diving board.

Oregon Elementary School January Students of the Month were recently named.

The Ogle County Economic Development Corporation will be seeking a new executive director as Charlene Coulombe will transition out of the role and into retirement, a Jan. 29 press release said. Coulombe has served in the position since January 2024.

Forrestville Valley School District 221 will celebrate its bus drivers during Bus Driver Appreciation Week Feb. 3-7. 

The First Fridays Open Mic presents its monthly show at the Oregon VFW on Friday, Feb. 7. This indoor event attracts many talented performers, but musicians and singers of all skill levels find acceptance from its supportive audience.

The Coliseum Museum in Oregon, IL is pleased to announce the opening of the Windows to the Soul: Portraits Unveiled Art Exhibit featuring 32 artists with a total of 57 works of art on display from Feb. 1-March 15.

Scholarships are available through the Rochelle Community Hospital Auxiliary to area students who are planning to pursue careers in the healthcare field. Five scholarships are available in 2025 which include the Ward A. and Mabel T. Miller Scholarship.

More than 1,150 students received their bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from Northern Illinois University in December.

A benefit for the family of a Chana man that recently passed away in an accident with a train in Chana is scheduled for Saturday, March 1 from noon to 2 p.m. at Rochelle VFW Post 3878 at 318 4th Ave.

Now known as 100+ Women Who Care met in the Oregon Coliseum and presented $11,200 to Encore of Mt. Morris.

The Maggie & Amos Foundation is currently accepting applications for its annual educator grants.