Alex T. Paschal

Members of the Rittmeyer clan Liam (left), 7, Levi, 10, Lyla, 11, and Logan, 9, grab dinner after completing their chores Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the Ogle County Fair.

The Illini Tractor and Truck Pullers put on a show Thursday, July 30, 2026, at the Ogle County Fair. High powered vehicles hauled down the track vying for the longest distance. (Alex T. Paschal)

Luke Hofmann (left) congratulates teammate Joel Kipping of Timber Creek after sinking a putt on #3 Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the Men's Lincoln Highway golf tournament held at Timber Creek in Dixon. (Alex T. Paschal)

Twelve brave souls put their stomachs on the line Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, during the Chicken George eating contest at George Fest in Rock Falls.

Jeff Stripling checks the temperature of the chicken Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, at the Sterling American Legion. An estimated 900 chickens were grilled. (Alex T. Paschal)

Kitty Doering, 7, of Amboy was the first winner of Rock Falls Police's National Night Out raffle Tuesday, August 4, 2026, in Rock Falls.

Malaina Herrera, 8, gears up for the upcoming school year Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at the Dixon Public School's Tools for School event.

Sterling football players run through drills Thursday, August 6, 2026, as they prepare for the 2026 season. The Warriors host Metamora to open the season on August 21. (Alex T. Paschal)

Dixon football players run through drills Thursday, August 6, 2026, as they prepare for the 2026 season. The Dukes open the season against Genoa-Kingston on August 21. (Alex T. Paschal)

Melody Welty, 5, of Sterling chomps into a dog Friday, August 7, 2026, while enjoying Sterling's Hot Dog Day. (Alex T. Paschal)