WIXN AM 1460 - Shaw Local Radio

The TALK-LINE interview for July 9 featured Shaw Local News Managing Editor of the Dixon Telegraph and Sterling Gazette, Charlene Bielema, looking at stories of interest to the area, including the new sounds at Shaw Local Radio on 95.7 The Rock, debuting last week Also discussed: the just-completed Dixon Petunia Festival and a preview of county fairs coming up from July through August, plus some i...

The TALK-LINE interview for July 8 featured Lutheran Social Services of Illinois Comprehensive Community Based Youth Service Representatives Kindra Short and Dan Ramirez. Topics discussed: getting the word out about the problems youth between the ages of 11 and 17 are experiencing, and the services LSSI offers to guide them back from troubled situations, and the connections to the organization thr...

The TALK-LINE interview for July 8 featured Kreider Services of Dixon Administrative Manager Sue Ely reviewing the recently held Florissa Center 5K run/walk fundraiser at Sauk Valley Community College. Other topics discussed included the organization’s involvement at the Dixon Petunia Festival and yoga participation for Kreider clients at the Lee County Senior Center, as well as a preview of this...

The TALK-LINE interview for July 7 featured the Executive Director of the Sauk Valley Chamber of Commerce, Dallas Knack, discussing upcoming events on the chamber’s calendar. Those events include: the Multi-chamber “Business After Hours” networking at Sauk Valley Community College on July 17, with Sauk Valley, Dixon, Oregon, Rock Falls, and Morrison participating, along with “Hot Dog Day” associat...

The TALK-LINE  interview for July 3 featured Sauk Valley Community College Marketing Director Jim Grot discussing some upcoming trips planned through the college open to the public. Trips include: Chicago July 27 by motor coach to see the live musical “Beauty And The Beast” and a preview of an extended trip to Spain in 2026 on September 4 along with a free offering at the college, “Welding For Vet...

The TALK-LINE interview for July 2 featured Shaw Local News representatives Charlene Bielema and Brandon Clark with an update of news coverage across the area including extensive Dixon Petunia Festival reports this weekend, a Rochelle skydive for veterans, a Morrison High School science project, an Amboy citizen involved in protecting wildlife and a benefit fundraiser for an ailing Sterling man.

The TALK-LINE interview for July 2 featured Dixon Family YMCA Chief Executive Officer Andy McFarlane and Dixon Petunia Festival Reagan Run board member Deb Trancoso previewing the 25th annual Reagan 5K Run/Walk Saturday July 5 Other topics discussed: The YMCA part in preparations for the event including “Packet Pick-Up” day July 3, registration continues through early Saturday and volunteers helpi...

The TALK-LINE interview for July 1 featured the Executive Director of the Dixon Park District, Duane Long. Topics discussed included: reminders that all local parks are active for the summer featuring kayak rentals at Lowell Park, splash pad locations in North and South Dixon locations and Page Park accessibility for the upcoming Dixon Petunia Festival even though the park is undergoing constructi...

The TALK-LINE interview for June 30 featured Dixon Chamber of Commerce and Dixon Main Street Marketing Director Lucas Pauley. Topics discussed include the chamber’s involvement with the 2025 Dixon Petunia Festival including their “Brush and Bloom” event July 4, Reagan Run on July 5 and the festival parade July 6 along with other activities including a “Business After Business” networking gathering...

In a TALK-LINE interview for June 25, Charlene Bielema, Shaw Local's editor for the Dixon Telegraph and Sterling Gazette, discusses street repair projects in Dixon, a local Dixon native making her mark in music and a special addition to the Dixon Petunia Festival parade from Wisconsin. Also discussed were new shops starting in Sterling and a list of fireworks displays and swim pool facilities avai...

A TALK-LINE interview for June 25 features Reagan Mass Transit District Executive Director Greg Gates and Director of Human Resources Kendra Hull. They review the district's inaugural golf outing held earlier this month along with a preview of Reagan services to rural Winnebago County starting July 1 and information on upcoming appearances at festivals and events this summer.

The TALK-LINE interview for June 24 featured the second vice president of the 2025 Dixon Petunia Festival, Leah Nelson, previewing the entire event starting with pre-festival information leading up to the four-day celebration, running July 3 through 6. Also discussed were pre-festival savings on riverfront concert tickets and carnival wristbands plus a 50/50 fireworks fundraising drawing on July 6...

The TALK-LINE interview for June 23 featured 2025 Reagan Run Committee member Nancy Varga, spotlighting the 25th Reagan Run 5K Run/Walk coming up on Saturday, July 5, during the annual Dixon Petunia Festival. More than 700 people are already registered for the event. Discussion included the change in the course this year due to construction, how to register up until the day of the event, the kids'...

The TALK-LINE interview for June 20 featured the executive director of the Lee County Council on Aging, Susie Welch, discussing upcoming events on the LCCOA calendar, including a senior fair and open house June 24 at the Senior Center in Dixon.  Also coming up are a visit by Lee County historian Tom Wadsworth and wife, Nancy, for two seminars in July; a series of presentations through Lee County E...

The TALK-LINE interview for June 29 featured the President and CEO of the Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce, Sam Kersey, previewing the upcoming 2025 “Summer Splash” event Saturday June 21 at the Rock Falls riverfront.  From the Sterling Rock Falls YMCA 5-K run/walk at 10 a.m. to the “Sizzlin Meat-Up” fundraiser drawing at 6:45 p.m., Kersey spotlights all events for the entire day.  Most activities a...

The TALK-LINE interview for June 18 featured Shaw Local News Representatives Charlene Bielema and Brandon Clark talking about important happenings across the area including the new name for the Sterling Riverfront area and an issue with motorbikes in Dixon. Other topics discussed: the Rock Falls “Sick-The Magazine” block party, a story on an “Unsung Hero” and the annual Reagan Run.

The TALK-LINE interview for June 18 featured Hope Cancer Wellness Center Executive Director Joan Padilla. Padilla discusses special activities on the calendar coming up including a dietary seminar presented on July 2, “Walking for Wellness” outings at Sinnissippi and Lowell Parks, creating a “Memory Bracelet” July 23 and a reminder of regular programs like “Facing The Challenge” along with yoga, m...

The TALK-LINE interview for June 17 featured Dixon Mayor Glen Hughes discussing the road construction situation for the city leading into the summer of 2025. Other topics discussed: the list of streets and alleys that will be improved through the city’s annual street improvement program along with the hiring of a new police chief, an addition to the police staff and the retirement of law enforceme...

The TALK-LINE interview for June 16 featured the 4H Youth Development Program Coordinator for Lee County Extension, Katie Baker. Baker discusses a series of youth summer workshops for all area kids for June and July and pre-4H fair information on the multi-county 4H dog show held later in June in Davis Junction and dates for fair entries due July 1. Also: a Superintendents meeting July 16, fair se...

The TALK-LINE interview for June 13 featured Illinois 37th District State Senator Li Arellano of Dixon discussing the close of the most recent legislative session in Springfield and passage of the new state budget, Other topics discussed: his appointment to the state’s homelessness task force, tax problems involving Chicago transit, transportation enhancement projects, a summer reading program for...

The TALK-LINE interview for June 12 featured the Chairperson of the 2025 Sauk Valley Relay For Life event, Betty Clementz, discussing this Saturday's activities at the Westwood Sports Complex in Sterling from the recognition of those that have participated in past “Relay” events to the “Luminaria” spotlight of those that have lost the fight with cancer at the 30th annual event benefitting the Amer...

The TALK-LINE intervie for June 11 featured Shaw Local News Reporter Brandon Clark giving an update on the Sterling Riverfront development and a look at area events on the calendar from June through July.

The TALK-LINE interview for June 11 featured Dixon Park District Executive Director Duane Long discussing the construction taking place in Vaile Park, The “Project Rock” walking bridge construction in Page Park and an assortment of events and activities through the month taking place.

The TALK-LINE interview for June 10 featured the 2025 Dixon Petunia Festival Board President Bethany Wright. Wright discusses some pre-fest deadlines for registration into festival activities along with fundraising tickets available, pre-carnival and pre-music entertainment tickets available, new events on the festival schedule, changes to some events due to construction areas and a look at some f...

The TALK-LINE interview for June 9 featured Ogle County Health Department Environmental Health Director Ashly Whaley discussing the West Nile Virus: what it is, how it is transmitted, what the department is doing, what steps to take to prevent this ailment and what to watch for.