WIXN AM 1460 - Shaw Local Radio

The TALK-LINE interview for August 8 featured 2025 Whiteside County Fair Publicity Manager Todd Mickley. Mickley previews the upcoming event running Tuesday, August 12 through Saturday, August 16 on the fairgrounds in Morrison, featuring a look at daily events, gate admission, ticket prices for carnival rides, special traditional activities, and special thanks to honorees this year.

The TALK-LINE interview for August 7 featured Sauk Valley Community College Marketing Director Jim Grot and Adult Education Literacy Coordinator Ana Lara. They discuss the start of fall semester classes on Monday, August 11 at SVCC with late registration available, plus the announcement of the retirement of Sauk President Dr. David Helmich in May of 2026.

The TALK-LINE interview for August 6 featured Shaw Local reporter Brandon Clark looking at area stories of interest, including the recent retirement of the Sterling Police Chief. Also discussed: other retirements in law enforcement locally, a proposed family fun center for Sterling, new businesses opening, and upcoming special events.

The TALK-LINE interview for August 6 featured Dixon Family YMCA Chief Executive Officer Andy McFarlane discussing the organization’s recent participation during the 2025 Dixon Petunia Festival “Reagan Run” and the “National Night Out” observance. Other topics discussed included YMCA fall youth soccer registration and the opening of the season in September, and a message about the volunteers who su...

The TALK-LINE interview for August 5 featured Goodfellows Of Lee County President Clara Harris previewing the upcoming “Holiday Drive.” Applications are going out across the area to sign up individuals and families for their “shopping days” in December, and important deadlines are coming up to be a part of the food vouchers that are available.

The TALK-LINE interview for August 4 featured Dixon Chamber of Commerce and Dixon Main Street Director of Community Relations and Events Jennifer Lang. Topics discussed include: the recently held chamber golf outing in July, along with a multi-chamber “Business After Business” held at Sauk Valley Community College. Also, upcoming events including an August “Business After Business” on August 14,  ...

The TALK-LINE interview for August 1 featured Dixon Park District Executive Director Duane Long discussing infrastructure at the local parks. That infrastructure includes: weather-related trees down in two park locations, plus a progress report on the “Project Rock” walking bridge construction across the Rock River into Page Park.

The TALK-LINE interview for July 21 featured United Way of Lee and Ogle County Executive Director Ashley Richter with a wrap-up of summer events. Topics discussed included the “Summer Eats” free lunch program, which ends August 6, and the ongoing “Mini-Mart” grocery site at the Dixon Public Library, which offers free food and produce to those in need.

The TALK-LINE interview for July 30 featured Shaw Local News Representatives Charlene Bielema and Brandon Clark looking at end-of-summer special events across the area, including the county fair circuit, which has already started for our region, along with upcoming fall education news as schools are ready to get back into session, plus organizations holding annual activities.

The TALK-LINE interview for July 30 featured Reagan Mass Transit District Executive Director Greg Gates discussing the new rural Winnebago County service, which went into effect on the first of July. Also discussed was an update of the “Transit Desert Survey,” asking citizens to voice their concerns about public transportation in Lee County, with the deadline for receiving information coming up in...

The TALK-LINE interview for July 29 featured Dixon Police Patrol Officer Lucas Kammerer discussing preparations for the August 5 “National Night Out” observance locally. National Night Out in Dixon will be run in conjunction with events taking place across the country, connecting law enforcement to the community and how local organizations like the Dixon Police Department, Dixon City and Rural Fir...

The TALK-LINE interview for July 28 featured Ogle County Fair Board Secretary Brenda Holm previewing the 2025 Ogle County Fair, which starts Wednesday. The fair runs from July 30 through Sunday, August 3, on the fairgrounds near Oregon.

The TALK-LINE interview for July 25 featured Lee County Fair and 4-H Show Board Member Josie Hussey. Topics discussed include: the annual event taking place this weekend through July 27 on the fairgrounds near Amboy, outlining the entire schedule of events daily Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and spotlighting the special events taking place.

The TALK-LINE interview for July 24 featured Sinnissippi Centers Marketing Manager Andy Jackson and Behavioral Health Supervisor Jen Fox discussing the ribbon cutting and open house on Thursday for the new full-service Byron location. Also discussed: how this adds to the Sinnissippi mission, plus a look at “International Self-Help” Day observed every July 24, providing a focus and opportunity to r...

The TALK-LINE interview for July 23 featured Shaw Local News Reporter Brandon Clark discussing a recent Ogle County plane crash that claimed the life of the pilot, new business establishments opening in Dixon, including some eateries and a fashion salon, and news from Sterling concerning a renovation of a former theatre location.

The TALK-LINE interview for July 23 featured Dixon Public School Educator and Coordinator of the 2025 “Tools For Schools” program, Mandy Dallas. Topics discussed include: the premise of the program to provide educational materials and supplies to students who qualify, entering the Dixon Public Schools this fall from pre-school through high school, distributing backpacks full of goods on Thursday,...

The TALK-LINE interview for July 22 featured City of Dixon Mayor Glen Hughes discussing the most recent Dixon City Council moves on zoning change procedures through the city council and Lee County Board. Also discussed: news on infrastructure road work taking place in the city, a “Project Rock” bridge update, and a new business into the Gateway South Business area.

The TALK-LINE interview for July 21 featured Lee County Extension 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator Katie Baker discussing youth summer workshops coming up the end of this month. Also discussed: a nature and art workshop at Morrison’s Rockwood State Park August 5 and 7, and Lee County Fair and 4-H Show information, starting with pre-fair notes early this week with the fair starting Thursda...

The TALK-LINE interview for July 18 featured Illinois 74th District State Representative Brad Fritts of Dixon discussing the wrap-up to the most recent general assembly work on June 1. Topics discussed include: passing the largest budget ever for the state of Illinois, a lawsuit brought forth by Fritts along with other state officials concerning the Illinois Constitution three reading rule, an ann...

The TALK-LINE interview for July 16 featured Shaw Local News representatives Charlene Bielema and Brandon Clark discussing local happenings, including the homeless situation in Sterling. Other topics discussed include: rental property rules in Sterling, the appointment of law enforcement officials in Sterling, a local celebration this month in Erie, work on a new civic group through the Sauk Valle...

The TALK-LINE interview for July 16 featured Lee County Sheriff Clay Whelan looking back at services offered during the 2025 Dixon Petunia Festival and the work of multiple law enforcement agencies to handle big events. Also, a look ahead to upcoming festivals including our county fair, a car show, and a celebration in Amboy, which the Lee County Sheriff Department’s mobile law enforcement unit wi...

The TALK-LINE interview for July 15 featured Visit Northwest Illinois Executive Director Matthew Lenox discussing the recent physical moves made by the organization, relocating from Polo to the River Works complex in Dixon. Also discussed: a preview of the upcoming annual dinner held in Rock Falls in September and a spotlight of area events in Rock Falls, Erie, and Dixon scheduled to take place be...

The TALK-LINE interview for July 14 featured Lee County Health Department Maternal/Child Health Director Lisa Wiggins discussing the end of the Family Case Management program in June and the start of the Better Birth Outcomes comprehensive program this month. The Better Birth Outcomes program aims to provide pregnant and parenting clients throughout the state of Illinois with direct, comprehensive...

The TALK-LINE interview for July 11 featured Sterling/Rock Falls Family YMCA Marketing and Development Director Ellie Hanlon talking about the success of the summer day camp program for 2025. Also discussed: the before and after school activities coming up, along with a summer sports camp, private and group training sessions, swim lessons, and adult classes offered.

The TALK-LINE interview for July 10 featured Lee County State's Attorney Charley Boonstra discussing the current criminal court cases being handled by the state's attorney’s office. Those cases include: conclusion to some, while others move forward plus the connection with the Illinois Department of Corrections concerning cases at the Dixon Correctional Facility that the office also oversees. Also...