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🌱 What’s behind the defamation probe over Whiteside County’s animal control director?

Sterling, Illinois Patch AM: a 4 min read

Hello Sterling! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What’s behind the defamation probe over Whiteside County’s animal control director?
  • When Sterling kids take over the Centennial Auditorium stage in October
  • Sterling grad joins new class of physician assistants in the Midwest

Also on today's calendar: Writers on the Rock and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do an island and the letter "t" have in common? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Some rain and a thunderstorm, with a high of 70 and low of 58 degrees.
  • Monday: Breezy with a passing shower, temps: high: 66, low: 53.
  • Tuesday: Breezy in the morning, with a high of 62 and low of 48 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Defamation lawsuit investigation underway for claims against Whiteside County Animal Control director (kwqc.com) — Sterling residents are being told that Whiteside County Animal Control Director James Garcia is pursuing a defamation investigation after online claims falsely labeled him a felon and domestic abuser. His attorneys say the controversy stems from the euthanizing of a dog deemed unsuitable for adoption and that they’ve reported alleged death threats and are targeting anyone who spread the false accusations.
   

• Woodlawn Academy October Production: 'Madagascar Kids' (thecity1.com) — Sterling families can catch local first- through fifth-graders starring in “Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Kids” at Centennial Auditorium at Sterling High School October 9–11, with tickets available online and at the door. Woodlawn Arts Academy’s production brings together 42 young performers from Sterling and nearby towns, backed by United Way and Illinois Arts Council support.
   

• Education notes: Sterling student graduates from Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (shawlocal.com) — Sterling readers can celebrate local resident Caleb Drew, who just earned a master’s degree in physician assistant studies from Des Moines University. The roundup also recognizes Rock Falls and other nearby students for recent degrees and dean’s list honors, spotlighting academic achievements from Iowa State, Southern New Hampshire University, and Upper Iowa University.
   

📸 Around Sterling

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Sterling

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📣 Sterling Shout Outs!

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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I have thoroughly enjoyed working with William and his team and am beyond happy with the results.
    He provided much needed guidance and when the kitchen remodel was completed fixed any minor issues immediately. I can’t say enough about the… (Nextdoor Sterling)
  • We had a small leak around the shower handle that I kept ignoring until it became impossible to miss.
    Gareth replaced the shower valve and checked the connections once everything was back in place. No more water creeping down the wall. He also takes… (Nextdoor Sterling)
  • Pizza Hut posted a job opening for Team Member in Sterling. Apply here.
  • KFC posted a job opening for KFC Team Member in Sterling. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Sterling here.

🗞 Nearby News

Rock Falls

Dixon

  • Dick's Drive-Thru Fuel to open in Dixon in October (shawlocal.com)
  • WIU Noyce Project Welcomes Four New Scholars at Fall 2026 Signing Day Event (wiu.edu)
  • Illinois 48, Southern Illinois 10 (gazettextra.com)

Morrison

  • City Update: U.S. Route 30 Reconstruction Project (thecity1.com)

Ok Sterling! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: They are both in the middle of water. (Thank you Curt K. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

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Stay in the loop with what's happening in Sterling

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

Stay in the loop with what's happening in Sterling

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.