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Get To Know Us: Dixon | 2022-23

Dixon history .............................................................4-6 Dixon today ................................................................ 7-8 Sauk Valley Community College............................10 Numbers & Websites...................................................11 Dixon Public Library....................................................12 Health Care...............................................................14-15 Education . .....................................................................16 Service agencies...................................................19-20 Clubs & Groups......................................................22-23 Parks . ...................................................................... 24-26 Churches . ..................................................................... 27 Publisher/Advertising Director: Jennifer Heintzelman “Get to Know Us: Dixon” is a specialty publication of Sauk Valley Media, 113 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon, IL 61021, 815-625-3600. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Ad content is not the responsibility of Sauk Valley Media. The information in this guide is believed to be accurate; however, Sauk Valley Media cannot and does not guarantee its accuracy. Sauk Valley Media cannot and will not be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by advertisers listed in any portion of this magazine.

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Get To Know Us: Dixon | 2022-23

Above: The Nachusa House hotel and tavern and Dixon’s former Post Office, near the intersection of Galena Avenue and Second Street, are shown here in a 1930s postcard. Today, the Post Office is the Post House Ballroom events center, and the Nachusa House offers affordable housing for seniors. At left: The view of Galena Avenue from the other direction, looking north toward the Rock River, is shown here in a 1920s postcard.

Fox, Sac, Pottawatomie, Winnebago, Illini and other Indians inhabited the Rock River shores, thriving on their rich soil, abundant game and vast forests long before the first explorers came to the area that is now Dixon. The first white man of record in the Dixon area was a Frenchman, Pierre LaPorte, who lived among the tribes between 1780 and 1810. In 1793, another Frenchman, La Sallier, came to the region and married a woman from either the Winnebago or Pottawatomie tribe. Some historians say Joseph Ogee, the man who later sold his river-crossing business to John Dixon in 1830, married a daughter of this union, Madeline. Ogee was a French-Canadian

trader, trapper and agent for the American Fur Co. He and Madeline met John Dixon, the future founder of Dixon, when both were active at Fort Clark in Peoria around 1820. Dixon was a native of New York, born in the village of Rye in 1784. As a young adult, he moved to New York City, bought a clothing store and became active in the promotion of temperance and religion.

Get To Know Us: Dixon | 2022-23

HISTORY cont’d on page 6

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HISTORY cont’d from page 4 After 15 years in the city, Dixon developed pulmonary disease and was advised by his physician to move to a different climate. He spent the next few years traveling through different regions, primarily in Illinois. During that time, more and more people were traveling north to settle the state’s rich prairies. Establishing river crossings became more important, and overcoming this natural obstacle became essential to growth. In spring 1828, Ogee moved from Fort Clark to the Dixon area and took over a river crossing, calling his business Ogee’s Ferry. The venture failed, and 5 years later he sold it to Dixon, who had just moved to the area with his wife, Rebecca, and their five children. Dixon charged “$.25 per person and horse,” and the ferry did better under his care, remaining in operation until 1846. Dixon also began a successful trading business with neighboring Indians and other travelers. During the Black Hawk War, his two-story cabin was the only dwelling at Dixon’s Ferry. The surrounding grounds became a site for conflict and hostility, and although not officially changed, became known as “Fort Dixon.” It was the central command post during the war. When the war ended, overland travel resumed. In 1835, Dixon registered his 40-acre plat on the south side of the Rock River as the town of Dixon. Seven years later, 80 acres north of the river were platted and called North Dixon. In addition to being a trader, Dixon was, among other things, an Indian interpreter, an Army counsel, the village postmaster and its first president. He taught his children in their family cabin, making him the village schoolteacher. Later, the Methodist and Baptist churches were used for classrooms until a two-room schoolhouse was built in 1837, at a cost of $515. By fall 1836, the tiny village had grown to include six families, a blacksmith shop and a lean-to post office. The

following year, the first dry goods store opened and construction began on a hotel, which is now the Nachusa House apartments for senior citizens. In 1839, Dixon was named Lee County seat. The first bridge was built across the Rock River in 1846, which is about the same time a dam and sawmill were built. The river played a major part in the town’s prosperity. Fish were shipped to market in huge numbers, and for 50 years Dixon had a thriving clamming industry. Ice harvesting also was profitable. By 1850, Dixon had grown to 1,073 residents. The first newspapers, the Dixon Telegraph and Lee County Herald, began publication in 1851. Commercial development and industry continued through the next two decades. When the Illinois Central Railroad arrived in 1855, the various factories expanded to meet the needs of more people. Lumber and flour mills, a cooperage firm and the Dixon Plow Works all added to a strong industrial picture. By 1900, Dixon’s population reached 8,000. Dixon also has a rich history with historical figures. Abraham Lincoln served at Fort Dixon as a soldier during the Black Hawk War, as did future Confederacy President Jefferson Davis. In 1887, Charles R. Walgreen moved to Dixon, and began his career by clerking for a local drugstore while attending Dixon Business College. He opened his first Walgreen Drug Store in Chicago in 1902, and his second in Dixon, at 105 W. First St., in 1904. By 1939, he had about 500 stores in 39 states. The late President Ronald Reagan also grew up in Dixon, graduated from Dixon High School, and spent seven summers as a lifeguard at Lowell Park before moving on to a movie and political career. Louella Parsons, who from 1915 to about 1960 was America’s premier movie gossip columnist, also was born and raised in Dixon. She died in 1972.

Get To Know Us: Dixon | 2022-23

Dixon City Councilman Mike Venier introduces the first speaker during the Gateway Project groundbreaking ceremony on April 28, 2022. Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Dixon has much to offer its nearly 16,000 residents, including educational options, convenient access to health care, beautiful parks, historic sites and scores of activities. The county seat of Lee County, Dixon has been a center of commerce since its inception in the late 1820s. It was named after its founder, John Dixon, who operated a ferry service across the Rock River. Today, Dixon’s economic base is supported by government, agriculture, service and retail, as well as by major manufacturers, including Raynor Garage Doors, Bonnell Industries, UPM Raflatac Inc., BorgWarner Inc., Donaldson Co., Dixon Direct, SGS Refrigeration and Sewer Equipment Co. of America. After years of planning and preparation, the goal of bringing new development to the Interstate 88 corridor finally came to fruition. The city is moving forward on its Gateway Project, which will bring a new hotel, gas station, restaurants and shops to the city, on a 27-acre stretch of land along South Galena Avenue, across from Walmart between Keul and Bloody Gulch roads. Plans call for the construction of a dozen buildings, and the project is expected to create more than

600 jobs and $1 million a year in new tax revenue. Work is expected to wrap up by November 2022. KSB Hospital, another large employer, offers comprehensive health services in Dixon and the surrounding area. The 80-bed, acute-care facility is highly rated for patient experience. Residents have educational choices in Dixon, including the public school system and three parochial schools. Sauk Valley Community College, ranked highly for tuition affordability, is located between Dixon and Sterling. More than 30 churches of several denominations support the spiritual needs of Dixon’s residents. Among the town’s claims to fame is its connection to the late President Ronald Reagan, who lived in Dixon as a boy. The Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home, where he and his family lived from 1920 to 1923, at 816 S. Hennepin Ave., became a National Historic Site in 1982 and welcomes visitors from across the U.S.

TODAY cont’d on page 8

Get To Know Us: Dixon | 2022-23

which will be home to not only the district’s administrative offices, but will also house two full-size basketball courts, two automated volleyball nets, two automated batting cages, a community room, and an outdoor patio (go to dixonparkdistrict.com/ the-facility for more information). The district has also been busy in recent years adding a number of amenities for the the public: a half-million dollar splash pad, Water Wonderland, in Meadows Park, a disc golf course and ice rink with a warming shed in Page Park, and a new playground in Lowell Park, which features a 75-foot zipline. Dixon’s largest and oldest festival, Petunia Festival, offers a parade, carnival, concerts, fireworks, and much more; and the city continues to show its petunia pride with hundreds of petunia baskets on display downtown from May until late fall, a tradition dating back to the 1960s, earning Dixon the designation of “Petunia City.” Other festivals and activities throughout the year, sponsored by local organizations, as well as opportunities to join many clubs, keep residents engaged and entertained.

TODAY cont’d from page 7 In recent years, nearly 100 projects big and small have been completed at the home and neighboring visitor center. Repairs and renovations range from smaller tasks such as routine maintenance on the pair of 1890s Victorian-style homes, to larger projects, such as replacing rotted woodwork, fixing and replacing storm windows, and roofing and siding work. In December 2020, the Young America’s Foundation announced that it would be the new caretaker and owner of the home and visitor center, with a goal of not only increasing the number of visitors but transforming the home into a place where students could come for seminars and educational retreats. Dixon is also home to numerous parks and recreational opportunities that revolve around its picturesque location on the banks of the Rock River, including the downtown Riverfront Heritage Crossing, and historic Lowell Park north of town, as well as the beautiful surrounding countryside. In 2021, the Dixon Park District broke ground on a $2.9 million community center,

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Get To Know Us: Dixon | 2022-23

Sauk Valley Community College has been on a mission to provide quality education to its diverse student body since it opened in 1965. The fully accredited college, which sits on a 144-acre campus at 173 state Route 2 between Dixon and Sterling, serves about 1,800 full- and part-time students a year from 16 in-district high schools, 18 states and three foreign countries, in courses that include GED and ESL classes, community enrichment courses, business training and dual credit courses for high-schoolers. Sauk offers 2-year transfer associate degrees in art or science in more than 40 areas, 22 career-technical degrees, 24 associate degrees, and an associate in engineering science degree, along with 50 career-technical certificates. In November 2018, Sauk’s ag students harvested their first crop of corn and soybeans at the college, part of its rapidly growing agriculture program. The hands-on harvest lesson taught students how to test factors that affect yield, such as soil properties, nitrogen and water levels. Mens and womens sports, cultural activities and events, and more than 20 student clubs and organizations, including Phi Theta Kappa (the honor society for 2-year colleges), student government, Association of Latin American Students, Magic Club, Campus Crusade for Christ and Math Club, contribute to the vibrant campus life. Students also have access to a full fitness center and weight room. Sauk also has an active ABC AmeriCorps program, in which students earn a stipend while working with children, youth and families as well as community-based agencies, small towns and municipalities, learning life skills while contributing to the health of area communities. As part of its commitment to the region’s economic develGo to svcc.edu, find opment, in early 2016 Sauk launched its Small Business Sauk Valley Community Development Center, and the Sauk Valley Community ColCollege on Facebook, or lege Community Leadership Program. call 815-835-6273. The Center is a resource for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, in collaboration with the Dixon, Sterling and Rock Falls chambers of commerce, city and county officials, and local banks. The leadership course is a 10-month skills-building program in conjunction with area manufacturers, designed to foster students’ interest in the trades and bridge the skills gap that is impeding companies’ operational efficiencies. Sessions are scheduled at different sites to accommodate students throughout the area. In recent years, Sauk has invested several million dollars in improvements, maintenance and upgrades to its campus as part of its ongoing effort to adapt to fit the changing needs of students and the evolving curriculum. Sauk spent $1.3 million in 2017 to remodel the 12,000-square-foot Health Care Professions area, upgrading technology and expanding classrooms and training facilities to allow students to learn and practice in a more hospital-like setting. That project came on the heels of a string of other renovations, including work on the West Mall, where a $1.9 million Student Services Center opened in 2015, along with a new testing center, business offices and two new classroom spaces. The science, math and technology labs underwent major remodeling and upgrading a year or 2 before that. The college also has beefed up its Multicraft Technology program, in which local manufacturers partner with Sauk and the Whiteside Area Career Center to educate, train and employ workers and reduce the local trade skills gap, through internships and classes; 2017 saw enrollment in that program double.

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Get To Know Us: Dixon | 2022-23

SERVICE PROVIDERS ComEd 919 First St. 800-334-7661 comed.com NICOR Gas 1844 Ferry Road, Naperville 800-427-6748 nicor.com Dixon Water Department 121 W. Second St. 815-288-7474 dixongov.com (under the Departments link) Affordable Waste Systems P.O. Box 114 815-288-7283 Republic Services Waste & Recycling 815-288-4607 republicservices.com/locations/illinois/dixon Xfinity (cable) 1-800-934-6489 xfinity.com

GOVERNMENT OFFICES Dixon City Hall 121 W. Second St. 815-288-1485 dixongov.com/government/dixon-city-hall Lee County Animal Control 280 E. Progress Drive 815-284-3833 leecountyil.com/158/Animal-Control Lee County Assessment Office 112 E. Second St. 815-288-4483 leecountyil.com/171/Chief-County-Assessment Lee County Clerk 112 E. Second St. 815-288-3309 leecountyil.com/204/County-Clerk-Recorder Lee County Treasurer 112 E. Second St.

815-288-4477 leecountyil.com/268/Treasurer

MISCELLANEOUS Dixon Public Library 221 S. Hennepin Ave. 815-284-7261 dixonpubliclibrary.org Driver’s License Station 925 S. Peoria Ave. 815-288-6685 ilsos.gov KSB Hospital 403 E. First St. 815-288-5531 ksbhospital.com The Telegraph & Daily Gazette 113 S. Peoria Ave. 815-284-2224 saukvalley.com U.S. Post Office 405 W. Second St. 815-284-5015 usps.com

PUBLIC SAFETY Dixon Police Department 220 S. Hennepin Ave. 815-288-4411 dixongov.com/departments/police-department Dixon Fire Department 210 S. Hennepin Ave. 815-288-3323 dixongov.com/departments/fire-department Lee County Sheriff 240 E. Progress Drive 815-284-5217 leecountyil.com/258/Sheriffs-Department Advance EMS Ambulance 661 Reynoldswood Road 815-288-6898 https://advems.com In an emergency, call 911

Get To Know Us: Dixon | 2022-23

The roots of the Dixon Public Library reach back to 1872 when the firemen of Dixon Hose Company began a small subscription library. The firemen turned the library over to the city in 1895-96. In 1899, O. B. Dodge, the first president of the library board, offered to build a new building, which was formally opened to Dixon residents in early 1901. The library celebrated its 125th anniversary in May 2020, and the building its 120th, and many changes have occurred over the years. The building was remodeled in 1955 to add a children’s department and an addition was built and opened in 1969, providing the library with its present layout. An elevator was installed in 1986 and the entire building was refurbished in 1994. MORE INFO In early 2015, work began on a $1.5 million Dixon Public Library project to strengthen the bones of the turn-of221 S. Hennepin the-century stone building and its 45-year-old 815-284-7261 addition. Hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. In 2019, work was finished on a major overMonday thru Thursday; haul of the library’s 1900 wing, which brought 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday & it closer to how it looked the day it opened. The Saturday; closed Sunday project included removing a false ceiling built Online: dixongov.com/ during the 1969 expansion and doing restoralibrary.html and tion work on the walls and the ceiling in the on Facebook attic. Wiring improvements also were made. E-mail: maillibrary@dixToday, the library is home to more than onpubliclibrary.org 90,000 volumes. It’s also a member of the Rock River Libraries Consortium, which shares a catalog of more than 250,000 items available for loan. A media center, now housing 1,000 DVDs and nearly 1,000 CDs and audio books, was added in 1988. Special collections of interest include the Lincoln collection and a display of original World War I posters, as well as special works published by the library on local history. Computers, equipped with Wi-Fi and other Internet access, are available to the public. The library catalog, as well as many other resources, is available from the library’s website. In addition, a new program has expanded the definition of a lending library. “The Library of Things” allows patrons to borrow more than just books. “We should be a sharing economy; not everyone needs to own everything,” said library director Antony Deter “Things can be shared, like sewing machines, 3-D printer, stencil cutter, Wi-Fi services, DVD players, small hand tools, microscopes, telescopes, fishing rods, etc. We plan to roll it out for kids for this summer, then bring it to adults.” Library cards are free to anyone who lives within city limits, and $75 a year per household for those living outside the city limits. In addition to loaning materials, the Dixon Public Library offers reading programs for adults and children. n

Get To Know Us: Dixon | 2022-23

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Get To Know Us: Dixon | 2022-23 13

Nine women launched Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital on Jan. 1, 1897, in a building the size of a large home, with eight patient rooms, an operating room, an etherizing room, three kitchens, a dining room and living quarters for the superintendent. Today, KSB is a nonprofit, 80-bed acute care medical facility providing all phases of surgery care, as well as a variety of ancillary health care services for Dixon and surrounding communities. In June 2006, the hospital opened a $3 million state-of-the-art cardiovascular lab and a new endoscopy area. In 2010, the late Dixon optometrist Thomas Lawless joined the KSB Medical Group in 2010 while retaining the his office. The Lawless Eye and Vision Center is located at 511 Palmyra St. A $16 million expansion of the outpatient surgery and emergency departments was completed in 2011. In spring 2014, a newly renovated Intensive Care Unit was opened. Also that year, the hospital partnered with Physicians Immediate Care to open a walk-in clinic on the south side of town, at 1672 S. Galena Ave. The clinic features and X-ray machine, lab testing and seven exam rooms, including a pediatric room and a trauma room. The OB and nursery staff members deliver and care for hundreds of babies a year.

HEALTH CARE cont’d on page 15

Advance EMS of Dixon, Inc. began in 1983 with one ambulance and five employees. To date, they have five ambulances and 25 employees. Advance EMS of Dixon, Inc. provides advanced life support not just to Dixon but also the surrounding communities.

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Get To Know Us: Dixon | 2022-23

KSB cont’d from page 14 The hospital also boasts a foot-and-ankle clinic, sleep lab, balance center, cancer center, diabetes center and speech department, among other specialties. As one of the first home-care agencies in the state, KSB Home Health Care offers a variety of services, including skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy and home health aides. In 2018 KSB merged its online patient portals for its clinic and hospital services with its clinic portal app under one log-in, providing all of a patient’s electronic records in one spot. A KSB news release at the time said the goal of the move was to KSB Hospital “increase patient access to their providers ... and to 403 E. First St., Dixon allow patients to feel more in control of their health 815-288-5531 with 24/7 access to their health record. Online: ksbhospital.com, The emergency medical services department facebook.com/ksbhospitrains paramedics and emergency medical technital/, and twitter.com/ cians. Many trainees have gone on to work for local fire departments and ambulance services. KSBHospital KSB Corporate Health Services, established in Go toksbhospital.com/ 1996, works hand-in-hand with area businesses to locations/ for a list of promote employee health. KSB’s satellite locations As part of its extensive community outreach efforts, KSB also offers many classes and events. It owns and operates medical clinics at Commerce Towers, Edwards Clinic and Town Square Centre in Dixon, as well as sites in Amboy, Ashton, Mount Morris, Oregon and Polo.

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Get To Know Us: Dixon | 2022-23

Dixon Public Schools has three elementary schools, a middle school and a high school. Special education services are provided at each school. Dixon also has three parochial schools. District 170 Office

Principal: Crystal Thorpe

1335 Franklin Grove Road 815-284-7722 dps170.org

Washington Elementary School

Lee County Special Education Association office 1335 Franklin Grove Road 815-284-6651

PUBLIC SCHOOLS Dixon High School 300 Lincoln Statue Drive 815-284-7723 Online: dps170.org/o/dhs Grades: 9-12 Enrollment: About 800 students Principal: Jared Shaner

Reagan Middle School 620 Division St. 815-284-7725 Online: dps170.org/o/rms Grades: 6-8 Enrollment: About 600 Principal: Matthew Magnafici

Madison Elementary School 618 Division St. 815-284-7726 Online: dps170.org/o/mes Grades: 4-5 Enrollment: About 400 Principal: Joseph Sagel

Jefferson Elementary School 800 Fourth Ave. 815-284-7724 Online: dps170.org/o/jes Grades: 2-3 Enrollment: About 400

703 E. Morgan St. 815-284-7727 Online: dps170.org/o/wes Grades: Preschool through first Enrollment: About 430 Principal: Jeff Gould

PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS Faith Christian School Faith Christian School is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International. In operation since 1980, the school is an inter-denominational ministry of Faith Assembly Church. 7571 S. Ridge Road, Grand Detour 815-652-4806 Online: fcsfalcons.com Grades: Preschool through 12 Enrollment: About 100 Principal: Aaron Fasler

St. Anne Catholic School 1112 N. Brinton Ave. 815-288-5619 Online: stanneschooldixon.org Grades: Preschool through eighth Enrollment: About 120 Principal: Michael Armato

St. Mary Catholic School 704 S. Peoria Ave. 815-284-6986 Online: stmarysdixon.org Grades: Preschool through eighth Enrollment: About 200 Principal: Jean Spohn

Get To Know Us: Dixon | 2022-23

gift shop • field trips • tours • event space for rent FEATURED EXHIBITS INCLUDE: • Ronald Reagan’s Beautifully restored classroom • Original Reagan Diplomas & Movie Posters • Blackhawk War & Early American Farming Exhibits with Lifelike Talking Figures • Walgreen Family History Room, Art Gallery & Historical Paintings • Beautiful Models & Dioramas Of Dixon In The 1800’s • Military Room

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CHECK HOU WEBRSSITON CHECKE HOU RS ON C NOW EH BE A C ITK D M H IS S O U IE ONN R C SS H O A R WEBSG E I T E OD NAM Northwest Territory Historic Center er NODA TIO NS IS S ION ACH CA EPR C TE D NO ADM GE 205 West Fifth Street IS ION DOH NATR P.O. BoxTerritory 345, Dixon, IL 6102 1 er Northwest Historic Center C IONS S ACCA EPTEG Phone: 815-288-5508 • Fax: 815-288-5749 DE 205 West Fifth StreetCenter Northwest Territory Historic er www.nthc.org

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Get To Know Us: Dixon | 2022-23

A wide variety of agencies provide services to area residents. (Addresses are in Dixon, unless otherwise noted) Alzheimer’s Association-Rock River Branch — 93 S. Hennepin Ave.; alz.org; 815-285-1100 American Cancer Society Rockford (Northern) Regional Office — 4312 E. State St., Rockford; 815-229-1287 American Red Cross of Northwest Illinois — 727 N. Church St., Rockford; redcross.org/local/illinois/chicago-andnorthern-illinois/about-us/locations/ northwest-illinois.html; 815-963-8471 Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sauk Valley — 506 W. Fourth St., Ste. 27, Sterling; bbbs-mv.org and on Facebook; 815-716-8987 Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) — 101 W. First Street (third floor) http://casa15thdistrict.org/; 815-288-1901 Dixon Community Food Pantry — 2001 W. Fourth St.; on Facebook; 815288-4848 Dixon Greeter — Tere Elliott; dixongreeter2@gmail.com or 815-994-0422 Dixon Habitat for Humanity — P.O. Box 11; habitat.org/us-il/dixon/dixonhfh-il; 815-288-4957 Dixon Chamber of Commerce & Main Street — 87 S. Hennepin Ave.; discoverdixon.com or Facebook (“Discover Dixon”); 815-284-3361 Dixon Park District — 804 Palmyra St.; dixonparkdistrict.com and Facebook; 815-284-3306 Dixon Welcome Center — 87 S. Hennepin Ave.; discoverdixon.com; 815284-3361 Dixon Rotary Club — P.O. Box 83; 815-973-1094; https://rotary6420.org/ clubinfo/dixon and Facebook Granny Rose Animal Shelter — 613 River Lane; grannyrose.org, petfinder. com and Facebook; 815-288-7387 Home of Hope Cancer Wellness Center — 1637 Plock Drive; homeofhopeonline.org and Facebook; 815-288-4673

Illinois State National Guard; National Guard Armory — 412 W. Everett St.; www.il.ngb.army.mil; 309-5674980 Kreider Services — 500 Anchor Road; kreiderservices.org and Facebook; 815-288-6691; direct care programs to persons with developmental disabilities Lee County Council on Aging — 100 W. Second St.; leecountycouncilonaging.net/ and Facebook; 815-2889236 Lee County Farm Bureau — 37 S. East Ave., Amboy; leecfb.org and Facebook; 815-857-3531 Lee County Health Department — 309 S. Galena Ave.; lchd.com and Facebook (find “Lee County Il Health Department”); 815-284-3371 Lee County Housing Authority — 1000 Washington Ave.; 815-284-2759 Lee County Industrial Development — 101 W. Second St., Suite 301; dixongov. com/ and Facebook; 815-288-2154 Lee County Soil and Water Conservation District — 319 S. Mason Ave., Amboy; leecountyil.com; 815-857-3623 ext. 110 Lee County Special Education — 1335 Franklin Grove Road; dps170.org/ page/lcsea; 815-284-6651 Lee-Ogle Transportation System — 210 E. Progress Drive; lotsil.org and Facebook; 815-288-2117; provides curbto-curb service for all ages. All vehicles equipped with lifts for disabled persons. Lee County Tourism — 37 S. East Ave., Amboy.; leecountyfun.com and Facebook; 815-288-1840 Leydig Memorial Center — 1107 Warp Road; 815-284-7772 Lutheran Social Services of Illinois — 1245-A N. Galena Ave.; lssi.org and Facebook; 815-626-7333

AGENCIES cont’d on page 20

Get To Know Us: Dixon | 2022-23

AGENCIES cont’d from page 19 Meals on Wheels — 403 E. First St.; 815-284-0333 Northwestern Illinois Center for Independent Living; 412 Locust St., Sterling; nicil.org; 815-625-7860 Northwestern Illinois Special Olympics — 904 Myrtle Ave.; 815-288-2939; soill.org/regiona/ PADS Homeless Shelter — P.O. Box 593; 815-288-6818; on Facebook Prairie State Legal Services — 1600 Fourth Ave., Ste. 200, Rock Island pslegal. org; 309-794-1328 Rock River Hospice & Home — 2706 Ave. E, Sterling; hospicerockriver.org and Facebook; 815-625-3858 Sinnissippi Centers — 325 state Route 2; sinnissippi.com and Facebook (find “Sinnissippi Foundation”); 815-284-6611; 24-hour crisis hotline, 800-242-7642; mental health and addiction services Small Business Development Center — 173 state Route 2; sauksbdc.com/;

815-835-6244 Tri-County Opportunities Council — 405 Emmons Ave., Rock Falls; tcochelps. org; 815-323-5434 United Way of Lee County — 98 S. Galena Ave.; unitedwayofleecounty.org and Facebook;815-284-3339 University of Illinois Extension Lee County — 280 W. Wasson Road, Amboy; https://extension.illinois.edu/ clw/4-h-lee-county; 815-857-3525 VFW Post 540 — 1560 Franklin Grove Road; 815-288-5165; on Facebook VITAL Adult Literacy Program — 173 state Route 2; svcc.edu/community/adulteducation/vital; 815-835-6310 Volunteer Care Center — 101 W. Second St.; 815-284-9555 White Oaks Women’s Clinic — 1503 First Ave., Suite C, Rock Falls; myfutureapproved.com/white-oak-clinic/; 815-345-2570 Dixon Family YMCA — 110 N. Galena Ave.; dixonymca.org and on Facebook; 815288-9622

“Community banking since 1934…We understand the importance of experience, growth, local decisions and longevity in your commercial or agricultural business.”

Susan Gomez NMLS #1027602 Amboy

David Lloyd NMLS #1609858 Franklin Grove

Sarah Wiersema NMLS #2041883 Amboy

Todd Muur NMLS #591637 Dixon North

The First National Bank in Amboy

Amboy • Dixon • Franklin Grove • Monroe Center 220 East Main Street, Amboy, Illinois 61310 (815) 857-3625 | www.fnbamboy.com

Get To Know Us: Dixon | 2022-23

Chas Cross

NMLS #1846547 Monroe Center

Serving Lee, Whiteside, Carroll, Bureau, and Ogle Counties

• Weekly Residential Service • 2-8 yard Commercial Containers • 10-40 yard Roll-Off Containers • Compactors • Radio Dispatched Trucks • Experienced Union Trucks • Licensed Special Waste & Asbestos Hauler 1214 S. Bataan Rd., Dixon, IL

815-625-1000 or 815-284-2432 www.republicservices.com

SM-ST1986613

We’ll handle it from here Get To Know Us: Dixon | 2022-23

4-H, University of Illinois Extension — 280 W. Wasson Road, Amboy; extension.illinois.edu/clw/4-hlee-county or 815-857-3527 Al Morrison Baseball Program — almorrisonbaseball.org and Facebook, almorrisonbaseball@gmail.com American Legion Auxiliary — 1120 W. First St.; https://ilpost12.weebly. com; 815-284-2003 Boy Scouts, White Eagle District — P.O. Box 41; blackhawkscouting.org/ whiteeagle Dixon Athletic Booster Club — P.O. Box 244; Facebook Dixon Area Garden Club — P.O. Box 127; e-mail: dagc1@grics.net Dixon Bowling Association — Plum Hollow Lanes, 1933 state Route 26; 815284-3000 Dixon Coin Club (Dixon Elks Lodge 779) — 1279 Franklin Grove Road; ilnaclub.org/clubs.html; 815-535-8427

Dixon Elks Lodge 779, Dixon Elks Auxiliary — 1279 Franklin Grove Road; elks.org/lodges/contactus. cfm?lodge=779 or 815-288-3557 Dixon Evening Lions Club — P.O. Box 916 Dixon Family YMCA — 110 N. Galena Ave.; dixonymca.org and on Facebook; 815-288-9622 Dixon Habitat for Humanity — P.O. Box 11 and 924 W. First St.; dixonhabitat.org and on Facebook; 815-288-4957 Dixon Junior Dukes Football — P.O. Box 371; on Facebook Dixon Lioness Club — On Facebook Dixon Noon Lions — 815-284-8845 Dixon Petunia Festival — petuniafestival.org, on Facebook or 815-288-7465 Dixon Rotary Club — 221 W. Third Street, P.O. Box 83; rotary6420.org and on Facebook

CLUBS cont’d on page 23

Your Voice Has POWER We Believe You. We are Here to Help. We Offer FREE and CONFIDENTIAL Services for All Genders and Ages. • Sexual Assault Counseling • 24-Hour Crisis Intervention

• Legal Advocacy • Medical Advocacy

• Services available in Spanish ywsauk.org Funding provided in whole or in part by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority.

24-Hour Hotline: 815.626.7277 & 815.288.1011

Get To Know Us: Dixon | 2022-23

SM-ST1986629

CLUBS cont’d from page 22 Dixon Shriner Club — tebala.com/ shrine-clubs-units/dixon-shrine-club/ or 815-332-2010 Dixon Sister Cities Association — P.O. Box 582; dixongov.com (under Departments link) and on Facebook Dixon Historic Theatre — 114 S. Galena Ave.; dixontheatre.com and Facebook; 815-285-1917 Dixon Wrestling Club — Find Dixon Wrestling on Facebook; 815-631-1877 Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois — Rock Falls Resource Center 229 First Ave., Ste. 1; www.girlscoutsni.org; 844476-4463 or info@girlscoutsni.org Goodfellows (Leydig Center) — 1107 Warp Road, 815-284-7772 Gyro Club, a Dixon mens club — 815-284-2020 Junior Achievement — 800 12th Ave., Moline; jaheartland.org, 309-7361630 Kiwanis Club of Dixon — dixonkiwanis.org or Facebook; e-mail: gvanderlin@gmail.com Knights of Columbus — 506 W. Third St., P.O. Box 52, Dixon; www. kofc690.org/ and on Facebook; 815-2881821 KSB Hospital Auxiliary — 403 E. First St.; ksbhospital.com/volunteers/ or 815-288-5531 Lee County Bar Association — 119 W. First St.; or 815-288-4949 Lee County Democratic Party — P.O. Box 255, leecodemocrats.com/ and on Facebook; 815-878-4230. Lee County Farm Bureau — 37 S. East Ave., P.O. Box 198, Amboy; leecfb. org and Facebook; or 815-857-3531 Lee County Genealogical and Historical Society — 113 S. Hennepin Ave.; leecountyhgs.org and Facebook; 815-284-1134 Lee County Republican Party — illinois.gop/counties/lee/ Get To K

Loyal Order of Moose 727 — 887 Shop Road; or Facebook; 815-288-1182 Marine Corps League (VFW Post 540) — theillinoismarine.com Marine Corps League Auxiliary — Route 1, Box 641, Walnut Masonic Friendship Lodge No. 7 — 1409 N. Galena Ave.; 7-il.ourlodgepage. com or Facebook; 815-284-0226 Meals on Wheels — 403 E. First St., 815-284-0333 Moose Lodge Chapter No. 832 (Women) — 887 Shop Road; lodge727. find Dixon IL Moose Lodge 727/Chapter 832 on Facebook; 815-288-1182 Northwestern Illinois Special Olympics — soill.org/ or 815-739-2052 P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter KM — peoillinois.org P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter AC — peoillinois.org Reagan Home Foundation — 816 S. Hennepin Ave.; reaganhome.org and Facebook; or 815-288-5176 Rock River Garden Club — Facebook ; 815-973-5091 Rock River Human Resources Professional Association; P.O. Box 962; rrhrpa.shrm.org Sauk Valley American Association of University Women — 173 State Route 2; 815-288-5511 Sauk Valley Community Concert Association — P.O. Box 67, Dixon; Find it on Facebook; 815-312-0232 TOPS Chapter 617 — 815-284-8321 VFW Post 540, VFW Post Auxiliary — 1560 Franklin Grove Road; https:// vfw540.org and on Facebook; 815-2885165 VITAL Adult Literacy Program — 173 state Route 2; svcc.edu/community/ adult-education/vital/; 815-288-5511 Volunteer Care Center— 403 E. First St.; 815-284-9555

now Us: Dixon | 2022-23

ALEX T. PASCHAL/APASCHAL@SHAWMEDIA.COM

The Dixon Park District broke ground Oct. 21, 2021, on its sports and community center at The Meadows Park. The facility will be home to not only the district’s administrative offices, but will also house two full-size basketball courts, two automated volleyball nets, two automated batting cages, a community room, and an outdoor patio.

Whether you’re looking for a place to play ball, have a picnic, or take a leisurely stroll, Dixon offers plenty of parks to pick from Go to dixonparkdistrict.com/ for more information. Ballou Park — 600 E. Seventh St.; lighted ball diamonds, basketball court, playground and picnic shelter Bluff View — 900 E. River Rd.; A 1.5-acre park offering river views Chula Vista — 801 Chula Vista Drive; green space Custer Boat Dock — 251 Custer Ave.; boat access and fishing, ADA accessible gangways and dock Dement Park — 501 S. Dement Ave.; playground E.C. Smith Park — 455 W. Seventh St.; playground, tennis courts, picnic tables/water fountain, sledding hill Grace Johnston Park — 1100 South Highland Ave.; playground, basketball court, picnic tables Haymarket Square — 223 Highland

Ave.; playground, gazebo and farmers market Howell Park — 324 E. Boyd St.; riverwalk, E. N. Howell memorial and bank fishing Joe Stengel Trail — Lowell Park Road. to Polo; an 11-mile unpaved multipurpose trail, and Gee’s Grove and Penrose prairies; leecountyfun.com John Dixon Park — 515 N. Galena Ave.; playground and Lions picnic shelter Lowell Park — 2109 Lowell Park Road.; a 200-acre woodland along the Rock River, scenic drives, hiking trails, natural area, nine picnic shelters, nature center, ball diamond, 7 miles of cross-country ski trails, disc golf course, playground with zip line kids, ADA boat access and fishing

Get To Know Us: Dixon | 2022-23

PARKS cont’d to page 26

to the

Community!

At Community State Bank, we’re all about you. We’re a community bank owned by local people and our mission is to make sure our customers are successful. We offer a variety of progressive banking services, including: Checking Accounts Mortgages - apply online, call or stop by Constructions loans Home equity loans Savings, CDs, IRAs, and Health Savings Accounts Online Banking and Bill Pay Mobile Banking Debit cards 24-hour ATMs

Call or visit today and experience the Community State Bank difference. You’ll like the way we do banking! ROCK FALLS 1801 First Avenue (815) 625-1110

STERLING 3210 E. Lincolnway (815) 625-4300

DIXON 1021 North Galena Avenue (815) 284-8500

www.commstbk.com

NMLS #480435

Get To Know Us: Dixon | 2022-23

PARKS cont’d from page 24 Lowell Park Bike Path — 806 Washington Ave.: 3.5-mile paved bike path Meadows Park — 1400 Washington Ave.; 567 acres of open space along the Rock River. Amenities: Water Wonderland splash pad and water features, multipurpose trails for horseback riding, hiking, biking, hunting and snowmobiling; bank fishing; Wooden Wonderland playground; Kiwanis picnic shelter; the Miller Golf Complex; Archery Hunting; roller hockey courts and soccer fields Miller Golf Complex — 1010 Washington Ave.; lighted driving range, 9-hole course; pitching/putting greens; 24-hour ball machine; 815-284-3306 Page Park — 221 Lincoln Statue Drive; scenic drive, band shell, ball diamonds, ADA boat access, fishing, tennis courts, picnic shelters, seasonal ice rink Park 4 Paws dog park — Washington Ave., behind soccer fields; agility courses and open play areas, pre-registration

required to use park, 815-284-3306 President’s Park — 100 Lincoln Statue Drive; riverwalk, veterans memorial and is adjacent to state-owned Lincoln Statue site and historic log cabin Reynolds Field — 1900 W. Second St.; lighted ball diamonds and picnic shelter Triangle Park — 500 E. Everett St.; green space, butterfly garden Vaile Park — 2023 W. Third St.; splash pad, historic Memorial Pool structure, playground, picnic shelter, horseshoe courts, volleyball; Van Arnum’s Island and Willow Island, Rock River — wildlife preserve, no admittance Veterans Memorial Park — 668 Veterans Parkway, at intersection of Palmyra Road and Palmyra Street; city-owned park with military equipment and memorial; honorourvets.org Wooden Wonderland — 1550 Washington Ave.; huge wooden play structure and picnic shelter

Bob Maltry, Agent

709 N Brinton Ave, Dixon, IL 61021 (815) 288-4206

There’s no place like Dixon.

And, like you, we’re happy to call it home. And we’re proud to be here celebrating 27 years of service. Thank you for your business and your trust.

Get To Know Us: Dixon | 2022-23

Apostolic

Facebook

Greater Life Church — 1403 Hemlock Ave.; 815284-8680; glcdixon.org and Facebook

Assembly of God

Assembly of God Church — 933 Mekeel Road, 815-284-3090; Facebook Faith Assembly of Grand Detour — 7881 S. Green St., Dixon; 815-652-4488; faithgranddetour. org/ and Facebook

Baptist

Islamic Sauk Valley Islamic Center — 202 E. Fellows St.; 815-284-4868

Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses — 634 Countryside Lane; 815-288-4019; Facebook

Lutheran

Calvary Baptist Church — 313 S. Van Buren Ave., 815-288-2453; Facebook First Baptist Church — 111 E. Second St.; 815284-6823; fbcdixon.com and Facebook Hope Bible Fellowship — 732 N. Brinton Ave.; 815-677-9185; hopeofdixon.com and Facebook Northside Baptist Church — 598 River Lane; 815-288-5212; northsidedixon.com and Facebook Second Baptist Church — 501 W. Third St.; 815-288-1566; Facebook

Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church — 2035 state Route 26; 815-284-4554; coslcdixon.org and Facebook Immanuel Lutheran Church — 1013 Franklin Grove Road; 815-284-2804; immanueldixon. org and Facebook St. Paul Lutheran Church — 421 S. Peoria Ave.; 815-288-2757; stpauldixon.org and Facebook

Brethren

First United Methodist Church — 202 S. Peoria Ave.; 815-284-2849; fumcdixon.org and Facebook Grace United Methodist Church — 921 E. Chamberlin St.; 815-288-1505; dixongraceumc. com and Facebook

Dixon Church of the Brethren — 215 N. Court St.; 815-284-2711; www.dixoncob.com and Facebook

Catholic

St. Anne Catholic Church — 1104 N. Brinton Ave.; 815-288-3131; stanneparishdixon.org and Facebook St. Patrick Catholic Church — 612 Highland Ave; 815-284-7719; stpatrickdixon.org and Facebook

Christian Science

First Church of Christ Scientist — 321 W. Second St.; 815-408-0160; Facebook

Church of God

Grace Point Church of God — 1620 Sauk Road.; 573-703-7503; gracepointdixon.org/ and Facebook

Disciples of Christ

First Christian Church — 123 S. Hennepin Ave.; 815-288-1222 and Facebook

Episcopal

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church — 221 W. Third St.; 815-288-2151; stlukesdixon.org and Facebook

Evangelical Congregational

Bethel Evangelical Congregational Church

— 131 N. Court St.; 815-284-3849; dixonbethel.

com and Facebook St. James Evangelical Congregational Church — 1552 U.S. Route 52; 815-288-2446

Foursquare

Methodist

Nazarene Living Well Church of the Nazarene — 116 E. First St., Dixon; 815-973-5981; livingwellchurch. org and Facebook Lost Lake Community Church of the Nazarene — 90 W. Flagg Road; 815-973-5981; lostlakechurch.org and Facebook

Nondenominational Sauk Valley Community Church — 498 state Route 2; 815-288-7000; saukchurch.com and Facebook Sugar Grove Church — 352 Timber Creek Road; 815-288-2811; and Facebook Turning Point Community Church — 944 Stony Point Road; 815-288-2625; tpointchurch. net and Facebook The Worship Center — 403 N. Ottawa; 815677-9694; worshipctr.com and Facebook

Presbyterian First Presbyterian Church — 110 E. Third St.; 815-284-7741; fpcdixon.com and Facebook

Seventh-day Adventist Church Sauk Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church

Foursquare Gospel Church — 103 E. Morgan St.; 815-288-1778; foursquaremissions.org and

— 416 Prospect St., 815-677-9199, saukvalleyil.

adventistchurch.org and Facebook

Get To Know Us: Dixon | 2022-23

KATHERINE SHAW BETHEA HOSPITAL 24 Hour Emergency Medical Services

Downtown Dixon - First St./Crawford Ave.

Looking for a Physician? Call 1-800-DOCTORS Learn More About KSB’s Services Visit www.ksbhospital.com

Get To Know Us: Dixon | 2022-23