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Newman to clash GOP CANDIDATE DROPS with Rockridge OUT OF STATE HOUSE RACE LOCAL, A10 BOYS BASKETBALL, B1
LOCAL ECONOMY | STERLING
What’s next for Kmart plaza? Mayor: No one has expressed an interest yet BY PAM EGGEMEIER peggemeier@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 570
STERLING – The liquidation sale is over and the doors are locked. The strip mall loosely
known as Sterling Center is without its anchor store, and the huge Kmart building at 2901 E. Lincolnway is available for sale or lease. The complex offers 104,960 square feet for prospective tenants. Built in 1972, it was gutted and renovated in the 1990s. It once was home to seven businesses, but now houses only two. One of those is Kidder Music, which has been at the mall
since April inside 1990. An obviWith a ous concern is site secured, the reduction owner hopes in foot traffic Jimmy John’s that is likely to will open in come with the Rock Falls by loss of a bigearly summer, box retailer A5 like Kmart. The store has no plan to move at this time, Kidder President Beth Houlihan said. While the Kmart clo-
sure has brought uncertainty regarding the mall’s future, things could ultimately work out for the better, Houlihan said. “We would love to have a situation where this is locally owned,” Houlihan said. “I think it could bring more stability. People in Chicago don’t know what happens here.” The building is owned by Kmart parent Sears Holding Co., based in Hoffman Estates.
The companies merged in 2005. Houlihan said she also believes the older buildings might be better cared for under local ownership. “I think the upkeep would improve,” she said. “I think it would be better for the community and the plaza.” The other tenant at the plaza is My Nail Salon. KMART CONTINUED ON A5
WEEKEND ENTERPRISE | 6 MONTHS AFTER THE PROPHETSTOWN FIRE
CONCEALED CARRY
Spring to action in downtown
Local law agencies can object to requests Police departments review applications BY DAVID GIULIANI dgiuliani@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 525
Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
Prophetstown Mayor Steve Swanson looks out over the area of the historic downtown that was destroyed by fire July 15. Swanson has been busy dealing with the fire’s aftermath, but is looking forward to ground being broken in late April or early May to begin the rebuilding process on some or all of the eight now-vacant lots.
Ground could be broken in April; rebuild to start soon after BY MATT MENCARINI mmencarini@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 529
PROPHETSTOWN – There is snow and a few pine trees where eight buildings once stood in downtown Prophetstown. By May, a construction crew might be working there. It’s been 6 months since a fire started behind Cindy Jean’s Restaurant on July 15 and spread to destroy a significant portion of the historic downtown. The rubble has been cleared, and the town and its displaced residents are moving on with their lives.
Snow likely
VOLUME 6 ISSUE 21 40 Pages
Today: 23/9 For the forecast, see Page A8
Monday Prophetstown residents look back, and ahead, after the fire. The rebuilding effort is expected to pick up steam in late April or early May, when it’s possible that a developer will “break dirt” on a new building, said Larry DeNeve, chairman of the town’s Economic Development Committee. That developer is about “99 percent” committed, DeNeve said, adding that two others have expressed a strong interest.
Rebuilding could begin less than a year after the fire because the town quickly formed a redevelopment plan, organized the cleanup, and took ownership of five of the eight lots. Mayor Steve Swanson said the town hopes to acquire two more lots soon. “The following day [after the fire], a bunch of us got together and had a meeting – people from Main Street and some of the property owners that were affected,” Swanson said. “I kind of gave them my plan, what I thought should be done.
Pub revamped
Last Alarm Firehouse Pub in Amboy has seen many improvements. See Page C1
ACTION CONTINUED ON A9
You can help Prophetstown has set up a fund, “Rebuild Prophetstown Strong,” to help clean up and rebuild the downtown. Donations can be made at Farmers National Bank branches, in Prophetstown, Geneseo and Morrison, as well as at IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union locations.
Actor, husband, dad Greg Kinnear, star of “Rake,” cherishes family Also inside USA Weekend: Reignite that spark Romantic getaways The French 75 cocktail
STERLING – Local police agencies are playing a role in the review of concealed carry applications Inside locally. How many Under a law that took effect concealed Jan. 1, state carry licenses police a r e have been in charge of requested in approving per- local counmits for con- ties? A4 cealed carry of guns, but city and county law enforcement agencies may have a 30-day window to object to applicants. Compelled by a federal court to pass such legislation, Illinois is the last state to allow concealed carry. Rock Falls Police Chief Mike Kuelper has asked to review concealed carry applications from Sterling, Rock Falls and Whiteside County. Earlier this week, his department had received 85 applications to review, he said. The department has yet to object to any. REQUESTS CONTINUED ON A4
COMMUNITY
Eyes on eagles The Sauk Valley has become a hotbed of activity for our national bird. PAGE C12
Index Births................ C5 Markets .......... A10 Business........... C1 Nation .............. A8 Classified .......... D1 Obituaries ......... A4 Comics ............. B6 Opinion............. A6 Community ..... C12 Scoreboard .... B10 Scrapbook ....... C3 Crossword Saturday ........... D5 Sports .............. B1 Support groups .. C9 Crossword Sunday ............. C8 Travel .............. C10 Dear Abby ........ C6 Weather............ A8 Lottery .............. A2 Wheels ............. D8