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HOW DID E-P’S SHOUP FARE IN SEMIFINALS?

February 21, 2015

A Marketing Supplement to Sauk Valley Media

2015

Special Section Inside WHYY SUPPORT Today’s Edition

LOCALLY OCA Y OWNED WN D BUSINESSES US N SS S?

OPTIONS TO COLLECT ON CRUNDWELL LOAN LOCAL, A3

STATE WRESTLING, B1

1. LOCAL CHARACTER AND PROSPERITY In an increasingly homogenized world, communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character have an economic advantage.

2. COMMUNITY WELL-BEING Locally owned businesses build strong communities by sustaining vibrant town centers, linking neighbors in a web of economic and social relationships, and contributing to local causes.

3. LOCAL DECISION-MAKING Local ownership ensures that important decisions are made locally by people who live in the community and who will feel the impacts of those decisions.

4. KEEPING DOLLARS IN THE LOCAL ECONOMY Compared to chain stores, locally owned businesses recycle a much larger share of their revenue back into the local economy, enriching the whole community.

5. JOB AND WAGES Locally owned businesses create more jobs locally and, in some sectors, provide better wages and benefits than chains do.

6. ENTREPRENEURSHIP Entrepreneurship fuels America’s economic innovation and prosperity, and serves as a key means for families to move out of low-wage jobs and into the middle class.

7. PUBLIC BENEFITS AND COSTS Local stores in town centers require comparatively little infrastructure and make more efficient use of public services relative to big box stores and strip shopping malls.

8. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY Local stores help to sustain vibrant, compact, walkable town centers-which in turn are essential to reducing sprawl, automobile use, habitat loss, and air and water pollution.

9. COMPETITION A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term.

10. PRODUCT DIVERSITY A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based, not on a national sales plan, but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.

Publishers of The Telegraph • Daily Gazette • SV Weekend www.saukvalley.com

Reprinted with permission from the New Rules Project (www.newrules.org), a national initiative to strengthen local economies.

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VIDEO GAMBLING | RESTRICTING PARLORS IN ROCK FALLS?

supporting this

City doesn’t follow suit

locally owned

independent business section.

ONLINE

Ordinance committee decides to let state clear up language

BY PAM EGGEMEIER peggemeier@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5570 @pam_eggemeier

Rock Falls Mayor Bill Wescott

ROCK FALLS – The city will let the state Legislature, and the market, further dictate what businesses can have video gambling.

A Rock Falls committee this week decided against pursuing an ordi-

nance similar to one passed in Sterling, and another being considered in Whiteside County, that would prohibit video gambling parlors.

The Rock Falls Ordinance Committee looked at amended language for a video gambling code drawn up by the county, then chose to wait for the state to clear up gray areas in state statute.

The committee decision Thursday came after hearing Mayor Bill Wescott’s thoughts on the issue.

“I feel we should leave the ordinance as it is, and wait for the state to do something,” Wescott said. “This is not necessarily my recommendation, but it is my belief.”

SUIT CONTINUED ON A5

WEEKEND FEATURE | WHITESIDE COUNTY

They go where sheriff’s deputies can’t

Don’t miss out on all the fun!

If you haven’t been to our Plan!t Sauk Valley website this week, you’ve missed: • The first in a series of features on local bands by SVM Plan!t Editor Lucas Pauley. This week, Lucas featured Dixon band Trippin Molly (above). Go to our site to see a video of the band playing one of its songs.

• The debut of Foodtorials, video and text instructions for tasty recipes.

• A Grub Hub feature from SVM reporter Jermaine Pigee on Salamandra Restaurant (above) in Dixon.

• Tech Type blogs from SVM Online Editor Angel Sierra about Rock Falls Tourism (See Page A2) and a one-way ticket to Mars.

Go to planitsaukvalley.com

STATE BUDGET | SCHOOL FUNDING

Educators encouraged, Snowmobile team rescues stranded motorists in snowstorms but waiting for details Photos by Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Chad Fowkes (left), dispatcher Michael Drane and Stacey Fowkes team up to help the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Department rescue and provide aid to people trapped in snowy or blizzard conditions. The group of volunteers has reached 38 stranded pedestrians and motorists with their snowmobiles in the few years they’ve been helping the department.

BY CHRISTI WARREN cwarren@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5521 @SeaWarren

STERLING – It’s been about 5 years since Stacey Fowkes first called the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Department to see whether it needed help with snow rescues. And, to her surprise, the answer was yes.

Since then, Stacey, her husband, Chad, sons Michael and Gaije, friend Chad Williamson, and a rotating host of other snowmobilers have been helping whenever they can – fielding calls from the sheriff’s department and

Want to help?

going where deputies can’t.

To date, they have rescued 38 stranded pedestrians and motorists – 11 in the snowstorm on Super Bowl Sunday alone.

“We started doing this as another way we can help others in our community,” she said. “We love to help and support our community, and to think of people being out stuck in their cars in the freezing weather, or grandma sitting home with no milk or bread, just made us think we could do something.

The team stayed real busy during the blizzard on Super Bowl Sunday. “When the wind starts blowing, that’s when we get a lot of calls,” Chad Fowkes said.

Donations can be dropped off at Douglas and Frye Motorsports, 1902 Locust St. in Sterling, or you can give Stacey Fowkes a call at 815-499-4432 to arrange something else.

She recommends gas cards, gift certificates to Douglas and Frye for oil and parts, face masks, gloves, snow pants, waterproof blankets, or a mon-

Snow possible

VOLUME 7 ISSUE 25 44 Pages

SNOWMOBILE CONTINUED ON A2

BY JERMAINE PIGEE jpigee@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5525 @JPigee84

Today: 30/7 For the forecast, see Page A11

etary donation.

Snowmobile Rescue of Sterling, Rock Falls, and Surrounding Areas is always looking for more people to volunteer with their snowmobiles, trucks, or dispatching skills. For more information, call Stacey or head to the Facebook page facebook.com/ groups/307029302755617/.

Business

Morrison native’s footwear for little ones seems a shoe-in for success.

See Page C1

Community Excitement on the basketball floor is matched by excitement on the bench.

The SVM Photo Team captures “Coaching Excitement.”

See Page C12

STERLING – Gov. Bruce Rauner’s proposed budget includes $300 million in education funding, which is a much-needed boost for local school districts.

Although school officials in the Sauk Valley are looking forward to the additional funding, some say the money still does not fully fund school districts.

Other school leaders want more specifics on the proposal.

During a campaign stop in Sterling last summer, Rauner said he wanted to increase spending on local schools. He said Illinois had one of the lowest rates of state support for funding education.

EDUCATORS CONTINUED ON A3

Index Births................ C5

Lottery .............. A2

Business........... C1

Markets .......... A10

Classified .......... D1

Obituaries ......... A4

Comics ............. B8

Opinion............. A6

Community ..... C12

Scoreboard ...... B6

Crossword Saturday ........... D7

Scrapbook ....... C3

Crossword Sunday ............. C8

Support groups .. C5

Dave Ramsey ... C1

Weather.......... A11

Dear Abby ........ C6

Wheels ............. D8

Sports .............. B1 Travel .............. C10

A2 • SV Weekend

www.saukvalley.com

Saturday, February 21, 2015

ONLINE EXTRA

COMMUNITY WATCH

Your chance to review Rock Falls Tourism looks for online comments on TripAdvisor, FourSquare, Yelp

BY ANGEL SIERRA asierra@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5695 @_angelsierra

Do endorsements or online reviews matter?

Do they change your shopping or eating habits? In January, I wrote and posted on Facebook about the importance of online reviews to consumers and businesses, and about the value they can provide to potential customers.

A quick look Wednesday at Rock Falls Tourism’s promo page visitrockfalls.com revealed a noticeable change in the form of a large, green advertisement, which invited people to “leave a review.”

Translation: digital feedback.

The effort is a concept that’s only a few weeks old, said Tourism Executive Director Tim Wilson, who aims to cultivate the buzz achieved through social media.

The group recently kicked off a new marketing campaign with

CONTINUED FROM A1

“We love to snowmobile, so why not help those who need it?”

Volunteers always run in pairs, carrying hats, gloves, masks, water bottles, snacks, first-aid kits, phone chargers, and blankets that Stacey waterproofs by sewing shower curtains to them.

“We try to think outside the box,” she said.

And, outside of a few donations from friends and family members, they fund the entire thing themselves – from supplies to gasoline.

the slogan, “Come for the Peace, Stay for the Party!”

By extending its reach through channels such as TripAdvisor, Yelp, and FourSquare, the agency intends to generate and guide the dialogue by harnessing the power of word-of-mouth conversation online.

Wilson has the ability – in a limited capac-

Whiteside County Sheriff Kelly Wilhelmi said he believes their efforts have saved lives.

“You know, it means a lot to us,” he said. “Our job is to help people, and when we’re unable to do it, it’s great that someone else is able to step up and help us.”

One or two volunteers will stay home to field calls from the sheriff’s department and requests for help made to the group’s Facebook page.

Then snowmobilers are sent where they are needed.

Their top priority, Stacey said, is to get people they rescue to a safe, warm place.

IN BRIEF Dogs safe after minivan stolen CHICAGO (AP) – Seven dogs have been safely reunited with their owners after two men stole a minivan they were left in outside a pet day care in Chicago.

Surveillance video released Thursday shows that the van was unattended when two men walked up to it, got inside, and drove away.

The van was found about 4 miles from the day care on Thursday.

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ity – to directly respond to comments, he said, but the ultimate goal is to get people to do the talking by reviewing local restaurants, businesses, and other places of interest.

The plan is to connect farther and go beyond paper products, noting that digital media is the “new way of marketing.”

Ithaca, New York, this

And as they’re out, they check on random cars they see stuck in drifts. Once Sheriff Kelly a vehicle Wilhelmi has been checked, they place a glow stick on its roof, so other rescuers know.

Stacey said they’d really like to get a pull-behind sled, so they can better transport supplies – and children.

“That was the hardest call we had,” she said. “There was a girl with a 3-year-old, and we couldn’t get to and transport them all safely.

week received a blast of attention when it asked tourists not to visit, and instead suggested a trip to the Florida Keys after “surrendering” to winter.

So, finding fresh, innovative ways to promote tourism is nothing new.

How they do it is.

It’s a step forward toward meeting a younger, more connected demographic.

Dixon, Illinois

www.supremecleanersinc.com

With a pull-behind sled, we could’ve. That call was the one that broke my heart, but thank God, someone else was able to get to them.”

She hopes to be able to buy a sled in the next 2 years, but until then, she said, they’ll keep doing the best they can.

“Sometimes it’s tough to get down these roads,” Sheriff Wilhelmi said.

“The county and state and townships can only do so much, especially when it’s blowing and everything. It gives us another option, and it’s very, very much appreciated.

“These people are wonderful.”

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 1707 East 4th St., St Sterling $ $ (815) 625-9600 $ $ $ “WE TREAT YOU LIKE FAMILY” $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

WE FIND CARS!

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ERROR? Getting it right We care about accuracy, and we want to correct errors promptly.

Please call mistakes to our attention at 815-2842222 or 815-625-3600, ext. 5501 or 5502.

Corrections In a story published in Thursday’s editions about overtime pay at Dixon Correctional Center, Illinois Department of Corrections spokesman Tom Shaer was quoted as saying, “We hired 700 new [corrections] officers [statewide] during a 10-year period, ...”

In fact, Shaer said those 700 officers were hired over a 1-year period.

We regret the error.

Sheriff: Their efforts have saved lives SNOWMOBILE

Were we in

C

W

’s

ER & OUR SER ICE r 47 years!

a fo Serving the are

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Mar 17 ....... Flower & Garden Show Navy Pier – Chicago Mar 21 ....... “The Wizard of Oz” Fireside Dinner Theatre April 1 ....... “The Last (Potluck) Supper” Church Basement Ladies Circa ’21 Theatre

Congratulations to

Ty Reynolds

on 15 years of service with Shaw Media

April 22 ..... History & Country Music Show Galesburg Historical Museum & Theatre April 24 ..... “Salute to Bobby Darin” Circa ’21 Dinner Theatre April 29 ..... “All Shook Up” Fireside Dinner Theatre May 14....... “Match Maker” Old Creamery Theatre-Amana Jul 1............ “Guys on Ice” Fireside Dinner Theatre Jul 10.......... NHRA Nationals (Drag Races) Route 66 Raceway in Joliet July 24........ Wildlife Cruise Mississippi Explorer Boat

Ogle County Sheriff

Sterling Police Samantha M. Jones, 18, of Tampico; 7:46 a.m.

Thursday at West 23rd Street and Oak Grove Avenue; speeding; promise to comply.

Micah C. Galvan, 20, of Sterling, 11:06 a.m. Thursday in the 1000 block of Avenue L; Whiteside County warrant for failure to appear on a charge of criminal trespass to land; taken to Whiteside County Jail.

Jacob M. Munz, 19, of Sterling; 12:11 p.m. Thursday at Locust and Reins streets; failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident; promise to comply.

Jusitn W. Garcia, 32, of Sterling; 1 p.m. Thursday

Brandy Thomas, 29, and Juan Lozano, 29, both of Rochelle; Thursday; warrant for retail theft conspiracy; taken to Ogle County Jail; to appear in court.

Michael Hensley, 24, of Forreston; Thursday; leaving the scene of an accident; taken to Ogle County Jail; to appear in court.

Eric Polich, 23, of Middleton, Wisconsin; Thursday; warrant; taken to Ogle County Jail; posted bond and given notice to appear in court.

BIRTHDAYS Happy birthday to Twila Highland, Emily WIlliams, Vanessa White, Jeannie Jones, Caryl Dimmig, John Markley, Patrick Mason, Gary Kessel, Norman Day, and Pat Stachoviak, all on Saturday.

Happy birthday to Jeff Page, Doug Lair, Lewis Epperson, Stephanie Fritz, Kelly Null, Justin Shuman, Diana Hosler, and Sandra Royer, all on Sunday.

LOTTERY NUMBERS Pick Three-Midday: 8-9-1 Fireball: 3 Pick Three-Evening: 8-9-7 Fireball: 3 Pick Four-Midday: 1-1-5-1 Fireball: 3 Pick Four-Evening: 6-1-8-9 Fireball: 6 Lucky Day Lotto – Midday: 1-14-27-40-42 Lucky Day Lotto – Evening: 12-16-18-33-39

T R I V I A

Estimated Lotto jackpot: $5 million Estimated Mega Millions jackpot: $100 million Estimated Powerball jackpot: $60 million

MEGA MILLIONS 2-6-8-52-66 Mega Ball: 13 Megaplier: 3

Q U E S TI ON ?

1) What timekeeping instrument does the marking on the abdomen of a black widow spider look like?

2)What insect was responsible for transmitting the Bubonic or Black Plague?

Answer located in today’s classified section

Before you make a move call…

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404 N. Lincoln Ave., Dixon, IL 288-3133 www.alliedvan.com

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Mar 14 ....... “Easter in the Country” Craft Show Sandwich, IL (indoors)

Dixon Police Kristina M. Schaver, 30, of Dixon; 12:08 p.m. Friday, 600 block of Fellows Street; possession of drug paraphernalia; issued city ordinance citation.

POLICE

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2015 DAY TRIPS

in the 200 block of Eighth Avenue; no insurance and expired registration; given notice to appear in court.

Oscar A. Bosch, 33, of Sterling; 11 p.m. Thursday at East Third Street and 16th Avenue; Whiteside County warrant for failure to appear on a charge of possession of cannabis; posted bond.

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SV Weekend • A3

DIXON | COLLECTING THE CRUNDWELL LOAN

Seized assets, wage garnishments are options Professor says creditors take easiest routes to collection

BY MATT MENCARINI mmencarini@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5529 @MattMencarini

DIXON – In January, a federal judge ordered that the ownership of loans owed by former city Engineer Shawn Ortgiesen and his wife, Angela, be transferred from former city Comptroller Rita Crundwell to the U.S. government.

Now that the government owns the debt, it will move to collect.

The tools it has available to collect on any debt vary, and the ease with which the government can collect depends on the debtor’s assets, said Charles Tabb, a law professor at the University of Illinois who specializes in bankruptcy, contracts and commercial law.

Crundwell was arrested at City Hall in 2012 and later pleaded guilty to wire

fraud in the theft of nearly $54 million from the city over 2 decades. As part of the plea agreement, a federal judge issued a $54 million restitution order.

The U.S. government has seized, liquidated and transferred many of Crundwell’s assets to the city already, about $9.3 million in all, mainly from the sale of her property, homes and horses.

In the U.S. government’s discovery, it found loans issued to the Ortgiesens, to Dixon Fire Chief Tim Shipman and his wife, and to Donald Wolber.

The loans to the Shipmans were repaid without litigation, and as a result, the terms and amount were not made public. Wolber’s $2,000 loan is nearly repaid, the government reported.

Between November 2008 and January 2012,

Crundwell lent the Ortgiesens $182,862 at a 4 percent interest rate. The Shawn loans are in default, and Ortgiesen the Ortgiesens now owe the government $182,580.33, which will be applied to the city’s restitution.

Ortgiesen resigned from his job at the city on April 16, 2013, after it was discovered he had charged a city credit card for personal expenses between April 2007 and March 2013. When he left, he paid the city with a check that included the remaining balance plus interest he had calculated at 5 percent.

Ortgiesen has not returned a request for comment.

Tabb addressed generalities of how the U.S. government, or any creditor, will move to collect on a debt. He didn’t address the specifics of

the Ortgiesens’ loan.

The easiest route for collection is to seize bank accounts, Tabb said, because the assets are already liquidated.

In essence, a bank owes money to the account holder, equal to the account balance.

For the government to collect the balance, it would transfer ownership of the debt from the account holder to the government.

Wage garnishment is the next easiest route, Tabb said, adding that the government or creditor serves the employer with an order, and each month a portion of the paycheck is withheld until the debt is paid off.

“Garnishment is slam dunk,” he said. “They love garnishment.”

After that, a creditor will move to seize and liquidate non-exempt property. The law allows a debtor certain property that can’t be seized, Tabb said, including a modest

home, vehicles, clothes, a Bible, tools of the trade, bedding, etc.

Bu t i f a debtor owns Charles a sumTabb mer home, that’s likely something that would be seized if the creditor thought it had enough value.

If a summer home worth $200,000 has a $190,000 mortgage attached, Tabb explained, going after the home for a $10,000 return might not be worth it.

“What position a creditor will take is based on the practically of what they’ll be able to realize,” he said.

The creditors weigh the hassle versus the return, and if the debtor is willing to agree to some repayment plan, it’s often agreed to, Tabb said, because if creditors push too hard, a debtor is likely to file for bankruptcy.

If that happens, credi-

tors that already have liens on property or on assets are given priority treatment, Tabb said, and once the lien holders have been settled, the rest of the creditors split the remaining assets. The rest of the debt is wiped away.

“On the one hand, you want to move quickly before the debtor files,” Tabb said of placing liens on property and seizing bank accounts. “The counter to that is if you move too quickly, you push them into bankruptcy.”

In the case of the Ortgiesens, since the loans are not fraudulent, they could be wiped away in bankruptcy.

Debts resulting from fraud, Tabb said, aren’t lost in the bankruptcy process.

But how much of the $182,580 will be collected and when, Tabb said, “depends on the financial situation of this unfortunate couple.”

Governor’s funding plan for education ‘better,’ but is it good?

EDUCATORS

CONTINUED FROM A1

“We are 48th out of 50 states,” he said at the time. “I want to increase state support so we can fully fund our schools and make sure every district gets proper support and funding.”

General state aid is currently prorated at 89 percent, which Dan means the Arickx state will pay only 89 percent of what it would take to fully fund a foundation level of $6,119 per student.

With the additional money proposed, school districts would be funded at 95 percent.

“This is money we are already supposed to be getting,” said Dan Arickx, superintendent of the Rock Falls Elementary School District. “We still are not where we are supposed to be.”

Because of the prorating, local school districts have decreased staff, cut budgets, and increased outside fundraising.

“What Gov. Rauner’s budget address did not mention is that this increase still falls more than $250 million short of the statutory foundation level for general state aid this year,” said Ron McCord, superintendent of the Rock Falls High School District.

Rauner didn’t say how he planned to pay for the education increase, as the state budget has a pro-

jected $5 billion shortfall next year.

Although the increase in funding still would David not fully Blackburn fund school districts, McCord said every little bit would help.

“The closer the state can get to fully funding education, the better it is for all districts,” he said. “An increased appropriation of $300 million is a great start.”

David Blackburn, business manager of Dixon School District, said the district was highly dependent on state aid. Any additional money would be a positive for the district, he said.

“That money is better than nothing,” Blackburn said. “I’d rather see an increase than a decrease.

It’s just a proposal, however, so nothing will be passed right now.”

Tad Everett, superintendent of Sterling School District, said Rauner’s

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Saturday, February 21 5:00-6:00 Social Hour 6:00 Dinner 7:00-10:00 Dance Tickets $25/couple

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Gov. Bruce Rauner speaks during a visit to Loveland Community House in Dixon on Feb. 7. During his budget address Wednesday, Rauner proposed spending an additional $300 million on Illinois schools. proposal still had some unknowns.

“After he talked about the $300 million increase in education, he also said it would help school districts with the most needs,” Everett said.

“What does that mean, and how do you define that? Where is the revenue going?”

Everett said he hoped he could get some answers in the near future. School districts have to make

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decisions in the spring about reductions in staff.

“I want to know if all of that money is going into K-12 education,” Everett said. “How much is going to private schools, and how much is going

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to Chicago?”

John Zick, superintendent of the AshtonFranklin Tad C e n t e r Everett school district, said he also wanted more details.

“It’s better news,” Zick said. “I would hesitate to say it’s good news until there are more specifics.

Until we know specifics, the impact will be minimal on our immediate decisions.”

Scott Vance, superintendent of the Morrison School District, said he agreed with Zick that it’s too soon to know how the district would be affected.

“Without knowing in what form the increased revenue is going to come in, I can’t say for certain how exactly [the school district] would use the funds,” Vance said. “We have needs in several funds such as education, transportation, and operations and maintenance.”

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JOIN US FOR: Feb. 19 th - Community Coffee 9:15AM -10AM Feb. 23 rd - Senior Dental Health Presentation 1:00 PM

MEMORY CARE COMMUNITY Opening Spring 2015!

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Saturday, February 21st 10-11 a.m.

Sterling Federal Bank 402 S. Galena Avenue, Dixon RSVPs are encouraged, but not required. Call…  Melissa Freas in Sterling at 815-622-3369  Natalie Cole in Dixon at 815-548-7554  Christy Eastman in Byron & Mt. Morris at 815-631-1899

A4 • SV Weekend

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Saturday, February 21, 2015

OBITUARIES Timothy Lee Wells Nov. 9, 1955 – ROCK FALLS – Timothy Lee Wells, 59, was born Nov. 9, 1955, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, the first child of the late Joseph Nathan and Barbara Jean (Crawford) Wells of Coloma, Michigan, and Lombard.

Tim was married to his beloved wife, the late Linda Staats, and shared 23 years of a cherished love. They resided in Lombard, and later Springfield. Tim attended Wheaton Central High School, and Northwestern Military Academy in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. He was a certified mechanic and specialized in marine and motorcycle mechanics.

Tim captained motor yachts on Lake Michigan and at Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Tim’s true passion was for music and he was trained on guitar and drums. He was an accomplished session drummer, playing in various bands in his earlier years. He was a descendent to the Historical Sawyer Ball House, the family homestead in Coloma, where he enjoyed attending many family gatherings.

Feb. 18, 2015 Shortly before Tim’s passing, he openly stated his faith and trust in Jesus Christ. He felt completely at peace with the circumstances and had no fear or regret. His courage and conviction of stepping across the threshold of life into eternity was unwavering. “We are of good courage, I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be at home with the Lord.� 2 Corinthians 5:8. Tim demonstrated all of this and more.

Tim passed away of liver carcinoma Feb.18, 2015, surrounded by his loving family.

Su r v i v o r s i n c l u d e his brother, Jonathan �Scott� (Tammy) Wells of Lisle; sisters, Marjorie Lou (James) Williams of Montgomery, Laura Lind (Joseph) Tito of Chicago and Coloma, Michigan, and Cynthia Furman Wells of Dixon.

A celebration of Tim’s life will be at the family homestead in Coloma. Iterment will be on Memorial Day weekend at Coloma Cemetery in Michigan, with family and friends.

James A. ‘Jim’ Malay LAKE BLOOMINGTON – James A. “Jim� Malay died Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015, at his Lake Bloomington home.

He was born Nov. 26, 1937, in Moline, the son of Paul Joseph “Jack� and Mary (Gorman) Malay. During his early years, he was employed at Massey’s Ace Hardware store in Dixon. He graduated from Dixon High School in 1955, and St. Ambrose College in 1959. He served 6 years in the Army Reserves.

In 1960 he joined State Farm Insurance, and retired as vice president of services and systems in 1999. He was very active in his community, serving for 15 years as chairman of Timber Point Outdoor Center

in Hudson, a camp for Easter Seal Children.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine; daughters, Susan (Bill) McNary, Julie (Ed) Freidman, and Karen (Spencer) Compton; and his son, Jim (Alicia) Malay; as well as 10 grandchildren.

He was preceeded in death by his parents; sister, Rosemary Malay Robinson; and his brother, John.

A Funeral Mass was Jan. 28 at Epiphany Catholic Church in Normal, with the Rev. Michael Schaab and the Rev. Carl LoPresti officiating.

Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home in Bloomington handled arrangements.

A memorial has been established to the Timber Point Outdoor Center.

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR THE WEEK Today’s visitations: Mary C. Estrada of Sterling, 8:30-10:15 a.m., with prayers at 10:15 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church in Sterling.

Toney E. Searing of Rock Falls, 8:30-10 a.m. at McDonald Funeral Home & Crematory in Rock Falls.

Mary Jo A. Burkhalter of Sterling, 9:30-10:45 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sterling.

Bernard C. “Bernie� Kessel of Amboy, 9:30-10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Amboy.

Harold R. Schmall of Franklin Grove, 10-11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Dixon.

Today’s funerals: Virginia Long of Dixon, 9:15 a.m. prayer service at Jones Funeral Home in Dixon, followed by 10 a.m. Mass at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dixon.

Toney E. Searing of Rock Falls, 10 a.m. memorial service at McDonald Funeral Home & Crematory in Rock Falls.

Bernard C. “Bernie� Kessel of Amboy, 10:30 a.m.

Mass at at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Amboy.

Thomas L. Keller of Bullhead City, Arizona, 11 a.m. memorial service at Faith Baptist Church in Sterling.

Mary Jo A. Burkhalter of Sterling, 11 a.m. Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sterling.

Mary C. Estrada of Sterling, 11 a.m. Mass at St. Mary Catholic Church in Sterling.

Harold R. Schmall of Franklin Grove, 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Dixon.

Sunday visitations: LeRoy W. “Lee�

Josephsen of Dixon, 1-4 p.m. at Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon.

Donald Marschang of Sublette, 1 to 6 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Sublette.

Isabelle J. Benson of Morrison, 4-7 p.m. at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Morrison.

Jacob Burke of Oregon, 4-8 p.m. at Farrell-HollandGale Funeral Home, Oregon.

Sunday funerals: Elmer L. Koster of Sterling, noon at Schilling Funeral Home in Sterling, followed by celebration of life and lunch at Woodlawn Arts Academy in Sterling.

LeRoy W. ‘Lee’ Josephsen DIXON – LeRoy W. “Lee� Josephsen, 93, of Dixon, died Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015, at his home after an extended illness.

Lee was born Aug. 11, 1921, in Harmon, the son of Charles and Margaret (Snapoonis) Josephsen. He married Fern E. Hillison on July 4, 1943. Although they later divorced, they remained friends throughout the years. He took great pride in being a truck driver and having driven more than a million miles. He retired from Prince Castle after 33 years of service. Lee would proudly say he never received a ticket or was involved in an accident. He was an active member of Dixon Moose Lodge 727 and Dixon Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. 779.

He thoroughly enjoyed playing euchre, fishing, carpentry work, and gardening. Lee will be remembered for his kind heart, the same jokes he always thought were so funny, and for the sweet man he was.

Those left behind to cherish his memory include his two daughters, Carol (Dean) Jones of Celebration, Flor-

ida, and Sandi (Ron) Reinhold of Dixon; two granddaughters, Michelle (Dan) Newman and Andrea ( Jason) Cook, both of Dixon; and five great-grandchildren, Tyler, Nate, Allison, and Brady Newman, and Carlie Cook. He also will be remembered by three sisters, Elaine Handel, Margaret Rutherford, and Thora Schauff; dear friend, Margaret Haines; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Charles, Marvin, and Fred Josephsen; and a son-in-law, Richard Fick.

Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Vincent O. Marrandino, director of pastoral care at KSB Hospital in Dixon, officiating. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Dixon.

A memorial has been established.

Visit prestonschillingfuneralhome.com to send condolences.

Jacob M. Burke OREGON – Jacob Matthew Burke, 25, the son of Bob and Dawn Burke of Oregon, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015, at Loyola Medical C e n t e r, w h e r e he had been a patient in the intensive care unit for 2.5 weeks.

Jake was an active student and athlete at both Oregon and Rock Falls High schools. More than winning, he enjoyed the game and playing it with his teammates. He went on to graduate from Western Illinois University, where he found inspiration in studying psychology. Among his many accomplishments, Jake would consider falling in love, spending time with his friends and family, and learning guitar as his favorite.

His family will miss his warm smile, playful personality, and loyal heart.

Jake will be greatly missed by his parents, Bob and Dawn Burke of Oregon; sisters, Carrie Tinsman (Rob) of Anthem, Arizona, and Becky Merrill (Clayton) of Canton, Mississippi; brothers, Jason Coffman

and Zach Coffman, both of Chicago, and Brett Burke of Oregon; his loving grandmother, Darlene Burke; a n d n u m e ro u s aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Donald and Patricia Aulls; and paternal grandfather, Roger Burke, all formerly of Oregon.

His family would like to thank Dr. Goyal and team, and the many nurses and staff at Loyola Medical Center who took such loving care of Jake.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 110 S. Seventh St., Oregon. Christian Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Mary Catholic Church, 301 N. Fourth St., Oregon. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Oregon.

Memorials may be directed to Special Olympics.

Go to farrellhollandgale.com to send condolences.

Adelle G. Katz DIXON – Adelle G. Katz, 98, of Dixon, died Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015, at Sauk Valley Senior Living in Rock Falls.

She was born July 23, 1916, in Chicago, the daughter of Michael and Florence (Kantro) Gunther. She worked for the Dixon State School for 10 years. She enjoyed going to Crystal Lake on the weekends and playing bridge. She was a member of a bridge club for many years. She also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Adelle married Dr. Irving A. Katz on Dec. 31, 1943, in Charleston, South Carolina. He preceded her in death on April 12, 2003.

Survivors include one daughter, Margery (Steven) Chapman of Rock Falls; grandchildren, Michael Katz and Ryan

Katz of Milton, Florida, and Alyssa Chapman and Adam Chapman of Rock Falls; greatgrandchildren, Michael Katz II, Adysson Scott, Koltyn Chapman, and one expected great-grandson, C o l l y n A n d e rson; nieces, Lois (Paul) Pitalis and Betty (Roger) Goatcher; and four great-nieces.

She also was preceded in death by one son, Michael Katz; one brother, Lester Gunther; and two sisters, Maude (Leo) Karno and twin sister, Annette (Sherman) Lewin.

Private burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Sterling.

A memorial has been established.

Jones Funeral Home in Dixon is handling arrangements.

Go to thejonesfuneralhome.com to send condolences.

Donald Marschang SUBLETTE – Donald Marschang, 71, of Sublette, died Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015, at Mendota Community Hospital.

He was born Nov. 20, 1943, in Morrison, the son of Vincent and Bessie (Mock) Marschang.

He had been a farmer and had worked at Wayside Press for 20 years.

In retirement he worked part time for Del Monte.

He was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Sublette, Amboy Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion. He was a veteran of the Army. He married Judith Prendergast on Oct. 15, 1966, in Sublette.

He is sur vived by his wife, Judy of Sublette; one son, Doug Marschang of Dixon; one daughter, Brenda (Pete) Prevenas of North Platte, Nebraska; four grandchildren, Tyler

Marschang and Jacob, Ryan, and Katelin Prevenas; and one sister, Gladys Shappa of Phoenix.

He w a s p re c e d e d in death by his parents; one son, Jeffrey D. Marschang; and one brother, Charles Marschang.

Visitation will be from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday and from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m.

Monday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Sublette. Mass of Christian Burial will at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church, with the Rev. Randy Fronek and the Rev. Joel Lopez officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery in Sublette.

A memorial has been established.

Mihm-Jones Funeral Home in Amboy is handling arrangements.

Condolences may be sent online at www.thejonesfh.com.

Nova J. Parker FULTON – Nova J. Parker, 75, of Harbor Crest Nursing Home in Fulton, formerly of Albany, died Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015, at

the nursing home.

A r ra n g e m e n t s w e re completed by BosmaRenkes Funeral Home in Morrison.

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Keven G. Dean ROCK FALLS – Keven Glenn Dean, 60 of Rock Falls, died Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling.

Keven was born June 25, 1954, in Sterling. He was the son of James Dean and Sam and Donna (Glenn) Crady.

He was an Army veteran. Keven married Janet Helfrich on May 4, 1991, in Rock Falls. He enjoyed cooking, baking, and woodworking. Keven was an avid NASCAR fan, and was the past president of the Twin City Cruizers Car Club.

Survivors include his wife, Janet of Rock Falls; three daughters, Bobbi Jo Dean (Darren) Blair of Chuluota, Florida, Jessica Dean (Andrew Lundy) of Geneva, Florida, and Kelli (Luke) Rajnowski of Sterling; two sons, Ryan Dean (Nicole Koehler) of Dixon and Michael (Kim) Kilday of Rock Falls; 10 grandchildren, Jaimi Machen, Byron Dean Morgan,

Deseray Heck, Zoie Blair, Brenon Blair, Lexi Lundy, Ava Lundy, Grace Lundy, Zachary Kilday and Brandon Kilday; one great-grandchild, Syler; one sister, Debbie Dean of Delatore, California; one brother, Lonnie (Shelby) Crady; siblings from the Dean a n d C a n t re l l f a m ily; niece, Christiana Crady; and nieces and nephews; and special friends, James Lathrop, and Keith Argraves, and Frank Selmi.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Lisa; and one brother, Michael.

A gathering of family and friends will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, followed by a memorial service Tuesday, at McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls, with Dalmus Meeks, pastor, officiating.

A memorial has been established.

Go to mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com to send condolences.

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Cyrus J. Sickler Sr. ROCK FALLS – Cyrus J. Sickler Sr., 60, of Rock Falls, died Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015. He was a handyman.

He was born Jan. 12, 1955, in New Yo r k s t a t e. He married Susan L. Mankamayer. She preceded him in death.

Survivors include two daughters, Crystal Sick-

ler of Rock Falls and Amy White of California; one son, Cyrus Sickler Jr. of Florida; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and four stepgrandchildren.

A celebration of life will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at Sterling Township Center of Youth. 312 Fourth St., Sterling.

Obituary information All obituaries, including death notices, are due by 2 p.m. Sunday through Friday if sent via email, obituaries@saukvalley. com or fax, 815-625-9390.

Obituary corrections and clarifications will appear in the Corrections

box on Page A2 the next publication day after we are notified of an error.

Receipt of all obituaries must be confirmed by phone.

For more information, call 800-798-4085, ext.

5530 or 5502.

In Loving Memory of

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The moment that you died our hearts were torn in two, one side filled with heartache the other died with you. We often lie awake at night when all the world’s asleep and take a walk down memory lane with memories that we keep. Remembering you is easy, we do it every day. But missing you is heartache that never goes away. We hold you tightly in our hearts and there you will remain. Until our lives on earth do end, when we will meet again.

We Love & Miss You, Your Loving Family

Saturday, February 21, 2015

www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • A5

PEORIA

Caterpillar announces, ‘We’re staying put’ Heavy equipment maker to expand its headquarters PEORIA (AP) – After a 2-year study that examined alternative locations, Caterpillar Inc. announced Friday that it will keep its global headquarters in Peoria and modernize its downtown complex in what it called a recommitment to the city.

The world’s largest maker of construction and mining equipment, with $55 billion in annual sales and revenue, Caterpillar will expand and overhaul its headquarters with a three-tower building as its centerpiece, CEO Doug Oberhelman said.

“Caterpillar will stay in Peoria,” Oberhelman announced to a standing ovation of about 200 dignitaries at the company’s downtown visitors center.

The morning gala reserved a prominent seat for new Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, whose campaign focusing on repairing the state’s financial cracks and making Illinois more attractive to business won him the job over Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn, with whom Oberhelman had clashed about fiscal policy.

“Great day for Illinois.

Outstanding day for Illinois,” Rauner pro-

$1.5 billion, will expand the site to 31 acres and six blocks and add walking and biking paths, and “innovative” workspaces.

The company has about 2,400 employees in its main headquarters and 800 others spread around downtown.

AP

Gov. Bruce Rauner (left) and Caterpillar CEO Doug Oberhelman participate in the Caterpillar Inc. announcement that it is keeping its global headquarters in downtown Peoria. The heavy equipment maker also announced Friday that it will expand its corporate campus in Peoria. claimed. “Great day for rent headquarters was Peoria.” built in 1967, when its Caterpillar, whose cur- annual sales were just

OBERHELMAN WOULD not say how much the company would spend.

The creation of the headquarters study raised concerns that Caterpillar could move, and Rauner said the company was courted heavily by other countries as well as states.

Another major central Illinois employer, agribusiness firm Archer Daniels Midland Co., moved its international headquarters from Decatur to Chicago last year.

Rauner, who named Oberhelman to a transition committee advising the governor on top priorities for his first 100 days in office, said Caterpillar never asked for favors.

“They never came to me or previous governors and asked for any special deals or any special treatment, tax breaks, rebates or kickbacks,” Rauner said. “They just wanted to be treated with respect and know that Illinois is going to be fiscally responsible and run right, the way Caterpillar is run right.”

Oberhelman told re p o r t e r s a f t e r t h e announcement that the company considered the pros and cons, but decided early in the review process to stay.

Committee chairman: Don’t keep businesses away SUIT

CONTINUED FROM A1

The Whiteside County Board is expected to vote on an amended code at its March 17 meeting. County Administrator Joel Horn presented a proposed amendment to the county’s Executive Committee on Jan. 27, but the panel decided to coordinate its efforts with the cities before presenting changes to the full board.

Sterling approved a similar amendment to its video gambling ordinance at its Feb. 17 council meeting. City Attorney Ron Coplan even took the city’s language one step further than the county by adding percentage of floor space to the primary business definition.

In addition to the new requirement that alcohol and food must generate at least 60 percent of a business’s gross receipts, Sterling also now requires that at least 60 percent of the floor space be devoted to its primary business before gambling terminals are allowed into the mix.

Although Wescott said he was troubled by the “massive gray areas” created when the state enacted the Illinois Video Gaming Act in 2009, the more he researched the issue, the more concerns he had with trying to fix it at the local level.

“The gaming parlor concept is an unforeseen consequence of the statute,” Wescott said.

“And the state has done nothing to clarify the language.”

Wescott and some committee members said they were inclined to let the free market system make some of the decisions.

“I believe that several

businesses in town would have already failed without gaming,” Wescott said. “But at some point, the time will come when the market becomes saturated and businesses will have to make their own decisions impacting whether they’ll fail or succeed.”

Committee member Daehle Reitzel, who is a downtown businessman, said he believes the required percentages would be difficult to enforce and that the amended language takes things too far.

“I think we are really crossing a line when we monitor a business’s sales receipts,” Reitzel said. “I agree there is no need to move forward with this.”

Committee Chairman John Watts said he was relieved after hearing the mayor’s thoughts on the issue.

“I was hopeful you wouldn’t recommend going with the county’s amendment,” Watts said.

“We have made commitments with this money

Something

‘‘

I wouldn’t hold your breath if you’re waiting for Springfield to remedy the gray areas. We wanted to be proactive on this.

We want our businesses to be destination points.

for several years out, and I don’t want to keep businesses from coming in.”

Sterling Mayor Skip Lee said he was surprised by Rock Falls’ decision to break from the pack on the ordinance changes, but he said each city has different considerations.

“Maybe it was like the rental inspections program, and the mayor didn’t feel there was a consensus on the council for it at this time,” Lee said. “We had broadbased support here, and the council was firmly behind our decision.”

Sterling’s decision was expedited by a liquor license application from Suzy McAfoos, owner of Suzi’s Video Poker and

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Slots, which has a parlor in Rock Falls. The changes in language would keep such parlors out of the city because a majority of the receipts come from video gambling terminals.

While that situation might have affected the timing, Lee said, Sterling wasn’t comfortable with waiting for clarification from the state.

“I wouldn’t hold your breath if you’re waiting for Springfield to remedy the gray areas,” Lee said. “We wanted to be proactive on this. We want our businesses to be destination points –

Sterling’s new language Section 10-74 Limitations Upon Placement No video gaming terminal permit shall be issued to, and no video gaming terminal shall be placed or operated within a location that does not also have issued to it a license for the sale of alcoholic beverages for retail by the drink for consumption on the premises as its principle business. Principal business means and is defined as premises where 60 percent or more of the floor space of the premises is devoted to the retail sales of alcoholic beverages and/or food products, or 60 percent of the gross receipts generated on the premises result from the retail sale of alcoholic liquor and/or food products. Notwithstanding any greater limit which may from time to time be established by the Illinois legislature, no more than five (5) video gaming terminals shall be allowed, nor permits issued therefore, under this ordinance under each licensee at any one location. that’s how we want to be viewed.”

Lee said he wasn’t afraid to roll the dice on financial implications of the city’s move. In 2014 alone, nearly $20 million was played in video gambling in Sterling. Although players won back about 91 percent, they still contributed more than half

a million dollars to state and local government.

The city’s share was $84,880.

“I always say that if money is the sole reason for doing something, it probably won’t end well,” Lee said. “Our research shows the pot of money won’t continue to grow; it will just spread out.”

Opinion A6 • SV Weekend

www.saukvalley.com

Saturday, February 21, 2015

EDITORIAL

Worthwhile wisdom from America’s ‘dad’ O

n Dec. 14, 1799, the final day of his life, 67-yearold George Washington, weakened by an infection after a horseback ride in a snowstorm, along with the unsound medical practice of bleeding, asked a secretary whether his final deathbed instructions had been understood. The secretary said yes. “’Tis well,” Washington whispered. Then he died. ’Tis well that we remember the Father of Our Country on Sunday, 283 years after his birth on Feb. 22, 1732.

His name is synonymous with our nation.

His likeness is ever present on our currency. ’Tis well, too, that

Washington’s leadership qualities receive attention, above and beyond that amalgamated, manufactured Monday holiday known as Presidents Day. The life of Washington, who led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolution, presided over the 1787 Constitutional Convention, and was elected our first president in 1789, offers wisdom worth remembering today.

Among the examples: Learn from your mistakes. Washington witnessed plenty as a frontier colonial officer, and he made some himself.

From them, he learned the British could be defeated.

What we think

but it paid off.

Live to fight another day. Washington lost Washington’s birthday is Sunday. Let’s many battles, but he remember how the Father of Our Country knew when to withdraw became “first in war, first in peace, and first to keep his army intact.

Lead by example. in the hearts of his countrymen.”

As the first president, Take the initiaBritish, but also everything he did set a tive. With the Britagainst rival genprecedent. He knew it, ish occupying Boserals. and acted with wisdom. ton, Washington Don’t give up.

He got the nation off to a approved a plan Washington took good start. to transport heavy hardship and Be wary of politics. guns from an discouragement Washington warned inland fort to the in stride. He conAmericans that politiGeorge Washington heights surroundquered the despair cal parties would create ing the city. The of Valley Forge and discord for the fledgling 1732-1799 astonished Britled his army to nation. He was right. His The Father ish were forced to victory. countrymen should have of Our Country still evacuate without a Take calculated listened. has lessons shot being fired. risks. Crossing Cultivate friendships to teach Protect your the Delaware for and alliances. Friends 21st-century flanks. Not only a bold Christmas helped Washington sucAmericans. did he do this attack on the ceed militarily and in successfully against the enemy was a gamble, government. The French

fleet helped him force the British to surrender at Yorktown.

Know when to say when. Washington could have been a supreme leader for life, if he’d wanted to. But he voluntarily stepped down, to his everlasting credit.

Take care of your health. Yeh, that horseback ride in the snow wasn’t such a good idea.

Neither was medicinal bleeding.

Create something positive that will outlast you.

Well, all Washington did was to help create the United States of America.

What an outstanding legacy.

Washington was a wise leader. ’Tis well that he be remembered.

THE READER’S VOICE

Blockage was the city’s fault, not resident’s

job supports more than 1.2 additional jobs for our local economies.

To have a healthy, productive workforce in a competitive economy, Illinois needs to responsibly fund its Medicaid program. We urge the governor and General Assembly to invest in health and not leave our most vulnerable residents behind.

Note to readers: Maryjane A. Wurth is president and CEO of the Illinois Hospital Association, and Dean M. Harrison is the IHA Board of Trustees chairman and president and CEO of Northwestern Memorial HealthCare.

MICHAEL J. HUBBARD Rock Falls

This past week, my sewer backed up here in Rock Falls because of the city’s blockage in the street, thus flooding my basement and ruining my water heater.

I turned in a claim to the city of Rock Falls’ insurance company. I received a call yesterday from the insurance company stating that it did not cover sewer backups, even though this was the city of Rock Falls’ problem that my sewer backed up and water got into my water heater, ruining the burner.

I do not believe this is fair to the homeowners of Rock Falls.

American flags should be all-American Joe Heller, Heller Syndication

Water hookup issue a matter of lost liberty WILLIAM LEESMAN Galt

In response to Mr. Cushman’s letter [“Rock Falls acts reasonably in city water issue,” The Reader’s Voice, Feb. 13], interest in liberty should be everyone’s concern, regardless of location.

Most have been incrementally dumbed down and don’t recognize freedom and liberty – conditioned to accept whatever politicians want to force upon them “for their own good.” Rock Falls residents request hookup to the city system; it’s their choice. Politicians forcing residents to do so violates their liberty.

Extended the hookup period? They’re still forcing residents, at virtual gunpoint, to connect – force being the operative.

Appeal to the public works committee to show hardship? In Obama’s economy, that could be a long line. Would the committee wave its wand, grant dispensation from the king? Or would it still force hookup and offer assistance using moneys forcibly taken from other citizens?

The Clean Water Act is an illegal law. The Con-

EDITORIAL BOARD Jennifer Baratta Jim Dunn Sam R Fisher Sheryl Gulbranson Larry Lough Jeff Rogers

Dave Granlund, GateHouse News Service

stitution doesn’t grant that power to the feds.

That is purveyance of the states and residents. The EPA is an illegal organization created by Nixon through an illegal executive order.

Filters can be installed to remove contaminants at a far lower cost than forced hookup. Does Rock Falls put the poison known as fluoride into its water?

Talk about disease-causing contaminants.

The politicians “donate” long hours to benefit fellow citizens and do so long-term. They’re the only ones who can benefit society? Two, three terms,

tops; they should step aside. Let new knowledge benefit society. Thinking they alone possess superior ability is beyond the pale.

Same old politicians – continually – have put us in our current mess. Rock Falls? As I stated prior, it extends to all levels of “government.”

“Stupid voters” was pointedly brought to the fore by John Gruber: “Lazy voters are a fact of life. If they don’t vote, that’s their choice.”

And if someone chooses to use a well, it’s their choice, not some politician’s.

THE FIRST AMENDMENT

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Be responsible in funding of state Medicaid MARYJANE A. WURTH Naperville and DEAN M. HARRISON Chicago

As a result of recently enacted reforms, Illinois’ Medicaid program is in the midst of great transformation, with new ways to deliver care, improve outcomes, and achieve savings.

More than 115 hospitals across the state are part of innovative systems, such as Accountable Care Enti-

ties and Care Coordination Entities, that coordinate care for Medicaid enrollees to ensure the best outcomes and control costs.

These reforms have also reduced Illinois’ spending on Medicaid by more than $1 billion since 2012.

Why is that important?

Many of our families, friends and neighbors rely on Medicaid for their health and well-being. It’s the only insurance for one out of every two children in Illinois, and one in four Illinoisans – kids, adults, seniors and individuals with disabilities or mental illnesses – are covered by Medicaid.

The program is costeffective and provides taxpayers with a significant return on investment. The evidence: Illinois ranks 49th in the nation in Medicaid spending per enrollee – substantially lower than all other Midwestern states and large states like New York (second) and Pennsylvania (seventh); and 75 percent of Medicaid payments to Illinois hospitals are from nonstate sources.

Through federal matching funds and a hospitalprovider tax, hospitals and health systems provide $400 million in additional funding to non-hospital providers such as community clinics and nursing homes. Every hospital

“I just want to know the facts as they are, not as you think they are, not as you hope they are, not as someone tells you they are.”

Editorials represent the opinions of the Sauk Valley Media Editorial Board.

Jack Anderson, syndicated columnist, 1999

Quotes brought to you courtesy of

U.S. Rep. CHERI BUSTOS East Moline

I’d like to tell you about an effort I led regarding one of our most beloved national symbols, the American flag.

Last week, I introduced the All-American Flag Act. This common-sense bill would require that all American flags purchased by the federal government be made in America. It sounds obvious, but current law does not require this.

This bipartisan bill, which builds on my previous efforts to ensure we buy homemade American flags, will boost American manufacturing and create American jobs.

As I travel around northwestern and central Illinois, I hear from veterans time and again that they are disappointed that too many American flags are actually made overseas, in countries like China.

Not only does it send a bad message when our national flag isn’t made here, but it’s a bad use of taxpayer dollars.

It is estimated that the U.S. imported $4 million worth of flags last year – mostly from China. And, according to the Congressional Budget Office, this bill would not lead to any cost increases.

I’m committed to continuing to fight for American manufacturing, the American taxpayer, and the American flag.

Share your opinions Mail: The Reader’s Voice Sauk Valley Media 3200 E. Lincolnway, P.O. Box 498 Sterling, IL 61081 Email: letters@saukvalley.com Fax: 815-625-9390 Website: Visit www.saukvalley.com Policy: Letters are to be no more than 300 words and must include the writer’s name, town and daytime telephone number, which we call to verify authorship. Individuals may write up to 12 letters a year.

Opinions expressed in letters and columns are those of the writers.

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SECOND OPINION

17th District a stepping stone for Bustos?

J

ust weeks after Congresswoman Cheri Bustos started her second term in Illinois’ 17th District, political conspirators are planning to make it her last.

Republicans want to defeat the Democrat in 2016.

Even some Democrats want her out of that seat.

But for different reasons.

Such is the price of political success.

YOU JUST HAVE TO wonder what Republicans are thinking.

Sure, they would like to win in the 17th District next year, even though it promises to be a tough one for Republicans.

But the National Republican Congressional Committee has made Bustos one of its 19 key targets for 2016.

The timing is strange, because the bigger voter turnout in a presidential election is usually Democratic friendly, especially in a blue state like Illinois.

And Bustos, the GOP might recall, has kicked their butts in the past two elections.

Even if you don’t know the politics, you need to understand the math.

It doesn’t add up.

BUSTOS, A FORMER East Moline alderwoman – and ex-newspaper

reporter – unseated Republican Bobby Schilling in 2012, and then won a rematch last November in the district that includes Whiteside and Carroll counties.

After Schilling unseated two-term Democrat Phil Hare amid the tea party fervor of 2010, the Legislature’s Democratic majority redrew the boundaries of the 17th to change the party’s advantage from slight to substantial.

As a result, Bustos beat the incumbent the first time by 6 points – just 2 months after his campaign had publicly bragged he held a double-digit lead.

Then she turned back his challenge by 10 points last fall in what was otherwise a pretty good election for Republicans.

Still, the NRCC announced this week she has been targeted as “vulnerable.”

“As Nancy Pelosi continues to pull her smaller and weaker caucus of House Democrats to the far left, we are going to make sure that these vulnerable Democrats are held responsible for their disastrous policies,” the NRCC news release said.

“As demonstrated in the past several elections, House Democrats have been oblivious to the will of the American people, and it is time to end their

larryLOUGH Larry Lough is executive editor of Sauk Valley Media.

Contact him via email at llough@ saukvalley. com.

toxic agenda which is bankrupting middle class families.”

When it comes to Bustos, Republicans have always been eager to talk the talk.

Then they stumble.

SINCE THE BIG WIN in her first re-election campaign, Bustos has been given additional duties as a Democratic up-andcomer.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has made her the vice chairwoman of its recruitment committee.

Her job with the Democrats’ political arm in the lower chamber of Congress will be to help the recruitment chairman to find House candidates for the party in 2016.

“Cheri Bustos knows what it takes to win a swing district in any political climate,” Rep. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico, chairman of the DCCC, said in a statement.

To call Illinois’ 17th a

“swing district” these days might be a stretch.

The mathematical realities are that Democrats have little chance of winning control of the House next year – they would have to wrest 30 seats from Republicans. But it’s a pretty good bet – given the political realities of a presidential election – that they will make gains.

Whether a little or a lot ... we’ll see.

ANOTHER SIGN OF growing respect for Bustos’ political future is that her name is included in the early talk about the U.S. Senate seat on the ballot in 2016.

Democrats are wildly optimistic about early retirement for Republican Mark Kirk after one term, which he won in that off-year election of 2010. He will have to fight strong political headwinds to win re-election in 2016.

After all, this is still Illinois. And voter turnout will swell with the president’s race at the top of the ballot, which favors Democrats.

Hard to tell whether a Bustos candidacy has a lot of enthusiasm.

Also tough to gauge whether being the only “downstate” (non-Chicago area) Democrat being mentioned would be a help or a hindrance.

The stock answer from Bustos’ office about her

political future is that she is focused on serving the 17th District. Of course.

Three other Democratic House members also are in the discussion.

Most mentioned is two-term Rep. Tammy Duckworth, a disabled Iraq war veteran, and Rep. Robin Kelly, the only black in this early field.

The other name is familiar in the Sauk Valley: Bill Foster represented Lee County and part of Whiteside before he lost a re-election bid in 2010. But he was back in 2012 when, as with the 17th District, Legislative Democrats decided they could make the 14th (now the 11th) more friendly for their candidate.

The Bustos advantage? A close family relationship with senior Sen. Dick Durbin – she famously baby-sat his kids, the story goes.

Imagine the Republican campaign ads around that one!

KIRK, HOWEVER, won’t go down without a fight.

He’s a former congressman who won the 2010 nomination in a crowded GOP field despite some concerns among Republicans that he wasn’t conservative enough – which is probably why he won in November that year.

Political analysts respect his fundraising abilities and consider

him the kind of moderate his party needs if it wants to keep this seat.

But first he might have to fend off an attack from the right wing of his own party.

The name of ex-Congressman Joe Walsh showed up recently on an inside-the-beltway website as a possible primary challenger to Kirk.

Walsh confirmed it in an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times.

“Mark Kirk’s a liberal Republican, and I’m a conservative Republican,” the tea party favorite said. “We’ve always gotten along, and the Republican Party’s a big tent and all that, and I think last year was a watershed moment when Mark Kirk put his arms around Dick Durbin and refused to help Jim Oberweis, a fellow Republican, beat Durbin.”

Well ... sort of. Kirk risked his relationship with Durbin when he reluctantly (and feebly) supported Oberweis only after being shamed by desperate Republicans who somehow thought they could win that race.

“Mean Joe” has also challenged Kirk to prove he is medically able to continue serving after suffering a stroke in 2012 and missing almost a year of work in the Senate.

2016 should be fun.

cityofamboy.org City of Morrison – www.morrisonil.org City of Prophetstown – www.prophetstown.us City of Fulton – www. cityoffulton.us Village of Mount Morris – www.mtmorrisil. com Village of Tampico –

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YOUR GOVERNMENT ONLINE Monitor your government at these websites: Gov. Bruce Rauner – www.illinois.gov Illinois General Assembly – www.ilga.gov Illinois State Board of Elections – www.elections.il.gov Secretary of State Jesse W hite – www.cyber-

driveillinois.com Treasurer Michael Frerichs – www.treasurer. il.gov Attorney General Lisa Madigan – www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov Comptroller Leslie Munger – www.ioc.state. il.us Auditor General Wil-

liam Holland – www. auditor.illinois.gov Lee County – www. leecountyil.com Whiteside County – www.whiteside.org Ogle County – www. oglecounty.org Carroll County – www. carroll-county.net Bureau County – www.

bureaucountyclerk.com City of Dixon – www. discoverdixon.org City of Rock Falls – w w w. r o c k f a l l s 6 1 0 7 1 . com City of Sterling – www. ci.sterling.il.us City of Oregon – www. cityoforegon.org City of Amboy – www.

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Saturday, February 21, 2015

DEERE & CO.

Demand soft, profit drops MOLINE (AP) – Deere’s first-quarter profit declined, reflecting softer demand for agricultural machinery. Its performance topped analysts’ expectations, but its 2015 guidance appeared to disappoint.

The company said that falling farm incomes and lower commodity prices are putting pressure on demand for agricultural machinery, particularly larger models.

Shares closed 72 cents higher Friday afternoon.

T h e Mo l i n e - b a s e d company earned $386.8

million, or $1.12 per share, for the 3 months ended Jan. 31. A year earlier, it earned $681.1 million, or $1.81 per share.

The results still beat Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of 83 cents per share.

“Deere’s first-quarter performance reflected sluggish conditions in the global farm sector, which reduced demand for agricultural machinery, particularly larger

models, and led to lower sales and income,” Chairman and CEO Samuel Allen said in a statement on Friday.

Revenue totaled $5.61 billion, also beating Wall Street’s view. Analysts expected $5.43 billion, according to Zacks.

Agriculture and turf sales dropped 27 percent mostly on lower shipment volumes, unfavorable foreign currency translation, and the previously announced sales of John Deere Landscapes and John Deere Water.

in good condition. The crash occurred about 8:15 a.m. Friday as the bus was headed to Boulder Hill Elementary School.

Rauner’s administration.

Republican state Rep. Rich Brauer of Petersburg will join the Illinois Department of Transportation as assistant secretary. A news release Friday called Brauer a “strong advocate” for the region on transportation issues.

Brauer has been in the Illinois House for 12 years.

AP

A woman walks into a building on the University of Illinois campus in Urbana on Thursday. Illinois’ public universities are bracing for a 31.5 percent cut in state funding that Gov. Bruce Rauner has proposed as he tries to cut the state government’s budget deficit.

Universities prepare to counter proposed cuts Funding would fall by one-third CHAMPAIGN (AP) – Faced with Gov. Bruce Rauner’s surprise plan to cut their state funding by almost a third, Illinois’ public universities are preparing to argue such drastic reductions would be a mistake while also mulling what to do if they’re enacted.

The 31.5 percent cut Rauner proposed as part of his budget address Wednesday is part of the Republican governor’s starting point in what will be months-long negotiations with Democrats who control the General Assembly. But university administrators fear big cuts, even if they are successful at pushing back.

“It’s so draconian that to walk it back some still leaves you in a bad place,” said Peter McPherson, president of the Association of Public and Land-

grant Universities and an expert on public university funding.

After his address, members of Rauner’s budget team said the Republican governor believes public universities are better situated to absorb deep cuts than many other state agencies because they have other sources of revenue.

Dropping for years Though public universities are state institutions, state funding for them has been dropping for years.

Most of their funding comes from other sources, such as tuition, donors and federal research grants.

School administrators point out that that most of that money comes with a requirement that it be spent on particular research projects or in a specific academic department.

Illinois State University President Larr y Dietz sent a message

to his campus in which he called Rauner’s plan “disturbing news.” The state signaled earlier this winter that universities should prepare for cuts of about 20 percent. But in an interview, Dietz stressed that he believes schools can negotiate more manageable cuts.

Next month, leaders from the state’s public universities will formally make their cases during hearings in Springfield, but lawmakers who hope to push the governor’s proposal back have started talking, too.

“I think there is some common ground we can find here,” Sen. Scott Bennett, a Democrat whose district includes the University of Illinois’ Ur b a n a - C h a m p a i g n campus, said Thursday. Bennett said he had already started talking to other lawmakers, Republicans among them, with public universities in their districts.

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IN BRIEF Ten students hurt in bus crash MONTGOMERY – A northern Illinois school district says 10 students were injured when a school bus was involved in a crash in Montgomery.

School District 308 spokesman Brian Graves says the students were taken to the Rush Copley Medical Center and were

Lawmaker quits for transit post SPRINGFIELD – A central Illinois lawmaker has resigned from the General Assembly to take a job in Gov. Bruce

– The Associated Press

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TECHNOLOGY

Fitness trackers, health apps might boost care Doctors say data could help spot ailments sooner HACKENSACK, N.J. (AP) – That phone app keeping track of your exercise and meals might keep you out of the hospital one day.

Why give your doctors permission to incorporate data from fitness trackers and health apps into electronic patient records?

Well, they might spot signs of an ailment sooner and suggest behavioral changes or medication before you land in the emergency room.

They also might be able to monitor how you’re healing from surgery or whether you’re following a treatment regimen.

“Right now we only see our patients for about a 15-minute visit in the office, and it’s a very constricted view,” said Dr. Lauren Koniaris, a specialist in pulmonary critical care at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey. “This

really globalizes the view of their health status, so that we’re really in contact with them on a much more daily if not hour-tohour basis. It’s almost like a virtual house call.”

At Hackensack, a handful of patients at risk for heart failure are asked to use a fitness tracker to count steps walked and flights climbed. They are also asked to record what they eat – by photographing the product’s bar code, for instance – using a phone app that has a database containing nutrition information on thousands of food items. Using Apple’s new HealthKit technology, data from the various trackers and apps gets automatically transferred to the Epic MyChart app on the iPhone. From there, the information goes to the hospital’s records system, which also comes from Epic.

Hackensack wants to expand to more patients and start tracking blood pressure and amount of sleep, too. But the hospi-

AP

Cardiologist Dr. Sarah Timmapuri looks at data on a smart phone synchronized to a new Fitbit Surge worn by patient Gary Wilhelm, 51, during an examination Feb. 5 in Hackensack, New Jersey. Wilhelm, who works at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey on payroll and finance technology, joined Hackensack’s app test after he suffered a heart attack in October. tal first needs to ensure that teams are in place to review the glut of data coming in. More broadly,

there’s also a question of whether these trackers and app really improve patient care, and con-

sumer privacy and security issues to address. The University of California, San Francisco, is studying

which gadgets are reliable and whether that reliability extends to patients with extreme conditions.

Then they have to figure out which data are really meaningful – not just noise.

Many doctors and hospitals see potential. The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, uses Fitbit trackers to monitor hipreplacement patients for a month after surgery.

Health workers get data on daily steps and can tell when patients have trouble walking – a hundred or more miles away. The Ochsner Health System in New Orleans is turning to wireless scales and blood-pressure devices to help reduce readmissions for chronic diseases such as heart failure. Noticing a small weight gain, for instance, might reveal fluid buildup resulting from the heart failing to pump normally. Not only can doctors intervene sooner, they can use the data to show how exercise can help lower blood pressure.

WEST COAST

IN BRIEF

Tentative contract reached in ports dispute

Budget to cut $16M from trains

Work supposed to resume tonight LOS ANGELES (AP) – Negotiators reached a tentative contract covering West Coast dockworkers on Friday evening, likely ending a protracted labor dispute that snarled international trade at seaports handling about $1 trillion worth of cargo a year.

T h e b re a k t h r o u g h came after 9 months of negotiations that turned contentious in the fall,

when dockworkers and their employers began blaming each other for problems getting imports to consumers and exports overseas.

The 5-year deal still must be approved by the 13,000-member International Longshore and Warehouse Union’s rankand-file. They work 29 ports from San Diego to Seattle that handle about one-quarter of all U.S. international trade, much of it with Asia.

Negotiators for the union and the Pacific

Maritime Association, which represents oceangoing shipping lines and the companies that load and unload cargo at port terminals, began talking formally in May. Their prior 6-year contract expired July 1.

U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez said that both the dockworkers’ union and their employers agreed to resume work this evening. In recent weeks, employers cut most weekend work, saying they would not pay extra wages.

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement that is good for workers and for the industry,” said maritime association President James McKenna and union President Bob McEllrath in a joint written statement. “We are also pleased that our ports can now resume full operations.”

After initial signs of progress, in the fall e m p l oy e r s p u b l i c l y charged dockworkers with creating a congestion crisis to gain bargaining leverage by slow-

ing their work rate and withholding the most skilled workers. The union responded that its members were working safely and blamed the jam on broader dysfunction at West Coast ports that predated contract talks, notably a lack of truck beds to tow containers from dockside yards to distribution warehouses.

By January, the maritime association’s members stopped ordering night work crews to load and unload ships.

SPRINGFIELD (AP) – Gov. Bruce Rauner’s proposed state budget would cut $16 million from Illinois’ funding for Amtrak trains that serve downstate areas.

The proposal would roll the state’s current $42 million Amtrak subsidy back to 2013 levels and cause a reduction in the number of trains running between Chicago and St. Louis and Chicago and Carbondale.

The (Bloomington) Pantagraph reports the Quincy-Chicago link and the seven state-backed trains running to Milwaukee could also be affected.

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Saturday, February 21, 2015

EASTERN U.S.

‘Siberian Express’ will run into next week Deep freeze breaks records

By The Associated Press

The deep freeze that broke records in hundreds of cities across the eastern half of the United States on Friday will last most of next week.

Another widespread round of ice, snow or freezing rain is set to start falling today from Missouri to the mid-Atlantic and as far south as Alabama and Georgia.

“Higher amounts over the next 2 days will probably be across southern Indiana and Illinois and eastward through Ohio into western Pennsylvania,” said Bruce Sullivan, a senior meteorologist with the National Weather Service. “That’s where

it looks like the jackpot will be.”

But even before the latest snowstorm, residents had to deal with school cancellations, power outages, road hazards, and water main breaks from the punishing cold.

Here’s a look at the latest weather and the effect it is having around the country:

Siberian what?

“Polar vortex” is so last year. Forecasters are calling the record-setting bout of icy air the “Siberian Express” because winds coming from Russia are traveling over the Arctic Circle and pushing into Canada and the United States.

“We can almost show the trajectory from Siberia all the way to the U.S.,” Sullivan said, not-

ing meteorologists began using the term long ago.

Despite being the buzzword of winter 2014, polar vortex also has been used for decades in meteorology. It is a pocket of very cold air that typically swirls around the North Pole.

“Sometimes little pieces break off,” Sullivan said.

That has also happened this week, meaning a frosty one-two punch.

NASA shivers Schools in Alabama sent students home early and NASA shut down its Huntsville facility Friday as a storm began unloading ice, sleet and snow.

The weather service said roads were impassable in at least seven counties.

Dozens of school systems dismissed students early or canceled classes altogether.

AP

Ray Abey views ice flowing on the Delaware River at Pleasant Hill Park in Philadelphia. The National Weather Service said Friday that the newest band of Arctic air could plunge parts of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic into deep freezes that haven’t been felt since the mid-1990s.

HEALTH

Finger-pointing, lawsuits likely to follow ‘superbug’ scare Two dead, five infected at UCLA LOS ANGELES (AP) – With an antibiotic-resistant “superbug” outbreak connected to its facility, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center stopped short of pointing a finger at the manufacturer of a medical instrument

believed to have spread the deadly germs.

The maker of the product was careful not to blame the hospital as it issued new cleaning instructions emphasizing meticulous manual sterilization.

Things may not be so polite once lawyers get involved. Lawsuits are expected to follow the outbreak tied to two

deaths and several infections, with the hospital and manufacturer pointing fingers at each other.

“That’s exactly the kind of skirmishing you’re going to see,” said John Culhane, co-director of the Family Health Law & Policy Institute at the Widener University School of Law in Delaware. “The bottom line is

that the two defendants will be hauled into court, and they’ll be trying to do two things: One, they didn’t do anything wrong; the second thing is to pin the blame on the other defendant.”

Two people have died at UCLA, and five others have been infected with the bacteria known as carbapenem-resistant

MONEY & MARKETS The following stock quotations, as of 5 p.m., are provided as a community service by Chad Weigle of Edward Jones, Dixon and Raymond James and Associates, Sterling.

Abbott ...........................47.49 Alcoa .............................15.79 AltriaCorp .....................55.61 Autonation ...................62.60 American Express ........79.84 Arris-Group ..................28.59 Apple...........................129.50 ADM..............................48.14 AT&T .............................34.08 Bank of America...........16.36 Boeing.........................158.32 BorgWarner ..................61.29 BP ..................................41.28 Casey’s ..........................91.15 Caterpillar ....................84.45 CenturyLink .................37.02

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Procter&Gamble ..........84.87 RaymondJames ............56.60 Republic .......................40.64 Sears Hldg ....................36.66 SensientTech ................62.96 Sprint ..............................4.83 Staples ..........................16.79 TheTravelers...............107.83 UnitedContinental ......68.03 UnitedTech .................124.07 USBancorp ...................44.61 USSteel .........................24.61 Verizon..........................48.97 Walgreen.......................77.13 WalMartStores..............84.32 WasteMgt......................54.49 Wendy’s.........................11.26

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is considering suing the endoscope’s manufacturer, Olympus Corporation of the Americas, an arm of Japan’s Olympus Corp, attorney Kevin Boyle said.

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UKRAINE

AP

A Russia-backed rebel rests as a dog eats from a can in Debaltseve, Ukraine, Friday. After weeks of relentless fighting, the embattled Ukrainian rail hub of Debaltseve fell Wednesday to Russiabacked separatists.

Quiet spreads in ravaged town Fears of war remain among shaken citizens

LIBYA

Islamic State bombers kill dozens Suicide attacks launched Friday TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) – Islamic State militants unleashed suicide bombings Friday in eastern Libya, killing at least 40 people in what the group said was retaliation for Egyptian airstrikes against the extremists’ aggressive new branch in

North Africa.

The bombings in the town of Qubba, which is controlled by Libya’s internationally recognized government, solidified concerns the extremist group has spread beyond the battlefields of Iraq and Syria and established a foothold less than 500 miles from the southern tip of Italy.

The militants have taken

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over at least two Libyan coastal cities on the Mediterranean – Sirte and Darna, which is about 19 miles from Qubba. They released a video Sunday that showed the beheading of 21 Egyptian Christians who were abducted in Sirte, and Egypt responded Monday with airstrikes on Darna.

The Islamic State group has established its pres-

ence in Libya by exploiting the country’s breakdown since dictator Moammar Gadhafi was ousted and killed in 2011.

DEBALTSEVE, Ukraine (AP) – Almost every building was gravely damaged, nearly every window smashed in this Ukrainian town left unrecognizable by months of relentless shelling. Children played in the rubble where their homes once stood, while neighbors boiled water in open fires as temperatures dipped below freezing.

Two days after government forces fled Debaltseve in disarray, leaving the Russian-backed separatists in total control of the strategic town, all was quiet Friday.

Residents who could not or refused to flee came blinking out of makeshift shelters to soak up the rare winter sun. Across town, Cossack fighters rolled jubilantly away on commandeered trucks,

tanks and armored vehicles, having secured another decisive victory for the rebels.

Yevgeniya Fomichova, whose gutted apartment was just three blocks away from a Ukrainian military encampment, said she and more than a dozen neighbors cowered in basements for 7 months. The nightly terror of shelling worsened in January as separatists massively intensified their onslaught.

“For a month we’ve had no bread and water,” the 60-year-old said, adding that it had been weeks since she and her neighbors had bathed.

Debaltseve’s ordeal had been expected to end with the cease-fire agreement forged last week by the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France. Instead, the attacks intensified as the rebels moved to capture a town deemed strategically important for its role as a railway hub linking the two largest separatist-held cities.

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Sports

RERUN

v weekend

Warriors fall to Trojans again, B4. e-mail: sports@saukvalley.com

Section B

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Sauk Valley Sports

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Stuck in idle

Road to Peoria

NASCAR suspends Kurt Busch indefinitely after a judge said the former champion almost surely choked and beat a former girlfriend last fall, and it seemed likely he’d do it again.

The Sauk Valley’s three largest schools – Dixon, Rock Falls, and Sterling – found out their regional fates on Friday. See who each will face in the 3A regional round in the scoreboard on B4.

Sports for the Sauk Valley fan!

STATE WRESTLING EXTRA | FULL COVERAGE B10 & B11

SEVEN UP Handful of locals still fighting for medals

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Dixon’s Connor Sperling squares off with Mahomet-Seymour’s David Wisehart during a Class 2A wrestleback match in the 195-pound bracket Friday at the state wrestling tournament at State Farm Center in Champaign. Sperling was eliminated from action after losing 7-2. For full coverage, see B10-11.

BOYS BASKETBALL PREVIEW | 1A/2A REGIONALS

Piecing things together, again Comets adjusting to changing roles this season

BY TY REYNOLDS treynolds@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5554 @STyReynolds

It’s almost been like two seasons this winter for the Newman boys basketball team. And after the Comets found their stride around Christmastime, they’re finally coming around again … just in time for the postseason.

After a slow start, Newman won its own post-Christmas tournament. But right after the holiday break, the Comets (1710) were forced to reshuffle the deck once again.

Now, they’re finding their groove for the second time, and they couldn’t ask for it to

Sports inside

Inside • SVM breaks down each of the three regionals featuring local 1A & 2A boys basketball teams, B5. come at a better time.

“We started the year a little slow, then I thought we really picked it up to win our own tournament,” Newman coach Ray Sharp said. “Then Jake [Barnes] got hurt, and that changed our rotations again, so then it took us a little while to kind of work through it again.

“Now, we’re comfortable again, and everybody knows

their role a little better.”

Barnes not only forced a shift in personnel, but also playing style. Instead of having two big presences in the post, the Comets were forced to go with a smaller lineup and feature forward Noah McCarty as the lone scoring threat inside.

The adjustment also allowed Newman’s guards to settle in.

After admittedly trying to do too much early in the season to replace the potency of the four seniors guards who graduated last spring, the Comet backPhilip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com court has realized what it has Newman junior Noah McCarty has learned how to the be the to do to help the team win. go-to guy offensively for the Comets this season. He’ll be key next week as the Comets vie for the 2A Fulton Regional title.

PIECING CONTINUED ON B5 BOYS SWIMMING

OUTDOORS

Locals tapered for Saturday’s sectional, B3.

Waiting for warm temps, B12.

Suggestion box Comment or story tip?

Contact Sports Editor Dan Woessner at dwoessner@saukvalley.com or 800-798-4085, ext. 5555

TOP OF 2

Throw on Jameis Winston Former Florida State quarterback says he will throw at NFL combine on Saturday despite reports that he has an injured shoulder.

Waiting game Chris Bosh Heat and star forward are waiting for results of tests to determine if blood clots have moved from his legs to his lungs.

Your guide to what’s going on in sports

B2 • SV Weekend

www.saukvalley.com

Saturday, February 21, 2015

COLLEGE BASKETBALL | BIG TEN

On the tube TV listings

On the tube TV listings

Saturday

NHL

Auto racing

7 p.m.

• Penguins at Blues, FSN

9:30 a.m.

9 p.m.

• NASCAR Sprint Cup, practice for Daytona 500, FS1

• Kings vs. Sharks, at Santa Clara, Calif., NBCSP

11 a.m.

• NASCAR XFINITY, pole qualifying for Alert Today Florida 300, at Daytona Beach, FS1

Soccer 8:55 a.m.

• Premier League, Burnley at Chelsea, NBCSP

2:30 p.m.

11:30 a.m.

• NASCAR XFINITY, Alert Today Florida 300, at Daytona Beach, FS1

• Premier League, Newcastle at Manchester City, NBC

Midnight

• NHRA, qualifying for Carquest Auto Parts Nationals, at Chandler, Ariz., ESPN2

Men’s basketball 10 a.m.

• S. Florida at E. Carolina, ESPNU 11 a.m.

• Minnesota at Wisconsin, ESPN • UMass at VCU, ESPN2 • Oklahoma at Texas Tech, ESPNEWS • Seton Hall at St. John’s, Fox Noon

• Florida at LSU, CBS • S. Illinois at Indiana St., CSN • Kansas St. at Baylor, ESPNU 1 p.m.

• Miami at Louisville, ESPN • Iowa St. at Texas, ESPN2 • W. Virginia at Oklahoma St., ESPNEWS • Butler at Xavier, FSN • Dayton at Duquesne, NBCSP 1:30 p.m.

• Villanova at Marquette, Fox 2 p.m.

• Penn St. at Northwestern, ESPNU 3 p.m.

• Clemson at Duke, ESPN • TCU at Kansas, ESPN2 • Bradley at N. Iowa, CSN/ FSN • Drexel at Northeastern, NBCSP 5 p.m.

• Virginia Tech at N.C. State, ESPN2 6 p.m.

• Auburn at Kentucky, ESPN 6:30 p.m.

• Tennessee at Mississippi, ESPNU 7 p.m.

• Georgia at Alabama, ESPN2 • Loyola at S. Illinois, CSN 8 p.m.

• UCLA at Arizona, ESPN 8:30 p.m.

• Cincinnati at Houston, ESPNU 9 p.m.

• Gonzaga at St. Mary’s, ESPN2

Women’s basketball 11 a.m.

• Nebraska at Indiana, BTN • Iowa St. at W. Virginia, FSN 1 p.m.

• Michigan at Minnesota, BTN 6 p.m.

• Iowa at Ohio St., BTN

Women’s gymnastics 8 p.m.

• Oklahoma at Michigan, BTN Men’s hockey 4 p.m.

• Minnesota at Penn St., ESPNU

College wrestling 3 p.m.

• NWCA National Duals, semifinals, at Iowa City, BTN

Golf 2 p.m.

• PGA, Northern Trust Open, third round, at Pacific Palisades, Calif., CBS 8 p.m.

• LPGA, Women’s Australian Open, final round, TGC

AP

Indiana forward Troy Williams (5) defends an inbound pass by Purdue guard Rapheal Davis during the first half of their game Thursday in Bloomington, Ind. The Hoosiers and Boilermakers are just two of several Big Ten teams squarely on the NCAA Tournament bubble.

Bubble watch officially on B

BY JOHN MARSHALL AP Basketball Writer

Big Ten & the tourney

ig Ten teams have been beating up on each other all conference season, leaving more than half of them dancing on the NCAA tournament bubble.

No. 5 Wisconsin is a lock to get into the bracket. The Badgers reached the Final Four last season, and look as if they’re geared for another deep March run.

Up to eight other teams could join the Badgers.

Maryland (22-5) appears to be in good shape barring a lateseason meltdown.

Purdue (18-9) filled a big hole in its résumé by beating Indiana in Bloomington on Thursday night. The 67-63 victory not only gave the Boilermakers a season sweep over the Hoosiers, but it was their first road win over an NCAA tournament-caliber team this season.

They’re in: Wisconsin In good shape: Maryland On the bubble: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan State, Ohio State, Purdue Need late surge: Minnesota, Michigan Purdue still has three games left against teams on the NCAA bubble: Ohio State, Michigan State and Illinois.

Michigan State (18-8) has some ugly losses on its résumé, including Nebraska and Texas Southern, but has won five of its past six games to make a strong case to be included. The Spartans have Illinois, Wisconsin, Purdue, and Indiana left, so they still have some work to do.

Ohio State (19-7) doesn’t really have any glaring losses on its

résumé, though a strong final push would certainly make the Buckeyes feel safer.

Indiana (18-8) does have an ugly loss, to Eastern Washington, and has lost five of its past eight games.

A loss to either Rutgers or Northwestern would hurt the Hoosiers, while beating Iowa and Michigan State would certainly be a boost.

Iowa (16-10) pushed itself toward the bubble with losses to Minnesota and Northwestern, but bounced back with a rout over Rutgers.

The Hawkeyes beat North Carolina and Maryland and swept Ohio State, so there are some solid wins on their résumé.

Minnesota (16-11) needs a strong final push to get in, and Michigan (13-13) may need to win the conference tournament for its invite.

Sunday Auto racing 11 a.m.

• NASCAR Sprint Cup, Daytona 500, Fox 7 p.m.

• NHRA, Carquest Auto Parts Nationals, at Chandler, Ariz., ESPN2

Men’s basketball Noon

• Ohio St. at Michigan, CBS • Furman at UNC-Greensboro, CSN • W. Kentucky at Middle Tennessee St., FSN 1:30 p.m.

• La Salle at St. Louis, NBCSP 2 p.m.

• Iowa at Nebraska, BTN • Utah at Oregon, FS1 2:30 p.m.

• Cleveland St. at Wis.Milwaukee, CSN 3 p.m.

• Evansville at Wichita St., ESPNU 3:30 p.m.

• William & Mary at Hofstra, NBCSP 4:15 p.m.

• Indiana at Purdue, BTN 5:30 p.m.

• Florida St. at Virginia, ESPNU

COLLEGE BASKETBALL | KENTUCKY WILDCATS

6:30 p.m.

Wildcats still pursuing perfection

• Michigan St. at Illinois, BTN

Kentucky hitting stretch run in quest for unbeaten season

Women’s basketball

• Washington at Washington St., ESPNU 11 a.m.

• Duke at N.C. State, ESPN2 • Temple at S. Florida, ESPNU

BY GARY B. GRAVES AP Sports Writer

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The top-ranked Kentucky Wildcats know each one of their last five Southeastern Conference opponents wants to be the team that knocks them off.

To prevent their first loss, as good as the Wildcats have been, they’ll need to be better – particularly when it comes to finishing off foes.

Though Kentucky (26-0, 13-0 SEC) has successfully absorbed everyone’s best shot, coach John Calipari wants his team to be the aggressors working up to delivering the knockout punch.

First up down the stretch run is Auburn (12-14, 4-9) on Saturday night. The Wildcats will be looking to build off their effort in Tuesday’s 66-48 victory at Tennessee. Calipari was pleased with how Kentucky regrouped after some early struggles.

“They’re getting better,” Calipari said of his team on Friday. “They were talking about it themselves. They brought it up last game. ... ‘We’re up 12 [points], let’s go. Let’s get this to where it’s supposed to be,’ and they kept playing and they did some good stuff.

“We’ve still got a ways to go, though.”

At first glance, the schedule appears to favor Kentucky, with

7:30 p.m.

1 p.m.

• Rutgers at Michigan St., ESPN2 • LSU at Arkansas, ESPNU 3 p.m.

• Cal at Stanford, ESPN2

Women’s swimming 8 a.m.

• Big Ten Championships, at Columbus, BTN

College wrestling 11:30 a.m.

• NWCA National Duals, finals, at Iowa City, BTN

Golf AP

Kentucky head coach John Calipari (right) instructs Andrew Harrison (5) and Tyler Ulis (3) during the Wildcats’ game against South Carolina last Saturday in Lexington, Ky. Kentucky has five regular-season games left in its pursuit of a perfect season.

Auburn the first of three consecutive Saturday home games. On the other hand, the Wildcats will be hosting No. 18 Arkansas – which has beaten them three straight times – and Florida, which dropped a hard-fought 68-61 game to Kentucky 2 weeks ago.

In between are road contests at Mississippi State on Wednesday, and a March 3 return date at Georgia, which battled the heavily favored Wildcats before falling 69-58 earlier this month. Such gut-checks keep the Wildcats from looking past Auburn, despite the fact that the Tigers have lost three of four.

The Tigers, struggling to reach .500, will be as motivated as anyone to put an end to Kentucky’s pursuit of perfection.

“They play really hard,” Calipari said of Auburn. “Offensively, they’re playing pretty loose, driving the ball.

Defensively, they’re just digging in and scrambling. They’re not going to let us just throw it to the post.”

To counter the expected challenge, Calipari and his assistants have been working individually with the Wildcats to make sure they exploit their size advantages within the two-platoon concept. He has also

made it clear that while close victories speak volumes about the Wildcats’ poise, it’s time they start putting teams away.

Players say they are not focused on making history, just improving on its last game.

“We’re just working on what we do as a team, and getting better,” guard Tyler Ulis said.

If they do improve, then history will take care of itself.

“We’ve just got to go out there and play the best basketball we can,” said freshman forward Karl-Anthony Towns.

“Just like every other game, take it day by day and try to win them all.”

2 p.m.

• PGA, Northern Trust Open, final round, at Pacific Palisades, Calif., CBS

NBA 5 p.m.

• Warriors at Pacers, FSN

NHL 11:30 a.m.

• Capitals at Flyers, NBC 2:30 p.m.

• Bruins at Blackhawks, NBC 7 p.m.

• Stars at Wild, NBCSP

Soccer 5:55 a.m.

• Premier League, West Ham at Tottenham, NBCSP 8:05 a.m.

• Premier League, Leicester City at Everton, NBCSP 10:10 a.m.

• Premier League, Liverpool at Southampton, NBCSP

Saturday, February 21, 2015

www.saukvalley.com

sportShorts

SV Weekend • B3

BOYS SWIMMING PREVIEW | 2015 SECTIONALS

SVM staff, wire services MEN’S BASKETBALL

On the calendar

Cosby leaves Illini after suspension Illinois guard Aaron Cosby has left the team after an injury and a recent suspension.

The school said Friday that the redshirt junior from Louisville, Kentucky, plans on earning his degree before transferring to another college to pursue a master’s degree.

Last month, coach John Groce suspended Cosby and guard Rayvonte Rice without explanation.

NBA

Bulls, Cavs to pursue Perkins While many prognosticators pegged the Bulls and Cavaliers to meet in the Eastern Conference finals, that may not be their only compeition.

Both teams will aggressively pursue center Kendrick Perkins when his buyout from the Jazz becomes official.

GOLF

Goosen hits long putt for 1-shot lead Retief Goosen rolled in a 30-foot birdie putt on his final hole Friday at Riviera to wind up in a spot he hasn’t been in a long time – atop the leaderboard going into the weekend.

The late birdie gave Goosen a 1-under 70, and a one-shot lead over Ryan Moore, Graham DeLaet, and 21-year-old rookie Justin Thomas.

BOXING

MayweatherPacquaio set date Floyd Mayweather Jr. will meet Manny Pacquiao on May 2 in a welterweight showdown that will be boxing’s richest fight ever. Mayweather himself announced the bout Friday after months of negotiations, posting a picture of the signed contract online.

The long-anticipated bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas will almost surely break every financial record.

Mayweather could earn $120 million, while Pacquiao’s split of the purse will likely be around $80 million.

NFL

Three teams eyeing L.A. market Los Angeles is the hottest market for new stadiums in the country – and the NFL teams that could come with them – but the possibility that three teams will kick off in the region is a football fantasy, experts say.

The Oakland Raiders, the San Diego Chargers, and the St. Louis Rams each have gained a foothold in the LA area. The Raiders and Chargers announced that they are planning a shared stadium in Carson, in the Los Angeles suburbs, if both teams fail to get new stadiums in their current hometowns. Rams owner Stan Kroenke is part of a venture that wants to build an 80,000-seat stadium nearby, in Inglewood.

Local events

Saturday Boys swimming 1 p.m.

• Newman, Sterling at Byron Sectional • Morrison at United Township Sectional

Wrestling 9 a.m.

Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

Caleb Carlson, a freshman at Dixon who swims for the Byron co-op, has a very good chance of advancing to the state meet in four events if he swims well at Saturday’s Byron Sectional.

Batteries charged Taper has locals bursting with energy for sectional

BY PATRICK MASON pmason@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5550 @pm222

Technical swim suits coming out of the box and the tags coming off the suits for the first time can only mean one thing: championship meets are on the horizon.

The Byron co-op swim team put on the waterwicking suits for the first time this season during practice on Friday to get used to the feel in the water, before Saturday’s Byron Sectional meet.

“They tried their suits out in the water, and they look nice and rested,” Tigers coach Julia Rudzinski said of her swimmers. “They’re swimming more efficiently, and they don’t have any muscle soreness. It’s an exciting time.”

The Tigers have reached the end of a 2-week taper, and their energy was at an alltime high. Rudzinski had her team swim an easy 1,000 yards during a practice last week and, after several minutes, swimmers started to finish the workout and were ready for more.

Only there wasn’t more to come.

Rest is crucial for swimmers at this point in the season, and the Tigers have been getting plenty.

“We as an entire team are fully tapered,” Rudzinski said of the process of slowly decreasing the workload over a period of time to build energy in order to reach maximum potential. “We’re pretty excited to see how we’re going to fare.

It’s been fun watching them throughout the season, and now we’re ready to go.”

The Tigers, along with 12 other teams including Sterling and Newman, will have a chance to qualify for the state meet at the sectional on Saturday. Diving events begin at 9 a.m., with the swimming events to follow at 1 p.m.

Sectional is the only meet where a swimmer

Byron Sectional

United Township Sectional When: Saturday – Diving 9 a.m.; Swimming 1 p.m.

Teams: Canton, Dunlap co-op, United Township, Farmington, Galesburg, Knoxville, LaSalle-Peru, Macomb co-op, Moline, Morrison co-op, ROWVA, Ottawa co-op, Alleman, Rock Island, Rockridge Local swimmers to watch: Kyle Workman, Morrison; Brian Slater, Morrison Outlook: Many schools don’t have full teams, so the relay portions could be wide open. Morrison’s Kyle Workman is the Mustangs’ top distance swimmer and is looking to have a strong meet. Mustang teammate Brian Slater is on the cusp of swimming a sub-1 minute time in the 100 butterfly, and could sneak into contention.

Advancing to state: The winner of each event will advance, as well as those that meet or better the qualifying standard.

Lindsey Nauman-Kaleel,

Penny Beelendorf

PT, MPT

PTA

next weekend at state.

“He’s got such nice potential, and he hasn’t even hit where he could be.”

Sterling diver Javier Quiroz should also be someone to keep an eye on. Quiroz, a senior, has stepped up and has taken over the top diving slot with Sterling record-holder Cade Coursey out this weekend because of a team policy violation.

If Quiroz turns in a similar performance to his 289.65 six-dive score on Feb. 7 at the Independent Conference meet held at Byron, he should be in contention for a state berth.

“Javier is our top diver right now, and we fully expect him to perform well,” Golden Warriors coach Kyle Ruiz said.

“We think he has a good shot. He has stepped up into that role and has been a team leader all year, and it’s something he shows every day.”

Monday Boys basketball 6 p.m.

• 2A Fulton Regional, Morrison vs. Fulton 7 p.m.

• 1A Erie Regional, Eastland vs. Milledgeville 7:30 p.m.

When: Saturday – Diving 9 a.m.; Swimming 1 p.m.

Teams: Belvidere North co-op; Byron co-op, Freeport, Harlem, Auburn, Boylan, Rockford East, Guilford, Rockford Jefferson, Rockford Christian, Hononegah, Sterling co-op, Newman Local swimmers to watch: Caleb Carlson, Byron co-op; Sergio Solis, Byron co-op; Jacob Heitter, Byron co-op; Jacob Conley, Byron co-op; Lucas Campbell, Sterling co-op, Blake Ruiz, Sterling co-op, Brandon Pillars, Sterling co-op Outlook: Byron coach Julia Rudzinski says she expects to have several swimmers at next weekend’s state meet. If all goes to plan, freshman Caleb Carlson, of Dixon, could have a full plate of four events at state. Sterling senior Lucas Campbell is the closest Warrior swimmer to a state cut, just 1 second off the time standard in the 50-yard freestyle. Newman could pull off an upset and sneak into contention in a relay event.

can qualify for next weekend’s state meet at New Trier High School in Winnetka, so teams are generally fully rested for this meet.

Many fast swimmers will compete Saturday, including Byron co-op’s Caleb Carlson, who has the best shot of any local swimmer to advance to state.

The Dixon freshman has consistently recorded times faster than the state qualifying standards in several events this season, and could set new personal records coming off a taper.

Carlson swam just about every event over the course of the season, but will swim in his strongest events on Saturday in the 200yard individual medley, as well as the 100 breaststroke.

To round out the four maximum allowable events, he will swim legs on two relays – the 200 freestyle relay and the 200 medley relay.

“We’re hoping he will qualify in all four,” said Rudzinski, who is optimistic that several Tigers will be swimming

• State wrestling tournament, at State Farm Center, Champaign

On the swimming side, the qualifying standards for each event were lowered after last season except for the 50 freestyle, which stayed at 21.90 seconds. Warriors senior Lucas Campbell is about 1 second off that mark, having swum a 22.92 already this season.

With Campbell’s length and how he has progressed, Ruiz expects a big day from his senior captain.

Another swimmer who should perform well for Sterling is Blake Ruiz.

Blake will swim the 100 breaststroke and the 200 IM, and needs to drop around 6 seconds to qualify in the breaststroke.

“We expect Lucas to show up and be very fast tomorrow,” Kyle Ruiz said. “And probably one of the hardest working swimmers is Blake [Ruiz].

I hold him to a very high standard, and I think he’ll be very fast.”

• 2A Fulton Regional, Princeton vs. West Carroll • 1A Hinckley-Big Rock Regional, Amboy vs.

Somonauk

Girls basketball 7 p.m.

• 1A Illinois Valley C.C. Supersectional, Annawan vs. Prophetstown

Tuesday Boys basketball 6 p.m.

• 1A Erie Regional, Polo vs. Annawan 7 p.m.

• Dixon at Rochelle • 2A Fulton Regional, Bureau Valley vs. Morrison/ Fulton 7:15 p.m.

• Rock Falls at Mendota 7:30 p.m

• 1A Erie Regional, Erie vs.

Prophetstown

Wrestling 6 p.m.

• 1A Polo Dual Sectional, Rock Falls vs. Mercer County • 1A Polo Dual Sectional, Dakota vs. Harvard

Let us hear it • Game results, story tips, athlete of the week nominations, team and individual stats can be faxed to 815-625-9390, called into 800-798-4085, ext. 5552 or e-mailed to sports@saukvalley.com.

Contact us at 800-798-4085 Sports Editor Dan Woessner, ext. 5555 dwoessner@saukvalley.com Sports Reporters Patrick Mason, ext. 5550 pmason@saukvalley.com Ty Reynolds, ext. 5554 treynolds@saukvalley.com Brian Weidman, ext. 5551 bweidman@saukvalley.com

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Saturday, February 21, 2015

AT A GLANCE

3A STREATOR REGIONAL | MENDOTA 39, STERLING 24

Boys basketball NIB-12 West Conf.

9-2 7-4 5-6 3-8 1-5

Ottawa Geneseo LaSalle-Peru Sterling Rochelle

All 16-8 14-11 13-11 9-16 2-19

Friday’s results • LaSalle-Peru 69, Sterling 49 • Geneseo 55, Ottawa 35 Saturday’s game • DeKalb at Ottawa, 6

BNC West Dixon Rockford Lutheran Winnebago Byron Mendota Rock Falls Oregon Stillman Valley

Conf.

12-1 11-1 12-3 6-6 5-7 2-10 3-11 0-11

All 25-1 21-1 19-8 19-8 16-10 5-19 10-18 2-18

Friday’s results • Dixon 63, Byron 48 • Winnebago 53, Mendota 50 • Lutheran 83, Rock Falls 38 • Oregon 60, Stillman Valley 38

Conf.

11-1 9-3 8-4 6-6 5-7 3-9 0-12

All 20-8 25-3 17-11 15-11 14-10 11-17 0-27

Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

Task too tall, again

Trojans knock out Warriors for second year in a row

BY CODY CUTTER ccutter@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5555 @CodyCutter

STREATOR – When Sterling and Mendota fought for a regional championship in 2014, the Golden Warriors couldn’t muster much against a tall Trojan team.

Fast forward 1 year later, and both teams went toe-to-toe once more for Class 3A regional hardware in Streator. With most of the Trojan lineup returning this year, the Warriors were very familiar with who was out on the court.

Unfortunately for them, the end result was all too familiar, as well.

Mendota used a 16-point thirdquarter run to burst the game open from a largely defensive half, enough to make the Warriors’ season come to an end with a 39-24 loss at Pops Dale Gymnasium.

Sterling scored five more points in this loss than in last year’s regional meeting with the Trojans. Hurting its efforts was a strong 2-3 zone defense from the Trojans, which played a large part in 21 Golden Warrior turnovers.

The Trojans had a 15-14 lead at halftime.

“They make the other team think, ‘Yeah, they got a chance,’ and then they just come back,” Sterling senior Gabby Sandoval said. “We needed to handle the ball a little better. We could have got it.”

The thought of getting regional title No. 2 in as many years was enough to fuel the Trojans’ fire at half. Utilizing its overwhelming height advantage, 6-foot, 1-inch forward Ally Bromenschenkel was fearless in the paint, grabbing three steals and three offensive rebounds. Six-foot, 2-inch forward Brooke Stallings stepped up with six third-quarter points.

The Golden Warriors had just six points and three rebounds in the third quarter.

“We just really wanted to win our second regional,” Bromenschenkel said. “We just had to keep up our defensive intensity and pick it up on offense. We were just missing easy bunnies in the first half. We put those in, and we got it going.”

“In that second half, we only had three rebounds as a team,” Sterling coach Ryan Vasquez said.

“They took control of the boards in the second half, and that was the momentum changer right there.”

Limiting the Trojans to 15 firsthalf points is something no opponent had accomplished this season. Sterling’s constant swarming gave the Trojans fits, leading to out-of-the-norm turnovers.

“They were speeding us up,” Bromenschenkel said. “They were playing real good defense. We just had to be strong with the ball and not let them get it out from us.”

“We knew who their shooters were, and we wanted to limit them on their shots,” Sandoval said.

“We did a good job in the first half

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Conf.

15-0 7-6 6-6 6-7 6-9 6-8 5-7 4-11

All 24-1 17-12 14-9 16-12 11-19 13-16 11-13 7-22

Friday’s result • Rockridge 57, Newman 56 • Fulton 51, Orion 47

NUIC East Aquin Forreston AFC Polo Pecatonica South Beloit Dakota Milledgeville Durand Orangeville

Conf.

11-2 10-2 9-4 8-5 6-5 6-7 4-8 4-9 2-10 1-9

All 22-6 17-5 20-9 20-9 10-11 8-15 6-16 9-17 5-18 2-20

Wednesday’s result • Forreston 62, Pecatonica 41 Friday’s results • Polo 67, Dakota 39 • AFC 78, Durand 34 • Milledgeville 70, Orangeville 43 • Aquin 60, Pecatonica 39 • Forreston 80, South Beloit 49 Saturday’s game • Dakota at Forreston, 7 Postseason pairings

CLASS 3A

Sterling Regional Monday, March 2 • No. 4 Rock Falls vs. No. 5 Alleman, 7 Tuesday, March 3 • No. 1 Dixon vs. Rock Falls/Alleman, 6 • No. 2 Sterling vs. No. 3 Geneseo, 7:30 Friday, March 6 • Championship, 7 * Winner advances to Brady University Sectional championship vs. Canton Regional winner, 7

CLASS 2A Fulton Regional Monday, Feb. 23 • No. 4 Morrison vs. No. 5 Fulton, 6 • No. 3 Princeton vs. No. 6 West Carroll, 7:30 Tuesday, Feb. 24 • No. 1 Bureau Valley vs. Morrison/Fulton, 7 Wednesday, Feb. 25 • No. 2 Newman vs. Princeton/West Carroll, 7 Friday, Feb. 27 • Championship, 7 Winner advances to Farmington Sectional vs. Winnebago Regional winner, 7 p.m.

March 3

CLASS 1A Erie Regional Monday, Feb. 23 • No. 4 Eastland vs. No. 5 Milledgeville, 7 Tuesday, Feb. 24 • No. 2 Polo vs. No. 7 Annawan, 6 • No. 3 Erie vs. No. 6 Prophetstown, 7:30

Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

ABOVE: Sterling’s Lauren Fritz shoots during Friday’s 39-24 loss to Mendota in the 3A Streator Regional championship game.

BELOW: Sterling’s Erin Stroup looks to pass around a Mendota defender. The Warriors finish the season with a 15-17 record.

Conf.

All Ottawa 10-3 20-7 Sterling 7-6 15-17 LaSalle-Peru 4-7 12-16 Geneseo 5-8 8-21 Rochelle 0-11 1-24 Wednesday’s results 3A Streator Regional • Mendota 53, LaSalle-Peru 30 • Sterling 58, Rock Falls 54 Friday’s result 3A Streator Regional • Championship, Mendota 39, Sterling 24

Conf.

All Rockford Lutheran 13-2 24-5 Byron 11-3 26-6 Mendota 11-3 25-3 Stillman Valley 9-4 21-8 Dixon 4-10 11-17 Rock Falls 3-10 13-15 Oregon 3-11 11-18 Winnebago 1-11 8-20 Wednesday’s results 3A Streator Regional • Mendota 53, LaSalle-Peru 30 • Sterling 58, Rock Falls 54 3A Rochelle Regional • Lutheran 48, Belvidere 39 • Freeport 35, Dixon 33 Friday’s results 3A Streator Regional • Championship, Mendota 39, Sterling 24 3A Rochelle Regional • Championship, Lutheran 72, Freeport 42

Three Rivers East Conf.

All Amboy 12-0 28-2 Kewanee 9-2 20-7 Hall 5-5 13-12 Bureau Valley 5-6 15-13 Newman 5-7 9-19 St. Bede 3-9 7-22 Princeton 1-10 5-20 Thursday’s result 1A Roanoke-Benson Sectional • Championship, Annawan 50, Amboy 26

Three Rivers West Conf.

All Prophetstown 13-1 29-3 Sherrard 11-1 22-5 Erie 8-5 18-12 Rockridge 5-6 15-10 Fulton 4-6 13-15 Morrison 5-9 13-14 Orion 4-8 9-15 Riverdale 0-10 0-23 Thursday’s result 1A Pecatonica Sectional • Championship, Prophetsown 34, Galena 30 Postseason pairings

CLASS 3A Rochelle Regional Tuesday’s result • No. 4 Belvidere 56, No. 5 Rochelle 23 Wednesday’s results • No. 1 Rockford Lutheran 48, Belvidere 39 • No. 2 Freeport 35, No. 3 Dixon 33 Friday’s game • Championship, Lutheran 72, Freeport 42 Winner advances to Hampshire Sectional vs. Sycamore Regional winner, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 24 Streator Regional Monday’s result • No. 4 LaSalle-Peru 53, No. 5 Streator 30 Wednesday’s results • No. 1 Mendota 53, LaSalle-Peru 30 • No. 2 Sterling 58, No. 3 Rock Falls 54 Today’s game • Championship, Mendota 39, Sterling 24 Winner advances to LaSalle-Peru Sectional vs. Morton Regional winner, 7 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 23

CLASS 1A Illinois Valley Community College Supersectional Monday’s game • Prophetstown vs. Annawan, 7

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of doing that.”

Sandoval led Sterling with 9 points, despite being sidelined for much of the third quarter after taking a hard charge by the Trojans’ Abby Bromenschenkel. Jay Borum led Sterling with four assists and three rebounds coming off the bench.

The Warriors close out a year of transition under Vasquez, the

former Sauk Valley Predators head coach tapped to replace Julie Schroeder this past summer.

“It was a learning process this year,” Vasquez said. “The seniors on our team opened their arms up willingly to learn a new system, and that’s real tough. They did some real nice things for us this year. It’s a learning process. We’ll get there.”

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Three Rivers West Rockridge Fulton Riverdale Morrison Erie Orion Sherrard Prophetstown

Girls basketball

BNC West

Friday’s result • Rockridge 57, Newman 56 • Bureau Valley 65, Princeton 53 • Kewanee 70, St. Bede 62

Sterling’s Katelyn Everett (right) tries to wrestle a loose ball away from Mendota’s Bailey Beetz during Friday’s 3A Streator Regional championship game. The Golden Warriors lost to the Trojans 39-24.

Hinckley-Big Rock Regional Monday, Feb. 23 • No. 4 Indian Creek vs. No. 5 Paw Paw, 6 • No. 3 Somonauk vs. No. 6 Amboy, 7:30 Wednesday, Feb. 25 • No. 1 Hinckley-Big Rock vs. Indian Creek/ Paw Paw, 6 • No. 2 AFC vs. Somonauk/Amboy, 7:30 Friday, Feb. 27 • Championship, 7 Winner advances to Somonauk Sectional vs. Ottawa Marquette Regional winner, 7, March 4

NIB-12 West

Three Rivers East Kewanee Bureau Valley Newman St. Bede Princeton Hall Amboy

Wednesday, Feb. 25 • No. 1 Forreston vs. Eastland/Milledgeville, 6 • Polo/Annawan vs. Erie/Prophetstown, 7:30 Friday, Feb. 27 • Championship, 7 p.m.

Winner advances to Eastland Sectional vs.

River Ridge Regional winner, 7, March 4

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Saturday, February 21, 2015

BOYS BASKETBALL

SV Weekend • B5

SVM SCOUTS 2015 1A/2A BOYS BASKETBALL REGIONALS

Bureau Valley’s Parker Neuhalfen

Polo’s Brad Cavanaugh

AFC’s Bret Gittleson

2A Fulton

1A Erie

1A Hinckley-Big Rock

When: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday Teams: No. 1 Bureau Valley (24-3), No. 2 Newman (17-10), No. 3 Princeton (14-11), No. 4 Morrison (1612), No. 5 Fulton (16-12), No. 6 West Carroll Players to watch: Zach Barber, Fulton sr. G; Kaleb Church, Morrison sr. G; Garrett Duffin, Princeton sr. F; Tommy Johnston, Bureau Valley sr. G; Noah McCarty, Newman sr. F; Nolan McGinn, Newman sr. F; Matt McGinnis, West Carroll jr. C; Parker Neuhalfen, Bureau Valley sr. G; Outlook: Bureau Valley and Newman split two TRAC East meetings this season with each team winning at home. A third meeting could happen on a neutral court in the championship game in Fulton. While those two teams are the favorites, Princeton, Morrison and Fulton all have solid teams and could pull off an upset here.

Favorite: Bureau Valley Darkhorse: Newman Winner to: Farmington Sectional vs. Winnebago Regional winner, 7 p.m. March 3 SVM prediction: Bureau Valley

When: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday Teams: No. 1 Forreston (19-5), No. 2 Polo (19-9), No. 3 Erie (11-19), No. 4 Eastland, No. 5 Milledgeville (8-17), No. 6 Prophetstown (7-22), No. 7 Annawan Players to watch: Brad Cavanaugh, Polo jr. G; Robert DeVries, Forreston sr. F; Jordan Harris, Milledgeville sr. G; Brighton Haverland, Eastland so. F; Jack Heflin, Prophetstown jr. C; Wyatt Kerchner, Forreston sr. G; Alex Landwehr, Annawan jr. G; Cody Weimer, Erie jr. F Outlook: Forreston pulled ahead of the pack with Aquin in the NUIC East. The pack included Polo, a team that looked strong in the middle of the season, but has hit a bit of a rough patch recently. If the Marcos can get back on track, they could challenge the Cardinals for the title. Erie has shown flashes this season, and it’s hard to bet against Eastland in the postseason.

Favorite: Forreston Darkhorse: Erie Winner to: Eastland Sectional vs. River Ridge Regional winner, 7, March 4 SVM prediction: Forreston

When: Monday, Wednesday, Friday Teams: No. 1 Hinckley-Big Rock (16-10), No. 2 AFC (19-9), No. 3 Somonauk (16-10), No. 4 Indian Creek (13-13), No. 5 Paw Paw, No. 6 Amboy (0-27) Players to watch: Jack Bullard, AFC jr. G; Bret Gittleson, AFC sr. G; Jordan Hochstatter, Amboy so. G; Dan Humers, Somonauk sr. F; Kevin Kurz, AFC sr. F; Mitch Lavoy, Somonauk sr. F; Eric Phillips, H-BR sr. G; Drew Winterton, Indian Creek sr. G Outlook: The top four teams at this regional seem evenly matched, which should make for a wild week in Hinckley. AFC has shown this season that when it gets going that it can beat just about anyone. If the Raiders get hot, they could hoist the regional plaque. But it won’t be easy with the hosts and Somonauk both looking like real contenders.

Favorite: AFC Darkhorse: Somonauk Winner to: Somonauk Sectional vs. Ottawa Marquette Regional winner, 7, March 4 SVM prediction: AFC

Win over Storm giving Newman confidence PIECING

CONTINUED FROM B1 “I think we started off trying to fill that gap a lot; we were shooting a lot of 3s, too many for us to be taking,” senior Drew Rosengren said. “Now, we’ve kind of figured out we’re a lot better if we get the ball to Noah, or drive to the hole, and find the open shooters with kickout passes.”

The Comets have also benefitted from McCarty’s maturation.

Always talented skillwise, the 6-foot-7 junior has accepted his role as Newman’s go-to guy, something Sharp and his coaching staff have

been urging McCarty to do since the start of the season.

“We’ve had a lot of heart-to-heart conversations with him about him being the man,” Sharp said. “It’s really hard for an underclassman to assert himself on a team; they always defer to the older kids, and feel like they’re overstepping their bounds if they try to do too much. But he’s been playing varsity as long as these seniors have, so they don’t really see him as an underclassman. I think that’s helped Noah step up and adjust to it.

“Plus, these kids understand what it takes to have success at this time of year, when it’s lose and

you’re done, and that can play an important part in winning and losing in the playoffs.”

The seniors’ experience also plays a key role in something else that will come in handy if the Comets are to make another long postseason run.

Not only do the Comets have plenty of experience with basketball success the past few years, but many of the players were also part of the state championship football team in 2013, and this fall’s run to the quarterfinals.

“I think that experience is going to help us keep our composure, help keep us poised,” senior Trevor

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< Subscriber Only

Bolin said. “We’re not going to panic when we feel a little pressure, not have too many nerves, and just be able to go out and execute in key situations.”

Newman opens the postseason with a semifinal game against either Princeton or West Carroll on Wednesday at the Class 2A Fulton Regional. A win by the second-seeded Comets in that game could set up a title-game showdown with top-seeded Bureau Valley.

The two Three Rivers East foes have already met twice this season, with each team winning on its home court. In fact, Newman’s win over the

Storm on Feb. 10 injected some confidence into the team, and has them feeling like they’re peaking at the perfect time.

“They’re a really good team, and the fact that we beat them, I think it just shows that we can be a really good team when we show up to play hard,” Bolin said. “We proved that if we’re not lazy on defense, if we don’t take plays off, we can play with anybody.”

And the defense is what Bolin and his teammates are pointing to as the key to make the season last as long as possible. While the Comets had strong perimeter scoring to balance McCarty’s inside presence last season,

Bolin points out that there hasn’t consistently been that “knock-out scorer” this winter.

But if the Comets can hold their opponents to under 60 points, and with the way the guards are meshing with McCarty’s double-double ability in the paint, they like their chances to win.

“Our defensive presence has to be there the whole postseason,” Rosengren said. “But each game, we’ve got to kind of figure out how we want to tackle the offensive side.

“But I think with the talent on this team, and the coaching that we have, we should be able to adjust to anything that gets thrown at us.”

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B6 • SV Weekend

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Saturday, February 21, 2015

BOYS BASKETBALL | DIXON 63, BYRON 48

FRIDAY’S SCOREBOARD

Dukes get it done

Auto racing

Dixon closes game with big run to tie record for wins

BY TY REYNOLDS treynolds@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5554 @STyReynolds

DIXON – As Laron Carr lofted the pass, every eye in Lancaster Gym was on the ball. The crowd knew what was coming, but it seemed like a longshot that Isaiah Roby would track it down.

But in one smooth motion, the 6-foot-8 Dixon junior caught the perfectly placed, perfectly timed pass and threw it down through the cylinder, igniting the crowd – and the Dukes – with the spark they needed.

The alley-oop play broke a fourth-quarter tie, and sent Dixon to a 63-48 victory over the Byron Tigers in Big Northern West action, tying the program record for wins in a single season. It was the 25th victory, tying the 1966-67 team that finished 25-2.

“I knew that play was a gamechanger,” Carr said, “and it definitely was, big-time. It had been open the whole game, I just hadn’t been able to get the ball to him. That time, it worked.”

“It was a great pass by Laron, and a great finish by Isaiah,” Cal Jarrett added, “and it’s those plays that really get us going. It was easier to turn up the intensity on defense after that, because everything was just feeding off itself.”

The play nearly blew the roof off venerable Lancaster Gym, and kick-started a game-closing 19-4 run that saw a tight affair turn into a double-digit margin of victory.

The Dukes (25-1, 12-1) followed up the oop with a fast-break layup from Roby to Nate Gascoigne, who was fouled on the play. Gascoigne missed the free throw, but Dixon corraled the rebound, and Roby went in for a one-handed slam on a drive from the left wing.

The dunk attempt caromed out, but Kyle LeBlanc was able to tap the rebound out to Carr, who found a wide-open Cal Jarrett on the left wing – nearly the same spot Roby had vacated. Jarrett knocked down a 3-pointer, extending Dixon’s lead to 51-44, and setting the tone for the final 4½ minutes.

“Cal sealed the deal with that shot,” said LeBlanc, who matched Jarrett’s 16 points on 7-for-8 shooting thanks to several wideopen layups behind Byron’s zone defense. “We knew the back side is the weakness of the 1-3-1, and we found it inside and outside tonight.”

Jarrett found Carr (23 points, 4 assists, 2 steals) cutting down the lane for a layup on Dixon’s next possession, forcing Byron (19-8, 6-6) to call its second timeout in a little more than a minute. But it still couldn’t stem the tide, even after Austin McCarey (18 points,

Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

Dixon’s Laron Carr goes up for a shot along the baseline Friday night over Byron’s Payton Janssen. The Dukes used a fourth-quarter rally to earn a 63-48 win in Big Northern West game in Dixon.

Star of the game: Laron Carr, Dixon, 23 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 1 block Key performers: Cal Jarrett, Dixon, 16 points, 4 rebpunds, 3 steals, 2 assists, 1 block; Kyle LeBlanc, Dixon, 16 points, 7-for8 FGs, 4 rebounds; Isaiah Roby, Dixon, 6 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 6 blocks; Austin McCarey, Byron, 18 points, 5-for-7 FGs, 6-for-6 FTs; Dillon VanLankvelt, Byron, 13 points, 4 assists Up next: Dixon at Rochelle, 7 p.m. Tuesday 5-for-7 FGs, 6-for-6 FTs) knocked down a pull-up jumper out of the timeout.

Jarrett hit a free throw, then Roby found LeBlanc with a pass from the high post. LeBlanc putback a miss on Dixon’s next possession, then Carr hit four straight free throws for a 62-48 lead with 52.9 seconds to play. Jarrett closed out the scoring with a free throw 20 seconds later, then the Dukes ran out the clock after snaring their 10th offensive rebound when he missed the second.

“We played great for 3½ quarters, but it got stretched out at the end and we had no answer for it,” McCarey said. “That’s a really good team, and when the crowd started going insane at the end, they really

turned up the intensity.”

Dixon never trailed in the game, but it was nip-and-tuck for 26½ minutes. The Dukes built a 22-15 lead midway through the second quarter, only to see Byron close the first half on a 12-5 spurt. Clayton Hoover’s 3 inside the final second tied the score at 27 heading into the break.

The Dukes scored 11 of the first 13 points of the second half, only to see the Tigers rally again. Trailing 38-31 with 3:04 left in the third, Byron went on a 13-6 run, capped

by McCarey’s 3-pointer off a pass from Hoover (8 points, all in the first half), and a fast-break layup

by Dillon VanLankvelt (13 points, 4 assists) to knot the score at 44 with 5:27 remaining.

That’s when Roby (6 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 6 blocks) brought the house down with the alley-oop dunk, and it was all Dixon from there. The Dukes finished 25-for-38 from the floor (66 percent), and outrebounded the Tigers 27-14.

“It got away from us there at the end,” Byron coach Tom Schmidt said, “and there’s only so much you can do against a great team with that kind of size and athleticism and strength. I’m proud of how we played tonight, and the game was a lot closer than the final score for 3½ quarters.”

NBA | PISTONS 100, BULLS 91

Failed to Qualify 44. (62) Brian Scott, Chevrolet, 197.828.

45. (29) Justin Marks, Toyota, 194.675.

46. (30) Ron Hornaday Jr., Chevrolet, 190.791.

47. (26) Jeb Burton, Toyota, 195.004.

48. (7) Alex Bowman, Chevrolet, 198.229.

49. (98) Josh Wise, Ford, 193.386.

Men’s basketball Big Ten Conference W-L Pct. Wisconsin 12-1 .923 Maryland 10-4 .714 Purdue 10-4 .714 Michigan St. 9-4 .692 Ohio St. 8-5 .615 Indiana 8-6 .571 Illinois 7-6 .538 Iowa 7-6 .538 Michigan 6-8 .429 Minnesota 5-9 .357 Nebraska 5-8 .385 Penn St. 3-11 .214 Rutgers 2-12 .143 Northwestern 3-10 .231

Overall W-L Pct. 24-2 .923 22-5 .815 18-9 .667 18-8 .692 19-7 .731 18-9 .667 17-9 .654 16-10 .615 13-13 .500 16-11 .593 13-12 .520 15-12 .555 10-17 .370 12-14 .462

Wednesday’s results Wisconsin 55, Penn St. 47 Northwestern 72, Minnesota 66 Thursday’s results No. 16 Maryland 69, Nebraska 65 Purdue 67, Indiana 63 Iowa 81, Rutgers 47 Saturday’s games Minnesota at Wisconsin, 11 a.m. (ESPN) Penn St. at Northwestern, 2 p.m. (ESPNU) Sunday’s games Ohio St. at Michigan, noon (CBS) Iowa at Nebraska, 2 p.m. (BTN) Indiana at Rutgers, 4:15 p.m. (BTN) Michigan St. at Illinois, 6:30 p.m. (BTN)

NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L Pct Toronto 37 17 .685 Brooklyn 22 31 .415 Boston 20 32 .385 Philadelphia 12 42 .222 New York 10 44 .185 Southeast Division W L Pct Atlanta 43 12 .782 Washington 33 22 .600 Miami 23 30 .434 Charlotte 22 30 .423 Orlando 18 39 .316 Central Division W L Pct Chicago 34 21 .618 Cleveland 34 22 .607 Milwaukee 31 23 .574 Detroit 22 33 .400 Indiana 22 33 .400

GB — 14½ 16 25 27 GB — 10 19 19½ 26 GB — ½ 2½ 12 12

WESTERN CONFERENCE

No dwindling with Dinwiddie D-league callup leads undermanned Pistons past Bulls By the Associated Press

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Spencer Dinwiddie spent Thursday afternoon preparing for another weekend in the D-League.

A day later, everything had changed.

After a pair of trades left the Pistons short-handed, the rookie point guard was thrust into the starting lineup Friday night and outplayed Derrick Rose in Detroit’s 100-91 victory over the Bulls.

“I was getting ready to head to Grand Rapids for the weekend, and then all the crazy stuff started happening at the trade deadline,” Dinwiddie said. “I was just trying to keep up with who was going where, and all of a sudden they told me that my plans had changed.

“I thought they meant I had gotten traded, too.

Luckily, I just didn’t have to go to the D-League.”

The Pistons traded two starters, including point guard D.J. Augustin, to Oklahoma City for Reggie Jackson. But when

Daytona 500 lineup After Thursday qualifying; race Sunday At Daytona International Speedway Daytona Beach, Fla. Lap length: 2.5 miles (Car number in parentheses) 1. (24) Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 201.293 mph.

2. (48) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 201.135.

3. (88) Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet.

4. (18) Kyle Busch, Toyota, 200.187.

5. (22) Joey Logano, Ford, 193.241.

6. (19) Carl Edwards, Toyota, 197.837.

7. (14) Tony Stewart, Chevrolet, 197.968.

8. (16) Greg Biffle, Ford, 197.477.

9. (15) Clint Bowyer, Toyota, 194.995.

10. (78) Martin Truex Jr., Chevrolet, 190.678.

11. (4) Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet, 197.994.

12. (21) Ryan Blaney, Ford, 193.282.

13. (5) Kasey Kahne, Chevrolet, 199.867.

14. (44) Reed Sorenson, Chevrolet, 194.978.

15. (1) Jamie McMurray, Chevrolet, 193.133.

16. (66) Mike Wallace, Toyota, 192.509.

17. (40) Landon Cassill, Chevrolet, 193.299.

18. (51) Justin Allgaier, Chevrolet, 196.532.

19. (35) Cole Whitt, Ford, 194.012.

20. (10) Danica Patrick, Chevrolet, 197.959.

21. (27) Paul Menard, Chevrolet, 198.325.

22. (31) Ryan Newman, Chevrolet, 198.177.

23. (95) Michael McDowell, Ford, 195.3.

24. (41) Regan Smith, Chevrolet, 197.976.

25. (23) J.J. Yeley, Toyota.

26. (38) David Gilliland, Ford, 195.346.

27. (46) Michael Annett, Chevrolet, 196.554.

28. (34) David Ragan, Ford, 194.452.

29. (42) Kyle Larson, Chevrolet, 195.588.

30. (3) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet, 196.962.

31. (33) Ty Dillon, Chevrolet, 197.507.

32. (17) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Ford, 196.816.

33. (43) Aric Almirola, Ford, 197.2.

34. (55) Michael Waltrip, Toyota, 190.517.

35. (20) Matt Kenseth, Toyota, 200.214.

36. (83) Johnny Sauter, Toyota, 198.22.

37. (6) Trevor Bayne, Ford, 197.256.

38. (9) Sam Hornish Jr., Ford, 197.243.

39. (2) Brad Keselowski, Ford, 193.357.

40. (47) AJ Allmendinger, Chevrolet, 198.212.

41. (13) Casey Mears, Chevrolet, 197.946.

42. (11) Denny Hamlin, Toyota.

43. (32) Bobby Labonte, Ford, Past Champion.

Southwest Division W L Pct Memphis 39 14 .736 Houston 36 18 .667 Dallas 37 20 .649 San Antonio 34 20 .630 New Orleans 27 27 .500 Northwest Division W L Pct Portland 36 18 .667 Oklahoma City 29 25 .537 Denver 20 34 .370 Utah 20 34 .370 Minnesota 12 42 .222 Pacific Division W L Pct Golden State 42 9 .824 L.A. Clippers 36 19 .655 Phoenix 29 26 .527 Sacramento 19 34 .358 L.A. Lakers 13 41 .241

GB — 3½ 4 5½ 12½ GB — 7 16 16 24 GB — 8 15 24 30½

Friday’s results Indiana 106, Philadelphia 95 Orlando 95, New Orleans 84 Toronto 105, Atlanta 80 Detroit 100, Chicago 91 Miami 111, New York 87 Minnesota 111, Phoenix 109 Cleveland 127, Washington 89 Dallas 111, Houston 100 Milwaukee 89, Denver 81 Utah 92, Portland 76 Sacramento 109, Boston 101 Brooklyn 114, L.A. Lakers 105 San Antonio at Golden State, late Saturday’s games Oklahoma City at Charlotte, 6 p.m.

New Orleans at Miami, 6:30 p.m.

Phoenix at Chicago, 7 p.m.

Toronto at Houston, 7 p.m.

Sacramento at L.A. Clippers, 9 p.m.

AP

Bulls forward Pau Gasol (16) drives on Pistons center Andre Drummond during their game in Auburn Hills, Mich. on Friday. The Piston won 100-91. the three-team deal wasn’t finalized by Friday night, coach Stan Van Gundy was left with only John Lucas III and Dinwiddie at the point.

Lucas was the obvious choice, but Van Gundy went with a hunch.

“We had two hard practices the last 2 days, and everyone on the

team noticed how well Spencer was playing,” he said. “He’s always been a poised player, but he still does too much at a jogging pace. In the last 2 days, he had really picked up the tempo.”

Dinwiddie made it work, putting up career highs of 12 points and nine assists while Rose only had eight

points and two assists in 31 minutes.

“I had butterflies about starting the game, but it was something else to play against Derrick,” Dinwiddie said. “I’ve always loved his game, and he came back from an ACL tear, just like I’ve had to do, so it meant even more.”

Sunday’s games Cleveland at New York, noon Atlanta at Milwaukee, 2:30 p.m.

Washington at Detroit, 2:30 p.m.

Philadelphia at Orlando, 5 p.m.

Golden State at Indiana, 5 p.m.

Denver at Oklahoma City, 6 p.m.

Charlotte at Dallas, 6:30 p.m.

Memphis at Portland, 8 p.m.

Boston at L.A. Lakers, 8:30 p.m.

Friday’s box score

PISTONS 100, BULLS 91 CHICAGO (91) Dunleavy 0-5 0-0 0, Gasol 4-10 4-4 12, Noah 4-8 2-4 10, Rose 2-9 4-4 8, J.Butler 9-18 9-9 30, Snell 1-3 0-0 2, Gibson 7-13 1-1 15, Hinrich 3-4 0-0 7, Brooks 2-6 0-0 4, Mirotic 1-2 0-0 3. Totals 33-78 20-22 91.

DETROIT (100) C.Butler 6-10 6-6 20, Monroe 9-14 2-5 20, Drummond 7-18 4-13 18, Dinwiddie 5-9 1-2 12, Caldwell-Pope 5-11 0-2 12, Tolliver 0-3 0-0 0, Martin 0-3 0-0 0, Lucas III 4-8 0-0 9, Meeks 2-8 5-5 9. Totals 38-84 18-33 100.

Chicago 23 30 15 23 – 91 Detroit 22 23 32 23 –100 3-Point Goals–Chicago 5-16 (J.Butler 3-5, Hinrich 1-1, Mirotic 1-1, Dunleavy 0-2, Brooks 0-2, Snell 0-2, Rose 0-3), Detroit 6-22 (Caldwell-Pope 2-3, C.Butler 2-5, Dinwiddie 1-2, Lucas III 1-4, Martin 0-2, Meeks 0-3, Tolliver 0-3). Fouled Out– Noah. Rebounds–Chicago 49 (Noah 14), Detroit 59 (Drummond 20). Assists–Chicago 16 (J.Butler 5), Detroit 19 (Dinwiddie 9). Total Fouls–Chicago 23, Detroit 23.

A–19,053 (22,076).

NHL EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division GP W L OT Pts GF Montreal 58 37 16 5 79 154 Tampa Bay 60 36 18 6 78 195 Detroit 56 32 14 10 74 163 Boston 58 28 21 9 65 151 Florida 57 26 19 12 64 141 Ottawa 56 23 23 10 56 159 Toronto 59 23 31 5 51 163 Buffalo 59 17 38 4 38 109 Metropolitan Division GP W L OT Pts GF N.Y. Islanders 59 39 19 1 79 193 N.Y. Rangers 57 35 16 6 76 181 Washington 59 32 17 10 74 176 Pittsburgh 58 32 17 9 73 163 Philadelphia 58 24 23 11 59 155 Columbus 56 26 27 3 55 149 New Jersey 58 23 26 9 55 130 Carolina 57 21 29 7 49 129

GA 130 160 143 154 157 160 180 200 GA 165 142 147 146 170 173 157 155

WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA 58 39 13 6 84 177 137 58 38 16 4 80 184 142 59 35 19 5 75 175 138 60 30 20 10 70 166 162 58 30 21 7 67 162 154 58 27 23 8 62 181 185 59 25 23 11 61 154 166 Pacific Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Anaheim 59 36 16 7 79 176 167 Vancouver 58 33 22 3 69 165 155 Calgary 59 32 23 4 68 171 156 San Jose 60 30 22 8 68 170 172 Los Angeles 57 27 18 12 66 159 151 Arizona 58 20 31 7 47 131 194 Edmonton 60 17 33 10 44 139 203 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss.

Nashville St. Louis Chicago Winnipeg Minnesota Dallas Colorado

Friday’s results New Jersey 4, Vancouver 2 Carolina 2, Toronto 1 N.Y. Rangers 3, Buffalo 1 St. Louis 5, Boston 1 Colorado 4, Chicago 1 Anaheim 6, Calgary 3 Minnesota 4, Edmonton 0 Saturday’s games N.Y. Islanders at Washington, 11:30 a.m.

Nashville at Philadelphia, noon Winnipeg at Toronto, 6 p.m.

Columbus at Montreal, 6 p.m.

Florida at Ottawa, 6 p.m.

Carolina at New Jersey, 6 p.m.

Anaheim at Edmonton, 6 p.m.

Pittsburgh at St. Louis, 7 p.m.

Detroit at Dallas, 7 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Arizona, 7 p.m.

Los Angeles vs. San Jose at Santa Clara, CA, 9 p.m.

Sunday’s games Washington at Philadelphia, 11:30 a.m.

Boston at Chicago, 2:30 p.m.

Nashville at Buffalo, 5 p.m.

Vancouver at N.Y. Islanders, 5 p.m.

Florida at Pittsburgh, 5 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Colorado, 6 p.m.

Columbus at N.Y. Rangers, 6:30 p.m.

Dallas at Minnesota, 7 p.m.

Friday’s box score

AVALANCHE 4, BLACKHAWKS 1 Colorado 1 0 3 – 4 Chicago 0 1 0 – 1 First Period–1, Colorado, Barrie 8, 12:52. Penalties–None.

Second Period–2, Chicago, Versteeg 12 (Richards, Rozsival), 9:05. Penalties– Mitchell, Col (holding), 2:35; Hjalmarsson, Chi (slashing), 14:28; Landeskog, Col (cross-checking), 18:10; Hossa, Chi (cross-checking), 18:10.

Third Period–3, Colorado, Landeskog 15 (O’Reilly, Barrie), 11:05 (pp). 4, Colorado, Barrie 9 (Iginla, Landeskog), 11:29 (pp). 5, Colorado, Stuart 2, 14:13. Penalties–Landeskog, Col (tripping), 7:59; Sharp, Chi (interference), 10:44; Hjalmarsson, Chi (interference), 10:44.

Shots on Goal–Colorado 10-7-13–30.

Chicago 9-12-7–28.

Power-play opportunities–Colorado 2 of 3; Chicago 0 of 2.

Goalies–Colorado, Varlamov 17-15-7 (28 shots-27 saves). Chicago, Crawford 23-13-4 (30-26).

A–22,103 (19,717). T–2:26.

Golf PGA – Northern Trust Par Scores Friday At The Riviera Country Club Los Angeles Purse: $6.7 million Yardage: 7,349; Par: 71 Partial Second Round Retief Goosen 66-70—136 -6 Ryan Moore 69-68—137 -5 Graham DeLaet 70-67—137 -5 Justin Thomas 68-69—137 -5 Angel Cabrera 70-68—138 -4 Bubba Watson 70-69—139 -3 Derek Fathauer 66-73—139 -3 Jordan Spieth 69-70—139 -3 J.B. Holmes 70-69—139 -3 Paul Casey 70-69—139 -3 Seung-Yul Noh 71-69—140 -2 Vijay Singh 66-74—140 -2 Sergio Garcia 71-69—140 -2 Nick Watney 66-74—140 -2 James Hahn 66-74—140 -2 Carlos Ortiz 67-73—140 -2 Daniel Summerhays 66-74—140 -2 Tony Finau 70-70—140 -2 Bryce Molder 71-70—141 -1 Charles Howell III 71-70—141 -1 Keegan Bradley 73-68—141 -1 Jim Furyk 71-70—141 -1 Harris English 72-69—141 -1 Brendon Todd 69-72—141 -1 Charl Schwartzel 71-70—141 -1 William McGirt 68-74—142 E Brian Stuard 71-71—142 E Camilo Villegas 73-69—142 E Dustin Johnson 70-72—142 E Hunter Mahan 75-67—142 E Ken Duke 72-70—142 E Matt Jones 70-72—142 E Matt Every 70-72—142 E Vaughn Taylor 74-68—142 E Kyle Reifers 72-70—142 E Andrew Putnam 73-69—142 E Pat Perez 69-73—142 E Hideki Matsuyama 70-72—142 E Sang-Moon Bae 71-71—142 E Michael Putnam 70-72—142 E Padraig Harrington 70-73—143 +1 Jason Gore 73-70—143 +1 Danny Lee 70-73—143 +1 Carl Pettersson 71-72—143 +1 Jason Kokrak 71-72—143 +1 Jhonattan Vegas 71-72—143 +1

Transactions BASKETBALL National Basketball Association PHILADELPHIA 76ERS — Signed G Tim Frazier to a second 10-day contract.

SACRAMENTO KINGS — Signed G David Stockton to a 10-day contract.

SAN ANTONIO SPURS — Signed F Reggie Williams.

FOOTBALL National Football League CINCINNATI BENGALS — Terminated the contract of G Mike Pollak.

GREEN BAY PACKERS — Released LB Brad Jones.

ST. LOUIS RAMS — Named Chris Weinke quarterbacks coach.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS — Agreer to terms with T King Dunlap on a four-year contract.

COLLEGE BOISE STATE — Signed football coach Bryan Harsin to a five-year contract.

ILLINOIS — Announced men’s redshirt junior basketball G Aaron Cosby will transfer.

N.C. STATE — Signed football coach Dave Doeren to a two-year contract extension through the 2019 season.

Saturday, February 21, 2015

www.saukvalley.com

NHL | AVS 4, BLACKHAWKS 1

SV Weekend • B7

MLB | CHICAGO CUBS

Maddon to lean on veterans New manager expects experienced guys to lead team

BY MARK GONZALES Chicago Tribune

AP

Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford makes a save Friday against the Avalanche in Chicago. The Blackhawks lost 4-1.

Hawks continue to struggle at home Avs pull away at United Center

BY JAY COHEN AP Sports Writer

CHICAGO – Two thirdperiod penalties provided a big opportunity for the Colorado Avalanche, and Tyson Barrie and company made the most of their chance for a valuable road win.

Barrie had two goals and an assist, Gabriel Landeskog scored for the fifth straight game, and the Avalanche beat the Chicago Blackhawks 4-1 on Friday night.

“Those were two big points,” Barrie said. “We know what position we’re in and we know we’ve got to win a lot of hockey games. I thought we played a great game and it was nice to get that power play going.”

The teams were tied at 1 when Niklas Hjalmarsson and Patrick Sharp were sent off for interference at 10:44 of the third, giving Colorado a 5-on-3 power play. The Avalanche quickly took advantage, with Landeskog tipping in a nice pass from Ryan O’Reilly.

Hjalmarsson then left the box, but Barrie scored from the slot to make it 3-1 at 11:29. Barrie has five goals and an assist in seven games this month.

“It’s not often that you see two calls being made on the same whistle, but we felt like it was a must for us to score and we did,” Landeskog said.

“And back to back it was big for us to kind of loosen up a little bit.”

Brad Stuart added his second goal of the season when goaltender Corey Crawford badly misplayed his dump in from center ice, punctuating a frustrating performance for the Blackhawks.

“A 5-on-3 for 2 minutes in a 1-1 hockey game at home is tough to see,” Chicago coach Joel Quenneville said.

Star of the game: Tyson Barrie, Avs, 2 goals, 1 assist Up next: Bruins at Blackhawks, 2:30 p.m.

Sunday TV/Radio: NBC/ 720 AM Semyon Varlamov had 27 saves for Colorado, which had lost of five of seven. Landeskog also had an assist.

Kris Versteeg scored in the second period for Chicago, which dropped to 2-1-3 on its eight-game homestand. Crawford finished with 26 stops.

“Tonight we just fell off the horse,” captain Jonathan Toews said.

“We were definitely in that hockey game,” Crawford said. “We did a lot of good things, and definitely let it go. To let these slip away, it’s frustrating.”

Barrie made a couple of nice plays to help the Avalanche get off to a solid start.

Barrie picked off a pass

by Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook at the blue line and beat Crawford with a high shot on the stick side for his eighth goal at 12:52.

The defenseman then tied up Patrick Kane on a prime scoring opportunity for Chicago with 3:34 left in the period.

Versteeg was unable to connect on a couple of solid chances in the first, and then chipped a tooth when he skated into Stuart’s high stick in the second. There was no call on the play, but Versteeg got his revenge with 10:55 left in the period.

Blackhawks defenseman Michal Rozsival shot the puck behind the Colorado net, and Brad Richards then passed it in front to unmarked Versteeg, who beat Varlamov for his third goal in the last four games.

MESA, Ariz. – The Cubs begin preparation for the 2015 season Friday, but they also hope to begin to a lay a foundation for long-term success when they conduct their first workout for pitchers and catchers under new manager Joe Maddon.

With the core of the Cubs’ future – Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, Addison Russell, Jorge Soler, C.J. Edwards, and Kyle Schwarber – moving closer to cementing permanent roster spots, Maddon will lean on his veterans for leadership as much as performance.

“When you have your leaders within the clubhouse taking care of that for you in advance, that’s the best way to do it,” Maddon said Thursday.

“I don’t like to fine guys. I don’t like to take their money. I really don’t have a lot of rules. I’m anti-rules.

I’m going to talk to players. They know what’s right. They know what’s wrong. It’s pretty simple stuff to me.”

Maddon, who managed the Rays the last nine seasons before signing a 5-year contract with the Cubs, said he has pulled players out of games for not hustling, and former Cubs manager Dale Sveum pulled shortstop Starlin Castro in the middle of a game 2 years ago for a lack of focus.

AP

New Cubs manager Joe Maddon says he’s going to rely on the veteran players to keep guys in line in the locker room and on the field.

“For me, the best way to avoid that is you get your lead bulls on the same page,” Maddon said. “And when they are, if somebody strays a bit, the appropriate guys in the clubhouse take care of that for you.

“I should be the last guy always to have to intervene if this is running properly.”

Enter Anthony Rizzo and marquee acquisition Jon Lester. Rizzo report-

ed to camp well in advance of the first full-squad workout Wednesday, and has made a positive influence on Bryant, 23, who is “very close to the big leagues,” according to President Theo Epstein.

Lester, who signed a 6-year, $155 million contract in December after nine seasons with the Red Sox and A’s, has set a positive tone around his new teammates, Epstein said.

MLB | CHICAGO WHITE SOX

Sox moves have Sale psyched Ace motivated by team adding key pieces during the offseason

BY COLLEEN KANE Chicago Tribune

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Chris Sale probably isn’t one in need of extra motivation, but the fiery White Sox lefthander couldn’t help but feel a jolt as he watched the club’s offseason unfold.

The Sox tabbed Sale a South Side centerpiece in 2013 when they signed him to an affordable, lengthy contract that could keep him on board through 2019. Two rocky Sox seasons later, he was naturally cheery about greeting the new teammates that could help make his stay more enjoyable.

“You never really know what to expect, but there was definitely a lot of energy this offseason, and it was fun to watch,” Sale said. “You’re working out and see that your team is making a push for it, and you start pushing yourself, too.”

Right-hander Jeff Samardzija and closer David Robertson were among the newcomers welcomed Friday as pitchers and catchers reported to Camelback Ranch, and they were among the reasons Sale declared the Sox “a team to fight back now” after hovering near the bottom of the American

MCT

White Sox starter Chris Sale is excited by the additions the team made, and believes the goal for the team in 2015 should be a World Series title.

League Central for 2 years.

He gave just one goal for this season, and it wasn’t improving on his thirdplace finish in AL Cy Young voting last year.

“Winning a World Series,” he said. “That’s what we all show up for.’”

Coming off a year in which he went 12-4 with a 2.17 ERA, Sale said he approached the offseason the same as he did any other, though he utilized more massage therapy.

The Sox will need Sale to stay healthy if they want to contend. He spent more

than a month on the disabled list with a strained flexor muscle early last season, and missed starts in 2012 and 2013 because of injuries and fatigue.

General manager Rick Hahn said the Sox, like last spring, will alter Sale’s regimen in an effort to keep him healthy. He added that having a better bullpen this year might discourage the Sox from pushing Sale too hard during the regular season.

“It has already come up, ‘How are we going to get over that first bump in the

road?’” Sale said. “But we’ll act accordingly and figure it out along the way.”

Samardzija seemed equally happy to join a rotation that includes Sale.

He said he has gained “tons of admiration” for Sale while watching his highlights on Chicago TV when Samardzija was with the Cubs.

“You don’t see anything but success from that guy,” Samardzija said. “What a competitor. That’s what you like to see, that fire.”

The Sox were able to put together such a hope-filled offseason – and are able to set their sights on signing Samardzija long term – thanks in part to reasonable contracts like those of Sale and left-hander Jose Quintana.

Sale said it doesn’t bother him that he is signed to such a team-friendly contract compared with some other top starting pitchers. But it would certainly make it better if the Sox began winning.

“The most exciting thing is we have a core group of players locked up for quite a long time,” Sale said. “It would be nice to keep us together and hopefully be able to play 3, 4, 5, 6 years together and make something special happen.”

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL | RULES ANNOUNCEMENT

Baseball taking measures to try and pick up pace in 2015

BY RONALD BLUM AP Sports Writer

NEW YORK – Major League Baseball is slowly addressing the lagging pace of games.

MLB and the players’ association announced an agreement Friday to enforce the rule requiring a hitter to keep at least one foot in the batter’s box in many cases. MLB also will post stadium clocks timing pitching changes and between-inning breaks starting in spring training, and it no longer will require managers to always come onto the field when they request video reviews by umpires.

But the sides limited penalties to warnings and fines, and not automatic balls and strikes. The fines don’t start until May 1, and are capped at $500 per offense.

Many of the more radical ideas experimented with during the Arizona Fall League were not adopted, such as a 20-second clock between pitches, a limitation of pitcher’s mound conferences involving

catchers and managers, and no-pitch intentional walks.

Still, even the modest changes are too much for players, used to their routines and reluctant to alter them.

“If you rush a hamburger, it’s not going to be completely done. There are going to be too many mistakes. You’re going to rush the game. It would just be terrible. I don’t think there needs to be a time limit,” Miami Marlins pitcher Mat Latos said.

Said Chicago White Sox outfielder Adam Eaton: “I’m not a big fan. There’s a lot of thinking involved. When a pitcher steps on the rubber, there’s a lot going on. There’s thinking in the dugout, the coaches, everyone. Why speed that up?”

Baseball has been contemplating the issue for nearly a decade.

In February 2005, the batter’s box rule was announced as an experiment in the minor leagues.

Still, the average time of nineinning games as increased to a record 3 hours, 2 minutes last

Pace of play changes • Enforcement of rule requiring hitters to keep at least one foot in batter’s box • Posting of clocks to time pitching changes & breaks between innings • Managers no longer have to come onto field to request video reviews • Plays involving runners leaving base early or tagging up are reviewable year, up from 2:33 in 1981.

Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander says the change will be tougher on batters than pitchers.

“I hope it screws up their whole rhythm and everything,” he said, jokingly.

MLB cannot make unilateral changes to playing rules without the consent of the players’ union unless it gives 1 year prior notice, so an agreement was necessary for any 2015 alterations. The World Umpires

Association also approved.

“The players believe that enforcing the rules that currently exist regarding between-inning breaks and plate appearances is the best way to address the issue of pace of play,” union head Tony Clark said in a statement.

“We’re confident that today’s announcements will have a positive impact on the pace of the game without jeopardizing the integrity of the competition.”

The pitch clock will be used in the minor leagues at DoubleA and Triple-A, where union approval isn’t needed.

MLB said it is likely to announce only fines involving repeat flagrant violators. In the AFL, strikes and balls were called as penalties, and the average game time was reduced by 10 minutes.

The rule requiring hitters keep a foot in the box contains many exceptions, including swinging at a pitch, getting forced out by a pitch, calling time, faking a bunt, and wild pitches and passed balls.

“I think it’s something that’s going to take some time,” San Diego Padres catcher Derek Norris said. “You’ve got guys playing for 7, 8 years that have always stepped out of the box and taken a practice swing.”

Clocks will be installed on or near outfield scoreboards, and on facades behind home plate, near most press boxes. Inning breaks will be counted down from 2:25 for locally televised games and 2:45 for nationally televised games. Pitchers must throw their last warmup pitches before 30 seconds remaining, with exceptions if the pitcher or catcher is on base when the previous half-inning ends.

“These changes represent a step forward in our efforts to streamline the pace of play,” said Rob Manfred, who took over from Bud Selig as commissioner last month. “The most fundamental starting point for improving the pace of the average game involves getting into and out of breaks seamlessly.”

B8 • SV Weekend Dilbert by Scott Adams

www.saukvalley.com

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Zits® by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

Arlo & Janis by Jimmy Johnson Garfield by Jim Davis

Stone Soup by Jan Eliot Get Fuzzy by Darby Conley

Blondie by Dean Young & John Marshall

Wizard of Id by Brant Parker and Johnny Hart

Pearls Before Swine by Stephan Pastis Rose is Rose by Pat Brady and Don Wimmer

Pickles by Brian Crane Big Nate by Lincoln Peirce

Born Loser by Art and Chip Sansom

Baby Blues by Jerry Scott & Rick Kirkman

Soup To Nutz by Rick Stromoski

Family Circus by Bil Keane

The Argyle Sweater by Scott Hilburn

Alley Oop by Dave Graue and Jack Bender

Bridge Frank & Ernest by Bob Thaves

Another personal milestone reached

Grizzwells by Bill Schorr

It seems hard to believe, but this is my 7,500th column. My first appeared on April 1, 1994. So, please excuse my featuring a deal that I declared. It was played during a Friday evening duplicate at the former Beverly Bridge Club in Manhattan.

In the bidding, West used the Unusual No-Trump, in theory showing at least 5-5 in the minors.

North’s three-spade response was forcing. Then, over East’s jump to five diamonds, I decided that six hearts rated to have play.

How did I make the contract?

West led the diamond two (in principle fourth-highest). East won with his ace and shifted to his club.

Since I thought West had

five diamonds for his overcall, I assumed he intended his diamond-two lead as a suitpreference signal for clubs.

This left me confident that he could not have a spade void; with that, he would

have led a high diamond.

But perhaps he had a heart void.

I won the second trick with my club ace, led a spade to dummy’s king, and called for the heart nine.

If East had played low in tempo, I would have won with my ace and gone down.

However, East, thinking it could not cost, covered with his 10. I won the trick, noting West’s discard, entered dummy with another spade, played a heart to my seven, drew trumps, ran the spades and claimed.

That was a top because everyone else started trumps by cashing the ace, after which there was no recovery.

If declarer calls for dummy’s top card in a suit and you have it surrounded, almost always it will be right to play low smoothly. © 2015 UFS

Saturday, February 21, 2015

www.saukvalley.com

FRIDAY’S SCOREBOARD Girls basketball Class 3A Streator Regional at Lowell “Pops” Dale Gymnasium, Streator

MENDOTA 39, STERLING 24 STERLING (15-17) Carolynn Hammelman 0-0 0-0 0, Gabby Sandoval 3-6 0-0 9, Denajha Phillips 0-0 0-0 0, Katelyn Everett 1-5 0-0 2, Rashel Robinson 2-7 2-2 6, Jay Borum 1-5 0-0 3, Lauren Fritz 1-3 0-1 2, Erin Stroup 0-0 0-0 0, Makenzie Barnhart 1-1 0-0 2, Mackenzie Garza 0-0 0-0 0. Totals: 9-27 2-3 24 MENDOTA (25-3) Bailey Beetz 0-1 0-0 0, Ally Bromenschenkel 4-7 5-5 13, Amy Devitt 5-10 1-2 11, Abby Bromenschenkel 3-8 0-0 8, Brooke Stallings 3-10 4-4 7, Mani Biers 0-2 0-0 0, Haylie Barrera 0-4 0-0 0, Rebecca Scheid 0-0 0-0 0, Mary Brandner 0-0 0-0 0, Brittany Newell 0-0 0-0 0, Montana Schlesinger 0-0 0-0 0, Whitney Lewis 0-0 0-0 0.

Totals: 15-42 7-11 39.

Sterling 8 5 6 5 – 24 Mendota 9 6 16 8 – 39 3s – Sterling 2-10 (Borum 1-4, Sandoval 1-3, Everett 0-2), Mendota 2-3 (Ab. Bromenschenkel 2-2, Barrera 0-1). Rebounds – Sterling 15 (Borum 4), Mendota 26 (Al. Bromenschenkel 7). Turnovers – Sterling 21, Mendota 9. Fouls – Sterling 13 (Robinson out), Mendota 9.

Boys basketball Friday’s box scores at Lancaster Gym, Dixon

SV Weekend • B9

LOCAL ROUNDUP

MILLEDGEVILLE (9-17, 4-9) Blake Kappes 1 7-9 9, Jordan Harris 3 0-1 6, Zach Schmidt 2 0-0 5, Kolton Morgan 2 0-0 4, Evan Skoog 1 0-2 2, Joe Gennaro 6 0-0 13, Luke Ebersole 4 2-2 12, Keagan Murray 2 0-0 5, Harrison Schmidt 3 0-0 8, Curt Strauss 2 2-2 6. Totals: 26 11-16 70.

Orangeville 11 9 11 12 – 43 Milledgeville 17 24 20 9 – 70 3s – Orangeville Milledgeville 7 (Ebersole 2, H, Schmidt 2, Murray, Z. Schmidt, Gennero). at Ashton

AFC 78, DURAND 34 DURAND (5-18, 2-10 NUIC East) Spickler 1 0-0 2, Manning 1 0-0 3, Alvarez 1 0-0 2, Lake 2 1-1 6, Merners 2 0-0 4, Sadler 1 0-0 2, Bryant 3 0-0 7, Chandler 3 2-4 8. Totals: 14 3-5 34.

AFC (20-9, 9-4) Tyler Stacey 1 0-2 2, Bret Gittleson 8 0-0 21, Kaywan Palmer 3 0-0 7, David Zinke 2 0-0 5, Ryan Rod 2 1-2 5, Jacob Hilliker 3 0-0 6, Kevin O’Dowd 1 0-0 2, Dylan Pitzer 1 0-0 2, Jamey Talley 3 0-0 7, Glen Mundell 1 0-0 3, Bobby Larke 1 0-0 2, Trevor Ramsey 3 0-0 6, Kevin Kurz 4 1-2 9, Adam Mairs 0 1-2 1. Totals: 33 3-8 78.

Durand 4 14 7 9 – 34 AFC 16 29 17 16 – 78 3s – Durand 3 (Manning, Lake, Bryant), AFC 9 (Gittleson 5, Palmer, Zinke, Talley, Mundell). at Oregon

OREGON 60, STILLMAN VALLEY 38

DIXON 63, BYRON 48 BYRON (19-8, 6-6 BNC West) Dillon VanLankvelt 6-8 0-0 13, Austin Coltrain 0-1 0-0 0, Clayton Hoover 3-10 0-0 8, Austin McCarey 5-7 6-6 18, Verne Johnson 2-6 0-0 4, Drew Franklin 1-2 0-0 3, Payton Janssen 1-6 0-0 2, Griffin Thatcher 0-0 0-0 0. Totals: 18-40 6-6 48.

DIXON (25-1, 12-1) Riley Mehrens 0-0 0-0 0, Laron Carr 8-13 6-6 23, Isaiah Roby 3-6 0-1 6, Ryan Webb 0-0 0-2 0, Cal Jarrett 6-10 3-6 16, Kyle LeBlanc 7-8 2-2 16, Nate Gascoigne 1-1 0-1 2. Totals: 25-38 11-18 63.

Byron 13 14 10 11 — 48 Dixon 16 11 15 21 — 63 3s – Byron 6-14 (Hoover 3-7, McCarey 2-3, VanLankvelt 1-1, Franklin 1-1, Johnson 0-1, Janssen 0-1), Dixon 2-6 (Carr 1-3, Jarrett 1-2, Roby 0-1). Rebounds – Byron 14 (Janssen 4), Dixon 27 (Roby 9, Carr 4, Jarrett 4, LeBlanc 4). Assists – Byron 9 (VanLankvelt 4), Dixon 16 (Roby 7, Carr 4, Jarrett 2, Gascoigne 2). Steals – Byron 5 (Coltrain 2), Dixon 6 (Jarrett 3, Carr 2).

Blocks – Dixon 8 (Roby 6, Carr, Jarrett).

Turnovers – Byron 9, Dixon 11. Fouls – Byron 17, Dixon 11. at LaSalle

LASALLE-PERU 69, STERLING 49 STERLING (9-16, 3-8 NIB-12 West) Jordan Asbury 2 0-0 4, Juan Gomez 2 1-2 5, Reid Blackburn 0 1-2 1, Jacob Martinez 3 1-2 7, Zach Springman 1 0-0 3, Dimitric Young 1 3-4 5, Ethan Sanford 1 0-0 2, Joe Brouilette 4 0-0 8, Sterling Thornton 6 0-0 14. Totals: 20 6-10 49.

LASALLE-PERU (13-11, 5-6) Huebbe 5 0-2 13, Uranich 1 0-0 2, Pusiketti 1 0-0 2, Christman 1 0-0 3, Doyle 3 2-2 8, Soderholm 5 5-5 15, Milaicki 2 0-0 6, Tubbs 3 0-0 6, Presbach 1 0-0 2, Atrilano 3 6-7 12. Totals: 25 13-16 69.

Sterling 6 16 15 12 – 49 LaSalle-Peru 20 14 20 15 – 69 3s – Sterling 3 (Thornton 2, Springman), LaSalle-Peru 6 (Huebbe 3, Milaicki 2, Christman). at Milledgeville

MILLEDGEVILLE 70, ORANGEVILLE 43 ORANGEVILLE (2-20, 1-9 NUIC EAST) Getz 1 0-0 2, Obert 12 1-1 28, Alber 2 1-2 5, Parriott 2 0-0 4, Bollon 1 0-0 2, Leverton 1 0-0 2. Totals: 19 2-3 43.

STILLMAN VALLEY (2-18, 0-11 BNC West) Vanbriesen 5 0-0 14, Byers 1 1-2 4, Roberts 2 0-0 4, Lewis 1 2-2 4, Kutz 3 2-4 8, Wenberg 1 0-2 2, Perez 1 0-0 2. Totals: 14 5-10 38.

OREGON (10-18, 3-11) Trevor Otten 10 0-0 26, Mat Wasilewski 7 2-2 16, Jarret Reynolds 0 0-2 0, Jerrick Orsted 4 0-0 8, Sukhdeep Gill 0 0-1 0, Andrew Newman 3 1-2 7, Carson Buck 0 1-2 1, Zach Stromberg 1 0-0 2. Totals: 25 4-9 60.

Stillman Valley 13 8 10 7 – 38 Oregon 13 17 15 15 – 60 3s – Stillman Valley 5 (Vanbriesen 4, Byers), Oregon 6 (Otten 6). at Lanark

EAST DUBUQUE 55, EASTLAND 40 EAST DUBUQUE D. Lange 7 1-1 19, Glennan 2 0-0 4, Schulting 4 7-9 15, A. Lange 5 1-2 13, Welp 0 1-2 1, Theill 1 0-0 3. Totals: 19 10-14 55.

EASTLAND Tyler Dambman 1 0-0 3, Donny Groezinger 4 5-7 13, Eric Schaney 1 0-0 2, Brighton Haverland 4 5-9 13, Blake Janssen 1 1-1 3, Zach Randecker 1 0-0 3, DJ Heeren 1 0-0 3. Totals: 13 11-17 40.

East Dubuque 12 14 16 13 – 55 Eastland 10 9 11 10 – 40 3s – East Dubuque 7 (D. Lange 4, A. Lange 2, Theill), Eastland 3 (Dambman, Randecker, Heeren). at Savanna

GALENA 71, WEST CARROLL 63 GALENA Hulscher 3 3-4 10, Soat 6 4-7 19, Spillane 1 0-0 2, Peebles 4 3-8 11, Bingham 3 4-9 11, Bauer 5 5-8 16, Eilts 1 0-0 2. Totals: 23 17-36 71.

WEST CARROLL Caleb Brashaw 5 1-2 14, Jordan Bracero 4 3-4 11, Hunter Bender 2 0-0 4, Kaleb Plattenberger 5 0-0 14, Trevor Miller 1 0-0 2, Luke Jones 1 0-1 2, Matt McGinnis 7 2-2 16. Totals: 25 6-9 63.

Galena 13 24 13 21 – 71 West Carroll 8 20 15 20 – 63 3s – Galena 6 (Soat 3, Hulscher, Bingham, Bauer), West Carroll 7 (Plattenberger 4, C. Brashaw 3).

Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

Dixon’s Cal Jarrett shoots Friday during the Dukes’ 63-48 win over Byron at Lancaster Gym.

Chris Johnson/Shaw Media

Oregon’s Ali Scheidecker releases her ball at Cherry Bowl Lanes in Rockford Friday morning during the state tournament. She rolled a 177, 183, and 224 for a 584 series and 194.7 average in the morning session.

She finished Day 1 in 97th place with a 1,124 series.

Scheidecker rolls to 97th Oregon sophomore competes at girls state bowling meet

By SVM Sports Staff

Oregon’s Ali Scheidecker completed her first series at the girls state bowling tournament Friday at Cherry Bowl Lanes in Rockford.

Scheidecker, the area’s lone state qualifier, finished with a 1,124 sixgame series. She rolled a high game of 224 during her first-round series of 584, and added a 211 game in the second round where she finished with a 540.

The Oregon sophomore ended Day 1 in 97th place out of 131 bowlers.

Lemont senior Kyra Udziela finished the first day with a 13-pin lead with a 1,397 series. Collinsville had the early team lead with a pin total of 6,310, ahead of Waubonsie Valley (6,171).

Boys basketball LaSalle-Peru 69, Sterling 49: The Golden Warriors faced a 20-6 deficit after the first quarter and couldn’t recover in a road NIB-12 West loss.

Sterling (9-16, 3-8 NIB12 West) was led by 14 points from Sterling Thornton, who hit two of the Warriors’ three 3-pointers, while Jacob Martinez added seven points. Dimitric Young and Juan Gomez each added five points in the loss.

Rockridge 57, Newman 56: The Comets outscored Rockridge 35-25 in the second half, but couldn’t complete the comeback after a 32-21 first-half deficit in a Three Rivers crossover game.

Friday’s stars Trevor Otten, Oregon, 26 points, 6 3-pointers Noah McCarty, Newman, 22 points, 9 rebounds Bret Gittleson, AFC, 21 points, 5 3-pointers Matt Wasilewski, Oregon, 16 points Matt McGinnis, West Carroll, 16 points Noah McCarty led Newman (17-11) with 22 points and nine rebounds, while Nolan McGinn added seven points. Dillan Heffelfinger, Trevor Bolin and Shayne Allen each added six points in the loss.

Rockridge made two free throws with 11 seconds left to gain a onepoint lead, and Bolin missed a would-be gamewinning 3 at the buzzer.

AFC 78, Durand 34: Bret Gittleson scored a game-high 21 points to lead the Raiders to a home Northwest Upstate Illini East division home win.

Gittleson hit five 3-pointers, as AFC (209, 9-4 NUIC East) had 14 players score points.

Kevin Kurz finished with nine points, while Kaywan Palmer and Jamey Talley each added seven in the win.

Polo 67, Dakota 39: The Marcos outscored Dakota 22-7 in the third quarter to pull away for a win in NUIC East play.

Polo improves to 20-9 overall and 8-5 in the conference, while Dakota drops to 6-16 overall and 4-8 in conference.

Lutheran 83, Rock Falls 38: The Rockets allowed 31 first-quarter points in a Big Northern West loss in Rockford.

Micahel Berentes scored a team-high 11 points for Rock Falls (5-19, 2-10 BNC West), Jacob Mammosser added seven points, while Connor Murphy finished with five.

Lutheran still sits atop the BNC West with a 21-1 overall record, and 11-1 in conference.

Oregon 60, Stillman Valley 38: The Hawks cruised to a Big Northern West home win, after taking a 30-21 lead at halftime.

Oregon (10-18, 3-11 BNC West) was led by Trevor Otten’s 26 points, as he made 10 shots from the field, including six 3-pointers. Matt Wasilewski added 16 points, while Jerrick Orsted finished with eight in the win.

Kane Vanbriesen led Stillman Valley with 14 points, behind four 3s.

Milledgeville 70, Orangeville 43: The Missiles used a 24-point second quarter to pull away for an NUIC East win in Milledgeville.

Joe Gennaro led Milledgeville (9-17, 4-9 NUIC East) with 13 points, while Luke Ebersole added 12. Blake Kappes finished with nine points, with Harrison Schmidt adding eight. Jordan Harris finished with six points and eight assists in the win.

East Dubuque 55, Eastland 40: The Cougars trailed 26-19 at half-

time and were outscored 29-21 the rest of the way in a home NUIC West loss.

Donny Groezinger and Brighton Haverland combined for 26 points, each scoring 13. Tyler Dambman, Blake Janssen, Zach Randecker and DJ Heeren each added three points for Eastland.

Fulton 51, Orion 47: The Steamers edged out a Three Rivers West home win.

Fulton improved to 17-12 overall and 7-6 in the TRAC West.

Galena 71, West Carroll 63: The Thunder dropped an NUIC West home game, after falling behind 37-28 at halftime.

West Carroll had four players score in double figures, with Matt McGinnis leading the way with 16 points.

Caleb Brashaw and Kaleb Plattenberger each added 14, while Jordan Bracero finished with 11 in the loss.

Faith Christian splits two: The Falcons moved into the consolation bracket of the ACSI tournament.

The Falcons lost to Faith Christian (Wis.) 72-57, which moved the Falcons into the consolation bracket. The Falcons (16-12) defeated Portage Christian Academy 48-41, to move to the semifinals.

Zach Lessman scored 33 points over the two games, including hitting four 3-pointers in the win over Portage.

The Falcons will play Morningstar in the semifinals of the consolation bracket Saturday.

PROVIDING KNOWLEDGEABLE, EXPERIENCED, RESPONSIVE, CLIENT-FOCUSED REPRESENTATION IN: • DIVORCE • CHILD SUPPORT • CUSTODY • VISITATION • ORDERS OF PROTECTION Call Tony Miller & Elizabeth Klahn 18 ATTORNEYS TO MEET ALL OF YOUR LEGAL NEEDS

www.wmpj.com Dixon: 815-284-8200

Sterling: 815-625-8200

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Rock Falls’ Francisco Arellano tries to escape the grasp of Mt. Carmel’s Andrew Wise during a 220pound wrestleback bout on Friday at the 1A state wrestling tournament in Champaign. Arellano was pinned in 1 minute, 18 seconds.

B10 • SV Weekend

STATE WRESTLING EXTRA

Saturday, February 21, 2015

CLASS 1A | 195-POUND SEMIFINAL

Pin sticks Shoup in semfinals Erie-Prophetstown senior falls short of goal of championship

BY BRIAN WEIDMAN bweidman@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5551 @BrianWeidman

CHAMPAIGN – Austin Shoup was on the verge of making history in his only season as an Erie-Prophetstown wrestler.

Instead, the transfer student from Morrison will be remembered for merely a great season, but not a championship one.

Shoup suffered a stunning pin at the hands of Monmouth-Roseville senior Logan Millizer in a Class 1A semifinal bout at the IHSA state wrestling tournament at State Farm Center. The Sauk Valley will not be represented in Saturday night’s championship bouts, as Shoup was the last one standing.

“I wanted to be smart and not give up two points,” Shoup said.

“He stood up, I went to bring him back down, and he ended up hitting a switch. I should have let go, but I was trying to use more muscle than my technique, which got me into a little bit of trouble.”

Shoup (41-1), whose stated goal was to be an undefeated state champion this season, will now try to work his way back for a third-place medal in Saturday’s wrestlebacks.

Millizer (41-5), meanwhile,

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Erie-Prophetstown’s Austin Shoup faces off with Monmouth-Roseville’s Logan Millizer during Friday’s 1A 195-pound state semifinal match at State Farm Center in Champaign. Shoup, who came into the match undefeated, was pinned in 4 minutes, 50 seconds. will go for a state title against St. Joseph Ogden’s Wesley Kibler, who pinned Vandalia’s Bobby Bradley in 1:48 of their semifinal bout.

Millizer was a runner-up at the

Clinton Sectional last week, and a decided underdog on Friday, but that meant little after pulling off a shocker.

“This was my goal all along,” Millizer said. “When it comes

down to this, it’s all about heart. Whoever gives most of it is probably going to win.

If you have the drive to win, anything is possible. I go into every match thinking I am

going to win.”

Shoupnearly executed a firstperiod takedown, but Millizer was able to slither out of bounds before any points were rewarded.

In the second period, Millizer successfully rode out Shoup for the first 1:55, but was then hit with an illegal hold penalty point, giving Shoup a 1-0 lead.

Millizer was in the down position for the third period, and 15 seconds into it, pulled off a reversal to seize a 2-1 lead.

When Shoup tried to fight it off, he found himself on his back, and was pinned at the 4:50 mark.

“Once I got that call, I wasn’t trying to go to overtime,” Millizer said of the penalty point he was assessed. “I was trying to win it right there. I went for the reversal. Things fell into place.”

In hindsight, E-P coach Tod McCullough wishes Shoup had accepted the reversal, get an escape, and start over fresh at 2-2.

“He probably should have just bailed and given up the reversal instead of trying to save it,” McCullough said. “It really wasn’t a reversal yet.

He got his leg, and once he stepped back over the top, he got the reversal and we were in trouble.”

CLASS 1A | WRESTLEBACKS

Crandall outlasts opponent at 285

BY BRIAN WEIDMAN bweidman@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5551 @BrianWeidman

CHAMPAIGN – Matthew Crandall endured 8½ minutes of wrestling before having a match snatched away from him on Thursday at the IHSA State Wrestling Tournament.

It took less than 2 minutes for the Oregon junior 285-pounder to take care of business on Friday.

Crandall is one of six Class 1A wrestlers still alive for a medal after the first round of wrestlebacks were completed on Friday morning.

He is joined by Fulton’s Tyler Fleetwood (106), Morrison’s Augustus Linke (106), ErieProphetstown’s Grady Todd (138) and Jared Cole (145), and Polo’s Ethan Cain (170).

Crandall (33-9) easily handled T.J. Peters of Olympia, pinning him in a mere 1:49.

Peters had lasted just 51 seconds before being pinned by Plano’s Tommy Brown in the quarterfinal round.

It was Crandall’s first-round match against Brown that was hard for him to accept. Nursing a 1-0 lead late in the third period, Crandall was riding out an exhausted Brown and seemingly had things well in hand.

Crandall was whistled for stalling with just a few seconds left in the bout.

“I had been working him the whole time, he wasn’t getting anything, and he had no energy left,” Crandall said. “I had a cross-face butcher, and a couple of times I kicked over into a turk. I almost had him on his back, and then I get called for stalling. I couldn’t believe it.”

A scoreless 1-minute overtime period was followed by a pair of 30-second OT periods that were also scoreless.

In the ultimate tiebreaker, Crandall had the choice to go up or down. He chose down, but was unable to escape in 30 seconds, handing Brown the win.

“I should have taken the top, because he had nothing left,” Crandall said. “All I had to do was tie up his ankle, and he would have been done.”

Fleetwood (37-4) began his day with an 8-2 loss against PORTA’s R.J. Marrero. It was 2-2 with 25 seconds left in the third period when Marrero got an escape to seize a 3-2 lead.

With 10 seconds to go, Fleetwood had the makings of a takedown, but instead found himself flung to his back. The

Still in medal contention Tyler Fleetwood, Fulton (106) Augustus Linke, Morrison (106) Grady Todd, Erie-P’town (138) Jared Cole, Erie-P’town (145) Ethan Cain, Polo (170) Matthew Crandall, Oregon (285) 5-point move sealed the win for Marrero.

Fleetwood bounced back to pin Sam Dietz of Murphysboro in 3:31 in a first-round wrestleback bout.

Linke (33-16) stayed alive with a 5-4 decision against Knoxville’s Avery Dean, while Todd kept his medal hopes alive with a 3-2 decision against Amer Shalabi of Chicago Ag Science.

Cole (39-6) began his day with an 8-4 loss to Shelbyville’s Jared Finley in the quarterfinal round. It was a rough bout for Cole, who was assessed several second-period penalty points, and also dealt with an injury to his right shoulder.

In the wrestleback round against Camp Point Central’s Jeremy Bowen, Cole scored an escape and a takedown in the second period, then padded his lead with two back points in the third period to secure a 5-1 win.

Cain (28-5) was dominant in rolling to a 9-0 major decision against Murphysboro’s Patrick Stanton in a 170-pound wrestleback.

Dropping first-round wrestleback bouts were Oregon 145-pounder Dominic Marchetti (33-11), Morrison 160-pounder Austin Keller (3611), and Rock Falls 220-pounder Francisco Arellano (31-15).

In Class 2A, losing in the first round of wrestlebacks were Dixon 113-pounder Mason Rhodenbaugh (24-12), by technical fall to Oak Forest’s Francis Edelen; and Dixon 195-pounder Connor Sperling (22-13), 7-2 against Mahomet-Seymour’s David Wisehart.

Included among those to not have wrestleback opportunities were Sterling 126-pounder Isaac Anderson (27-7); Dixon 220-pounder Ryan Troutman (25-12); and Sterling 285-pounder Cariel Beasley (32-9) in Class 2A; and in Class 1A, Amboy 195-pounder Dallas Appleman (34-8).

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

ABOVE: Erie-Prophetstown’s Jared Cole takes down Camp Point Central’s Jeremy Bowen in a 145-pound wrestleback on Friday. Cole won the bout 5-1.

BELOW LEFT: Polo’s Ethan Cain handles Murphysboro’s Patrick Stanton during a 170-pound wrestleback on Friday. Cain won 9-0.

BELOW RIGHT: Morrison’s Austin Keller grabs the leg of Prairie Central’s Nick Kaufman during a 160-pound wrestleback. Keller was eliminated after losing 11-2.

Saturday, February 21, 2015

STATE WRESTLING EXTRA

FRIDAY’S SCOREBOARD at State Farm Center, Champaign CLASS 1A 106 pounds Semifinals Joey Rivera (Coal City) pin Josh Fiegel (Harvard) 5:42 Colin Davidson (Litchfield) def. R.J. Marrero (PORTA) 8-3 Quarterfinals Rivera (Coal City) pin Avery Dean (East Alton-Wood River) 3:11 Fiegel (Harvard) def. James Henseler (Roxana) 6-0 Davidson (Litchfield) pin Joey Bianchini (IC Catholic) 4:56 Marrero (PORTA) def. Tyler Fleetwood (Fulton) 8-2 First-round wrestlebacks Augustus Linke (Morrison) def. Dean (East-Alton-Wood River) 5-4 Henseler (Roxana) tech. fall Cole Hilliard (Peotone) 5:12, 16-0 Bianchini (IC Catholic) major dec. Douglas Nisly-Nagle (Monticello) 13-0 Fleetwood (Fulton) pin Sam Dietz (Murphysboro) 3:31

113 pounds Semifinals Alec Henze (Dakota) def. Jared VanVleet (Oakwood) 7-4 Chase Bittle (Belleville Althoff) def. Anthony Rink (Herscher) 7-3 Quarterfinals Henze (Dakota) def. Alex Matlock (LeRoy) 4-0 VanVleet (Stillman Valley) def. Ren Dazey (Oakwood) 7-4 Bittle (Belleville Althoff) tiebreaker Brady Wilsie (Byron) 1-0 Schrank (Rockford Lutheran) def. Anthony Rink (Herscher) 6-4 First-round wrestlebacks Matlock (LeRoy) def. Chase Emerson (Peotone) 7-2 Mason Sauseda (Bishop McNamara) def.

Dazey (Oakwood) 5-4 Wilsie (Byron) pin Ryan Hopkins (Havana) 1:21 Rink (Herscher) pin Ivan Garcia (Plano) 3:23 120 pounds Semifinals Cody Minnick (Coal City) def. Hunter Spengler (Sherrard) 8-4 Trey Hild (PORTA) major dec. Stone Engle (Mercer County) 9-0 Quarterfinals Minnick (Coal City) major dec. Logan Knisley (Monticello) 12-1 Spengler (Sherrard) pin Cooper Secker (Freeburg) 1:43 Hild (PORTA) pin Dillon Swift (Dakota) 1:44 Engle (Mercer County) def. Chaston Womack (Vandalia) 3-1 First-round wrestlebacks Knisley (Monticello) def. Blake Kittleson (Stillman Valley) 6-4 Secker (Freeburg) def. Sam Meyers (Manteno) 6-4 Swift (Dakota) def. Ryan Chambers (Murphysboro) 8-6 Womack (Vandalia) def. Drew Sonnefeldt (Lisle) 3-1 126 pounds Semifinals Brandon Briggs (North Boone) major dec.

Nolan Baker (Byron) 10-1 Printice Walls (Dakota) def. Dalton Brito (Roxana) 8-3

Quarterfinals Hudson (Shelbyville) def. George Sosa (Bowen) 7-0 Winter (Clinton) pin Ean Eichert (Walther Christian) 5:09 Packer (Dakota) def. Gabe McKinley (El Paso-Gridley) 5-1 Nick Hawkins (Wilmington) def. Nick Kaufman (Prairie Central) 13-6 First-round wrestlebacks Sosa (Bowen) def. Aaron Carter (Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley) 4-1 Eichert (Walther Christian) def. Jesse Kessler (Auburn) 6-1 McKinley (El Paso-Gridley) pin Adam Ferrell (Westmont) 4:48 Kaufman (Prairie Central) major dec.

Austin Keller (Morrison) 11-2 170 pounds Semifinals Carver James (Dakota) tech. fall Duncan Terry (Normal U-High) 3:59, 15-0 Kyle Betrourne (Bishop McNamara) pin Naulon Simms (Tremont) 1:48 Quarterfinals James (Dakota) tech. fall Jacob Burton (Monticello) 4:12, 15-0 Terry (Normal U-High) def. Joe Mann (Wilmington) 4-0 Simms (Tremont) def. Patrick Staunton (Murphysboro) 11-7 Betourne (Bishop McNamara) pin Sam Schuler (Prairie Central) 1:06 First-round wrestlebacks Chase Ward (Illini Bluffs) def. Burton (Monticello) 9-7 Drew Pranka (Princeton) major decision Mann (Wilmington) 12-1 Ethan Cain (Polo) major dec. Staunton (Murphysboro) 9-0 Schuler (Prairie Central) pin Logan McGuire (Lawrenceville) 1:52 182 pounds Semifinals Danny Falconer (Byron) tiebreaker Jacob Franklin (Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley) 2-1 Hunter Sant Amour (El Paso-Gridley) def.

Riley Kauzianic (Coal City) 5-3 Quarterfinals Franklin (Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley) sudden victory Colton Reed (Tolono Unity) 3-1 Falconer (Byron) pin Austin Renshaw (Herscher) 3:40 Kauzlanc (Coal City) def. Lucas Duckett (Shelbyville) 9-3 Sant Amour (El Paso-Gridley) def. Payton Loete (Orion) 10-5 First-round wrestlebacks Reed (Tolono Unity) pin Maurice Paino (Bowen) 1:09 Renshaw (Herscher) pin Marucs Rice (Monticello) 1:52 Jarrod Noel (Bismarck-Henning) def. Duckett (Shelbyville) 2-1 Loete (Orion) major dec. Ricky Alboyd Jr. (Uplift) 9-1 195 pounds Semifinals Logan Millzer (Monmouth-Roseville) pin Austin Shoup (Erie-Prophetstown) 4:50 Wesley Kibler (St. Joseph-Ogden) pin Mitch Geister (Herscher) 1:48 Quarterfinals Shoup (Erie-Prophetstown) def. Jordan Ladd (IVC) 8-2 Millizer (Monmouth-Roseville) pin Ian Alberstett (Durand) 2:53 Geister (Herscher) def. Zach Martin (Harvard) 6-4 Kibler (St. Joseph-Ogden) def. Bobby Bradley (Vandalia) 9-3

First-round wrestlebacks Lucie (Warsaw) major dec. Jevon Hey (Belleville Althoff) 9-0 Ryne Lipsey (Vandalia) def. Jacobson (Monmouth-Roseville) 6-5 Worms (Illini Bluffs) def. Reiss Bielski (Harvard) 4-0 Jensen (LeRoy) pin Arieh Hart (Murphysboro) 2:50

First-round wrestlebacks Ladd (IVC) tech. fall Caleb Cole (Shelbyville) 3:22, 16-0 Austin Ricketts (Plano) def Alberstett (Durand) 10-5 Ryan Berman (Wilmington) def. Martin (Harvard) 12-6 Bradley (Vandalia) def. Parker Czaja (Coal City) 7-1

Quarterfinals Coleman (Peoria Heights) def. Jared Foiles (Roxana) 8-2 Wenger (Dakota) major dec. Maxx Fritz (Mt. Olive) 11-0 Braunagel (Belleville Althoff) def. Drew Mook (Herscher) 8-1 Jurzak (Coal City) def. Rahveon Valentine (Lena-Winslow) 6-3 First-round wrestlebacks Foiles (Roxana) pin Austin Wetsel (Princeton) 1:12 Fritz (Mt. Olive) def. Devin Makemson (Bismarck-Henning) 8-6 Mook (Herscher) major dec. Kyle Jones (Peotone) 12-1 Valentine (Lena-Winslow) tech. fall David Luper (Carterville) 2:23, 19-1 138 pounds Semifinals Josh Larson (Byron) def. Sage Friese (Seneca) 8-5 Nate Olsen (Dakota) major dec. Peyton Smith (Benton) 14-5 Quarterfinals Friese (Seneca) def. Austin Headrick (Wilmington) 3-2 Larson (Byron) def. Drew Hoselton (Prairie Central) 5-4 Olsen (Dakota) def. Gage Haga (St. JosephOgden) 5-4 Smith (Benton) major dec. Amer Shalabi (AG Science) 8-0 First-round wrestlebacks Headrick (Wilmington) sudden victory Daniel Braunagel (Belleville-Althoff) 3-1 Hoselton (Prairie Central) def. Garrett Brachbill (Shelbyville) 8-6 Kaehl VanDalsen (Monticello) def. Haga (St. Joseph-Ogden) 12-5 Grady Todd (Erie-Prophetstown) def.

Shalabi (AG Science) 3-2

220 pounds Semifinals Brandyn Peacock (Bowen) def. Ross Sealby (Byron) 3-2 Tristun Reeves (El Paso-Gridley) tiebreaker Cole Werner (Litchfield) 7-2 Quarterfinals Sealby (Byron) pin Noah Rink (Herscher) 1:44 Peacock (Bowen) ultimate tiebreaker Andrew Wise (Mt. Carmel) 4-2 Werner (Litchfield) def. Jake Frost (Coal City) 4-3 Reeves (El Paso-Gridley) pin Kyal Davis (Wilmington) 2:39 First-round wrestlebacks Rink (Herscher) def. Drew Crawford (Manteno) 7-2 Wise (Mt. Carmel) pin Francisco Arellano (Rock Falls) 1:18 Frost (Coal City) def. Dustin Brandon (Eureka) 6-3 Zach Shoulders (East Richland) pin Davis (Wilmington) 4:20 285 pounds Semifinals Tommy Brown (Plano) pin John Barnes (St. Bede) 0:55 Quinton Ball (Mercer County) def. Eli Burdick (Durand) 1-0 Quarterfinals Brown (Plano) pin T.J. Peters (Olympia) 0:51 Barnes (St. Bede) def. Rodney Baker (Belleville Althoff) 3-2 Burdick (Durand) pin Ricky Cantu (Monmouth-Roseville) 5:59 Ball (Mercer County) tiebreaker Gevin Ashikyan (Oakwood) 2-1

CLASS 2A Weights with local wrestlers 113 pounds Semifinals Jabari Moody (Rich Central) major dec.

Michael Tortorice (Mundelein Carmel) 9-2 Christopher Tucker (East St. Louis) def.

Francis Edelen (Oak Forest) 9-7

Quarterfinals Wolfe (Dakota) tech. fall Will Kleinert (Clifton Central) 2:58, 15-0 Lorek (Bishop McNamara) def. Blaine Yocum (Cumberland) 6-1 Beard (IVC) def. Sam Durfey (Stillman Valley) 8-2 Finley (Shelbyville) def. Jared Cole (ErieProphetstown) 8-4

Quarterfinals Moody (Rich Central) major dec. Trentin Rilea (Canton) 21-8 Tortonce (Mundelein Carmel) def. Tom Buell (Lincoln-Way West) 9-2 Tucker (East St. Louis) def. Francis Edelen (Oak Forest) 9-7 Punke (Washington) major dec. Brandon Ramos (St. Laurence) 9-1

First-round wrestlebacks Kleinert (Clifton Central) major dec. Jake Berman (Wilmington) 15-5 Yocum (Cumberland) def. Dominic Marchetti (Oregon) 3-2 Durfey (Stillman Valley) def. Anthony Carter (Sparta) 4-2 Cole (Erie-Prophetstown) def. Jeremy Bowen (Camp Point Central) 5-1

First-round wrestlebacks Rilea (Canton) pin Kyle Szlenk (Hampshire) 2:54 Buell (Lincoln-Way West) sudden victory Josh Contreras (Riverside-Brookfield) 6-4 Edelen (Oak Forest) tech. fall Mason Rhodenbaugh (Dixon) 1:51, 15-0 Ramos (St. Laurence) major dec. Josiah Fitzgerrells (Mt. Vernon) 10-0

Quarterfinals Abitua (Stillman Valley) def. Griffin Meeker (St. Joseph-Ogden) 8-3 VanWinkle (Mercer County) def. Paul Garcia (Prairie Central) 4-3 Krulas (Dakota) pin Jake Weigand (Knoxville) 2:50 Fox (Shelbyville) def. Zach Tomac (Plano) 11-6 First-round wrestlebacks Meeker (St. Joseph-Ogden) def. Zac Biasioli (East Alton-Wood River) 9-2 Garcia (Prairie Central) def. Brock Barnhill (Auburn) 1-0 Weigland (Knoxville) pin James Smith (Monticello) 3:31 Tomac (Plano) def. Kalk Kalkbrenner (LenaWinslow) 11-8

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Dixon’s Connor Sperling walks off the mat after being eliminated from the 2A state tournament on Friday at State Farm Center in Champaign. While the state tournament draws a huge crowd to the big venue, many area teams are struggling to fill rosters while wrestling in front of small crowds.

How to save wrestling?

I

t would be easy to look around the State Farm Center on Friday and think the sport of wrestling is in a healthy state.

Attendance in the 17,000-seat facility or the 78th IHSA State Wrestling Tournament was somewhat sparse at 8:30 a.m. for the beginning of the Class 1A quarterfinals, but by the time the semifinals for 1A, 2A and 3A rolled around Friday night, only the nosebleed seats weren’t occupied.

Come Saturday night for the finals, it will be downright festive. It always is. Beach balls will be batted around the arena, as ushers try in vain to corral them.

A video featuring some old-time tourney highlights will be played.

When an ex-Dakota Indian or ex-Byron Tiger is featured in the highlight package, current fans in the school’s large cheering sections will ooh and ahh, remembering that wrestler’s exploits from days gone by.

The Grand March – a parade of finalists with the Olympic Games theme playing – will raise the hair on everyone’s arms.

The state’s best wrestlers, doing their thing on a big stage in front of a large, enthusiastic crowd – everything’s all good, right?

Not so fast.

What about the 3

wrestler, who did practice with the team for a few weeks and received a few Sports forfeits, lost his only bout, reporter. but received a sectional Reach him at bweidman@ berth. saukvalley.

I wonder what some com or 800old-school wrestlers who 798-4085, had to claw and scratch ext. 5551. their way to advance in the postseason 20, 30, or 40 years ago think about that.

How about attendance? months leading up to the The most heavily attendstate finals? Any issues ed dual I went to this there? Let’s take a peek. season was Rock Falls at Most of the coaches in Sterling, but most of the the Sauk Valley Media yelling being done was coverage area are for the junior high bouts accommodating about before the main event. faxing or emailing dual When the high school meet results. As long kids took over, half the as we receive them by crowd left Musgrove a reasonable hour, say, 10:30 on any given night, Fieldhouse, and it was a box score will be in the as quiet as your average church service in there. next day’s paper, along So what can be done? with a few highlights in a Before Friday night’s roundup. semifinal bouts, I conEver notice how short some of those box scores tacted two area wrestling authorities, mat official are? That’s because Don Mekeel of Sterling they’re full of forfeits, and Polo coach Justin unless it’s a matchup of Zigler for their thoughts. teams that can fill all or Mekeel has been most of the 14 weight around the sport his classes, and those are entire life, as a competifew and far between. tor, coach, official, and It continued into the administrator – he is postseason. There was currently the secretary a two-man 285-pound weight class at the New- of the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials man Regional.

Association.

There would have been Mekeel noted there’s a two-man 106-pound weight class there as well, no easy solution to drum up interest, but the key but one squad found a is to have a head coach last-minute addition, who knows how to push just to pick up a few the right buttons. extra team points. That

brianWEIDMAN

“It’s really a tough sport,” Mekeel said. “It’s not like you’re going to play a game every day, so the thing is, how do you get kids interested in something that’s that tough?

“The bottom line is it comes down to the head coach, and what he does to make it a big deal in his area to be a wrestler.”

Mekeel suggested inviting grade school and junior high school wrestlers to high school practices, to give them a taste of what lies ahead. The high schoolers can be role models on impressionable youth.

Also, how about the high school team showing up to a junior high practice or match? That would mean a lot to youngsters coming up.

Zigler has plans for next season to include a junior high match prior to a Polo high school match, provided he can find a school willing to participate.

He agreed with Mekeel in that the head coach needs to be the point man in drumming up interest, though in his case, there is only so much he can do, as he has a young son at home to care for.

“I think we need to step up and support our programs more,” Zigler said, “to get more kids involved at the high school level.”

First-round wrestlebacks Matthew Crandall (Oregon) pin Peters (Olympia) 1:48 James Britten (Leo) pin Baker (Belleville Althoff) 2:42 Anthony Griffiths (Westmont) sudden victory Cantu (Monmouth-Roseville) 6-1 Kyle Hull (Wilmington) def. Ashikyan (Oakwood) 3-2

145 pounds Semifinals J.J. Wolfe (Dakota) major dec. Zach Lorek (Bishop McNamara) 8-0 Riley Beard (IVC) major dec. Jared Finley (Shelbyville) 9-1

152 pounds Semifinals Kenny Abitua (Stillman Valley) major dec.

Curtis VanWinkle (Mercer County) 13-4 Greg Krulas (Dakota) major dec. Wyatt Fox (Shelbyville) 12-4

COMMENTARY

160 pounds Semifinals Adam Hudson (Shelbyville) def. Logan Winter (Clinton) 5-1 Nick Hawkins (Wilmington) def. Jared Packer (Dakota) 8-6

Quarterfinals Baker (Byron) def. Will Lucie (Warsaw) 7-5 Briggs (North Boone) major dec. Chuck Jacobson (Monmouth-Roseville) 12-0 Brito (Roxana) sudden victory Jake Worms (Illini Bluffs) 4-2 Walls (Dakota) def. Dalton Jensen (LeRoy) 8-1

132 pounds Semifinals Andrew Wenger (Dakota) def. Tanner Coleman (Peoria Heights) Corey Jurzak (Coal City) def. Jarid Braunagel (Belleville Althoff) 8-6

SV Weekend • B11

195 pounds Semifinals Andrew Marsden (Crystal Lake Central) pin Cody Sawyer (Grayslake North) 5:24 Eric Schultz (Tinley Park) major dec. Cody Barnes (Woodstock North) 19-7 Quarterfinals Marsden (Crystal Lake Central) pin Kyle Eighner (Sandwich) 1:55 Sawyer (Grayslake North) def. Richard Smith (Hillcrest) 6-3 Barnes (Woodstock North) pin Paul Turner (Ottawa) 2:52 Schultz (Tinley Park) major dec. David Wisehart (Mahomet-Seymour) 20-8 First-round wrestlebacks John McKinney (Triad) def. Eighner (Sandwich) 8-2 Flores (Carbondale) pin Richard Smith (Hillcrest) 2:19 Turner (Ottawa) def. Zach Stout (Jacksonville) 9-2 Wisehart (Mahomet Seymour) def.

Connor Sperling (Dixon) 7-2

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Fulton’s Tyler Fleetwood gains control of Murphysboro’s Sam Dietz during a 106-pound Class 1A wrestleback on Friday at State Farm Center in Champaign. Fleetwood kept his medal hopes alive by pinning Dietz in 3 minutes, 31 seconds.

B12 • SV Weekend

www.saukvalley.com

Saturday, February 21, 2015

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

BIGGEST BADDEST BAGS TOURNAMENT

Wishing for warmth

EVER!!!!

W

ell, if this week ain’t a perfect representation of Illinois weather, I don’t know what is. As I type, we sit at 10 below zero, and that’s before you figure in the windchill factor. However, when you look at the forecast ,we have snow, warm weather into the mid-40s, and rain all thrown in there over the next 10 days.

I used to think that was crazy; now, it just seems to be typical. What are we gonna do, right?

I am hoping through all this we are setting up for a big flood. We have a good snow pack, then you zap it with warm air and rain, and you’ve got high water. High water in the late winter and early spring is a good thing.

First of all, nothing flushes ice from a river like high running water. If you have to rely on warm air alone to clear the river of ice, it can take forever and a day.

More than clearing ice, this high water is a tremendous benefit for a river system. High water moves silt and sediment from the river, keeping holes deep and current flowing strong. We have done well over the past several years with our share of high water, and the Rock River sits in really good shape.

Of course, there are many (including me) that wish she was a little deeper, but it is what it is. I’m just happy that we haven’t yet started to have islands made of pelican and goose poo start to pop up.

At this time of the year, I always have the urge to go fishing, that’s a no-brainer. However, I am really excited this year to get out after some

JOIN US MARCH 7TH Submitted photo

CatMatt can’t wait for some warm weather, so he can get back on the Rock River and find some flatheads. in a hunter’s home.

You all ain’t going to mattJONES believe this either, but Fishing the Wolf Pack is back guide from at it again, and have Prophetstown.

He can be announced their next reached at coyote round up. It will flathead take place just 1 week mechanic40 from Sunday, on March @gmail.com 1. Talk about a bunch of guys and gals that like to chase varmints.

Now, you can get all the details on the event you whitetail buck sheds. I haven’t had much chance need by hanging around Facebook, but I do know to look the past several the weigh-in will once years, but I am all over it again be at the Kickback this year. It’s a ton of fun to stock the backpack and in Tampico. I wouldn’t be surprised if there isn’t just start walking. a third event announced Sheds are one of those things that you just don’t after this one, if the weather permits. find laying all over the Me, well, I’m wanting place, so there’s a ton warm air, mushrooms of excitement when you and flatheads. Howspot one. On occasion, you may find a matching ever, I’m doing my best to adapt to these long, set laying right next to each other, or fairly close drawn-out winters. It gets anyhow. Finding a set is a tougher by the year, and really cool deal, especially the itch to move south if it came from a deer you grows with every passing day spent not on open have seen carrying them water. But I’ll make it, I before. If you manage to think, I always do. Just harvest this deer down gotta hang in there; after the road, you are able to see the development that all spring’s right around has occurred. the corner, right? That’s At the very least, they what they say, right? make great decoration Oh well, until next week and conversation pieces … Go Catfish!

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Earnhardt hoping for success with new crew chief

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B MARK LONG AP Sports Writer

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Greg Ives plopped down in his chair, let out a sigh of a relief and asked, “Am I in the Chase now?”

Not quite.

But the newest Hendrick Motorsports crew chief is off to a rousing start in his first season with NASCAR’s most popular driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., the defending Daytona 500 champion.

With Ives tuning the No. 88 Chevrolet and calling the shots, Earnhardt won the first of two qualifying races at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday, and will start third in the Daytona 500 on Sunday.

It’s still way too early to assume the move will land Earnhardt in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship for a fifth consecutive year, or improve his chances of securing his first Cup championship.

But getting off to a strong start can be pivotal for any relationship, and the driver-crew chief connection is arguably the most vital in auto racing.

“The relationship is gelling as quick as I knew it would,” said Ives, who cracked a few jokes after his first victory with Earnhardt on Thursday night.

“When you bring great attitude, have some fun at the racetrack, have good finishes, you’re going to gel pretty quickly.”

Of course, that was after two successful races at Daytona – a place where Earnhardt is always among the favorites.

The real challenge will come when they’re faced with adversity.

“I don’t think we’re even

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Dale Earnhardt Jr. (left) signs autographs before practice for the Daytona 500 on Friday in Daytona Beach, Fla. Earnhardt hopes a strong start with new crew chief Greg Ives means great things to come. close to where we need to be,” Ives said. “I feel like there’s areas I’m going to have to improve big-time.

There’s areas that Dale and I are slowly growing and continuing to make better.

It’s just going to keep on flourishing from here.”

Earnhardt found consistent success alongside former crew chief Steve Letarte, who left the team at the end of last season to spend more time with his family. Letarte also took a job as a NASCAR analyst for NBC Sports.

Letarte revitalized Earnhardt’s career after two mediocre seasons at powerhouse Hendrick.

“I think change is a necessity in the sport,” Letarte said. “Greg is a very bright young mind. When they’re fast, they’re going to be crazy fast. I’ll be interested to see how they rebound through the lows.

There are lows. There are always lows. ... I put a lot of that on Dale. Dale puts a lot of that on himself. He’s going to have to be the guy that keeps this team motivated and sharp. I don’t question at all that Greg Ives is going to be in there

sunup to sundown trying to make the cars faster.”

Ives is widely regarded as one of the most detailoriented guys at Hendrick.

He cut his teeth while working under Jimmie Johnson’s longtime crew chief, Chad Knaus – arguably the most cunning and calculated guy in the NASCAR garage. Ives served as race engineer for Johnson’s run of five consecutive championships.

And he guided Chase Elliott to the 2014 Xfinity Series championship at JR Motorsports, which is coowned by Earnhardt.

“We’re trying to build that communication and trust, and starting to understand how we can talk and communicate and work together,” Earnhardt said. “That’s going to be real important for us.

I mean, I don’t even know what it’s like to sit in a hauler and be in that environment during the race weekend with him. A lot of new things to sort of work ourselves through, and I’m excited, nervous – not apprehensive – but very anxious and excited to go ahead and start working.”

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Business

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Section C

SV Weekend

Saturday, February 21, 2015

daveRAMSEY

FOOTWEAR FOR LITTLE ONES

A shoe-in for success

Financial straight talk.

For more advice, plus special readers offers, visit davesays. org or call 88822-PEACE.

Process shouldn’t take a year Dear Dave, I’m 30 and debt-free. Do you think I should stop making contributions to my 401(k) account for a year in order to save up an emergency fund?

– Beth

Photos submitted by Megan Linke

Megan Linke, who graduated from Morrison High School in 1995 and now lives in New York City, has launched a web-based shoe venture, LiLi Collection, that could soon turn into storefronts.

Morrison native can’t shake the limelight

BY PAM EGGEMEIER peggemeier@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5570 @pam_eggemeier

MORRISON – Whether in a small Midwest town or the largest city on either coast, the limelight always finds Megan Linke.

The 1995 Morrison High School grad says she is still a Midwest girl at heart, but the lure of the city called at an early age.

“She talked about getting out of the small town all her life,” said her father, Gus Linke, who last year retired from the Morrison school district after 44 years as an educator, the last 20 as athletic director.

Gus said his daughter has always loved the big moment, and she has a history of excelling when the lights shine the brightest.

“She entered beauty pageants when she was young, competed all over the country in gymnastics, was a cheerleader and star basketball player,” Gus said.

“Everything she tried she was very good at it, and she was always a leader.”

After studying communications and marketing at William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa, the big city issued a louder call. Her love of sports launched a modeling career that continues today.

“Arena football is huge in Iowa, and I was a cheerleader and dancer for the Iowa Barnstormers,” Megan said.

“It was really kind of a fluke. I never actively pursued it, but because of the Barnstormers experience, the opportunity presented itself to do some modeling gigs.”

SHOE-IN CONTINUED ON C8

Dear Beth, Yes, I do. But it shouldn’t take you a year to set aside an emergency fund if you’re debt-free and making decent money at your job. Just make it part of your monthly budget plan, grit your teeth and do it.

I recommend that people put off or stop investing until they are debt-free, except for their home, and have an emergency fund of 3 to 6 months of expenses in place.

In some cases, depending on how much debt they have, it could take 3 or 4 years to do all this. I know it seems like a long time, but it’s really not in the grand scheme of things.

Here’s the way I look at it. If you have no emergency fund, but you’re contributing to your 401(k), there’s a good chance you’ll end up cashing out your 401(k) if a large, unexpected expense comes along. When you cash out a 401(k) early, you get hit with a penalty plus your tax rate. That’s not a good plan.

That’s just one of the reasons I tell people to have an emergency fund in place before they start investing.

– Dave

A waste of money?

Dear Dave, I have a question about home warranties. Are they a waste of money if you already have a fully funded emergency fund, with 6 months of expenses or more set aside?

– Andy

The collection also includes (from top left): pink bow moc two-tone moccasins, hippity hop moccs, tan fringe leather boots, baby lavender bow shoes, and yellow Annimoccs.

LiLi Collection Visit lilicollection.com to see Morrison native Megan Linke’s line of handmade shoes, boots and mocassins for babies and toddlers.

Megan is offering her customers back home a special deal. Use code Sauk15 to receive a 15 percent discount on purchases from the LiLi Collection website.

Dear Andy, In my opinion, they’re a waste of money even if you don’t have that much set aside for emergencies. I recommend an emergency fund of 3 to 6 months of expenses to cover the unexpected things that life will throw at you.

This amount of cash, sitting in a good money market account with check-writing privileges, will give you easy access in the event of a financial emergency.

I don’t do extended warranties of any kind, Andy. They’re not a good deal. You’re better off to self-insure against things breaking down, and put what would have been profit and marketing dollars for the extended warranty company in your own pocket.

– Dave * Follow Dave on Twitter (@DaveRamsey), or visit daveramsey.com.

Heritage Square

620 N. Ottawa, Dixon

(815)) 288-2251

www.he eritagesquared dixon.co om

Ruth Chamberlain and Lyle Reuter are queen and king of the Mardi Gras!

C2 • SV Weekend

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Saturday, February 21, 2015

IN BRIEF Catfish, perch, on dinner menu

Students in Spanish 4 at Bureau Valley High School in Manlius display artwork they made during their study of Spanish-speaking artists. They took on the role of their chosen artist to reproduce masterpieces. Photo submitted by Renee Hartz.

Artistic talents come alive in classroom MANLIUS – Students in Tina Eller’s Spanish 4 class at Bureau Valley High School studied Spanish-speaking artists in January, during a fourpart unit.

The students learned about artists, photog-

raphers, and sculptors.

Each one selected an artist to write about in Spanish. Those compositions included the artist’s birth and death, where they studied or learned about art, what style they were known for, and their most

important works.

The next step was to make a visual presentation and answer questions about their work in Spanish. In the third part, the students pretended to be their artist and answered questions in an interview style.

The final project session was to replicate one of their artist’s works. The students had the choice to paint, sketch with pencil, take a photograph, or sculpt with clay. Sheila Heth, art teacher, provided hints during the class.

STERLING – The Knights of Columbus annual Lenten fish fry has begun.

The meal will be served from 5 to 7 p.m.

Friday at St. Mary Parish Center, 600 Avenue B. The suppers will continue March 6, 13, 20, and 27, and April 3.

On the menu are deepfried catfish and perch and baked white fish, along with cole slaw, French fries or a baked potato, roll and butter, coffee, and milk. The cost is $9.

For carry-outs, call 779-245-8128.

Volunteers help with center event AMBOY – Teen Turf’s annual Souper Bowl Supper was Jan. 31 at the Boehle Youth Center, 235 W. Main St. Those who helped are Deb Albee, Mike and Mary Anderson, Louella Blackburn, Albert and Norma Jean Borrell, Sandy Draper, Christine

Drendel, Rich Geiger, Marlene Greskiwcz, Sarah Hendriks, Mark Hicks, Isaiah Hood, Fran Kessel, Brian McWethy, Sophie Nelson, Nic Pellens, Connie Pettinger, Cindy Phillips, Kaleb and Ryan Phillips, Ann Piper, Eileen and Irene Ramsdell, Pete Rood, Al and Roxy Stenzel, Mary Kathryn Stenzel, Rodney Swan, Cody and Austin Thompson, Kimberly Watley, and Donna Wellman.

Teen Turf was started 20 years ago. Tax-deductible donations can be sent to P.O. Box 321, Amboy, IL 61310.

For more information, call 815-857-4800.

Spaghetti to be served with salad ROCK FALLS – A spaghetti dinner will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 28 at St. Andrew Grade School, 701 11th Ave. The meal includes spaghetti, bread, salad, dessert, and a drink.

The cost is $5 per person.

For more information, call the school at 815625-1456.

Decorating on SVCC schedule Sauk scholarship applications DIXON – Several community education classes will start in March at Sauk Valley Community College, 173 state Route 2.

Reasons You Will Not Be Hired & How To Fix Them, CRN 60863, from 4 to 5 p.m. March 3 in Room 2L6 – Participants will be taught the reasons why some people do not get job offers. The cost is $5; free to current students.

Preparing Your Estate Plan, CRN 60930, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

March 3 in Room 2H14 –

A basic overview of estate planning will be covered. Among the topics are account registration, beneficiary designation, life insurance, transfer on death, and will, trust, and tax information. The cost is $10.

Wilton Course II, Flowers and Cake Design, CRN 60920, from 6 to 9 p.m. March 5 and March 12 in Room 2L1B – Students will work with royal icing to make flowers.

They also will be taught the basket weaving design and several borders. A hand towel, bowls for frosting,

and a small container to transport flowers need to be brought to class. The cost is $40. A supply kit may be purchased during the first class for $30.

Microsoft PowerPoint Level One, CRN 60944, from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.

March 4 in Room 3K2 – Instructions on the basics of PowerPoint to create a slideshow presentation will be provided. The cost is $65.

To register for any of the courses, stop at Sauk’s office of admissions or call the community education office at 815-835-6212.

Students at Woodlawn Preschool Academy of the Arts in Sterling are taught kindergarten readiness skills, with a daily arts curriculum in visual and culinary arts, music, dance, and theater. One student, Makaylee, puts together a puzzle during her class. Photo submitted by Janel Stahr.

Prospective preschoolers welcome STERLING – An open house for Woodlawn Preschool Academy of the Arts will be from 6 to 7 p.m.

March 2 at Woodlawn Arts Academy, 3807 Woodlawn Road.

Visitors can meet the preschool teacher, arts curriculum instructors, and administrative staff. Tours of the building and the classroom will be available.

A $25 non-refundable fee can be paid starting March 2 to register for the fall session. The first month or first semester payment is due

by Aug. 1 The preschool will run a 3-day morning

program for children 4 and 5 and a 2-day morning program for those 3 and 4. For information on afternoon classes, call Becky Rich, program coordinator and preschool director, at 815626-4278.

During the summer, Petra Paufve, lead preschool instructor, will offer preschool-themed programs. A Touch of Nature Preschool Camp, which will run twice, will involve outdoor activities. Tiny Tots Academy, for children 1 to 3, is an introduction to preschool. It includes songs and finger plays,

reading books and creating art projects. Parents are required to attend. Students registered for the fall session will be welcome to attend an Aug. 17. open house.

Details on all programs will be in the academy’s Summer Arts Program Guide. Registration for summer programming opens at 9 a.m. May 4.

Financial assistance is available. Visit the office, or the website at wood lawnartsacademy.com for an application. For more information, call the number listed.

Business to start off NAMI group meeting DIXON – National Alliance on Mental Illness Sauk Area will gather Tuesday at Sinnissippi Centers, 325 state Route 2.

Business will be conducted at 6 p.m., followed by the support

group at 7.

NAMI provides education, as well as support, for families struggling with a diagnosis of mental illness in a relative or friend.

NAMI Sauk Area serves those who live in Carroll,

Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside counties.

For more information, email namisaukvalley@ gmail.com or call Mary Ann Hutchison at 815244-1405, Mary Brokaw at 815-284-6417, or Lorna Engwall at 815-778-3662.

DIXON – Applications are being accepted for Sauk Valley Community College’s spring 2015 Single Parent Scholarship awards.

The scholarships are given at the end of each semester to currentlyenrolled single parents, who demonstrate finan-

cial and circumstantial need. Students must apply for financial assistance before they submit the scholarship application.

To pick up the materials, stop at the financial assistance office, or to have them sent email fa@svcc.edu or call 815-

835-6339. The application deadline is March 2.

The awards are provided by the SVCC Single Parent Committee and the Sauk Valley College Foundation.

For more information, call Sharri Miller at the foundation office at 815835-6345.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

Service to others was part of Lutheran Schools Week Jan. 25-31 at Christ Lutheran School in Sterling. Students delivered valentines to area nursing homes. Lydia Winkelman, a kindergartner, and gave hers to Lois Kleinschmidt, a resident at Heritage Woods of Sterling. Photo submitted by Rose Andermann.

Rep seeks art from district youth WASHINGTON, D.C. – The annual Congressional Art Competition is underway.

The office of U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-East Moline, is accepting artwork from high school students in the 17th Congressional District, which includes Carroll and Whiteside counties.

The competition is a nationwide arts contest by the U. S. House of Representatives.

One winning piece of artwork form each district will be selected to be displayed for the next year in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, District of Colombia.

The winner also will receive two airline tickets to Washington. Runners-up will have their work displayed in Bustos’ Illinois and Washington offices.

To compete, students, should submit original artwork in digital form to bustos.house.gov/ helping-you/artcomp etition and to her office at artwork.bustos@mail. house.gov for consideration. The deadline is April 10. A limit of one per student is allowed.

All entries will be posted online for the public to vote for their favorite.

Visit the website for full details.

Proceeds from auction to fight disease STERLING – A craft and vendor show to raise awareness and money to fight cystic fibrosis will be from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday at Cochran’s Pub, 13464 Galt Road.

Among the vendors will be Reborn Dolls, 31 Bags, Scentsy, Bows and More, Avon, Gold Canyon, Miche, Tastefully Simple, and Ori-

gami Owl. Scarves, jewelry, reclaimed woods, painted wine glasses, glass block lights, bootcuffs, wreaths, crafts, and other items will be available for purchase.

A silent auction also is planned. Among the items are a Chicago Bears cooler on wheels, baskets from Gold Canyon and Tastefully Simple, a fishing rod and

reel, Rubbermaid automotive floor mats, and an overnight stay.

Barbecue, chips, and a beverage will be served for $5. Nachos will be $2.

Soft drinks and bottled water also will be sold.

All proceeds will go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

For more information, call Rosa Barb at 815590-7500.

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Scrapbook www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • C3

Things to do with snow

GRIN AND BEAR IT: A green monster rises from the snow Feb. 9, along East Second Street in Rock Falls. Photo submitted by Williams.

WEAR A SCARF: During the cold hours of Feb. 9, a cat emerged in the 700 block of Eighth Avenue in Rock Falls.

Photo submitted by Bonnie Williams of Rock Falls.

HAVE CHICKEN: A snow chicken was seen roosting Feb. 9 along East Second Street in Rock Falls.

Photo submitted by Williams.

GET A MOHAWK: A snowman has a big grin Feb. 9 in the 700 block of Eighth Avenue in Rock Falls.

SCOWL: An angry bird sits in the snow Feb. 9 along East Second Street in Rock Falls. Photo submitted by Williams.

LOOK LIKE A PRESIDENT: A silhouette of Abe Lincoln at Hennepin Avenue and First Street in downtown Dixon recently caught the eye of Monica Hendricks. Photo submitted by Hendricks of Dixon.

PLAY FOOTBALL: A helmet, left over from the season, waits for a new game to begin Feb. 9 along East 10th Street in Rock Falls. Photo submitted by Williams.

Photo submitted by Williams

Wanted: Photos from you A scrapbook is a book with blank pages, and that’s what our Scrapbook page is without your pictures. We want to fill the page with images that capture lives in the Sauk Valley. They can be submitted by email to photos@saukvalley.com or can be taken to the Sterling and Dixon offices.

C4 • SV Weekend

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VALENTINE ROYALTY

A Valentine’s king and queen were crowned at Resthave Retirement and Nursing Home in Morrison. They are Joe Klimson and Rena Heusinkveld. Photo submitted

by Karla Burn.

Money for local libraries SPRINGFIELD – Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has awarded $15.2 million statewide in Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants to 635 public libraries.

Area libraries receiving per capita grants are Pankhurst Memorial Library in Amboy, $3,125; Mills and Petrie Memorial Library and Gymnasium in Ashton, $1,215; Byron Public Library District, $9,986.25; Chadwick Public Library District, $1,361.25; CrestonDement Public Library District, $992.50; Dixon Public Library, $19,666.25; Erie Public Library District, $4,180; Forreston Public Library, $1,807.50; Franklin Grove Public Library District, $1,276.25; Schmaling Memorial Public Library District

in Fulton, $4.351.25; La Moille-Clarion Public Library District in La Moille, $2,290; Lanark Public Library, $1,821.25; Bertolet Memorial Library District in Leaf River, $2,676.25; Milledgeville Public Library, $1,707.50; Odell Public Library in Morrison, $5,325; Mount Carroll Township Public Library, $2,848.75; Mount Morris Public Library, $3,747.50; Ohio Public Library District, $1,181.25; Oregon Public Library District, $7,716.25; Paw Paw Public Library District, $1,087.50; Polo Public Library District, $3,516.25; Henry C. Adams Memorial Library in Prophetstown, $2,600; FlaggRochelle Public Library District in Rochelle, $17,196.25; Rock Falls Public Library District, $14,213.75; Savanna Pub-

lic Library District, $5,155; Sterling Public Library, $19.212.50; Julia Hull District Library in Stillman Valley, $10,346.25; York Township Public Library in Thomson, $2,167.50; and Walnut Public Library District, $2,190.

Per Capita Grant funding is authorized under state library law and helps provide for expenses such as: paying for materials, personnel, equipment, electronic access, telecommunications, and technology. Equalization Aid Grants help public libraries, which have a low library tax base, ensure a minimum level of funding for library services.

Visit cyberdriveilli nois. com/departments/ library/grants/plpc_ equalization.html for more information on the grant programs.

Saturday, February 21, 2015

New books on shelves DIXON – Additional reading material is on its way to the shelves at Dixon Public Library, 221 S. Hennepin Ave. They are as follows: Fiction: “Private Vegas,”

by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro; “My Father’s Wives,” by Mike Greenberg; “Hush,” by Karen Robards; “First Frost,” by Sarah Allen; “The Girl on the Train,”

by Paula Hawkins; “Vanessa and Her Sister,” by Priya Parmar; “The Laws of Murder,” by Charles Finch; “The Marriage Charm,” by Linda L. Miller; “Outline,” by Rachel Cusk; “See How Small,” by Scott Blackwood; “The Same Sky,”

by Amanda Ward: “Lost & Found,” by Brooke Davis; “Etta and Otto and Russell and James,”

by Emma Hooper; “Eyes Wide Open,” “Hacker,” and “Water Walker,” by Ted Dekker: “The Nightingale,” by Kristin Hannah; “Crash and Burn,”

by Lisa Gardner; “There’s Something I Want You to Do,” by Charles Baxter; “The Big Seven,” by Jim Harrison; “The Chessmen,” by Peter May; “The Sacrifice,” by Joyce C. Oates; “The Hunger

of the Wolf,” by Stephen Marche; “The Mime Order,” by Samantha Shannon; “Doing the Devil’s Work,” by Bill Loehfelm; “Crazy Love You,” by Lisa Unger; “The First Wife,” by Erica Spindler; “The Convert’s Song,” by Sebastian Rotella; “Motive,”

by Jonathan Kellerman; “Twelve Days,” by Alex Berenson; “The Secrets of Midwives,” by Sally Hepworth; “A Spool of Blue Thread,” by Anne Tyler; “A Pleasure and a Calling,” by Phil Hogan; “Funny Girl,” by Nick Hornby; “The Revenant,”

by Michael Punke; and “Before I Go,” by Colleen Oakley.

Mysteries: “All the President’s Menus,” by Julie Hyzy; “Breaking Creed,” by Alex Kava; “As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust,” by Alan Bradley; “Puzzled Indemnity,” by Parnell Hall; “Darned If You Do,”

by Monica Ferris; “Death of a Liar,” by M.C. Beaton; and “Obsession in Death,” by J.D. Robb.

Christian Fiction (large print): “Gathering Shadows,” by Nancy Mehl, and “The Winter Brides,” by Denise Hunt-

er, Deborah Raney, and Betsy St. Amant.

Westerns: “Out of the Wilderness,” by Max Brand, and “Wanted: Sam Bass,” by Paul Colt.

Large Print: “Unmanned,” by Dan Fesperman; “Empire of Sin,” by Gary Krist; “Madame Picasso,” by Anne Girard; “Neverhome,” by Laird Hunt; “Private Vegas,” by James Patterson; “The Last American Vampire,” by Seth Grahame-Smith; “A Map of Betrayal,” by Ha Jin; “Die Again,” by Tess Gerritsen; “The Bone Orchard,” by Paul Doiron; “A Place Called Harmony,” by Jodi Thomas; “Persuasion, Captain Wentworth and Cracklin’ Cornbread,” by Mary Jane Hathaway; “Rose Gold,”

by Walter Mosley; “Malice,” by Keigo Higashino; “Your Face in Mine,” by Jess Row; and “Bloody Politics,” by Maggie Sefton, The book group selection for March is “Orphan Train,” by Christina Baker Kline.

Visit dixonpublic library.org or stop at the library for the list of new nonfiction titles.

Judges selected for contest DIXON – The Phidian Art Club of Dixon has announced the judges for its literary competition.

Chris Minor, a journalist for WQAD TV from Moline, will judge the nonfiction category.

She has covered the Chris Quad CitMinor ies for more than 20 years, and was named Best Reporter by the Illinois Associated Press 2 years in a row.

Former Dixon resident A.K. Thompson is the fiction judge. A writer and teacher in southern Illinois, she is the author of “Relentless, Envious Death: The Biographies of Katherine Shaw Bethea and Solomon Hicks Bethea,” published by KSB Hospital in Dixon. Thompson also writes an outdoor column, “Dirt Church” for Adventure Sports magazine.

Chosen to judge poetry this year is Del Cain, a poet, prose writer, edi-

tor, and workshop leader from Saginaw, Texas. He is an author of nonfiction volumes on the “good guys” and the “bad guys” of the old West, as well as poems and stories in various journals.

The contest is open to those 17 and older living within a 35-mile radius of Dixon. Guidelines on the contest are available at local libraries, or by calling Elizabeth at 815994-1940. Entries must be submitted by March 1 to Dixon Public Library, 221 S. Hennepin Ave.

OUT AND ABOUT

Blizzard conditions Feb. 1 didn’t keep this woodpecker away from food along Rockside Drive in Dixon. Photo submitted by David Bingaman of Dixon.

“Snowl” won the fifth- to eighth-grade category in the 2014 Student-Teacher Art Exhibit at Woodlawn Arts Academy in Sterling. The piece was created by Abigail G. at Centennial Elementary School in Polo. This year’s exhibit starts March 13 at the academy. Photos submitted by Janel Stahr.

Contestants sought by academy STERLING – The Woodlawn Arts Academy’s Student-Teacher Art Exhibit will include a poetry and songwriting contest.

Students in fifth grade or higher and teachers may submit original poetry or songs that involve the theme of “bridge.” Poetry should not exceed 1,000 words, and should be typed, double-spaced in 12-point Times New Roman. Songs should be less than 5 minutes long.

Entries are due on or before Friday. Works, with an entry form, can be emailed to czepezau er@woodlawnartsacad emy.com or dropped off at the academy, 3807 Woodlawn Road.

Three judges will determine the winners, who will be invited to read or perform during a reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 13 in the J. Mark Beaty Performance Center at the academy.

Also starting March 13, an exhibit of the student and teacher artwork will open. The public can vote on their favorite pieces in three cat-

“Quack Attack” won the kindergarten to fourthgrade category in last year’s Student-Teacher Art Exhibit at Woodlawn Arts Academy in Sterling. It’s the work of CreLogan C. from Centennial Elementary School. egories – kindergarten displayed on the First to fourth grade, fifth to Avenue Bridge between eighth grade, and ninth Sterling and Rock Falls, to 12th grade. through a partnership The winners of both with the Bridge the Comcontests will be featured munity. in the Summer Arts For more information, Program Guide. Some call the academy at 815winning pieces will be 626-4278.

Saturday, February 21, 2015

www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • C5

COLLEGE BRIEFS

HONOR ROLLS Polo Community High School

Chloe Hofilena, Alexus Jensen, Grace Johnson, Jeremiah Joos, Malori Kelly, High Honors Caylyn Kimmel, Addyson Freshmen: Lena BauKinn, Thomas Koski, Hailey mann, Hanna Blumhoff, Kratzner, Isaiah Kuehl, HoldJordan Drolema, Randal en Longan, Tianna Lonkert, Gabaldon, AshLee Griffin, Jade Miller, William Miller, Linsey Hecathorn, Aaiyah Erica Pasley, Grant Piller, Johnson, Macklin Llanas, Ryan Pitzer, Haley Rees, Lance Pearson, Leila StebKaeden Rice, Olivia Rick, bins, Priscilla Tennison, and Anakin Rodriguez, Griffey Hailey Wiggins.

Rodriguez, Emma Russell, Sophomores: Brenner Cade Schier, Kiaya Shaffer, Bushman, Fabian Calderon, Zara Shuey, Skyler Smith, Brodie Cromer, Justine Ashlyn Spangler, Madison Gorzny, Jenna Handel, Wil- Stamm, Quinn Staples, Elizliam Hoak, Hannah Hobbs, abeth Stauter, Paige Stees, Olivia Hopkins, Raynah Aidan Steingraber, Jaelinn Marks, Raven Nance, Chris- Stinson, Molly Stitzel, Dertopher Rademacher, Lauren rick Thomas, Miguel Torres, Rhodes, Stephanie Sofolo, Madelyn Verdick, William Mason Wright, and Zandrea Weidman, Madison Wetter, Yingling.

Evan Zera, and Allison ZimJuniors: Samantha Bush- merman. man, Ethan Cain, Brix ClaySeventh grade: Cheyton, Wyatt Patterson, Kenanne Anderson, Madilyn neth Pearson, and Braxton Barnhart, Molly Biggs, Stamm.

Melody Breckenfelder, Toni Seniors: Crystal Bell, Emily Brumbly, Emma Carlson, Ditzler, Karl-Heinz Drucklieb, Madelyn Chesley, Cameron Drake Gaul, Hannah Grobe, Crone, Brooklynn DambJacob Hanlon, Hailey Man- man, Sophie Doane, Sarina zano, Madison Merdian, Dodge, Nicquelette FazeKeeLey Meyer, Kennedi kas, Kara Flynn, Kara GaithPalmer, Savanah Phillip, er, Logan Griswold, MadLana Scholl, Kami Shenefelt, eline Gusse, Dylan HarshParker Taylor, and Truley man, Eaden Hvarre, Aidan Wingert.

Johnson, Emma Johnson, Honors Olivia Jones, Rachel Karpinski, Riley Kavanaugh, Freshmen: Kyle Blum, Megan Call, Isabel Emmert, Gabrielle Kitzman, Noah Luke Peterson, Alex Scher- Kuehl, Matthew Lohse, Kortny Marsh, Erica Miller, er, Reid Taylor, and Baylee Sarah Miller, Austin Portner, Wiemken.

Taylor Renkes, Madisyn Sophomores: Tristen Rubright, Rachael Rumph, Aguilar, Marcus Almasy, Kaylie Schaeffer, Braden Lani Bergstrom, Matthew Schielein, Aidan Schmall, Binkley, Miles Bushman, Christian Seagren, Thomas Timothy Cholke, Jessica Sitter, Madison Stegbauer, Conway, Caleb Day, JonaNicole Stocksdale, Bethany than Heath, Zachary HenTschosik, Jayden Valdez, son, Jakob Sarber, Jakob Grace Wadsworth, Devan Simpson, and Brianna Welch, Trevor White, Jacob Snyder.

Wickert, and Tyler Yocum.

Juniors: Thomas Bardell, Eighth grade: Imanol Dylan Beers, Bradley Cavanaugh, Haley Cisketti, Jesse Aburto, Alyssa Batten, Allison Bay, Joseph BeckingDitzler, Juan Dominguez, ham, David Binkley, MadEmalie Gunder, Kimberlee eline Blackbourn, Madalin Lowry, Brinley Peterson, Blumhoff, Alyssa Bonnette, Kaleigh Powell, and Noah Alicia Brown, Dylan BrumPrerost.

Seniors: Andrew Albrecht, bly, Calista Crone, Jozi Dever, Katie Drezen, Daniel Josh Boward, Idalis CaldeFerguson, Jettus Gaffey, ron, Taylor Chaney, Kevin Collin Grady, Brooke Himes, Cheeseman, Andrew Caroline Hoffman, Chloe Dewey, Daniel Diehl, Jozi Hogenson, Kelsey Horton, Grobe, Matthew Handel, Payton Lawrence, Isabelle Ben McKean, Shelton Lindenmeyer, Andrew Morris, Jake Phillips, Karl Lohse, Aidan Long, JenPrerost, Mason Rhodes, nifer Lucas, Taylor Masters, Nathan Rinaldo, Max SimTaryn Munroe, Kaelyn Munmons, Alex Sterenberg, son, Kiarrah Muntean, Hallie Alexandria Stover, Austin Webb, and Blake Wiemken. Nelson, Nathalia Parra, Steven Piller, Nolan Randick, Owen Rick, Jonathan RiveReagan Middle ra, Hailey Rupiper Gonzalez, School, Dixon Clinton Schielein, Addison Schmall, Madison SeggeHighest Honors bruch, Gabriel Sohn, Taylor Sixth grade: Carolina Troutman, Jesena Valdez, Araujo, Bleon Azemi, Riley and Tyler VanQuathem.

Bally, William Bates, Marlie High Honors Beauchem, Max BeckSixth grade: Nina Baratta, man, Kaelynn Bock, Anna Graesen Blumhoff, Jack Breedlove, Olivia Brooks, Boss, Lauren Dallas, Joseph Joshua Brown, Samantha Dukes, Zachary Fay, Sydney Buelvas, Jaylen Carr, WilFelgenhauer, Boston Glesslow Carstensen, Fernando ner, Wyatt Hankemeier, Castro, Connor Colby, Mariah Hoffman, Cassidy Aubriana Comer, Skyler Hussung, Benjamin Huyck, Connolly, Kassie ConsiDakota Johnson, Paige dine, Ashley Crawford, Mia DeLashmit, Eli Dever, Brock Knipple, Christopher Krug, Ethan Kullerstrand, Jackson Drengenberg, Emily Drew, Lengquist, Dominic Lozano, Logan Etheridge, Emma Evans, Lauren Fagan, Ethan Jeffery Meredith, Kaitlynn Pfeiffer, Austin Pleskovitch, Fox, Joy Garnhart, Emma Jayce Portner, Sydney Godbold, Abigail Goff, Powell, Abigail Provo, Elsie Gordon, Cadyn GrafCameron Rogers, Kennedi ton, Angelina Gray, Taylor Rogers, Madison Schaeffer, Guelde, Abigail Guthrie, Maddie Scheffler, Connley Taylor Harrison, Isabella Heintzelman, Sydney Heller, Shank, Jocelyn Shoffner, Tristen Smith, Kalob Steck, Noelle Herwig, Taylor Hills,

Faith Steder, Cade Stephenitch, Devrin Thomas, Mya Thomason, Michael Ullrich, Gianna Verive, Charles Warner, Paxton Witmer, and Ashley Zentz.

Seventh grade: Aaliyah Baker, Hakeem Banks, Talia Becker, Brigitte Boucher, Gabriel Burger, Bailey Burling, Kayla Callison, Alyza Carter, Payton Fitzsimmons, Starla Flynn, Christian Harshman, Carson Heather, Isaac Hernandez, Kyle Hofilena, Arne Koski, Brayden Lafferty, Nathan Long, Elizabeth McCullough, Mary Melvin, Isaiah Moss, Mikaila Oros, Shannon Osenberg, Cheyenne Predny, Gabriel Reed, Edward Roberts, Zachary Scheffler, Tara Schielein, Jasmine Schultheis, Jacob Shafer, Chloe Shaw, Payton Simmons, Alexis Sneek, Faith Snyder, Taylor Spellman, Bailey Underhile, and Alyssa Wolf.

Eighth grade: Ava Berkey, Trevor Bishop, Alex Boswell, Talbir Chima, Tianna Cornell, Kyle Crawford, Olivia Dennison, Derian Duncan, Karli Ewaniuk, Brayden Forrest, Avery Fox, Madison Gaulke, Leigha Grove, Joseph Heckert, Quinten Hoyle, Ryan Lawton, Brooke Lehman, Ethan LeSage, Andrew Leslie, Brooke McCann, Dylan Messer, Montana Mull, Sean Phelan, Madeline Roach, Chloe Roberts, Juliana Rotella, Isaic Sanchez, Victoria Schultheis, Logan Scott, Skylar Scott, Charles Stiens, India Thompson, Evelyn Villareal, Isaiah Wilcox, Ervion Williams, and Hunter Wilson.

Honors Sixth grade: Cambria Bell, Kali Boswell, Mazzi Chaffee, Eric Delhotal, Hannah Dickson, Kameron Elder, Emilie Helfrich, Emma Hernandez, Jahshawn Howard, Jaclyn Iniguez, Alivya Knopp, Draven Koehler, Kennedy Lance, Daniel Long, Myla Miranda, Shane Nelson, Andrew Pollom, David Rollinger, and Samuel Walker.

Seventh grade: Trevor Ashlin, Zackary Bass, Kelcy Brechon, Jecina Ellison, Jessie Frey, Zachary Gaston, Noah Gearhart, Raven Gouldsberry, Cody Gray, Kaitlyn Hansen, Cole Jones, Alexander Mazzarisi, Gabriel McGuire, Clayton McThenia, Kaitlin O’Donnell, Jordyn Olalde, Diellza Osmani, Lucas Page, Savannah Perkins, Jenna Pitman, Mateo Rodriguez, Logan Smith, Andrea Thomas, Noah Williams, and Zakiya Wiltz.

Eighth grade: Colten Bishop, Ashley Blythe, Samantha Boehm, Finn Brandon, Kade Callison, Paichens Chamberlain, Bryce Christiansen, Tyler Christiansen, Brianna Edwards, Corey Gillette, Chelsea Glenn, Kira Goral, Madilyn Gutierrez, Devon Hansen, London Hartman, Faith Jendrzejczyk, Grace Jendrzejczyk, Terey Kilgore, Zoe Love, Emily Lynch, Anna Mason, Shakia McGlown, Colten Moore, Madelyne Parages, Tristan Putt, Joseph Riley, Dakota Shuck, Kyle Spencer, Ethan Weidman, and Seth Wiseman.

Augustana College

Greenville College

ROCK ISLAND – Nathaniel Hall of Oregon, Emilie Antolik of Rochelle, and Ashley Wolfe of Dixon participated in the Feb. 7 annual winter concert at Augustana College.

GREENVILLE – Nichole Philhower of Ohio graduated Aug. 14 from Greenville College, with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education.

UW-Platteville

Rockford University

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – Students named to the fall dean’s list at the University ROCKFORD – Jamie Logan of Dixon, Amanda of Wisconsin – Platteville include: Davy of Rock Falls, Byron: Laura Hedges, Nathan McKee of Paw Rachel Hopkins, Kayla Paw, Peyton Achs of Kohlmeier, Rebecca Lowe, Erie, Andrea Naylor of Franklin Grove, and Brian Marissa Morales, and Casey Olson.

Nordman and Matthew Forreston: Caleb Snider.

Murray, both of Oregon, Lanark: Calvin Cassens, were named to the fall Abbey Grisham, and Collin dean’s list at Rockford Macomber.

University.

Manlius: Nicole Swanson.

Marquette Milledgeville: Kaitlin Hutchison.

University Morrison: Brock MILWAUKEE – Douglas Deter and Cassandra Floski of Byron graduHeusinkveld. ated with a Bachelor of Mount Carroll: Garrett Science degree in marBadtke and Patrick Fritz. keting from Marquette Oregon: Lynea Axelson.

University.

Rochelle: Tyler Mollet.

Rock Falls: Thomas FarGoshen College rell and Ashlen Folkers.

GOSHEN, Ind. – MorSavanna: Tayte Hunter. gan Yordy, a freshman Sterling: Allison Byrd, peace, justice and conLynsey Prescott, Jonathan flict studies and history Schweiss, Carly Willman, double major of Rochelle, and Aubrey Ybarra. was a cast member in Walnut: Nichole Kriz.

“Reality TV Island” and “Miniature Migrants,” two Midwestern State of the “Winter One Acts” University presented Feb. 13-15 at the Goshen College WICHITA FALLS, Texas Umble Center.

– Michael A. Woodyatt of Three plays were writByron graduated summa ten and directed by stucum laude in December dents, which explored from Midwestern State ideas and issues in the University, with a Bachelor U.S. through humor and of Science degree in radioseriousness. logic sciences.

Olivet Nazarene University BOURBONNAIS – Reilly Roberts of Dixon, a sophomore at Olivet Nazarene University, will portray Percy Talbott in the university’s production of “The Spitfire Grill.”

Show times are 7 p.m.

Thursday and Friday and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Feb. 28 at Kresge Auditorium in Larsen Fine Arts Center, One University Ave.

Philadelphia University PHILADELPHIA – Emily Barton of Sterling, a junior and member of the Philadelphia University crosscountry team, has been named The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Academic AllArea Women’s CrossCountry Performer of the Year and was chosen for the Academic All-Area Women’s Cross Country Team.

The three-time all Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference performer was named CACC Runner of the Year in 2014, with a career best time of 19:54.5 on Nov. 2.

She also earned the U.S. Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II All-Academic honors for the fall 2014 cross country season.

Educators of Beauty STERLING – Kimberly Monarrez of Sterling has graduated from the Educators of Beauty Cosmetology Program.

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS Elenore Leigh Goldsberry Ashley Dewaele and Raymond Goldsberry of Walnut are the parents of a daughter born at 8:14 p.m. Feb. 8, 2015, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling.

Elenore Leigh Goldsberry weighed 8 pounds, 12 ounces at birth and was 22 inches in length.

She is welcomed by Zemiah Hubbard, 6, Alexus Goldsberry, 6, and Elizabeth Goldsberry, 2.

Maternal grandparents are Meri Kreuger and Doug Dewaele, both of Walnut.

Paternal grandmother is Shirley Mazzei of Walnut.

Skylynn Christine Lance Alissa and Jeffrey Lance of Dixon are the parents of a daughter born at 3:01 p.m. Feb. 7, 2015, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling.

Skylynn Christine Lance weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces at birth and was 21 inches in length.

She is welcomed by Caliann, 5.

Maternal grandparents are Timothy Hall Sr. of Dixon and the late Tracie Nelson.

Paternal grandmothers are Laurie and Dorothy Lance of Groton, Connecticut.

Maternal great-grandmother is Lynn Nelson of Sun City, Arizona.

Paternal great-grandparents are Miriam and Kenny Blackburn of Dixon.

Aveyah Brielle Harris Rebecca Hawkins-Harris and Jermaine Harris of Sterling are the parents of a daughter born at 8:04 a.m. Feb. 6, 2015, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling.

Aveyah Brielle Harris weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces at birth and was 21 inches in length.

She is welcomed by Abrianna, 16, and Ada lynn, 11.

Maternal grandparents are Sue Hawkins and Bob Hawkins, both of Deer Grove.

Paternal grandparents are Gordon Harris and Martha Harris, both of Sterling.

Maternal great-grandmother is Mary Ellen Clary of Sterling.

Paternal great-grandmother is Claudette Harris of Lexington, Kentucky.

Mallori Sharon Smith Mandi Yocum and Jordon Smith of Amboy are the parents of a daughter born at 8:28 a.m. Feb. 6, 2015, at KSB Hospital in Dixon.

Mallori Sharon Smith weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce at birth and was 20 inches in length.

Maternal grandparents are Jr. and Jennifer Yocum of Amboy.

Paternal grandparents are Lincoln and Amy Smith of Franklin Grove.

Maternal great-grandparents are Melvin and Sharon McNinch and Denny and Karen Yocum, all of Franklin Grove; and Dan and Linda Moyers of Dixon.

Paternal great-grandparents are Jan and Dillard Hudson of Eldena and Sharon Smith of Franklin Grove.

Information sought The birth announcement for Lauren Elizabeth Beauchamp cannot be printed without additional information. The editorial department has been unable to reach the submitter. If those who submitted it could call 800-798-4085, ext. 5501, it would be appreciated.

SUPPORT GROUPS, CLUBS, AND SERVICES Today Alcoholics Anonymous, 9 a.m., closed, Big Book, United Methodist Church, 201 E. Chicago Ave., Davis Junction.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 9 a.m., open, tradition; 12:30 p.m., closed; 7 p.m., closed (5), Bazaar Americana, 609 W. Third St., Sterling.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 9 a.m., open, women’s; noon, open; 6 p.m., open, 90-92 S. Hennepin Ave., Dixon.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 9:30 a.m., former St. Anne Grade School, 32 N. Jones Ave., Amboy, 815-8572315.

Women’s Alcoholics Anonymous, 10:30 a.m., closed; 7 p.m., closed, 808 Freeport Road, Sterling.

Mercy Nursing Services free blood pressure clinic, 11 a.m.noon, Walmart, 1901 First Ave., Rock Falls.

Reality Check Narcotics Anonymous, noon, 6 p.m., First Christian Church, 506 Fifth Ave., Rock Falls, 779-245-3487. Downstairs, west door.

Sauk Valley Alcoholics Anonymous Group, noon, open, Old School; 8 p.m., open, fun night, bring a friend, back door, 1503 First Ave., Rock Falls.

Mercy Nursing Services free blood pressure clinic, 1-2:30 p.m., Save-A-Lot, 928 First Ave., Rock Falls.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., open, First Presbyterian Church, 1100 Calvin Road, Rochelle.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., closed, Village of Progress, 710 S. 13th St., Oregon.

Sunday Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 a.m., closed; 7 p.m., open, Rochelle Community Hospital, 900 N. Second St. Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 a.m., closed; 11 a.m., open; 1 p.m., closed, Spanish; 7 p.m., closed, Bazaar Americana, 609 W. Third St., Sterling.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 9 a.m., closed; noon, open; 6 p.m., closed, step, 90-92 S. Hennepin Ave., Dixon.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 10 a.m., open, Horizon View Farm barn, 2422 N. River Road, Oregon.

Sauk Valley Alcoholics Anonymous Group, 10 a.m., open, Big Book, back door, 1503 First Ave., Rock Falls.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 6 p.m.,

closed, Church of St. Anne, 401 N. Cherry St., Morrison.

Reality Check Narcotics Anonymous, 6 p.m., First Christian Church, 506 Fifth Ave., Rock Falls, 779-245-3487. Downstairs, west door.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., closed, Spanish, St. Patrick Catholic Church, 236 Kelly Drive, Rochelle.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., closed, 808 Freeport Road, Sterling.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., closed, clearance required, BAAbble on for Life Prison Group, 815-9736150.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7:30 p.m., closed, 304 Seventh Ave. W, Lyndon.

Alcoholics Anonymous, , 8 p.m., closed (4), Mount Morris Senior Center, 9 E. Front St. Monday Childhood immunization clinic; women, infants and children clinic; and family planning services, all by appointment only, Lee County Health Department, 309 S. Galena Ave., Suite 100, Dixon, 815284-3371.

Abuse Changing team, 815-6250338.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 a.m., open, Methodist church, 402 First Ave., Forreston.

Veterans Affairs representative, 9 a.m., Rock River Center, 810 S. 10th St., Oregon, 815-732-3252.

Dixon Rotary Club, noon, lower level, St. Luke Episcopal Church, 221 W. Third St., Dixon.

Alcoholics Anonymous, noon, closed, step; 6 p.m., open, 90-92 S. Hennepin Ave., Dixon.

Alcoholics Anonymous, noon, closed, Big Book; 6 p.m., closed, Spanish; 7 p.m., open, Bazaar Americana, 609 W. Third St., Sterling.

Alcoholics Anonymous, noon, closed (1), St. Paul Lutheran Church, 114 S. Fifth St., Oregon.

Reality Check Narcotics Anonymous, noon, 6 p.m., First Christian Church, 506 Fifth Ave., Rock Falls, 779-245-3487. Downstairs, west door.

Sauk Valley Alcoholics Anonymous Group, noon, open, Sunshine meeting, back door, 1503 First Ave., Rock Falls.

Crochet-Knitting Club, 12:30 p.m., Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling.

The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, 1 p.m., 409 Avenue F,

Sterling, 815-625-1622.

Senior Dental Health Program, 1 p.m., Good Neighbor Care of Sterling, 2705 Avenue E, 815-564-2145.

TOPS, 4 p.m. weigh-in, 4:30 p.m. meeting; 5:30 p.m. weigh-in, 6 p.m. meeting, Hub City Senior Center, 401 Cherry Ave., Rochelle.

TOPS Chapter IL 634 meeting, 4:30 p.m., 205 S. Walnut St., Franklin Grove.

TOPS, 5 p.m. weigh-in, 5:30 p.m. meeting, Polo Church of the Brethren, 401 S. Congress Ave., Polo, 815-946-3638.

Celebrate Recovery, 6-8 p.m., 201 W. Market St., Morrison, 815590-8929.

Celebrate Recovery, Christcentered Recovery Group, 6-8 p.m., Revive Community Church, 8 E. Front St., Mount Morris, 815994-0428.

Rock Falls Rotary, 6 p.m., Beelendorf’s Deli, 204 W. 10th St., Rock Falls.

Rock Falls Boy Scout Troop 306, 6:30-8 p.m., Harvest Time Bible Church fellowship hall, 1802 Dixon Ave., Rock Falls.

Rock Falls Optimist Club, 6:30 p.m., Candlelight Inn, 2200 First Ave., Rock Falls.

Byron Fire Protection District

Trustees, 7 p.m., district headquarters, 123 N. Franklin St. Mount Carroll Monday Night Al-Anon-Alateen, 7 p.m., Church of God, 816 Clay St., Mount Carroll.

815-284-3444.

Lee, Whiteside Chapter of the American Diabetes Association, 7 p.m., Ryberg Auditorium, CGH Medical Center, 100 E. LeFevre Road, Sterling.

Sauk Valley Interfaith Peace Action Group, 7 p.m., Wesley United Methodist Church, 2200 16th Ave., Sterling, 815-625-4657.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., closed, 808 Freeport Road, Sterling.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., closed, step study, New Hope Fellowship Church, 113 state Route 64, Kings.

Tampico Lions Club, 7 p.m., Good Times, 106 N. Main St., Tampico, 815-438-2789.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7:30 p.m., closed, St. Luke Episcopal Church, 207 W. Third St., Dixon.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., closed (3), First Presbyterian Church, 502 Third St., Savanna.

Sauk Valley Al-Anon GroupAlateen, 8 p.m., open, back door, 1503 First Ave., Rock Falls.

C6 • SV Weekend

www.saukvalley.com

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Teen seeks right approach with classmate Dear Abby: I am 17 and a senior in high school.

During freshman year, one of my classmates was a boy I’ll call “Alex.” This year, I have been told that Alex has changed his name to “Aly,” a more feminine name. Aly now sometimes dresses like a girl and sometimes like a boy.

What gender should I refer to Aly as? Would it be rude to ask my classmate which gender he, she identifies with?

– Gender Dilemma

dearABBY Dear Abby is written

by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips. The column is provided through Universal Uclick.

only don’t think the question would be rude, I think it’s an intelligent one. If you ask your classmate politely and privately, I’m sure Aly will be glad to answer.

Dear G.D.: Considering that Aly could be in a Dear Abby: I gave up a process of transition, I not baby girl for adoption 29

years ago. I thought when she became an adult she would want to contact me, but I have heard nothing. I have known how to contact her for many years, but haven’t done it because I didn’t want to intrude in her life.

I have left contact totally up to her if she chooses.

Like I said, so far I’ve heard nothing, and I’m just wondering why she wouldn’t want to contact me or know anything about me.

– Wondering Bio-Mom Dear Bio-Mom: Are you certain your daughter knows she was

adopted? While many adopted children want to know their birth parents, not all do because they don’t feel anything is “missing” in their lives. They also may think it would be disrespectful to the parents who raised them. Please don’t take it personally.

it would be funny to gift my daughter with a Chargers onesie. Mom asked me to have my child wear it during the game.

When I asked Gary what he thought, he got upset and said, “Please don’t do that. I don’t want your mom buying Chargers clothes thinkDear Abby: I’m stuck in ing she can turn our the middle between my daughter into a Chargers mom and my husband, fan.”

“Gary,” regarding a oneMom texted me for a sie my brother bought photo of the baby wearfor our daughter. Gary is ing it. I said I was sorry, a die-hard Raiders fan. but her dad doesn’t My mom and brother want her to wear it, and love the Chargers. Mom she got mad and said, and my brother thought “Whatever.” I can’t

please everyone. What should I do?

– Good Sport Out West Dear Good Sport: Whether your mother and your brother thought it would be funny to give your daughter a Chargers outfit is beside the point.

Your husband doesn’t see the humor in it, so my advice is to let the child be logo-free until she’s old enough to decide for herself which one to support.

Contact Dear Abby at DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

DIXON PARK DISTRICT

Northern visitor spotted

This year’s American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Whiteside County will be Feb. 28 at Froggy’s Bar and Grill in Rock Falls. With a flyer are (from left) Chaley Lamb with Froggy’s, and Betty Clementz, co-chairman for this year’s relay. Photo submitted by Russ Siefken.

Bands to perform at kickoff ROCK FALLS – This year’s American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Whiteside County kickoff, Rockin’ to a Cure, will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Feb. 28 at Froggy’s Bar and Grill, 213 W. Second St. Two local bands will perform. Chameleon will play soft rock and Dinner at the Kids Table’s music will have a faster beat. A mini Relay for Life store, 50-50

drawings, and give-aways also are planned.

Teams can register at the event for this year’s relay, which will be from 6 p.m. to midnight June 13 at Hinders Field in Rock Falls. Both the relay and a survivor dinner on June 2 require registration.

Information will be available.

The tickets are $5, and

includes appetizers. They can be purchased at the door; at United Way, 502 First Ave., Sterling; or Nutrition Plus, Northland Mall, 2522 E. Lincolnway, Sterling. They also will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at the mall.

For more information, go to relayforlife.org/white sideil or call Russ Siefken at 815-441-1086.

bias and prevent censorship also will be examined, as will how advertising and net neutrality impact daily lives.

A discussion and question period will follow the program.

For more information, call Marc Adami at 815-7724949.

Society, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, will meet at 7 p.m.

Thursday at the society library, 629 S. Main St. Don Schmidt, superintendent of the Toulon Cemetery, will talk about the cemetery and genealogical inquiries. His program will include stories about opening graves, a sliding vault, and Margaret Skinner’s postmortem revenge.

For more information, call the society at 815-8793133 or visit from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday. Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday, or the first Saturday of each month at the library.

IN BRIEF Friday meals planned at church

ERIE – An all-you-can-eat Lenten fish fry will be from 4 to 7 p.m. March 6, 13, 20, and 27 at St. Ambrose Parish Hall, 820 Fifth St. The menu includes fresh, wild-caught, Alaskan pollack with Polish seasoning, coleslaw, a baked potato, roll, dessert, coffee, and Tickets available lemonade. for turkey dinner Donations will be accepted.

LA MOILLE – A turkey A 50-50 raffle and door supper will be from 5 to 7 prizes are part of the event. p.m. March 12 at Community United Methodist 71 N. Main St. Mass media focus Church, On the menu are turkey, of presenter’s talk mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, a salad bar, MORRISON – A Whipie, and beverages. teside Forum’s series on Carry-outs will be availmass media in modern able; call the church at society will continue with 815-638-2348 after 4 p.m. at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in Pick up is at the southeast the program room at Odell basement door.

Public Library, 307 S. Advance tickets until Madison St. March 8 are $9 for adults The speaker will be and $5.50 for children 10 Beth Hafner of Sterling, and younger. After that who teaches English date, tickets are $9.50 for and journalism at Clinton adults and $6 for children.

Community College in To purchase tickets, Iowa. Among the topics she will address are where email the church at lamoillecumc@gmail.com or call most people get their the carry-out number. information, how much facts matter, who owns the media, and who gets to tell Toulon Cemetery the stories. part of program Social media’s ability to perpetuate bias and cenPRINCETON – The sorship, as well as balance Bureau County Genealogy

Heart health topic of center lecture STERLING – A presentation about the heart will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St. Tracy Aude, a cardio nurse practitioner with Dr. Thomas Kurian, will give the talk about the risk factors of heart disease and cardio testing. Giveaways will be part of the program.

After the presentation, participants are welcome to stay for lunch. Chicken fried steak with country gravy, vegetable, dessert, and a beverage will be served for $5.

For more information, call 815-622-9230.

The other day, I was driving down the road when my attention was drawn to a bird perched on top of a utility pole.

I recognized the large, white owl from past experiences. I found a side road where I could pull off, and I parked in a gate entrance to view the bird. Sure enough, I confirmed that it was indeed a snowy owl.

The bird I was looking at was heavily barred, leading me to believe it was an immature owl. According to the “National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Birds of North America,” the snowy owl’s summer range is some 2,000 miles north in the area of Nunavut, Canada – a frozen, treeless area.

According to recent news reports, the U.S., and particularly the Northeast, is experiencing something of a snowy owl invasion this winter.

The snowy owl is one of the most powerful and heaviest of the North American owls.

It is 20- to 27-inches tall with a wingspan ranging from 54 to 66 inches. It has a rounded

They have a “hooting” call that is territorial call that can be heard Greg Hunter as far as 2 miles away. is the direcOther names for tor of Natural Resources snowy owls are: arctic for the Dixon owl, ermine owl, great Park District. white owl, harfang, wapachthu, and white owl. They can fly at speeds of 50 miles per hour.

The exact reason for head, yellow eyes, and this year’s snowy owl broad, rounded wings. “invasion” south into It is a white owl with the U.S. is unknown. some dark barring.

Some speculate it may Immature snowy be due to a drop in the owls are barred more lemming population, heavily and will travel others believe it is due farther south in the fall to increased breeding and winter months. success.

The adult females are I sat in my truck and barred more than the watched the snowy owl, adult males and are from a distance, for a larger. The owls’ diet is long time. I thought of strongly dependent on where it had come from lemmings. and the distance it had They live in the tuntraveled to get all the dra, so while they are way to Illinois. I could visiting us, we rarely find a snowy owl sitting only imagine what life was like so far above in a tree, as they are the Arctic Circle. I bid accustomed to perchthe bird a silent gooding on the ground at bye and drove off to a high vantage point overlooking vast, frozen leave the bird in peace.

Park district news: tundra for prey. Their Check the park district call is a deep, hoarse, web site, dixonpark “raven-like” croak, a shrill whistle, or a loud, district.org for spring sports information. hollow, barking growl.

gregHUNTER

Y camp information update STERLING – Spring classes and programs are planned at Sterling-Rock Falls Family YMCA, 2505 YMCA Way. For those interested in summer camp at Camp Benson, a meet the staff day will be from 2 to 5 p.m. March 8.

Families can speak with Cory Harrison, camp director, and other staff and campers.

Ways to reduce camp costs and a new fundraiser will be discussed.

Visit ymcacamp ben son.org to register for camp or for more information.

Certifications for American Red Cross lifeguarding, American Red Cross CPR for the professional rescuer, and American Red Cross first aid will be available at various

times from March 8 to 29.

Students will be taught rescue skills, professional CPR, first aid, and how to handle life-threatening emergencies.

Participants must be at least 15; be able to swim 300 yards continuously with free and breaststroke; tread water for 2 minutes with arms and legs and 2 minutes with legs only; and complete a timed event in 1 minute, 40 seconds.

The cost is $180 for members and $270 for nonmembers, with partial reimbursement for YMCA employees. Registration is required.

A 3-on-3 double elimination basketball tournament for youth is scheduled for March 15. Teams can be coed, all boys, or all girls, with a maximum of four players.

Divisions are students in first and second grade, third and fourth grade, and fifth and sixth grade. The cost is $50 per team. Each team will play at least two games.

Registration ends March 7.

An Easter egg hunt in the YMCA pool will be March 27.

The times are 4:15 p.m. for 3- to 4-year-olds and 4:45 for 5- to 6-yearolds. Both age groups must be accompanied in the pool by an adult.

Those 7 to 8 will hunt at 6:15 and 9 to 10 at 6:45.

The cost is $5 per family for nonmembers and free to members. Registration is appreciated.

To register or for more information, stop at the YMCA, visit srfymca. org or call 815-5359622.

Lenten services feature dramas DIXON – Churches in the Dixon Area Christian Ministerial Association will have community services during the first five Sundays of Lent.

Each one will be at 6 p.m. They are: Sunday at Grace United Methodist Church, 921 E. Chamberlin St. March 1 at First United Methodist Church, 202 S. Peoria Ave. March 8 at First Baptist Church of Dixon, 111 E. Second St. March 15 at the Wor-

ship Center, 403 N. Ottawa Ave. March 22 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1013 Franklin Grove Road.

The theme is “Mountaintop Experiences.”

Each service will include a short drama that represents a transformational happening from the Bible, Mount Ararat, Mount Moriah, Mount Sinai, Mount Carmel, the Mount of Olives, and Mount Calvary.

Bible readings, prayers, hymns, and other music are planned. Donations

to benefit Dixon Habitat for Humanity will be accepted, and light refreshments will be served.

The community Good Friday service will be at 7 p.m. April 3 at Bethel Evangelical Congregational Church, 131 North Court St. Donations for Habitat for Humanity also will be collected at that time.

For more information, call the Rev. Marilyn Nolan, association president, at 815-288-1505.

Saturday, February 21, 2015

www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • C7

EXTENSION BRIEFS U of I to offer web conference

The Illinois Pork Producers Association recently recognized members. Brent Scholl (left) of Polo accepts the Distinguished Service Award from Todd Dail, IPPA president. Photo submitted.

Polo producer earns recognition SPRINGFIELD – Brent Scholl of Polo was presented with the Distinguished Service Award at the recent Illinois Pork Producers Association Pork Expo.

Scholl, an active member of the association, volunteers at the county, state, and national levels.

He also is a member of the Lee County Pork Producers, and has held multiple offices, including president.

He served as the IPPA District 2 director from 2004 to 2012, working on the Youth Committee, Production Tech Committee, Industrial Services Committee, Public Policy Committee, and the Marketing Committee, which he chaired.

He also was a past IPPA president.

On the national level, he is involved with both National Pork Producers

Council and the National Pork Board. He has been a delegate to the National Pork Forum several times, and serves on NPB’s Swine Welfare Committee and Animal Health Committee.

He also is on the Pork Quality Assurance Task Force and the Common Audit Task Force.

Scholl participates in Operation Mainstreet, and has given more than 20 presentations about modern pork production to local civic groups.

Scholl began farming in 1980. He and his brother, Bruce, are fifth generation farmers on the family’s Centennial Farm. They raise row crops, and finish about 250 head of cattle and 6,000 pigs a year.

He is also co-owner and vice president of First Class Insurance Agency.

Ogle County Extension

OREGON – Soil fertility and the influence of crop production practices, environmental stewardship, and market prices will be the focus of a Soil Fertility Seminar, in partnership with the University of Illinois Extension.

Web-conference presentations will be from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday at the Ogle County Extension office. The cost is $50 and includes lunch.

To attend, go to the extension website or call the extension office by Wednesday.

For more information, or to register for classes, contact the University of Illinois Extension Ogle County office, 421 W. Pines Road, Oregon, visit edu/bdo, email Lisa Valle, extension program coordinator, at lkvalle@illinois.edu or call the extension office at 815-732-2191.

systems and small farms educator; and Rob and Lynette Hough, syrup producers. Register online or at the extension office.

Price discount for early reservations

MOUNT CARROLL – able online and at the exten- Registration for 4-H Camp sion office. ’15 is underway. The cost Farm site of syrup is $235 before March 4 and $250 thereafter. production tour The 4-day, 4-night camp, for youth ages 8 MOUNT MORRIS – An introduction to maple syrup to 15 by June 28, is led

by University of Illinois Daylong activities production and marketExtension staff in DeKalb, ing will be from 2 to 5 p.m. planned in Oregon March 5 at Mount Morris Winnebago, Boone, StePublic Library, 101 E. Front phenson, Ogle, and JoDaOREGON – The annual viess counties and Camp St., and Hough’s Maple University of Illinois Extension, Ogle County 4-H Day Lane Farm, 3788 N. Mount Benson staff. Campers will check in from 6 to Tips on leasing Morris Road. of Dabbling will be Feb. 28 6:30 p.m. June 28 and Topics include a brief at the Oregon Church of options available check out from 6 to 6:30 God, 860 West Oregon Trail history of maple sugar p.m. July 2.

The 2015 Farm Outlook Road. production, an overview of Activities include swim& Ag Leasing Program the basic tools and skills It is open to youth, ages ming, hiking, nature study, will be from 6:30 to 8:30 necessary for small-scale 5 to 15, and will consist of p.m. March 19 at the sap collection and process- rock climbing, arts and 18 hands-on workshops.

Ogle County Farm Bureau Registration is from 8:40 to ing, considerations for scale crafts, archery, canoeing, Building. equipment, marketing, and field games, crate stack9 a.m.

The workshop is for Workshops on visual arts, regulations for a small com- ing, teambuilding challenges, camping skills, landowners and operacooking, natural resources, mercial-syrup producer scavenger hunts, tubing, tors. Information on curAfter the classroom porwoodworking, aerospace, and kayaking along the rent leasing practices, intercultural, scrapbooking, tion of the workshop, the Wakarusa River. including crop-share, cash poultry, and science will be group will go to the farm Evening activities will be rent, and flex leases will to see a functional sugar offered. The class will be provided by the teen 4-H be offered. house, setup, and taste taught by adult and youth camp counselors from the Gary Schnitkey, Universamples. volunteers. co-sponsoring counties. sity of Illinois Extension If weather conditions Registration is due TuesCampfires, a dance, and a specialist, farm manageallow, there may be some day. The cost is $9 for 4-H night of friendly competiment, will cover the leasmembers and $15 for non- syrup processing. tion are planned. ing outlook with relation This class will be taught members, payable at the Registration and payto commodity prices and

by Peggy Doty, extension door. Some classes may ment are available online risk, lease length, input energy and environmental require additional fees. stewardship educator; Andy or by calling the extension Class descriptions and prices, and income proregistration forms are avail- Larson, extension foods jections. office.

Time will be alloted for questions and answers.

The cost is $10.

Advance registration is available online or by calling the extension office.

SNOWSHOEING

JOB INTERVIEW COMPETITION

Bureau Valley High School FFA members from Manlius attended the Jan. 19 Section 3 Job Interview Career Development Event. Kolton Church (left) and Garrett Jackson competed in a mock job interview. Contestants were asked questions and had to complete a resume, cover letter, and job application. Emma Deppen, club reporter, said Jackson placed sixth on the varsity level and Church placed fourth on the junior varsity level.

Photo submitted by Willard Mott.

This year’s Junior Stewards of the Upper Mississippi Valley Program began Feb. 7. The reporter of the day was Shawn Wegmann, a student in third grade in Clinton, Iowa. The group watched nature videos and went snowshoeing. Meetings are at Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center in Thomson. Photo submitted.

IN BRIEF Grants benefit 4-H Foundation The 4-H Foundation has received a $30,000 donation from ADM Cares, a part of the Archer Daniels Midland Co. The “I Think Green Program” was established to teach how living things interact with each other and with their environment. More than 1,350 youth were involved in one or more of the three curriculums, worms, insects, and butterflies. With the donation, the program will add two new curriculums, nature detectives and carnivorous plants.

The 4-H Citizen Scientist Program provides students in junior and senior high school opportunities to extend learning beyond current 4-H project work into the world of hands-on research. As citizen scientists, members observe and record information from a stream site close to their home community, collect data from samples taken, and add the information to the scientificresearch related to water quality.

Trainings are conducted

in cooperation with Illinois RiverWatch. Once trained, each team of citizen scientists receives a complete tool kit to help monitor water quality of wadeable streams.

As an Illinois 4-H Project Partner, a portion of the donation also will be used to support 4-H teen leadership programs.

Fundraiser money helps 4-H programs Tractor Supply Co. raised $763,283 during the 12-day, national fall, instore Paper Clover Campaign for 4-H educational programs.

Participating stores included Dixon and Princeton. The money was raised by $1 customer donations at check out.

According to the press release, the effort has provided direct support for local camps, afterschool programs and other activities, and has granted scholarships for animal science to robotics.

Of the proceeds collected, 70 percent goes to support the county and state programs, which received $2,675, and

30 percent to national 4-H programs.

TSC has raised about $6.5 million for 4-H programs nationwide through the campaign, coordinated through the state 4-H Foundation, in just more than 4 years.

Evening meal to kick off conference ROCK ISLAND – The annual bi-state Women in Agriculture Conference will be at Jumer’s Casino and Hotel, 777 Jumer Drive.

The conference planning committee will have a dinner and program March 19. Attendees and their spouses or guests are welcome. A cash-bar social hour begins at 6 p.m., with dinner at 6:30 p.m., followed by a presentation by David Kohl, professor emeritus at Virginia Tech. The cost is $30 per person.

Registration and a light breakfast will begin at 8 a.m. March 20, with the conference from 8:30 to 4 p.m. Kohl will discuss personal family budgets, living expenses, record keeping, investing in the future, and advice on

forming advisory teams.

Several breakout sessions are planned. The cost is $50 and includes breakfast and a buffet lunch.

Registration is due Feb. 28. Registrations thereafter will be $60, and $75 the day of the class. To register, contact the Rock Island County Farm Bureau office at womeninagricult ureconference.com or 309-736-7432.

Museum tour part of 4-H workshop ROCKFORD – The University of Illinois Extension, in partnership with Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., will offer a program March 7 at the museum.

The 4-H Project Workshop Day will feature three workshops of hands-on activities on fossils, dinosaurs, local ecosystems, nature, and rocks.

The activities are open to all 4-H members, ages 9 to 13. To register or for information, go to edu/ jsw or call 815-986-4357

by March 4.

The cost is $20 for

youth and $6 for adults, and includes museum admission, participation in two workshops, and a self-guided museum tour. One adult per five children must be present during the tour.

For more information about the workshop, contact Elliott Lawrence at edlawre@illinois.edu or 815-235-4125.

Presentations highlight meeting CHADWICK – Chadwick Achievers 4-H Club members met Feb. 4. According to report by Regan Scidmore, club reporter, upcoming events include a public speaking competition March 14 and livestock- and dairy-judging contests March 21. Call the Carroll County Extension office at 815-244-944 for more information.

Presentations were given on dairy, sewing, corn, soybean, brownies, cooking, and horses by Scidmore, Briana Wilkinson, Nikki Ebersole, Eric Ebersole, Dylan Wilkinson, Natalie Wilkinson, and Becca Alexander, respectively. The members

also received T-shirts and sweatshirts.

Hands-on training part of course MORRISON – The University of Illinois Extension will offer a Robotics Workshop from 10 a.m. to noon March 14 at the Whiteside County Extension office, 100 E. Knox St. Basic hand-on activities will be given on robotic skills, construction, and 3-D printing.

The cost is $5 and includes supplies. Go to edu/clw or call 815-772-4075 to register.

Club members to serve breakfast WALNUT – The annual pancake and sausage breakfast of the Walnut Winners 4-H Club will be from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday at the Walnut Senior Citizens Center, 132 S. Main St. The all-you-can-eat meal costs $5 for adults, $3 for children 6 to 12, and is free for those 5 and younger.

Carry-outs are available.

C8 • SV Weekend

www.saukvalley.com

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Morrison native started making shoes as hobby SHOE-IN

CONTINUED FROM C1

She modeled for everything from posters to catalogs and commercials. During that time, she was a runnerup for Miss Iowa USA and Miss Venus Swimwear.

She moved to Chicago, where she was discovered by Quest Modeling Agency. Doors opened – a hosting job for a fashion television station, magazine shoots, and TV appearances.

Megan decided to put

the modeling whirlwind on hold, moving to Los Angeles in 2004. She worked in the medical devices industry, which she enjoyed, but the limelight followed her.

“A friend nominated me to be on a reality TV show, ‘The One’, and I was chosen to be the bachelorette,” Megan said. She also became the spokesmodel for an LA-based company, then moved to her current home, New York City.

“I moved to New York in 2009, and booked a lot of jobs, and found myself

traveling a lot,” Megan said.

Then family life called, and she put her career on pause. She met husband Scott Marwin, an orthopedic surgeon at New York University Hospital, and they were married 2 years ago.

Little did Megan know that the birth of her son, Liam, now almost 2, would trigger another big career opportunity.

“I never imagined myself sewing, but I decided to take lessons,” Megan said.

“I started making shoes for Liam, and

what started as ‘my little hobby’ has grown beyond my wildest expectations.”

Other parents started noticing the little shoes and asked her to make some for them. In July, she launched LiLi Collection, a web-based business that could soon turn into storefronts.

She is selling the shoes, boots and moccasins for babies and toddlers internationally now, warranting the hiring of assistants.

Her husband started calling their son LiLi,

a nickname that has stuck for him and is now a rapidly growing brand.

Celebrities are loving the shoes, and their plugs on social media are boosting the brand.

Actress Tori Spelling has the shoes on her Seasonal Must List, and actress Megan Hilty, fitness guru to the stars Tracy Anderson, and a reality TV star – who Megan can’t name, but many of us would guess – are hooked on the brand.

“It doesn’t matter if they are celebrities,

it just makes my day when parents post pictures of their kids in my shoes,” Megan said. “There has been so much support, too, from people back in the Sauk Valley buying my shoes.”

Even Gus admits that sewing wasn’t something he ever envisioned for his daughter.

“I’m really surprised that the business has taken off the way it has,” he said. “The success is great, but the best part for me is always seeing my grandson in a new pair of moccasins.”

Astrograph

AGRICULTURE

There is always room for improvement Sunday, February 22, 2015 Your strength and courage will be tested this year. Good and bad fortune will prove your resilience as well as your generosity. Your financial picture will improve and you will make gains through inheritance, repaid loans or winnings.

A positive attitude will protect you from negativity.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Don’t get upset with friends or relatives. Focus on being the best you can be, and leave others alone.

Trying to mold someone to your ideals is unrealistic. Practice kindness.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Don’t take personal disappointments out on those around you.

If you do your best to turn a lemon into lemonade, you will attract positive people and get good results.

Tribune News Service photos

Kristine Menn, greenhouse coordinator for Arvegenix, separates the male and female parts of a field pennycress flower crown Feb. 4 at the Arvegenix laboratory in the Danforth Plant Science Center in Creve Coeur, Missouri. Pennycress is a winter-growing weed with seeds that produce a high-quality oil for potential use in industrial and renewable fuels.

Young biotech firm chases next cash crop Pennycress seeds have potential to be solid oil producers

BY TIM BAKER Tribune News Service

CREVE COEUR, Mo. – A biotech startup here is trying to accomplish something that hasn’t been done since the middle of the last century. Researchers are trying to turn what currently amounts to a weed – in this case, pennycress – into a viable commodity crop for farmers. And they hope to do it before the end of this decade.

“It’s been a long time since a wild strain was domesticated,” said Dennis Plummer, one of the founders of Arvegenix.

“Even for some of the recent domestications, it took decades.”

Indeed, the last plant to make a similar jump was the soybean, which originated several thousand years ago in China.

Outside of China, the plant spent the vast majority of its life as little more than a novelty.

It wasn’t until the 1920s that it began its ascent to its current position as one of the world’s largest grain crops. And even then, it didn’t become a staple of U.S. farms until the 1950s.

It would be asking a lot to expect pennycress to enjoy the same level of success. Still, this member of the mustard seed family does have a lot working in its favor.

The plant’s seeds have the potential to be solid oil producers, while leftover meal can be used to make livestock feed. But its strongest trait may be the fact that it grows in the winter, when most Midwestern fields are empty.

Arvegenix envisions a crop rotation where pennycress fits in between a typical corn/

Menn pollenates the female part of a field pennycress flower in the Arvegenix laboratory in the Danforth Plant Science Center. soybean rotation, giving farmers an extra growing season.

“If we can fit into that window when nothing else is growing, that’s the definition of sustainability,” said Jerry Steiner, the new chief executive of the 2-yearold biotech startup, which has 11 employees, with more than half working for equity in the company in lieu of salaries.

The sustainability feature is one of things that helped the company in snagging a $100,000 investment by Yield Lab, an accelerator for agribusinesses. Yield Lab, founded last year, recently named Arvegenix among the five companies in its initial investment program, which includes mentoring and a business development program.

“There aren’t many crops that can grow in the winter,” said Matt Plummer, Yield Lab program manager and son of the Arvegenix founder.

“We’re not increasing land acres to grow anything. And we aren’t tak-

ing anything away from the food supply.”

This is also why the crop has been pushed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in its quest for new biofuel sources.

All, however, is not perfect with this spindly plant and the tiny seeds it produces.

The biggest problem is that farmers can’t make money growing it. At least not yet.

That’s where Arvegenix has its focus at the moment, using advanced breeding technology to nudge the plant toward something better than it is today. A plant needs to be more predictable, more consistent and one that produces a higher oil yield.

Within 4 years, researchers hope to have a version that could break even. From there, it should have no trouble attracting the attention of farmers, said Dennis Plummer, a former Monsanto executive.

“I’m sure not every farmer will want to plant it,” he said. “But they’re all interested.”

TAURUS (April 20May 20) -- Put your mind at ease by staying on top of your chores. Organize your personal papers and put things back in place to avoid clutter and potential loss.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- You need to relax. Don’t compromise your health by taking on

responsibilities that don’t belong to you. Put your feet up and enjoy a good book or your favorite music.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Don’t get drawn into a dispute with someone who is looking for a fight. Emotional confrontations rarely resolve anything. If you can’t approach the issue reasonably, back off until you can negotiate peacefully.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- You will dazzle people you encounter with your gregarious and fun-loving nature. If you make the most of whatever you participate in, you will find yourself in a leadership position.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept.

22) -- Holding a grudge is negative and unproductive. It will cloud your judgment and stand between you and success. If someone lets you down, learn from the experience so it won’t happen again.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Romance is on the rise. If you haven’t yet found a special someone, get out and mingle, or make plans for two if you are part of a couple.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) -- Don’t settle for less than what you deserve. There is always room for improvement, and advancement will be yours if you keep up with trends. Update your resume.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Gambling or a risky investment will cause unwanted financial or legal repercussions.

Spend your cash wisely and don’t believe anyone offering an unrealistic fast-cash scheme.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) -- Friends and relatives will be reluctant to listen. Get your own affairs in order, and resist the urge to tell others how to do things. Meddling won’t help you get ahead.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) -- You’ll be amazed at the satisfaction you get from helping others. Join a humanitarian cause and participate in making the world a better place for everyone.

See Today’s Classified Section for Crossword Answers

Saturday, February 21, 2015

www.saukvalley.com

Twenty-two students gear up for competition MORRISON – The annual Whiteside County Regional Spelling Bee will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Morrison Junior High School, 305 E. Winfield St. Twenty-two school champions will compete to represent the county at the May 24-29 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, District of Columbia.

The winner will receive a paid trip to compete in the national spelling bee. He

or she also will receive a 1-year membership to Britannica Online Premium, a “Webster’s Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged,” and the Samuel Louis Sugarman Award, a 2015 U.S. Mint Proof set.

The second-place winner will receive a “Webster’s Third New International Dictionary and a $20 Amazon.com gift card.

A Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary and a

$20 Amazon.com gift card will go to the third-place winner. The fourth-place prize is a “Merriam-Webster’s” Collegiate Dictionary and a $10 Amazon.com gift card.

Due to the merge of the Whiteside, Lee, and Ogle County Regional Offices of Education, this will be the last year for the Whiteside County Spelling Bee. Call the Whiteside office at 815625-1495 for more information.

SV Weekend • C9

THANK GOODNESS Thank Goodness policy Sauk Valley Media accepts letters to the editor (300 words or less) from nonprofit and volunteer groups who want to thank the community for its support.

Letters may be emailed to letters@saukvalley.com or sent to Sauk Valley Media, 3200 E. Lincolnway, P.O. Box 498, Sterling, IL 61081.

Silent auction donations are appreciated

Pinewood Derby Silent Auction.

Thank you to Culver’s, Touch of Thai, Ginko Tree Cafe, Salamandra’s, Kroger, Family Video, KATIE PIERCE Plum Hollow, The Field Dixon Museum, Legoland, Go I wanted to thank Bananas, Monkey Joe’s, everyone who donated The Stained Glass Shopsomething to our Feb. 7 pe, Raging Waves, White

Pines Inn, Warner Family Chiropractic, Chicago Wolves, Candy Johnstone of Perfectly Posh, Arthur’s, Roberta Cutler, and Culligan Water.

With your help, our silent auction was a great success.

We appreciate it so much.

BOWLING TOURNAMENT STARTS Members of the Ogle County Clovers 4-H Club and their guests gathered before the Jan. 25 preliminary round of the county bowling tournament at Town & Country Lanes in Mount Morris. Those competing include (sitting, from left) Katelyn Ackland and Kayla Mingus; (middle row) Josey Fox, Gracie Mingus, Chloe Freier, Callie Ackland, Austin Zuercher, and Ariel Zuercher; and (back row) Mahalia Freier, Carley Ackland, Jordan Mingus, Sarah Antolik, Jamie Query, and Megan Ackland. Freier and Antolik, both of Rochelle, and Jordan Mingus of Byron, will bowl Sunday at the finals. Mingus also had the county’s high senior game with a score of 202, and high senior three-game series of 446.

Photo submitted by Jeannette Mingus

PODIUM PROJECT

West Carroll High School ag construction class students recently built a podium for Manny’s Pizza and Saloon, both in Savanna. Members are (in no particular order) Makayla Huizenga, Devin Wilkinson, Michael McGinnis, Cassie Johnson, Anna Badtke, Jake Low, Alex Haring, Cameron Ehlers, John Sipe, Brianna Kampmeir, and Bailey Durward. Photos submitted by Don Mathey.

The project was completed in about 3 weeks. Gathered around the podium are (in no particular order) Devin Wilkinson, Zack Castro, John Sipe, and Wendy Sipe, Manny’s manager. Members also made a Manny’s sign for the front of the oakstained podium. The classes will receive a pizza party from the restaurant for their work.

VALENTINE DELIVERIES

In honor of Valentine’s Day, Royal Neighbors of America Chapter 1570 members delivered trays of homemade cookies and candy to the working ladies in Tampico and several ladies, 90 and older. Sandrock Insurance employees and members posed for a picture with the treats. Gifts also were given to Linda Kuepker and Betty Glassburn Apple, two members recovering from surgery. Photos submitted

by Shirley Lester.

Two clients at Walnut Manor Nursing Home accept Valentine’s gifts from chapter members. All clients received a valentine, cup of candy, and valentine cookies.

The group also delivered to the village hall, post office, Kickback Saloon, a doctor’s office, Tampico Bank, a restaurant, and Casey’s. Gifts also were delivered to Bertha Driessens, Ruth Kelly, Mrs. Kaiser, and Mrs. Waldron.

Travel www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • C10

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Middle Earth, on Chiloe Island Each day brings new surprise on Chile’s best-kept secret

Resembling a sail in the wind, the Terra Chiloe Hotel is modern architecture’s version of the traditional Palafito construction in Chiloe, Chile.

Tribune News Service photos

BY ANNE Z. COOKE Tribune News Service

T

he farm woman selling the orange and pink hand-knit dolls at the farm market in Castro, on Chiloe Island, is telling me where she gets the wool, I’m trying to answer, and we’ve hit a dead end.

We’re both speaking Spanish. After all, Chiloe belongs to Chile. But we might as well be shouting in the wind.

“She’s says the wool comes from her sheep and she spins it herself,” says Rodrigo Guridi, appearing at my elbow. A guide and longtime resident of Chiloe Island – the largest island of the Chiloe Archipelago – Guridi had already unraveled a couple of mysteries for me and my husband, Steve, explaining that Chiloe’s unique culture – people, language, farming and fishing – is the result of more than 300 years of isolation.

“You’ll have to stay longer if you want to pick up the accent,” he tells me, with a hint of I-toldyou-so. We need at least 2 weeks to see what makes Chiloe a true one-off, unlike any place we’ve been before.

The next time, visit in autumn – March and April in the southern hemisphere – after summer vacation ends, he says. Local tourists go home and the leaves turn red and yellow. Now he tells me, I’m thinking, wondering what comes next.

Things are seldom what they seem here in Middle Earth, Chile’s little-known step-child, a cluster of green hills rising out of the southern Pacific Ocean. Skim milk doesn’t masquerade as cream, exactly, and hobbits are thin on the ground. But as the growing number of foreign travelers touring this 40-island archipelago, at 42 degrees south, west of the Gulf of Ancud, have discovered, every day brings a new surprise.

After a 2-day stopover in Santiago, Chile’s capital city, where Salina, a new friend and movie fan, said Chiloe Island, also known as Chiloe Grande, reminded her of “the shire,” I wasn’t sure what we’d find. Images of dry heat and a scrubby, rocky landscape, something like Argentina’s pampas, wouldn’t go away. But I saw what she

ABOVE: Feria Artesanal (artist’s market) in Dalcahue is the place to buy hand-knit woolen shawls and wood carvings in Chiloe.

LEFT: Horseback riders cross the beach at low tide, near Terra Chiloe Hotel in Castro.

More information Chiloe is a four-season destination. March and April, fall in the southern hemisphere, are good months to visit, after vacationing Chileans have gone home. The weather is warm, the colors are changing, and hotel rates drop. Rain showers are frequent year around, except in winter when it might snow; bring a raincoat or parka.

Lodging: Hotels, inns

and B&Bs are available in most price categories; see turismochile.travel.

For a more deluxe experience, the top-ranked Hotel Parque Quilquico (www.hpq.cl) offers rustic luxury. The Tierra Chiloe (tierrachiloe.com) provides minimalist contemporary design. Both serve fine cuisine and offer room rates with or without meals, spa and massage services,

swimming pool and fitness equipment, guided tours and outdoor recreation and airport transfers.

Flying there: The airline connections with the least elapsed time are on LAN flights from the U.S. to Santiago, with a single stop in Lima, Peru.

Other airlines also fly to Santiago, but with more stops and/or longer airport waits.

meant once we reached our hotel, the Parque Quilquico, perched on a bluff overlooking a long, blue bay.

“Oh, take a look! It’s breathtaking,” gushed the woman who’d shared our cab from the airport.

Beyond the windows lay a wonderland of rolling hills, grassy meadows, leafy trees and halfhidden vales sloping down to the sea. A dozen brown and white cows grazed in the foreground, enjoying the last warm days of summer. Only the hobbits were missing.

“It’s so familiar,” she said, sinking down onto the sofa, her expectations ajar. “I know this is Chile, but I feel as if I’m somewhere else, in Vermont or England.”

Or Vancouver or Seattle.

Why, I wondered, did such an inviting and eminently livable place go unnoticed for so long?

With navigable bays, a sea full of fish, rich farmland, dependable rain and a temperate climate, Chiloe could be a major Pacific port.

The next morning we headed to the farm market, always an unfailing opportunity for colorful

photo-ops. The usual fresh farm produce, raised locally, was a vegetarian’s delight: cabbages; lettuce; tomatoes; onions; carrots; apples; purple, yellow and white potatoes; and honey, breads, fish and cheese.

The same wool that made my doll reappeared as nubby grey and brown shawls, hats, socks and blankets.

But what in heck were those ugly dried lumps suspended on long strings, and the darkgreen bricks, and the jars full of stringy stalks?

And the muddy-colored, folded leather things? I’ve said yes to some strange edibles in my time – grilled warthog and seal oil ice cream among them – but this food, if it was food, looked like expired army field rations.

Once again, Guridi stepped up with answers.

The foods on the strings were smoked, dried sea squirts, weird marine creatures pried out of rocks at low tide; and two kinds of smoked mussels.

The stalks that looked like sugar cane were the stems of the nalca plant, the so-called giant Chil-

ean rhubarb, so large and healthy it looks carnivorous. The “bricks” were dried seaweed and the folded “leather” was bull kelp, leaves harvested from the sea, dried, folded into squares and tied together with the stems, Christmas gifts from Neptune.

“It’s the old way of doing things, so nothing would be wasted,” said Guridi. “If you wanted to survive on this island, you had to be ingenious.”

It was an accident of history, of course, that shut Chiloe off from the world.

After Spain conquered Peru, the conquistadores headed south, expecting to walk over Chile’s indigenous people. But the Mapuche tribes living south of the Bio Bio River weren’t so easily pushed around. Whomping the Spaniards, they chased away the remaining settlers, a group of Spanish and Huilliche Indians, who fled from the mainland to Chiloe.

Alone on the island, the new arrivals intermarried, blending their cultures and creating today’s mostly mestizo population. Early on,

Jesuit priests arrived, and traveling from one island to the next, encouraged the converts to build churches. Over time, 70 were erected, each made entirely of wood joined by wooden pegs. Today, 17 of these exquisite expressions of primitive art have been designated World Heritage Sites and are Chiloe’s best known, most visited attraction.

The Jesuits, volunteers from a host of European countries, sketched architectural styles they remembered from home: neoclassical, baroque, gothic and others. But the villagers who did the work were skilled boat builders.

“The Jesuits knew what a church should look like, but no one knew how to build one,” said Carlos Miranda, a guide at the Tierra Chiloe Hotel, who leads cultural tours of the islands. “What they did know how to build was boats,” he said, escorting us to the church in Rilan, to look at the ceiling, built “exactly like an upside-down boat.”

Motoring across the bay to Chelin and Quehue, two tiny outer islands, we stopped to inspect the bare bones of the Chelin Church, in the midst of a renovation, then anchored in the cove at Quehue, for two perfect hours of kayaking.

The churches are famous. But Chiloe’s signature buildings are the “palafitos,” ancient ramshackle wood houses built on stilts built over Castro’s bay. No could tell me why these houses, decorated like Easter eggs, weren’t built on dry land, but one guide thought they’d originally

belonged to fishermen.

With tidal variations as high as 23 feet, being over the water might keep a fishing boat afloat.

The same tidal variation, in fact, is why thousands of shallow wetlands and estuaries dot Chiloe’s east and west shores, making the islands a top birding destination. If I’d had my binoculars – and a passion for birds – I could have seen Magellanic and Humboldt penguins, Chilean skua, parasitic jaeger, Buller’s albatross, kelp goose, cinnamon teal, black-necked swans and Chilean Flamingoes.

Driving up and down roads that resemble roller coasters, I wondered if the hills are moraines and whether Chiloe was glaciated during the last ice age. Apparently so.

Ice once entombed the island, except for a narrow strip now within Chiloe National Park.

Despite another rainy day, we joined trained naturalist Pablo Mansilla, a guide with Chiloetnico, a local tour company, for a nature walk through an old-growth rain forest in the southernmost sector.

Exhibits at the interpretive center near the entrance help to make sense of the park’s indigenous flora and fauna, many predating the last Ice Age. The brush in this forest was so tangled and thick and the ground cover so mossy and spongy that bushwhacking was literally impossible. Thank goodness for the long loop of raised boardwalks that gave us a peek at the way it used to be, and answers to at least one of Chiloe’s many mysteries.

Saturday, February 21, 2015

www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • C11

CANCER TREATMENT CENTER DONATION

Illinois Bank & Trust, Sterling Banking Center recently donated $2,628.55 to the Northern Illinois Cancer Treatment Center’s Dixon facility. With the check are (from left) Gina Caruana, bank senior vice president; Pam Topper, market president; Jon Berens. cancer center administrative director; and NICTC Board of Director members. The proceeds will be used to provide breast-cancer-related resources and programs to cancer patients. The money was raised through the bank’s Pink Ribbon Debit Card Program, which is in its third year of operation. Photo submitted.

SPEEDING DETERRENT

MASTER TECHNICIANS

Pete Harkness employees recently completed training. Rick Godman (center) has become a Ford Senior Master Technician in the 2014 Ford Lincoln Masters Program. He now is a certified a senior master, chassis master, drivetrain master, and engine master technician. Also at the presentation were (from left) Joe McGlennon, fixed operations director; Don Gregg, service manager; Mike Grems, general manager; and George Orth, fixed operations director. Photos submitted.

James Schuldt also completed the training. He was presented a plaque by McGlennon, Gregg, and Randy Lyon, sales manager.

Rock Falls Rotary Club, with matching funds from a Rotary District 6420 Community Grant, recently purchased a radar sign. The mounting will allow the sign to be shared within the school zones of East Coloma-Nelson and Montmorency schools in Rock Falls. According to Betty Clementz, both Dave Chavira, East Coloma-Nelson superintendent, and Alex Moore, Montmorency principal, agreed that there was a definite need for slowing down traffic at each site, especially during times of arrival and departure.

Photos submitted by Clementz.

PRIVATE LABEL WINNER

The United Way of Whiteside County received $1,700.50 from sales of SBM’s Private Label Copy Paper. SBM in Sterling, generated this donation in direct proportion to the number of cases of paper sold in Whiteside County. With the certificate are (from left) Wendy Johnson, SBM president; Russ Siefkin, Whiteside County United Way director; and Rod Johnson, SBM general manager. Photo submitted.

Nuclear plant to mail emergency planning brochures BYRON – Exelon Generation mailed 20,000 public information brochures to residents and businesses within 10 miles of Byron Generating Station.

Federal law requires nuclear operating companies to develop emergency-response plans

for their nuclear energy facilities and to ensure evacuation plans are in place in the event of an emergency.

State and county agencies also use the plans for non-nuclear related emergencies such as extreme weather events or fires.

The brochure contains information about general emergency preparedness, including reception center locations, evacuation routes, a map, and a list of emergency alert broadcast stations.

The brochure also includes a special needs

card to be completed and returned by those with special transportation or other needs.

According to a press release, Exelon’s nuclear facilities have multiple physical barriers and layers of backup safety systems to ensure safe operations, in extreme

events such as: floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes.

The company also has teams of emergencyplanning experts at each of its nuclear facilities who work with state, county, and local, emergency management officials in the devel-

opment, maintenance, training, and testing of emergency response plans.

Copies are available at exeloncorp.com/byron for anyone within the 10-mile radius of the three facilities who did not receive a brochure in the mail.

posed by fixed chemical facilities in the state.

Locally, Carroll County received $9,547.30 and Lee County, $10.820.

Awards Competition.

The competition recognizes projects of engineering achievement by Illinois consulting engineering firms. Entries are judged on the basis of engineering excellence, the degree to which the client’s needs are met, and the benefits to the public welfare and private practice of engineering.

Willett, Hofmann & Associates Inc., and its client,

Bureau County Highway Department, received a Merit Award for its project “CH 8 over the IAIS Railroad & Hennepin Canal,” just outside of Wyanet. The project consisted of the removal and replacement of the existing six-span bridge on County Highway 8.

The bridge originally was constructed in 1931, and included an historic Pratt truss. The truss was

removed, rehabilitated, and moved to a new location on a roadway about 1 mile away.

Willett, Hofmann and Associates Inc. provides land surveying, civil and structural engineering, architectural services, and grant and loan funding application preparation from offices in Dixon, Freeport, Rockford, Joliet, Sterling, and Moline.

IN BRIEF Area counties receive grants

ning and preparedness for hazardous materials incidents.

The U.S. Department of SPRINGFIELD – The Transportation’s Pipeline Illinois Emergency Management Agency awarded and Hazardous Materifunding to Local Emergen- als Safety Administration funds the program. cy Planning Committees.

Allocations are based on Hazardous Materials the state’s population, the Preparedness Planning number of miles trucks Grants in the amount carrying hazardous mateof $435,378 have been rials travel through the awarded to 33 LEPCs to enhance emergency plan- state, and potential risk

Local engineering firm earns award DIXON – The American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois recently had its 2015 Engineering Excellence

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Saturday, February 21, 2015

Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

ABOVE: Amboy girls basketball coach Mike McCraken reacts to a traveling call during a Roanoke-Benson 1A Sectional game on Tuesday. The Lady Clippers went on to beat Newark, 50-41. BELOW-LEFT: Dixon boys basketball coach Jason Mead reacts to a play as his Dukes face off against the Oregon Hawks. After a sluggish first half, Dixon went on to win the Feb. 3 game. BELOW-RIGHT: Bureau Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jason Marquis reacts as his team takes the lead against Newman on Jan. 13.

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

TOP-RIGHT: Sterling wrestling coach Kevin Heller works the mat during sectional action.

LEFT: Dixon girls basketball coach Luke Ravlin reacts to a play Wednesday evening during a regional semifinal game against Freeport in Rochelle. The Duchesses fell to the Pretzels, 35-33, to end their season.

BELOW-RIGHT: Oregon boys basketball head coach Quinn Virgil watches along the sidelines Tuesday as his team suffers a 55-27 loss at Dixon.

Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

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Saturday, February 21, 2015

2015 Chevrolet Colorado

By Terry Box The Dallas Morning News (TNS)

P

oor sales-hungry Chevy couldn’t even get the headlights right on its last hapless Colorado pickup.

They always looked upside down to me, making the entire truck seem a bit twisted - as if it had been styled by Keith Richards, my favorite senior citizen.

Some designer stacked the Colorado’s turn signals and parking lamps above the headlamps, giving it a dizzy, slightly demented look.

Every time one passed me on the road, I halfway expected to see Billy Bob Thornton behind the wheel.

And the Colorado didn’t get much better from the grille back.

Skinny, square and kind of tinny looking, Colorados squeezed power from harsh four- and fivecylinder engines. The trucklet screamed young and financially Equipped with a V-6 engine, Z71 off-road package and four-wheel drive. distressed, and finally, I guess, people got tired of hearing it. the old truck - and was equipped especially long-looking 140- hood, an engine that sees duty with a V-6 engine, Z71 off-road inch wheelbase. Large vertical in dozens of GM vehicles. With Chevrolet buried the tired package and four-wheel drive. taillamps and a rear bumper with 269 pound-feet of torque, the Colorado in 2012, leaving Some people even mistook it for steps pressed into the corners double-overhead-cam motor the stale midsize pickup a Silverado that had taken up added to the Silver in its genes. might not be a perfect truck segment to the aging Toyota jogging after Thanksgiving. Like The pumped-up pickup was a engine, but it has good power Tacoma and Nissan Frontier. all new Chevys, the Colorado stretch for me because of the and can tow up to 7,000 pounds. sported a big gold bow tie slightly raised Z71 suspension But that was old Chevy. New, in the center of a bold grille. and burly 255/65 tires on gray- Bolted to a solid six-speed reorganized Chevrolet plans and-silver 17-inch wheels. automatic, the engine felt lively to make a dramatic re-entry This time around, the Colorado and capable in most situations, into the segment with an all- greets the world with glaring, In fact, if you parked the propelling the Colorado to 60 new, much-larger Colorado properly placed headlamps, Colorado next to a Silverado in about 6.6 seconds, according that’s bent on bullying Toyota’s a raised, chiseled hood and from a decade or so ago, to Car and Driver. If pushed old segment-leading Taco. squared-off flared fenders I’d bet the Colorado would really hard, the engine felt and similar to those on the be just as big or bigger. sounded as if it was working Get this: The metallic-gray Silverado. The crew-cab model pretty hard. While admirably 2015 Colorado I had recently I had stood about 71 inches Chevy says the Colorado is quick, it just wasn’t quite as rolled on a chassis that was fully tall and was 74 inches wide. aimed at people who don’t want competent as a good V-8. boxed, running thick frame That compares with 74 inches or need a full-size pickup. But rails that resembled those in height for a Silverado crew no one will call the new truck But, then, buyers in this beneath a full-size Silverado. cab and 80 inches of width. small. My pickup a loaded segment may not expect that.

It felt bigger, though - enhanced model at $36,535 had the If they’re looking for superior It weighed around 4,500 pounds by thick, unadorned sides, optional 3.6-liter V-6 engine fuel economy, though, they - at least 500 pounds more than squared-off wheelwells and an with 305 horsepower under the may not find that, either.

The four-wheel-drive Colorado I had was rated at 17 miles per gallon in the city and 24 on the highway. A full-size Silverado equipped with the base 4.3-liter V-6 gets 18 mpg in town and 24 on the highway.

Though firm, the truck’s suspension absorbed rough pavement well. Even direct hits on a pothole were minimized by the Colorado’s stiff body and frame, which muffled squeaks and squirms. In fact, the ride is so decent that most of you could live with a four-wheel-drive Colorado as your primary vehicle.

The burly-looking pickup also benefits from GM’s growing expertise with electric power steering, which can feel numb if not properly tuned.