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FLEETWOOD MAT: FULTON Duke earns SOPH IS STATE CHAMP berths at state WRESTLING, B1
BOYS SWIMMING, B1
dailyGAZETTE Monday, February 22, 2016
SERVING ROCK FALLS, STERLING AND THE SURROUNDING AREA SINCE 1854
ILLINOIS | BUDGET BATTLE
Treading uncharted waters What’s next in the state’s 8-month-long fiscal fight? No one’s quite sure SPRINGFIELD (AP) – Gov. Bruce Rauner’s attempt last week to spur lawmakers into action left no clear way forward in Illinois’ seemingly never-ending budget saga. The state remains far from passing a
budget for the current year – let alone next year’s – and months of legislative hand-wringing has done nothing to change the predicament the state finds itself in. In the latest chapter, Rauner urged
lawmakers to make a choice now: Pass the business-friendly reforms he wants in exchange for his approval of a full $36 billion budget, which would include raising taxes, or allow the Republican to make $3.5 billion in cuts from the
spending plan however he chooses. But Rauner’s proposition in his annual budget address appeared to do little to move Democrats who control the Legislature. BUDGET CONTINUED ON A2
JIM BURKE: 1937-2016
STERLING SCHOOLS
They’re on the same page Reading program brings smiles to students and seniors Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
Dixon Mayor Jim Burke, shown here at a news conference at City Hall in December 2014, discusses his decision to end his 16-year run as mayor.
He was Dixon’s best friend Friends, colleagues, recall city’s biggest cheerleader BY JERMAINE PIGEE jpigee@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5525 @JPigee84
Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com
Washington Elementary School fourth-grader, Michelle Henderson, 9, reads a book with Parkway Center resident Betty Harms on Friday afternoon. BY CHRISTOPHER HEIMERMAN cheimerman@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5523 @CHeimerman_SVM
STERLING – Fourth-grader Taiya Forbes looked as though she’d cursed in front of her grandma, hand over her mouth, eyes big as saucers. It wasn’t that bad of a word, and the grandmas in the room weren’t actually hers, but in trying to get her teammates to guess the word “litter” during a game of Guesstures at Parkway Center on Friday, she blurted out the perfect clue: “Cats go potty in it!” Her Washington Elementary School classmate, Michelle Henderson, immediately responded with “Litter!” Her Partners in Reading partner, resident Betty Harris, clapped with glee. “Yes! Great job,” she said. Despite their best efforts, it wasn’t
enough to prevent Team 1 from defending its title from a week ago. Every week, a group of third- through fifth-graders visit the center, and everyone looks forward to the 45 minutes of laughing, loving and learning. Even though it might have had something to do with the 35-mph winds outside, the children scrambled into the center after the two-block walk from the elementary school. When the residents saw them, the love-in was on. “Just the expressions on the residents faces – they look forward to seeing the kids, and they just bring so much life into Parkway Center,” said Kim Muller, who coordinates the activities that incorporate a new theme each month. It’s the second year of what K-8 assets coordinator Janet Freed calls a “winwin situation” for everyone involved. READING CONTINUED ON A3
Online
Video – Read this story at saukvalley. com to see video of the children and residents reading together. More info on 40 Developmental Assets – To read about the assets in depth, visit shawurl. com/2dao.
DIXON – He may not have been the tallest man, but former Mayor Jim Burke was a giant in the city of Dixon, said a former city councilman who served with him. “He had a true and a sincere love for the city of Dixon,” said Jeff Kuhn, who served from 2011 to 2015. Burke, recentPrivate services ly diagnosed planned with cancer, Among others, James died early FriG. Burke is survived day morning at by, Lucy, his wife of the age of 78. A 57 years, and children cause of death Bradley Burke of Dixon, was not availJames J. Burke of able Sunday Dunedin, Florida, Laura afternoon. Burke of Green Bay, Burke was Wisconsin, and Chriselected mayor tine Jones of Nachusa. in 1999, and At his request, a priserved four vate service will be terms. Before held. The Jones Funeral that, he served Home is handling three terms as a arrangements; go to commissioner, www.thejonesfh.com to from 1967 to post condolences. 1979, handling His complete obituary the streets and appears on page A4. public property departments. In December 2014, Burke announced his decision not to seek re-election. Local businessman Liandro Arellano Jr. won the race in April 2015. Former city council members, business owners and local residents reflected on Burke’s life Saturday. BEST FRIEND CONTINUED ON A5
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TODAY’S EDITION: 24 PAGES 2 SECTIONS VOL. 162 ISSUE 52
INDEX
ABBY ................... A7 COMICS ............... A9 CROSSWORD....B12
ELECTION .......... A11 LIFESTYLE ........... A7 LOTTERY ............. A2
OBITUARIES ........ A4 OPINION .............. A6 POLICE ................ A2
Today’s weather High 42. Low 26. More on A3.
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