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NEWMAN HOPING FOR ANOTHER TITLE RUN THREE RIVERS PREVIEW, B1
Sterling’s meating place LOCAL, A3
dailyGAZETTE Friday, April 4, 2014
SERVING ROCK FALLS, STERLING AND THE SURROUNDING AREA SINCE 1854
STERLING | ROCK RIVER OPEN FORUM
Not guilty plea
Plenty of questions for Lee Mayor asked about rental inspections, riverfront development BY PAM EGGEMEIER peggemeier@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5570
STERLING – The proposed rental inspections program being developed by the cities of Rock Falls and Sterling is about safety not aesthetics, Sterling Mayor Skip Lee says. Lee was at the Sterling Public
Library on Thursday evening to field questions as the guest of the Rock River Open Forum. Shane Celestino of Sterling questioned the constitutionality of such programs. “The same arguments are made whenever something is regulated for the first time,” Lee said. “Multiple legal opin-
ions support what we want to do. Once it is implemented, I think it it will work out fine.” Although he believes the overwhelming majority in both cities are good landlords, Lee feels that the program is needed to untie the hands of city officials in certain cases where public safe-
ty is compromised. “Code enforcement pretty much works on a complaint basis now,” Lee said. “We can issue citations for outdoor things, but the only way you can get inside is with a tenant complaint or a warrant.” QUESTIONS CONTINUED ON A4
PHIDIANS DECK THE WALLS FOR ANNUAL ART SHOW
The Rock Falls man charged with felony animal cruelty in the death of a pit bull pleaded not guilty Thursday in Whiteside County Court. Story on Page A4
STERLING
Hit-andrun victim in serious condition 20-year-old a former student at Newman BY DAVID GIULIANI AND CHRISTI WARREN news@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5501
Photos by Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
Judy Dixon (right) positions a painting Thursday afternoon at Loveland Community House and Museum in Dixon. The Phidian Art Club is still accepting works of art from 2 to 6 p.m. today for its annual show, which begins at 6 p.m. April 10 at Loveland with a critique, followed by awards at 7 p.m. NEAR RIGHT: Anne Lewis prepares to hang a painting by Sydni Reubin. FAR RIGHT: Ellen Mumford hangs a painting Thursday at the Loveland Community House and Museum for the annual Phidian Art Club show. The Phidian Art Club was founded in 1890 to promote the arts in the form of visual art, literature, and music. The first Phidian Art Show was held in 1947.
TOP5 Your Weekend
1 Hunt for Easter eggs in Dixon DIXON – A free egg hunt for children ages 2 to 12 will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Sugar Grove School and Church, 352 Timber Creek Road. For more information, call 815-288-2811.
$1.00
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Teens dancing back into the ’60s
DIXON – A ’60s teen dance to benefit Project GenNex will be from 7 to 10:30 p.m. today at Rosbrook Studio, 107 S. Peoria Ave. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted to help Project GenNex’s goal of opening a youth center in Dixon. A $10 gift card to Mama Cimino’s will be awarded to the person with the best 1960s costume.
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It’s VDay in Sterling
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STERLING – Readings of Eve Ensler’s award-winning play, “The Vagina Monologues,” will be at 7 p.m. today and Saturday at Sterling-Rock Falls YMCA, 412 First Ave. Tickets are $10, and may be purchased at the door or by calling 815-543-0955. The reading is being presented by VDay Sterling.
BUSINESS ......... A13 CHURCH............ A12 COMICS ...............B4
CROSSWORD....B13 DEAR ABBY ......... A8 LIFESTYLE ........... A7
Shrimp and chili in Dixon
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DIXON – The Dixon Rotary Club is planning its annual Community Shrimp Boil and Chili Bowl Fundraiser from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 506 W. Third St. The fundraiser supports Rotary’s events and projects. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-2, and free to kids under 5.
LOTTERY ............. A2 OBITUARIES ........ A4 OPINION .............. A6
STERLING – The Sterling man who was injured in an apparent hit-and-run accident late Tuesday night is now in serious condition in a Rockford hospital – an upgrade from his condition Wednesday. Jacob Carr, 20, was found in the 300 block of West Fifth Street about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, when a resident informed police. Carr, who was unresponsive, is believed to have been hit by a car at some point in the previous hour, police said. Sterling Police Chief Ron Potthoff said in an interview Thursday that police found a small piece of a car, but he declined to say what was found. He urged residents to think about their surroundings and alert police if they have any tips. “If you know anyone who has a fresh dent in their car, or is missing parts on their car, or might be hiding their car, ...” Potthoff said. “Anybody who notices anything, no matter how insignificant, should give us a call.” Carr was taken to CGH Medical Center’s emergency room, before being airlifted to OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford. Police said they didn’t know Carr’s identity until a family member identified him about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. Carr was a former Newman Central Catholic High School student. On Sunday, he wrote on Facebook, “If you have God in your life, you will accomplish anything,” saying his status was “feeling good.” On Tuesday, he shared a friend’s status, “Success is a state of mind.” Anyone with information is asked to call police at 815-6326640 or Crime Stoppers at 815625-7867.
A bit of magic in Sterling
STERLING – The Carson Family’s Magical Mystery Show will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at Centennial Auditorium in Sterling High School, 1608 Fourth Ave. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at www.centennialauditorium. com or from 3 to 5 p.m. today at the box office. Proceeds benefit Twin City Sunrise Rotary service projects.
Today’s weather High 45. Low 30. More on A3.
Need work? Check out your classifieds, B6.
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