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TEEN CALLS HUBBS COURTS HOME FOR THE WEEK
OGLE COUNTY, A5
YOUTH TENNIS, B1
dailyGAZETTE Thursday, July 30, 2015
SERVING ROCK FALLS, STERLING AND THE SURROUNDING AREA SINCE 1854
WHITESIDE COUNTY | MENTAL HEALTH CARE
Agencies shown silver lining Amid impasse, county funds agencies at same level as last year BY CHRISTI WARREN cwarren@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5521 @SeaWarren
MORRISON – Tuesday night, in the face of a potentially dev-
astating lack of funding from the state, Whiteside County’s mental health agencies got a sliver a hope from the county. The county’s Mental Health Board announced how much
each agency would receive, and it wasn’t paltry – in fact, the county was able to allot about the same amount as last year: A total of $769,000 will be divvied out to about a dozen groups.
The board receives its funding through a small portion of property taxes, Chairman Dave Owens said. “We set up a priority list,” he said. “We look at which agen-
cies are extremely important, and that’s something we want to revisit periodically to make sure that [the funding] is going where it’s needed the most.” SILVER LINING CONTINUED ON A4
LOCAL ARTIST FEATURE | GINA VENIER
ROCK FALLS
Grant frozen, but not projects
‘Idol’ time over
Mayor reaffirms they won’t be funded by taxpayer money BY PAM EGGEMEIER peggemeier@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5570 @pam_eggemeier
ROCK FALLS – The city’s planned green space project in the RB&W District has taken a few hits, but work continues to bring it to fruition. The city has been working with engineering firm Willett, Hofmann & Associates to develop the green space concept and work on the grant applications. Early plans for the project include an amphitheater with tiered stone walls, a water feature, a skate park, scenic overlook piers, a bike and walk path, and restrooms. The estimated cost is $3.5 million to $4 million. The city hit the ground running Jan. 3 when the state announced Rock Falls was a recipient of a $400,000 grant through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program that is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The money comes from the state real estate transfer tax. Work then began to pursue a $1 million tourism grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Tourism Attraction Development Grant Program.
Lucas Pauley/lpauley@saukvalley.com
Gina Venier plays “Write Home About Me Now” recently along the Dixon riverfront. It’s been nearly a year since the Dixon native’s first “American Idol” audition. Since her time on the show, Venier has focused on her original music.
Singer-songwriter shifts focus back to original music BY LUCAS PAULEY lpauley@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5576 @LucasJayPauley
DIXON – Over the past few years, and especially after her run on “American Idol,” the Sauk Valley has become pretty well-acquainted with local entertainer Gina Venier. But, like many say about shows such as
the aforementioned singing competition, there’s always more than meets the eye. “We’re coming up on a year from the moment of suddenly my life being put on hold to potentially win a really great singing competition,” Venier said during an interview along her hometown’s riverfront. The 25-year-old auditioned Aug. 1 in Nashville, Tennessee, and began her
ride on a potential path to stardom. “Now, I’m back to ‘Who is Gina Venier as an artist, a person, and an original artist? What does that look like?’” Venier said. “I want to make sure I’m maintaining the right relationships. The second thing is maintaining the sort of music I want to make.” ‘IDOL’ CONTINUED ON A7
Online extra
Finding Fischbach
Click on this story at saukvalley.com to watch Venier perform her song “Write Home About Me Now.”
Wondering what fellow “Idol” contestant Alex Fischbach of Morrison is up to? Look for a feature on the singer-songwriter in SV Weekend.
Don’t let the sun set on your summer Find out when and where your favorite local bands are playing in our local entertainment listings on A9-11 and A13. Fair fans, the Ogle County gala started Wednesday. Get in the know by checking out A5.
PROJECTS CONTINUED ON A3
ROCK FALLS SCHOOLS | DISTRICT 13
No such thing as too cool for school Air conditioning among additions going on at elementary buildings BY JERMAINE PIGEE jpigee@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5525 @JPigee84
This a i r conditioning unit outside Merrill Elementary School is one of many additions in the district.
$1.00
ROCK FALLS – The Rock Falls Elementary School District will look and feel a lot different this year. TODAY’S EDITION: 28 PAGES 2 SECTIONS VOL. 161 ISSUE 165
INDEX
ABBY ................... A8 BUSINESS ........... A7 COMICS ...............B4
That’s because more than 20 projects, costing about $3.1 million, are being tackled this summer that will improve safety and security, school officials say. The list includes a new cafeteria and office addition at Merrill Elementary School, air conditioning and more
CROSSWORD....B14 LIFESTYLE ........... A8 LOTTERY ............. A2
OBITUARIES ........ A4 OPINION .............. A6 POLICE ................ A2
parking at Merrill and Dillon elementaries, and new security cameras at Riverdale Preschool. “These are things that are needed in the district,” Superintendent Dan Arickx said. COOL CONTINUED ON A5
Today’s weather High 85. Low 59. More on A3.
Tribute
Band shell to take on new name, A7.
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