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SENIOR ROCK RIVER CLASSIC Graceland for GOES DOWN TO WIRE gearheads in Polo GOLF, B1
PHOTOS, A3
dailyGAZETTE Monday, August 10, 2015
SERVING ROCK FALLS, STERLING AND THE SURROUNDING AREA SINCE 1854
STERLING
Off into a pink sunset
Algae quickly returns to pond
ROCK FALLS
601 riders saddle up for Team Underwires’ last fundraising ride ROCK FALLS – Saturday’s 90-mile Proud to Wear Pink! ride, which began and ended in Rock Falls, was the last fundraiser the Team Underwires will organize. Entering this summer, the group had raised more than $400,000 over 8 years. Its co-founder, Sandi Ivey, a breast cancer survivor, said the group is disbanding for several reasons: retirements and relocations of members, the wider availability of health insurance to pay for breast cancer screenings, and the fact that no one wanted to take over its leadership. Ivey said 601 riders participated Saturday. And long after the after-party wrapped up, the group was counting money Sunday. But because many donations still need to be factored in, the team’s final fundraising numbers won’t be announced until Oct. 24, during the Team Underwires’ Pink Appreciation event. “I feel very proud of what we’ve accomplished,” she said Sunday. “It’s bittersweet, because it’s been so much fun. But it’s time to sit back and relax and enjoy our lives.” – SVM staff report
Silver lining: Project yields more dirt than park district expected BY PAM EGGEMEIER peggemeier@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5570 @pam_eggemeier
STERLING – The Thomas Park pond has been dredged, and the new fountain installed, but the algae has proven to be a formidable foe. Last week, after battling the long run of heavy rains, the Sterling Park District had 6 feet of clean water in the pond, and 8,329 cubic yards of dirt drying for future use on the city’s riverfront. But it didn’t take long for the green scum to reappear. “It was less than a week, and the pond was three-fourths [covered in] algae again,” Parks Director Larry Schuldt said. ALGAE CONTINUED ON A9
Photos by Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com Janelle Clark of Dixon peels out of the Workman Harley-Davidson lot on her custom-painted trike Saturday morning for the 90-mile Proud to Wear Pink! fundraising ride. Above is close-up of the ride’s gas tank, complete with a skull and crossbones rocking – what else – a pink bandana. Flip over the paper to check out more photos from the event on A10, or visit saukvalley.com.
Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com
A great blue heron walks Saturday toward the recently dredged Thomas Park pond, which is about three-fourths covered in algae, according to Sterling Parks Director Larry Schuldt.
Q&A | SAUK VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S CHRIS PILLING
Driven by students’ success Marketing coordinator takes 5 BY JERMAINE PIGEE jpigee@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5525 @JPigee84
DIXON – Chris Pilling has been the marketing coordinator at Sauk Valley Community College for a bit more than a year. She helps lead marketing initiatives, public relations, and communications for the college.
How did you get into your field? I spent 10 years at Northern Illinois University Foundation. I wanted to help people in some way, and I wanted to be in education because I like the environment. When I saw this position come available, I thought I could do it. Q&A CONTINUED ON A4
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Get to know Chris Pilling Age: 44 Education: Attended Saint Louis University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in political science with a focus on international relations. Hometown: Danville Resides: Dixon Family: Married to Bob Pilling. They will celebrate 10 years of marriage in September. They have known each other since they were 17. Favorite movie: “Miller’s Crossing” Hobbies: I love film. I like to golf, but I’m not very good at it. I’m pretty good off the tee, but that’s about it. Favorite TV show: “Hannibal” Favorite sports team: Green Bay Packers Favorite food: Crab
ABBY ................... A7 COMICS ............... A8 CROSSWORD....B10
LIFESTYLE ........... A7 LOTTERY ............. A2 NATION/WORLD .. A5
Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com
Chris Pilling, marketing coordinator for Sauk Valley Community College, recently celebrated her 1-year anniversary with the college. She says seeing students overcome adversity is one of the best parts of her job.
OBITUARIES ........ A4 OPINION .............. A6 POLICE ................ A2
Today’s weather High 82. Low 60. More on A3.
Need work? Check out your classifieds, B5.
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