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Treat yourself to scary-good recipes AMERICAN PROFILE, SPECIAL SECTION INSIDE
CAN COOMES FIND CRUISE CONTROL? CROSS COUNTRY, B1
dailyGAZETTE Friday, October 24, 2014
SERVING ROCK FALLS, STERLING AND THE SURROUNDING AREA SINCE 1854
STERLING | BUSINESS
Buzz builds at Northland Mall Stores open rapidly in anticipation of Dunham’s success BY PAM EGGEMEIER peggemeier@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5570
STERLING – The word revitalization is heard often in Sterling, usually in reference to the riverfront and downtown. It might be time to add Northland Mall to the conversation.
In the last year, the mall has brought in the Midwest’s largest sporting goods chain, and nationally known fashion retailer rue21. Several smaller businesses are now moving in, hoping to cash in on the increased foot traffic that is anticipated. Much of the buzz now sur-
rounds Dunham’s Sports, as the Oct. 31 opening of its massive 50,000-square-foot store gets closer. Dunham’s store manager John Watts, a Sterling native, said he senses the excitement among the mall employees and the customers.
“Dunham’s is very happy to be here in Sterling, and be part of the revitalization of the Northland Mall,” Watts said. “This is the greatest number of stores I can remember being open here. “ BUZZ CONTINUED ON A4
‘‘ ’’ I’m extremely excited about the different offerings here now. I wish this would have happened 5 years ago.
Margaret Zumdahl Accents owner
UNEMPLOYMENT
SELF HELP ENTERPRISES | ANNUAL BANQUET
Jobless rates down statewide
Dreams realized
IDES: Employers reach ‘tipping point’ with overtime pay BY PAM EGGEMEIER peggemeier@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5570
For the fourth consecutive month, unemployment rates dropped in all 102 Illinois counties, according to preliminary data released Thursday by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. “The September data is at prerecession levels,” said IDES spokesperson Greg Rivara. “Some are even better than 2006 and 2007.” More IDES contends inside the numbers County-byare debunking the often-heard county data c l a i m s t h a t on A3. falling jobless rates are largely the result of discouraged workers who have just stopped looking for jobs. “More people say they are working, and fewer people describe themselves as unemployed in every metro area across our state,” said IDES Director Jay Rowell. “Private employers have added more than 300,000 new jobs since our economy began to improve in 2010.”
Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com
Julie Schroeder looks over the Frances Bragg Award she won Thursday night at the 46th annual Self Help Enterprises Awards Banquet at Latin American Social Club in Sterling.
Winners celebrate awards, power of shooting for the stars BY JERMAINE PIGEE jpigee@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5525
STERLING – Julie Schroeder could not contain her excitement Thursday evening during the 46th annual Self Help Enterprises Awards Banquet. When she was named the winner of
the Frances Bragg Award for continued perseverance, concern for others and love for her fellow workers, Schroeder jumped out of her seat and put her hands over her mouth as she burst into tears. She then walked quickly to the stage, grabbed her award from Carla Haubrich, executive director of Self
Help Enterprises, then took the microphone. “I want to thank everyone for this award,” she said with excitement. Betty Terry also won a Frances Bragg Award, and was presented hers after Schroeder floated back to her seat. DREAMS CONTINUED ON A10
JOBLESS CONTINUED ON A3
TOP5 Your Weekend
1 Touchdown for TaTas in Sterling STERLING – Saturday is a day to tackle breast cancer in the Sauk Valley at the second annual Touchdown for TaTas event at 10 a.m. at Sterling Chevrolet Field at Roscoe Eades Stadium. Women’s flag football will be played, and there will be food, vendors, kids activities, and information available. There also will be an after-tournament Pink Party at Long Shot Bar and Grill in Rock Falls.
$1.00
TODAY’S EDITION: 28 PAGES 2 SECTIONS VOL. 160 ISSUE 226
2 Take in a play at Sterling High
3 Trick or Trunk in Rock Falls
4 Taste Halloween in Dixon ...
5 ... Then parade around in costume
STERLING – Sterling High School presents the comic play “Noises Off!” at Centennial Auditorium. Show times are 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for students. Written by Michael Frayn, “Noises Off!” is a satire of life in the theater, presenting a hilarious play-withina-play by an ambitious director and his troupe of mediocre actors.
ROCK FALLS – Kids can Trick or Trunk from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at First Congregational Church of Rock Falls, 905 Dixon Ave. Church members will hand out treats to costumed children 12 and younger from decorated car trunks and van and truck tailgates. Jeremy the Amazer will perform at 2:30 p.m. There will be face painting, refreshments, games and prizes.
DIXON – Celebrate Halloween at a Monster Pancakes breakfast fundraiser hosted by Dixon Main Street and Lee County Council on Aging from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday at Lee County Senior Center, 100 W. Second St. A breakfast buffet by Mama Cimino’s costs $4 for adults, $2 for children 12 and younger, with $1 off for those in costume.
DIXON – The annual Dixon Noon Lions Halloween Parade begins at 10 a.m. Saturday at Haymarket Square. The parade will feature hundreds of costumed kids and loop through the downtown. Judging for a costume contest begins at 9:30 a.m. at Haymarket Square. All parade participants receive a treat bag.
INDEX
BUSINESS ......... A13 CHURCH............ A12 COMICS ...............B4
CROSSWORD....B13 DEAR ABBY ......... A8 LIFESTYLE ........... A7
LOTTERY ............. A2 OBITUARIES ........ A4 OPINION .............. A6
Today’s weather High 67. Low 51. More on A3.
Need work? Check out your classifieds, B8.
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