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Monday, November 10, 2014
SERVING ROCK FALLS, STERLING AND THE SURROUNDING AREA SINCE 1854
ROCK FALLS
Rooms ‘Start to finish, a Marine’ booked at hotel ROCK FALLS
Mayor speaks to historical society Sunday at CGH BY MATT MENCARINI mmencarini@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5529
Photos by Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
Karl Myers speaks about his military career Tuesday at Transitions Nursing Home in Rock Falls. Myers served in Korea and Vietnam, receiving a Purple Heart in both campaigns.
Owner of two Purple Hearts reflects on 23 years of service BY ANGEL SIERRA asierra@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5695
ROCK FALLS – Much can be said about the benefit that our nation’s fighting forces provide, and the sacrifices their members make to protect us and our way of life. They offer opportunity to some who might not otherwise be able to travel. For others, learning and personal growth. For Karl Myers, duty to his country meant a bit of all of the above. The self-described “country kid” was born 3 years before the stock market crash of 1929, in an era of dust bowls and economic uncertainty. He grew up in a family of 10, with deep roots the Oregon farming community. Myers, 88, served his country as a Marine at home and overseas, and rose through enlisted positions before switching paths and becoming an officer, for a total combined service record of 23 years. The Oregon native is the distinguished recipient of two Purple Hearts, awarded for wounds received in both the Korean and Vietnam war theaters. Myers’ long, productive life is lifted by an acute sense of humor, which he’s quick to show, and for which he is well-known at Transitions Nursing Home in Rock Falls. MARINE CONTINUED ON A11
Saluting those who served • Sauk Valley Media’s tribute to those who served in all military branches, special section inside • Find out when and where Veterans Day observances will be held Tuesday, A3
Myers wears his honors – and his unique sense of humor – on his sleeve.
STERLING – The Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Rock Falls won’t be finished until next year, but that hasn’t stopped some from making reservations. After the hotel’s announcement was made in May, a groundbreaking ceremony was last month. On Sunday, Rock Falls Mayor Bill Wescott said work is expected to finish in late May or early June, but that some rooms have already been booked. The hotel isn’t available for reservation booking through Holiday Inn’s website and won’t likely be until January, Wescott said, but some people conBill tacted the develWescott opment group Rock Falls and were able to mayor says make reservaconstruction of tions. W e s c o t t w a s hotel could be done in May, the guest speaker calls it ‘our during the Sterdestination ling-Rock Falls point’ Historical Society’s meeting in the Ryberg Auditorium at CGH Medical Center. He spoke about the history of the former RB&W plant, located along the riverfront to the east of First Street, and the city’s plans for it in the future, including what has been called the RB&W District. The district’s preliminary drawings include an amphitheater, restrooms, river access, and a bike path, in addition to the hotel and potential for other businesses. “It’s totally different,” Wescott said of the riverfront. “It’s not manufacturing. It’ll be recreational. We feel, at the city of Rock Falls, it’s going to be our destination point.” HOTEL CONTINUED ON A4
STERLING INVITATIONAL CHESS TOURNAMENT
Win some hardware? Check Sterling chess team takes third at weekend tournament BY MATT MENCARINI mmencarini@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5529
STERLING – For the first time in 4 years, the Sterling High School chess team took home some hardware from its own tournament. Saturday’s Sterling Invitational Chess Tournament consisted of 18 teams from 14 schools
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and more than 200 players among the team competition and the high school and middle school open competitions. Sterling entered two teams, and the A team finished third, with a 3-1-0 record, said coach Joel Penne, who added that the one loss came at the hands of the tournament winner, Jefferson High School of
INDEX
Rockford, with a close 36-32 score. Sterling’s A team included seniors Nick Byington, Tyler Tichler, Drew Welch, Tyler Austin, Jacob Kyritz-Dennis, David Martinez and Kristian Shipley, and junior Dylan Kenney.
ABBY ................... A7 COMICS ............... A9 CROSSWORD....B12
CHECK CONTINUED ON A2
LIFESTYLE ........... A7 LOTTERY ............. A2 MOVIES................ A8
OBITUARIES ........ A4 OPINION .............. A6 POLICE ................ A2
Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com
Today’s weather High 58. Low 44. More on A3.
Sterling senior Tyler Austin looks over the chess board during the fourth Sterling Invitational Chess Tournament on Saturday at the high school.
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