SVM_Sterling Rock Falls Welcome Guide_062022

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PUBLICATION

Publisher/Advertising Director: Jennifer Heintzelman Get to Know Us: Sterling/Rock Falls is a specialty publication of Sauk Valley Media, 113 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon, IL 61021, 815-625-3600. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.

Ad content is not the responsibility of Sauk Valley Media. The information in this guide is believed to be accurate; however, Sauk Valley Media cannot and does not guarantee its accuracy. Sauk Valley Media cannot and will not be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by advertisers listed in any portion of this magazine.

Rock Falls history . .....................................................................................3-4 Sterling history ............................................................................................ 6-7 Rock Falls today . .............................................................................................8 Sterling today ............................................................................................10-12 Sauk Valley Community College . ........................................................13 Rock Falls Library ........................................................................................14 Sterling Library .........................................................................................15-16 Health Care .................................................................................................18-19 Rock Falls education .................................................................................21 Sterling education .......................................................................................22 Service agencies . .......................................................................................24 Clubs and groups .......................................................................................25 Churches ....................................................................................................26-27 Parks .............................................................................................................28-29 Numbers & Websites ................................................................................30

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Rock Falls got its start in 1837, when Isaac Merrill settled along the southern bank of the Rock River in the northern section of Coloma Township.

He soon was joined by several other settlers and their families, including Edward Atkins, Daniel Brooks and Noah Merrill.

Isaac Merrill’s son, Nelson, is believed to be the first child born in the settlement, in November 1838.

Rock Falls originally was called Rapids City after A.B. Wheeler, Isaac Merrill, Atkins and Brooks laid out a mile-square area on the riverbank. Atkins must have had high hopes for growth and future residents – he built a large framed house for use as a hotel.

During that time, the state let out a contract to build a canal at Rapids City, but when the state encountered financial difficulties, the project was suspended.

Because of the financial hardship sweeping the United States, the future Rock Falls lay nearly dormant for 20 years. There were no shops or stores in operation in the township, and in 1857, the plat of Rapids City was vacated. A year later, the county map showed only 31 residents.

Schooling was not offered until 1845. The first teacher, Anastasia Sturtevant, held classes in an old store until a granary was bought and remodeled. A brick building later was built, followed by Merrill School in 1888.

Businessman and New York native Augustus P. Smith is credited with salvaging the community in 1867. Smith moved across the river from Sterling, bought 47 acres and opened a mitten factory. Then he laid out a town and called it Rock Falls.

Smith also bought the Sterling Hydraulic Co.’s water plant, which had built a dam in 1854. Smith used the dam’s water power to run his factory. He spent $12,000 to improve his water supply, which promoted the use of waterpower and motivated others to use the power, as well. The town sprang up around the factory, and Smith was able to hire about 100 workers.

Rock Falls was incorporated in January 1869, and a government was formed. The first ordinance was a temperance act forbidding the sale of malt liquors in less than 1-gallon quantities. At the same meeting, the town seal was ordered, with the motto, “Fundo in Tempero,” which means “I build in good time.”

Eventually, Rock Falls gained city status. At that time, campaigns were waged both for and against annexing with Sterling. In the end, the voters nixed the idea and Rock Falls became its own town.

A period of rapid growth followed the arrival of the railroad in Rock Falls. The new form of transportation boosted industry, and numerous factories were established and prospered.

George S. Tracy and Thomas A. Galt bought water rights and land in Rock Falls from Smith after their Sterling factory was destroyed in 1867. Keystone Manufacturing Co. was organized between 1870 and 1877, built 10 more buildings, and concentrated on making agricultural machinery.

ROCK FALLS cont’d on page 4

Second Street looking west in Rock Falls, during the early 1900s.

Get To Know Us: Sterling/Rock Falls | 2022-23

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ROCK FALLS cont’d from page 3 Others who played a role in the development of Rock Falls were brothers John H. and Edwin F. Lawrence, prosperous manufacturers who started with a patent for two barn-door hangers.

Eureka Manufacturing organized in 1871. Early products were school and office furniture.

Production later was changed to carriages and allied products and vehicles of all types including hearses and ambulances. During World War II, it switched to war production, buses, ambulances and turret baskets for tanks. It operated until 1965.

The Sterling Manufacturing Co. began making stair rails, newel posts, church seats and butter tubs, among other things, as early as 1855. By 1877, it was making 2,500 butter tubs a week.

Many other manufacturing companies have occupied the south shore of the Rock River over the years.

As early as 1877, Rock Falls had one hose company protecting the town. In 1908, the first fire wagon and team was bought, and the horses were named Thome and Grady, in honor of the mayor and alderman. The department became motorized in 1921.

Rock Falls had several newspapers in the late 1800s, many of which lasted only a couple of years. The earliest one was Rock Falls Progress, which ran its presses by water power. It was Republican in its beliefs and was published for about 7 years.

The Rock Falls Methodist Church is the oldest in the township. It was organized by the Rev. J.H. Alling in 1869.

Many service clubs and special interest groups also were organized more than 100 years ago.

The Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society was chartered in 1959, and in 2017, Rock Falls celebrated its sesquicentennial. n

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Third Street facing east, near the intersection of Locust Street in downtown Sterling, is shown here in a vintage postcard. Among the businesses that can be seen are Scott Stores Five and Dime, Chester Co., Sullivan’s Clothing, and Gamble’s.

The Rock River, Elkhorn and Sugar creeks combined with woodlands and prairie to make the Sterling area attractive to early settlers.

The area was one of the last to be settled in Illinois, with the first settlers arriving in the region about 1832, after the Black Hawk War. Prior to their arrival, the territory was occupied by Fox and Sauk Indians.

Hezekiah Brink was the first person to build a cabin in the area, in 1834. He soon was joined by other settlers, and 2 years after Brink built his cabin, he and his wife had a daughter, the first child born in the township.

Steamer pilot Capt. D.S. Harris delivered a load of supplies to the settlers via the Rock River in 1836, with the majority of merchandise for Brink. In return, Harris received a half interest in a community that was named Harrisburg in his honor.

Around the same time, William Kirkpatrick laid claim to property near Harrisburg that would come to be known as the settlement of Chatham.

Soon the residents of Harrisburg and Chatham became rivals, competing for possession of rented office space and a post office called the Rock River Rapids.

By 1838, though, the two settlements made peace and merged in hopes of becoming the county seat. They united under the new name of Sterling, named after Maj. James Sterling, who participated in the Black Hawk War. In 1842, believing they were victorious in becoming the county seat, the settlers built a courthouse. It was used for only a short time before the county seat was moved to Morrison, where it remains today. Religious groups and other organizations used the building in Sterling until it was razed for its bricks in 1881.

One of the settlers’ other hopes was to use the Rock River as a navigational route.

This plan, however, never worked out because the river had too many rapids.

Instead, the settlers learned how to harness the river’s power to run saw and grist mills. Because navigating the Rock River was not an option, the state authorized construction of a canal in 1839. It was to run along the south side of the river and bypass the shallow waters. Financial problems caused this project to be abandoned, as well.

STERLING cont’d on page 7

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Get To Know Us: Sterling/Rock Falls | 2022-23

STERLING cont’d from page 6 While Brink was somewhat successful in running a ferry service on the Rock River to attract travelers, other means for crossing the river were unsuccessful.

Work on the first bridge was done from 1856-57, but never was completed and eventually the bridge washed away before it could be used. Other bridges were built and destroyed by the elements, including a toll bridge in 1863 and one in 1904. It was predicted to last forever, but it fell to ruins in 1906.

In 1854, Sterling Hydraulic Co. built a dam across the river to encourage and support other industry in the area.

Not all factories, though, were dependent on water power. Industrial expansion increased dramatically after the Civil War, and one of the first factories in the area was the mitten factory owned by A.P. Smith, the founder of Rock Falls. Keystone Co., Northwestern Steel and Wire Co. and Eureka Manufacturing Co. all were begun between 1870 and 1879.

The arrival of the first train in Sterling, in July 1855, caused great celebration and was a progressive step for the town. U.S. Sen. Stephen A. Douglas and Gov. Joel Matteson were among the 3,000 people in attendance.

Sterling didn’t become a city until 1857, when it received a special charter from the General Assembly. An election of officers was held and Lorenzo Hapgood was chosen as first mayor. In 1869, the charter was revised and Sterling was governed under amended provisions until it was incorporated under the laws of the state.

The first bank in Sterling opened in 1852, when Hapgood and Miles S. Henry went into business together. The firm dissolved in 1861, and other banks were started.

The Sterling Gas Co. was organized in 1873 to provide gas for domestic purposes and street illumination. Eventually, the company changed its name and provided both gas and electricity after a period in which Sterling had many service companies.

By July 1889, the installation of a system to light the city with electricity and the building of an electric railway progressed simultaneously. However, the project of electric transportation was complicated and dormant for 10 years.

One of the few electric lines to be successful was the Sterling, Dixon and Eastern Electric Railway. The SD & EER ran a trolley service between Sterling and Dixon from 1904 to 1925. Around 1930, some of the streetcars were remodeled into tourist cabins and moved to Morrison.

Sterling’s first school was built in 1856. The early schools were frame structures, but later ones were constructed of brick. Lincoln School originally was called First Ward School, and Central School was called Sterling School.

In 1877, Sterling Business College was started by Harry Aument. He claimed to have the first business college in the world to include shorthand in its curriculum.

The Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society was founded in 1959 by individuals interested in preserving the historical heritage of both cities.

Another view of Third Street facing east, this one near the intersection of Avenue A in downtown Sterling during the late 1800s. The former Randolph Hotel is seen at right.

Get To Know Us: Sterling/Rock Falls | 2022-23

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People helping people is what Rock Falls is all about.

Since its founding in 1839, residents have pitched in and worked together to make things happen in Rock Falls. They built the city’s first shops, homes and industries. They built the first schools and churches.

They built a library, parks and more businesses.

Today, the city's 9,000 residents continue to work together to build what they need, whether it be a walking bridge across the Rock River or a riverfront development project. City leaders also work together to bring in new business and strengthen existing ones.

Work is moving forward on the newest member of the city’s public utilities family: a fiber network. Rock Falls can now boast that it’s a gigabit city, and the city is working on connecting residents to its broadband service, which can provide speeds up to 1,000 megabits per second.

Rock Falls is focused on developing its riverfront, cleaning up empty factories and redeveloping them for commercial use. In recent years, the city has finished the second phase of the RB&W District, turning a former industrial site into a green space, complete with an entertainment venue, a trail, Art in the Park sculpture display, and restrooms.

Another project, announced in 2018 and headed up by local developer Pete Harkness, will bring a 46-unit hotel — from My Place Hotels — to the RB&W site on East Second Street.

Plans have also been disAlex T. Paschal/apaschal@shawmedia.com cussed for a retail center on David Zahn’s “Confluence” is among the pieces on display at another parcel nearby.

RB&W District Park’s “Art in the Park” display in Rock Falls.

Larry McCormick, owner of McCormick's Nursery and Garden Center in Sterling, recently turned the former Rock River Tool and Die building into a banquet hall and business conference facility – the McCormick Event Center – and Matt Prescott, owner of the Candlelight Inn, and his business partner, Tim Kendrick, have brought an upscale restaurant to the building, and in a nod to the area’s past, named it The Industrial Restaurant.

The city also hopes to see new development along state Route 40 and Interstate 88. Rock Falls has partnered with the neighboring towns of Dixon and Sterling, as well as economic leaders from Lee and Whiteside counties, to attract industry to the I-88 West Corridor.

Downtown Rock Falls is fortunate to have retailers, restaurants and service providers in nearly every building.

Tax increment financing districts also are important to developing Rock Falls.

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites, which opened in May 2016, in the RB&W District, is one product of the city’s Riverfront TIF. Other retailers and hospitality service providers can be found along the city’s other main thoroughfares.

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Get To Know Us: Sterling/Rock Falls | 2022-23

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Sterling is a city built on the strength of its residents. That strength led to the development of industry, with the city’s first factories being built in the 1850s, some along the banks of the Rock River, so the water could help power them.

Over time, more factories were built, many that manufactured hardware. So much hardware was produced in Sterling that the city was dubbed the Hardware Capital of the World at one point. Though the city is no longer the world’s hardware capital, it’s economic landscape has changed with the times and it’s matured and diversified, giving rise to a balance of industry, commerce and retail business.

In recent months, the city has seen a flurry of economic activity.

Northland Mall saw an almost complete turnaround after new owners, Brookwood Capital Advisors, took over and announced plans to let new businesses move in for 6 months rent-free. The offer filled nearly every spot in the once largely vacant mall. Two new anchor stores also signed on: Hobby Lobby and Midwest Furniture Just down the road, in Pine Tree Plaza, Harbor Freight moved in to space formerly occupied by Staples.

STERLING TODAY cont’d on page 11

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STERLING TODAY cont’d from page 10 Meanwhile, a business incubator consisting of six small, free-standing storefronts will be built downtown, with the goal of helping online, in-home or even brand-new startups eventually migrate to their own brick-and-mortar stores.

The Sterling Main Street project, to be called The Shoppes at Grandon Plaza, will be built in the empty lot at 310 Second Ave. The lot was donated by Sterling Today Inc., , a nonprofit economic development group, To help spur new growth, the city created the Greater Sterling Development Corp., which actively recruits new business to the area. In turn, those new businesses help attract more people to Sterling and spur the construction of new housing.

Sterling Today also spearheaded a project to give a downtown building — the Mercantile, at 117 W. Third St. — a much-needed facelift and is seeking business tenants to fill the 7,500-square-foot main floor. The second and third floors would house residential units.

Elsewhere, work was completed on the city’s first roundabout, at Lynn Boulevard and LeFevre Road, near Meadowlands Business Park, which has become a hub of business and industrial activity. One of the city’s largest employers, Halo Branded Solutions, opened its new, expanded headquarters there in 2018, a business incubator (the former Best Cob building) was recently finished, and a warehouse expansion project has been announced. A second roundabout is also planned for the intersection of Science Ridge Road and state Route 40, on the city’s north side.

Sterling’s leaders also want to improve the quality of life for residents. They realize it’s important to offer top-quality health care, schools and recreational opportunities, as well as jobs, to keep residents happy.

STERLING TODAY cont’d to page 12

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STERLING TODAY cont’d from page 11 One example of those efforts has been the ongoing Sterling Market project, which will expand and upgrade the Twin City Farmers market downtown, at 106 Ave. A. A covered walkway has been added just west of the Twin City Farmers Market. The marketplace construction is tied to work being done at Sterling Today’s Mercantile building, and is part of a multi-phase project that will include a parking lot and other improvements and landscaping. The project will allow the Farmers Market to expand outdoors and give other events, such as the Harvest Moon Festival and the Hops on the Rock craft beer festival, a bigger and better venue.

The city also is continuing its focus on riverfront redevelopment, including more green space and another roundabout, on Wallace Street.

The staff at Sterling’s city-owned hospital, CGH Medical Center, is committed to attracting and retaining top-notch doctors. In December 2010, the hospital merged with the Sterling-Rock Falls Clinic, now the CGH Main Clinic. In recent years, the hospital completed a $27 million addition, and the clinic has expanded.

In 2015, the hospital opened the doors on an $8.6 million expansion of its Emergency Department, and a second cardiac catheterization lab.

Another priority in Sterling is maintaining excellent schools. Six schools and a career center are included in the Community Unit 5 school system, and Sterling has three private schools.

Upon graduation, students can advance their education at Sauk Valley Community College, just a few miles east of town on state Route 2.

The Sterling Park District maintains several parks, an indoor fitness facility and an 18-hole golf course.

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The city also worked with Rock Falls to build a footbridge over the Rock River, allowing residents to hike and bike along the Hennepin Feeder Canal in Rock Falls. The river offers great recreational opportunities each summer for boating, waterskiing and fishing.

For those who enjoy the arts, there’s the Woodlawn Arts Academy, a nonprofit created to provide educational opportunities for children and adults in all areas of the arts.

Classes vary from visual arts to music and the literary arts to the performing arts.

Of course, residents also can take advantage of the entertainment and recreational opportunities available in many of Illinois’ biggest cities, as Sterling is just a 1- or 2-hour drive from Chicago, Rockford, the Quad Cities and Peoria.

The city’s easy access to these other major economic centers also makes it more convenient to do business there, which is why Sterling has partnered with Dixon and Rock Falls, and Lee and Whiteside counties to develop the I-88 West Corridor.

Together, they’re bringing new business to the Sauk Valley, making it even more attractive to live here. n

Get To Know Us: Sterling/Rock Falls | 2022-23

Sauk Valley Community College has been on a mission to provide quality education to its diverse student body since it opened in 1965.

The fully accredited college, which sits on a 144-acre campus at 173 state Route 2 between Dixon and Sterling, serves about 1,800 full- and part-time students a year from 16 in-district high schools, 18 states and three foreign countries, in courses that include GED and ESL classes, community enrichment courses, business training and dual credit courses for high-schoolers.

Sauk offers 2-year transfer associate degrees in art or science in more than 40 areas, 22 career-technical degrees, 24 associate degrees, and an associate in engineering science degree, along with 50 career-technical certificates.

In November 2018, Sauk’s ag students harvested their first crop of corn and soybeans at the college, part of its rapidly growing agriculture program. The hands-on harvest lesson taught students how to test factors that affect yield, such as soil properties, nitrogen and water levels.

Mens and womens sports, cultural activities and events, and more than 20 student clubs and organizations, including Phi Theta Kappa (the honor society for 2-year colleges), student government, Association of Latin American Students, Magic Club, Campus Crusade for Christ and Math Club, contribute to the vibrant campus life. Students also have access to a full fitness center and weight room.

Sauk also has an active ABC AmeriCorps program, in which students earn a stipend while working with children, youth and families as well as community-based agencies, small towns and municipalities, learning life skills while contributing to the health of area communities.

As part of its commitment to the region’s economic developGo to svcc.edu, find ment, in early 2016 Sauk launched its Small Business DevelopSauk Valley Community ment Center, and the Sauk Valley Community College ComCollege on Facebook, or munity Leadership Program. call 815-835-6273.

The Center is a resource for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, in collaboration with the Dixon, Sterling and Rock Falls chambers of commerce, city and county officials, and local banks.

The leadership course is a 10-month skills-building program in conjunction with area manufacturers, designed to foster students’ interest in the trades and bridge the skills gap that is impeding companies’ operational efficiencies. Sessions are scheduled at different sites to accommodate students throughout the area.

In recent years, Sauk has invested several million dollars in improvements, maintenance and upgrades to its campus as part of its ongoing effort to adapt to fit the changing needs of students and the evolving curriculum.

Sauk spent $1.3 million in 2017 to remodel the 12,000-square-foot Health Care Professions area, upgrading technology and expanding classrooms and training facilities to allow students to learn and practice in a more hospital-like setting.

That project came on the heels of a string of other renovations, including work on the West Mall, where a $1.9 million Student Services Center opened in 2015, along with a new testing center, business offices and two new classroom spaces.

The science, math and technology labs underwent major remodeling and upgrading a year or 2 before that.

The college also has beefed up its Multicraft Technology program, in which local manufacturers partner with Sauk and the Whiteside Area Career Center to educate, train and employ workers and reduce the local trade skills gap, through internships and classes; 2017 saw enrollment in that program double.

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Get To Know Us: Sterling/Rock Falls | 2022-23

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As the nation struggled through a Great Depression, a group of Rock Falls residents joined together to help bring the city its first library.

The Rev. Jame R. Uhlinger, with support from the Rock Falls Womens Club and other residents, worked with the W.P.A. (Works Project Administration) to turn the idea of a library into reality. Its first chapter began in the old Rock Falls National Bank building before moving to the Cruse Building and later, Merrill School. In the midst of a World War, the library continued to grow and in September 1943 moved into the Johnston Building on First Avenue, where it remained for 22 years.

In November 1965, the Coloma Township Library merged with the city of Rock Falls and formed the Rock Falls Public Library, which was then housed in the north wing of the Municipal Building, where it remained for three decades.

In the 1990s, Rock Falls Public Library the non-profit 1007 Seventh Ave. group 815-626-3958 K.I.D.S.S Online: https://rockfallsli(Knowledge brary.com/ and on Facebook Increases Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. MonDeveloping day-Thursday; 9 a.m. to Skills for Suc6 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. cess) was Saturday; closed Sunday formed to raise money to build a new library. Thanks to the contributions of local residents and businesses, including former Rock Falls resident Dr. Louis Rubin, the new library became a reality. The Joseph and Dora Rubin Library Building, dedicated to Dr. Rubin’s parents, opened in February 2001.

In addition to a sizable book collection for all ages, the library subscribes to several newspapers and dozens of magazines. It also loans out audio books, CDs and DVDs. Patrons can access the Internet from any of several computers, and computers also are available for children.

There are special reading programs for children and adults, and the library offers a book club, a craft club and other activities.

Library cards are free for Coloma Township residents or those who pay taxes on property within Coloma Township. Patrons outside of Coloma Township pay $55 a year per family.

Each summer, the library organizes crafts and other programs for children, and offers short-term, discounted library cards for children who live outside the township.

Library cards can be used at other Illinois public libraries. Rock Falls has joined its collection with Dixon and Sterling public libraries, and with Sterling Public Schools, and Newman Central Catholic, Rock Falls and Dixon high schools, to form the Rock River Library Consortium. n

More info

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Get To Know Us: Sterling/Rock Falls | 2022-23

Sterling Public Library, established in 1878, has grown and progressed along with the city.

To keep up with this growth, the library has had several homes within the community as its collection of reading materials and number of patrons has increased. The current building was opened in November 1905, thanks to a donation by Andrew Carnegie. It was expanded in 1985, and again in 1995.

Three main departments serve patrons of all ages. The library even offers items in Spanish, and has extensive local history and genealogy resources. There is a community room and small study room available for public use.

The library houses about 57,000 items in many formats: print, audio, DVD, and electronic books. Newspapers, periodicals, public computers with Internet access, wi-fi, and microfilm of local newspapers is also available.

The library offers a host of digital library services on its website There is a summer reading program for children and adults, and weekly story time for preschoolers year-round.

Library cards are available at no charge to residents within city limits, and for a fee to people outside city limits. Cards are valid for 2 years. People who live outside the city limits, but own property within the city limits, can get a free, 1-year library card with proof of property ownership.

STERLING LIBRARY cont’d to page 16

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Hydro Plant: Has produced the following KWH’s over the years: 2021 - 9,891,000 / 2020 - 9,938,000 / 2019 - 7,121,000 Average household uses 600 KWH’s/month The City of Rock Falls uses approximately 5,807,726 KWH’s/month.

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Get To Know Us: Sterling/Rock Falls | 2022-23

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STERLING LIBRARY cont’d from page 15 Cards can be used at other Illinois public libraries. Sterling has joined its collection with Dixon and Rock Falls public libraries, and with Sterling Public Schools, St. Mary’s School in Sterling, and Newman Central Catholic, Rock Falls and Dixon high schools, to form the Rock River Library Sterling Public Library, 102 Consortium.

W. Third St., 815-625-1370.

People with a valid Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. library card from Monday through Thursday, other public libraries 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, in Illinois can register 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. their card with the Online: Sterlingpubliclibrary.

Sterling library for org and on Facebook circulation privileges.

The library also offers more than just books. People can make copies or use a self-service scanner to scan documents into a PDF file. A notary public is on staff, and adult patrons can check out general admission passes to the Putnam Museum in Davenport.

In addition, the library has an extensive local history and genealogy collection supported by a part-time genealogist. The collection includes periodicals, books, genealogies and microfilm. It also has subscriptions to several internet databases that patrons may use on the library’s computers. n

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CGH Medical Center has been caring for patients since 1909, and today has more than a dozen area offices and clinics, including a bigger and better clinic in Rock Falls.

The hospital, which merged with the Sterling-Rock Falls Clinic, now the CGH Main Clinic, in December 2010, has facilities in Sterling, Rock Falls, Dixon, Milledgeville, Morrison, Mount Carroll, Polo, Prophetstown, Tampico and Walnut. Its service area encompasses 105,000 people, and it employs more than 1,400 people, with a staff of 140 physicians specializing in 35 different fields.

A 7,000-square-foot CGH Rock Falls Medical Center opened in 2019 at 1315 Dixon Ave., replacing the former facility at 100 W. First St. The clinic offers family practice services – wellness, disease prevention and treatment of minor illness in patients of all ages – and pediatric services.

While work was underway on the new clinic, CGH also completely remodeled the hospital’s fourth floor, which houses surgical patients. The 15,430-square-foot surgical floor now boasts a bariatric patient room, an isolation/negative pressure room, and two safe rooms. In addition, all 20 of the patient rooms on the floor got a makeover, with new paint and new floors. The lighting and heating systems were upgraded and all of the bathrooms were enlarged and remodeled.

The projects are just the latest in CGH’s ongoing efforts to meet the everchanging demands of people’s health care needs.

In March 2017, CGH Medical Center’s unveiled its new pediatrics department, which got a wall-to-wall makeover. The department, which hasn’t been renovated since the 1980s, boasts new nurses stations, upgraded lighting, an enhanced security system, and a mural that offers a splash of color, featuring fish, birds and other attention-grabbers that kids can gander at when they visit the hospital. In addition to the mural, artwork from students at Woodlawn Arts Academy will be displayed in the department, with different pieces featured periodically.

In spring 2015, CGH opened a second Cardiac Cath Lab, and a new state-ofthe-art Emergency Department that features 26 private treatment rooms, six easy care areas, two new trauma rooms, secured access, and streamlined registration.

A major expansion was completed in 2008 that produced a new suite of surgical rooms, a new Obstetrics Department and Birthing Center, a new Critical Care Unit, and a new Digestive Health Center.

CGH’s inpatient services include a 36-bed medical unit, a 28-bed surgical unit, 10 birthing center suites, six pediatric beds, and 18 CCU/ICU/Biotelemetry beds. Outpatient services include the state-of-the-art Cath Lab and an accredited laboratory.

Diagnostic imaging services include a 64-ring CT scanner, nuclear medicine with SPECT scanning, ultrasound, dedicated mammography including digital mammography and an in-house, high field MRI. Other departments and services include a neurology laboratory, a GI laboratory and nutritional support, pain management, pharmacy, and respiratory therapy.

In addition, CGH offers an ambulatory surgical center, a digestive health center, physical and occupational therapy, a diabetic education department, a wound care center, and a 24-hour trauma ready emergency department.

HEALTH CARE cont’d on page 19

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Get To Know Us: Sterling/Rock Falls | 2022-23

HEALTH CARE cont’d from page 18 It also operates its own day care center adjacent to the campus.

CGH and its satellite facilities provide tens of millions of dollars in free and discounted care yearly, and also gives back to the community through community sponsorships; donations and support; community partnerships; and supplementation of Community Services and Foundation programs, which provide for the health and wellness of community members.

CGH Medical Center Since 2013, CGH has received high grades for 100 E. Le Fevre Road, patient safety from the Leapfrog Group, including Sterling the A Safety Rating this spring. The Leapfrog Group 815-625-0400 collects and reports one-of-a-kind data to empower Email: info@cghmc.com patients to choose the right hospital.

Online: cghmc.com and In May 2016, CGH opened its Spirit of the Heart on Facebook, Twitter, art gallery, a joint project of its Marketing DepartYouTube and Instagram. ment and the CGH Auxiliary. It’s intended not only Go to cghmc.com/ to be a venue for local artists, but also a healing force for patients, families, and even hospital staff, locations for a list of to help promote the idea of art’s positive impact on CGH's satellite healing and health. locations.

“CGH Medical Center is honored to provide ... the very best care,” Dr. Paul Steinke, the medical center’s president and CEO, said in a statement. “We are proud of these achievements and believe it is a direct result of our physicians’, nurses’ and staffs’ dedication to outstanding care.” n

MORE INFO

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ADVANCEEMS

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Get To Know Us: Sterling/Rock Falls | 2022-23

19

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Get To Know Us: Sterling/Rock Falls | 2022-23

EAST COLOMA-NELSON CONSOLIDATED ELEMENTARY DISTRICT 20 East Coloma-Nelson School serves grades K-8. It has about 280 students, with about 15 in each class. K-5 students stay in self-contained classrooms, while 6-8 students rotate classes in preparation for high school.

East Coloma-Nelson School 1602 Dixon Ave. 815-625-4400 ecoloma.net Principal: Andrew Blackert

ROCK FALLS ELEMENTARY DISTRICT 13 602 Fourth Ave. 815-626-2604 rfsd13.org District 13 has a preschool, two grade schools, Merrill and Dillon, and Rock Falls Middle School.

It has about 1,000 students in its four buildings.

Dillon School 1901 Eighth Ave. 815-625-3356 http://rfsd13.org/index.php/our-district/ schools/dillon-elementary-school Grades: K-2 Enrollment: About 300 students, with an average of 22 in each class Principal: Roy Calkins

Merrill School 600 Fourth Ave. 815-625-4634 http://rfsd13.org/index.php/our-district/ schools/merrill-elementary-school Grades: 3-5 Enrollment: About 330 students, with an average class size of 26.

Principal: Brody Rude

Rock Falls Middle School 1701 12th Ave. 815-626-2626 http://rfsd13.org/index.php/our-district/ schools/rfms

Grades: 6-8 Enrollment: About 300 students, with an average class size of 20 Principal: Kyle Ackman

Riverdale Preschool 3505 Prophet Road 815-625-5280 https://rfdist13.org/index.php/about-riverdale Enrollment: About 160 students with an average class size of 20 Principal: Chelese Palmer

MONTMORENCY SCHOOL DISTRICT 145 Montmorency School & District Office 9415 Hoover Road 815-625-6616 sites.google.com/a/mgs145.net/montmorencyschooldistrict145/home Grades: K-8 Enrollment: About 350 students, with an average class size of 18 Principal: Megan Dillon

Rock Falls Township High School District 301 101 12th Ave. 815-625-3886 www.rfhs301.org Grades: 9-12 Enrollment: About 670 students, with an average class size of 15 Principal: Mike Berentes

PAROCHIAL SCHOOL St. Andrew Catholic Grade School 701 11th Ave. 815-625-1456 https://standrewsgradeschool.org/ Grades: Pre-K through 8 Enrollment: About 112 students, with an average class size of 16 Principal: Katie Blakeslee

Get To Know Us: Sterling/Rock Falls | 2022-23

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DISTRICT 5

410 E. LeFevre Road 815-626-5050 Online: sterlingpublicschools.org Community Unit School District 5 encompasses four grade schools, a middle school, and a high school. All four public elementary schools are part of an attendance center format.

Sterling High School

1608 Fourth Ave. 815-625-6800 Online: sterlingpublicschools.org/o/shs Grades: 9-12 Enrollment: About 1,000 students, with an average of 16 in each class.

Principal: Jason Austin

Challand Middle School

1700 Sixth Ave. 815-626-3300 Online: sterlingpublicschools.org/o/cms Grades: 6-8 Enrollment: About 760 students, with an average of 23 in each class.

Principal: Lindsy Stumpenhorst

Enrollment: About 375 students, with an average of 25 in each class Principal: Liz Engstrom

VOCATIONAL SCHOOL Whiteside Area Career Center

1608 Fifth Ave. 815-626-5810 Online: wacc.cc/ Whiteside Area Career Center was the first of only 23 career and technical education centers in Illinois. It serves students from 16 member school districts and four parochial schools in northwestern Illinois. There are about 600 students enrolled in its 12 programs that provide technical training in several areas, including business and related technology, consumer services, industrial technology and transportation services. Specialized career and technical skills are taught in a variety of occupations. Workbased learning programs also are offered.

PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS

Newman Central Franklin Elementary School Catholic High School 1510 E. 25th St. 815-625-5755 Online: sterlingpublicschools.org/o/fes Grades: Preschool through second Principal: Brooke Dir

Jefferson Elementary School 806 E. LeFevre Road 815-625-6402 Online: sterlingpublicschools.org/o/jes Grades: Preschool through second Principal: Heather Wittenauer

Lincoln Elementary

1501 E. Sixth St. 815-625-1449 Online: sterlingpublicschools.org/o/les Grades: 3-5 Enrollment: About 360 students, with an average of 26 in each class.

Principal: Cindy Frank

Washington Elementary

815 W. LeFevre Road 815-625-2372 Online: sterlingpublicschools.org/o/wes Grades: 3-5

22

Newman serves parishes in Lee, Bureau, Ogle and Whiteside counties.

1101 W. 23rd St. 815-625-0500 Online: newmancchs.org Grades: 9-12 Enrollment: About 250 students, with an average of 20 in each class.

Principal: Jennifer Oetting

St. Mary’s School

6 W. Sixth St. 815-625-2253 Online: smsterling.org/ Grades: Pre-K through 8 Enrollment: About 180 students, with an average of 18 in each class.

Principal: Melanie Selmi

Christ Lutheran School

2000 18th Ave. 815-625-3800 Online: christlutheranschool.com Grades: Pre-K through 8 Enrollment: About 150 students, with an average of 15 in each class Principal: Rev. Russell Helbig

Get To Know Us: Sterling/Rock Falls | 2022-23

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SM-ST1986618

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Get To Know Us: Sterling/Rock Falls | 2022-23

23

Abiding Word Christian Center Food Pantry — 806 E. Lynn Blvd., Sterling; 815-6261827; abidingwordchurch.org Alzheimer’s Association, Rock River Branch — 93 S. Hennepin Ave., Dixon; alz. org; 815-285-1100 American Cancer Society — 4312 E. State St., Rockford; 815-229-1287; cancer.org American Red Cross of Northwest Illinois — 727 N. Church St., Rockford; https:// www.redcross.org/local/illinois/about-us/ locations/northwest-illinois.html; 815-9638471 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Whiteside County — 506 W. Fourth St., Suite 27, Sterling; 815-716-8987; bbbsmv.org and on Facebook Department of Human Services — 2605 Woodlawn Road, Suite 4, Sterling; 815-6324045; dhs.state.il.us/ First Church of the Nazarene “Helping Hands” — 1208 E. Fourth St., Sterling; 815625-1146; sterlingnaz.com/ministries/helpinghands/ and on Facebook F.I.S.H. Food Pantry — 902 E. Fifth St., Sterling; 815-626-1734 Happy Tails Humane Society — 1408 McNeil Road, Rock Falls; 815-626-2994; happytailsanimalshelter.org and on Facebook Home of Hope Cancer Wellness Center — 1637 Plock Road, Dixon; 815-288-4673; homeofhopeonline.org and on Facebook Rock River Hospice & Home — 2706 Ave. E, Sterling; 815-625-3858; hospicerockriver. org and on Facebook Lutheran Social Services — 1901 First Ave., Sterling; 815-626-7333; lssi.org March of Dimes — 5411 E. State St., Suite 8, Rockford; 815-397-0097; marchofdimes.com Marine Corps League, Sauk Valley Detachment 913 — Rock Falls American Legion, 712 Fourth Ave., Rock Falls; 815-4412243; “Sauk Valley Marines #913” on Facebook Northwest Illinois Workforce Investment Board — 815-625-9648; illinoisworknet. com/WIOA/Pages/IWIBGuide.aspx Prairie State Legal Services — 1600 Fourth Ave., Suite 200 Rock Island, (serving Henry, Lee, Mercer, Rock Island, and Whiteside counties); 309-794-1328, 800-322-9804; pslegal.org Project VITAL (adult literacy program)

24

— 173 state Route 2, Dixon; 815-8356363; svcc.edu/community/adult-education/ vital Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce — 601 W. 10th St., Rock Falls; 815-625-4500; rockfallschamber.com and on Facebook Rock Falls Rotary Club — P.O. Box 902 Rock Falls; 815-325-4120; www.rockfallsrotary. org Salvation Army — 409 Ave. F, Sterling; 815-625-1622; salvationarmy.org and on Facebook Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce — 211 Locust St., Sterling; 815-6252400; saukvalleyareachamber.com and on Facebook Sauk Valley Food Bank — 1801 Plant Road, Sterling; saukvalleyfoodbank.org/; 815625-4556 Sauk Valley Friends of Ferals — 601 W. Route 30, Rock Falls; 815-590-3290; on Facebook Self Help Enterprises — 2300 W. LeFevre Road, Sterling; 815-626-3115; selfhelpenterprises.org and on Facebook Sinnissippi Centers — 2611 Woodlawn Road, Sterling; 815-625-0013 or 800-242-7642 (24-hour emergency hotline); sinnissippi.com Society of St. Vincent De Paul Society — 7 W. Sixth St., Sterling; 815-625-0311; svdpsaukvalley.org Tri County Opportunities Council — 405 Emmons Ave., Rock Falls; 800-323-5434; tcochelps.org and on Facebook Trinity United Methodist Church Food Pantry — 205 E. 10th St., Sterling; 815-6267777 Twin Cities PADS Homeless Shelter — 111 E. 29th St., Sterling; 815-626-2210; twincitiespads.org and on Facebook United Way of Whiteside County — 502 First Ave., Sterling; 815-625-7973; unitedwayofwhitesidecounty.org and on Facebook Whiteside County Senior Center — 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling; 815-622-9230; wc-seniorcenter.org and on Facebook White Oaks Women’s Clinic — 1503 1st Ave, Suite C, Rock Falls; myfutureapproved. com/white-oak-clinic/; 815-408-0793 YMCA Sterling-Rock Falls — 2505 Ave. E, Sterling; 815-535-9622; srfymca.org/ and on Facebook

Get To Know Us: Sterling/Rock Falls | 2022-23

American Legion Post 902 — 712 Fourth Ave., Rock Falls; 815-626-3862; legion.org and on Facebook American Legion Post 296 — 601 First Ave., Sterling; 815-625-1212; legion.org and on Facebook Beta Sigma Phi women’s service organization — 888-238-2221; bspinternational. org Boy Scouts of America, Blackhawk Area Council, White Eagle District — 815-3970210; blackhawkscouting.org Carpenters Local 790 — 1008 Seventh Ave., Rock Falls; 815-626-1533; local790.com/ CGH Medical Center Auxiliary — 100 E. LeFevre Road, Sterling; or 815-625-0400, ext.

4642; cghmc.com Church Women United — 210 Fourth Ave., Rock Falls; churchwomenunitedillinois. org/ Crossroads Youth Ministries — 1800 Prophet Road, Rock Falls; 815-625-4371; Facebook Daughters of the American Revolution, Rock River Chapter — ildar.org/chapters/ rockriver/ Eagles Club 2783 — 321 W. Second St., Rock Falls; on Facebook Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois — 229 First Ave. Rock Falls; 844-476-4463; girlscoutsni.org/ 4-H, University of Illinois Extension Office for Lee, Carroll and Whiteside counties — 12923 Lawrence Road in Sterling; 815632-3611; https://extension.illinois.edu/ clw/4-h-whiteside-county and on Facebook Jaycees-Sterling/Rock Falls — P.O. Box 705, Sterling; on Facebook Kiwanis of Sterling — P.O. Box 44, Sterling; sterlingkiwanis.org; on Facebook.

Knights of Columbus No. 662 — kofc.org or call the nearest Catholic church Latin American Social Club — 815-6268290; Facebook Thrivent Financial — offices in Sterling, Rock Falls and Dixon (go to www.thrivent. com and click on the “find a financial professional” link at the top of the page); 800-8474836 Masonic Lodge Rock River 612 — 113

1/2 W. Third St., Sterling; 612-il.ourlodgepage. com Moose Lodge 726 — 2601 E. Lincolnway, Sterling; 815-625-3619; mooseintl.org/ location/726-sterling/.org and on Facebook Optimist Club-Rock Falls — optimistofrockfalls@gmail.com; optimist.org/member/ clubdirectory/clubdetail.cfm?club=12302 and on Facebook Optimist Club-Sterling — sterling.optimist@gmail.com; optimist.org/member/clubdirectory/clubdetail.cfm?club=12328 and on Facebook PEO Sisterhood Chapter CC — peoillinois.org Rebekah Lodge 202 Rock Falls — ioof-il. org/lodge-directory/rebekah-lodges/ Rock River Human Resources Professional Association — P.O. Box 962, Dixon; rrhrpa.shrm.org Rock River Road Runners Running Club — on Facebook Rock River Valley Barbershop Chorus — rockrivervalleychorus.org and on Facebook Rock River Valley International Fellowship — 802 W. Third St., Sterling; Facebook Rotary Club, Twin City Sunrise — https://rotary6420.org/clubinfo/twin-cities-(rock-falls-sterling) and on Facebook Rotary Club of Rock Falls — rockfallsrotary.org and on Facebook Sterling Noon Rotary — sterlingilrotary.com Sauk Valley Association of Realtors — 2605 Woodlawn Road No. 4, Sterling; 815626-8148 Sauk Valley Landlord Association — P.O. Box 401, Rock Falls; svla.org Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society — 1005 E. Third St., Sterling; 815-6226215; srfhs.com and on Facebook United Methodist Women of Rock Falls — 210 Fourth Ave., Rock Falls; 815-625-0114; rockfallsumc.org/ Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5418 — 217 First Ave., Rock Falls; 815-626-3513; on Facebook Whiteside County Genealogists — genealogytrails.com/ill/whiteside Yak Yak Sisters, kayaking club for men and women — on Facebook

Get To Know Us: Sterling/Rock Falls | 2022-23

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ROCK FALLS

Rock River Christian Center — 1800 Prophetstown Road; 815-625-4371; rrccag.org and on Facebook

0351; ebcsterling.com and on Facebook Faith Baptist — 2005 Freeport Road; 815-6257690; faithbaptiststerling.com and on Facebook First Baptist Church — 1705 Sixth Ave.; www. firstbaptiststerling.com, 815-625-1288 Macedonia Baptist Church — 1313 Woodburn Ave.; 815-625-6473: on Facebook New Hope Baptist Church — 25059 Como Road; 815-625-8492; newhopecomo.org/

Baptist

Catholic

Liberty Baptist Church — 2002 Ninth Ave.; 815625-4101; givemelibertybaptist.org and on Facebook Maranatha Baptist Church — 2103 Walter St.; 815-625-8978; sinnissippibaptist.org/maranatha-rockfalls

Sacred Heart Catholic Church — 2224 Ave. J; 815-625-1134; sacredheartparish.net and on Facebook St. Mary Catholic Church — 600 Ave. B; 815625-1684; stmarysterlingil.org/ and on Facebook

Catholic

Church of Christ

Apostolic

New Life Tabernacle — 920 Ave. D, 815-7186657; find New Life Tabernacle Church on Facebook

Assembly of God

St. Andrew Catholic Church — 708 10th Ave.; 815-625-4508; standrewrockfalls.org and on Facebook

Congregational

First Congregational United Church of Christ — 905 Dixon Ave.; 815-625-3314; ucc.org/church/firstcongregational-ucc-49/ and on Facebook

Disciples of Christ

First Christian Church — 506 Fifth Ave.; 815-6262271; fccrockfalls.blogspot.com

Evangelical

Evangelical Congregational Church — 1602 13th Ave., 815-625-5360; on Facebook

Foursquare

Foursquare Church — 1501 11th Ave.; 815-6255040; foursquare.org/churches/31679

Lutheran

Good Shepherd Lutheran — 435 Martin Road; 815-625-3376; gslcrf.org and on Facebook Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran — 501 Eighth Ave.; 815-625-3575; immanuelrockfalls.org and on Facebook

Methodist

Rock Falls United Methodist Church — 210 Fourth Ave.; 815-625-0114; rockfallsumc.org and on Facebook

Nondenominational

Harvest Time Bible Church — 1802 Dixon Ave.; 815-626-1234; htbc.info and on Facebook

Open Bible

First Open Bible Church — 2105 E. Route 30; 815625-1957; fobrf.org and on Facebook

STERLING Baptist

Emmanuel Baptist — 1904 18th Ave.; 815-625-

26

16th Avenue Church of Christ — 1902 16th Ave.; 815-625-2251; 16avechurch.com and on Facebook

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints — 2709 16th Ave., 815-625-1229; on Facebook

Congregational Big Red Church — 311 Second Ave.; 815-6255112; thebigredchurchsterling.org/ and on Facebook

Disciples of Christ First Christian Church — 3400 N. Sixth Ave.; 815-625-6851; firstchristianchurchofsterling.org and on Facebook

Episcopal Grace Episcopal — 707 First Ave.; 815-6250442; episcopalgrace.org and on Facebook

Jewish Temple Sholom — 510 E. 10th St.; 815-6252599; sholomsterling.com/ and on Facebook

Lutheran First Lutheran Church of Jordan — 20314 Hickory Hills Road; 815-625-5407; on Facebook Messiah Lutheran Church — 1601 Ave. F; 815625-2284; mlcsterling.org/ and on Facebook New Life Lutheran Church — 702 W. Lynn Blvd.; 815-499-6552; nllutheran.com and on Facebook Our Savior Lutheran — 21496 Hazel Road, 815772-4345; and on Facebook St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran — 703 Third Ave; 815-625-2634; stjohnssterling.org and on Facebook St. Paul Lutheran — 1701 16th Ave.; 815-6253069; stpaulsterling.com and on Facebook

CHURCHES cont’d to page 27

Get To Know Us: Sterling/Rock Falls | 2022-23

CHURCHES cont’d from page 26

Mennonite Community Mennonite Fellowship — meets at YWCA, 412 First Ave.; 815-238-3421; and on Facebook Science Ridge Mennonite Church — 1702 E. 37th St.; 815-626-0538; and on Facebook

Methodist East Jordan United Methodist — 22027 Polo Road; 815-626-0104; eastjordanchurch. org and on Facebook First United Methodist Church — 501 Broadway Ave.; 815-625-0244; on Facebook Trinity United Methodist — 205 E. 10th St.; umc.org/en/find-a-church/church/?id=47448 , 815-626-7777 Wesley United Methodist Church — 2200 16th Ave.; 815-625-1968; sterlingwesley.org and on Facebook

Nazarene First Church of the Nazarene — 411 13th Ave.; 815-625-0864; sterlingnaz.com and on Facebook

Nondenominational Abiding Word Church — 806 E. Lynn Blvd.; 815-

626-1827; abidingwordchurch.org and on Facebook Amazing Grace of Sterling — 512 Second Ave., 815-625-9300; revivalfires.net and on Facebook Faith Family Fellowship — 417 E. Third St.; 815-626-2577; faithfamily.faithweb.com Firehouse of God Ministries — 306 Fifth Ave.; 815-622-9490; on Facebook Full Gospel Assembly — 3807 River Road; 815-535-2049; on Facebook Shalom Assembly of Yahweh — 26477 Fulfs Road; 537-808-6435; forhisname.org and on Facebook The Living Bread — 1003 Griswold Ave.; 815-626-6941; on Facebook

Presbyterian

First Presbyterian Church — 410 Second Ave.; 815-625-0452; firstpresbyteriansterling. org and on Facebook

Reformed

Bethel Reformed Church — 230 E. 23rd St.; 815-626-1816; bethelreformed.org and on Facebook

Salvation Army

Salvation Army — 409 Ave. F, 815-6251622; tsasterling.org and on Facebook

Welcome to Grace Episcopal Church Walk through these doors, and you will find friends and a place of Grace!

Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m.

Bible Study Wednesdays* 6:00 p.m.

*Resuming in the fall

707 1st Avenue, Sterling ~ 815-625-0442 www.facebook.com/episcopalgrace/ gracechurchstg.office@gmail.com

The Rev. Peg Williams, Rector Emerita SM-ST1986577

Get To Know Us: Sterling/Rock Falls | 2022-23

27

ROCK FALLS

The Coloma Township Park District was formed in 1925 and is governed by an elected five-member board of commissioners who serve six-year terms without compensation. It is the second largest park system in Whiteside County, serving the residents of Coloma Township and adjacent unincorporated areas. More information: Go to colomatownshipparkdistrict.com, find it on Facebook, or call 815-625-0272.

Bennett Park — West Bennett Drive; playground and picnic area Bowman Family Park — downtown riverfront; fishing, pavilions and scenic area Centennial Park — Avenue D and East 11th Street; ball diamonds, tennis courts, playground, canoeing and paddleboating, fishing, ice skating, monument, pavilions, picnic area, and scenic area Dillon Park West — 19th Street and 11th Avenue; ball diamonds, playground, and picnic area Joshua Park — U.S. Route 30 and Riverdale Road; ball diamond, basketball court, disc golf course, playground, picnic shelter, and restrooms Kiwanis Park — West 12th Street and Seventh Avenue; ball diamonds, playground, pavilions, and picnic area Liberty Bell Monument Park — junction of Route 88 and Second Avenue; replica of the Liberty Bell Logan Memorial Park — East U.S. Route 30; playground, picnic area, and scenic area Lower Dam Park — downtown riverfront; boat ramp and fishing, excellent for Eagle watching

Nims Park — East Third Street and Avenue E; ball diamonds, basketball court, disc golf course, playground, pavilions, and picnic area Optimist Park — 14th Avenue and Prophet Road; ball diamonds, playground, and picnic area RB&W District Park — East Second Street, on the riverfront downtown.; green space area includes entertainment venue, water feature, parks, a trail, and restrooms Rotary Park — East Minkle Road; ball diamonds, playground, pavilions, and picnic area Seward-Riverside Park — East Second Street and Avenue C; fishing, playground, boat launch, picnic area, and scenic area A.V. Sieglinger Park — Ninth Avenue and 22nd Street; ball diamonds, playground, pavilions, and picnic area Veterans Memorial Park — West Fifth Street and Galt Avenue; bandshell and monument Wallingford Park — East Eighth Street and Avenue C; ball diamonds, basketball courts, playground, pavilions, and picnic area

STERLING

The Sterling Park District features 525 acres of park sites featuring 14 parks, 7 miles of bike paths, access to the Rock River via boat ramps, an 18-hole golf course, 27-hole disc golf course, tennis courts and pickleball courts, fishing ponds and more. More information: Go to sterlingparks.org, find it on Facebook, or call 815-622-6200.

PARKS cont’d to page 29

415 Locust St. Suite B, Sterling

815-213-7401

Korinna Ramirez, Broker 815-441-0230 Korinna@BardierTeam.com

Jill Ramirez, Broker (Hablo Espanol)

815-716-7379 Jill@BardierTeam.com

Lee Bardier, Managing Broker, ABR 815-716-3604 Lee@BardierTeam.com

Bobbie Bardier, Team Assistant 815-716-3235 Bobbie@BardierTeam.com

Korinna Ramirez See all homes at www.Bardier-Ramirez.com 28

Get To Know Us: Sterling/Rock Falls | 2022-23

PARKS cont’d from page 28 Douglas Park — 2100 Chestnut Ave.; basketball court, playground equipment, and open play area Duis Recreation Center — 211 E. 23rd St.; fitness center and swimming pool Eberley Park — 2699 W. LeFevre Road; 1.5-mile walking course Emerald Hill Golf Course — 16802 Prairieville Road; golf course and Emerald Hill Pavilion (weddings and parties) Gartner Park — 2121 W. LeFevre Road; ball diamond, playground Harry Kidd Field — 1219 W. Seventh St.; football field Hoover Park — 3807 Woodlawn Road; trail system, playground equipment, picnic and open play areas, and drinking water Kilgour Park — 400 W. 15th St.; basketball court, tennis courts, Imagination Station playground, picnic and open play areas, local historic site and drinking water Lawrence Park — Avenue G Island; boat launch, fishing, horseshoe courts, picnic area with grills, playground equipment, open play areas and shelters Martin’s Landing and Sinnissippi Dam Walkway — 10th Avenue and Second Street (behind the Dillon Home); benches, gazebo shelter, fishing and trail connection to Hennepin Canal Parkway Trail Oppold Marina — 532 Stouffer Road; boat

launch, boat slip rental, fishing, harbor house, ice skating (outdoor), playground equipment, picnic open play areas, shelters and restrooms Propheter Park — 506 E. Sixth St.; basketball courts, playground equipment and open play areas Redfield Park — 14th Avenue and Second Street (behind the Dillon Home); benches, playground equipment, open play areas and access to trail system Scheid Park — 1102 Woodburn Ave.; basketball courts, soccer fields, playground equipment, open play areas, shelter and restrooms Sinnissippi Park — Sinnissippi Road; ball diamonds (unlighted), disc golf course, cross-country skiing and sledding, fishing trail access, playground equipment, picnic and open play areas, national historic site, shelters and restrooms Thomas Park — 2301 12th Ave.; basketball courts, tennis courts, ice skating (outdoor), playground equipment, picnic, open play areas and shelter Westwood Sports Center — 1900 Westwood Drive (just east of McCue Road); 6-lane 200 meter indoor track, 60-yard AstroTurf Puregrass football/ soccer field, four indoor tennis courts, four indoor pickleball courts, four indoor racquetball/wallyball courts, two indoor batting cages, wrestling room, eight indoor basketball/volleyball courts, aerobics room with woodsprung floor, more than 12,000-square-feet fitness center with free weights, pin- and plate-loaded weights and cardio theater

Give the Garage Back to Your Car. When you need your space, we have room for you. √ 24 Hour Access √ 3 Convenient Locations √ Many Sizes Available

BUSY PROPERTIES, LLC MINI STORAGE FACILITIES • Sterling • Emerson • Lanark 815-626-1552 | www.busyproperties.com G e t To K n o w U s : S t e r l i n g / R o c k Fa l l s | 2 0 2 2-2 3

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SERVICE PROVIDERS Republic Services (waste disposal) 815-625-1281 republicservices.com Moring Disposal 815-938-3602 www.moringdisposal.com Comcast (cable & internet) 800-226-2278 comcast.com Nicor Gas 888-642-6748 nicorgas.com WATER Sterling: Illinois American Water Co. 800-422-2782 amwater.com Rock Falls: Rock Falls Water Dept.

603 W. 10th St. 815-622-1100 rockfalls61071.net/utility-services/water-services ELECTRICITY Sterling: ComEd 800-334-7661 comed.com Rock Falls: Rock Falls Electric Dept.

603 W. 10th St. 815-622-1100 rockfalls61071.net/utility-services/electric-services

GOV’T OFFICES Whiteside County Clerk 200 E. Knox St., Morrison

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815-772-5189 www.whiteside.org/departments/county-clerk.html Whiteside County Collector-Treasurer 200 E. Knox St., Morrison 815-772-5196 www.whiteside.org/departments/collector-treasurer.html Whiteside County Assessor 200 E. Knox St., Morrison 815-772-5195 www.whiteside.org/departments/assessor CITY HALLS Rock Falls: 603 W. 10th St. 815-622-1100 rockfalls61071.net/ Sterling: 212 Third Ave. 815-632-6621 ci.sterling.il.us/

MISC. CGH Medical Center 100 E. Le Fevre Road, Sterling 815-625-0400 cghmc.com/ Driver’s License Station 1224 W. Fourth St., Sterling 815-626-2825 ilsos.gov/ POST OFFICES Rock Falls: 210 Second Ave. 815-626-0514 Sterling: 408 Third Ave. 815-625-0812 usps.com LIBRARIES Rock Falls: 1007 Seventh Ave. 815-626-3958 rockfallslibrary.com/

Sterling: 102 W. Third St. 815-625-1370, sterling-il. gov/169/Fire sterlingpubliclibrary.org/ Sauk Valley Media 113 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon 815-625-3600 saukvalley.com

PUBLIC SAFETY CGH Emergency Services 100 E. LeFevre Road, Sterling 815-626-0400 cghmc.com/ Whiteside County Sheriff 400 N. Cherry St., Morrison 815-772-4044 whiteside.org Advance EMS Ambulance Services 661 Reynoldswood Road, Dixon (serving Dixon, Sterling and the surrounding areas) 815-288-6898 https://advems.com POLICE DEPARTMENTS Rock Falls: 1013 Seventh Ave. 815-622-1140 Sterling: 212 E. Third St., 815-632-6640 FIRE DEPARTMENTS Rock Falls: 1013 Seventh Ave. 815-622-1135, rockfalls61071. net/departments/fire-department/ Sterling: 110 W. Fifth St. 815-632-6680 IN AN EMERGENCY, CALL 911

G e t To K n o w U s : S t e r l i n g / R o c k Fa l l s | 2 0 2 2-2 3

SM-ST1986075

Get To Know Us: Sterling/Rock Falls | 2022-23

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Mabley is Hiring Medical Administrator (Licensed Physician)

Salary: $98.77-$132.76/hour Registered Nurses starting at

$6,176-$6,883/month Mental Health Technicians Trainee (Similar to a Nursing Assistant) starting at

$3,202-$3,647/month

Psychologist Associate/Psychologist starting at

$4,162-$6,699/month Social Worker III starting at

$5,326-$7,530/month Health Benefits, Annual salary increases, sick/vacation/personal days

CALL TODAY! 815-288-8340

DHS.MABLEYHR@ILLINOIS.GOV 32

Get To Know Us: Sterling/Rock Falls | 2022-23