Sterling rock falls living fall winter 2017

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Look back at fairs, festivals and Twin Cities summer fun Sterling cosmetic studio keeps its customers happy Family behind Rock Falls business’ road to success s t e r l i n g - r o c k

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OFFER ENDS 11/11/17

OFFER ENDS 11/11/17

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS Same Day Appointments Extended Hours

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We will always provide services to everyone regardless of your ethnicity, your country of origin, your religion, your race or any other group you identify with.

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Story By Kristin Widolff & Photos By Alex T. Paschal For Sterling-Rock Falls Living

Becky Murray, 54, owner of Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio in downtown Sterling, is excited to bring Merle Norman products and services back to Sterling.

MAKEUP MAKEOVER Sterling cosmetic studio going strong after reopening

W

ith a history of more than 34 years in Sterling, Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio reopened its doors on May 1 with a new owner, Becky Murray, 54, at the helm.

“I’ve been working with makeup for 10 years, and I love it,” she said.

Murray, a Bradford native, has lived in the Sterling area for more than 20 years and knows its beauty and spa industry well.

Her history with Merle Norman cosmetics started more than 17 years ago, when she opened her day spa, Massage Works, in the same building as the first Merle Norman studio, previously operated by Cindy Fan. Continued on page 13

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A wealth of resources.

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Securities offered through LPL Financial member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance products offered through LPL Financial or its licensed afďŹ liates. First State Bank – Shannon Polo is not a registered broker/dealer and is not afďŹ liated with LPL Financial.

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Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio

Merle Norman employee Stephanie Schrader (right) removes a charcoal mask from Verna Woessner Sept. 15 at Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio in downtown Sterling.

​Address: 315 First Ave., Sterling Phone: 815-632-3362 Online: On Facebook Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

Continued from page 11

When the first Merle Norman studio closed, loyal customers and employees came together to encourage Murry to reopen the shop.

Murray enjoys hearing the positive feedback about the studio’s return to the city.

“My favorite thing is when a customer walks in and thanks me for the business, appreciates the business coming back,” she said.

The cozy studio, located in downtown Ster-

ling next to The Little Chocolatier, is filled with makeup and skincare gracefully displayed along its crisp, white walls: every shade of foundation, lipstick, blush, and eye shadow.

Women covered in charcoal face masks laugh out loud, eating doughnuts together with relaxing spa music playing in the background.

A sink lined with grapefruit sugar scrub and sizable mirrors are situated in the back, occupied by loyal customers that come in for their monthly “facial club” – a comprehensive facial,

skincare and makeup routine.

Verna Woessner, one of those spunky, loyal customers, in her full facial mask glory, told a story of how she used to wear Merle Norman cosmetics when she was just 16 years old, but later on she didn’t know how to find them.

One day, she called a friend to get help with her skincare, and that’s when she started coming down to the studio in Sterling.

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Stephanie Schrader works on a customer’s makeup at the cosmetic studio.

Continued from page 13

Now, the 66-year-old comes every month for her “facial club.”

“I love the skincare, but it’s the people I love, too. We have a really good time. It even feels good,” she said with a laugh, pointing to her charcoal face mask.

Not only does Murray have a loyal clientele, but the beauty consultants working at the studio have extensive experience with Merle Norman cosmetics and love their customers, too.

Each beauty consultant is trained in using Merle Norman products and receives ongoing education.

Murray emphasizes good customer service and a friendly, inviting atmosphere.

The studio’s services include facials and makeovers for everyday appointments, facial clubs, or special events, like weddings or prom.

All appointments are located at the studio. The business’ loyalty card provides customers with an averaged discount on their next product or service after making

12 purchases. Most all makeup and skincare products for purchase are by Merle Norman Cosmetics, made in the USA, and designed for every skin type. The studio also sells Clarisonic and Japonesque skincare/makeup tools.

Murray continues to work on her goal to continue growing, staying busy, and staying connected to the community. Her faithful clientele help make that happen.

“Get off your feet, let us pamper you!” she said with a smile. s Serving the Sauk Valley Area for Over 35 Years!

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Fueled by family Community, giving back key to local bar and grill

J

ared Strader, 38, always knew he wanted to own and run a bar and restaurant that would be a staple in the community.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”

So, when the old Bullseye in Sterling went up for sale, he bought the space in March 2015 with the goal of becoming a part of the community and giving back.

The Factory Pub-n-Grub has grown into a flourishing restaurant with a new menu coming out soon, in addition to its full bar and daily specials.

Strader runs the business alongside his sister, Tanya Strader, 41, the restaurant and bar’s manager.

Originally from Cambridge, the family is familiar with the bar business, having worked previously with their dad, Denny, at Champs in Sterling, which has been in the family for more than 25 years.

Strader’s appreciation for his community and desire to give back stem from the love and support he and his family received when his wife and local schoolteacher, Jessica Strader, died in 2013 after battling breast cancer for 3 years.

Story By Kristin Widolff & Photos By Peter Balser For Sterling-Rock Falls Living

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The Factory Pub-n-Grub

Address: 103 W. Third St., Sterling Phone: 815-548-9550 Online: thefactorypubngrub.com and Facebook Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday On that memorable day, hundreds of people came together, united as “Team Jess,” to honor and support the Strader family with a grand release of pink balloons in their backyard.

The spirit of Team Jess continues through local fundraising efforts such as Touchdown for Ta-Tas and now through The Factory.

In honor of Jessica, The Factory gives money each year to help fund $1,000 scholarships for seniors at Prophetstown, Sterling, Rock Falls, and Newman high schools.

The establishment pays homage to the city’s history with original photos of Northwestern Steel and Wire along its rustic walls and an old hard hat signed by locals who used to work at the mill.

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the Straders both said they love what they do.

“I can sit here for 15 hour shifts,” Tanya said. “it doesn’t feel like work to me.”

Tanya creates many of the drinks herself, and Jared is often found cooking in the kitchen.

Continued on page 19 TOP, PAGE 16: The brother-and-sister team, Tanya Strader and Jared Strader (also shown above), stand with Jared’s daughter, Chloe, at The Factory in Sterling.

BOTTOM, PAGE 16: The bar and grill’s pork tenderloin sandwich (also shown above) is a popular choice.

BELOW: The Factory Burger – with onions, tomatoes, lettuce, bacon, and cheese – is shown with a side of French fries.

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The Third Shift Burger – featuring bacon, cheese, tater tots, and a fried egg – is shown here with a side of sweet potato fries.

Continued from page 17

“We pride ourselves on the food, and I love to see people’s reactions to our martinis,” Tanya said. Every Thursday, The Factory puts on a $5 martini night, where you can order martinis such as caramel apple and their “lemon shake-up.”

Their menu offers upscale, American pub food, including their most popular items – the burgers – made with Braveheart Black Angus beef.

Several of the recipes are created in-house, such as their pulled pork and tenderloins. The menu continues to grow, with new items being added and a robust list of daily specials for food and drink.

The Factory also hosts parties and provides catering services – including food and bar service for weddings – and offers food delivery or carryout.

Several locals call in to order their food on a lunch break, and Tanya will have it ready to go

when they walk in.

Strader’s support for local schools also extends to broadcasting Golden Warrior TV, showing all the Sterling football and basketball games, and even to how they name their nachos.

The local flair of the restaurant and bar creates a community feel that everyone can be a part of.

“We just want people to come hang out and relax,” Strader said. s

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Quality work & honest value are the driving forces behind our success.

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We Assist: April House Children’s Advocacy Center • Big Brothers Big Sisters • Blackhawk Area Council Boy Scouts • Hospice of Rock River Valley • Sterling/Rock Falls YMCA • YWCA of Sauk Valley Area • Rock Falls Civic Fund • Whiteside County Senior Center • LSSI • American Red Cross • Home of Hope Cancer Wellness Center • White Oaks Therapeutic Equestrian Center • Morrison Community Day Care • Odell Public Library Summer Reading Program • Catholic Charities • Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois • Morrison Community Preschool • Woodlawn Arts Academy • Tri-County Head Start Program • Sterling Rock Falls Child Care Center • United Way Programs: 2-1-1 • Pharmacy Assistance • Back to School • Let’s Feed Our Children • L.I.F.E. • Elder Scam Alert

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R t a e g s ency.... e c n e i r e I loved both of my exp My experience with Regency Care of Sterling has been amazing. My goal was to get home fast. And that’s what they strived for. Their goals were my goals.

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“We Care For Loved Private Suites Available Ones Like Family” Formerly Coventry Living Center 612 61 2 W. 2 23rd 3rd 3r d St Street Street, et St Sterli Sterling, ling IL 6 61081 1081 10 81 • 8 815-626-9020 15-6 15 -626 26-9 -902 020 0 • www.regencycarest www.regencycaresterling.com sterliling.com Visit medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare to see how we rate.

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Taste of Fiesta

Photos By Alex T. Paschal For Sterling-Rock Falls Living

TOP: Alexandra Romo waves to the crowd Sept. 9 after being named 2017 Fiesta Queen at Central Memorial Park in downtown Sterling during the Taste of Fiesta. As queen, she received a scholarship to Sauk Valley Community College. The 6-hour event featured food, music, arts, crafts, dancing, and informational booths.

RIGHT: Letty Gomez donned a black outfit and make-up for her role as La Calavera Catrina, an icon in Mexico that honors the passing of loved ones. The image is most closely associated with El DĂ­a De Los Muertos, the Day of the Dead.

ABOVE: Sahara Castro, instructor for Grupo Ay! Jalisco, watches a group of dancers perform. The 65th annual Fiesta Days Parade took to the Twin Cities’ streets the following weekend on Sept. 16. Turn to page 23 to see more.

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TOP: Jazmin Olivas, a member of the Grupo Allegria, performs a Mexican folk dance during the Fiesta Day Parade in Sterling on Sept. 16.

ABOVE: Israel Delacruz, 10, of Rock Falls, waves the flag of Mexico while riding on a float in the parade.

RIGHT: Isaac Romesburg, 3, of Sterling waves to passing police officers and fire trucks while watching the Fiesta Day Parade.

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Additional offices located in Freeport & Monroe, WI

Heath and Beth Warner opened The Boulevard Pub and Grill on Aug. 11 at 2501 Ave. E in Sterling. The restaurant offers family dining with Wisconsin-themed foods, as well as a selection of brews, including craft, seasonal, and more well-known brands.

BELOW: As you can see, The decor pays tribute to the Warners’ love of Wisconsin.

A pub and some Wisconsin grub

New restaurant serves up family dining and brews on the boulevard

Story By Leichan Stoerger & Photos By Alex T. Paschal For Sterling-Rock Falls Living

T

he owners of The Boulevard Pub and Grill are not only bringing a taste of Wisconsin to the Sauk Valley, but Gramma’s potato salad, too.

When Heath and Beth Warner decided to add another item to the city’s menu of dining options, they headed north, not only for their restaurant’s theme but its location.

The Sterling couple knew they wanted to bring a restaurant to the north side of town, where they said there weren’t a lot of dining options.

They also knew they wanted to look north for their menu.

“My family is from Wisconsin and I went up in the summers as a kid.

I wanted to do something different that we didn’t have here and I wanted to do a Wisconsin supper theme,” Heath, 39, said.

Continued on page 27

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The Boulevard Pub and Grill offers 11 TVs, so customers can keep up on the talk shows or follow a game.

Continued from page 25

The restaurant offers Wisconsin-themed foods, including cheese curds, a gargantuan pretzel, an authentic Philly cheese steak and homemade potato salad – courtesy of a recipe that comes from someone who’s sliced and diced a lot of taters in her time: Heath’s grandmother.

The Boulevard Pub and Grill had its soft opening Aug. 11 at 2501 Ave. E, in the former home of the Cook’s Corner, a kitchen supply store that closed last year.

“Business has been unbelievable, it has been packed and better than we expected,” said Heath. The couple also owns the MVP Lounge at 3 E. Third St. in downtown Sterling.

Heath said he and Beth are really big on atmosphere at the pub, something they instill in their staff of 18. “Our servers and bartenders are super friendly and always greet customers with a smile. We offer a personal touch you don’t get a lot of places.”

Beth, 38, said the business also is very family oriented, all the way down to the couple’s kids, Nathaniel, 16, and Bailey, 13. “Our kids are a big help,” she said. The pub also offers The Big Al, a 23-ounce draft named after Heath’s uncle.

On the pub side, the bar offers a dozen drafts on tap. In addition to some perennial favorites – like Angry Badger Pale Ale from Bent River in Rock Island – they change out craft and seasonal beers monthly.

“We try to give customers good beer options.” Heath said.

On the grill side, the Warners are boosting business with specials, a children’s night, and delivery to local businesses.

The Boulevard Pub and Grill

Address: 2501 Ave. E, Sterling Phone: 815-905-2583 (BLVD) Grill hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday Pub hours: 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday Online: Find The Boulevard Pub and Grill on Facebook.

They also plan to open a private gaming room for customers.

“The waitress will go to them, so they won’t have to leave the room,” Heath said. They hope to have the gaming room open by the end of this month and plan to offer complimentary donuts and coffee starting at 9 a.m.

The Warners said they enjoy meeting new people and interacting with the community.

“We are open late so after local sports games, families can come eat here as well as those who work second shift. We pride ourselves on keeping our staff here to serve the public,” Heath said.

“We are trying to accommodate most people by offering them something unique and giving them an experience that they can’t get somewhere else.” s

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Rock River Hospice & Home

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Resthave Home was one of the best decisions I have made. The staff is experienced, knowledgeable and work with each individual.

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Sterling-Rock Falls

FEATURE • STORY

MAGAZINE

Publisher Don T. Bricker Advertising Director Jennifer Heintzelman Editor Jeff Rogers Magazine Editors Lucas Pauley Rusty Schrader Page Design Lucas Pauley Published by

Sauk Valley Media 3200 E. Lincolnway Sterling, IL 61081 815-625-3600 Articles and advertisements are the property of Sauk Valley Media. No portion of Sterling-Rock Falls Living Magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Ad content is not the responsibility of Sauk Valley Media. The information in this magazine 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.

Food and a friendly atmosphere at The Factory

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Photos By Alex T. Paschal For Sterling-Rock Falls Living

4H Fest through the lens Madison Krum, 11, of Morrison works on a painting of a lake on July 14 during the Whiteside County 4H Fair. 4Her’s were invited to paint the fairground’s sidewalks.

LEFT: Kaylee Stitcher, 14, of Erie, speaks with Food Preservation judge Donna Young on July 14 about her submission at the fair. The fair is a chance for 4-H’ers in the county to exhibit their projects.

ABOVE: Katie Eggemeyer (left), Ellie Arian and Gina Lee, all 12, of Morrison, sort through paint colors.

The girls were preparing to decorate one of the fairground’s sidewalks.

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More inside

21 Fiesta Days fun in the Twin Cities Annual local celebration of Mexican heritage had it all

5 Workman’s Harley-Davidson

25 The Boulevard Pub and Grill

Rock Falls family business celebrates 35 years in business

Sterling establishment opens with a little taste of Wisconsin

8 Whiteside County Fair

29 Rock Falls Sesquicentennial

Take a look back at the annual fair during a special week in August

Take quick look back at event that offered something for everyone

11 Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio

31 Whiteside County 4H Fair

Longtime Sterling staple finds success under new ownership

Local students show off their skills at annual fair

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Workman’s Harley-Davidson in Rock Falls is celebrating 35 years in business. Below, Owners Vern and Jane Workman (center) stand with their daughter, Jerri Wagenknecht, and son, Tom Workman.

Joy ride

From a love of motorcycles, family brings Harley-Davidson dealership into its 35th year Story By Andrea Mills & Photos By Alex T. Paschal For Sterling-Rock Falls Living

F

rom a basement hobby to a Harley-Davidson dealership, Jane and Vern Workman’s love of motorcycles has led to an impressive building of bikes and brand merchandise.

“There’s more than grease and oil in here,” Vern said.

In July, the enterprising couple celebrated 35 years of business, but the road to their success hasn’t always been smooth pavement.

“It’s hard to stay in business,” Jane said. “You have your good years; you have your bad years.”

It all started innocently enough in 1968 with a used Harley XLCH, which the couple rode about 3,000 to 4,000 miles a year.

Then it happened.

Continued on page 6

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Workman’s Harley-Davidson sells a wide variety of leather jackets. The Rock Falls dealership celebrated 35 years in business in July. From one employee, the dealership has grown to 14, and the couple’s son and daughter, Tom and Jerri, both work there now.

Continued from page 5

Workman’s Harley-Davidson Inc.

Address: 1903 Harley-Davidson Drive, Rock Falls Phone: 815-626-1213 Email: info@workmanhd.com Online: workmanhd.com and on Facebook Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday

Late in 1970, Vern customized a 1968 XLCH. He began doing the same thing for his friends’ bikes, and eventually began purchasing bikes and fixing them up to sell. Before long, he was in business.

Jane said if she wanted to see him, she had to go into the basement.

The couple opened their first Harley-Davidson dealership in January 1982 after meetings, service school and a bank loan.

“One of them took a chance on me,” Vern said, ”and we paid them back.”

“Jane quit her job,” he said. “I kept working at Illinois Forge. She ran the shop and learned to do parts. She knew every part.”

“When we started we had one rack of T-shirts and about two jackets,” Jane said. Today, the dealership offers a wide variety of items that warrant calling the building a department store.

Their next milestone was in 1986, when it was time to expand. The business moved to a location it would stay at for 14 years.

One more move was waiting on the side of

the road. It came in 1999, when their building was getting too small. Jane still remembers the day she went to the bank to get a loan.

“I knew approximately what the loan was going to cost, and I knew it would be a million dollars,” she said. “I went up to the bank, and with a handshake he told me I could have the money.”

She was more than surprised – she was shaking on the drive home.

“I remember I was so shaky,” Jane said. “I told him [Vern], ‘You’ll never guess what. They told me they’d give me a million dollars.’ That was when the banking business was more or less done with a handshake. There was a lot of trust in those days.”

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A coincidence about their new address, 1903 First Ave., was that 1903 is the year Harley-Davidson was established.

It got even better when they sold some land to Culver’s, which then took over the First Avenue portion. They had a new road.

“We got to name the street,” Jane said. The result was a new address for their shop: 1903 Harley-Davidson Drive.

By 2002, those wanting a Harley-Davidson motorcycle needed patience. Customers would put money down and they’d wait 2 years for a bike.

“Our showroom was empty,” Jane said. “One time, we brought in hay bales and a chuckwagon and had a Western theme because our showroom was empty.”

From one employee, the dealership has grown to 14, and the couple’s son and daughter, Tom and Jerri, both work there now.

“I like working with people for the most part and being around motorcycles,” Tom said. “I’ve pretty much worked in every department here.

I worked in the back for the first 15 years in service. Now pretty much in sales and I run the service department.”

Jerri is in charge of Harley-Davidson MotorClothes and general merchandise.

The business’ crowning glory was to earn Harley-Davidson’s highest award for dealerships – the Gold Bar and Shield Circle of Excellence in 2012.

“That was really awesome,” Jane said.

“It’s very hard to earn,” Tom added.

Although motorcycles are more available now, there’s another concern – an aging population.

“The biggest challenge is bringing in young people because a lot of people who’ve been riding are aging,” Jane said, adding that Harley-Davidson is working on this.

“Three-quarters of people coming in here have gray hair,” Vern agreed.

Next year is Harley-Davidson’s 115th anniversary and celebrations are planned.

“They’ll have a lot of special celebration items and will come out with a lot of Harley-Davidson special edition motorcycles,” Jane said. “It’ll be really big next year.” s

Helmets and other protective gear is sold at the dealership.

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Look back at Whiteside County Fair Photos by Peter Balser, Michael Krabbenhoeft and Alex T. Paschal For SterlingRock Falls Living Riders hang on Aug. 18 on the Pharoah’s Fury ride at Whiteside County Fair.

ON THE COVER: Ryker Kuehl, 2, and Steven Kuehl zoom down the mega slide Aug. 16 at the fair.

ABOVE: Katera Scott, 14, of Clinton, Iowa, checks her phone while spinning around on a swing ride at the fair.

LEFT: Caleb Oostenryk, a bull fighter from Morrison, tries to distract a bull Aug. 15 during the Next Level Bull Riding at the fair.

TOP RIGHT: Aria Osborn (center), little sister Abby, and their grandma Nancy get a kick out of Granpa Cratchet’s Puppet Show on Aug. 16 at the fair.

MIDDLE: Leah Huizenga (left), 4, and Teaghan Tipton, 3, try their luck at winning a goldfish Aug. 18.

BOTTOM: Morrison’s Darren Kuehl flips burgers Aug. 16 at the Carroll County Livestock Feeders booth at the fair.

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Meet Our

Orthopaedic Surgery Team (From Left to Right) Ethan Brooks, Physician Assistant - C

Jeffrey Thormeyer, MD Orthopaedic Surgeon

Shawn Hanlon, MD Orthopaedic Surgeon

Joshua Wade, Physician Assistant - C

Our orthopaedic surgery department features board-certiďŹ ed orthopaedic surgeons and physician assistants who are available to serve you.

The orthopaedics department at CGH Medical Center offers a comprehensive, specialized continuum of care for conditions and injuries affecting the upper extremity (shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand), hip and knee joints.

Our surgical specialists pride themselves on taking a minimally-invasive approach, designed to limit complications associated with surgery, prevent future injuries and reduce pain and scarring.

What is an orthopaedic surgeon?

Orthopaedic surgeons specialize in problems with bones, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. They can diagnose and treat many diseases and conditions, including: arthritis and osteoporosis, broken or dislocated bones, pulled muscles, tendon injuries and bursitis, torn ligaments, sprains and strains.

MAIN CLINIC 101 E Miller Rd, Sterling, IL

(815) 625-4790 www.cghmc.com

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