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Dixon, Illinois

Get to know us

Dixon, Illinois 2020-2021

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Get to know us...Dixon, Illinois • 2020-2021

GET TO KNOW US: DIXON | WHAT’S INSIDE

Publisher: Don T. Bricker | General Manager/Advertising Director: Jennifer Heintzelman Get to Know Us ... Dixon, Illinois, 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.

Robert Maltry, Agent 709 N. Brinton Ave• Dixon, IL 61021 | Bus: (815) 288-4206

There’s no place like Dixon.

And, like you, we’re happy to call it home. And we’re proud to be here celebrating 25 years of service.

Thank you for your business and your trust.

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Welcome to Dixon, the hometown of Ronald Reagan and the seat of Lee County.

Our beautiful city is right on the Rock River, and our historic downtown is a great place to shop, enjoy wonderful dining, and explore culture. There are Musical Fridays, and also Second Saturdays Art Happenings, which pairs art and music. The Next Picture Show Fine Arts Center is a must-see gem, and the Dixon waterfront provides a picturesque backdrop for countless events each year.

Indeed, our festivals have become famous themDixon Mayor selves. They include the annual Christmas Walk, Liandro Arellano Jr. a Venetian Night on the river, the Gardenstock Art and Music Festival, and of course, the famous Petunia Festival. There is always something happening here in Dixon.

For those who like to explore history, the Dixon area is a treasure trove. Pass into town under the iconic Veterans Memorial Arch that first welcomed home World War I veterans, then tour Ronald Reagan’s Boyhood Home. Take the time to visit the Northwest Territory Historic Center or any of the many small museums that are part of the Dixon Area Museum Alliance, and be sure to visit the John Deere Home and Historic Site in Grand Detour if you can.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there is also plenty to do. Dixon has a great many parks, including athletic fields, Veteran’s Memorial Park, and Lowell Park’s 200-plus acres along the river. There are trails for walking and biking, and even a nature center to explore. And don’t forget the entire Rock River itself is waiting for you! Fish near the dam, go boating, or just enjoy the river scene.

Whether you are coming to visit or to stay, Dixon is a place of great experiences and great people. Enjoy your time here! n 4

Get to know us...Dixon, Illinois • 2020-2021

Fox, Sac, Pottawatomie, Winnebago, Illini and other Indians inhabited the Rock River shores, thriving on their rich soil, abundant game and vast forests long before the first explorers came to the area that is now Dixon.

The first white man of record in the Dixon area was a Frenchman, Pierre LaPorte, who lived among the tribes between 1780 and 1810.

In 1793, another Frenchman, La Sallier, came to the region and married a woman from either the Winnebago or Pottawatomie tribe. Some historians say Joseph Ogee, the man who later sold his river-crossing business to John Dixon in 1830, married a daughter of this union, Madeline.

Ogee was a French-Canadian trader, trapper and agent for the American Fur Co. He and Madeline met John Dixon, the future founder of Dixon, when both were active at Fort Clark in Peoria around 1820.

Dixon was a native of New York,

born in the village of Rye in 1784. As a young adult, he moved to New York City, bought a clothing store and became active in the promotion of temperance and religion.

After 15 years in the city, Dixon developed pulmonary disease and was advised by his physician to move to a different climate.

He spent the next few years traveling through different regions, primarily in Illinois. During that time, more and more people were traveling north to settle the state’s rich prairies. Establishing river crossings became more important, and overcoming this natural obstacle became essential to growth.

HISTORY cont’d on page 6

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This project was supported by Grant #2017-VA-GX-0048, awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, through the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. Points of view or opinions contained within this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice, or the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority.

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HISTORY cont’d from page 5 In spring 1828, Ogee moved from Fort Clark to the Dixon area and took over a river crossing, calling his business Ogee’s Ferry. The venture failed, and 5 years later he sold it to Dixon, who had just moved to the area with his wife, Rebecca, and their five children.

Dixon charged “$.25 per person and horse,” and the ferry did better under his care, remaining in operation until 1846.

Dixon also began a successful trading business with neighboring Indians and other travelers.

During the Black Hawk War, his two-story cabin was the only dwelling at Dixon’s Ferry. The surrounding grounds became a site for conflict and hostility, and although not officially changed, became known as “Fort Dixon.” It was the central command post during the war.

When the war ended, overland travel resumed.

In 1835, Dixon registered his 40-acre plat on the south side of the Rock River as the town of Dixon. Seven years later, 80 acres north of the river were platted and called North Dixon.

In addition to being a trader, Dixon was, among other things, an Indian interpreter, an Army counsel, the village postmaster and its first president.

He taught his children in their family cabin, making him the village schoolteacher.

Later, the Methodist and Baptist churches were used for classrooms until a two-room schoolhouse was built in 1837, at a cost of $515.

By fall 1836, the tiny village had grown to include six families, a blacksmith shop and a lean-to post office. The following year, the first dry goods store opened and construction began on a hotel, which is now the Nachusa House apartments for senior citizens.

In 1839, Dixon was named Lee County seat. The first bridge was built across the Rock River in 1846, which is about the same time a dam and sawmill were built.

The river played a major part in the town’s prosperity. Fish were shipped to market in huge numbers, and for 50 years Dixon had a thriving clamming industry. Ice harvesting also was profitable.

By 1850, Dixon had grown to 1,073 residents. The first newspapers, the Dixon Telegraph and Lee County Herald, began publication in 1851.

Commercial development and industry continued through the next two decades. When the Illinois Central Railroad arrived in 1855, the various factories expanded to meet the needs of more people.

Lumber and flour mills, a cooperage firm and the Dixon Plow Works all added to a strong industrial picture.

By 1900, Dixon’s population reached 8,000.

Dixon also has a rich history with historical figures.

Abraham Lincoln served at Fort Dixon as a soldier during the Black Hawk War, as did future Confederacy President Jefferson Davis.

In 1887, Charles R. Walgreen moved to Dixon, and began his career by clerking for a local drugstore while attending Dixon Business College. He opened his first Walgreen Drug Store in Chicago in 1902, and his second in Dixon, at 105 W. First St., in 1904. By 1939, he had about 500 stores in 39 states.

The late President Ronald Reagan also grew up in Dixon, graduated from Dixon High School, and spent seven summers as a lifeguard at Lowell Park before moving on to a movie and political career.

Louella Parsons, who from 1915 to about 1960 was America’s premier movie gossip columnist, also was born and raised in Dixon. She died in 1972. n 6

Get to know us...Dixon, Illinois • 2020-2021

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Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Adrian Losoya, 10, of Franklin Grove hangs on as he zips along the zipline in July 2019 at Lowell Park.

Dixon has much to offer its nearly 16,000 residents, including educational options, convenient access to health care, beautiful parks, historic sites and scores of activities.

The county seat of Lee County, Dixon has been a center of commerce since its inception in the late 1820s. It was named after its founder, John Dixon, who operated a ferry service across the Rock River.

Today, Dixon’s economic base is supported by government, agriculture, service and retail, as well as by major manufacturers, including Raynor Garage Doors, UPM Raflatac Inc., BorgWarner Inc., Donaldson Co., printer Dixon Direct, SGS Refrigeration and Sewer Equipment Co. of America.

Efforts are underway to move ahead with the Viaduct Point Project, part of initiative by the city and the Lee County Industrial Development Association to secure 10 acres of land stretching from the Peoria Avenue Bridge to the viaducts with the goal of spurring riverfront development.

KSB Hospital, another large employer, offers comprehensive health services in Dixon and the surrounding area. The 80-bed, acute-care facility is highly rated for patient experience.

Residents have educational choices in Dixon, including the public school system and three parochial schools. Sauk Valley Community College, ranked highly for tuition affordability, is located on Dixon’s west edge.

More than 30 churches of several denominations support residents’ spiritual needs.

One of the town’s claims to fame is its connection to the late President Ronald Reagan, who lived in Dixon as a boy.

The Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home, where he and his family lived from 1920 to 1923, at 816 S. Hennepin Ave., became a National Historic Site in 1982 and welcomes visitors from across the U.S.

TODAY cont’d on page 9 8

Get to know us...Dixon, Illinois • 2020-2021

TODAY cont’d from page 8 Dixon is also home to numerous parks and recreational opportunities that revolve around its picturesque location on the banks of the Rock River, including the downtown Riverfront Heritage Crossing, and historic Lowell Park north of town, as well as the beautiful surrounding countryside.

The city is working with local supporters on a plan that could see a new Community Center be built. The proposal calls for the center to be built in Meadows Park and includes a teen center, study area, cafe, park district administration office, two community rooms, a fitness center, basketball courts, indoor track, turf fields, and an indoor/outdoor swimming pool.

The district has also been busy in recent years adding a number of amenities: a half-million dollar splash pad, Water Wonderland, in Meadows Park, an ice rink with a warming shed in Page Park, and a new playground in Lowell Park, which features a 75-foot zip line. Plans also are in the works to install a 9-hole disc golf course at Page Park.

Dixon’s largest and oldest festival, Petunia Festival, offers a parade, carnival, concerts, fireworks, and much more. Though this year’s festival has been cancelled, due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic, the town is still showing its petunia pride, with thousands of petunias on display, as they are from May until late fall, a tradition dating back to the 1960s, earning Dixon the designation of “Petunia City.”

Other festivals and activities throughout the year, sponsored by local organizations, as well as opportunities to join many clubs, keep residents engaged and entertained. n

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Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

Dannae Cadenas (left) and Alyssa Bonnette pose for a picture in January 2020 with Slammin’ Sammy Skyhawk, Sauk Valley Community College’s mascot, during the Spring Sauk Fest. The event gives students the opportunity to learn about the college’s clubs and activities while socializing with fellow students.

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 the college’s new and 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.

SAUK cont’d on page 12 10

Get to know us...Dixon, Illinois • 2020-2021

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SAUK cont’d from page 10 The college also offers 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, which 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 development, in early 2016 Sauk launched its Small Business Development Center, and the Sauk Valley Community College Community Leadership Program.

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 skillsbuilding program in conjunction with area manufacturers, designed to pique students’ interest in the trades at an earlier age, and bridge the skills gap that is impeding the companies’ operational efficiencies. Sessions are scheduled at different sites to accommoMore online date students throughout the area.

Go to svcc.edu or call Students also have access to the Sauk 815-835-6273 for class YMCA. schedules or more inforIn 2018, the college announced plans for mation about Sauk Valseveral million dollars in improvements, ley Community College. maintenance and upgrades to the building.

The project was the latest in the college’s ongoing effort to maintain the school, upgrade technology, and remodel it 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. n 12

Get to know us...Dixon, Illinois • 2020-2021

The roots of the Dixon Public Library reach back to 1872 when the firemen of Dixon Hose Company began a small subscription library.

The firemen turned the library over to the city in 1895-96. In 1899, O. B. Dodge, the first president of the library board, offered to build a new building, which was formally opened to Dixon residents in early 1901.

The library celebrated its 125th anniversary in May 2020, and the building its 120th, and many changes have occurred over the years.

The building was remodeled in 1955 to add a children’s department and an addition was built and opened in 1969, providing the library with its present layout. An elevator was installed in 1986 and the entire building was refurbished in 1994.

In early 2015, work began on a $1.5 million project to strengthen the bones of the turn-of-the-century stone building and its 45-year-old addition.

In 2019, work was finished on a major overhaul of the library’s 1900 wing, which brought it closer to how it looked the day it opened. The project MORE INFO included removing a false ceiling built Dixon Public Library during the 1969 expansion and doing res221 S. Hennepin toration work on the walls and the ceiling 815-284-7261 in the attic. Wiring improvements also Hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. were made.

Monday thru Thursday; Today, the library is home to more 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday & than 90,000 volumes. It’s also a member of Saturday; closed Sunday the Rock River Libraries Consortium, Online: dixongov.com/ which shares a catalog of more than library.html and 250,000 items available for loan. A media on Facebook center, now housing 1,000 DVDs and E-mail: maillibrary@dixnearly 1,000 CDs and audio books, was onpubliclibrary.org added in 1988. Special collections of interest include the Lincoln collection and a display of original World War I posters, as well as special works published by the library on local history.

Computers, equipped with Wi-Fi and other Internet access, are available to the public. The library catalog, as well as many other resources, is available from the library’s website.

In addition, a new program has expanded the definition of a lending library. “The Library of Things” allows patrons to borrow more than just books. “We should be a sharing economy; not everyone needs to own everything,” said library director Antony Deter “Things can be shared, like sewing machines, 3-D printer, stencil cutter, Wi-Fi services, DVD players, small hand tools, microscopes, telescopes, fishing rods, etc. We plan to roll it out for kids for this summer, then bring it to adults.”

Library cards are free to anyone who lives within city limits. Cards for Lee County residents are $75 per household a year.

In addition to loaning materials, the Dixon Public Library offers reading programs for adults and children.n Sauk Valley Media

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Nine women launched Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital on Jan. 1, 1897, in a building the size of a large home, with eight patient rooms, an operating room, an etherizing room, three kitchens, a dining room and living quarters for the superintendent.

Today, KSB is a nonprofit, 80-bed acute care medical facility providing all phases of surgery care, as well as a variety of ancillary health care services for Dixon and surrounding communities.

In June 2006, the hospital opened a $3 million state-of-the-art cardiovascular lab and a new endoscopy area. In 2010, the late Dixon optometrist Thomas Lawless joined the KSB Medical Group in 2010 while retaining the his office. The Lawless Eye and Vision Center is located at 511 Palmyra St. A $16 million expansion of the outpatient surgery and emergency departments was completed in 2011. In spring 2014, a newly renovated Intensive Care Unit was opened. Also that year, the hospital partnered with Physicians Immediate Care to open a walk-in clinic on the south side of town, at 1672 S. Galena Ave. The clinic features and X-ray machine, lab testing and seven exam rooms, including a pediatric room and a trauma room.

KSB cont’d on page 16

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Get to know us...Dixon, Illinois • 2020-2021

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KSB Facebook page

KSB is a nonprofit, 80-bed acute care medical facility providing all phases of surgery care, as well as a variety of ancillary health care services for Dixon and surrounding communities.

KSB cont’d from page 14 The OB and nursery staff members deliver and care for more than 350 babies a year.

The hospital also boasts a foot-and-ankle clinic, sleep lab, balance center, cancer center, diabetes center and speech department, among other specialties.

As one of the first home-care agencies in the state, KSB Home Health Care offers a variety of services, including skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy and home health aides.

More information In 2018 KSB merged its online patient KSB Hospital portals for its clinic and hospital services 403 E. First St., Dixon with its clinic portal app under one log-in, 815-288-5531 providing all of a patient’s electronic Online: ksbhospital.com records in one spot. A KSB news release at the time said the goal of the move was to and on Facebook “increase patient access to their providers ... and to allow patients to feel more in control of their health with 24/7 access to their health record.

The emergency medical services department trains paramedics and emergency medical technicians. Many trainees have gone on to work for local fire departments and ambulance services.

KSB Corporate Health Services, established in 1996, works hand-inhand with area businesses to promote employee health.

As part of its extensive community outreach efforts, KSB also offers many classes and events. It owns and operates medical clinics at Commerce Towers, Edwards Clinic and Town Square Centre in Dixon, as well as sites in Amboy, Ashton, Mount Morris, Oregon and Polo. n 16

Get to know us...Dixon, Illinois • 2020-2021

Educational needs in Dixon are met through public and private schools. Dixon Public Schools has three elementary schools, a middle school and a high school. Special education services are provided at each school. Dixon also has three parochial schools.

District 170 Office 1335 Franklin Grove Road 815-284-7722 dps170.org

Lee County Special Education Assn. office 1335 Franklin Grove Road.

815-284-6651

Dixon High School 300 Lincoln Statue Drive 815-284-7723

Online: dps170.org/o/dhs Grades: 9-12 Enrollment: About 800 students Principal: Mike Grady

Reagan Middle School 620 Division St. 815-284-7725 Online: dps170.org/o/rms Grades: 6-8 Enrollment: About 600 Principal: Andrew Bullock EDUCATION cont’d on page 18

Advance EMS of Dixon, Inc. began in 1983 with one ambulance and ďŹ ve employees. To date, they have ďŹ ve ambulances and 25 employees. Advance EMS of Dixon, Inc. provides advanced life support not just to Dixon but also the surrounding communities.

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Online: dps170.org/o/jes Grades: 2-3 Enrollment: About 400 Principal: Crystal Thorpe

EDUCATION cont’d from page 17

Madison Elementary 618 Division St. 815-284-7726 Online: dps170.org/o/mes Grades: 4-5 Enrollment: About 400 Principal: Joey Sagel

Washington Elementary 703 E. Morgan St. 815-284-7727 Online: dps170.org/o/wes Grades: Preschool through first Enrollment: About 430 Principal: Jeff Gould

Jefferson Elementary 800 Fourth Ave. 815-284-7724

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Jamie Yindeeroop builds a sled as part of a STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) project in January 2020 at St. Anne Catholic School in Dixon.

PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS St. Anne Catholic School Faith Christian School Faith Christian School is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International. In operation since 1980, the school is an inter-denominational ministry of Faith Assembly Church.

7571 S. Ridge Rd., Grand Detour 815-652-4806 Online: fcsfalcons.com Grades: Preschool through 12 Enrollment: About 100 Principal: Linda Foster 18

1112 N. Brinton Ave. 815-288-5619 Online: stanneschooldixon.org Grades: Preschool through eighth Enrollment: About 120 Principal: Michael Armato

St. Mary Catholic School 704 S. Peoria Ave. 815-284-6986 Online: stmarysdixon.org Grades: Preschool through eighth Enrollment: About 200 Principal: Jean Spohn

Get to know us...Dixon, Illinois • 2020-2021

There are a wide variety of agencies that provide services to area residents.

(Addresses below are in Dixon, unless otherwise noted): Alzheimer’s Association-Rock River Branch – 93 S. Hennepin Ave.; alz.org; 815-285-1100 American Cancer Society Rockford (Northern) Regional Office – 4312 E. State St., Rockford; 815-229-1287 American Red Cross of Northwest Illinois – 727 N. Church St., Rockford; redcross.org/local/illinois/chicagoand-northern-illinois/about-us/locations/northwest-illinois.html; 815-9638471 Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sauk Valley – 506 W. Fourth St., Ste. 27, Sterling; bbbs-mv.org and on Facebook; 815-716-8987 Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) – casaleecarroll.com; 815-222-6780 Dixon Community Food Pantry – 2001 W. Fourth St.; on Facebook; 815288-4848 Dixon Greeter – Tere Elliot; dixongreeter2@gmail.com or 815-994-0422 Dixon Habitat for Humanity – P.O. Box 11; habitat.org/us-il/dixon/dixonhfh-il; 815-288-4957 Dixon Chamber of Commerce & Main Street – 87 S. Hennepin Ave.; discoverdixon.com or Facebook (“Discover Dixon”); 815-284-3361 Dixon Park District – 804 Palmyra St.; dixonparkdistrict.com and Facebook; 815-284-3306 Dixon Welcome Center – 87 S. Hennepin Ave.; discoverdixon.com; 815-2843361 Dixon Rotary Club – P.O. Box 83; 815973-1094; rotary.org/en and Facebook Granny Rose Animal Shelter – 613 River Lane; grannyrose.org,petfinder. com and Facebook; 815-288-7387 Home of Hope Cancer Wellness Center – 1637 Plock Drive; homeofhopeonline.org and Facebook; 815-2884673 Sauk Valley Media

Illinois State National Guard; National Guard Armory – 412 W. Everett St.; www.il.ngb.army.mil; 309-5674980 Kreider Services – 500 Anchor Road; kreiderservices.org and Facebook; 815-288-6691; direct care programs to persons with developmental disabilities Lee County Council on Aging – 100 W. Second St.; leecountycouncilonaging.net/ and Facebook; 815-288-9236 Lee County Farm Bureau – 37 S. East Ave., Amboy; leecfb.org and Facebook; 815-857-3531 Lee County Health Department – 309 S. Galena Ave.; lchd.com and Facebook (find “Lee County Il Health Department”); 815-284-3371 Lee County Housing Authority – 1000 Washington Ave.; 815-284-2759 Lee County Industrial Development – 101 W. Second St., Suite 301; dixongov.com/ and Facebook; 815-2882154 Lee County Soil and Water Conservation District – 319 S. Mason Ave., Amboy; leecountyil.com; 815-857-3623 ext. 110 Lee County Special Education – 1335 Franklin Grove Road; dps170.org; 815-284-6651 Lee-Ogle Transportation System – 210 E. Progress Drive; lotsil.org and Facebook; 815-288-2117; provides curbto-curb service for all ages. All vehicles equipped with lifts for disabled persons.

Lee County Tourism – 37 S. East Ave., Amboy.; leecountyfun.com and Facebook; 815-288-1840 Leydig Memorial Center – 1107 Warp Road; 815-284-7772 Lutheran Social Services of Illinois – 1245-A N. Galena Ave.; lssi.org and Facebook; 815-626-7333 AGENCIES cont’d on page 20 19

AGENCIES cont’d from page 19 Meals on Wheels – 403 E. First St..; 815-284-0333 Northwestern Illinois Center for Independent Living; 412 Locust St., Sterling; nicil.org; 815-625-7860 Northwestern Illinois Special Olympics – 904 Myrtle Ave.; 815-2882939; soill.org/regiona/ PADS Homeless Shelter – P.O. Box 593; 815-288-6818; on Facebook Prairie State Legal Services – 1600 Fourth Ave., Ste. 200, Rock Island pslegal.org; 309-794-1328 Rock River Hospice & Home – 2706 Ave. E, Sterling; hospicerockriver.org and Facebook; 815-625-3858 Sinnissippi Centers – 325 state Route 2; sinnissippi.com and Facebook (find “Sinnissippi Foundation”); 815-284-6611; 24-hour crisis hotline, 800-242-7642; mental health and addiction services Small Business Development Center – 173 state Route 2; sauksbdc.com/;

815-835-6244 Tri-County Opportunities Council – 405 Emmons Ave., Rock Falls; tcochelps.org; 815-323-5434 United Way of Lee County – 98 S. Galena Ave.; unitedwayofleecounty.org and Facebook;815-284-3339 University of Illinois Extension Lee County – 280 W. Wasson Road, Amboy; https://extension.illinois.edu/ clw/4-h-lee-county; 815-857-3525 VFW Post 540 – 1560 Franklin Grove Road; 815-288-5165; on Facebook VITAL Adult Literacy Program; Sauk Valley Community College – 173 state Route 2; svcc.edu/community/ adult-education/vital; 815-835-6310 Volunteer Care Center – 101 W. Second St.; 815-284-9555 White Oaks Women’s Center – 2323 E. Lincolnway, Sterling; whiteoakwomenscenter.com; 815-408-0793 Dixon Family YMCA – 110 N. Galena Ave.; dixonymca.org and on Facebook; 815-288-9622

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720 North Galena Dixon, IL

815• 288• 3211

1705 Eastwood Dr Dr. Sterling, IL 61081

815• 625• 1851

Get to know us...Dixon, Illinois • 2020-2021

4-H, University of Illinois Extension – 280 W. Wasson Road, Amboy; extension.illinois.edu/clw/4-hlee-county or 815-857-3527 Sauk Valley Community College – 173 state Route 2, svcc.edu and Facebook, or 815-288-5511 Al Morrison Baseball Program – almorrisonbaseball.org and Facebook, almorrisonbaseball@gmail.com American Legion Auxiliary – 1120 W. First St.; https://ilpost12.weebly. com; 815-284-2003 Boy Scouts, White Eagle District – P.O. Box 41; blackhawkscouting.org/ whiteeagle Dixon Athletic Booster Club – P.O. Box 244; Facebook Dixon Area Garden Club – P.O. Box 127; e-mail: dagc1@grics.net Dixon Bowling Association – Plum Hollow Lanes, 1933 Route 26; 815-2843000 Dixon Coin Club (Dixon Elks Lodge 779) – 1279 Franklin Grove Road; ilnaclub.org/clubs.html; 815-5358427 Dixon Elks Lodge 779, Dixon Elks Auxiliary – 1279 Franklin Grove Road; dixonelkslodge.com or 815-288-3557 Dixon Evening Lions Club – P.O. Box 916 Dixon Family YMCA – 110 N. Galena Ave.; dixonymca.org and on Facebook; 815-288-9622 Dixon Habitat for Humanity – P.O. Box 11 and 924 W. First St.; dixonhabitat.org and on Facebook; 815-288-4957 Dixon Junior Dukes Football – P.O. Box 371; on Facebook Dixon Lioness Club – On Facebook Dixon Noon Lions – 815-284-8845 Dixon Petunia Festival – petuniafestival.org, on Facebook or 815-2887465 Dixon Rotary Club – 221 W. Third Street, P.O. Box 83; rotary6420.org and on Facebook Dixon Shriner Club – tebala.com or 815-332-2010 Dixon Sister Cities Association Sauk Valley Media

– P.O. Box 582; dixonsistercities.org and on Facebook Dixon Theatre – 114 S. Galena Ave.; dixontheatre.com and Facebook; 815-285-1917 Dixon Wrestling Club – dixonwrestlingclub.com and Facebook; 815378-8256 Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois – Rock Falls Resource Center 229 First Ave., Ste. 1; www.girlscoutsni.org; 844476-4463 or info@girlscoutsni.org Goodfellows (Leydig Center) – 1107 Warp Road; leydigonline.com, 815284-7772 Gyro Club, a Dixon men’s club – 815-284-2020 Junior Achievement – 800 12th Ave., Moline; jaheartland.org, 309-7361630 Kiwanis Club of Dixon – dixonkiwanis.org or Facebook; e-mail: gvanderlin@gmail.com Knights of Columbus – 506 W. Third St., P.O. Box 52, Dixon; www. kofc690.org/ and on Facebook; 815288-1821 KSB Hospital Auxiliary – 403 E. First St.; ksbhospital.com/volunteers/ or 815-288-5531 Lee County Bar Association – 119 W. First St.; leecountybarassociation. com or 815-288-4949 Lee County Democratic Party – 77 S. Hennepin Ave.; ildcca.org/tag/leecounty/ and on Facebook; 815-288-9466; Lee County Farm Bureau – P.O. Box 198, Amboy; leecfb.org and Facebook; or 815-857-3531 Lee County Genealogical and Historical Society – 113 S. Hennepin Ave.; leecountyhgs.org and Facebook; 815-284-1134 Lee County Republican Party – illinois.gop/counties/lee/ Loyal Order of Moose 727 – 887 Shop Road; lodge727.moosepages. org or Facebook; 815-288-1182 Marine Corps League (VFW Post 540) – theillinoismarine.com CLUBS cont’d on page 22 21

CLUBS cont’d from page 21 Marine Corps League Auxiliary – Route 1, Box 641, Walnut Masonic Friendship Lodge No. 7 – 1409 N. Galena Ave.; 7-il.ourlodgepage.com or Facebook; 815-284-0226 Meals on Wheels – 403 E. First St., 815-284-0333 Moose Lodge Chapter No. 832 (Women) – 887 Shop Road; lodge727.moosepages.org; 815-2881182 Northwestern Illinois Special Olympics – soill.org/ or 815-7392052 P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter KM – peoillinois.org P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter AC – peoillinois.org Reagan Home Foundation – 816 S. Hennepin Ave.; reaganhome.org and Facebook; or 815-288-5176 Rock River Garden Club – Facebook ; 815-973-5091

Rock River Human Resources Professional Association; P.O. Box 962; rrhrpa.shrm.org Sauk Valley American Association of University Women (Sauk Valley Community College) – 173 State Route 2; 815-288-5511 Sauk Valley Community Concert Association – P.O. Box 67, Dixon; svcca.edu or on Facebook; 815-3120232 TOPS Chapter 617 – 815-2848321 VFW Post 540, VFW Post Auxiliary – 1560 Franklin Grove Road; https://vfw540.org and on Facebook; 815-288-5165 VITAL Adult Literacy Program (Sauk Valley Community College) – 173 state Route 2; svcc.edu/community/adult-education/vital/; 815288-5511 Volunteer Care Center– 403 E. First St.; 815-284-9555

Featuring Fine Mexican Food and American Favorites

Over 30 Years Experience Designated Managing Broker/Owner

Lori Erbes, GRI lorierbes@gmail.com

815-535-6295

1922 Tower Rd. • Sublette, IL 61367 SM-ST1786623

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Visit our Facebook page or our website www.kellysinc.com for our current hours.

218 Locust , Sterling, IL

For Carryout call 815-625-9720 or 815-625-7969

www.kellysinc.com Get to know us...Dixon, Illinois • 2020-2021

Whether you’re looking for a place to play ball, have a picnic, or take a leisurely stroll, Dixon offers plenty of parks to pick from Go to dixonparkdistrict.com/ for more information.

Ballou Park – 600 E. Seventh St.; lighted ball diamonds, basketball court, playground and picnic shelter Bluff View – 900 E. River Rd.; A 1.5-acre park offering river views Chula Vista, 801 Chula Vista Drive; green space Custer Boat Dock – 251 Custer Ave.; boat access and fishing, ADA accessible gangways and dock Dement Park – 501 S. Dement Ave.; playground E.C. Smith Park – 455 W. Seventh St.; playground, tennis courts, picnic tables/water fountain, sledding hill Grace Johnston Park – 1100 South Highland Ave.; playground, basketball court, picnic tables Haymarket Square – 223 Highland Ave.; playground, gazebo and farmers market Howell Park – 324 E. Boyd St.; riverwalk, E. N. Howell memorial and bank fishing Joe Stengel Trail – Lowell Park Road. to Polo; an 11-mile unpaved multipurpose trail, and Gee’s Grove and Penrose prairies; leecountyfun.com John Dixon Park – 515 N. Galena Ave.; playground and Lions picnic shelter Lowell Park – 2109 Lowell Park Road.; a 200-acre woodland along the Rock River, scenic drives, hiking trails, natural area, nine picnic shelters, nature center, ball diamond, 7 miles of cross-country ski trails, disc golf course, playground with zip line kids, ADA boat access and fishing Lowell Park Bike Path – 806 Washington Ave.: 3.5-mile paved bike path Meadows Park – 1400 Washington Ave.; 567 acres of open space along the Rock River. Amenities: Water Wonderland splash pad and water feaSauk Valley Media

tures, multipurpose trails for horseback riding, hiking, biking, hunting and snowmobiling; bank fishing; Wooden Wonderland playground; Kiwanis picnic shelter; the Miller Golf Complex; Archery Hunting; roller hockey courts and soccer fields Miller Golf Complex – 1010 Washington Ave.; lighted driving range, 9-hole course; pitching/putting greens; 24-hour ball machine; 815-284-3306 Page Park – 221 Lincoln Statue Drive; scenic drive, band shell, ball diamonds, ADA boat access, fishing, tennis courts, picnic shelters, seasonal ice rink Park 4 Paws dog park – Washington Ave., behind soccer fields; agility courses and open play areas, pre-registration required to use park, 815-2843306 President’s Park – 100 Lincoln Statue Drive; riverwalk, veterans memorial and is adjacent to stateowned Lincoln Statue site and historic log cabin Reynolds Field – 1900 W. Second St.; lighted ball diamonds and picnic shelter Triangle Park – 500 E. Everett St.; green space, butterfly garden Vaile Park – 2023 W. Third St.; splash pad, historic Memorial Pool structure, playground, picnic shelter, horseshoe courts, volleyball; Van Arnum’s Island and Willow Island, Rock River – wildlife preserve, no admittance Veterans Memorial Park – 668 Veterans Parkway, at intersection of Palmyra Road and Palmyra Street; cityowned park with military equipment and memorial; honorourvets.org Wooden Wonderland – 1550 Washington Ave.; huge wooden play structure and picnic shelter 23

Apostolic

Disciples of Christ

Greater Life Church, 1403 Hemlock Ave.; 815-284-8680; glcdixon. org and Facebook

First Christian Church, 123 S. Hennepin Ave.; 815-288-1222 and Facebook

Assembly of God

Episcopal

Assembly of God Church, 933 Mekeel Road, 815-284-3090; Facebook Faith Assembly of Grand Detour, 7881 South Green St., Dixon; 815-6524488; faithgranddetour.org/ and Facebook

Baptist Calvary Baptist Church, 313 S. Van Buren Ave., 815-288-2453; Facebook First Baptist Church, 111 E. Second St.; 815-284-6823; fbcdixon.net and Facebook Hope Bible Fellowship, 732 N. Brinton Ave.; 815-677-9185; hopeofdixon.com and Facebook Northside Baptist Church, 598 River Lane; 815-288-5212; northsidedixon.com and Facebook Second Baptist Church, 501 W. Third St.; 815-288-1566; Facebook

Brethren Dixon Church of the Brethren, 215 N. Court St.; 815-284-2711; www. dixoncob.com and Facebook

Catholic St. Anne Catholic Church, 1104 N. Brinton Ave.; 815-288-3131; stanneparishdixon.org and Facebook St. Patrick Catholic Church, 612 Highland Ave; 815-284-7719; stpatrickdixon.org and Facebook

Christian Science First Church of Christ Scientist, 321 W. Second St.; 815-408-0160; Facebook

Church of God Lincoln Avenue Church of God, 704 S. Lincoln Ave.; 815-288-1142; lincolnave.org and Facebook 24

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 221 W. Third St.; 815-288-2151; stlukesdixon.org and Facebook

Evangelical Congregational Bethel Evangelical Congregational Church, 131 N. Court St.; 815284-3849; dixonbethel.com and Facebook St. James Evangelical Congregational Church, 1552 U.S. Route 52; 815-288-2446

Foursquare Foursquare Gospel Church, 103 E. Morgan St.; 815-288-1778; foursquaremissions.org and Facebook

Islamic Sauk Valley Islamic Center, 202 E. Fellows St.; 815-284-4868

Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 634 Countryside Lane; 815288-4019; Facebook

Lutheran Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, 2035 state Route 26; 815284-4554; coslcdixon.org and Facebook Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1013 Franklin Grove Road; 815-2842804; immanueldixon.org and Facebook St. Paul Lutheran Church, 421 S. Peoria Ave.; 815-288-2757; stpauldixon.org and Facebook CHURCHES cont’d on page 25

Get to know us...Dixon, Illinois • 2020-2021

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Aaron Wilson, glass specialist for Willet Hauser Architectural Glass, works on restoring the stained glass windows at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Dixon in April. The work, according to project manager Kit Sherwood, entailed “removing and cleaning the outside protective glass and rebuilding the wood frames of the windows.”

CHURCHES cont’d from page 24

Methodist First United Methodist Church, 202 S. Peoria Ave.; 815-284-2849; fumcdixon. org and Facebook Grace United Methodist Church, 921 E. Chamberlin St.; 815-288-1505; dixongraceumc.com and Facebook

Nazarene Living Well Church of the Nazarene; 116 E. First St., Dixon; 815-9735981; livingwellchurch.org and Facebook Lost Lake Community Church of the Nazarene; 90 W. Flagg Road; 815973-5981; lostlakechurch.org and Facebook

Nondenominational Sauk Valley Community Church, 498 state Route 2; 815-288-7000; saukSauk Valley Media

church.com and Facebook Sugar Grove Church, 352 Timber Creek Road; 815-288-2811; and Facebook Turning Point Community Church, 944 Stony Point Road; 815-2882625; tpointchurch.net and Facebook The Worship Center, 403 N. Ottawa; 815-677-9694; worshipctr.com and Facebook

Seventh-day Adventist Church Sauk Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church, 416 Prospect St., 815-6779199, saukvalleyil.adventistchurch.org and Facebook

Presbyterian First Presbyterian Church, 110 E. Third St.; 815-284-7741; fpcdixon. com and Facebook 25

Service providers Affordable Waste Systems P.O. Box 114 815-288-7283 ComEd 919 First St. 800-334-7661 comed.com NICOR Gas 1844 Ferry Rd., Naperville 800-427-6748 nicor.com Dixon Water Department 121 W. Second St. 815-288-7474 discoverdixon.org Republic Services Waste & Recycling 815-288-4607 republicservices.com Wiersema Waste Service 815-535-9000 www.wiersemawaste.com Xfinity (cable) 1-800-934-6489 xfinity.com

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815-284-3833 leecountyil.com Lee County Assessment Office 112 E. Second St. 815-288-4483 leecountyil.com Lee County Clerk 112 E. Second St. 815-288-3309 leecountyil.com Lee County Treasurer 112 E. Second St. 815-288-4477 leecountyil.com The Telegraph & Daily Gazette 113 S. Peoria Ave. 815-284-2224 saukvalley.com U.S. Post Office 405 W. Second St. 815-284-5015 usps.com

Miscellaneous

Non-emergency numbers

Dixon City Hall 121 W. Second St. 815-288-1485 discoverdixon.org Dixon Public Library 221 S. Hennepin Ave. 815-284-7261 dixonpubliclibrary.org Driver’s License Exam Station 925 S. Peoria Ave. 815-288-6685 ilsos.gov KSB Hospital 403 E. First St. 815-288-5531 ksbhospital.com Lee County Animal Control 280 E. Progress Drive

In an emergency, call 911

Dixon Police Department 220 S. Hennepin Ave. 815-288-4411 discoverdixon.org/police Dixon Fire Department 210 S. Hennepin Ave. 815-288-3323 discoverdixon.org/fire Lee County Sheriff’s Department 240 E. Progress Drive 815-284-5217 leecountyil.com Advance EMS Ambulance Services 661 Reynoldswood Road , Dixon 815-288-6898 https://advems.com

Get to know us...Dixon, Illinois • 2020-2021

Welcome to

... and its new tourism office Lee County’s biggest fan settles into a new home, but its mission remains the same: telling people what a ‘loveLee’ time they’ll have when they visit could be a great planning tool for peoRACHEL RODGERS FOR SAUK VALLEY MEDIA A new home, new website and new ple whose plans have changed because of COVID-19, Nicholson said. coronavirus pandemic to contend with “There’s going to be so many events – the last several months have been full that had to change, and this gives people of changes for the Lee County Tourism a chance to look at things they might not Council.

In August, the organization moved have thought of before,” she said.

It’s difficult to predict from its longtime home at the impact coronavirus 113 S. Peoria Ave. in Dixon will have on tourism as to 37 S. East Ave. in Amboy.

Lee County Tourism offers most are stuck at home, Lee County Tourism books, magazine and more and everyone is holding now shares a building with on destinations throughout their breath, she said. the Lee County Farm the county. For more infor“I think we’re all at a Bureau and Country mation, go to leecountyfun. loss, she said. “EveryFinancial in space forcom or find Lee County Illithing right now is bestmerly used by Grace Felguess.” lowship Church Amboynois Tourism on Facebook.

In 2018, travel spendSublette.

Renovations were completed in less ing in the county totaled about $34.1 than a month and included repairs from million and generated around $670,000 water damage, new paint, window treat- in local tax revenue, according to the latest numbers from the Illinois Office ments, and carpet.

“The transition has been amazingly of Tourism and U.S. travel data.

Tourism is especially important for smooth,” tourism Executive Director smaller towns that see a big revenue Diane Nicholson said. boost in the summer from visitors and It was also time for the website to get a new look; the council likes to upgrade special events.

“It all adds up as a shot in the arm for and change things up every 2 or 3 years. these small communities,” she said.

One feature that will be a resource for community members is the meeting “The role of tourism is to enhance the economic impact for these towns.” n and event space search database, which

More info

Sauk Valley Media

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www.ksbhospital.com

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Get to know us...Dixon, Illinois • 2020-2021