Galena Avenue, looking north, circa 1910.
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.
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.
HISTORY cont’d to page 6
Bida-Dudun, MD, FACOG (right) Barb Tieman, Certified Nurse Midwife, FNP (left)
• Switch your prenatal care to our compassionate CGH providers at any time.
• All insurance accepted for OB/GYN visits and the Birthing Center, including the Medical Card.
• X-ray & Lab Services On-Site
• Stitches, Strain/Sprain/Fracture Evaluation
• Workers’ Compensation, Initial Injury Visit
• Additional Services for... Allergies, cold, influenza, ear infections, bladder infections, strep throat, pneumonia, COVID, rashes, camp & sports physicals, insect bites, minor burns and more!
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 twostory 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.
In 1873, what’s considered the worst road bridge disaster in American history happened in Dixon, when the Truesdell Bridge collapsed, killing 46 people.
To mark the 150th anniversary of the disaster, a historic landmark was unveiled along the city’s riverfront in May 2023 to commemorate the lives lost. As
horrific as it was, the disaster led to the construction of better bridges and improved safety standards from the American Society of Civil Engineers, said Dixon historian and professional speaker Tom Wadsworth, who’s spent years researching the event and helped spearhead the monument’s installation.
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
APASCHAL@SHAWMEDIA.COM
New businesses are being planned inthe Gateway Project in Dixon, including a McDonald’s at the corner of Walton Road and Galena Avenue.
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, Bonnell Industries, UPM Raflatac Inc., BorgWarner Inc., Donaldson Co., printer Dixon Direct, SGS Refrigeration and Sewer Equipment Co. of America.
After years of planning and preparation, the goal of bringing new development to the Interstate 88 corridor finally came to fruition in 2022, when ground was broken on the Dixon Gateway project. The city has also secured grants in recent years to undertake other major projects in town: a $12 million federal transportation grant to build a pedestrian bridge across the Rock River, about $5.6 million in state transportation grants toward a $7.3 million project to extend the city bike path along the riverfront, and $3 million in grants for infrastructure
work for the Gateway Project.
Work is nearing completion on the pedestrian bridge, which will connect Dixon’s south side to Page Park, the riverfront, and an expanded network of recreational paths.
The bridge, being built on the historic piers of the former Illinois Central Railroad, represents the culmination of decades of planning tied to Dixon’s longterm riverfront master plan and will enhance connectivity, recreation, and quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Elsewhere, the city’s Gateway Project continues to be one of the fastest growing areas of development in the city. Located on 27 acres near Interstate 88 on the city’s south side, the area has welcomed several businesses and other new tenants over the last few years.
DIXON TODAY cont’d to page 8
The city, along with partners Lee County Industrial Development Association, Xsite Real Estate and Walsh Partners, broke ground on the project in April 2022. Now, four years later, nearly every lot has been developed.
Businesses that have opened there so far include a Chipotle, Jersey Mike’s, Casey’s gas station, T-Mobile, Wynn Nail Spa, a cannabis dispensary, a child care center operated by the Dixon Family YMCA, Water Castle Car Wash, a Fairfield Inn by Marriott and a Tropical Smoothie. Other businesses are on the way, including an OSF OnCall urgent care, McDonald’s and a 7 Brew coffee shop.
All told, the city expects the entire development site on the east side of South Galena Avenue between Keul and Bloody Gulch roads to create more than 600 jobs and $1 million a year in new tax revenue once it’s completed.
Nearby, another project is picking up speed. It was announced in May that $2 million in federal funds had been secured for the creation of retention ponds to the west of the Gateway site, off Bloody Gulch Road between the Gateway Project area and the Overlook Gardens neighborhood. The ponds will be part of the soon-to-be completed Bloody Gulch Park, a 40-acre property donated to the city in 2024.
The park will feature a multi-use path, retention ponds, fishing piers and picnic areas. The path is planned to eventually be part of the city’s growing network of recreational paths, including the one connected to the pedestrian bridge.
OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center offers comprehensive health services in Dixon and the surrounding area. The 80-bed, acute-care facility is highly rated for patient experience.
DIXON TODAY cont’d to page 9
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 between Dixon and Sterling.
More than 30 churches of several denominations support the spiritual needs of Dixon’s residents.
Among 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.
for seminars and educational retreats.
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.
More info
City Hall — 121 W. Second St Open: 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Closed New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday after Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & New Year’s Eve Contact: 815-288-1485 or info@ discoverdixon.org Online: dixongov.com/ Discover Dixon Dixon Chamber of Commerce and Main Street 87 S. Hennepin Ave. Contact: 815-284-3361 or info@ dixonnow.com Online: discoverdixon.com/
In recent years, nearly 100 projects big and small have been completed at the home and neighboring visitor center. Repairs and renovations range from smaller tasks such as routine maintenance on the pair of 1890s Victorian-style homes, to larger projects, such as replacing rotted woodwork, fixing and replacing storm windows, and roofing and siding work.
In December 2020, the Young America’s Foundation announced that it would be the new caretaker and owner of the home and visitor center, with a goal of not only increasing the number of visitors but transforming the home into a place where students could come
The Dixon Park District has also been busy in recent years adding a number of amenities for the public: 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 zipline.
The District’s Facility opened in 2022. The community and recreation center offers indoor basketball/volleyball courts, batting cages, a community room, an outdoor patio, games, and the Park District Office.
Dixon’s largest and oldest festival, Petunia Festival, offers a parade, carnival, concerts, fireworks, and much more; and the city continues to show its petunia pride with hundreds of petunia baskets on display downtown 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
Us: Dixon | 2026-27
ALEX T. PASCHAL/APASCHAL@SHAWMEDIA.COM
Gold Star FS representative Alan Baker shows Morrison Junior High student Keagan Bruins the controls for a tractor simulator Oct. 17, 2025, at Sauk Valley Community College. Pathways Playground, a program sponsored by the Regional Office of Education, invited 1,300 eighth-graders to the college to explore career options.
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 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.
SAUK cont’d to page 11
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 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.
history at the college, as the first class to graduate from the college’s Police Academy. Each recruit was first hired by an area law enforcement agency before enrolling in the SVCC Police Academy to complete the 14-week Basic Law Enforcement course.
Recently, the college has added an outdoor multipurpose space for students, which features a classroom area, stage, several hammocks, a traveling artists’ display, new seating, tables and a nearby student coffee bar. The classroom features stone bench-style seating; several black pillars equipped with power outlets for students to charge their electronic devices; and three large whiteboards for instructors, one of which has a reddish tint to reduce sun glare.
More info
Sauk Valley Community College 173 state Route 2, Dixon, IL 815-288-5511 Go to svcc.edu, find Sauk Valley Community College on Facebook
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 about a year before that.
In 2018, Sauk announced plans for several million dollars in improvements, 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.
In 2022, a group of 21 cadets made
The project cost about $1.5 million and was funded using a combination of the college’s local funds and a state grant. College president David Hellmich retired in May 2026, after 11 years in the role, with Jon Mandrell — who had served as Vice President of Academics — stepping in to fill the position. Mandrell became the first president in the college’s 61-year history to be an internal hire, having been chosen by the board of trustees in September 2025.
Mandrell has already made his own impact on Sauk, leading both the development of the college’s police academy and the return of its agriculture program.
The recent additions at Sauk are examples of the college’s continued impact on the community and the role it plays in economic growth for the area.
“There was a time when Sauk was seen as a hidden gem, and it’s starting to shine bigger than we’ve ever dreamt,” said Sauk Board member Lisa Wiersema during the college’s first Police Academy graduation ceremony in 2022. n
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.
MORE INFO
Dixon Public Library
221 S. Hennepin
815-284-7261
Hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday thru Wednesday; 9 a.m.5 p.m. Thursday & Friday; 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday
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 included removing a false ceiling built during the 1969 expansion and doing restoration work on the walls and the ceiling in the attic. Wiring improvements also were made.
250,000 items available for loan. A media center, now housing 1,000 DVDs and nearly 1,000 CDs and audio books, was 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. In addition to the books in house, the library also provides free access to e-books, audiobooks and online resources, all available without needing to visit the library. Computers, equipped with Wi-Fi and other Internet access, are available to the public. The library catalog, as well as many other resources, are available from the library’s website. Its Library of Things features items that can be used at home, such as calculators, magnifying readers, barcode scanner, tools and other items.
Online: dixonpubliclibrary. org and on Facebook
E-mail: maillibrary@ dixonpubliclibrary.org
Today, the library is home to more than 90,000 volumes. It’s also a member of the Rock River Libraries Consortium, which shares a catalog of more than
The library also hosts book clubs, reading programs for adults and children, and special events for all ages. Library cards are free to anyone who lives within city limits, or $93 a year per household for those living outside the city limits. The library is a fine-free library, with no late fees on borrowed books.
Its director is Christina Keasler, who was appointed in 2023. n
ALEX T. PASCHAL/APASCHAL@SHAWMEDIA.COM
OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center in Dixon.
OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center in Dixon has been serving the community since 1897.
Formerly known as Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital (KSB Hospital), the medical center was founded with a generous gift from Judge Solomon Bethea in honor of his late wife, Katherine. In 2025, OSF Saint Katharine became part of the OSF HealthCare Ministry, a 17-hospital Catholic health network serving Illinois and and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Over the years, what began as KSB has evolved into an 80-bed acute care facility serving the Sauk Valley and offering a wide range of services, including emergency medicine, obstetrics, inpatient psychiatry, cardiovascular care, outpatient surgery, intensive care, and more. The healthcare system also includes eight clinics offering primary and specialty care services.
In addition to the hospital, OSF Saint
Katharine Medical Center has developed a regional network of primary care clinics and a multi-specialty physician group. Each year, it invests in advanced technology, modern facilities, and its employees to ensure its continues to meet the ever-changing healthcare needs of the people we serve.
OSF HealthCare is an integrated health system founded by The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis.
Headquartered in Peoria, OSF HealthCare employs almost 26,000 Mission Partners in 171 locations, including 17 hospitals, with 2,305 licensed beds, 200 OSF Medical Group primary care and specialty care clinics, 41 urgent care locations, and two colleges of nursing throughout Illinois and Michigan.
OSF cont’d to page 14
The OSF HealthCare physician network employs more than 2,215 primary care, specialist and advanced practice providers.
Through its OSF Home Care Services, it operates an extensive network of services, including eight home health agencies, eight hospice agencies (including an inpatient hospice home), home infusion pharmacy, and home medical equipment.
It also owns Pointcore Inc., composed of health care-related businesses; OSF HealthCare Foundation, the philanthropic arm for the organization; and OSF Ventures, which provides investment capital for promising health care innovation startups.
The Ministry Services office in Peoria provides corporate management services, as well as direction, consultation and assistance to the administration of the health care facilities. n
— Source: osfhealthcare.org/
OSF HEALTHCARE
SAINT KATHARINE MEDICAL CENTER
403 E. First St., Dixon | 815-288-5531
osfsaintkatharine.org and facebook.com/ OSFSaintKatharine
KEY SERVICES
• Anticoagulation clinic
• Audiology
• Birthing center
• Behavioral health — inpatient and intensive outpatient program
• Diabetes management
• Eye and vision care
• Gastroenterology
• Home care
• Infusion services
• Interventional cardiology
• Orthopedics
• Pain clinic
• Primary care and pediatrics
• Rehabilitation — physical, occupational and speech
• Sleep medicine
• Surgical service
• Testing and diagnostics – X-ray, 3D mammography, MRI, CT, ultrasounds and nuclear medicine
• Womens health services
• Wound care and hyperbarics
ALEX T. PASCHAL/APASCHAL@SHAWMEDIA.COM
Dixon High School Class of 2026 students toss caps and confetti in the air at the end of their commencement on May 24, 2026.
Educational needs in Dixon are met through public and private schools. Dixon Public Schools has three elementary schools, a middle school, a high school, and a therapeutic day school. Special education services are provided at each school. Dixon also has three parochial schools.
SCHOOL DISTRICT
District 170 Office
1335 Franklin Grove Road
815-284-7722
dps170.org
Lee County Special Education Association office
1335 Franklin Grove Road
815-284-6651
On Facebook
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Dixon High School
300 Lincoln Statue Drive
815-284-7723
Online: dps170.org/o/dhs
Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: About 800 students
Principal: Jared Shaner
Reagan Middle School
620 Division St.
815-284-7725
Online: dps170.org/o/rms Grades: 6-8
Enrollment: About 600 Principal: Matthew Magnafici
Jefferson Elementary School 800 Fourth Ave. 815-284-7724
Online: dps170.org/o/jes Grades: 2-3
Enrollment: About 400 Principal: Crystal Thorpe
Madison Elementary School 618 Division St. 815-284-7726
Online: dps170.org/o/mes Grades: 4-5
Enrollment: About 400
Principal: Joseph Sagel
SCHOOLS cont’d to page 16
Washington Elementary School
703 E. Morgan St. 815-284-7727
Online: dps170.org/o/wes
Grades: Preschool through first
Enrollment: About 430
Principal: Kellie Glenn
Thomas J. Dempsey
Therapeutic Day School
1261 state Route 38, Nachusa 815-888-0002
Online: dps170.org/o/tds
Grades: K-12 special education services
Enrollment: About 15
Principal: Janine Huffman
PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS
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 Road, Grand Detour 815-881-1015
Online: fcsfalcons.com
Grades: Preschool through 12
Enrollment: About 265
Principal: Aaron Fassler
St. Anne Catholic School
1112 N. Brinton Ave. 815-288-5619
Online: stanneschooldixon.org
Grades: Preschool through eighth
Enrollment: About 120
Principal: Talarie Bilharz
St. Mary Catholic School
704 S. Peoria Ave. 815-284-6986
Online: stmarysdixon.org
Grades: Preschool through eighth
Enrollment: About 200
Principal: Luke Phillips
American Red Cross of Northwest Illinois — 727 N. Church St., Rockford; 815-9638471; redcross.org/local/illinois/chicago-and-northern-illinois/about-us/ locations/northwest-illinois.html
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sauk Valley — 506 W. Fourth St., Ste. 27, Sterling; 815-716-8987; bbbs-mv.org and on Facebook
Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) — 101 W. First Street (third floor); 815-222-6780; http://casa15thdistrict.org/
Dixon Community Food Pantry — 2001 W. Fourth St.; 815288-4848; on Facebook
Dixon Family YMCA — 110 N. Galena Ave.; 815-288-9622; dixonymca.org or facebook.com/dixonfamilyymca/
Dixon Habitat for Humanity — P.O. Box 11 and 924 W. First St.; habitat.org/il/dixon/ dixon-hfh and on Facebook (“Habitat for Humanity Dixon, IL “; 815-564-8690 or dixonhabitatforhumanity@habitatdixonil.org
Dixon Chamber of Commerce & Main Street — 87 S. Hennepin Ave.; 815-284-3361; discoverdixon.com or facebook.com/discoverdixon
Dixon Park District — 1312 Washington Ave.; 815-284-3306 or adminassist@dixonparkdistrict.com; dixonparkdistrict.com and facebook.com/dixonparkdistrict#
Dixon Welcome Center — 87 S. Hennepin Ave.; 815-284-3361; discoverdixon.com
Dixon Rotary Club — OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center, Agnes Florence Room, 403 E. First St.; 815-973-1094; rotary6420.org/ and on Facebook (“Dixon, Illinois Rotary Club”)
Granny Rose Animal Shelter — 613 River Lane; 815-288-7387; grannyroseanimalshelter.org or facebook.com/grannyrose.org/ Hope Cancer Wellness Center — 1637 Plock Drive; 815-288-4673; homeofhopeonline.org and facebook.com/HopeCWC
Illinois State National Guard; National Guard Armory — 412 W. Everett St.; 309567-4980; www.il.ngb.army.mil
Kreider Services Direct care programs for persons with developmental disabilities; 500 Anchor Road; 815-288-6691; kreiderservices.org and facebook.com/ KreiderServices
Lee County Council on Aging — 100 W. Second St.; 815-288-9236; leecountycouncilonaging.net and facebook.com/leecountycouncilonaging/
Lee County Farm Bureau — 37 S. East Ave., Amboy; 815-857-3531; leecfb.org and facebook.com/LeeCountyFarmBureau
Lee County Health Department — 309 S. Galena Ave.; 815-284-3371; lchd.com and facebook.com/LCHDIL
Lee County Housing Authority — 1000 Washington Ave.; 815-284-2759; on Facebook
Lee County Industrial Development Association — 101 W. Second St., Suite 301; 815-285-8996; https://lcida.us/
Lee County Soil and Water Conservation District — 319 S. Mason Ave., Amboy; 815-857-3621, Ext. 3; leecountyil.com
Lee County Special Education — 1335 Franklin Grove Road; 815-284-6651; dps170. org/page/lcsea and facebook.com/dixonpublicschools
Lee County Tourism — 877-847-5332 or visitleecountyil@gmail.com; visitleecountyil. com and facebook.com/leecountyillinois
Leydig Memorial Center — 1107 Warp Road; 815-284-7772; facebook.com/theleydigcenter/
Lutheran Social Services of Illinois — 1245-A N. Galena Ave.; 815-626-7333; lssi.org and facebook.com/LSSIPreventionServices Meals on Wheels — 403 E. First St., lifescapeservices.org/services/nutrition/ or facebook.com/LifescapeCommunityServices/; 815-963-1609
Northwestern Illinois Center for Independent Living — 412 Locust St., Sterling; 815-625-7860; nicil.org and facebook. com/NICIL412/
Northwestern Illinois Special Olympics — 850 N. Church St., Rockford; 309888-255; soill.org/regiona/
PADS Homeless Shelter — 805 W. 1st St. (to donate, send to P.O. Box 593); 815288-6818; on facebook.com/padsdixonil
Reagan Mass Transit— Provides curbto-curb service for all ages. All vehicles equipped with lifts for disabled persons. 210 E. Progress Drive; 815-288-2117; reaganmasstransit.org and facebook. com/ReaganMassTransitDistrict
Rock River Hospice & Home — 2706 Ave. E, Sterling; 815-625-3858; hospicerockriver.org and facebook.com/rockriverhospiceandhome/
Sinnissippi Centers — Mental health and addiction services; 325 state Route 2; sinnissippi.com and facebook.com/SinnissippiCenters; 815-284-6611; 24-hour crisis hotline, 800-242-7642
Small Business Development Center — 173 state Route 2 Room 3L22; 815-835-
6244; sauksbdc.com and facebook.com/ sauksbdc
Tri-County Opportunities Council — 405 Emmons Ave., Rock Falls; 800-3235434 or tcoc@tcochelps.org; tcochelps. org and on Facebook
United Way of Lee County — 98 S. Galena Ave.; 815-284-3339; unitedwayofleecounty.org and facebook.com/unitedwayleecounty/
University of Illinois Extension Lee County — 280 W. Wasson Road, Amboy; 815-857-3525; https://extension.illinois. edu/clw and facebook.com/UIExtension VFW Post 540 — 1560 Franklin Grove Road; 815-288-5165; facebook.com/DixonVfwPost540/ VITAL Adult Literacy Program — 173 state Route 2; 815-835-6310; svcc.edu/ community/adult-education/vital White Oak Women’s Clinic — 1503 First Ave., Suite C, Rock Falls; 815-9499964; myfutureapproved.com/white-oakclinic/ and facebook.com/whiteoakwomensclinic
4-H, University of Illinois Extension — 280 W. Wasson Road, Amboy; extension.illinois.edu/clw/4-h-lee-county or 815-857-3527
Al Morrison Baseball Program — Online: almorrisonbaseball.org and Facebook; E-mail: 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.com/DPSAthleticBoosterClub
Dixon Area Garden Club — P.O. Box 127; E-mail: dagc1@grics.net
Dixon Bowling Association — Plum Hollow Lanes, 1933 state Route 26; 815-284-3000
Dixon Coin Club (Dixon Elks Lodge 779) — 1279 Franklin Grove Road; ilnaclub. org/clubs.html; 815535-8427
Dixon Elks Lodge 779, Dixon Elks Auxiliary — 1279 Franklin Grove Road; elks.org/ lodges/contactus.cfm?lodge=779 or 815288-3557
Dixon Evening Lions Club — P.O. Box 916
Dixon Family YMCA — 110 N. Galena Ave.; dixonymca.org and facebook.com/ dixonfamilyymca/; 815-288-9622
Dixon Junior Dukes Football — P.O. Box 371; 815-499-0603; on dixonjrdukes. com/ and Facebook (“Dixon Junior Dukes”)
Dixon Lioness Club — On Facebook Dixon Noon Lions — 815-284-8845
Dixon Petunia Festival — Office at 77 S. Hennepin Ave. (seasonal hours; see website for more information); petuniafestival.org or facebook.com/PetuniaFes-
tival/; 815-288-7465
Dixon Rotary Club — 221 W. Third Street, P.O. Box 83; rotary6420.org and facebook.com/DixonRotaryClub
Dixon Shriner Club — tebala.com/ shrine-clubs-units/dixon-shrine-club/ or 815-262-4416
Dixon Sister Cities Association P.O. Box 582; dixongov.com (under Departments link) and on Facebook
Dixon Historic Theatre — 114 S. Galena Ave.; dixontheatre.com and facebook.com/dixontheatre/; Box office: 815508-6324
Office: 779-250-9951
Dixon Wrestling Club — On Facebook (“Dixon Wrestling Club - DWC”); 815-631-1877 or dixonwrestling@yahoo. com
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; 815-2847772
Gyro Club, a Dixon mens club — 815-284-2020, https:// gyro.org/district-clubs/
Junior Achievement — 800 12th Ave., Moline; jaheartland.org, 309-736-1630
Kiwanis Club of Dixon — dixonkiwanis.org or facebook.com/DixonKiwanis#; 815-876-7726 or contact@dixonkiwanis.com
Knights of Columbus — 506 W. Third St., P.O. Box 52, Dixon; facebook.com/ kofc690/; 815-288-1821
Lee County Bar Association — 119 W. First St.; or 815-288-4949
Lee County Democratic Party — P.O. Box 255, leecodemocrats.com/ and facebook.com/leecountydemocrats; 815-8784230 or demsofleecountyil@gmail.com
CLUBS cont’d to page 22
Lee County Farm Bureau — 37 S. East Ave., P.O. Box 198, Amboy; leecfb. org and facebook.com/LeeCountyFarmBureau; 815-857-3531
Lee County Genealogical and Historical Society — 113 S. Hennepin Ave.; leecountyhgs.org and facebook. com/LeeCountyHistoricalSociety; 815284-1134 or leecountyhgs@gmail.com
Lee County Republican Central Committee — 101 W. Second St./P.O. Box 223, Dixon; https://leecountyilgop. org/ and facebook.com/LeeCountyRepublicansCentralCommittee
Marine Corps League (VFW Post 540) — theillinoismarine.com
Masonic Friendship Lodge No. 7 — 1409 N. Galena Ave.; 815-284-0226
Northwestern Illinois Special Olympics —850 N. Church St. Rockford; www. soill.org/regiona/; 309-888-2551 or soill. org/contact/
P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter KM —
peoillinois.org
P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter AC — peoillinois.org
Reagan Home Foundation — 816 S. Hennepin Ave.; https://yaf.org/reagan-boyhood-home/ or facebook.com/ reaganhome; or 872-872-1776
Rock River Garden Club — facebook. com/RockRiverGardenClub; 815-9735091 or rockrivergc@gmail.com
Rock River Human Resources Professional Association — P.O. Box 962; rrhrpa.shrm.org or facebook.com/ RRHRPA/
Sauk Valley American Association of University Women — 173 State Route 2; 815-288-5511
TOPS Chapter 617 — 815-284-8321.
VFW Post 540, VFW Post Auxiliary — 1560 Franklin Grove Road; facebook. com/DixonVfwPost540/; 815-288-5165
VITAL Adult Literacy Program — 173 state Route 2; svcc.edu/community/ adult-education/vital/; 815-835-6310
Serving Dixon & Surrounding Areas
For 43 Years
Advance EMS of Dixon, Inc. has been serving Dixon and the surrounding communities since 1983. Advance EMS of Dixon, Inc. provides local and long distance Emergency and Non Emergency advanced life support and critical care Ambulance Services.
ALEX T. PASCHAL/APASCHAL@SHAWMEDIA.COM
Russ Shuck is seen through the window of his ’67 Dodge Dart on July 4, 2025, at John Dixon Park, during the Petunia Fest car show.
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 1.5acre park offering river views
Chula Vista — 801 Chula Vista Drive; greenspace
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
The Facility 1312 Washington Ave.; featuring full-size basketball courts, automated volleyball nets, batting cages, community room, outdoor patio, game room, and the Dixon Park District administrative offices; open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Find Dixon Park District on Facebook, call 815-284-3306, or go to dixonparkdistrict.com/the-facility for
more information.
Grace Johnston Park — 1100 S. 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
— 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
PARKS cont’d to page 25
Veterans Memorial Park in Dixon.
PARKS cont’d from page 23
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 features, 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
Northwest Territory Historic Center — 205 W. Fifth St.; A museum/history research and learning center housed in President Reagan’s boyhood school; features exhibits on Presidents Lincoln and Reagan, local Chautauqua history, Dixon history, World War I, prairie life, and more; 815-288-5508 or info@nthc.org: Online: https://nthc.org/ and on Facebook.
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, 815-284-3306
President’s Park — 100 Lincoln Statue Drive; riverwalk, veterans memorial and is adjacent to state-owned 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; city-owned park with military equipment and memorial; honorourvets.org
Wooden Wonderland — 1550 Washington Ave.; huge wooden play structure and picnic shelter
APOSTOLIC
Greater Life Church — 1403 Hemlock Ave.; 815-284-8680; glcdixon.org and Facebook
ASSEMBLY OF GOD
Assembly of God Church — 933 Mekeel Road, 815-284-3090; facebook.com/dixonassembly/
Faith Assembly of Grand Detour — 7881 S. Green St., Dixon; 815-881-1015; faithgranddetour.org/ and Facebook
BAPTIST
Calvary Baptist Church — 313 S. Van Buren Ave., 815-288-2453; facebook.com/calbap01/
First Baptist Church — 111 E. Second St.; 815284-6823; fbcdixon.com and Facebook
Hope Bible Fellowship — 732 N. Brinton Ave.; 815-677-9185; hopeofdixon.com and Facebook
Northside Baptist Church — 598 River Lane; 815288-5212; northsidedixon.com and Facebook
Second Baptist Church — 501 W. Third St.; 815-288-1566
BRETHREN
Dixon Church of the Brethren — 215 N. Court St.; 815-284-2711; dixoncob.org/ and facebook.com/dixoncob
CATHOLIC
St. Anne Catholic Church — 1104 N. Brinton Ave.; 815-288-3131; stanneparishdixon.org and facebook.com/stanneparishdixon
St. Patrick Catholic Church — 612 Highland Ave; 815-284-7719; stpatrickdixon.org and facebook.com/StPatrickDixon
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE
First Church of Christ Scientist — 321 W. Second St.; 815-408-0160; facebook.com/ ChristianScienceDixon/
CHURCH OF GOD
Grace Point Church of God — 1620 Sauk Road.; 815-677-9059; gracepointdixon. org/ and facebook.com/gracepointdixon
DISCIPLES OF CHRIST
First Christian Church — 123 S. Hennepin Ave.; 815-288-1222
EPISCOPAL
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church — 221 W. Third St.; 815-288-2151; stlukesdixon.org and “St. Luke’s Church -- Dixon, IL” on Facebook
EVANGELICAL CONGREGATIONAL
Bethel Evangelical Congregational Church — 131 N. Court St.; 815-284-3849; dixonbethel. com and facebook.com/dixonbethel
FOURSQUARE
Foursquare Gospel Church — 103 E. Morgan St.; 815-288-1778; foursquaremissions.org and facebook.com/DixonFoursquareChurch/
ISLAMIC
Sauk Valley Islamic Center — 202 E. Fellows St.; 815-284-4868
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses — 634 Countryside Lane; 815-288-4019; Facebook
LUTHERAN
Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church — 2035 state Route 26; 815-284-4554; coslcdixon. org and facebook.com/coslcdixon
Immanuel Lutheran Church — 1013 Franklin Grove Road; 815-284-2804; https://ilcdixon. org/ and facebook.com/ilcdixon
St. Paul Lutheran Church — 421 S. Peoria Ave.; 815-288-2757; stpauldixon.org and facebook.com/StPaulDixon
METHODIST
First United Methodist Church — 202 S. Peoria Ave.; 815-284-2849; fumcdixon.org and facebook.com/FUMCDixon
Grace United Methodist Church — 921 E. Chamberlin St.; 815-288-1505; dixongraceumc.com and facebook.com/DixonGraceUMC
NAZARENE
Living Well Church of the Nazarene — 116 E. First St., Dixon; 815-973-5981; livingwellchurch.org and Facebook
Lost Lake Community Church of the Nazarene — 90 W. Flagg Road; 815-535-6990; lostlakechurch.org and facebook.com/LostLakeChurch
NON-DENOMINATIONAL
Sauk Valley Community Church 498 state Route 2, 815-288-7000; saukchurch.com and Facebook
Sugar Grove Church — 352 Timber Creek Road; 815-288-2811; and facebook.com/ChurchInTheCountry
Turning Point Community Church — 944 Stony Point Road; 815-288-2625; tpointchurch. net and facebook.com/tpointchurch
The Worship Center — 403 N. Ottawa; 815677-9694; worshipctr.com and Facebook
PRESBYTERIAN
First Presbyterian Church — 110 E. Third St.; 815-284-7741; fpcdixon.com and facebook. com/dixonfirstpresbyterian
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
Sauk Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church — 416 Prospect St., 815-677-9199, saukvalleyil. adventistchurch.org and facebook.com/dixonsda
AtCommunityStateBank,we’reallabout you. We’reacommunitybankownedby localpeopleandourmissionistomakesure ourcustomersaresuccessful.
We offeravarietyofprogressivebanking services,including:
Mortgages - apply online, call or stop by Constructions loans
Home equity loans
Savings, CDs, IRAs, and Health Savings Accounts
Online Banking and Bill Pay Mobile Banking
Callorvisittodayand experiencetheCommunity StateBankdifference. You’ll likethewaywedobanking!
ROCK FALLS 1801First Avenue (815)625-1110 STERLING 3210E.Lincolnway (815)625-4300
1021NorthGalena Avenue (815)284-8500 www.commstbk.com Checking Accounts
Debit cards 24-hour ATMs
Advanced care isn’t somewhere else.
IT’S RIGHT HERE.
Your local care team isn’t just here to care for you; they’re part of your community – the place you call home.
And behind them, there’s a connected team of specialists across the OSF HealthCare system, working together with advanced technology and the latest treatments to provide you with the best care possible.
Scan to see how your care is connected.