SVM_Dixon Welcome Guide_061724

Two views of First Street in downtown Dixon, circa 1920 (left) and circa 1940.

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 rivercrossing 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

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

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@shawmedia.com

A couple walks past the site of a former railroad bridge at Page Park in Dixon in 2021, where a pedestrian bridge across the Rock River will be built, using pylons from the former bridge.

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, 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 recently. In 2022, ground was broken on the Dixon Gateway project on the town’s south side. The 27-acre Gateway site along South Galena Avenue across from Walmart between Keul and Bloody Gulch roads is expected to bring a number of businesses to the area. The project includes the construction of about a dozen buildings, including a 16,000-square-foot anchor that will be the new Dixon Family YMCA child care center. Already, a deal has been sealed to bring a Tru by Hilton hotel to the Gateway site.

DIXON TODAY cont’d to page 8

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 on former railroad pylons, about $5.6 million in state transportation grants the last six years 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.

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 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.

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 for seminars and educational retreats.

Spectators watch the fireworks during the 2023 Petunia Fest. Rock band Everclear finished off the weekend after the fireworks with a show on the main stage in downtown Dixon.

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@shawmedia.com

DIXON 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 Dixon Park District has also been busy in recent years adding a number of amenities for the public: a halfmillion 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

MORE INFO

City of Dixon

City Hall

121 W. Second St

Open: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday

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/

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@shawmedia.com

Electric violinist Alex Ahn entertains students at Sauk Valley Community College in March 2023.

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 careertechnical 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.

Mens and womens sports, cultural activities and events, and more than 20 student clubs and organizations, including Phi Theta

Kappa (the honor society for 2-year colleges), student government, Association of Latin American Students, Magic Club, Campus Crusade for Christ and Math Club, contribute to the vibrant campus life. Students also have access to a full fitness center and weight room.

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

As part of its commitment to the region’s economic 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.

SAUK cont’d to page 11

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

In 2018, Sauk announced plans for several million dollars in improvements, maintenance and upgrades to the campus, part of 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 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.

More info

Call 815-288-5511, go to svcc.edu or, find Sauk Valley Community College on Facebook

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.

In April 2024, Sauk announced that it had added sonography to its lineup of offerings in the medical field, to address a shortage in a critical health care profession and provide opportunities for students interested in a career in diagnostic imaging.

The additions at Sauk are examples of the college’s commitment to its educational and economic role in the community.

“There was a time when Sauk was seen as a hidden gem, and it’s starting to shine bigger than we’ve ever dreamt,” Sauk Board member Lisa Wiersema said during Sauk’s first Police Academy graduation ceremony in 2022. n

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 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.

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 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.

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 to loaning materials, the Dixon Public Library offers reading programs for adults and children.

In 2023, Dixon Public Library Board trustees unanimously voted to hire Christina Keasler as library director. Keasler previously was the director of the Glen Ellyn Public Library’s Youth Department. She had been on staff there since 2012.

Library cards are free to anyone who lives within city limits, and $75 a year per household for those living outside the city limits. n The roots of the Dixon Public Library reach back to 1872 when the firemen of

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 Online: dixonpubliclibrary.org and on Facebook

E-mail: maillibrary@ dixonpubliclibrary.org

Whether you are here for just a few hours to enjoy the area’s cultural or outdoor amenities, or now call Dixon home, KSB Hospital and Medical Group are here for you.

Based in Dixon, Katherine Shaw Bethea is a not-forprofit, full-service hospital and integrated 90 practitioner medical group that has served Lee County since 1897.

Round-the-clock emergency services can be found at the east end of First St. in downtown Dixon (403. E. First St.) for emergency medical conditions and trauma, including psychiatric care.

In addition, the Medical Group offers primary-care services at its Town Square Centre location, including a unique Family Medicine training program operated in conjunction with the University of Illinois College of Medicine.

Specialty physicians provide comprehensive care in Cardiology, Orthopedics, Gynecology, General Surgery, Gastroenterology, ENT, Podiatry, and Optometry.

For help in connecting with a KSB physician or advanced practice professional, including for sameday medical needs, call the KSB Physician Referral Line at 866-KSB-DOCS (800-572-3627). Virtual care is also available from your phone or tablet from KSB Care Anywhere on the Hospital’s website at www.ksbhospital.com.

At KSB, you have the extra peace of mind that comes from knowing quality medical care is available, accessible, and just a short drive away. Visit www.ksbhospital.com to find out more. n

MORE INFO

KSB Hospital

403 E. First St., Dixon 815-288-5531

Online: ksbhospital.com, facebook.com/ ksbhospital/, and twitter. com/KSBHospital

Go to ksbhospital.com/ locations/ for a list of KSB’s satellite locations

Alex T. Paschal/Sauk Valley Media

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.

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

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

Madison Elementary School

618 Division St.

815-284-7726

Online: dps170.org/o/mes Grades: 4-5

Enrollment: About 400

Principal: Joseph Sagel

Jefferson Elementary School

800 Fourth Ave.

815-284-7724

Online: dps170.org/o/jes

Grades: 2-3

Enrollment: About 400

Principal: Crystal Thorpe

Washington Elementary School

703 E. Morgan St. 815-284-7727

Online: dps170.org/o/wes

Grades: Preschool through first

Enrollment: About 430

Principal: Jeffrey Gould

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 interdenominational ministry of Faith Assembly Church.

7571 S. Ridge Road, Grand Detour 815-652-4806

Online: fcsfalcons.com

Grades: Preschool through 12

Enrollment: About 100

Principal: Aaron Fasler

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: Jean Spohn

A wide variety of agencies provide services to area residents ...

Note: (Addresses are in Dixon, unless otherwise noted)

Alzheimer’s Association-Rock River Branch — 93 S. Hennepin Ave.; alz.org; 815-285-1100

American Red Cross of Northwest Illinois — 727 N. Church St., Rockford; redcross.org/local/illinois/chicago-andnorthern-illinois/about-us/locations/ northwest-illinois.html; 815-963-8471

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sauk Valley — 506 W. Fourth St., Ste. 27, Sterling; bbbs-mv.org and on Facebook; 815716-8987

Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) — 101 W. First Street (third floor); http://casa15thdistrict.org/; 815-288-1901

Dixon Community Food Pantry — 2001 W. Fourth St.; on Facebook; 815288-4848

Dixon Family YMCA — 110 N. Galena Ave.; dixonymca.org and on Facebook;

815-288-9622

Dixon Greeter — Tere Elliott; dixongreeter2@gmail.com or 815-994-0422

Dixon Habitat for Humanity — 924 W. First St.; 815-564-8690 or dixonilhabitat@gmail.com; habitat.org/il/dixon/ dixon-hfh

Dixon Chamber of Commerce & Main Street — 87 S. Hennepin Ave.; discoverdixon.com or Facebook (“Discover Dixon”); 815-284-3361

Dixon Park District — 1312 Washington Ave.; dixonparkdistrict.com and Facebook; 815-284-3306 or adminassist@dixonparkdistrict.com.

Dixon Welcome Center — 87 S. Hennepin Ave.; discoverdixon.com; 815-284-3361

Dixon Rotary Club — KSB Hospital, Agnes Florence Room, 403 E. First St.; 815-973-1094; https://rotary6420.org/ clubinfo/dixon and Facebook

SERVICE AGENCIES cont’d to page 18

Granny Rose Animal Shelter — 613 River Lane; find it on Facebook; 815-2887387

Home of Hope Cancer Wellness Center — 1637 Plock Drive; homeofhopeonline.org and Facebook; 815-2884673

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; https:// lcida.us/ and Facebook; 815-285-8996

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/ page/lcsea; 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 — 877-847-5332 or visitleecountyil@gmail.com; https:// visitleecountyil.com/

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

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 — 309-888-255; soill.org/regiona/ PADS Homeless Shelter — 805 W. 1st St. (to donate, send to 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”); 815-2846611; 24-hour crisis hotline, 800-2427642; 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 — 173 state Route 2; svcc.edu/community/ adult-education/vital; 815-835-6310

Volunteer Care Center — 101 W. Second St.; 815-284-9555

White Oak Women’s Clinic — 1503 First Ave., Suite C, Rock Falls; myfutureapproved.com/white-oak-clinic/; 815949-9964

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 — almorrisonbaseball.org and Facebook, almorrisonbaseball@gmail.com

American Legion Auxiliary — 1120 W. First St.; https://ilpost12.weebly.com; 815284-2003

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 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 on Facebook; 815-288-9622

Dixon Habitat for Humanity — P.O. Box 11 and 924 W. First St.; habitat.org/il/ dixon/dixon-hfh and on Facebook; 815288-4957

Dixon Junior Dukes Football — P.O. Box 371; on Facebook

Dixon Lioness Club — On Facebook

Dixon Noon Lions — 815-284-8845

Dixon Petunia Festival — office: 77 S. Hennepin Ave. (seasonal hours; see website for more information); petuniafestival. org, on Facebook or 815-288-7465

Dixon Rotary Club — 221 W. Third Street, P.O. Box 83; rotary6420.org and on Facebook

Dixon Shriner Club — tebala.com/

shrine-clubs-units/dixon-shrine-club/ or 815-332-2010

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; 815-285-1917

Dixon Wrestling Club — Find Dixon Wrestling on Facebook; 815-631-1877

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, 815-284-7772

Gyro Club, a Dixon mens club — 815284-2020, https://gyro.org/districtclubs/

Junior Achievement — 800 12th Ave., Moline; jaheartland.org, 309-736-1630

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; 815-2881821

KSB Hospital Auxiliary — 403 E. First St.; ksbhospital.com/volunteers/ or 815288-5531

Lee County Bar Association — 119 W. First St.; or 815-288-4949

Lee County Democratic Party — P.O. Box 255, leecodemocrats.com/ and on Facebook; 815-878-4230.

Lee County Farm Bureau — 37 S. East Ave., 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 Central Committee — 101 W. Second St./P.O. Box 223, Dixon; leecountyilgop.com/ and on Facebook

CLUBS & GROUPS cont’d to page 22

Loyal Order of Moose 727 — 887 Shop Road; on Facebook; 815-288-1182

Marine Corps League (VFW Post 540) — theillinoismarine.com

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. find Dixon IL Moose Lodge 727/Chapter 832 on Facebook; 815-288-1182

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.; reaganfoundation.org or

find “The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute” on 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 — 173 State Route 2; 815-288-5511

Sauk Valley Community Concert Association — P.O. Box 67, Dixon; Find it on Facebook; 815-312-0232

TOPS Chapter 617 — 815-284-8321.

VFW Post 540, VFW Post Auxiliary — 1560 Franklin Grove Road; Find “Dixon VFW Post 540” on Facebook; 815-2885165

VITAL Adult Literacy Program — 173 state Route 2; svcc.edu/community/ adult-education/vital/; 815-288-5511

Volunteer Care Center— 403 E. First St.; 815-284-9555

Alex T. Paschal/Sauk Valley Media

Molly Oliver gives Eldon Hubbell a shove on the 100-foot zipline at Vaile Park in Dixon in October 2023.

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; 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

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 815-2843306, or go to dixonparkdistrict.com/thefacility for more information.

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

PARKS cont’d to page 24

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 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; 815284-3306

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

Serving Dixon & Surrounding Areas

For 41 Years

Advance EMS of Dixon Inc. began in 1983 with one ambulance and five employees. To date, they have 6 ambulance and 35 employees.

Advance EMS of Dixon, Inc. provides advanced life support and critical care not just to Dixon but also the surrounding communities.

24 hours a day

365 days a year ( 815 ) 288-6898

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

Faith Assembly of Grand Detour — 7881 S. Green St., Dixon; 815-652-4488; 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.com 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

Grace Point Church of God — 1620 Sauk Road.; 573-703-7503; gracepointdixon. org/ and Facebook

Disciples of Christ

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

Episcopal

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.; 815-2843849; 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; 815-288-4019; Facebook

Lutheran

Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church — 2035 state Route 26; 815-2844554; coslcdixon.org and Facebook

Immanuel Lutheran Church — 1013 Franklin Grove Road; 815-284-2804; immanueldixon.org and Facebook

St. Paul Lutheran Church — 421 S. Peoria Ave.; 815-288-2757; stpauldixon.org and Facebook

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; 815-973-5981; livingwellchurch.org and Facebook

Lost Lake Community Church of the Nazarene — 90 W. Flagg Road; 815-9735981; lostlakechurch.org and Facebook

Nondenominational

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

Turning Point Community Church — 944

Stony Point Road; 815-288-2625; tpointchurch.net and Facebook

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

Seventh-day Adventist Church

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

GARBAGE PICKUP

Midwest Disposal

P.O. Box 585, Dixon 815-288-1089 or inbox@midwestdisposalllc.com

midwestdisposalllc.com/

Republic Services Waste & Recycling 815-288-4607

republicservices.com/locations/illinois/ dixon

GOVERNMENT

Dixon City Hall

121 W. Second St. 815-288-1485

dixongov.com/government/dixon-cityhall

Lee County Animal Control

280 E. Progress Drive 815-284-3833

leecountyil.com/158/Animal-Control

Lee County Assessment Office

112 E. Second St. 815-288-4483

leecountyil.com/171/Chief-CountyAssessment

Lee County Clerk

112 E. Second St. 815-288-3309

leecountyil.com/204/County-ClerkRecorder

Lee County Treasurer 112 E. Second St. 815-288-4477

leecountyil.com/268/Treasurer

HEALTH CARE

KSB Hospital

403 E. First St. 815-288-5531

ksbhospital.com

INTERNET

Surf Internet

888-274-6381 or hello@surfinternet.com surfinternet.com

Comcast (cable & internet)

1-800-934-6489

xfinity.com

LIBRARY

Dixon Public Library

221 S. Hennepin Ave. 815-284-7261

dixonpubliclibrary.org

OTHER

Driver’s License Station

925 S. Peoria Ave. 815-288-6685

ilsos.gov

Sauk Valley Media (news outlet)

113 S. Peoria Ave. 815-284-2224

saukvalley.com

U.S. Post Office

405 W. Second St. 815-284-5015

usps.com

PUBLIC SAFETY

EMERGENCY? CALL 911

Advance EMS Ambulance 661 Reynoldswood Road 815-288-6898

https://advems.com

Dixon Police Department 220 S. Hennepin Ave. 815-288-4411

dixongov.com/departments/policedepartment

Dixon Fire Department 210 S. Hennepin Ave. 815-288-3323

dixongov.com/departments/firedepartment

Dixon Rural Fire Department 1020 Palmyra St. 815-284-6897

Find “Dixon Rural Firefighters Association” on Facebook

Lee County Sheriff 240 E. Progress Drive 815-284-5217

leecountyil.com/258/SheriffsDepartment

UTILITIES

ComEd (electricity) 919 First St. 800-334-7661

comed.com

NICOR Gas 1844 Ferry Road, Naperville 800-427-6748

nicor.com

Dixon Water Department 121 W. Second St. 815-288-7474

dixongov.com (under the Departments link)

Debit

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