SVM_Sterling & Rock Falls Welcome Guide_062623

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

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

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

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

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

Because of the financial hardship sweeping the United States, the future Rock Falls lay nearly dormant for 20 years. There were no shops or stores in operation in the township, and in 1857, On this page: Two views of Second Street in Rock Falls the plat of Rapids City was during the early 1900s. Above: First National Bank, at the vacated. A year later, the intersection of Second Avenue; and below, looking east county map showed only 31 downtown. residents.

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

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

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

HISTORY cont’d to page 5

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

Eventually, Rock Falls gained city status.

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

A period of rapid growth followed the arrival of the railroad in Rock Falls.

The new form of transportation boosted industry, and numerous factories were established and prospered.

George S. Tracy and Thomas A. Galt bought water rights and land in Rock Falls from Smith after their Sterling factory was destroyed in 1867.

Keystone Manufacturing Co. was organized between 1870 and 1877, built 10 more buildings, and concentrated on making agricultural machinery.

Others who played a role in the development of Rock Falls were brothers John H. and Edwin F. Lawrence, prosperous manufacturers who started with a patent for two barndoor hangers.

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

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

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

week.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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HISTORY cont’d from page 4

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Above: Third Street in downtown Sterling, looking west from the intersection of First Avenue, circa 1910. Right: The Sterling National Bank building, at 14 E. Third St., during that same time. The bank can be seen in the photo at top, center right, by the car parked on the street.

The Rock River and Elkhorn and Sugar creeks combined with woodlands and prairie to make the Sterling area attractive to settlers in the early 1900s.

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

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

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

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

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

By 1838, though, the two settlements made peace and merged in hopes of becoming the county seat. They united under the new name of Sterling, named after Maj. James Sterling, who participated in the Black Hawk War.

STERLING HISTORY cont’d to page 8

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STERLING HISTORY cont’d from page 6 In 1842, believing they were victorious in becoming the county seat, the settlers began building a courthouse. The building was used for only a short time before the county seat was moved to Morrison, where it remains today. Religious groups and other organizations used the building in Sterling until it was razed for its bricks in 1881.

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

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

Instead, the settlers learned how to harness the river’s power to run saw and grist mills.

Because navigating the Rock River was not an option, the state authorized construction of a canal in 1839. It was to run along the south side of the river and bypass the shallow waters.

Financial problems, though, caused this project to be abandoned, as well.

While Brink was somewhat successful in running a ferry service on the Rock River to attract travelers, other means for crossing the river were unsuccessful.

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

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

Not all factories, though, were dependent on water power.

Industrial expansion increased dramatically after the Civil War. One of the first factories was the mitten factory owned by A.P. Smith, the founder of Rock Falls. Keystone Co., Northwestern Steel and Wire Co. and Eureka Manufacturing Co. all were begun between 1870 and 1879.

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

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Matteson were among the 3,000 people in attendance.

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

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

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

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

One of the few electric lines to be successful was the Sterling, Dixon and Eastern Electric Railway. The SD & EER ran a trolley service between Sterling and Dixon from 1904 to 1925.

Around 1930, some of the streetcars were remodeled into tourist cabins and moved to Morrison.

Schools developed slowly in Sterling, with the first constructed in 1856. The early schools were frame structures, but later ones were constructed of brick. Lincoln School originally was called First Ward School, and Central School was called Sterling School.

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

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

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People helping people is what Rock Falls is all about. Since its founding in 1839, residents have pitched in and worked together to make things happen in Rock Falls. They built the city’s first shops, homes and industries. They built the first schools and churches. They built a library, parks and more businesses.

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

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

Rock Falls is focused on developing its riverfront, cleaning up empty factories and redeveloping them for commercial use. In recent years, the city has fin-

ished the second phase of the RB&W District, turning a former industrial site into a green space, complete with an entertainment venue, a trail, Art in the Park sculpture display, and restrooms.

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

ROCK FALLS TODAY cont’d to page 10

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The city also hopes to see new develIn 2022, Dixon Avenue was completely opment along state Route 40 and Interrebuilt, from Avenue A to the Hennepin state 88. Rock Falls has partnered with the Canal, a $2.5 million project that also neighboring towns of Dixon and Sterling, include new sidewalks. Dixon Avenue is as well as economic leaders from Lee and the second-busiest street in the city, Whiteside counties, to attract industry to behind First the I-88 West Avenue/Route Corridor.

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

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

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

Northland Mall saw an almost complete turnaround after new owners, Brookwood Capital Advisors, took over and announced plans to let new businesses move in for 6 months rent-free.

The offer filled nearly every spot in the once largely vacant mall. Two new anchor stores also signed on: Hobby

Lobby and Illinois Furniture and more.

Just down the road, in Pine Tree Plaza, Harbor Freight moved in to space formerly occupied by Staples.

Meanwhile, a business incubator consisting of six small, free-standing storefronts was built downtown, with the goal of helping online, in-home or even brandnew startups eventually migrate to their own brick-and-mortar stores. By June, four new businesses had already set up shop there.

The Sterling Main Street project, called The Shoppes at Grandon Plaza, was built in the empty lot at 310 Second Ave. The lot was donated by Sterling Today Inc., a nonprofit economic development group,

STERLING TODAY cont’d to page 13

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Developer Gorman and Company, architecture firm Studio GWA and the Sterling Riverfront Commission has held several tours of the Lawrence Bros. and National Manufacturing (above) sites to gauge the community’s wants and needs.

STERLING TODAY cont’d from page 12 To help spur new growth, the city created the Greater Sterling Development Corp., which actively recruits new business to the area. In turn, those new businesses help attract more people to Sterling and spur the construction of new housing.

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

On the east end of town, work has already begun on a project to turn the vacant Kmart on East Lincolnway into a shopping center that will be home to an Old Navy, Five Below, Marshalls’s and Shoe Sensation.

In addition to creating a new facade for the building, contractors will also reroof it, add energy-efficient upgrades to the lighting and the plumbing, completely

redo the parking lot and landscaping, and repair and replace damaged concrete and sidewalks. Plans also call for the possible construction of additional outlying buildings that could house restaurants, offices or other retailers, developer Chris Williams said during an April groundbreaking ceremony.

Meanwhile, across the street at Northland Mall, Hobby Lobby is on track to open in the former Bergner’s site.

Plans has originally called for a January 2023 opening, but that date has been pushed back.

In the city’s downtown, it was announced in 2022 that a restaurant, new retail and/or office space and five new apartments are in the works in the Haymarket Tap building on the corner of East Third and Second Avenue, and the Beans, Books & Beliefs building next door, at 121 E. Third.

Sterling’s leaders also want to improve the quality of life for residents.

STERLING TODAY cont’d to page 14

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STERLING TODAY cont’d from page 13 In April 2023, Sterling’s Riverfront Commission unveiled the master plan for the Lawrence Bros. and National sites, part of the $300-million-plus Riverfront Reimagined Project, during an open house.

The plan is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to reinvent and reclaim land along the riverfront, a former industrial hub in the city that was home to a number of factories. As times changed and the factories closed, the city made one of its fundamental goals to capitalize on prime real estate along the Rock River, reestablishing the riverfront as an amenity and destination.

The main components of the concept plan focus on the two former factory sites and call for worker apartments, a hotel and events center, and a rooftop bar/restaurant for the four buildings at the Lawrence site, which would be developed first if plans are undertaken.

That would be followed by market-rate apartments, a fitness center, and yet-tobe-determined other potential uses of the National site, which for now has 11 buildings. The plan can be viewed at tinyurl. com/mr3pk28x.

In 2023, work began on a $6.3 million reconstruction of Locust Street/state Route 40, from 14th Street to a little south of 25th Street. The project, in the works for several years, will completely rebuild Locust from LeFevre to Lynn, with the pavement replaced and the road widened to three lanes to include a left turn lane.

Traffic signals will be added and existing signals upgraded with left-turn arrows.

A multiuse path will be built on the east side of Locust, north of LeFevre, and a sidewalk will be added on the west side.

Storm sewer, curb and gutter work will also be done.

The staff at Sterling’s city-owned hospital, CGH Medical Center, is committed to attracting and retaining top-notch doctors.

In December 2010, the hospital merged with the Sterling-Rock Falls Clinic, now the CGH Main Clinic. In recent years, the hospital completed a $27 million addition, and the clinic has expanded. In 2015, the hospital opened the doors on an $8.6 million

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expansion of its Emergency Department, and a second cardiac catheterization lab.

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

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

The Sterling Park District maintains several parks, an indoor fitness facility and an 18-hole golf course. Central Memorial Park, located downtown, received a number of upgrades recently, with a splash pad opening in 2023, and work wrapping up on a concession stand/restroom facility. Other work at the park includes new wiring and light fixtures, replacing band shell benches and creating a walking path around the parks’ perimeter.

The city also worked with Rock Falls to build a footbridge over the Rock River, allowing residents to hike and bike along the Hennepin Feeder Canal in Rock Falls.

The river offers great recreational opportunities each summer for boating, waterskiing and fishing.

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

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

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

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

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American Legion Post 902 — 712 Fourth Ave., Rock Falls; 815-626-3862; legion. org and on Facebook American Legion Post 296 — 601 First Ave., Sterling; 815-625-1212; legion.org and on Facebook Beta Sigma Phi women’s service organization — 888-238-2221; bspinternational. org Boy Scouts of America, Blackhawk Area Council, White Eagle District — 815-3970210; blackhawkscouting.org Carpenters Local 790 — 1008 Seventh Ave., Rock Falls; 815-626-1533; local790. com/ CGH Medical Center Auxiliary — 100 E. LeFevre Road, Sterling; or 815-625-0400, ext. 4642; cghmc.com Church Women United — 210 Fourth Ave., Rock Falls; churchwomenunitedillinois.org/ Crossroads Youth Ministries — 1800 Prophet Road, Rock Falls; 815-625-4371; Facebook Daughters of the American Revolution, Rock River Chapter — ildar.org/chapters/ rockriver/ Eagles Club 2783 — 321 W. Second St., Rock Falls; on Facebook Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois — 229 First Ave. Rock Falls; 844-4764463; girlscoutsni.org/ 4-H, University of Illinois Extension Office for Lee, Carroll and Whiteside counties — 12923 Lawrence Road in Sterling; 815-632-3611; https://extension.illinois. edu/clw/4-h-whiteside-county and on Facebook Jaycees-Sterling/Rock Falls — P.O. Box 705, Sterling; on Facebook Kiwanis of Sterling — P.O. Box 44, Sterling; sterlingkiwanis.org; on Facebook.

Knights of Columbus No. 662 — kofc.org or call the nearest Catholic church Latin American Social Club — 815-6268290; Facebook Thrivent Financial — offices in Sterling, Rock Falls and Dixon (go to www.thrivent. com and click on the “find a financial professional” link at the top of the page); 800847-4836 Masonic Lodge Rock River 612 — 113 1/2

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W. Third St., Sterling; 612-il.ourlodgepage. com Moose Lodge 726 — 2601 E. Lincolnway, Sterling; 815-625-3619; mooseintl.org/ location/726-sterling/.org and on Facebook Optimist Club-Rock Falls — optimistofrockfalls@gmail.com; optimist.org/member/clubdirectory/clubdetail. cfm?club=12302 and on Facebook Optimist Club-Sterling — sterling.optimist@gmail.com; optimist.org/member/ clubdirectory/clubdetail.cfm?club=12328 and on Facebook PEO Sisterhood Chapter CC — peoillinois. org Rebekah Lodge 202 Rock Falls — ioof-il. org/lodge-directory/rebekah-lodges/ Rock River Human Resources Professional Association — P.O. Box 962, Dixon; rrhrpa.shrm.org Rock River Road Runners Running Club — on Facebook Rock River Valley Barbershop Chorus — rockrivervalleychorus.org and on Facebook Rock River Valley International Fellowship — 802 W. Third St., Sterling; Facebook Rotary Club, Twin City Sunrise — https:// rotary6420.org/clubinfo/twin-cities-(rockfalls-sterling) and on Facebook Rotary Club of Rock Falls — rockfallsrotary.org and on Facebook Sterling Noon Rotary — sterlingilrotary. com Sauk Valley Association of Realtors — 2605 Woodlawn Road No. 4, Sterling; 815626-8148 Sauk Valley Landlord Association — P.O. Box 401, Rock Falls; svla.org Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society — 1005 E. Third St., Sterling; 815-6226215; srfhs.com and on Facebook United Methodist Women of Rock Falls — 210 Fourth Ave., Rock Falls; 815-6250114; rockfallsumc.org/ Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5418 — 217 First Ave., Rock Falls; 815-626-3513; on Facebook Whiteside County Genealogists — genealogytrails.com/ill/whiteside Yak Yak Sisters, kayaking club for men and women — on Facebook n

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

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

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

In the 1990s, the non-profit group K.I.D.S.S (Knowledge Increases Developing Skills for Success) was formed to

raise money to build a new library.

Thanks to the contributions of local residents and businesses, including former Rock Falls resient Dr. Louis Rubin, the new library became a reality. The Joseph and Dora Rubin Library Building, dedicated to Dr. Rubin’s parents, opened in February 2001.

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

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

LIBRARY cont’d to page 18

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ROCK FALLS LIBRARY cont’d from page 17 Library cards are free for Coloma Township residents or those who pay taxes on property within Coloma Township. Patrons outside of Coloma Township pay $55 a year per family.

Each summer, the library organizes crafts and other programs for children, and offers short-term, discounted library

cards for children who live outside the township.

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

More info Rock Falls Public Library 1007 Seventh Ave. 815-626-3958 Online: rockfallslibrary.com and on Facebook Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. MondayThursday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday

Rock Falls Electric Utilities

Est. 1895

Solar Field: Belt way Dr.

Nationally recognized Municipal Electric Agency One of only Three Communities in Illinois

Hydro Plant: E 2nd St.

Rock Falls provides green, affordable, and reliable power to consumers and is transitioning our generation to a cleaner, more diverse portfolio in a responsible fashion while ensuring reliable supply and proving stable costs to our customers 18

A Shaw Media Publication | Get To Know Us: Sterling-Rock Falls | 2023-24

SM-ST2082028

13030 GALT RD. • STERLING IL 815-626-2988 • KSKORNERBARANDEVENTS.COM

A Shaw Media Publication | Get To Know Us: Sterling-Rock Falls | 2023-24

19

Sterling Public Library, established in 1878, has grown and progressed along with the city. To keep up with this growth, the library has had several homes within the community as its collection of reading materials and number of patrons has increased. The current building was opened in November 1905, thanks to a donation by Andrew Carnegie. It was expanded in 1985, and again in 1995.

Three main departments serve patrons public libraries. Sterling has joined its of all ages. The library even offers items in collection with Dixon and Rock Falls Spanish, and has extensive local history public libraries, and with Sterling Public and genealogy resources. There is a com- Schools, St. Mary’s School in Stermunity room and small study room availling, and Newman Central Catholic, Rock able for public use.

Falls and Dixon high schools, to form the The library houses about 57,000 items Rock River Library Consortium. in many formats: print, audio, DVD, and In addition, people with a valid library electronic card from books. other public Newspapers, libraries in periodicals, Illinois can public comregister their puters with card with the Internet Sterling access, wi-fi, library for cirand microculation privifilm of local leges. newspapers The library is also availalso offers able. more than The library just books. offers a host People can of digital make copies library seror use a selfMore info vices on its service scanSterling Public Library | 102 W. Third St. website ner to scan 815-625-1370.

There is a documents Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday & Tuesday; 9 a.m. to summer into a PDF 5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. reading profile. A notary Online: On Facebook or go to sterlingpubliclibrary.org gram for public is on children and staff, and adults, and weekly story time for preadult patrons can check out general schoolers year-round. admission passes to the Putnam Library cards are available at no Museum in Davenport. charge to residents within city limits, and In addition, the library has an extenfor a fee to people outside city limits. sive local history and genealogy collecCards are valid for 2 years. People who tion supported by a part-time genealolive outside the city limits, but own propgist. The collection includes periodicals, erty within the city limits, can get a free, books, genealogies and microfilm. It also 1-year library card with proof of property has subscriptions to several internet ownership. databases that patrons may use on the Cards can be used at other Illinois library’s computers. n

20

A Shaw Media Publication | Get To Know Us: Sterling-Rock Falls | 2023-24

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

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

A 7,000-square-foot CGH Rock Falls Medical Center opened in 2019 at1315 Dixon Ave.,replacing the former facility at 100 W. First St. The clinic offers family practice services – wellness, disease prevention and treatment of minor illness in patients of all ages – and pediatric services.

While work was underway on the new clinic, CGH also completely remodeled the hospital’s fourth floor, which houses surgical patients. The 15,430-square-foot surgical floor now boasts a bariatric patient

room, an isolation/negative pressure room, and two safe rooms. In addition, all 20 of the patient rooms on the floor got a makeover, with new paint and new floors. The lighting and heating systems were upgraded and all of the bathrooms were enlarged and remodeled.

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

In March 2017, CGH Medical Center’s unveiled its new pediatrics department, which got a wall-to-wall makeover. The department, which hasn’t been renovated since the 1980s, boasts new nurses stations, upgraded lighting, an enhanced security system, and a mural that offers a splash of color, featuring fish, birds and other attention-grabbers that kids can look at when they visit the hospital.

HEALTH CARE cont’d to page 22

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MORE INFO

CGH Medical Center | 100 E. Le Fevre Road, Sterling Contact: 815-625-0400 or info@cghmc.com Online: cghmc.com and on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

Go to cghmc.com/locations for a list of CGH’s satellite locations.

HEALTH CARE cont’d from page 21 In addition to the mural, artwork from students at Woodlawn Arts Academy will be displayed in the department, with different pieces featured periodically.

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

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

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

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

In addition, CGH offers an ambulatory surgical center, a digestive health center, physical and occupational therapy, a diabetic education department, a wound care

22

center, and a 24-hour trauma ready emergency department.

It also operates its own day care center adjacent to the campus.

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

Since 2013, CGH has received high grades for patient safety from the Leapfrog Group, including the A Safety Rating this spring. The Leapfrog Group collects and reports one-of-a-kind data to empower patients to choose the right hospital.

In May 2016, CGH opened its Spirit of the Heart art gallery, a joint project of its Marketing Department and the CGH Auxiliary. It’s intended not only to be a venue for local artists, but also a healing force for patients, families, and even hospital staff, to help promote the idea of art’s positive impact on healing and health.

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

A Shaw Media Publication | Get To Know Us: Sterling-Rock Falls | 2023-24

East Coloma-Nelson Consolidated Elementary District 20

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

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

Rock Falls Elementary District 13

District 13 has a preschool, two grade schools, Merrill and Dillon, and Rock Falls Middle School. It has about 1,000 students in its four buildings.

602 Fourth Ave. 815-626-2604 Online: rfsd13.org

Dillon School

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

Merrill School

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

Principal: Brody Rude

Rock Falls Middle School

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

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

Riverdale Preschool

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

Montmorency School District 145

Montmorency School serves grades K-8.

It has about 350 students, with an average class size of 18

Montmorency School

9415 Hoover Road 815-625-6616 Online: sites.google.com/a/mgs145. net/montmorencyschooldistrict145/ home Principal: Megan Dillon

Rock Falls Township High School District 301 Rock Falls High School

101 12th Ave. 815-625-3886 Online: www.rfhs301.org Grades: 9-12 Enrollment: About 670 students, with an average class size of 15 Principal: Mike Berentes

Parochial School St. Andrew Catholic Grade School

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

A Shaw Media Publication | Get To Know Us: Sterling-Rock Falls | 2023-24

23

Community Unit School District 5

District 5 encompasses four grade schools, a middle school, and a high school.

410 E. LeFevre Road 815-626-5050 Online: sterlingpublicschools.org

Sterling High School

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

Principal: Jason Austin

Challand Middle School

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

Principal: Lindsy Stumpenhorst

Franklin Elementary School

1510 E. 25th St. 815-625-5755 Online: sterlingpublicschools.org/o/fes Grades: Preschool through second Principal: Brooke Dir

Jefferson Elementary School

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

Lincoln Elementary

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

Principal: Cindy Frank

Washington Elementary

815 W. LeFevre Road 815-625-2372 Online: sterlingpublicschools.org/o/wes Grades: 3-5 Enrollment: About 375 students, with an

24

average of 25 in each class Principal: Liz Engstrom

Vocational school

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

Whiteside Area Career Center 1608 Fifth Ave. 815-626-5810 Online: wacc.cc/

Parochial Schools Newman Central Catholic High School

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

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

Principal: Jennifer Oetting

St. Mary’s School

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

Principal: Melanie Selmi

Christ Lutheran School

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

A Shaw Media Publication | Get To Know Us: Sterling-Rock Falls | 2023-24

Abiding Word Christian Center Food Pantry — 806 E. Lynn Blvd., Sterling; 815-6261827; abidingwordchurch.org Alzheimer’s Association, Rock River Branch — 93 S. Hennepin Ave., Dixon; alz. org; 815-285-1100 American Cancer Society — 4312 E. State St., Rockford; 815-229-1287; cancer.org American Red Cross of Northwest Illinois — 727 N. Church St., Rockford; https://www. redcross.org/local/illinois/about-us/locations/northwest-illinois.html; 815-963-8471 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Whiteside County — 506 W. Fourth St., Suite 27, Sterling; 815-716-8987; bbbsmv.org and on Facebook Department of Human Services — 2605 Woodlawn Road, Suite 4, Sterling; 815-6324045; dhs.state.il.us/ First Church of the Nazarene “Helping Hands” — 1208 E. Fourth St., Sterling; 815625-1146; sterlingnaz.com/ministries/helping-hands/ and on Facebook F.I.S.H. Food Pantry — 902 E. Fifth St., Sterling; 815-626-1734 Happy Tails Humane Society — 1408

McNeil Road, Rock Falls; 815-626-2994; happytailsanimalshelter.org and on Facebook Home of Hope Cancer Wellness Center — 1637 Plock Road, Dixon; 815-288-4673; homeofhopeonline.org and on Facebook Rock River Hospice & Home — 2706 Ave. E, Sterling; 815-625-3858; hospicerockriver. org and on Facebook Lutheran Social Services — 1901 First Ave., Sterling; 815-626-7333; lssi.org March of Dimes — 5411 E. State St., Suite 8, Rockford; 815-397-0097; marchofdimes.com Marine Corps League, Sauk Valley Detachment 913 — Rock Falls American Legion, 712 Fourth Ave., Rock Falls; 815-441-2243; “Sauk Valley Marines #913” on Facebook Northwest Illinois Workforce Investment Board — 815-625-9648; illinoisworknet. com/WIOA/Pages/IWIBGuide.aspx Prairie State Legal Services — 1600 Fourth Ave., Suite 200 Rock Island, (serving Henry, Lee, Mercer, Rock Island, and Whiteside counties); 309-794-1328, 800-3229804; pslegal.org

SERVICE AGENCIES cont’d to page 26

Dixon Tire Center

1110 E. River Road (Hwy 2 North) • Dixon 815-284-3324

M-F 8am-5pm • Sat 8am-Noon

A Shaw Media Publication | Get To Know Us: Sterling-Rock Falls | 2023-24

25

SERVICE AGENCIES cont’d from page 25 Project VITAL (adult literacy program) — 173 state Route 2, Dixon; 815-835-6363; svcc. edu/community/adult-education/vital Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce — 601 W. 10th St., Rock Falls; 815-625-4500; rockfallschamber.com and on Facebook Rock Falls Rotary Club — P.O. Box 902 Rock Falls; 815-325-4120; www.rockfallsrotary.org Salvation Army — 409 Ave. F, Sterling; 815625-1622; salvationarmy.org and on Facebook Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce — 211 Locust St., Sterling; 815-6252400; saukvalleyareachamber.com and on Facebook Sauk Valley Food Bank — 1801 Plant Road, Sterling; saukvalleyfoodbank.org/; 815-625-4556 Sauk Valley Friends of Ferals — 601 W. Route 30, Rock Falls; 815-590-3290; on Facebook Self Help Enterprises — 2300 W. LeFevre Road, Sterling; 815-626-3115; selfhelpenterprises.org and on Facebook Sinnissippi Centers — 2611 Woodlawn Road, Sterling; 815-625-0013 or 800-242-7642 (24-

hour emergency hotline); sinnissippi.com Society of St. Vincent De Paul Society — 7 W. Sixth St., Sterling; 815-625-0311; svdpsaukvalley.org Tri County Opportunities Council — 405 Emmons Ave., Rock Falls; 800-3235434; tcochelps.org and on Facebook Trinity United Methodist Church Food Pantry — 205 E. 10th St., Sterling; 815-626-7777 Twin Cities PADS Homeless Shelter — 111 E. 29th St., Sterling; 815-626-2210; twincitiespads.org and on Facebook United Way of Whiteside County — 502 First Ave., Sterling; 815-625-7973; unitedwayofwhitesidecounty.org and on Facebook Whiteside County Senior Center — 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling; 815-622-9230; wc-seniorcenter.org and on Facebook White Oaks Women’s Clinic — 1503 1st Ave, Suite C, Rock Falls; myfutureapproved.com/white-oak-clinic/; 815-4080793 YMCA Sterling-Rock Falls — 2505 Ave. E, Sterling; 815-535-9622; srfymca. org/ and on Facebook

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SM-ST2081867

A Shaw Media Publication | Get To Know Us: Sterling-Rock Falls | 2023-24

Rock Falls

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

Bennett Park — West Bennett Drive; playground and picnic area Bowman Family Park — downtown riverfront; fishing, pavilions and scenic area Centennial Park — Avenue D and East 11th Street; ball diamonds, tennis courts, playground, canoeing and paddleboating, fishing, ice skating, monument, pavilions, picnic area, and scenic area Dillon Park West — 19th Street and 11th Avenue; ball diamonds, playground, and picnic area Joshua Park — U.S. Route 30 and Riverdale Road; ball diamond, basketball court, disc golf course, playground, picnic shelter, and restrooms Kiwanis Park — West 12th Street and Seventh Avenue; ball diamonds, playground, pavilions, and picnic area Liberty Bell Monument Park — junction of Route 88 and Second Avenue; replica of the Liberty Bell Logan Memorial Park — East U.S. Route 30; playground, picnic area, and scenic area Lower Dam Park — downtown riverfront; boat ramp and fishing, excellent for Eagle watching Nims Park — East Third Street and Avenue E; ball diamonds, basketball court, disc golf course, playground, pavilions, and picnic area Optimist Park — 14th Avenue and Prophet Road; ball diamonds, playground, and picnic area RB&W District Park — East Second Street, on the riverfront downtown.; green space area includes entertainment venue, water feature, parks, a trail, and restrooms

Rotary Park — East Minkle Road; ball diamonds, playground, pavilions, and picnic area Seward-Riverside Park — East Second Street and Avenue C; fishing, playground, boat launch, picnic area, and scenic area A.V. Sieglinger Park — Ninth Avenue and 22nd Street; ball diamonds, playground, pavilions, and picnic area Veterans Memorial Park — West Fifth Street and Galt Avenue; bandshell and monument Wallingford Park — East Eighth Street and Avenue C; ball diamonds, basketball courts, playground, pavilions, and picnic area

Sterling

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

Douglas Park — 2100 Chestnut Ave.; basketball court, playground equipment, and open play area Duis Recreation Center — 211 E. 23rd St.; fitness center and swimming pool Eberley Park — 2699 W. LeFevre Road; 1.5-mile walking course Emerald Hill Golf Course — 16802 Prairieville Road; golf course and Emerald Hill Pavilion (weddings and parties) Gartner Park — 2121 W. LeFevre Road; ball diamond, playground Harry Kidd Field — 1219 W. Seventh St.; football field Hoover Park — 3807 Woodlawn Road; trail system, playground equipment, picnic and open play areas, and drinking water Kilgour Park — 400 W. 15th St.; basketball court, tennis courts, Imagination Station playground, picnic and open play areas, local historic site and drinking water

PARKS & REC cont’d to page 28

A Shaw Media Publication | Get To Know Us: Sterling-Rock Falls | 2023-24

27

PARKS & REC cont’d from page 27 Lawrence Park — Avenue G Island; boat launch, fishing, horseshoe courts, picnic area with grills, playground equipment, open play areas and shelters Martin’s Landing and Sinnissippi Dam Walkway — 10th Avenue and Second Street (behind the Dillon Home); benches, gazebo shelter, fishing and trail connection to Hennepin Canal Parkway Trail Oppold Marina — 532 Stouffer Road; boat launch, boat slip rental, fishing, harbor house, ice skating (outdoor), playground equipment, picnic open play areas, shelters and restrooms Propheter Park — 506 E. Sixth St.; basketball courts, playground equipment and open play areas Redfield Park — 14th Avenue and Second Street (behind the Dillon Home); benches, playground equipment, open play areas and access to trail system Scheid Park — 1102 Woodburn Ave.; basketball courts, soccer fields, playground

equipment, open play areas, shelter and restrooms Sinnissippi Park — Sinnissippi Road; ball diamonds (unlighted), disc golf course, cross-country skiing and sledding, fishing trail access, playground equipment, picnic and open play areas, national historic site, shelters and restrooms Thomas Park — 2301 12th Ave.; basketball courts, tennis courts, ice skating (outdoor), playground equipment, picnic, open play areas and shelter Westwood Sports Center — 1900 Westwood Drive (just east of McCue Road); 6-lane 200 meter indoor track, 60-yard AstroTurf Puregrass football/soccer field, four indoor tennis courts, four indoor pickleball courts, four indoor racquetball/wallyball courts, two indoor batting cages, wrestling room, eight indoor basketball/ volleyball courts, aerobics room with woodsprung floor, more than 12,000-square-feet fitness center with free weights, pin- and plate-loaded weights and cardio theater n

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A Shaw Media Publication | Get To Know Us: Sterling-Rock Falls | 2023-24

Rock Falls

METHODIST

APOSTOLIC

Rock Falls United Methodist Church — 210 Fourth Ave.; 815-6250114; rockfallsumc.org and on Facebook

ASSEMBLY OF GOD

NONDENOMINATIONAL

BAPTIST

Open Bible

New Life Tabernacle — 920 Ave. D, 815-718-6657; https://newlifetabrf. com/ and on Facebook Rock River Christian Center — 1800 Prophetstown Road; 815-6254371; rrccag.org and on Facebook Liberty Baptist Church — 2002 Ninth Ave.; 815-625-4101; givemelibertybaptist.org and on Facebook Maranatha Baptist Church — 2103 Walter St.; 815-625-8978; sinnissippibaptist.org/maranatha-rock-falls

CATHOLIC

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

CONGREGATIONAL

First Congregational United Church of Christ — 905 Dixon Ave.; 815-625-3314; on Facebook

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST

First Christian Church — 506 Fifth Ave.; 815626-2271; fccrockfalls.blogspot.com

EVANGELICAL

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

FOURSQUARE

Foursquare Church — 1501 11th Ave.; 815-625-5040; foursquare.org/ churches/31679

LUTHERAN

Good Shepherd Lutheran — 435 Martin Road; 815-625-3376; gslcrf. org and on Facebook Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran — 501 Eighth Ave.; 815-6253575; immanuelrockfalls.org and on Facebook

Harvest Time Bible Church — 1802 Dixon Ave.; 815-626-1234; htbc. info and on Facebook First Open Bible Church — 2105 E. Rock Falls Road; 815-625-1957; fobrf. org and on Facebook

Sterling BAPTIST

Emmanuel Baptist — 1904 18th Ave.; 815-625-0351; ebcsterling.com and on Facebook Faith Baptist — 2005 Freeport Road; 815-625-7690; faithbaptiststerling.com and on Facebook First Baptist Church — 1705 Sixth Ave.; 815-625-1288 Macedonia Baptist Church — 1313 Woodburn Ave.; 815-6256473: on Facebook New Hope Baptist Church — 25059 Como Road; 815-625-8492; newhopecomo.org/

CATHOLIC

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

CHURCH OF CHRIST

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

CHURHES cont’d to page 30

A Shaw Media Publication | Get To Know Us: Sterling-Rock Falls | 2023-24

29

CHURCHES cont’d from page 29

on Facebook

Sterling (cont’d)

METHODIST

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints — 2709 16th Ave., 815625-1229; on Facebook

CONGREGATIONAL

Big Red Church — 311 Second Ave.; 815-625-5112; https://www.thebigredchurchsterling.org/ and on Facebook

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST

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

EPISCOPAL

Grace Episcopal — 707 First Ave.; 815-625-0442; episcopalgrace. org and on Facebook

JEWISH

Temple Sholom — 510 E. 10th St.; 815-625-2599; sholomsterling.com/ and on Facebook

LUTHERAN

First Lutheran Church of Jordan — 20314 Hickory Hills Road; 815-6255407; on Facebook Messiah Lutheran Church — 1601 Ave. F; 815-625-2284; mlcsterling.org/ and on Facebook New Life Lutheran Church — 702 W. Lynn Blvd.; 815-499-6552; nllutheran. com and on Facebook Our Savior Lutheran — 21496 Hazel Road, 815-772-4345; and on Facebook St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran — 703 Third Ave; 815-625-2634; stjohnssterling.org and on Facebook St. Paul Lutheran — 1701 16th Ave.; 815-625-3069; stpaulsterling.com and on Facebook

MENNONITE

Community Mennonite Fellowship — meets at YWCA, 412 First Ave.; 815238-3421; and on Facebook Science Ridge Mennonite Church — 1702 E. 37th St.; 815-626-0538; and

30

East Jordan United Methodist — 22027 Polo Road; 815-626-0104; eastjordanchurch.org and on Facebook First United Methodist Church — 501 Broadway Ave.; 815-625-0244; on Facebook Trinity United Methodist — 205 E. 10th St.; 815-626-7777 Wesley United Methodist Church — 2200 16th Ave.; 815-625-1968; sterlingwesley.org and on Facebook

NAZARENE

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

NONDENOMINATIONAL

Abiding Word Church — 806 E. Lynn Blvd.; 815-626-1827; abidingwordchurch.org and on Faceboo k Amazing Grace of Sterling — 512 Second Ave., 815-625-9300; revivalfires.net and on Facebook Faith Family Fellowship — 417 E. Third St.; 815-626-2577; faithfamily. faithweb.com Firehouse of God Ministries — 306 Fifth Ave.; 815-622-9490; on Facebook Full Gospel Assembly — 3807 River Road; 815-535-2049; on Facebook Shalom Assembly of Yahweh — 26477 Fulfs Road; 537-8086435; forhisname.org and on Facebook The Living Bread — 1003 Griswold Ave.; 815-626-6941; on Facebook

PRESBYTERIAN

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

REFORMED

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

SALVATION ARMY

Salvation Army — 409 Ave. F, 815625-1622; tsasterling.org and on Facebook

A Shaw Media Publication | Get To Know Us: Sterling-Rock Falls | 2023-24

Ambulance

CGH Emergency Services 100 E. LeFevre Road, Sterling 815-626-0400 cghmc.com/ Advance EMS Ambulance Services 661 Reynoldswood Road, Dixon (serving Dixon, Sterling and the surrounding areas) 815-288-6898 https://advems.com

City Halls

Rock Falls 603 W. 10th St. | 815-622-1100 rockfalls61071.net/ Sterling 212 Third Ave. | 815-632-6621 ci.sterling.il.us/

Electricity

ComEd (Sterling) 800-334-7661 | comed.com Rock Falls Electric Dept.

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

Fire Departments

Rock Falls 1013 Seventh Ave. | 815-622-1135 rockfalls61071.net/departments/firedepartment/ Sterling 110 W. Fifth St. | 815-632-6680 sterling-il.gov/169/Fire

Government

Whiteside County Clerk 200 E. Knox St., Morrison | 815-772-5189 www.whiteside.org/departments/ county-clerk.html Whiteside County Collector-Treasurer 200 E. Knox St., Morrison | 815-772-5196 www.whiteside.org/departments/ collector-treasurer.html Whiteside County Assessor 200 E. Knox St., Morrison | 815-772-5195 www.whiteside.org/departments/assessor

Law enforcement Rock Falls Police 1013 Seventh Ave. | 815-622-1140 Sterling Police 212 E. Third St. | 815-632-6640

Whiteside County Sheriff 400 N. Cherry St., Morrison | 815-772-4044 whiteside.org

Libraries

Rock Falls 1007 Seventh Ave. | 815-626-3958 rockfallslibrary.com/ Sterling 102 W. Third St. | 815-625-1370 sterling-il.gov/169/Fire sterlingpubliclibrary.org/

Misc.

CGH Medical Center 100 E. LeFevre Road, Sterling 815-625-0400 cghmc.com/ Drivers License Station 1224 W. Fourth St., Sterling | 815-626-2825 ilsos.gov/ Sauk Valley Media 113 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon | 815-625-3600 saukvalley.com

Post Offices

Rock Falls 210 Second Ave. | 815-626-0514 Sterling 408 Third Ave. | 815-625-0812 usps.com

Service providers

Republic Services (waste disposal) 815-625-1281 republicservices.com AMD Disposal 104 Fourth Ave., Sterling | 815-973-4626 amdisposal.net Comcast (cable & internet) 800-226-2278 comcast.com Nicor Gas 888-642-6748 nicorgas.com

Water

Illinois American Water Co. (Sterling) 800-422-2782 amwater.com Rock Falls Water Dept.

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

A Shaw Media Publication | Get To Know Us: Sterling-Rock Falls | 2023-24

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THANK YOU

FOR VOTING CGH MEDICAL CENTER YOUR TOP WORKPLACE IN THE SAUK VALLEY! • FIRST PLACE • FIRST PLACE • FIRST PLACE

Health Care Facility Large Employer (100+ Employees) Company That Gives Back to the Community • FIRST PLACE Nonprofit Organization • FIRST PLACE Workplace for Seniors • TOP 3 Workplace for Veterans

At the start of each day, our hospital and clinics begin with one purpose: to deliver exceptional patient care with outstanding skill and heartfelt compassion.

At the end of the day, that makes CGH a great place to work!

THANK YOU to all of our physicians, healthcare providers, staff members and volunteers for contributing to our success!

THANK YOU to all of our patients for choosing CGH Medical Center - your local hospital and clinics - for your healthcare needs.

If you are looking for a career in healthcare, and would like to join the TOP WORKPLACE in the Sauk Valley, visit www.cghmc.com/careers today!

• Sign-on Bonus for Select Positions • Tuition Reimbursement • IMRF & DC Retirement Plan • Hospital RNs starting at $32/hr, Clinic RNs starting at $26.84/hr • Flexible Scheduling • Day One Benefits

100 E. LeFevre Road • Sterling, IL • 815.625.0400 • www.cghmc.com

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A Shaw Media Publication | Get To Know Us: Sterling-Rock Falls | 2023-24