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A Shaw Media Publication | Get To Know Us: Sterling-Rock Falls | 2026-27

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A Shaw Media Publication | Get To Know Us: Sterling-Rock Falls | 2026-27

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A Shaw Media Publication | Get To Know Us: Sterling-Rock Falls | 2026-27

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A Shaw Media Publication | Get To Know Us: Sterling-Rock Falls | 2026-27

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A view of Rock Falls’ riverfront, circa 1910.

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, the plat of Rapids City was vacated. A year later, the county map showed only 31 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

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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. 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.

ROCK FALLS HISTORY cont’d to p. 8

A Shaw Media Publication | Get To Know Us: Sterling-Rock Falls | 2026-27

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1005 E. 3RD ST., STERLING The P.W. Dillon Home was constructed in 1858 for Colonel Edward N. Kirk, a Union officer, on Lot 3 of the 5.45 acre site. The home, which is constructed of brick, is of the Italian Renaissance period of architecture. Between 1863 and 1882 there were eleven owners of the home prior to its purchase by Washington M. Dillon and Sarah J. Martin Dillon from Joseph M. Patterson on August 11, 1882 for $7,000. Paul W. Dillon was born in the home in 1883 and died in the home on February 25, 1980 at the age of ninety-six (96) years. After P.W. Dillon passed away the home and all of the belongings were donated to the Sterling Park District.

To make an appointment to visit the P.W. Dillon Home, call 815-622-6202.

A Shaw Media Publication | Get To Know Us: Sterling-Rock Falls | 2026-27

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ROCK FALLS HISTORY cont’d from p. 6 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 barn-door 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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A Shaw Media Publication | Get To Know Us: Sterling-Rock Falls | 2026-27

6/17/2026 11:31:31 AM

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 until it was razed for its bricks in 1881. in Illinois, with the first settlers arriving in the One of the settlers’ other hopes was to region about 1832, after the Black Hawk War. use the Rock River as a navigational route. Prior to their arrival, the territory was This plan, however, never worked out occupied by Fox and Sauk Indians. because the river had too many rapids. Hezekiah Brink was the first person to Instead, the settlers learned how to harness build a cabin in the area, in 1834. He soon the river’s power to run saw and grist mills. was joined by other settlers, and 2 years after Because navigating the Rock River was Brink built his cabin, he and his wife had a not an option, the state authorized construcdaughter, the first child born in the town- tion of a canal in 1839. It was to run along the ship. south side of the river and bypass the shalSteamer pilot Capt. D.S. Harris delivered low waters. Financial problems, though, a load of supplies to the settlers via the Rock caused this project to be abandoned, as well. While Brink was somewhat successful in River in 1836, with the majority of merchandise for Brink. In return, Harris received a half running a ferry service on the Rock River to interest in a community that was named attract travelers, other means for crossing Harrisburg in the river were his honor. unsuccessful. Around the Work on same time, Wilthe first bridge liam Kirkpatwas done from rick laid claim 1856-57, but to property never was near Harriscompleted and burg that eventually the would come to bridge washed be known as away before it the settlement could be used. of Chatham. Other bridges The corner of Locust and Third streets in downtown Soon the were built and residents of Sterling is seen here in an early early 1900s postcard. destroyed by Harrisburg and Chatham became rivals, the elements, including a toll bridge in 1863 competing for possession of rented office and one in 1904. It was predicted to last forspace and a post office called the Rock River ever, but it fell to ruins in 1906. In 1854, Sterling Hydraulic Co. built a Rapids. By 1838, though, the two settlements dam across the river to encourage and supmade peace and merged in hopes of becom- port other industry in the area. ing the county seat. They united under the Not all factories, though, were depennew name of Sterling, named after Maj. dent on water power. Industrial expansion increased dramatiJames Sterling, who participated in the cally after the Civil War. One of the first factoBlack Hawk War. In 1842, believing they were victorious in ries was the mitten factory owned by A.P. becoming the county seat, the settlers began Smith, the founder of Rock Falls. Keystone building a courthouse. The building was Co., Northwestern Steel and Wire Co. and used for only a short time before the county Eureka Manufacturing Co. all were begun seat was moved to Morrison, where it between 1870 and 1879. remains today. Religious groups and other organizations used the building in Sterling STERLING HISTORY cont’d to p. 10 A Shaw Media Publication | Get To Know Us: Sterling-Rock Falls | 2026-27

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STERLING HISTORY cont’d from p. 9 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 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. 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 build-

ing of an electric railway progressed simultaneously. However, the project of electric transportation was complicated and lay 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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A Shaw Media Publication | Get To Know Us: Sterling-Rock Falls | 2026-27

6/17/2026 11:31:31 AM

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 nearly 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. In recent years, Rock Falls has been focused on developing its riverfront, cleaning up empty factories and redeveloping the land for commercial and public use. Nowhere is this more visible than the city’s RB&W District, along the riverfront on land formerly home to the RB&W Co. The centerpiece of the project is RB&W Park, a former industrial site that was transformed into green space, complete with an entertainment venue, a trail, Art in the Park sculpture display, and restrooms. The city’s push to rehabilitate former factory sites continued in 2024 with the demolition of the former Micro Industries downtown, along Second Street, a building that had fallen into disrepair in recent years. The city plans to turn the property into parking and green space. The city also continues to lobby for new development along state Route 40 and Interstate 88. Rock Falls has partnered with the neighboring towns of Dixon and Sterling, as well as economic leaders from Lee and Whiteside counties, to attract industry to the I-88 West Corridor. Construction on a multi-million dollar travel center continued, with an eye on a summer 2026 opening date. The Love’s Travel Stop near the interchange of Illinois Route 40 and Interstate 88 will feature overnight semi truck parking spots, electric vehicle charging stations, RV amenities, a dog park and restaurant options that include a Love’s Fresh Kitchen, Godfather’s Pizza

and a Naf Naf Grill. The company says its new travel center should bring 50-70 new jobs to the community. The city is fortunate to have retailers, restaurants and service providers throughout its downtown, and other retailers and hospitality service providers can be found along the city’s other main thoroughfares. The Rock Falls and Sterling fire departments’ shared plan to build a regional fire training tower moved closer to reality in March when it was announced that $825,000 in federal funding had been secured. Construction could begin this year on The Garrett Ramos Training Facility, which will be located in the Rock Falls Industrial Park on Beltway Drive. The facility will serve as a regional training center for firefighters and is named after Sterling firefighter Lt. Garret Ramos, who fell through the floor of a burning home while battling a blaze in rural Rock Falls in 2021. The facility will offer firefighters a permanent place to train in the same conditions that they would encounter at an actual fire scene. Rock Falls Fire Chief Kyle Sommers said the facility would be “a one-stop training facility where you could host any type of training you want.” Rock Falls also offers a variety of recreational opportunities in city parks and along neighboring waterways. The Rock River is a great spot for fishing or boating, and the Hennepin Canal is a prime location for kayaking or canoeing with a trail system that runs along it that provides a scenic backdrop for walking, jogging or biking. The riverfront city also attracts a rich variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, which perch among trees overlooking the river.

ROCK FALLS TODAY cont’d to p. 12

A Shaw Media Publication | Get To Know Us: Sterling-Rock Falls | 2026-27

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ROCK FALLS TODAY cont’d from p. 11 Centennial Park is home to 50 acres of activities for all ages: ball diamonds, paddle boats and canoes, fishing, ice skating, playgrounds and picnic facilities, shelters, tennis courts and more. There’s plenty of family-friendly activities throughout the year in Rock Falls, including Summer Splash, Eats ’N’ Beats food truck festival, the Rock Falls River Chase boat races, a water ski show, the Rock Falls Lumberjack Show, and much more. The city’s annual Touch-A-Truck event (photo above), a community-funded, non-profit event designed to encourage kids to get off the screens and onto machines, is billed as the Largest Touch-

A-Truck event in the U.S. The event features nearly 200 vehicles from various professions — police and fire departments, construction, racecars, movie car displays, vintage vehicles, and more. The downtown event is free to the public, made possible by local donations and sponsorships. The city also drums up an annual festival held to honor of the city’s most famous son, renowned drummer Louise Benson. The Bellson Music Fest features big band, jazz and blues music, with additional performances honoring Bellson. Bellson, who died in 2009, was a drummer, composer, band leader and six-time Grammy nominee. For more information on what Rock Falls has to offer, go to visitrockfalls. com. n

AUGUST JULY 7/11 | ROCK RIVER JAZZ BAND CONCERT 7/18 | EATS ‘N’ BEATS @ THE DISTRICT

SEPTEMBER 9/12 | TASTE OF FIESTA 9/19 | FIESTA DAY PARADE 9/25 | TACO THROWDOWN FESTIVAL 9/26–27 | FALL & FANTASY FESTIVAL

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OCTOBER 10/3 | LUMBERJACK SHOW 10/17 | SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN | LIGHTED GOLF CART & UTV PARADE 10/30 | BIZ-BOO TRICK-OR-TREAT

A Shaw Media Publication | Get To Know Us: Sterling-Rock Falls | 2026-27

6/18/2026 7:46:40 AM

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 years, Sterling has seen a flurry of economic activity throughout the city. Northland Mall welcomed a new anchor store in 2023 when Hobby Lobby moved into the space formerly occupied by Bergner’s; and 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 to help online, in-home or even brand-new startups eventually migrate to their own brick-and-mortar stores. The Sterling Main Street project, The Shoppes at Grandon Plaza, was built in an empty lot at 310 Second Ave. that was donated by Sterling Today Inc., a nonprofit economic development group. To help spur new growth, the city created the Greater Sterling Development Corp., which works to recruit new business to the area. In turn, those new businesses can help attract more people to Sterling and spur the construction of new housing. Development continues throughout the city. Downtown, another long-vacant building, the former Haymarket Tap on the corner of East Third and Second Avenue was renovated. Developers behind the project hope to utilize the space for restaurant and retail space, offices and apartments. After more than a year, a 10-block stretch of Second Street finally reopened to traffic after a major overhaul. Work began

in April 2025 on the project, which ran from First Avenue downtown to Route 2 near the Dillon Home Museum. The $6.2 million project put in a new road, curbs and sidewalks on both sides of the street, and installed a new storm sewer system. In addition a 160-foot pedestrian bridge will be built over Illinois Route 40 near the north side of the train tracks downtown, extending behind the Plainwell Brass building and leading to a new multi-use bikeway path on East Second Street from First Avenue to Broadway Avenue. Another major road project also got the go-ahead in 2026. The long-awaited reconstruction of Griswold and Woodburn avenues found a contractor after the City Council approved a nearly $4.7 million bid for the project. The project has been on hold for nearly three years as the city worked to secure federal funds. The project will happen in two phases over two years, with work expected to be mostly completed by October 2027, and will cover Griswold Avenue from Ninth Street to LeFevre, and Woodburn Avenue from 11th Street to LeFevre, along with adjoining side streets. The project will be a complete reconstruction that will include full curb, gutters, sidewalks and, a 10-foot path on the west side of Scheid Park up to LeFevre. On the east end of town, in the Sterling Crossings plaza (the former Kmart on East Lincolnway and a neighboring building) were transformed into a shopping center that’s home to an Old Navy, Five Below, Marshall’s and Shoe Sensation, and two stores that moved from the Northland Mall: Maurices and Bath and Body Works. In October 2025, ground was broken on Sterling Public Schools’ new indoor multipurpose student center, designed to expand training and recreation opportunities for Sterling High School students.

STERLING TODAY cont’d to p. 14

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STERLING TODAY cont’d from p. 13 The nearly $11 million facility will be built in the southwest corner of the grassy area west of Roscoe Eades Stadium, near the site of the former SHS baseball field, and will feature three basketball and volleyball courts, a 60-yard turf field, a 4,000-square-foot weight room, an athletic training area, two baseball and softball batting cages, a golf teaching space, and new offices. Construction is expected to take about a year. The facility won’t host games, but instead will serve as a dedicated training and practice space for students. It is expected to benefit a wide range of programs, including athletics, physical education, marching band, and special education. Sterling’s leaders also want to improve the quality of life for residents. In April 2023, Sterling’s Riverfront Commission unveiled the concept 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 that was home to a number of factories, and reestablish the area as an amenity and destination. The main components of the master plan focus on the two former factory sites and call for 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. More information can be found at riverfrontreimagined.com. 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

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state Route 2. The Sterling Park District maintains several parks, an indoor fitness facility and an 18-hole golf course. Central Memorial Park downtown received a number of upgrades in recent years, including a splash pad and concession stand/restroom facility. The city also celebrated the longawaited opening of its new riverfront park, Northwestern Steel and Wire Park, with a ribbon cutting in June. The city broke ground for the park in October 2024, named for the former steel mill that was once the largest employer in town and an integral part of the city’s history, before it shut down operations in 2001. The $4.7 million project includes a playground, splash pad, ice skating ribbon, plaza, park shelter, amphitheater, and restrooms. A pedestrian bridge spans the Rock River, a joint project with Rock Falls, 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

A Shaw Media Publication | Get To Know Us: Sterling-Rock Falls | 2026-27

6/17/2026 12:10:30 PM

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A Shaw Media Publication | Get To Know Us: Sterling-Rock Falls | 2026-27

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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. James 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 resident 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 17

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A Shaw Media Publication | Get To Know Us: Sterling-Rock Falls | 2026-27

6/17/2026 11:31:34 AM

LIBRARY cont’d from p. 16 Library cards are free for Coloma Township residents or those who pay taxes on property within Coloma Township. Patrons outside of Coloma Township pay $60 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

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More info Rock Falls Public Library 1007 Seventh Ave. 815-626-3958 Online: https://rockfallslibrary.com/ and find “Rock Falls Public Library District” on Facebook Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday

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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 of all ages. The library even offers items in Spanish, and has extensive local history and genealogy resources. There is a community room and small study room available for public use. The library houses about 57,000 items in many formats: print, audio, DVD, and electronic books. Newspapers, periodicals, public computers with Internet access, wi-fi, and microfilm of local newspapers is also available. The library offers a host of digital library services on its website There is a summer reading program for children and adults, and weekly story time for preschoolers year-round. Library cards are available at no charge to residents within city limits, and for a fee to people outside city limits — contact the library for cost. Cards are valid for 2 years. People who live outside the city limits, but own property within the city limits, can get a free, 1-year library card with proof of property ownership. Cards can be used at other Illinois public libraries. Sterling has joined its collection with Dixon and Rock Falls public libraries, and with Sterling Public Schools, St. Mary’s School in Sterling, and Newman Central Catholic, Rock Falls and Dixon high schools, to form the Rock River Library Consortium.

STERLING LIBRARY cont’d to page 19

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LIBRARY cont’d from page 18 In addition, people with a valid library card from other public libraries in Illinois can register their card with the Sterling library for circulation privileges. The library also offers more than just books. People can make copies or use a self-service scanner to scan documents into a PDF file. A notary public is on staff, and adult patrons can check out general admission passes to the Putnam Museum in Davenport. In addition, the library has an extensive local history and genealogy collection supported by a part-time genealogist. The collection includes periodicals, books, genealogies and microfilm. It also has subscriptions to several internet databases that patrons may use on the library’s computers. n

PHOTO: CITY OF STERLING

More info Sterling Public Library 102 W. Third St. 815-625-1370. Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday & Tuesday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Online: sterlingpubliclibrary.org and facebook.com/sterlingpubliclibrary

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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 ribbon cutting was held for CGH’s new cafeteria and coffee shop in May 2026, marking the final phase of CGH Medical Center’s extensive hospital lobby renovation project that began in 2023. The updated cafeteria added almost 1,000 square feet to its layout. Key improvements include a larger cafeteria, an expanded coffee area, and the addition of a service corridor to improve flow and efficiency. Several new features were also introduced, including a pizza oven, an iceless salad bar, a new oven for hot sandwiches and a modern point-of-sale system for faster, more convenient service. The cafeteria remodel marks the conclusion of CGH’s multi-year lobby renovation project. Throughout this transformation, the hospital has added a new main entrance and west entrance (primarily for patient discharge), a redesigned lobby, new Auxiliary offices, an updated Auxiliary gift shop, a new admitting area and security station, patient consultation rooms, renovated restrooms, and a refreshed Ryberg Auditorium for meetings and events.

HEALTH CARE cont’d to page 21

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A Tradition of Service90 Years Y ars and Counting Ye

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CGH cont’d from page 20 The projects are just the latest in CGH’s ongoing efforts to meet the ever-changing demands of people’s health care needs. A 7,000-square-foot CGH Rock Falls Medical Center opened in 2019 at 1315 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. In 2017, CGH unveiled its new pediatrics department, which got a wall-to-wall makeover, with new nurses stations, upgraded lighting, an enhanced security system, and a mural featuring fish, birds and other attention-grabbers that kids can gander at when they visit the hospital. In addition to the mural, artwork from students at Woodlawn Arts Academy will be displayed in the department, with different pieces featured periodically. In 2015, CGH opened a second Cardiac Cath Lab, and a new state-of-the-art Emergency Department that features 26 private treatment rooms, six CGH Medical Center easy care areas, two new trauma rooms, secured 100 E. Le Fevre Road, Sterling access, and streamlined registration. 815-625-0400 CGH’s inpatient services include a 36-bed medEmail: info@cghmc.com ical unit, a 28-bed surgical unit, 10 birthing center Online: cghmc.com and suites, six pediatric beds, and 18 CCU/ICU/Biotefacebook.com/ lemetry beds. Outpatient services include the cghmedicalcenter#, Twitter, state-of-the-art Cath Lab and an accredited laboYouTube and Instagram. Go to ratory. cghmc.com/locations for a list Diagnostic imaging services include a 64-ring of CGH’s satellite locations. 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 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. “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 | 2026-27

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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: rfsd13. org/o/des 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: rfsd13.org/o/mes 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: rfsd13.org/o/rfms

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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: rfsd13.org/o/rps Enrollment: About 160 students with an average class size of 20 Principal: Christina Massat

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: mgs145.net/ 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

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District 5

Community Unit School District 5 encompasses four grade schools, a middle school, and a high school. All four public elementary schools are part of an attendance center format. 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: Elizabeth Engstrom

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 average of 25 in each class Principal: Emily Stephenitch

Vocational school

Whiteside Area Career Center

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. 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: The Rev. Russell Helbig

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American Legion Post 902 — 712 Fourth Third St., Sterling Ave., Rock Falls; 815-626-3862; legion. Moose Lodge 726 — 2601 E. Lincolnway, org and on Facebook (“Rock Falls American Sterling; 815-625-0354; mooseintl.org/locaLegion Post 902 - Official Page”) tion/726-sterling/ and on Facebook American Legion Post 296 — 601 First Optimist Club-Rock Falls — optimistofAve., Sterling; 815-625-1212; legion. rockfalls@gmail.com; optimist.org/memorg and on Facebook (“Sterling American ber/clubdirectory/clubdetail.cfm?Legion - Blue Cap”) club=12302 and on Facebook (“Optimist Beta Sigma Phi women’s service organiza- Club of Rock Falls”) Optimist Club-Sterling — sterling.optition — 888-238-2221; bspinternational.org Boy Scouts of America, Blackhawk Area mist@gmail.com; optimist.org/member/ Council, White Eagle District — 815-397- clubdirectory/clubdetail.cfm?club=12328 0210; blackhawkscouting.org and facebook. and on Facebook (“Optimist Club of Stercom/BlackhawkScouting ling, IL”) Carpenters Local 790 — 1008 Seventh Ave., PEO Sisterhood Chapter CC — peoilliRock Falls; 815-626-1533; local790.com/ nois.org CGH Medical Center Auxiliary — 100 E. Rebekah Lodge 202 Rock Falls — First ConLeFevre Road, Sterling; or 815-625-0400, ext. gregational Church, 904 Dixon Ave.; Go to 4642; cghmc.com/volunteer iooflodgedirectory.org/directory-index/ Church Women United — 210 Fourth Ave., index.html and search for “J H Montague Rock Falls; churchwomenunitedillinois.org/ Reb Lodge” Crossroads Youth Ministries — 1800 Rock River Human Resources Professional Prophet Road, Rock Falls; 815-625-4371; Association — P.O. Box 962, Dixon; rrhrpa. facebook.com/crossroadsym815/ shrm.org and facebook.com/RRHRPA/ Daughters of the American Revolution, Rock River Valley Barbershop Chorus Rock River Chapter — ildar.org/chapters/ — 815-441-7881; rockrivervalleychorus. rockriver/ org and facebook.com/RRVBarbershoppers Eagles Club 2783 — 321 W. Second St., Rock R o t a r y C l u b , T w i n C i t y S u n r i s e Falls; 815-625-2451 or rfaerie2783@com- — rotary6420.org/clubInfo/twin-cities-(rockfalls-sterling) and facebook.com/twincicast.net; facebook.com/RFEagles/ Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois — 229 First tiessunriserotary Ave. Rock Falls; 844-476-4463; girlscoutsni. Rotary Club of Rock Falls — rockfallsrotary. org and facebook.com/GSNorthernIL/ org, rotary6420.org/clubInfo/rock-falls and 4-H, University of Illinois Extension Office on facebook.com/rockfallsrotary for Lee, Carroll and Whiteside counties — Sterling Noon Rotary — sterlingilrotary. 12923 Lawrence Road in Sterling; 815-632- com, rotary6420.org/clubInfo/sterling and 3611; https://extension.illinois.edu/clw/4-h- facebook.com/sterlingnoonrotary whiteside-county and facebook.com/ Sauk Valley Association of Realtors — UIExtension 2605 Woodlawn Road No. 4, Sterling; 815Jaycees-Sterling/Rock Falls — P.O. Box 626-8148 705, Sterling; 1-815-564-8711 or srfjaycees@ Sauk Valley Landlord Association — P.O. gmail.com; facebook.com/srfjaycees Box 401, Rock Falls; svla.org Kiwanis of Sterling — P.O. Box 44, Sterling; Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society — sterlingkiwanis.org and facebook.com/ 1005 E. Third St., Sterling; 815-622Kiwanisclubofsterlingillinois 6215; srfhs.com and facebook.com/Srfhs/# Knights of Columbus No. 662 — 600 Ave. B, United Methodist Women of Rock Falls — Sterling; kofc.org or facebook.com/Ster- 210 Fourth Ave., Rock Falls; 815-625-0114; lingKC662/, or call the nearest Catholic rockfallsumc.org/ Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5418 — 217 church Latin American Social Club — meets at 6 First Ave., Rock Falls; 815-626-3513 p.m. the first Monday of the month at Ster- Whiteside County Genealogists — genealoling Public Library; 815-626-8290 gytrails.com/ill/whiteside and facebook. Thrivent Financial — offices in Sterling, com/whitesidecountygenealogists Rock Falls and Dixon; local.thrivent.com/ Yak Yak Sisters, kayaking club for men directory/il/sterling; 800-847-4836 and women — on Facebook “Yak Yak SisMasonic Lodge Rock River 612 — 113 1/2 W. ters” A Shaw Media Publication | Get To Know Us: Sterling-Rock Falls | 2026-27

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Abiding Word Christian Center Food Pantry — 806 E. Lynn Blvd., Sterling; 815-6261827; abidingwordchurch.org and facebook. com/awc815/ American Cancer Society — 4312 E. State St., Rockford; 815-229-1287; cancer.org American Red Cross of Northwest Illinois — 727 N. Church St., Rockford; 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; 815-7168987; bbbsmv.org or facebook.com/bbbswhiteside Department of Human Services — 2605 Woodlawn Road, Suite 4, Sterling; 815-6324045; www.dhs.state.il.us/ Dementia Caregiver Support Group — Meets 9:30-10:30 a.m. the last Tuesday of the month at Heritage Square, 620 N. Ottawa Ave., Dixon. Call815-625-4790 ext. 3977. First Church of the Nazarene “Helping Hands” — 1208 E. Fourth St., Sterling; 815-6251146; 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; happytailshu-

manesociety.org/ and facebook.com/happy. tails.395 Home of Hope Cancer Wellness Center — 1637 Plock Road, Dixon; 815-288-4673; homeofhopeonline.org and facebook.com/ HopeCWC Rock River Hospice & Home — 2706 Ave. E, Sterling; 815-625-3858; hospicerockriver. org and facebook.com/HopeCWC 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; 815-622-4629 Northwest Illinois Workforce Investment Board — 815-625-9648; illinoisworknet.com/ WIOA/Pages/IWIBGuide.aspx Prairie State Legal Services — 303 N. Main Street St., Suite 600, Rockford (serving Henry, Lee, Mercer, Rock Island, and Whiteside counties); 815-965-2134; pslegal.org or facebook. com/PrairieStateLegalServices Project VITAL (adult literacy program) — 173 state Route 2, Dixon; 815-835-6310; svcc.edu/ community/adult-education/vital

AGENCIES cont’d to page 26

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AGENCIES cont’d from page 25 Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce — 601 W. 10th St., Rock Falls; 815-625-4500; rockfallschamber.com and facebook.com/rockfallschamber Rock Falls Rotary Club — P.O. Box 902 Rock Falls; 815-325-4120; www.rockfallsrotary.org or facebook.com/rockfallsrotary Rock Falls Tourism — 603 W. 10th St., Rock Falls; 815-622-1106 or travel@visitrockfalls.com; visitrockfalls.com/ and facebook.com/visitrockfalls Salvation Army — 409 Ave. F, Sterling; 815-6251622; centralusa.salvationarmy.org/sterling/ and facebook.com/SASterlingIL/ Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce — 211 Locust St., Sterling; 815-625-2400; saukvalleyareachamber.com and facebook.com/SaukValleyChamber Sauk Valley Food Bank — 1801 Plant Road, Sterling; 815-625-4556; saukvalleyfoodbank.org/ or facebook.com/saukvalleyfoodbank Sauk Valley Friends of Ferals — 601 W. Route 30, Rock Falls; 815-590-3290; facebook.com/SaukValleyFriendsOfFerals Self Help Enterprises — 2300 W. LeFevre Road, Sterling; 815-626-3115; https://self-help. agency/ and on Facebook (“Rock River Valley Self Help Enterprises, Inc”) Sinnissippi Centers — 2611 Woodlawn Road,

Sterling; 815-625-0013 or 800-242-7642 (24-hour emergency hotline); sinnissippi.com and facebook.com/SinnissippiCenters Society of St. Vincent De Paul Society — 7 W. Sixth St., Sterling; 815-625-0311; svdpsaukvalley. org/ or facebook.com/svdpsterlingrockfalls/ Tri County Opportunities Council — 405 Emmons Ave., Rock Falls; 800-323-5434; tcochelps.org and on Facebook Trinity United Methodist Church Food Pantry — 205 E. 10th St., Sterling; 815-626-7777; facebook.com/SterlingTrinityIL/ Twin Cities PADS Homeless Shelter — 111 E. 29th St., Sterling; 815-626-2210; twincitiespads. org and facebook.com/TwinCitiesPads United Way of Whiteside County — 100 W. First St., Suite A, Rock Falls,; 815-625-7973; unitedwayofwhitesidecounty.org and facebook.com/ uwwhitesidecounty Whiteside County Senior Center — 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling; 815-622-9230; wc-seniorcenter.org and facebook.com/whitesideilseniors/ White Oak Women’s Clinic — 1503 1st Ave, Suite C, Rock Falls; (815) 559-5722; myfutureapproved. com/white-oak-clinic/ and facebook.com/ whiteoakwomensclinic YMCA Sterling-Rock Falls — 2505 Ave. E, Sterling; 815-535-9622; srfymca.org/ and facebook. com/SRFYMCA/

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Rock Falls

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

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 The Sterling Park District encompasses 596 11th Street; ball diamonds, tennis courts, acres featuring 5 facilities, 15 park sites, playground, canoeing and paddleboating, 8.5-miles of bike paths. For more informafishing, ice skating, monument, pavilions, tion, go to sterlingparks.org, find it on Facebook, or call 815-622-6200. picnic area, and scenic area Dillon Park West — 19th Street and 11th Dillon Home Museum — 1005 E. Third St.: Avenue; ball diamonds, playground, and Constructed in 1857, the Dillon Home is listed on the National Register of Historic picnic area Joshua Park — U.S. Route 30 and River- Places. dale Road; ball diamond, basketball court, Douglas Park — 2100 Chestnut Ave.: Basdisc golf course, playground, picnic shel- ketball courts and playground equipment. Duis Recreation Center — 211 E. 23rd St.: ter, and restrooms Kiwanis Park — West 12th Street and Sev- Gymnastics Center, swimming pool, party enth Avenue; ball diamonds, playground, rentals. pavilions, and picnic area Eberley Park — 2699 West LeFevre Road: Logan Memorial Park — East U.S. Route 1.5-mile soft surface walking path. 30; playground, picnic area, and scenic Emerald Hill Golf Course — 16802 Praiarea rieville Road: 18-hole golf course and drivLower Dam Park — downtown riverfront; ing range. boat ramp and fishing, excellent for Eagle Frasor Administrative Office — 1913 watching Third Ave.: Home of the Park District’s Nims Park — East Third Street and Ave- administrative offices and park maintenue E; ball diamonds, basketball court, nance operations. disc golf course, playground, pavilions, Gartner Park — 212 W. LeFevre Road: and picnic area Eight baseball diamonds. Optimist Park — 14th Avenue and Harry Kidd Field — 1219 W. Seventh St.: Prophet Road; ball diamonds, play- Full-size football field. ground, and picnic area Hoover Park — 3807 Woodlawn Road: RB&W District Park — East Second Street, Playground, picnic area, open play area, on the riverfront downtown near the First bike path access. Avenue Bridge; green space area includes Kilgour Park — 400 W. 15th St.: Basketball entertainment venue, water feature, courts, tennis courts, Imagination Station parks, a trail, and restrooms playground, 9-hole disc golf course, picnic Rotary Park — East Minkle Road; ball dia- area, open play area. monds, playground, pavilions, and picnic PARKS cont’d to page 28 area A Shaw Media Publication | Get To Know Us: Sterling-Rock Falls | 2026-27

Sterling

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PARKS cont’d from page 27 Lawrence Park — Avenue G Island: Boat Launch, fishing, horseshoe courts, picnic area, open play area. Martin’s Landing and Sinnissippi Dam Walkway — Broadway and East Second Street (behind the Dillon Home): Fishing, trail connection to the Hennepin Canal Parkway Trail, bike path access. Northwestern Steel and Wire Park — 201 Wallace St.; playground, splash pad, ice skating ribbon, plaza, park shelter, amphitheater, and restrooms. Oppold Marina — 523 Stouffer Road: Boat Launch, boat slip rental, fishing, picnic areas, playground area, open play areas. Propheter Park — 506 E. Sixth Street: Basketball courts, playground, open play area. Redfield Park — 14th Ave. and East Second Street: Playground, open play area, bike path access. Scheid Park — 1102 Woodburn Ave.: Basketball courts, soccer fields, playground,

open play areas. Sinnissippi Park — Sinnissippi Road: 27-hole Disc Golf Course, bike path access, picnic areas, open play areas, sled hill, playgrounds, national historic site. Thomas Park/Dogwood Acres Dog Park — 2301 12th Ave.: Pickleball courts, basketball courts, fishing, playground, bike path access. Westwood Fitness and Sports Center — 1900 Westwood Drive: Three buildings; over 40,000 square foot of fitness equipment; functional training space; boxing equipment; indoor fitness turf; 200-meter indoor track; indoor basketball, volleyball, tennis, pickleball, racquetball/wallyball court; plus, an indoor batting cage, indoor baseball/softball turf practice area and a 60-yard indoor soccer/football field. Also, the home of the Westwood Smoothie Co., and Kids Gym. Outside on the Westwood grounds, includes softball diamonds, tennis courts, soccer/football fields, and bike path access.

Love God Love People Serve the World

JOIN US SUNDAYS 8:30am/10:30am

Voted the Top Church in The Sauk Valley Area!

806 E. Lynn Blvd., Sterling (GPS 2598 6th Ave., Sterling) 815-626-1827 • www.awc815.com 28

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Rock Falls APOSTOLIC

New Life Tabernacle — 920 Ave. D, 815-7186657; find “New Life Tabernacle Church” on Facebook

ASSEMBLY OF GOD

Rock River Christian Center — 1800 Prophetstown Road; 815-625-4371; rrccag.org and facebook.com/rrccag

BAPTIST

Liberty Baptist Church — 606 Emmons Ave.; 815-625-4101; givemelibertybaptist.org and facebook.com/givemelibertybaptist2 Maranatha Baptist Church — 2103 Walter St.; 815-625-8978 St. Andrew Catholic Church — 708 10th Ave.; 815-625-4508; standrewrockfalls.org and facebook.com/st.andrewrockfalls

CONGREGATIONAL

First Congregational United Church of Christ — 905 Dixon Ave.; 815-625-3314; find “First Congregational Church of Rock Falls” on Facebook

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST

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

EVANGELICAL

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

FOURSQUARE

Foursquare Church — 1501 11th Ave.; 815625-5040; foursquare.org/churches/31679 or find “Rock Falls Foursquare Gospel Church” on Facebook

LUTHERAN

Good Shepherd Lutheran — 435 Martin Road; 815-625-3376; gslcrf.org and on Facebook Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran — 501 Eighth Ave.; 815-625-3575; immanuelrockfalls.org and on facebook.com/ImmanuelRockFalls

METHODIST

Rock Falls United Methodist Church — 210 Fourth Ave.; 815-625-0114; rockfallsumc. org and facebook.com/RockFallsUMC

NONDENOMINATIONAL

Harvest Time Bible Church — 1802 Dixon Ave.; 815-626-1234; htbc.info and facebook. com/HarvestTimeBibleChurch/

OPEN BIBLE First Open Bible Church — 2105 E. Rock Falls Road; 815-625-1957; fobrf.org and on Facebook (“First Open Bible Church of Rock Falls, IL”)

Sterling BAPTIST

Emmanuel Baptist — 1904 18th Ave.; 815625-0351; ebcsterling.com and facebook. com/emmanuelbaptistchurchsterling/ Faith Baptist — 2005 Freeport Road; 815-6257690; faithbaptiststerling.com and facebook. com/FaithBaptistSterling/ First Baptist Church — 1705 Sixth Ave.; 815625-1288 Macedonia Baptist Church — 1313 Woodburn Ave.; 815-625-6473: on Facebook (“Macedonia Baptist Church”) New Hope Baptist Church — 25059 Como Road; 815-625-8492; newhopecomo.org/ or facebook.com/newhopebaptistcomo

CATHOLIC

Sacred Heart Catholic Church — 2224 Ave. J; 815-625-1134; sacredheartparish.net and on Facebook (“Sacred Heart Catholic Church”) St. Mary Catholic Church — 600 Ave. B; 815625-0640; stmarysterlingil.org/ and on Facebook (“St Mary’s Catholic Church”)

CHURCH OF CHRIST

16th Avenue Church of Christ — 1902 16th Ave.; 815-625-2251; www.16avechurch.com/ and facebook.com/16avechurchofchrist/

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints — 2709 16th Ave., 815-625-1229; local.churchofjesuschrist.org/en/us/il/sterling/2709-16th-avenue

CONGREGATIONAL

Big Red Church — 311 Second Ave.; 815-6255112; www.thebigredchurchsterling.org/ and facebook.com/TheBigRedChurch

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST

First Christian Church — 3400 N. Sixth Ave.; 815-625-6851; firstchristianchurchofsterling. org and on Facebook (“First Christian Church of Sterling, Illinois”)

EPISCOPAL

Grace Episcopal — 707 First Ave.; 815-6250442; graceepiscopalchurchsterling.org/ and facebook.com/episcopalgrace/

CHURCHES cont’d to page 30

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CHURCHES cont’d from page 29 JEWISH

Temple Sholom — sholomtemple.org/; 815-625-2599

LUTHERAN

First Lutheran Church of Jordan — 20314 Hickory Hills Road; 815-625-5407; on Facebook (“First Lutheran Church of Jordan, Sterling, IL”) Messiah Lutheran Church — 1601 Ave. F; 815-625-2284; mlcsterling.org/ and facebook.com/messiahsterling/ New Life Lutheran Church — 702 W. Lynn Blvd.; 815-499-6552; nllutheran.com and facebook.com/newlifesaukvalley Our Savior Lutheran — 21496 Hazel Road, 815-772-4345 St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran — 703 Third Ave; 815-625-2634; stjohnssterling. org and facebook.com/SterlingStJohns St. Paul Lutheran — 1701 16th Ave.; 815625-3069; stpaulsterling.com and facebook.com/StPaulSterling/?fref=ts

MENNONITE

Science Ridge Mennonite Church — 1702 E. 37th St.; 815-626-0538; www.scienceridgechurch.org/ and on Facebook

Faith Family Fellowship — 417 E. Third St.; 815626-2577; faithfamily.faithweb.com Modern Light Church/Firehouse of God Ministries — 306 Fifth Ave.; 815-622-9490; on facebook. com/firehouseofgodministries/ Full Gospel Assembly — 3807 River Road; 815-5352049; facebook.com/FullGospelAssemblyHouseOfPrayer/ Shalom Assembly of Yahweh — 26477 Fulfs Road; 815-315-2669; forhisname.org and on Facebook (“Shalom Assembly”) The Living Bread — 1003 Griswold Ave.; 815-6266941

PRESBYTERIAN

First Presbyterian Church — 410 Second Ave.; 815-625-0452; firstpresbyteriansterling.org and facebook.com/FirstPresbyterianSterling/

REFORMED

Bethel Reformed Church — 230 E. 23rd St.; 815626-1816; bethelreformed.org and facebook.com/ BethelSterlingIllinois/

SALVATION ARMY

Salvation Army — 409 Ave. F, 815-625-1622; centralusa.salvationarmy.org/sterling/ or find “The Salvation Army Sterling/Rock Falls IL” and facebook.com/SASterlingIL/

METHODIST

East Jordan United Methodist — 22027 Polo Road; 815-626-0104; eastjordanchurch.org and on Facebook (“East Jordan United Methodist Church of Sterling”) First United Methodist Church — 501 Broadway Ave.; 815-625-0244; on Facebook Trinity United Methodist — 205 E. 10th St.; 815-626-7777; facebook.com/SterlingTrinityIL Wesley United Methodist Church — 2200 16th Ave.; 815-625-1968; sterlingwesley. org and facebook.com/SterlingWesleyUMC

NAZARENE

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

NONDENOMINATIONAL

Abiding Word Church — 806 E. Lynn Blvd.; 815-626-1827; abidingwordchurch. org and facebook.com/awc815 Amazing Grace of Sterling — 512 Second Ave., 815-625-9300; revivalfires.net and facebook.com/AGAsterling

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Where we are

1840 1st Ave. | Sterling

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