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Serving Lee, Whiteside, Carroll, Ogle and Bureau counties Saturday&Sunday, December 24-25, 2016 n $2.00

Area coach gets Hall of Fame nod

DISTRICTS WAITING FOR PAYMENTS FROM STATE EDUCATION FUNDING, A5

PREP BASKETBALL, B1

ROCK FALLS | EDUCATION

WHITESIDE COUNTY

Keeping poverty in mind

The gift of giving

District administrator keying on how to teach low-income students

BY CHRISTOPHER HEIMERMAN cheimerman@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5523 CHeimerman_SVM

Photos by Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Lt. John Booker gives a fist bump to members of the Hernandez family after delivering a bunch of gifts through Operation Giving Tree, a new program at the sheriff’s office that pairs donated presents with area children in need.

Operation Giving Tree helps children in need

BY RACHEL RODGERS rrodgers@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5529 @rj_rodgers

STERLING – Santa Claus traded in his jolly red sleigh Friday for a black Hummer with “Whiteside County Sheriff” stamped across the side in bright yellow letters.

Absent chimneys to climb down, he also took to knocking on doors to make his deliveries to 27 children in nine families across Morrison, Sterling and Rock Falls.

His elves were replaced with law enforcement from the sheriff’s department, Andrea Lapp of the YWCA of the Sauk Valley and a few youngsters along for the ride.

ROCK FALLS – No two brains learn and grow exactly alike, but if they come from similar backgrounds, they tend to learn similarly.

Chris Ducoing, director of tech and curriculum for the Rock Falls elementary school district, has been using a new feature on illinoisreportcard. com to find out which schools struggle with poverty like hers does, and to pinpoint which are faring better, and why.

“The brain develops differently if you’re in a poverty situation from 0 to 5,” she said. “What can schools do about that?”

To find out, she’s emailing nearby districts and setting up visits.

Chris Within the “Academic ProgDucoing ress” section of the state’s online Director of tech report card, you can sort students and curriculum by gender, race, family income, for Rock Falls elementary and more. Then you can isolate math and English scores from the school district PARCC assessment. At any point, you can convert the information into a chart showing which schools’ performances and socioeconomic statuses align.

That’s just on the public access end of the site.

If you’re Ducoing, or any other administrator with a login, you can burrow further, to the point where you’re isolating individual students and scores.

“It’s all right there,” she said. “It would be very hard otherwise to find other districts that are like you.”

POVERTY continued on A34

Kate (left) and Emily Henson, daughters of Whiteside County Chief Deputy Andy Henson, deliver an armful of GIVING continued on A24 gifts to the Hernandez family of Sterling.

WHITESIDE COUNTY

Watchdog group takes aim at county Its stance: Airport board shouldn’t be wasting taxpayer money on its own attorney

BY KATHLEEN A. SCHULTZ kschultz@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5535 @KathleenSchul10

MORRISON – A regional watchdog group known for targeting smaller government entities throughout the region is nipping at the heels of Whiteside County and its airport board.

Edgar County Watchdogs Inc. – two men with a strong distaste for officials and boards that waste taxpayer

Partly cloudy

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 17 36 Pages

Today: 36/30 For the forecast, see Page A11

money and disobey open meetings laws – is asking Whiteside County to justify why the airport board is paying an outside attorney to do what its state’s attorney is statutorily required to do.

In other words, Whiteside County is breaking the law, Watchdog founder John Kraft says. He cites state law, and a 1975 attorney general’s opinion to back that claim up.

Like most things legal, though, it

all comes down to how you interpret the law – and which statutes apply in the end.

Former Whiteside County State’s Attorney Trish Joyce (she began her new job as a 14th Circuit Court judge on Wednesday) disagrees with Kraft’s interpretation, and cites other state statutes to support her position.

Business

Cutting for a Cause sells wood products to help the elderly pay taxes.

See Page C1

GROUP continued on A54

Community It’s the night before Christmas – no better time than now to enjoy a look back at Clement Clarke Moore’s famous 19th century poem.

See Page C12

SVM wishes you a Merry Christmas!

There will be no paper published Monday because of the Christmas holiday. The Sterling and Dixon offices will be closed.

The regular publication schedule and normal office hours resume Tuesday.

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

Index Business............ C1

Lottery............... A2

Classified........... B7

Markets........... A11

Comics........ A8-A9

Obituaries.......... A4

Community...... C12

Opinion.............. A6

Crossword Saturday............ B9

Scoreboard....... B5

Crossword Sunday.............. C8

Sports............... B1

Dave Ramsey.... C1

Travel............... C10

Dear Abby......... C6

Weather........... A11

Events............... C5

Wheels............ B12

Scrapbook........ C3 Support groups... C5

A2 • SV Weekend

www.saukvalley.com

Saturday, December 24, 2016

COMMUNITY WATCH Tyler R. Vandewostine, 20, of Prophetstown; 3:20 p.m. Dec. 16 in rural Sterling; driving too fast for conditions, driving under the influence of drugs, after a two-vehicle crash; given notice to appear in court; Sterling Fire Department and EMS assisted on scene.

Chaz M. Schindel, 26, of Rock Falls; 1:01 a.m. Dec. 17 near Prophetstown; driving too fast for conditions, no seat belt, driving under the influence, after a single-vehicle rollover; taken to and released from an area hospital; given notice to appear in court; Illinois State Police, Prophetstown Fire and EMS departments assisted on scene.

Were we in

ERROR? Getting it right We care about accuracy, and we want to correct errors promptly. Please call mistakes to our attention at 815-284-2222 or 815-625-3600, ext. 5501 or 5502.

Corrections There are none today.

POLICE Sterling Police Photos by Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Erik Reiger, 11, opens a gift delivered to him by members of the YWCA and Whiteside County Sheriff’s Department through Operation Giving Tree.

Deputy plans to grow the program in years to come GIVING t

The Hernandez family – some more shy than others – gathers around Santa for a photo Friday as he arrived with Operation Giving Tree.

For more information Call 815-772-4044 or go to whiteside.org for more information or to donate to Operation Giving Tree.

Call 815-625-0333, go to ywca.org/saukvalley or find the YWCA of the Sauk Valley on Facebook for more information. group if he liked his gifts, he lifted his head and nodded, and he joined Santa outside for a few photos with the Hummer.

“I never expected anything like this,” Bell said. “This is enough to brighten everybody’s day, everybody’s season.”

Lt. John Booker, wearing a Santa hat and carrying an armful of presents, said the program is a way the department can reinforce its positive relationship with the community.

“If we can make the holiday season a little bit better for families, then we have accomplished a great thing for the county,” he said.

The donated gifts were

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Lee County Sheriff

Dixon Police Neal D. Pettenger, 51 of Dixon; 7:03 p.m. Thursday in the 600 block of Douglas Avenue; driving with license revoked; taken to Lee County Jail.

Whiteside County Sheriff

CONTINUED FROM A1

Deputy Allie Deyo implemented Operation Giving Tree, a new program at the sheriff’s office that pairs donated presents with area children in need. She partnered with the YWCA to identify families who would benefit most from a visit from Santa.

“I don’t want a kid to wake up on Christmas without any presents,” Deyo said, after a delivery to Sterling resident Maria Hernandez and her five children.

Children on each stop tore through the neatly wrapped gifts to find toy trucks, action figures, dolls, blankets, clothes, and stockings full of goodies.

“I’m happy to see them happy,” Hernandez said in Spanish as she watched her children play with their gifts.

Sterling resident Crystal Bell and her two children, Erik and Allisyn Reiger, 11 and 14, also were on Santa’s list.

Erik was a bit overwhelmed by the visit as half a dozen people stared at him in the living room while he opened his presents, and he timidly handed the ripped up wrapping paper to his mom.

“Don’t worry about the paper, sweetheart,” she told him. “Just enjoy it.”

When asked by the

Philip N. Blumhoff, 37, of Morrison; 9:21 p.m. Thursday at West Fourth Street and Avenue I; operating an uninsured motor vehicle; state citation issued.

15-year-old of Rock Falls; 12:54 p.m. Dec. 2 in rural Rock Falls; domestic battery, runaway; released to a parent; Rock Falls Police Department assisted on scene.

Daniel S. McCune, 46, of Rock Falls; 11:40 a.m. Dec. 4; improper driving on the shoulder of roadway, driving under the influence of alcohol, after coming to rest in a ditch; taken to CGH Medical Center in Sterling by CGH EMS, with minor injuries, and later released; given notice to appear in court.

Rachel K. Beran, 35, of Dixon; 4:09 p.m. Sunday; domestic battery; given notice to appear in court.

Darcey A. Bevans, 35, of Paw Paw; 7:35 a.m. Tuesday; warrant – driving with a suspended license; posted I-Bond.

Dorothy T’Kehyah Portere, 26, of Champaign; 11:10 p.m. Wednesday by Illinois State Police; unlawful possession of a firearm; given notice to appear in court.

Jason James McNamara, 40, of Chicago; 3:07 p.m. Thursday; four failure to appear warrants – obstructing justice, driving under the influence, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, improper traffic lane usage; held at Lee County Jail.

Shari Q. Rogers, 20, of Rockford; 4:53 p.m. Thursday; warrant – failure to

gathered from sheriff’s department personnel, and Deyo said she plans to grow the program in years to come.

“Kids should have a good Christmas, and just because they’re in a tougher situation doesn’t mean they have to suffer.”

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James W. Myers, 43, of Roselle; 9:31 p.m. Thursday in the 14000 Block of East state Route 72; felony driving under the influence, felony driving while license revoked, improper lane usage, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, operating an uninsured motor vehicle; taken to Ogle County Jail.

Richard E. Aurand, 61, no town listed; 8:24 p.m.

Thursday in the 2000 block of West state Route 64; no valid driver’s license, no insurance; taken to Ogle County Jail.

Gregory Schwartz, 45, of Mount Morris; 9:30 am.

Thursday in the 5900 Block of West Lowell Park Road; failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident after he lost control of his vehicle and spun out of control, hitting a vehicle head on driven by Dean O’Neil, 55, of Dixon. O’Neil was transported to KSB Hospital by Mount Morris EMS for minor injuries.

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Randy Jacobs Press Foreman

Jeff Rogers Editor

Subscribers should receive their paper by 7:00 a.m. weekdays, and by 8:00 a.m. Saturdays. Subscribers receiving the paper by carrier should call their carrier first for missed delivery. If you cannot reach your carrier, Daily Gazette subscribers should call 815-6253600, and Telegraph subscribers should call 815-2842222. Redelivery will be made in Sterling, Dixon, and Rock Falls. All other areas will receive credit, and your carrier will be notified. Phone hours are 6:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

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Saturday, December 24, 2016

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SV Weekend • A3 Poverty trends

Christopher Heimerman/cheimerman@saukvalley.com

Chris Ducoing, director of tech and curriculum for the Rock Falls elementary school district, talks about how she’s finding school districts with similar socioeconomic status in order to collaborate and improve practices in Rock Falls.

Scatter plot feature new to report card website t

Working smarter That accessibility and depth of information is crucial for Ducoing, for multiple reasons.

First, she’s aware that the district’s students aren’t the only ones affected by crippling finances.

“The money is not there,” she said. “I can put together a great plan, if you tell me I don’t have to worry about money.”

Second, disaggregating the scores, rather than simply looking at a composite score of what percentage of kids met or exceeded PARCC expectations – 25 percent in the Rock Falls elementary district – Ducoing sought out more specific areas of concern.

“We can’t just say we’re going to try harder or work more, you have to pinpoint what areas need attention. If you don’t know what to pinpoint, you can be working very hard on the wrong thing.”

The district’s math scores were particularly disconcerting, so a math curriculum team, comprised of a teacher from each grade level and administration, was formed.

“We’re going to start looking at other curriculum options, as well as what else we need to be doing, other things we can implement,” Ducoing said.

Where things got really

telling was in the subgroups. Whereas 42 percent of kids who aren’t in the low-income group were ready for the next level last spring – meaning they scored a 4 or a 5 on the test – just 16 percent of low-income kids met that mark. Lowincome kids are in families receiving public aid, living in substitute care, or eligible to get free or reduced-price lunches.

Consider that 79 percent of the kids in the school are low-income, and that disparity demands action.

“That subgroup is not a minority,” Ducoing said.

“We need to think about that as we’re engaging students, teaching students and doing everything with students: how we give homework to them, assess them. That has to be a piece of it.”

District improvement plan Last year, when Cheryl Robinson was the Rock Falls district’s curriculum director, work began in earnest on a district improvement plan.

Robinson took the same job in her town of residence, Morrison, and Ducoing took the reins.

First and foremost, the district set the lofty goal of 80 percent of its students meeting grade-level expectations by 2020.

“That goal is meaty,” Ducoing said. “It involves all of work with, ELA, math, the new science standards, the new social

studies standards, the new enhanced P.E. standards, and the fine arts standards. That’s getting all that curriculum aligned. That one itself could be an entire district improvement plan.”

The plan has two other goals, both keying on – you might have guessed it – subgroups.

The district wants its students who are learning English to post the same academic achievements as its other students.

“They’re not all going to be 100 percent,” Ducoing said, “but if our other students are at 80 percent, we want students becoming proficient in English to be at 80 percent. You shouldn’t know the difference between a student, by their scores.”

Finally, the district wants its special education students to also enjoy such academic success, in the leastrestrictive environment possible. The district is pushing team teaching, through which special ed teachers are in the regular classrooms and hearing the curriculum, rather than being pulled in and out of rooms.

“Our special ed teachers are hard, hard workers,” Ducoing said. “When you have to know multiple subject areas, possibly from multiple grade levels, it’s hard to be an expert in all of that.”

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years into its districtwide improvement plan, and Ducoing brought back several ideas to share with administration.

WEBSITE continued on A44

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day, in Rochelle, where they spent time with Central Elementary’s principal, Justin Adolph, as well as a math interventionist.

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So is pounding the pavement and picking other, comparable districts’ brains.

Ducoing and fellow administrators visited their first district Tues-

Merry Christmas and Happy NewYear!

SM-ST12909-1224

POVERTY

CONTINUED FROM A1

Percentage of low-income students* District/school

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Amboy................................................... 40.........39..........36........ 40......... 33 • Amboy High........................................ 35.........36..........30........ 34......... 28 • Amboy Junior...................................... 41.........42..........41........ 42......... 35 • Central Elementary.............................. 43.........40..........37........ 45......... 35 Ashton-Franklin Center........................ 34.........35..........35........ 40......... 36 • AFC High............................................. 30.........29..........30........ 35......... 31 • AFC Elementary................................... 40.........41..........41........ 41......... 41 Bureau Valley........................................ 44.........44..........47........ 52......... 46 • Bureau Valley High............................... 36.........37..........36........ 45......... 39 • Bureau Valley South............................. 51.........54..........58........ 58......... 54 • Bureau Valley North............................. 40.........38..........43........ 49......... 43 Chadwick-Milledgeville........................ 32.........37..........37........ 42......... 40 • Milledgeville High................................. 23.........24..........26........ 31......... 29 • Chadwick Junior.................................. 27.........35..........34........ 40......... 46 • Chadwick Elementary.......................... 29.........48..........49........ 53......... 43 • Milledgeville Elementary....................... 44.........43..........45........ 52......... 46 Dixon..................................................... 45.........49..........47........ 54......... 52 • Dixon High........................................... 34.........39..........36........ 43......... 44 • Reagan Middle.................................... 47.........49..........46........ 49......... 50 • Madison Elementary............................ 49.........49..........52........ 60......... 57 • Jefferson Elementary........................... 52.........61..........51........ 60......... 62 • Washington Elementary....................... 53.........54..........59........ 65......... 58 East Coloma-Nelson............................ N/A.......N/A........50........ 43......... 49 Eastland................................................ 40.........39..........40........ 44......... 38 • Eastland High...................................... 32.........34..........34........ 39......... 32 • Eastland Elementary............................ 40.........35..........45........ 49......... 43 Erie........................................................ 32.........31..........34........ 33......... 28 • Erie High.............................................. 27.........28..........28........ 33......... 26 • Erie Middle.......................................... 35.........35..........45........ 37......... 31 • Erie Elementary.................................... 35.........32..........31........ 31......... 27 Montmorency....................................... 23.........24..........25........ 29......... 24 Morrison................................................ 35.........43..........42........ 43......... 30 • Morrison High...................................... 25.........35..........34........ 37......... 25 • Morrison Junior High........................... 35.........41..........44........ 45......... 36 • Southside Elementary.......................... 40.........49..........46........ 48......... 31 • Northside Elementary.......................... 41.........49..........48........ 43......... 30 Oregon.................................................. 40.........42..........45........ 47......... 45 • Oregon High........................................ 32.........34..........35........ 36......... 38 • David L. Rahn Junior High................... 38.........39..........47........ 56......... 46 • Oregon Elementary.............................. 47.........49..........50........ 52......... 48 Polo....................................................... 42.........44..........43........ 45......... 42 • Polo High............................................ 32.........40..........39........ 44......... 40 • Aplington Middle.................................. 53.........43..........47........ 41......... 43 • Centennial Elementary......................... 44.........47..........45........ 47......... 43 Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico.......... 46.........51..........51........ 50......... 55 • Prophetstown High.............................. 43.........47..........47........ 48......... 44 • PLT Middle.......................................... 41.........57..........52........ 58......... 51 • Tampico Elementary............................ 57.........56..........64........ 48......... 63 • Prophetstown Elementary.................... 48.........48..........44........ 48......... 66 River Bend............................................ 33.........37..........36........ 41......... 35 • Fulton High.......................................... 31.........31..........31........ 33......... 30 • River Bend Middle............................... 31.........36..........34........ 36......... 30 • Fulton Elementary................................ 37.........41..........41........ 47......... 42 Rock Falls High.................................... 50.........56..........56........ 59......... 54 Rock Falls Elementary......................... 75.........77..........82........ 84......... 81 • Rock Falls Middle................................ 74.........77..........78........ 79......... 77 • Merrill Elementary................................ 73.........76..........84........ 80......... 79 • Dillon Elementary................................. 77.........78..........85........ 87......... 84 Sterling.................................................. 52.........58..........59........ 59......... 53 • Sterling High........................................ 44.........50..........49........ 49......... 47 • Challand Middle................................... 50.........57..........56........ 59......... 53 • Lincoln Elementary.............................. 56.........64..........68........ 69......... 58 • Washington Elementary....................... 56.........61..........62........ 60......... 51 West Carroll.......................................... 56.........58..........57........ 60......... 52 • West Carroll High................................. 48.........52..........49........ 51......... 46 • West Carroll Middle............................. 52.........55..........56........ 61......... 63 • West Carroll Primary............................ 63.........64..........64........ 67......... 55 State.............................................. 49........50........52.......54....... 50 * – Students in families receiving public aid, living in substitute care, or eligible to get free or reduced-price lunches

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a Happy New Year!

A4 • SV Weekend

www.saukvalley.com

Saturday, December 24, 2016

OBITUARIES Jesse R. James profession, a dedicated friend and a community-minded person with a quick-witted sense of humor, whose love and pride of his family was endless.

He is survived by his wife, Sue; son, Scott; daughters, Jennifer (Ron) Jacobs and Stephanie; stepson, John Verdun; stepdaughter, Julie (Tim) Schuld; sister, Pam (Gary) Youngblood; grandchildren, Danielle, Rex, Bo, Isaac, Emma, Olivia, Grace, Shadley, Kara and Lyla; and greatgrandchildren, Brycen and Liam.  In addition to his family, Jesse leaves behind countless, dear friends from childhood, high school, college, his fraternity, each community in which he lived, the Elks Lodge, and his longtime fishing buddies.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Bud Deweerdt; and his brother, Doug.

His visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at McDonald Funeral Home in Prophetstown. Private burial services will be Thursday at Oak Knoll Cemetery in Sterling.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Osage Elks Lodge 2705 to be used for their annual Christmas Basket program.   Â

John L. Siddens POLO – John L. Siddens, 75, of Polo, passed away Friday, Dec. 23, 2016, at Polo Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center.

John was born July 24, 1941, in Equality, the son of Charles and Freida (Moore) Siddens. On Feb. 16, 1963, in Polo, he was united in marriage to Margaret Wiederhold.

John was a veteran of the Navy. He worked as plant manager for more than 36 years, with Daubert Coated Products. After retirement, John worked for an alternative school in

Chana for a few years. He was a member of American Legion Post 83, and an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan. He also enjoyed working in his yard and visiting with friends. Survivors include his wife; son, Michael Siddens of Polo; sister, Yvonne Anderson of Dekalb; niece, Tammy (Chris) Watson; and great-niece, Grace Watson.

Private services will be at Polo Family Funeral Home.

Visit www.polofamilyfuneralhome.com to send condolences.

â–ź Saturday visitations: Rudy O. McCrady of Rock Falls, 9-10 a.m. at McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls. â–ź Saturday funerals: Rudy O. McCrady of Rock Falls, 10 a.m. at McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls. â–ź Monday visitations: Christina J. “Chrisâ€?

Lyon of Erie, 1-3 p.m. at Gibson-Bode Funeral Home in Erie.

Eugene L. Anderson, formerly of Rock Falls, 2 to 4 p.m. at McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls. â–ź Monday funerals: Christina J. “Chrisâ€? Lyon of Erie, 3:30 p.m. graveside service at Erie Cemetery. â–ź Tuesday visitations: Pauline G. Sterenberg of Morrison, 4-7 p.m. at Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home in Morrison. â–ź Tuesday funerals: Eugene L. Anderson,

formerly of Rock Falls, 10 a.m. graveside service at Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling. ▟ Wednesday visitations: Frank J. Angone Jr. of Sterling, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Rock Falls.

Jesse R. James of Laurie, Missouri, 3-6 p.m. at McDonald Funeral Home in Prophetstown.

Ames J. Schryver of Polo, 5-7 p.m. at Polo Family Funeral Home in Polo. â–ź Wednesday funerals: Pauline G. Sterenberg of Morrison, 10:30 a.m. at Emmanuel Reformed Church in Morrison.

Frank J. Angone Jr. of Sterling, 11:30 a.m. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Rock Falls. â–ź Thursday funerals: Ames J. Schryver of Polo, 10 a.m. at Faith Discovery Church in Polo.

QUINCY – Eugene L. Anderson, 92, of Quincy, formerly of Rock Falls, died Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016 at Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy.

He was born Aug. 11, 1924 in Cass Lake, Minnesota, to Gunnar and Leva (Josephson) Anderson. He married Darlene Giboo on April 29, 1944 in Yuma, Arizona. She died May 27, 1998.

He was WW II Navy veteran and a member of the Rock Falls VFW. He was a welder for Northwestern Steel and Wire Mill for many years.

He is survived by his a son, Alan D. (Diane) Anderson of Cambridge; daughters Sharon L. Slayton of Rock Falls and Linda M. (Frank) Spooner

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FRANKLIN GROVE – Charles Enlow Jr., 85, of Franklin Grove, died Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016 at Franklin Grove Living and Rehab Center.

He was born Nov. 14, 1931 in Taylorville to Charles and Mary (Meador) Enlow. He worked at Medusa Cement in Dixon for 30 years prior to his retirement.

He married Joyce Hanson on May 12, 1951 in Taylorville. She preceded him in death on April 24, 2005.

He is survived by daughter Deborah (Steve) Sexton of Lou-

isville, Kentucky, son Kerry (Suzanne) Enlow of Franklin Grove, four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and a sister, Louella Welch of Taylorville.

He also was preceded in death by a son, Robert “Mike�

Enlow, seven brothers and three sisters.

Cremation rites have been accorded and burial of cremains will be at a later date at Oakwood Cemetery in Dixon.

Jones Funeral Home in Dixon handled arrangements; visit www.thejonesfh.com to send condolences.

TAMPICO – Jan A. Weinrich, 73, of Sterling, died Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016, in Sterling.

Funeral arrangements are pending with McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls.

Helen M. Miller AMBOY – Helen M. Miller, 75, of Amboy, died Friday, Dec. 23, 2016, in her home.

Funeral arrangements are pending at Mihm-Jones Funeral Home in Amboy.

Obituary information All obituaries, including death notices, are due by 2 p.m. Sunday through Friday if sent via email, obituaries@saukvalley. com or fax, 815-6259390.

Obituary corrections and clarifications will appear in the Correc-

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Administration will hear expert speak in March t

“It’s hard to brainstorm all those ideas on your own,�she said. “If you can go out and see something else working and bring it back, that’s spending your resources wisely.�

She made sure to ask the tough questions. “What went wrong?

What would you do differently? What was the hardest part? They’re not

telling me it’s perfect.

They’re telling us what they’ll do differently next year. That’s helpful for us, so we don’t have to make the same mistakes, or we at least are aware of the possibility of it happening, as opposed to going in blindly and thinking it’s going to work out.�

Adolph and Co. is doing a districtwide book study on “Engaging Students with Poverty in Mind� by learning expert Eric Jensen, who keys a lot on

brain-based research, and how you can help shape a student’s brain.

Rock Falls administration will hear Jensen speak in March, but in the meantime, Ducoing is awaiting email replies from other similar districts. District teachers will observe in Morrison soon, and Ducoing said principal meetings at Sauk Valley Community College, put on by the regional office of education, are invaluable.

There’s a treasure trove of great ideas out there.

The key, however, will be fine-tuning them when they’re implemented in Rock Falls. “It has to become our own,� Ducoing said. “We can’t do exactly what Rochelle does, or what Morrison does, or Sterling does. It has to fit the needs of our students, our community and our staff.

Sometimes, that process can move quickly, and sometimes it takes longer.�

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tions box on Page A2 the next publication day after we are notified of an error.

Receipt of all obituaries must be confirmed by phone. For more information, call 815-6253600 or 815-284-2222, ext. 5530 or 5502.

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Jan A. Weinrich

Charles Enlow Jr.

The triangle in this scatter plot from illinoisreportcard.com represents Merrill Elementary School in Rock Falls. Chris Ducoing, the district’s tech and curriculum director, is looking to districts within a 20 percent range of her district’s 79 percent rate of low-income students to figure out how to best serve kids living in poverty. The district’s 79 percent rate of low-income students is the highest in the Sauk Valley.

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of East Moline; brothers Donald L. (Betty) Anderson of Sterling and Milton D. (Peggy) Anderson of Burnsville, Minnesota; 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 10 greatgreat-grandchildren.

He also was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Delores and Lorraine, brother Walter and granddaughter Erika.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday at McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls, with graveside services at 10 a.m.

Tuesday at Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling.

The Rev. Dalmus Meeks will officiate.

Visit www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com to send condolences.

Preston-Schilling Funeral Home, Ltd.

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LAURIE, Missouri – Jesse Ronald James, 74, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016, in Laurie.

Jesse was born Oct. 16, 1942, in Ottumwa, Iowa, to Jesse and Arlene James.

Jesse earned his bachelor’s degree from Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa; his master’s degree from Truman State University (formerly Northeast Missouri State) in Kirksville, Missouri; and his Doctorate in Education from Northern Illinois University in Dekalb.  Jesse spent most of his career in education as a public school district administrator.

He served as superintendent at Milton Pope School near Marseilles, Eagle Township near Streator, Odell Central Consolidated School District in Odell, Beardstown Community Unit School District in Beardstown, Rock Falls High School, and Rogers City area schools in Rogers City, Michigan.

After his retirement, he settled in Laurie, enjoying Lake of the Ozarks, and serving as the exalted ruler, and a very active member of Osage Elks Lodge 2705.

Jesse will be remembered as a gentle man who was loved, respected, and admired by all.

He was a leader in his

Eugene L. Anderson

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In spirit I’m with you, I’m always in your heart.

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Saturday, December 24, 2016

www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • A5

ILLINOIS LEGISLATURE

State 6 months behind in education funding Districts facing tough decisions SPRINGFIELD (AP) – Illinois is almost 6 months behind in its obligation to give millions of dollars to school districts statewide for transportation, special education and other expenses.

The stopgap spending deal Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and the Democratic-controlled Legislature struck over the summer authorized a full year’s funding for elementary and secondary education, intending to spare public schools from the uncertainty plaguing other state operations, which were only funded for 6 months, the Herald & Review reported.

As Illinois keeps up with distributing general state aid, which covers

Gov. Rauner announces new budget chief, insurance director SPRINGFIELD (AP) – Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner has announced changes at the top of two key state offices, naming new directors of the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Insurance.

The Republican governor announced Friday his budget director, Tim Nuding, and Department of Insurance Director Anne Melissa Dowling are leaving.

Rauner is appointing the current chief of staff of the governor’s day-to-day school operations, districts wait for two payments of separate funds.

Abdon Pallasch, a spokesman for state Comptroller Susana Mendoza, said the office hopes to send last year’s final payment next week.

budget office, Scott Harry, to replace Nuding. He’s appointing Jennifer Hammer, now a policy adviser, to replace Dowling.

Rauner also hired two former top employees of ex-GOP Comptroller Leslie Munger, who lost her reelection bid in November.

Brad Hahn, Munger’s chief of staff, will serve as Rauner’s communications director. Phillip Rodriguez, who was Munger’s deputy chief of staff, will be Rauner’s deputy chief of staff for public engagement.

With lack of funding, school officials are forced to dip into cash reserves or borrow money until state funds come through.

Holly Sparkman, a spokeswoman for the Rock Island-Milan School District, said her school district is “always wait-

AP

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner speaks Nov. 16 in Springfield. Rauner has announced changes at the top of two key state offices.

ing for money from the state.”

Decatur School District spokesman Todd Covault said the issue highlights the importance for schools to have money in the bank.

“You better have money in your savings account to cover this, because

there’s a lot of rainy days,” Covault said.

Decatur is waiting to receive about $3.5 million from the state.

The stopgap spending plan for other state operations will expire Dec. 31.

Some school officials are beginning to worry about what the outcome will be

once lawmakers and the governor finally reach a deal for the remaining 6 months of the fiscal year, Covault said.

“When they finally get a budget, they may realize that they’ve [budgeted too much for] education and take some of it back,” he said.

Joyce cites state statutes to support her decision GROUP

CONTINUED FROM A1 t

David Murray, 80, a former pilot and a retired partner of Ward, Murray, Pace & Johnson, has been the airport board’s attorney half his life. In addition to providing legal advice and representation, he attends airport board meetings, performs bookkeeping tasks, drafts the budget, collects hangar rent and dogs those delinquent in paying it, cuts the checks to pay the bills, and prepares the monthly airport board meeting minutes.

He does this with the help of a secretary, whom he pays.

When he’s at his home in The Villages, Florida, he attends meetings via conference call.

For his services, he is paid $175 an hour, which amounts to about $17,000 a year.

It may not be much, but it’s taxpayer money improperly spent – Murray is doing a job the state’s attorney was elected to do: to represent the county and advise its officials and board on all legal matters, Kraft said.

While there are instances in which a county can hire outside legal counsel, the procedure is very specific – and codified in state law – and Whiteside County did not follow that process, he said.

Kraft has been discussing the matter with Mur-

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More available online If you Google Edgar County Watchdogs, a February 2015 Chicago Tribune article on the men and their mission will pop up.

Go to its website, Illinois Leaks, at edgarcountywatchdogs.com or find the nonprofit group on Facebook to get info straight from the doggies’ jowls.

Once on the website, search for Whiteside County to read John Kraft’s argument against an airport board attorney, and the email correspondence between Kraft and Whiteside County State’s Attorney Trish Joyce, who disagrees with his interpretation. ray and Joyce via p h o n e calls and emails since August, in an attempt David to rectify Murray what he calls an illegal situation.

“I’m on a mission for the county to acknowledge that the county can’t hire an attorney,” he said.

Kraft main argument is based on a 1975 opinion from then-Attorney General William J. Scott, who was asked to rule whether Tazewell County legally could hire an attorney to advise its zoning board of appeals and county board.

The answer, Scott said, is no. The state Supreme Court has held that, absent any specific legislation, “the state’s attorney is the legal adviser for the county,” and “a county cannot hire a private attorney to advise the county board or any other county officers or boards.”

The exception is if the county needs specialized representation, say, from someone with a particular expertise that

the state’s attorney lacks.

In that case, an outside attorney can be used, but he or she must be approved by the state’s attorney and be appointed a special state’s attorney by the court. Simply having the state’s attorney’s permission is not sufficient to hire outside counsel.

In a letter responding to a Freedom of Information Act request Kraft sent the county, Murray told him that “no court order appointing a special state’s attorney exists. The airport board has the authority to independently retain counsel to provide assistance. It does so, and has done so since the airport’s formation approximately 65 years ago with the approval of each of the relevant Whiteside County state’s attorneys during that period.”

The response to his FOIA request seeking records showing state’s attorney approval of Murray’s hiring was, no such records exist, the approvals were oral.

In an email exchange with Kraft from Sept. 22 to Sept. 27, Joyce cites

section 9 of 620 ILCS 45/6, the County Airport Law of 1943, which says airport boards may “employ or enter into contracts for the employment of any person, firm or corporation, and for professional services, necessary or desirable for the accomplishment of the objects of the Board of Directors or the proper administration, management, protection or control of its property.”

That section, she wrote, “allows the airport board to hire a legal professional. ... That is my understanding of the functions of the attorney the board hired pursuant to this section.”

Additionally, Joyce cited 55 ILCS 5/5-1018, a section of the state code that lays out the dos and don’ts for a county, which says “A county board may employ, appoint or contract for the services of such clerical, stenographic and professional personnel for the members of the county board, the com-

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opinion on the matter.

That leaves him trying to sneak an opinion in through the back door.

In the responses to his FOIA requests, some information was redacted. Murray, and another attorney who responded on behalf of the county, cited attorney-client privilege for the withholdings.

But, Kraft argues, Murray is not legally the county’s attorney – nor is the other, for that matter, also not having been court-appointed or approved – so neither can invoke the privilege, and cannot withhold the information.

Indeed, they should not even be the ones supplying it.

He has asked the attorney general to rule on that issue.

Even if the attorney general agrees, however, there’s not much more Kraft can do. Such opinions are advisory.

A citizen could, however, file a federal false claims suit, to try to force the county to not only to drop the airport board attorney, but also to recover the wages he was paid.

It’s a tactic usually employed by whistleblowers going after people or companies whose actions have defrauded government programs.

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mittees of the board and the chairman of the board as the board finds necessary or desirable to the conduct of the business of the county, and may fix the compensation of and pay for the services of such personnel.”

That takes Kraft right back to the attorney general’s opinion. So why hire Murray? You don’t need an attorney to handle clerical duties.

Murray clearly is acting as the airport board attorney, Kraft said. He is referred to in airport board minutes as the board’s attorney, and has represented the airport board in court.

“Any function of an attorney for the airport rest with your office,” he wrote, asking Joyce to settle the matter by seeking the state Attorney General’s opinion on who actually is the “statutory legal representative of the Whiteside County Airport.”

Joyce declined.

“If you are confused about my duties, please review 55 ILCS 5/3-9005.

I represent Whiteside County and its interests (including the Whiteside County Airport) ...”

So, where does that leave Kraft? As a private citizen, he cannot seek an attorney general’s

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Saturday, December 24, 2016

EDITORIAL | WHAT WE THINK | CHRISTMAS 2016

Keep Christmas well, and its spirit well after T

he miser-turnedbenefactor in Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” Ebenezer Scrooge, learned a life-changing lesson from three ghostly visitors.

Totally transformed, Scrooge embraced the holiday spirit, much to the surprise of all who knew his former curmudgeon ways.

“And it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well,” Dickens wrote.

Keeping Christmas well.

Scrooge did it by changing his focus from money to mankind.

Charity. Mercy. Kindness. Love.

Those became his new watchwords.

WHAT ABOUT SAUK Valley residents?

Do they keep Christmas well?

We have only to read our newspaper to know they do.

Stories tell of many folks who keep Christmas well.

They ring bells at Salva-

tion Army red kettles, seeking dollars to help the less fortunate.

They bake cookies to send to military personnel stationed far away.

They string lighted decorations outside their homes, inspiring passersby with sparkling beauty.

Students travel to nursing homes to sing Christmas carols.

Police officers help needy children shop for gifts.

The Goodfellows help their parents do the same.

Firefighters hang lighted wreaths to remind us to keep our homes safe.

Poignantly, the Rock River VietNow chapter honors dozens of missing Illinoisans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam with its Christmas tree lighting and vigil.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services at churches across the region will give Christians the opportunity to keep Christmas well through prayerful worship and

THE CARTOONIST’S VOICE

inspirational music.

And then, around the Christmas tree, family gatherings, be they large or small, are a greatly anticipated way of keeping Christmas well.

What about after Dec. 25?

Keeping Christmas well need not end the day after Christmas.

The spirit of charity, mercy, kindness and love is just as welcome – and yearned for – the rest of the year as it is this weekend.

Keeping the Christmas spirit well into the new year would be a joyous sequel to this special season.

It’s our Christmas wish for you.

Merry Christmas!

WITH REVERENCE, we recall the story of the babe in the manger.

With glad hearts, we share the joy of the season.

Keeping Christmas well?

“May that be truly said of us, and all of us!” Dickens wrote.

Joe Heller, Heller Syndication

EDITORIALS ELSEWHERE

‘Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa’ The New York Sun

Note to readers – The following editorial, perhaps the most famous ever written, appeared in The New York Sun in 1897 and remains appropriate for this holiday season 119 years later.

THE READER’S VOICE

God so loved the world that he sent Jesus RANDY JOHNSON Sterling

In reply to Jay Bauer’s article, “Is this Christmas or the holidays?” in The Reader’s Voice, Dec. 10, the life of Jesus is a historical fact. Because he lived, we know that he was born.

Following are several facts that back the above statement up.

1) Mary was from the line of David.

2) Matthew, Mark, Luke and John walked with Jesus and wrote of his life, death and resurrection.

3) Paul had a personal encounter with the risen Savior. (Acts 9:4-21) Paul also preached with power and many miracles. (Acts 19:11-12) Jesus was born on the Feast of Tabernacles in a sukkah, a stable or barn, around Sept. 29, 4 B.C. Yes, Christmas is a pagan holiday, but Jesus would have been conceived around Christmas (Chanukah), so we can celebrate the season when he came into the world, as foretold.

(Isa 7:14, Matt 1:20) He was crucified on Passover, not Easter, died, was buried, and rose 3 days later on the Feast of First Fruits (Sunday). He was seen by more than 500 people after his resurrection. (1 Cor. 15:6) Jesus brought “The New

Editorial Board Jim Dunn Sam R Fisher Sheryl Gulbranson Jennifer Heintzelman Jeff Rogers Kathleen Schultz Peter Shaw t Editorials

Covenant,” forgiven of sin once and for all by his blood and not a yearly animal sacrifice. (Jer 31:31, Matt 26:28) Because of this, it is now possible for him to have a relationship with his followers – just what he wants. He died because he wanted a way to connect with us.

Facts do not get you saved or get you to heaven! You have to repent of your sins, accept him by faith, ask him into your life, to receive eternal life with him. (Rom 6:23) If not, according to the Bible, you will spend eternity in hell for your sins and unbelief. (Mark 3:29) It’s no mystery why Jesus came and died for us. It’s because God loves us so much. (John 3:16) Merry Christ-mas!

Something for Bible scoffers to think about BRAD ONCKEN Prophetstown

This letter is in response to Jay Bauer’s letter [The Reader’s Voice, Dec. 10] “Is this season Christmas or the holidays?”

Here is something for you and like thinkers to think about: no one has ever proved the Holy Bible incorrect. Everyday more evidence is uncovered to prove its authenticity.

If you are correct in your belief of Jesus Christ, God, and the Holy Bible and I am

wrong to believe in them, then I have simply lived a good, moral life and made this world a little better.

If you are wrong and I am correct, you should contemplate what eternity in hell is like.

Love your pets, don’t leave them DIANE SMITH Dixon

Hello, everyone! First, I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

Now for the sad story of a Siamese cat.

When she was a year or so old, she was dumped by her family, left along a busy highway. There were many big trucks and cars, which frightened her.

Thankfully, the people who lived nearby adopted her. They fed her and gave her water to drink.

They also gave her a warm place to sleep. She could play with the other kitties, too. Some of them had also lost their homes.

Anyway, this cat’s new “mom” decided to name her Moon because of her beautiful blue eyes that went perfectly with her Siamese coat. Moon weighed only about a pound and a half.

The biggest thing was, if Moon was part of a family, why did they just throw her away? If they could not afford Moon’s food

THE FIRST AMENDMENT

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

or litter, they could have taken her to one of the no-kill animal shelters.

Maybe someone would have adopted her and given her a forever home.

Moon could have been a good cat for another family. But now, she cannot be someone’s pet. You see, every day Moon would lie in the driveway watching all the cars and big trucks go by, waiting for one to stop and take her back home. Nobody stopped.

Moon’s new “mom” and “dad” found her lifeless body on their deck one morning. She had passed away during the night from a broken heart.

Moon is now in Heaven at the Rainbow Bridge, where she can play with other pets that have passed. No more pain or suffering, just happy days.

Please tell your children and friends not to get a pet unless they can keep them fed, watered, warm, and most of all, LOVED. Please! Think about it.

Thankful for holiday displays SHARON L. LAWSON Rock Falls

I want to say a big thank you to all who have taken the time and expense to provide so many wonderful holiday displays.

They bring out the child in all of us.

Again, a big thank you.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

IS THERE A SANTA CLAUS? We take pleasure in answering at once and thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun: Dear Editor!

I am 8 years old.

Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.

Papa says, ”If you see it in The Sun it’s so.”

Please tell me the truth: Is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O’Hanlon.

115 W. 95th St. Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see.

They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds.

All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little.

In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias.

There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal life with which childhood fills the world

“Freedom is fragile and must be protected.

To sacrifice it, even as a temporary measure, is to betray it.”

represent the opinions of the Sauk Valley Media Editorial Board.

Germaine Greer, writer, 1970

Quotes brought to you courtesy of

t Opinions

AP

Four-year-old Abril Molina looks to the sky Dec. 17 for a helicopter carrying Santa Claus to the E. Dene Moore Care Center in Rifle, Colorado. would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus.

The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there.

Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernatural beauty and glory beyond.

Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Share your opinions Mail: The Reader’s Voice Sauk Valley Media 3200 E. Lincolnway, P.O. Box 498 Sterling, IL 61081 Email: letters@saukvalley.com Fax: 815-625-9390 Website: Visit www.saukvalley.com Policy: Letters are to be no more than 300 words and must include the writer’s name, town and daytime telephone number, which we call to verify authorship. Individuals may write up to 12 letters a year.

expressed in letters and columns are those of the writers.

Saturday, December 24, 2016

www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • A7

UNDERSTANDING ILLINOIS | STATE FINANCES

Illinois’ budget held hostage – Year 3 Situation is dire; new strategies are desperately needed from governor, speaker

A

t the risk of tiring readers (so what’s new, they muse) at holiday time, I turn yet again to the Illinois state budget impasse, the most important visible problem facing the state.

I continue to be flummoxed in efforts to understand the efficacy of the strategy(ies) Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner is employing in his allout war to force nemesis House Speaker Mike Madigan to knuckle under, so the guv can figuratively plant his booted foot in triumph on the breast plate of a prostrate Madigan.

For 2 years, Rauner has been holding a state budget solution hostage, as if it were somehow akin to Madigan’s first-born, demanding that Madigan accede to a “turnaround agenda� of popular, business-friendly changes.

That might otherwise make sense, except that Madigan obviously cares more about his political power than about Illinois.

Insiders say Rauner’s real strategy is to play a multi-election “long game� aimed at taking

control of the Illinois General Assembly.

That is sure a legitimate political objective, yet not one a budget resolution can await.

I worry that Rauner, as well as most lawmakers and certainly the Illinois public, all fail to appreciate the staggering magnitude of what will be necessary to straighten out the state’s finances.

ECONOMISTS AT THE University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs have studied the state’s finances for years. They project for this fiscal year a deficit of $13 billion, that is, spending and obligations that much greater than the $63.5 billion in revenues, with even greater shortfalls in years to come.

Add to this ga-jillions in unfunded pension and health care liabilities and $10 billion in unpaid bills, and you have a situation not far different from those in some near-bust Third World countries.

The economists say that Illinois might just be able to climb out of

jimNOWLAN Jim Nowlan of Toulon served two terms in the Illinois House and worked under three governors.

He co-wrote “Fixing Illinois.�

its hole over many years if we increase individual and corporate income tax rates, and broaden the tax to include some retirement income and, we’re not finished, also broaden the sales tax to include a number of services that many other states tax and, whew, also make some spending cuts.

Rauner has said he is willing to consider tax increases, though he has never talked much specifics, nor has he ever followed the clear constitutional requirement that each year he present a balanced budget to the Legislature.

I CAN UNDERSTAND why the first-term governor is reluctant to take the lead in straightening out a fiscal mess that was

not of his making.

And so he says, “Nothing doin’� until his turnaround agenda is adopted.

Let’s look at the agenda of the moment, which comes in five parts, most of which I find attractive: Term limits. A legitimate, popular idea. “It polls off the charts,�

Rauner has observed to others. Yet the consequences of term-limiting are many years into the future.

Property tax freeze.

Our property taxes are higher than in all states other than New Jersey and Connecticut, last time I looked. Yet Rauner has said home rule local governments, which includes most of the big ones other than schools, would be exempt. School taxes are high because Illinois ranks at bottom in state support for local schools.

School funding reform.

No one has ever come up with a reform idea that doesn’t cost more state tax dollars, not fewer.

This is because of the political principle that there be no losers, that is, that wealthy New Trier

“And how can the governor and the Dems come together to enact such changes in a toxic environment in which each side continues lobbing political grenades over the ramparts?�

Jim Nowlan

Understanding Illinois columnist

sion reform, there can be some compromise between Rauner and the Dems that might cut business costs some, but not big time.

So, if Rauner is serious about negotiating on these matters, rather than putting his agenda items out as ultimata, some modest improvements can be made short-term, about the size of a big mouse rather than an elephant.

not have to share any of its $25,000-per-student budget, nearly all from its residential property taxes, with my rural district that spends $10,000 per.

Pension reform. This is the huge outlier in our state budget, sopping up the equivalent of about a third of general funds spending. The state high court has said, however, that we can’t touch the pensions. There may, however, be some tweaks possible, but they won’t save big dollars each year.

Workers’ compensation (for injured workers). As with pen-

BUT WILL SUCH changes be seen as enough to justify the politically breathtaking tax increases needed to stabilize our fiscal situation, as well as the wreckage done over the past 2 budget-less years?

And how can the governor and the Dems come together to enact such changes in a toxic environment in which each side continues lobbing political grenades over the ramparts?

The situation is dire.

New strategies are desperately needed from governor and speaker.

Note to readers: Jim Nowlan of Toulon can be reached at jnowlan3@ gmail.com.

and forgiveness are new every day, bringing hope to all who will simply believe him. Oh, that we seek after the only one who speaks truth to our hearts.

May our hearts open

wide in total awe and reverence of his good news for all who will simply believe him.

May God’s grace and peace fill everyone’s heart who reads these truths. Amen.

THE READER’S VOICE

In the season of Christmas, think of Jesus AMANDA E. FOULK Sterling

Yes, Virginia, there is a Jesus. I am a walking testimony. If it wasn’t for the Lord, I would not be here today.

Before I got saved (gave my life to the Lord and accepted Jesus Christ in my heart), I tried to commit suicide. That was about 40 years ago when I lived in the small town of Coleta. I never shared that with anyone ever till now.

After trying this, I then decided to go wash my clothes, got half a mile out of town, and my car caught fire. Not only lost car but lost clothes. Lost my mother earlier that year.

Well, I learned a hard lesson.

1) God has a reason for everything.

2) God will take you when he is ready for you – in HIS time, not our time.

3) The Bible also gives us a guarantee that if we give our lives to Jesus, he will not forsake us but

give us everlasting life.

That tells us we know with assurance that when we die, we will go to Heaven.

Please read Romans, actually the following verses in your Holy Bible: Rom 5:8-11, Rom 6:8, Rom 6:23, Rom 3:9-23, Heb 9:27, 2 Tim 3:16-17, the gospel 1 Cor 15:3-4.

If you study your Bible, you will find out the Old Testament backs up the New Testament as well.

Hope and pray you remember Jesus in this Christmas season. God bless you all.

God’s truth can set us free from our selfish ways GAIL ARBOGAST Oregon

My heart hurts to hear so many blame and accuse others so they can feel good about themselves. I know, as I used to do it.

What we all need is Jesus’ love and truth to enter our hearts, for it’s only his truth that has the power to set us free from our selfish, self-centered ways.

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Jesus aches to help every person on Earth. How do I know? Because he was the only one who died a horrible death to pay our debt, owed to God, in full.

To say we are without sin is a lie. For we all fall short

of God’s righteousness.

Yet, he continues to call out to everyone. May our hearts hear him and simply believe his good news.

His unconditional love (1 Cor. 13: 4-13) is richer than gold. His mercy

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A8 • SV Weekend Dilbert by Scott Adams

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Saturday, December 24, 2016

Zits® by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

Arlo & Janis by Jimmy Johnson Garfield by Jim Davis

Luann by Greg Evans Get Fuzzy by Darby Conley

Blondie by Dean Young & John Marshall

Wizard of Id by Brant Parker and Johnny Hart

Pearls Before Swine by Stephan Pastis Rose is Rose by Pat Brady and Don Wimmer

Pickles by Brian Crane Big Nate by Lincoln Peirce

Born Loser by Art and Chip Sansom

Baby Blues by Jerry Scott & Rick Kirkman

Soup To Nutz by Rick Stromoski

Family Circus by Bil Keane

The Argyle Sweater by Scott Hilburn

­­­Alley Oop by Dave Graue and Jack Bender

Bridge Frank & Ernest by Bob Thaves

A competition one day before Xmas

Grizzwells by Bill Schorr

I hope all of my readers have a great time over the holidays.

Now for this year’s competition.

1. South is in six spades.

West leads the club king. Declarer puts up dummy’s ace, but East ruffs and returns a trump. When West discards a club, how should South play to make his slam regardless of the distribution of the red suits? (Do not be influenced by the given East-West hands.)

2. How would you bid the North-South hands, given that South opens two clubs, strong, artificial and forcing, and West overcalls five clubs?

3. How would you bid the North-South hands with South the dealer and East-

West passing throughout?

4. If West were the dealer with both sides vulnerable, what should he open?

5. Look only at the North hand. a. South opens one spade, and with the op-

ponents silent, how should North plan the auction? b.

West opens one no-trump, and East raises to three notrump. What should North lead?

6. Look only at the East hand. North opens one notrump, and South raises to three no-trump. a. What should East lead? b. What should he lead if West doubles three no-trump? c. West opens two spades, a weak two-bid. After North passes, what should East bid?

Mail your entry to Phillip Alder, c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106 to arrive by Jan. 17, 2017. Or e-mail it to phillip@bridgeforeveryone.com.

The answers will be given on Jan. 20 and 21. Please take as read all of the usual disclaimers, and remember that this is primarily for fun. © 2016 UFS

Saturday, December 24, 2016 Dilbert by Scott Adams

www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • A9

Zits® by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

Arlo & Janis by Jimmy Johnson Garfield by Jim Davis

Luann by Greg Evans Get Fuzzy by Darby Conley

Blondie by Dean Young & John Marshall

Wizard of Id by Brant Parker and Johnny Hart

Pearls Before Swine by Stephan Pastis Rose is Rose by Pat Brady and Don Wimmer

Pickles by Brian Crane Big Nate by Lincoln Peirce

Born Loser by Art and Chip Sansom

Baby Blues by Jerry Scott & Rick Kirkman

Soup To Nutz by Rick Stromoski

Family Circus by Bil Keane

The Argyle Sweater by Scott Hilburn

­­­Alley Oop by Dave Graue and Jack Bender

Bridge Frank & Ernest by Bob Thaves

It is easier with visible cards

Grizzwells by Bill Schorr

Hans Rosling is a Swedish medical doctor who rose to prominence when he produced a Ted Talk in which he promoted the use of data to explore development issues.

He said, “My best friend in medical school was a magician. We were shown an X-ray of a sword swallower, and I tried it and failed. Then I got a sword swallower as a patient, and he taught me.”

If you know how to do something, it seems easy.

But until you do, it can appear very difficult.

At the bridge table, we would all play better if we had X-ray vision. In this deal, for example, what happens in three no-trump after West leads the diamond three?

South starts with six top

tricks: one spade, two hearts, two diamonds and one club.

He should hope that East has the club king and that he can get four heart tricks. What is the best play in the heart suit?

Ideally, you run the nine.

Then, assuming it loses to the jack or queen, you cash the ace and king. Your chances are just under 50 percent. Here, though, declarer’s communications are imperfect.

The simplest-looking line is to win the first trick with dummy’s diamond king and to lead a club toward the queen. Suppose East takes that trick and returns a diamond. South should win that, cash the club queen, then lead a low heart from his hand. Yes, the defenders take that trick and two diamond winners, but when hearts prove to be 3-3, declarer is home.

Note, though, that if East had shifted to the spade four at trick three, it would have defeated the contract – not easy. © 2016 UFS

A10 • SV Weekend

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Saturday, December 24, 2016

ITALY

Berlin attack suspect slain in shootout Premier: Open borders allowed easy movement MILAN (AP) – A routine request for ID papers outside a deserted train station in Milan at 3 a.m.

Friday led to a police shootout that killed the Tunisian fugitive wanted in the deadly Christmas market attack in Berlin.

While authorities expressed relief that the search for Anis Amri was over, his 4-day run raised fresh questions about whether he had any accomplices and how Europe can stop extremists from moving freely across its open borders, even amid an intense manhunt.

Italian police said Amri traveled from Germany through France and into Italy after Monday night’s truck rampage in Berlin, and at least some of his journey was by rail.

French officials refused to comment on his passage through France, which has increased sur-

veillance on trains after recent attacks in France and Germany.

Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni called for greater cross-border police cooperation, suggesting some dismay that Europe’s open frontier policy had enabled Amri to move around easily despite being its No. 1 fugitive.

Amri, whose fingerprints and wallet were found in the truck that plowed into Christmas market outside Berlin’s Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, killing 12 people and injuring 56 others, was caught seemingly by chance after eluding police for more than 3 days.

“He was a ghost,” Milan police chief Antoio de Iesu said, adding that Amri was stopped because of basic police work, intensified surveillance “and a little luck.”

Like other cities, Milan has been on heightened alert, with increased surveillance and police patrols. Italian offi-

AP

Italian police cordon off an area around a body after a shootout between police and a man in Milan’s Sesto San Giovanni neighborhood, early Friday. Italy’s interior minister Marco Minniti said the man killed in an early-hours shootout in Milan is “without a shadow of doubt” the Berlin Christmas market attacker, Anis Amri (inset). cials stressed that the two young officers who stopped Amri didn’t suspect he was the Berlin attacker, but rather grew suspicious because he was a North African man,

alone outside a deserted train station in the dead of night.

Amri, who had spent time in prison in Italy, was confronted by the officers in the Sesto San

Giovanni neighborhood of Milan. He pulled a gun from his backpack after being asked to show his ID and was killed in an ensuing shootout.

One of the officers, Chris-

tian Movio, 35, was shot in the right shoulder and had surgery for what doctors said was a superficial wound. His 29-year-old partner, Luca Scata, fatally shot Amri in the chest.

The suspect had no ID or cellphone and carried only a pocket knife and the loaded .22-caliber pistol he used to shoot Movio, police said. He was identified with the help of fingerprints supplied by Germany.

The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for Monday’s attack.

On Friday, it noted his death in Milan and released a separate video showing Amri swearing allegiance to the group’s leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, while vowing to fight non-Muslims.

The video, which appeared to have been taken by Amri himself, showed him on a footbridge in northern Berlin, not far from where the truck used in the attack was hijacked. It was not known when the video was taken.

PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION

Trump lauds ‘nice’ letter from Putin after nuclear vow WEST PALM BEACH, Florida (AP) – After months of promising to engage more with Russia, President-elect Donald Trump vowed to enhance America’s nuclear capabilities, admonishing Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday that he hopes both global powers can restore collaboration so that “we do not have to travel an alternate path.”

Trump passed along a “very nice letter” that his transition team said was sent to him by Putin urging Trump to act “in a constructive and pragmatic manner” to “restore the framework of bilateral cooperation.”

The letter, dated Dec. 15, also notes that serious global and regional challenges “show that the relations between Russia and the U.S. remain

an important factor in ensuring stability and security in the modern world.”

In response, Trump said that Putin’s “thoughts are so correct,” and that he hopes “both sides are able to live up to these thoughts, and we do not have to travel an alternate path.”

Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin sent the let-

SECURITY COUNCIL

IN BRIEF

U.N. condemns Israeli settlements

Australia police foil bomb plot

UNITED NATIONS (AP) – In a striking rupture with past practice, the United States allowed the U.N. Security Council on Friday to condemn Israeli settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem as a “flagrant violation” of international law.

In doing so, the outgoing Obama administration brushed aside Donald Trump’s demands that the U.S. exercise its veto and provided a climax to years of icy relations with Israel’s leadership.

The decision to abstain from the council’s 14-0 vote is one of the biggest American rebukes of its longstanding ally in recent memory. And it could

have significant ramifications for the Jewish state, potentially hindering Israel’s negotiating position in future peace talks.

Given the world’s widespread opposition to settlements, the action will be almost impossible for anyone, including Trump, to reverse.

Nevertheless, Trump vowed via Twitter: “As to the U.N., things will be different after Jan. 20th.”

The resolution said Israel’s settlements in lands the Palestinians want to include in their future state have “no legal validity.” It demanded a halt to such activities for the sake of “salvaging the two-state solution.”

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CANBERRA, Australia (AP) – Police in Australia have detained five men suspected of planning a series of Christmas Day attacks using explosives, knives and a gun in the heart of the country’s second-largest city, officials said Friday.

The suspects were

ter, “voicing hope for an improvement of bilateral ties,” according to the Interfax news agency.

Trump’s transition team described the text as an unofficial translation.

The exchange comes on the heels of comments by Trump and Putin alike about the need to strengthen their countries’ nuclear arsenals. Trump reopened the debate over nuclear

inspired by the Islamic State group and planned attacks on Melbourne’s iconic Flinders Street train station, neighboring Federation Square, a fashionable bar and restaurant precinct, and St. Paul’s Cathedral, an Anglican church, Victoria state Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said.

He said they had plotted the attack for 3 weeks.

proliferation Thursday, declaring on Twitter that the U.S. should “greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability” until the rest of the world “comes to its senses” regarding nuclear weapons. Those comments echoed an earlier statement by Putin, who said earlier Thursday that strengthening his country’s nuclear capabilities should be a chief military

objective in the coming year.

But Putin downplayed the significance of Trump’s comments at a marathon end-of-year news conference Friday.

Putin said he sees “nothing unusual” in Trump’s pledge to strengthen the U.S. nuclear forces, saying the statement is in line with the presidentelect’s campaign promises.

Plane hijacking ends peacefully

tions, the standoff ended peacefully with the hijackers freeing all 117 people on board and walking off the plane to surrender.

The hijacked Airbus A320 flight, operated by Afriqiyah Airways, was traveling from the Libyan oasis city of Sabha to the coastal city of Tripoli when it was diverted to Malta and landed at 11:34 a.m. local time.

VALLETTA, Malta (AP) – Two Libyan hijackers diverted a domestic flight to the Mediterranean island of Malta on Friday to demand asylum in Europe and create a new political party in honor of the late dictator Moammar Gadhafi, officials said.

After hours of negotia-

Saturday, December 24, 2016

www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • A11

MONEY & MARKETS The following stock quotations, as of 5 p.m., are provided as a community service by Chad Weigle of Edward Jones, Dixon and Raymond James and Associates, Sterling.

Abbott........................... 38.42 Alcoa............................. 29.71 Alphabet Inc............... 807.80 AltriaCorp..................... 67.72 Amazon.com.............. 760.59 American Express........ 74.97 Apple........................... 116.52 Archer-Daniels............. 45.15 Arris-Group.................. 30.56 AT&T............................. 42.73 Autonation................... 48.99 Bank of America.......... 22.60 Boeing......................... 157.81 BorgWarner.................. 39.73 BP.................................. 37.02 Casey’s........................ 120.10 Caterpillar.................... 94.32 CenturyLink................. 24.06 Chevron...................... 118.42 Cisco............................. 30.53 Citigroup...................... 60.99 CocaCola...................... 41.60 ConAgra........................ 39.77 Dean............................. 21.52 Deere & Co................. 103.12 Disney......................... 105.15 Donaldson.................... 42.78 DuPont......................... 74.93 Exelon........................... 35.30 Exxon............................ 90.71 FifthThird..................... 27.68 Ford.............................. 12.46 GE................................. 31.88 HawaiianElectric......... 33.62

Hewlett Packard.......... 15.10 HomeDepot............... 135.05 Intel Corp..................... 36.97 Intl Bus Mach............. 166.71 IntlPaper....................... 54.03 JCPenney........................ 8.46 JohnsonControls......... 42.50 Johnson&Johnson..... 115.96 JPMorgan Chase.......... 87.05 Kraft-Heinz.................. 87.57 Kroger........................... 35.08 Leggett&Platt............... 49.68 Manpower.................... 90.39 McDonald’s................ 123.14 Merck&Co.................... 59.56 Microsoft...................... 63.24 MidlandStates.............. 36.55 3M............................... 178.75 Monsanto................... 105.26 Newell........................... 45.39 Nike............................... 51.91 Parker-Han................. 142.74 Pfizer............................. 32.48 Pepsico....................... 105.09 Proctor&Gamble.......... 84.96 RaymondJames............ 71.80 Republic....................... 57.36 Sears Hldg...................... 8.79 SensientTech............... 78.39 Sprint.............................. 8.50 Staples............................ 9.22 TheTravelers.............. 122.12 UnitedContinental...... 74.79 UnitedTech................ 110.65 USBancorp................... 52.20 USSteel......................... 35.78 Verizon......................... 53.68 Walgreen...................... 84.28 WalMartMexico........... 18.14 WalMartStores............. 69.54 WasteMgt..................... 70.92 Wendy’s........................ 13.78

Commodities The following quotations are provided as a community service by Sterling Futures: Corn: Mar. 3.453⁄4; May 3.521⁄2; Dec. 3.761⁄4 Soybeans: Jan. 9.89; Mar. 9.971⁄2; May 10.061⁄2 Soybean oil: Mar. 34.88; Jul. 35.35 Soybean meal: Mar. 311.60; Jul. 317.40 Wheat: Mar. 3.931⁄2; Jul. 4.203⁄4 Oats: Mar. 2.181⁄2; Jul. 2.221⁄4

ECONOMY

IN BRIEF

Holiday splurging not an option for many workers

U.S. warns of possible attacks

ELIZABETH, N.J. (AP) – At the brightly lit mall, clothing stores highlight holiday sweaters and big signs tout the sales, while Duquan Allen keeps his expectations in check.

Allen, who works fulltime cleaning planes at Newark Airport, says his mother doesn’t expect anything big, and he usually gets a hooded sweatshirt. He plans to spend about $150 on presents for his grandmother, mother and 21-year-old sister.

“I’m good at budgeting,” says Allen, who makes $10.10 an hour.

Heading into this holiday season, with gas and food costs down, unemployment at its lowest point since 2007 and clothing prices on the decline, economists and retail executives declared

it a great time to be a consumer. But 7 years into the recovery, there’s a stubborn divide that hourly workers see more starkly during the holidays, between themselves and better-off consumers who have benefited more as the economy improved.

“I see people traveling.

I wish I could afford it,” said Allen.

Many workers are indeed earning more.

Average hourly earnings have picked up 2.5 percent over the past year, and major retailers have raised wages as competition for workers has increased.

Thanksgiving weekend featured crowds of shoppers at stores and malls, snapping up new TVs and clothing. The National Retail Federation trade

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group expects holiday sales for the November and December period to rise 3.6 percent to $655.8 billion.

From the data, people seem very able to buy.

Overall, people plan to spend about $935 per person this holiday season, according to an NRF survey. Behind that figure, though, there’s a split.

Consumers with income under $50,000 plan to spend a little over $362 on gifts for their family and friends, while for those with income of $50,000 and higher, that number is about $768.

Shop Where Santa Shops!

WASHINGTON (AP) – Federal authorities warned law enforcement authorities across the nation Friday that Islamic State sympathizers are continuing to call for attacks on churches and other holiday gathering sites.

The warning was issued after a publicly available list of U.S. churches was posted on a militants’ social media site. It also came just days after Monday’s attack at a Christmas market in Berlin that left 12 dead and 56 injured.

FBI spokesman Andrew

UP agrees to safety changes BILLINGS, Montana (AP) – The nation’s largest freight railroad has agreed to more thorough inspections and maintenance improvements after a fiery oil train derailment in

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Oregon and the discovery of more than 800 potential safety violations across its sprawling network.

Details on the agreement between the Federal Railroad Administration and Union Pacific Railroad were obtained

by The Associated Press.

Sixteen tank cars from a Union Pacific train hauling North Dakota crude through the Columbia River Gorge derailed in early June along a curve in the tracks near Mosier, Oregon. The accident sparked a massive fire that burned for 14 hours and prompted the evacuation of nearby areas.

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Ames said U.S. citizens are advised to maintain awareness of their surroundings and report suspicious activity. He said the FBI will work closely with federal, state and local law enforcement should there be any potential threat to public safety.

Live cattle: Dec. 114.57; Feb. 116.30; Apr. 114.32 Feeder cattle: Jan. 130.72; Mar. 126.70 Lean hogs: Feb. 63.20; Apr. 65.87; Jun. 75.57 Sugar: Mar. 18.15 Cotton: Mar. 69.87 T-Bonds: Dec. 14901⁄32 Silver: Dec. 15.77 Gold: Dec. 1133.00 Copper: Dec. 2.4735 Crude: Feb. 52.82 Dollar Index: Dec. 102.99 Ethanol: Mar. 1.528

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A12 • SV Weekend

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Saturday, December 24, 2016

Love Light Tree Love Lights were purchased as listed below honoring the names of loved ones living or remembering the names of loved ones passed. The Love Light tree is located at the corner of 1st and 1st in Rock Falls.

Andrew Abell 2 Charles Abell Don Abell 2 Ida Abell Len Abell 2 Lloyd Abell Charles W Ager Donald Allen Esther Gillette Allen Isabelle Allen Lloyd L Allen Rhett Allen George V Allie Benji Amesquita Jennie Amesquita Richard Amesquita Joyce A Anderson Linda Anderson 2 Matthew Madsen Anderson 20 Matthew Anderson Rose Marie Anderson William W Anderson Kathy Anspach Jack Appenzellar Marilyn Appenzellar 2 Adelyn Brielle Arduini Bernice Arduini Gerald Arduini James Arduini Tony Arduini 3 Sherry Armoska 2 Elizabeth Arroyo Wilson Arroyo Guy Asay Gwen Asay David Austin Margaret Ayres Bonnie Bailey Jason Ballard Judy Barger Walter Barger Sr Teresa Bartel-Harris Everett Bass 5 Lowell Batten Leann Baxter Theresa Beck Mr Bob A Beelendorf Mr Pierre Beelendorf Mr. Robert A Beelendorf Mr. Wayne E Beelendorf Mrs Violet Beelendorf Liz Behrens Clifford Belisle Brian Bell 4 Gene Bell Gene and Shirley Bell Shirley Bell 2 Peggy Bell Anna Bennett Annetta Bennett Doris Berg Carroll Berg Sr Donna Berogan Edmondo Bertolozzi Eleanor Bertolozzi Kathy Bertolozzi Maxine Bertolozzi Bob Bertolozzi Jr John L Bertolozzi Sr Robert E Bertolozzi Sr Betty Betts Karen Betts 3 Carl and Bessie Bierman Ashley Billings Joan Blair John Bohms Kevin J Bohms 2 Kevin Bohms 3 Lois Y Bohms Madonna Bonnell Becky Boyer Floyd R Boyer Ray Boyer Tiffany Boyer 3 Sally (Mrs B) Branch Alice Breedlove Mr and Mrs Gene Breit Bill Brelsfoard Robert Brockman Viola Bucher Ward Bucher Mr and Mrs Marvyn Buntjer Fred D Burall Jennifer Burall Sandy Burall 6 Susan Terronez Burge Edward Burke Earl "Doc" Burks Pat Burks Billie (Davenport) Burtlow Gary Burtlow Alice Bushaw 2 Alice "Aunt" Bushaw Alice (Mom) Bushaw Debra "Aunt" Bushaw Debra "Mom" Bushaw 2 Donald Bushaw Irene Bushaw Ron Bushaw Ronald "Dad" Bushaw 2 Harold Busing 3 Jeanette Busing 3 Marjorie Butler Dave Butterbaugh Pat Cacciapaglia Camila Campos Laura and Oscar Capp Annabell Marie Carlson Annabell Carlson Luther Carlson Erma Carney Cas Cassell RoseAnn Castillo Sharon Cathelyn Robert Chapinski Rosemary Chapinski Charles W Chriest Roger Chriest 2 Marie (Hulstrom) Christenson Jennifer Claudin Mark Clevenger Garland (Sis) Collier Harry (Chub) Collier Harry Collier Jr Melissa Conboy Andy Conderman Don Conklin Sr Bernie Cooney Nancy Cooney Corky Karen Cowley Nancy Peugh Cox Ernest Edward Cox Jr

Carl Coyle Leota Cravatta Joe Cravatta Sr Betty Crawford Bob Crawford Bobby Crawford Scott Crawford Tyler Crawford Paul Cruz Ruben Cruz Juanita Culver Bosco Curran William Curran 2 Carl Dahlberg Maureen A Danilson Maureen Danilson Howard Davenport Irene C Davies Anthony Ray Terronez Davis David Davis Kurt Davis Marcella Davis Richard D Davis Rolland Davis Sandra Davis Winfred Joseph Terronez Davis Arthur Davis Eileen Davis-Nielson Cory John Dawson Sunny Decker Tom Denham Scott Denning Donald L Dennison Sr 3 Alvin Dettman Addie Devine Emma Lynn DeVries Thomas Dickey Jessica Diehl Keith Diehl 2 Mark K Doty Ann Dowd Donald L Dowd Ed Dowd Edward P Dowd Jared Dowd Kevin E Dowd Kevin Dowd 3 LaVern Dowd Mark A Dowd Anna Mae Dowd LuVerne Dowd Timothy G Dowd Thomas Downie Tom Downie Daryl Dugger Patricia Duncan Chris Dziudzek 2 Frank Dziudzek 2 Heinz Dziudzek 2 Jordynn Elizabeth Eckel Jeff Elder Anita Elgin Mr and Mrs H.L. Eller Llew Ellis Vernon and Mary Ellis Harvey Engelhardt Rose Engelhardt Doris Erby Jim Erby David Erby Sr Francisco Espinoza JoseďŹ na Espinoza Clarence Fargher Gary Feldkirchner Mike Filippi Don Finch Lourde K Finkle Marge Fiorini Barbara J Fisher Carol Fitzgerald 2 Alvin Fitzpatrick Jim Fleshman Norma Fleshman Flosi Family Edward Flynn Leona Flynn Kathy Fogarty Minnie Mae Foskitt Oliver "Bud" Foskitt Cheryl Fowler 5 Jim Bo Fowler Dennis Lynn Frank Clarence M Franks Elizabeth Fredericks Mary H Frey Randy J Frey Audy Fritsch Gwendolyn Fritsch Eva Fritz John H Fritz Leatice Fritz Stanley Fritz Jeff Fry Jerry Fry Susan "Kitty" Fulrath Frank Gallegos Yolanda Gallegos Pauline Gallegos Felipe Gallegos Sr Margaret Gallentine Sam Gallentine David Manuel Galvan Manuel S Galvan Janey Garcia Salvador Garcia Anthony D Garza Joe Garza Mary Ann Garza Coe Gaulrapp Margaret Gaulrapp Pat Gaulrapp Gladys Gavin Glen Genz Michael Genz Sean Gerdy Leslie Gerlach Mabel Gerlach Sherry Gholson Jeff Gilbert Jack Gillette Jay Gillette Members of the Francis and Jaquet Girton Families Jaimie Gorena 2 Kathryn M Gorena 2 Glenn Goss Michael Gragert Jr 3 Dawn Graham James (Punk) Graham Donald Gray Nellie Greer Alberta Greer Robert Greer Sr

Irene Gregg 5 Ival Gregg 5 Tom Grell Susie Grennan Jason Griffis Randy Griffis Betty Groth Karen Habben Gary A Hall Betty Hancock Doug Exceptional Teacher Hand Ray E Hand Kenneth D Handel Lester and Grace Handel Lester E Handel Jr Donalee Harms Marvin Harms Charles Harper 2 Harry Harper Lydia Harper Carley Ann Harrielle Leo and Florence Harrington Sondra Hart 2 Atwood C Hassell Margaret Ellen Hassell Madelyn Hay Ronald R Hay Jess Heern Marian Heern Ralph Helms Donald Scott Helton Lee Andrew Helton April Hemminger April "Aunt" Hemminger Robert Hemminger Layla Hemminger-Romero Betty Hendryx Lyle Hendryx Jane Henley Margaret Henrekin Tom Henrekin Carol Henson Lillie Henson Stan Henson Melinda Heppler James C Hicks 4 Robert Hicks Alma and Henry Hinrichs Arthur Hinrichs Paul Hinrichs 2 Walt Hinrichs 2 Gus Hinueber Gus and Rita Hinueber Rita Hinueber Gary E Hodge Albert Hoffmiller Albert and Jane Hoffmiller Jane Hoffmiller Matt Hoffmiller Forrest Holbrook Mike Holbrook Charles Holloway Mike Holloway 5 Scott Holloway Scottie Holloway Jean Holman Lloyd Holman Bob Hondley Mark House Earl E Howard Kari Howard George Lee Huff Jackie Hughes Kevin (Doc) Hummel Larry (Butch) Hummel Edwin Hussung Tom Ingold 2 Judy Ishmael Larry (Joe) Ishmael Leota Ishmael Dorothy Itken Lawrence Itken Babe Jackley Keith Jackley Marvin Jackley Amelia Jacobs Dora Jacobs Rodney Jacobs Roy Jacobs Julia Jacobs Charlene Jacobson Letha Jaques Waldo Jaques Don Jenkins Donald Jenkins Ayla Jobe Fred Johannsen Kathryn Johannsen Betty Johnson Betty and Earl C Johnson Cyndi (Thurm) Johnson Dena and Charlie Johnson Earl C Johnson Paul E Johnson Robert Johnson Robert and Jeannette Johnson Ronnie Johnson Helen Johnson Danny Johnson Jr Adrian Johnson Sr Danny Johnson Sr Ross Johnson Sr Edward L Jones Greg L Jones Michael Eileen Jones Ruby G Jones Randy Jorden Doris Keefer Mary Keller 2 Otis Kicksey Violet Kicksey Dorothy Kiefel Ivan Kilroy Eva King Joe King James L King Sr 2 Klopsin Family David Knowles Donald P Knuth Jean Knuth Mildred Koch Lee Koeppen 12 Rick Koeppen 3 Minnie Koett Doris Koser Ralph Koser Gertrude Kramer William Kramer Rich Kreutzer Gene Kuhlemier Gladys Kuhlemier Verlin Kuhlemier Janna Lee Kulas

Raymond J Kulas Bill Kyger Elijah Lair Travis Langley James Larson Justin Larson Carl Latchford 2 JoAnne Latta Chad Law Helen B Lazakaus Sam Leaf Marissa Leal 2 Nestoria Leal Philip Leal Phillip Leal Tony Leal Toribio Leal Jr 2 Doug Ledford Jason Allen Lee Steven Lendman Elsa Lengfelder Gus Lengfelder Judie Lengfelder Ruth Lengfelder Mary Leniewski Bonnie and James Leonard Diane Leonard John Lester 3 Marge Lindsay Marlene Linn Jackie M Linton Geraldine Little Ernest Little Sr Robert Little Sr Hazel Livingston Richard Livingston Misti Logan Earl and Pencie Long William E Long Jr William (Bill) E Long Sr 7 Juan Manuel Lopez Louise "Weezie" Lopez Darlene E Love Rachel Magana Tony Magana Michael Erin Magon June Mangan Ray Mangan Sr Evert Manning Gail Manning Keith Manning Alvah W Marshall Janice E Marshall Michael Marshall Mr Alvah Marshall 2 Mr Mike Marshall 2 Mrs Janice E Marshall 2 John Martenson Larry and Helen Martenson Donald L Martin Dorothy L Martin Gary Martin Kenny Massey Lois A Matthews Clarence Matznick Marian Matznick Robert Matznick Mac McBride Brad McCord Lawrence McCord Merle McCord Elise McCormick James E McCormick John McCormick Mary R McCormick Mary Jane McCormick Steve McCormick Jean McCue Lori McFadden Terrence McNinch Jeffrey Todd McThenia Dale Mead Francis Mead Sara Mead Bob Meenen Brealynn Menchaca Brianna Menchaca Trisha Menchaca Mary Mennenga Vera Mennenga Sam Metzler Grant and Louise Meyer Elmer Milby Elizabeth L Miller Irene Miller 2 Donald Milroy Doris H Minor Robert N Minor David Mitchell Helen Peugh Mitchell Jeremy and Joshua Mitchell Leonard Mitchell Lola Mitchell Susie Chriest Mitchell Virgil Mitchell Bob Moeller Eileen Moeller Larry Moeller Laura Moldt Jennifer Jo Monnier Patrick J Moore Gene Morgan Jennifer Morgan Violet Morgan Maxine Moribe DoDo Morris Dorathy "DoDo" Morris Arabell Morse Harriet Morse Howard Morse June Morse John J Murphy 5 Karin C Murphy Karin Murphy Robert E Murphy 4 Steve Murphy Stephen A Murphy Jr Francis R Murray Linda Murray Clara Myers Earl Myers Sue Myers 5 Jeanne C Naftzger Merlin J Naftzger Michael J Naftzger Marie Nally Betty Lou Nance Leo Nardini Mark Near Jeanne Nee Edgar Nee Sr Patrick Neubauer Henry Nielsen

Michelle Lynn Frank Northcutt Ida Nusbaum Gale Nuttall Bob Oberle Aidan O'Doherty Randy Olroyd 3 Anna Oltmans Joe Oltmans John Oltmans Paul Oltmans Regina Oltmans Tom Oltmans John Oltmans Jr Joshua Osborne Jesus Christ Our Lord Connie Padia Catherine Pagoria Sam Pagoria Bill Palmer 9 Craig Palmer 11 Leona Palmer 2 William Palmer George Parker Logan Parker Harold Parks Lee Parks Rita Parks Charles Pashon Theresa Payne John A Pepper John Pepper Ralph Perales 6 Rick Percycoe 3 Isabel Petersen Etta Peugh Hazel Peugh Jean Peugh Joan Peugh Ralph Peugh Raymond Peugh Patrick M Phillips Jr Don Pierce Ella Pierce Ginny Pierce Stephen Pierce Tom Pierce Betty L Pierson Robert "Bobby" Pierson Lillian Pignatelli Louis Pignatelli Billy Pillars Clevie Pillars Juanita Pillars Mary Pinkstaff Anthony D Pizarro Bev Pizarro Beverly Pizarro 2 Henry Pizarro 2 Karla Kay (Knox) Ploessel Gaye Pope Carl I Portner David Portner 2 Jaron Portner Juanita M Portner Mrs Carl (Vida) Portner Sandra K Portner Joey Pro Oresto (Rusty) Pro Pete and Louise Pro Hazel (Liz) Hand Pulford Evey Purser Pam Raab Fredrico Ramos Sr Louie Ramos Sr Ben Raymond Darlene Reigle John Reigle Joanna Rhodes Ora (Dusty) Rhodes Lois Richards David Ricklefs Douglas Ricklefs Gayle Ricklefs Joseph Rideout Richard Rideout Robert Rideout Ralph "Husky" Riesselman Jr Winnie Riggins Pat Rimmer 2 Donald Ripley Mary Ripley Manuel (Manny) Rivera Douglas D Robbins James L Robbins Byran Robinson Dean Rohlik Shannon Rosengren Steven Rosengren Sandi Rothermel Linda Rousseau Connie Royer Dorothy Royer Jim Royer Larry Royer Mildred Rucker 2 Tony Rucker Claude (Dad) Rude Grace (Mom) Rude Sam Rumley Danny Russell Evelyn Saathoff George Saathoff Cherie Saldivar Piedad Saldivar Rodolfo Saldivar Jordan Sanders Sedrick Sanders Lee Sandoval Nim A Scanlan Lona Schaefer Willard Schaver Scott L Schinderling 2 Connie Schmidt Florence Schmitt Mertie Jeanne Schmitt Sharon Schmitt Judy Schrantz Harold Schryver Jr Dustin Schuchard Kenneth Schuldt Vicki Schwarz LeRoy Scott Rod Scott Dale Scudder Justin Lee Seavey James L Seeley Sr Dorothy Seidel Jill Seidel Paul Seidel 2 Raymond Seidel Clara and John Shaw Kari Lyn Shawver Jeannine Sheley 6

John E Sheppard Mary Shoffner Audrey Simpson Gary Simpson Sharon Simpson Dee Skelton Dick Skelton Milton Skelton Michael Skinner 5 Janet Elaine Small Bill Smith Susan Smith Mary Sodaro Don and Rose Sondgeroth Darrel Spencer 2 Gail Spencer Donald Stachowiak Peggy, Jasper & Locey Matznick Stage Jerry Stanley Dylan Mae Stegmaier Marc Stindt Marcus Stindt Jess Strader Marilyn Stram Phylis Sublett Jodi Battles Sunday William R Surratt Boyd E Sutton Boyd W Sutton Family of Charles "Chuck" Sutton Family of Ray Sutton Holly Hummel Sutton Neal Sutton Randy L Sutton Shelia Sutton Charles Sutton Sr Ann Taylor Irene Taylor LaVon Taylor Marie Taylor Rick Taylor Peter Ternetti Alicia May Terronez Gerald (Jerry) A Terronez Manuel "Rocky" Terronez Thomas C Terronez Cletus Terveer Alvin Teske Ann Teske Beverly Rose Thompson LaVerne R Thompson Patsy Tilson 2 Nancy Timmons Floyd A Toppert 3 Christie Tromp Richard "Dick" Trudo Herman J Ukena Louis Ukena Tom Van Natta Connie VanHorne Francisco Vasquez Rico and Mary Veracini Owen Vetter Viking Harry Viren Myrtle Viren Guido-Helen Vittorio Shirley Von Holten Albert Wade Jeanette Wade Ronnie Wade Bill Wagner Clara Wagner David R Wagner 2 Irene Wagner Lester Wagner Paul Wagner Dorothy Waldschmidt Carmen Wallace Bob Walls Clarice Walls Gene Walls Johnny Walls Virgil Walls Barbara Warren Alice Weaver Tim Weaver Timothy Weaver Tom Weaver Brian Wechsler Everett Wescott Everett-Mabel Wescott Lorenzo Wescott Mabel Wescott Rose Wescott William "Bill" Wescott James Wesner Jeannie Hawkins Wetzell Jenna Whipple 3 Larry Wickham Bill Wike 2 Deborah Wike Greg Wilburn 2 Jeanette Wilburn Art Wilkinson Nancy Wilkinson Dale Willaims Shawn Willett 3 Hailey Williams Jacob Williamson Lloyd E Williamson Ernest Willis Lois Willis Harry Winters Terry Winters Gen Wirth Harley Wirth Robert Wirth Cliff Witherow 2 Clifford Witherow Herley Witherow 3 Shirley Witherow 3 Robert G Wolber Alex Wolf Cecil and Dorothy Wolf Jim Wolf 2 Marvin Wolf Terry Wolf Clarence (Nate) Wolfe Nate Wolfe 6 Vera Wolfe 5 Fred Woodring Ruth Woodring James Wyatt Jr Elsie Yarde Dr. Dora Zaeske Dr. Edward Zaeske Todd Andrew Zaeske Todd Zaeske Daryll (Buzz) Zigler James Robert and Marilyn Zigler Jean Zook 3

Number behind name indicates how many lights purchased. On behalf of the Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce and the Community Improvement Committee, we would like to thank all purchasers of Love Lights for recognizing those special individuals in your lives. We also appreciate your support in this annual tradition in Rock Falls. Special thanks to Joe McDonald for his support.

May all of you and yours have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

SM-ST10855-1224

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Sports v weekend

Section B

ON HOT SEAT

Fox’s platitudes sound plaintive, B6. e-mail: sports@saukvalley.com

Saturday, December 24, 2016

BASKETBALL BASKETBALL | IBCA HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES THOM SIGEL, ROCK FALLS

Leaving quite a legacy Thom Sigel’s coaching influence found all over area

BY CODY CUTTER ccutter@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5552 @CodyCutter35

There’s no doubt that Thom Sigel has left a legacy at Rock Falls High School.

Perhaps similar legacies will be left at basketball programs at other schools, and those fingerprints can be traced back to the former Rockets boys basketball coach.

Sigel, one of only two boys basketball coaches in Illinois history to lead two different schools to state championships, will be inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame on May 6 at Redbird Arena in Normal.

The 1985 RFHS graduate not only led the Rockets to a dramatic Class A state championship in 1999, but also led Rock Island to a Class 3A championship in double overtime in 2011, and surpassed 400 coaching wins last year.

“This honor is just another reminder at how God has blessed me in so many ways,” Sigel said. “It is a result of being in great situations with coaches and players who have been dedicated to the same goals. I realize there are so many great coaches out there working hard, helping kids, and doing it the right way.

I just have been fortunate to be in the right spot at the right time.”

Even though Sigel is no longer at Rock Falls, his ideals still rule during practices at Tabor Gymnasium – especially for the girls basketball program.

Eric Wolf, who played for Sigel before graduating in 1998, coaches the girls basketball team at Rock Falls – where Sigel’s niece, Abbee, has emerged as one of the area’s top players. The preparation and discipline that Sigel instilled into his players were two hallmarks that Wolf has carried over to his program.

“Coming to practice and understanding what we’re trying to do for the next opponent,” Wolf said. “That’s one of the things, the preparation, understanding what the purpose is, and why we’re doing this a certain way, and what’s the reason behind it.”

SIGEL continued on B34

Lessons learned at Shootout Rockets top Warriors in arch rivals’ finale

BY CODY CUTTER ccutter@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5552 @CodyCutter35

Photo courtesy Meg McLaughlin/Moline Dispatch

Current Rock Island and former Rock Falls head boys basketball coach Thom Sigel is one of only two coaches in Illinois history to lead two different boys teams to state titles. The Rock Falls grad will be inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in May in a ceremony at Redbird Arena in Normal.

Sigel file High school: Rock Falls (class of 1985) College: Knox (class of 1989) Head coaching career: Rock Falls 1995-2001 (127-52, 1999 Class A champions), Rock Island 2001-present (292-148, 2011 Class 3A champions) FYI: One of only 2 boys basketball coaches in Illinois history to lead two schools to state championships (Mark Peterman, Canton & Springfield). … Started coaching career as an assistant at Galesburg.

STERLING – Competition at the Sterling Shootout is scheduled the way it is for the Sterling girls basketball team on purpose, with tough 4A teams coming to town.

The tournament competition hasn’t been too kind for the Golden Warriors in recent years, who came into Friday afternoon’s final session without a win. Rock Falls, in its first year there, knows just how its arch rival feels, as it also headed into the final session winless.

Someone had to come away with a win, and the Rockets upended the Golden Warriors 59-40 at Musgrove Fieldhouse.

The Golden Warriors, who were trounced by the Rockets in a Sauk Valley Shootout game last month, remained competitive throughout much of the second half – a far cry from a slow start which snowballed in their previous meeting.

“Defensively, we knew we needed to play significantly better than the last time,” Sterling coach Taylor Jackson said. “Some spots we did, and at other points we still have a lot of work to do. We knew this was going to be an opportunity for us to measure where we are at this point of the season.”

Sterling (1-12) last led 17-16 early in the second quarter before Rock Falls (8-5) went on a 10-1 run to close the half.

LESSONS continued on B34

JOE JAHN, AMBOY

Sterling Shootout

Still proud to keep a good book

Rock Falls 59, Sterling 40 Star of the game: Abbee Sigel, RF, 21 points, 5 3-pointers, 3 steals Key performers: Olivia Babcock, RF, 9 points, 7 assists, 4 steals, 4 rebounds; Molly Buck, RF, 9 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists; Cheyenne Harrington, Sterling, 12 points, 5 rebounds; Grace Gould, Sterling, 11 points, 3 assists

Amboy’s Joe Jahn earns IBCA honor as ‘Friend of the Game’

BY BRIAN WEIDMAN bweidman@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5551 @BrianWeidman

Joe Jahn has the best seat in house for Amboy boys and girls basketball games, and he gets paid a few bucks on top of that – and now, he’s reaping yet another reward.

For nearly 4 decades, Jahn has been the scorekeeper for Clippers basketball. He’ll be recognized for his efforts with induction into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame on Saturday, May 6 at Redbird Arena in Normal.

Jahn, 60, goes in this year as part of the “Friends” wing of the HOF, along with Chicago Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf, among others.

Amboy now has six IBCA Hall of Famers, with Jahn joining George Mason (1983), Gary Croegaert (1990), Chris Payne Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com (2008), Mike McCracken Amboy’s Joe Jahn has been keeping the scorebook at girls (2011) and Jaron McCracken basketball games since 1993 & boys games since 2005 for (2012). Mike McCracken the Clippers, and has worked about 860 games. He will be nominated Jahn for the inducted into the IBCA Hall of Fame in May. honor.

Sports inside

Jahn file High school: Franklin Center (class of 1974) College: Western Illinois (class of 1978) FYI: Scorekeeper for Amboy girls (1993-present) & boys basketball (2005-present). … Worked about 860 games in his career. … 2016 IBCA Hall of Fame inductee, as a friend of the game.

“I’m totally honored because of all the past history of the hall of fame,” Jahn said, “the people in the past that have been from Amboy, and how much I respected those people. It’s a true honor. I’m really grateful.”

Jahn has worked about 860 games in 38 years. He has been the girls basketball scorekeeper since 1993, working about 275 games during that time, and the boys scorekeeper since 2005, for another 115 games.

JAHN continued on B44

Alex T. Paschal/ apaschal@saukvalley.com

Rock Falls’ Olivia Babcock (10) blocks a shot by Sterling’s Genea Garza (3) during their Sterling Shootout game Friday evening. The Rockets beat the Warriors 59-40.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

OUTDOORS

Happ coming into his own at Wisconsin, B4.

Coyotes big target for hunters, B3.

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Contact the Sports Department at sports@saukvalley.com or call 815-625-3600, ext. 5555

Sidelined J.R. Smith Cavaliers guard had surgery Friday and could miss the rest of the regular season with a complex fracture of his right thumb.

Top of 2

On IR Jimmy Howard Red Wings goalie was put on injured reserve and will miss 4-6 weeks with an MCL sprain after being hurt on Tuesday.

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B2 • SV Weekend

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Saturday, December 24, 2016

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF

Can anyone beat ’Bama?

On the calendar Local events

Monday Boys basketball 9 a.m.

• Amboy vs. Stillman Valley, at Eastland tournament Noon

• Fulton vs. Amboy, at Eastland tournament 1 p.m.

• Rock Falls vs. Piasa Southwestern, at Illinois Wesleyan, Bloomington 1:30 p.m.

• LaMoille at Eastland 3 p.m.

• Polo vs. Galena, at Eastland tournament 4:30 p.m.

• Prophetstown vs. Byron, at Eastland tournament 6 p.m.

• Stillman Valley at Eastland 8:30 p.m.

• Dixon vs. St. Bede, at Plano tournament

Girls basketball 4:30 p.m.

• AFC vs. Ottawa Marquette, at Amboy tournament 7:30 p.m.

• Indian Creek at Amboy

Girls bowling 9 a.m.

• Dixon at Reavis Invite

sportShorts SVM staff, wire services GIRLS BASKETBALL

Sterling falls to Richwoods at Shootout The Golden Warriors stayed competitive with the Knights throughout much of the first half, but it wasn’t enough Friday morning in a 52-39 loss at the Sterling Shootout.

Richwoods went on a 12-0 run from late in the second quarter into the early minutes of the third quarter. Josi Borum connected on back-to-back 3s late in the third to pull the Golden Warriors to within four points before the Knights pulled away.

Kaylee Martin led Sterling with seven points, with Borum and Cheyenne Harrington adding six each.

Kourteny Crane led Richwoods with 18 points, 15 coming in the second half.

Rock Falls loses to Hononegah at Sterling The Rockets tied the Indians twice in the first quarter, but couldn’t get a lead in a 68-46 loss Friday afternoon at the Sterling Shootout.

Hononegah, led by Cali Schmitz’s 25 points and Jordan King’s 18 points, went on a 9-0 run to start the second half to put the game out of reach.

Taylor Hoefler led the Rockets with 16 points, including four 3-pointers.

Abbee Sigel added nine points, including a 30-foot buzzer beater at halftime, and Nadia Poff chipped in eight points.

WRESTLING

Sterling’s Hall takes 8th at Dvorak Tyson Hall placed eighth at 182 pounds at the Dvorak Invitational on Friday, while teammate Noah Garcia lost his first consolation bout of the day.

Hall won 8-5 in the fourth round of the consolation bracket, then was pinned in 2:48 of the fifth round.

That earned him a berth in the seventh-place match, where he lost an 11-2 major decision to Mt. Carmel’s Danny Benoit.

Garcia lost a 9-3 decision to Freeport’s Darron Sims in the fourth round of the consolation bracket.

A look at how each playoff team could top the Tide

BY RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football Writer

Everybody says they want Alabama. Then they get the Crimson Tide and reality sets in: These guys are almost impossible to beat.

Alabama is in the College Football Playoff for the third straight season, the only school that can make that claim. And as good as Alabama has been through an unprecedented run of four national titles in seven seasons, this version of the top-ranked Tide might be the best of all.

The Washington Huskies are a resurgent bunch, in contention for a national title for the first time in decades, with a coach who has a reputation for pulling off upsets. Ohio State fans have every reason to believe the Buckeyes can take down the Tide – Urban Meyer’s team did just that in the first playoff semifinals.

Deshaun Watson and the Clemson Tigers went toe-to-toe with the Tide in last season’s championship game.

Coach Nick Saban’s crew of former blue-chip recruits and future NFL players is unbeaten, but are they unbeatable? A case for each of the teams in the playoff: Washington What it needs to do: Play the

perfect game.

Sounds impossible, right? It seems the only chance Washington has against the Crimson Tide is to play flawlessly and hope Alabama is already looking forward to hanging out on the beaches of Tampa ahead of the championship game.

But perfection for the Huskies

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AP

Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) and the Alabama Crimson Tide are unbeaten heading into the playoff, but are they unbeatable? doesn’t mean going outside of what got them to the national semifinals, especially on the offensive side.

Quarterback Jake Browning spent most of the season avoiding mistakes, and must do the same against Alabama. But his two worst games came against USC and Colorado, the two most athletic and physical defenses the Huskies faced.

Ohio State What it needs to do: Beat Ala-

bama at its own game, turning turnovers into touchdowns.

The Crimson Tide have 14 nonoffensive touchdowns, including 11 on defense. Ohio State has seven defensive touchdowns.

Ohio State will have a hard time recreating the offensive success it had against Alabama in the

2014 semifinals if it does face the Tide in the championship game in Tampa, Florida, on Jan. 9.

Clemson What it needs to do: Start with

what it did in last year’s championship game.

“You take a carbon copy of that game plan,” former Clemson coach Tommy Bowden said.

“Pare back the things that didn’t work, and bring it in to face Alabama.”

Alabama’s stunning onside pop kick in a 24-all game turned things in the Tide’s favor against Clemson in a 45-40 thriller.

Clemson showed Alabama’s defense could be beat, though it takes a special effort by a special player. Quarterback Deshaun Watson accounted for 478 yards and four TDs.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL | SPOTLIGHT ON BRADY ROSS

Iowa FB’s dad was his true believer Brady Ross honors late father with strong season for Hawkeyes

BY MARC MOREHOUSE Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Gazette

On the tube

Fullbacks are “backs” in name only really at IOWA CITY – Brady Iowa, but you can see Ross’ dad never steered the “TR” in Brady’s one him the wrong way. For carry of the season, a example, there was a 2-yard run at Illinois. brief moment in sixth You’re 20. You’re about grade when Ross, a to start major-college 6-foot-1, 240-pound football training camp, fullback for the Iowa one of sport’s most Hawkeyes, thought he difficult endurance might have what it takes tests. You learn of your to make it as a basketfather’s death. Where ball player. did Brady Ross go with “He was a real guy, that? Did he need time he’d shoot you straight,” to return to earth?

Ross said Thursday after “I’d never been more practice for the Hawkfocused on football,” eyes’ appearance in the Ross said. “I was just Outback Bowl. “He told really happy to be back. me in sixth grade when I knew that it was go I thought I was going to time.” be a basketball player, You might see the not so fast on that one.

Tribune News Service “TR” a lot in the Out“So, when he said Iowa fullback Brady Ross lost his father in July back Bowl. In the something, you can and has paid tribute to him with the initials “T.R.” season finale against trust it, because he’d Nebraska, fullback written in marker on his taped wrists. shoot you straight.”

Drake Kulick, who Ross lost his father, me,” Ross said. “When kind of saw that coming. shared the position with Todd, in late July. Todd I was facing a decision “A key component to Ross, suffered a broken Ross had difficulty to take a scholarship me coming here was leg (Ross said he broke it remembering things at a high-level Division that I knew Iowa had a in three places) and will and found himself a few II school or walk on at fullback,” Ross said. “I miss the bowl. times making trips to a Iowa, I wasn’t sure if I knew that was a very real The Nebraska game friend’s house, a friend was good enough to play possibility in the future. ended up being Iowa’s who died a year earlier. here. He was. He was They [coaches] never most “fullback” game He was losing cognitive instrumental in talking mentioned fullback in of the season. The function and went miss- me into this and talking the recruiting process, Hawkeyes rushed 47 ing for a couple of days. me into not settling. No but I kind of knew it was times for 264 yards.

He committed suicide. one believed in me more a very real possibility, On a fullback isolation The autopsy showed than him.” and so did [my dad]. play, Ross got a piece Todd Ross had an Iowa head coach Kirk “Toward the end there, of a block that sprung advanced stage of brain Ferentz first threw Ross’ I actually was a fullback, running back LeShun cancer. name into the “posand he knew I was going Daniels for a 56-yard No one in the famsible player” category to be a fullback and he gain that eventually led during Rose Bowl prep. was just thrilled. He was to a touchdown and an ily knew it, Brady said. really looking forward to insurmountable 20-3 You’re 20. You’re a walk- Ferentz said they had a linebacker who was a seeing me on the field.” first-half lead. on trying to make your pain in the tail on scout Ross wrapped his way in a land of giants.

“It was a really fun team. Ross did win the wrists in white athSummer conditioning game to play in,” said “team leader” award for letic tape for games and Ross, a business major was just about over on defense last year. Ross wrote the initials “TR” in who recently earned July 20, with August had a pretty good idea black marker. You can camp straight ahead. academic all-Big Ten Todd Ross told his son the linebacker thing was see “TR” when he recov- honors. “Obviously, the a layover on the way to ered a fumble to begin he wasn’t going to be circumstances for why fullback, which is where the second half against I was in there so much a superstar basketball [Kulick’s injury], you player. He also told him he ended up last spring. Michigan, which evenRoss was glad his tually set up a field goal wouldn’t want that in a he could play football at father knew he ended up in a game were every million years, but it was the University of Iowa. at fullback. They both point mattered. a lot of fun.”

“He really believed in

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Rugby 8 a.m.

• English Premiership, teams TBA, NBCSN

Sunday Men’s basketball 11:30 a.m.

• Diamond Head Classic, seventh-place game, at Honolulu, ESPNU 1:30 p.m.

• Diamond Head Classic, fifth-place game, at Honolulu, ESPNU 5 p.m.

• Diamond Head Classic, third-place game, at Honolulu, ESPN2 7 p.m.

• Diamond Head Classic, championship game, at Honolulu, ESPN2

NBA 11 a.m.

•Celtics at Knicks, ESPN 1:30 p.m.

•Warriors at Cavaliers, ABC 4 p.m.

•Bulls at Spurs, ABC 7 p.m.

•Timberwolves at Thunder, ESPN 9:30 p.m.

•Clippers at Lakers, ESPN

NFL 3:30 p.m.

• Ravens at Steelers, NFL 7:20 p.m.

• Broncos at Chiefs, NBC

Monday College football 10 a.m.

• St. Petersburg Bowl, Miami (Ohio) vs. Mississippi St., at St. Petersburg, Fla., ESPN 1:30 p.m.

• Quick Lane Bowl, Maryland vs. Boston College, at Detroit, ESPN 4 p.m.

• Independence Bowl, NC State vs. Vanderbilt, at Shreveport, La., ESPN2

NBA 7 p.m.

• Pacers at Bulls, CSN 9:30 p.m.

• Nuggets at Clippers, NBA NFL 7:15 p.m.

• Lions at Cowboys, ESPN

Soccer 6:30 a.m.

• Premier League, Crystal Palace at Watford, NBCSN 9 a.m.

• Premier League, Bournemouth at Chelsea, CNBC • Premier League, Sunderland at Manchester United, NBCSN 11:10 a.m.

• Premier League, Manchester City at Hull City, NBCSN

Saturday, December 24, 2016

LOCAL SPORTS

Sigel honored if he has impact on former players’ programs SIGEL

CONTINUED FROM B1

t Some of the plays that Wolf ran as a player are now in the girls’ playbook, tweaked a little for the girls game. Those same plays eventually became the basis for what the Rockets ran after Wolf graduated, en route to their state championship the following year.

“It took him a couple of years to get it to where he wanted, and he did that,” Wolf said.

“That’s kind of my ultimate goal, the first couple of years to get your feet wet, get the foundation laid in, and just take off. The things that he taught me, and the things that he preached, that’s what I preach to my girls. That’s how I run my program now, because of him.”

Fulton girls basketball coach Mike Menchaca also played for Sigel, graduating in 2001. He credits Sigel for having improved his temperament with the game, describing himself as “a hothead” during his early days. It was a matter of Sigel wondering which attitude from Menchaca would be on the court that would put things into more important perspective.

Not too long ago, Menchaca sought Sigel’s assistance on a matter involving one of his player’s body language.

“We go back and forth on how to handle those things,” Menchaca said.

“I share that with the team, and I tell them that this comes from somebody who I hold a high regard for. We’re going to try to do some of this stuff. He’s been super important and real supportive for me; and for as much as he’s got going on, to get back to me and touch base on how to do things is pretty important for us.”

Sauk Valley women’s basketball coach Jed Johnson, who played on the state championship team, learned a lot more than just the basketball Xs and Os from Sigel.

“Growing up with his system, you learn quite a bit,” Johnson said.

“He preached God, family, school, basketball, in that order, and he definitely lives that as well. Outside of his basketball knowledge, from his record and what he’s done, his discipline was unbelievable. He got kids to buy in and want to play the right away.

He laid down a great foundation for us going into coaching for the rest of our lives.”

More Rock Falls players

under Sigel who have coached high school basketball at some capacity include Dan Herrera, one of Wolf’s assistant coaches with the girls program; Herb Martin, the Rockets’ freshman boys coach; Eric Anderson, junior varsity boys coach at Collinsville; and Jorge Acosta, who has served as one of Sigel’s assistants at Rock Island.

Sigel has not only influenced players into becoming future coaches, but also many of his assistant coaches have landed head coaching spots.

Included in Sigel’s coaching tree from Rock Falls are Craig Mammosser, who took over the Rockets’ girls program in 1996 after being Sigel’s assistant for 1 year; Brad Schwarz, who led the Newman girls to a Class A fourth-place finish in 2005; and Tony Tompkins, who coached at Southern Methodist and Judson universities.

Dave Peugh, who is the boys basketball coach at Morrison, was the Rockets’ sophomore boys coach before, during, and after Sigel’s tenure at Rock Falls.

One of Sigel’s early assistants at Rock Island was Ryan Webber, who later coached at Byron and Moline before his current stop as head coach at United Township. Webber is a cousin of Sigel’s wife Alicia.

“I enjoy seeing former players out there coaching, but with all of the stress that comes along with it, I hope they don’t blame me someday for not guiding them in another direction,” Sigel said with some sarcasm.

“If they feel I had some impact on them and what they’re trying to do in their programs, it is special.”

“He’s laid his legacy here with all of his players coaching,” Wolf said. “That’s what you hope a good coach does, to become a coach and use his philosophy and guidelines to turn other programs around.”

Rock Island is off to a decent 6-4 start to the season, and will play in the State Farm Classic after Christmas – a tournament that the Rocks won last year, and one that Sigel coached at and played in for Rock Falls.

“We’ve been trying to get at full strength and find out about ourselves,” Sigel said.

“So I think we are far from our potential at this point, but I really like our guys and think we can continue to improve as the season goes along.”

THE TIME IS RIGHT TO BUY OR SELL.

CALL EDYIE.

SaukValley

Properties Wilson & Associates

335 W. Everett, Dixon 288-2881

Edyie Madden Broker 815-973-2352

saukvalley.com saukvalley.com saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • B3

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Hunters going after coyotes W

ell, here it is Thursday again, and another week of outdoor activities is in the books.

There has been a sharp increase in coyote fatalities in the Sauk Valley region over the past 10 days or so. The snow and cold have had hunters out in numbers, and man, are they getting it done.

I love to see these things being harvested and, with everyone, I imagine the fawn deer that will survive as a result. The gang around here knows how to put these killers on the ground safely and legally.

I found myself easing my way back into the deer woods, and I was rewarded with a variety of encounters.

First off, the Canada geese on the Rock River are grouped in numbers I have never seen before.

It’s like some migratory bird farm down south.

When they get worked up, it’s literally deafening.

I hate to even speculate on the sheer numbers, but it’s thousands, that is a guarantee. It is really a spectacle to behold, in my opinion.

That’s not all that went down out in my timber this week. I saw possums and mink, also.

One possum in particular walked up to me before I made it to my stand and chewed a stick to death at about 4 feet.

He had absolutely no clue I was there, and to be honest, he was kinda cute, as possums go.

You all remember my article from mid-summer about all the good the possum does in the wild,

mattJONES Fishing guide from Prophetstown.

He can be reached at flathead mechanic40 @gmail.com

Submitted photo

Addison Folkers poses with an awesome blue catfish he caught December 22 at the Powerton cooling lake in Pekin. right? In the old days, I may have zapped this dude, but now I just let him go about his business, along with the other two I saw later.

I also had a run in with a young coyote, who turned and spun before I could do anything about it. They are a very skittish, smart canine. Boy, I’d have liked to have had a little talk with him, but he was in the next county before I barely realized that’s what he was.

I love hunting deer this time of year, mainly because you get to see big groups of them and see what has made it through the rigors of the hunting season.

But the snow is also a huge plus. As a hunter,

you can see deer at great distances and be ready for them as they get closer.

However, you still have to pay close attention, as the snow also allows the deer to move extremely quietly through the woods.

As usual, the deer now are keying in on food sources and areas where they can find fresh water.

I happen to have both, so I’ve been fortunate to see quite a few deer this week. I haven’t taken any shots as of yet, though, but just watching them as they feed so relaxed is reward enough, for now.

My good friend Addison Folkers of Sterling just reported in, and he is spending his day fishing the cooling lake at Powerton. It’s located

just outside of Peoria, in Pekin. It is known for some mammoth blue catfish, and the occasional stud flathead.

Addison has been catching some good fish today, apparently, which has me kicking myself for not going with. Powerton is only an hour south of here, and offers great bank fishing all winter long, if you’re willing to do a little walking.

Your opportunity at a giant fish is definitely a real possibility. Fish reaching and exceeding 80 pounds have been taken at the lake, and I suspect there may be a triple-digit fish in there somewhere. The great thing is, no matter how cold it gets, the water at the lake does not freeze, so if you get cabin fever, you always have an option.

In closing this week, I’d like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. May you and your loved ones be safe and happy.

Next week, I will be reporting to you all from Rogersville, Alabama, as my wife and I will be fishing the Wilson/Wheeler stretch of the Tennessee River for giant blue catfish.

Until then, Go Catfish!

Rockets, Warriors find positives LESSONS

CONTINUED FROM B1

t Abbee Sigel hit her third 3-pointer to put the Rockets ahead before the defense went to work on a pair of traps.

Molly Buck tipped one Sterling pass going into the front court, which was snared by Sigel, who then dished to Olivia Babcock in transition for a two-point lead. Babcock snared another ball up for grabs and dished to Buck for a four-point lead.

Babcock capped the run by making a layup after grabbing a rebound that Gretchen Gould bobbled.

“We decided that we needed to step up our defense, and our offense would come along,” Babcock said. “We have a bunch of shooters. Someone’s going to be on, and someone’s going to be hitting, so we don’t have to worry about that a whole lot.”

Rock Falls’ lead didn’t dip to less than 10 throughout much of the second half, and it finished three quarters making 9 of 25 shots from 3-point range. Sigel had five 3s, Taylor Hoefler added three more, and Buck chipped in one.

Sigel led all scorers with 21 points, and Babcock, Buck, and Hoefler each added nine.

“We knew that since we hadn’t won any games here that we had to get this win,” Sigel said. “Sterling’s always been our rival, and we knew we had to work on defense and eventually get the ball going.”

Cheyenne Harrington led Sterling with 12 points, and Grace Gould added 11.

“We started off playing really well as a team,” Harrington said. “They went on a run in the third quarter and we couldn’t respond. We fought hard and tried to get it back.”

Photos by Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

ABOVE: Sterling’s Cheyenne Harrington (4) puts up a shot up Friday against Rock Falls in their Sterling Shootout finale at Musgrove Fieldhouse.

BELOW: Sterling’s Grace Gould (5) knocks the ball away from Rock Falls’ Molly Buck on a fast break Friday in Sterling.

Up next Sterling: Dixon tournament, vs. Belvidere North, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Lancaster Gym Rock Falls: State Farm Classic, vs. El Paso-Gridley, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday at Normal Community H.S. Rock Falls coach Eric Wolf considered his team’s tournament experience a good one, noting that his players could learn how to become stronger – especially when boxing out and taking care of the ball – as well as the importance of finishing games.

“The goal of this tournament is to see where your weaknesses are at, what your strength is, and to try and get better,” Wolf said. “We played five good teams. We didn’t do what we wanted to do, but we were there every game.

The ball didn’t bounce our way in some of those losses.”

“They’re big 3A and 4A schools, and that’s good competition,” Babcock said. “We learned a lot from this, that every game is not going to be easy, and not every game we’re going to win. It’s something we needed to learn so that we don’t get too

cocky and stuff like that.”

Jackson found positives for her girls as well.

“This was probably the best way to finish this tournament,” Jackson said. “We walked away with some real good positives, but at the same time, we’re looking for some kids to step up and consistently lead us game in and game out.”

B4 • SV Weekend

www.saukvalley.com

FRIDAY’S SCOREBOARD

MEN’S BASKETBALL | WISCONSIN

Happ making mark Rockridge grad a great complementary piece

BY SHANNON RYAN Chicago Tribune

Christmas get-togethers for the Happ family always included a trip to a gym for a pickup game or – depending on the weather – some hoops in the driveway.

“Christmas was an interesting time,” said Wisconsin sophomore big man Ethan Happ, who grew up in Milan, Ill., and is a cousin of Blue Jays pitcher J.A. Happ. “All the cousins on the Happ side are athletic. I was always one of the youngest. To get any minutes, you had to be the toughest on the floor and scrap for everything.

“I’ve taken it throughout the rest of my career to not be outworked by anyone.”

Happ was toughened early by an athletic family that included not only J.A. Happ, who pitched at Northwestern, but also father Randy, who played basketball at Division III North Central; older brother Eric, who played basketball at Carl Sandburg College; and cousin Mark Szott, who played football at Northwestern.

Those lessons have translated to Happ’s college career.

No. 14 Wisconsin (102), which opens Big Ten play Tuesday against Rutgers, figures to fight for the top spot in the conference this season, and the 6-foot-10 Happ – last season’s Big Ten freshman of the year – gives the Badgers a reliable inside force.

Happ is averaging 13.3 points and 9.6 rebounds and connecting on 69.3 percent of his shots, which ranks fifth in the nation. His post presence is a vital complement to leading scorers Bronson Koenig (15.2 ppg) and Nigel Hayes (14.2).

As a redshirt freshman last season, Happ averaged 12.4 points and 7.9 rebounds and helped the Badgers advance to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament.

“It started at the end of last season, and definitely this season, they’re sending a double team whenever I catch the ball in the post,” said Happ, who also averages 2.8 assists. “They’ve tried to keep me from even touching the ball.

“It’s trusting my teammates to make good on the pass out of the post.

We’ll set up not just good shots, but great shots.”

AP

Ethan Happ (22) was the Big Ten freshman of the year last season, and now is ranked fifth in the nation in shooting, hitting 69.3 percent of his shots. so he got in the weight room. There was a game he missed free throws.

He said, ‘I’m not going to let that happen again,’ and he really worked on them for 3 or 4 months.

He’s extremely driven.”

Like his big-leaguer cousin, Happ’s first love was baseball. He played through high school, taking off only his junior year to focus on basketball.

“I was in the fourth grade when my dad told me I [could] have the talent and athletic ability to be a Division I player,” Happ said. “That was the dream. That was unheard of where I’m from. He just said if you devote enough time to it, you’ll be able to do it.

I teetered between putting a lot of time into baseball or basketball.”

He knew basketball would give him a better chance at a scholarship.

Now he’s giving Wisconsin a chance to go far this season.

“We have to keep our expectations for the season inside our locker room, but I can tell you this: I like our chances as much as anyone in the country,” Happ said.

“I like the guys that we have versus everyone else.

“That type of confidence throughout our whole team is going to do us well. We haven’t played our best basketball yet.”

Jahn looked for way to stay in the game JAHN

Boys basketball Tournament pairings

Eastland Holiday Tournament Pool A: Amboy, Eastland, Fulton, LaMoille, Stillman Valley Pool B: Byron, Galena, Polo, Prophetstown, South Beloit Monday, Dec. 26 • Amboy vs. Stillman Valley, 9 a.m.

• Galena vs. South Beloit, 10:30 a.m.

• Fulton vs. Amboy, noon • Eastland vs. LaMoille, 1:30 • Polo vs. Galena, 3 • Byron vs. Prophetstown, 4:30 • Stillman Valley vs. Eastland, 6 • South Beloit vs. Byron, 7:30 Tuesday, Dec. 27 • Fulton vs. LaMoille, noon • South Beloit vs. Prophetstown, 1:30 • LaMoille vs. Amboy, 3 • Fulton vs. Stillman Valley, 4:30 • Byron vs. Polo, 6 • Eastland vs. Amboy, 7:30 Wednesday, Dec. 28 • Prophetstown vs. Polo, noon • Stillman Valley vs. LaMoille, 1:30 • Galena vs. Prophetstown, 3 • Polo vs. South Beloit, 4:30 • Byron vs. Galena, 6 • Eastland vs. Fulton, 7:30 Thursday, Dec. 29 • Fifth place, 1:30 • Fourth place, 3 • Third place, 4:30 • Second place, 6 • First place, 7:30

Cliff Warkins Memorial Cardinal Classic

Despite being a twotime Associated Press all-state selection at Rockridge High School, Happ wasn’t heavily recruited. He picked Wisconsin in June 2012, before his junior year, over offers from Green Bay and Milwaukee.

Illinois had been in touch before firing coach Bruce Weber and hiring John Groce in March 2012. The timing was apparently the Illini’s misfortune.

“A lot of people said they’re mad Illinois didn’t recruit me,” said Happ, who said he grew up an Illini fan thanks to watching Dee Brown play. “It’s not really their fault. They didn’t have a coach at the time, and Wisconsin was the first to kind of jump on me and show a lot of interest.”

Toby Whiteman, Happ’s high school coach, said that because Happ committed to Wisconsin before his junior year, a lot of teams didn’t have a chance. Happ was only 5-9 in eighth grade, but sprouted to 6-6 as a sophomore.

Whiteman said he never has seen a player as competitive as Happ.

After a bad game, “the next morning he would be at my house to get the keys and head to the school,” Whiteman said.

“He was skinny and guys were beating up on him,

the totals on the scoreboard. If the officials have any questions regarding any of those things, they come to Jahn t – who wears the same striped shirt the Then there are the “unofficial” officials wear. games he has donated his time for: “I get a little nervous having this shirt shootouts, freshman games, JV games, on,” Jahn said. “We didn’t have to away games, and junior high tournawear this shirt when I first started out, ments. That adds up to another 470 but the last 5, 6, 7 years, they make the games. home bench scorekeeper wear it.”

Jahn coached (and was a scoreMost nights go by without incident, keeper) at Thomson High School for but there was one that stood out. He 2 seasons (1978-80) and Amboy for 20 had some extra paperwork to tend to.

(1980-2000) before giving up coaching “There were a total of seven techniduties to tend to his late wife, Kathy. cal fouls called on Indian Creek that She was diagnosed with cancer in night,” Jahn said. “It was a very close 1993, underwent 6 months of treatgame at the end, and of course, all of ment, then had the cancer come back the technical fouls added up for an in 2000. She battled the disease for 14 Amboy win. That was my most memoyears before dying in 2014. rable night. I’ll never forget that. It “I wanted to stay connected with was the most unusual night I’ve had sports,” Jahn said, “and a way to do it keeping the book.” was through scorekeeping, and keepJahn, who retired from teaching ing the clock. I could get out of going in 2012, still works a lot of hours for to practices, so it was more convethe school district. He is a substitute nient for me.” teacher and bus driver, and has also Jahn arrives in the AHS gym prior to kept the book for volleyball games at the fresh-soph game, and a table is Amboy for 35 years. He also serves as set up between the home and away the public address announcer at basbenches. His first job is to log in the ketball and football games. lineups for Amboy and whatever team As long as the bookkeeping is fun, the Clippers are playing that night. and Jahn remains in good health, he Jahn keeps track of points, fouls and sees no end in sight. timeouts, and it is his job to make sure “It keeps me young,” Jahn said, “and the points in the scorebook match I enjoy seeing good basketball.”

CONTINUED FROM B1

Saturday, December 24, 2016

at Erie A=Annex; HS=High School Pool A: Erie, Wethersfield, Knoxville, Morrison, Stockton, Stark County Pool B: Bureau Valley, Lena-Winslow, Mercer County, Orion, Peoria Heights, Riverdale Tuesday, Dec. 27 • Bureau Valley vs. Mercer County, 5:30 (A) • Morrison vs. Stockton, 5:30 (HS) • Riverdale vs. Lena-Winslow, 7 (A) • Stark County vs. Knoxville, 7 (HS) • Orion vs. Peoria Heights, 8:30 (A) • Erie vs. Wethersfield, 8:30 (HS) Wednesday, Dec. 28 • Stockton vs. Erie, 8:30 a.m. (A) • Bureau Valley vs. Lena-Winslow, 8:30 a.m. (HS) • Morrison vs. Stark County, 10 a.m. (A) • Peoria Heights vs. Riverdale, 10 a.m. (HS) • Knoxville vs. Wethersfield, 11:30 a.m. (A) • Orion vs. Mercer County, 11:30 a.m. (HS) • Riverdale vs. Bureau Valley, 1 (A) • Stark County vs. Stockton, 1 (HS) • Mercer County vs. Peoria Heights, 2:30 (A) • Wethersfield vs. Morrison, 2:30 (HS) • Lena-Winslow vs. Orion, 4 (A) • Erie vs. Knoxville, 4 (HS) Thursday, Dec. 29 • Stark County vs. Erie, 3 (A) • Peoria Heights vs. Lena-Winslow, 3 (HS) • Knoxville vs. Morrison, 4:30 (A) • Orion vs. Bureau Valley, 4:30 (HS) • Wethersfield vs. Stockton, 7:30 (A) • Mercer County vs. Riverdale, 7:30 (HS) Friday, Dec. 30 • Crossover game, 1:30 (A) • Crossover game, 1:30 (HS) • Crossover game, 3 (A) • Crossover game, 3 (HS) • Crossover game, 7:30 (A) • Championship game, 7:30 (HS)

State Farm Classic at Bloomington-Normal NW=Normal West H.S. IW=Illinois Wesleyan Tuesday, Dec. 27 Game 1: Annawan vs. Prairie Central, 10 a.m. (IW) Game 2: Bloomington Central Catholic vs.

El Paso-Gridley, 11:30 a.m. (IW) Game 3: Rock Falls vs. Piasa Southwestern, 1 (IW) Game 4: Quincy Notre Dame vs. Peoria Christian, 2:30 (IW) Game 5: Aurora Christian vs. St. Thomas More, 4:30 (IW) Game 6: Stanford Olympia vs. Downs TriValley, 6 (IW) Game 7: St. Joseph-Ogden vs. Fieldcrest, 7:30 (IW) Game 8: Kankakee Bishop McNamara vs.

IVC, 9 (IW) Wednesday, Dec. 28 Game 9: Game 6 loser vs. Game 5 loser, 9:30 a.m. (NW) Game 10: Game 8 loser vs. Game 7 loser, 11 a.m. (NW) Game 11: Game 2 loser vs. Game 1 loser, 12:30 (NW) Game 12: Game 4 loser vs. Game 3 loser, 2 (NW) Game 13: Game 4 winner vs. Game 3 winner, 4 (NW) Game 14: Game 2 winner vs. Game 1 winner, 5:30 (NW) Game 15: Game 8 winner vs. Game 7 winner, 7 (NW) Game 16: Game 6 winner vs. Game 5 winner, 8:30 (NW) Game 17: Game 10 loser vs. Game 9 loser, 5 (NW) Game 18: Game 12 loser vs. Game 11 loser, 8 (NW) Thursday, Dec. 29 Game 19: Game 18 loser vs. Game 17 loser, noon (NW) Game 20: Game 10 winner vs. Game Game 9 winner, 12:30 (NW) Game 21: Game 13 loser vs. Game 14 loser, 12:30 (IW) Game 22: Game 18 winner vs. Game 17 winner, 1:30 (NW) Game 23: Game 12 winner vs. Game 11 winner, 2 (NW) Game 24: Game 15 loser vs. Game 16 loser, 2 (IW) Game 25: Game 23 loser vs. Game 20 loser, 6:30 (NW) Game 26: Game 21 winner vs. Game 24 winner, 7 (NW) Game 27: Game 13 winner vs. Game 14 winner, 7 (IW) Game 28: Game 21 loser vs. Game 24 loser, 8 (NW) Game 29: Game 23 winner vs. Game 20 winner, 8:30 (NW) Game 30: Game 15 winner vs. Game 16 winner, 8:30 (IW) Friday, Dec. 30 Game 31: Game 27 loser vs. Game 30 loser, 10:30 a.m. (IW) Game 32: Game 27 winner vs. Game 30 winner, 4:45 (IW)

Taylorville Holiday Tournament Purple Pool: Mt. Zion, Rantoul, Sterling, Chicago Corliss Gold Pool: Galesburg, Rochester, Dunlap, Taylorville Wednesday, Dec. 28 Game 1: Sterling vs. Corliss, 4:30 Game 2: Dunlap vs. Galesburg, 5:30 Game 3: Rantoul vs. Mt. Zion, 7 Game 4: Taylorville vs. Rochester, 8:30 Thursday, Dec. 29 Game 5: Mt. Zion vs. Corliss, 9 a.m.

Game 6: Rantoul vs. Sterling, 10:30 a.m.

Game 7: Galesburg vs. Rochester, 12 Game 8: Taylorville vs. Dunlap, 1:30 Game 9: Corliss vs. Rantoul, 4 Game 10: Rochester vs. Dunlap, 5:30 Game 11: Sterling vs. Mt. Zion, 7 Game 12: Taylorville vs. Galesburg, 8:30 Friday, Dec. 30 Game 13: Gold #3 vs. Purple #4, 9 a.m.

Game 14: Gold #4 vs. Purple #3, 10:30 a.m.

Game 15: Gold #2 vs. Purple #1, 12 Game 16: Gold #1 vs. Purple #2, 1:30 Game 17: 7th place, 4 Game 18: 5th place, 5:30 Game 19: 3rd place, 7 Game 20: 1st place, 8:30

Newman Christmas Classic Tuesday, Dec. 27 • Paw Paw vs. Ridgewood, 4:30 • Oregon vs. Alleman, 6 • Paw Paw vs. Newman, 7:30 Wednesday, Dec. 28 • Oregon vs. Paw Paw, 4:30 • Ridgewood vs. Alleman, 6 • Oregon vs. Newman, 7:30 Thursday, Dec. 29 • Paw Paw vs. Alleman, 6 • Ridgewood vs. Newman, 7:30 Friday, Dec. 30 • Ridgewood vs. Oregon, 6 • Alleman vs. Newman, 7:30

Plano Christmas Classic

Dixon KSB Holiday Classic

Monday, Dec. 26 Game 1: Fenton vs. Morris, 9 a.m.

Game 2: Princeton vs. Lisle, 10:30 a.m.

Game 3: Yorkville Christian vs. Yorkville, 12:30 Game 4: Coal City vs. John Hope, 2 Game 5: Hinckley-Big Rock vs. Mendota, 3:30 Game 6: Forreston vs. Peoria Notre Dame, 5:30 Game 7: IMSA vs. LaSalle-Peru, 7 Game 8: Dixon vs. St. Bede, 8:30

Tuesday, Dec. 27 Game 1: Byron vs. Newman, 9 a.m.

Game 2: Belvidere North vs. Sterling, 10:30 a.m.

Game 3: Rochelle vs. Eastland, noon Game 4: United Township vs. Aquin, 1:30 Game 5: Stillman Valley vs. Serena, 3 Game 6: LaSalle-Peru vs. Oregon, 4:30 Game 7: Dixon vs. Boylan, 6 Game 8: Hall vs. Freeport, 7:30 Wednesday, Dec. 28 Game 9: Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner, noon Game 10: Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner, 1:30 Game 11: Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner, 3 Game 12: Game 7 winner vs. Game 8 winner, 4:30 Game 13: Game 9 winner vs. Game 10 winner, 6 Game 14: Game 11 winner vs. Game 12 winner, 7:30 Thursday, Dec. 29 Game 16: Game 9 loser vs. Game 10 loser, noon Game 17: Game 11 loser vs. Game 12 loser, 1:30 Game 18: Game 13 loser vs. Game 14 loser, 3 Game 20: Game 16 loser vs. Game 17 loser, 4:30 Game 19: Game 16 winner vs. Game 17 winner, 6 Game 15: Game 13 winner vs. Game 14 winner, 7:30

Tuesday, Dec. 27 Game 9: Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 loser, 3:30 Game 10: Game 3 loser vs. Game 4 loser, 5 Game 11: Game 5 loser vs. Game 6 loser, 6:30 Game 12: Game 7 loser vs. Game 8 loser, 8 Game 13: Game 1 winner vs. Streator, 9 a.m.

Game 14: Game 2 winner vs. Newark, 10:30 a.m.

Game 15: Game 3 winner vs. Kaneland, 12:30 Game 16: Game 4 winner vs. Burlington Central, 2 Game 17: Game 5 winner vs. Ottawa, 3:30 Game 18: Game 6 winner vs. Plano, 7 Game 19: Game 7 winner vs. Sandwich, 8:30 Game 20: Game 8 winner vs. Northridge Prep, 5:30 Wednesday, Dec. 28 Game 21: Game 9 loser vs. Game 10 loser, 3:30 Game 22: Game 11 loser vs. Game 12 loser, 5 Game 23: Game 9 winner vs. Game 10 winner, 6:30 Game 24: Game 11 winner vs. Game 12 winner, 8 Game 25: Game 17 loser vs. Game 18 loser, 9 a.m.

Game 26: Game 19 loser vs. Game 20 loser, 10:30 a.m.

Game 27: Game 15 loser vs. Game 16 loser, 12:30 Game 28: Game 13 loser vs. Game 14 loser, 2 Game 29: Game 13 winner vs. Game 14 winner, 3:30 Game 30: Game 15 winner vs. Game 16 winner,5:30 Game 31: Game 17 winner vs. Game 18 winner, 7 Game 32: Game 19 winner vs. Game 20 winner, 8:30 Thursday, Dec. 29 Game 33: Game 25 loser vs. Game 26 loser, 9 a.m.

Game 34: Game 27 loser vs. Game 28 loser, 10:30 a.m.

Game 35: Game 25 winner vs. Game 26 winner, 12:30 Game 36: Game 27 winner vs. Game 28 winner, 2 Game 37: Game 29 loser vs. Game 30 loser, 3:30 Game 38: Game 31 loser vs. Game 32 loser, 5:30 Game 39: Game 29 winner vs. Game 30 winner, 7 Game 40: Game 31 winner vs. Game 32 winner, 8:30 Friday, Dec. 30 Game 41: Game 21 loser vs. Game 22 loser, 8:30 a.m.

Game 42: Game21 winner vs. Game 22 winner, 10 a.m.

Game 43: Game 23 loser vs. Game 24 loser, 11:30 a.m.

Game 44: Game 33 loser vs. Game 34 loser, 1 Game 45: Game 33 winner vs. Game 34 winner, 9 a.m.

Game 46: Game 35 loser vs. Game 36 loser, 10:30 a.m.

Game 47: Game 35 winner vs. Game 36 winner, 1:45 Game 48: Game 23 winner vs. Game 24 winner, 12:15 Game 49: Game 37 loser vs. Game 38 loser, 3:15 Game 50: Game 37 winner vs. Game 38 winner, 5 Game 51: Game 39 loser vs. Game 40 loser, 6:30 Game 52: Game 39 winner vs. Game 40 winner, 8

Girls basketball Friday’s box scores Sterling Shootout at Musgrove Fieldhouse

ROCK FALLS 59, STERLING 40 STERLING (1-12) Josi Borum 1-6 1-5 4, Cheyenne Harrington 3-15 3-4 12, Grace Gould 5-13 0-0 11, Mya Pearson 0-1 1-2 1, Kaylee Martin 2-4 0-0 4, Gretchen Gould 0-5 2-2 2, Genea Garza 0-0 0-0 0, Miranda Williams 0-2 0-2 0, Gabbi Schilling 0-0 3-4 3, Tobi Garcia 0-0 0-0 0, Emilie Powers 1-3 1-2 3.

Totals: 12-49 11-21 40.

ROCK FALLS (8-5) Molly Buck 4-10 0-0 9, Abbee Sigel 8-17 0-0 21, Olivia Babcock 3-9 3-3 9, Jordan Clevenger 0-1 0-0 0, Kenzie Olson 1-3 0-0 2, Bailey Bickett 0-5 2-2 2, Taylor Hoefler 3-6 0-0 9, Nadia Poff 3-8 1-2 7, Taylor Stevens 0-1 0-0 0. Totals: 22-60 6-7 59.

Sterling 11 6 10 13 — 40 Rock Falls 13 13 18 15 — 59 3s – Sterling 5-17 (Harrington 3-9, Borum 1-4, Gra. Gould 1-3, Powers 0-1), RF 9-26 (Sigel 5-9, Hoefler 3-6, Buck 1-5, Bickett 0-2, Babcock 0-2, Clevenger 0-1, Olson 0-1). Rebounds – Sterling 40 (Martin 10), RF 33 (Poff 6). Assists – Sterling 10 (Gra. Gould 3, Pearson 3), RF 13 (Babcock 7).

Steals – Sterling 10 (4 tied with 2), RF 11 (Babcock 4). Blocks – Sterling 1 (Gre. Gould), RF 1 (Hoefler). Turnovers – Sterling 17, RF 12. Fouls – Sterling 13, RF 20.

RICHWOODS 52, STERLING 39 RICHWOODS Williams 1-2 0-0 2, Crane 5-11 8-10 18, Johnson 3-18 2-2 9, Parr 2-5 6-6 10, McCloud 1-1 1-2 3, Allen 1-4 0-0 2, Neff 0-3 0-0 0, Taylor 4-11 0-0 8, Hopson 0-1 0-0 0. Totals: 17-46 17-20 52.

STERLING Josi Borum 2-5 0-0 6, Genea Garza 2-3 0-0 4, Cheyenne Harrington 2-8 0-0 6, Grace Gould 1-4 0-0 3, Akira Tanton 0-0 0-0 0, Mya Pearson 0-3 2-2 2, Miranda Williams 1-2 2-2 4, Gabbi Schilling 0-0 2-2 2, Tobi Garcia 1-4 0-0 2, Emilie Powers 0-1 0-0 0, Gretchen Gould 1-3 1-2 3, Kaylee Martin 3-4 1-2 7. Totals: 13-37 8-10 39.

Richwoods 13 11 11 17 — 52 Sterling 12 6 10 11 — 39 3s – Richwoods 1-10 (Johnson 1-1, Crane 0-3, Neff 0-3, Allen 0-2, Hopson 0-1), Sterling 5-12 (Borum 2-4, Harrington 2-4, Gra. Gould 1-2, Garza 0-1, Powers 0-1).

HONONEGAH 69, ROCK FALLS 46 HONONEGAH Peltonen 1 0-1 2, Byron 4 0-0 11, Matuska 0 0-0 0, Young 0 0-0 0, Liles 0 0-0 0, Schmitz 9 7-11 25, King 7 3-6 18, Shockley 0 0-0 0, Wallace 0 0-2 0, Morrow 3 0-0 9, Burns 0 3-4 3, Weber 0 1-2 1, Conley 0 0-0 0. Totals: 24 14-26 69.

ROCK FALLS Bailey Bickett 0 0-0 0, Molly Buck 2 1-2 6, Taylor Hoefler 5 2-4 16, Abbee Sigel 2 3-4 9, Olivia Babcock 2 1-2 5, Jordan Clevenger 0 0-0 0, Nadia Poff 2 4-4 8, Kenzie Olson 1 0-0 2. Totals: 14 11-16 46.

Hononegah 11 18 18 16 — 69 Rock Falls 17 12 7 10 — 46 3s – Hononegah 7 (Byron 3, Morrow 3, King), RF 7 (Hoefler 4, Sigel 2, Buck).

Tournament pairings

Sterling Shootout Friday, Dec. 16 • Moline 56, Rock Falls 48 • Naperville Central 49, Richwoods 41 • Hononegah 71, Sterling 39 Saturday, Dec. 17 • Naperville Central 66, Sterling 53 • Richwoods 45, Rock Falls 41 • Hononegah 73, Moline 40 • Naperville Central 66, Rock Falls 52 • Richwoods 70, Hononegah 63 • Moline 44, Sterling 33 Friday’s results • Richwoods 52, Sterling 39 • Moline 43, Naperville Central 38 • Hononegah 69, Rock Falls 46 • Richwoods 63, Moline 43 • Rock Falls 59, Sterling 40 • Hononegah 49, Naperville Central 47

Consolation bracket (all games at Reagan Middle School) Pool A: TBA Pool B: TBA Wednesday, Dec. 28 • 1 vs. 2, noon • 3 vs. 4, 1:30 • 2 vs. 3, 3:30 • 5 vs. 6, 5 • 7 vs. 8, 6:30 Thursday, Dec. 29 • 1 vs. 4, 9:30 a.m.

• 1 vs. 3, 11:30 a.m.

• 2 vs. 4, 1 • 6 vs. 7, 2:30 • 5 vs. 8, 4 • 5 vs. 7, 6 • 6 vs. 8, 7:30

Cliff Warkins Memorial Cardinal Classic at Erie A=Annex; HS=High School Pool A: Stockton, Rockridge, Wethersfield, Erie, Galva, Bureau Valley Pool B: Monmouth-Roseville, Knoxville, Orion, Morrison, Mercer County, Fulton Tuesday, Dec. 27 • Mercer County vs. Morrison, 8:30 a.m.

(A) • Erie vs. Bureau Valley, 8:30 a.m. (HS) • Fulton vs. Monmouth-Roseville, 10 a.m.

(A) • Rockridge vs. Wethersfield, 10 a.m. (HS) • Knoxville vs. Orion, 11:30 a.m. (A) • Stockton vs. Galva, 11:30 a.m. (HS) • Bureau Valley vs. Rockridge, 1 (A) • Monmouth-Roseville vs. Mercer County, 1 (HS) • Wethersfield vs. Stockton, 2:30 (A) • Orion vs. Fulton, 2:30 (HS) • Galva vs. Erie, 4 (A) • Morrison vs. Knoxville, 4 (HS) Wednesday, Dec. 28 • Bureau Valley vs. Galva, 5:30 (A) • Fulton vs. Knoxville, 5:30 (HS) • Stockton vs. Rockridge, 7 (A) • Monmouth-Roseville vs. Morrison, 7 (HS) • Erie vs. Wethersfield, 8:30 (A) • Mercer County vs. Orion, 8:30 (HS) Thursday, Dec. 29 • Morrison vs. Fulton, noon (A) • Wethersfield vs. Bureau Valley, noon (HS) • Orion vs. Monmouth-Roseville, 1:30 (A) • Rockridge vs. Galva, 1:30 (HS) • Knoxville vs. Mercer County, 6 (A) • Erie vs. Stockton, 6 (HS) Friday, Dec. 30 • Crossover game, noon (A) • Crossover game, noon (HS) • Crossover game, 4:30 (A) • Crossover place game, 4:30 (HS) • Crossover game, 6 (A) • Championship game, 6 (HS)

State Farm Classic at Bloomington-Normal NC=Normal Community H.S. BC=Bloomington Central Catholic IW=Illinois Wesleyan Tuesday, Dec. 27 Game 1: Peoria Christian vs. Bloomington Central Catholic, 10 a.m. (NC) Game 2: Danville Schlarman vs. Alleman, 11:30 a.m. (NC) Game 3: St. Joseph-Ogden vs. IC Catholic, 1 (NC) Game 4: Rock Falls vs. El Paso-Gridley, 2:30 (NC) Game 5: Annawan vs. Bishop McNamara, 4:30 (NC) Game 6: Rockford Lutheran vs. Prairie Central, 6 (NC) Game 7: Brimfield vs. St. Thomas More, 7:30 (NC) Game 8: Camp Point Central vs. LeRoy, 9 (NC) Wednesday, Dec. 28 Game 9: Game 4 loser vs. Game 3 loser, 9:30 a.m. (BC) Game 10: Game 8 loser vs. Game 7 loser, 11 a.m. (BC) Game 11: Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 loser, 12:30 (BC) Game 12: Game 6 loser vs. Game 5 loser, 2 (BC) Game 13: Game 6 winner vs. Game 5 winner, 4 (BC) Game 14: Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner, 5:30 (BC) Game 15: Game 8 winner vs. Game 7 winner, 7 (BC) Game 16: Game 4 winner vs. Game 3 winner, 8:30 (BC) Game 17: Game 10 loser vs. Game 9 loser, 3:30 (NC) Game 18: Game 12 loser vs. Game 11 loser, 6:30 (NC) Thursday, Dec. 29 Game 19: Game 18 loser vs. Game 17 loser, 9 a.m. (NC) Game 20: Game 10 winner vs. Game 9 winner, 9:30 a.m. (BC) Game 21: Game 13 loser vs. Game 14 loser, 9:30 a.m. (NC) Game 22: Game 18 winner vs. Game 17 winner, 10:30 a.m. (NC) Game 23: Game 12 winner vs. Game 11 winner, 11 a.m. (BC) Game 24: Game 15 loser vs. Game 16 loser, 11 a.m. (NC) Game 25: Game 23 loser vs. Game 20 loser, 3:30 p.m. (NC) Game 26: Game 21 winner vs. Game 24 winner, 4 (BC) Game 27: Game 13 winner vs. Game 14 winner, 4 (NC) Game 28: Game 21 loser vs. Game 24 loser, 5 (NC) Game 29: Game 23 winner vs. Game 20 winner, 5:30 (BC) Game 30: Game 15 winner vs. Game 16 winner, 5:30 (NC) Friday, Dec. 30 Game 31: Game 27 loser vs. Game 30 loser, 9 a.m. (IW) Game 32: Game 27 winner vs. Game 30 winner, 3 (IW)

Amboy Holiday Tournament Red Pool: AFC, Plano, Ridgewood, Marquette B l a c k P o o l : Amboy, Forreston, Somonauk, Indian Creek Monday, Dec. 26 • Plano vs. Ridgewood, 3 • AFC vs. Ottawa Marquette, 4:30 • Forreston vs. Somonauk, 6 • Amboy vs. Indian Creek, 7:30 Tuesday, Dec. 27 • Marquette vs. Plano, 3 • Ridgewood vs. AFC, 4:30 • Indian Creek vs. Forreston,6 • Amboy vs. Somonauk, 7:30 Wednesday, Dec. 28 • Marquette vs. Ridgewood, 3 • AFC vs. Plano, 4:30 • Somonauk vs. Indian Creek, 6 • Amboy vs. Forreston, 7:30 Thursday, Dec. 29 • 7th place, 3 • 5th place, 4:30 • 3rd place, 6 • 1st place, 7:30

Saturday, December 24, 2016

www.saukvalley.com

FRIDAY’S SCOREBOARD NFL AMERICAN CONFERENCE East

W L T Pct PF PA y-New England 12 2 0 .857 365 233 Miami 9 5 0 .643 315 314 Buffalo 7 7 0 .500 358 314 N.Y. Jets 4 10 0 .286 242 358 South

W L T Pct PF PA Houston 8 6 0 .571 250 294 Tennessee 8 6 0 .571 340 323 Indianapolis 7 7 0 .500 362 339 Jacksonville 2 12 0 .143 260 359 North

W L T Pct PF PA Pittsburgh 9 5 0 .643 341 276 Baltimore 8 6 0 .571 306 263 Cincinnati 5 8 1 .393 288 293 Cleveland 0 14 0 .000 220 408 West

W L T Pct PF PA x-Oakland 11 3 0 .786 377 336 Kansas City 10 4 0 .714 319 274 Denver 8 6 0 .571 299 258 San Diego 5 9 0 .357 366 366

NATIONAL CONFERENCE

East W L T Pct PF PA 12 2 0 .857 366 258 10 5 0 .667 291 274 7 6 1 .536 345 343 6 9 0 .400 340 318 South

W L T Pct PF PA Atlanta 9 5 0 .643 469 358 Tampa Bay 8 6 0 .571 313 322 New Orleans 6 8 0 .429 406 392 Carolina 6 8 0 .429 337 352 North

W L T Pct PF PA Detroit 9 5 0 .643 301 285 Green Bay 8 6 0 .571 363 339 Minnesota 7 7 0 .500 264 259 Chicago 3 11 0 .214 248 320 West

W L T Pct PF PA y-Seattle 9 4 1 .679 298 235 Arizona 5 8 1 .393 340 325 Los Angeles 4 10 0 .286 197 328 San Francisco 1 13 0 .071 264 434 x-clinched playoff spot; y-clinched division Thursday’s result Philadelphia 24, N.Y. Giants 19 Saturday’s games Atlanta at Carolina, noon Washington at Chicago, noon N.Y. Jets at New England, noon San Diego at Cleveland, noon Miami at Buffalo, noon Tennessee at Jacksonville, noon Minnesota at Green Bay, noon Indianapolis at Oakland, 3:05 p.m.

Arizona at Seattle, 3:25 p.m.

Tampa Bay at New Orleans, 3:25 p.m.

San Francisco at Los Angeles, 3:25 p.m.

Cincinnati at Houston, 7:25 p.m.

Sunday’s games Baltimore at Pittsburgh, 3:30 p.m.

Denver at Kansas City, 7:30 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 26 Detroit at Dallas, 7:30 p.m.

y-Dallas N.Y. Giants Washington Philadelphia

College football Bowl schedule Friday’s results Bahamas Bowl Nassau Old Dominion 24, Eastern Michigan 20 Armed Forces Bowl Fort Worth, Texas Louisiana Tech 48, Navy 45 Dollar General Bowl Mobile, Ala. Troy 28, Ohio 23 Saturday’s game Hawaii Bowl Honolulu Middle Tennessee (8-4) vs. Hawaii (6-7), 7 p.m. (ESPN) Monday’s games St. Petersburg (Fla.) Bowl Mississippi State (5-7) vs. Miami (Ohio) (6-6), 10 a.m. (ESPN) Quick Lane Bowl Detroit Boston College (6-6) vs. Maryland (6-6), 1:30 p.m. (ESPN2) Independence Bowl Shreveport, La. NC State (6-6) vs. Vanderbilt (6-6), 4 p.m.

(ESPN2) Tuesday, Dec. 27 Heart of Dallas Bowl Army (6-5) vs. North Texas (5-7), 11 a.m.

(ESPN) Military Bowl Annapolis, Md. Wake Forest (6-6) vs. Temple (10-3), 2:30 p.m. (ESPN) Holiday Bowl San Diego Minnesota (8-4) vs. Washington State (8-4), 6 p.m. (ESPN) Cactus Bowl Phoenix Boise State (10-2) vs. Baylor (6-6), 9:15 p.m. (ESPN) Wednesday, Dec. 28 Pinstripe Bowl Bronx, N.Y. Northwestern (6-6) vs. Pittsburgh (8-4), 1 p.m. (ESPN) Russell Athletic Bowl Orlando, Fla. Miami (8-4) vs. West Virginia (10-2), 4:30 p.m. (ESPN) Foster Farms Bowl Santa Clara, Calif.

Indiana (6-6) vs. Utah (8-4), 7:30 p.m. (FOX) Texas Bowl Houston Kansas State (8-4) vs. Texas A&M (8-4), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Thursday, Dec. 29 Birmingham (Ala.) Bowl South Florida (10-2) vs. South Carolina (6-6), 1 p.m. (ESPN) Belk Bowl Charlotte, N.C. Virginia Tech (9-4) vs. Arkansas (7-5), 4:30 p.m. (ESPN) Alamo Bowl San Antonio Oklahoma State (9-3) vs. Colorado (10-3), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Friday, Dec. 30 Liberty Bowl Memphis, Tenn.

Georgia (7-5) vs. TCU (6-6), 11 a.m. (ESPN) Sun Bowl El Paso, Texas North Carolina (8-4) vs. Stanford (9-3), 1 p.m. (CBS) Music City Bowl Nashville, Tenn.

Tennessee (8-4) vs. Nebraska (9-3), 2:30 p.m. (ESPN) Arizona Bowl Tucson, Ariz.

Air Force (9-3) vs. South Alabama (6-6), 4:30 p.m. (ASN) Orange Bowl Miami Gardens, Fla. Florida State (9-3) vs. Michigan (10-2), 7 p.m.

(ESPN) Saturday, Dec. 31 Citrus Bowl Orlando, Fla. LSU (7-4) vs. Louisville (9-3), 10 a.m. (ABC) TaxSlayer Bowl Jacksonville, Fla. Kentucky (7-5) vs. Georgia Tech (8-4), 10 a.m. (ESPN) CFP Semifinals Peach Bowl Atlanta Alabama (13-0) vs. Washington (12-1), 2 p.m. (ESPN) Fiesta Bowl Glendale, Ariz.

Clemson (12-1) vs. Ohio State (11-1), 6 p.m. (ESPN) Monday, Jan. 2 Outback Bowl Tampa, Fla. Florida (8-4) vs. Iowa (8-4), noon (ABC) Cotton Bowl Arlington, Texas Western Michigan (13-0) vs. Wisconsin (103), noon (ESPN) Rose Bowl Pasadena, Calif.

Penn State (11-2) vs. Southern Cal (9-3), 4 p.m. (ESPN) Sugar Bowl New Orleans Oklahoma (10-2) vs. Auburn (8-4), 7:30 p.m. (ESPN) Monday, Jan. 9 College Football Championship Tampa, Fla. Semifinal winners, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)

SV Weekend • B5

NHL | AVALANCHE 2, BLACKHAWKS 1, OT

Men’s basketball Big Ten

Conference Overall

W-L Pct. W-L Pct. Maryland 0-0 .000 12-1 .923 Minnesota 0-0 .000 12-1 .923 Northwestern 0-0 .000 11-2 .846 Purdue 0-0 .000 11-2 .846 Rutgers 0-0 .000 11-2 .846 Wisconsin 0-0 .000 11-2 .846 Indiana 0-0 .000 10-2 .833 Illinois 0-0 .000 10-3 .769 Michigan 0-0 .000 10-3 .769 Ohio St. 0-0 .000 10-3 .769 Iowa 0-0 .000 8-5 .615 Michigan St. 0-0 .000 8-5 .615 Penn St. 0-0 .000 8-5 .615 Nebraska 0-0 .000 6-6 .500 Wednesday’s results Penn St. 96, Morgan St. 55 Illinois 75, Missouri 66 Michigan St. 77, Oakland 65 Purdue 91, Norfolk St. 45 Thursday’s results Indiana 97, Austin Peay 62 Iowa 89, Delaware St. 57 Michigan 68, Furman 62 Northwestern 72, Houston Baptist 63 Ohio St. 79, UNC-Asheville 77 Friday’s results Minnesota 82, Arkansas St. 75 Seton Hall 72, Rutgers 61 Wisconsin 90, Florida A&M 37 Saturday’s games No games scheduled Sunday’s games No games scheduled Monday’s games No games scheduled Tuesday’s games Northwestern at Penn St., 2 p.m. (ESPN2) Illinois at Maryland, 4 p.m. (ESPN2) Rutgers at Wisconsin, 6 p.m. (ESPN2) Michigan St. at Minnesota, 8 p.m. (ESPN2) Wednesday, Dec. 28 Nebraska at Indiana, 5:30 p.m. (BTN) Iowa at Purdue, 7:30 p.m. (BTN) Thursday, Dec. 29 No games scheduled Friday, Dec. 30 Northwestern at Michigan St., 5 p.m. (BTN) Saturday, Dec. 31 Indiana vs. Louisville, at Indianapolis, 11:30 a.m. (CBS) Sunday, Jan. 1 Ohio St. at Illinois, TBD (BTN) Michigan at Iowa, TBD (BTN) Nebraska at Maryland, TBD (BTN) Minnesota at Purdue, TBD (BTN) Penn St. at Rutgers, 1:30 p.m. (ESPNU)

Friday’s box score

No. 14 WISCONSIN 90, FLORIDA A&M 37 FLORIDA A&M (2-11) Dandridge 1-5 1-6 3, Mays 3-12 2-2 9, Barham 3-15 0-0 8, Ravenel 4-6 0-0 8, Severado 0-4 0-0 0, Austin 0-0 0-0 0, Core 0-4 0-0 0, Myles 3-8 0-0 9. Totals 14-54 3-8 37.

WISCONSIN (11-2) Hayes 3-3 0-0 6, Happ 4-6 0-0 8, Brown 3-5 4-4 11, Showalter 1-3 2-2 5, Koenig 2-7 2-2 8, Van Vliet 3-5 0-0 9, Moesch 1-1 0-0 2, Illikainen 1-1 0-1 2, Thomas 5-10 0-0 11, Ferris 0-2 0-0 0, Trice 5-8 0-0 14, Schlundt 0-1 0-0 0, Hill 3-6 0-0 6, Pritzl 2-3 2-2 6, Iverson 1-4 0-0 2. Totals 34-65 10-11 90.

Halftime–Wisconsin 43-22. 3s–Florida A&M 6-22 (Myles 3-4, Barham 2-8, Mays 1-3, Dandridge 0-1, Severado 0-1, Ravenel 0-2, Core 0-3), Wisconsin 12-27 (Trice 4-5, Van Vliet 3-3, Koenig 2-7, Thomas 1-1, Brown 1-2, Showalter 1-3, Ferris 0-1, Iverson 0-1, Pritzl 0-1, Hill 0-3). Rebounds– Florida A&M 20 (Dandridge, Myles 5), Wisconsin 50 (Happ 9). Assists–Florida A&M 7 (Austin, Core 2), Wisconsin 23 (Hayes 4).

Fouls–Florida A&M 14, Wisconsin 13.

State schedule Wednesday’s results Indiana St. 88, E. Illinois 85 Marquette 89, SIU-Edwardsville 56 TCU 74, Bradley 42 Thursday’s results Chicago St. 74, SE Missouri St. 65 Ill.-Chicago 91, Roosevelt 53 Illinois St. at Hawaii, late S. Illinois 78, Tennessee-Martin 70 Wyoming 72, DePaul 58 Friday’s results Missouri St. 69, DePaul 58 San Francisco 66, Illinois St. 58 Troy 83, Chicago St. 65 Saturday’s games No games scheduled Sunday’s games No games schedule Monday’s games No games scheduled Tuesday’s games No games scheduled Wednesday, Dec. 28 DePaul at Villanova, 5:30 p.m. (FS1) Chicago St. at Valparaiso, 7 p.m.

Missouri-Rolla at SIU-Edwardsville, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 29 W. Illinois at IPFW, 6 p.m.

Evansville at Illinois St., 7 p.m.

S. Illinois at Bradley, 7 p.m.

Loyola at Drake, 7:05 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 30 Valparaiso at Ill.-Chicago, 4 p.m. (ESPNU) Chicago St. at Cent. Michigan, 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 31 W. Illinois at IUPUI, noon Jacksonville St. at E. Illinois, 3:15 p.m.

Ill.-Springfield at N. Illinois, 3:30 p.m.

Tennessee Tech at SIU-Edwardsville, 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 1 Bradley at Wichita St., 1 p.m.

Illinois St. at Loyola, 1 p.m.

St. John’s at DePaul, 1 p.m. (FS1) Drake at S. Illinois, 4 p.m.

Top 25 schedule Wednesday’s results No. 1 Villanova 90, American 48 No. 2 UCLA vs. Western Michigan, late No. 4 Baylor 89, Texas Southern 63 No. 5 Duke 72, Elon 61 No. 10 Louisville 73, No. 6 Kentucky 70 No. 7 Gonzaga 102, South Dakota 65 No. 8 N. Carolina 85, Northern Iowa 42 No. 12 Virginia at California, late No. 13 Butler 81, Vermont 69 No. 15 Purdue 91, Norfolk State 45 Clemson 62, No. 22 South Carolina 60 Thursday’s results No. 3 Kansas 71, UNLV 53 No. 16 Indiana 97, Austin Peay 62 No. 19 Saint Mary’s 74, South Carolina State 47 No. 23 USC 83, Missouri State 75 No. 24 Cincinnati 93, Marshall 91, OT Friday’s results No. 11 West Virginia 92, Northern Kentucky 61 No. 14 Wisconsin 90, Florida A&M 37 No. 23 USC vs. Wyoming, at Las Vegas, late Saturday’s games No games scheduled Sunday’s games No games scheduled

NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division

W L Pct GB Toronto 21 8 .724 — Boston 17 13 .567 4½ New York 16 13 .552 5 Philadelphia 7 22 .241 14 Brooklyn 7 22 .241 14 Southeast Division

W L Pct GB Charlotte 17 13 .567 — Atlanta 15 15 .500 2 Washington 13 16 .448 3½ Orlando 14 18 .438 4 Miami 10 21 .323 7½ Central Division

W L Pct GB Cleveland 22 6 .786 — Milwaukee 14 14 .500 8 Indiana 15 16 .484 8½ Chicago 14 15 .483 8½ Detroit 14 18 .438 10

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Southwest Division

W L Pct GB San Antonio 23 6 .793 — Houston 22 9 .710 2 Memphis 20 12 .625 4½ New Orleans 11 21 .344 13½ Dallas 8 21 .276 15

Northwest Division

W L Pct GB Oklahoma City 18 12 .600 — Utah 18 13 .581 ½ Portland 13 18 .419 5½ Denver 12 18 .400 6 Minnesota 9 20 .310 8½ Pacific Division

W L Pct GB Golden State 27 4 .871 — L.A. Clippers 22 8 .733 4½ Sacramento 13 17 .433 13½ L.A. Lakers 11 22 .333 17 Phoenix 9 21 .300 17½ Friday’s results Charlotte 103, Chicago 91 Orlando 109, L.A. Lakers 90 Cleveland 119, Brooklyn 99 Golden State 119, Detroit 113 Oklahoma City 117, Boston 112 Memphis 115, Houston 109 Milwaukee 123, Washington 96 New Orleans 91, Miami 87 Sacramento 109, Minnesota 105 Atlanta 109, Denver 108 Phoenix 123, Philadelphia 116 Toronto 104, Utah 98 San Antonio at Portland, late Dallas at L.A. Clippers, late Saturday’s games No games scheduled Sunday’s games Boston at New York, 11 a.m.

Golden State at Cleveland, 1:30 p.m.

Chicago at San Antonio, 4 p.m.

Minnesota at Oklahoma City, 7 p.m.

L.A. Clippers at L.A. Lakers, 9:30 p.m.

Monday’s games Memphis at Orlando, 6 p.m.

Milwaukee at Washington, 6 p.m.

Charlotte at Brooklyn, 6:30 p.m.

Cleveland at Detroit, 6:30 p.m.

Atlanta at Minnesota, 7 p.m.

Dallas at New Orleans, 7 p.m.

Indiana at Chicago, 7 p.m.

Phoenix at Houston, 7 p.m.

Toronto at Portland, 9 p.m.

Denver at L.A. Clippers, 9:30 p.m.

Philadelphia at Sacramento, 9:30 p.m.

Tuesday’s games Memphis at Boston, 6:30 p.m.

Oklahoma City at Miami, 6:30 p.m.

Houston at Dallas, 7:30 p.m.

Utah at L.A. Lakers, 9:30 p.m.

Friday’s box score

HORNETS 103, BULLS 91 CHICAGO (91) Gibson 4-10 2-2 10, Lopez 3-8 0-0 6, Rondo 3-10 0-0 7, Butler 11-19 2-2 26, Wade 5-16 2-2 12, McDermott 5-12 2-2 15, Felicio 0-2 0-2 0, Mirotic 5-16 0-0 11, Grant 2-3 0-0 4. Totals 38-96 8-10 91.

CHARLOTTE (103) Kidd-Gilchrist 5-9 2-3 12, Williams 3-7 2-2 9, Zeller 5-9 3-4 13, Walker 6-16 6-6 20, Batum 7-15 5-6 20, Kaminsky 5-14 2-2 13, Hibbert 2-2 0-0 4, Sessions 2-5 1-2 5, Lamb 2-6 3-3 7, Belinelli 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 37-84 24-28 103.

Chicago 26 14 27 24 — 91 Charlotte 22 26 27 28 — 103 3s–Chicago 7-22 (McDermott 3-7, Butler 2-4, Rondo 1-3, Mirotic 1-7, Wade 0-1), Charlotte 5-18 (Walker 2-3, Williams 1-3, Kaminsky 1-4, Batum 1-5, Sessions 0-1, Lamb 0-2). Rebounds–Chicago 52 (Mirotic 10), Charlotte 48 (Batum 11).

Assists–Chicago 20 (Rondo 10), Charlotte 25 (Batum 10). Fouls–Chicago 20, Charlotte 8. Technicals–Gibson 2, Lopez.

Ejected–Gibson, Lopez.

NHL EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division

GP W L OT Pts GF GA Montreal 34 21 9 4 46 104 76 Ottawa 34 20 11 3 43 88 89 Boston 36 18 14 4 40 85 87 Tampa Bay 35 17 15 3 37 100 98 Florida 35 15 14 6 36 85 97 Toronto 33 14 12 7 35 97 95 Detroit 34 15 15 4 34 83 96 Buffalo 33 12 13 8 32 71 91 Metropolitan Division

GP W L OT Pts GF GA Columbus 32 23 5 4 50 110 65 Pittsburgh 35 22 8 5 49 121 100 N.Y. Rangers 36 23 12 1 47 119 89 Washington 32 20 8 4 44 87 69 Philadelphia 36 20 12 4 44 110 108 Carolina 33 15 11 7 37 88 90 New Jersey 34 13 14 7 33 80 102 N.Y. Islanders 33 13 14 6 32 90 102

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Central Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA 36 22 9 5 49 102 86 33 21 8 4 46 102 66 35 18 12 5 41 98 103 33 15 13 5 35 94 94 35 14 14 7 35 89 106 36 16 17 3 35 95 105 33 12 20 1 25 67 106 Pacific Division

GP W L OT Pts GF GA San Jose 33 20 12 1 41 84 73 Edmonton 35 18 12 5 41 103 94 Anaheim 35 17 12 6 40 96 99 Los Angeles 34 17 13 4 38 87 84 Calgary 36 18 16 2 38 94 103 Vancouver 35 14 18 3 31 86 109 Arizona 34 11 18 5 27 75 108 Note: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss.

Friday’s results Pittsburgh 4, New Jersey 1 N.Y. Islanders 5, Buffalo 1 Columbus 2, Montreal 1 Washington 4, Tampa Bay 0 Minnesota 7, N.Y. Rangers 4 Carolina 3, Boston 2, OT Detroit 4, Florida 3, SO Colorado 2, Chicago 1, OT Dallas 3, Los Angeles 2, OT Calgary 4, Vancouver 1 Toronto 4, Arizona 1 Edmonton at San Jose, late Saturday’s games No games scheduled Sunday’s games No games scheduled Monday’s games No games scheduled Tuesday’s games Pittsburgh at New Jersey, 6 p.m.

Washington at N.Y. Islanders, 6 p.m.

Ottawa at N.Y. Rangers, 6 p.m.

Boston at Columbus, 6 p.m.

Buffalo at Detroit, 6 p.m.

Minnesota at Nashville, 7 p.m.

Winnipeg at Chicago, 7:30 p.m.

Calgary at Colorado, 8 p.m.

Dallas at Arizona, 8 p.m.

San Jose at Anaheim, 9 p.m.

Chicago Minnesota St. Louis Nashville Dallas Winnipeg Colorado

Friday’s box score

AVALANCHE 2, BLACKHAWKS 1, OT Colorado 0 0 1 1 — 2 Chicago 0 1 0 0 — 1 First Period–None. Penalties–Grigorenko, COL, (slashing), 8:24.

Second Period–1, Chicago, Toews 5 (Panarin, Keith), 11:52 (pp). Penalties– Bourque, COL, (holding), 9:55; Hinostroza, CHI, (holding), 15:38; Rantanen, COL, (hooking), 19:22.

Third Period–2, Colorado, Rantanen 5 (Barrie, Mackinnon), 5:42. Penalties–Martinsen, COL, (interference), 3:01; Hinostroza, CHI, (cross checking), 8:54; Colborne, COL, (roughing), 8:54.

Overtime–3, Colorado, Mackinnon 9 (Barrie), 0:25. Penalties–None.

Shots on Goal–Colorado 13-11-9-1–34.

Chicago 12-15-12–39.

Power-play chances–Colorado 0 of 1; Chicago 1 of 4.

Goalies–Colorado, Pickard 6-6-1 (39 shots-38 saves). Chicago, Crawford 12-63 (34-32).

Transactions FOOTBALL National Football League ARIZONA CARDINALS – Placed S Tyrann Mathieu on injured reserve. Signed S Trevon Hartfield from the practice squad.

CHICAGO BEARS – Placed DL Eddie Goldman on injured reserve. Signed OL Cornelius Edison. Activated LB Jerrell Freeman from the exempt/commissioner permission list.

DETROIT LIONS – Waived DE Corey Lemonier.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS – Placed CB Mackensie Alexander on injured reserve. Signed RB C.J. Ham. COLLEGE BOSTON COLLEGE – Granted freshman G Ty Graves his release from the basketball team.

AP

Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (50) defends a shot by Avalanche right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) during the second period Friday in Chicago.

Hawks can’t hang on Avalanche score early in OT to win in Chicago

BY MATT CARLSON Associated Press

CHICAGO – Nathan MacKinnon scored 25 seconds into overtime to lift the Colorado Avalanche to a 2-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday night at the United Center.

Cruising in with Tyson Barrie on a 2-on-1 break, MacKinnon beat Corey Crawford with a high shot that ticked off the post and ended the Avalanche’s five-game losing streak.

Mikko Rantanen scored on a deflection at 5:42 of the third period for the Avalanche’s first goal in 167 minutes, 43 seconds of play. Colorado was shut out in its previous two games, including a 6-0 loss to Toronto on Thursday.

Chicago captain Jonathan Toews stopped a 13-game drought with his fifth of the season.

Toews’ power-play goal midway through the second was his first since Nov. 5, a span that includes missing nine games with a back injury.

Artemi Panarin extended his point streak to seven games with a nifty setup on Toews’ goal. He

has five goals and eight assists in the run.

Crawford had 32 stops in his return from an appendectomy. He missed 10 games following surgery on Dec. 3.

Chicago played without forwards Marian Hossa and Artem Anisimov due to upper-body injuries.

Hossa leads the team with 16 goals, and Anisimov has 14. They could return Tuesday against Winnipeg.

Vinnie Hinostroza missed Chicago’s morning skate with an illness, but was in the lineup and skated with fellow rookies Tyler Motte and Ryan Hartman.

Calvin Pickard made 38 saves while the Avalanche’s No. 1 goalie, Semyon Varlamov, remained in Denver to have his groin injury assessed. Varlamov started Colorado’s loss to Toronto on Thursday, but left at 8:42 of the second after allowing five goals on 18 shots.

Last-place Colorado won for just the third time in its last 15 games. Until Rantanen connected, Colorado hadn’t scored since

Jarome Iginla’s powerplay goal with 2:01 left in the third in a 4-1 loss at Winnipeg last Sunday.

The Avalanche got off to a fast start after they were drubbed in Denver on Thursday night, running up an 8-1 shots advantage early in the scoreless first against the Blackhawks.

Crawford made several alert saves, including a sprawling stop on MacKinnon’s backhander about 6 minutes in.

Toews’ power-play goal at 11:52 put Chicago in front. After Pickard stopped Duncan Keith from the slot, Panarin fired the rebound across the front of the net from the left side. Toews, hovering at right side of the cage, smacked in the puck from midair.

Rantanen responded at 5:42 of the third, redirecting Tyson Barrie’s shot from the right point.

Crawford stepped up again midway through the third, giving the Blackhawks a chance for at least a point. He stopped Gabriel Landeskog and Barrie in close, and then denied Blake Comeau on a breakaway.

NBA | HORNETS 103, BULLS 91

Bulls lose cool, game on road

BY STEVE REED AP Sports Writer

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Triple-doubles, flying elbows, two ejections and a revved-up crowd cheering until the end.

Even Michael Jordan was sitting courtside.

It may only be December, but Friday night’s game between the Charlotte Hornets and Chicago Bulls had all of the intensity of a postseason game.

Nic Batum had 20 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for his first triple-double of the season, and the Hornets beat the Bulls 103-91 for their third straight victory.

“That was like a playoff game tonight,” Batum said. “The crowd was into it and it was a good team in front of us. That’s a great game for us to get a win against.”

It didn’t come easily.

Charlotte had to hold off the Bulls in the fourth quarter in a game that ended with Robin Lopez and Taj Gibson getting ejected.

The normally mildmannered Lopez could face a suspension from the league after he simultaneously elbowed Cody Zeller and Marvin Williams in the face – using both elbows – with 38 seconds left and the outcome already decided.

Gibson, who had picked up a technical foul for arguing a call earlier in the fourth quarter, got his second and was ejected when he debated the call.

After watching the replay, referees sent Lopez to the locker room with a flagrant 2

AP

Officials and team members separate the Hornets’ Cody Zeller (40) from the Bulls’ Taj Gibson (22) and Robin Lopez (8) during the second half Friday in Charlotte, N.C. Both Gibson and Lopez were ejected. foul. Lopez wouldn’t say exactly what set him off.

“It was pretty contentious out there. We had tempers flare,” Lopez said. “Basketball is a passionate game, and I play with passion.”

Gibson was a bit more outspoken.

“They can’t let the game get out of hand like that,” Gibson said of the referees. “Guys are throwing elbows and throwing cheap shots. That’s what I said, ‘They got to do a better job.’”

Kemba Walker chipped in with 20 points, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist had 12 points, nine rebounds and four blocked shots for Charlotte (17-13).

The Hornets had a crucial four-point swing go their way with 3 minutes left when Batum hustled down the floor to block the 7-foot Lopez’s layup off a fast break. Walker

then converted a reverse layup on the other end.

Despite the efforts of Jimmy Butler, who drained back-to-back jumpers, the Bulls could never quite claw back in it after that.

Butler had 26 points, and four assists for the Bulls (14-15), who have lost five of their last six to fall below .500 for the first time this season. Butler has scored at least 20 points in 24 of the team’s 29 games this season.

Dwyane Wade played despite battling a migraine headache most of the day and had 12 points on 5-for-16 shooting. Doug McDermott scored 15 points, Nikola Mirotic added a doubledouble with 11 points and 10 rebounds, and Rajon Rondo chipped in seven points, 10 assists and two steals. Gibson finished with 10 points and two blocks.

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NFL | VIKINGS AT PACKERS

Vikings look to spoil Green Bay’s party Fortunes of two NFC North rivals headed in opposite directions ahead of showdown

BY GENARO C. ARMAS AP Sports Writer

GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers have powered through injuries to Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews to surge back into postseason contention.

The fading Minnesota Vikings need a miracle to get into the playoffs, especially with running back Adrian Peterson sidelined again.

Heated division rivals headed in opposite directions meet Saturday at Lambeau Field in a game that could help clear up the NFC playoff picture.

Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn would rather muddle things up.

“Most definitely. If we can’t go, they can’t go,” Munnerlyn said. “We’re going to try to spoil their parade and put them in a bad situation.”

A four-game winning streak has changed the fortunes of the Packers (8-6). A win over the Vikings (7-7) would set up a winner-take-all showdown at first-place Detroit next Sunday for the NFC North crown.

“Especially in these division games, it can be taken from you in a heartbeat, so we just got to continue to play well, prepare well, execute and finish,” Packers receiver Jordy Nelson said.

Green Bay has pushed through a spate of injuries all

Vikings at Packers When: Noon Saturday Where: Lambeau Field, Green Bay Packers: 8-6, second in NFC North Vikings: 7-7, third in NFC North Line: Packers by 6½

AP

It would take a lot to get Sam Bradford (8) and the Minnesota Vikings into the playoffs, but they can hand the Green Bay Packers a setback with a win on Saturday. season, including those late in the year to its biggest stars, to overcome a midseason fourgame losing streak.

Matthews has been slowed by a painful left shoulder injury that has kept the long-haired linebacker’s production down in a reduced, pass-rushing role.

Rodgers is still prolific, even if his mobility might be limited.

Second in the league with 32 passing touchdowns, Rodgers remains strong-armed and accurate, as evidenced by his 60-yard bomb to Nelson late in the fourth quarter last week against the Bears to set up a winning field goal as time expired.

On that same day, Minnesota’s playoff hopes took a

severe hit after a deflating 34-6 loss to Indianapolis at home. It was Peterson’s first game back since tearing the meniscus in his right knee in the Vikings’ 17-14 win over the Packers in Minnesota in Week 2.

Peterson did not practice at midweek and will not play against the Packers.

Other notes and things to

NFL | LIONS AT COWBOYS

watch ahead of Saturday’s game: Minesota’s path: It’s a very tough road to get back into the playoffs for the Vikings, who started 5-0. They’ve already been eliminated from repeating for the division title. To get a wild card, Minnesota must win its final two games against the Packers and Bears, have the Buccaneers lose out, and Washington lose at least once.

Ty him up: Now a full-timer in the backfield, former receiver Ty Montgomery has had his workload increase each of the last three games, culminating in a career-high 162 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 16 carries against Chicago.

Christine Michael also ran for a 42-yard score last week, when the Packers amassed a seasonhigh 226 yards rushing.

Rodgers’ calf: Rodgers’ injured right calf seemed to be improving after the quarterback was a full practice participant at midweek.

COMMENTARY

Stafford hoping for a hometown win What Bears coach QB returns to Dallas with opportunity to boost playoff chances

BY SCHUYLER DIXON AP Sports Writer

ARLINGTON, Texas – Matthew Stafford and the Detroit Lions aren’t quite in win-or-go-home mode like the last time they visited his hometown Dallas Cowboys for a wild-card playoff 2 years ago.

The Lions could do their postseason hopes a lot of good Monday night with a victory, though. That includes scenarios where Detroit (9-5) clinches the NFC North by beating the conference-leading Cowboys, who were the first team to lock up a playoff berth this season.

It’s the second straight week Detroit can take a significant step toward the playoffs on the road against an NFC East contender.

The Lions didn’t take advantage in a 17-6 loss to the New York Giants.

“Last week, we had opportunities to make some plays and we just didn’t make them,” Stafford said.

“For the majority of the season, we’ve done a really nice job of, in those crucial times, making those plays. I’m sure this week and from here on out will be no different.”

Tony Romo made the crucial play 2 years ago to rally the Cowboys past the Lions 24-20 for just their second playoff win in 2 decades since their last Super Bowl title. He’s the backup now, replaced by Dak Prescott because the rookie led an 11-game winning streak while Romo was recovering from a preseason back injury.

The streak ended with Dallas’ second loss of the season to the Giants, but Prescott and the Cowboys (12-2) recovered by beating Tampa Bay. Then the Cowboys clinched the NFC East title and home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs when the Giants lost to Philadelphia on Thursday night.

The Giants-Eagles outcome didn’t concern Prescott, who followed his worst game as a pro against New York with the secondbest completion percentage with at least 30 attempts in NFL history (88.9 percent).

“This game is going to matter,” he said. “Any game I play, I participate in and think pretty much everybody in this locker room, we want to win. We hold ourselves to high standards, and I know I do individually. We want to win this game.”

Things to consider in a series in which four of the past five games, playoffs included, have been decided by four points or less: Homecoming: Stafford will be playing on the same field a little more than a week after his high school, Dallas Highland Park, won its first state championship since Stafford won a title with the

John Fox should be talking about

O

AP

Matthew Stafford and the Lions will play in Dallas for the first time since falling to the Cowboys in the Wild Card round of the 2014 playoffs.

Lions at Cowboys When: 7:30 p.m. Monday Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas Lions: 9-5, first in NFC North Cowboys: 12-2, first in NFC East, have clinched home-field throughout NFC playoffs Line: Cowboys by 6 Scots in 2005. The latest title came with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones’ grandson, John Stephen Jones, at quarterback. “I don’t really know him, but obviously know the family and just happy that his success was a big part of Highland Park’s success,” Stafford said.

Kettle 2.0? Don’t count on it.

While Dallas rookie sensation Ezekiel Elliott wasn’t worried about getting in trouble with his coaches for jumping into an oversized Salvation Army red kettle to celebrate a touchdown against Tampa Bay, he’s pretty sure he got a one-time reprieve with the NFL deciding not to fine him. “I think I had one get out jail free card. I used it already,” the NFL rushing leader said.

Pair of snubs: Stafford and Dallas linebacker Sean Lee were among the most prominent snubs on

the Pro Bowl roster. But at least the Cowboys are contenders with some Pro Bowlers. They have five (Prescott, Elliott and offensive linemen Tyron Smith, Zack Martin and Travis Frederick). The Lions don’t have any. “I don’t think we’re going to have any sort of recount, but nevertheless, our guys are really focused on trying to win games,” Lions coach Jim Caldwell said.

Gregory’s return: Jerry Jones says he expects Randy Gregory to play in his return from a 14-game suspension. The second-year defensive end, banned for multiple violations of the NFL’s substanceabuse policy, practiced for the first time Thursday. “Champing at the bit,” Dallas coach Jason Garrett said.

Different Dez: In Detroit’s 31-30 victory in the last regular-season meeting between these teams in 2013, Dallas receiver Dez Bryant had an infamous sideline outburst and shouting match with tight end Jason Witten in Detroit when the Cowboys couldn’t hold a 10-point lead in the last 7 minutes. But Bryant has shown more maturity this season, most notably when he calmly went to the sideline after his late fumble cost the Cowboys in a 10-7 loss to the Giants 2 weeks ago.

nce again, John Fox was talking about how hard his players are playing and on Thursday detailed how “proud” he is that they’re watching video from different angles.

Once again, pointing out a given such as effort like it’s a revelation sounds like a coach trying to save his job.

Or a coach who’s out of good answers for his game decisions and clock management.

Or both. Or all of it.

It’s like trying to talk up a participation trophy like it’s a gold medal.

Look, if Bears players aren’t preparing like it’s their job and aren’t playing for their NFL lives each game, then Bears wonks scouted badly before putting them on the roster, and Fox’s staff coached them badly after that.

An NFL coach’s success is judged first by winning Super Bowls, second by earning playoff berths, then third by wins, and finally, as is the case now, seeing improvement in young players who can contribute when the team accomplishes the first three things on the list.

Talk of trying hard is useless, mirroring much of what Fox says.

Instead, Fox should be talking about the young players who are getting better instead of the try-hard stuff.

But then, once he gets past Jordan Howard, Cody Whitehair and Leonard Floyd, what does he say?

Matt Barkley? He’s proving why he’s a backup. The Bears need starters.

Cre’Von LeBlanc? Can you guarantee he won’t have to cover anyone with speed?

Maybe the subtext is Fox thinks it’s the GM’s fault for not providing better depth, but if stories are true regarding the way Fox has coopted power in Halas

steve ROSENBLOOM MCT News Service sports columnist.

He can be reached at srosenbloom@ tribune.com.

Hall, then the coach is due for as much blame as the GM. If such talk of effort and preparation as a Herculean accomplishment fools a GM and an owner who don’t realize it’s a win-or-walk world, then the GM and owner will get the team with the low bar that it deserves.

• Usually, it’s the offense that chokes on completing the comeback, but those versatile Bears let the defense have honors on the tee against the Packers. I guess that’s Fox’s idea of complementary football.

• Josh Bellamy caught a short pass and blasted into the end zone. Yes, Josh Bellamy caught a pass. Yes, that Josh Bellamy. Barkley will be lucky if he isn’t fined for throwing to that guy.

• You can give Barkley credit for a comeback if you want, but remember, he threw three interceptions and lost a fumble to put the Bears in that spot in the first place.

And remember, as well, the Bears would’ve had no chance of a comeback if Packers wideout Davante Adams hadn’t dropped two TDs. Everybody has a Bellamy, I guess.

• If the NFL had a heart, it would schedule the Bears to play Game 15 on Saturday against the Washington football team, and then Game 16 the next day against the Vikings. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, no better gift than no more Bears games.

Saturday, December 24, 2016

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CLASSIFIED SAUK VALLEY Saturday, March 1, 2015

Dixon 815.284.SOLD(7653)

Sterling 815.626.SOLD (7653)

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IS YOUR PET MISSING? Read our found section in todays paper. Just in case it is not there, call one of your area animal shelters listed below: Lee County Animal Control (815)284-3833 Granny Rose Animal Shelter (815)288-7387 Whiteside County Animal Control (815)625-3507 Happy Tails Humane Society (815)626-2994 A public service of Sauk Valley Media

VOLUNTEERS

126

CASA 15th Judicial Circuit (Lee/ Carroll/Ogle Counties) is seeking volunteers to advocate for children in the court system involved in abuse and neglect cases.

Your involvement can impact a child’s future.

Contact Trisha Morrow, Executive Director (815) 288-1901 www.casalee carroll.com

REAL ESTATE 202 SERVICES PUBLISHER'S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference , limitation or discrimination based on race, color,religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law.

Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-800-669-9777.

The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-279275.

MOBILE HOMES 230

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MORRISON Fixer Upper $2000 815-772-8943

ROCKFALLS

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AMBOY 2 & 3 BR Mobile Homes. Rent to own $400/mo.

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HOMES FOR RENT

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DIXON

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1BR newly renovated, 312 Douglas $600/mo., $600 dep. No dogs. Call 815-440-2912.

EMPLOYMENT

2BR 2 story Duplex North & West of Dixon 4.5mi. Yard, garage. $500 mo. + dep. & refs. 815973-3223 a.m.

Search for local job listings at saukvalley.com/jobs/

Towns

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Streets

Amboy

Telegraph 113 S. Peoria Dixon, IL 61021

Route

N. Jones, N. Metcalf, N. East, Joe Dr., W. Bacon 3218

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815-625-3600 ext. 5311

DEPUTY SHERIFF The Bureau County Sheriff's Merit Commission will accept applications for Deputy Sheriff beginning immediately (with this publication) and ending on January 31, 2017. Interested individuals must meet all Illinois Statutory requirements, the requirements of the Bureau County Sheriff's Merit Commission and the requirements of the Sheriff of Bureau County.

Applications are available at the Bureau County Jail, 22 Park Avenue West, Princeton, 61356, and/or on the Bureau County Sheriff's website. http://www.bureaucountysheriff.org/employment.htm All applications must be completed thoroughly and in complete detail and delivered to Bureau County Sheriff James Reed, 700 South Main Street, Princeton, Illinois, 61356 prior to or post marked by January 31, 2017. The Bureau County Sheriff and all Bureau County governmental entities are equal opportunity employers. The Bureau County Sheriff's merit Commission shall determine candidate eligibility based on the information provided on the application. Notice will be mailed to all applicants. All applicants must pass the Police Officer Wellness Evaluation test to be eligible to take the written test.

SM-ST12805-1224

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NOTICEPURSUANT to the Business Opportunity Sales Law of 1995, every business opportunity must be registered with the Illinois Securities Department. Protect yourself and get the facts before you hand over your hard earned money by contacting the Illinois Secretary of State's Securities Department at 1800-628-7937. This notice provided as a public service by Sauk Valley Classifieds.

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TELEGRAPH

815-284-2222

Clinical Dietitian – Dietary PRN (as needed); Days; Registered Dietitian, Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics, Nutritional Science or Foods and Nutrition required; Illinois Dietitian’s License required EMT – Paramedic 40 hrs/wk; Nights; 12pm – 12am RN - CCU 32 hrs/wk; Nights; w/weekends

We are looking for an experienced professional to assume this key position on our nursing team. If you are committed to team-oriented outcomes and quality care, we can offer:

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For an immediate and confidential interview apply in person or call Katheryn at (815) 284-3393, email Dixon@Tutera. com; or apply on-line at www.vikus.net Dixon HC & Rehab Center 800 Division St., Dixon, IL 61021

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EMPLOYMENT

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CDL DRIVER NEEDED Rock River Cartage is a family owned flatbed carrier. $55,000-$60,000 a year. We offer 401K, Health Ins., & home every night. Must have 2yrs experience 800-892-9587 Experienced HVAC Technician ★★needed★★ ★immediately★ must have at least 5 yrs. experience, competitive wages, Please submit resume to 1301 Ave. L, Sterling, IL

Full or Part Time Local or Regional Drivers Wanted Class A CDL Assigned Peterbilt and Kenworth Trucks Preloaded Trailers Paid Vacations Home Weekends Flexible Dispatch Wellmark Health Insurance Apply online at www.avtrans inc.com or Call Missy 800-397-6387x10 Harbor Crest Home An 84-bed skilled nursing care facility in Fulton IL, 61252 (815)589-3411 Is seeking qualified nurses licensed to work in Illinois to join our team, full-time RN & LPN all shifts Competitive salaries Apply in person or submit resumes to harborcrest2 @mchsi.com EOE

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 501

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“The People Professionals” 102 S. Galena Ave 2nd floor, DIXON 815-835-3000 Now Hiring: •Quality Inspector •Sales •Assembly •Production & Packaging •General Labor ------------Apply online at: hughes resources.com

Go BOLD

Get SOLD Bold type draws readers to your ad.

Get your ad noticed!

GO BOLD CALL

815-625-3600 815-284-2222

To place your AD TODAY!

CLASSIFIEDS SAUK VALLEY dailyGAZETTE

TELEGRAPH

EMPLOYMENT

505

TO OUR

READERS:

Sauk Valley Media does not knowingly accept advertising which is in violation of the law. Likewise, we do not knowingly accept advertising which is fraudulent or has malicious intent.

While we attempt to screen advertising with potential fraud, it is impossible to screen all potential problems.

We strongly encourage our readers to exercise caution and common sense, particularly when dealing with companies with which you are not familiar.

3BR 1.5 BA, basement garage C/A, gas heat, no smoking or pets. $800/ mo + dep. Lease req. 815-288-1644

POLO 3BR, no pets or smoking. $550/mo. $550/dep.

815-946-3744

PROPHETSTOWN 2BR, 1ba., $600/ mo. Non smoking, no pets. Call 217840-6860.

STERLING 2BR Townhome $600/mo. Hampton Apts. 625-7043

W-S Industrial Services is hiring for our Clinton office.

We provide industrial maintenance services across the United States. Applicant should be 21 or over, able to travel, have a clean driving record, and must be able to pass a nationwide criminal background check.

1517 South 19th Street, Clinton.

Prior military and/ or CDL a plus.

Wanted: Heavy Truck Mechanic Class A License to perform Maintenance, Day Shift, Top Pay along with benefits.

Oregon /Dixon area. Please send replies to Box #1355, c/o Sauk Valley Classifieds, P.O. Box 498, Sterling, IL 61081

CHILD CARE

512

Little Blessings Childcare has immediate daycare openings for infant-school age. 815-285-3811 Lic# 48927502

NO INDIVIDUAL, unless licensed or holding a permit as a childcare facility, may cause to be published any advertisement soliciting a child care service.* A childcare facility that is licensed or operating under a permit issued by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services may publish advertisements of the services for which it is specifically licensed or issued a permit. Sauk Valley Media strongly urges any parent or guardian to verify the validity of the license of any facility before placing a child in it's care. *Family homes that care for no more than three (3) children under the age of twelve or which receive only children from a single household, for less than 24 hours per day, are exempt from licensure as day care homes.

The three children to whom this exemption applies includes the family's natural or adopted children and any other persons under the age of 12 whether related or unrelated to the operator of the day care home. (DCFS Rule, Part 377.3 (c))

3BR, 1102 1st Ave. $875/mo. Call 815626-8790.

3BR, Ave. E. & 7th St. $700/mo. +dep.

815-535-6619 Nice 2BR, No smoking/pets.$700/ mo. 815-718-5488 Nice 3BR 1BA No smoking, No pets, $700/mo. + dep.

815-499-7882

CARS815.com

LOOKING FOR QUALITY CARRIERS

3 BR ranch, 2 BA, completely finished basement & 2 car garage. $800 per mth, $800 dep.

815-288-5766

MOBILE HOMES FOR RENT

315

MORRISON 3BR 1BA $425/mo.

815-772-8943

LOANS

402

THE CLASSIFIED Advertising Department of Sauk Valley Media does not have the opportunity to fully investigate the credibility of each advertiser appearing within these columns. If an offer sounds “too good to be true” it probably is.

Proceed with caution if you are asked to send money or to give a credit card number.

Proceed with caution in calling 900 phone numbers. All phone numbers prefixed by “900” are charged to the CALLER. Charges may be assessed on a “per minute” basis rather than a “per call” basis.

Sauk Valley Classified makes every effort to qualify these charges for the reader.

If you have a concern about an advertiser, please contact the Better Business Bureau 330 N. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60611.

312-832-0500

Saturday, December 24, 2016

AUCTIONS

615

NEW YEARS COLLECTABLE & HOUSEHOLD AUCTION 326 North Main Milledgeville January 1st 2017 At 11:00 A.M. Look up Auction zip 41970 for pictures and information.

Chuck Lindsay Auction 815-441-8681

AREA GARAGE SALES 624 ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES 705 I Buy: Antiques, collectibles, toys, post cards, etc.

815-445-6151.

WOOD / FUEL

746

FIREWOOD Split, Delivered & Stacked Hardwoods 815-626-6875

FURNITURE

755

Mattress sets: $99, Full Twin $129, Queen $159, King $199. Will deliver! Bunk Bed $298. Call 309451-7477 Twin, full, queen, king beds. Electric lift recliner, washer, dryer, refrig., sofas, dresser, recliner, table/ chairs 815-718-4385

PETS & PET SUPPLIES 775 Beautiful smart male Cat, free to good home only. neutered & shots.

Call 815-535-3835.

B9

www.saukvalley.com

PETS & PET SUPPLIES 775

PETS & PET SUPPLIES 775

Christmas kittens, 9 wks, vet checked. Litter trained.

Free to good indoor homes only.

Call 815-595-4260 or 815-440-2467.

WARNING ADS FOR FREE PETS Your beloved pet deserves a loving, caring home. The ad for your free pet may draw response from individuals who will sell your animal for research or breeding purposes.

Please screen respondents carefully when giving an animal away.

Your pet will thank you!

Free to good loving home.

Ready For Christmas!

1 Male & 1 Female Tiger kittens.

Call Teresa 815-946-4297

MiniDoodles, male & female, Red & white, $1500.

Weimerdoodles 2 females $500.

563-212-7307.

SNOWBLOWERS

782

MTD Snowblower 3hp 2 cyl 21” cut, new auger, good cond., $250 815973-3223

TICKETS / TRAVEL 787 & EVENTS No person or business, unless properly licensed by the Illinois Secretary of State, may sell ticket(s) for any sporting event or otherwise, for more than the price printed upon the face of the said ticket(s).

Only licensed ticket brokers may legally advertise, negotiate and execute the sale of ticket(s) for any amount over what is printed upon the face of ticket.

WANT TO BUY 795

Sudoku!

Answer on B11

I Pay Cash 4 Gold, Silver, Coins 24/7 779-245-2950 Want to Buy 10” or 15” Bench Drill Press or floor model 815-626-1056

Online Classifieds at

Searchable listings Submit an ad online Over 140 categories to search

saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • B9

Astrograph Much can be accomplished if you are willing to do things a little bit differently.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2016 CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- You need to take better care of your health. Too much of anything will lead to unwanted stress and difficulty enjoying holiday events. Slow down and enjoy the moment.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- It’s a good day to take action and share a little of your time or skills with those less fortunate. Every little bit you do will make a difference as well as make you feel good.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -Doing something special for a loved one will improve the way you move forward with your relationship. Planning a short trip or getting together with family is encouraged.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Don’t interfere in other people’s affairs. Saying little will help you get through family gatherings. It’s the actions you take to honor your beliefs that count; arguing with a staunch opponent will get you nowhere.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Don’t let work-related worries get in the way of you enjoying the people you love most. You cannot change the inevitable, but you can live in the moment. Personal gains are apparent.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Don’t argue with someone who is set in his or her ways.

An unexpected offering will leave you speechless, and a unique gesture on your part will help bring you closer to someone you love.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- A heartfelt offering or suggestion will result in popularity and good fortune.

Don’t hold back when you have something to contribute.

Share your ideas and make a difference.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Emotions will be close to the surface. Speak from the heart and share your thoughts and concerns. Use your imagination when it comes to self-improvements and home upgrades.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- An emotional misunderstanding will unfold if you haven’t shared important information with a loved one. Children will try your patience. You can and should rely on an elder to help you out.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Open your home to friends and family.

Hosting a holiday event will show your gratitude to those whom you love and appreciate. Love and romance should be a priority.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Reconnect with someone from your past or visit someone you haven’t seen in a while and share an engaging conversation that will help you jump-start your plans for the future.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- A close relationship will need nurturing. Consider innovative ways to come to terms with what you have to work with. The adjustments you make are best kept a secret for now.

©2016 UFS

B10

B10 • SV Weekend

www.saukvalley.com

CELEBRITY CIPHER

by Luis Campos

Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present.

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

TODAY’S CLUE: B equals S

“OU UOL GWB LHLM PLKUJL RUUM VMUJ ESHSOE.” -- WOOL VMWOA “ZUHL YGL ESHLM JUML YGWO YGL ESVY.” -- PMSEGWJ NUFOE Previous Solution: “Read the obit, then listen to his masterpiece, ‘Song for You.’ Leon Russell, Renowned Songwriter and Musician.” -- Steve Martin (c) 2016 by NEA, Inc., dist. by Universal Uclick 12-24

Find your dream home!

Read Sauk Valley Classifieds real estate section and Real Estate Weekly on Thursdays.

Saturday, December 24, 2016

MISCELLANEOUS 796 FOR SALE

MISCELLANEOUS 796 FOR SALE

1000 Christmas Lights. $20 815-626-8661 195/60 R15 Tire, good tread $20 815-677-0896 2 new Pella aluminum clad 9' x 8' garage door frames $100 815677-0896 205/70 R15 Pair of tires, good tread $50 815-677-0896

Lg. sectional, olive green, bought at Knie's, $450 815973-9600

Amish made oak table w/ 6 chairs, $700 815-9739600 Baby clothes, sz. 3mo.- 18mo.

50 items, Like new. $10 for all.

815-772-3224 Beautiful 85” Crème color sofa, excellent cond.

Must Sell! $165.

779-861-1322 BEAUTIFUL SET OF ★CHRISTMAS★ ★DISHES★ including serving pieces and glasses/dessert dishes $75 815-718-3016 BF Goodrich P/245/55R18 sensor all 4 tires & wheels for 2014 Camaro. $550 OBO. 815-590-6544 EDENPURE electric space heater w/ remote.18” x17” x13” like new $80.

815-625-1606 Flex-A-Bed, like new cond., could be used as hospital bed or for tv viewing $700/obo 815535-0688

Norseman Wood or Coal burning Furnace, $550 Call lm 815-441-3270 See More Online Photos, Commerce, Expanded Text ➛Look for WEB ID ➛Log on to: www.saukvalley. com classifieds ➛Enter the WEB ID in the WEB ID Box ➛View Photos, Expanded Text BUY ONLINE!! saukvalley.com CLASSIFIEDS Wood burning stove, 24”x24”x 24”, partial envelope, fire brick lined. Good cond. $275. I can load.

815-973-3223.

FARM LAND WANTED

815

Wanted-400 Acres Cash Rent up to $400 per acre for 2017 & beyond.

Please send replies to Box #:1346 ,c/o Sauk Valley Classifieds, P.O.Box 498, Sterling, IL 61081

CLASSIC CARS

Classic '85 Buick Riviera V8 Coupe, red w/white vinyl top, 80,500 mi., exc. ext/int upholw/leather stery. One family all ownership, working access., new battery, $4800 815-499-1957

AUTOMOBILES

NEW REAL DEAL

A 5 Line REAL DEAL

ad runs for 30 days in Sauk Valley Classifieds, 4 Ogle County Papers, The Review and saukvalley.com all for only $42!

Special must be mentioned at time of ad placement.

Offer expires 12/31/16 No Commercial Advertising, Pets, Garage Sales, Wood/ Fuel, Tickets/ Travel or Real Estate

1998 Neon Plymouth 147k mi. rebuilt transmission.

New breaks good cond. $1,650 OBO. 815-938-2655 2002 Chevy Malibu,130k + mi. new tires, runs great.

New Price $2,100 OBO 815-219-2734 creditautosales dixon.com Always over 100+ vehicles to choose from.

HAVING TROUBLE wording your ad? Call our classified department today. We'll be glad to help you. 626or 284SOLD SOLD.

Let Sauk Valley Classifieds do the work!

It’s easy, effective and will get you results.

Call 815-625-3600 or 815-284-2222

Gone Tomorrow.

CLASSIFIEDS SAUK VALLEY dailyGAZETTE

815-625-3600

TELEGRAPH

815-284-2222

905

FOR ITEMS OVER $300

Here Today.

and get started!

904

FARLEY'S APPLIANCE Heating & Cooling Sale & Service Free Estimates New & Replacement Units We service all brands!

Call Today (815)284-2052

Basement Waterproofing Prater Paint & Waterproofing We Dry Up Basements & Crawl Spaces, Remediate Mold & Install E-Z Breathe™ Ventilation Systems 815-626-5165

www.praterpaintand waterproofing.com

Carpentry OSMER WOODWORKING Kitchens, Baths, Drywall, Painting & More Call us for all of your Holiday & Winter projects Licensed, Bonded, Insured Satisfaction Guaranteed!

815-973-5809

Cleaning Service

Genl. Contracting

CLOCK, WATCH & JEWELRY REPAIR •We repair and restore all brands and types of clocks and watches •We make house calls on Grandfather clocks •We repair all types of jewelry, and all work is done on premises •Appraisal Services Professional Jeweler for over 25 years.

KRIEGER TIME AND JEWELRY CO. 618 S. Main St. Princeton, IL 815-872-8321

Dumpster Rental

Fireplaces Fireplaces Gas Wood Stoves Inserts Log Sets Doors Service Repair Install Visit our Showrooms Anselmo's 1235 W. LeFevre Rd., Sterling 815-625-3519

Furniture Refinished Furniture Restoration Strip, Refinish, Repair Re-glue, Touch-ups.

Custom Woodworking & Finishing Shop Anselmo's Inc. 1235 W. LeFevre Rd., Sterling 815-625-3519

Swanson Snow Removal

Commercial & Residential Free Estimates Call 815-973-8361

Storage

GUTTERS & THEN SOME Gutter Cleaning & Repair Service Miscellaneous Jobs FREE ESTIMATES 815-535-0911 Bonded & Insured If you have gutter problems, call the Gutter Guys!!

Serving the Sauk Valley Areas for over 15 years •On the Job Manufactured • Expert Installation •Competitive prices •Best Quality Materials, Guaranteed •5� and 6�

Seamless Gutters for Residential, Industrial & Commercial Needs •Leaf Free Gutter Protection Systems •Licensed •Bonded •Insured FREE Estimates 815-213-0704

PAUL’S HANDYMAN SERVICE “Anything Your Husband Won’t Do!â€? •Experience On All Manner of Home Repairs & Maintenance since 1986

(815)631-4122 www.mullerslane farm.com

Roofing

“Area's #1 Roofing Contractor IL Lic# 104-015191 Licensed, Bonded & Insured •Roofing •Siding •Windows •Decks •Additions •Garages & More Residential & Commercial Call now to schedule your FREE Estimate!

Will beat any leading competitor price 815-590-2677

Roofing/Siding

“Area's #1 Roofing Contractor IL Lic# 104-015191 Licensed, Bonded & Insured •Roofing •Siding •Windows •Decks •Additions •Garages & More Residential & Commercial Call now to schedule your FREE Estimate!

Will beat any leading competitor price 815-590-2677

Haul/Clean Service JOHN'S CLEANUP & REMOVAL Anything goes!!

Estate Cleanups PHONE 815-622-0240

Painting

Interior & Exterior Light Carpentry Pressure Washing 35 Years Experience Insured - References Cell #815-440-2202

Mobil Pressure Wash Service • Commercial, • Residential & • Semis You name it.... we clean it!

Call Ben 815-590-2694

• Residential • Commercial • Industrial * Fully Insured * Hot Water We do everything including house washing, gutters, pool areas, brick/ stone walls, decks & patios and commercial businesses.

Professional industrial equip.

Done right the first time!

Call 815-441-0246

STORAGE UNITS Multiple Sizes Starting at $35 OUTSIDE STORAGE NOW AVAILABLE No appt. needed Located inside MOORE TIRES 2411 E. Rt 30 Rock Falls (815)625-3764

www.allsafe center.com High-Security Storage Solutions and Much More! •Climate Controlled Storage •Low-Cost Moving Truck Rental •Confidential Document Shredding •We Ship FedEx & UPS! •Expert Packaging Services •Value Boxes & Packaging Supplies •EBAY and EMOTORS Internet Auction Sales Over 15,000 Sales •Office Hours: Mon-Fri. ☛ 8:306, Sat. ☛ 8:30noon 690 Timber Creek Rd. Dixon, (815)285-2212

Tree Service Cole's Complete Tree Service Tree Trimming Stump Removal Licensed and Insured *Free Estimates* 25HR Emergency Service Will meet or beat any written tree estimates.

Call 815-718-2997 Now accepting credit/debit cards Donnie Cole colestree service@outlook.com

Illinois License #104.016127 Bonded/Insured •Roofing •Siding • Windows •Doors •Additions• •Garages •Drywall •Decks and more Free Estimates 815-213-0556

BALAYTI PAINTING

Power Washing

Dumpster Rental for Clean-ups & Construction Small & Large containers avail.

Tidy Bug Inc. Dixon, IL tidybuginc.com 815-456-3001

Snow Removal

Gutter Cleaning

Gutters

Snowplowing SNOWPLOWING Residential & Commercial Licensed, Bonded Insured Call for FREE Estimates 815-973-5809

License-Bonded Insured NO JOB TOO SMALL All your home Improvement needs Remodeling of baths, basements & kitchens Custom showers Siding-Decks etc.

815-440-3519

Handyman

Clock/Watch Repair

Remodeling

Serving the Sauk Valley Area for over 15 years. •Garages •Additions •Roofing •Siding •Windows •Gutters •Interior/Exterior •New Construction & Re-Construction Residential, Industrial, Commercial •Licensed •Bonded •Insured FREE Estimates 815-213-0704

Snowmobile Repair Snowmobile Repair

Frank's Performance

Snowmobile & ATV Service Repair & Accessories Your Local Amsoil Dealer!

Be Ready Before The Snow Flies!!

10576 Buell Rd. Rock Falls 815-622-9370

Snowplowing â?‹â?‹â?‹â?‹â?‹â?‹â?‹â?‹â?‹â?‹â?‹

MATT'S SNOWPLOWING Sterling Rock Falls Residential & Commercial Most Driveways $20 LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEED 815-590-1677 â?‹â?‹â?‹â?‹â?‹â?‹â?‹â?‹â?‹â?‹â?‹

WILKINS TREE & LANDSCAPING Simple Trimming Simple Price Fully Insured Licensed Timber Buyer in IL FREE Estimates Selling hardwood lumber & firewood 815-631-4340 WILKINS TREE & LANDSCAPING Simple Trimming Simple Price Fully Insured Licensed Timber Buyer in IL FREE Estimates Selling hardwood lumber & firewood 815-631-4340

TV Repair

S.U.V.S

909

1998 Toyota 4 Runner; 172K miles, 4WD, Runs Great! $2,500 815-973-4282 2001 Mercedes ML 320, 132K, AWD, hitch, reliable. $5250.

Call 815-312-0037

TRUCKS

910

1966 Chevy step bed C10 pickup.

New 350 motor & trans. $8,000. Call 815-440-9132 for more details.

1985 Dodge PickProspector Up Truck & new complete, box 81,400 actual a great miles, project truck, $2500/obo 815632-7254

VANS

911

2000 Ford Conversion Van, white, 124k mi., 4 Capchairs + tain's bench converts to bed. VGC, $4,900 815-440-8023

SV Weekend • B11

4X4S

912

2006 Chevy Silverado LT, 3500 diesel 4x4, loaded.

163K mi. New tires/brakes. One owner. Runs great!

Reduced! $15,900.

815-973-3281

BOATS/MOTORS

940

2015 Lund, under 50 hrs. on motor, 115 hp, Mercury 19.7 length loaded, 2 live wells - xm stereo plus much more, exc. shape.

Must see to appreciate $20,000 firm 815-379-2427

AUTOS WANTED

960

$$$$$$$$$$$$$ 815-499-3543

CASH 4-CARS

We are licensed & insured to buy vehicles. Running or non running, scrap, Ect. 7 days a week.

All Calls Answered!

(815)499-3543 $$$$$$$$$$$$$

SM-ST13841-0107

Classifieds Work!

Terry of Rock Falls sold his 2002 Pontiac Grand Am for $4200 using

C CCLASSIFIEDS LASSIFIEDS SAUK VALLEY SAUK VALLEY SAUK VALLEY

LASSIFIEDS dailyGAZETTE

dailyGAZETTE dailyGAZETTE

TELEGRAPH

TELEGRAPH TELEGRAPH

815-284-2224 815-625-3600

PUBLIC AUCTION Auction City Sales 2505 W. 4th St. Dixon, IL 61021 * NO SALE NOTICE *

Tuesday, December 27, 2016 There will not be a sale. Wishing everyone a safe and Happy Holiday Season from all of us at Auction City!!

Auction City Sales Auctioneer: Ample Food Lee Hollingsworth Seating Stand Phone 815-288-5814 IL. License #40000730

SAUKVALLEY.COM

SERVICE DIRECTORY SAUK VALLEY

Air Cond./Heating

B11 A1

www.saukvalley.com

VISIT

Saturday, December 24, 2016

TR IV I A AN SW ER 1) Graceland, home of Elvis Presley 2) The Vanderbilts; the Frenchstyle chateau has 250 rooms and a 7,500-acre estate.

Before you make a move call‌

SHIPPERTS Moving & Storage

815-625-9600 1701 E. 4th St., Sterling

815-288-9600

849 N. Galena Ave, Dixon

NOW THE AREA’S #1 USED CAR SOURCE HAS 2 LOCATIONS!!!

2009 BMW 128I CONVERTIBLE

only 52,430 miles

2014 CHEVY CAPTIVA LTZ

$14,999* 2014 VW BEETLE

$11,999* 2014 CHEVY IMPALA LIMITED LTZ Leather Sunroof

$9,999* 2014 CHEVY CRUZE NAVIGATION

$181.03/mo*

Water Softeners

Only 31,826 miles

$16,999*

2015 CHEVY CRUZE LTZ

$196/mo*

$14,999*

2016 DODGE JOURNEY SE 26 mpg Hwy

$16,999*

2013 FORD FOCUS SE

$10,999*

US DOT 76235

2014 FORD FOCUS SE 37 mpg Hwy

$11,999*

2012 MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE V6 Premium

$11,999*

2012 FORD FUSION SEL V6

$11,999*

2015 FORD FIESTA SE

$12,999* 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GT Sharp

$10,999*

2008 MERCURY MILAN V6 Premier

$6,999*

2012 NISSAN SENTRA 2.0 SR

$8,999*

The Softener Man 815-544-0918

$13,999*

2013 CHEVY EQUINOX LT

TELEVISION IN HOME REPAIR 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE! Work on all Brands & Models Old or New Serving the Sauk Valley and More Call Ron for a free quote at 815-561-0011 Dixon, IL

$15,999*

2011 CHEVY MALIBU NAVIGATION

404 N. Lincoln Ave., Dixon, IL 288-3133 www.alliedvan.com ILL CC 10540

$14,999*

2015 NISSAN ROGUE SELECT

$15,999* Repairr on all makes & models Servicce Call Special

2012 VW JETTA SE

$11,999*

$19.95!

Mon.-Thur. 9-7 • Fri. 9-6 • Sat. 8:30am -4pm

Over 30 years of experience

*Plus tax, title, license & doc fee. Payments based on 3.99% APR ďŹ nancing for 75 months with approved credit with vehicles up to $10,000 - $1,000 down, vehicles $10,000 - $20,000 - $2,000 down, vehicles $20,000+ - $3,000 down. Photos for illustration only.

Dealer not liable for errors.

SM-ST10942-1224

SV Weekend • B12

Wheels www.saukvalley.com

Saturday, December 24, 2016

2017 Nissan GT-R

Paid Advertisement

By Charles Fleming Los Angeles Times (TNS)

T

he 2017 Nissan GT-R is a bad car, for bad people.

It’s a hooligan ride, for hooligan drivers, good for nothing but scaring the neighbors, driving up insurance rates and attracting the attention of the cops.

But it’s so much fun to drive!

Nissan has been building a version of the GT-R since the late 1960s, when it first offered a Japan-only Nissan Skyline GTR. The current model has been available in the U.S. since 2008.

With every passing year, these brutes get bigger and badder.

The 2010 featured a V-6 engine that made 523 horsepower and 451 pound-feet of torque. The The big trunk has room for your golf clubs and even your caddie.

2017 version, a 3.8-liter V-6, produces 565 horsepower and quite exhilarating. The slight cooling even on a scorching 467 pound-feet of torque. turbo lag resulting from a quick day. The sound system is good stomp on the pedal is made too, as is the Bluetooth phone Everything about the GT-R up for by the neck-snapping pairing. screams “track day,” from the jolt that follows. Zero to 60 is bright red start button (which abrupt, and 60 to 100 seemed to But this is a race car, not a coflooks like something you’d use happen pretty quickly too. fee shop or a phone booth. So to initiate ignition on a rocket The six-speed transmission, enjoying that sound system, or ship) to the race seats (which through all-wheel-drive, felt using the telephone, may be difare actually comfortable for very tractable for such an ag- ficult to do over the roar of the long-distance driving) to the gressive monster. The GT-R engine _ quite intoxicating but engine sound (which seems never felt in danger of losing its likely to interrupt communicamore suited to a jet fighter than grip. tion and inhibit conversation a street-legal automobile). with your passenger, even if the But even in optional “comfort” passenger is capable of speakThe GT-R is said to get from zero mode, the suspension is stiff, ing, given the way you’re probto 60 miles per hour in 3.2 sec- perhaps perfect for the track ably driving this beast. onds, on its way to a top speed but not ideal for, say, a slow of 195 miles per hour.

On the streets, enthusiasts knew boulevard cruise.

Although I did not test those at once they were looking at the numbers and do not drive that It’s meant to be a daily driver 2017 version, which features a fast, I believe it. Around town, and for some people will be. The new front grille, hood, spoiler climate control system is very and bumper. On the inside, they I found the GT-R’s acceleration efficient _ quiet and powerfully noted the shift paddles are now

SALE PRICE

$21,974

They’ve gone up against Corvette Z06s and come out on top.

They’re priced accordingly too.

What would they be cross-shopping, if they were serious about that? Given the specs, the GT-R is competitive with the fastest cars made by Porsche, BMW, Audi and Ferrari. On various

If that’s not enough, you are free to spend $176,585 for the “Nismo” version of the GT-R. That one features a 600-horsepower engine and is even more of a hooligan.

2016 2016 Nissan Altima 2.5 S Nissan Sentra S

$24,570

SALE PRICE

$19,120

$18,905

MSRP

MSRP

$25,910

tracks, in varying tests, GT-Rs have matched or even beaten 911s, R8s, M3s and 599s.

The Premium version has a Though it has rear seats, they’re starting MSRP of $111,585 for probably not going to be useful a model that comes standard for carrying people. with heated, adjustable, leather seats; Bose sound system; I don’t know anyone who owns 8-inch color navigation display; a GT-R, but I’ve met people who and front and rear parking sensors. would like to.

MSRP

2016 Nissan Rogue S

mounted on the steering wheel.

The trunk design suggests Nissan believes people will be using the GT-R for more than drag racing. The big trunk has room for your golf clubs and even your caddie, or a couple of suitcases.

SALE PRICE

$15,863

www.KenNelsonNissan.com 815-288-4455 928 N. Galena Ave - Dixon

Sale ends 1/3/2017. Final sale price reflects dealers discount and available rebates. Qualified college grad, military and owner communication customers may receive extra discounts, contact dealer for details. Tax, title, license and doc fee extra.

Business

www.saukvalley.com

Section C

SV Weekend

Saturday, December 24, 2016

daveRAMSEY

ROCK FALLS | BIG D’S SLOTS AND VIDEO POKER

Financial straight talk.

For more advice, plus special readers offers, visit davesays.org or call 88822-PEACE.

Layaway not the solution Dear Dave, How do you feel about using layaway programs?

– Jay

Photos by Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

Big D’s Slots and Video Poker opened in September at 200 E. Fourth St. in Rock Falls. Phyllis and DeWayne Cardwell and their sons, Ryan and Dustin, offer gamers free snacks and nonalcoholic beverages in a quiet and relaxed atmosphere.

Phyllis and DeWayne also own W&D Cardwell’s Tap at 219 First Ave.

Spin to win at new spot Niche business offers a comfortable environment without the bar atmosphere

E

​BY ASHLEY CADY acady@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5521 @ashleycady_svm

ver get the urge to go to Las Vegas but can’t afford it? Well, you don’t need to hop in a plane; you can hop in your car instead and head over to Big D’s Slots and Video Poker.

Phyllis and DeWayne Cardwell and their sons, Dustin and Ryan, own the business they dub “a little bit of Vegas in the heart of Rock Falls.”

Big D’s opened in September with the goal of providing a clean, quiet and comfortable environment for people to play.

“The market was out there, and we also wanted to open up a place where people can play from a local owner instead of out of town,” Dustin said The Cardwell family has been in the bar business for 33 years – Phyllis and DeWayne also own W&D Cardwell’s Tap at 219 First Ave. Through the years, DeWayne has noticed one thing in particular: “There’s a market out there for people that like to play video games, but who don’t like bars. This was a niche that we felt we could capitalize on.”

Big D’s might be a little hard to find – it’s tucked away behind DeKalb Feeds – but that hasn’t stopped 25 or 30 determined folks from already stopping in daily. “[Business is] going good,” Dustin said. “It’s picking up more and more ... we’re just a little off the beaten path.”

They’ve already developed several loyal customers.

SPIN continued on C84

Stop on by

Big D’s might be a little hard to find – it’s tucked away behind DeKalb Feeds – but that hasn’t stopped dozens of determined folks from already stopping in daily.

Big D’s Slots and Video Poker, 200 E. Fourth St. in Rock Falls, is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

Find it on Facebook or call 815-213-7424 for more information.

Dear Jay, I’m not a huge fan of layaway plans, because they’re not really the solution to a problem.

What’s wrong with just saving up and buying stuff when you have the cash? I mean, Christmas comes at the same time every year, you know? It’s not like it snuck up on you.

I know there are times when particular items are on sale, and you can take advantage of it through layaway if you don’t have the cash at the moment.

I don’t really have a problem with that kind of thing in rare instances. But I would not, under any circumstances, use a layaway plan that has fees attached. You might as well borrow the money if you’re going that route.

Here’s a good rule of thumb: If you don’t have the money, you can’t afford it. And make sure you don’t get into the habit of lusting after things you don’t own, because that lack of contentment is always tied to people being broke. Just don’t make plans like this a way of life, Jay. If you do, you’re liable to stay chained to layaway programs just like you’d be chained to debt.

– Dave

Credit cards are not an emergency fund Dear Dave, My husband and I are trying to follow your plan. We’ve paid off all of our credit cards, but he still doesn’t want to close the accounts and cut up the cards. Instead, he wants to keep them in a drawer and use them as an emergency fund.

He grew up really poor, and I think he’s afraid of being poor again.

RAMSEY continued on C84

MORRISON | CUTTING FOR A CAUSE

Homemade products help pay real estate taxes Wood items made, sold by Kaufman

BY ASHLEY CADY acady@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5521 @ashleycady_svm

MORRISON – Like Newton’s apple, a falling tree gave a Morrison woman a new idea, and a new purpose in life.

Jill Kaufman, 61, created Cutting for a Cause. She makes and sells homemade wood products to raise money to help people who can’t afford to pay their real estate taxes.

She got the idea when a large maple tree in her backyard was felled in a storm. It was too expensive to have professionals remove it and other trees that needed cut down, so, she hired Morrison High School junior Jacob Callahan to do some of the work.

While she was busy trying to take care of her trees, other things fell by the wayside: She forgot to pay her property taxes and had to pay a penalty.

She managed to put the bill

How to help Donations to Cutting for a Cause can be dropped off at any Sterling Federal Bank in Morrison, Sterling or Rock Falls.

Call Jill Kaufman at 815499-1839 or message her on Facebook to make an appointment to see her wares.

Kaufman also needs volunteers to help cut and sealcoat wood, and make items.

Morrison High School junior Jacob Callahan also can be hired to do yard work, proceeds from which also go to Cutting for a Cause.

Go to gofundme.com/cuttingfor-a-cause to make a donation. on a credit card, which put her in the clear. But she notices a lot of others at the courthouse who were in the same boat.

“I could not believe all the people there in line with late taxes,” she said. “The old, the Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com elderly, the disabled. I thought, Jill Kaufman of Morrison sits on a homemade log stool, among some of the other pieces she’s ‘Oh my gosh, this is a tragedy.’” made from a felled tree in her backyard, for her nonprofit-in-the-making, Cutting for a Cause. She HOMEMADE continued on C84 sells the items – from stools to candle holders – to help people pay their real estate taxes.

C2 • SV Weekend

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Saturday, December 24, 2016

WEARING OF THE PINK

Students at St. Mary School in Sterling recently participated in a “Wear your PINK Day” to raise money for breast cancer research. The goal was $700, and they raised $837. Photo submitted by Robbin Clifton.

Martial arts, yoga sewing, flight classes available DIXON – Sign-up is open for yoga and martial arts classes through Sauk Valley Community College’s community education department.

The following classes are at Traditional Wellness Center, 216 W. First St. ■ Ancient Yoga Stretching, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Jan. 30

■ Yoga and Meditation for Kids from 4 to 5 p.m.

Feb. 1 ■ Kajukenbo, from 5 to 6 p.m. Feb. 1 ■ Yoga Nidra from 7 to 8 p.m. Feb. 2 ■ Tai Chi from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., Muay Tigers from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., and Muai Thai from 4:30

to 6:30 p.m., all Feb. 4.

Ancient Yoga Stretching costs $8; the rest are $6.

Space is limited.

Sauk also will offer Sewing on Football Sunday sessions from Jan. 15 to Feb. 5 at Sewing by Deb in the Atrium, 404 N. Galena Ave., Suite 220. Sewing machines will be available for use .

Each class is from 1 to 4 p.m.

They are: ■ A two-tone valance with Butterick pattern B5369 or B5582, Jan. 15, $25 ■ A cover for a stand mixer or other kitchen appliance, Jan. 22, $25 ■ A travel or storage

pouch, Jan. 29, $29 ■ How to hand-sew and use a sewing machine, with instruction on how to sew buttons, hems, and patches, Feb. 5, $25 M & M Aviation, 10950 Hoover Road, Rock Falls, and Sauk will offer Discovery Ride during which students will be taught

about the aircraft and will fly a Piper Cherokee 140 for 15 minutes with a flight instructor. No experience is required. The cost is $99.

Contact Brenda Helms at the number listed to schedule the session.

Visit svcc.edu/bcc or call the department at 815835-6212 for more information and to register.

TRANSPORTATION DONATION

SUCCESS IN DUBUQUE

Students at Franklin Elementary School recently participated in a hat day during December to raise money for Whiteside County Public Transportation’s Adopt a Rider program. Tori McDaniel (left), director of WCPT, receives the donation from Linda Osborn of Franklin school. According to a news release, many students, as well as families, use the public transportation services. Photo submitted by Amy Springman.

Members of Dixon School of Tae Kwon Do recently competed at the 23rd annual Karate Championships in Dubuque, Iowa. With awards and by place are (front row, from left) Aaron Fitzanko, third in weapons and fourth in sparring and forms, and Derek Fitzanko, fourth in weapons, sparring, and forms; (middle row) Hiram Zigler, fourth in weapons, sparring, and forms, and Joy Zigler, first in weapons and second in sparring and forms; and (back row) Ya Ben Xheka, second in sparring and fourth in weapons and forms, and Bill Moritz, 3rd Dan instructor. Photo submitted by Moritz.

Time to nominate for YWCA honors DAR has winner DIXON – The YWCA of the Sauk Valley’s annual Women of Achievement Luncheon will be April 7 at Dixon Elks Lodge 779, 1279 Franklin Grove Road.

Nominations for awards honoring seven women are due by 4 p.m. March 3 to the YWCA, 412 First Ave., Sterling, IL 61081.

The honors are: ■ Crete Dillon Bowman Award, for women with outstanding voluntary or career leadership in efforts to build and strengthen the community

■ L.L. Ely Award, to honor women who have shown excellence, professionalism, and accomplishment as administrative professionals and assistants ■ Jane Reid Keefer Award, recognizing women’s career accomplishments in medical, legal, social service, teaching, and nonprofit fields ■ Louise Bittorf Sullivan Award, honoring women who inspire a broad range of people around them ■ Pearl Woods Award,

recognizing women whose career accomplishments are focused in industry and private business ■ Young Woman of Tomorrow, for outstanding accomplishment and leadership potential for women 15 to 22 ■ Spirit of Achievement, a posthumous award for women not honored during their lifetime Invitations and registration materials will be available at a later date.

All proceeds will support YWCA programs in

Lee and Whiteside counties, such as domestic violence and sexual assault assistance, prevention of bullying and abuse, girls’ programs, career services, cultural diversity work, and immigrant outreach.

For nomination forms and information, call the YWCA at 815-625-0333 or visit its Facebook page.

Last year’s winners were Jessica Garza, Terri Lawrence, Carol Lubbs, Deborah Combs, Deb Vos, Deisy Diaz, and the late Jen Banks, and the late Anita Elgin.

The Princeton Chapter of the National Society – Daughters of the American Revolution has named Tiana Kennedy as 2016-17 DAR Good Citizen Award.

Kennedy attends Bureau Valley High School, and is the daughter of Kevin and Treva Kennedy.

Chosen by the faculty and senior class, she was selected on the basis of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism.

Kennedy has been on

the honor roll throughout high school, and was inducted into the National Honor Society as a junior.

She also was a nominee of the Elks Teen of the Month for October, and Tiana Kennedy volunteers her time within her community of Walnut and her church.

She plans to attend college to become a pediatric nurse.

Saturday, December 24, 2016

Scrapbook www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • C3

‘Santa’ travels the world Photos submitted by Richard Longfellow of Dixon

The Opera House in Sydney, Australia, rises in the background behind Richard “Santa” Longfellow during one of his globe-trotting cruises. He left his sleigh behind.

Using the power of optical illusion, Longfellow appears to be holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa Children in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, were able to get a picture with “Santa”. in Italy.

Drummers greet “Santa” and other visitors in Hambantota, Sri Lanka.

A young swimmer stops for a poolside picture near Hubbard Glacier in Alaska.

“Santa” is in his element near the chilly glacier.

Shorts aren’t “Santa’s” normal outfit, but they’re just right in Sri Lanka.

Wanted: Photos from you A scrapbook is a book with blank pages, and that’s what our Scrapbook page is without your pictures. We want to fill the page with images that capture lives in the Sauk Valley. They can be submitted by email to photos@saukvalley.com or can be taken to the Sterling and Dixon offices.

C4 • SV Weekend

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Saturday, December 24, 2016

Tampico’s Christmas in the Country

LEFT: Tampico’s annual Christmas in the Country was the time for choosing new royalty. They are (from left) Princess Rylee Zais, King Travis Matthews, Queen Lillie Brady, and Prince Carter Brady, lighting the tree. Photos by Ron Sharp Sr., submitted by Joan Johnson.

RIGHT: The royals pose in front of the lighted Christmas tree.

Caboose rides were given around town for passengers to see the lights.

Santa was popular with the younger set, and took time to find out what the royals wanted for Christmas. The festivities included cooking decorating and shopping with the main event at the fire and ambulance station.

Give environment present by recycling this season OREGON – Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department has suggestions on how to cut back on waste over the holiday season.

Here are some ideas to follow: ■ Give the gift of time by volunteering.

■ Reuse wrapping paper, bags, and boxes; use newspaper or do not wrap at all.

■ Consider electronic or postcard greeting cards.

■ When decorating, use holiday lights with lightemitting diodes to consume less energy.

■ When planning meals,

consider locally-grown and organic foods; avoid disposable dinnerware and utensils.

■ Recycle as much holiday waste as possible. Do not include Styrofoam, plastic bags, bows, or ribbons.

No curbside service?

Ogle County residents can drop-off items at recycling stations: ■ Byron: Stone Quarry parking lot, Byron Forest Preserve, 6845 N. German Church Road – daylight hours only ■ Davis Junction: Orchard Hills Landfill, 8290 state Route 251

■ Forreston: South Ash Street, a half block south of state Route 72, 2 blocks east of state Route 26.

■ Hillcrest: behind village hall, 204 Hillcrest.

Ave. ■ Monroe Center: Mulford Road and the railroad crossing, north side ■ Oregon: Ogle County Farm Bureau parking lot, 421 W. Pines Road ■ Polo: Corner of Franklin Avenue and Locust Street, north of Olsen’s Elevator.

■ Rochelle: Big R parking lot, 1240 N. Seventh St. Live-cut Christmas trees also can be recycled. FFA

groups in Ogle County will have a curbside, live Christmas tree collection Jan. 7 in Adeline, Byron, Forreston, German Valley, Mount Morris, Oregon, and Polo. Trees will be collected at the curb from Jan. 2 to 16 in Rochelle by the street department.

All decorations should be removed.

Trees also can be dropped off until Jan. 16 at the boat launch on Blackhawk Drive (state Route 2), Byron; 407 N. Locust St., Forreston; 208 W. Railroad St., Leaf River; Lichty’s Landscaping, 309 Pacific St., Monroe Cen-

ter; Oregon Park District Maintenance Department on Hill Street; the city lot at the southwest corner of Colder and Green streets in Polo; and Atwood Park, 10th Avenue and 20th Street, Rochelle.

Broken holiday lights and extension cords can be recycled until Jan. 31 at: ■ Byron Fire Department, 123 S. Franklin St. ■ Forreston Village Hall, 102 S. Walnut Ave. ■ Mount Morris Fire Department, 15 E. Center St. ■ Old Ogle County Courthouse, 105 S. Fifth St., Oregon

■ Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department, 909 W. Pines Road, Oregon ■ Polo City Hall, 115 S. Franklin Ave. ■ Rochelle Fire Department, 401 Fifth Ave. ■ Stillman Valley Fire Department, 200 S. Rural St. Waste management personnel will offer an electronics recycling collection from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Friday at their Pines Road facility.

For more information, visit oglecounty.org or call OCSWMD at 815-7324020.

Saturday, December 24, 2016

www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • C5

DIXON K-KIDS Dixon Kiwanis Club adviser Bonnie O’Connell recently visited the fourth-and-fifth grade K-Kids at Madison School. The group was given T-shirts in honor of New Shirt Day. Faculty adviser John Barker joined the students for a group photograph. Photo submitted by O’Connell.

K-Kids also filled and decorated shoe boxes, and donated them to Operation Christmas Child.

COMMUNITY EVENTS Today Farmers Market, 8 a.m.noon, Twin City Market, indoors, 106 Avenue A, Sterling, 815-626-8610.

Sunday Christmas Day, there are no activities today.

Monday Christmas Holiday, Cancellations have not been received for these listings; check with organizers to see if meeting.

Tacos, 4-8 p.m., Latin American Social Club, 2708 W.

Fourth St., Sterling, 815-6258290.

Loaves and Fishes, 5-6 p.m., Holloway Center, St. Patrick Catholic Church, 612 Highland Ave., Dixon, 815-284-7719. A free, hot meal for the needy.

Sauk Valley Chess Club, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Northland Mall, 2900 E. Lincolnway, Sterling; 815-622-8838.

Tuesday Open pool, open cards, and computer lab, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, 815622-9230.

Open pool, open cards, open Wii games and computer lab, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Post House Community Center, 100 W. Second St., Dixon, 815-288-9236.

Coffee, 8 a.m., Mount Morris Senior Center, 9 E. Front St., 815-734-6335.

Burn exercise class, 8:30-9 a.m., Polo Area Senior Services, 101 E. Mason St., Polo, 815946-3818.

Bingo and doughnuts, 9-10 a.m., Hub City Senior Center, 401 Cherry Ave., Rochelle, 815562-5050.

Kings on Corner cards, 9 a.m., Whiteside County Senior

Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, 815-622-9230.

Wii Bowling and card games, 10 a.m., Hub City Senior Center, 401 Cherry Ave., Rochelle, 815562-5050.

Line dancing, 10-11 a.m., Post House Community Center, 100 W. Second St., Dixon, 815288-9236.

Community coffee and doughnuts, 10 a.m., Oregon Living & Rehab Center, 811 S. 10th St., 815-732-7994.

Line dancing, 10:30 a.m., Polo Area Senior Services, 101 E. Mason St., Polo, 815-946-3818.

Lunch, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.,

Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, 815622-9230.

Organized bowling games, noon, Post House Community Center, 100 W. Second St., Dixon.

Card games, noon, Hub City Senior Center, 401 Cherry Ave., Rochelle, 815-562-5050.

Bingo, 12:15 p.m., Robert Fulton Community Center and Transit Facility, 912 Fourth St., Fulton, 815-589-3925.

Euchre, scrabble, 12:30 p.m., Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, 815622-9230.

Bingo, 12:30 p.m., Rock River Center, 810 S. 10th St., Oregon, 815-732-3252.

Euchre 101, 1 p.m., Robert Fulton Community Center and Transit Facility, 912 Fourth St., Fulton, 815-589-3925.

Karaoke, 1-4 p.m., Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, 815-6229230.

Yoga with Dr. Shankar, 5 p.m., Home of Hope Cancer Wellness Center, 1637 Plock Road, Dixon, 815-288-4673.

Bingo, 7 p.m., Sterling Moose Family Center, 2601 E. Lincolnway, Sterling, 815-625-0354.

p.m., open, Immanuel Lutheran Church, 960 N. U.S. Route 52, Amboy.

Sauk Valley Al-Anon GroupAlateen, 7 p.m., back door, 1503 First Ave., Suite D, Rock Falls.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., closed, step study, Church of St. Anne, 401 N. Cherry St., Morrison.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., closed, study, Elim Reformed Church parsonage, 140 S. Church Road, Kings.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7:30 p.m., closed, Eells Room, St. Luke Episcopal Church, 207 W. Third St., Dixon.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., closed (3), First Presbyterian Church, 502 Third St., Savanna.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., open, 217 N. Hickory St., Shannon.

Free blood pressure clinic, 10-11:30 a.m., Oregon Living & Rehab Center, 811 S. 10th St. Commodities, 10 a.m.-noon, Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, 815-622-9230.

Senior Information Services, 10 a.m.-noon, Mount Carroll Senior Center, 306 N. Main St., 800-541-5479.

Alcoholics Anonymous Gratitude Group, noon, open; 6 p.m., women’s, open,, lower level, Loveland Community House, 513 W. Second St., Dixon.

Alcoholics Anonymous, noon, closed, St. Paul Lutheran Church, 114 S. Fifth St., Oregon.

Sterling Rotary Club, noon, YWCA of the Sauk Valley, 412 First Ave. Dixon Noon Lions, noon, private dining room, KSB Hospital, 403 E. First St., 815-973-2105.

Public welcome.

Alcoholics Anonymous, noon, closed, 12x12; 3:30 p.m., closed; 7 p.m., closed, Big Book, Bazaar Americana, 609 W. Third St., Sterling.

Volunteer Care Center of Lee County, 2-5 p.m., 101 W. Second St., Dixon. Appointments: 815-284-9555.

Red Cross blood drive, 4-7 p.m., 112 W. Second St., Rock Falls. Appointments: 815-6250382.

Yoga and meditation, 5 p.m., Home of Hope Cancer Wellness Center, 1637 Plock Road, Dixon, 815-288-4673.

Dixon TOPS IL 617 meeting, 5 p.m., Eells meeting room, St. Luke Episcopal Church, 221 W. Third St., Dixon, 815-288-1328.

Women’s Cancer Networking Group, 6 p.m., Home of Hope Cancer Wellness Center, 1637 Plock Road, Dixon, 815288-4673.

Overeaters Anonymous, 6 p.m., Post House Community Center, 100 W. Second St., Dixon, 815-379-2293.

Migraine Support Group,

6-7:30 p.m., Moira’s Home Yoga Studio, 210 N. Dixon Ave., Dixon, 847-975-9642.

A Call to Prayer – Ladies Prayer Meeting, 6 p.m., New Life in Christ Church, 1101 First Ave., Sterling, 815-284-3059.

Caregivers Support Group, 6 p.m., Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, 815-622-9230.

TOPS 253, 6-7:30 p.m., Morningside of Sterling, 2705 Avenue E, Sterling, 815-6222820.

NAMI Sauk Area, 6:30 p.m., Sinnissippi Centers, 325 state Route 2, Dixon, namisaukvalley@gmail.com or 815-2846417.

Fibromyalgia Support Group, 6:30-8 p.m., New Horizons Counseling Center, 34 N. Whistler Ave., Freeport, 815235-6171.

Working Women’s Grief Support Group, 6:30 p.m., KSB Hospice office, Commerce Towers, 215 E. First St., Dixon.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., closed, 606 N. Brown Ave., Ashton.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., closed, 808 Freeport Road, Sterling.

Alcoholics Anonymous Beginners, 7 p.m., closed; 8 p.m., closed, First Presbyterian Church, 410 Second Ave., Sterling.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., open, Rolling Hills Progress Center, 201 state Route 64, Lanark.

Sauk Valley Alcoholics Anonymous Group, 7 p.m., open, As Bill Sees It, back door, 1503 First Ave., Suite D, Rock Falls.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7:30 p.m., closed, Village of Progress, 710 S. 13th St., Oregon.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., closed, All Saints Lutheran Church, 624 Luther Drive, Byron.

SUPPORT GROUPS, CLUBS, AND SERVICES Today Overeaters Anonymous, 9 a.m., Gateway Faith Fellowship parsonage, 701 14th Ave., Fulton, 563-321-8577.

Overeaters Anonymous, 9 a.m., lower-level entrance, Church of God, 816 S. Clay St., Mount Carroll.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 9 a.m., closed, Big Book, United Methodist Church, 201 E. Chicago Ave., Davis Junction.

Alcoholics Anonymous Gratitude Group, 9 a.m., open; noon, open; 6 p.m., open, lower level, Loveland Community House, 513 W. Second St., Dixon.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 9:30 a.m., closed, former St. Anne Grade School, 32 N. Jones Ave., Amboy, 815-857-2315.

Women’s Alcoholics Anonymous, 10:30 a.m., closed; 7 p.m., closed, 808 Freeport Road, Sterling.

Sauk Valley Alcoholics Anonymous Group, noon, open, Old Timers; 7 p.m., open, family fun night, bring a friend, back door, 1503 First Ave., Suite D, Rock Falls.

Alcoholics Anonymous, noon, closed; 7 p.m. closed (5), Bazaar Americana, 609 W. Third St., Sterling.

Narcotics Anonymous Hope Without Dope, noon, in the back of Lifescape Community Services, 1901 First Ave., Sterling, 815535-3748, 24-hour hotline 844678-7684.

Overeaters Anonymous, 5 p.m., lower-level entrance, Church of God, 816 S. Clay St., Mount Carroll, 630-709-7807.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., closed, First Presbyterian Church, 1100 Calvin Road, Rochelle.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., steps, traditions, closed, Village of Progress, 710 S. 13th St., Oregon.

Sunday Christmas Day, Cancellations have not been received for these listings; check with orga-

nizers to see if meeting.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 a.m., closed; noon, open; 1 p.m., closed, Spanish; 7 p.m., closed, Bazaar Americana, 609 W. Third St., Sterling.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 10 a.m., open, barn, Horizon View Farm, 2422 N. River Road, Oregon.

Sauk Valley Alcoholics Anonymous Group, 10 a.m.noon, open, Big Book, back door, 1503 First Ave., Suite D, Rock Falls.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 6 p.m., closed, Church of St. Anne, 401 N. Cherry St., Morrison.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., closed, Spanish, St. Patrick Catholic Church, 236 Kelly Drive, Rochelle.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., open, Rochelle Community Hospital, 900 N. Second St., Rochelle.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., closed, 808 Freeport Road, Sterling.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., closed, clearance required, BAAbble on for Life Prison Group, 815-973-6150.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7:30 p.m., closed, 304 Seventh Ave. W, Lyndon.

Monday Christmas Holiday, Cancellations have not been received for these listings; check with organizers to see if meeting.

Abuse Changing team, 815625-0338.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 a.m., open, First United Methodist Church, 402 First Ave., Forreston.

Alcoholics Anonymous Gratitude Group, noon, step, closed; 6 p.m., open, lower level, Loveland Community House, 513 W. Second St., Dixon.

Dixon Rotary Club, noon, Mama Cimino’s, 104 S. Peoria Ave., Melissa, 815-284-5287.

Alcoholics Anonymous,

noon, closed, Big Book; 6 p.m., closed, Spanish; 7 p.m., open, beginners, Bazaar Americana, 609 W. Third St., Sterling.

Alcoholics Anonymous, noon, open, St. Paul Lutheran Church, 114 S. Fifth St., Oregon.

Sauk Valley Alcoholics Anonymous Group, noon, open, Sunshine meeting, back door, 1503 First Ave., Suite D, Rock Falls.

The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, 1 p.m., 409 Avenue F, Sterling, 815-6251622.

Whiteside County Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 1:30 p.m., Coventry Village, 612 W. 23rd St., Sterling.

TOPS Chapter IL 634 meeting, 4:30 p.m., 205 S. Walnut St., Franklin Grove.

Celebrate Recovery, 6-8 p.m., New Hope Baptist Church, 902 W. 12th St., Rock Falls; John Mattingly, 815-6313896.

Celebrate Recovery, 6-8 p.m., Crossroads Community Church, 201 W. Market St., Morrison; Penny, 815-5908003.

Rock Falls Rotary, 6 p.m., Beelendorf’s Deli, 204 W. 10th St., Rock Falls.

Rock Falls Optimist Club, 6:30 p.m., Candlelight Inn, 2200 First Ave., Rock Falls.

Rock River Interfaith Peace Action Group, 7 p.m., Wesley United Methodist Church, 2200 16th Ave., Sterling, 815-6254657, public welcome.

Mount Carroll Monday Night Al-Anon-Alateen, 7 p.m., Church of God, 816 Clay St., Mount Carroll. 815-284-3444.

Lee-Whiteside Chapter of the American Diabetes Association, 7 p.m., Ryberg Auditorium, CGH Medical Center, 100 E. LeFevre Road, Sterling.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., closed, 808 Freeport Road, Sterling.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7

Tuesday Childhood immunization clinic; women, infants and children clinic; and family planning services, Lee County Health Department, 309 S. Galena Ave., Suite 100, Dixon. Appointments: 815284-3371.

Kiwanis Club of Sterling, 6:457:45 a.m., Ryberg Auditorium, CGH Medical Center, 100 E. LeFevre Road, Sterling, 815-4994866.

Blood pressure screenings, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Whiteside County Health Department, 1300 W. Second St., Rock Falls, 815-6262230.

Sisters in Christ, 9 a.m., Congregational Church, 1602 13th Ave., Rock Falls.

Golden K Kiwanis, 9 a.m., Post House Community Center, 100 W. Second St., Dixon.

Gaffey Home Nursing and Hospice blood pressure clinic, 9-11 a.m., Northland Mall, 2900 E. Lincolnway, Sterling, 815-6263467.

Weight Watchers, 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., Loveland Community House, 513 W. Second St., Dixon.

C6 • SV Weekend

www.saukvalley.com

Saturday, December 24, 2016

RONALD REAGAN BIRTHPLACE VOLUNTEERS IN TAMPICO During the past year, volunteers at Ronald Reagan Birthplace in Tampico have accumulated more than 1,700 hours. In the photo are (seated, from left): Bill Widolff; Betty Widolff; Gary Pearson; and Brooke Pearson; and (back row): Judy Kness; Gary D Johnson; Shirley Lester; Wayne Whalen, birthplace owner; Don Lester; Joan Johnson, director; Terry Gaskill; Sharon Sumner; Gary M. Johnson; Carol Wold; and Tom Wold. The birthplace is open by appointment any time by calling Johnson at 815-6228705. Photo submitted

by Johnson.

Teen kept in dark about autism should be enlightened Dear Abby: My nephew, “Logan,” is a sophomore in high school. He is a bright, awesome kid who is on the autism spectrum.

He is very high-functioning, even on a higher level than Asperger’s. But the social struggles and issues are still there. To this day, my sister refuses to tell Logan about his autism.

She feels immense guilt and goes into panic mode every time I bring it up.

She thinks he wouldn’t be able to handle it.

The poor kid knows something is wrong but doesn’t know what.

Can I tell him? Or if it’s morally wrong to tell him,

Can I tell: Your sister may mean well, but keeping her son in the Dear Abby dark about why he is the is written

by Abigail way he is, is cruel.

Van Buren, I agree that the boy also known should be told, but the as Jeanne person to persuade your Phillips. The column is prosister to come clean vided through would be your nephew’s Universal pediatrician, because it Uclick. appears she has tuned you out on that subject. can I tell him when he is He should have been get18? I am a nurse, and I ting counseling and, or strongly believe everyone therapy to help him deal should know everything with his social issues. about their conditions, If the conversation still mental as well as physihasn’t happened by the cal. time Logan turns 18, tell But it’s tough with my him then. He will probnephew because he is still ably be grateful to be able a minor. to put a label on what he’s – Can I Tell Him? experiencing.

dearABBY

Annual eagle watch date set ROCK ISLAND – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Mississippi River Project’s 33rd annual Bald Eagle Watch will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 7.

Eagle viewing will take place at Lock and Dam 13, off state Route 84, near Fulton. Educational programs and environmental exhibits will be available at Clinton Community College, 1000 Lincoln Blvd., Clinton, Iowa.

Those attending will be welcomed at 9:20 a.m. at the college. Live birds of prey demonstrations by

Kay Nemann and Terrie Hoefer of Saving Our Avian Resources in Dedham will be at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

At 10:45 a.m., Sara Schmuecker with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Rock Island will discuss “Investigating Bald Eagle Movements Across the Midwest Landscape.” And at 11:15 a.m., David Stokes, a naturalist from West Berlin will speak about “Who Lives With Eagles?”

Programs and exhibits will feature live animals, puppets, songs, and food and beverages.

A courtesy bus shuttle

will be provided between the college and the lock and dam, departing and arriving every hour beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at 2 p.m. Taking the bus is encouraged, as parking is limited at the lock and dam.

Refreshments will be provided at the viewing area, and visitors will be allowed to enter the lock and dam to view educational material and warm up.

For more information, call the Thomson Rangers at 815-259-3628 or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 815-273-2732.

POSITIVE THOUGHTS FOR CHRISTMAS

Dear Abby: My taste in music has changed throughout my life. I liked pop when I was young because that’s what I heard played on the car radio.

Then in eighth grade I started to like music from the ’60s to the ’90s.

But now I’m a sophomore in high school, and I have become a fan of rap and electronic music.

A lot of adults think rap is trash. I understand that it may cover some mature subjects like selling drugs, violence, sex, and living in the ‘hood. But I still find rap songs to be a pleasure to listen to.

Am I wrong to enjoy

rap music? This may sound irrational, but I know employers search social media profiles.

If I make the fact that I enjoy rap public, will they reject me? These are just thoughts that have crossed my mind, so I’m asking for some advice.

– Hip-Hop Fan in New Jersey

If you like a particular genre of music, I see no reason why you can’t continue to enjoy it.

Although some employers check the Internet profiles of prospective employees, I have never heard of an applicant being rejected for a job because of his taste in music.

Dear Fan: As your experience illustrates, people’s taste in music can change as they grow older.

Many people enjoy listening to rap music without indulging in the lifestyle that’s described – including, I have heard, some of the performers who write and perform it.

To my Jewish readers: Tonight at sundown the 8 days of Hanukkah begin.

Happy Hanukkah, everyone. May all of you enjoy a joyous festival of lights.

Contact Dear Abby at DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

IN BRIEF ‘Famous aviator’ to appear at CGH

at 7. Performances will include “Muppet Show Theme,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Aba Daba STERLING – The next Honeymoon,” “24 LancSterling-Rock Falls Hisers Afoot,” “E.T.,” and torical Society meeting “Boogie Woogie Bari will be at 2 p.m. Jan. 8 Boy.” Jon James, band direcin Ryberg tor, will be highlighted Auditorium playing “Fandango,” a at CGH duet with trombonist Medical Center, 100 Bryan Anton. The Saxophonic Sounds will perE. LeFevre Leslie form during intermission.

Road.

Goddard The buffet costs $25.

Leslie Reservations are due Goddard, actress and

by Dec. 31, and may historian, will portray be made by sending a Amelia Earhart, the first check to Sterling Municiwoman to cross the pal Band, 404 W. Ninth Atlantic Ocean by airSt., Sterling, IL. 61081. plane (1928) and to fly For more information, solo across the Atlantic contact Jon or Cathy (1932). Goddard’s preJames at 815-622-1681. sentation will be set in 1937, before Earhart attempted to become Fire department the first person to fly has yearly dinner around the world at the equator.

Manlius Fire Department The public is welcome. had its annual supper at Refreshments will be Manlius Trinity Lutheran served.

Church. The meal was served to 12 members Reservations due and 13 guests.

Robert Reglin, president, for musical show conducted the meeting.

STERLING – The SterBusiness included a ling Municipal Band’s donation given to Christ23rd annual pops conmas for Kids toy drive cert will be Jan. 6 at and election of officers Abiding Word Church, for 2017. They are Aaron 806 E. Lynn Blvd.

Roush, fire chief; Justin Doors open at 6 p.m., Doty, assistant chief; with a hors d’oeuvres Steven Michlig, first lieuand dessert buffet at tenant, Ben Doty, sec6:30, and the concert ond lieutenant; Reglin,

president; Mitch Doty, vice president; and Mary Hartz, secretary, treasurer.

Attendance awards were given to Ben Doty and Chris Smith.

Inter Community Fyr Fyters Association’s next meeting will be 7 p.m.

Jan. 18 in Sheffield.

The next regular meeting will be 6:30 p.m. Jan. 12 at the fire hall on Maple Avenue. Oyster stew and chili will be served.

The lunch committee is Larry Rowland and Sam Popejoy.

Players vie for first-place victory DIXON – Dixon Monday Night Bridge Club has announced its Dec. 12 results.

In Swiss team competition, Barb Bass of Princeton and Fred Spitzzeri of Dixon placed first.

Tying for second were Mimi Boysen and Barb Hermes, Joyce Gibson and Mary Ann Jones, and Diane and Don Pauser, all of Dixon.

The group meets at 5:30 p.m. each Monday at the Post House Community Center, 100 W. Second St. For more information, contact Spitzzeri, club manager, at spitzzeri@ aol.com or 630-9175858.

Extension learning opportunities West Carroll Middle School Students Against Destructive Decisions decorated the Christmas Tree at the school with positive and hopeful messages for their fellow students and families. At the tree are (front row, from left) Carissa Bradshaw, Mackenzie Bentley, Cassidy Bradshaw, Erawyn Wynia, and Autumn Kosier; and (back row) Bradley Storjohann, Brianna Preston, Cheyenne Griffith, and Tammy Griffith. More than 200 students participated. Photo submitted by Freddie Preston.

Deadline for submitting copy is 2 weeks The deadline to submit event information, including photos, for the SV Weekend Community pages is 2 weeks before the event.

Information may be submitted in writing by hand,

mail, fax or email at the Dixon or Sterling offices.

Information on events that already have taken place will be published as soon as possible, in the order in which it is received.

Given the volume of such information, that could be 2 weeks or more after the event.

Photos will be published as space permits.

For information, call 815625-3600, ext. 5575.

The Carroll-Lee-Whiteside Unit of the University of Illinois Extension will offer several programs in January.

Among them are: ■ Wits Fitness: Designed to provide interactive activities to exercise the brain, the class will be taught by Karla Belzer, extension educator, at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 5, March 2, April 6, May 4, June 1, July 6, Aug. 3, Oct. 5, Nov. 2, and Dec. 7 at Thomson Public Library, 1005 W. Main St. Students can join at any time. Visit go.illinois.edu/ witsfitness2 to sign up

or call Belzer at 815-6323611.

The sessions also will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Jan. 24, Feb. 28, March 28, April 25, May 23, July 24, Aug. 22, Sept. 26, Oct. 24, and Nov. 28 at Sterling Public Library, 102 W. Third St. Visit go.illinois. edu/witsfitness to sign up or call Belzer.

Registration is required 1 week before the workshop date for each session and location.

For information, contact Belzer at kbelzer@illinois. edu or by phone.

■ Learning, Thinking,

Caring Webinar Series: Learning, Thinking, Caring: This at-home program for caregivers to seniors features three sessions by extension educators to provide information and strategies to assist in providing that care.

The sessions will be from 2 to 3 p.m. Jan. 11, Feb. 2, and March 8. Continue Education Units are available for a fee, go to geroed.com to apply.

Visit web.extension.illi nois.edu/registration/?

RegistrationID=15662 to sign up.

Saturday, December 24, 2016

www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • C7

West Carroll High School ag students frost-seeded several native grasses and more than 25 different wild forbs to attract bees, butterflies, and other insects necessary to help a native landscape sustain litself. The group is working on a perennial garden to mirror the ecology of an early 19th-century natural prairie. Photos submitted by Don Mathey.

Students plant seeds in cold weather SAVANNA – About 50 West Carroll Junior High ag classes at sowed nearly 2 acres of native grass and forb seeds to start a pollinator garden on the Mount Carroll campus.

A combined effort of School District 314, Carroll County Pheasants Forever, and Don Mathey’s seventh- and eighth-grade agriculture classes will result in a perennial garden that will mirror the ecology of a natural prairie of the early 19th century.

Katie Kauzlarich, Illinois Outreach coordinator for Pheasants Forever, discussed forbs and pollinators and their importance to the environment Dec. 5 at the school.

The students frostseeded several native grasses and more than 25 different wild forbs to attract bees, butterflies, and other insects necessary to help a native landscape sustain landscape to sustain itself.

Frost-seeding mimics the way nature reseeds the prairies.

Seeds fall from the plants in autumn and snow and melting over the winter works them into the ground to grow in the spring.

According to a news release, since so much of the natural prairie has vanished, pollinating insects are in peril of extinction.

Kauzlarich stressed the importance of forb plantings because of the modern loss of habitat. “No planting is too small. Homeowners can plant gardens and farmers can replenish field borders or burn strips with these wild species,” she said.

Carroll County Pheasants Forever has resources available to provide schools, churches, or youth organizations with the equipment and seeds to complete a project on .5- to 2-acre sites.

For more information on natural prairie plots, call Jim Strauch, habitat chairman, at 815-7184230 or Chuck Quarnstrom, president, at 815- Katie Kauzlarich, Illinois Outreach coordinator for Pheasants Forever, visited West Carroll Junior High School on Dec. 5 to introduce students to forbs and pollinators and their importance to the environment.

598-3157.

COLLEGE BRIEFS

Members honored for achievements

Upper Iowa University FAYETTE, Iowa – Casey Beck of Oregon graduated in June with a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Upper Iowa University.

Western Illinois University MACOMB — Those earning honors Dec. 17 at Western Illinois University include Logan T. Griffin of Dixon, Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, departmental scholar, honors scholar, magna cum laude; and Duncan C. Gingrich of Sterling, English degree, honors scholar, magna cum laude.

Augustana College ROCK ISLAND – Chloe Gale of Oregon, a senior art and business administrationmanagement student of Oregon is one of six Augustana College students featured this year in the ninth annual College Invitational at Figge Art Museum in Davenport, Iowa.

The work is on display through Jan. 7. Gale won third place for her oil portrait, “Holly.”

Cornell College MOUNT VERNON, Iowa – Bradley Schlegel of Sterling, along with several students and staff of Cornell College, performed the “Messiah,” by George F. Handel on Dec. 3 on the campus.

Milwaukee School of Engineering MILWAUKEE – Gerald Gehrke of Oregon earned academic honors for the fall quarter at Milwaukee School of Engineering.

MILITARY BRIEF Rock Falls grad completes training U.S. Air Force Airman Dominick D. Lerma-Willis graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in San Antonio.

Lerma-Willis is the son of Joan Willis and Jamie Garza of Rock Falls. He is a 2013 graduate of Rock Falls High School.

OREGON – Ogle County 4-H’ers earned recognition during the annual awards ceremony Nov. 13.

Award were presented in three categories.

Project Achievement winners are between the ages of 8 and 11, who have met project goals, completed records, attended half of their club’s meetings, gave a talk or demonstration about their project, and exhibited at the 4-H Fair or on a local club tour.

Winners are: Bits ’N Reins of Ogle County: Paige Beauchem, Chana; Liberty Hayes, Megan Seebach, Cassidy Vincent, Rochelle Blackhawk Crossing, Oregon, Mount Morris: Katelyn Bowers, Marah Drake, AJ Hinrichs, Bryan Immel, Wes Immel, Jazmyne Swope, Oregon; Kaedi Callaway, Alex Grygiel, Xander Schier, Rachael Wetzel, Mount Morris; Lane Halverson, Chana; Jozey West-Moore, Dixon By-Y-Badgers, Byron: Kade Boatman, Kendall Boatman, Rockford; Alexandria Cassens, Nick Cassens, Carson Conderman, Carter Conderman, Lauren Carlson, Allison Druien, Bruce Gehrke, Natalie Ketter, Connor Reeverts, Byron Carefree, Oregon: Miranda Ciesiel, Sabrina Leather, Anna Marquardt, Faith Marquardt, Allissa Martin, Gra-

cie Prose, Seth Rote, Olivia Thomas, Alexis Ebert, Isaac Ebert, Levi Eden, Jackson Glendenning, Jared Glendenning, Oregon; Brady Davis, Robert Hough, Evan Kosick, Mount Morris Circle M, Mount Morris: Kyle Miller, Oregon; Emmett Peterson, Mount Morris Grand Detour Greens: Isaiah Akins, Polo, Trent Heller, Dixon Hub Hickory Nuts, Rochelle: David Gerber, Forrest Gerber, Van Gerber, Grace Luxton, Kyra Rimstidt, Veronica Vaughn, Abby Yagow, Rochelle Busy Beavers, Leaf River: Ethan Bocker, Hannah Sheely, Aidan Yordy, Leaf River; Kaitlyn Harland, Madison Harland, Byron; Alex Ryia, German Valley Mighty Clovers, Monroe Center: Jackson Craig, Anna Hagemann, Monroe Center; Maggie Eden, Byron County Clovers, Rochelle: Hailey Mallette, Ashton; Ella Seebach, Sienna Seebach, Dani Ward, Creston Summerhill Huskies, Forreston: Casey DeVries, Forreston Service Achievement awards are given to those 12 to 14, who have met the criteria for project recognition, served on a club committee or as a club officer, took part in a community service or learning activity related to their project, and assisted club leaders with

a special activity, tour, or program.

Winners are: Bits ’N Reins: Amanda Headon, Rochelle; Anna Roush, Lila Roush, Lindenwood Blackhawk: Samantha Bowers, Oregon; Mady Russell, Mount Morris Badgers: Will Carlson, Collin Conderman, Renee Gehrke, Aubree Jaspers, Byron; Matthew Hickey, Davis Junction Carefree: Brenna Berns, Chana; Austin Ebert, Adam Glendenning, Bode Martin, Grace Mongan, Abbie Ring, Brenna Noon, Oregon; Rebecca Hough, Mount Morris Greens: Isaac Akins, Polo, Julia Heller, Dixon Hub Hickory Nuts: Skylar Hubbard, Chana, Hannah Luxton, Rochelle Beavers: Isaac Charbonneau, Taylor Yordy, Leaf River; Garrett Moser, Megan Hagemann, Mount Morris; Ben Harland, Byron Ogle County Clovers: Karyssa Dale, Lindenwood, Ariel Zuercher, Austin Zuercher, Rochelle Huskies: Casey Besse, Freeport Leadership Achievement awards are given to 4-H’ers between 15 and 18 who have met the requirements for service achievement, participated in one or more 4-H learning experiences at the county, region, or state level, provided leadership

for a project, an activity, or a 4-H group, and helped conduct programs at the county level or beyond.

Winners are: Bits ’N Reins: Teddy Beauchem, Chana; Samantha Malk, Stillman Valley; Sarah Murray, Oregon Blackhawk Crossing: Jaden Scott, Oregon, Jordyn West, Dixon By-Y-Badgers: Natalie Carlson, Ryan Reeverts, Byron Carefree: Sara Blume, Byron; Julie Davis, Mount Morris; Chelsea Eden, Michaela Eden, Katrina Lowry, Casey Martin, Abigail Mongan, Johnathan Prose, Anna Ring, Oregon Circle M: Karli Miller, Oregon Grand Detour Greens: Abigail Akins, Stephanie Sofolo, Polo; Connor Ross, Franklin Grove Hub Hickory Nuts: Nathan Keys, Rochelle Beavers: Danielle Hagemann, Mount Morris Mighty Clovers: Matthew Drendel, Michael Drendel, Lindenwood Ogle County Clovers: Callie Ackland, Carley Ackland, Katelyn Ackland, Megan Ackland, Rochelle; Jordan Mingus, Byron Huskies: Tyler Besse, Freeport Cloverbuds are 4-H’ers between the ages of 5 and 7.

Those recognized by their clubs are:

Blackhawk: Jayden Berry, Justin Collins, Eli Lotz, Dylan McDowell, Aiden Currier, Philip Winters, Oregon; Cian Grygiel, Noelle Rodriguez, Zakkary West, Mount Morris By-Y-Badgers: Colton Gehrke, Byron; Anne Kennedy, Elizabeth Kennedy, Davis Junction; Penny Mastny, Alanya Swanson, Oregon Carefree: Mason Zabran, Mount Morris Circle M: Katlyn Miller, Oregon Greens: Bethany Akins, Marley Linboom, Polo Hub Hickory Nuts: Levi Luxton, Rose Luxton, Veronica Vaughn, Logan Yagow, Rochelle Kings and Queens, Kings: Abbi Andrews, Aiden Carmichael, Tyson Carmichael, Sophia Litteral, Mackenzie Taylor, Kings; Ty Horn, Halle Sachs, Rochelle Beavers: Emilee Bocker, Lily Sasscer, Addison Yordy, Leaf River; Jakob Moser, Mount Morris; Christian Ryia, German Valley Leaf River Soaring Eagles: Lydia Sherburne, Byron Mighty Clovers: Jessie Hagemann, Audrey Payne, Monroe Center Ogle County Clovers: Yessenia Garcia, Katheryn Groves, Annaliese Koziol, Joaquin Marin, Rochelle; Jada Ramirez, Ashton Ogle Jolly 4-H Club, Stillman Valley: Kate Costello, Stillman Valley

Oregon 4-H’ers earn awards, scholarships CHAMPAIGN – Abigail Mongan of Oregon was one 10 4-H’ers to receive the Youth Education Committee of the Illinois Farm Bureau’s Leadership, Citizenship, and Professionalism Award during a Nov. 19 ceremony in Champaign.

Mongan is the 18-yearold daughter of Jean and Dan Mongan.

In her 11th year of 4-H, she is a member of Carefree 4-H Club. She mentors youth with rabbit projects and applies her skill in the clothing project in service to Serenity Hospice & Home in Oregon.

The scholarships were

present by Jenny Webb, Illinois Farm Bureau membership and program specialist.

In addition to the award, the winners participated in an elite leadership training with members of Illinois FFA. The Illinois 4-H Foundation also presented nine Legacy of Leadership scholarships to 4-H members who have demonstrated and maintained a high standard of 4-H excellence and mastery during their membership tenure.

Winners include Jacob Ebens, the 19-year-old

son of Julie and Joe Ebens of Oregon. He has completed 10 years of 4-H as a member of Carefree 4-H Club and a Ogle County 4-H Ambassador.

The scholarships are provided by the Illinois 4-H Foundation in partnership with Legacy of Leadership Endowment, Farm Credit Illinois, Nannette Armstrong, Patricia Clickener, Lila Jeanne Eichelberger, Nellie R. McCannon Trust, Keith Parr, and LA-CO Industries. Board members Sharon Tenhouse, Dan Kelley, and Cheryl Wormley presented the awards.

Abigail Mongan of Oregon holds her Leadership, Citizenship, and Professionalism Award. She was recognized Nov. 19 during the Youth Education Committee of the Illinois Farm Bureau ceremony in Champaign.

Photo submitted.

C8 • SV Weekend

www.saukvalley.com

Saturday, December 24, 2016

SMALL BUSINESS

Taking back talking time Businesses’ cards help parents get through to children

BY DIANE MASTRULL Tribune News Service

PHILADELPHIA – It’s a conversation we’ve all participated in, as a parent, a child or both.

Parent: “How was your day?”

Child: “Fine.”

Parent: “What did you do today?”

Child: “Nothing.”

Kat Rowan is a talker.

She wasn’t settling for one-word answers from her two daughters. So she sent them to school each day – elementary through high school – with a handwritten note tucked in their lunches. Each would pose a question Rowan would use as a starting point for an individual conversation with the girls later in the day.

On Monday, Sept. 19, 2005, daughter Maurah Steinmetz was asked: “How was your weekend?

What made it special? Did it feel like the best weekend of the season?”

In all, Rowan, 51, a single mother and former high school math teacher, penned 4,160 cards. They

now form the basis for TiffinTalk, a business she cofounded with another former teacher living in the Philadelphia region, Michael Friesen, 50, that produces sets of cards intended to help users build stronger relationships through face-toface conversations.

That’s right. No texting.

No cellphones. Or, as TiffinTalk’s tag line puts it, “Tech Off. Talk On.” Tiffin is a British and Indian term for lunch pail.

“We were brazen enough to believe we could be a global company,” Rowan said of the business name.

In fact, TiffinTalk has been contacted by a distributor asking whether the company is interested in doing business overseas. But right now, the emphasis is on reaching its initial U.S. target market – parents, young children, teenagers and adult children as well as mental-health professionals and their clients – and meeting the domestic requests for other subsets of cards. The most

pressing demand is for a line designed for teachers, which is coming soon, Rowan and Friesen said.

Others under consideration would help couples, adult siblings, and businesses interested in improving communication among young employees – “Millennials don’t talk, they text,” Rowan said.

Yet to expand its offerings, TiffinTalk needs to build sales, said Rowan, who has spent close to $80,000 in retirement funds as startup capital.

The company has not had luck attracting investors, who are looking for opportunities in pharmaceuticals, technology and biotech, Rowan said.

Since launching in March at the Psychotherapy Networker Symposium in Washington – the largest gathering of mental-health professionals on the East Coast, where TiffinTalk got an enthusiastic response – the company has sold a few hundred boxes of conversation cards. Designed to last a season, a box includes 65 daily cards for

New gaming spot offers free snacks, nonalcoholic drinks SPIN

CONTINUED FROM C1 t

“Some stay for hours, some stay for 5 minutes,” Dustin said. “There are people that will come in on their lunch break, play real quick and then go back to work.”

The family, all life-long Rock Falls residents, couldn’t think of a better way to give back to the community. All their

snacks, like pizza and wings, and nonalcoholic drinks, are free, to provide a better gaming experience, keep folks coming back, and to thank their customers for their business. They also have give-a-ways.

Plans call for pairing with local businesses to give their gamers coupons for free items, and DeWayne also is working on Taco Tuesday, which will involve partnering

with a local taco place.

“All this is no purchase necessary; just come in and sign up,” he said.

The people are truly what makes his business special, DeWayne said.

“We’ve only been here since September and met a lot of new nice people.

Growing up in the area, living in the area your whole life, it’s amazing how many people you’ve never met. There’s just a lot of nice folks.”

Company helps with program HOMEMADE

CONTINUED FROM C1 t

She saw a sign advertising firewood for sale, and thought: I have all this wood in my yard, why not put it to good use?

With Callahan’s help, she makes and sells decorative and useful wood items. Boone’s Stump Grinding also helps cut wood for the cause.

She sells everything from bundles of firewood and candle holders to coasters and stool stumps. Her personal favorites are table stands and pathway markers. All proceeds go to Cutting for a Cause.

Similar items can be found at craft fairs, but they often cost more – and don’t come with the same reward, she said.

“Nobody wants to donate to a cause where you’re not getting something back,” she said, adding that’s she’s applying for nonprofit status for Cutting for a Cause.

Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

Among the items sold by Cutting for a Cause are drink coasters. Money from the sales goes to help people pay their property taxes.

Talk about cutting up credit cards RAMSEY

CONTINUED FROM C1 t

We both know that’s not what you recommend, so what can I do to persuade him to follow your advice?

– Lynn Dear Lynn, I think rather than trying to persuade him, it might be a better idea to gently ask questions and talk things through. You said he grew up in poverty.

What I’m hearing is that the cards represent a kind of security blanket for him.

I can understand that.

But if you had $10,000 set aside for emergencies, you’d have the security of knowing that a transmission repair on the car or a new water heater for the house would be only a minor inconvenience – and you wouldn’t have to go back into debt to make things right again.

Explain to him that what you’d like to do is replace the credit cards with your own money. You’d also be replacing what they do with a debit card. Ask him whether there’s a reasonable amount you two could have in the bank that would take away his

worry and stress. Talk it out, agree on the amount, and then agree that when you’ve saved up and hit that number, the cards get cut up and the accounts are closed.

Just be patient and understanding. Above all, make sure you work together. If he’s recognized the wisdom of getting out of debt and taking control of your finances, he’s moving in the right direction.

– Dave Follow Dave on Twitter (@DaveRamsey), or go to daveramsey.com.

$60. Refills are $50. The full line can be found at tiffintalk.com Much time between conception and launch went into designing the cards, said Rowan, chief executive and creative director.

Each includes space for personal notes. And, in the case of the parent-child line, they are designed by grade level, with vocabulary that is appropriate for each stage and a different theme each week.

Tribune News Service

TiffinTalk cofounders Kat Rowan and Michael Friesen show examples of TiffinTalk cards Dec. 16 in Philadelphia.

Astrograph ASTROGRAPH by Eugenia Last Sunday, December 25, 2016 CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- If you do something nice for someone less fortunate, you will feel good about your contribution as well as boost your reputation. Offer your services instead of cash.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Don’t overdo it. The festivities may be intense and emotions may run high if you indulge or take on someone who is looking for an argument. Take care of yourself first and foremost.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -You’ll receive something you didn’t expect. Be gracious and adjust to whatever develops. It’s better to know the truth and act accordingly.

What transpires will turn out to be to your benefit.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -Don’t feel the need to give what you cannot afford. Keep your emotions to yourself and don’t offer to do something that is unrealistic. Make romance a priority.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -Don’t let a little disappointment get you down. Take better care of your health by limiting how much you eat and drink. You’ll better enjoy spending time with family if you feel good physically.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Make someone happy. It’s not what you spend, it’s how you treat people that counts. If you do something nice or offer your time or skills, your gesture will be appreciated.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -Moderation will be necessary. Too much to eat or drink will put a damper on your day. Choose to enjoy the youngsters and steer clear of indulgent adults.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- You’ll be kicking yourself if you were prone to unwise spending during the past few weeks. Don’t fret over what you cannot change when you should be setting up a plan to save money.

in everyone you talk to today. If you share your humor and joy with young and old alike, you will encourage the same in return.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Navigating family get-togethers and dealing with children will be tiring.

Offer something that will keep everyone occupied and help the day pass peacefully. Choose to let your actions speak for you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -You’ll feel emotional about the conversations that unfold today. Listen to people, but don’t bother trying to convert others to your beliefs. Freedom is the greatest gift you can offer others.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Confusion will set in if someone has been sending you mixed signals.

Don’t show disappointment when you should be considering the truth as well as your next move.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Playful dialogue will bring out the best

See Today’s Classified Section for Crossword Answers

Saturday, December 24, 2016

www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • C9

ROYAL NEIGHBORS MAKE DONATIONS RNA Camp 30 members met Dec. 6 at Wagon Wheel in Sterling.

They presented a $200 check to Envoy Johnson (sitting, third from left) of The Salvation Army in Sterling. The money will be used for community needs. Also in attendance, (in no particular order), are John Espinoza, Jackie Jatho, Terry Gaskill, Marge Sandowski, Jane Espinoza, Dee Patzer, Terrie Snavely, and George and Linda Wright.

Photos submitted by John Espinoza.

For Make a Difference Day, Royal Neighbors of America Camp 30 in Sterling gathered and donated articles of clothing and personal supplies for the ladies in the Sterling-Rock Falls YMCA’s Domestic Violence program. Pictured are (from left) Marilyn Yates, Terrie Snavely, Jane Espinoza, and John Espinoza.

Members also donated $200 to the food bank in Sterling to purchase food for the Thanksgiving Baskets program. With the check are (from left) Jane Espinoza, president; Carol Siefken of Sauk Valley Bank; John Espinoza, event planner; and Terrie Snavely, treasurer, secretary.

RNA CHAPTER 1570 CONTRIBUTIONS

LEFT: Royal Neighbors of America Chapter 1570 of Tampico members donated two $25 gift cards from Kroger, coffee, creamer, paper towels, dish soap, laundry soap, trash bags, food storage bags, serving gloves, sugar, and powdered drinks to PADS Shelter in Sterling. Myles Newberry, PADS director, accepts the supplies from Linda Cook (from left), Sharon Sumner, Shirley Lester, and Avis Rosenow. Other donations included men’s stocking caps, gloves, and scarves. Photos submitted by Lester.

RIGHT: Members also donated to Freedom House in Princeton, a temporary, safe shelter for women and children in sexual and violent situations. With the bath towels, hand towels, washcloths, bath mats, and shower curtains are (from left) Avis Rosenow; Melanie Whitmer, sexual violence advocate; Trisha Schafer, volunteer services manager; and Lester, Sumner, and Cook.

HONOR FLIGHT CONTRIBUTION

TOOTSIE ROLL DRIVE PROCEEDS

Honor Flight of Whiteside County members volunteered on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, at Culver’s in Rock Falls. In return, Culver’s donated a percentage of the day’s receipts. With a check for $800 are (from left) Jim and Jan Weinkin, Kelly Elder, Jane and John Espinoza, and Kayla Schmitt. Not pictured is Josefina Coffey.

Photo submitted by John Espinoza.

St. Andrew’s Knights of Columbus Council 11874 members of Rock Falls present $1,828.32 to Carla Haubrich, CEO of Self Help Enterprises in Sterling, from money raised from their annual September Tootsie Roll sale. Also at the presentation were (from left) Dan Murray, grand knight; Chuck Koehler, Tootsie Roll chairman; Mark Terveer, deputy grand knight; Phil Droege, financial secretary; and Don Koehler, treasurer. Photo submitted by Koehler.

SV Weekend • C10

Travel www.saukvalley.com

Saturday, December 24, 2016

Far away from

HOME

for the holidays

Tribune News Service photos

Hallgrmskirkja Church towers over a Reykjavik, Iceland, street decorated for Christmas.

Many places around the world offer festive taste of different cultures

BY BRIAN J. CANTWELL Tribune News Service

LONDON – It was Christmas morning 2007, and instead of being tucked up warm in my bed with visions of sugar plums – or maybe a steaming peppermint mocha – I was watching dozens of swimsuit-clad Brits, at least one in a Santa hat, courting cardiac arrest as they splashed their way across a frigid Hyde Park pond in the annual race for the Peter Pan Cup. Happily, the swim is open only to members of the sponsoring Serpentine Swimming Club or I might have felt obligated to join in. They’ve been braving the near-freezing waters since this somewhat-loony holiday tradition started in 1864.

Appropriately, the race is named for the boy who never grows up. “Peter Pan” author J.M. Barrie donated the first trophy in 1904, the same year his famous play debuted on the London stage.

You won’t get in the swim, but if you’re a quick study you might nab a cup of the potent port that a costumed Santa hands out to post-race swimmers to help fend off pneumonia.

It was one of the more unusual ways I’ve spent a Christmas morning. It helped open my eyes to the novelty – and joy – of sharing holidays with people around the world, whether at Christmas or on other occasions.

A recent consumer-trends survey commissioned by the Australian airline Qantas found that nearly four out of five Americans would consider taking a long-distance international trip during winter.

Nearly half of those said they’d like to experience how another culture celebrates the holidays.

So indulge that whim.

Some highlights of my family’s overseas experiences in festive seasons: • Cheesemonger night: Ask what tasty nosh is in the house at Christmas, and the British are liable to say “cheese.” So every December, cheesemakers from across the United Kingdom (and a few from mainland Europe) gather for a special night offering their tastiest cheeses at Borough Market.

The open-air market (boroughmarket.org.uk), London’s oldest food market, has been serving the Southwark district for more than 1,000 years.

My wife, our grown daughter

roving the town. We made extra sure our guesthouse curtains were tightly drawn.

We enjoyed attending one of the National Museum of Iceland’s popular programs in which children can visit with each of the Yule Lads on their designated day. The museum (thjodminjasafn.is/english) teamed up with Icelandic designers and craftspeople to create traditional garb made from Icelandic woolens, sheepskin and felt for the “lads” rather than the red Santa Claus-like outfits that tended to be taking over in modern times. Icelandic television broadcast the event we observed – a big deal in little Reykjavik.

Solstice in Cornwall A raw-milk version of Stilton cheese dubbed “Stichelton” is offered by Neal’s Yard Dairy during Cheesemonger Night, a December tradition at London’s Borough Market. and I sipped hot scrumpy – spiced hard cider – and sampled everything from Welsh Caerphilly to the best Stilton.

We purchased several samples to take back to our rented flat.

When my wife found she’d run low on cash, she gave her last few coins to the man slicing her some Redesdale sheep’s-milk cheese and asked for as much as that might buy.

He gave her a generous slab – worth considerably more than she’d tendered – and pronounced, “There you go, luv, that’ll be your Christmas treat!”

• Ice skating: We tried it on a public rink in the Tower of London’s moat (toweroflondonicerink.co.uk). Open-air ice rinks pop up like mushrooms across London in December, with skates for rent and hot chocolate and mulled wine for sale.

• Pantomimes: This has nothing to do with people in whiteface who pretend to wash windows. Britain’s Christmas family-theater tradition adapts traditional fairy tales to a delightfully kitschy format that includes the audience frequently warning the hero to “look out behind you!” and features double-entendre jokes that soar over kids’ heads while making parents blush.

We joined in the hammy give-and-take along with English families during a memorable Old Vic Theatre adaptation of “Cinderella” authored

by British actor Stephen Fry and starring Pauline Collins as the Fairy Godmother. (Here’s

what’s on this year: timeout. com/london/theatre/christmas-pantomimes-in-london.)

• Shopping at Harrods and Fortnum’s: Our VRBO.com flat, where the doorman delivered a Christmas tree on our arrival, was a block from the shopping wonderland that is Harrods. (It took me several days of remarking it always seemed to start snowing as we walked past before it dawned on me that Harrods had a snow machine on the roof.)

Near Piccadilly Circus, venerable Fortnum & Mason (fortnumandmason.com) was the place to shop for delectable Christmas puddings and other high-end edibles, from peppermint truffles to Highgrove Prince of Wales Blend tea.

‘Yule Lad’ Days in Iceland Iceland has some of the more endearingly odd December traditions, such as the legend of the “Yule Lads,” 13 fabled sons of mountain trolls who come down into towns and villages to wreak mischief on the 13 nights before Christmas.

Leaving gifts in the shoes of good children (or rotting potatoes for bad kids), they have names that describe their particular brand of naughtiness, such as Door Slammer, Bowl Licker and Sausage Swiper.

Disconcertingly, we arrived in Reykjavik on the night that “Window Peeper” was to be

The charming, cobblestonestreet town of Penzance is at the southwestern tip of England where the peninsular county of Cornwall does a “God touches Adam” reach into the Atlantic.

Penzance celebrates winter solstice in a way you won’t forget.

When my daughter finished with a foreign-study term in England, she visited the town Gilbert and Sullivan made famous (“The Pirates of Penzance”) and joined in its Montol Festival (montol.info).

The 6-day event culminates on the night of the winter solstice with a wild celebration of masked revelers, music played on ancient instruments, torchlight processions and the lighting of a fire beacon by the “Lord of Misrule,” who embodies the sense of topsy-turvy and mockery of the established order that Montol champions.

Some talk up Montol’s Christian ties, but the whole thing exudes a distinctly pagan aura.

“I showed up not knowing quite what to expect, but it was really entrancing, and I ended up getting swept up in the procession, as everybody did,” my daughter recalls. “It rained but it didn’t dampen anyone’s enthusiasm. Musicians kept playing – and it was joyful. Penzance has a medieval-fishing-town vibe and it was a lot of fun.”

Fireworks in Mexico For something completely different, take in the color and ceremony of Mexican Independence Day. I was in Chiapas, in the mountain town of San Cristobal de las Casas, in mid-Septem-

ber 2013, and even in this poor corner of southern Mexico, a cradle of rebellion in the 1990s, they celebrate the national holiday with color and fervor.

(Mexicans reserve the biggest splurge of celebrating for the night before Sept. 16, their official day of independence.)

There was a big parade in the afternoon with drum-andbugle corps, school bands, military vehicles and the local ambulance blowing its siren.

For a few pesos, a wandering young face painter added a Mexican flag in glitter paint to the back of my hand. A carnival offered kiddie rides and food booths in front of the cathedral.

Folk dancing (and more folk dancing, and more folk dancing) filled the town square.

The finale: Wild fireworks ignited from towering scaffolding, erupting in the national seal of Mexico – with an eagle eating a snake – along with sparking, spinning sombreros and mariachi guitars.

Locals and visitors alike wore towering top hats striped with the national colors of red, white and green, and all shared in high spirits as celebrations continued late into the night.

Where else to celebrate?

A few other places and celebrations you might consider for a visit: • Paris on Bastille Day, July 14, for fireworks from the Eiffel Tower, a military parade and free admission to the Louvre (expect crowds).

• Venice on April 25 for the Feast of St. Mark, the city’s patron saint, with Regata di Traghetti (gondola races), along with music, dancing, concerts and carnivals.

• Snow & Ice Festival in Harbin, China, Jan. 5-Feb. 25, 2017. The world’s largest such celebration, with 20-foot-tall carvings and entire buildings constructed of ice blocks.

• Lerwick, Scotland’s Up Helly Aa Fire Festival. Billed as Europe’s biggest fire festival, with the burning of a full-scale Viking ship. Last Tuesday in January.

• Everybody knows the Spaniards do the running of the bulls.

A lesser-known but equally crazy event – less likely to result in serious injury – is La Tomatina, a giant annual tomato fight, just for the fun of it, in Bunol.

Last Wednesday in August.

Saturday, December 24, 2016

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SV Weekend • C11

VOLLEYBALL SHOWDOWN Rock Falls Middle School raised $432 for The Salvation Army during a recent staff vs. students volleyball showdown.

Student council members present Envoy Johnson with the check.

Photo submitted by Kyle Ackman.

La Moille farmer named Eagle Award recipient CHICAGO — Lee County’s Eleanor Zimmerlein was one of two recipients of the 2016 Illinois Farm Bureau Eagle Award for Excellence.

The award recognizes an individual or organization for excellence on issues or programs important to Farm Bureau and to agriculture on a statewide and or national basis. The award was presented during IFB’s annual meeting Dec. 3-6 in Chicago.

Zimmerlein, a retired farmer from La Moille, has been involved actively in agriculture and the Illinois Farm Bureau for nearly 3 decades, serving as an ACTIVATOR trustee, Grassroots Issues

Team member, on the Lee County Farm Bureau Governmental Affairs Committee, and as a member of FB Act. Most recently, Zimmerlein participated in Illinois Farm Bureau’s effort to collect petition signatures for the Independent Map Amendment Coalition, personally collecting more than 1,000 signatures.

Zimmerlein also served as legislative chairman of the Illinois Agri-Women, and served on the Ag Environmental Alliance and Ag Roundtable.

In 1996, she received the American Agri-Women LEAVEN Award, and was inducted into the Illinois

Eleanor Zimmerlein, a retired La Moille farmer, accepts the Illinois Farm Bureau Eagle Award for Excellence from Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert Jr. Photo submitted by Lee County Farm Bureau.

Agri-Women Hall of Fame in 2014.

“Eleanor is truly deserving of this award,” said Danelle Burrs, Lee County Farm Bureau manager.

“Eleanor has devoted years of service to the Farm Bureau and agriculture, and remains active today. We are proud of all that she has accomplished.”

Zimmerlein is a graduate of Mendota High School and Illinois Valley Community College and is involved actively in her family’s farming operation. She was married to the late Wilbert Zimmerlein. She has three grown children, Howard, Bernice, and Rita.

DHS BOOSTER DONATION

HABITAT RECEIVES GRANT Dixon Habitat for Humanity recently received a $5,000 US Bank Foundation Grant. At the presentation are (from left) Darla Schryver, vice president commercial banking, Northern Illinois region; James Dixon, habitat president; Amy Rhodenbaugh, administrative assistant; Melissa Glessner, Dixon US Bank manager; and Chris Gehlbach, habitat secretary. Photo submitted by Gehlbach.

Papa Murphy’s in Dixon donated 20 percent of its Dec. 1 sales to the Dixon High School athletic department. Molly Blackburn (center), owner, hands the check to Jared Shaner, DHS athletic director, on Dec. 2 at the new store. Also at the presentation are (from left) Nathan Coulson, Laura Ely, and Rich Blackburn all of Papa Murphy’s, and Jared Shaner, Kenda Bailey, and Linda Loescher of Dixon High School. Photo submitted

WOODWARD CHARITABLE GRANT RECIPIENT Pam Cappitelli (left) chairman for the local Woodward Charitable Trust Grant Committee of Rockford, presents a check to Lynn Knodle, Serenity Hospice & Home in Oregon executive director. The home was among 11 nonprofit organizations recently awarded a grant from Woodward during a luncheon at Francesco’s in Rockford. The money will be used to purchase a bariatric or oversized, bed for one of the rooms at the home.

“We are honored to receive grant money from the Woodward Charitable Trust,” Knodle said. Photo submitted by Angie Theisen.

NEW FIREFIGHTER

Dixon Rural Fire Department Board President Chuck Plock swore in new firefighter, Ted Aquino, on Nov. 8. Aquino, formerly of Pingree Grove, also is a paramedic. Photo submitted by Jeannie Henson.

Community SV Weekend • C12

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Twas the Night Before Christmas

Saturday, December 24, 2016