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Previews from SCHOOL DISTRICT Dixon, Rock Falls CUTTING 6 TEACHERS LOCAL, A11 HIGH SCHOOL TRACK, B1

2015 ELECTION | STERLING CITY COUNCIL

A three-for-all in 2nd Ward race Three new candidates on ballot divided on sales tax referendum

BY PAM EGGEMEIER peggemeier@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5570 @pam_eggemeier

STERLING – Three first-time candidates are battling for the 2nd Ward council seat being vacated by longtime Alderman Barry Cox. Voters will have a choice among retiree Shirley Sharp, 80; David Miller, 65, a construction foreman at Archer Daniels Midland in Clinton, Iowa; and Christine Wilen, 70, an employee of Sauk Valley Bank.

Sterling Township Supervisor

Want more election information? We’ve got you covered

Matt Howze had filed for the 2nd Ward, but later withdrew his candidacy after concerns arose about conflicting duties.

Regardless of who wins the race, the controversy surrounding Cox’s residency status will be lifted. The candidates said the situation served as added motivation to make a run.

And while the candidates agree on many issues, they’re divided over the sales tax increase on the ballot. Miller and Wilen support it; Sharp is against it.

Your election source online Sauk Valley Media reporters have done video interviews with a number of candidates in local races that are contested on the April 7 ballot. Go to saukvalley.com and click on “Election Central 2015” to see them. We also have information about all local races, including written Q&As with some candidates in contested races.

More coverage inside today’s edition • SVM reporter Pam Eggemeier writes about the contested 1st Ward race in Sterling. Page A4 • Dixon’s mayoral candidates weigh in on the issue of video gambling revenue, SVM’s Matt Mencarini reports. Page A3 • Tampico has hotly contested races for mayor and village trustees, SVM’s Christi Warren writes. Page A3 • On today’s Opinion page, the SVM Editorial Board writes that referendums in the April 7 election offer clear choices to voters. Page A6 • In his Second Opinion column, Executive Editor Larry Lough writes about some of the differences, and similarities, between Dixon’s mayoral candidates. Page A7 • In “The Candidates’ Voices,” Dixon’s 11 contestants for City Council write about why voters should support them. Pages A8-9

2ND WARD CONTINUED ON A2

SAUK VALLEY MUSIC SCENE | TRISTAN BUSHMAN

THE PEOPLE’S VOICE christopher HEIMERMAN Heimerman is the Night News Editor at Sauk Valley Media.

He can be reached at cheimerman@ saukvalley.com or 800-798-4085, ext. 5523.

Leaving indelible marks I

Lucas Pauley/lpauley@saukvalley.com

Tristan “Tree” Bushman plays his song “Underdogs” in the practice space at his uncle Tim Bushman’s home in Dixon. The 17-year-old has come a long way since writing “a few bad songs” in eighth grade.

Going where the music takes him AFC senior draws musical inspiration from his family

BY LUCAS PAULEY lpauley@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5576 @LucasJayPauley

ASHTON – Tristan “Tree” Bushman hasn’t yet graduated high school, but he’s already playing as many shows in a year as other local musicians who are two or three times his age.

The Ashton-Franklin-Center High School senior played more than 30 shows in 2014, and he shows no signs of slowing down this year.

Don’t miss our local entertainment coverage daily online SVM staff members review new music releases, write about local restaurants, share their favorite recipes, and look into the latest technology. They also compile an occasional list and, as SVM Entertainment Editor Lucas Pauley did with today’s feature on Tristan Bushman, write about Sauk Valley musicians. You can find it all, and more, on saukvalley.com by clicking on “Entertainment” in the home page menu. Check it out!

The music bug bit the 17-year-old singer-songwriter early.

“I started singing when I was 5. I would sing with my dad’s band, The Louie’s,” Tristan said. “I would mess around when I was young, and then I

Sunny

VOLUME 7 ISSUE 30 52 Pages

Today: 39/26 For the forecast, see Page A16

started seriously playing guitar when I was 10.”

His dad, Dave Bushman, is guitarist and vocalist of the local duo Burn ’n Bush.

He has been playing music locally since before Tristan was born.

Business

Tampico’s Genesis Nursery seed farm is keeping the prairie legacy alive.

See Page C1

The music doesn’t stop there. His brother, Tyler Bushman, 28, is guitarist and vocalist for Panic Stations, and guitarist for Drop Dead Dolly, both local bands.

BUSHMAN CONTINUED ON A12

PEOPLE’S VOICE CONTINUED ON A5

Community Take a look at some scenes from the Dixon Petunia Festival’s Bar Stool Golf fundraiser.

See Page C12

magine you’re house hunting, and you tell the real estate agent you’d like to buy the first house you see.

Let’s get the paperwork rolling, you say. But the agent refuses, saying he needs you to see a few more houses first.

In what kind of alternate universe would that happen? What warm-blooded person wouldn’t pounce on that fat, tailor-made commission check?

I give you Dixon Monument Co. owner Nancy Lillyman, whose approach to sales would get her laughed out of virtually any sales seminar.

“I don’t want them to buy a monument the first time they meet me,” she says.

She recalls an episode from a few years ago. She was with a grieving customer on the platform at her business, trying to help her envision a headstone for her husband, when an exasperated Amboy woman interrupted.

“She came up and asked me, ‘Will you please let me buy my monument today?’” Lillyman says.

It was the woman’s third visit to the platform.

“I said, yes,” she says, laughing. “I think you’re ready.”

Index Births................ C7

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

Business........... C1

Markets .......... A15

Classified .......... D1

Obituaries ......... A4

Comics ........... B14

Opinion....... A6-A9

Community ..... C12

Scoreboard .... B16

Crossword Saturday ........... D7

Scrapbook ....... C3

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

Support groups .. C7

Dave Ramsey ... C1

Weather.......... A16

Dear Abby ........ C6

Wheels ............. D8

Sports .............. B1 Travel .............. C10

A2 • SV Weekend

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‘Budgeting won’t get any easier’ 2ND WARD

The candidates

CONTINUED FROM A1

Miller believes infrastructure upgrades must be addressed sooner rather than later.

“We need new revenue to fix the roads and stormwater sewer problems,” he said, “and I think the sales tax increase is the way to go so we can get people outside of the city to help pay for it.”

Wilen says the sales tax would negate the need for a stormwater utility fee.

“If we put the stormwater projects on the businesses, I fear it will come back and slap us in the face,” Wilen said. “I can support the sales tax because it doesn’t affect medicine and groceries.”

Sharp said a sales tax proposal comes too soon after a new school tax was approved in November.

“I don’t want to kick the can down the road,” Sharp said, “but we just passed a half-cent increase for the schools, so I believe it’s bad timing for another sales tax increase.”

Miller said many 2nd Ward residents did not like that their alderman lived outside the district.

“Talking to residents, I felt that many of them weren’t happy with the representation they were getting,” Miller said, “and it made me want to do things the right way in this ward.”

Miller, who lost his manufacturing job after 32 years at Northwestern Steel and Wire, has made job creation his top priority. He said the city must be proactive to keep families from leaving the area.

“Businesses and industry want incentives,” Miller said, “and we have to give them reasons to come here and stay.”

Miller said he is a staunch supporter of open government, and he believes a newcomer would bring a fresh set of eyes to city government.

“I believe the more voices

David Miller Age: 65 Experience: Manufacturing – Northwestern Steel and Wire, and Archer Daniels Midland; worked as a union steward; coaching for local David Shirley Miller Sharp youth sports leagues Shirley Sharp Age: 80 Experience: Sterling High School graduate; Frantz Manufacturing (10 years in human resources); also employed in home health care; volunteer for Rock River Valley Hospice and other organizations Christine Christine Wilen Wilen Age: 70 Experience: Has worked in banking for 40 years; involved with church, Kiwanis, Red Cross, Hospice, PADS shelter, Coats for Kids, Sterling Legion Auxiliary heard, the better, so I think people should always get a chance to speak at council meetings,” Miller said. “We need to shake things up a bit, and bringing in a new council member would be a start.”

Miller has no political experience, but said his work as a union steward while at the steel mill would be an asset on the council.

Wilen, who now works part time, is active in many community organizations, including First Christian Church, Red Cross, and Sterling Kiwanis Club. She said she is working hard to learn more about the inner workings of city government.

The Rock Falls native believes fiscal responsibility and the city’s aging infrastructure will be the biggest challenges faced by the council.

“The next budget will be done before new members come in,” Wilen said, “but with the state’s situation and all of the infrastructure projects we need to pay for, budgeting won’t get any easier.”

Wilen is a firm believer in improving the city’s quality of life. She would like to see riverfront development move as quickly as possible on both sides of the bridge.

“Sterling and Rock Falls must work together to get this done for both cit-

ies,” Wilen said. “We have to take advantage of all of our assets in order to keep young people here and bring in business and industry.”

Sharp said she sees her age as an asset because she finally has the time to devote to the demands of the city council. She has enjoyed campaigning, she said, and has made an effort to meet with as many 2nd Ward residents as possible.

“I’ve been to almost 900 homes, and I’m seeing a lot of people who have a general mistrust of city government and are dissatisfied with what’s going on,” Sharp said.

She said her campaigning has confirmed many of the priorities she had before entering the race.

“People want better communication from their alderman,” Sharp said, “and they are concerned about jobs, roads, and keeping young people in the area.”

While she is concerned about old vacant buildings that are no longer on tax rolls, she believes unfinished road projects should be a bigger priority.

“I don’t feel like this is the best time for riverfront development,” Sharp said. “We need to fix the roads first and finish curb and gutter work.”

Saturday, March 28, 2015

COMMUNITY WATCH 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 815-2842222 or 815-625-3600, ext. 5501 or 5502.

Corrections Harry Smith, 90, and Jesse Galvan will have their birthdays today.

Their names were published incorrectly in the birthdays list on page A2 of Friday’s editions. We regret the error.

The name of the administrator at Franklin Grove Living and Rehabilitation Center is Jill Gee. Kathy Clark, who was incorrectly referred to as the facility’s director in a letter to the editor in Wednesday’s editions, is the resident services coordinator.

We regret the error.

POLICE Sterling Police Dominick E. Defilippo, 41, of Hanover; 8:33 a.m.

Thursday at East Third Street and 18th Avenue; speeding; released with promise to comply.

Eric W. Hinrichs, 43, of Sterling; 9:07 a.m. Thursday; speeding; released with promise to comply.

Robert L. Collins, 31, of Sterling; 9:23 a.m.

Thursday, 2301 Locust St.; armed robbery, robbery, burglary, possession of a controlled substance; taken to Whiteside County Jail.

Larry O. Crain, 23, of Sterling; 8:27 p.m. Thursday at East 19th Street and First Avenue; resisting a peace officer, domestic battery; taken to Whiteside County Jail.

Dixon Police Michelle L. Berogan, 42, of Dixon; 6:15 p.m. Thursday in the 1600 block of South Galena Avenue; retail theft, retail theft – subsequent offense; taken to Lee County Jail.

LOTTERY NUMBERS Pick Three-Midday: 0-5-1 Fireball: 5 Pick Three-Evening: 2-5-1 Fireball: 3 Pick Four-Midday: 1-9-3-1 Fireball: 6

Pick Four-Evening: 8-4-2-4 Fireball: 8 Lucky Day Lotto – Midday: 16-23-26-39-41 Lucky Day Lotto – Evening: 8-10-17-25-39

Estimated Lotto jackpot: $4.25 million Estimated Mega Millions jackpot: $15 million Estimated Powerball jackpot: $40 million

17-21-36-58-70 Mega Ball: 3 Megaplier: 5

E xpressi ons

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Pardon our Noise

MEGA MILLIONS

Ar t S a l e and Re c e pti on

Friday April 24, 2015, 5:00pm - 9:00 pm

The Next Picture Show, 113 W. 1st Street, Dixon

Morrison Police Boy, 16, from Morrison; 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at Odell Public Library, 307 S. Madison St.; possession of marijuana less than 2.5 grams, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting a peace officer; released to his mother.

Nikita R. Lewis, 25, of Chicago; March 21; driving while license suspended, speeding; given citation.

Brandon Stangeland, 24, of Peoria Heights; March 22; parking ordinance violation; given citation.

Nathan K. Ottens, 26, of Morrison; March 22; possession of alcohol in a public place; given citation.

Lee County Sheriff Jordan A. McThenia, 19, of Dixon; 4:18 p.m.

Thursday; petition to revoke probation for possession of cannabis; posted bond and given notice to appear in court.

Ronald S. Mangini, 51, of Dixon; 2:12 p.m. Thursday; warrant for failure to appear – contempt (nonpayment); posted bond and given notice to appear in court.

Cody Winters, 25, of Dixon; 10:26 a.m. Thursday; violation of drug court order; held at Lee County Jail.

State Police Jamie M. Kingdon, 38, of Prophetstown; 5:09 p.m.

Thursday at state Route 2 and Sauk Road in Lee County; no valid driver’s license – expired; given individual bond and notice to appear in court.

Jeramiah A. Elliott, 35, of Rochelle; 4:03 p.m.

Thursday at Flagg Road and Rolling Green Lane in Ogle County; no valid driver’s license – expired; given individual bond and notice to appear in court.

BIRTHDAYS

Ogle County Sheriff Christopher S. Knutsen, 23, of Sterling; 11:29 p.m.

Thursday in the 2000 block of state Route 2 South; arrested on two counts of violation of the Drug Paraphernalia Act and violation of the Cannabis Control Act, given citations for expired registration and

Happy birthday to Teri Shaw, Patti Puckett, Laura Gaulrapp, Harry Smith, 90, Jesse Galvan, Clayton Kennay, Penny Lou Helms, 54, and Earnie Ortiz, all on Saturday.

Happy birthday to Deb Roselieb, Emma Rippy, 1, Jordan Selman, Steven Hardy, and Jacob Matthews, all on Sunday.

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Q U E S TI ON ?

1) In what year did Michael Jordan throw his last shot for the Bulls?

2) What was unusual about Joseph Stalin’s feet?

Answer located in today’s classified section

Before you make a move call…

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ILL CC 10540

We want our neighbors to be aware that we will be making some noise over the next several days. This is a process called steam blows. Please understand that this is a necessary function of every steam plant startup. We’ve installed silencers to reduce the noise as much as possible.

Once these steam blows are complete the plant will run very quiet. Thank you.

improper use of registration – sticker.

Ronald Ramirez, 46, of Amboy; Thursday; warrant for failure to appear; given notice to appear in court.

Heather E. Harms, 35, of Rochelle; 11:20 p.m.

Thursday in the 11000 block of East Fisher Road; aggravated battery; taken to Ogle County Jail and given notice to appear in court.

Velvet Mason, 46, of Cortland; 7 p.m. Thursday in the 19000 block of state Route 64 East; no valid driver’s license; taken to Ogle County Jail and held in lieu of bond.

Katrina Alexander, 41, of Dixon; Thursday at state routes 251 and 64; Whiteside County warrant; taken to Ogle County Jail and held in lieu of bond.

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2015 ELECTION | DIXON MAYOR

Candidates weigh in on video gambling revenue Use it to fund halfway house for addicts? A new swimming pool?

BY MATT MENCARINI mmencarini@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5529 @MattMencarini

DIXON – With the election less than 2 weeks away, the two candidates for mayor are reaching the home stretch of their campaigns.

The candidates have appeared in two public debates and one hosted

by Sauk Valley Media.

They’ve held public and private campaign events and spoken to numerous city groups and organizations in an effort to reach voters with their message.

Whether it’s Commissioner Jeff Kuhn, 63, or local businessman Liandro Arellano Jr., 34, who is elected on April 7, they’ll head up a City Council that will have to hire a city manager and transition the city from the commission form of government to the managerial form.

Perhaps a less pressing issue, but one that could

The candidates

play a vital economic and budgetary role in the next 4 years, is how the city should address the continued popularity and increase of video gambling machines.

Between February 2014 and February 2015, those gambling machines in Dixon increased from 86 to 92, and the city’s share of their revenue increased from $10,949.97 to $15,895.58 a month.

Recently, Mayor Jim Burke, who isn’t seeking re-election to a fifth term, suggested the city use the roughly $160,000 it’s received so far from video gambling to install boat docks along the downtown riverfront.

Both candidates said the gambling revenue shouldn’t be used for routine or recurring city expenses.

A re l l a n o s a i d t h e increase in gambling machines presents the city with two issues – maintaining an even playing field among eligi-

Liandro Arellano Jr. Age: 34 Occupation: Owner of Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches shops in Dixon, Rock Falls Experience: Two tours in U.S. Army

Jeff Kuhn Age: 63 Occupation: Retired teacher (math, government), Dixon School District Experience: Dixon City Council, street commissioner, 4 years ble businesses, and being aware of the addictive nature of gambling.

“As a city, you want to make sure you’re not entrapping people,” he said, adding that he wants a portion of the city’s revenue from the machines to go toward programs that mitigate the negative impacts of gambling and addiction.

In May, the council rejected requests from some local gas stations for liquor licenses that would allow them to serve alcohol and, as a result, make them eligible to have video gambling.

Arellano suggested the city might use some of the revenue to start or support a halfway house in the city, or for resources or support for a gam-

blers anonymous group or program.

“There are people out there struggling with drugs and other addictions,” Arellano said, and this could be an opportunity for the city to be proactive about a problem rather than reactive.

New revenue should be used to look at new opportunities, he said, giving the example of a splash pad built in partnership with Lee County or another local government.

But the city needs to make sure new revenue is used in a way to promote a vision for the city, Arellano said.

Kuhn was less concerned about possible increases in the number of gambling machines,

saying he thinks it might have hit its saturation point.

The last monthly increase in machines came from November 2014 to December 2014, when the businesses increased by one, and the machines increased by three. In February 2013, four businesses had 16 machines. Last month, there were 21 businesses with 92 machines.

Most businesses had the maximum five machines.

Three businesses had three machines, and one had two machines. The rest had either four or five.

The state legalized video gambling machines in 2012 to help bars and restaurants that saw a dip in revenue when the

state outlawed smoking in public businesses.

When that was happening, Commissioner Dennis Considine said he wanted the city to use its revenue from the machines for something that could benefit the city’s youth. During an interview this week, Kuhn referenced that as his ideal use of the money.

He said he’d like the city to have an indoor-outdoor swimming pool, and gambling revenue could be used for that, although that would likely take years unless the city could also attract private investors or partner with other area governments.

A n i n d o o r- o u t d o o r pool, he said, would address a desire that’s been expressed by some residents to reopen Memorial Pool, which belongs to the Dixon Park District and likely would cost too much to reopen and bring up to code.

In northern Illinois, an outdoor pool could be used for a only few months each year, Kuhn said, so an indoor-outdoor pool would be a more logical choice.

2015 ELECTION | TAMPICO

2015 Election: Important dates to know

Infrastructure, day care top candidate priority lists Two running for mayor, seven for commissioner

BY CHRISTI WARREN cwarren@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5521 @SeaWarren

TAMPICO – Tampico Mayor Kristine Hill is seeking a second term, but not without a challenge.

Commissioner Mary Jo Sigel, 57, said she is campaigning for mayor because she doesn’t like the way things are being run. Sigel said her priorities differ from Hill’s, and she would like to see a more open government.

“I didn’t like how things were being done behind closed doors,” Sigel said.

“I would like more openness between board

members and the people of the village.”

Hill, 55, doesn’t agree that decisions are being made behind closed doors. With the recent hiring of a director for the city’s proposed day care, a committee vetted the candidate thoroughly before a decision on whether to approve her hiring was taken to the board, Hill said.

Sigel thought the process should have been more open.

“Instead of following the procedures for hiring the recent administrator of the day care – and she was well trained ... we did not put an ad in the paper; she was not interviewed by the board; it was all done before she got to the board’s approval,” Sigel said.

The opening of the day care, however, is some-

Hicks 90th!

Thank You I would like to express a heartfelt Thank You to all my family and friends who attended the open house or sent 90th birthday wishes.

thing both women see as a top priority for the community.

Another priority, Sigel said, is the city’s plumbing.

“This has been an issue for the last couple of years,” she said. “I would ... like our board to get on it to really work at that. Hopefully, we can work through, possibly get some grants. ... The hydrants aren’t functional, and that’s a sad situation with our village being so small. In case there is a fire – yes, we have a water tower, and the fire department is great at using it,

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she wants to keep working through her list of projects.

“Everything from continuing infrastructure products, to assisting with businesses and growth, and more events, more involvement,” she said. “There’s so many possibilities. I love it. I absolutely love it.

“I was born and raised here, and my family was very involved in the community. I had four generations go to the same school building. It’s home. I want everybody to feel as good about it as I do.”

Seven candidates are running for four open commissioner seats: incumbents Toby Jo Johnson, Bruce Hill, and Derrick Maupin, and challengers Allan Morthland, John Poston, Scott Meier, and Mike Sigel.

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and they have the tankers, but the plumbing doesn’t have enough pressure for the hydrants to use. ... It’s a long-standing problem, and it’s been ignored for years.”

Hill agreed that the fire hydrants are a priority, but that other infrastructure improvements rank higher.

“It is something that needs to be done, to update all the hydrants, but that takes time and funding,” she said. “It’s not as critical as some of our other things, like storm sewers. ... There’s several things on our list that’s ahead of that.

And really, we have a 100-year-old water tower, and that needs to be replaced before we can put bigger lines in [to increase the pressure for the hydrants].”

If re-elected, Hill says,

Today – Early voting available from 9 a.m. to noon at Carroll County Courthouse, and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bureau County Courthouse.

April 2 – Last day an absentee ballot may be mailed to voter who submits a signed application.

April 3 – Courthouses, other government offices closed for Good Friday.

April 4 – Last day for early voting in county clerk’s office, from 9 a.m. to noon in Lee, Whiteside, Ogle, Carroll counties and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Bureau County.

April 6 – Last day for in-person absentee voting at county clerk’s office April 7 – Polls open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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Saturday, March 28, 2015

OBITUARIES FUNERAL SERVICES FOR THE WEEK

Agnes C. Clemons LAFAYETTE, Indiana – Agnes C. Clemons, 70, of Lafayette, formerly of Paw Paw, passed a w a y S u n d a y, March 22, 2015, at the home she shared with her daughter.

She was born Oct. 9, 1944, in West Brooklyn, the daughter of Earl and Marie (Jeanblanc) Mellott. She was united in marriage to Wilbur “Cookie” Clemons on March 31, 1978, at St. Mary Catholic Church in West Brooklyn. Cookie preceded her in death on April 13, 2000.

Agnes was a welder for many years. She worked for Mayrath in Compton, Hart-Carter in Mendota, and Caterpillar in Aurora, After her work at Caterpillar, she went to work for the U.S. Postal Service for 19 years, retiring in 2001. She liked to travel, especially to visit her daughter.

She loved going to the casino, playing cards, and shopping. She loved animals, especially the Shetland sheepdogs she had while living in Illi-

nois, and the cat, Blackie, she had while living with her daughter.

She is survived by her daughter, Teresa Mellott Watson of Lafayette; a brother, Dale ( Ma r i l y n ) Me l lott of LaSalle; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She also was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Cecelia in infancy; a son-in-law, Daniel Watson; and her siblings, Ethel Kerchner, Esther Hubbard, Donald Mellott, Ruth Ann Heinzeroth, and Mary Jane Jackson.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday and the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m.

Monday at St. Mary Catholic Church, 2520 Johnson St., West Brooklyn, with the Rev. Randy Fronek officiating. Interment will be at St. Mary Cemetery in West Brooklyn. Torman Funeral Home in Paw Paw is handling arrangements.

Visit.tormanfuneralhome.com to send condolences.

Mary C. Zink FREEPORT – Mary C. Zink, 48, of Freeport, died Thursday, March 26, 2015, at her home.

Law-Jones Funeral Home in Mount Carroll handled arrangements.

Today’s visitations: Richard D. O’Malley III of Sterling, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at McDonald Funeral Home in Sterling.

Lorene B. Tuggle of Walnut, 9:30-11 a.m. at Garland Funeral Home in Walnut.

Shirley J. Turner of Polo, 10-11 a.m. at Church of the Brethren in Polo.

Felicia E. Morris of Dixon, formerly of Franklin Grove, 10 a.m.-noon at Beverage Family Funeral Home in Ashton.

Daryl F. Pfoutz of Franklin Grove, memorial visitation, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Church of the

Brethren in Franklin Grove.

Today’s funerals: LeRoy J. Blatz of Rock Falls, 10 a.m. Mass at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Rock Falls.

Roger E. Groff, formerly of Rock Falls, 10 a.m. memorial service at Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling.

Lois C. Kelly of Amboy, 10 a.m. prayer service at MihmJones Funeral Home in Amboy, followed by 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Amboy.

Alice Protokowitz of Milledgeville, 10 a.m. at Dutchtown Church of the Brethren in

Milledgeville.

Lorene B. Tuggle of Walnut, 11 a.m. at Garland Funeral Home in Walnut.

Shirley J. Turner of Polo, 11 a.m. at Church of the Brethren in Polo.

Inge E. Fleming of Dixon, 11:30 a.m. graveside service at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Dixon.

Richard D. O’Malley III of Sterling, noon Mass at St. Mary Catholic Church in Sterling.

Felicia E. Morris of Dixon, formerly of Franklin Grove, noon at Beverage Family Funeral Home in Ashton.

Nancy M. Blair LANARK – Nancy M. Blair, 83, of Lanark, passed away Sunday, March 22, 2015, at her home.

She was born March 15, 1932, in Polo, a daughter of David and Ora (Schlenning) Nicholson. She was a 1949 graduate of Forreston High School. Nancy and Dale Blair were married Nov. 2, 1950. She was employed at Brinkmeier’s Accounting in Lanark for 25 years.

Nancy was an active member of Lanark United Methodist Church.

She enjoyed golfing, crafts, and her water garden.

Surviving are her husband, Dale; her daughter, Lynne ( Vaughn)

Hudson of Thornton, Colorado; her son, Terry (Edie) Blair of Milledgeville; two granddaughters, Demi (Greg) Sturtevant of Milledgeville and Dani Blair of Lanark; and her sister, Betty (John) Cummings of Reno, Nevada.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Grace Nation; and her brother, Kenneth Nicholson.

The funeral was Wednesday at Lanark Un i t e d Me t h o d i s t Church. Interment was at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport.

Russell-Frank Funeral Home in Lanark handled arrangements.

Visit.schwarzfh.com to send condolences.

Robert H. Weedman

Virginia R. Hipple

ROCK FALLS – Robert H. Weedman, 88, of Rock Falls, SULLIVAN – Virginia R. Hipple, 90, of Sullivan, for- died Friday, March 27, 2015, at the Illinois Veterans merly of Dixon, died Wednesday, March 25, 2015.

Home at Quincy.

Jones Funeral Home in Dixon is handling arrange- McDonald Funeral Home & Crematory in Rock Falls ments. is handling arrangements.

Daryl F. Pfoutz of Franklin Grove, 1 p.m. at Church of the Brethren in Franklin Grove.

Sunday funerals: Ronald L. “Ron” Klausen of Sebring, Florida, memorial celebration of life, 2-6 p.m. at Shady Oaks Country Club in Amboy.

Monday visitations: Agnes C. Clemons, formerly of Paw Paw, 10-11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in West Brooklyn.

Monday funerals: Agnes C. Clemons, formerly of Paw Paw, 11 a.m. Mass at St. Mary Catholic Church in West Brooklyn.

Ronald E. ‘Ron’ Stephens GOLDEN, Colorado – Ronald E. “Ron” Stephens, 77, of Golden, passed away Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015, due to cancer.

Ron was born Feb. 8, 1938, in Dixon, the son of Clifford “Steve” and Eleanor (Brown) Stephens. He grew up in Grand Detour. He was a 1956 graduate of Oregon High School.

After marrying Nancy (Carlson) Stephens, they moved to California for 10 years. They moved to Lakewood, Colorado, divorcing after 39 years. He then was married to Diana Line for 5 years until she passed away.

Ron was in the Army Reserves. He coached Little League Football for many years, and later coached in-line hockey. He loved hiking in the mountains, fly fishing, hunting, camping, working with wood,

and making marquetry pictures. He was a very good artist. Ron was a business owner in Golden for 40 years.

He is sur vived by his two children, Dan ( Jane) and Deanna (Robert Beckham) Branan; four grandchildren, David, Rachel, Anthony, and Chris; one great-grandchild, Lexie; his brother, John; two sisters, Lynne and Lynda; and his ex-wife, Nancy.

He also was preceded in death by his parents.

According to his wishes, there will be no services. His ashes will be scattered in the mountains he so loved. Cremation Society of Colorado handled arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Ron Stephens Memorial, 1358 S. Robb Court, Lakewood, CO 80232.

2015 ELECTION | STERLING CITY COUNCIL

Young newcomer mounts challenge in 1st Ward Roads, storm sewers among challenges for next council

BY PAM EGGEMEIER peggemeier@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5570 @pam_eggemeier

STERLING – Incumbent Retha Elston is being challenged by a young political newcomer in the city’s 1st Ward this spring.

Elston, 51, a registered nurse at KSB Hospital in Dixon, has served the ward since then-Mayor Ted Aggen appointed her to the council in 2006.

She said the council had dealt with many difficult issues during her tenure, and she is proud of what has been accomplished.

“We have put an intergovernmental agreement in place that has brought our fire departments together, and with the help of grants, we’ve made a lot of progress with development in the downtown and along the riverfront,” Elston said.

Elston also cites progress made with cleaning up the Northwestern Steel and Wire site, as well

as distressed properties, through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

The incumbent has been a member of the Liquor and Tobacco Commission since 2007, and is a liaison to the Property Maintenance Code Appeals Board.

Vasquez, 30, is the director of community and personal health services at the Lee County Health Department. While she admits she is short on experience, she believes her passion for learning and serving others would help her quickly navigate the city government learning curve.

“In every election I’ve seen, I’ve thought about how to get the youth involved,” Vasquez said.

“My journey has been that I was very involved in the community in high school, but then it just stopped. I love Sterling, and I want the people to be heard as we plan its future.”

The candidates Retha Elston Age: 51 Experience: Sterling Ward 1 alderwoman since 2006; Liquor and Tobacco Commission since 2007; liaison for Property Maintenance Code Appeals Board; volunteer for numerous organizations

Retha Elston

Diana Vasquez

Diana Vasquez Age: 30 Experience: Home and School Board, St. Mary’s School, Sterling; director of community and personal health services, Lee County Health Department

If re-elected, Elston said, her focus will be on fiscal responsibility, stormwater sewer upgrades, fixing roads, and expanding the business and industry base.

“There are so many uncertainties with the new governor, and with increasing pension costs, I think the budget will be the biggest issue the council will face,” Elston said.

A list of needed stormwater sewer projects totaling $14 million also looms for the next council. The city has a sales tax increase on the ballot that

would target those projects. A stormwater utility fee has also been discussed as an option if the sales tax referendum fails.

Both candidates believe the half-cent sales tax is the better solution.

“Some of these stormwater projects definitely need to be done now,” Elston said. “Some of the worst problems are in the 1st Ward, and it’s been affecting residents and businesses for far too long.”

Vasquez said she is very familiar with the stormwater problems in her ward. She was born and

Celebration.”

Chicago Democratic Rep. Robert Martwick says it’s

important because of Polish-American contributions to Chicago and the state.

IN BRIEF Budget deal cuts funeral money MCHENRY (AP) – A budget deal approved by Illinois lawmakers is raising concerns among funeral directors over a cut to a state program that helps pay burial costs for lowincome people.

The (Crystal Lake) Northwest Herald reports Illinois funded more than 8,600 funerals in the fiscal year ending June 2014.

Happy Birthday, Jess!

Your family and friends love and miss you very much.

Roughly $9.5 million had been budgeted in the current year, but the money has been taken out of the spending plan for the coming year.

Polka lovers may soon celebrate

SPRINGFIELD (AP) – A Grammy-winning polka is closer to becoming the official Illinois polka.

A House committee OK’d enshrining the Illinois-written “Polka

Rayna Marie

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raised there, and after spending 2 years in Texas, she decided to bring her son and daughter back to Sterling’s 1st Ward.

“I live on a street where there is bad drainage, and I’ve seen the need for upgrades for many years,” Vasquez said.

“I’m concerned that if the sales tax doesn’t pass, the stormwater utility fee could hurt some businesses that are just getting some stability again after the recession.”

Vasquez said the ward has a high concentration of small businesses, and she wonders whether a stormwater utility fee could also be another roadblock for larger development projects such as the Kmart building on East Lincolnway.

“I know the schools tax just passed, and there are pros and cons to both options,” Vasquez said. “I would rather use the sales tax, so the businesses can capitalize on the momentum that is building after a long recovery period.”

Vasquez believes it is important to find ways to get people more engaged

in city government. She would like to change the city’s website to make it more educational and interesting.

“I’d like to see a large interactive map of Sterling with fiscal year budgets, ward information, a section for kids, and specific project plans,” Vasquez said. “People want to know what road projects have just been done, and when the city plans to get to their street.”

Both candidates said they would make a decision on a proposed program for rental inspections after they see the ordinance in writing.

Both also said they had concerns about implementing the program without Rock Falls, which decided to abandon the idea in the near term.

“Rental property is a business, and safety issues must be taken care of,” Elston said. “I would like to find a way to do that without it costing anyone more money, and I don’t feel comfortable going forward without Rock Falls.”

Saturday, March 28, 2015

www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • A5

Lillyman grateful to help mourners envision monuments PEOPLE’S VOICE

Need counsel, consultation?

CONTINUED FROM A1

Lose a loved one? Or do you have a custom stained-glass project you’d like to commission? Visit Nancy Lillyman at Dixon Monument Co., 423 S. Dement Ave., or call 815-284-2713.

Starting at the bottom Lillyman knows that when clients come in for the first time, it’s likely they’re not thinking clearly. They’ve just lost someone, oftentimes unexpectedly. Maybe they’ve been married for decades and are still wrapping their mind around the thought of life without their best friend.

“Often, I’ve been of service to them at the lowest point in their life,” Lillyman says.

They haven’t thought about the arrangements that come with saying goodbye.

“You’re dealing with grief, and what do you know about granite?

Nothing,” Lillyman says.

“And why would you? It’s not something where you jump out of bed and say, ‘Hey, honey. Let’s go buy a monument.’”

Exhibit A: the Bartolomeis, as famous for Al & Leda’s Pizza as Al was for his gravitas. He wanted a monument to match the size of his personality. But he didn’t tell Leda exactly what he wanted before he died in February 1988.

“He was a very happygo-lucky guy,” his daughter, Linda, says, “but my mom didn’t know exactly what he meant by a ‘big monument.’ They hadn’t talked about it.”

So Nancy took her to Chicago, where they viewed many sizable monuments.

The result was something of a trail-blazing figure. His monument was one of the first black ones at Calvary Cemetery. It greets traffic from the very front of the cemetery, along Freeport Road.

“He said he wanted to be next to the road, so he could see everyone go by,” Linda says. “It was the start of something.

As you go farther into the cemetery, you start to see more black monuments.”

Lillyman, a former special educator through Kreider Services, has a knack for knowing just when to come out from behind the desk and hug someone. Just be there.

It’s her calling, and she’s eternally grateful that she and her ex-husband, James, bought the business two doors down from their house in November 1984.

At the time, she thought he was off his rocker.

“I didn’t know anything about tombstones,” she says.

But Lillyman learned to turn her artistic flair into tributes to loved ones while she was in Alberton, Georgia, where she was schooled in the basics of sandblasting and drawings, which she did by hand.

Today, the sandblasting is done at Blast Craft Services in Slinger, Wisconsin. But nothing can replicate intricate engravings – much sharper, more detailed than sandblasting.

Lillyman admits she’s old-school, and that she takes pride in the fact that she’s never used the same sketch twice, unless the same customer wanted to use it again.

Lillyman’s business at Dixon Monument Co. led her to crafting stained glass, and she’s sold many pieces through her side business, Stained Glass by Nancy Lee. This stained glass eagle is one of several birds that move with a gentle pull of the center string.

‘They’ll come to you’

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

Nancy Lillyman sits on her monument in front of the plot of her mother, Dorothy Kicksey, at Riverside Cemetery in Sterling. Lillyman, who owns Dixon Monument Co., says some monuments – such as her mother’s – take years to conceptualize and create. Others, such as Lillyman’s, can be done pretty quickly. Neither plans to use their headstone anytime soon.

LEFT: Lillyman designed this headstone for her father, Donald Hames. RIGHT: Lillyman designed an ornate black stone for Al Bartolomei’s headstone at Calvary Cemetery in Sterling. The late owner of Al & Leda’s Pizza wanted a plot in the front row of the cemetery, so he could watch everyone pass by, his daughter, Linda, said.

Nancy Lillyman designed this serene stained-glass scene installed in the chapel at KSB Hospital in Dixon.

There are a lot of shortcuts these days, but you can’t find soul in Google Images.

“Today, you Google ‘angels,’ and 5,000 drawings come up,” she said.

Now, they’re angels Among the first monuments Lillyman designed was for the mother of the late celebrated local stained glass artist Kenny Wallingford.

Impressed, he signed Lillyman up for a class, and a star was born – thankfully, after she had finished landscaping and remodeling of her property.

Lillyman excelled partly because of her God-given talent, and partly because she was so “engrossed in it,” her soldering became so precise that she could create pristine lead came – the metal that separates sections of glass.

She’d make Tiffany-style lamps with thousands of pieces, “just for the heck of it,” while waiting for customers.

KSB Hospital commissioned her to design the sublime scenery in the stained glass you’ll find in the hospital chapel. Most recently, the Heucks, whom I wrote about last weekend, commissioned Stained Glass by Nancy Lee to create the memorial to their daughter, Ann, who died unexpectedly about a year ago.

They told her they wanted a lamb, a robin, a bluejay and a cardinal.

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The expressions on their faces at the dedication ceremony March 7 were all the payment Lillyman could ask for.

“I felt so blessed to be part of that whole dedication,” Lillyman says.

“Just the look on their faces, I felt that I had touched their heart, and that I’d put in glass what they wanted to remember their daughter by.”

She’s happiest when a client tells her what they’d like, then gives her artistic license.

“It allows me to be creative, and to put myself into that piece,” she says.

Today, she knows that stained glass is a luxury.

That it’s much more affordable to just buy the stained-glass door or cabinets. But then the personal touch is gone.

And who’s going to be completely honest with you, perhaps dissuading you from putting color into the glass of those cabinet doors? Imagine trying to sell your house if the buyer doesn’t like the colors in the kitchen.

“It’s kind of like the granite business – once it’s engraved in stone, it’s there,” Lillyman said.

Whether it be stained glass or monuments, in

Nancy Lillyman etches and carves designs in granite at Dixon Monument Co. most cases, she shows the client her sketch, and they both sign off on it.

“When my customer sees a monument, I don’t want them to be surprised,” she says.

She explores the interests of the deceased, finds out what made them who they were. A firetruck? A family tree, like the one you’ll find on the back of the monument of her father’s big-as-life, 5-foot11 monument in Oakwood Cemetery in Dixon?

Perhaps Betty Boop, which adorns Lillyman’s monument at Riverside Cemetery in Sterling.

Always open to change For years, Lillyman’s granddaughter, Hailey, sidled alongside her and watched Food Network, prodding Grandma to try becoming a pastry chef.

“From the time she was little, she’d say, ‘Oh, Grandma, you could make that. Grandma, you should be in a bakery,’” Lillyman says.

So she gave it a try. At age 56, she got in touch

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“It was quite an experience – best experience of my whole life,” Lillyman says. “I needed the change, and I needed a challenge.”

But with that experience off her bucket list, and missing her mom and stepdad, Dorothy and Dick Kicksey, Lillyman moved back to the Sauk Valley and now lives part time with her parents in Sterling.

She missed the business – more specifically, the customers.

“It’s my job to the community to service people as honestly as I can,” Lillyman says.

with her nephew in Springfield, Missouri, and moved in with him in the beautiful countryside. She took a triple course load at Ozarks Technical Community College and earned her certificates in culinary, baking and hospitality.

“It should’ve taken me 4 years, but I did it in 2,” she says.

Surrounded by 18-yearolds, she was older than most of the instructors.

“They’d look at me like I was an 18-year-old, and I’d be like, ‘Don’t go there.

I already know there.

Been there, done that,’” Lillyman says.

She worked an internship with Artisans Bakery, which boasted a nice storefront in desperate need of some character.

She brought in pictures and a couch – the sorts of things that make people want to come in, buy a cup of coffee and a pastry, and read the paper.

As always, she wanted people to feel comfort-

Lillyman doesn’t bother the grieving with phone calls or letters. After all, she was on the other end of that line when her father, Don Hames, died in 1987.

“It was just a call. That’s all it was. Just a call,” Lillyman says. “I don’t think you should call anybody for an appointment. If you have a good reputation, they’ll come to you.”

Need a rush job? Maybe you don’t. Isn’t a permanent tribute something you’d like to get right, rather than just getting it off your list?

“There’s always another Memorial Day,” she says, warning that many shops will jump on rush orders, sometimes even making promises they can’t keep.

“When I do call on a rush job, I call with my customer right there to make sure it can happen.”

Some of her monuments develop quickly – like her own. Others, like her mother’s, take years. They started working together on it before Lillyman went to culinary school and finally finished it after her return.

“My mom never wanted to do it,” Lillyman says.

“She’s never looked at it.

She’s only seen it on my iPad.” Her name isn’t on the monument yet. A lot of folks can’t bear the thought of their name actually being etched into stone. I’m among them. But Lillyman urges us to get our monument out of the way “pre-need” – in other words, before the decisions are left to those ill-equipped. Griefstricken.

“That’s not the time to make decisions,” she says. “We can get those painful decisions out of the way now.”

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EDITORIAL | CONSOLIDATED ELECTION

April 7 referendums offer clear choices R

esidents in Oregon, Rock Falls and Sterling have separate problems that they will be asked to address in referendums on April 7.

Oregon faces the problem of providing emergency medical care to its residents. Last June, the private ambulance service that had provided such care went out of business.

Other area communities have had tax-supported ambulance services for many years.

Not Oregon.

So, residents of the Oregon Fire District will be asked to establish a tax of 40 cents per $100 of equalized assessed valuation on real estate.

That tax is expected to raise about $440,000 a

year to pay for the ambulance service. A taxpayer with a $150,000 home would pay an extra $175 a year, excluding exemptions.

What Oregon residents would receive is a modern, reliable, professional ambulance service, based in their community, to answer calls for medical emergencies, traffic accidents, injuries, and so forth.

Over the past 10 years, an average of 655 ambulance calls were answered in the fire district area, and that number is expected to rise to 800 a year, according to the fire department.

If the referendum fails, the fire district likely won’t be able to continue using fire protection tax dollars to pay for its cur-

What we think

year, additional street repair projects could be taken on.

The city has also decided to use more slag instead of chip and oil overlay to repave streets because of the lower cost involved, which will allow more streets to be fixed.

In both Rock Falls and Sterling, the sales tax increase would not be Do Oregon residents want their own assessed on groceries, ambulance service? Do Rock Falls residents medication, services, want better streets? Do Sterling residents farm equipment, cars, trucks, ATVs, boats, RVs, want relief from storm-water flooding? or mobile homes.

Referendums in the April 7 election offer clear The current sales tax rate in those cities is 7.75 choices to voters in those communities. percent; if approved, the half-cent increase would rent emergency contract increase the sales tax by IN STERLING, the prob- raise the rate to 8.25 perwith ATS Ambulance half a cent to help pay for lem is a long list of need- cent.

Service of Loves Park. street repairs. ed storm-water sewer Oregon voters have Oregon residents would Such an increase is projects to relieve surface a clear choice: do they have to rely on mutual expected to generate flooding when heavy want their own ambuaid from neighboring $410,000 a year in new rains fall or heavy snows lance service? fire districts, or call a pri- revenue that would be Rock Falls residents vate ambulance service put toward street repairs. melt. The projected price have a clear choice: do from Rockford, Dixon or In 2004, voters approved tag is $14 million.

Sterling voters will be they want better streets?

Freeport, which would a similar half-cent tax, asked to approve a halfSterling residents have almost certainly increase and that money has a clear choice: do they response times. been going toward street cent sales tax, with the money – an estimated want relief from stormrepairs ever since. $1.2 million a year – water flooding?

IN ROCK FALLS, the With the additional After the polls close problem is deterioratmoney added to the city’s going to finance various projects over several on April 7, we’ll find out ing streets. The city has Motor Fuel Tax revenue, decades. their answers. decided to ask voters to which was $227,000 last

THE READER’S VOICE

‘Maintain the momentum and growth’

ELECTION Countdown

10 days

JEFF KUHN Dixon

I am the only mayoral candidate with experience in city government and the vision needed to effectively lead Dixon.

I began my career in public service in 1973 when I moved to Dixon. I taught math and government in the Dixon Public Schools for 33 years. I had the privilege of working with some of our town’s best and brightest individuals, who inspired me to continue to serve Dixon upon my retirement.

In addition to teaching, I have been active in the Dixon community for more than 3 decades.

I am proud to have been a member of the Dixon Petunia Festival, Emergency Food and Shelter Program, Veterans Memorial Park, Dixon Main Street, Elks, Lions and First United Methodist Church.

Along with my work within community, I served on the Dixon Zoning Board of Appeals before being elected to the Dixon City Council, where I currently serve as commissioner of streets and public improvement.

My accomplishments while serving as commissioner include championing the city’s transparency program, serving on the strategic planning committee as well as the hiring committee for city administrator and financial director, supervising the downtown rejuvenation, and overseeing the resurfacing of 150 blocks of streets and alleys.

As we move to the managerial form of government, I am confident that my wealth of experience will contribute to a smooth transition.

I look forward to working with the city manager and council members to maintain the momentum and growth that Dixon has enjoyed over the past several years.

My vision for Dixon’s future includes continued economic development, updating infrastructure,

EDITORIAL BOARD Jennifer Baratta Jim Dunn Sam R Fisher Sheryl Gulbranson Larry Lough Jeff Rogers

until the Consolidated Election on April 7.

Vote as you please, but please vote.

Joe Heller, Heller Syndication

has gone door-to-door in the ward.

Please turn to pages One of the candidates A7, A9, and C5 for even lives less than a block additional letters to the from my home. Local goveditor. ernment is very important, but apparently not enough for the candiSubmission dates to participate in the deadline forum.

The deadline to submit I will vote on Election election-related letters Day, and even if some of to the editor is noon my views are not the same Tuesday. as the candidate who visited my home, that permore jobs for the hard- son will probably get my working people of Dixon, vote because they tried. and cementing the town’s reputation as a premier destination for arts and entertainment.

I will be honored to be JIM BURKE your mayor and greatly Dixon appreciate your vote on A number of years ago, April 7. a Japanese company was searching for a manufacturing site in Lee County to process soybeans for a soy-based product.

Incidentally, Northern Illinois produces some of MARY CARLSON the highest-quality soySterling beans in the Midwest.

I was very disappointed The company required a that the three candidates site with rail siding comfor Ward 2 in Sterling did ing off the Union Pacific not participate in the main line. A South Dixon candidates forum spon- f a r m e r - b u s i n e s s m a n sored by the Rock Falls active in the Farm Bureau, Chamber.

Jim Schielein, volunteered Only one of the three to help.

More letters

Vote Schielein for school board

Disappointed with the lack of effort in Ward 2

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.

Jim scoured the rail line for miles, identifying various sites with, or suitable for, rail siding. Ultimately, the company chose to build in Iowa, primarily because of a large cash commitment from the state.

However, the point is that Jim Schielein, on his own time and expense, did everything he could to entice the company to locate in Lee County, which would have resulted in a large number of jobs for Dixon and the area.

I have never forgotten this, and I observed that Jim has brought this same public-interest attitude to the Dixon School Board.

I urge the voters to return him to the school board in the April 7 election.

Note to readers: Jim Burke is the mayor of Dixon.

Vote Gibler for city council BECKY MARTORANO Marshfield, Wisconsin

of selecting good people who will work for the city of Dixon and its citizens.

One candidate, Bob Gibler, ran a campaign 4 years ago for mayor, and a vast number of people voted for him. I believed in his message then, and it remains yet today.

He wants financial accountability, jobs for citizens, more businesses, and progress toward the future.

A vote for Bob will mean your concerns for Dixon will be heard. He will work for all of the people in Dixon and bring a new perspective and outlook to city government.

The citizens of Dixon will have new representation that will bring about new changes for the city, and more progress in the near future.

Vote for Bob Gibler for city council on April 7.

Disappointed in past behavior

BETTY HIGBY As voters in the city of Dixon Dixon, you are now faced with the challenges of Past behavior is one of instituting a new form of the best indicators of an government. The large individual’s future perlist of council candi- formance. dates gives you a choice At last week’s forum for

“Everybody is entitled to their own opinions, but not their own facts.”

Editorials represent the opinions of the Sauk Valley Media Editorial Board.

Daniel Patrick Moynihan, former U.S. senator, D-New York, 1989

Quotes brought to you courtesy of

Dixon’s mayoral and city council positions, several candidates were very articulate on their specific priorities for Dixon.

Some already have proven records of service to Dixon and to multiple community groups.

What was not visible were issues with candidate Gibler. Mr. Gibler’s c o n t i n u o u s a b ra s i v e treatment of so many in the Lee County Historical Society resulted in massive declines in member participation and volunteerism.

When he was not reelected president of the society, he left its Stella Grobe Research Center an appalling mess. Dead insects and rodent droppings were everywhere, the collection was in unsorted piles throughout the building, and the Civil War uniform of Col. John Stevens was tossed in an ignominious heap.

Mr. Gibler had also been the keeper of the key to the historic log cabin.

His “stewardship” of this asset included allowing enormous damage to its irreplaceable contents, including Father John Dixon’s wife’s dress, which was among items that were chewed and soiled by rodents, and molded, due to the unrepaired, leaking roof.

This is not leadership.

Mr. Gibler’s behavior earns neither our trust nor our vote.

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.

Opinions expressed in letters and columns are those of the writers.

Saturday, March 28, 2015

www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • A7

SECOND OPINION

City election about more than this campaign W

hat do you want, Dixon, in your first new mayor of the 21st century?

One candidate promises “to continue the progress made.”

The other pledges a new direction, “to lead change ... implement change.”

What kind of experience do you voters prefer in a mayor?

One has a background in business, the other in local government.

Is 34 too young for a first-time mayor? Is 63 too old?

You have a choice, Dixon.

And about 2 weeks to make up your mind.

IN SOME WAYS, Liandro (Li) Arellano and Jeffrey (Jeff) Kuhn are very different.

In other ways, they’re a lot alike.

Both candidates profess to be Republicans, they’re both smart guys, and they share a strong desire to be mayor.

Top priorities of both

include infrastructure improvements, economic development, and job creation.

No one can doubt the sincerity of both men in their promising to work hard to help Dixon become a better community.

Either way, Dixon will have a good guy in the mayor’s office.

But you want more.

DIFFERENCES IN the candidates involve, perhaps, more style than substance.

Arellano says he can bring to city government his knowledge in vital areas of leadership – budgeting, marketing and personnel – that comes from his experience of managing a business.

Kuhn, a retired teacher who has been street commissioner during his 4 years on the city council, says he has the time to work the mayor’s job full time “if that’s what it’s going to be taking.”

Kuhn suggests Arellano is too busy with his

larryLOUGH Larry Lough is executive editor of Sauk Valley Media.

Contact him via email at llough@ saukvalley. com.

young family and multiple businesses to give the city the time needed to do the job. Arellano says he’ll delegate many of his business responsibilities to other managers.

Arellano questions Kuhn’s commitment to change after the commissioner publicly opposed the move to a manager form of city government – until 76 percent of voters approved it in November. Kuhn says he’s now “on board” with the change.

Who’s more convincing?

WHAT THE TWO candidates have to say, however, isn’t likely to be the deciding factor in this race.

Rita Crundwell will be.

Voters will divide largely into two camps: the “let’s move on” caucus behind Kuhn, and the “let’s clean house” coalition supporting Arellano.

Kuhn was on the council for only the last year of Crundwell’s twodecades-long theft of nearly $54 million from the city.

In fact, Mayor Jim Burke had blown the whistle on his city comptroller 6 months before she was arrested in April 2012, so the FBI was watching and documenting her ongoing larceny of city funds long before she got busted.

None of that matters, however, to a segment of the electorate who are still justifiably angry that Dixon is home to the largest municipal fraud in U.S. history.

So, while Kuhn was largely removed from the scandal and was not responsible for it, that doesn’t mean he won’t be blamed by voters.

That political climate

would have made it impossible for Burke to have won re-election, just as the fiscal mess in Illinois created a mood among voters that doomed the re-election chances of Gov. Pat Quinn last year.

Whether or not that’s fair, that’s politics.

PREDICTING A WINNER in the mayor’s race is tricky business.

Kuhn, along with Commissioners Colleen Brechon and Dennis Considine, have a constituency from their public history in Dixon that helped to elect them 4 years ago in a ninecandidate race for four council seats.

Arellano has a mostly untested political base that, nonetheless, is undeniably committed to a clean sweep of all elected officials who shared any City Hall time with Crundwell as she was stealing the city broke.

Brechon and Considine have the advantage of needing only a small

percentage of the vote to survive in the 11-candidate campaign for the council – in which each voter can pick four.

Kuhn must hope that the “clean house” crowd is louder than it is large.

We’ll know April 7.

VOTERS CAN’T SAY they haven’t had the opportunity to see and hear the candidates for mayor.

The Chamber of Commerce and Sauk Valley Tea Party both had a public forum to allow citizens to see and hear Arellano and Kuhn.

And Sauk Valley Media had its own modified debate, which you can watch at saukvalley. com. Find the Election Central box on the homepage and scroll down to “video.” It’s in three parts.

Check out the ongoing coverage of the campaign in this newspaper, visit the websites of the candidates, and talk with friends about the issues.

Prepare yourself to vote.

And do your duty.

THE READER’S VOICE

Vote Hand for city council

More letters Please turn to pages A6, A9, and C5 for additional letters to the editor.

BOB CUSHMAN Galt

I am proud to say Dave Hand, who is running for re-election for the 3rd Ward, is my brother-inlaw. Two hundred words are not enough to share with you all the accomplishments and credentials of Dave Hand.

I have known him since he started dating my sister during their senior year in high school. He has time and time again, proved to be a loving, caring, devoted father and husband. Those who are running against him might say that after serving 24 years on the Rock Falls City Council, that it is time for a change.

We have all witnessed how shallow and sometimes inaccurate the words a candidate can espouse to gain your vote. Dave is a humble, dedicated public servant who is passionate about continuing to serve your city.

His well-rounded experience is invaluable.

You can be proud of the money he has saved taxpayers while serving as the finance committee chairperson. His voice on the Rock Falls City Council is your voice.

His untiring, relentless devotion to his duty is worthy of your vote.

It is surely a cliché, but I say, “give your city a Hand” on April 7.

Time for new city leadership in Rock Falls JIM L. BUZARD Rock Falls

In the upcoming election for Rock Falls aldermen, take time to think before you vote.

Did your current alderman have your best interests at heart when serving his last term?

Was he responsive to you and your neighbors’ needs? Did he have his wife screen his calls and never call back?

Did he acknowledge you when you attended a city council meeting, or did he walk in with his head down and stare at the table in front of him and shuffle papers when seated?

Did he help shove the water ordinance down your throat, or did he attempt to do what his constituents wanted, or at least attempt to relate to the people he is supposed to represent?

If your alderman with all this experience didn’t represent you as you preferred, don’t vote for him; vote for someone new with a desire to represent the people who vote for him.

It is time for a changing of the guard.

Another vision for the boat docks in Dixon DUANE ANDREWS Dixon

Are there any other Di xo n c i t i ze n s w h o see the scheme being orchestrated by the present administration? I’m referring to the latest push for downtown boat docks.

This “economic development” project, supported by Mr. Burke and his hand-picked circle of followers, is the same type message we were fed when the Riverfront boondoggle was dumped on us without a vote.

The selling point: no taxpayer monies will be used for the project; just grants, donations, and money generated from Riverfront events.

The Riverfront was built and money lent to the project from Dixon city (taxpayer) funds without a written contract for timely reimbursement.

T h e n M r. B u r k e dropped the news: the Riverfront boondoggle was built on city property, and taxpayer funds would have to support it. We can only assume the taxpayer loan has been forgiven, because there never has been a reimbursement payment shown anywhere.

A complete budget submitted for the Riverfront’s operating expenses, or how much money is made or lost from

events, is impossible to obtain, but they still continue to ask for more money.

Now we’re being told this bottomless money pit needs boat docks, financed by “gambling monies.” What happens “if ” gambling monies don’t cover the expenses – purchasing, installation and removal, maintenance, security, liability insurance, and other ongoing expenses?

Will Dixon taxpayers get another surprise and be obligated to pay for another “vision” from Mr. Burke and his followers?

With the latest announcement that our city budget is anticipating and budgeting at least a $500,000 shortfall, and our city already has needed expenses, is this the time to commit to another “vision,” or should it be placed on a wish list for better economic times?

We have several locations already in the area for the boaters to dock, and they probably have been using them for many years. So let’s move on to more pressing city needs.

Vote Pennell for alderwoman CHERYL GALOR Polo

As Election Day draws closer, please vote for the candidate best qualified to serve the citizens of Rock Falls.

Calling all candidates; write a letter In the run-up to the April 7 Consolidated Election, Sauk Valley Media will accept Reader’s Voice letters to the editor from candidates who wish to encourage the public to vote for them.

Each candidate may submit one letter. The maximum length is 300 words.

The deadline for candidate letters to reach our office is 1 week before the election – noon Tuesday. Letters will be published through Saturday, April 4.

People who wish to respond to letters published between the submission deadline and April 4 may do so through the comments section on the Sauk Valley Media website, where letters will be posted.

Our intent is to print and post every acceptable letter that we receive.

Election-related letters The maximum length for letters to the editor that endorse candidates or discuss issues regarding the April 7 Consolidated Election is 200 words.

Letter writers may not endorse the same candidate or issue more than once.

The submission deadline is 1 week before the election – noon Tuesday. Letters will be published through Saturday, April 4.

People who wish to respond to letters published between the submission deadline and April 4 may do so through the comments section on the Sauk Valley Media website, where letters will be posted.

Our intent is to print and post every acceptable letter that we receive.

Linda Pennell is passionate, proud of her community, and willing to serve Ward 3 as an alderwoman.

Linda is a lifelong Whiteside County resident, on the board of the Rock Falls Chamber, served on the Sterling/Rock Falls Chamber, was named Ambassador of the Year for Rock Falls Chamber, served as an alderwoman for 3 years in Sterling City Council, and is a precinct committee woman for Precinct 5.

Linda maintains a posi-

tive approach, and her experience serving on various boards has given her the insight to be conservative with taxpayers’ money. She is accessible and available to any citizen. Integrity is just part of who she is, and she truly cares to maintain and improve the city she lives in.

Please vote April 7 for Linda Pennell for Alderwoman in Rock Falls Ward 3.

Note to readers: Cheryl Galor is an alderwoman in Polo.

The deadline to submit election-related letters to the editor is noon Tuesday.

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A8 • SV Weekend

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Saturday, March 28, 2015

THE CANDIDATES’ VOICES | DIXON CITY COUNCIL

Bishop: ‘Challenges, opportunities ahead’ CHRISTOPHER BISHOP Dixon

I want to thank Sauk Valley Media for giving the voters this opportunity to get to know the candidates running in the upcoming election.

I am Chris Bishop, and I have the privilege of being one of the 11 candidates running for city council in April’s election.

From a very young age, I was taught to appreciate honesty, work ethic, and determination.

These characteristics have guided me through most of my life.

I graduated from Dixon High School in 2004 and continued my education at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. I received a degree in history and education, on top of being a collegiate wrestler.

I came back to Dixon in 2009 and became a social studies teacher at Reagan Middle School. A year later, I was selected as the head wrestling coach for Dixon High School.

In 2012, I married Lauren Roth from Dixon.

Lauren and I purchased a home on Chicago Avenue and have enjoyed starting our family in our hometown.

The question people always ask me is, “Why did you decide to run?”

My answer is that I feel like I have qualities I can offer our community: honesty, work ethic, and determination. We may have differing opinions

Christopher Bishop Age: 29 Experience: Reagan Middle School social studies teacher; committee member for Dixon Schools athletics and activities fundraiser; member of parent/ teacher panel for Dixon Schools superintendent search

on decisions, but I will be upfront and honest about how I see the situation.

I understand that it is going to take a lot of work for Dixon to reach its greatest potential, and I want to be part of the team that accomplishes that goal. The determination I have to see us achieve our potential will drive my decisions.

In closing, Dixon is in a state of transition. A managerial form of government is coming, and a new council will be seated.

I am optimistic about the future. Challenges are ahead, but so are new opportunities.

For any questions you may have, please email me at chrisbishop61021@gmail.com.

Please remember to vote April 7, and thank you for your time and support.

Gibler: ‘On threshold of a vast improvement’ ROBERT “BOB” GIBLER Dixon

It’s not often that a government changes. We’ve had the commission form of it in Dixon since January 1911.

The city has continued to operate under this form since that date, although an unsuccessful attempt was made to abandon it on Oct. 22, 1918.

The mayor and city council members failed in their trust and responsibility to serve the citizens of Dixon. Voters loudly echoed that feeling by changing the form of government for Dixon in last November’s election.

As we turn the page on the problems of the past, we must focus our attention on a new city council and a bright beginning for Dixon.

As we progress in the campaign, there will be further discussion and facts on many issues. I encourage you, the voter, to learn where each of the mayoral and commissioner candidates stands on various topics.

Talk to your friends, neighbors and relatives.

Get them involved and have open discussions on how the city of Dixon has been operated over the past years and what you feel needs to be accomplished to make Dixon a better community and be responsive to its citizens.

The city’s finances and how to improve them is of major concern. The city has struggled with the Rita Crundwell scandal in addition to a loss of sales tax revenue during the last economic slowdown. The city of Dixon, after recovering funds from a lawsuit, seems to be on better footing, but projections show expenses outweighing income in 5 years.

Robert ‘Bob’ Gibler Age: 74 Experience: Involved in many organizations – Dixon Elks Lodge, Reagan Home volunteer, Dixon Sunrise Lions, Lee County Historical Society, Al Morrison Baseball, Dixon Main Street – along with serving on city of Dixon commissions, the Dixon Park District Board (8 years), and Lee County Board; retired from Illinois Toll Highway Authority; IHSA certified official, 33 years

Those cities whereby a city manager or city administrator exists have shown economic upturns from new business and industry. We are on the threshold of a vast improvement with a new form of government.

For too long, the city has neglected the repair of city streets, sidewalks and curbs. A terrific amount of money has been spent on enhancing the south side riverbank between the bridges and rebuilding the downtown infrastructure.

Ye s , w e h a d t h e money to enhance that area after settling the Crundwell lawsuit, but now it’s time to make our neighborhood improvements just as well.

All avenues have to be pursued in attracting new business and manufacturing establishments to want to move to Dixon or start up a new location here in Dixon. I’ll work with individuals and committees to bring new industry and jobs to our area.

I would appreciate your vote on April 7.

SAUK VALLEY MEDIA presents a series of guest columns by candidates in contested races.

Dixon City Council candidates were invited to write up to 400 words about why voters should support them.

Eleven candidates are running for four at-large seats on the Dixon City Council.

ELECTION DAY: April 7; polls will be open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Brechon: ‘Not afraid to speak my mind’ M. COLLEEN BRECHON Dixon

For the past 4 years, I have been privileged to be the commissioner of Public Property for the city of Dixon, which includes the Wastewater Treatment Plant, the Water Department, and the Public Property and Oa k w o o d Ce m e t e r y departments.

The experience has made me well aware of how much time and energy it takes in running a city efficiently. I know my experiences of the past 4 years will be of great benefit to the success of the next 4 years.

A city should have elected officials as diverse as the citizens they represent. I am an honest, fair-minded, compassionate person who listens and tries to make decisions that benefit the majority of the people – not just a selected few.

I am reasonable enough to realize I cannot please all of the people, but I say what I think and vote respectfully of the city I represent.

I tend to think outside the box, and I am not afraid to speak my mind and fight for what I think is right.

But most important, I am willing to compromise and cooperate to get things done. I feel the city needs to keep a handle on expenses, but be willing to fund

M. Colleen Brechon Age: 65 Experience: Dixon city commissioner since 2011 (commissioner of Public Property); has owned travel agency for 32 years; memberships in Kiwanis Club, Lions Club, Lioness Club, Elks Lodge; volunteer for Petunia Festival, petunia planting, Memorial Pool project, Tourism Board, Main Street, Next Picture Show Art Gallery Board

projects that benefit the citizens.

I have lived in the Dixon area most of my 65 years and own Travel Consultants travel agency for the past 32 years.

I have volunteered for a variety of projects in the city over the years, including the Petunia Festival, the petunia planting volunteers, Memorial Pool project, the Tourism Board, the Next Picture Show Art Gallery Board, the Sauk Valley Fly-In and Air Show organization, Main Street fundraising projects, and member past and present for Kiwanis, Lions Club, Lioness Club, and the Dixon Elks Lodge.

I am asking for your trust in voting to be re-elected to your city council.

Tucker: ‘A defining moment’ for Dixon MITCH TUCKER Dixon

I’m a self-starter and know what it takes to work with others to get the job done. My experiences have given me firsthand knowledge of street maintenance, the inner workings of a fire department, and costeffective property maintenance.

If elected to the Dixon City Council, I would like to help make Dixon a town that attracts families who will contribute to the community long term.

While tourism is a necessity, it will not sustain us, nor contribute to our schools and parks as property taxes do.

I’m ready to work hard to ensure a smooth transition to the new form of government. Its implementation is critical to its success.

I would also like to focus on developing relationships with the various boards and committees; we work better when we work together.

I feel this election has the opportunity to be a defining moment in Dixon’s history. I look forward to the opportunity to serve the citizens of Dixon.

I have extensive retail

Mitch Tucker Age: 34 Experience: Founded Dixon Paint Co. in 2011; extensive retail sales and customer service experience; volunteer firefighter and EMT, Dixon Rural Fire Department; Main Street board member

sales and customer service experience. I founded Dixon Paint Co. in 2011 and am a 1999 graduate of Dixon High School.

I was volunteer firefighter and EMT for the Dixon Rural Fire Department. I served as a Main Street board member, where I received the Main Street 2008 Rookie of the Year and 2009 Volunteer of the Year awards and created The Great Snowball Drop.

While on the fire department, I started the Petunia Festival firefighter and children’s water fights.

For more information, please visit my Facebook page, www.facebook.com/votemitchtucker or email me at mitch-tucker@hotmail. com.

Whaley: ‘Devoted my life to public service’ JOSIE SANDOVAL WHALEY Dixon

The first time that I visited Dixon was in 1973. I remember seeing the beautiful arch, the streets lined with pink petunias, and a friendly small town, but I never dreamed that one day, my husband, George, and I would be residents of Dixon.

Now, 42 years later, I am asking you to elect me to the Dixon City Council.

I became interested in Dixon’s city government 5 years ago when the City Council passed an RV ordinance. We disagreed with the ordinance and organized a group of RV owners to appear before the council. Even though there was a large group of citizens, the council dismissed our concerns and passed the ordinance.

I was appalled at the way the council meetings were conducted. I made a decision to continue to attend the meetings and try to make a difference in the transparency of Dixon’s government.

I have addressed the City Council with concerns about various topics, including the following: Re q u e s t i n g t h a t council minutes and agendas be updated in a timely manner on the city website.

The financial and budget information be placed online and in the library for the citizens to review.

Requesting the council offer an explanation of items on the agenda.

Noncompliance of the council to review closed sessions semiannually as required by the Open Meetings Act. As your next councilwoman, I propose that:

Age: 66 Experience: Retired; worked in Social Services Division of the San Angelo-Tom Green County Health Department, San Angelo, Texas; Dixon Plan Commission since 2011; member, Dixon Area Christian Women, Dixon Community Food Pantry, Dixon Lioness Club, St. Patrick Catholic Women’s Club

The information given to the council prior to the meeting be made available with the online agenda.

Organizations receiving city funds should provide a written and oral report to the council and the citizens on a regular basis.

Dixon becomes proactive instead of reactive, and have a plan for the repair and replacement of aging infrastructure.

The Water Department complete the replacement of water meters, so billing can be done monthly to make bills more affordable for citizens on a budget.

I have devoted my life to public service, whether it was doing my job in social services to being involved with my community and my church.

I want to commit my energy to making Dixon a better place to live.

I believe it’s time for you, the citizens, to be heard! I want to be your voice on the City Council and would appreciate your vote on April 7.

For any questions, feel free to call me at 815440-5374.

Brooks: ‘I know a lot’ about area’s history TAMERA BROOKS Dixon

My name is Tamera Brooks (notice the spelling of my first name), and my dad named me.

He went to see a Tammy movie the night before I was born, and the “era” stands for Equal Rights Amendment.

I had my platinum birthday last year: I was born in 1957, and I turned 57. I have three kids; a girl, 26, and 21-year-old twin boys; and two grandsons, a 5-year-old and a 3-yearold.

I was born in Dixon and went to Jefferson, Washington, Holcomb, Ashton, and Franklin Center schools. I also went to Sauk Valley Community College to get a degree in early childhood so I could work in day care centers.

I lived 3 years in California and almost 3 years in Florida. I traveled with the carnival for 3 years and the circus for 1 year. I celebrated my 18th birthday in New Orleans with 3 days off.

I rode in the back of a semi with a 600-pound elephant named Barbara.

When I was in California, I babysat for Angelina Jolie for a weekend and got paid $400.

We can trace my family back past the Civil

Tamera Brooks Age: 57 Experience: Early childhood degree, Sauk Valley Community College

War. My grandpa on my mom’s side was chief of police. When I was born, my great-great-grandpa was in the Civil War and his name was Samual Hoon. He was a chaplain and a sharp shooter (if you can’t get ’em with the Bible, get them with the gun). His daughter, Elenor, was my greatgrandma, and she was in the first graduating class of KSB Hospital Nursing School in 1901.

I also am related to Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf.

My grandma went to school with Ronald Reagan and wrote his book reports. He paid her $5 for each report. They went together for 3 years, and they almost got married.

My strong point is that I know a lot about the history of this area. My dad was born and raised in Grand Detour. My grandparents raised six kids in a two-room house.

Election letters

Calling all candidates In the run-up to the April 7 election, Sauk Valley Media will accept one Reader’s Voice letter to the editor from candidates. The maximum length is 300 words. The submission deadline is noon Tuesday.

Josie Sandoval Whaley

Letters that endorse candidates or discuss electionrelated issues are limited to 200 words or less. Letter writers may not endorse the same candidate more than once. Submission deadline is noon Tuesday.

More Dixon City Council candidates’ columns appear on page A9.

Saturday, March 28, 2015

www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • A9

THE CANDIDATES’ VOICES | DIXON CITY COUNCIL

Considine: ‘I want to help move city forward’ DENNIS H. CONSIDINE Dixon

I truly appreciate Sauk Valley Media’s invitation to write a guest column. Initially, I thought I should write about my past and my qualifications for this job – both of which make me very proud. But rather than sing my own praises, I just want to use this space to let voters know why I want to continue to represent Dixon as a commissioner/councilman.

Having served as commissioner for the past 4 years, I take a great deal of pride in my hometown, as well as all the folks who choose to call Dixon their home, too.

Despite issues from the past, we have much to be proud of, and we have the integrity and the drive to continue moving this great city forward.

I’m not trying to sugarcoat the past; we’ve had very trying times, but I’m happy I was able to help Dixon move past those issues and again become a city in which we can all be proud.

My goals for this position are simple. I want to help move Dixon forward. In the face of state budget cuts and other adverse state and national issues, the next mayor and commissioners/councilmen need to be proactive instead of reactive.

We will need to work as a team. Of course, we won’t always agree, but that’s good, too, since it allows everyone to look at facets of an issue we might otherwise not recognize.

As a commissioner/

Dennis H. Considine Age: 70 Experience: Dixon city commissioner, 2011present; diverse experience as a business development professional, corporate planner and industry leader; worked 18 years with Kline’s Department Store and more than 23 years with Marshall Beauty Supply

councilman, I understand I represent everyone – not just a select few. From children to teenagers to young adults, middle-aged and seniors, I want to be your voice. I want to listen to you. I want to continue to learn what you think, hear what you say, and be an advocate for all – men and women, old and young, the haves and the have-nots.

I want to see more programs for our city’s youths. We need to grow our industrial base.

I’d love for our city to have an activity center.

Continuing to focus on our downtown growth remains another priority.

I could go on and on …

The bottom line is this, though. I want … no, I need your vote to continue my people-first vision. Without its people, Dixon does not exist.

I want to be your voice, when others refuse to listen. I want to represent you.

I would very much appreciate your vote on April 7. Thank you.

Marshall: City can be ‘better home to all’ RYAN MARSHALL Dixon

I look at Dixon, and I see a city that can grow and become a better home to all of us. I believe that we need to move on from our past, and look to the future at what Dixon can become.

If we continue to talk only about what has happened, then we cannot proceed forward.

Our past will always be there to learn from, but it isn’t the be-all and end-all.

We have pieces at our disposal that other towns and cities are envious of, with the Rock River running through, Lowell Park in our backyard, and Interstate 88 bringing travelers to our doorstep.

We need to look at what we have and build upon that to help bring in new residents and help to boost economic growth with new jobs.

I believe that we need to be aggressive in looking to warehousing and manufacturing companies to look at Dixon as a location for their companies to set up shop.

Ryan Marshall Age: 30 Experience: Owner of The Stables; former member, Lee County Board

There is a buzz in town, the feeling that something great is on the horizon. But it will not just be handed to us; we need to go out and grab it.

That is why I am running for a seat on the Dixon City Council.

I want to help build Dixon up, to make it stronger and do the tough work to help bolster our growth as a town, economically and culturally.

We’re on the verge of taking the next big step here, and I believe that I can help get Dixon there.

So when you go in to vote, vote for me, Ryan Marshall, because I love Dixon and will do everything I can to help to make our town better.

Venier: ‘I want to help build a better Dixon’ MIKE VENIER Dixon

Mike Venier

I was born and raised right here in Dixon. I am the son of Louie and Marilyn Venier and the brother of Bob and Victoria Venier. I have been married to my beautiful bride, Marguerite, for 28 years, and we are the proud parents of Anthony and Gina Venier.

I have been employed as a partner in our family’s downtown Dixon jewelry business for 38 years, and I graduated from Dixon High School in 1977.

I am currently president of the Dixon Main Street and Riverfront Board of Directors. I am a lifelong member of St. Patrick Catholic Parish, past president of the Dixon Park Board, past vice president of the city of Dixon Water Board, past vice president of the Al Morrison Memorial Baseball Board, chairman of the St. Patrick’s Jamboree Fundraising event, a volunteer youth sports coach in baseball, basketball, football and soccer, and a local musician and founding member of The Late Nite Blues Brothers.

I’m running for City Council because I want to help build a better Dixon, because I know we have enor mous potential to do just that.

As a result of the last local election, Dixon will be entering into one of the most transitional times in the history of our community.

A new form of government means a new form of governing. It is a time that will require a new collective vision and the know-how to turn those visions into action.

I want to employ a vision that will have our

Age: 55 Experience: President, Dixon Main Street and Riverfront Board of Directors; past president, Dixon Park Board; past vice president, Dixon Water Board; past vice president, Al Morrison Memorial Baseball board; chairman, St. Patrick’s Jamboree fundraising event; volunteer youth sports coach; founding member, The Late Nite Blues Brothers

city services, taxing bodies, and organizations that are at the core of Dixon’s infrastructure working with a more collective vision. One that can reduce costs and increase efficiencies and bridge that vision to include our economic, industrial, cultural, educational, and recreational development.

I believe I possess the abilities to do so with great respect for Dixon’s historic past and a passion for its progressive future.

I love Dixon, Illinois, and I need your vote to employ my ability to keep Dixon trending positive.

I sincerely hope that all who read this understand the importance of the upcoming vote and how the next leadership group will shape the way of Dixon’s future for many years to come.

Please vote and encourage others to do the same.

Thank you, and God bless you.

Visit www.likemike.city on the Internet.

Brainerd: ‘Apply my skills to task at hand’ CHUCK BRAINERD Dixon

Chuck Brainerd

I consider my plans as timely. I have just retired as an independent contractor of plastering work in Dixon and the surrounding area.

I am in good health at 74, and hope to apply my many skills to the task at hand.

Dixon is facing a new era in city organization and management, unlike anything she has known in the past. This task is being given to a four-member group yet to be elected.

Initially, this council of four will be faced with putting together the personnel and the resources necessary to fulfill that function. This will require cumulative skills of the council.

I believe I have those skills as well as a plan, which includes a reorganization involving community participation and information output.

I believe that under t h i s s t r u c t u re, c i t y departments, the Chamber of Commerce,

Age: 74 Experience: Recently retired as an independent contractor of plastering work.

the city management office, the council, the mayor, and var ious interest groups, some yet to be put in place, can build a successfully functioning, growtho r i e n t e d h o m e t ow n and workplace.

My priorities are people, in general, with the emphasis on a positive living experience for our youths, first and foremost, and an opportunity for continued education and work experience, as they become independent and selfreliant.

From there on, Dixon should remain boldly nonpartisan and incorruptible. The result, a marketable future.

THE READER’S VOICE

Tribute to a fine physician, Dr. Maxwell DAVID BATES Rock Falls

It is a great loss to the Sauk Valley area that Dr. Paul Maxwell Jr. has retired as of March 6.

His retirement is well deserved, but he will be sorely missed as a doctor, but more so for being an outstanding person.

I have known Dr. Maxwell for 21 years and have seen lots of doctors. None in any form measures up to Dr. Maxwell.

I first knew of Dr. Maxwell through a relative.

Then he took over my dad’s case when every other doctor had given up. Dr. Maxwell knew where to send him, and my father lived a long life.

He, personally, has saved my life three

times. He has sent me all over, including Detroit, Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison and Davenport. One of the great things about Dr. Paul is he knows many other doctors, and he has no ego. If he can’t do it, he is not afraid to find someone who can.

The best qualities of Dr. Maxwell were his compassion, humanity and willingness to listen. You could speak about anything with Dr.

Maxwell. I would not be writing this if not for Dr. Maxwell. He put a total of 18 stents in me to keep me alive. We used to talk about putting in a zipper to make it easier.

As I close, all I can say is, Thank you. Your retirement is richly deserved, and enjoy Italy.

Enjoy life, my friend, and remember how many lives you saved. It is an honor to call you doctor and friend.

SAUK VALLEY MEDIA presents a series of guest columns by candidates in contested races.

Dixon City Council candidates were invited to write up to 400 words about why voters should support them.

Eleven candidates are running for four at-large seats on the Dixon City Council.

ELECTION DAY: April 7; polls will be open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Arjes: ‘Grow, prosper with the right leaders’ JESSE ARJES Dixon

I am a family oriented man who is dedicated to the city of Dixon as a firefighter/paramedic. My wife, Kristi, two daughters, and I moved here 7 years ago, and we have called Dixon our home since.

I have been actively involved within Dixon since moving here, including the City of Dixon Credit Union, the city insurance committee, and volunteer for American Red Cross Blood Drive, to name a few. By being a city employee, I am able to provide a unique perspective, as I have seen the city from a view no other candidate has, such as seeing and hearing what is going on within the city on a daily basis.

I am offer ing my knowledge and experiences of serving on the West Brooklyn Village Board for 5 years and my degree in Human Resource Management, as well as my enthusiasm to continue to learn as things I have to offer the city of Dixon.

Dixon is making strides in the right direction as we as citizens have overwhelmingly decided to put in place a new form of government. With my degree in Human Resource Management and my time as a city employee, I believe I can provide significant input on selecting a city manager that fits well within Dixon.

Choosing the right city manager is essential because that person is going to present a professional, unbiased opinion on matters such

Jesse Arjes Age: 35 Experience: Firefighter and paramedic; 5 years on West Brooklyn Village Board; member, Dixon City Insurance Committee; treasurer, City of Dixon Credit Union and 2 percent Foreign Fire Tax Board; co-chairman of fundraiser for St. Mary’s School

as the budget and other critical decisions.

Along with the placement of a new city manager, another interest I have is promoting the expansion of programs and activities for children. I believe we as a city need to assist in providing activities that will encourage the children to become successful and valuable citizens within the community.

Another thing I would like to see the city of Dixon do is strongly promote the development of business throughout the city of Dixon.

Last, I’d like to encourage development of new homes within the city limits of Dixon using incentives.

I thank the citizens of Dixon for providing me a career in which I am able to help people in their times of need, and I believe that the skills I have learned in solving problems, both on the job and off, will be very beneficial to the citizens of Dixon.

I believe Dixon has the potential to grow and prosper with the right leaders elected in April.

More candidates’ columns are on page A8.

THE READER’S VOICE

Bills to help ex-sailors with dioxin ailments JOHN BURY Media, Pennsylvania

Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, and Steve Daines, R-Montana, in bipartisanship March 9, introduced to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Senate Bill S.681 titled The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Agent Orange Act. The bill is to companion with House Bill HR 969 of the same title. Both bills are important to those veterans who have been ignored for VA benefits since 2002.

It is beyond comprehension why our legislators continue to ignore this group of veterans who served at sea in the combat waters of the Republic of Vietnam.

These Navy veterans were also in harm’s way and

were poisoned with the herbicide Agent Orange dioxin.

Tens of thousands at sea have come down with the same diseases as those troops with boots on ground and proved by the Institute of Medicine that dioxin is, in fact, just as deadly at sea as on land.

The IOM investigative report is what Congress and the VA go by to determine certain benefits for veterans that involve herbicides, such as is the case relative to the Vietnam War. These legislative bills are supported by all service military organizations.

American people, stand up and be counted. Call and write your members of Congress and Senate. Urge them to pass Bills HR 969 and S.681.

Your voice must be heard to save lives.

Note to readers: John J. Bury is retired, U.S. Navy, and a Vietnam veteran.

YOUR GOVERNMENT ONLINE Monitor your government at these websites: Gov. Bruce Rauner – www.illinois.gov Illinois General Assembly – www.ilga.gov Secretary of State Jesse W hite – www.cyberdriveillinois.com Treasurer Michael Fre-

richs – www.treasurer.il.gov Attorney General Lisa Madigan – www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov Co m p t ro l l e r L e s l i e Munger – www.ioc.state. il.us Auditor General William Holland – www. auditor.illinois.gov

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BYRON SCHOOLS

Board says cut of 6 teaching jobs ‘neccesary’ Officials cite enrollment decline, high teacher costs STAFF REPORT news@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5501

BYRON – The wave of teacher dismissals in northern Illinois swept through Byron this week.

The Byron School Board eliminated six teaching positions, blaming a declining enrollment and a $27 million reduction in the value of the district’s largest property tax source, Exelon nuclear facility.

But the board also blamed “excessive” costs

for teacher salaries and benefits that left no choice but to reduce staff.

According to a news release, the board retained the Academically Talented program; art; and Speaking, Listening, Performing at the middle school. Officials said those program had received strong community support.

Despite the reductions, Byron class sizes will remain among the smallest in the region, officials said.

“We understand that staff reductions are difficult, but they are necessary,” board President Doug Floski said in the news release. “Byron had an Education Fund deficit in 5 of the last 6 years; enrollment has been declining for 13 years; the District will lose $800,000 annually due to a reduction in the value of the nuclear facility. Our employee health insurance costs are projected to rise 30 percent, and our teacher salaries are the highest in the region.

We simply have to reduce operating costs.”

Since 2003, the district’s enrollment has dropped by 275 students, the

SAUK VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Finalists for president to visit STAFF REPORT news@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5501

DIXON – Two more opportunities to meet finalists for president of Sauk Valley Community College are coming up.

George Mihel will retire in July after 10 years as college president.

A meet-and-greet for David Hellmich, vice president of academics at Bluegrass Community and Technical College in

Lexington, Kentucky, will begin at 6 p.m. Monday in Sauk’s Mathis Theatre.

Douglas Brauer, vice president of economic development and innovative workforce solutions at Richland Community College in Decatur, will be available at 6 p.m. April 1 in the theater.

David Gerlach, vice president for advancement at the State University of New York at Canton, visited last Monday.

The public is invited to hear their plans for the college and ask questions.

The new president likely will be named at the Board of Trustees’ meeting April 27.

Go to svcc.edu/presidential-search, or call Deb Dillow, administrative assistant to the president and board of trustees, at 815-835-6303 to learn more about the candidates.

news release said, and through 2020, that number is expected to reach 462 students. Since 2009, employment costs have increased by $4 million because of “excessive” hiring and retirement benefits afforded teachers via collective bargaining, the board said.

Teaching staff reductions approved Thursday by the board include one district counselor from a staff of eight; one teacher at Mary Morgan Elementary School; one position at the middle school; and three positions at the high school, where class size had shrunk to fewer than 12 students in more than 50 classes.

The processing involved 10 meetings where public comment was heard.

T h e n e w s re l e a s e reported the average teacher salary is $69,214, plus benefits and the district’s contributions to the teachers’ retirement program. Byron has 132 teachers, 59 of whom earn $70,000 or more a year in salary alone, and 16 earn $90,000 or more in salary alone. Those salaries were enhanced under the previous superintendent to include a 6 percent increase in each of a teacher’s final 4 years of service, plus a onetime bonus of $30,000, the release said.

“Our teachers work hard

– we don’t begrudge them a good salary,” Floski said.

“However, when financial cuts are necessary due to declining enrollment and a drop in tax base, those high salaries and end-ofcareer packages make the Board’s job more difficult: We cannot reduce salaries – we are contractually obligated to pay them; therefore, if we need to reduce our employment costs, we have to cut staff.”

To ease the financial crunch, the district also has reduced its legal fees; cost controls have been imposed on all accounts, and purchasing costs have been significantly reduced, officials reported.

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DIXON

Dixon Park District looks to add handicap parking at Page Park Parking, other projects will reduce funding to Kreider Services

BY MATT MENCARINI mmencarini@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5529 @MattMencarini

DIXON – The Dixon Park District will reduce its annual funding to Kreider Services in order to pay for three projects that focus on accessibility and health.

Each year, the Park District provides Kreider with money to promote recreational activities for people with disabilities. The yearly funding amount, Park District Executive Director Deb Carey said, varies depending on other projects.

The agreement, for $5,000, was on the Park District Board’s agenda for its regular meeting Wednesday night.

The funding will be

IN BRIEF Money for child care expedited SPRINGFIELD (AP) – Illinois’ comptroller says she plans to expedite payments to child care providers who have gone weeks without promised state funds.

Republican Leslie Munger announced Friday that she is working closely with the Department of Human Services to get money to providers in order for them to “continue to provide vital services for children.”

Prairie to receive small bison herd WILMINGTON (AP) – The federal supervisor of a tallgrass prairie in northern Illinois has signed onto a project to introduce a small bison herd into the grasslands.

Wade Spang, supervisor of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, announced Friday he’s signed a final decision notice for the project at the prairie about 60 miles southwest of Chicago.

lower this year because the Park District will add 10 handicap parking spaces at Page Park for the Al Morrison Baseball Program, add wheelchair lifts for some stairs at the Woodcote cottage in Lowell Park, and organize a special diabetes camp, Carey said.

The board also voted to allow vendors at the farmers market in Haymarket Square to park on the grass. The vendors were asking for permission because they felt parking on the pavement impeded the view of pedestrians and created a safety hazard.

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Tournament Fundraiser

The 6th Annual “Top Dog” Fundraiser was a huge success, and we’d like to thank the following for their generosity: Ken Nelson Auto Group, Knie Appliance & TV, McDonald’s, Hicks Insurance, Supreme Cleaners, Mama Cimino’s, and Upstream Investments (Chad Henry).

The following businesses/people were also very generous in one way or another: BBY Chicken, Brown Construction, Burkardt’s LP Gas, C.S.I., Country Financial, Champs Bar, Chicago Bulls (Matt Moreno), Comfort Inn, Dixon Park District, Dixon Elks Lodge, Dixon Ford, Do It Best, Drifters, Fifth Alarm, Flowers, Etc., Freighthouse Kitchen & Bath, Hayes Beverage (Nick Meakins), Jimmy John’s, Jeff’s Refs, Johnson Oil, KSB Medical Group, Lost Nation Golf Course, Last Stop, Long Branch Saloon, LRB Distributors, Midland States Bank, McCormick’s Landscaping, Oliver’s Corner Market, Porky’s, Pipe’s Pub, Palmyra Pines Auto Service, Partington Construction, Pet Supplies Plus, River’s Edge, Rockford Ice Hogs, Railside Inn, Rock River Ready Mix, River Ridge Animal Hospital, Slim-n-Hank’s, Stewart’s Heating & Air Conditioning, Shamrock Pub, Studio 404, Sow Belly’s, Walton Tap, Weeds Floral, WLLT, WIXN, WSDR, 102.3 The Coyote, and Zero’s Tap. We’d also like to thank the following individuals who worked hard in making the 6th Annual “Top Dog” Fundraiser a HUGE success: Darla Billings-Clark, Dawn Clark, Lisa Todd, Andy Cornwell, Jill Scheffler, Roxie Mahan, Dan Mahan, Mike Lally, Dale Baker, Jamie Harris, Steve Lopez, Lori Spotts-Sheridan, Teisha Dewey, Randy Newstrand, and Kim Printz.

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A12 • SV Weekend

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‘Obviously, it’d be awesome to get huge like Ed Sheeran’ BUSHMAN

CONTINUED FROM A1

Tristan found inspiration from both as he came into his own as a musician.

“It was always around the house,” Tristan said.

“I saw it, and it was something I wanted to do, too.”

He learned at a young age that being a musician isn’t always glamorous.

“In second grade, I played my first talent show with a Flying V electric guitar. I had learned to play ‘Smoke on the Water,’” he recalled. “I forgot the second verse of the song, ran off stage, and cried.

“My dad said that’s when he started thinking, ‘Oh, no; this is going to be it; this is going to ruin it,’” Tristan said.

“But, it just taught me to laugh it off and keep playing.”

He recovered quickly, landing gigs at Petunia Festival in Dixon and Byron Fest. Tristan began supplementing cover songs with his own.

“In eighth grade I wrote a few bad songs,” Tristan said. “Then, when I was 14, I wrote a song that I would actually play out.”

Now, Tristan has about 10 songs that he’s really proud of, seven of which will be featured on his upcoming EP, “Heartwood.”

One of the EP’s songs, “Girl, You’ve Done Me Wrong,” was recorded with Brothers Walker, a duo that appeared on Usher’s team on season 6 of NBC’s “The Voice.”

Tristan, who also auditioned that season, met them through the process in Los Angeles.

What’s next?

‘Heartwood’ release

Tristan will open for Gina Venier and Daphne Willis at 7 p.m. April 4 at Rosbrook Studio, 107 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon. Dixon artist Sydni Reubin will showcase her skills by painting live for the audience.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. They are available at Venier Jewelers, 117 W. First St.; Roxie’s, 302 W. First St.; Ginkgo Tree Café, 216 W. First St.; and Books on First, 202 W. First St. He will also play April 7 at “Music Forward presents Bringin’ Down The House” at The House of Blues in Chicago.

The Emerging Artist Showcase will cap off his experience with Music Foward, which offers a chance for musicians, ages 13 to 19, to connect with music industry insiders through interactive workshops.

Tristan received free tickets to hand out and would like to give them to anyone in the Sauk Valley who is interested.

Find Tristan Bushman Music on Facebook or go to tristanbushmanmusic. com for more information.

Tristan will be celebrating the release of his seven-song debut EP, “Heartwood,” on May 2 at Rosbrook Studio, 107 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon.

Admission will be $5.

He even created the cover art at Whiteside Area Career Center in Sterling, where he is studying digital media arts.

The EP will be available on iTunes, Spotify, ReverbNation and Google Play.

“I ‘Liked’ them on Facebook, and they had a contest through there a few months after I met them,” Tristan said.

Contestants posted videos to their Facebook page, and judges voted on the Top 10 with the most “Likes.”

“I won a single and an official music video,” Tristan said. “It was a good launching point to get a song out there.”

Playing solo has allowed Tristan an outlet to write his own songs and sculpt his own style, but playing with a band isn’t something he is necessarily against.

“It’s fun to play with a band,” Tristan said. “We’ll go to my uncle Tim’s [Bushman] and jam, and just play different punk songs.

“I listen to a lot of different things, so it’s

Watch online Click on this story at planitsaukvalley.com to see a video of Tristan performing one of his original songs, “Underdogs.”

fun to play that stuff.

Sometimes with playing acoustic guitar, people will come up to me and say, ‘What do you play besides country?’

“And it’s like, man, I don’t even play much country,” he added with a laugh.

But, with college coming up, and Tristan still unsure where he wants to go, making a commitment to a band might not make the most sense.

Also, with baseball and other commitments, playing solo allows him to be able to practice whenever he can find the time.

Tristan has been accepted to Belmont University in Nashville, but is still contemplating going to a community college for a couple of years.

Whatever he decides,

it’s clear after chatting with Dave that he and his wife, Amy, are very proud of Tristan.

“The cool thing is, even my 10-year-old [Griffin] plays music,” Dave said.

“It’s a bond we all have.

“Tree still will text me

and say: ‘Dashboard Confessional is playing; let’s go to the show!’”

Dave said. “It’s awesome that we all have that connection and can spend time together playing music and going to shows.”

Going to those shows has spawned some unique moments for Tristan. He has met Chris Carrabba, the frontman behind Dashboard Confessional and Twin Forks, and other singersongwriters.

In 2012, Dave recorded a video at Tristan’s freshman music concert of his then-14-year-old son playing a song by Nashville singer-songwriter Andy Davis, and he sent it to the artist.

“You always think when you send it to people that they’ll never listen, they’ll never write back,” Dave said.

“But, then he messaged back,” Tristan said. “We told him we were going to his show in Evanston at a place called SPACE.” They met Davis before the show, and he asked Tristan whether he knew the words to one

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Budget deal dips into funds Cuts of 2.25 percent cover rest of shortfall SPRINGFIELD (AP) – A bipartisan agreement to plug a $1.6 billion budget hole includes more than $1.3 billion in fund transfers from a variety of sources to avert shutdowns of Illinois state programs and services.

The move, signed into law by Gov. Bruce Rauner on Thursday, digs into some of the largest piles of money in the state, including one intended to pay for highway construction, and some lesser known funds, such as ones to promote renewable energy sources and oversee the disposal of used tires.

These kinds of funds have at times in past

years been raided to help close budget gaps. Rauner’s office said it carefully selected funds this year that have reserves of excess cash on hand.

A 2.25 percent acrossthe-board budget cut will cover what’s left of the shortfall, which arose when the Democraticmajor ity Legislature passed a $35.7 billion budget last spring that didn’t allocate enough money for expenses. A state child care program needed another $300 million to keeping going through June, while other state programs also were expected to run out of money.

Illinois Senate President John Cullerton warned that drawing from the funds is a one-shot deal that is “not going to work in the future.”

Among the fund sweeps: Road Fund, $250 million: The largest amount is coming from this fund, which is used to pay for state highway construction. Critics warn a hit to this and similar funds, such as a $50 million sweep from the Motor Fuel Tax, would result in less money for projects and fewer jobs for road crews.

Local Government Tax Fund, $200 million: A portion of a municipality’s sales taxes for restaurants, medicine and drugs goes back to that community. It will make a dent at a time when local governments face a possible threat of losing some of their state income tax share in the budget that begins July 1.

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of his songs, “Believable Doubt.”

Later that night, Davis told the audience that there was a kid in the crowd who had covered one of his songs, adding that “he was amazing,” and he invited Tristan on stage.

“I didn’t know what to do with my hands,” Tristan recalled with a laugh.

But the moment clearly meant a lot to him.

“For him to like it enough to want me to play it in front of all these people, it’s pretty sweet,” Tristan said.

Those experiences and concerts spent watching other singer-songwriters inspire Tristan.

“I want to make a living doing music, no matter what,” Tristan said.

“Obviously, it’d be awesome to get huge like Ed Sheeran, selling out arenas. But there are singer-songwriters that play smaller venues, and get to make a living having people listen to your music and writing songs,” Tristan said.

“I’ll go wherever it takes me.”

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CONGRESS

‘Great run’ heads for the finish line Senate’s Reid ready to retire after 5 terms

WASHINGTON (AP) – Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid, the wily Nevadan who dominated the Senate for a decade from the minority to the majority and back again, announced Friday he will retire after five terms.

Three-term New York Sen. Chuck Schumer faces a relatively clear path to replace him as the next Democratic leader. Reid endorsed the No. 3 Senate Democrat, and Dick Durbin of Illinois, the current No. 2, told Schumer Thursday night he had his support, according to a spokesman.

Durbin plans to run again for the job of Democratic whip.

“I think it’s very important to have continuity in our leadership,” Reid told AP KNPR radio in Nevada Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, seen here on about backing Schumer.

Wednesday in the Capital, announced Friday that he Reid, 75, who shepherdwould retire at the end of his fifth term. ed key Obama adminis-

tration initiatives including the president’s health care law, lost his role as majority leader – the Senate’s top job – when November’s elections swept the Republicans into control. He suffered a personal setback on New Year’s Day, falling while exercising and suffering serious bruises and a lasting injury to his right eye.

In a statement early Friday, Reid said the recovery period from his eye injury, which may leave him with permanent vision loss, gave him time to think about his political future.

“We have to make sure that the Democrats take control of the Senate again,” he said. “And I feel it is inappropriate for me to soak up all those resources on me when I could be devoting those resources to the caucus, and that’s what I intend

Durbin praises Reid’s leadership WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin is praising Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid as “one of the ablest leaders of the Senate Democratic caucus in modern history.”

The 75-year-old Reid announced Friday he will not seek re-election in 2016. His announcement sets in motion a succession race between his top two deputies, Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York and Durbin of Illinois.

Dick Durbin Durbin released a statement praising D-Ill. Reid that says the Senate “will miss his leadership.” Durbin says he’ll keep fighting beside Reid in Congress “on behalf of working families in this country.” to do.”

Reid was the Republicans’ top target in 2016 and widely considered vulnerable to losing the seat he’d held since 1987.

Reid, who rose from nothing in the tiny desert town of Searchlight, Nevada, had grown more unpopular at home due to positions he’d taken on national issues. He turned back a challenge in 2010 and was sure to face an aggressive, bigmoney attack by Republicans if he ran again.

Reid insisted that his

decision had nothing to do with his injury or his re-election chances, saying “the path to re-election is much easier than it probably has been anytime that I’ve run for reelection.”

President Barack Obama issued a statement that said Reid “has become not only an ally, but a friend.”

In a surprise, Obama called in to the radio show, chatting with Reid about their years together.

Said Obama, “We’ve had a great run.”

FINANCIAL

U.S. economy: Slow but steady Rebound isn’t bouncing high, but it’s still scoring WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. economy’s tepid performance last quarter – a 2.2 percent annual growth rate – was typical of the economic rebound that began in the summer of 2009. Yet the sluggish pace of the recovery has a silver lining: This growth spurt has proved to be one of the most durable since World War II. Will it last? It’ll depend on a number of factors in the months ahead, including a potential rate hike by the Fed, the strong dollar, oil prices and consumer spending.

The economy’s performance in the October-December period matched the average growth of the past 5 years – a lackluster pace that

has been far lower than the growth gains normally seen coming out of such a deep recession.

But like the turtle versus the hare, slow and steady may win the day. The current expansion will mark its sixth anniversary in June, meaning it will have already lasted 14 months longer than the average expansion since the end of World War II. Before the war, periods of expansion tended to be shorter and the economy more volatile.

“This recovery has been disappointing in terms of growth so far, but if you are looking for a silver lining, it is that the slow rate of growth has allowed the economy to avoid the kinds of excess-

¢ ¢ 6560 WING WINGTUESDAY TUESDAY

es that can lead to overbuilding, over-lending or other problems,” said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics. “We are a long way from that.”

The longest recovery on record was the 10-year growth period that lasted from March 1991 to March 2001. But many economists believe this expansion could surpass that. Zandi said it may only be at the half-way point, meaning it could last another 6 years.

Nariman Behravesh, chief economist at IHS Global Economics, thinks that growth will rebound to a solid 3.4 percent rate in the April-June quarter and remain robust for the rest of the year.

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FLIGHT 9525 CRASH

Saturday, March 28, 2015

MENTAL HEALTH

Piecing together answers Scattered among scraps of paper could lie secrets of deadly crash MONTABAUR, G ermany (AP) – Germanwings co-pilot Andreas Lubitz appeared happy and healthy to acquaintances, but a picture emerged Friday of a man who hid evidence of an illness from his employers – including a torn-up doctor’s note that would have kept him off work the day authorities say he crashed Flight 9525 into an Alpine mountainside.

As German prosecutors sought to piece together the puzzle of why Lubitz, 27, locked his captain out of the cockpit and crashed the Airbus A320, police in the French Alps toiled to retrieve the shattered remains of the 150 people killed in Tuesday’s crash.

Searches conducted at Lubitz’s homes in Duesseldorf and in the town of Montabaur turned up documents pointing to “an existing illness and appropriate medical treatment,” but no suicide note was found, said Ralf Herrenbrueck, a spokesman for the Duesseldorf prosecutors’ office.

They included rippedup sick notes covering the day of the crash, which “support the current preliminary assessment that the deceased hid his illness from his employer and colleagues,” Herrenbrueck said in a statement.

Doctors commonly

who knew Lubitz told The Associated Press that he had been thrilled with his job at Germanwings and seemed very happy.

On Friday, no one was seen coming or going from his family’s large slate-roofed two-story house in Montabaur as more than 100 journalists remained outside.

Mayor Edmund Schaaf appealed to the media to show “consideration.”

“Independent of whether the accusations against the co-pilot are true or not, we have sympathy for his family,” he said.

Germanwings said that both pilots on the plane had medical clearance, and it had received no sick note for the day of the crash. Medical checkups are done by certified doctors and take place once a year.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration had issued Lubitz a thirdclass medical certificate.

In order to obtain such a certificate, a pilot must be cleared of psychological problems including psychosis, bipolar disorder and personality disorders.

The certificate also means that he wasn’t found to be suffering from another mental health condition that “makes the person unable to safely perform the duties or exercise the privileges” of a pilot’s license.

AP

Andreas Lubitz competes at the Airportrun in Hamburg, northern Germany in 2009. Lubitz, the Germanwings co-pilot who crashed a passenger flight into a mountainside, appears to have hidden evidence of an illness from his employers. issue employees in Ger- went in for a “diagnosmany with such notes tic evaluation” on March excusing them from 10. It declined to prowork, even for minor ill- vide details, but denied nesses, and workers hand reports it had treated them to their employers. him for depression.

Doctors are obliged to Neighbors described abide by medical secre- a man whose physical cy unless their patient health was superb, and explicitly tells them he or road race records show she plans to commit an Lubitz took part in sevact of violence. eral long-distance runs.

Prosecutors didn’t spec“He definitely did not ify what illness Lubitz smoke. He really took may have been suffering care of himself. He from, or say whether it always went jogging. ... was mental or physical. He was very healthy,” The Duesseldorf Univer- said Johannes Rosssity Hospital said Friday mann, who lives a few that Lubitz had been a doors from Lubitz’s patient there over the home in Montabaur. past 2 months and last People in Montabaur

AP

A Lufthansa Airlines pilot holds the brim of his cap at the airport in Germany in 2010. Carsten Spohr, CEO of Lufthansa, the parent company of Germanwings, says his pilots undergo yearly medical examination but that doesn’t include psychological tests.

Crash shines light on gaps in pilot screening WASHINGTON (AP) – The crash of Germanwings Flight 9525 into an Alpine mountain, which killed all 150 people aboard, has raised questions about the mental state of the co-pilot, Andreas Lubitz.

In the U.S., the Federal Aviation Administration requires that pilots receive a physical exam from a flight surgeon annually or every 6 months, depending upon the pilot’s age. The International Civil Aviation Organization, a U.N. agency that sets global aviation standards, also requires that pilots receive a periodic medical exam, including a mental assessment.

Technically, doctors are supposed to probe for mental problems, but pilots said that’s usually not how it works.

“There really is no mental health vetting,” said John Gadzinski, a

captain with a major U.S. airline and former Navy pilot.

There also is no confidential reporting, Gadzinski said. “If you had a mental health issue, you certainly wouldn’t tell your flight surgeon about that because it goes right to the FAA,” he said.

A negative mental health evaluation would likely cause the FAA to withdraw the pilot’s medical certificate, which means the pilot would no longer be able to fly.

Pilots are also required to disclose existing psychological conditions and medications on health forms they fill out themselves for the FAA or face a fine of up to $250,000 and loss of the pilot’s license.

“Is this really the best way? Ask the guy who is mentally ill if he’s mentally ill, and if he says ‘no,’ then, hey, we’re good to go?” said Gadzinski.

THE EASTER CELEBRATION Worship with us in His Name

Easter Services

Sterling First UMC

3/29 • Palm Sunday Service 9:00am 4/2 • Passover Seder Supper and Eucharist 5:30pm 4/3 • Stations of the Cross, Good Friday Service 5:30pm 4/4 • Great Easter Vigil, party following 7:00pm 4/5 • Easter Sunday 6:00am Service, 9:00am Service

March 29th • Palm Sunday Service 10:30 AM April 2nd • Holy Thursday / Open Communion

Grace Episcopal Church

Worship Service and Sunday School 10:30am

707 First Ave., Sterling (815) 625-0442 • gracechurchstg.org

Immanuel Lutheran Church Nurturing the inside to show Christ on the outside 1013 Franklin Grove Rd, Dixon 815-284-2804 www.immanueldixon.org Maundy Thursday 7:00 PM Holy Thursday with Communion Good Friday 7:00 PM Tenebrae Service with Memorial Candles

Easter Sunday 8:00 AM Traditional Festival of the Resurrection 10:30 AM Contemporary Festival of the Resurrection

Holy Saturday 5:30 PM Easter Vigil Service

TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 205 E. 10th Street • Sterling, IL (815) 626-7777

Palm Sunday

Sunday, March 29 • 9am Ma M aundy Thurs rsday

Celebration of the Eucharist for individuals, families, and small groups

Thursday, April 2 • 9am-11:30am Easter Servi vice Sunday, April 5 • 9am

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod Dixon Avenue & Martin Road, Rock Falls, IL 815-625-3376 • www.ggslcrf.org l f

Holy Week Services Maundy Thursday with Holy Communionn April 2 • 1:00 pm & 7:00 pm Good Friday April 3 • 1:00 pm & 7:00 pm Easter Celebration with Holy Communioon April 5 • 9:00 am

St. Patrick Catholic Church 612 Highland Ave., Dixon • 815.284.7719

Holy Week & Easter 2015 Holy Thursday, April 2 Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7:00pm Good Friday, April 3 The Lord’s Passion and Veneration of the Cross 1:00pm Easter Vigil, April 4 7:00pm Easter Sunday Masses, April 5 8:00am, 10:30am & 6:00pm

every 30 minutes from 6:30 AM TO 8:00 AM, 12:00 PM TO 1:00 PM, AND 4:00 PM TO 7:30 PM

April 5th – Easter

First United Methodist Church

501 Broadway, Sterling • www.sterlingfirstumc.org

H PE

First Presbyterian Church

St. Paul Lutheran - Sterling March 29th: Palm Sunday 9am Worship

April 3rd: Good Friday Worship 6pm

April 5th: Easter Sunday Worship 9am

Area Catholic Churches

Liturgy of Holy Week and Easter, 2015 Holy Thursday Evening, April 2 Mass of the Lord’s Supper Sacred Heart Church 7:00 pm Adoration - Benediction until Midnight St. Mary Church 5:15 pm (English) 7:00 pm (Spanish) Adoration in the Chapel 6:30-8:30pm (English) 8:30-10:30 pm (Spanish) St.Andrew Church 7:00 pm St. Mary - Tampico 7:00 pm

Good Friday, April 3 Reading of the Passion

Easter Vigil, April 4 Sacred Heart Church 8:00 pm St. Mary Church 6:00 pm (English) 9:00 pm (Spanish) St.Andrew Church 8:00 pm St. Mary - Tampico ---

Easter Sunday Masses, April 5

Sacred Heart Church 1:00 pm St.Mary Church - Sterling 12:15 pm (English) 4:00 pm (Spanish) St. Andrew Church 12:30 pm St. Mary - Tampico 1:00 pm Living Stations of the Cross At St. Mary 3:00 pm (Spanish) Stations of the Cross At Sacred Heart 7:00 pm

110 E.Third St. Dixon

Maundy Thursday Service April 2nd at 7:00 pm

Easter Sunday Service April 5th - 9:30 am

815-284-7741

www.FPCDixon.com

Messiah Ev. Lutheran Church 1601 Avenue F, Sterling, IL • 815-625-2284 Intentional Interim Pastor Burge

Holy Week Worship Schedule Good Friday Maundy Thursday Service Friday April 3, 2015 Thursday April 2, 2015 1PM & 7PM • No Communion 7PM • Communion Easter Services Sunday April 5, 2015 6:30AM • Sunrise Service with Communion 7:00 - 9:00AM • Easter Breakfast* 10:00AM • Service with Communion

Sacred Heart - 8:30 & 11:00 am St. Mary - Sterling - 7:00 am, 8:30 am, 10:00 am 11:30 am (Spanish) St. Andrew Church - 7:15 & 9:00 am St. Mary - Tampico - 9:00 am

Our Easter Greeting To All “May the hope of the Resurrection keep the joy of the Lord and His peace in your hearts.”

St. Mary Church Sacred Heart Church 2224 Ave. J, Sterling, IL Rev. Bruce Ludeke, Pastor

600 Ave. B, Sterling, IL Rev. James Keenan, Pastor Rev. Adalberto Sanchez, Parochial Vicar

St. Mary Church

St. Andrew Church

105 Benton St., Tampico, IL Rev. Msgr. Thomas L. Dzielak, Pastor

708 10th Ave., Rock Falls, IL Rev. Msgr. Thomas L. Dzielak, Pastor

1802 Dixon Avenue, Rock Falls, IL • www.htbc.info Harvest Time Bible Church

815-626-1234

Saturday, March 28, 2015

www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • A15

U.S. BROADBAND

Outages reveal gaps in Internet infrastructure Minimal backup systems in rural parts of America FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) – When vandals sliced a fiber-optic cable in the Arizona desert last month, they did more than time-warp thousands of people back to an era before computers, credit cards or even phones. They exposed a glaring vulnerability in the nation’s Internet

infrastructure: no backup systems in many places.

Because Internet service is largely unregulated by the federal government and the states, decisions about network reliability are left to the service providers. Industry analysts say these companies generally do not build alternative routes, or redundancies, unless they believe it is worthwhile financially.

The result: While most major metropolitan areas in the U.S. have backup

1 percent of the state’s urban population.

That gap in Internet infrastructure is revealed in data released last month by the Federal

Communications Commission.

Besides the lag, many rural areas and some smaller cities also have no backup systems.

a former infrastructure security manager in the U.S. Homeland Security Department who now works for a cybersecurity firm. “If someone manages to cut that fiber, you’ll generally see a 1- or 2- or

3-day outage.”

Despite its own warnings about such vulnerabilities 2 decades ago, the federal government has taken no steps to require Internet companies to have backup systems.

“Our first responsibility is to make sure that people actually have service,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, co-chairman of President Barack Obama’s newly created Broadband Opportunity Council.

In northern Arizona last month, tens of thousands of residents were without Internet service – some for up to 15 hours – after vandals cut through an underground bundle of fiber-optic cables owned

by CenturyLink.

Staples ......................... 16.12 TheTravelers.............. 107.15 UnitedContinental ..... 67.55 UnitedTech ................ 116.85 USBancorp .................. 42.86 USSteel ........................ 24.77

Verizon......................... 48.55 Walgreen...................... 85.29 WalMartStores............. 81.35 WalMartMexico........... 24.84 WasteMgt..................... 53.41 Wendy’s........................ 10.88

39 percent of rural Illinois without high-speed Internet CHICAGO (AP) – Thirtynine percent of people in rural parts of Illinois have no access to high-speed Internet service.

That’s compared with systems, some smaller cities and many rural areas do not.

“The more rural the location, the more likely that there’s only one road in and out of that location,” said Sean Donelan,

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 .......................... 46.76 Alcoa ............................ 12.71 AltriaCorp .................... 50.34 Autonation .................. 63.05 American Express ....... 77.96 Arris-Group ................. 28.32 Apple.......................... 123.25 ADM............................. 46.47 AT&T ............................ 32.74 Bank of America.......... 15.30 Boeing........................ 148.81 BorgWarner ................. 59.40 BP ................................. 39.61 Casey’s ......................... 88.85

Caterpillar ................... 79.66 CenturyLink ................ 34.14 Chevron ..................... 104.22 Cisco ............................ 27.13 Citigroup ..................... 51.00 CNW ............................ 43.65 CocaCola ..................... 40.08 ConAgra ....................... 36.76 Dean ............................ 16.02 Deere & Co .................. 87.47 Disney ........................ 105.34 Donaldson................... 37.11 DuPont ........................ 71.59 Exxon ........................... 83.59 Ford .............................. 15.97 Exelon .......................... 32.44 GE ................................ 24.86 FifthThird .................... 18.91 HawaiianElectric ........ 32.34 Hewlett Packard .......... 31.50 HomeDepot .............. 113.81

Intel Corp. ................... 32.00 IBM ............................ 160.38 IntlPaper ...................... 54.42 JCPenney ....................... 7.62 JohnsonControls ......... 49.08 Johnson&Johnson..... 100.31 JPMorgan Chase ......... 59.54 Kraft ............................. 89.10 Kroger .......................... 76.30 Leggett&Platt .............. 45.38 Manpower ................... 84.83 McDonald’s ................. 96.98 Merck&Co.................... 57.76 Microsoft ..................... 40.97 3M .............................. 163.44 Monsanto .................. 112.69 Newell .......................... 39.06 AGL .............................. 48.91 Nike .............................. 99.85 Parker-Han ................ 118.11 Pfizer ............................ 34.52 Pepsico ........................ 95.98

Commodities The following quotations are provided as a community service by Sterling Futures: Corn: May 3.91; July 3.99; Dec. 4.143⁄4 Soybeans: May 9.67 1 ⁄ 4 ; July 9.721⁄4; Nov. 9.483⁄4 Soybean oil: May 30.60; Dec. 31.04

Soybean meal: May 321.40; Dec. 314.10 Wheat: May 5.08; July 5.12 Live cattle: April 162.62; June 152.97; Aug. 149.95 Oats: March 2.72; July 2.733⁄4 Feeder cattle: April 219.27; May 218.12

Lean hogs: April 61.12; June 75.00; Oct. 66.92 Sugar: May 12.13 Cotton: May 63.55 T-Bonds: June 1643⁄32 Silver: May 17.01 Gold: April 1200.00 Copper: March 2.8215 Crude: April 48.35 Dollar Index: June 97.52

Procter&Gamble ......... 82.30 RaymondJames ........... 56.91 Republic ...................... 40.16 Sears Hldg ................... 42.40 SensientTech ............... 65.48 Sprint ............................. 4.72

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Saturday, March 28, 2015

CONGRESS

AP

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, accompanied by Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyoming, speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday. Senators worked into Friday’s pre-dawn hours on a stack of amendments to the balanced-budget plan, which closely follows a blueprint the House approved Wednesday.

GOP celebrates good week on Hill Challenges still lie ahead

IN BRIEF Airstrikes in Yemen intensify SANAA, Yemen (AP) – As airstrikes in Yemen intensified on their second day Friday, Egypt and Saudi Arabia were considering an intervention on the ground, aimed at giving the president a secure

foothold to return to the country, while backing Sunni tribesmen to fight against Shiite rebels and their allies, military officials said.

A likely entry point for troops from the Saudi-led Arab coalition was the southern port of Aden, the Yemeni and Egyptian

military officials told The Associated Press. But that could be a tough prospect: The city is already a battleground, and on Friday forces loyal to the rebels’ top ally, former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, were advancing toward it.

The officials’ comments to the AP draw broad out-

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lines for the likely strategy for the ambitious campaign launched Thursday, led by Saudi Arabia with a major role by its ally Egypt.

The aim, they said, was to carve out enough room for President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, who was forced to flee the country from Aden, to return.

WASHINGTON (AP) – Republicans are looking like they’ve finally figured out how to govern.

The GOP’s first months in control of both chambers of Congress were marked by high-profile stumbles and a nearshutdown of the Homeland Security Department. But this week, the party celebrated important successes.

Republicans in both the House and the Senate came together to pass boldly conservative and balanced budgets, and House leaders struck a bipartisan deal on Medicare that passed on a huge vote and is expected to clear the Senate once lawmakers return from a 2-week spring break.

“Don’t look now, but we’re actually governing,” said Rep. Renee Ellmers, R-North Carolina.

Emerging from the week of triumphs, lawmakers were cautiously

optimistic that it was a sign of things to come.

On the budget, House Speaker John Boehner brought unruly conservatives who’ve defied him on past votes into line. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell kept his Republicans largely united despite the presidential ambitions of at least four members of his caucus and pressures on Senate Republicans who are up for reelection.

On the Medicare deal, Boehner forged a rare alliance with House De m o c ra t i c L e a d e r Nancy Pelosi to solve a problem that has bedeviled Congress for years, producing a result widely embraced in both parties.

Ye t R e p u b l i c a n s stopped short of declaring that they had tamed Capitol Hill.

Several noted that some of the specific conditions that helped grease the budget and the Medicare deal are not likely to surface on other issues.

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Sports

EYE ON PRIZE

v weekend

Four more teams inch closer to title, B4. e-mail: sports@saukvalley.com

Section B

Good day for Mike Michael Jordan scored 69 points on this date in 1990 in 117-113 overtime win over Cavs to clinch playoff spot. In 1995, he scored 55 points against Knicks in his fifth game back after retirement.

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Sauk Valley Sports

Sports for the Sauk Valley fan!

Saturday, March 28, 2015

1

Numbers game The Atlanta Hawks clinched the top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs with a 99-86 win over the Heat on Friday coupled with a 106-98 loss by the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Brooklyn Nets.

TRACK & FIELD PREVIEWS | 2015 NIB-12 WEST & BNC WEST BOYS

GIRLS

New way to lift Rockets Rock Falls girls seeing benefits to extra lifting

BY PATRICK MASON pmason@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5550 @pm222

Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

The Dixon track team will depend on balance this season to makeup for the loss of JD Gieson (second from left) to a knee injury. That balance starts with senior leaders Matt Coffey (right), Quinton Douglas (second from right) and Evan Grady.

Points spread

Tuesdays and Thursdays haven’t been the same for the Rock Falls girls track and field team this season. And after the early returns, it may never be.

When Mark Truesdell took over the head coaching duties after being the distance coach for years, he wanted to move the program in a different, heavier direction. Truesdell started a weight-lifting program two times per week, and some of the athletes have blown past their career personal records.

“I love it,” senior Dal-

More inside

• Find out everything you need to know about the Dixon, Oregon, Rock Falls and Sterling girls track & field teams on B10. las Clevenger said. “I was a little late to start it because of basketball, but I already feel so much stronger. These girls have been doing it for a while, and I already had to catch up to them.”

Before Truesdell started the lifting regime, senior Bailie Smith couldn’t lift the 45-pound bar to do one bench press rep.

LIFT CONTINUED ON B10

Balanced Dukes can make up for loss of Gieson

BY DAN WOESSNER dwoessner@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5555 @DanWoessner

JD Gieson wasn’t channeling Derrick Rose when talking about his rehab from a knee injury Thursday, but the Dixon junior was able to make a pretty clear comparison.

Gieson had his meniscus removed and some minor damage in his knee repaired during surgery in January.

Derrick Rose had his meniscus removed 4 weeks ago Friday, and he is expected to be cleared for contact in the next few weeks.

Gieson has started to do some running, but doing the jump-

More inside • Outdoor season will hit full stride starting next week.

See how Dixon, Oregon, Rock Falls and Sterling rosters look heading into the 2015 campaign on B11. ing and hurdling that made him a major point scorer for the Dukes track team the last 3 years likely won’t happen this spring – his last season at Dixon High School.

“Because there was a repair with about thee stitches, the recovery time is longer than with Derrick Rose’s case,” Gieson said. “He had the meniscus removed, so there isn’t

anything inside the knee that needs time to heal.”

Earlier this NBA season, Rose talked about adjusting his play to avoid pain for his post basketball life. Gieson will be cautious this spring because of his more immediate future – a spot in the United State Merchant Marine Academy.

“We’re going to play it safe,” Gieson said. “I might be able to help out on a relay or something later in the season, but the jumping isn’t going to happen. I am learning to adjust to a new role on the team. I’m not the guy getting points now.

I am almost more of a coach than anything.”

SPREAD CONTINUED ON B11

Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

Sydney Arickx helps spot Ellie McKee on Thursday while weight training during track practice. The increased time in the weight room is already paying off for the Rockets.

COLLEGE BASEBALL PREVIEW | 2015 SAUK VALLEY SKYHAWKS

Packing it on for winter Midwest weather causes Arizona native to gain weight

BY PATRICK MASON pmason@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5550 @pm222

There were times last season when Mario Pacheco would go through his windup, push off the pitching rubber, and let fly a fastball that would be clocked in the mid-90s.

As the Sauk Valley Community College sophomore sat on a row of bleachers in the college’s fire safety training Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com building – which doubles as Sauk Valley’s Kollin Burn goes through defensive drills during the team’s indoor workout Tuesday’s practice. A smaller roster in 2015 means that players room – Pacheco talked about trying to hit those numbers on will need to master multiple positions.

Sports inside

Locals at Sauk Kollin Burn, Morrison Bryant Lilly, Sterling Frankie Perino, Sterling the radar gun again.

“I’m working on getting back to where I was,” Pacheco said.

The right-handed pitcher came to Sauk as a freshman from Arizona, a move aided by a connection his high school coaches in Arizona had with former Skyhawk coaches. His powerful arm and durable frame were cited as pluses. And

the way he mixed in a variety of his four pitches into his repertoire after working through the lineup was an added bonus.

But after his first Midwest winter filled with snow, cold weather and limited access to the outdoors, Pacheco gained unwanted weight and lost some of that zip on his fastball that opposing hitters routinely had trouble catching up to.

“For me, the big thing will be getting out and moving around,” Pacheco said. “To get back to where I was, I’m focusing on losing weight.”

HIGH SCHOOL EXTRA

OUTDOORS

Meet Newman senior Jenna Stevens, B2.

Stopping to say thanks, B15.

WINTER CONTINUED ON B3

Suggestion box Comment or story tip?

Contact Sports Editor Dan Woessner at dwoessner@saukvalley.com or 800-798-4085, ext. 5555

TOP OF 2

Down for count Kevin Durant Defending MVP will have bone graft surgery next week, meaning he will miss rest of season. His recovery will take 4-to-6 months.

Your guide to what’s going on in sports

B2 • SV Weekend

www.saukvalley.com

Not alone Michael Sam First openly gay NFL player says that several other players have told him that they are gay. Sam is not on a roster currently.

Saturday, March 28, 2015

MY 2 CENTS

Good to expand sports experiences On the tube TV listings

Saturday Auto racing 9 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.

• NASCAR Sprint Cup, practice for STP 500, at Martinsville, Va., FS1 10 a.m.

• NASCAR Trucks, pole qualifying for Kroger 250, at Martinsville, Va., FS1 1:30 p.m.

• NASCAR Trucks, Kroger 250, at Martinsville, Va., FS1 7 p.m.

• NHRA, qualifying for Four-Wide Nationals, at Concord, N.C., ESPN2 1:30 a.m. (Sun.)

• Formula One, Malaysia Grand Prix, NBCSP

Men’s basketball 2 p.m.

• NCAA Division II Tournament, championship, at Evansvill,e Ind., CBS 5 p.m.

I

saiah Roby sticks out in a crowd. That’s just a fact of life for someone already 6-foot, 8-inches tall as a junior in high school.

So it was easy to pick him out as a group of Dixon track athletes walked out the doors at Dixon High School Thursday afternoon onto the track at A.C. Bowers Field.

A few minutes later, Roby’s name came up during a conversation with senior longdistance expert Evan Grady.

“Isaiah went for like 6-2 the other day in the high jump, and he looked at me and asked if that was good,” Grady said. “I told him that he’s only an inch away from the state cut, and he just started doing it.”

Grady brought the name up as a newcomer for the Dukes to watch and made the comparison to Kylian Lally, who went out for track for the first time as a senior last spring. Lally, an

was working his way danWOESSNER through high school, there were certainly Sports those in the Sterling track Editor program hoping he’d Reach him at make a similar decision. dwoessner@ He never did. He also saukvalley. stopped playing tencom or 800nis – for which he was 798-4085, ext. 5555. an accomplished player – after his freshman season. I’ve always felt it might have served him accomplished wrestler, well to compete in some ended up finishing third other sport in the spring or fall. at the 2A state meet in Jamie Russell was also the 800. stellar on the basketball “With Kylian, it was court over at Rock Falls a little bit more of a during the mid-2000s. surprise,” Grady said.

Russell, who grew “With Isaiah, you know he has so much athleti- up boxing and playing football, is still the most cism.” talented female athlete Grady is one of the leaders on a team full of I’ve seen in the area.

She started running diverse athletes.

Roby, who is commit- sprints in track one spring, and looked like ted to play basketball she could be a conat Nebraska, has a rare tender before an injury amount of athleticism ended her season. for the Sauk Valley.

One fall she went Seeing what heights he reaches this spring once out for cross country.

I’ve never been more he starts refining the excited for a cross countechniques of the sport try race then seeing the should be exciting.

When Joseph Bertrand ones where she essen-

• NCAA Tournament, regional final, Arizona vs.

Wisconsin, TBS

tially sprinted from start to finish.

Bad luck struck Russell and the rest of the Rockets’ team that fall, as injuries denied them a chance to possibly compete for a state title. But Russell never seemed to shy away from a new challenge.

In an era when the demands on kids to focus their energies on one sport all year long, it’s refreshing to see Roby take a chance with track.

Maybe he won’t end up great at it, but it’s likely it’ll help him get stronger and faster, which is good for his basketball career.

The current group of athletes at Dixon have bonded together to make strong teams in each season, and that’s a good thing.

It’s a good vibe for the Dukes and Duchesses, and hopefully it persists in the years to come.

Hopefully, it’s also one that grows among athletes around the area.

Women’s basketball

SAUK VALLEY EXTRA

11 a.m.

• NCAA Tournament, regional semifinal, Texas vs. Connecticut, ESPN 1:30 p.m.

Q &A

TV listings

Sunday Arena football 6 p.m.

• Philadelphia at Orlando, ESPN2

Auto racing Noon

• NASCAR Sprint Cup, STP 500, at Martinsville, Va., FS1 1 p.m.

• NHRA, Four-Wide Nationals, at Concord, N.C., ESPN 2 p.m.

• IndyCar, Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (Fla.), ABC

Men’s basketball 1 p.m.

• NCAA Tournament, regional final, , CBS 3:55 p.m.

• NCAA Tournament, regional final, CBS

Women’s basketball 11 a.m.

• NCAA Tournament, regional final, ESPN 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

• NCAA Tournament, regional final, Notre Dame vs. Kentucky, TBS

On the tube

Jenna Stevens Newman senior to play softball at ISU

• NCAA Tournament, regional final, ESPN

College softball 2 p.m.

• Iowa at Michigan, BTN

Men’s hockey 4 p.m.

• NCAA Tournament, regional, ESPNU 6:30 p.m.

• NCAA Tournament, regional semifinal, Dayton vs. Louisville, ESPN

• NCAA Tournament, regional, ESPNU 9 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

• NCAA Tournament, regional, ESPNU

• NCAA Tournament, regional semifinal, Duke vs.

Maryland, ESPN

Men’s lacrosse

6 p.m.

10 a.m.

• NCAA Tournament, regional semifinal, Gonzaga vs. Tennessee, ESPN

• Brown at Princeton, ESPNU

College baseball

• Duke at N. Carolina, ESPNU

Noon

2 p.m.

• Texas at Nebraska, BTN

2 p.m.

• Ohio St. at Penn St., ESPNU

Men’s gymnastics 6 p.m.

4 p.m.

• Big Ten Championships, at State College, Pa., BTN

• Michigan at Maryland, BTN

Men’s hockey

Women’s lacrosse

2 p.m.

Noon

• NCAA Tournament, regional, Boston College vs. Denver, ESPN2

• Louisville at Northwestern, BTN

3 p.m.

Cycling

• NCAA Tournament, regional, RIT vs. Minnesota St., ESPNU

10:30 p.m.

• Criterium International, final stage, Porto-Vecchio to Col de l’Ospedale, Corsica, NBCSP

5:30 p.m.

• NCAA Tournament, regional, Providence vs.

Miami (Ohio), ESPNU 8 p.m.

• NCAA Tournament, regional, Harvard vs.

Nebraska-Omaha, ESPNU

Golf 2 p.m.

• PGA, Texas Open, third round, at San Antonio, NBC • Champions, Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic, second round, at Saucier, TGC 5 p.m.

• LPGA, Kia Classic, third round, at Carlsbad, Calif., TGC

MLB spring training Noon

• A’s vs. White Sox, at Glendale, Ariz., CSN

Motorsports 7 p.m.

• AMA Supercross, at St. Louis, FS1

NHL Noon

• Sharks at Flyers, CSN 7 p.m.

• Blue Jackets at Blues, FSN

What do you enjoy about softball?

Softball has been my favorite sport since I was little. I’ve always wanted to play in college, and luckily, next year I get to at Illinois State. I’ve always loved to play it.

My sister played when she was younger, and I followed in her footsteps. I love softball. Always have.

How did you first get involved in playing?

My sister played before me, and then I tried out for a travel team in Wasco and made it. I played for them for about 8 years. I switched a couple of times, but that’s how I got started by playing travel. It just blossomed from there.

What made you choose Illinois State?

I love the coaches. When I went there, I met them, and everyone was so nice. The girls were super nice. Plus, the campus is nice.

They have my major: exercise science. So that’s exciting. After exercise science, I plan on going into physical therapy school, or maybe pharmacy school.

Exercise science?

I’ve always liked exercising, and I really like it now that Illinois State has really pushed for the exercising. My freshman year of high school, I broke my ankle real bad and tore all my ligaments. I had 10 screws and a plate in my ankle. I had to endure a lot of physical therapy, and I was really intrigued by that. I liked how the body works all together.

How’s the team looking?

We’re looking pretty good. It’s tough when you’re inside, but we did get to go outside a couple of days last week. I think we’re working real well as a team.

We’re focused on having fun.

That’s a big goal of ours. We want to play clean defense and have a lot of hits.

Is third base your favorite position on the diamond?

I really like third base, but next year who knows where I’ll go.

At third base, you’re really close to the batter. You have to react really quickly. I know I can quickly react, and you can get a lot of action there.

You’re a registered IHSA softball official also?

You can register when you’re 17, so I did that last year. I also ref volleyball, but softball is my favorite, obviously.

What made you want to go into officiating?

A teacher at Newman, Mr. Sommers, is a volleyball ref, and he told me about what great money it was, and how much fun and easy it is. It’s truly a fun job, and I ref my favorite sport. I just can’t get away from the game.

Any games on tap?

Not yet, but I have talked to a couple of people who may be giving me games. I usually do the younger kids that play after us.

What’s your favorite class in school?

My favorite class is Chemistry II, and I took it last year as a dual credit course at Sauk. But this year, it is athletic training, because you get to learn about the body and talk about sports, and injuries. It’s a real nice class.

It’s taught by Mr. Accardi, and he’s a real great guy.

As told to Cody Cutter • SVM photo by Michael Krabbenhoeft

Golf 2 p.m.

• PGA, Texas Open, final round, at San Antonio, NBC • Champions, Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic, final round, at Saucier, TGC 5 p.m.

• LPGA, Kia Classic, final round, at Carlsbad, Calif., TGC

MLB spring training Noon

• Mets vs. Cardinals, at Jupiter, Fla., FSN 3 p.m.

• White Sox vs. Indians, at Goodyear, Ariz., CSN

NHL 6:30 p.m.

• Sharks at Penguins, NBCSP

Soccer 1:30 p.m.

• UEFA, qualifier for European Championship, Serbia at Portugal, ESPN2 3:50 p.m.

• MLS, Philadelphia at Chicago, ESPN2 6 p.m.

• MLS, Toronto at Real Salt Lake, FS1

Saturday, March 28, 2015

www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • B3

GOLF | TEXAS OPEN

Walker takes walk near home On the calendar Local events

Three straight birdies help Texas resident pass Hoffman

BY TIM PRICE Associated Press

Saturday College baseball 12 p.m.

• Black Hawk at Sauk Valley College softball 1 p.m.

• Sauk Valley at Joliet Men’s tennis 10:30 a.m.

• Moraine Valley at Sauk Valley Baseball 10 a.m.

• Fulton at West Carroll (2) • Polo-Forreston at Freeport 11 a.m.

• Amboy at Oregon (2) • Morrison at Bureau Valley (2) • Byron at Erie-P’town (2) • AFC at Leland-Earlville (2) TBA

• Sterling at O’Fallon • Dixon at Galesburg Invite Softball 10 a.m.

• Dixon at Amboy (2) • Fulton at West Carroll (2) • Polo-Forreston at Winnebago (2) 11 a.m.

• Oregon at Jefferson (2) • AFC at Leland-Earlville (2) 12 p.m.

• Erie-Prophetstown at Geneseo (2) Boys tennis

SAN ANTONIO – Jimmy Walker enjoyed a neighborly stroll at TPC San Antonio after a 35-minute drive from his suburban home.

Walker shot a 5-under 67 on Friday in the Texas Open to take a one-stroke lead in his hometown event.

He won the Sony Open in Hawaii in January after winning three times last season.

“It’s nice to have friends and family here,” Walker said. “Good vibes and good mojo, and I believe in all that stuff. Positive energy is good.”

Walker overtook first-round leader Charley Hoffman with three straight birdies late in his round.

Hoffman, 8 under at the turn, uncharacteristically let a good round get away on the Oaks Course with three bogeys on his second nine. He finished with a 72 to drop into a tie for second with Aaron Baddeley.

Hoffman has two top-three finishes in his previous four appearances at the Texas Open.

Baddeley had a 71.

“I’ll keep drawing on my experience here, and I think you can get this golf course,” said Hoffman, who led by two entering the day.

Kevin Na, who infamously took 16 strokes on a par 4 in the event 4 years ago, had a 68 to join Texan Jordan Spieth at 4 under.

The 21-year Spieth, coming off a playoff victory 2 weeks ago at Innisbrook, followed his opening 71 with a 69.

Jimmy Walker hits from the 10th tee Friday during the second round of the Valero Texas Open in San Antonio. Walker leads the field after two rounds by one stroke.

The gusts near 40 mph that blew Thursday morning continued to subside, though play started Friday with temperatures in the 40s.

“But it wasn’t windy, so that was nice,” Walker said.

The improved conditions packed the leaderboard with nine players within four strokes of Walker. That included Phil Mickelson, continuing to cram for the Masters less than 2 weeks off, at 2 under after a second-round 72.

He was tied for sixth.

“It was a good first 2 days,” said Mickelson, who has a best finish this season of 17th at the Honda Classic. “I putted well

and hit some good iron shots, but I’ll have to work on the driving tomorrow. I played Augusta a few days before I came here, and I was driving it great. I haven’t hit it the way I felt I have been hitting it.”

FedEx Cup champion Billy Horschel (70), Zach Johnson (71), Chris Kirk (71) and 2011 winner Brendan Steele (68) also were 2 under.

Johnson felt a jarring sensation in his right ring finger when he hit a rock while swinging from the native area to the right of the 12th fairway. He continued and expects to play this weekend.

8 a.m.

• Sterling, Dixon, Rock Falls at Sterling Invitational (at Westwood Girls track & field

Sunday College baseball 12 p.m.

Baseball 4:30 p.m.

• Rock Island at Sterling • Rock Falls at Freeport • Newman at Princeton • St. Bede at Amboy • Hall at Bureau Valley • Erie-Prophetstown at Orion • Sherrard at Fulton • Polo-Forreston at Rockford East • AFC at Hinckley-Big Rock Girls soccer 6 p.m.

• Stillman Valley at Sterling Softball 4:30 p.m.

• Sterling at Freeport • Newman at Princeton • St. Bede at Amboy • Hall at Bureau Valley • Erie-Prophetstown at Orion • Sherrard at Fulton • River Ridge-Scales Mound at Polo-Forreston • Alleman at West Carroll Boys tennis 4 p.m.

• Lutheran at Dixon Boys track & field 4:15 p.m.

• Fulton, Milledgeville at Morrison • West Carroll at River Ridge Girls track & field 4 p.m.

• Fulton, Milledgeville, Warren-Stockton at Morrison

Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

Sauk Valley’s Reyes Maldonado dives during a defensive drill on Tuesday at Sauk Valley Community College. The Skyhawks are taking on some new philosophies under new coach Chris Davis.

Lilly adjusting to college pitching WINTER

CONTINUED FROM B1

“Losing that weight will be key because it’s hard not playing games throughout the year, and not being able to be outside,” Pacheco said.

As Pacheco hopes to rebound, his Skyhawk teammates are looking to improve and regain form after a disappointing season last year in which the team won just eight games.

New Sauk coach Chris Davis brings with him a philosophy that he and the team hopes is enough to shake off the rust and the old ways.

Davis is asking pitchers like Pacheco to bat this season, as well as play in the field.

Davis believes that his players should be able to handle multiple duties, and the idea that he hopes will keep everyone fresh and from sitting on the bench for extended periods of time.

“A pitcher won’t just pitch,” Davis said. “A fielder should have command of several positions. We hope that

MORE THAN JUST TIRES! GIVE ROGER A CALL TODAY!

Bears add cornerback Ball Alan Ball turns 30 this month, but the new Bears cornerback feels like he’s still ascending.

The former Illinois product signed a 1-year contract with the team Friday and is expected to compete for playing time, after starting the last two seasons for the Jaguars.

Patriots’ LB could miss start of season Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower’s status is in question for the start of the 2015 season.

Hightower is expected to be sidelined 6 to 7 months following offseason surgery on his right shoulder, the Boston Herald reported.

The linebacker was on the injury report since Week 14 with a shoulder injury.

Nashville makes ticket-buying tough

• Sterling, Dixon, Rock Falls at Sterling Invitational (at Westwood)

Monday

Wrigley rooftop owner faces charges

NHL

8 a.m.

1 p.m.

MLB

NFL AP

8:30 a.m.

• Oakton at Sauk Valley

SVM staff, wire services

A federal judge is expected to rule any day in a lawsuit brought by owners of two Wigley rooftop businesses that seeks to stop the Cubs from erecting a video board over the right field bleachers.

On Friday federal prosecutors announced criminal fraud charges against the part-owner of one of the rooftop clubs involved in the lawsuit, claiming he hid more than $1.5 million in revenue to avoid paying about $600,000 owed to the Cubs, as well as in state and local taxes.

• Sterling at Boylan Indoor Invitational • Newman at Rock Island Invitational Boys track & field

• Kankakee at Sauk Valley College softball

sportShorts

• TIRES & ALIGNMENT • BRAKES • SHOCKS & STRUTS • EXHAUST • OIL & LUBE • AFTER MARKET WHEELS

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Sauk Valley Skyhawks Coach: Chris Davis (1st season) Roster 3 Derek Kennell 5 Reyes Maldonado 7 Oliden Herrera 9 Frankie Perino 10 Kollin Burn 11 Evan Smith 12 Mario Pacheco 14 Wyatt Nale 15 Kieffer Znaniecki 16 Angel Vega 18 Cody Dietz 19 Nick Panzica 20 Oscar Castro 21 Josh Oliveras 23 Fabian Del Real 25 Justin Hitchcock 30 Nick Jehle 35 Connor Steffen 44 Bryant Lilly it can help these guys have some fun playing the game they love.”

Sophomore shortstop Angel Vega came to Sauk from Puerto Rico. He too was disappointed with last season’s performance, and hopes the Skyhawks can get back to winning.

“It wasn’t fun,” Vega said. “I came from playing every day to losing a lot. This year I just want to be better than last year, and I think we all kind of realized it

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wasn’t fun. We’re working hard.”

The Skyhawks have relatively low numbers, just 18 players, but Davis figures that because of those numbers just about every player should get ample playing time. Davis also hopes that with the numbers hovering around the 20-player mark, he can recruit players who want to play, using this season as a showcase.

The Skyhawks face Waubonsee Commu-

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nity College in 2 weeks, a team with 37 players on its roster, more than double that of Sauk’s.

“That’s absurd,” Davis said of those numbers.

“That’s what we need to be pointing out to kids, that you can play here, and you can play multiple positions for us. No one wants to go to a college just to sit on the bench.”

Sauk freshman and Sterling graduate Bryant Lilly is another player who will have multiple duties. Lilly will split time between left field and pitcher this season. With plenty of playing time in his first season against college-level competition, Lilly found he had to adjust to the increase in changeups he sees as a hitter, and as a pitcher how he has to throw more of them.

“In high school, you don’t see very many changeups,” Lilly said.

“A lot of kids just don’t throw it because they can’t, or they stick to the one or two pitches they’re comfortable with. In college, everyone knows how to throw a changeup. It’s a nasty pitch.”

The Nashville Predators are at it again. Their mission: Keep Blackhawks fans out of Bridgestone Arena should the Hawks and Preds meet in the playoffs.

Predators management launched a campaign in 2013 to “Keep the Red Out” by tweaking their ticket policy in an attempt to make it more difficult for Hawks fans to get into Bridgestone Arena.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Lavin out at St. Johns St. John’s has split with basketball coach Steve Lavin after five seasons.

The school announced Friday it has “mutually agreed to part ways” with Lavin. He had 1 year left on his contract.

The Red Storm lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, beaten by San Diego State 76-64 to finish at 21-12.

Let us hear it • Game results, story tips, athlete of the week nominations, team and individual stats can be faxed to 815-625-9390, called into 800-7984085, ext. 5555 or e-mailed to sports@ saukvalley.com.

Contact us at 800-798-4085 Sports Editor Dan Woessner, ext. 5555 dwoessner@saukvalley.com Sports Reporters Patrick Mason, ext. 5550 pmason@saukvalley.com Ty Reynolds, ext. 5554 treynolds@saukvalley.com Brian Weidman, ext. 5551 bweidman@saukvalley.com

B4 • SV Weekend

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Saturday, March 28, 2015

KENTUCKY

SWEET 16 ROUNDNUP

Is Kentucky greatest college team ever?

W

ith every dominating win – we’re up to 37-0 – it becomes more and more apparent that Kentucky really isn’t competing against the remaining teams in the NCAA Tournament.

History is the opponent now.

Are these Wildcats better than the 1956 San Francisco Dons featuring Bill Russell and K.C. Jones? How about all those great UCLA teams of the 1960s and ‘70s with the likes of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Walton? And is this edition of Big Blue even better than the last champion to go through a season unblemished, the 1976 Indiana Hoosiers?

Nothing against those giants of the game, but we’ll take Kentucky – with a caveat.

These Wildcats still must win three more games, starting with Saturday’s Midwest Regional final against Notre Dame.

But if they complete

paulNEWBERRY Associated Press sports columnist.

Reach him at pnewberry@ ap.org

their run to 40-0 perfection – and it would take a Villanova-beatingGeorgetown-sized upset to stop it – they deserve to be at the top of the list.

Quinn Buckner, one of the stars of that undefeated Indiana team, was asked what it would take to beat Kentucky “You’ve got to shoot it exceptionally well, you can’t turn it over, and you’ve got to rebound against them,” he said.

“And then you still have to play defense, too.”

Oh, and one other thing.

“They’re going to have to have a bad day,” West Virginia coach Bob Huggins moaned after the

Wildcats blew out his team by 39 points in the round of 16.

Given their size, depth, commitment to defense, and willingness to share the spotlight, a bad day deems beyond comprehension.

Just ask the Mountaineers, who never stood a chance.

“I thought going in that the 2010 team may be more talented,” Huggins said, referring to the Kentucky squad that featured NBA standouts John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins and Eric Bledsoe. “But I don’t think that team guarded the way this team guards.

That’s the difference.

This team is absolutely fantastic defensively.”

With a bigger front line than most NBA teams, and essentially two starting units to keep the pressure on opponents for the full 40 minutes, Kentucky will stand as the greatest NCAA champion ever if it can win out – with all due respect to those epic teams through the years.

The Wildcats have really been on a roll since what constitutes their only “slump” of the season – consecutive overtime victories over Ole Miss and Texas A&M back in early January, at the start of Southeastern Conference play.

After that blip, the next 22 wins came by an average of 19.1 points, with all but four games decided by double-digit margins. Kentucky has turned it up another notch in the postseason, romping through three SEC tournament games and three NCAA games by an average margin of 21.5 points, including Thursday’s 78-39 destruction of West Virginia.

During that span, the Wildcats have limited opponents to 34 percent shooting from the field and 23 percent from 3-point range.

“They’re just so big and so long,” Huggins said, sounding like he was talking about a team from another planet.

He might as well be.

NO. 1 KENTUCKY VS. NO. 3 NOTRE DAME | PREVIEW

Irish next team trying to slay beast Notre Dame eyes history, shot at upsetting Kentucky

BY TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer

CLEVELAND – Beware, Kentucky. That little leprechaun looms.

The pristine season, the presumed NCAA championship, the aura of invincibility and every other plaudit being thrown at the so-good-they’re-scary Wildcats are all at great risk. There’s a proven giant-killer waiting.

Notre Dame’s got next.

The Fighting Irish, with a long history of slaying basketball behemoths, stand in Kentucky’s path to the Final Four and perhaps the first undefeated season in the college game since Bobby Knight’s Indiana squad ran the table 39 years ago. On Saturday night, Notre Dame gets another chance at bringing down this team of teams, one some feel is invincible – you know, like the 1974 UCLA Bruins, who had their 88-game winning streak stopped

by ND. Double-digit underdogs, the Fighting Irish (32-5) believe they’ll take the floor with millions.

“We are America’s team tomorrow, “coach Mike Brey said Friday. “And we love it, we certainly will take all that support. We’ve got a monumental challenge on our hands.”

No doubt. David only had one Goliath to deal with. Ken-

AP

Notre Dame and Pat Connaughton (right) will play top-seeded Kentucky Saturday in an attempt to hand the Wildcats their first loss. tucky’s got a half-dozen future NBA first-round draft picks, and the top-seeded Wildcats (37-0) are coming off a jaw-dropping, 39-point win over West Virginia in the semifinals of the NCAA Tournament’s Midwest Regional.

Kentucky showcased all of its splendor – size, depth, defense, cold-bloodedness – in running the Mountaineers out of Quicken Loans Arena.

But beyond having one of the most efficient offenses in the country, 3-point shooters and underrated toughness, the Fighting Irish believe. Big time.

“We have a lot of confidence,” guard Jerian Grant said. “We feel they haven’t played an offensive team like us. Just go out there and play our game I think we’ll be able to get a win.”

Notre Dame has knocked off the AP’s No. 1 ranked team eight times, most recently in 2012 against Syracuse. And while that won’t necessarily help them as they try to tame the Wildcats, the Fighting Irish have faith it can happen again.

“You look back in history, we’ve been able to do it,” said senior forward Pat Connaughton.

Gonzaga’s big second-half run sinks UCLA Spartans to meet Louisville; Bulldogs face Duke Sunday By the Associated Press

Przemek Karnowski had 18 points and nine rebounds, and secondseeded Gonzaga used a big run early in the second half to pull away for a 74-62 victory over No. 11 UCLA on Friday night in the South Regional semifinals of the NCAA Tournament.

The victory puts Gonzaga (35-2) in the Elite Eight for the second time, its first regional final since 1999. The Bulldogs will play Duke game on Sunday.

UCLA (22-14) opened the second half with a 6-0 run to get within 35-34.

Gonzaga scored the next 12 points, thanks to the powerful inside game of the 7-foot-1, 288-pound Karnowski to make it 47-34.

The Bruins, who lost in the Sweet 16 for the second straight year, were done in by a tough shooting night that included long stretches without scoring. They were led

by Norman Powell’s 16 points.

It was Gonzaga’s second win over UCLA this season after beating the Bruins in December.

Gonzaga’s only loss to UCLA in the four-game history of the series came in a 73-71 defeat in the regional semifinal in 2006.

Duke 63, Utah 57: Mike Krzyzewski and Duke are one win away from getting back to the NCAA Final Four, this time with a talented group of freshmen.

Justise Winslow 21 points and 10 rebounds for the South Regional’s top-seeded Blue Devils in their Sweet 16 victory over revived Utah.

Duke (32-4) is going to its 20th regional final, the 14th under Coach K for the most by any active coach.

Winslow is one of three freshman starters for Duke, a trio that includes standout big man Jahlil Okafor and guard Tyus Jones, who had 15 points.

Okafor had six points and eight rebounds.

Brandon Taylor had 15 points for the Utes (26-9).

Louisville 75, North Carolina State 65: Montrezl

Harrell scored 24 points, and reserve Anton Gill keyed a late-game surge for the Cardinals in the East Regional semifinal.

Louisville (27-8), the fourth seed in the East and seeking to make its third Final Four in four years, will play seventhseeded Michigan State in the regional final on Sunday.

After toppling top-seeded Villanova, North Carolina State (22-14), the eighth seed, saw its postseason run end.

Louisville wasn’t given much chance of playing in late March after it lost two of three entering the NCAA Tournament, but gritty wins over UC Irvine and Northern Iowa had the Cardinals brimming with confidence.

Terry Rozier had 17 points and 14 rebounds, and freshman guard Quentin Snider added 14 points for the Cardinals.

Trevor Lacey led the Wolfpack with 18 points, while Ralston Turner had 12 and Kyle Washington 11.

Anthony “Cat” Barber, the spark of the Wolfpack’s attack, finished with eight points on 3-of14 shooting.

Michigan State 62, Oklahoma 58: Denzel Valen-

tine scored 13 of his 18 points in the second half to lead Michigan State to a win over Oklahoma in an East Regional semifinal.

Counted out for nearly done in February, the Tom Izzo-coached Spartans (26-11) are instead headed to the Elite Eight for the second straight year and fourth time since 2009. And they’re going as a seventh-seeded team that knocked off the third-seeded Sooners (2411), a week after knocking off No. 2 Virginia.

Travis Trice led the Spartans with 24 points, while Branden Dawson had 11 rebounds.

Buddy Hield led the Sooners with 21 points.

Michigan State is the lowest-seeded team still in the tournament, and advances to face Louisville on Sunday.

NO. 1 WISCONSIN VS. NO. 2 ARIZONA | PREVIEW

Badgers, Wildcats find themselves in familiar position Arizona, Wisconsin take court Saturday in Part II with trip to Final Four at stake

BY BETH HARRIS AP Sports Writer

LOS ANGELES – Arizona guard Gabe York remembers having the ball in his hands, taking a couple of dribbles and failing to get a shot off before time expired.

Wisconsin 64, Arizona 63, in overtime.

The Badgers advanced to the Final Four for the first time under coach Bo Ryan a year ago, and the Wildcats went back to the desert, unable to deliver the same initial appearance for coach Sean Miller.

“They made one more play in overtime than we did,” York said Friday. “That was a crazy, crazy scenario. There were only 2 seconds left, and it took them about 15 minutes for those 2 seconds to end.”

Now, they’re going to do it again.

This time, the Badgers (34-3) have moved up from the No. 2 seed to No. 1, led by 7-footer Frank Kaminsky. The Wildcats (34-3) are No. 2, a spot lower than last year, and Pac-12

player of the year Nick Johnson, who launched a desperate shot just after the buzzer, graduated.

The stakes are the same: a trip to Indianapolis awaits the winner of Saturday night’s West Regional title game at Staples Center.

“Obviously, it’s icing on the cake that we get to play Wisconsin in the Elite Eight and have a chance to go to the Final Four,” York said. “We’re extra amped.”

Ditto the Badgers, who include title-hungry seniors Kaminsky, Josh Gasser, Traevon Jackson and Duje Dukan.

“We know they’ve added some pieces, but at the same time we’re better than we were this time last year,” Kaminsky said. “They’re long, they’re athletic and they’re animals.

They’re not afraid of anything, and they have the ability to get to the lane and go right up through you.”

“Frank the Tank” proved the only reliable scorer a year ago, when the rest of the Badgers disappeared offensively. Sam

Dekker was 2-for-5, Ben Brust went 2-for-7, Jackson was 4 of 14 and Nigel Hayes was 2 of 8.

All but Brust are back, although Jackson missed 18 games because of injury before playing sparingly in Wisconsin’s semifinal win over North Carolina on Thursday.

“I expect to play more and am ready to play more,” said Jackson, who scored four points against the Tar Heels.

Kaleb Tarczewski scored 12 points, and Rondae HollisJefferson had 10 for the Wildcats last year in the relentlessly physical game. In overtime, Arizona had an answer for just about everything Wisconsin did.

New to this year’s game are starters Stanley Johnson, a freshman and projected lottery pick averaging 14 points and 1.5 steals, and junior Brandon Ashley, who sat out last year’s tournament after having foot surgery.

“Brandon is probably the one most ready to play,” York said. “He knows we left some money on the table.”

AP

North Carolina forward Kennedy Meeks defends Wisconsin’s Frank Kaminsky during a regional semifinal on Thursday in Los Angeles. The Badgers will face Arizona Saturday, in a rematch of last season’s game with a trip to the Final Four on the line.

Saturday, March 28, 2015

www.saukvalley.com

MARCH IS DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH

SV Weekend • B5

Don’t Let The Stairs Keep You Down...

“Let Us Lift You!”

look beyond disab disability a i abilit Picture the

CAPABILITY

Get acquainted with someone who has a developmental disability. You’ll learn that everyone has something to offer and that when we are all together our communities are stronger, we accomplish more & everyone wins!

Could you imagine a childhood without the experience of riding a bicycle? Or, imagine your own child or grandchild sitting sadly by while their friends ride away on two wheels? This was the experience of a little girl in Whiteside County – unable to take a bicycle ride with her family and friends due to her disability. With the support of the Bi-County Cooperative Foundation her family applied for and was awarded a mini-grant to purchase a specially adapted bicycle so this little girl could experience childhood to the fullest and ride a bicycle with her friends.

The Bi-County Cooperative Foundation aims to enrich the lives of children with disabilities in Whiteside and Carroll counties through distribution of funds to faculty of local school districts, college scholarships, and family stipends for education and advocacy of children with disabilities. The Foundation, organized in 1996, is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization that operates independently from the Bi-County Special Education Cooperative and secures contributions through private contributions and a variety of fundraising activities.

Bi-County Cooperative Foundation distributes over $5000 in mini-grants two times each year that assists over 1500 students in the Sterling, Rock Falls, Morrison, East Coloma, Montmorency, Erie, Eastland, River Bend, Forreston, Chadwick/Milledgeville, and Prophetstown/Lyndon/ Tampico districts. Some of these grants include: Camp Big Sky summer recreational activities for teens; Classroom workshop experiences for alternative school students; Family outreach programs sponsored by special education students; Copper Bit Ranch outdoor educational experience; Assisting families of children with special needs.

We also award annual scholarships in excess of $10,000.00 to special needs students moving on to post-secondary education or general education students aspiring to become a professional in the field of special education.

Visit our website at www.bicountyfoundation.org for more information.

A stairway lift safely and gently carries the passenger along the stairs. And, if the individual cannot operate the stairway lift themselves, remote controls or hand-held pendant controls ensure the stairway lift is easy to use as well. Stairway lifts are available in straight, curve or spiral applications.

Call today for a free estimate 309-797-4647

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Nu-Trend offers a full line of manual and electric wheelchair lifts, scooter lifts, platform lifts and accessories to help increase mobility and make your life easier. We offer no-cost, no-obligation evaluations.

Age proof your home with a Residential Elevator The convenience and increased mobility that a residential elevator delivers can truly enhance your home, while providing an easy way to carry groceries, laundry, a baby or anything else from floor to floor. Models range from the simple to the extravagant.

Wheelchair Lifts • Stairway Lifts • Vehicle Lifts • Toilet Seat Lifts • Personal Lifts Elevators • Door Openers • Adaptive Auto Accessories • Storm & Bullet Shelters 1808 34th Street Moline, IL • 309-797-4647 • www.nutrendaccess.com • Illinois Licensed

ARENA of DREAMS

Horses | Disability Services | Recreation Center | Therapeutic Center The Arena of Dreams is a therapeutic recreation center for children, teens and adults with disabilities and additional needs. The facility offers therapies such as equine therapy, therapeutic horseback riding, hydrotherapy, sound therapy and sensory therapy. The Arena has an indoor swimming pool, an indoor and outdoor riding arena, a new sensory room, recreation and arts and crafts room. The arena is located on 20 acres of land with trails and fields. For more informaiton visit www.careinconnections.com

Carein’Connections and Arena of dreams offers…

• Special needs day camp twice a month on Saturdays • Friday night youth groups • Family & Single Parent Getaways

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month!

DD Homes invites you to an open house!

Monday, March 30, 2015 • 6-8pm DD Homes is a quality-focused network dedicated to providing exceptional residential services to adults with developmental disabilities and other cognitive impairments, within a highly respectful, activity-rich, well managed and caring environment.

As such, we are honored to work with some pretty fantastic individuals on a daily basis. Come join us for an evening of food, fun, and games at one of our Sterling locations listed below. We can guarantee you will have a fantastic time!

Casa Willis 910 Woodburn Avenue Sterling, IL 61081

Hammett House 1845 1st Avenue Sterling, IL 61081

Stern Square 1328 West 7th Street Sterling, IL 61081

United Way of Whiteside County

Calling 2-1-1 can put you in touch with organizations ready to help with: • Emergency Shelter • Food Pantries • Day Care • Rent / Utility Assistance • Elderly Care • Mental Health Services • Employment • Health Resources • Educational / Vocational Training • Disability Resources • Drug / Alcohol Rehabilitation • Domestic Abuse • Counseling • Disaster Recovery

24/7 365 DAYS

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MARCH IS DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH

look beyond disability dis lity

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Join Exceptional Care & Training Center to

Spread the Word to End the Word

It is time we “Spread the Word to End the Word™ and build awareness for society to stop and think about its’ use of the R-word. Use of that R-word, “retard” or “retarded,” is hurtful and painful and whether intended or not, is a form of bullying. Most people don’t think of this word as hate speech, but that’s exactly what it feels like to millions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and friends. The R-word is just as cruel and offensive as any other slur. Visit www.r-word.org to make your pledge today. Eliminating the use of this word is a step toward respect.

Did you know the pejorative and ever increasing use of the R-word in today’s society further perpetuates the stigma and Take time to get to know someone negative stereotypes that face people with intellectual disabilities? with a developmental disability and Up to three percent of the world’s population have intellectual disabilities - that’s almost 200 million people around everybody wins! the world. It’s one of the largest disability populations in the world, perhaps you know someone?

We ask that you help us change the conversation and help eliminate the demeaning use of the R-word from today’s popular youth vernacular and replace it with “respect.” We are asking for your help in creating a more accepting world for Florissa developmental center now open people with intellectual disabilities and all those people that may appear different, but have unique gifts and talents to share with It has been a journey of nearly three years and one involving many hands. With the support of a three year federal the world. grant, the pediatric developmental center for children with behavioral, developmental, social and emotional needs will soon Language affects attitudes. Attitudes impact actions. be a reality for families.

Make your pledge to choose respectful people first language at The developmental center, which will be located in the former US Bank building (101 East First Street) in downtown www.R-word.org.

Dixon, now has a name, Florissa, as well as an identity.

Exceptional Care & Training Center is a private, “The branding tag line for Florissa is ‘Where Children and Families Flourish,” explains Laura Watters, director of aunon-profit residential and day training facility in Sterling. We tism and day services at Kreider Services. Watters is responsible for the project’s transition and is also the project for Florissa. are dedicated to providing medical care, active treatment, dignity “The center is unique for rural areas of the United States. Florissa will provide a multidisciplinary approach to evaluation and and respect to persons with severe or profound intellectual distreatment,” states Watters.“What’s also remarkable about this project is its collaborative spirit. The partners who have been around the table from day one are still committed to the project. It shows in their willingness to co-locate their services in the abilities.

To find out more about Exceptional Care & Training Center and new location for Florissa.” how you can get involved, visit us at www.exceptional-care.org The Autism and Early Intervention programs currently housed at Kreider’s main facility at 500 Anchor Road will move to the new location. The expected move in date for is mid-March. Staff of Florissa will also collaborate with Dr. Pratip Melissa J. Francque, MPH, Nag of KSB Hospital and staff of Sinnissippi Centers.

The partnership for Florissa started more than five years ago. What was discovered back then was the need for a coor- Executive Director, Exceptional Care & Training dinated system of care for children, as about one third of referrals were for children who, once evaluated, didn’t have autism.

Center “We were spending most of what was earmarked to be spent diagnosing and treating kids with autism, on instead telling kids they didn’t have autism,” said Watters. “The short comings of that system back then was that those kids who didn’t have autism were left without a place to go.”

A centralized location at Florissa means children and their families will be referred to the appropriate services they CARE & TRAINING CENTER need. An open house at Florissa will be scheduled at a later time. For more information, contact Laura Watters at (815) 2886691, extension 226 or via email at wattersl@kreiderservices.org. Initial funding to support Florissa was secured through a grant from the Office of Rural Health Policy, Health Resources and Services Administration.

Picture the t

CAPABILITY

From Vision to Reality

EXCEPTIONAL

It Takes A Village

The term, “It takes a Village to raise a child” is an old term and the title of a book, as well as a conversation platform for many. However, is it a disconnect, truth or sage advice? We at Northwestern Illinois Center for Independent Living (NICIL) believe it is yes, to all three and there is a reason.

We believe that it is a truth that it takes a village as we are a community. Whether this is our physical community, a community of services, or a community of support, all of us working together, contributing we will make a difference. That difference can be supported by everyone and doesn’t necessarily mean money. You can volunteer, you can pray, you help spread the word about your favorite organizations, even cards of support make a big difference. We do think it is sage advice to think of our community as a supportive body. That means that we have to stop looking in the mirror and asking what’s in it for me and instead reflect what can I do to make a difference for others. We live and die by what we contribute, not by how much money is in our bank account.

Let’s take this month, Disability Awareness Month (March) and every day of every month to take our village to influence independent living. Make a difference, however you can, contribute and support all lives in Northwest Illinois. Together, we are a village raising our future.

Northwestern Illinois Center for Independent Living Northwestern Illinois Center for Independent Living (NICIL) is approaching 30 years of dedication to serving people with disabilities in Northwestern Illinois. NICIL offers information and choices to people with disabilities. We are able to assist people with disabilities to live their life as they choose. Put yourself in their shoes for a moment and image what life would be like for you if you did not have the choice of where to live, how to spend your free time or even what type of work to do to make a living. In other words if your choices were taken from you how would to rebuild your life? That’s where NICIL can help, with support to individuals to live their life as they choose.

Fifty-one percent or more of the NICIL team, (management, volunteers, and Board of Directors) are persons with disabilities. When we say we understand the independent living movement it is because we live it, too.

NICIL supports a responsible government, but, that doesn’t mean that NICIL and the other 21 Centers for Independent Living in Illinois can afford to reduce services to our consumers with cuts or elimination of funding. NICIL covers five counties in northwestern Illinois: Carroll, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Whiteside County. NICIL has also worked with thousands of individuals to improve their lives with training on topics from simple tasks like learning to make a bed to starting a business and everything in between.

Since 2004 we have assisted more than 57 people move into the community from a nursing home. The moves not only change lives, but have saved an average of $102,517 over an individual lifetime from not living in an institution. That is just one life time; NICIL has helped in the savings the taxpayers of Illinois $5,843,469!

These amazing people are a productive force in our communities: They are employers - by employing personal assistants • Tax payers - they are spending money in our communities Community members – improving our communities • Participants – they live and vote in our elections • They maybe your neighbor.

Our future is bright with dedicated and caring staff, volunteers, and Board members, but all that can change if our funding diminishes or is eliminated. We at NICIL don’t often ask for help, but today we are asking our past, present and future consumers, volunteers, staff, Board members, referral partners and community members to help us advocate for the promotion of the continuation of Centers for Independent living. ~ Michele Miller, Executive Director, NICIL

Finding the Gray: Autism Seminar

Effective Interventions for Home and School Environments April 29, 2015 8:30 am—4 pm

2601 Woodlawn Rd. Sterling, Illinois 61081

Residential: (815) 626-5820 Fax: (815) 626-5822 Website: exceptional-care.org

WHITESIDE COUNTY SENIOR CENTER 2015

Annual Fundraising Concert SHS Centennial Auditorium Sunday, April 26 • 2pm Call 1-888-622-9230 for tickets All proceeds support the Whiteside County Senior Center programs and operations!

Featuring Master Ventriloquist Jim Barber

(As seen on “The Late Show with David Letterman”)

Matt’s Family Jam

Featuring a family of fantastic instrumentalists and singers.

This Branson Show how has it all!

SELF HELP Enterprises, Inc.

Elks Lodge . 1279 Franklin Grove Rd., Dixon

Featuring Guest Speaker Tim Wahlberg, Ph.D.

Committed to serving persons with disabilities through the following programs & services:

Psychologist / Author Six CEU training credits available.

Tim Wahlberg, Ph.D. Tim Wahlberg, Ph.D. from Geneva, Illinois is a licensed clinical psychologist and certified school psychologist. Join this Autism Spectrum Disorder Training for parents, professionals, teachers and anyone who is touched by Autism in their lives. This seminar will address working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum: Effective Interventions for Home and School Environments. The seven learning objectives are: 1) understanding diagnostic changes to the DSM-V and its impact on programming; 2) learning difference between neuro-typical social development and those on the Autism Spectrum; 3) learning effective strategies to teach social skills in academic and home environments; 4) learning how these differences manifest in Autistic social behaviors; 5) understanding the role of anxiety and how to treat it; 6) discuss effective communication on the Autism Spectrum; and 7) bridging the gap between the home and school environment.

Deadline to register is April 22. Please mail registration below.

For questions, contact Lois Barnhart at barnhartl@kreiderservices.org or 815-288-6691 ext. 282

Registration Form for April 29, 2015 Autism Training

• Early Intervention Program • Developmental Training • Sheltered Workshop • Vocational Evaluation Services • Employee Development Services • Home Based Services • Residential Services • Recycling Services • Stage Two Resale Shop

$60 registration fee required for Professionals $40 required for Family Members & Consumers

Name_____________________________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________________ City_________________________________

St ____________

Zip____________

Email________________________________________Phone________________________ Please Check:

________ Parent

Lunch is included for all attendees.

Approved by Blue Tower for 6 CEU’s: NHA, CPDU, LCPC, LCSW and QSP/QIDP

______ Teacher ______ Professional _______ Other

Please make checks payable to: Kreider Services . 500 Anchor Road, Dixon, IL 61021 . Attention: Lois Barnhart

2300 W. Le Fevre Rd., Sterling

Monday- Friday• 8AM - 4 PM

815.626.3115 selfhelpent@yahoo.com

Saturday, March 28, 2015

MLB

SV Weekend • B7

TRENDS

30 becoming new 40 Home run expectations dropping for power hitters

BY JOSH DUBOW AP Sports Writer

SAN FRANCISCO – Whether it’s steroid testing, all those power arms in the bullpen or a lower strike zone, baseballs just aren’t flying out of the park like they did a decade or two ago.

Sluggers who came of age in the days of 50, 60 and 70 home-run seasons have been forced to recalibrate what’s a successful power season.

And 30 is the new 40.

“Oh yeah, absolutely,” said Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant, perhaps the best power-hitting prospect in the game. “I mean I grew up watching Barry Bonds hit 73 home runs, and now guys are talking about 30’s good.”

Home runs have hit their lowest rate in more than 2 decades. Only 11 players reached the 30-homer mark last season, the fewest in a full season since 1992, when there were four fewer teams, no interleague play and Fay Vincent was still commissioner.

The days of bulked-up sluggers like Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa topping 60 home runs in a season like they did six times from 1998-2001 are going, going, and gone.

“I remember when guys hit 50 and 60 a year,” said Houston first baseman Chris Carter, who tied for second in the majors last season with 37 homers. “Then they stopped doing it, there were reasons for that.

But I’d like to think it’s still attainable – look what Chris Davis did a couple of years ago. Why set the bar so low at 30? I’d like to think you could hit more than that.”

There are plenty of reasons for baseball’s power outage, with testing for steroids getting the most attention. Testing was agreed to on a survey basis with no punishments in 2003 and penalties began the following year.

Testing has become more rigorous and penalties more harsh over the years. Amphetamines were also banned before the 2006 season, affecting every day hitters trying to get through the grind of a 162-game season more than starting pitchers who go every 5 days.

Home runs have dropped in frequency in that same time, and only Davis in 2013 and Jose Bautista in 2010 have reached 50 in the past five seasons. Davis was suspended for amphetamine use last season.

“You had the stretch in the PED era where everything was inflated, everybody in the lineup was hitting a lot of home runs, one through nine,” Toronto manager John Gibbons said. “But then slowly when

CUBS 6, WHITE SOX 3

Rude greeting for former teammate Cubs hit four home runs off of Samardzija in Mesa By the Associated Press

AP

Kris Bryant (right) is one of MLB’s top power-hitting prospects, but by the time he hits the prime of his career the standard for a great home run season might be much lower than it was 10 or 15 years ago. that changed, and when guys are getting off the stuff, then it kind of goes back to old-time baseball.”

But drug testing is far from the only reason that teams combined for just 0.86 home runs per game last season, the lowest rate in the big leagues since 1992. That’s down more than 25 percent from the peak of 1.17 homers per game back in 2000 when 16 players reached the 40-homer mark.

Umpires are calling more low strikes, contributing to players over the past two seasons hitting the highest percentage of grounders on record to at least 1987.

More power arms in the bullpen also contribute. Teams regularly are stocked with relievers capable of throwing fastballs that approach, or

even top, 100 mph. With the stigma of striking out long gone, fewer balls than ever are being put into play.

And those in play aren’t traveling quite as far.

Last season, 10.3 percent of fly balls went for home runs, down from 11.7 percent in 2000. That right there leads to about 20 fewer home runs per team in a season and makes reaching 40 or 50 a much taller task.

“You don’t need 45 and 120 anymore to be considered a great year,” Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt said.

“Pitching is so much better, and the hitting as a whole hasn’t kept up with the pitching. The defensive shifts have stopped some of the hitting. And the hitters, if you keep doing what you’re doing, you’re going to keep getting what you’re getting.”

Home run totals for the game’s biggest sluggers are going back to the level they were when Schmidt was the game’s most feared power-hitter in the 1970s and 80s.

Schmidt led the league in homers eight times on the way to hitting 548, and in only two of those seasons did he reach the 40 mark.

Nelson Cruz was the only player to hit 40 homers last season, as the bar on what is considered a power season has been lowered.

“It’s too bad that it is. Golly, if you could square up 60 flyballs at Citizens Bank, you’d get 30 home runs,” said Schmidt, who is a guest instructor with the Phillies this spring and a TV broadcaster for the team. “Thirty to 40 is an elite year.

Now, a 40-homer guy in the next 3 or 4 years, with the state of hitting the way it is, that would be very elite.”

<

<

< Subscriber Only

MESA, Ariz. – Facing his former team, Jeff Samardzija gave up two-run homers to Jorge Soler and Chris Coghlan, and solo shots to Starlin Castro and Anthony Rizzo, as the White Sox lost 6-3 to the crosstown-rival Chicago Cubs on Friday.

“I think we’ll see a little feast or famine out of the Cubbies this year, huh?” said Samardzija, who was the opening-day starter for the Cubs the past two seasons.

“They don’t get cheated.”

“It was fun to pitch against them,” Samardzija added. “A little weird. Definitely a little weird, for sure.

“I wish those guys the best. They look like they’ll be all right.”

Samardzija was pleased to throw 92 pitches and get through six innings. He had his pitches working well enough to get nine strikeouts, but left a few up in the strike zone.

Tyler Flowers hit a mammoth solo homer to center field for the White Sox. Melky Cabrera also connected.

Starting time

White

Sox:

Samardzija struck out nine and did not walk a batter. But he gave up six runs and seven hits. “When they’re swinging that hard and it’s up in the zone, they’re going to get it,” he said.

Cubs: Starter Jason Hammel pitched six innings, allowing two runs and six hits. “It starts with the fastball,” Hammel said.

“I’m commanding the fastball, and I was kind of struggling

there in the first couple innings moving it around. With the dry air, I had a tough time gripping the ball. Finally figured it out.”

Hammel also said he is developing a “nice rapport” with new catcher Miguel Montero. “I’m very excited about that.”

Trainer’s room S o x : Chris Sale, the White Sox’s No. 1 starter, threw a 75-pitch batting practice session in Glendale and reported no problems. Out with a foot injury, he won’t be ready for opening day. Instead, he will throw a bullpen/ batting practice session on Monday and follow with game-like outings on April 1 and April 6.

White

Sox claim Drabek The White Sox claimed pitcher Kyle Drabek off waivers from Toronto. Drabek spent most of 2014 at Triple-A Buffalo. He made two appearances with Toronto, working three scoreless innings. Over parts of five seasons with the Blue Jays (2010-14), Drabek went 8-15 with a 5.27 ERA. Rivalry time Joe Maddon talked about rivalries Friday, both with the White Sox and within the NL Central. As for the Cubs vs. White Sox: “It truly is a rivalry. I’ve been in places where they try to manufacture rivalries.

You can’t manufacture rivalries. It either is, or it is not.”

“I like the rivalry component. It makes for great barroom discussion. I love all that stuff.

I’m really excited about being part of it.”

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Saturday, March 28, 2015

SVM SCOUTS 2015 NIB-12 WEST & BNC WEST GIRLS TRACK & FIELD

Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

Rock Falls’ Sydney Arickx long jumps during the sectional meet last year.

Arickx has seen the benefits of lifting – she squatted 225 pounds on Thursday – and knows the extra work will pay off with better jumps this season.

Runners seeing benefits of lifting personal best, and she LIFT has seen it transform the CONTINUED FROM B1 way she runs.

“I definitely have more Now, after lifting this power,” Arickx said. “You season, the wiry distance can feel it off the blocks.” runner has since added The Rockets are loaded weight to the bar. with athletes, and that Jumper Shaylee Stoner was evident last season has also seen vast when they qualified their improvements in her 3,200-meter relay team times after lifting with to state. But after missher teammates during ing out on several other the week, and her indoor events during sectionals distances have already that could have been soared past her previous in reach of a state cut, bests.

Truesdell began to work “I’ve actually already up a new way to train. So PR’d,” said Stoner, who when the track season eclipsed her personal rolled around, he figured record for distances in they needed to make a the long jump and triple change to their training. jump during an indoor “In order for us to commeet. “It’s a really good pete in 2A, we need to feeling to be able to change,” Truesdell said. do that, and we’re still “This is a way they can indoors.” physically change.”

Sydney Arickx also Ellie McKee, a senior found more power in sprinter, didn’t know if her legs. Arickx talked the lifting would help at with Truesdell in the first. She is a small, thin offseason and wanted runner, but has found to get a head start on his her body feels stronger. lifting program. During She is squatting more a practice on Thursday, than ever before, and the junior printer squat- has been running at a ted 225 pounds, a new blistering pace through-

out the indoor season.

The senior group hadn’t gone through a program like this, but quickly bought in when the results began to show in competition just weeks after they started.

“All of our times have improved,” McKee said.

“It was different at first.

I was kind of skeptical, because I’m not really strong, but once you feel yourself moving faster and easier you appreciate it.”

Runners often share a similar lean build, and while running in the offseason is beneficial, Truesdell hoped he would see more results with the added lifting.

“I’ve always believed in lifting,” the first year coach said. “Running sprints is one thing, but this has been beneficial.

The girls have already made huge improvements because they’re getting stronger.

“I think this will carry over into the season and we can start running some good times.”

SAUK VALLEY GIRLS TRACK STATE CHAMPS 1980

Tammy Turner, Dixon, Class AA discus (126-4)

1981

Barb Fogel, Mount Carroll, Class A 400 dash (56.2) Sue Perkins, Prophetstown, Class A high jump (5-7.4)

1982

Trisha Mangan, Newman, Class A 800 run (2:14.2)

1983

Mindy Bollman, Tampico, Class A 200 hurdles (29.5)

1991

Sterling, Class AA 1,600 relay (Angie Kent, Caroline Kent, Christine Kent, Jenny Schwab, 3:53.82

1993

ley relay (Jamie Pickens, Serena Shepard, Amy Snyder, Angie Snyder, 1:49.64)

1999

Angie Keag, Erie-Prophetstown, Class A triple jump (35-9 1/4)

2000

Erie-Prophetstown, Class A 400 relay (Rachael Buck, Maggie Gallentine, Elyse Morris, Tammy Nielsen, 50:17) Erie-Prophetstown, Class A 800 relay (Rachael Buck, Maggie Gallentine, Elyse Morris, Tammy Nielsen, 1:46.68)

2002

Nicole Williams, Sterling, Class AA high jump (5-7)

2003

Amy Snyder, Fulton, Class Nicole Williams, Sterling, A 400 dash (57.69) Class AA high jump (5-10 Fulton, Class A 800 med- 3/4)

Service...

2004

Nicole Williams, Sterling, Class AA high jump (5-7) Ashley Harvey, Oregon, Class A pole vault (10-3) Rhiannon Coffey, Polo, Class A 300 hurdles (45.81)

2005

Nicole Williams, Sterling, Class AA high jump (5-7)

2008

Alisa Baron, Bureau Valley, Class A 400 dash (55.66)

2013

Paige Rus, ErieProphetstown, Class 1A triple jump (36-9 1/2) Erie-Prophetstown, Class 1A 400 relay (Courtney Cobert, Peyton Rus, Heather Strike, Rachel Cobert, 49.20)

2014

Lexy Duncan, Dixon, Class 2A long jump (18-4)

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Dixon Duchesses

Rock Falls Rockets

Coach: Brandon Woodward (3rd season) 2014 postseason: Finished seventh out of 14 teams at 2A Freeport Sectional.

Had state champion in Lexy Duncan (long jump).

Roster Destiny Bridgeman Jr. Maggie Bushman Sr. Megan Cooper Sr. Katie Dewey Sr. Shana Drengenberg Sr. Megan Fruin Sr. Sydney Kitzman Sr. Juliane Schlag Sr. Brittani Sohn Sr. Katie Binkley Jr. Kacey Koch Jr. Shannon Lahey Jr. Claire Thrope Jr. Morgan Askegaard So. Ana Bay So. Alli Bellini So. Sesily Gaffey So. Kylie Gieson So. Jayda Haime So. Mekenzie Harden So. Ashlyn Huffman So. Katie Lawton So. Leah Nelson So. Olivia Pultorak So. Kaylee Rice So. Bre Scheidegger So. Courtney Seagren So. Ally Stanchfield So. Courtney Buch Fr. Kennedy Commons Fr. Sarah Fane Fr. Stacey Goldman Fr. Maddie Larimore Fr. Tayla Schwarz Fr. Alyssa Sigwards Fr. Savanna Steder Fr. Sarah Stegbauer Fr. Cassie VanSickle Fr. Ellie Voss Fr. Outlook: The Duchesses graduated last season’s long jump state champion Lexy Duncan, who earned a total of three medals. Despite the loss, Coach Woodward expects Dixon to be strong in the field events. The addition of freshman Tayla Schwarz – a shot put and discus specialist who tossed distances that would have earned her a medal in the high school state meet during her years in junior high – will provide a big boost. Look for the Duchesses to be formidable again this season.

Coach: Mark Truesdell (1st season) 2014 postseason: Finished 11th of out 14 teams at 2A Freeport Sectional.

Qualified 3,200 relay to state.

Roster Alexis Arrezola Sr. distance Dallas Clevenger Sr. sprints Alexis Ewald Sr. sprints Latesha Lee Sr. field Ellie McKee Sr. sprints Bailie Smith Sr. distance Michaela Spreier Sr. distance Shaylee Stoner Sr. jumps Sydney Arickx Jr. sprints Michaela Busch Jr. sprints, jumps Marissa Chavez Jr. sprints Liz Lego Jr. field Mackenzie Schueler Jr. distance Makaley Velazquez Jr. distance Shilah Austin So. distance Emily Blackert So. sprints Ashytin Folgers So. field MariaJose Gomez So. field Saire Johnson So. distance Mahala Larson So. distance Paige Lewis So. field Molly Mammosser So. sprints, jumps Emily Marcum So. distance Keegan Robinson So. field Alex Romo So. field Autumn Sisson So. sprints Jackie Arrezola Fr. distance Artaziah Hill Fr. sprints Nayelli Rodriguez Fr. sprints Shelby Stingley Fr. field Outlook: The Rockets qualified their 3,200 relay for state last season, and look to return after bringing back three of the runners from that foursome. Truesdell has taken over the head coaching duties after being the distance coach for several years, and implemented a weight-lifting regimen, which has already produced some personal records in the indoor season.

Oregon Hawks Coach: Nick Schneiderman (1st season) 2014 postseason: Finished second out of 12 teams at the 1A Byron Sectional.

Qualified 10 events to the 1A state meet last season.

Roster Adeana Burger Sr. Sarah Harris Sr. Sarah Lauer Sr. Hailey Long Sr. Delaney Mahoney Sr. Melanie Muller Sr. Kelsey Pudlas Sr. Lillifee Schulz Sr. Caroline Stephens Sr. Emily Corbin Jr. Whitney Long Jr. Kayla Naber Jr. Abigail Newman Jr. Sommer Rhea Jr. Mackenzie Skoumal Jr. Meghan Groenhagen So. Kelsey Handschuh So. Allison Hunt So. Allyse Ketter So. Mayra Nava-Moyotl So. Alexandra Ocampo So. Ellen Reckamp So. Haylie Rorbeck So. Allison Weber So. Logan Arvigo Fr. Elyse Cothran Fr. Chloe Diehl-Walker Fr. Meredith Gelander Fr. Jessica Hunt Fr. Sydne Robinson Fr. Gabrielle Russell Fr. Kayla Sipes Fr. Alyssa Theisen Fr. Outlook: The Hawks return a handful of state qualifiers from last season’s squad. Pudlas returns after qualifying in the pole vault, Long qualified for the high jump, Lauer competed in the triple jump and Skoumal ran the 400.

Oregon also ran the 800 and 1,600 relays at state. The Hawks lose thrower Shannon Cullen and hurdler Cydney Long, but still figure to be one of the more well-rounded teams in the area and should be a force in 1A.

Sterling Golden Warriors Coach: Tyler Gaumer (8th season) 2014 postseason: Finished sixth out of 14 teams at 2A Freeport Sectional.

Qualified four events to state.

Roster Santana Estrada Sr. distance Michaila Garcia Sr. throws Carol Hammelman Sr. sprints Rylee Kunde Sr. sprints Sara Lidetoft Sr. sprints Jaqueline Matznick Sr. jumps Mya Miller Sr. sprints Denajha Phillips Sr. sprints Sofia Renteria Sr. sprints Mercedes Sanchez Sr. distance Macee Sullivan Sr. throws Morgan Zuidema Sr. jumps Gabriela Celestino Jr. multi Sabrina Chamberlain Jr. sprints Madison Grell Jr. jumps Bryana Johnson Jr. sprints Megan Loos Jr. multi Jazmin Lopez Jr. sprints Alexa McFadden Jr. sprints Rashel Robinson Jr. sprints Britni Shaw Jr. sprints Sierra Strader Jr. throws Ashleigh Tira Jr. sprints Allison Wade Jr. throws Megan Barnhart So. distance Priscila Castillo So. distance Jenny Chen So. sprints Avery Edwards So. sprints Andrea Finn So. throws Erin Foster So. sprints Megan Geiger So. jumps Carly Hansen So. distance Allyssa Hobbs So. sprints Anna Ivarson So. sprints Grace Kinnicut So. throws Amelia Martinez So. distance Jasmine McCardle So. sprints Maegan McCue So. distance Maggie McPherson So. distance Jessica Rahn So. throws Kallie Zuidema So. sprints Sophia Brown Fr. distance Sonrisa Coronado Fr. sprints Ryan Hart Fr. distance Brianna Juarez Fr. sprints Kassidy Kenney Fr. sprints Erin Long Fr. sprints Lilah Lopez Fr. sprints Isabel Maloney Fr. sprints Kerry Mullen Fr. sprints Tylor O’Brien Fr. distance Katrina Sandefer Fr. distance Nichole Schuldt Fr. sprints Katelyn Smoot Fr. sprints Claire Steinhagen Fr. distance Akira Tanton Fr. throws Kalei Williams Fr. sprints Outlook: The Golden Warriors are loaded with strong distance runners again this season. Sterling qualified the 3,200 relay to state last season, while Sanchez qualified for the 1,600. Morgan Zuidema competed at state in the high jump and will return this season, while Tira returns after running the 300 low hurdles at state. Look for Sterling to have a strong season again.

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Saturday, March 28, 2015

BOYS TRACK & FIELD

SV Weekend • B11

SVM SCOUTS 2015 NIB-12 WEST & BNC WEST BOYS TRACK & FIELD Dixon Dukes

Rock Falls Rockets

Coach: Bruce Luther (5th season) 2014 posteason: Placed 8th in 2A at state meet, and 4th at 12-team 2A Burlington Central Sectional Roster Laron Carr Sr. sprints, jumps Matt Coffey Sr. sprints, relays Quinton Douglas Sr. jumps, sprints JD Gieson Sr. sprints Javier Gomez Sr. throws Evan Grady Sr. distance Alex Helander Sr. throws Roger Sutton Sr. sprints Ryan Webb Sr. jumps Ben Davis Jr. mid-distance Chase Fisher Jr. mid-distance Nate Gascoigne Jr. jumps, sprints Braden Jacobs Jr. sprints Kyle LeBlanc Jr. jumps, sprints Austin Martin Jr. sprints Benny Mayes Jr. relays Samuel McCullough Jr. pv, sprints Isaiah Roby Jr. high jump Rico Soresie Jr. throws Josh Wiseman Jr. sprints, jumps Alec Breckenfelder So. pv, sprints Collen DeLong So. relays Mitchell Dixon So mid-distance Mitchell Ethridge So. sprints Bryson Forrest So. sprints Connor Lafferty So. sprints Kandris Martin So. jumps, sprints Blain Masterson So. mid-distance Sean Masterson So. mid-distance Mike Parcus So. pv, sprints Daniel Pottorff So. sprints Corey Sherman So. pv, sprints Nick Spangler So. throws Kaylon Westmoreland So. jumps, sprints Geoffrey Baker Fr. sprints Owen Bergstrom Fr. mid-distance Kyle Commons Fr. jumps, sprints Josh Dallas Fr. jumps, sprints Cody Elliott Fr. sprints Jared Harrison Fr. sprints Savian Hernandez Fr. sprints Alan Hopp Fr. mid-distance Matt Milby Fr. sprints Zeberiah Scheffler Fr. sprints Luke Stees Fr. mid-distance Nyrel Sullivan Fr. jumps, sprints Lukas Wedekind Fr. mid-distance Diandre Wilson Fr. sprints Outlook: The Dukes will be hurt by the loss of Gieson as a point scorer in the jumps and hurdles as he recovers from knee surgery. He might return to help in relays before end of season. The rest of the team has diverse amount of talent and should compete well in the first season in the Big Northern.

Coach: Eric Bontz (8th season) 2014 postseason: 11th at 12-team 2A Burlington Central Sectional Roster Nicholas Bolthouse Sr. throws Albert Cook Sr. sprints, jumps Brady Lenox Sr. throws Jordan Reynolds Sr. sprints, jumps Christian Torres Sr. sprints, throws Francisco Arellano Jr. throws Brandon Boyer Jr. jumps, sprints Jonathan Cameron Jr. mid-distance Breu Knox Jr. pv, mid-dist.

David Villa Jr. sprints Seth Williams Jr. distance Rollie Elder So. sprints, throws Brayden Hamblen So. distance Isaiah Harris So. sprints, dist.

Colten Peterson So. sprintss Johnny Ross So. sprints, jumps Phoenix Starr So. sprints, jumps Michael Austin Fr. sprints, jumps Travis Delgado Fr. throws Nicholas Ebersole Fr. sprints Alex Martinez Fr. distance Zachary Slusser Fr. sprints, jumps Logan Warner Fr. sprints, jumps Tristan Warner Fr. sprints, mid-dist.

Jerome Warren Fr. distance Outlook: Brayden Hamblen was the Rockets lone state qualifier last season. Hamblen and junior Seth Williams, who had a strong cross country season, should give the Rockets a strong 1-2 punch in the distance events this season.

Oregon Hawks Coach: Jim Spratt (14th season) 2014 postseason: Second at 15-team 1A Oregon Sectional Roster Nestor Anaya Sr. throws Tyler Wyatt Hammer Sr. NA Jacob Harshman Sr. distance David Labash Sr. throws Joao Lacerda DaSilva Sr. NA Marshal McMeekan Sr. throws Anibal Peralta-Toledo Sr. NA Skylar Short Sr. NA Eli Vogeler Sr. sprints, jumps Matt Wasilewski Sr. NA Adam Nicholas Weller Sr. distance Carson Buck Jr. jumps, mid-dist.

John Ghibellini Jr. throws, sprints Maverik Good Jr. NA Mitchell Nehrkorn Jr. sprints, jumps Jerrick Orsted Jr. hurdles, sprints Jordan Rogers Jr. distance Harneet Singh Jr. NA Konner Wilson Jr. NA Skylar Carlson So. distance Jacob Cox So. sprints, throws Devin DeHaan So sprints, hurdles Sawyer Foss So. throws Connor Hopkins So. pv, sprints Stefan Majewski So. NA Caleb Mennen So. sprints, jumps Kole Mowry So. throws, sprints Andrew Newman So. hurdles, sprints Brandon Ramirez So. distance, jumps Jacob Bailey-Hadaway Fr. NA Richard Bower Fr. NA Reyes Carreno Fr. NA Jacob Cullen Fr. NA Jaspreet Gill Fr. NA Ian Hussung Fr. NA Damian Jacobson Fr. NA Jacob Kwak Fr. NA Jordan Wilkins Fr. NA Nicholas Zalzalah Fr. NA Outlook: The Hawks lost most of their state qualifiers to graduation, but will depend upon Mitchell Nehrkorn, Carson Buck, Caleb Mennen and Andrew Newman as leaders. All four of those athletes competed in relay events last spring at the 1A state meet.

Sterling Golden Warriors Coach: Dennis Hartz (8th season) 2014 postseason: Seventh at 12-team 2A Burlington Central Sectional Roster Zach Alston Sr. distance Joe Brouilette Sr. throws Dimitri Bruce Sr. sprints, jumps Lucas Campbell Sr. sprints, hurdles Logan Cheshire Sr. distance Peter DeLaFuente Sr. distance Tanner Jensen Sr. throws Javier Quiroz Sr. jumps, sprints Ethan Rocha Sr. distance Jason Wolber Sr. throws Jaeden Adami Jr. throws Luke Ademoski Jr. distance Antonio Aguilar Jr. sprints, jumps Jordan Asbury Jr. sprints, jumps Cariel Beasley Jr. throws Kyle Beer Jr. sprints, jumps Jamie Briseno Jr. sprints, jumps Terrance Bruce Jr. sprints, jumps Pedro Gallardo Jr. sprints, jumps Jonathan Garcia Jr. sprints, jumps Jalen Hart Jr. distance Grant Jacoby Jr. sprints, jumps Cody Lund Jr. distance Aaron McCann Jr. sprints, jumps Vincent Poci Jr. sprints, jumps Leon Ramos Jr. sprints, jumps Evan Reiley Jr. distance Bobby Tribble Jr. sprints, jumps Sam Wike Jr. throws William Wyatt Jr. sprints, jumps Jon Abele So. sprints, jumps Gage Anderson So. sprints, jumps Gabriel Bachman So. throws Jose Barrientos So. throws Ian Casten So. sprints, jumps Brody Hibbard So. sprints, jumps Arie Interone So. sprints, jumps Trevor King So. sprints, jumps Zach Kirchoff So. sprints, jumps Jonathon Landis So. distance Brandon Love So. sprints, jumps Ricardo Moreno So. throws Orlando Ramos So. sprints, jumps Edgar Rodriguez So. throws Ethan Sensor So. sprints, jumps Clinton Shuler So. throws Drew Siegmond So. throws Andrew Spaulding So. sprints, jumps Jarod Bracero Fr. sprints, jumps Mitchell Clodfelter Fr. sprints, jumps Cristian Davlia Fr. throws Jacob Gebhardt Fr. distance Sebastian Heeren Fr. sprints, jumps Richard Jones Fr. sprints, jumps Micah Kendrick Fr. sprints, jumps Dillion Majeski Fr. throws Mason Mobark Fr. sprints, jumps Patrick Nelsen Fr. sprints, jumps Shivim Patel Fr. sprints, jumps Mitchell Petrosky Fr. sprints, jumps Kaleb Polzin Fr. distance Brayden Reyes Fr. sprints, jumps Logan Rocha Fr. throws Marcus Shetter Fr. throws Outlook: The Warriors strength will be in the distance events led by returning state qualifier Jonathon Landis. Sterling also qualified its 1,600 and 3,200 relay teams for the indoor state meet this weekend.

Sterling’s Jonathon Landis

Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

Dixon’s Evan Grady runs the first leg of the 3,200 relay during the Class 2A state prelims in Charleston last year. Grady has his sights set on medaling in the 800 this season.

Dukes dangerous in sprints SPREAD

CONTINUED FROM B1

While losing Gieson will hurt the Dukes, the cupboard isn’t bare heading into the team’s first season in the Big Northern.

The Dukes return a diverse group of athletes that helped the team to an eighth-place finish last season at the 2A state tournament.

“I think our sprint relays are going to be amazing,” senior Matt Coffey said. “We always set the goal to win conference, and we think we can do that this year.

We have a lot of work to do, but we have athletes all over the place.

“It’s a lot of technique.

Getting the handoffs right, pumping the arms and legs. Just things everyone has to work on the next month to get

where we need to be.”

Coffey figures to be a part of the sprint relays and compete in the open 200 and 400.

He’ll likely be joined on those sprint relays by fellow senior captain Quinton Douglas.

Douglas also has his sights set on a state appearance in the triple jump, even if early results aren’t where he wants them to be.

“Last week wasn’t good,” Douglas said.

“I jumped 36 feet last week. I finished last year at 42 feet. I started that way last year, and I know I can go a couple extra feet this year to make state.”

The success won’t be limited to the sprints.

Senior Evan Grady will be one of the leaders on the distance events.

He’s spent the offseason thinking about the 800 and knocking off the

couple extra seconds to make the medal stand at the state meet.

“I really want to medal in the 800 at state,” Grady said. “I went 2:01 or 2:02 last year, and I know that I can get a couple of seconds off of that.”

Grady knows that if the Dukes want to meet team goals, they will have to get contributions from new faces.

One of those faces is junior Isaiah Roby, a Nebraska recruit in basketball, and freshman Nyrell Sullivan – who should figure into the sprint relays.

“We should have a lot of balance,” Grady said. “We have great springs, good distance, and hopefully get some points in the field events. We have some new kids that can help out too. I think our balance will be our strength.”

SAUK VALLEY BOYS TRACK STATE CHAMPS 1897 George Pulford, Savanna, 800-yard walk 1901 Edwards, Dixon, discus 1905 F.E. Lord, Dixon North, 220-yard hurdles (0:26 2/5) Bill May, Rochelle, 50-yard dash (0:5 2/5) 1906 Allan Berkstresser, Mount Carroll, 1-mile run (4:38) 1911 H.J. Phelps, Rochelle, high jump (5-9) 1913 Ward Scott, Oregon, long jump (21-6 3/4) 1915 Sherman Landers, Oregon, Class B/Small pole vault (11-9 1/2) 1916| Sherman Landers, Oregon, Class B/Small 120yard hurdles (16 2/5) and pole vault (10-0) 1924 Red Lahey, Dixon, Class A/Big 440-yard dash (:52 1/5) 1932 Pete Longman, Mount Morris, 1-mile run (4:25.6) 1934 Bob Gebhardt, Sterling, 880-mile run (1:59.2) Charles Hussung, Sterling, 1-mile run (4:29.4)| 1937 William Eckhardt, Rochelle, javelin (177-6) 1939 Irvin Wolfe, Sterling, 440yard dash (51.3) 1940 Albert Hoeman, Dixon, pole vault (11-6, threeway tie) 1944 Kenneth Duhm, Sterling, discus (138-4 1/2) Kendall Freeman, Sterling, pole vault (12-4) 1947 Carroll Schumaker, Dixon, 880-yard run (1:59.1) 1948 DuWayne Dietz, Sterling, 200-yard hurdles (23.2) Dick Thielen, Sterling, pole vault (12-9, tie)

1953 Bud Smith, Mount Carroll, high jump (6-2 3/4, tie) 1956 Dick Haas, Oregon, 120yard hurdles (14.7) 1975 Neil Johnson, Prophetstown, Class A 100-yard dash (9.77) 1976 Scott Bartelt, Polo, Class A 880-yard run (1:54.97) 1977 Lonnie Hewitt, Buda Western, Class A high jump (6-8) 1978 Steve Brondyke, Fulton, Class A shot put (60-0 3/4) Lonnie Hewitt, Buda Western, Class A high jump (6-8) 1980 Dave Gilbert, Prophetstown, Class A pole vault (14-8) 1982 Jerry Baker, Oregon, Class A discus (165-5) 1983 Dan Davis, Mount Morris, Class A 800 run (1:55.95) Gary Medendorp, Fulton, Class A 400 dash (49.34) 1984 Mike Murray, Sterling, Class AA pole vault (15-0) Amboy, Class A 1,600 relay (Don Althaus, Brian Ely, Dennis Ely, Doug Ely, 3:26.47) 1985 Mike Murray, Sterling, Class AA pole vault (16-1) 1992 Scott Hicks, Prophetstown, Class A 300 hurdles (39.62) 1996 Doug Densmore, Sterling, Class AA pole vault (14-9) 1998 Oregon, Class A 3,200 relay (Dan Dietrich, Seth Grennan, Jared Harvey, Marc Heng, 7:59.51) 2001 Michael Behrens, Bureau Valley, Class A discus (169-7)

2002 Ben Brokaw, Dixon, Class AA pole vault (15-0) Jason Bill, Bureau Valley, Class A 1,600 run (4:18.19) 2003 Andy Tremble, Oregon, Class A 3,200 run (9:31.47) 2004 Jose Oquendo, Rock Falls, Class A 100 dash (10.69) and 200 dash (22.02) 2005 Ted McMillan, Erie, Class A 110 hurdles (14.43) and 300 hurdles (38.77) Martin McCormick, Oregon, Class A 400 dash (48.93) Adam Tate, Oregon, Class A pole vault (14-3) 2006 Sammy Biggs, Morrison, Class A 100 dash (11.27) and 400 dash (47.91) 2009 Oregon overall (1A) Jordan Thomas, Oregon, Class 1A 100 dash (11.01) and 200 dash (21.90) 2010 Tyler Loos, Sterling, Class 2A discus (160-2) 2011 Kevin Glastetter, Eastland (Milledgeville Coop), Class 1A 400 (47.99) 2012 Adam Weidner, Bureau Valley, Class 1A shot (5710.75) 2013 Newman overall (1A) Newman Class 1A 400 relay (Brady Rude, Maison Bittner, Tyler Rockwood, Nick Rude, 42.38) Newman Class 1A 800 relay (Brady Rude, Maison Bittner, Nolan McGinn, Nick Rude, 1:29.60) Oregon Class 1A 1,600 relay (Trevor Otten, Pierce Dhaese, Tommy McCormick, Garrett Newman, 3:23.67)

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WOMEN’S BASKETBALL | BAYLOR 81, IOWA 66

Saturday, March 28, 2015

NHL | BLUE JACKETS 5, BLACKHAWKS 2

Atkinsons’ diet Columbus winger records hat trick in win

BY MATT CARLSON Associated Press

AP

Iowa guard Samantha Logic (left) scrambles for a loose ball in the Hawkeyes 81-66 loss to Baylor during a regional semifinal game in the NCAA Tournament Friday in Oklahoma City.

Iowa fails, despite Logic Guard records triple-double in loss to Baylor

BY KURT VOIGHT AP Sports Writer

Friday’s Sweet 16 results

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sune Agbuke had plenty of time to embrace her role as a rebounder and shot-blocking specialist for Baylor.

The senior picked her final NCAA Tournament to have the scoring performance of her collegiate career.

Agbuke, who entered Friday with a season average of 5.9 points per game, scored a careerhigh 23 as the No. 2 seed Bears (33-3) rolled to an 81-66 win over thirdseeded Iowa on Friday night.

The win moves Baylor into the Elite Eight for the fifth time in 6 years, where it will face Notre Dame on Sunday.

It’s a victory that came in the most unexpected fashion, with the 6-foot4 Agbuke emerging from her usual defensive role to play a leading role.

Her previous career best was a 16-point effort against Kansas State last

South Carolina 67, North Carolina 65: Tiffany Mitchell drove to the basket and scored with 4.2 seconds left and South Carolina edged North Carolina.

Notre Dame 81, Stanford 60: Lindsey Allen scored a career-high 28 points to help the top-seeded Irish to a win in Oklahoma City.

Florida State 66, Arizona State 65: Letica Romero scored 21 points as the Seminoles fended off a second-half rally by Arizona State in Greensboro, North Carolina. season, and she added 12 rebounds for the Bears.

“I think the greatest feeling you have as a player is getting to come through for your team,” Agbuke said. “Any opportunity you have to do that, you get to come through for your team, that’s just the best feeling.”

Nina Davis added 20 points and Niya Johnson had 10 points and 16 assists for the Bears, who outrebounded the Hawkeyes (26-8) 45-35, but it was Agbuke who outshined her more-her-

alded teammates.

After falling behind by as many 13 points in the first half, Iowa cut Baylor’s lead to two points late in the half.

However, the Hawkeyes quickly fell behind after a pair of late 3-pointers by the Bears and never led despite Samantha Logic’s triple-double of 13 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists.

Iowa was making its first Sweet 16 appearance since 1996, one that ended in large part to the unexpected performance of Agbuke.

CHICAGO – Cam Atkinson scored twice in Columbus’ four-goal first period and added an empty-net goal in the final minute for his second career hat trick to help the Blue Jackets win their fifth straight game 5-2 over the Blackhawks on Friday night.

Ryan Johansen and Kevin Connauton also connected for the Blue Jackets. They set a team record with their seventh consecutive road victory and have won eight of nine overall.

Brandon Saad and Jonathan Toews scored for Chicago, which dropped its second straight.

Columbus’ Sergei Bobrovsky made 31 saves.

Chicago goalie Corey Crawford was pulled with 3:14 left in the first period after allowing four goals on 13 shots.

Scott Darling finished, and stopped all 13 shots he faced.

The Blue Jackets jumped on Chicago mistakes in a loosely played first period to build a 4-2 lead.

Chicago’s Duncan Keith, winner of the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman last season, committed two turnovers that led directly to two of the Blue Jackets’ goals and was a minus-3 in the period.

Saad opened the scoring on Chicago’s first shot, a drive from left wing, 3:26 in. But Johansen tied it at 1 just 41 seconds later on a breakaway after Keith couldn’t handle the puck at the right point.

Atkinson’s first goal, fired from the right point, deflected in off Crawford’s shoulder at 9:24 to

AP

The Blue Jackets’ Cam Atkinson (13) celebrates with Boone Jenner after Atkinson scored a goal during Friday’s game against the Blackhawks in Chicago.

Atkinson had a hat trick. The Blue Jackets won 5-2. put Columbus ahead 2-1.

Then Toews tied it 2-2 just over 2 minutes later when he cut through the slot and deflected Johnny Oduya’s shot from the left point past Bobrovsky.

Connauton put Columbus ahead 3-2 with 6:57 left in the first on a screened shot from the left point. Keith’s failed clearing attempt off the boards landed back on Connauton’s stick after he had taken an initial shot from same spot moments earlier.

Atkinson’s second goal, a short-handed score on a breakway 2:43 later,

upped it to 4-2 and chased Crawford from the game.

Atkinson slipped behind the Chicago defense, took a long pass up the middle from Cody Goloubef, burst in alone and beat Crawford with a nifty move.

Keith fired a shot off the right post with 5 seconds left in the scoreless second period.

Neither team had many chances in the third.

Atkinson completed his hat trick when he slid the puck into an empty net with 59 second left, and Darling on the bench for an extra attacker.

PUT A FRESH LOOK COMING SOON! ON THE AGENDA BOOMERS with the Sauk Valley Business Journal Sauk Valley

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Saturday, March 28, 2015

Zits® by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

Arlo & Janis by Jimmy Johnson Garfield by Jim Davis

Stone Soup by Jan Eliot 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

Moving cards changes conditions

Grizzwells by Bill Schorr

This week, we have looked at pairs of deals in which a minor change in the cards results in a major variation in the right declarer-play or defense. Here is the last one.

What should happen in four spades after West leads the heart ace?

East raises one heart to four hearts because he knows that his side has at least a 10-card fit and does not have the normal high-card values for game.

There is a saying that a pre-emptive four-heart bid by one side is a transfer to four spades for the other side – hence South’s overcall.

Yesterday, the defenders’ clubs were 3-2 and spades 4-1. Then, after West began with two rounds of hearts,

the only way home against best defense was to discard a low diamond from the South hand, a loser-on-loser play. Here, though, South must ruff the second heart, draw trumps, and knock out

the club ace. If he makes the loser-on-loser play, West can cash his club ace and give East a club ruff. But how would West know to do that?

On the second heart, East will play his lowest as a suitpreference signal. (East, with a desire for a diamond shift, would play his highest heart.

With no preference, he would drop a middle card.)

East should also try to steer his partner that way at trick one, playing his heart three.

West, if confident that East has five hearts for his gameraise, should realize that playing a second heart cannot help.

Reading the three as a suit-preference signal, he will cash the club ace at trick two and lead another club. In both of these scenarios, the later defensive diamond trick defeats the contract. © 2015 UFS

Saturday, March 28, 2015

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NASCAR

SV Weekend • B15

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Shout out to all my readers I

’d like to take some time this week to send some shout outs to some of you who, for your own set of reasons, seem to enjoy my articles.

Over the past 2 years, I’ve done my best to cover a wide variety of outdoor subjects while always staying close to the things that are really near and dear to me.

But what really makes my day is the many of you who have taken the time while out and about to let me know you like my banter. Most of you I did not know at the time, but you have approached and struck up a conversation, anyhow.

To an uneducated normal guy, who just loves to talk hunting, fishing and anything country, I really appreciate it.

Shout outs to the guys at work. The lady at the

AP

Sprint Cup driver Kevin Harvick looks over his car prior to qualifying at the Martinsville Speedway on Friday. Rain delayed the practice and qualifying for Sunday’s STP 500 Sprint Cup race.

Pressure put on tire issue Rumors of cheating rampant there is something to be found during these so MARTINSVILLE, Va. – called tire audits.

There’s been lot of talk Four-time series about tires in the NASchampion Jeff Gordon CAR garage the past few had his tires confiscated weeks, or longer, and in 1998 after a race, and lots of theories about his team was cleared whether something of any wrongdoing, shady is going on, or but he’s a believer that if the chatter is just a some teams are tamperbunch of hot air. ing with their tires.

After the last two “I do think they are,” races, NASCAR conhe said Friday at Marfiscated tires from tinsville Speedway. teams. It took tires from “When it gets to this red-hot points leader level, and when you’re Kevin Harvick and Joey hearing about it and Logano after the race at I’m hearing about it, Phoenix 2 weeks ago, and they are talking and declared them fine about things in meeta few days later. It took ings with crew chiefs tires from Harvick, Kurt – that tells me that it’s Busch, Paul Menard being done. It’s just and Ryan Newman last not clear on how it’s weekend at Fontana. being done.”

Harvick, the defending Air pressure in tires series champion, has rises during a race, and won twice this season Gordon is a proponent and finished first or sec- of NASCAR allowing ond in eight consecutive bleeder valves that races dating to the end would allow the tires to of last season. It’s the maintain a certain level. second-longest such They are not allowed streak in NASCAR hisnow, however, and tory. Seven-time series rumors that some teams champion Richard Petty have devised ways to did it in 11 straight races create that effect have in 1975. caused NASCAR to take Several drivers think a closer look.

BY HANK KURZ AP Sports Writer

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Matt Jones is a fishing guide from Prophetstown. He can be reached at flatheadmechanic40@ gmail.com

Walgreens drive-thru window. The couple I ran into in Galena, and everyone else for the kind words.

Of course, it doesn’t come as a surprise that there are those who dislike my articles. I expect this, as everyone has an opinion, and I respect that. Of course it figures that when people write to the paper with one of their opinions, it’s always from one who is less than a fan – like the lady who

does not like my opinion of coyote killing. I respect your opinion very much, even if I don’t agree.

Being able to talk about all the things I love on a weekly basis, well that’s an awesome opportunity.

I’d really like to thank the people at Sauk Valley Media. There are a bunch of good people doing a bunch of great work, whether or not you agree with their opinions or not. It’s their job to get you to think and to stir things up a bit as well, and I think they are pretty darn good at it.

So this year I will continue to keep you all in touch with what is going on here in the Rock River Valley and beyond.

I will continue my support of coyote hunting, because it is necessary.

I will continue to stand

up for our deer herd that is being punished over greed.

I will continue to work toward eventual slot and size limits on catfish in our awesome river, because I realize the true trophy potential of the Rock River. There is just so much to do around here, it is amazing. I think we sometimes take what we have for granted.

But now is maybe the greatest time of the year for outdoor sports. Turkeys are gonna be gobbling, mushrooms a poppin’, fish are a bitin’ and soon the smells of spring will be upon us. Windows will be open and camp fires blazin’.

I’m excited to get on with it all, and right away.

Catfish tourney is 2 weeks away, and mushrooms a couple weeks after that.

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Saturday, March 28, 2015

FRIDAY’S SCOREBOARD Men’s basketball EAST REGIONAL At The Carrier Dome Syracuse, N.Y. Regional Semifinals Friday’s results Louisville 75, NC State 65 Michigan State 62, Oklahoma 58 Regional final Louisville (27-8) vs. Michigan State (26-11), 1:20 p.m.

SOUTH REGIONAL At NRG Stadium Houston Regional Semifinals Friday’s results Gonzaga 74, UCLA 62 Duke 63, Utah (26-8) 57 Regional final Sunday’s game Gonzaga (35-2) vs. Duke (32-4), 4:05 p.m.

MIDWEST REGIONAL At Quicken Loans Arena Cleveland Regional Semifinals Thursday’s results Notre Dame 81, Wichita State 70 Kentucky 78, West Virginia 39 Regional final Saturday’s game Notre Dame (32-5) vs. Kentucky (37-0), 8:49 p.m.

WEST REGIONAL At The Staples Center Los Angeles Regional Semifinals Thursday’s results Wisconsin 79, North Carolina 72 Arizona 68, Xavier 60 Regional final Wisconsin (34-3) vs. Arizona (34-3), 5:09 p.m.

NATIONAL INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT Monday’s results Louisiana Tech 84, Texas A&M 72 Old Dominion 50, Illinois State 49 Murray State 83, Tulsa 62

Wednesday’s results Old Dominion 72, Murray State 69 Temple 77, Louisiana Tech 59 Semifinals At Madison Square Garden New York Tuesday, March 31 Miami (24-12) vs. Temple (26-10), 6 p.m.

Stanford (22-13) vs. Old Dominion (27-7), 8:30 p.m.

Championship Thursday, April 2 Semifinal winners, 8 p.m.

College Basketball Invitational Quarterfinals Monday’s results Louisiana-Monroe 71, Mercer 69 Vermont 78, Radford 71 Loyola of Chicago 86, Oral Roberts 78 Seattle 72, Colorado 65 Semifinals Wednesday’s results Loyola of Chicago 63, Seattle 48 Louisiana-Monroe 71, Vermont 65 Championship Series (Best-of-3) Monday, March 30: Loyola of Chicago (22-13) vs. Louisiana-Monroe (24-12), 7 p.m.

Wednesday, April 1: Loyola of Chicago vs. Louisiana-Monroe, 7 p.m.

Friday, April 3: Loyola of Chicago vs.

Louisiana-Monroe, 7 p.m., if necessary Collegeinsider.com Tournament Monday’s results NJIT 80, Cleveland State 77 Evansville 83, Eastern Illinois 68 Kent State 69, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 65

Thursday’s result Evansville 89, Louisiana-Lafayette 82 Friday’s game Northern Arizona 74, Kent State 73, OT Saturday’s game Canisius (18-14) at NJIT (20-11), 7:30 p.m.

Friday’s box scores

GONZAGA 74, UCLA 62 UCLA (22-14) Powell 8-19 0-0 16, Looney 4-8 1-2 9, Hamilton 5-13 0-0 11, B. Alford 3-11 0-1 8, Parker 5-12 6-8 16, Kazemi 0-0 0-0 0, K. Alford 0-0 0-0 0, Brown 0-1 0-0 0, Goloman 0-2 0-0 0, Allen 0-0 0-0 0, Welsh 1-1 0-0 2. Totals 26-67 7-11 62.

GONZAGA (35-2) Pangos 3-10 3-4 10, Bell Jr. 1-7 4-4 6, Wesley 4-11 5-6 14, Karnowski 8-11 2-3 18, Wiltjer 4-12 0-1 8, Melson 0-0 0-0 0, Nunez 0-0 0-0 0, Dranginis 1-4 1-2 4, Sabonis 6-9 0-1 12, McClellan 0-3 2-2 2.

Totals 27-67 17-23 74.

Halftime–Gonzaga 35-28. 3-Point Goals–UCLA 3-13 (B. Alford 2-6, Hamilton 1-4, Goloman 0-1, Looney 0-2), Gonzaga 3-19 (Wesley 1-1, Dranginis 1-2, Pangos 1-7, McClellan 0-1, Wiltjer 0-3, Bell Jr. 0-5).

Fouled Out–Sabonis. Rebounds–UCLA 39 (Parker 11), Gonzaga 50 (Wiltjer 10).

Assists–UCLA 12 (B. Alford, Hamilton 4), Gonzaga 15 (Wiltjer 4). Total Fouls–UCLA 22, Gonzaga 18.

LOUISVILLE 75, NC STATE 65 NC STATE (22-14) Abu 1-8 4-4 6, Lacey 6-14 3-4 18, Freeman 1-3 0-0 2, Barber 3-14 0-0 8, Turner 4-10 0-0 12, Lee 1-1 0-0 2, Ca. Martin 1-2 0-2 2, Anya 2-3 0-0 4, Washington 4-5 3-4 11. Totals 23-60 10-14 65.

LOUISVILLE (27-8) Rozier 6-15 4-4 17, Snider 5-13 3-6 14, Mathiang 1-2 1-4 3, Harrell 9-12 6-7 24, Blackshear 3-9 4-6 10, Gill 3-3 0-0 7, Mahmoud 0-0 0-0 0, Aaron 0-0 0-0 0, Levitch 0-0 0-0 0, Onuaku 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 27-54 18-27 75.

Halftime–NC State 33-31. 3-Point Goals–NC State 9-20 (Turner 4-8, Lacey 3-6, Barber 2-6), Louisville 3-12 (Gill 1-1, Rozier 1-3, Snider 1-6, Blackshear 0-2).

Fouled Out–Turner. Rebounds–NC State 36 (Abu 6), Louisville 34 (Rozier 14). Assists–NC State 10 (Barber, Lacey 3), Louisville 15 (Harrell, Rozier 4). Total Fouls–NC State 19, Louisville 13.

NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE L 17 27 29 30 32 36 39 40 40 41 41 44 52 55 59

Pct .764 .635 .603 .589 .562 .500 .458 .444 .437 .431 .423 .389 .297 .247 .192

GB — 9 11½ 12½ 14½ 19 22 23 23½ 24 24½ 27 34 37½ 41½

WESTERN CONFERENCE W 59 50 49 45 48 46 45 41 38 38 31 28 26 19 16

y-Golden State x-Memphis x-Houston d-Portland x-L.A. Clippers San Antonio Dallas Oklahoma City New Orleans Phoenix Utah Denver Sacramento L.A. Lakers Minnesota d-division leader x-clinched playoff spot y-clinched division z-clinched conference

L 13 23 23 25 25 26 28 31 34 34 41 45 46 52 56

Pct .819 .685 .681 .643 .658 .639 .616 .569 .528 .528 .431 .384 .361 .268 .222

x-N.Y. Rangers d-Montreal Tampa Bay N.Y. Islanders Pittsburgh Detroit Washington Ottawa Boston Florida Philadelphia Columbus New Jersey Carolina Toronto Buffalo

GP 73 75 75 75 74 73 74 73 74 74 75 74 74 73 75 74

W L 47 19 46 21 46 22 44 26 40 23 39 22 40 24 37 25 36 25 34 26 30 29 35 35 31 31 27 36 27 42 20 46

OT Pts 7 101 8 100 7 99 5 93 11 91 12 90 10 90 11 85 13 85 14 82 16 76 4 74 12 74 10 64 6 60 8 48

GF 224 197 244 228 204 212 215 213 195 184 196 203 166 170 194 141

GA 168 167 194 208 186 201 182 195 193 202 216 230 189 201 241 249

GP W L OT Pts GF GA d-Anaheim 76 47 22 7 101 222 213 d-Nashville 75 46 21 8 100 214 180 St. Louis 74 46 21 7 99 226 182 Vancouver 74 43 27 4 90 212 199 Chicago 74 44 24 6 94 209 172 Los Angeles 74 37 23 14 88 199 184 Minnesota 75 43 25 7 93 215 185 Winnipeg 75 39 24 12 90 212 197 Calgary 75 40 28 7 87 219 199 Dallas 74 36 28 10 82 232 236 San Jose 74 36 30 8 80 207 210 Colorado 74 34 28 12 80 200 206 Edmonton 74 21 40 13 55 177 254 Arizona 75 23 44 8 54 158 249 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss. d-division leader x-clinched playoff spot Friday’s results Minnesota 4, Calgary 2 Columbus 5, Chicago 2 Dallas at Edmonton, late Saturday’s games Nashville at Washington, 11:30 a.m.

N.Y. Rangers at Boston, noon Anaheim at N.Y. Islanders, noon San Jose at Philadelphia, noon Arizona at Pittsburgh, noon Tampa Bay at Detroit, 1 p.m.

Ottawa at Toronto, 6 p.m.

Florida at Montreal, 6 p.m.

New Jersey at Carolina, 6 p.m.

Columbus at St. Louis, 7 p.m.

Los Angeles at Minnesota, 7 p.m.

Buffalo at Colorado, 8 p.m.

Dallas at Vancouver, 9 p.m.

Sunday’s games Washington at N.Y. Rangers, 2 p.m.

Florida at Ottawa, 4 p.m.

Detroit at N.Y. Islanders, 4 p.m.

Boston at Carolina, 4 p.m.

Calgary at Nashville, 4 p.m.

Anaheim at New Jersey, 6 p.m.

San Jose at Pittsburgh, 6:30 p.m.

Chicago at Winnipeg, 6:30 p.m.

Friday’s box score

BLUE JACKETS 5, BLACKHAWKS 2

Quarterfinals Wednesday’s result UT-Martin 70, Eastern Kentucky 69

W 55 47 44 43 41 36 33 32 31 31 30 28 22 18 14

NHL EASTERN CONFERENCE

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Quarterfinals Tuesday’s results Miami 63, Richmond 61 Stanford 78, Vanderbilt 75

z-Atlanta x-Cleveland x-Chicago y-Toronto Washington Milwaukee Miami Boston Brooklyn Indiana Charlotte Detroit Orlando Philadelphia New York

Friday’s results L.A. Clippers 119, Philadelphia 98 Washington 110, Charlotte 107, 2OT Detroit 111, Orlando 97 Atlanta 99, Miami 86 Toronto 94, L.A. Lakers 83 Brooklyn 106, Cleveland 98 Boston 96, New York 92 New Orleans 102, Sacramento 88 Houston 120, Minnesota 110 Golden State 107, Memphis 84 San Antonio 94, Dallas 76 Denver 107, Utah 91 Portland at Phoenix, late Saturday’s games Atlanta at Charlotte, 6 p.m.

New York at Chicago, 7 p.m.

Golden State at Milwaukee, 7:30 p.m.

Oklahoma City at Utah, 8 p.m.

Denver at Portland, 9 p.m.

Sunday’s games Houston at Washington, 11:30 a.m.

L.A. Lakers at Brooklyn, 2:30 p.m.

Minnesota at New Orleans, 3 p.m.

Philadelphia at Cleveland, 3:30 p.m.

Detroit at Miami, 5 p.m.

L.A. Clippers at Boston, 5 p.m.

Memphis at San Antonio, 6 p.m.

Dallas at Indiana, 6 p.m.

Oklahoma City at Phoenix, 8 p.m.

GB — 9½ 10 13 11½ 13 14½ 18 21 21 28 31½ 33 39½ 43

Columbus 4 0 1 – 5 Chicago 2 0 0 – 2 First Period–1, Chicago, Saad 22 (Oduya, Sharp), 3:26. 2, Columbus, Johansen 25, 4:07. 3, Columbus, Atkinson 17 (Goloubef), 9:24. 4, Chicago, Toews 24 (Oduya, Versteeg), 11:38.

5, Columbus, Connauton 9, 13:03. 6, Columbus, Atkinson 18 (Goloubef, Anisimov), 15:46 (sh). Penalties–Johnson, Clm (tripping), 13:50.

Second Period–None. Penalties–Dano, Clm (high-sticking), 5:13; Rundblad, Chi (tripping), 8:07; Prout, Clm (cross-checking), 19:39.

Third Period–7, Columbus, Atkinson 19 (Foligno, Johansen), 19:01 (en). Penalties–Dano, Clm (hooking), 3:29; Hartnell, Clm (roughing), 13:50.

Shots on Goal–Columbus 13-9-5–27.

Chicago 16-12-5–33.

Power-play opportunities–Columbus 0 of 1; Chicago 0 of 5.

Goalies–Columbus, Bobrovsky 24-172 (33 shots-31 saves). Chicago, Crawford 30-17-5 (13-9), Darling (15:46 first, 13-13).

A–22,187 (19,717). T–2:25.

MLB AMERICAN LEAGUE Oakland Kansas City Toronto Los Angeles New York Houston Tampa Bay Boston Seattle Texas Cleveland Minnesota Chicago Baltimore Detroit

PGA – Valero Texas Open Friday At TPC San Antonio, Oaks Course San Antonio Purse: $6.2 million Yardage: 7,435; Par: 72 Second Round Jimmy Walker 71-67—138 -6 Aaron Baddeley 68-71—139 -5 Charley Hoffman 67-72—139 -5 Kevin Na 72-68—140 -4 Jordan Spieth 71-69—140 -4 Brendan Steele 74-68—142 -2 Chris Kirk 71-71—142 -2 Billy Horschel 72-70—142 -2 Zach Johnson 71-71—142 -2 Phil Mickelson 70-72—142 -2 Cameron Beckman 71-72—143 -1 Brendon Todd 73-70—143 -1 Chesson Hadley 71-72—143 -1 Jason Kokrak 72-71—143 -1 Daniel Summerhays 71-73—144 E John Merrick 72-72—144 E George McNeill 74-70—144 E Jeff Overton 75-70—145 +1 K.J. Choi 75-70—145 +1 Ryan Palmer 70-75—145 +1 John Huh 73-72—145 +1 Kyle Reifers 77-68—145 +1 Scott Pinckney 73-72—145 +1 Robert Garrigus 75-70—145 +1 David Lingmerth 74-71—145 +1 S.J. Park 72-74—146 +2 Seung-Yul Noh 74-72—146 +2 Michael Thompson 73-73—146 +2 Andres Romero 75-71—146 +2 Fabian Gomez 72-74—146 +2 Carlos Ortiz 79-67—146 +2 Kevin Kisner 76-70—146 +2 Matt Kuchar 72-74—146 +2 Cameron Percy 72-74—146 +2 Brian Davis 73-73—146 +2 John Peterson 74-72—146 +2 Kevin Chappell 73-73—146 +2 Branden Grace 75-71—146 +2 LPGA – Kia Classic Friday At Aviara Golf Club Course Carlsbad, Calif.

Purse: $1.7 million Yardage: 6,593; Par: 72 Second Round Morgan Presse l70-64—134 Mirim Lee 65-69—134 Alison Lee 69-66—135 Cristie Kerr 67-68—135 Maria Hernandez 70-66—136 Sakura Yokomine 69-67—136 Hyo Joo Kim 68-68—136 Brittany Lang 68-68—136 Alison Walshe 70-67—137 Stacy Lewis 68-69—137 Lydia Ko 67-70—137 Katie Burnett 71-67—138 Lee-Anne Pace 71-67—138 Mo Martin 70-68—138 Jennifer Song 70-68—138 Paula Creamer 69-69—138 Moriya Jutanugarn 69-69—138 Jane Rah 69-69—138 Inbee Park 68-70—138

L 9 9 9 9 11 8 9 10 13 12 14 13 13 15 16

Pct .640 .625 .625 .591 .560 .556 .550 .524 .435 .429 .417 .409 .381 .375 .360

NATIONAL LEAGUE W L Pct Los Angeles 13 6 .684 Arizona 14 10 .583 St. Louis 11 8 .579 Colorado 13 10 .565 New York 14 11 .560 Cincinnati 11 9 .550 Miami 12 10 .545 Pittsburgh 11 10 .524 San Diego 11 11 .500 Milwaukee 10 11 .476 Atlanta 11 13 .458 Philadelphia 11 13 .458 Washington 9 11 .450 Chicago 10 14 .417 San Francisco 6 19 .240 NOTE: Split-squad games count in the standings; games against non-major league teams do not.

Friday’s results St. Louis (ss) 5, N.Y. Mets 4 N.Y. Yankees 10, Philadelphia 0, 6 innings Pittsburgh 4, Minnesota 2, 8 innings Atlanta 4, Boston 2, 7 innings Tampa Bay vs. Baltimore at Sarasota, Fla., ccd., Rain Washington 1, St. Louis (ss) 1, tie Toronto 4, Detroit 1, 5 innings Oakland 7, Texas 6 Chicago Cubs 6, Chicago White Sox 3 Arizona (ss) 3, Cleveland 2 Arizona (ss) 7, L.A. Angels 2 Miami vs. Houston at Kissimmee, Fla., ccd., Rain Kansas City 5, Seattle 1 Colorado vs. San Diego at Peoria, Ariz., late Milwaukee vs. Cincinnati at Goodyear, Ariz., late San Francisco vs. L.A. Dodgers at Glendale, Ariz., late Saturday’s games Philadelphia vs. Minnesota at Fort Myers, Fla., 12:05 p.m.

Houston vs. Miami at Jupiter, Fla., 12:05 p.m.

St. Louis vs. Detroit at Lakeland, Fla., 12:05 p.m.

Baltimore vs. N.Y. Yankees at Tampa, Fla., 12:05 p.m.

Boston vs. Tampa Bay at Port Charlotte, Fla., 12:05 p.m.

CLEAR

THE LOT $10,000,000 from Lenders on Hand for Immediate Approval!!!+ 11 CHEVY HHR

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Was $17,575 Pete’s Price $15,981*

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12 MAZDA MAZDA3I

$ -10 -10 -9 -9 -8 -8 -8 -8 -7 -7 -7 -6 -6 -6 -6 -6 -6 -6 -6

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Was $15,987 Pete’s Price $11,786*

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Golf

Transactions

Spring training W 16 15 15 13 14 10 11 11 10 9 10 9 8 9 9

Toronto (ss) vs. Pittsburgh at Bradenton, Fla., 12:05 p.m.

Atlanta vs. Toronto (ss) at Dunedin, Fla., 12:07 p.m.

Washington vs. N.Y. Mets at Port St. Lucie, Fla., 12:10 p.m.

Colorado vs. Chicago Cubs (ss) at Mesa, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Cleveland vs. Milwaukee at Phoenix, 3:05 p.m.

Oakland vs. Chicago White Sox at Glendale, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

San Francisco vs. Seattle at Peoria, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Chicago Cubs (ss) vs. Cincinnati at Goodyear, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

San Diego vs. Texas at Surprise, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers vs. L.A. Angels at Tempe, Ariz., 3:10 p.m.

Kansas City vs. Arizona at Scottsdale, Ariz., 3:10 p.m.

Sunday’s games Pittsburgh vs. Atlanta at Kissimmee, Fla., 12:05 p.m.

N.Y. Yankees vs. Houston at Kissimmee, Fla., 12:05 p.m.

Tampa Bay vs. Boston at Fort Myers, Fla., 12:05 p.m.

Detroit vs. Philadelphia at Clearwater, Fla., 12:05 p.m.

Miami vs. Washington at Viera, Fla., 12:05 p.m.

N.Y. Mets vs. St. Louis at Jupiter, Fla., 12:05 p.m.

Minnesota vs. Baltimore (ss) at Sarasota, Fla., 12:05 p.m.

Baltimore (ss) vs. Toronto at Dunedin, Fla., 12:07 p.m.

Cincinnati vs. L.A. Angels at Tempe, Ariz., 2:10 p.m.

Chicago White Sox vs. Cleveland at Goodyear, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Milwaukee vs. Oakland at Mesa, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Chicago Cubs vs. Kansas City at Surprise, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Seattle vs. San Diego at Peoria, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Texas vs. L.A. Dodgers (ss) at Glendale, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers (ss) vs. San Francisco at Scottsdale, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Colorado vs. Arizona at Hermosillo, 3:10 p.m.

Arizona vs. Colorado at Scottsdale, Ariz., 3:10 p.m.

Was $18,950 Pete’s Price $15,887*

234

$

D

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BASEBALL COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE — Suspended Seattle LHP David Rollins 80 games for violating the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

12 TOYOTA PRIUS

11 GLASTRON 205 GT

13 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLEX

American League CHICAGO WHITE SOX — Claimed RHP Kyle Drabek off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays. Placed RHP Nate Jones on the 60-day DL. CLEVELAND INDIANS — Optioned RHP Danny Salazar to Columbus (IL).

DETROIT TIGERS — Optioned RHP Buck Farmer to Toledo (IL). Assigned RHP Rafael Dolis to their minor league camp.

TAMPA BAY RAYS — Released OF James Harris.

Was $18,650 Pete’s Price $16,988*

STK#F4680B

STK#E109M POWER BOAT

STK#J1244M STREET GLIDE

National League ATLANTA BRAVES — Optioned RHP Williams Perez, OF Eury Perez and LHP Manny Banuelos to Gwinnett (IL).

CHICAGO CUBS — Released LHP Jeff Lorick.

COLORADO ROCKIES — Released OFs Brian Humphries and Jared Simon and INF Matt Wessinger.

MIAMI MARLINS — Released 2B Alfredo Lopez.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES — Optioned LHP Bobby LaFromboise to Indianapolis (IL).

Reassigned RHPs Deolis Guerra, Brad Lincoln and Josh Wall; INFs Brent Morel, Gustavo Nunez and Deibinson Romero; INF/OF Steve Lombardozzi; OFs Gorkys Hernandez and Jose Tabata; LHP Charlie Leesman; and C Sebastian Valle to minor league camp.

BASKETBALL National Basketball Association WASHINGTON WIZARDS — Signed G Will Bynum to a 10-day contract.

FOOTBALL National Football League CAROLINA PANTHERS — Claimed OT Jonathan Martin off waivers from San Francisco. Signed WR Jarrett Boykin to a oneyear contract.

CHICAGO BEARS — Signed CB Alan Ball to a one-year contract.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS — Agreed to terms with CB Terence Newman.

TENNESSEE TITANS — Signed CB Brandon Harris to a one-year contract.

HOCKEY National Hockey League NHL — Fined Washington F Tom Wilson $2,000 for diving/embellishment.

CAROLINA HURRICANES — Agreed to terms with D Bret Pesce and G Alex Nedeljkovic on three-year, entry-level contracts.

DALLAS STARS — Activated F Valeri Nichushkin from injured reserve and loaned him to Texas (AHL) for a conditioning assignment.

NASHVILLE PREDATORS — Recalled F Kevin Fiala from Milwaukee (AHL) under emergency conditions.

NEW YORK ISLANDERS — Assigned G Kent Simpson from Bridgeport (AHL) to Stockton (ECHL).

234

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Business

www.saukvalley.com

Section C

SV Weekend

Saturday, March 28, 2015

daveRAMSEY

TAMPICO | SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Perennial wonderland

Financial straight talk.

For more advice, plus special readers offers, visit davesays. org or call 88822-PEACE.

Pay kids for good grades?

Dear Dave, What’s your opinion on rewarding kids with money for getting good grades in school?

– Joe

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Genesis Nursery in Tampico sells seeds to wholesale distributors. Horticulturist Kathy Lubbs (center) owns Genesis with her husband, Dennis. Her daughter, Billie Jo Eagan, and son-in-law, Aaron Eagan, pictured here with her, help run the farm.

Genesis Nursery seed farm keeping prairie legacy alive

I

BY DAVE FOX Special to Sauk Valley Media

t’s a farm with a mission.

It’s a farm with a soul.

Genesis Nursery, tucked quietly away in a corner of southeast Whiteside County, uses native Midwest prairie seeds to grow plants from which more seeds are harvested and more plants are grown.

Its mission is restorative; its goal purity: Its seeds are sold to preserves, or large-end landscapers, and the propagation,

For more information Genesis Nursery is at 23200 Hurd Road in Tampico. Owners Dennis and Kathy Lubbs are wholesalers in seeds native to this geographic area over the past millennium, with more than 30 years experience. They do not do retail sales.

Call 877-817-5325, go to www.genesisnurseryinc.com or find it on Facebook for more information. the conservation, continues.

“What we have now has been here since the beginning of time, as far as seeds and plants,” says horticulturist Kathy Lubbs, who owns

the seed farm with her husband, Dennis.

“All we do is local native genetics, things that have evolved locally over the last millennium. We don’t have

any European or invasive species, either.”

The business began as Green River Seeds in 1975, “and it morphed into Genesis when we took it over in 1990,” Lubbs said.

Its 360 acres grow crops that are entirely perennials – “lots of flowers and lots of grasses,” – most planted as row crops started from seed in the company’s greenhouse. Lubbs said.

PERENNIAL CONTINUED ON C8

Dear Joe, Honestly, I don’t have a strong opinion about it one way or the other. We didn’t pay our kids for good grades, but I can’t really think of a strong argument not to pay them for success in school.

You could say you shouldn’t pay them because it’s something they’re expected to do anyway, and that’s somewhat valid. But you could also make the same point where chores around the house are concerned, too.

We paid our kids to do some chores, but really the point is not about the economic value.

It’s the fact that you want your kids to associate work with money. I still meet people my age and older who haven’t made that connection. Work creates money, and that’s an important thing to teach your kids. Once they’ve created some money by working, then you want to use those moments to teach them to save, spend and give wisely.

You can do this around the subject of grades if you want.

There’s probably a valid case to be made that getting an “A” takes a lot more work than getting a “C.” RAMSEY CONTINUED ON C8

RETAIL | ONLINE SHOPPING GROWTH

Baltimore’s small merchants brace for more competition Amazon Prime Now seen as another hurdle

BY LORRAINE MIRABELLA AND NATALIE SHERMAN Tribune News Service

BALTIMORE – Sandy Piper’s family has been merchants in Baltimore’s Hampden neighborhood for more than 40 years, but when she retires someday, she’s not sure there will be any business left.

Expenses have increased, customers aren’t spending more and online shopping has cut into sales at Sandy’s Bargain Center.

Now, with the announcement that Amazon will launch 1- and 2-hour delivery in the city, she’s worried that even last-minute

purchases won’t lure people into the shop.

“I can’t tell you what the future is going to look like,” said Piper, 51. “Hopefully I’m not out of business in 10 years, but if I am … it’s probably because of the Internet.”

Traditional retailers have long grappled with how to best adapt and compete in the online shopping age, and Amazon’s Prime Now is seen as yet another hurdle for Baltimore’s small merchants.

“Volume is everything in the retail business,” said Patrick Donoho, president of the Maryland Retailers Association. “Every time somebody clicks for Amazon, that’s a lost sale for a brickand-mortar store. I call it death by a thousand clicks.”

The 1-hour delivery guarantee will be available in coming weeks in select ZIP codes to Amazon Prime subscribers, who pay $99 a year for unlimited free 2-day delivery on more than 20 million items. Consumers will pay $7.99 for 1-hour deliveries. Two-hour delivery will be free.

Thanks to the opening in the next couple of weeks of a massive Amazon distribution center in the area, consumers will be able to get goods from toilet paper and soap to headphones, toys and TVs in short order at their doorsteps. Amazon said the service is focused on “daily essentials,” but also includes books, music, shoes, apparel and other purchases.

COMPETITION CONTINUED ON C8

Tribune News Service

Beth Hawks (right), owner of Zelda Zen jewelry and gift boutique in Fells Point, Maryland, talks with Linnie Greene, a friend who helps her in her store.

CGH Medical Center Introduces Aja Murphy, DO We are pleased to announce that Aja Murphy, DO has joined CGH Medical Center.

Dr. Murphy is board certified in Family Medicine and is accepting new patients.

Dr. Murphy received her DO from Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in Chicago, Illinois; her MS from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and her BS from Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. She completed a Family Medicine residency at Bay Regional Medical Center in Bay City, Michigan and an Internal Medicine internship at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Clinton Township, Michigan.

Dr. Murphy is currently accepting new patients at her office at CGH Main Clinic, 101 E. Miller Road in Sterling.

To make an appointment, please call 815-625-4790.

Aja Murphy, DO

C2 • SV Weekend

www.saukvalley.com

Saturday, March 28, 2015

IN BRIEF DHS students honored in March DIXON – Dixon High School has named its March Hall of Fame students.

They are Ibrahim Bajramoski, industrial education; Emily Bay, family resources; Maggie Bushman, music; Josh Dallas, driver’s education; J.D. Gieson, business; Elise Hamilton, science; Sam James, physical education; Thomas Jenkins, art; Madeline Larimore, health; Monica Mangini, English; Darius McGlown, foreign language; Mason Rhodenbaugh, math; and Damian Stiens, social studies.

Mangini and Stiens are the Elks Teens of the Month.

Dance for girls starts at 7 p.m.

Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

The Polo Community High School December Student of the Month is Savanah Phillip. Physics is her favorite class. She plans to attend college and study in the fields of ministry worship and foreign language.

Polo Student of the Month POLO — Savanah Phillip, 18, of Polo, is Polo Community High School’s December Student of the Month. She is the daughter of Ronald Eden and Lou Phillip, and has two brothers, Bradley, 34 and James Frisbie, 37.

She also has a sister, Alicia, 19.

high school? Sauk for 2 years, then a degree in ministry worship and foreign language

Favorite class: Physics, I like the challenge.

What is something you learned in high school that you think you will never use? How to prove a theorem

Least-favorite class: Calculus, only because it gives me too much homework.

Favorite teacher: Jason Kamp, physics and environmental health. He’s funny and I have a great time in his classes.

School activities: None this year, but I do participate in many church activities.

Do you have a job? Not till summer What will you do after

What is your advice for surviving high school?

Study and organize everything, even if you don’t think you need to, you do.

What kind of music are you listening to? It all depends on the day.

I like Indie, pop, punk. I have no real preference as long as it is produced well.

What is your favorite?

App: Pinterest Food: Chicken alfredo Game or activity: I’m always up for a mean catch phrase game.

Actor: David Tennant TV shows: “Doctor Who,” “Sherlock, and Friends” Sports team: None, I’m not a sports fan.

Do you have a hobby?

Playing guitar and vibrating my vocal chords What’s the one thing in your life you can’t do without? Music What scares you?

Someone popping up when I look outside at night What is the last good book you read? “Along for the Ride,” by Sarah Dessen. It’s about insomniacs falling for each other. It wasn’t stereotypical.

Is there anything else you would want people to know about you? Bad things are going to hap-

pen to you – might as well have a good attitude about it.

What’s something about you that nobody knows? I’m pretty much an open book, at least to my closest friends.

If you could go anywhere in the world for free, where would it be?

A lot of places grace that list. Right now it probably would be Italy for its culture and beauty.

What is your proudest moment? Honestly, keeping it together for so long.

I couldn’t do it if I didn’t know I was loved so deeply by my God. Who is your hero-role model? Jesus. He is very sweet, playful, loving, and very intentional. I desire all of these things.

Is there someone you’d like to send a shout out to? Too many. I’m loved and blessed.

MORRISON – “Come Fly With Me” is the theme of the ninth annual Father Daughter Dance April 10 at St. Mary Parish Hall, 13220 Garden Plain Road.

The doors open at 6:30 p.m., followed by the dance from 7 to 9. Girls are welcome to bring a family, male escort.

Music will be by Trent Bush, disk jockey.

Admission is free for the girls and $20 for their escorts. The cost includes a 4-inch by 6-inch photo by Steve Siefken, who will take pictures throughout the evening, raffles, and refreshments.

For more information, call Nance Anderson at 815-772-7699.

Lunch, cruise program planned POLO – The next meeting of the OgleLee Retired Teachers Association will be April 14 at the White Pines LaBranche, 610 S. Division Ave. A business meeting will be at noon, followed by luncheon at 12:30 p.m.

Richard Longfellow, an Illinois Retired Teachers Association member, will share pictures from a Pacific cruise. World War II memorabilia will be included.

All retired teachers in Lee and Ogle counties

are welcome to attend.

The cost is $15 payble at the door.

Reservations are due by April 5; call Marvel Blomberg at 815-562-2884.

County Democrats seek applicants MORRISON – A $1,000 scholarship to Sauk Valley Community College is available from the Whiteside County Democratic Central Committee.

It is based on a student’s application and a short essay.

The deadline to apply is June 26.

Applications are available by email at whitesideco dems@yahoo.com, online at whitesidecodems.com, from Whiteside County high school counselors and financial aid offices, and at the college’s financial aid office, 173 state Route 2, Dixon.’

Next semester sign-up begins DIXON – Registration for Sauk Valley Community College’s fall and summer semesters opens in April at the college, 173 state Route 2.

Web registration starts at 12:45 p.m. April 6. Students must speak with an academic adviser before they can register online.

Walk-in registration begins at 8 a.m. April 8.

Sauk’s first 4-week and 8-week summer sessions begin June 8. Fall classes start Aug. 17 Visit svcc. edu/schedule for complete course listings.

For information or an appointment, contact the counseling office, Room 1H2, at counseling@svcc. edu or 815-835-6354.

Baptists get ready for event STERLING – Friendship Sunday will be Sunday at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1904 18th Ave. The public is welcome to attend the celebration service at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch. At 6 p.m., there will be a movie, “Undaunted: The Early Life of Josh McDowell.”The film is the story of a dysfunctional family and lifechanges.

For more information, go to ebcsterling.com or call 815-625-0351.

Musical entertainment planned at by Woodlawn pupils STERLING – Concerts and recitals are on the schedule at Woodlawn Arts Academy, 3807 Woodlawn Road.

Ticket sales will start Sunday for the academy’s recital, “Emojis.” Recital times are 6:30 p.m. May 29 and 2 and 6:30 p.m. May 30 in Centennial Auditorium at Sterling High School, 1608 Fourth Ave. The cost is $10 in advance at Woodlawn’s main office or $12 at the door. Recit-

als feature dancers age 3 through adult, who have rehearsed at the academy throughout the 20142015 school year.

The Rhythm-Quest Rocks! bands, under the direction of Ramiro Martinez, will perform at 6 p.m. April 7 in the J. Mark Beaty Performance Center at the academy.

The band is composed of students age 12 and older from across the Sauk Valley. RhythmQuest Rocks! begins its summer session May 19.

The students of Rhonda Hulteen will play at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. April 18 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1701 16th Ave. She gives lessons in piano, voice, flute, clarinet, baritone, trombone, trumpet, and alto saxophone.

To prepare for Easter dinner, Woodlawn offers a fruit centerpiece workshop from 9 a.m. to noon April 4 in the lounge.

Participants will work step-by-step through the process of creating a

fruit arrangement, and will leave with the centerpiece, and skills and supplies to recreate the arrangement. They need to bring a hammer and cutting board to class.

The cost is $65. Registration is required.

Registration for the summer session begins at 9 a.m. May 4.

To register or for more information, go to apm. activecommunities. com/woodlawnarts, call Students prepare a fruit centerpiece at a workshop at 815-626-4278, or stop at Woodlawn Arts Academy in Sterling. The next one is April 4. Photo submitted by Janel Stahr. the academy.

EASTER EGG HUNTS Oregon Living OREGON – An egg hunt is planned for 3 p.m. Friday at Oregon Living and Rehabilitation Center, 811 S. 10th St. Prizes will be awarded in three categories: children from 1 to 4, 5 to 8, and 9 to 11 years of age.

For more information, call Pam Gould of Serenity Hospice & Home at 815732-2499.

Rock River Gardens STERLING – A community Easter egg hunt will be at 2 p.m. April 4 on the lawn at Rock River Gardens, 3601 16th Ave. The Mount Morris community Easter egg hunt will be at 10:30 a.m. April 4 at Dilehay Park on Stengel Drive The event is open to and South Ogle Avenue, Mount Morris. The event is for children 12 and younger. Mount Morris Lions Club, the children 12 and younger, Women of the Moose, and Evangelical Free Church of Mount Morris planned the hunt. For more information, who will compete in age call the church at 815-734-4942. Photo submitted by Joyce Long. divisions. They will need

to bring a container in which to collect their eggs.

Those who find golden eggs will receive prizes, including food certificates and Easter egg baskets.

A drawing will take place for a boy’s and a girl’s bicycle. Tickets are $1 each or $5 for six.

For more information, call Rock River Gardens at 815-626-0233.

Sugar Grove School DIXON – An Easter egg hunt is scheduled for 10 a.m. April 4 at Sugar Grove School and Church, 352 Timber Creek Road.

The hunt, which is in its second year, is for children from 2 to 12.

For more information, call 815-288-2811.

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Scrapbook www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • C3

IT’S A JUNGLE OUT THERE BELOW: Dixon women share a ride home with a furry friend. Cori, the stuffed orangutang, became “famous” for his February appearances in vacation photos from Florida that were sent to 12 people throughout the trip.

Barb Schmiedebush (left), a friend, and Cindy Sambdman of Dixon, Cori’s owner, head home from Anna Maria Island with Cori in tow. The orangutan was a gift from Chris Hines, Sambdman’s cousin from Deer Creek. Photos submitted by Sambdman.

RIGHT: A collection of Florida shells draws Cori’s attention. Which ones will he bring home?

FAR RIGHT: Monkey business may be afoot in a boat. Cori struck many poses to mark his travels in the South.

FOGGY SUNSET

The sky glows during sunset in these foggy scenes March 10, seen from the Black home in Mount Morris. Photos submitted by Tricia Black.

JET STREAM WATCHING

VISIT TO SPRINGFIELD

A jet trail leaves a “jet stream awareness ribbon” behind March 12 above the Casey’s General Store in Sterling’s west end. Photo submitted by Christopher Burks of Galt.

Members of the Thunder Rock Chapter of A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education, which covers Ogle and part of Winnebago counties, were part of a March 4 motorcycle rights march in Springfield. At the state Capitol are (front row, from left) Bob Carroll, chapter president; state Sen. Tim Bivins, R-Dixon; and Steve Anderson, chapter vice president; and (back row) Thomas Cardey and Bob Borgen. Photo submitted by Lisa Sims.

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

IN BRIEF Memorial service sign-ups now open STERLING – Hospice of the Rock River Valley will have a memorial service in honor of those who have died during the past year.

It will be at 6 p.m. May 22 at New Life Lutheran Church, 702 W. Lynn Blvd.

It is open to hospice clients, as well as the public, and will include candlelighting, music, and readings.

Refreshments will follow the service.

To include a name and or a picture in the readings and handouts, call 815288-3673. Photos should be emailed to karen@hospicerockriver.org by May 15.

Hospice volunteer courses planned OREGON – Volunteer orientation and training classes are scheduled at Serenity Hospice & Home, 1658 S. state Route 2.

Sessions will be from 1 to 5 p.m. April 15, 16, 22, and 23.

Tasks include helping in the office, assisting at Serenity Home, sewing, baking, and respite care for patients and families.

The focus of hospice care is to enhance the quality of life, and support the patient and family through a terminal illness.

To become a volunteer or for more information, call Peggy Richard at 815-7322499.

Grief author will speak in April Tom Zuba will discuss a new way to do grief during two presentations in the Sauk Valley.

His programs will be at 7 p.m. April 16 at All Saints Lutheran Church, 624 Luther Drive, Byron, and 7 p.m.

May 14 at the Post House Ballroom, 100 W. Second St., Dixon.

In his book, Tom “A Permission Zuba to Mourn: A New Way to Do Grief,” Zuba wrote after dealing with the deaths of his daughter, son, and wife.

Copies of his book will be available for purchase at both programs, with a portion of proceeds going to Serenity Hospice & Home in Oregon.

For more information, call hospice at 815-732-2499.

Boosters to benefit from competition

www.saukvalley.com

Community courses, 5K planned at SVCC DIXON – Several business and community education courses will start soon at Sauk Valley Community College, 173 state Route 2.

They are: Excel: Pivot Tables, from 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesday: Students will be taught to design pivot tables and how to analyze and summarize large amounts of data in lists and tables. The cost is $45.

Wilton Gum Paste and Fondant Course III, from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday and April 9: The use of fondant and gum paste to create hand-shaped calla lilies, roses, carnations, and other flowers will be

the focus. Supply kits can be purchased from the instructor. The cost is $40, plus $30 for the kit.

Living a Healthy Lifestyle: How to Get on Track and Stay There, from 6 to 8 p.m. April 7, 14, 21, and 28: The class will cover the healthy lifestyle basics of eating, exercise, and health screenings. A survey of the students will be conducted. The cost is $50.

Beginning Photoshop, 6 to 9 p.m. April 7, 14, 21, and 28: Students will be taught the basic tools to create, edit, and fix images. The cost is $110.

Visit svcc.edu/bcc for more information on

courses. Registration is at the college’s office of admissions or contact brenda.helms@svcc.edu or 815-835-6212.

SVCC’s 50th anniversary celebration continues with a 5K competition and other activities April 11 at the college,.

The 5K Sprint and Stroll for Scholarships is an allages walk and run. Checkin will be from 7 to 7:45 a.m., with the race start at 8. Awards will be given to the fastest runners.

Registration is $15 for per person and $50 for a family before April 4 and $20 per person and $55 per family thereafter.

Cash or checks will be

Books land at Dixon library DIXON – Dixon Public Library, 221 S. Hennepin Ave., has released its list of new releases.

They are: Fiction: “A Touch of Stardust,” by Kate Alcott; “If I Fall, If I Die,” by Michael Christie; “The Magician’s Lie,” by Greer MacAllister; “Ruby,” by Cynthia Bond; “In Plain Sight,” by Fern Michaels; “Find Me,” by Laura Van Den Berg; “The Mountaintop School for Dogs,” by Ellen Cooney; “The Christmas Light,” by Donna VanLiere; “Dreaming Spies,” by Laurie King; “One Wish,” by Robyn Carr; “The Girls of Mischief Bay,” by Susan Mallery; “My Sunshine Away,”

by M.O. Walsh; “Half the World,” by Joe Abercrombie; “Werewolf Cop,” by Andrew Klavan; “We Are Pirates,” by Daniel Handler; “Shame and the Captives.” by Thomas Keneally; “Cardinal Rules,” by Barbara Delinsky; “Mrs. Grant and Madame Jule,”

by Jennifer Chiaverini; “Finding Jake,” by Bryan Reardon; “Too Bad to Die,”

by Francine Mathews; “The Siege Winter,” by Ariana Franklin and Samantha Norman; “Rebel Queen,” by Michelle Moran; “Touch,” by Claire North; “The Assassin,” by Clive Cussler and Justin Scott; “Epitaph,” by Mary Russell; “The Bookseller,”

by Cynthia Swanson; “A Small Indiscretion,” by Jan Ellison; “The Whites,”

by Harry Brandt; “The Buried Giant,” by Kazuoa Ishiguro; “The Fifth Gospel,” by Ian Caldwell; “The

LA MOILLE – A trivia night competition to raise money for the La Moille and Ohio athletic boosters will be April 18 at the La Moille Lions Club, 308 Howard St. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the contest is at 7. Teams of six to 10 will compete for first-, second-, and thirdplace cash prizes. The cost is $100 per team. Silent auctions and raffles are planned; and snacks and beverages will be available for purchase.

To register, call Brian Chasteen at 815-993-3031, Dee Hughes at 815-866-2226, and Kim Fahs at 815-3037733.

Edge of Dreams,” by Rhys Bowen; “Aquarium,” by David Vann; “Murder in the Queen’s Wardrobe,” by Kathy Emerson; “The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy,” by Rachel Joyce; “Cat Out of Hell,” by Lynne Truss; “War of the Wives,” by Tamar Cohen; “Suitcase City,” by Sterling Watson; “Stella Mia,” by Rosanna Chiofalo; “A Memory of Violets,” by Hazel Gaynor; “Miss Hazel and the Rosa Parks League,” by Jonathan Odell; “The Forever Bridge,” by T. Greenwood; “Endangered,” by C.J. Box; “The Valley,” by John Renehan; “Life or Death,” by Michael Robotham; “John the Pupil,” by David Flusfeder; “The Lost Child,” by Caryl Phillips; “World Gone By,” by Dennis Lehane; and “A Fireproof Home for the Bride,”

by Amy Scheibe.

Mysteries: “Lethal Beauty,” by Lis Wiehl; “Mr. Kiss and Tell,” by Rob Thomas and Jennifer Graham; “Double Fudge Brownie Murder,” by Joanne Fluke; “Hush Hush,” by Laura Lippman; “Toured to Death,” by Hy Conrad; and “A Murder of Magpies,” by Judith Flanders.

Christian Fiction: “For Such a Time,” by Kate Breslin; “Anna’s Crossing,”

by Suzanne Fisher; “The Last Heiress,” by Mary Ellis; “Miriam’s Secret,”

by Jerry Eicher; “A Harvest of Hope,” by Lauraine Snelling; “The Amish Clockmaker,” by Mindy Clark and Susan Meissner; “Between Us Girls”

and “Heaven Help Heidi,”

by Sally John; “My Heart Stood Still,” by Lori Copeland; and “The Crimson Cord,” by Jill Smith.

Westerns: “Bone Digger,” by Douglas Hirt; “Treasure Freight,” by Peter Dawson; “A Dangerous Man,” by William Johnstone; and “Blood Money,” by Ralph Cotton.

Science Fiction, Fantasy; “Madness in Solidar,”

by L.E. Modesitt Jr.; “Star Wars: Heir to the Jedi,” by Kevin Hearne; and “The Fire Sermon,” by Francesca Haig.

Large Print: “The Marriage Game,” by Alison Weir; “The Sharp Hook of Love,” by Sherry Jones; “Taking a Stand/Standing in the Shadows/Standing Tall,” by Ken Casper; “A Match of Wits,” by Jen Turano; “The Laughing Monsters,” by Denis Johnson; “Death Takes a Ride,”

by Lorena McCourtney; “Foxcatcher,” by Mark Schultz; “Prodigal Son,” by Danielle Steel; “The Geneva Strategy,” by Jamie Freveletti; “Live Right and Find Happiness,” by Dave Barry; “Lusitania,” by Greg King and Penny Wilson; “A Spool of Blue Thread,”

by Anne Tyler; “Silence of the Lamb’s Wool,” by Betty Hechtman; “Murder in the Mystery Suite,” by Ellery Adams; and “The Empty Throne,” by Bernard Cornwall.

The book group selection for April is “Someone,” by Alice McDermott.

For more information, call the library at 815-2847261.

DIXON KEY CLUB

accepted. Make checks payable to the Sauk Valley College Foundation.

All proceeds will support a general scholarship fund for Sauk students.

Visit svcc.edu/50/ events/5K/5k-registration. html for online registration.

Forms can be turned in at the college’s information center or mailed to Dana Chacon, SVCC, 173 state Route 2, Dixon, IL 61201. Race packets can be picked up from 4 to 7 p.m. April 9 and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 10 at the college.

Contact Chacon at dana.j.chacon@svcc.edu for more information.

After the race, a Sauk

Family Safari will be from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the college’s main building. Art, science experiments, technology, and an obstacle course are planned. Participants can earn a free lunch and find out about what Sauk has to offer. Email therese.l.wood@svcc.edu for more information.

The Alumni Basketball Classic will follow in the college gymnasium.

Current and former Sauk players will take to the court. Women will compete at 4 p.m., and men at 6.

Contact steve.c.nunez @ svcc.edu for more information or to sign up.

OPTIMIST OF THE MONTH

The Sterling Optimist Club and Challand Middle School of Sterling have announced the February Optimist of the Month. Lauren Johnson, the daughter of Edward and Jill Lyman of Sterling, receives her award from Mark Sedig, club member. She earned $50 and designated another $50 to Home of Hope Cancer Wellness Center in Dixon. Photo submitted by Sam Meier.

Audubon group announces activities FREEPORT – Registration is due Friday for the Northwest Illinois Audubon annual Banquet April 14 in the Newell Room at the Highland Community College Conference Center, 2998 W. Pearl City Road.

The banquet starts at 5:30 p.m. with a silent auction, dinner at 6, and a program at 7:15.

Tom Clay, director of the Illinois Audubon Society, will present “Restoring the Greater Prairie Chicken to Illinois.”

Farm-raised turkey with trimmings and dessert will be served. The cost for the dinner and program is $20 and $3 for program only.

The event is free to children younger than 12. To register, print forms from nwil audubon.org or call Tim Smith at 815835-5109.

Other events include: A night hike will be

from 7:45 to 9:30 p.m.

April 8 starting at the Mogle Center at the Oakdale Nature Preserve, 4433 S. Cranes Grove Road. For more information, call Richard Benning, hike leader, at 815865-5279.

Registration is due

by April 12 for the society’s sandhill crane count scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30 a.m. April 18. The Stephenson County count is part of the International Crane Foundation’s Midwestern Crane Count.

No experience is necessary. To sign up, call Mary Blackmore at 815-9383204.

A birdwalk will be offered from 8 to 11 a.m.

Friday at the wetland areas of eastern Stephenson County. A carpool will start and end at the Staples parking lot, 1722-1724 S. West Ave. Call Blackmore for more information.

County awarded funding

Psychologist to discuss autism DIXON – Tim Wahlberg, Geneva author and psychologist, will conduct a Finding the Gray: Autism Seminar from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

April 29 at the Dixon Elks Lodge, 1279 Franklin Grove Road.

The training will address working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum: Effective Interventions for Home and School Environments.

Advance registration is due by April 22. The cost is $40 for family members and Kreider consumers and $60 for professionals. Lunch is included. Six Continuing Education Credits are available for the professionals.

Visit kreiderservices.org to download registration forms.

For more information, contact Lois Barnhart at barnhartl@kreiderservices.org or 815-288-6691, ext. 282.

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Dixon High School Key Club members and advisers attended the recent Illinois-Eastern Iowa District annual Key Club convention in Bloomingdale. They are (front row, from left) Jacqueline Fazekas, Claudia Araujo, and Anisa Muhsin; and (back row) Geoff Vanderlin, Kiwanis adviser; Chase Glenn, Justin Wiggins, and Evan Tschosik; and Lee Eastman, DHS faculty adviser.

Photo submitted by Vanderlin.

Area eagle numbers down around rivers APPLE RIVER – The Eagle Nature Foundation has released the results of its 55th annual Midwinter Bald Eagle Count.

“The results of this year’s count are very disturbing,” Terrence Ingram, count compiler, said. “It confirms that the downward trend of

the bald eagle population along the Mississippi River is continuing.”

This year, volunteers found 1,343 eagles, of which 319 were immatures. That is compared with the 3,728 birds last year.

The eagles also were counted along the Wisconsin, Rock and Illinois

rivers, as well as inland.

Ingram said the Rock River had a decline of 181.

The number of immature eagles was on the rise. Along the Rock River the increase was from 32.4 to 42.2 percent.

For more information, call Ingram at 815-5942306.

Lee County has been chosen to receive $8,178 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county through the State SetAside process under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Program.

The program provides assistance for food, utilities, and shelter to individuals and families in emergency situations who meet the federal eligibility guidelines.

A board, chaired by the United Way of Lee County, which includes representatives from county churches, and nonprofit and governmental agencies, will determine how the money will be distributed among the programs. It also will be responsible for any additional money available under this phase of the program.

Under the terms of the

grant from the national board, Lee County organizations must: Be private voluntary nonprofits or units of government.

Have an accounting system.

Practice nondiscrimination.

Have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs.

Have a volunteer board, if a private voluntary organization.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds can visit unitedwayofleecounty. org or contact Jenny Koch, executive director of United Way of Lee County, at 815-284-339 for an application.

The deadline to apply is 4 p.m. April 10 at the United Way office, P.O. Box 382, Dixon, IL 61021.

Opinion Saturday, March 28, 2015

www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • C5

THE READER’S VOICE

Candidate is ‘committed to community’ LINDA PENNELL Rock Falls

As a Rock Falls resident and Rock Falls High School 1967 graduate, I am very happy to announce my candidacy for alderwoman in Ward 3.

In the past 4 years, I’ve seen things that made my decision to be very active in politics. As a former Sterling alderwoman, I experienced the good and the bad. You have to learn how to understand your constituents, and learn to let them be the voice.

You need to pick up the phone, say hello, listen, and then take action.

The first thing I learned as an alderwoman is you have to be committed to your community. You have to say and do things sometimes that you may not feel comfortable doing.

You stand up for what you believe is right, regardless of what others say. Let the citizens say what needs to be said and we, as politicians, need to let them have their time, and their voice.

If elected, I’d make myself known to the constituents. A question-andanswer time, coffee and cookies. Have them tell what they like, and what they’d like to see changed.

There’s one word that we need in politics – that word is integrity. Truth is always the best way, and that’s what I stand for.

If elected, I’d search out possible solutions to fix our road situation.

Another thing would be why our taxes keep going up. Maybe there would be a way to expand our tax base by bringing in more jobs.

I feel capable of handling Ward 3. I handled a whole city as alderwoman-atlarge, so I can certainly handle a separate ward.

With integrity, openness, and learning to let the voters have a say, I ask you to vote for me, Linda Pennell, for Ward 3, on April 7.

Dixon in dire need of trust in government GENE BIGGERSTAFF Dixon

This is in response to the Telegraph article March 27, 2013, stating “Mayor says city needs to form strategic plan.” The city council approved spending $31,400 for an outside consulting agency to develop a strategic plan and offer leadership training.

An additional $7,950 is the cost to the taxpayers to provide our city officials a 2-day retreat to learn to do their jobs. Since this was not approved due to numerous citizen complaints, $39,350 was saved for the good citizens of Dixon.

Mayor Burke stated, “Most large successful corporations go through a process like this.” Corporations would not turn a blind eye on a mess like Dixon has. A CEO would be escorted off the property along with involved associates.

Dixon is in dire need of a trustworthy government represented by honest people. A qualified city manager with no connection to existing city government is what Dixon deserves.

What happened to your “strategic plan” after 16 years, Mr. Burke?

Vote Kuhn for Dixon mayor WYLIE FOX Dixon

Both Dixon mayoral candidates talk about expansion of jobs and what it takes to attract tourists, residents, and businesses.

Schools and recreation facilities are important when people look for a destination.

When an alternative way to fund school maintenance was proposed, Liandro Arellano led the opposition. We now have school closings.

When funding for a sports and activity center was proposed, Arellano led the opposition. Dixon needs additional facilities.

I have attended games in Sterling and Oregon where Dixon teams are forced to go. I have witnessed six Dixon teams playing at the same time at these out-of-town facilities. Dixon families travel to those locations and spend money that should stay in Dixon.

Jeff Kuhn has a clear record of community involvement from service clubs, Main Street Committee, Veterans Memorial Park, and Petunia Festival board, to coaching youth sports.

As street commissioner, he is very involved in the daily working of the street department.

Kuhn has the time necessary to be a full-time mayor. Liandro Arellano has shown very little Dixon community involvement or support.

When voting, it is important to me what a candidate does verses what he says.

I urge you to vote for Jeff Kuhn for mayor of Dixon.

City balances have fallen in Mount Carroll DORIS BORK Mount Carroll

Some of our Mount Carroll council members seem to want to degrade Alderman Bob Sisler, implying he doesn’t understand a budget. A budget is an outline that should be adhered to.

From 2009 through 2014, the treasurer’s reports in the paper show deficits of $1,560,000. Alderman Sisler has repeatedly tried to get the spending under control. But at the last council meeting, the city was not able to pay the light bill.

In 2009, city balances totaled $900,000. Now the funds are almost depleted, other than the pensions, debt repayment, employment taxes, and a few others. They have even closed a private purpose trust.

Now they want to borrow $110,000 from the bank to repay those funds.

This will have to be paid back from the taxpayers.

One problem is the city was given a grant for a revolving loan fund, given by the federal government, to be administered by the state to the cities.

The city was awarded $180,000 of this; the city loaned $90,000 to the Mount Carroll Community Development Corp.

The catch is, they don’t pay a payment or interest; Mount Carroll TIF taxpayers do. The balance is $73,000 plus interest.

Other people who have borrowed money pay monthly payments plus interest.

Since 2006, the city has given the CDC approximately $147,000 as gifts.

This doesn’t include other

state taxpayer money grants given to the CDC. There is $2 million plus and interest left on the water tower payment loan, to be paid back from taxpayers and water users.

The last garbage contract written by Alderman Sisler and former Alderman Bork saved the taxpayers more than $10,000.

Gov. Rauner is going to cut income tax coming to the city by $80,000 plus, and the sales tax will be decreased because of a rebate to the auto dealer who is going to remodel.

Also on March 7, a Lions breakfast was held. All the pancakes, applesauce and sausage you could eat at $5. It was very well attended and fun.

There are many activities from cards, Wii, pool, carving, computer classes, Stump Jumpers, Situation Room, Fun with Words, quilting, crafts and many more. There also was a whole grains program on Thursday.

The Facebook class starts May 13, genealogy on April 22, and the Spelling Bee on April 18.

Taxes, fees worth it for Dixon library

Don’t renew fast-track trade deal authority

CYNTHIA ZUEND Dixon

MICHAEL R. MILLSAP Hobart, Indiana

This letter is in response to the person questioning the $50 cost for an out-ofdistrict library card.

There appears to be a misconception in that this out-of-district patron thinks city residents receive a library card for “free.” All city residents pay their library dues in their tax bill every year – even if they choose not to use any library services.

As a former trustee of the Dixon Public Library and a current taxpayer, I look at my property tax bills over the years and the amounts charged to me. I would gladly pay only $50.

The amount taken from my taxes is more than that – but I do not have to write a separate check to the library; therefore, it is not an expense that I am forced to recognize.

The Dixon Public Library is truly a treasure that we, as patrons, are allowed to use. It is a place full of magical opportunities for children and adults alike – from the summer reading programs for children and adults to the use of many DVDs as well as the use of a huge selection of printed material.

Our library lets all of us dream and educate ourselves. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful.

The faces of libraries are changing because of electronic reading devices and technology, but the need for services and programs, and necessary, competent staff, will always remain.

All of us who wish to use the library must understand and accept that we need to pay for the services, if not in our taxes then as an out-of-district patron. In this way, hopefully, the Dixon Public Library will still be here when any of us needs it.

As United Steelworkers District 7 director, I have to ask, Is everyone in America asleep?

Jobs are leaving Northwest Indiana because steel imports made with substandard wages are flooding America at an alltime high, compliments of their trade agreements.

It’s going to get worse because Congress is once again considering legislation to renew “fast-track” trade promotion authority.

Fast track is a policy that gives the executive branch the opportunity to negotiate – in secret and out of public view – trade agreements historically proved to suck the highest-paying jobs out of America, fast.

Since NAFTA was passed 21 years ago via fast track, our trade deficit has grown from $218 billion to $912 billion. And when President Obama signed the South Korea trade deal in 2011, our trade deficit with South Korea alone jumped 50 percent, which equates to a loss of 50,000 well-paid jobs.

Nearly 40 percent of the jobs gained since the 2008 recession came from lowwage sectors – because the good jobs are “fast tracked” out of this country.

Trade agreements need to be transparent, democratic, and participatory, and a fair deal for workers with shared prosperity and sustainable social and economic development They should ensure a priority of worker paychecks over corporate profits, strengthen labor and human rights, eliminate outsourcing to countries that abuse workers and the environment, and protect us from unsafe imports.

Trade agreements need to ensure that American workers benefit as much as the corporations pushing our jobs offshore.

Contact your elected officials to keep the good jobs here in America. I have offered to work with Congress to ensure future trade agreements work for America – all of America.

It’s time to stop fast track and “secret” trade agreements that permanently take away the good jobs from America and destroy the middle class.

Note to readers: Michael R. Millsap is director of United Steelworkers District 7, representing more 60,000 active members in Indiana and Illinois.

Rock River Center events are thriving ANNA HATZIPANAGIOTIS Mount Morris

It has been a long winter, but spring is just about here.

Rock River Center had a terrific program by Joe Conroy of Classic American Tours, who has a fine speaking voice, but even more impressive is that he described about 20 trips in detail, without a note or outline. I have been to all these places years ago, and it surely brought back memories – wish I were able to go again.

Then Dr. Nelson had a program on colds versus flu – what to do, what the difference is, what not to do. He explained all the medical terms and even great-grandma’s remLINDA BROWN edies.

Galt He conducts a program on the third Tuesday each In the spring air, the month at 10:30 a.m., free, ash tree’s mint green and a potluck follows. leaves bud forth, out from

Nature’s gift arrives in the springtime

branches reaching for the sky. I look out my window, and my eyes look upon a beautiful, regal hummingbird nest, and the mother’s wings hovering over her cozy, warm home fastened securely to the branch.

Days go by, and I watch.

Here is the tiny, iridescent creature sitting on her nest, keeping her eggs warm. She takes flight and does not return. But I wait and keep vigil for days and weeks when I can.

Alas, the summer sun has arrived, warm and hot days and nights. I see their very small profile with necks stretched as her long beak drops the nectar for life’s morsel into their small throats.

Then the sky turns shades of blue, gray, purple and rolling clouds; a severe, August storm is coming. I become concerned. I look out; torrential rain and wind whip the branches of the ash tree with the dear nest with her little ones. The nest with the babies is stretched and hanging with the torrents of rain.

I look and find one of the precious young, with pin feathers beginning to become the shades of iridescent blues and greens, who has fallen out of the nest. So sad.

One lives. Calm has come. The sun is shining bright. I look, and the mother has returned to the one that has lived through the storm and out of the nest and waiting on the branch. Again, I look out, and the two are gone forever on their journey.

The hand of God has blessed us both.

Farewell and thank you to St. Paul pastor LEO PETERSON Dixon

A farewell celebration for Pastor Janet Wittenmyer was held March 1 to recognize and thank her services to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Dixon. A farewell celebration was held with 65 people attending where she received many cards and well wishes.

We also celebrated members of St. Paul with birthdays in March and April. We had the widest age range possible, with Marian Bollman turning 100 years old on March 1, and Emersyn Moore turning 1 on April 11. Thank you to everyone who attended.

The suffering and glory of Easter Sunday CHARLES BECKER Sterling

Don’t bet on it. Sounds like the casino. The soldiers bet on Calvary, bet on Jesus’ dirty, bloody garment while crucifying him. They cast lots to own his garment.

Jesus’ passion – whipped with leather, metal thongs by muscular thugs called soldiers. Blood of Jesus was seeping from his whipped wounds – a sickly sight to behold; to mock and scorn Jesus, the soldiers crowned Jesus with thorns; the blood trickled down his face, clouding his eyes.

The beaten Jesus started dragging the heavy, rough, wooden cross on the rocky road to Calvary.

Jesus falls, and crumpled under the weight of the cross.

To thank you, Jesus, for your sufferings, and death is one reason for Lent.

What do you think?

Let us know. Write your own letter to the editor and send it to: letters@saukvalley. com Reaching the place of crucifixion, the soldiers knocked Jesus to the ground. Jesus dropped in exhaustion. The soldiers kicked Jesus until he rolled over onto the cross.

Immediately, iron rang – nails were pounded through Jesus’ hands and feet. He cringed, a sharp spear was prepared to slice the chest of Jesus.

Blood spurted from his sacred heart.

Women huddled together under the cross. Mary, mother of Jesus, is among them. They were mourning, sobbing heavily. Jesus died.

Jesus was buried. The third day, Jesus rose from the dead. He is triumphant over death. He is victor over sin.

Rejoice. It’s Easter Sunday. Hallelujah.

Believe. A happy, peaceful Easter to all.

Vote yes for ambulance referendum TONY E. KARROW Polo

I’d like to encourage residents of Oregon Fire Protection District to vote in favor of the referendum for funding of the Oregon Fire Protection District ambulance service.

I supported this when Polo Fire did it several years ago. As chief officer of the Polo Fire District, I can attest to the success of our EMS service: quality service with quality personnel because of positive public support.

If the referendum is voted down, it would have a negative impact on all fire districts surrounding Oregon, as well as the residents in Oregon’s district. It would cause our mutual aid call volumes to increase, leaving our fire districts short on EMS coverage.

It would increase response time for EMS crews to make patient contact with residents in Oregon’s district in need of emergency care. If a person in Oregon’s district is being transported by another district’s ambulance, that district will get paid, not Oregon.

Most all districts charge more for a mutual aid call because of the increase in fuel usage and wages per hour because of distance.

We’re all affected, not just Oregon. Oregon Fire District residents, please take a moment April 7, and vote yes for the Oregon Fire Protection District referendum.

After-school cake class was a joy to teach BETTY EBERT Polo

I recently taught an after-school enrichment class in cake decorating at Centennial Grade School.

The students were kind, courteous, helpful, and eager to learn. It was a joy to have them.

Thank you to the following class members: Rebekah Zeigler, Annalise Stamm, Taryn Zell, Anna Faivre, Maddi Jones, Katrina O’Connell, Malarie Luther, Victoria Kuzlik, Matthew Call, and Carley Kness.

Parents, be proud of them.

The deadline to submit election-related letters to the editor is noon Tuesday, March 31.

C6 • SV Weekend

www.saukvalley.com

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Teen’s troubled friend on path to destruction Dear Abby: I am a 14-year-old girl, and my friend “Leah” is out of control. She has been going down the wrong path since sixth grade. She is what people call “emo.”

She has attempted to end her life more than once.

She has sex with lots of boys older than her, and has issues with drugs and cutting. She was abused until she was 5, and then adopted. She doesn’t seem to have any morals.

She says she wants to become a serial killer and a prostitute when she grows up. She also wants to have a baby in the near future.

Leah has borderline personality disorder and probably some others. I have

dearABBY Dear Abby is written

by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips. The column is provided through Universal Uclick.

tried talking to her about what she’s doing to herself, but she sees nothing wrong with her destructive behavior.

I want Leah to get help before she winds up raped, in prison, or on death row, or becomes a teen mother on the streets. I don’t want

her to become another number, another statistic.

What should I do? Who do I call – the police, social services, a hotline?

– Scared for Leah Dear Scared: Your friend appears to be a very troubled and angry girl. If she thinks that by becoming a prostitute or a killer she will be able to assert control in her life where she has none, she’s sadly mistaken.

You say she has borderline personality disorder.

If that’s true, it must have been diagnosed by a licensed psychotherapist.

Frankly, I don’t think this is anything you can _ or should _ handle on your own.

PASTOR’S CORNER

If your mother doesn’t know what’s going on, please tell her so she can alert Leah’s mother, and Leah can return to her therapist. However, if that’s not possible, tell a counselor at school what you have told me, so Leah can receive more treatment before she hurts herself or someone else.

Dear Abby: My boyfriend and I have been together for 3 years and have planned our first vacation together. We decided to split the expenses 50-50.

Last week, he announced that he has invited his sister and her boyfriend to go along and stay with us in the apartment we rented.

Not only was I shocked that he would invite them without checking with me first, I became upset when he said he wasn’t asking them to pitch in any money. Normally I’m not stingy when it comes to sharing, but I’m angry and I wonder if I’m overreacting.

His mother died last year, and his sister is the only family he has left, which he tends to remind me of to make me feel guilty. How should I react to this?

– Amber in Texas Dear Amber: Tell your boyfriend that out of consideration for you, he should have cleared it with you before inviting anyone to come along. When he

tries to make you feel guilty by reminding you that his sister is all the family he has left, patiently explain that you understand that, but this was supposed to be your first trip together – just the two of you – and this has taken the romance out of it.

Then make it clear that you do not intend to foot the bill for Sissy and her boyfriend because that isn’t fair to you. And if he doesn’t agree, cancel the trip because you wouldn’t enjoy it anyway.

Contact Dear Abby at DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

CHRISTIAN WOMEN’S CONNECTION

Dying to self; alive in Christ The “mom and pop” owners of a dry cleaning business came up with a catchy way to advertise their operation. They had a sign painted that said, “We dye to live, and live to dye; the more we dye, the better we live; and the better we live, the more we dye.”

According to theologian Michael Duduit, it is, of course, a different kind of dying than the Gospel calls for, but for the apostle Paul his own stunning words convey it firmly: “You died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). You died. There is no question This is precisely how he views what happened to us in Christ’s self-sacrifice.

We were, he writes,

and is happening, in your life. See this death of yours as an already – The Rev. Allen accomplished fact. Do Campbell is the pastor you believe it? If you are of First Conreally dead to self and gregational alive in Christ, how is Church in that working itself out in Rock Falls. you day by day? Your old self will continue to find ways to resurrect itself.

It means also that God has placed within you the “buried with him in bap- power of will to keep the tism and ... raised with old self down. him through faith in the In the month of our power of God, who raised Lord’s victorious resurrechim from the dead.” tion, make a list of all that The only living thing still may be dead in your about us is Jesus, and we life and claim Christ’s reshave nothing to say in our urrection power over it. ministries until we die to Resolve to put it behind self and live for Christ. We you. God’s love will never must die and come again go away. Never. in Christ.

It always was there and Think about it and relate always will be for us. it to what has happened, Happy Easter.

allenCAMPBELL

HOT OFF THE GRIDDLE

The Dixon Kiwanis club will celebrate 40 years of serving pancakes with a public breakfast from 7 a.m. to noon today at the Dixon High School cafeteria, 300 Lincoln Statue Drive. Chris Hammitt (left) and Ed Bushman prepared pancakes for a previous meal. This year’s cost is by donation. Call Aaron Young at 815-499-2982 for business deliveries. The event includes a bake sale, 50-50 raffle, and a Mr. Pancake photo board cut-out. Photo submitted by Brandi Langner.

The Rock River Area Christian Women’s Connection will have its Life’s Surprises Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. April 15 at Candlelight Inn, 2200 First Ave., Rock Falls. Getting ready for the event are (seated, from left) Rosemary Egan and Judy Wolff, and (standing) Debbie Taylor. The cost is $10. The special feature will be a Bling and Things Exchange, where participants can bring gently-used accessories to trade. Mari Mayborn, guest speaker of Macomb, will present “Taken By Surprise,” and Nancy Janssen, a musician of Milledgeville, will perform. Reservations are due by 9 p.m. April 13; call Irene at 815-9482157. Cancelation notice is required. Photo submitted by Kathleen Williams.

Programs, games at center STERLING – “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Scams, but Were Afraid to Ask,” will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St. Whiteside County Sheriff Kelly Wilhelmi and Whiteside County State’s Attorney Trish Joyce will present the program.

The first 50 to attend will receive a box of Girl Scout cookies.

Other events are: Information on services from Bowes In-Home Care will be available at 11 a.m. April 8. Kris Johnson, registered nurse, and Becky Highbarger, community liaison, will discuss Bowes’ skilled home care and private duty caregiver services offered in Bureau, Lee, and Whiteside counties.

A Medicare information class will be at 1:30

p.m. April 10. Basic details will be provided. Registration is required; call the center.

A memorial euchre tournament honoring Ron Wolber, who started euchre tournaments at the center, will be April 12. Registration is at 12:30, with a 1 p.m. start. The cost is $5 per entry, and 25 cents a set, with a 100 percent payback. Prizes will be awarded. A 50-50 drawing will take place; tickets are $1. Those attending are asked to bring a dish to pass.

A Scrabble competition will be at 10:30 a.m. April 13. Prizes will be awarded.

Lunch will be available after the competition for $5.

An information program on GolderCare Solutions, a private, independent, advocacy group for seniors and people with

disabilities, will be at 10:30 a.m. April 16. GolderCare can help clients navigate through long-term care, medical systems, insurance, and government benefits.

“Aging in Place,” a slide show on Good Neighbor Care of Sterling, will be at 11 a.m. April 23. Beth Startk, Good Neighbor representative, will talk about its memory care community, due to open this spring.

Spellers 50 and older can compete in a senior spelling bee at 1 p.m. May 7.

The competition is part of the Illinois State Senior Spelling Bee, which has local and regional levels.

Finals will be Aug. 10 at Senior Citizen’s Day at the state fair in Springfield.

For more information on any activities, call the center at 815-622-9230.

IN BRIEF Clergy Association potluck planned The Community Clergy Association has announced its Holy Week schedule.

The public is welcome to attend a joint potluck with First Congregational Church of Rock Falls at 6 p.m.

Thursday at the Big Red Church, 311 Second Ave., followed by a Maundy Thursday service at 7.

The Community Good Friday Tenebrae service will be at noon Friday at First Christian Church, 3400 Sixth Ave., Sterling.

Easter message to highlight program STERLING – The SterlingRock Falls Community Clergy Association and Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sterling will present Easter Sing-spiration.

Soloists and ensembles from Rock Falls and Sterling churches will perform at 2 p.m. April 12 at the church, 1601 Avenue F.

An Easter message also will be shared. Dessert fellowship will follow the program.

For more information, call Steven Whitney, Messiah director of music, at 815625-2284.

Pastor will offer Communion service STERLING – Paul Judd, pastor, will celebrate the Eucharist Thursday at two Sterling churches.

Communion will be distributed every half hour from 6:30 to 8 a.m., noon to 1 p.m. and 4 to 7:30 at First United Methodist Church, 501 Broadway Ave.; and from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 205 E. 10th St. Both Methodists and nonmembers are welcome.

Bylaws focus of next meeting FRANKLIN GROVE – The General Federation of Women’s Clubs Franklin Grove Woman’s Club will meet at 7

p.m. April 6 at the Woman’s Club Community Building in Atlasta Park, 339 S. State St. Club members will vote on a bylaws amendment. The program will be a “Nifty ’50s” style show.

For more information, call Pat Thomas at 815-4410801.

Taco meal to benefit school ROCK FALLS – A taco dinner will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at St. Andrew School, 701 11th Ave. The menu includes tacos, dessert, and a beverage for $5.

Proceeds will benefit the school.

For more information, call 815-625-1456.

Birdseed benefit set for foundation APPLE RIVER – Orders with payment for Eagle Nature Foundation’s annual spring birdseed sale are due

by April 4, and must be post-

marked before Wednesday.

A variety of seeds are available on the order form including wild bird mix, black and striped sunflower, nyger thistle, safflower, cracked and ear corn, peanuts, and suet.

To request the form, contact the ENF office at 815594-2306 or 300 E. Hickory St., Apple River, IL 61001.

Seed pickup will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 11 at 8384 N. Broadway Road.

Proceeds will go toward the foundation’s operating expenses, which are used to protect bald eagle habitat, find out why the population is dwindling along the Mississippi River, and educate the public about eagles and endangered species.

Camp opens for family activities HANOVER – Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois will open Camp Far Horizons, 9702 S. Lost Horizon Road, to area families from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 18.

Hands-on activities offered include archery, a scavenger hunt, crafts, and lunch cooked over a campfire. The cost is $15 for high school seniors and younger and $5 for adults. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Go to girlscoutsni.org to register by April 8.

For more information, contact Stacie Simpson at ssimpson@girlscoutsni.org or 815-235-8777, ext. 7148.

GSNI includes Carroll, Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside counties.

Adults, children welcome at party STERLING – A Zumba with Glenda fitness party is planned for 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the Latin American Social Club, 2708 W. Lincolnway.

The cost is $5 for adults and $2.50 for children.

Those attending can watch or dance.

For more information, call Glenda Seradilla at 815-4410249.

IEPA disposal site hours announced OREGON – The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency site at the Rock River Water Reclamation District, 3333 Kishwaukee St., will accept household hazardous waste.

Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays.

Household items accepted include aerosols, oilbased paints, thinners, solvents, oil, antifreeze, old gasoline, mercury thermostats and thermometers, insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, cleaning chemicals, rechargeable batteries, corrosives, oxidizers, fluorescent bulbs, pool chemicals, and poisons.

Four tires per weekend also are accepted for recycling.

For more information, visit oglecounty.org or contact Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department at 815-732-4020 or IEPA at 217-785-8604.

Saturday, March 28, 2015

www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • C7

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

FARMERS NIGHT

Cora Lynn Kirchhoff

Stormie Willow Mae Brenda Morrow and Mike Beauchamp, both of Dixon.

Julie and Mike Kirchhoff Marshall Maternal great-grandpar-

of Dixon are the parents of a daughter born at 8:16 a.m.

March 16, 2015, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling.

Cora Lynn Kirchhoff weighed 7 pounds at birth and was 20 inches in length.

She is welcomed by Elias Kirchhoff, 6, and Cade Kirchhoff, 3.

Maternal grandparents are Ken Duncan of Sterling, Gary and Bonnie Jaeckle of Lewistown, and the late Donna Duncan.

Paternal grandparents are Kari Kirchhoff of Freeport and the late Michael Kirchhoff Sr. Maternal great-grandmother is Norma Jaeckle of Chester, Virginia.

Paternal great-grandmother is Shirley Crosier of Rockford.

Taylor Howard and Winston Marshall of Rock Falls are the parents of a daughter born at 11:16 a.m. March 15, 2015, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling.

Stormie Willow Mae Marshall weighed 6 pounds, 11 ounces at birth and was 20 inches in length.

She is welcomed by Lilly Charlotte Ann Marshall, 1.

Maternal grandparents are Tonya Sweely of Morrison and Meredith and Glenn “Bud” Howard of Lyndon.

Paternal grandparents are Trisha and Theron Dewitt of Milan and Damon Marshall of Rock Island.

Maternal great-grandparents are Carol Howard of Lyndon and Cindy and Jerry Marweg of Dixon.

Paternal great-grandparKeirdan Marie Buck ents are Pat Wheeler-MarKaryn Sommers-Buck shall of Rock Island and Pat and Trent Buck of Proph- and Roman Schmacht of etstown are the parents of a Page, Arizona. daughter born at 2:02 p.m.

March 15, 2015, at CGH Tanner Adam Graff Medical Center in Sterling.

Keirdan Marie Buck Katrina and Adam Graff of weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounc- Sterling are the parents of a es at birth and was 20.5 son born at 8:35 a.m. March 10, 2015, at KSB Hospital in inches in length.

She is welcomed by Kory, Dixon.

Tanner Adam Graff 21, and Kennedy, 9. weighed 7 pounds, 13 Maternal grandparents are Margaret Sommers of ounces at birth and was 20 Prophetstown and the late inches in length.

Maternal grandparents Richard Sommers. are Dale and Kelly Pageloff Paternal grandparents are Karen and Dan Buck of of Sterling.

Paternal grandparents are Prophetstown.

Terrance and Linda Graff of Walnut.

Dawson Allan Hess Maternal great-grandparents are Ronald and Martha Glenn Natalie M. Glenn and Ste- Kay Pageloff of Rock Falls. ven R. Hess of Dixon are Paternal great-grandparthe parents of a son born at ents are Harold and Joan 8:03 p.m. March 14, 2015, at Graff of Dover.

KSB Hospital in Dixon.

Dawson Allan Hess Glenn Claire Elizabeth weighed 5 pounds, 13 Kennedy ounces at birth and was 19 Amanda and Andrew Keninches in length. nedy of Morrison are the Maternal grandparents are Stephanie and Sean parents of a daughter born at 8:55 a.m. March 6, 2015, Glenn of Dixon.

Paternal grandparents at KSB Hospital in Dixon. are Amy and Lee Hess of Claire Elizabeth Kennedy weighed 7 pounds, 11 Dixon.

Maternal great-grandpar- ounces at birth and was 20 ents are Roger and Linda inches in length.

She is welcomed by Glenn of Amboy, Carlene and Bob Augustine of Bridgette Kennedy, 7.

Maternal grandparents Dixon, and Gary and Freida are Gary and Tracy Styles of Potter of Idaho.

Paternal great-grandpar- Morrison. ents are Richard and Pat Paternal grandmother is Sandra Potter of JacksonHess of Dixon. ville, Florida.

Maternal great-grandparNova Madison ents are Eugene and Linda Temiquel Dunn of Jacksonburg, West Mariza Trancoso and Virginia.

Mason Temiquel of Ster- Paternal great-grandparling are the parents of a ents are Don “Diamond” daughter born at 10:22 a.m. and Joyce Kaecker of Dixon.

March 11, 2015, at KSB Hospital in Dixon.

Jaselyn Marie Nova Madison Temiquel Beauchamp weighed 6 pounds, 5 ounces at birth and was 20.5 Hannah Garman and Dustin Beauchamp of inches in length.

Maternal grandparents Dixon are the parents of a are Julie Williams and daughter born at 12:35 p.m.

LaVander Williams, both of March 13, 2015, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling.

Sterling.

Jaselyn Marie BeauPaternal grandparents are Traci Dublo of Rock Falls champ weighed 7 pounds, and Mauricio Temiquel of 15 ounces at birth and was 21.5 inches in length.

Sterling.

Maternal great-grand- She is welcomed by Madiparents are John Trancoso son Beauchamp, 4. and Jesse Trancoso, both of Maternal grandparents are Rod Garman of Dixon Sterling.

Paternal great-grand- and Doug and Jody Hansen mother is Esther Temiquel of Princeton.

Paternal grandparents are of Rock Falls.

ents are John and Sandy Wagner of Princeton, Ron and Pat Jaquet of Chadwick, and Emerson Garman of Polo.

Paternal great-grandmother is Alice Herzog of Amboy.

Haleigh Elaine Huizenga Cathy Jacobs and Jon Huizenga of Morrison are the parents of a daughter born at 12:26 p.m. March 17, 2015, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling.

Haleigh Elaine Huizenga weighed 9 pounds, 10 ounces at birth and was 22 inches in length.

She is welcomed by Courtnee, 11, and Emma, 9.

Maternal grandparents are Jerry and Janice Jacobs of Chadwick.

Paternal grandparents are Sandy and Lester Huizenga of Morrison.

Paternal great-grandmother is Marian VanDerLeest of Morrison.

Landon Kent Robinson Rachael and Matt Robinson of Prophetstown are the parents of a son born at 10:58 a.m. March 17, 2015, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling.

Landon Kent Robinson weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces at birth and was 20.5 inches in length.

He is welcomed by Dylan Robinson, 3.

Maternal grandparents are Kelly and Gary Buck of Prophetstown.

Paternal grandparents are Darrell and Linda Robinson of Mount Morris and Marilyn Robinson of Summerfield, Florida.

Maternal great-grandparents are Terry and Elaine Peck of Prophetstown.

Paternal great-grandmothers are Jo Beth Walstrom of Arizona and Katherine Giblin of Mount Morris.

Isaac David Rosengren Jessica and Aaron Rosengren of Jacksonville are the parents of a son born at 3:45 p.m. March 12, 2015, at Passavant Hospital in Jacksonville.

Isaac David Rosengren weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces at birth and was 20 inches in length.

He is welcomed by Nolan, 2.

Maternal grandparents are Keith and Terry Jaloma of Atchison, Kansas.

Paternal grandparents are Joe and Pat Rosengren of Rock Falls.

Paternal great-grandparents are Don and Marlyn Rosengren of Rock Falls.

Information sought The birth announcements for Lilliana Marie Celestino and Zalaina Kay Lynn Delgado cannot be printed without additional information. If those who submitted them could call 800798-4085, ext. 5501, it would be appreciated.

More than 100 Rotarians, guests, farmers, agribusiness men and women, and service providers attended the 67th annual Rock Falls Rotary Farmers Night on March 16 at Deer Valley Golf Club in Deer Grove. Three members of the Rhythm- Quest Rocks!, (from left) Dayton Reuter, Greydan Katner, and Zack Lawyer, students at Rock Falls, Dixon, and Milledgeville High schools, provided entertainment arranged by Elizabeth Judd, Rock Falls High School music director. The program was started as a way for Rock Falls businesses to celebrate those in the rural community. The evening also included a dessert auction and a 50-50 raffle, with proceeds going toward high school student scholarships. Photo submitted.

Marketing workshop planned OREGON – “Marketing and Merchandising for Farmers Market Vendors” will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. April 16 at the Ogle County Extension office, 421 W. Pines Road.

Andy Larson, University of Illinois local food systems and small farms educator for Boone,

DeKalb, and Ogle counties, will present the program.

Topics include: Setup, signage, and staffing considerations to make a booth stand out.

Packaging, pricing and display to make products move.

Customer service tips

to gain returning customers.

Area farmers market vendors also will discuss marketing practices and pitfalls to avoid.

The cost is $5, payable in advance, online or at the door. To register, contact the extension office at edu/bdo or call 815-732-2191.

Vendors sought for annual market MORRISON – The annual Morrison Farmers Market, 204 E. Lincolnway, will open May 23.

Vendors are needed

from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturdays through Sept. 26, rain or shine.

An evening market is planned for July 29 in downtown Morrison.

For more information, including rules, regulations, and applications, go to morrisonfarmers market.com or call 815772-4749.

COLLEGE HONORS AIB College of Business

Illinois College are Kristin Boynton of Dixon, Jovanna Chavez of DES MOINES, Iowa Rochelle, Alexis Jutton – Tyler Huffman of Dixon of Walnut, and Hannah has been named to the Strike of Prophetstown. winter dean’s list at AIB College of Business.

Marquette Justin Wolber of Sterling was honored as a University presidential scholar for MILWAUKEE – Callie the winter term at the Sinn of Sterling, a nursing school. student at Marquette University, attended a MarIllinois College quette Action Program spring break service trip JACKSONVILLE – through Marquette’s Area students named Campus Ministry. to the fall dean’s list at

Sinn traveled with 11 students to Nashville, Tennessee, and did service work focusing on education.

Columbia College COLUMBIA, Mo. – Area students named to the fall dean’s list at Columbia College are Tabitha Moser of Byron, Angela Weese of Lanark, Theresa A. Walton of Mount Morris, and Amanda S. Jacinto of Oregon.

HONOR ROLL St. Andrew School, Rock Falls

High Honors Eighth grade: Kyle Ellefsen, Michael Frank, and Highest Honors Melissa Osuna.

Eighth grade: Mackenzie Seventh grade: Macaire Fowkes, Megan Marcum, Brown and Victoria Erickand Breann Rosengren. son.

Seventh grade: Mattea Sixth grade: Catherine Bianchi and Clare Sanders. Haenni, Evelin Macias, Sixth grade: Katherine Kevin Montino, Skylar Hopkins and Isabella Tran- Savage, and Andrew Velasquez. coso.

Honors Eighth grade: Brycen Bartel, Brianna Jackley, Jenna Johnson, Hannah McCarty, and Jacob Terveer.

Seventh grade: Jordan Johnson.

Sixth grade: Priscilla Jackley, Jacob Kolb, and Ryan McGinn.

SUPPORT GROUPS, CLUBS, AND SERVICES Today American Red Cross blood drive, 7-11 a.m., 112 W. Second St., Rock Falls. Appointment: 815625-0382.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 9 a.m., closed, Big Book, United Methodist Church, 201 E. Chicago Ave., Davis Junction.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 9 a.m., open, women’s; noon, open; 6 p.m., open, 90-92 S. Hennepin Ave., Dixon.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 9 a.m., open, tradition; 12:30 p.m., closed; 7 p.m., closed (5), Bazaar Americana, 609 W. Third St., Sterling.

Alcoholics Anonymous,9:30 a.m., 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.

Mercy Nursing Services free blood pressure clinic, 11 a.m.noon, Walmart, 1901 First Ave., Rock Falls.

Sauk Valley Alcoholics Anonymous Group, noon, open, Old School; 8 p.m., open, fun night, bring a friend, back door, 1503

First Ave., Rock Falls.

Affliction of Addiction Narcotics Anonymous, noon, 6 p.m., First Christian Church, 506 Fifth Ave., Rock Falls, 779-245-3487.

Downstairs, west door.

Mercy Nursing Services free blood pressure clinic, 1-2:30 p.m., Save-A-Lot, 928 First Ave., Rock Falls.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., closed, First Presbyterian Church, 1100 Calvin Road, Rochelle.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., closed, Village of Progress, 710 S. 13th St., Oregon.

Sunday Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 a.m., closed; 7 p.m., open, Rochelle Community Hospital, 900 N. Second St. Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 a.m., closed; 11 a.m., open; 1 p.m., closed, Spanish; 7 p.m., closed, Bazaar Americana, 609 W. Third St., Sterling.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 9 a.m., closed; noon, open; 6 p.m., closed, step, 90-92 S. Hennepin Ave., Dixon.

Alcoholics Anonymous,10 a.m., open, barn, Horizon View Farm,

2422 N. River Road, Oregon.

Sauk Valley Alcoholics Anonymous Group, 10 a.m., open, Big Book, back door, 1503 First Ave., Rock Falls.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 11 a.m., open; 7 p.m., closed, Bazaar Americana, 609 W. Third St., Sterling.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 6 p.m., closed, St. Anne Church, 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., closed, clearance required, BAAbble on for Life Prison Group, 815-973-6150.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., closed, 808 Freeport Road, Sterling.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7:30 p.m., closed, 304 Seventh Ave. W, Lyndon.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., closed (4), Mount Morris Senior Center, 9 E. Front St. Monday Childhood immunization clinic; women, infants and children

clinic; and family planning services, all by appointment only, Lee County Health Department, 309 S. Galena Ave., Suite 100, Dixon, 815-284-3371.

Abuse Changing team, 815625-0338.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 a.m., open, Methodist church, 402 First Ave., Forreston.

Dixon Rotary Club, noon, lower level, St. Luke Episcopal Church, 221 W. Third St., Dixon.

Alcoholics Anonymous,noon, closed (1), St. Paul Lutheran Church, 114 S. Fifth St., Oregon.

Alcoholics Anonymous, noon, closed, step; 6 p.m., open, 90-92 S. Hennepin Ave., Dixon.

Alcoholics Anonymous,, noon, closed, Big Book; 6 p.m., closed, Spanish; 7 p.m., open, Bazaar Americana, 609 W. Third St., Sterling.

Affliction of Addiction Narcotics Anonymous, noon, 6 p.m., First Christian Church, 506 Fifth Ave., Rock Falls, 779-2453487. Downstairs, west door.

Sauk Valley Alcoholics Anonymous Group, noon, open,

Sunshine meeting, back door, 1503 First Ave., Rock Falls.

Crochet-Knitting Club, 12:30 p.m., Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling.

American Red Cross blood drive, 12:30-5:30,p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 506 W. third St., Dixon. Appointments: 800733-2767.

TOPS, 4 p.m. weigh-in, 4:30 p.m. meeting; 5:30 p.m. weighin, 6 p.m. meeting, Hub City Senior Center, 401 Cherry Ave., Rochelle.

TOPS Chapter IL 634 meeting, 4:30 p.m., 205 S. Walnut St., Franklin Grove.

TOPS, 5 p.m. weigh-in, 5:30 p.m. meeting, Polo Church of the Brethren, 401 S. Congress Ave., Polo, 815-946-3638.

Celebrate Recovery, 6-8 p.m., 201 W. Market St., Morrison, 815-590-8929.

Celebrate Recovery, 6-8 p.m., Revive Community Church, 8 E. Front St., Mount Morris, 815-994-0428.

Rock Falls Rotary, 6 p.m., Beelendorf’s Deli, 204 W. 10th St., Rock Falls.

Rock Falls Boy Scout Troop 306, 6:30-8 p.m., fellowship hall, Harvest Time Bible Church, 1802 Dixon Ave., Rock Falls.

Byron Fire Protection District Trustees, 7 p.m., district headquarters, 123 N. Franklin St. Mount Carroll Monday Night Al-Anon-Alateen, 7 p.m., Church of God, 816 Clay St., Mount Carroll, 815-284-3444.

Sauk Valley Interfaith Peace Action Group, 7 p.m., Wesley United Methodist Church, 2200 16th Ave., Sterling, 815-6254657.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., closed, 808 Freeport Road, Sterling.

Alcoholics Anonymous,7 p.m., closed, step study, New Hope Fellowship Church, 113 state Route 64, Kings.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7:30 p.m., closed, 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, back door, 1503 First Ave., Rock Falls.

C8 • SV Weekend

www.saukvalley.com

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Owner to offer delivery COMPETITION

online for better deals.

Amazon’s expansion will likely only encourage such consumer behavior, known as showrooming, said Hawks, owner of a jewelry and gift boutique.

Hawks said she would respond to Amazon’s delivery offer by telling her customers, “If you need me to drop something off to you, I’ll be more than happy to.”

She added, “We need people to get out and support small, independently owned bricks and mortars. I don’t want to live in a world where I can’t go in a store and

CONTINUED FROM C1

Photo submitted by Genesis Nursery

Harvesting on a seed farm is a whole different process than on a grain farm, Genesis owner Kathy Lubbs says. “We use all the same equipment as other farmers; we just grow a different kind of crop. Because of the crop differences, some of our equipment is modified, especially our combine, which is extremely modified.”

Owners hope children will take over nursery PERENNIAL

CONTINUED FROM C1

“Compared to most farms, we’re kind of small, but we’re rowcropping everything we can,” she said. “We use all the same equipment as other farmers; we just grow a different kind of crop. Because of the crop differences, some of our equipment is modified, especially our combine, which is extremely modified.”

It’s a poetic crop: Leadplant and swamp milkweed, heath and New England asters, prairie brome, bristly cattail sedge and false sunflower are just a few of the hundreds of species Genesis grows.

“We’re working with almost 300 different species in the green house as plants, and almost 500 different species of seed,” Lubbs said. “Some of it is on the very rare end of the spectrum, and some of it is very plentiful.

“Some of the seeds are so big they come maybe 12 to 15 per pound, while others are so tiny they may have a million or more to the pound.”

It’s a farm vastly different from a typical grain farm, with its own set of challenges.

Even though the plants are installed in rows, many spread and grow differently than corn or beans would, making it difficult to weed without damaging the plants.

“By having all perennials, there are a whole different set of problems,” Lubbs explained. “Unlike corn, where you can go in the field and disc out your weeds, you can’t do that with perennials.

“We do a lot of handwicking, and we have custom mowing equipment. Besides all that,

we do a lot of hoeing, just like you would do in your grandmother’s garden weeding tomatoes,” Lubbs said with a smile.

In fact, a lot of manual labor is required, so Genesis employs 17 people during its peak season.

Some problems are similar to their grain-farming brethren, though.

For instance, corn is always subject to fungus in the field, she said, “and we have a plant called silphium that is in the same genus as corn. We actually have four different varieties of that, and it’s subject to the same fungus problems that have to be dealt with.”

Here’s a harvest problem unique to Genesis: Many of its seeds are similar to dandelions.

“In that sense, there’s a little bitty seed with a great big fluff to it,” Lubbs said. “We have to harvest those very wisely, because otherwise the wind will grab hold of the fluff, and if you don’t go out and get it, it’s all gone with the wind.”

And, in addition to standard flatland fields, Genesis has wetland crops.

It’s not like regular gardening – no one’s poking holes in the ground and dropping in seeds, a la Johnny Appleseed, or sprinkling them over turned earth like chicken feed.

All of the nursery’s hundreds of plant varieties start out as seeds in the greenhouses.

Then, sitting on a mechanized planter, workers drop 1-by-1-inch plant cells into holes in the ground, up to 120,000 plants a day.

“It’s quite high volume, but with the equipment, the men sit on the planter the whole time,” Lubbs said, “so it’s not like they’re out there bent

over in the field all day.

It’s a very humane job.”

Perhaps surprisingly, harvesting is almost a year-round job.

“We start picking in early May and finish in December,” Lubbs said.

“The heath aster was the last thing we harvested last year, and we were out combining it in the snow.

It doesn’t generally even start blooming until after we get a good frost.”

Alas, if you’re looking to plant your own patch of yard prairie, Genesis Nursery is not for you.

“We deal only with large-end wholesale distributors, and we do absolutely no retail business at all,” Lubbs said.

“Mainly, we sell to distributors, many of them in the Chicago area, as well as many end-use landowners like forest preserves and districts, and a few large-end landscape contractors.”

If you’re looking for ideas, though, its website is worth the visit, if only for the slide show of its melodic prairie plant offerings: pontederia cordata, pickerelweed; sagitarria latifolia, duck potato; saururus cernuus, lizard’s tail; justicia americana, water willow ...

Other kinds of helpful information is there as well. For instance, you can find a copy of Norman C. Deno’s “Seed Germination Theory and Practice,” in which the professor notes that “to plant a seed is a noble deed.”

It’s plain to see the Lubbses agree.

They hope that their children, Tony and Bobbie Jo, who work with them now, someday will take over the nursery.

“It would be nice to keep it in the family,” Lubbs said. “That’s what we’re working for now.”

Plan calls for unbridled intensity RAMSEY

CONTINUED FROM C1

You’re certainly not obligated to pay them for work or grades, but if you don’t do some of this – and teach them the proper ways to handle the money they earn – you’ll miss out on a lot a fantastic teachable moments.

– Dave

Making grown-up choices Dear Dave, My husband and I are on Baby Step 2 of your plan. We’ve got our starter emergency fund of $1,000 in the bank, and we’re busy paying off credit cards and unpaid taxes from previous years. He thinks it’s OK to take trips and save up for other fun things

while we’re doing this, but I disagree. I want to cut out all extra spending and pay off our debt as fast as possible. What’s your opinion?

– Laura Dear Laura, It’s OK to do those things in the general philosophy of life.

Unfortunately, that’s not what I teach when it comes to getting out of debt and gaining control of your finances.

The reason people are successful following my plan is because I teach common sense combined with an unbridled, scorched-earth kind of intensity.

Let’s take a closer look at this. You have unpaid taxes, not to mention credit card debt hanging over your heads, and he’s talking about going on

a trip and saving up for toys? I’m sorry, but that’s completely irresponsible.

Remember when we were kids, and Mommy and Daddy wouldn’t let us go outside and play until we had cleaned up our mess? That’s the kind of thing I teach.

There’s a process here. There’s an idea and a concept behind what I teach, and when you plug into it, you’re going to start moving in a positive direction. In short, behaviors have to change, Laura. The more dramatically they change, the better results you get and the faster you fix things. But if you don’t plug into it – if he doesn’t plug into it – you guys are going to keep getting the same results you’ve been getting, which basically stink.

– Dave

It’s expected to catch on in the Baltimore area the way it has in New York, the only place it’s available now, retail experts say. Amazon plans to continue adding Baltimore-area ZIP codes – and new categories of merchandise. It has similar plans for Miami.

Few things irk retail owner Beth Hawks more than those boutique shoppers who scrutinize and try on merchandise, then pull out their smartphones and search

touch something and walk through a neighborhood and get to know your community. … I have people who have come in for years now. Is Amazon going to know your kids or grandkids?”

Piper, whose store sells toys and clothing, including Orioles and Ravens gear, estimated that Amazon has cut into about 20 percent of her sales. This year, bad weather made things worse.

“I used to be able to make good money, but no more. We’ve struggled this year,” she said.

Astrograph Pump up your energy level and get moving Sunday, March 29, 2015 The time is right to reap the rewards for your hard work. Your popularity and prestige are heading into a high cycle, making it easier for you to move forward.

The professional relationships you have cultivated will help you reach the top this year.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Get in the mood and plan to have some fun. Do something with friends or the youngsters in your circle. Improvising instead of following strict rules will win you respect and popularity.

TAURUS (April 20May 20) -- Not everyone will agree with your plans. Let someone else make the decisions if you want to avoid criticism. Take care of unfinished tasks in order to avoid aggravating a delicate situation.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- You may feel stuck in a rut.

Arrange to do something new and exciting with your friends. A change of pace and scenery will be refreshing and rejuvenating.

CANCER

(June

21-

July 22) -- Take a realistic look at your cash flow. Decreasing your spending and increasing your revenue should be a priority. Positive changes will help you control and improve your finances.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- You will feel stressed if you don’t take a break. Listen to some music, go to a library or museum, or enjoy spending time with a comforting friend.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept.

22) -- An emotional dilemma will prey on your mind. If the situation is too overwhelming, ask someone you trust for advice. Sharing your experiences will help put your mind at ease.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Your genuinely helpful and compassionate nature will bring comfort to others. Reach out to people who need a helping hand.

Your gesture will raise your profile and popularity.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) -- Headstrong tactics or unreasonable demands will lead to stormy confrontations at home.

You should distance yourself from

a situation that has the potential to explode.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- You have a thirst for knowledge. Getting together with others who harbor interesting ideas or hail from different cultures will have an impact on a decision that you need to make.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- There are several options available that could increase your cash flow. Look into various possibilities and prepare to make some personal adjustments.

One of your skills will prove to be quite valuable.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Your overactive imagination will spur emotional distress. Stick to the facts and refuse to imagine the worst. The real situation will turn out to be far less disturbing than you anticipate.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Pump up your energy level and get moving. Once you complete your responsibilities, you will feel good and have plenty of time to enjoy your favorite hobby.

See Today’s Classified Section for Crossword Answers

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SV Weekend • C9

UNITED WAY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY The United Way of Whiteside County’s annual campaign celebration was March 11 at Bethel Church in Sterling. Rock Falls High School students and staff received the County Spirit Award.

They supported the program with their annual Zombie run and donating to the Sauk Valley Food bank from their Donut Eating Contest.

Jeff Detra, United Way Board president, stands with Jamie Leech, Mark Jacobs, and Mike Berentes, all of RFHS; and Jennifer Baratta, United Way campaign chairwoman. The food bank was started by the United Way in 2003. In 2014, the program handled about 5 tons of food, helping more than 60,000 people.

Photos submitted

The major firms division of the 2014 campaign giving was 5 percent higher than 2013. Frantz Manufacturing received recognition for the largest increase in the division. John Gvozdjak (center, left) and Robert Urbanski, represented Frantz.

Gvozdjak and his wife, LuAnn were co-chairmen for the United Way in 1998. The agriculture division also was recognized for a 239 percent increase over the previous year.

The city of Sterling was recognized for the largest increase in the government division. Scott Schumard, Sterling city manager, accepted the award. Not pictured is Marie Rombouts, Sterling city clerk, who received the Volunteer of the Year award.

Tri County showed the largest donation increase. Barb Walcott of Tri-County Opportunities County, accepted the award. United Way of Whiteside County represents 20 partner agencies, along with the “Let’s Feed Our Children” free summer lunch program and the Pharmacy Assistance Program.

The United Way of Whiteside County also celebrated its 70th anniversary.

Betty Huntley and Bill Griswold were honored. Griswold was the executive secretary of the Community Chest from 1956 until 1958, and Huntley served from 1959 until 1993. Both were recognized along with 18 past chairmen and chairwomen. At the end of the 2014 campaign, it was announced that during the 70 years, the program has raised about $30 million to help support programs for the partner agencies.

About 200 people attended the luncheon. Karen Chevalier and Ray Sharp, both of Wahl Clipper Corp., accepted the Presidents Award for each year of continuing to go over and above their giving.

The Community Chest for the Sterling and Rock Falls area was started in 1945 by the Sterling Chamber of Commerce. Cindy Conklin, Community State Bank employee, helps show the cake for the luncheon. Campaign highlights from the early years were shared by Russell Siefken, executive director (not pictured).

Travel www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • C10

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Tribune News Service photos

Food and beverage booths line a walkway at the Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival in Tampa Bay, Florida.

Festival for foodies Beyond cuisine, more than 50 brews and 50 wines featured

BY MARJIE LAMBERT Tribune News Service

B

acon macaroni and cheese or deconstructed duck confit? Coconut shrimp or goat cheese fingerling potato tart? Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is holding its first food and wine festival on weekends through the end of April, and in the spotlight is a good mix of the comfortable and the bold.

Busch Gardens chefs created 29 small-plate dishes just for this event.

They range from the familiar (shrimp and grits, smoked beef brisket) to dishes that push just beyond the comfort zone (venison chili, roasted pork belly with tomato onion jam) to the sweet (mango eclair, grilled cheesecake sandwich).

The festival also offers more than 50 brews, many of them Florida craft beers, and more than 50 wines. Many of the food items come with pairing recommendations.

“We’re always looking for new, unique experiences. … We look back on what our guests loved and build on that,” said Heather Harrison, entertainment show manager for Busch Gardens. “We see this being something that will reach out to many guests that we haven’t been able to reach before – different ages, different palates, people who enjoy wine rather than beer, people who are foodies.

“We’re pulling out all the stops.”

The new event replaces the Bands, Brew & BBQ festival with a more ambitious array of food and beverages. “We’ve got everything from grilled food, seafood, vegetarian to soul food,” Harrison said. “They

A grilled cheesecake sandwich – cheescake filling served between slices of pound cake and grilled – is one of the dishes at the festival.

Crowd favorites

If you go ...

Numbers weren’t available, but anecdotal evidence suggests the most popular items included: • Coconut shrimp cigars with mandarin orange salad • Pan-seared shrimp with roasted red pepper grits • Griddled cheesecake sandwich

When: Noon to 9 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays through April 26 Where: Busch Gardens, 10165 N. McKinley Dr., Tampa Cost: Included in park admission; one-day ticket $85. For Florida residents, a $95 Fun Card buys unlimited admission through Dec. 31 Information: www.

BuschGardens.com/ tampa, 888-800-5447

My favorites • Goat cheese fingerling potato tart with pistachio oil • Braised lamb with roasted corn and merlot jus lie • Pan-seared salmon cake • Mango eclair all have some kind of a Southern or Florida twist.”

Guests stood recently at small tables sampling a little of this, a little of that. “There isn’t anything we haven’t liked yet. The food’s been good, and there’s a good variety,” said Elizabeth Kara of Spring Hill, Florida. “It’s a little bit better than what I expected.”

“And there’s a good assortment of drinks,” added her husband, Christopher Kara.

Their favorite? “It’s a toss-up between the

coconut shrimp and the short ribs,” she said.

“The short ribs,” he said.

Recently, Norman van Aken, a Miami/Key West chef celebrated for his contributions to South Florida cuisine, gave cooking demonstrations, handed out samples of his sauteed shrimp and answered questions from a small audience.

In a shady courtyard where people sought refuge from the sun, a living statue – a woman dressed or painted in ivory from head to toe to resemble

statuary – stood still, and at times moved gracefully to music. Sometimes water sprayed from her fingertips as if they were sprinklers.

The festival is set up in the shadow of Gwazi, an old-fashioned wooden roller coaster that Busch Gardens shut down in February because it was no longer popular with guests. The park has not yet decided how it will replace the coaster, which is still standing.

South Florida chef Norman van Aken does cooking demonstrations and answers questions at the festival.

The area is lined with midway games, but for the Food & Wine Festival, some of the games were themed for the event. In the ring toss, for example, the targets were the necks of wine bottles.

On the large field next to Gwazi, a stage was set up. Young guests grabbed seats as soon as the doors opened at noon for a 6 p.m. concert by Fifth Harmony, a popular girl group, then lined the road and shrieked as the singers were driven away after their performance.

Concerts are scheduled every Saturday and Sunday through April 26, the last day of the festival.

The park’s regular attractions were open, and some festival-goers took their cups of beer or plates of dessert to watch cheetahs strolling through their habitat or

fat alligators sunning themselves by a nearby pond. In the background, roller-coaster riders screamed and whooped.

The Busch festival is not on the scale of Disney’s annual Epcot Wine & Food Festival held each fall. The Busch festival doesn’t have the galas, wine-tasting seminars and food workshops that the Epcot festival does. But on a recent Sunday it sounded as if it might develop its own loyal following. Of half a dozen guests interviewed, all said they have annual passes, come to Busch Gardens regularly, and would return for the festival.

The festival is included in regular park admission. Food and beverages cost extra. The small plates were mostly in the $4-$7 range.

Saturday, March 28, 2015

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SV Weekend • C11

RIBBON CUTTING

Phil Mattox Insurance, 208 E. Third St., Sterling, recently underwent building renovations. At the March 18 ribbon cutting were (in no particular order) Phil Mattox, Jon Mattox, and Julia Mattox; Christina Wolfe and Esther Brotheridge, Sauk Valley Bank representatives; Janna Groharing, Sterling Main Street director; and Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce ambassadors and board of directors members. Photo submitted by the chamber.

GROUNDBREAKING

Guests and staff break ground Feb. 13 on three new additions at Franklin Grove Living & Rehabilitation Center. At the ceremony are (from left), Libby Huffner, state Rep. Tom Demmer R-Dixon, spokeswoman; state Sen. Tim Bivins, R-Dixon; Franklin Grove Mayor David Atkinson; Dave G’fellers, general contractor; John Thompson, Lee County Enterprise Zone president and CEO; Jill Gee, center administrator; and Moe Herman, Momentum Health Care, owner. Photo by Rick Larson.

Carroll County 4-H’ers participated in the 4-H Public Presentations contest in Mount Carroll.

Members are (sitting, from left) Briana Wilkinson of Chadwick and Alyssa Miller of Lanark; (second row) Olivia Charles, Ty Bickelhaupt, Nicki Adolph, and Trevor Bickelhaupt, all of Mount Carroll; and (third row) Natalie Wilkinson of Chadwick; Emily Legel, 4-H ambassador of Thomson; and Austin Miller of Lanark. Not pictured is Neva Zach of Thomson. Photo submitted.

Several partake in competition Carroll County 4-H’ers participated in the recent county 4-H Public Speaking and Demonstration contests.

Austin Miller, 14, Clever Clovers 4-H Club, Lanark, won the senior division with “Preparing A Champion” illustrated speech.

The junior division winners were, oral interpretation, Briana Wilkinson, 10, Chadwick Achievers 4-H Club with, “Francis Scott Key and the Star Spangled Banner;” Neva Zach, 10, Thomson Sandburrs 4-H Club, state fair delegate, “Pish Posh

Hieronymus Miss Bosch;” formal speech, Olivia Charles, 11, Carroll County Kids 4-H Club, “Protecting Livestock With Donkeys;” food demonstrations, Natalie Wilkinson, 12, Chadwick Achievers, “Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef,” Nicki Adolph, 12, Carroll County Kids, “Impossible Beefy Cheeseburger Pie,” Alyssa Miller, 11, Clever Clovers, “Fast Break Burritos;” and team food demonstration, Trevor Bickelhaupt, 13, and Ty Bickelhaupt, 10, Carroll County Kids, “Pretty Awesome Pepperoni Pizza Party Palooza.”

EXTENSION BRIEFS Carroll County 4-H leaders to meet MOUNT CARROLL – All organizational, project, and junior 4-H leaders are welcome to a meeting at 6:30 p.m. April 6 in the meeting room at the Carroll Count Extension office, 807D S. Clay St..

Upcoming event and activities will be discussed, as well at the 4-H fair and National Volunteer Week, April 12-18.

For more information, contact Leanne Rahn at

the extension office at lrahn@illinois.edu or 815244-9444.

Club members give presentations CHADWICK – The Chadwick Achievers 4-H Club met March 3.

Talks and presentations were given by Natalie Wilkinson, photography and visual arts; Kalian Hutchison, visual arts; Nikki Ebersole and Eric Ebersole, beef; Briana Wilkinson, photography;

Jackson Scidmore, pigs; Rachel Scidmore, cooking; Sydney Scidmore, dairy; Abi Merema, collection; and Brock Dykema, poultry, visual arts, and goats.

Gardening tips topic of workshop OREGON – Candice Miller, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator, will present a workshop from 5:30 to 7 p.m. April 29 at the Ogle County Extension office,

421 W. Pines Road.

Garden growing in pallets, straw bale gardening, vertical gardening, and using self-watering containers will be discussed.

Participants also will have the option of participating in a hands-on portion where they can make their own 18-gallon, self-watering container to take home.

The cost is $5 for the program, and an additional $15 to make the container. Registration is

recommended by April 24.

Go to edu/bdo or call the extension office at 815-732-2191.

Penny carnival winners named OREGON – The annual Ogle County 4-H Federation 4-H Penny Carnival was March 7 at the Oregon Coliseum.

The event featured games designed by the 16-county 4-H clubs.

The 2015 theme was

“Shoot For the Stars in 4-H.” Cash prize awards went to By-Y-Badgers 4-H Club, Byron, Hollywood Battle of the Stars, and Circle M 4-H Club, Mount Morris, Shoot Beyond the Stars to the Moon, most entertaining; and Blackhawk Crossing, Mount Morris, Space Balls, and Summerhill Hill Huskies, Forreston, Angry 4-H’ers, most creative.

Proceeds will be divided among participating clubs.

IN BRIEF Magazine ranks Rockford hospital

The award recognizes a family with at least three generations, and at least 15 different family members, ROCKFORD – Becker’s Healthcare, a national indus- including in-laws, who have either been 4-H members, try magazine, has included leaders, or volunteers with at SwedishAmerican in the 2015 edition of its “150 Great least 100 cumulative years of 4-H membership or volPlaces to Work in Healthunteerism represented within care” list.

The list includes both health the family.

Selection is based on the care providers and other types of health care-specific total number of family members with 4-H connections, companies, such as: conthe total number of years of sulting firms, technology 4-H involvement, the diversity providers, and professional of experiences and recogorganizations.

It was developed through a nitions earned by the 4-H members, and the collective combination of nominations impact that family members and editorial research. The have made as advocates of organizations were chosen their county and state 4-H for benefits offerings, wellness programs, commitment programs.

Go to edu/content/familyto diversity and inclusion, spirit-award for an applicaprofessional development tion. opportunities, and environFor more information, conments that promote employtact the Illinois 4-H Foundaee satisfaction and work-life tion office at illinois4hfoun balance. dation@illinois.edu or call SwedishAmerican is a nonprofit health care system 217.333.9295. Nominations are due by May 1. based in Rockford.

Green bloodlines sought for award

Race proceeds helps program

SPRINGFIELD – Nominations for the 4-H Family Spirit Award, which will be presented Aug. 15 at the 4-H Family Event at the Illinois State Fair, 801 Sangamon Ave., are needed.

Susan G. Komen Quad Cities has announced it will support Quad-City-area breast health programs for women in the eight-county, bi-state service area with $236,019 in grants.

The money was raised through the annual Komen Race for the Cure and other fundraising efforts throughout the year.

A grant of $131,965 will go to The Voucher Programs: Mammograms and Breast Ultrasounds, administered

by Genesis Medical Center.

There are no age restrictions or income guidelines for an individual to use this program. It’s available to women residing in Cedar, Clinton, Muscatine, and Scott counties in Iowa; and Henry, Mercer, Rock Island, or Whiteside counties in Illinois. Patients obtain vouchers for services at one of 18 mammography facilities that participate with the Voucher Program.

The Komen Quad Cities annual Race for the Cure is June 13.

Go to komenquadcities. org/register-for-race-for-thecure to register.

Bauer, secretary; Connie Vegter, treasurer; and Susie Patten, publicity. Board members are Carol Brandon, Sue Linton, Betty Ellis, Kathy Merema, and Julie Greenwood.

Trail rides will be May 16-17, Franklin Creek State Park, 1893 Twist Road, Franklin Grove; June 27-28, Jubilee College State Park, 13921 U.S. Route 150, Brimfield; Sept. 19-20, Loud Thunder Forest Preserve, 19408 Loud Thunder Road, Illinois City; and Oct. 17-18, Hidden Valley Farm, Vegter Ride on Brick Road in Morrison. From Morrison, go west on U.S. Route 30 to Millard Road, turn north. Stay on Millard Road about 1 mile to Rick Road. Turn left onto Rick Road. Watch for signs.

All Fulton Saddle Club rides are open to the public. For more information about the club or the rides, contact Susie Patten at nyepatten@ hotmail.com or 815-7727593.

Fulton club names elected officers Millions raised for STERLING – The Fulton local organizations Saddle Club started its yearlong celebration of it’s 50th anniversary at the annual banquet Feb. 28, at the Sterling Family Moose Lodge.

New officers are Tom Patten, president; Larry Greenwood, vice president; Dawn

Bergner’s has raised more than $4.3 million for local ,nonprofit organizations and the American Heart Association through its semi-annual Community Days event.

Nonprofit groups signed

up to sell savings booklets in their neighborhoods and online from Jan. 5 through Feb. 28, for a $5 donation to support their group. The organization kept 100 percent of the $5 donation.

Bergner’s has a store in Sterling.

legislative trips to Washington, District of Columbia, and is a 2008 graduate of the National Pork Board Pork Leadership Academy.

Go to illinoiscbmp.org for more information on CBMP projects.

Grants available Erie pork producer for nonprofit groups elected secretary NAPERVILLE – The Delta BLOOMINGTON – The Illinois Council on Best Management Practices elected farmers representing ag organizations, as new officers March 6.

The newly-elected secretary is Todd Dail of the Illinois Pork Producers Association. The Erie farmer served as president of the Illinois Pork ProducTodd Dail ers Association during 2014, and has served three terms on the IPPA board, in which he has served 6 years as an at-large director. He also served as president-elect for 2 years, and has been the marketing committee and industry services committee chairman, and a delegate to the National Pork Forum.

He has been on several

Dental of Illinois Foundation, the charitable arm of Delta Dental of Illinois, is accepting applications for its annual Wisdom Tooth Award.

The $100,000 award recognizes one Illinois nonprofit organization that has made a significant impact on improving the oral health of Illinois children. Eligible organizations must have an established program that provides oral health education and/ or access to oral health resources and care.

Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. May 13. The winner will be announced this summer.

The grant money must be used within 2 years of receipt.

Go to deltadentalil.com/ ddilfoundtion/wisdomtooth-award for criteria, an online application, and more information.

Community

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SV Weekend • C12

SCENES FROM PETUNIA FEST’S BAR STOOL GOLF FUNDRAISER

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1: Winners of the “Best Dressed” award file into The Stables at the start of the event March 21 in Dixon.

2: Codey Druce of Coleta tries the hole at Alley Loop.

3: Matt Bass hangs outside Drifters before heading to the next stop.

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4: The “Fancy-Pants Putters” (from left) Joanie Smith, Barb Harney, Tina Koch and Kandie Manning show off their fancy pants.

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5: Jenni Morton putts at Zero’s Tap. 6: Kindra Leffelman works the ping pong paddle at Alley Loop.

7: A group at Tipsy’s shows off the team shirts.

8: The group “First Timers” poses for a picture at The Stables.

11: Several teams group together for a photo.

9: Unique team names are part of the fun with the 12: Team Ramrod memevent. bers (from left) Corbin Ketchum, Andrew Spear10: Members of a team ance, Alex Shomaker from The Last Stop show and Matt Bass seem to off their personalized be having fun. shirts.

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Saturday, March 28, 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

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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 Vanessa White, Director of Advocate Services (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.

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LASSIFIEDS dailyGAZETTE TELEGRAPH 815-625-3600

815-284-2222

MOBILE HOMES

ROCK FALLS Home for Sale in Rock Falls East Coloma Offers 3BR, open floor plan, needs a little love. $55,000 #08867618 Call Brian Corwell at RE/MAX Sauk Valley, 815-716-0772 or visit www.brian corwell.com

STERLING Sterling Home for Sale Incredible Value!

3BR, 2BA, NE Sterling. $1600 + Sq. Ft. fenced yard. Great 1 level living. #08864931 $105,000 Call Brian Corwell at RE/MAX Sauk Valley, 815716-0772 or visit briancorwell.com

WALNUT Walnut Home for Sale Lg. 4BR, 2 BA near downtown, lots of old world charm.

Bring your imagination #08858163 $40,900 Call Brian Corwell at RE/MAX Sauk Valley, 815-716-0772 or visit www.brian corwell.com

INVESTMENT PROPERTY

CLASSIFIEDS C SAUK VALLEY

MOBILE HOMES 230

209

220

INVESTOR WANTED 3 Rentals/$178K Monthly Income $2,045 815-626-8790

230

Mobile Homes for Sale Dixon, Mt. Morris, Lyndon, Freeport, Davis Junction

Need Help With Financing?

We May Be Able To Help Hauck Homes 815-284-2000 Advertise your mobile homes for sale here!!

DIXON 3BR 2 full baths, refrig., stove, dishwasher, w/d, new furnace & a/c this yr., deck & handicapped ramp, storage shed, $24,000 815-973-5601

APARTMENTSFURNISHED 305 APARTMENTS UNFURNISHED 306 Attractive 1 & 2 apts. with BR. some utilities. Sterling & Rock Falls.

No pets, no parRefs. req. ties.

815-336-2305.

HAVING TROUBLE wording your ad?

Call our Classified Department today.

We'll be glad to help you.

626-SOLD or 284-SOLD

ASHTON

MILLEDGEVILLE

STERLING

STERLING

MILLEDGEVILLE

★★ 1&2 BR., Ashton/ F.G. 815-7512712/562-5075.★

1BR, w/ applcs. $400/mo. svla.org.

815-718-5488

Sterling Rentals

Newly remodeled studio apts.

Utilities included.

Starting at $450.

815-441-5106

3BR full basement, detached garage, all applcs. provided, no smoking or pets. $525/mo. + sec. dep. Refs., and background check required.

815-973-7076.

DIXON

ROCK FALLS

WELCOME HOME TO

DIXON RIVER APARTMENTS 2 BR, 1 BA Starting at $530

INCLUDES: • Appliances •Large Closets • Carpet & Window Treatments * Garages Available * ** On Site Laundry Favilities **

815-284-6782

1 BR $375 Hampton Apts.

815-625-7043

STERLING

RIVER RIDGE APARTMENTS

2 Bedroom Great Location Garages Available

$

1BR, $300/mo. plus dep. No pets. Call Vickie 815-973-4444

495

PER MONTH

1st Month’s Rent

2BR, $425/mo. + dep. & lease, No Pets, Call Vickie at 815-973-4444 Broker Owned 2BR, 1 car garage.

All applcs. $615/ mo. 815-540-3190 Nice 1BR upper, stove, refrigerator., garbage p/u furn.

No pets, ref., lease, $325/mo. + $350 dep. 815-652-2042 Nice 2BR garage & fireplace, garbage & water inc. $575 + dep. 815-973-5886 Nice 2BR, stove refrig. stacked w/d garbage p/u furn.

No Pets.

Ref., Lease, $450/mo. + dep. 815-652-2042

HARMON 2 BR 1 BA apt. for rent: 952 Harmon Rd. Harmon, IL. $475/mo. Country setting. Walk-in closets. Car port parking available.

815-562-7368

FREE *with 1 year lease

3 Months

FREE

Garage Rental*

*Only Valid while garages last. New applicants only.

Next to

Newer 2 Bedroom $599.00 & Up Applcs., Fireplaces 2002 3rd Ave. 1836 First Ave. 606 W. Lefevre 2 BR $535.00 1 BR $465.00 1 Studio $390.00 Partial Heat, Water, Sewer, Refuse Removal, Laundry Facilities, Satellite

(815)626-1431 1 BR Apts. No pets. No Exceptions! Call 815716-0367.

All new kitchen in this 2bed Duplex in Sterling, basement, w/d hook up, This is a MUST see! $595/mo.

815-622-2725 SNLRentals.com

Sinnissippi Townhomes First Mo. Free!

Spacious 2 BR. 2 story townhomes.

Central air, good location. Laundry hookup. (815)6261130.

HOMES FOR RENT

310

FOR RENT HOUSES & APTS. svla.org

DIXON 3BR, 1BA, C/A, Washer, dryer, 1 Car garage. Northside. $680/mo. + dep. 815-440-1954 On the River, 1BR beautiful river front, $550mo 815-262-8563

PROPHETSTOWN Small 2 – 3BR. No pets.

Call 815-632-9036

ROCK FALLS 2 bed house Rock Falls $555/mo.

815-622-2725 SNLRentals.com

NEW TODAY 2 BR Home w/ garage, $525/mo. + dep. 815-994Call be0193. tween 1 and 4 pm.

Available 4/1/15.

2BR, fenced yard, garage, newly remodeled. Dep. & refs. req. $600/mo.

815-632-7111.

ALDI in Sterling

1-815-414-2288

Visit Sauk Valley Classifieds at saukvalley.com

NORTHLAND PARK APARTMENTS

TR IV I A AN SW ER

Studio, 1 & 2 Bedroom Washer & Dryer Units Fitness Center Balconies / Patios Open House Daily Garages Available Pet Friendly

1st Month FREE! Call Me 2-Rent 815)632-7368 (Located Behind Northland Mall)

1) 1998 2) Joseph Stalin suffered from syndactyly, where multiple digits are fused together.

In layman’s terms, the toes (or fingers) are webbed.

Before you make a move call…

SHIPPERTS Moving & Storage

404 N. Lincoln Ave., Dixon, IL 288-3133 www.alliedvan.com ILL CC 10540

US DOT 76235

LOOKING

FOR THE PERFECT HOME? Read Sauk Valley Classifieds real estate section & Real Estate Weekly on Thursdays.

SAUK VALLEY MEDIA • Saturday, March 28, 2015 • PAGE D2

SAUK VALLEY

Air Cond./Heating

Cleaning Service

Genl. Contracting

Painting

Storage

FARLEY'S APPLIANCE Heating & Cooling Sale & Service Free Estimates New & Replacement Units We service all brands!

Call Today (815)284-2052

Advanced Cleaners

BRADY CONSTRUCTION (815) 499-1871 Additions, Garages Remodeling, Kitchens, Baths, Siding, Handicap Ramps.

WE DO IT ALL! 35 year experience FREE Estimates :And We Will Call You Back:

BALAYTI PAINTING

✰CORNER✰ STORAGE

RON WIGHT HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING •Residential Specialists •30 Years Experience •FREE estimates •Special $45 Check-Up on Furnace or A/C •No Diagnostic fee Call Today!

815-734-6282 815-440-9585

Maid/Janitorial Carpet/Upholstery We Specialize in Residential Maid Service as well as Commercial

Janitorial Service Call and pre-schedule your springtime carpet cleaning before April and receive 10 % off

Asphalt Has the salt and ice-melt destroyed your asphalt driveway, road or parking lot?

815-632-3822

In operation for almost 50 years, Porter Brothers has developed a step-by-step process that ensures our sealcoating and asphalt application is done right the first time, and meets the standards and expections of our customers.

CONCRETE • Driveways • Sidewalks • Patios

• Driveways • Parking Lots • Roadways • Over Lays • Sidewalks and Bike Paths • Railroad Crossings and Related Rail Work Sites

Call Today for a FREE Estimate

(800) 205PAVING PorterBrothers.net **FRANKLIN** MAINTENANCE Pothole Repair Hot Pour Crack Filling Seal Coating Line Striping Bonded-Insured 815-284-6806 T & M PAVING

*Asphalt paving & Patch work * Seal Coating *Skid loader/ Dump Truck Work (Concrete Removal, Dirt and Gravel Hauling) Call for free, no obligation estimates 815-499-7195.

Locally owned And Operated.

Over 25 Years Asphalt Exp. Fully Insured

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

Brick & Masonry MASONRY PROS •Brick-Block-Stone •Chimneys repaired or rebuilt •New Masonry or restoration & tuck-pointing Get masonry repairs done from winter damage.

Free Estimates 25 yrs. experience Insured & Bonded.

815-564-8754

Need to place an ad?

Call us 625-3600 284-2222

www.advanced cleaners.biz

Concrete Contractors

CONSTRUCTION •Garages •Additions •Remodeling •Decks • Homes 37 yrs. Experience 815-626-9026 Concrete Construction by Hawley's Services Driveways, Patios Sidewalks & Stoops/Steps New Construction or Restoration/ Repair.

No job too small!

Fully Insured 815-876-0871 THINK SPRING!!

Concrete Workz Construction • Sidewalks • Driveways • Patios • Floors • Steps • Stoops • Garage Walls/ Additions/ • Retaining Walls • Block • Brick • Stonework All types of concrete work!

Free Estimates Insured 815-441-6126

Construction

HANDYMAN/ GENERAL Contracting, siding, drywall, concrete work, decks, flooring (tile, linoleum, carpet, wood), bathroom and kitchen, complete remodels, additions all types of home repairs. Free Estimates and Insured-Bonded 815-564-7428

Dianna's Doggie Depot 527 Depot Ave. Dixon IL.

“Grooming Service for Small to Medium Dogs” New customers welcome at affordable prices.

For an Appointment call 815-716-3621

Dumpster Rental

Dumpster Rental for Clean-ups & Construction Small & Large containers avail.

Tidy Bug Inc. Dixon, IL tidybuginc.com 815-456-3001

815-973-3613

Lewis Plumbing 815-288-0028 Serving All of the Sauk Valley Area Lic.#058-173956

Remodeling

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

Stump Removal CLARK'S

PAUL’S HANDYMAN SERVICE “Anything Your Husband Won’t Do!” •Experience On All Manner of Home Repairs & Maintenance since 1986 (815)625-2607 (815)631-4122

• Stump Grinding • Small Trees • Clean Up • Bush Removal 815-718-2663 or 815-590-0423

Tree Service

www.mullerslane farm. com

Haul/Clean Service A-1 HAULING Small or Large Truck Rentals Estate Clean-ups Garage & Building Demolition Roofing Construction Seamless Gutters Skid Loader & Back Hoe Work Materials Hauled 815-626-1956 Attn: Landlords & Home Owners •General Clean up/ •Maintenance •Skid Loader/ •Dump Trailer work Will haul anything!

Free Estimates 815-440-5452 JC SERVICES 815-631-1957 Spring Clean-Up Hauling, Mowing, & MUCH MORE! No Job Too Big or Too Small!

Deck Builders

Now Open

GREAT RATES

www.allsafe center.com

LawnCare Service •Pot Holes •Leaf clean up & removal •House cleanup •Small hauling •Gutters •Pressure washing •Mulch •Storm Clean-up •Free Estimates• 815-590-6336

Home Improvement

Dog Grooming

Dixon near Walmart Sterling near Menards Various Sizes

Plumbing

Handyman

JOHN'S CLEANUP & REMOVAL Anything goes!!

Estate Cleanups PHONE 815-622-0240

We specialize in exterior decks & privacy fences “You’ll always be a winner if we cut the deck” 815-288-4089 www.cosscustom woodworking.com

Interior & Exterior Light Carpentry Pressure Washing 35 Years Experience Insured - References Cell #815-440-2202

✶Since 1981✶ ◆Home Improvement ◆New Construction

SPRING is the perfect time to build your garage, addition or remodel Re-roof / Reside your home!

Glass & Repair •New Construction and Replacement Windows •Blow in Insulation •Drywall •Remodeling •Commercial & Residential •Steel Doors •All Glass & Screen Repair Licensed Insured 815-625-6142

Roofing Guaranteed Best Buy!

Superior Exteriors •Roofing •Siding •Windows and •Gutters 815-631-2033 Free Estimates

A&M TREE SERVICE BEAT MOST BIDS!

Free Estimates 25 yrs. Experience Fully Licensed/ Insured.

Whiteside Area 815-590-1677 ✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤

BRAD'S TREE SERVICE A division of Timber Industries, LLC. Tree & Limb Removal Stump Removal Storm Clean-up Mulch & Firewood •Free Estimates •Fully Insured 815-857-3674 Cole's Complete Tree Service Tree Trimming Stump Removal Licensed and Insured *Free Estimates* 25HR Emergency Service Call 815-718-2997 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

Roofing/Siding

MEISTER TREE CARE Specializing in all of your tree care needs.

Certified for line clearance.

Storm clean up & specialty work.

Free Estimates No job too big or too small!

Licensed, Bonded Insured Safety and your satisfaction is my #1 goal!

815-994-1750

Randy L. Moore

815-626-1333

IL State Roofing Licensed 104-002247(1986) Bonded-Insured

Lawn Care Coy's Lawn Care Complete Property Maintenance Spring Clean-Up's Mowing, Planting and more!

Fully Insured!!

Free Estimates 815-213-0902 LAWN CARE Residential & Commercial Mowing-Trimming Clean up, General Maintenance 20 Yrs. Experience Sterling/RF Areas Call for Estimate ★815-631-3418★ Robert & Sons Lawn Care Specializing in: •lawn care •landscaping •HANDYMAN •odd jobs Leroy Petersen 815-622-8565 free estimates! find us on facebook robertandsons lawncare

“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

Specializing in: •Seamless Gutters •Siding •Roofing •Doors/Windows General Contracting & Construction 815-213-0704 Free Estimates •Licensed •Bonded •Insured

Windows

TV Repair

TELEVISION IN HOME REPAIR 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE! Work on all Brands & Models Old or New SERVING THE SAUK VALLEY Call Ron for a free quote at 815-561-0011 Dixon, IL

Water Softeners The Softener Man Repair on all makes & models Service Call Special $19.95 Over 30 years experience 815-323-1622

“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

Illinois License #104.016127 Bonded/Insured •Roofing •Siding • Windows •Doors •Additions• Garages •Drywall• Decks and more Free Estimates 815-213-0556

C Print All E Your L Special Events E Here!

B R A T I CALL O N S TODAY • Births

• Graduates • Reunions

• And More

625-3600 or

284-2222

Draw

readers to your ad with Borders or Reverse Type!

Get your ad noticed!

CALL

QUALITY CARS FROM QUALITY PEOPLE 11-12 CHEVY TRAVERSES 3 TO CHOOSE!

All with Factory Warranty & Low Miles

FROM

278/MO.**

$

12 MAZDA 3 I TOURING

27,000 Miles Moonroof, 1-Owner

278/MO.**

$

13 FORD ESCAPE

9 TO CHOOSE!

Loaded, Factory Warranty

FROM

278/MO.**

$

13 CHEVY MALIBU 3 TO CHOOSE!

Low Miles

219/MO.**

$

• 06 CHRYSLER PACIFICA

$8,999*

• 07 CHEVY IMPALA LTZ

JUST IN!

• 04 CADILLAC DEVILLE

$7,999*

• 06 PONTIAC TORRENT

$8,999*

• 96 DODGE DAKOTA

$AVE!

• 03 CHEVY IMPALA LS

$6,999*

• FORD ESCAPE XLT V6

$7,999*

• 00 BUICK LESABRE

$6,999*

• 04 FORD F-150 EXT CAB

$9,999*

625-3600 OR 284-2222

To place your AD TODAY! CLASSIFIEDS SAUK VALLEY dailyGAZETTE

TELEGRAPH

WWW.MAJESKIMOTORSINC.COM

815-625-9600

Mon.-Thur.

Mon -Thur 9-7 • Fri Fri. 9-6 • Sat Sat. 8:30am-4pm *Plus tax, title, license & doc fee.

Photos for illustration only.

VISIT SAUKVALLEY.COM

SERVICE DIRECTORY

A1

SAUK VALLEY MEDIA • Saturday, March 28, 2015 • PAGE D3

SAUK VALLEY

CLASSIFIEDS B O J D R A O B

Kreider Services, Inc. is looking for a FULL-TIME RN to provide training to staff and to monitor the healthcare needs of clients in some of our group homes. Kreider Services provides low cost health insurance; offers a retirement program, paid vacation, holidays and sick days. State of Illinois RN license for at least 2 years preferred and current Illinois Driver’s license.

Kreider Services, Inc. would welcome you to our team of nursing professionals.

To obtain an application, please contact: Jodi Murdock Kreider Services, Inc. 500 Anchor Road Dixon, IL 61021 815-288-6691 Kreider Services is an EEO, Drug Free workplace

Do you want to make a difference in someone’s life?

Do you want to work for a company that puts people first?

Heritage Woods of Sterling is accepting applications for a Nursing Director to join our management team. The ideal candidate will be an RN with a strong passion for working with people and the ability to manage the facility’s clinical operations, including staff supervision, assessments, care plans and oversight of medication assistance program. Three years management experience preferred. Background in long term care or home health preferred.

Solid computer, organization and communication skills desired.

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits program. EOE

Please send your resume and salary requirement in confidence to: administrator@hw-sterling-slf.com

Department

Shift

Maintenance

Seasonal Yard Work

Seasonal PT

Med/ Surg

C.N.A.

Days plus ev 3rd weekend PT

Med/ Surg

C.N.A.

Nights plus ev 3rd weedend PT

Med/Surg

C.N.A.

Every 3rd weekend only PT

RN/House Supervisor Nights 7p-7a plus ev 3rd wknd FT

RMG

Clinic RN

Full Time Days FT

RCH is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to outstanding customer service and all employees must adhere to our Service Excellence/Standards of Behavior

IMMEDIATE OPENING Full-Time Seasonal Help Wanted CDL Class B Minimum Paid Overtime Local Delivery Apply in person or call: Crop Production Services 1793 Steward Road Steward, IL 60553 815-396-2248

PRN(As Needed for Coverage) OPENINGS Department

Position

Shift

Emergency Dept.

Diabetic Svcs.

RN/ ED Dietician PRN

PRN PRN

Lab Med/Surg

PRN

Med/Surg

MLT/MT C.N.A RN/Med/Surg

Outpatient Svcs Pharmacy

RN for Infusion and Stress Lab Pharmacy Tech & Pharmacist

PRN PRN

Surgery Urgent Care

Surgical Tech RN or LPN

PRN Days

PRN Wkday eves plus wkends

Email resumes to lcirone@rcha.net or apply online at www.rochellehospital.com

TIRED OF WORKING IN A NURSING HOME? It’s time to join our team of qualified individuals providing residential support to individuals with developmental disabilities! We are hiring full time and part time caregivers on 1st, 2nd and 3rd shifts, in addition to a part time RN/LPN. CNA experience is not required.

Benefits Include: Health insurance, 401K, flexible benefits plan, paid holidays, paid training and more!

Apply in person at Oakwood CILA 608 Dillon Ave. Sterling, IL 61081

600 sq. feet Office N. Galena Ave., Dixon Available Now. 815-652-7470 Secured 3 acre w/ high bays and office, 3818 River Rd., Sterling.

815-626-8790 Store front for office or other business, downtown Sterling. $575/mo.

773-319-0059.

MOBILE HOMES FOR RENT

White

315

ASHTON

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

as

Call We have advertising TELEGRAPH solutions to DailyGazette fit your needs! 284-2222 625-3600

755

All Mattress Sets New in plastic.

Twin $99, Full $129, qu. $159, King $259. W/ Warr. Can deliver.

815-703-3688 Mattress sets: $99, Full Twin $129, Queen $159, King $199. Will deliver! Kern Mattress Outlet, call 309452-7477.

Thomasville 2 drawer cherry tv cabinet, $40 815626-0991

PETS & PET SUPPLIES 775 2 male kittens, 8wks old. Free to good homes only.

Call 779-245-8070 4 - 6 wk. old Kittens to give away to a good home.

Call 815-590-7686 Free cats to good homes, all colors.

Call 815-548-9433.

Registered EnSpringer glish Spaniel Puppies for sale.

Lanark, IL. Great family & bird dogs. $550 female. $450 male.

815-493-6080 Wanted: Tea Cup size Chihuahua, adult, short hair, reasonably priced or free 815-5649022 after 2:00.

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!

LAWN & GARDEN

781

FREE Horse Manure for your garden. 815-772-3393

EXERCISE EQUIPMENT

785

AREA GARAGE SALES 624

Bowflex w/ leg atgood tachment, cond. $200/obo 779-245-1145

POLO GARAGE SALES 624

TICKETS / TRAVEL 787 & EVENTS

Fri. March 27th, 7:30-5:30 Sat., March 28 th, 7:30-3 13829 W. Brick Church Rd. HUGE MOVING SALE Everything must go! Home items & farm items for sale.

Chicago Cubs Tickets. All games reasonably priced.

815-978-2589 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.

STERLING GARAGE SALES 624

Sat. & Sunday 9-5, 318 1st Ave. Huge Indoor Rummage Sale Household items, antiques, linens, furniture, fabric and lots of misc.

ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES 705 I Buy: Antiques, collectibles, toys, post cards, etc.

815-445-6151.

GUNS & ARCHERY

Black &

311

HUGE ESTATE/ MOVING SALE of Ole & Sheryl Pace FRI. & SAT. 10am-6pm 3309 16th Ave. Sale by: Sauk Valley Estate Sales & Services 815-590-7021 100 pics & info. on estatesales.net

For more info visit www.ddhomes.net Or call toll free 815-225-5097

Sometimes it really is as simple

COMMERCIAL RENTAL

LOANS

Position PT and FT Openings

House Sup

2BR 1BA 1 car garage, lg. fenced yard.

No Pets. $550/mo. + dep.

815-622-6991 RTO 2BR $49,900 $5,000 down.4413515.Agent owned.

2BR, clean, no pets. $395/mo.

847-809-6828.

PART-TIME AND FULL-TIME OPENINGS

NURSING DIRECTOR

FURNITURE

STERLING

706

Ruger SR 1911 45cal. $650 CZ-75 9MM $685 Remington 1100 12 GA $585, all OBO, FOID, 815973-2781

APPLIANCES

710

CLOVER HILLS

RENT TO OWN TV’S APPLIANCES

815.625.8529 Garage Refrigerator, white, $45 815-441-0737 Maytag 7 cycle elec. dryer & Kenmore HE washer $400 lv. message 815-973-5077 Whirlpool 30” gas Stove/Oven, exc. cond., $100 815626-0991 Whirlpool Refrigerator, Top Freezer, 14.4 cu. ft., exc. cond. $100 815626-0991

WANT TO BUY 795 I Pay Cash 4 Gold Silver, Coins & Antiques 24/7 815-564-9061

MISCELLANEOUS 796 FOR SALE ¼ & ½ inch flat & round reed avail., along with misc. handles. $30 815-499-0540 -Oak Veneer Entertainment Center. 55” W x 62H x 17”D TV opening 28” W x 25” H. $35 -2 Cushion Love seat. Cream w/ blue hues; 57” L x 34” D. $50

-Kids Center Stage Deluxe Drum Set

w/ bass pedal. and Drumsticks tuning key. $25 815-440-4440 10 “Farmhouse” mail box covers, assorted seasons & holidays. $40.

815-772-4997 1:24 scale, Nascar Diecast: Action, Team Caliber, Motorsports Authentics, Lionel,RCCA Elite, Numerous Drivers. Info: 815994-2101

2 upright fryers, 3 keg 2 door 2 tapper cooler, like new, stainless steel table, pizza dough 815roller, Call 973-4058 24” white bathroom vanity w/ sink & faucet. $30 815440-3643 35 assorted authors.$ 25 cents 815-973-6223

A1

SAUK VALLEY MEDIA • Saturday, March 28, 2015 • PAGE D4

saukvalley.com

EMPLOYMENT

Contact us to place an ad call 815-626-7653 815-284-7653

Search for local job listings at saukvalley.com/jobs/ BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 501 NOTICEPURto the SUANT 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.

HEALTH / MEDICAL

504

505

CNC Machinist must have experience programming & operating CNC machining centers, competitive pay & benefits. Apply in person at United Craftsmen LTD. 1500 W. 4th St. Sterling, IL

Customer Service Reps- 3rd Shift Join the team at your neighborhood store.

1000 E. River Rd., Dixon, IL Apply online at

www.stop-n-go.com

NEW TODAY Gaffey Health Service Inc. is hiring CNA's for the Dixon area M-F day shift, starting now through May. Please call 815-625-5575 to inquire or fill out an application at 3408 East 23rd Street in Sterling.

Wanted F.T. & P.T. C.N.A.'s For 2nd & 3rd Shift Please Apply at: Heritage Square 620 N. Ottawa Ave. Dixon, EOE No Phone Calls Please.

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

or at the store.

Competitive starting pay; shift bonus; extensive benefit package; Vacation; 401k and more!

Equal opportunity employer Experienced Custom Applicators Full Time positions available. Paid Benefits. Apply: Crop Production Services 1793 Steward Rd. Steward, IL 60553 815-396-2248

505

ALTERATIONS A unique great opportunity in the Dixon and Sterling area for an alterations, seamstress, and tailoring person. Call Roger in confidence for more information at 815-238-7172 Anderson Plumbing & Heating in Rochelle is looking for an experienced HVAC Tech Full Time, 1st shift position with benefits.

Some experience fixing or installing Furnaces and Air conditioners is a must.

Please e-mail your Resume to aphc621@ yahoo.com Or Call us at 815.562.8784 Carpet Cleaning Technician Wanted Must have HS diploma, 2yrs work experience, exceptional customer service skills & a valid IL driver's license. Apply in person at Supreme Cleaners, Inc., 2015 N. Brinton Ave., Dixon M-F from 9-4pm. Training will be provided to qualified applicants. Pre-emdrug ployment testing & criminal background check are required.

Help Wanted All positions.

No Phone Calls!

Apply within Sloppy Gene's 111 E 3rd St. Sterling IL.

Grow with us as a Kellogg Retail Sales Representative (Sterling, IL) for the Kellogg Company! In the role you will grow base sales of our Snacks business through maximizing distribution, share of shelf, and selling incremental displays at grocery and retail locations. Apply online at: www.Kellogg Careers.com by applying to job code SAL003797 and contact Stephanie.Hansenoldenberg@ kellogg.com for ad-

ditional questions.

Local chemical and fertilizer company has openings for seasonal truck drivers.

Applicants must have a current medical card and a minimum of Class B CDL. Interested candidates can call 815-537-2630 or inquire at: 5502 Lyndon Road, Prophetstown, IL 61277.

Local Flatbed Company Regional driver, paid vacations.

Must have at least 2 yrs. exp. .40 CPM. 815-622-3000 Morrison High School CUSD #6 is accepting applications for a High School Office Manager.

Please apply online at www. applitrack.com/ whitesideroe/ onlineapp

EMPLOYMENT

505

Local Grain and Livestock farm has Production Assistant position open.

Send resume to: Box #:1273, c/o Sauk Valley Classifieds, P.O. Box 498, Sterling, IL 61081 Looking to Hire 2 charismatic people persons with sales experience. Must be at least 18 with valid driver's and willing to travel. Unlimited income potential. Serious inquires only.

To apply call Cole 815-213-3456 Now hiring for Servers and Kitchen help.

Apply in person at Maria's Pizza, 110 E. Main St., Amboy

Professional Administrative Industrial DIXON/STERLING 815-835-3000 To apply or review our current openings, please visit our website at hughes resources.com S & S Cartage located in Loves Park, IL, serving the industry since 1961, is recruiting new owner/operators with semi dumps to cover the truck shortage in the local construction industry. The 5 year market outlook is strong. If you already have a tractor or have $20K to invest in a truck tractor with or without a dump trailer, and don't know where to get started; Contact Gary at 815-2989411 for more information.

ServiceMaster has openimmediate ings in Dixon, Sterling & Amboy area.

Multiple day and night part time positions. 15-20/hrs. per week. Apply in person at 205 6th Ave., Sterling.

EMPLOYMENT

505

Technician: Full-Time. Growing agricultural & truck repair shop is looking for a tech to join our team.

Qualified applicant must be able to work in a fast-paced environment, have good organizational skills and at least 5 years previous experience.

Applicant must have a valid driver's license and a CDL. Applicant must have knowledge of the new computer systems.

Applicant must have their own tools.

Benefits include company uniforms with laundry service, health reimbursement and profit sharing.

Please apply in person (by appointment only MondayFriday 7:30am 5pm) or send resume: Bryan's Repair Inc. 117 N Stanton St. Shannon, IL 61078 (815) 864-2497 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.

WE NEED YOU! Opportunity for 10 neat appearing people to fill vacancies due to expansions and advancements. *NO Experience Necessary* Advancement Opportunities Available Within 90 Days *Up to $2100/mo. Earning potential to start per agreement.

CALL 815.213.7360

Looking for the perfect home?

Read Sauk Valley estate section and Real Estate Weekly on Thursdays.

EMPLOYMENT

TRUCK DRIVERS Part Time for our Steward and Kirkland, IL locations.

Also FT for Steward, IL CDL A or B license. FT position must have Hazmat.

MIX ROOM OPERATOR FT for our Steward location. Duties include mixing fertilizers and loading trucks.

CUSTOM APPLICATOR FT for our Steward location. Duties include applying fertilizer and pesticides.

Maintenance of equipment, etc.

Call 815-8242266 or apply in person at 1318 Steward Rd., Steward, IL or 4440 State Rte 72, Kirkland, IL. Pre-employment drug screen and background check required.

EEO/AA/M/F/ Disabled/Veteran

Need to place an ad?

Call us 625-3600 284-2222

1000 S. Seventh St., Rochelle, IL Previous convenience store manexperiagement ence required.

Competitive starting pay; bonus program; extensive package; benefit Vacation; 401k and more!

Please send a resume and cover letter to sfelson@ stop-n-go.com Equal opportunity employer

ILLINOIS FORGE COMPANY POST FORGE-SHIPPING LEAD

We have a full time opening for someone with computer skills, a strong work ethic, and a desire to learn our busy metal forming industry. We offer benefits including health & dental insurance, paid vacation, paid holidays, and advancement opportunities.

Duties include:

• Operate a fork lift to transport tubs of parts • Prepare shipping/receiving related documentation in a database/ERP system • Operate a metal-forming press • Check quality of parts using measuring tools such as gages and calipers • Grinding and de-burring finishing parts

Requirements:

• Experience using a database system to prepare shipping/receiving documents • 2 years’ experience in a heavy industrial environment required • Experience operating manufacturing equipment • Experience driving a fork lift truck Resume must include your salary history or last/current rate of pay.

Apply in person at 2900 E Rock Falls Rd, Rock Falls or email resume to careers@ForgeRG.com

CHILD CARE

512

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 lispecifically censed 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))

TOOL MAKER

TRAMEC HILL FASTENER, Rock Falls, IL Tool Maker needed at our TRAMEC Hill Fastener cold heading division of TRAMEC LLC (www.tramec.com). Must have experience with cold heading tooling including assembly, modifications, fabrication and fitting to high speed steel and carbide dies used in the fastener industry. Must be competently experienced with operation of Hydraulic press, die assembly, lathe, grinding and deckle tool room equipment. Great salary, matching 401K, major medical insurance,. Great team in place, with excellent growth potential.

Please send resume’ to rhardman@hillfastener.com or fax to 815-625-2406

Got Work?

Need to place an ad?

Manpower Can Help!

Call us 625-3600 284-2222

Let us find the right position for you!

Apply online. Visit:

manpowerjobs.com

Sterling Office 815.622.2814 Dixon Office 815.288.7800

$$EARN CASH$$ Towns

ROCK FALLS ROCK FALLS STERLING STERLING AMBOY AMBOY

Streets

Route

Regan Rd. Trailer Park

243

Customers

DixonAve, 5th St, 6th St, 7th St, 8th St, 9th St,AveA,Ave D 201

15th Ave, 16th Ave, 17th Ave, 18th Ave, 19th Ave MillerRd,1st,2nd Ave,3rd Ave,4th Ave,5th Ave Jones, Joe, Wasson, Bacon Clark, Main, Bluff, Stroble, Jossah

63 76 3218 3206

21 71 111 77 90 69

Call about open routes in Milledgeville and Morrison area

Sauk Valley Media Telegraph 3200 E. Lincolnway 113 S. Peoria Sterling, IL 61081 Dixon, IL 61021 815-625-3600 ext. 5301

Walmart Logistics is Hiring!

Sterling, IL Logistics is truly the heart of the Walmart operation. It’s the division that keeps millions of products moving to customers each day of the year, while using the latest environmentally-sustainable practices to do it. Walmart’s senior management understands the competitive advantage that our Logistics operation provides, and they support the division by providing extremely competitive wages.

Responsibilities: • Maintain freight integrity by inspecting freight for damage and misplacement • Fulfill store orders by pulling merchandise by layer using electronic voice control equipment, stacking onto pallets, placing labels in appropriate area on freight and transporting using power equipment • Organize warehouse by removing and stacking empty pallets As an Associate with Walmart, you will receive competitive wages starting at $16.10/hour, a 3 or 4 day schedule and may be eligible for a variety of benefits that enhance your career, compensation, home and life. We also have progressive raises over the first 30 months. *Plus…$0.35 2nd Shift differential *Plus…$1.35 weekend shift differential *Plus…$0.75 Freezer pay *Plus…$0.50 Orderfiller Premium Also…Earn up to 30% of your base pay based on individual production Possible…$1.10 per hour Quarterly Bonus!

To apply or for more information about career opportunities with Walmart, please visit http://jobs.walmart.com/sterling-jobs or stop by the hiring kiosk: Walmart Distribution Center 23769 Mathew Road (Just off Highway 30) Sterling, IL 61081 Walmart Store, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer – By Choice.

SELL

those unwanted items with the help of a Sauk Valley Classified Ad

625-3600 284-2222

Store Manager Join the team at your neighborhood store.

505

RN N & LP PN’ss Part -Time $500 Sign - On Bonus

GRAPHIC DESIGNER SaukValley Media has a full-time opening for a Graphic Designer in our advertising department. Our Graphic Designers work in specialized teams withAccount Executives and Customer Service Representatives to create effective ad campaigns for area businesses.

The ideal candidate should have experience with Macintosh computers, InDesign, and Photoshop, with creative design, layout ability and accurate typing skills.

Must demonstrate initiative, independent decision making ability, be self directed, organized and skilled in multitasking and time management.

If you are interested in joining our team, send resume to: Donna McDonald Advertising Operations Manager Sauk Valley Media P.O. Box 498, Sterling, IL 61081 dmcdonald@saukvalley.com Pre-Employment Drug Screen and Background Check Required Sauk Valley Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Love a good challenge? Thrive on change?

Sales Professional Sauk Valley Media is seeking a full-time outside sales professional who can prospect, negotiate and has the ability to open new accounts as well as maintain, grow and serve existing accounts. As Sauk Valley’s premier provider of print and digital news and information, we rely on ground-breaking and innovative thinking to connect our audiences and advertisers. Our rapidly expanding portfolio of publications and websites has created new opportunities for professionals who share our passion for serving our customers.

The successful candidate will possess the ability to work with minimal supervision while maintaining focus and productivity to meet deadlines. This person will have experience creating and presenting client proposals as well as experience developing and maintaining client relationships. Our Multi-Media Account Executive must have the ability to strategically and creatively think in a fast-ppaced environment. Microsoft Office proficiency and a Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience required. Must have a valid drivers license, dependable transportation and proof of insurance.

Qualified candidates should send cover letter and resume to: Contact Lori Walker Sauk Valley Media 3200 E. Lincolnway, P.O. Box 498, Sterling, IL 61081 lwalker@saukvalley.com Sauk Valley Media is an equal opportunity employer and a drugfree workplace.

Pre-employment drug screen and background check required.

SAUK VALLEY MEDIA • Saturday, March 28, 2015 • PAGE D5

MISCELLANEOUS 796 FOR SALE

MISCELLANEOUS 796 FOR SALE

MISCELLANEOUS 796 FOR SALE

MISCELLANEOUS 796 FOR SALE

4, 6 ft. electric strip heaters. Best offer takes. Call 815-625-5427 4,000 oak kitchen cabinets in stock.

Builder Discount 815-626-4561 5,000 Bags of fertilizer, mulch, lawn care. Builder Discount 626-4561

Like New kitchen sink faucet $25 815-440-3643

Tree Work,Trimming & Hauling, Yard Cleanup 779-245-0527

Womens white NIKE leather tennis shoes. Colored insterts. $25. 815441-4543

6 Louis L'amor books. $.50 cents each.

815-9736223 9, free interior doors w/ hardware.

4, 28” and 5-30” 815-625-5427 Beautician Sink with drawers & mirror. wall mount type, 48” wide, brown w/ marbled white formica top & cover for sink.

Some small blemishes, circa early 1980s.

815-7729007 Bushnell NorthTelescope, star Model #78-8831 (new $299). Asking $90. 815-849-5334 Ceramic 12” floor tile 31 pieces $10 815-284-1094 Clark's Bendables.

Tan leather sz. 7 ½ $20 LIKE NEW. 815-441-4543 Do you need Gravel for Driveways?

Call 815-499-7195 Dog Kennel 30x19x21 $15 815-284-1094 Electric Motorized Wheelchair, custom made for large person, joystick, $1000. Serious Inquiries Only. 815632-7051 King bed w/frame like new. $250.

815-718-4385.

Like New bathroom faucet. $25.

815-440-3643

Majestic queen size soft Japanese yarn blanket $45 815-284-1094 Maple Wurlitzer piano with bench & music $100 815284-7468 Need Lawn Equipment?

Starting a new lawn business? I have everything you need to get started. Call 815-590-0987 New Samsung Galaxy Tab S. Tablet w/ charger, manual, stylus, & nice case. $400/obo.

Cash only. 815-994-8451 PS2 w/ 26 games, controller & memory card. $100 815-564-8900 See More Online Photos, Commerce, Expanded Text

Twin, full, queen, king beds. Gas washer & dryer, coffee table, recliner, side by side refrigerator, electric stove, table & chairs, sofa, dresser. 815-718-4385.

Womens Easy Spirit sandals from Bergner's sz.8. $18. 815-441-4543

Wood centerpieces- oak, 22 slabs, 10”dia.x 2.5” thick. Various other sizes. $130/all. Call 815-499-9068.

HAY & STRAW

Snowmobile Jacket, ladies XL. Zip out liner is also a jacket. Bright colors. Purp. Pink & white. $80 Call 815-625-7343

A2 Summer Escape.

12'x3' pool. 2 yrs. old. $75 815-5648900

Thai solid nickel bronze 12pc flatware set with case $50 815-288-3886

825

Alfalfa Hay, small squares, $3.00 per bale. Call 815-6267650.

AUTOMOBILES

840

FARM EQUIPMENT

FOR ITEMS OVER $300 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 $38!

Special must be mentioned at time of ad placement.

855

2008 Kawasaki 250 Bayou, automatic, w/ electric sprayer, like new condition, $2600 815-379-2541

CLASSIC CARS

No Commercial Advertising, Pets, Garage Sales, Wood/ Fuel, Tickets/ Travel or Real Estate

1993 Pontiac Grand Am. New tires, runs great.

Maintains mechanically 174k. mi. $2,000 obo. 815501-5935

2

LOCATIONS! DEALER FINANCING AVAILABLE Hours Mon - Fri 10-6 • Sat 9-3 *Plus tax, title, license & doc fee.

Buys Of The Week

02 Chevy Cavalier $2,995* 98 Cadillac Deville 99 Buick LeSabre 00 Dodge Grand Caravan 00 Buick LeSabre 02 Saturn SC2 02 Kia Sportage 02 Dodge Dakota X-Cab 02 Chevy Monte Carlo 02 Ford F-150 - 4 Door 03 Chevy Trailblazer

“$

Visit Sauk Valley Classifieds at saukvalley.com

Offer expires 12/31/15

904

Antique 1990 Buick Reata convertible.

Runs good, new tires.

Asking $3,200.

630-945-0166

905

NEW REAL DEAL

Pure bred Angus Bull for sale, $2,000/obo 815978-2589

YOUR 1ST AND 2ND CHANCE DEALER! 1397 N. Galena Ave., Dixon 815-288-5626

➛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

Contact us to place an ad call 815-626-7653 815-284-7653

Turtle sandbox excellent condition. $20 815-288-6886 815-973-3455

LIVESTOCK / SUPPLIES

03 Ford Escort $3,995*

03 Buick Century 03 Toyota Celica 03 Ford Escort 03 Chevy Silverado 03 Mazda 6 03 Chevy Trailblazer 04 Chevy Malibu 04 Chevy Suburban 04 Chevy Aveo 04 Buick Century

195. DOWN 00

708 First Avenue, Rock Falls 815-622-6655

04 Pontiac Grand Am 05 Mercury Mariner 05 Chevy Malibu 05 Pontiac Vibe 05 Mercury Sable 06 Dodge Grand Caravan 06 Chrysler Town & Country 06 Dodge Grand Caravan Handicapped - Accessible

10 Chevy Aveo

& NO PAYMENTS e Buy TIL MAY! Cars Too!

VISIT US AT WWW.SAUKVALLEYMOTORS.COM

saukvalley.com

EMPLOYMENT Search for local job listings at saukvalley.com/jobs/

Tooling Machinist Metform L.L.C If you want to expand your career while contributing to an innovative, Savanna & Mount Carroll, IL dynamic and rapidly growing manufacturing company, we’re a right fit Hot Formed Products for you. At MacLean- Fogg Component Solutions, our highly-skilled, Extrusion Science motivated and ingenious people, are without question, our greatest Machined Components strength. We are the leading supplier of Fasteners, Engineered Components and Linkage & Suspension products that serve many diverse industries. Our innovative culture allows our people accelerate their own development through targeted training’s and growth opportunities. If you’re ready to take this calculated risk, come form your career with us.

Tooling Machinist Modifies and sets up tools as required. Performs close tolerance work to specifications, appropriate tool room equipment including engine lathe, EDM, milling machines, grinders, drill press, saws and welders.

RESPONSIBILITIES • • • • • • •

Maintains records of work performed Performs welding using tig, arc, and gas welding skills Keeps machine cleaned, oiled, and lubricated Maintains proficient knowledge of tool room equipment used and related processes Assists in training of machinists Uses all types of measuring tools including micrometers, calipers, indicators, and gages Works with all types of material including tool steel, low carbon steel, alloy steel, brass, bronze, and aluminum • Understands proper heat treatment of steels • Provides support to tool room production personnel: cutting tool steel on a horizontal band saw, organizing and maintaining forming tool rework inventory, organizing and accomplishing forming surface/ cylindrical grinding, polishing dies, organizing and distributing shop floor purchase orders

REQUIREMENTS

• Four years of tool room experience with Metform or the completion of two years college level courses with two years tool room experience or equivalent • High school diploma or equivalent with knowledge of math and English • Knowledge of tig, arc, and gas welding • Capable of understanding complex math, such as algebra and trigonometry. Ability to read/interpret mechanical blueprints.

• Continuously demonstrates the ability to operate the following equipment: CNC equipment, engine lathe, EDM, milling machines, grinders, drill press, saws and welders. Demonstrates the ability to program a conversational controller.

• Earned certification (Journeyman’s Card) of completion and apprenticeship program from an accredited institution • Good communication skills • Maintains a good supply of hand and precision tools to perform duties

EOE – Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran If you are interested in an opportunity to advance your career, please apply online at: http://www.macleanfogg.com/careers/

DO YOU QUALIFY FOR A CAREER AS A ROCK FALLS POLICE OFFICER? The Rock Falls Board of Fire and Police Commissioners are seeking candidates for the posiition off Pollice Offificer and d wiill cond ductt enttrance examiinattions att the Rockk Fallls Middle School on Saturday, April 18th 2015. Physical Ability examination will be administered at 9:00 a.m. and the written exam will follow.

Requirements: 1. Resident of the State of Illinois.

2. Valid driver’s license 3. Valid Firearms Owner Identification Card 4. Must be 21 years of age and not reached your 35th birthday 5. Have a high school diploma or equivalent 6. Must pass physical exam, skills evaluation, and written examination 7. Be of good moral character and pass an in-depth background check.

Fringe benefits include: Good pension plan, medical insurance, paid vacation, overtime pay and uniform allowance.

Application forms may be obtained at the Rock Falls Police Department located at 1013 7th Avenue, Rock Falls IL and must be completed no later than Friday, April 17th 2015 on or before 5:00 p.m. All applications submitted must include a copy of your driver’s license, High School Diploma or G.E.D. and your DD-214 (if applicable).

THE CITY OF ROCK FALLS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The Rock Falls Board of Fire and Police Commissioners

Ace Hardware Corporation has an immediate opening for

PROFESSIONAL TRUCK DRIVER

In our Princeton, Illinois Retail Support Center Qualifications: • Valid Class “A” CDL with HAZMAT endorsement • 1 year on-road tractor-trailer driving experience (all weather conditions) with a minimum of 100,000 road miles • No moving violations within the last 24 months • Applicants must be able to pass a DOT physical, drug screen and background check as outlined in DOT regulations • Superior customer service skills • Some heavy lifting is required to assist dealers with deliveries • Overnight travel is limited Benefits: • Impressive financial package -First year earnings normally $54,000-$60,000 • Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision and prescription drug card • 401k • Flexible spending accounts • Merchandise discounts Applications may be obtained 24 hours a day at the Princeton Ace Retail Support Center or you may apply on line at www. acehardware.com – careers.

Princeton Retail Support Center 2123 N. Euclid Princeton, IL 61356 EOE

Attention Assemblers New Positions Available!!

• Full-Time • Full Benefits • All Shifts Welder, Machine Operator, Material Handler positions also available.

Seeking motivated, dependable individuals. Training will be provided for all skill levels.

E. D. ETNYRE & CO. Providing career oportunities since 1898

1333 S. Daysville Road Oregon, IL 61061

Check us out on Facebook and www.etnyre.com M/F Disabled and Vet EEO/AA Employer

Visit Sauk Valley Classifieds at saukvalley.com

CNA or DSP for 2p - 10p (FT/PT) Exceptional Care & Training Center is an 84 bed skilled/ DD facility with a positive living and work enviroment; experienced, reliable staff; and an outstanding survey history. Compensation includes competitive rate of pay, commensurate with experience; shirt differential; paid time off. New CNA and DSPs welcome.

Training available.

Exceptional Care & Training Center 2601 Woodlawn Road Sterling, 61081 exceptional-care.org info@ectcl.com

Need to place an ad?

Call us 625-3600 284-2222

NIPPON SHARYO MANUFACTURING Passenger railcar manufacturer in Rochelle, IL is seeking candidates for the following positions: • Electrical Quality Engineer • Car Move Operator • Mechanical Quality Engineer • Four Post Press Operator • Supplier Quality Engineer • Press Brake Operator • Lead Quality Inspector • Fabrication Welder • Quality Inspector • Setup Welder • Weld Shop Quality Inspector • Welding Technology Lab Assistant • Accounts Payable Specialist • Electrical Assembler • Human Resources Associate • Interior Assembler • Human Resources Generalist • Material Handler • Maintenance Coordinator • Mechanical Assembler • Purchasing Agent • Manufacturing Engineer

For more information about our open positions please visit our opportunities page at www.nipponsharyousa.com, or search us on monster.com To apply for one of these specific positions please email your resume to careers@nipponsharyo.com or fax it to (815) 561-3603 with the specific job title included.

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

Nippon Sharyo Manufacturing, LLC is an equal opportunity employer.

Find your dream home!

Read Sauk Valley Classifieds real estate section and Real Estate Weekly on Thursdays.

of Hassle Free Buy e in om

DIXON

g

H

SAUK VALLEY MEDIA • Saturday, March 28, 2015 • PAGE D6

Business Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-8pm • Sat. 8am-5pm

815-288-3366

dixonflm.com Bob Baeza

Drew Rowley

Gerald Lott

Jared McCullough

Mark Kromeke

Mike Bonnell

You Don’t Have To Jump Through Hoops With Our Everyday No Haggle Pricing!

e r e H

. y a d o T

When you let Sauk Valley Classifieds do the work, you won’t get the run around.

It’s easy, effective and will get you results.

Here Today.

Call 815-625-3600 or 815-284-2222 Gone to get started!

When you let Sauk Valley Classifieds

do the work, you won’t get the run around.

It’s easy, effective and will get you results.

Tomorrow.

Call 815-625-3600 or 815-284-2222 and get started!

Gone Tomorrow. CLASSIFIEDS SAUK VALLEY dailyGAZETTE

TELEGRAPH

815-625-3600

815-284-2222

SAUK VALLEY MEDIA • Saturday, March 28, 2015 • PAGE D7

Go BOLD

Get SOLD Bold type

draws readers to your ad. your ad noticed!

MOTORCYCLES

935

2005 Toyota Prius, hybrid, hatchback, 39-49 MPG, $3,900. Good cond.

309-738-2590

2004 Harley Davidson Electra-Glide Classic, $9500, many extras. Must See! 815-973-0977

2006 Ford Freestyle SEL, 185K highway mi.

Leather, sunroof, hitch, new tiresexhaust- brakes. 6 passenger. Very good cond. Asking $3800/obo. 815632-3182.

2012 Harley Davidson Road Glide Ultra, exc. cond. 12,061 mi., Vance & Hines pipes, stage 1 air cleaner, Sony stereo, w/ Rockford fosgate 300 watt amp, (inner fairing has been painted to match the bike) also comes w 2007 Aluma LTD trailer, $21,500 815-7163267

2009 Chevy Aveo, will consider car or truck in any cond. on trade. $3975.

815-625-8052 Credit Problems?

Bad Credit? No Credit? We might be able to help! If you're looking to buy a vehicle we have many financing options available through qualified lenders. Call Brett Simpson today at 815-2855313. Ken Nelson Auto Plaza. creditautosales dixon.com Always over 100+ vehicles to choose from.

FOR SALE: 1994 Pontiac Sunbird LE Convertible $1300/obo 815-994-0194 Grey 2014 Ford Escape. 21K mi. $23,000 815-6254820 HAVING TROUBLE wording your ad? Call our classified department today. We'll be glad to help you. 626SOLD or 284SOLD.

TRUCKS

910

2001 Dodge Dakota SLT, 91,900mi.

Typical Dodge rust over wheel wells & bumpers.

New muffler, brakes recently. 2” class 3 hitch w/flat 4 wiring topper.

Well & maintained with records. New price $3000/obo.

815441-2557 lv. msg.

VANS

BOATS/MOTORS

940

1983 Mariner 115HP outboard, includes 18' tri-hull boat and trailer.

Very nice! $2500.

815-499-0699.

TRAILERS/RVS

945

14,000 lb.

20' wood deck trailer tag, no rust, safety yellow, full width heavy duty HD, exp. metal ramps, new tires, $3,900 815-622-2622

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 $$$$$$$$$$$$$

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.

We Buy Used cars & trucks.

Call Dixon ATV 815-288-2146

CELEBRATIONS Published Every Other Tuesday

T V H C M L M : ‘ P C F K ? , RV C S A F N O , C S E K ’ P M N H H F. ’ ” - - T N T L D H C S G K M Previous Solution: “A good novel tells us the truth about its hero; but a bad novel tells us the truth about its author.”

-- G.K. Chesterton (c) 2015 by NEA, Inc., dist. by Universal Uclick 3-28

Astrograph Keep Moving Saturday, March 28, 2015 Drive and focus will bring you the results you are striving for.

Make a commitment to finish what you start, and let others know of the progress you are making. Be willing to learn from the mistakes of others.

A lucrative partnership can be established, with the proper guidelines.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Don’t get caught up in petty disagreements. The problem that arises will work out in your favor if you are adaptable. If you share your ideas, your value will be recognized.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Keep moving. Get out with friends or relatives and have some fun. The busier you are, the happier you will be. Be a participant and a contributor.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Reevaluate your position.

Determine what you want to accomplish and formulate a plan that will help you achieve your goal. Don’t depend on others to show you the way.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Your sensitivity will likely lead to an unintentional slight that hurts someone’s feelings.

Choose your words carefully and don’t take offense if someone is critical.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -Don’t get involved with behindthe-scenes intrigue or shady behavior. You will be judged by your actions, making it important not to get involved in acts that might tarnish your reputation.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- You have a lot to offer. Get involved in an organization that helps underprivileged people.

With your compassionate and caring attitude, you will make a meaningful contribution.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Don’t allow petty grievances to destroy your life. Let others have their say. Honesty and compromise will be your best bets. Remember that there are two sides to every story.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Get in on the action. A new challenge is waiting for you, so jump in and take part. If something sparks your interest, pursue it with vigor and charm.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Excess should be avoided today. Some time at

a spa, a shopping excursion or a new outfit will make you feel good, as long as you stick to your budget.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Tension will be running high. Consider backing down if someone approaches you with a conflicting idea. You can avoid turmoil if you keep your ideas to yourself and go about your business.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Regardless of your age, you need to get serious about your health. There is lots of information available, so find a routine that works for you.

You’ll feel better and accomplish more as a result.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Don’t wait for an opportunity to come to you. Get out and network. Your community offers plenty of options that will get you out of the house and rubbing elbows with the movers and shakers.

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Saturday, March 28, 2015

2016 Toyota Mirai

By Susan Carpenter The Orange County Register (TNS)

A

s Toyota sees it, the future isn’t some fuzzy, far-off point in the distance. It’s here in the form of a midsize sedan I was able to drive this week, when the Japanese automaker made its bold bet on hydrogen.

It takes little more than a glance to understand the Mirai fuel cell vehicle is different. Whether it’s the dramatic air intakes at both front corners that force oxygen to interact with the key ingredient that generates onboard electricity, or a tail pipe that slowly drips water, the Mirai reads as a sedan while simultaneously hinting at what’s happening under the hood.

Upon opening the driverside door and sliding into its leatherette seats, it’s clear the Mirai is similarly futuristic inside. Starting at the premium price of $57,500, or $499 per month to lease, the interior fit and finish is a hybrid, so to speak, of the Prius and a more upscale Lexus. Its black interior feels modern with a swipe screen housed in shiny piano black and offset with bright blue buttons and silver trimming.

Prius drivers will recognize the two-tier dash, the top level of which displays the most pertinent EV information, such as what drive mode it’s in, how much power it’s using and, most importantly for a vehicle that is supported by only 10 refueling stations in all of California at present, how many miles until it’s empty.

The Mirai can travel up to 300 miles on a full tank and refills in about five minutes.

In my 40 minutes with the Mirai, I drove past one of those

The Mirai can travel up to 300 miles on a full tank and refills in about five minutes. fueling stations and stopped to refuel at the one Southern California station that is blazing a trail for renewably produced hydrogen. Run by the Orange County Sanitation District, it’s designed to transform the methane generated on site at the wastewater treatment plant into hydrogen that can be pumped into cars. A demonstration project, the station is currently supplied with hydrogen that is trucked in, but it’s expected the plant will resume hydrogen-making operations early next year.

Because the Mirai’s two hydrogen fuel tanks are located under and behind the rear seats, the fuel door is located in the same place where it’s normally found on a gas-powered car.

The tanks’ location means the rear seat only accommodates two passengers, similar to the current-generation Chevrolet

Volt. The two seats are bisected with a large cubby/armrest outfitted with cup holders and controls for the heated seats.

All four seats are heatable. They are also moderately bolstered and comfortable.

outright purchase, the Mirai can be had in a single trim and four colors _ gray, black, white and blue. Only one other option will be offered: Power Takeoff is a plug that’s housed in the trunk and can be used to turn the car into a backup power generator The only sound was the whir during electricity blackouts. of its electric motor. Even at highway speeds, the Mirai was That trunk is another area the quiet a combination of it being interior has been compromised an electric car whose fuel cell due to its unique hydrogen stack is under the front seats power train. The two fuel tanks, and it being housed in carbon which sit under and behind fiber reinforced plastic, which the rear seats, impinge a bit on helps damp road noise. its space but nowhere near as severely as a CNG car.

The Mirai can be driven in two modes. Eco numbs the Given that the Mirai is carrying accelerator feel; Power is twin tanks of potentially more satisfying. It took little explosive hydrogen, Toyota has pedal effort to unbridle its full built in multiple safety features accelerative potential, which as standard equipment, Toyota estimates at 0 to 60 mph including adaptive cruise in about nine seconds. control to maintain a safe Available in California starting following distance and a next fall for lease as well as lane-keeping assistant that

notifies the driver when he’s about to veer off path.

Coming in a bit hot to a red light behind an SUV, I learned about another safety feature when the Mirai engaged its collision mitigation braking system on my behalf, tensioning the seat belts and preloading the brakes with maximum force to avoid impact. Under normal braking conditions, being an electric car, the Mirai is outfitted with regenerative brakes to help recapture the kinetic energy from slowing and feed it back to the powertrain to enhance range.

With its Mirai, Toyota has built a production hydrogen vehicle that walks the tight rope between mainstream acceptance and a brave new world in a car that balances the familiar with the new.

Welcome to the future.