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TEEN CALLS HUBBS COURTS HOME FOR THE WEEK
On with the fair!
YOUTH TENNIS, B1
OGLE COUNTY, A5
TELEGRAPH Thursday, July 30, 2015
SERVING DIXON AND THE SURROUNDING AREA SINCE 1851
DIXON
Seventh Street plans finalized City commits more than $768K to repair flood-ravaged road much progress made on West Seventh Street. Despite some debris cleanup, the intersection at Monroe Avenue looks much like it did June 16, after a flash flood caused the street to collapse.
BY BRENDEN WEST bwest@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5529 @BWest_SVM
DIXON – Councilmen acknowledged Tuesday that it doesn’t look like there’s been
Since then, no traffic has been allowed through, forcing an inconvenient re-route of nearby business traffic. After Tuesday’s special council meeting, city leaders said people can expect “shovels in
the ground” soon. Although the repair will take months – Nov. 25 is the estimated completion date of the project – the public’s reward will be a more durable street able to handle higher volumes of traffic.
LOCAL ARTIST FEATURE | GINA VENIER
This isn’t your typical repair project, said Geoff Smith, an engineer at Willett, Hofmann & Associates, the firm coordinating construction. SEVENTH CONTINUED ON A4
DIXON
An honor in name of his mentor
‘Idol’ time over
Demmer acknowledged as ‘emerging leader’ by Edgar Fellows program BY BRENDEN WEST bwest@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5529 @BWest_SVM
Lucas Pauley/lpauley@saukvalley.com
Gina Venier plays “Write Home About Me Now” recently along the Dixon riverfront. It’s been nearly a year since the Dixon native’s first “American Idol” audition. Since her time on the show, Venier has focused on her original music.
Singer-songwriter shifts focus back to original music BY LUCAS PAULEY lpauley@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5576 @LucasJayPauley
DIXON – Over the past few years, and especially after her run on “American Idol,” the Sauk Valley has become pretty well-acquainted with local entertainer Gina Venier. But, like many say about shows such as
the aforementioned singing competition, there’s always more than meets the eye. “We’re coming up on a year from the moment of suddenly my life being put on hold to potentially win a really great singing competition,” Venier said during an interview along her hometown’s riverfront. The 25-year-old auditioned Aug. 1 in Nashville, Tennessee, and began her
ride on a potential path to stardom. “Now, I’m back to ‘Who is Gina Venier as an artist, a person, and an original artist? What does that look like?’” Venier said. “I want to make sure I’m maintaining the right relationships. The second thing is maintaining the sort of music I want to make.” ‘IDOL’ CONTINUED ON A7
Online extra
Finding Fischbach
Click on this story at saukvalley.com to watch Venier perform her song “Write Home About Me Now.”
Wondering what fellow “Idol” contestant Alex Fischbach of Morrison is up to? Look for a feature on the singer-songwriter in SV Weekend.
Don’t let the sun set on your summer Find out when and where your favorite local bands are playing in our local entertainment listings on A9-11 and A13. Fair fans, the Ogle County gala started Wednesday. Check out photos on A5.
DIXON – One of 40 “emerging Illinois leaders,” recognized by way of the annual Gov. Jim Edgar Fellows Class announcement, is Dixon’s own. State Rep. Tom Demmer said Wednesday that he is honored to be acknowledged and eager for what’s awaiting him. “I’m certainly excited to be part of this program,” the Dixon Republican said. “And I certainly look forward to being part of the discussion.” In its fourth year, the Edgar Fellows program is designed to Tom Demmer “inspire bipartisan, inter-regionDixon Republican was al cooperation in named one of addressing major 40 “emerging challenges for the Illinois leaders” state,” according to a news release. It is hosted by the University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs, and is marked annually by a weeklong seminar where fellow recipients gather to engage in discussion about the future of the state. Demmer doesn’t know who nominated him or what criteria led to his distinction. He was nominated in the past, having served as one of the state assembly’s youngest congressmen since 2013. NAME CONTINUED ON A3
DATELINE DIXON brendenWEST Brenden West is a reporter for Sauk Valley Media. You can reach him at bwest@ saukvalley. com or 800798-4085, ext. 5529, and @BWest_SVM.
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Getting to know Kevin Marx
A
s if the City Council’s makeup wasn’t unique enough – five new members tackling a new style of government – along comes Kevin Marx. Tuesday, the council gave Marx a resounding “yes” with a 4-0 vote appointing the KSB Hospital executive to fill the seat vacated by Jesse Arjes this month.
TODAY’S EDITION: 28 PAGES 2 SECTIONS VOL. 164 ISSUE 64
INDEX
ABBY ................... A8 BUSINESS ........... A7 COMICS ...............B4
For an elected leader, it’s a rare and enticing proposition. Although all four who were elected in April said Arjes served the city well, who wouldn’t embrace the opportunity to handpick someone to join them every Monday night for the next 2 years? MARX CONTINUED ON A5
CROSSWORD....B13 LIFESTYLE ........... A8 LOTTERY ............. A2
OBITUARIES ........ A4 OPINION .............. A6 POLICE ................ A2
Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com
Today’s weather High 85. Low 59. More on A3.
Kevin Marx, vice president and chief practice officer of KSB Hospital, will replace Jesse Arjes on the Dixon City Council.
Tribute
Band shell to take on new name, A7.
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