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G olden E cho SPECIAL SECTION, INSIDE
Students of the month
WARRIOR READY FOR NEXT STEP
STERLING, A9
PREP WRESTLING, B1
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Monday, November 30, 2015
SERVING DIXON AND THE SURROUNDING AREA SINCE 1851
ILLINOIS | GOVERNMENT CONSOLIDATION
HOLIDAY SEASON IN FULL SWING
Light duty for fellow veterans
AP
State Sen. Linda Holmes, D-Aurora, argues legislation Dec. 4 on the Senate floor at the state Capitol in Springfield. Holmes has concerns about a task force named by Gov. Bruce Rauner that looks to shrink Illinois government.
Photos by Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
Burt Fuller untangles and tests strings of lights Sunday at his home at 1101 W. 21st St. in Rock Falls. Fuller has no idea how many lights he has, but he knows it’s a lot, thanks to an outpouring of support from the community. Fuller also credits his son, Danny Fuller (right), and nephew, Eric Wear, for their help decorating. Without them, he said, it’d never get done. Burt, who served as a Marine during the Vietnam War, started decorating trees last year in honor of his fellow veterans. Through the generosity of the community, VFW and C&S Tree Trimming of Rock Falls, the lights have all but taken over the yard. Go to saukvalley.com to see more photos.
Anti-union provisions being pushed by some task force members BY SARA BURNETT The Associated Press
‘Some songs I simply had to write’ Former Sauk Valley educator releases holiday CD and song book BY CHRISTOPHER HEIMERMAN cheimerman@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5523 @CHeimerman_SVM
CANTON, Ga. – Alex Ceruzzi is eager to share a gift. But then, he’s been sharing one since he was 4. That’s when he found out he
Among the things happening in the Sauk Valley this week: Pam Eggemeier, Sterling/ Rock Falls/Morrison Riverfront development: The developers of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites on East Second Street in Rock Falls will present an amendment to their redevelopment agreement with the city when the City Council meets
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TODAY’S EDITION: 20 PAGES 2 SECTIONS VOL. 164 ISSUE 149
Politics playing role in process
has perfect pitch, which means if you tell him a note by name, he knows exactly what it sounds like. “But the best part is when you can look at a written manuscript, and I can automatically hear what it sounds like,” the 69-yearold said.
at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 603 W. 10th St. The redevelopment agreement now in place has a Dec. 31 deadline. Brenden West, Dixon: Crundwell auctions close: The sealed-bid auction for Rita Crundwell’s trophy collection closes today, and the second online Crundwell auction at txauction.com closes
INDEX
That gift led to him play accordion solos as a kindergartner in his hometown of Port Chester, New York, record a half-dozen CDs and, for about 8 years, help kids in the Sauk Valley create great music. SONGS CONTINUED ON A4
Looking Forward on Tuesday. We’ll report on the winning bids, bidders, and what this will mean for the city of Dixon as it continues to recover Crundwell funds.
ABBY ................... A7 COMICS ............... A8 CROSSWORD....B10
LIFESTYLE ........... A7 LOTTERY ............. A2 OBITUARIES ........ A4
Alex Ceruzzi
PROCESS CONTINUED ON A4
Jermaine Pigee, cops/courts: Trio grant: Sauk Valley Community College is pursuing a Trio Talent Search Grant, which would help high school students from low-income families or students with disabilities complete their postsecondary education. It’s a 5-year renewable grant that could bring $299,000 a year to the college. OPINION .............. A6 POLICE ................ A2 SPORTS ...............B1
CHICAGO – On the campaign trail and in his first weeks in office, Gov. Bruce Rauner pledged to save taxpayers money by eliminating some of Illinois’ nearly 7,000 units of government – a piece of his legislative agenda with rare bipartisan support. Now a task force t h e Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti Republican Chairwoman governor named to put of commission that idea in says suggestions motion is pre- would lead to huge savings paring to present its final recommendations. Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti, the commission’s chairwoman, says its suggestions could make government more efficient and effective if the Legislature and Rauner choose to implement them. “At the end of the day the savings are going to be huge,” she said.
Christopher Heimerman, education: PARCC test results: Last school year, students in Illinois had to take the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers assessment for the first time, and results are expected to be released in December. Local officials are anxious, having seen and had to clean up preliminary results.
Today’s weather High 41. Low 34. More on A3.
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Help wanted
Donations sought for fire victims, A2.