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Friday, December 26, 2014

SERVING DIXON AND THE SURROUNDING AREA SINCE 1851

ILLINOIS | UNEMPLOYMENT

2014 IN REVIEW | TOP LOCAL NEWS STORIES

Change was in the air

Jobless numbers improve

Crundwell fallout, ugly exit in Ogle County top our list

Other data, though, tell different story

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

Unemployment numbers continued to show a steady decline in November, marking the fifth month in the last six that all Illinois counties showed improvement.

According to data released this week by the Illinois Department of Employment Security, the state’s jobless rate dropped from 6.6 percent to 6.4 percent last month. IDES said the November data continued trends established earlier in the year.

“More people describe themselves as working than 1 year ago, and the labor force remains stable,” IDES spokesman Greg Rivara said. “Help-wanted advertising also continues to be steady.”

Although those numbers showed improvement, Illinois continued to lag in other key measures of economic health.

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Illinois is dead-last in job creation, and ahead of only Michigan in putting people back to work since the recession.

JOBLESS CONTINUED ON A4

Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

Dixon Mayor Jim Burke speaks during a Streetscape dedication ceremony Dec. 5 at First Street and Hennepin Avenue. Burke was at the center of a changing government in Dixon in 2014. First, voters approved a change in the form of government that had been recommended by a task force Burke set up in response to the Rita Crundwell scandal. Then, on Dec. 18, Burke announced he would not seek a fifth term as mayor. The $6 million streetscape project also was among the top stories in the Sauk Valley in 2014.

No. 1: Dixon voters call for a big change

No. 2: Sheriff does not leave quietly in Ogle

BY JEFF ROGERS jrogers@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5591

BY JEFF ROGERS jrogers@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5591

DIXON – Even from a federal prison in Minnesota, Rita Crundwell continues to have a huge impact on Dixon.

The news being made in the past year by the inmate at Waseca Correctional Institute was limited to a court fight over her pension funds and Dixon’s continued recovery of the millions she stole over 2 decades while city comptroller. But Crundwell was indirectly responsible for a huge shift in city government in 2014.

Crundwell’s arrest in 2012 led to a number of steps to fill the gaps in the city’s governmental structure that might have enabled the former comptroller to steal so much money for such a long time.

The biggest change, however, was made by voters last month.

On Nov. 4, 76.47 percent of those who went to the polls in Dixon voted to change from a commission form of city government to a managerial form.

OREGON – Michael Harn’s tenure as Ogle County sheriff was short but memorable. With his first re-election bid looming the following spring, news broke in late 2013 that Harn had used, at his discretion, a fund not reported in the county’s budget to pay a wide range of expenses.

The Ogle County Board eventually took away Harn’s ability to control the fund. In March, the Republican Party primary voters decided to end his tenure as sheriff. Harn’s departure was messy.

The Administrative Tow Fund, which was established by county ordinance in 2011, was meant to supplement a shrinking budget and to help the sheriff’s department with vehicle repairs and purchases. In the original ordinance, the sheriff was given discretion to spend the funds, collected from a $350 administrative tow fee, for any purpose.

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

John Simonton, supported by his wife, Carrie, watches at The Crystal Cork Wine Shoppe in Dixon as election results come in March 18 in the Republican Party primary for Lee County sheriff. Simonton, a Dixon police officer and retired Illinois State Police lieutenant, won the nomination over Sheriff John Varga. Simonton was uncontested in the general election, and became sheriff Dec. 1.

What’s inside Top 15: The rest of the year’s top stories, as chosen by Sauk Valley Media news staff members. Page A3,A5,A7 Most Viewed Stories: What were the 15 stories that received the most pageviews on saukvalley.com in 2014?

Page A3 The Decade So Far: A quick look back at the top stories of 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010. Page A7 Best of the Rest: A look at some of the other stories from 2014 that just missed our Top 15 list. Page A5

NO. 1 CONTINUED ON A3

NO. 2 CONTINUED ON A3

ROCK FALLS

Coloma park board races will be uncontested District working on 4-acre addition to Centennial Park

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

ROCK FALLS – Three incumbents with expiring terms will be unopposed as they seek reelection to the Coloma Township Park District Board of Commissioners in April.

Incumbents Robert Bubbers, Donald Stindt, and Donald Nehrkorn filed to run before Monday’s deadline. Bubbers, board vice president, and Stindt, board secretary, will seek the park district’s standard 6-year terms, while Nehrkorn is looking to serve the remaining 2 years of his term after being appointed to fill the vacancy created by the death of longtime commissioner Leo Nardini.

Nardini had been a commissioner for 41 years, having served as president.

COLOMA CONTINUED ON A2

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LIFESTYLE ........... A7 LOTTERY ............. A2 OBITUARIES ........ A4

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Challenges await board in 2015 COLOMA

CONTINUED FROM A1

Board President John Sigel’s term isn’t up until 2019, and Treasurer Wayne Walker’s expires in 2017.

Parks Director Mike Sterba said the commissioners are an experienced group.

“Our president, John Sigel, has been on the board for almost 30 years,” Sterba said. “Mr. Bubbers has served since 1997, and Donald Nehrkorn was a commissioner for many years before he left and was reappointed in 2013.”

Stindt became a commissioner in 2007, and Walker was elected in 2009.

The board will see an interesting mix of celebrations and challenges in 2015.

“The park district will be 90 years old on April 25, so we will have some special events planned to mark the occasion,” Sterba said.

The district also is upbeat about plans in the works for 4.1 acres of land

Coloma Township Park District Board John Sigel (President, 1985) *Robert Bubbers (Vice president, 1997) *Donald Stindt (Secretary, 2007) Wayne Walker (Treasurer, 2009) *Donald Nehrkorn (Commissioner, 2013) *Term expires in April it recently acquired at the southwest corner of Centennial Park. That parcel will make Centennial a 54.1-acre park.

“We had been interested in the land for some time, and we were finally able to get it at a very good price,” Sterba said.

“We’re clearing it off and cleaning it up.”

The purchase price for the property was $14,000, but the city had three liens on the property for grass-mowing costs. The total on the liens was $2,972.63, but the park board negotiated it down to half of that figure, making the total cost of the property $15,486.32.

Sterba said it should take another year to complete the project, which will include putting an old bridge it acquired from the city over the lagoon area to the new portion. Because the land is very close to a residential area, plans are for the addition to feature a walking path and be just a nice quiet spot to enjoy nature.

“We aren’t in a big hurry to finish it,” Sterba said.

“We’re using volunteer groups and some people doing community service hours, and just working on it as money and time become available.”

As is the case with most park and municipal boards, Coloma is facing financial challenges. The board will continue to be pressed to find ways to compensate for an eroding tax base in its taxing district.

“The financials will continue to be a big issue for us, given the revenue we’re getting in,” said Bubbers, a retired Department of Rehabilitation Services worker.

Bubbers said the board’s composition is

well suited for dealing with money challenges.

“We have an experienced board, and we are a conservative board,” he said. “We work hard to keep the taxes down, while still providing the best recreational services that we possibly can.”

In line with that philosophy, Bubbers said the newly acquired acreage will be a piecemeal project.

“This land brings good growth to the parks program at a great price, but we will make additional improvements gradually as money becomes available,” Bubbers said.

Possible minimum wage increases and ADA compliance projects will continue to be important issues for the board in the new year.

“We’re just finishing ADA work at Dillon Park, and we’re in the process of prioritizing other projects,” Bubbers said.

“All of the parks have to be done, but how soon depends on finances.”

At Dillon Park, cement was put down in several areas, and accessibility changes were made to the dugouts and rest rooms.

QUINCY

Western Illinois postmaster answers Santa letters QUINCY (AP) – A postmaster in western Illinois has taken on the role of Santa Claus by answering area children’s letters and cards addressed to the North Pole.

Quincy’s postmaster Susan Dorrough said it’s been her job this year to go through holiday mail that children place in

mail boxes. The letters, which have addresses like “North Pole,” are gathered by postal carriers and brought to Dorrough, The Quincy Herald-Whig reports.

About 100 such letters and cards to Santa are mailed in the area each year. She said her approach is not to prom-

ise gifts, but focus on the joy of the holidays. Dorrough, who took over the postmaster job 17 months ago, said she responds as long as there’s a return address.

“You don’t want them to think there’s no Santa Claus,” she said.

She said most of the children’s letters ask for gifts.

“They want bikes. They want Xboxes. They want puppies. They just want different things,” she said.

Dorrough urged other local post offices to respond to children, too, saying it’s about the spirit of the season and bringing happiness to children.

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Please call mistakes to our attention at 815-2842222 or 815-625-3600, ext. 5501 or 5502.

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POLICE Sterling Police Nina A. Kemp, 43, of Dixon; 1:47 a.m. Tuesday at Polo Road and East Lincolnway; no valid driver’s license; given notice to appear in court.

Efrain Brito, 53, of Sterling; 10:11 a.m. Tuesday at Locust and East Ninth streets; disobeying a stop sign; given notice to appear in court.

Michael C. Steffens, 25, of Dixon; 11:02 p.m. Tuesday at Freeport Road and Lynn Boulevard; speeding; given notice to appear in court.

Lee County Sheriff Russell D. Bryson, 31, of Dixon; 8:56 p.m. Tuesday; driving under the influence of alcohol, driving an uninsured motor vehicle, illegal transportation of alcohol, speeding; posted bond.

Melissa M. Bennett, 31, of Dixon; 7:56 p.m. Tuesday; operating an uninsured

motor vehicle, driving while license suspended, speeding; posted bond.

Brian S. Donaldson, 49, of Dixon; 1:20 p.m.

Tuesday; warrant – order of commitment; posted bond.

Ogle County Sheriff Nigel R. Walker, 24, of Freeport; 10:40 p.m.

Tuesday in the 2000 block of North Freeport Road, driving while license suspended; taken to Ogle County Jail.

Alfredo Bazan, 27, of Rockford; Tuesday; warrant, failure to appear; posted $155.

Holly Carlson, 26, of New Millford; Tuesday; warrant, failure to appear; posted $250.

Gary Hunt, 41, of Franklin Grove; Tuesday; warrant, petition to revoke; given notice to appear.

Austin Norberg, 26, of Cordova; Tuesday; warrant, petition to revoke and failure to appear; given notice to appear in court.

James Crouch, 24, of Rockford; 1:38 a.m.

Wednesday in the 6000 block of state Route 2; driving under the influence, speeding, illegal transportation of alcohol; taken to Ogle County Jail.

BIRTHDAYS

Happy birthday to Greg McNinch, Diane Bingham, Neal Pettenger, 50, Sean McCormick, 20, Rose Perino, Mary Casillas, Harley Duncan, 10, and Dulce Lemus, all today.

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Telegraph • A3

2014 IN REVIEW | TOP LOCAL NEWS STORIES

Other stories in our Top 15 Computer files

BY JEFF ROGERS jrogers@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5591

Top 15 stories online

Other top stories of 2014 in the Sauk Valley, as chosen by news staff members of Sauk Valley Media:

No. 3: Voters reject status quo Michael Harn wasn’t the only sheriff in town to lose his job in the 2014 primary election.

Lee County Sheriff John Varga lost the Republican primary to Dixon police officer John Simonton, who was uncontested in the general election.

State Sen. Mike Jacobs, who had been in office for 9 years and is the son of longtime state lawmaker Denny Jacobs, was defeated in the general election by Moline firefighter Neil Anderson.

And, after three failed attempts, a 1 percent sales tax to pay for school infrastructure and building maintenance was approved in Whiteside County on Nov. 4.

4. Sheley’s swan song in local court A Rock Island County

Here are the top 15 local stories of 2014 online, according to unique pageviews on saukvalley.com: 1. Police: Boy, 15, accidentally killed by ‘close friend’ (52,483 pageviews) 2. Police release names of four involved in Saturday shootings (22,181 pageviews) 3. Two die, one injured in motorcycle head-on crash (19,328 pageviews) 4. Rock Falls business owner dies in snowmobile accident (15,119 pageviews) 5. Recent death reveals tragic, common danger (12,371 pageviews) 6. Coroner: 27-year-old stabbed 71-year-old, himself (11,633 pageviews) 7. Teen charged with felony in shooting death of best friend (11,582 pageviews) 8. Dixon homicide-suicide victims identified (10,679 pageviews) 9. Second fatality from collision on Route 2 (10,389 pageviews) 10. Sterling firefighter charged with sex crime (10,160 pageviews) 11. State police explain inquiry’s secrecy in death of 15-year-old (9,963 pageviews) 12. Grandma makes it to P’town prom (9,784 pageviews) 13. 40 partygoers arrested in downtown Dixon (9,667 pageviews) 14. Police seek help with Walmart theft (9,550 pageviews) 15. Dixon man charged with indecency (9,401 pageviews) jury deliberated for about 4 hours May 29 before returning guilty verdicts against Nicholas Sheley in the deaths of four people in a Rock Falls apartment in the summer of 2008. The jury found the deaths to be “exceptionally brutal and heinous.�

On Aug. 11, Sheley was sentenced to four more life terms in prison. He had already received two life sentences after murder convictions for deaths in Sterling and Galesburg. Sheley next will be tried for the slayings of an Arkansas couple in Missouri, which still has a death penalty.

5. Long probe into teen’s death The Whiteside County state’s attorney’s office investigated for nearly 6 months the shooting death of a Rock Falls teenager before charging a Sterling teen in August with felony reckless conduct. Rock Falls High School sophomore Matt Anderson, 15, died March 1 of a gunshot wound to the chest that he suffered in the Sterling home of his best friend, the son of an Illinois State Police trooper.

A final tweet Anderson sent in January now has a poignant ring to it. “When someone says I love you, appreciate

it,� Anderson wrote. “Don’t take it for granted because one day they might not be around anymore to say it.�

6. Woman, 65, released from jail, freezes to death The body of Janet Sims of Rock Falls was found by a hunter in woods near the Whiteside County Jail on Nov. 24. Sims, who had a history of mental illness, had been released from the jail the previous morning, her 65th birthday, as a snowstorm blew through town.

TOP 15 CONTINUED ON A5

Pension fund, loan remain court matters NO. 1

CONTINUED FROM A1

That decision earned Crundwell Fallout the No. 1 local story of 2014 in a vote of Sauk Valley Media news staff. “I think the folks spoke loud and clear on it,�

Mayor Jim Burke said of the vote.

The genesis of the significant and rare change was in direct response to Crundwell’s theft.

Burke appointed a task force that studied various forms of government, then in 2013 recommended the City Council let citizens decide between the commission and managerial forms. The council approved putting the question on the ballot, but most commissioners were vocal in their opposition to the change. “I really don’t like to see all kinds of authority or power put in the hands of one person,�

Commissioner Jeff Kuhn said a couple of weeks before the vote, referring to a city manager. “Right now, we have a really good system of checks, and [we] keep an eye on each other. I would hope that the city of Dixon has learned what happens when one person has the ability to do that.�

Service...

Council members Dennis Considine and C o l l e e n Brechon also said they Rita supported keeping the Crundwell commissioner form of government.

But voters overwhelmingly favored a change. “We’re just thrilled, and we were just talking earlier that it really was just a citizen initiative,�

Marilyn Coffey, chairwoman of the Committee to Change City Government, said on Election Day. “Democracy at work – people choosing their form of government.�

Dixon businessman Liandro Arellano Jr., who will run for mayor in 2015, said he voted for the change. “The job is not finished, though,� he said. “We need new, fresh leadership that can restore trust.�

Burke said the decision wouldn’t impact his decision about seeking a fifth term as mayor. “As far as I’m con-

GOING ON VACATION? Keep in touch with the news of the Sauk Valley

cerned, if I’m around here as mayor, I won’t have any problems working with the Shawn city manager form of gov- Ortgiesen ernment,�

Burke said.

But Burke won’t be around as mayor for much longer; last week he announced that he wouldn’t seek re-election. And the City Council could look a lot different next spring, as well.

All four commissioner positions will be on the April 7 ballot, but only two incumbents – Considine and Brechon – are seeking re-election.

They have nine challengers. Kuhn will be on the ballot, but in the mayor’s race along with Arellano.

While the shape of city government was changing in 2014, efforts to return stolen money to the city continued.

Nearly all of the about $39 million in recovery funds the city has received were the result

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of 2013 actions – a court settlement with its former auditors and bank, and the sale of Crundwell assets.

But the city continues to receive smaller checks from garnishment of Crundwell’s meager prison wages, her income tax return, income from a family trust, and money in a bank account.

Meanwhile, Crundwell is contesting in court the inclusion of her pension funds in a restitution order to repay the city for the money she stole. And the government is trying to recover the nearly $182,000 still owed by former City Engineer Shawn Ortgiesen and his wife, Angela, relating to loans from Crundwell between November 2008 and January 2012.

A federal judge could issue two judgments in the pension and loan matters in the coming weeks.

Don Lester will celebrate his 80th birthday December 30, 2014. He is married to Shirley Hodson Lester and lives in Tampico. He has two daughters, Teri Preston and Calleen Lester and two grandsons, Andrew and Charlie Preacher.

You can send cards to: PO Box 623, Tampico, IL 61283

Precipitation

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Yesterday .................................................0.00�

Sunset tonight .........................................4:34 p.m.

Sunrise tomorrow ....................................7:25 a.m.

Sun.

Mon.

CONTINUED FROM A1

In December 2013, Sauk Valley Media reported that funds from the tow fund had been used by Harn to pay for a tent for the county fair, flowers for Secretary’s Day, and a $4,000 management fee for the department’s Facebook page, in addition to vehicle purchases and repairs.

In February, after the fund’s expenses and revenue from other sources were reported, the County Board restricted what the tow fund could be used for and what funds could be deposited into it.

A month later, the tow fund’s control was transferred to the Ogle County treasurer’s office, and Ogle County Chairman Kim Gouker called for a forensic audit of the fund. He had resisted such an audit several months earlier.

The forensic audit’s results, which were made public on Oct. 21, included $10,754 in funds that were unaccounted for. The auditors also said the fund’s records were sloppy and the fund lacked internal controls.

In an email, Harn told board members “46 documents� would account for the missing money. However, a records request filed

by Sauk Valley Media

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revealed that only three of those documents could be found.

Former “That’s Sheriff unfortunate. That Michael Harn really is unfortunate,� Gouker said.

Meanwhile, a sheriff’s department source told SVM that Harn rarely showed up for work after his primary election defeat.

In the final months of his tenure, Harn also was working about 30 hours a week for the Forrestville Valley School District.

And before Brian VanVickle took office as sheriff Dec. 1, files had been removed from the department-issued computers for Harn and his executive secretary, who is Harn’s sister-inlaw. The passwords for the computers had also been changed, VanVickle said.

Eric Morrow, who took office as the county’s state’s attorney Dec. 1, said he had heard about the erased files, but nothing had been officially brought to him, which would happen only after a law enforcement investigation, so he couldn’t comment.

Morrow also declined to comment on the missing tow fund documents, saying he wasn’t familiar enough with the situation.

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OBITUARIES FUNERAL SERVICES FOR THE WEEK

Albert McLain MORRISON – Albert McLain, 85, of Morrison, died Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2014, at Mercy Medical Center South in Clinton, Iowa.

He was born Nov. 23, 1929, in Rock Falls, the son of Edward and Sarah M. (Williams) McLain.

Al was educated in the Rock Falls and Thomson grade schools. He married Jean M. Bentley on July 21, 1951, in Rolla, Missouri. She died July 23, 1989. Al married Deanna Rick-Williams on Dec. 21, 1993, in Lyndon.

Al served his country during the Korean War. In the early 1950s, he owned a grocery store in Clinton. He was in business for himself for more than 60 years, later owning Al’s Meat Market in Morrison.

He was a member of Thomson American Legion and the Clinton VFW. Al attended Morrison United Methodist Church. He loved fishing and working, and had a passion for working with the public.

Surviving are his wife, Deanna; two sons, Alan (Bernice) McLain of Fulton, and Stephen (Sharon) McLain of Morrison; two stepdaughters, Amanda (Mike Schoenig) Williams of Savanna, and

Krista (Dale) Beckner of O’Fallon; nine grandchildren, Melissa (Mike) Jordan, Jason McLain, Roger Rowe, Joey (Abby Lucas) Rowe, Nicole (Scott) Shepard, Brandon Engelkens, Susanna Williams, Miranda Beckner, and Nathanial Beckner; three sisters, Sylvia Miller of Arizona, and Connie (Leslie) Green and Mary Alice (John) Smith, both of Sabula, Iowa; and three brothers, Arthur (Marianne) Wright and George (Linda) Wright, both of Rock Falls, and Martin Wright of Lyndon.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jean; son, Richard “Butch” McLain; brother, Gene, in infancy; and a half brother, Robert Wright.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m., Wednesday at the Morrison Chapel of Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. The Rev. Ryan Sutton, pastor at Morrison United Methodist Church, will officiate. Interment will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Oakland Cemetery in Clinton.

A memorial fund is established for cancer and Alzheimer’s disease research at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Today’s visitations: Wayne C. Dirks of Rock Falls, 9-10:45 a.m. at McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls.

Jean G. Zook of Rock Falls, 4-7 p.m. at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Rock Falls.

Harold “Bud” Null Jr. of Sterling, 5-7 p.m. at McDonald Funneral Home in Rock Falls.

Daniel P. Russell of Polo, 5-7 p.m. at Schilling Funeral Home in Sterling.

Saturday visitations: Joe S. Greenwood of Toulon, 1-2 p.m. at BosmaGibson Funeral Home in Prophetstown.

Saturday funerals: Harold “Bud” Null Jr. of Sterling, 10 a.m. at McDonald

Judith M. Townsend

Funeral Home in Rock Falls.

Wayne C. Dirks of Rock Falls, 11 a.m. at McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls.

Daniel P. Russell of Polo, 11 a.m. at Schilling Funeral Home in Sterling.

Jean G. Zook of Rock Falls, 11 a.m. Mass at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Rock Falls.

Joe S. Greenwood of Toulon, 2 p.m. memorial service at Bosma-Gibson Funeral Home in Prophetstown.

Sunday visitations: Barbara J. Murphy of Sterling, 3:45 p.m. rosary, 4-7 p.m. visitation at McDonald Funeral Home in Sterling.

Monday funerals: Barbara J. Murphy of Sterling, 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Sterling.

Joe S. Greenwood TOULON – Joe S. Greenwood, 87, formerly of Hooppole, died Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014, at Toulon Health Care Center in Toulon.

Born Oct. 4, 1927, in Hooppole, he was the son of Joe and Ellen (Hansen) Greenwood. He farmed in the rural Hooppole area his entire life. He was a member of the Morrison Sportsmen’s Club, and was a trapshooting enthusiast.

He is survived by a cousin, Charlotte Dumbauld

of Prophetstown; and special friend, Frances DeWitt.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation begins at 1 p.m. and a memorial service at 2 p.m. Saturday at BosmaGibson Funeral Home in Prophetstown. The Rev. Dan Wright, pastor of Zion United Methodist Church in Hooppole, will officiate. Burial will be at a later date in Hooppole Cemetery.

Ethan Waters ROCK FALLS - Ethan Waters, 23, of Rock Falls died Wednesday December 24, 2014 at his home.

Arrangements are pending at the McDonald Funeral Homes

Virginia Jokerst

Gloria K. Mitchell

STERLING - Virginia Jokerst, 96, of Sterling died STERLING – Gloria K. Mitchell, 66, of Sterling, died Thursday December 25, 2014 at Prophets River View Monday, Dec. 22, 2014.

Good Samaritan Center in Prophetstown.

Schilling Funeral Home in Sterling is handling Arrangements are pending at McDonald Funeral arrangements.

Homes.

Obituary information

Mary G. Halley WALNUT – Mary G. Halley, 96, formerly of Van Orin, died Thursday, December 25, 2014 at Walnut Manor Nursing Home.

Arrangements are pending at Garland Funeral Home in Walnut.

All obituaries, including death notices, are due by 2 p.m. Sunday through Friday for the following day’s edition. They can be sent via e-mail, obitu-

aries@saukvalley.com or fax, 815-625-9390.

For more information, call 815-625-3600 or 815284-2222, ext. 5530 or 5502.

“Choose Family”

Family Stone

MEMORIALS 815-716-8047

A Lifetime of Memories

BELLEVILLE – Judith M. Bressler Townsend, 67, of Belleville, died Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, at her home.

Judy was born Sunday, May 11, 1947, in Sterling, the daughter of Benjamin Franklin and Alice (Stockton) Bressler.

She was a caseworker for the Illinois Department of Human Services before her retirement. Judy was a member of Signal Hill Lutheran Church in Belleville.

Surviving are her husband of 47 years, William A. Townsend of Belleville; children, William (Dawn) Townsend of Auburn, Traci (James) Miller of Troy, and Jason (Rebecca) Townsend of Louisville, Kentucky;

grandchildren, Brandon Townsend, Brooke Townsend, Savannah Miller, Shane Miller, and Sophia Miller; sister, Sally Kelly of Sterling; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Jerry Bressler.

Friends may call from noon to 1 p.m., and the funeral will be at 1 p.m., Saturday at Signal Hill Lutheran Church, 8100 W. Main St., Belleville, with the Rev. Jon Hemler officiating.

Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Visit kurrusfh.com to send condolences.

Barbara J. Murphy STERLING – Barbara J. Murphy, 80, of Sterling, died Sunday, Dec. 21 2014, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling.

Barbara was born Aug. 13, 1934, in Omaha, Nebraska, the daughter of Edward and Donna (Crinklaw) Sohler. She attended Mercy High School in Omaha, where she was a member of Sodality and was the vice-prefect. Barbara also was a member of the Triple Trio Group in high school. She was selected “Teen of the Week” in 1952, and that same year she was selected “May Queen.” Barbara was also the “First Citizen of The Year” for her high school.

Barbara attended St. Mary’s Catholic College in Omaha, where she received her Bachelor’s of Science degree in nursing. She worked as a registered nurse for 28 years. Barbara worked at Loretto Catholic Hospital in Chicago, the office of Dr. Samuel A. Libert in Oak Park, and The Center for Mental Health of Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove.

She married Thomas Joseph Murphy on June 17, 1961, in Omaha. Barbara was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Sterling, where she

was a Eucharist minister. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, and playing the piano. She volunteered for funeral luncheons, and attended weekly Perpetual Adoration.

Survivors include one daughter, Megan Murphy of Sterling; four sons, Timothy (Cheryl) Murphy of DeKalb; Brian (Debra) Murphy of West Palm Beach, Florida, Paul Murphy of Mount Carroll, and Terrence Murphy of Waukegan; two sisters, Rita (Carl) Carlson and Shirley Mendenhall, both of Omaha; and six grandchildren, Katherine, Jacob, Brooke, Alanna, Emily, and Jack.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Thomas, on Nov. 4, 2009.

The rosary will be recited at 3:45 p.m. Sunday, followed by visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at McDonald Funeral Home, 505 First Ave., Sterling. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Mary Catholic Church in Sterling, with the Rev. James Keenan officiating. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling.

Visit mcdonaldfuneralhome.com to send condolences.

200 East 4th St., Rock Falls | FamilyStoneMemorials.com

State lags in job creation, hits record high for food stamps JOBLESS

CONTINUED FROM A1

Since January 2008, Illinois still shows a deficit of 136,100 in growing payroll jobs. Texas is the top job creator during the recession, adding nearly 1.2 million jobs during that period.

As for putting people back to work since the recession began, Illinois is also running a deficit of 232,186 when compared to jobs lost. Texas also leads the way in that category, creating an additional 1.4 million jobs since the recession started.

Another troubling number is the state’s growing dependence on public assistance. Data from the Illinois Department of Human Services shows that in November, Illinois hit a record high for food stamp use, calling into question the quality of the jobs that are being created and how many people have dropped out of the labor force altogether.

Those people do not show up in the IDES jobless numbers.

The IDHS data shows there are now 1,053,277 Illinois households using food stamps. The Illinois Policy Center reports that 22 percent of the state’s households were getting food assistance at Thanksgiving.

IDES contends that Illinois’ job growth comes at a slower rate

November jobless rates A year-over-year comparison of area unemployment rates: Bureau County November 2014 – 7.2 percent November 2013 – 9.3 percent Improvement – 2.1 percent Carroll County November 2014 – 5.6 percent November 2013 – 7.9 percent Improvement – 2.3 percent Lee County November 2014 – 6.2 percent November 2013 – 9.0 percent Improvement – 2.8 percent Ogle County November 2014 – 7.1 percent November 2013 – 10.0 percent Improvement – 2.9 percent Whiteside County November 2014 – 6.6 percent November 2013 – 9.3 percent Improvement – 2.7 percent Source: Illinois Department of Employment Security

partly because of its economic composition.

“Diverse economies such as Illinois’ move deliberately because we have exposure in multiple sectors,” IDES Director Jay Rowell said.

IDES is also encouraged by a renewed focus on job training statewide.

‘‘

Worker training programs driven by the private sector will lead to a more nimble workforce in a better position to qualify for unfilled job opportunities.

’’

Jay Rowell, Illinois Department of Employment Security director

“Worker training programs driven by the private sector will lead to a more nimble workforce in a better position to qualify for unfilled job opportunities,” Rowell said.

In northwest Illinois, Carroll County again posted the lowest jobless rate, dropping from 6 percent to 5.6 percent last month.

Lee County remained steady, coming in at 6.2 percent, onetenth of a percentage point lower than its October rate.

The unemployment rate in Whiteside County dipped from 6.8 percent to 6.6 percent last month.

Ogle and Bureau counties both showed improvement, but were still lagging the other three area counties. The jobless rate moved from 7.4 percent to 7.1 percent in Ogle, while that number dipped from 7.6 percent to 7.2 percent in agriculture-heavy Bureau County.

CLEMENCY

3,000 applicants await outgoing Quinn’s action

BY SOPHIA TAREEN The Associated Press

CHICAGO – Gov. Pat Quinn granted 179 clemency petitions in time for Christmas, but thousands of other applicants are anxiously awaiting word on past criminal records during the Democrat’s final weeks in office.

Quinn still faces roughly 3,000 requests with less than 3 weeks before Republican Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner takes office.

Some want criminal records expunged. Others seek innocence pardons to clear their names. Advocates say the uncertainty with how Rauner will act – it’s the businessman’s first elected office – have given them a sense of urgency.

But how far Quinn will get is unclear.

Among those waiting to hear is Gordon “Randy” Steidl. He wrongfully spent 17 years in prison – a dozen on death row – for the 1986 murder a young couple in Paris, Illinois. The Charleston man first filed for an innocence pardon in 2002.

He said he wants to leave the past behind, but hasn’t heard anything.

“I’ve waited on three

governors. I don’t suppose Rauner would be any better.

Who knows?” he said. “I feel like my Pat name needs Quinn to essentially be cleared and I can finally put this nightmare behind me. My children and grandchild deserve to have their name cleared.”

People often seek clemency to get more education or better jobs. Applications ask if the person has been convicted of a crime, not whether one was committed. Gubernatorial pardons also help grantees seek compensation from the state.

Quinn inherited a backlog of more than 2,800 petitions from predecessor ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Spokeswoman Katie Hickey said Quinn has mostly cleared those cases, and that an increase in applications accounts for lingering number.

Quinn has traditionally granted clemency ahead of holidays, leaving petitioners to anticipate Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Friday, December 26, 2014

www.saukvalley.com

Telegraph • A5

2014 IN REVIEW | TOP LOCAL NEWS STORIES TOP 15

Other headlines from 2014

CONTINUED FROM A3

A coroner’s report confirmed Sims had died of hypothermia.

Whiteside County Sheriff Kelly Wilhelmi said he didn’t know whether Sims had called anyone for a ride home. It’s not jail policy to make that call for an inmate, or to provide a ride home, the sheriff said. He did say that after her release, around 8 or 9 that morning, she sat upstairs in the jail for a few hours, then decided on her own to leave. Wilhelmi said he was not sure whether jail staff knew of her mental illness; there was no court-ordered mental evaluation, he said.

7. Investigating I-88 tragedies

Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

Dolores Francis wipes away tears July 15 before handing out plaques to the four emergency workers who saved her life a year earlier. During a fire that burned much of the historic downtown on July 15, 2013, Prophetstown Police Chief Bruce Franks took a head count and realized Francis was missing. The emergency workers promptly entered her apartment and brought her to safety. The city marked the 1-year anniversary of the fire July 15.

Earleen Hinton/ehinton@shawmedia.com

The Lee County coroner’s office ruled in January that a Bettendorf, Iowa, man whose body was found along Interstate 88 in November 2013 froze to death. A radio dispatch log provided details of the failed efforts by law enforcement to find Lee Catlin after callers reported seeing a man lying on the road’s shoulder and waving his arms.

Later in January, Whiteside County State’s Attorney Trish Joyce called “justified” the fatal shooting by a state conservation officer of a motorist from Ohio on I-88 on Nov. 22, 2013.

Joyce said deadly force was appropriate because Shane Cataline of Toledo, Ohio, was using a van in “a manner which was likely to cause imminent death or great bodily harm” to an Illinois State Police officer whom Cataline had pinned.

8. Riverfront rising in Rock Falls Rock Falls announced May 6 that it had entered into a redevelopment agreement for the construction of a $6.1 million Holiday Inn Express & Suites in the RB&W District at the east end of the riverfront. The hotel will be the centerpiece of the riverfront development project. Ground was broken on the project Oct. 7.

With the news, the city’s development plans along the Rock River were given an anchor, and legitimacy.

9. Corporate investments in the Sauk Valley The Sauk Valley received economic boosts from two of its larger employers in 2014.

In April, Wahl Clipper announced that it would build a new $8.5 million corporate headquarters building on its Sterling campus. In August, BorgWarner announced

Workers with Diversified Construction Services of Melrose Park put scaffolding around the Black Hawk statue Nov. 21. Work began this year on a restoration of the 103-year-old statue at Lowden State Park near Oregon.

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Convicted murdered Matthew Welling sits after a jury reads his guilty verdict May 19 in Lee County court in Dixon. Welling was sentenced to 90 years in prison for the 2012 beating and stabbing death of a 79-year-old man in his Amboy home.

Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

Jenifer Johnson braves the bitterly cold weather to feed ducks and geese at Page Park in Dixon late in the afternoon on Jan. 6.

Some other news from 2014 in the Sauk Valley that received votes from SVM staffers for the top stories list: • Bitterly cold and snowy weather causes hardships for cities, counties, townships, and schools • Dixon Correctional Center Warden Nedra Chandler is placed on leave, then retires, after a man is arrested in her home on a felony child porn charge • A 27-year-old man recently arrested for punching a KSB psychiatrist kills his grandmother, then himself, at their rural Dixon home • Teamsters workers at Bay Valley Foods in Dixon strike for 22 days before reaching new 3-year contract agreement • First-degree murder charge dropped, then Charles George pleads guilty to a lesser charge, sentenced to 18 years in infant daughter’s death in Dixon • Terence Doddy of Rockford charged in two killings, one of a Sterling native at a rest stop near Paw Paw • Executive Director Josh Albrecht leaves Dixon Main Street after 7 years with the organization for a job with Rockford tourism group • 13 applications filed for one permit available in the State Police district to build a marijuana cultivation center • Urgently needed restoration begins of 103-year-old Black Hawk statue at Lowden State Park near Oregon • Illinois portion, including parts of Whiteside and Bureau counties, of Rock Island Clean Line energy transmission project approved • 166 jobs at Anchor Coupling plants in Sterling and Dixon will be moved to plant in Menominee, Michigan • “Frank” Harris shoots and kills his “best friend” and injures two others outside Lamb’s Tap in Rock Falls before killing himself in his Sterling home • Northland Mall shuffle with Hallmark, Hibbet’s, and Pet Supplies Plus out; and Dunham’s Sports, Rue 21, and Didoughs in

Go to SAUKVALLEY.COM for your local news and sports.

Seymour-Memreez Home Movies/Film/Audio/Slides To Digital-DVD-CD

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Rock Falls Mayor Bill Wesott thanks those who worked to bring the Holiday Inn Express & Suites project to the city’s riverfront during a groundbreaking ceremony Oct. 7. a plan to invest $9.4 milto address a budget deficit. lion in its Dixon plan Meanwhile, the district over the next 3 years, spent much of 2014 workadding 40 jobs. ing on a long-range plan for its facilities. At the helm of those efforts in the 10. Backup and 2015-16 school year will shutdown in RF be Margo Empen, who on Dec. 17 was hired as the What a mess! A sewage backup caused Rock Falls district’s next superintendent. The assistant superto shut off city water to intendent will replace all of its residents Feb. Michael Juenger when he 13. Stores were closed, retires at the end of the and residents scrambled current school year. for resources. Service was off for 18 hours, and 190,000 gallons of 12. Downtown a raw sewage had to be construction zone removed from the city’s pump station.

From mid May into early December, downtown Dixon was a rotat11. Uncertain ing construction zone for future for Dixon a $6.1 million streetscape project. The work includschool facilities ed new roads, curb and Lincoln Elementary gutters, parking configuSchool in Dixon closed ration along a section of after classes June 4. The closure had been approved First Street, and landscaping elements. in December by the Dixon school board in an effort TOP 15 CONTINUED ON A7

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Opinion A6 • Sauk Valley Media

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Friday, December 26, 2014

SPRINGFIELD SCOOP

THE CARTOONIST’S VOICE

Cash-strapped state should sell ‘Madigan’s plane’ Speaker, Quinn, scottREEDER Reeder lawmakers ferried Scott is a reporter around thanks to inforresidence the Illinois Policy expensive perk Institute.

Dave Granlund, GateHouse News Service

EDITORIAL | ELECTION 2015

Important work lies ahead for new mayor and council L

ess than a decade ago, Dixon Main Street began celebrating Founders Day, which marks the anniversary of the arrival of John and Rebecca Dixon to the frontier outpost, near present-day First Street and Peoria Avenue, on April 11, 1830.

Their pioneer spirit helped establish and grow the city that bears their name.

On April 7, 2015, pioneers of a different sort will be elected by Dixon voters to lead the city during a historic transformation.

The newly elected mayor and council will preside over the city’s transition from the commission form of government to the city manager form of government.

While the new mayor and council won’t be building 19th-century log

What we think Dixon residents will have important choices to make in the April city election.

Kudos to the 11 city council candidates and two mayoral candidates who stepped forward to run. The winners will lead a historic transformation. cabins, operating trading posts and hunting game, they could still be seen as pioneers as they work to bring the city’s government, headquartered at Second Street and Hennepin Avenue, into the 21st century.

With 76 percent of the vote, a referendum ordering the transformation was approved by city voters last month. The referendum came about after former Comptroller Rita Crundwell stole nearly $54 million from city coffers over a twodecade span.

After Monday’s deadline to file nominating petitions passed, we know who is in the running to be elected to carry out that transformation.

Candidates for mayor are Liandro Arellano Jr. and Jeff Kuhn. Mayor Jim Burke decided to step down after 16 years; Kuhn currently serves on the council.

Running for four seats on the city council are 11 candidates: Jesse Arjes, Christopher Bishop, Chuck Brainerd, Colleen Brechon, Tamara

Brooks, Dennis Considine, Bob Gibler, Ryan Marshall, Mitch Tucker, Mike Venier, and Josie Whaley. Brechon and Considine are incumbents; current Commissioner David Blackburn chose not to run again.

Hiring a city manager and putting into place the new style of government are only part of the agenda. Leaders must see to it that city services are efficiently provided to residents and economic development efforts move forward.

As the campaign unfolds next year, we encourage residents to learn as much as they can about the candidates before they make an informed vote on April 7.

By Founders Day 2015, newly elected leaders will be on their way to founding a better way to govern the city.

THE READER’S VOICE

Many young lives guided by grandparents TOM SLOTHOWER Sterling

A recent letter to the editor complained, “Where have all the grandpas gone?” [“Grandfathers: A purpose filled by no one else,” The Reader’s Voice, Nov. 7], implying that grandparents drive motor homes south to escape responsibilities.

Maybe they are parents of responsible children who made good choices and are entitled to a leisurely, untrammeled retirement.

Many grandparents in Whiteside County are raising grandchildren or helping family members. In Whiteside County, 520 homes find grandparents raising

little children, and 1,190 households in Whiteside reveal grandparents living with children.

The Whiteside County tax assessor reveals 22,245 taxable homes in our county, about 10 percent of residents are supporting family.

Bad advice often heard is, “You’ve worked hard all your life, so now that you’re retired, do whatever and whenever you want.”

The best thing anyone can do is give to help someone else. The Bible says, “He that doesn’t take care of his own is worse than an unbeliever and the faith is not in him.” (I Timothy 5:8).

Grandparents, wrestling ravages of old age and infirmity, give of themselves for a child and selflessly struggle to help other relatives, all of whom without such help could be homeless.

What joy a child can bring. How wonderful to hear “grandpa, look at me” or see a child running across the yard into grandma’s open arms. The unselfishness of grandparents has a payoff, knowing they’ve saved a life and set a child’s feet on right pathways.

I am thankful for my grandma, who, at age 77, took 10-year-old me into her home and set my feet on right pathways.

Encouraged by quality of city candidates JORDAN BOWMAN Rock Falls

While I was a resident of Dixon, I got to know many great people. In the upcoming election, Dixon will have fine choices in Liandro Arel-

EDITORIAL BOARD

THE FIRST AMENDMENT

Jennifer Baratta Jim Dunn Sam R Fisher Sheryl Gulbranson Larry Lough

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.

Jeff Rogers

What do you think?

Let us know. Write your own letter to the editor and send it to: letters@saukvalley. com lano Jr. for mayor and Josie Whaley for commissioner.

Mr. Arellano is a young, smart, and hard-working small-business owner who truly has his finger on the pulse of what is going on in the community of Dixon.

Josie Whaley is one of the kindest and most humble, down-to-earth human beings you can ever hope to meet. She is smart and more than able to hold her own and speak her mind.

I encourage all residents of Dixon to vote in April and to vote for a shot of new life and blood into city government.

SPRINGFIELD – Call it the mother of all perks.

Ordinary schmoes like you and me pile into our cars or board a train when we want to travel elsewhere in Illinois.

A plane ride is just too expensive.

But that’s not how state government’s top honchos look at things.

Folks like Speaker of the House Mike Madigan, Senate President John Cullerton, and Gov. Pat Quinn are ferried about like chieftains in stateowned executive aircraft.

And they don’t pay for this perk.

We do.

In the many years I’ve been covering the Statehouse, one of the most sought-after pieces of information each week of legislative session is, When is “Madigan’s plane” taking off?

Madigan staffers and Department of Transportation pilots are milked for this inane piece of minutiae.

Why? Because it’s indicative of when legislative activity will come to a stop and all the reporters, lobbyists and rank-and-file legislators can plan on going home, too.

IT’S SPRINGFIELD, where the world revolves around Madigan.

I’ve always found it amusing that the taxpayer-owned King Air is casually referred to as “Madigan’s plane,” not the “state’s plane.”

On Tuesday, Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner answered a question about the state’s air fleet this way: “I’m cheap, I do drive. I am going to drive a lot. I don’t believe the taxpayers should be funding that large fleet. I think it’s self-indulgent and unnecessary. … But I’ve said it since Day 1: We’ve got to be responsive to the taxpayers, and having the largest fleet in America does not make sense.”

Self-indulgent and unnecessary?

Talk about sticking a thumb in Mike Madigan’s eye.

Flying is an expensive proposition.

It costs $21 for a state employee to take the train

Contact him at sreeder@ illinoispolicy. org.

between Chicago and Springfield or about $65 for them to drive, based on the mileage reimbursement rate for state lawmakers.

Earlier this year, I calculated that it costs taxpayers $4,060 when lawmakers or others choose to fly a six-seat executive airplane between the two cities.

Gov. Pat Quinn used the plane the most, booking

‘‘

In the many years I’ve been covering the Statehouse, one of the most soughtafter pieces of information each week of legislative session is, When is ‘Madigan’s plane’ taking off?

’’

Scott Reeder

21,134 miles in 2013.

In 2013, Supreme Court justices booked 14,846 miles on the state plane.

In 2013, Illinois lawmakers booked 108,000 miles in the state planes – enough miles to circle the globe four times.

For several years, state Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth, has had a bill pending before the Legislature to pare down the state executive air fleet to one plane, which only the governor would use.

But Madigan and his allies have kept the measure bottled up in committee, never to be voted on by lawmakers.

“Sometimes I’ve been ridiculed about this because, last year, it cost $7 million, and we face such a big hole,” Mitchell said. “I think it is an example of state government having a tin ear.”

Note to readers: Scott Reeder’s column is underwritten by the Illinois Policy Institute.

YOUR GOVERNMENT ONLINE Monitor your government at these websites: Lee County – www. leecountyil.com Whiteside County – www.whiteside.org Ogle County – www. oglecounty.org Carroll County – www. carroll-county.net Bureau County – www. bureaucountyclerk.com City of Dixon – www.

“A society of free speech needs lively exchange between the parties and not just loud voices from its eccentric fringe.”

Harvey Mansfield, professor of government, Harvard University, 2005

Quotes brought to you courtesy of

discoverdixon.org City of Sterling – www. ci.sterling.il.us City of Rock Falls – www.rockfalls61071.com City of Oregon – www. cityoforegon.org City of Amboy – www. cityofamboy.org City of Morrison – www. morrisonil.org City of Prophetstown – www.prophetstown.us

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 AND DO NOT REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF SAUK VALLEY MEDIA.

Friday, December 26, 2014

www.saukvalley.com

Sauk Valley Media • A7

DAY TRIP | SHEDD AQUARIUM

Exhibits open eyes to ocean life Area, world view of sea creatures on display at popular Chicago site

J

ust a walk through the lobby at Shedd Aquarium is the start of a journey into the marvels of life in and around the water.

To the left from the lobby, visitors can flow toward exhibits that cover rivers, islands and lakes, as well as local waters.

Oceans, a Caribbean reef, and the Amazon add to the experience.

While all the exhibits are interesting, one of the most fascinating is the Caribbean Reef, which is similar to a carousel. It allows viewers a 360-degree look at reef life. Among the inhabitants are hogfish, sharks, moray eels, and sea turtles.

At Home on the Great Lakes is the place to encounter more local species. Guests even can touch a sturgeon and get a look at area invaders.

A few of the other areas to look into are: • Amazon Rising looks into the river’s yearly floods. There are stingrays, monkeys, tetras, an anaconda, tarantulas, and the fruit-eating tam-

baqui.

• Jellies – in this exhibit aren’t for use on toast.

They have no bones, but they are armed with poisonous harpoons, in spite of their sometimes delicate appearances.

• The Abbott Oceanarium is the home of the Rice Amphitheater, where aquatic shows are performed, and the Polar Play Zone for youngsters.

The Pacific Northwest is the focus of the oceanarium in which fish, whales, and sea lions are found.

• Waters of the World offers a look at 80 habitats. Africa, Asia, South America, and more reveal their secrets.

When feet begin to get tired, visitors can take a break at Shedd’s 4-D Experience. The shows are “Ice Age Dawn of the Dinosaurs” and “Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure.” Not only do the characters in the films look touchable, but bubbles, air blasts, mist, leg tickles, and seat vibrations add to the experience. The shows are appropriate for children 4 and older.

Wild Reef, Abbott Oceanarium, Polar Play Zone, Jellies, and aquatic

Photo by Brenna Hernandez

Girl meets fish at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. Fish, however, aren’t the only residents. River turtles, sea otters, penguins, and others will delight visitors.

The decade so far These were the top 15 stories for 2010 through 2013, as voted by Sauk Valley Media news staffers: 2013 1. Rita Crundwell gets prison sentence; Dixon gets millions 2. Fire destroys downtown Prophetstown buildings 3. Sterling boy, 6, survives fall into sinkhole 4. A second life sentence for Sheley 5. Lawsuit settlement yields $40 million for Dixon 7. Dixon school teachers go on strike for 9 days 7. Ohio man shot, killed on Interstate 88 8. Dixon city engineer resigns 9. Murder-suicide in Polo 10. Sterling, Rock Falls merge fire administrations 11. Vocal instructor in Dixon accused of sexually abusing student 12. Wescott defeats 2-term Rock Falls mayor 13. Dixon woman dies in house fire 14. Nord is Dixon’s first administrator 15. Oregon teen dies after party 2012 1. Crundwell pleads guilty to stealing nearly $54 million from Dixon over two decades 2. Sheley found guilty of murder for a second time 3. British invasion: Mumford & Sons enjoy a weekend in Dixon 4. Thomson prison sold to feds 5. An ‘unprecedented’ drought lingers

show and 4-D experience tickets are not included in the general admission.

Other passes have more options. Costs range up to $35.95 for adults and $26.95 for children.

A number of food options are offered by the aquarium for hungry guests. They are the Soundings Cafe, The

Bubble Net, and the Deep Ocean Cafe. Food choices include salads, pizza, sandwiches, Mrs. Field’s cookies, and kids meals.

When it seems too chilly and that spring will never come, just head on over to the aquarium to experience an ocean of warmth.

What: Shedd Aquarium Where: 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday until Memorial Day. Cost: General admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children. There are additional costs for certain exhibits; pricing packages are available.

Information: Visit sheddaquarium.org or call 312939-2438.

6. Community shows support for injured servicemen 7. 60-year sentence for Byron Adams in 2009 Dixon murder 8. Jury acquits Rock Falls woman in baby’s death 9. Lee, Whiteside counties get new top prosecutors 10. Dixon stepmom to be tried for murder in boy’s death 11. Local courtrooms among first for pilot camera program 12. Schilling, Manzullo lose re-election bids 13. Sales tax falls in Lee County; more to come in 2013?

14. First Avenue bridge rebuild finishes early 15. Matthew Welling faces murder charges in elderly man’s death 2011 1. Two Sterling girls electrocuted while detasseling 2. Sheley gets life without parole in first murder conviction 3. Three die in Rock Falls murder-suicide 4. Mabley Center has brush with closure 5. Blizzard brings Sauk Valley to its knees 6. New boundaries lead to open race in 90th State House District 7. Obama, Palin pay surprise visits to Sauk Valley 8. Rock Falls coach pays price for texting with student 9. Dixon boy at center of child abuse case dies 10. Fewer people populate the Sauk Valley, census shows

11. Local doctor accused of running fatal pill mill 12. Region celebrates Reagan’s 100th birthday 13. New VA clinic opens in Sterling 14. New mayor for Sterling, new city administrator for Rock Falls 15. Twin Cities’ riverfront plans advance 2010 1. Hope, miracles for Morrison student Alex Cartwright 2. Two die, one hurt in Mount Carroll grain bin accident 3. Mom dies in Fulton fire that might have been set by son 4. New VA clinic will open in Sterling 5. Democrats Foster, Hare lose re-election bids 6. Stanley to close National facilities 7. Whiteside County hosts massive DC-3 fly-in 8. Counties put a hold on wind farm projects 9. Two Marines dies in Afghanistan combat 10. AYP not as easy as ABC for Sauk Valley schools 11. Ogle jail deaths highlight statewide concern 12. Records reveal missing meeds at Whiteside jail 13. Popular pub in Dixon, O’Leary’s, goes up in flames 14. Dixon infant dies; father, Charles George, called person of interest 15. Demolitions, planning mark Twin Cities’ efforts to revive riverfronts

Finally, funding for Thomson prison TOP 15

CONTINUED FROM A5

13. Rebuilding in Prophetstown On July 15, Prophetstown residents commemorate the 1-year anniversary of a fire that burned down much of the downtown. In the year since the fire, seven new businesses have opened in the downtown, including a location for the Prophetstown Historical Society, which lost its building in the fire.

14. Sentencing in Amboy murder A jury deliberated for just an hour May 19 before finding Matthew Welling of Amboy guilty of five counts of firstdegree murder in the brutal beating and stabbing death of 79-yearold LeRoy Daniels in his Amboy home in 2012. On June 25, Welling received a maximum 90-year prison sentence.

15. Prison life in Thomson, Dixon A spending bill was

approved in Congress that includes $90 million for buildings and facilities to open a federal prison in Thomson.

Donald Hudson was hired Aug. 18 to be the prison’s first warden, and hundreds traveled to Thomson in September for a 3-day job fair for the first 300 jobs at the facility.

Meanwhile, news came in November that Dixon Correctional Center might expand its already-large mental health treatment facility as part of a $29 million state project.

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Retail Installment Contract required to receive discounts; otherwise, regular Device Connection Charges apply. Other discounts available for additional Shared Connect Plans. Limited time offer. Contract Payoff Promo: Offer valid on up to 6 consumer lines or 25 business lines. Must port in current number to U.S. Cellular and purchase new Smartphone or tablet through a Retail Installment Contract on a Shared Connect Plan. Submit final bill identifying early termination fee (ETF) charged by carrier within 60 days of activation date to www.uscellular.com/contractpayoff or via mail to U.S. Cellular Contract Payoff Program 5591-61; PO Box 752257; El Paso, TX 88575-2257. Customer will be reimbursed for the ETF reflected on final bill up to $350/line. Reimbursement in form of a U.S. Cellular Prepaid Card is issued by MetaBank,® Member FDIC, additional offers are not sponsored or endorsed by MetaBank. This card does not have cash access and can be used at any merchant location that accepts MasterCard® Debit Cards within the U.S. only. Card valid through expiration date shown on front of card. Allow 12–14 weeks for processing. To be eligible, customer must register for My Account. Retail Installment Contracts: Retail Installment Contract and monthly payments according to the Payment Schedule in the Contract required. If you are in default or terminate your Contract, we may require you to immediately pay the entire unpaid Amount Financed as well as our collection costs, attorneys’ fees and court costs related to enforcing your obligations under the Contract.

Kansas Customers: In areas in which U.S. Cellular receives support from the Federal Universal Service Fund, all reasonable requests for service must be met. Unresolved questions concerning services availability can be directed to the Kansas Corporation Commission Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at 1-800-662-0027. Limited-time offer. Trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners. Additional terms apply. See store or uscellular.com for details.©2014 U.S. Cellular Holiday_Print_DI_6x9

425080

BY ANDREA MILLS amills@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5575

A8 • Sauk Valley Media

www.saukvalley.com

Friday, December 26, 2014

Suicidal online ‘friend’ needs professional help Dear Abby, I’m a grad student who enjoys perusing social networks for jokes and stuff. The other day I came across a post from someone who said he wanted to kill himself.

Naturally, I kind of freaked out.

I contacted the person to ask him not to, and thankfully he didn’t. Normally I don’t do the whole “Internet friend” thing, but we decided to keep chatting and since then we have become fast friends. I’m not sure how to help this person, though.

He is in the military and fears losing his job if he seeks help. I don’t want to pressure him into see-

Please tell me what to do.

– Long-Distance Friend

dearABBY Abigail Van Buren’s (Jeanne Phillips) column appears during the week through Universal Press Syndicate.

ing a professional, since part of what’s causing his anxiety is being ordered around constantly, but I don’t want him to hurt himself. I know I can’t save this person; I can only walk alongside while he figures it all out, but I don’t want him to suffer.

Dear Long-Distance Friend, I’ll try. Are you sure this person is who he purports to be? Suicidal people don’t usually broadcast it to strangers they meet on the Internet. When you say he’s afraid that if he seeks professional help he’ll lose his job, is he intending to make a career in the military? If the answer is yes, and he doesn’t like “being ordered around constantly,” he has chosen the wrong career.

You should tell this individual that it’s essential he talk to someone about his suicidal impulses who

has the training to actually help him with his suffering (your word). If you encourage him to lean on you, it will only prolong his procrastination about standing on his own two feet. For both your sakes, deliver your message clearly and back away.

Because you have known each other for such a short time, it shouldn’t be too traumatic.

Dear Abby, My husband and I will celebrate our 50th anniversary soon. One hundred and twenty-five invitations were sent and 80 people have responded that they will be attending. I have wondered

about the 45 invitees who didn’t respond one way or the other.

Today I was told there’s a new rule of etiquette regarding the RSVP on an invitation – that one doesn’t have to respond unless one is attending the function. Is this true?

Am I out of step with the current social culture?

I am more than aware that it has changed – and would debate that it probably hasn’t changed for the better with regard to social courtesy. So, in planning any function that entails food, hotel rooms, etc., am I to assume no response is a negative one?

– Questioning in the Southeast

Dear Questioning, You are not out of step.

There is no “new rule,” unless the invitation specifies “regrets only.”

RSVP still means what it always has: “Repondez s’il vous plait.” That’s French for “Please respond.” It doesn’t mean to respond only if you plan on being there. Polite people take note of the phone number at the bottom of the invitation, or the little card included with it, and accept or decline.

While it’s safe to assume that the individuals you didn’t hear from won’t be coming, it’s also a clue that they may not have been taught good manners.

SUPPORT GROUPS, CLUBS AND SERVICES Saturday, Dec. 27 American Red Cross blood drive, 7-11 a.m., 112 W. Second St., Rock Falls. Appointment: 815-625-0382.

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 Ameri-

cana, 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.

Reality Check Narcotics Anonymous, noon, 6 p.m., First Christian Church, 506 Fifth Ave., Rock Falls, 779245-8214. 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, Dec. 28 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, Horizon View Farm barn, 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, 6 p.m., closed, Church of St. Anne, 401 N. Cherry St., Morrison.

Reality Check Narcotics Anonymous, 6 p.m., First Christian Church, 506 Fifth Ave., Rock Falls, 779-245-8214. Downstairs, west door.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m.,

closed, Spanish, St. Patrick Catholic Church, 236 Kelly Drive, Rochelle.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., closed, 808 Freeport Road, Sterling.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., closed, clearance required, BAAbble on for Life Prison Group, 815-973-6150.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7:30 p.m., closed, 304 Seventh Ave. W., Lyndon.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., closed (4), Mount Morris Senior Center, 9 E. Front St.

Lee County Council on Aging, 100 W. Second St., Dixon. Reservations: 815-288-9236.

Lunch, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, 815622-9230.

Card games, noon, Hub City Senior Center, 401 Cherry Ave., Rochelle, 815-562-5050.

Organized Wii Bowling games, noon, Lee County Council on Aging, 100 W. Second St., Dixon.

Euchre, 12:30 p.m., Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, 815-622-9230.

Pinochle, 1 p.m., Lee County Council on Aging, 100 W. Second St., Dixon.

Euchre 101, 1 p.m., Robert Fulton Community Center and Transit Facility, 912 Fourth St., Fulton, 815-589-3925.

Bingo, 7 p.m., Sterling Moose Family Center, 2601 E. Lincolnway, Sterling, 815-625-0354.

Mexican Train dominoes, 9:30 a.m., Rock River Center, 810 S. 10th St., Oregon, 815-732-3253.

Wii Bowling and card games, 10 a.m., Hub City Senior Center, 401 Cherry Ave., Rochelle, 815562-5050.

Lifescape Lunch, 11:30 a.m., Lee County Council on Aging, 100 W. Second St., Dixon. Reservations: 815-288-9236.

Lunch, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, 815622-9230.

Organized Wii Bowling games, noon, Lee County Council on Aging, 100 W. Second St., Dixon.

Card games, noon, Hub City Senior Center, 401 Cherry Ave., Rochelle, 815-562-5050.

Sewing after lunch, noon, Robert Fulton Community Center and Transit Facility, 912 Fourth St., Fulton, 815-589-3925.

Bingo with the Beukemas, 12:15 p.m., Robert Fulton Community Center and Transit Facility, 912 Fourth St., Fulton, 815589-3925.

Bingo, 1 p.m., Rock Falls American Legion Hall, 712 Fourth Ave. Wii Bowling, 1 p.m., Rock River Center, 810 S. 10th St., Oregon, 815-732-3252.

Community cards, 2 p.m., The Meadows of Franklin Grove, 510 N. State St., Franklin Grove, 815456-3000.

Kings Kids Club, 6 p.m., Liberty Baptist Church, 2002 Ninth Ave., Rock Falls, 815-579-1209 or 815-625-4101.

Sauk Valley Chess Club, 7-9 p.m., Northland Mall, 2900 E. Lincolnway, Sterling, 815-622-8838.

COMMUNITY EVENTS Friday, Dec. 26 Open pool, open cards, open Wii games and computer lab, 8 a.m. -4 p.m., Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, 815-622-9230.

Open pool, open cards, open Wii games and computer lab, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Lee County Council on Aging, 100 W. Second St., Dixon, 815-288-9236.

Pool players, 8:30 a.m., Rock River Center, 810 S. 10th St., Oregon, 815-732-3252.

Bridge, 8:45 a.m., Hub City Senior Center, 401 Cherry Ave., Rochelle, 815-562-5050.

Bingo, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Lee County Council on Aging, 100 W. Second St., Dixon, 815-288-9236.

Wii Bowling, 10 a.m., Hub City Senior Center, 401 Cherry Ave., Rochelle, 815-562-5050.

Line dancing, 11 a.m.-noon, Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, 815622-9230.

Lifescape lunch, 11:30 a.m., Lee County Council on Aging, 100 W. Second St., Dixon, 815288-9236. Sign up by 10 a.m. previous business day.

Organized Wii Bowling games, noon, Lee County Council on Aging, 100 W. Second St., Dixon.

Pinochle, noon, Hub City Senior Center, 401 Cherry Ave., Rochelle, 815-562-5050.

Pinochle, 12:30-3 p.m., Big Room, Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, 815-622-9230.

Mexican Train dominoes, 12:30 p.m., Whiteside Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, 815-622-9230.

Duplicate bridge, 12:30 p.m., Lee County Council on Aging, 100 W. Second St., Dixon, 815288-2117.

Pinochle, 12:30 p.m., Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, 815-622-9230.

Pinochle, 1 p.m., Lee County Council on Aging, 100 W. Second St. Dixon.

Farkle, 1 p.m., Robert Fulton Community Center and Transit Facility, 912 Fourth St., Fulton, 815-589-3925.

Mexican food, 5-8 p.m., Rock Falls Veterans of Foreign Wars, 217 First Ave. Bingo, 7 p.m. Rock Falls American Legion, 712 Fourth Ave. Saturday, Dec. 27 Farmers Market, 8 a.m.-noon, Twin City Market, indoors, 106 Avenue A, Sterling, 815-626-8610.

Mexican food, 5-8 p.m., Rock Falls Veterans of Foreign Wars, 217 First Ave. Monday, Dec. 29 Open pool, open cards, open Wii games and computer lab, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, 815-622-9230.

Open pool, open cards, open Wii games and computer lab, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Lee County Council on Aging, 100 W. Second St., Dixon, 815-288-9236.

Pool players, 8:30 a.m., Rock River Center, 810 S. 10th St., Oregon, 815-732-3253.

Mexican Train dominoes, 9 a.m., Hub City Senior Center, 401 Cherry Ave., Rochelle, 815-

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Quilting, 9:30 a.m., Rock River Center, 810 S. 10th St., Oregon, 815-732-3252.

Wii Bowling and card games, 10 a.m., Hub City Senior Center, 401 Cherry Ave, Rochelle, 815562-5050.

Zumba class, 10:30 a.m., Lee County Council on Aging, 100 W. Second St., Dixon, 815-288-9236.

Lifescape Lunch, 11:30 a.m., Lee County Council on Aging, 100 W. Second St., Dixon. Reservations: 815-288-9236.

Lunch, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, 815622-9230.

Organized Wii Bowling games, noon, Lee County Council on Aging, 100 W. Second St., Dixon.

Card games, noon, Hub City Senior Center, 401 Cherry Ave., Rochelle, 815-562-5050.

Hand & Foot cards, 12:15 p.m., Rock River Center, 810 S. 10th St., Oregon, 815-732-3252.

Pinochle, 12:30 p.m., Big Room, Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, 815-622-9230.

Duplicate bridge, 12:30 p.m., Lee County Council on Aging, 100 W. Second St., Dixon.

Friendly Mexican Train dominoes, 12:30 p.m., Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, 815-625-0046.

Rummy, 1 p.m., Robert Fulton Community Center and Transit Facility, 912 Fourth St., Fulton, 815-589-3925.

Tacos, 4-8 p.m., Latin American Social Club, 2708 W. Fourth St., Sterling, 815-625-8290.

Exercise group, 4 p.m., Robert Fulton Community Center and Transit Facility, 912 Fourth St., Fulton, 815-589-3925.

Loaves and Fishes, 5-6 p.m., Holloway Center, St. Patrick Catholic Church, 612 Highland Ave., Dixon, 815-284-7719. A free, hot meal for the needy.

Tuesday, Dec. 30 Open pool, open cards, open Wii games and computer lab, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, 815-622-9230.

Open pool, open cards, open Wii games and computer lab, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Lee County Council on Aging, 100 W. Second St., Dixon, 815-288-9236.

Pool players, 8:30 a.m., Rock River Center, 810 S. 10th St., Oregon, 815-732-3252.

Morning Whittle, 9 a.m., Rock River Center, 810 S. 10th St., Oregon, 815-732-3252.

Bingo and doughnuts, 9-10 a.m., Hub City Senior Center, 401 Cherry Ave., Rochelle, 815562-5050.

Line dancing, 9:30 a.m., Rock River Center, 810 S. 10th St., Oregon, 815-732-3252.

Wii Bowling and card games, 10 a.m., Hub City Senior Center, 401 Cherry Ave., Rochelle, 815562-5050.

Line dancing, 10-11 a.m., Lee County Council on Aging, 100 W. Second St., Dixon, 815-288-9236.

Community coffee and doughnuts, 10 a.m., Oregon Living & Rehab Center, 811 S. 10th St., 815-732-7994.

Lifescape Lunch, 11:30 a.m.,

Wednesday, Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve – check to see if facilities are open.

Open pool, open cards, open Wii games and computer lab, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, 815-622-9230.

Open pool, open cards, open Wii games and computer lab, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Lee County Council on Aging, 100 W. Second St., Dixon, 815-288-9236.

Pool players, 8:30 a.m., Rock River Center, 810 S. 10th St., Oregon, 815-732-3252.

Crafting, 9 a.m., Rock River Center, 810 S. 10th St., Oregon, 815-732-3252.

Friday, December 26, 2014

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Things to do and places to go in Northwest Illinois Sauk Valley Media • A10

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Friday, December 26, 2014

MUSIC | YEAR IN REVIEW

Top albums of 2014 – Christopher Heimerman “I tried to believe all the things that you said, but my friends are all dying or already dead.”

It’s a lyric from “Constructive Summer,” the leadoff track of the last The Hold Steady Album that held my attention, “Stay Positive.” And it’s emblematic of why, until a few weeks ago, I thought I would come away from the year in music that was 2014 disappointed.

I’m closer to being at peace with the void left by many of my favorite artists over the years. Elliott Smith. Freddie Mercury.

Jeff Buckley. Shannon Hoon. Joe Strummer. This could be a long list.

But bands fading into accessibility in order to stay alive? I struggle to take that in stride. And I suppose that’s as much a statement about how hard it is to make money in the industry as it is about musical integrity.

Whatever the case, I circled a few can’t-wait albums due for release this year, and most of them fell flat.

Craig Finn’s voice, perhaps the most recognizable in the industry,

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.

was supersaturated with effects in The Hold Steady’s latest offering, “Teeth Dreams,” an album that’s more arena rock than it is the latest unconventionally charming chapters of Gideon and Holly.

This was the most disappointing release I’ve heard since Our Lady Peace’s 2002 surrender, “Gravity.”

Almost just as forgettable was the recent release from TV on the Radio, “Seeds.” I’m not sure what I expected after bassist Gerard Smith lost his battle with cancer in 2011, but I’ll still selfishly say I was let down.

And Elbow. My beloved Elbow. It’s time to concede that the gritty, the dark and hazy, the

“LOSE,” by Cymbals Eat Guitars charmingly odd and brooding, it’s all but gone.

Guy Garvey’s gone fullon Peter Gabriel. But his soaring, endearing voice is still enough of a trump card to crack my top 25.

On the bright side, Spoon, like the most steadfast friend in a circle, delivered yet again. One of my favorite bands for many years, Spoon provides hope, as do many of the artists on this list that I hadn’t heard of until this year.

Some of them until this month, admittedly.

Maybe it wasn’t such a bad year. After all, I made a lot of great friends. I just had to put myself out there a bit.

Cymbals Eats Guitars … you remind me of someone … Your abil-

ity to turn such personal phrases (the album opens with “You’re taking two Klonopin, so you can stop flipping and face our friends.” Yeah.

Strap your heart in.), the build-up to epic and often unbridled choruses (see: the guttural screams in 6-plus-minute closer “2 Hip Soul”), and fully embracing the long-lost art of writing an album, complete with the best bookends I’ve heard in a long time? You’re shocking. You’re complicated.

You’re beautiful. You’re so much like him. But don’t worry, I’m not gonna get all creepy, pretend you’re him, dress you up like him and parade you around in front of my friends, Elliott.

Cloud Nothings? It’s good to meet someone I can get stupid-rowdy with. And your best trait is the one any bestie could want: unabashed honesty. Musically and lyrically, this album comes straight from the vein.

It’s great to see you again, Damien Rice.

Thanks for letting me have a cry again.

Nice running into you

at the kegger, Joyce Manor and Modern Baseball. Let’s do it again soon.

Thanks for getting me out of my shell, Flying Lotus and Run the Jewels.

Thanks for letting me get weird with you, St. Vincent.

Pleased to meet you, How to Dress Well. I’ll give you a call when it’s raining in my soul.

Way to raise a fist for all of us who know that rock is alive and well, Against Me!, Royal Blood, and Rozwell Kid. It sounds like you have a lot to talk about, Hozier and Sun Kil Moon. FaceTime me.

You’re gorgeous, Future Islands and Copeland.

Never change.

Here’s to new friends.

There’s a lot of them in my top 25 albums of 2014: 1. Cymbals Eat Guitars – “LOSE” 2. Cloud Nothings – “Here and Nowhere Else” 3. Spoon – “They Want My Soul” 4. Damien Rice – “My Favourite Faded Fantasy” 5. Joyce Manor – “Never Hungover Again”

6. Flying Lotus – “You’re Dead!”

7. Ty Segall – “Manipulator” 8. St. Vincent – “St. Vincent” 9. Modern Baseball – “You’re Gonna Miss It All” 10. How to Dress Well – “What is This Heart?”

11. Hozier – “Hozier” 12. Bob Mould – “Beauty & Ruin” 13. Jenny Lewis – “The Voyager” 14. Against Me! – “Transgender Dysphoria Blues” 15. Royal Blood – “Royal Blood” 16. Run the Jewels – “Run the Jewels 2” 17. Foo Fighters – “Sonic Highways” 18. Rozwell Kid – “Too Shabby” 19. The New Pornographers – “Brill Bruisers” 20. Sun Kil Moon – “Benji” 21. Future Islands – “Singles” 22. … And You Will Know Us By Trail of the Dead – “IX” 23. Sharon Van Etten – “Are We There” 24. Elbow – “The Take Off and Landing of Everything” 25. Copeland – “Ixora”

Top albums of 2014 – Jeff Rogers Favorite albums of 2014 – Christi Warren No sound marks 2014 in music for me like the synthesizer opening of “Seasons (Waiting on You),” a beautiful rock song by Future Islands.

In “Seasons” – my favorite song of the year – and throughout the band’s fantastic fourth full-length record “Singles,” lead singer Samuel T. Herring’s powerfully gutterful baritone voice is on full display. I’m not sure I’ve ever heard a more interesting voice in rock music.

The Baltimore band has been circling the indie rock underground for years, playing small clubs and building a small sort-of cult following. But when Herring introduced his awkwardly unforgettable dance moves to David Letterman’s “The Late Show” in April, the band immediately made a fan of the host and found many new ones in the alternative rock sphere.

From start to finish, “Singles” is packed with dreamy, soulful songs that stick immediately in your head. That made

jeffROGERS

Jeff Rogers is the Managing Editor for Sauk Valley Media.

You can reach him at jrogers@ saukvalley. com or 800798-4085, ext. 5591.

this Future Islands record my favorite of the year, by a wide margin.

No. 2 was an easy selection, as well. The Orwells, a raucous garage rock band of cousins and twin brothers who graduated from York High School in Elmhurst in 2013, released “Disgraceland,” an 11-song barrage in June. Its single, “Who Needs You,” was initially released in 2013 and now is featured in the new iPad Air 2 commercials.

The Telegraph in London described The Orwells’ sound as like The Strokes and The Replacements spliced together.

Maybe. There’s a tinge of late-70s and early-80s

“Singles,” by Future Islands punk and a dose of early Foo Fighters in there, too.

It’s a young band that’s definitely worth watching in the years ahead.

Here, then, is my list of the top 25 records of 2014. It was a very good year, with a lot of great records.

1. “Singles,” by Future Islands 2. “Disgraceland,” by The Orwells 3. “So Long, See You Tomorrow,” by Bombay Bicycle Club 4. “Royal Blood,” by Royal Blood 5. “Forcefield,” by Tokyo Police Club 6. “War Room Stories,”

by Breton 7. “NO,” by Black English

8. “Pure Adulterated Joy,” by Morning Parade 9. “Electrogram,” by Vinyl Theatre 10. “Badillac,” by Together Pangea 11. “Into the Wide,” by Delta Spirit 12. “Here and Nowhere Else,” by Cloud Nothings 13. “Brill Bruisers,” by The New Pornographers 14. “Nature Nurture,”

by Dinosaur Pile-Up 15. “Sonic Highways,”

by Foo Fighters 16. “Lunatic,” by KONGOS 17. “They Want My Soul,” by Spoon 18. “Education, Education, Education & War,”

by Kaiser Chiefs 19. “The Colourist,” by The Colourist 20. “Too Shabby,” by Rozwell Kid 21. “Never Hungover Again,” by Joyce Manor 22. “Transgender Dysphoria Blues,” by Against Me! 23. “Similarities,” by Biffy Clyro 24. “Future Runs Magnetic,” by Battleme 25. “Halcyon Days,” by Glass Towers

Top albums of 2014 – Lucas Pauley I’ve always been an album guy.

You know those people that throw a CD into their CD player (kids, ask your parents), and then immediately skip through to their favorite songs? Not me.

There’s just something special about pressing play and hearing a collection of songs the way the band or artist intended.

And that’s why 2014 was a year that made my musical heart happy. So many good, complete (or close to) albums.

New artists. Old artists.

It didn’t matter.

In fact, I’d never heard of more than a few of the artists in my Top 25 before 2014. That, to me, is proof of a good year in music.

And, hopefully, a sign

lucasPAULEY Lucas Pauley is a page designer and Plan!t editor for Sauk Valley Media. You can reach him at lpauley@ saukvalley. com or 800798-4085, ext. 5576.

of more good things to come next year.

Another thing that I enjoyed about this year is that many great albums and songs by relatively unknown artists found mainstream success.

When you’re hearing “Take Me To Church,”

by Hozier on Top 40 radio ... you know it’s been a good year.

1. “Mind Over Matter,” Young The Giant

“Mind Over Matter,” by Young The Giant 2. “Ixora,” Copeland 3. “Royal Blood,” Royal Blood 4. “Ryan Adams,” Ryan Adams 5. “Sonic Highways,” Foo Fighters 6. “Hozier,” Hozier 7. “Into the Wilde,” Delta Spirit 8. “Listen,” The Kooks 9. “X,” Ed Sheeran 10. “Bad Self Portraits,” Lake Street Dive 11. “Supernova,” Ray

LaMontagne 12. “The New Classic,” Iggy Azalea 13. “When I Was Younger,” Colony House 14. “1989,” Taylor Swift 15. “Ledges,” Noah Gunderson 16. “In The Lonely Hour,” Sam Smith 17. “Sheezus,” Lilly Allen 18. “Transgender Dysphoria Blues,” Against Me! 19. “You Haunt Me,” Sir Sly 20. “Songs of Innocence,” U2 21. “Happiness Is,” Taking Back Sunday 22. “Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness,”

by Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness 23. “rose ave.,” you+me 24. “From The Wreckage,” The Wind and The Wave 25. “They Want My Soul,” Spoon

Hi. I’m Christi, and I’m the crime and county government reporter for this very fine news agency. I’m 23, from San Diego, and graduated from Mizzou with a degree in journalism.

Those are things about me that you likely already know.

Something you don’t know, though, is that prior to settling down into a respectable career as a news reporter, I was part of the obsessive and underpaid world of music journalism. I wrote for a lot of different publications – some bigger ones that you might’ve heard of, but usually smaller ones that you definitely haven’t. Sometimes for pay, sometimes not, but always for the love of the game.

After a 2-ish-year hiatus from that world, I decided to dip my toe back in to create a list of my favorite records of the year.

I wrote at length about hip-hop, mostly, but also rock. For a while there I was doing these types of lists every year, reviewing albums on a regular basis, photographing and covering shows, and interviewing artists.

Of course, none of this means my opinions about music hold any weight at all. They’re just opinions, based on feelings, not facts. But what it does mean is that I put in some serious thought to this list in the hopes of sparking a conversation, or maybe

“Are We There,” by Sharon Van Etten

christiWARREN Christi Warren is a reporter for Sauk Valley Media. You can reach her at cwarren@ saukvalley. com or 800798-4085, ext. 5521.

introducing you to a band you haven’t yet heard of (like the Mercury Music Prize-winning experimental Scottish hip-hop group, Young Fathers).

Agree with my choices?

Awesome. Disagree with me? Also awesome. Let me know how you feel in the comments, or feel free to approach me around town, I’m always down to talk about music. Even better if you can introduce me to something I’ve never heard of.

So, without further adieu, and in no particular order, my favorite albums of 2014: The War on Drugs: Lost in the Dream Run the Jewels: Run the Jewels 2 Damon Albarn: Everyday Robots Sun Kil Moon: Benji Young Fathers: Dead Sharon Van Etten: Are We There Sam Smith: In the Lonely Hour Spoon: They Want My Soul Taylor Swift: 1989 YG: My Krazy Life Real Estate: Atlas Future Islands: Singles

“1989,” by Taylor Swift

Friday, December 26, 2014

www.saukvalley.com

Telegraph • A11

Friday, Dec. 26, 2014

ASSEMBLY OF GOD 933 Mekeel Rd., Dixon, Rt. 52 S.E. Church 284-3090 Parsonage 285-0360 Adam Meyer, Pastor Sunday 9:30am - Morning Fellowship Sunday School Sunday 10:30 - Worship Service Wednesday 7:00pm - Family Night (all ages)

FAITH ASSEMBLY OF GRAND DETOUR Ridge Road, Dixon, 652-4488 Li Arellano, Sr. Pastor Morning Worship 10:00 a.m.

ST. PATRICKS OF AMBOY

GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH

32 N. Jones, Amboy, IL Msgr. Thomas Bales, Priest Saturday Evenings 4:30 p.m.

Sunday 7:30 a.m. & 10:30a.m.

707 1st Ave., Sterling, 815-625-0442 Reverend Peg Williams, Rector 9:00a.m. Sunday Holy Eucharist Wednesdays spoken Holy Eucharist Noon, Bible study and soup supper at 5:30.

Every Third Friday at 5:30 Younger adults gathering. Pastoral care, confession and reconciliation by appt. gracechurchstg.org

ST. ANNE’S CATHOLIC 1104 N. Brinton Ave., Dixon, 288-3131 Father Antoni Kretoroicz, Priest Confessions Sat. 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Mass Saturday 5:00 p.m., Sunday Service 8:30, 10:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

ST. LUKE’S EPISCOPAL

RIVER VALLEY CHURCH

CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH 313 Van Buren Ave., Dixon 288-2453 Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Morning Worship 10:45 a.m., Sunday Evening 5:00 p.m., Wednesday Prayer Meeting 7:00 p.m.

417 E. 3rd Street., Sterling, 626-2577 Worship Service 10:30 a.m.

Visitors Welcome.

FAITH FELLOWSHIP GENERAL BAPTIST 725 N. Brinton, Dixon, 288-5091 Rev. Kenneth Hendley, 288-3689 Worship 10:00 a.m., Sunday Evening 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 pm.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 111 East 2nd, Dixon, 284-6823 Bunyan & Rachel Cocar - Co-Pastors Sunday School 9:15, Worship 10:30, Bible Study is on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST)

NORTHSIDE BAPTIST Dan Bentz, Pastor 598 Riverlane, Dixon, 288-5212 (1 Mile West On Dixon-Sterling Freeway) Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship 10:45 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Worship Wed. 7:00 p.m.

Awana Wednesday 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

3 years thru 6th grade

SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH

123 S. Hennepin, Dixon, 288-1222 Pastor Lynn Bond Sunday Worship 9:30 a.m.

Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m.

131 N. Court, Dixon, 284-3849 Randy Sizemore, Pastor Sun. School 9:15 a.m., Worship Service 10:30 a.m.

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY

EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

321 W. 2nd St., Dixon, 288-4719 Sunday School 9:30 a.m., Service 11 a.m.

Service every third Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

102 S. Seminary St., Mt. Morris, 734-4942 Sunday School All Ages 8:30 a.m., Inner-Mission Fellowship Time 9:30 a.m., Worship service 10:00am, with nursery

ST. JAMES EVANGELICAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Pastor Gregg Downs Penn Corner on Lowell Park Rd., Polo, 946-3949 Sun. School 9:30, Worship 10:30

DIXON CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN 215 N. Court, Dixon, 284-2711 Rev. Marty Creager, Pastor Sun. School 10:45, Worship 9:30 a.m.

FAITH DISCOVERY CHURCH 801 W. Oregon St., Polo, 815-946-3588 Jeremy Heller, Pastor Sunday School 9:00 am Worship Service 10:00 am, Nursery Available Non-denominational Christian Church Visitors Welcome

ST. PATRICK’S CATHOLIC 612 S. Highland, Dixon, 284-7719 Father Bernard Sehr Confessions 3 p.m., Sat. Mass 4:30 p.m.

Sun. Mass 8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 6:00pm

U.S. 52 & Red Brick Rd., Dixon, 815-288-2447, 815-994-0509 Robert Dunbar, Pastor Sun. School 9:45, Sun. Worship 10:45 a.m.

Ladies Bible Study Wednesday 9:00 a.m.

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 2709 16th Ave., Sterling, 625-1229 William F. Stocks, Bishop Sacrament Meeting 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School: 10:45 a.m.

Primary for children: 10:45 Priesthood, Relief Society & Young Women: 11:45

FOURSQUARE GOSPEL CHURCH N. Galena & E. Morgan, Dixon, 288-1778 Gary Wilson, Pastor Worship 10:15 a.m.

Wednesday Night 6:30 p.m.

LINCOLN AVENUE CHURCH OF GOD 704 Lincoln Ave., Dixon, 288-1142 Pastor Mike Worrel Check us out on facebook Wednesday: 6:30-8:00pm Jump children’s ministry & Fushion youth ministry Prayer 6:30pm, 7:00-8:00pm adult bible study Sunday: 9:30 S.S. for children and adults 10:30 worship & children’s church

CHRIST OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH

ST. FLANNEN CATHOLIC

Missouri Synod, 284-4554, 2035 IL Rt. 26, Dixon Pastor David Andermann, Worship 9 a.m.

Sunday School and Education Hour 10:15 a.m.

2nd & Shelhammer, Harmon, 857-2315 Msgr. Thomas Bales, Priest Sunday 9:00am Worship Weekdays as Scheduled

MENDOTA FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

ST. MARY CATHOLIC

900 Monroe Street, Mendota 815-539-6232 Pastor Timothy Kaiser Sunday School 9:30 a.m. all ages Sunday Morning Worship 10:00 a.m.

Bible Study Saturday 1:00 p.m.

Walton Road, Walton, 857-3891 Msgr. Thomas Bales, Priest Saturday 6:00pm Worship, Weekdays as Scheduled

SAINT PATRICK CATHOLIC

TURNING POINT COMMUNITY CHURCH

Rt. 1, Maytown Rd., Maytown Rev. Joel Lopez, Priest Saturday, 6:00 p.m.

Weekdays as Scheduled

CROSSROADS COMMUNITY CHURCH White Pines Campus

Meeting Saturdays @ 6PM and Sundays @ 10AM 205 N. Jefferson Avenue, Polo ~ 815.837.5255 whitepines@crossroadscn.com Campus Pastor ~ Chad Keeteman x 302 Youth Pastor ~ Jose Garcia x 303 Contemporary worship & relevant Bible teaching Join us after services for coffee, snacks & fellowship Kidzlink Children’s Ministry (nursery-5th grade) ~ during adult services Crave Youth Group (6th-12th grade) ~ Wednesday nights 7PM www.crossroadscn.com

MENDOTA CHURCH OF THE NAZERENE 1209 Sixth Street, Mendota, 539-6232 www.mendotanaz.org Rev. Dick Schaill, Senior Pastor John Robinson, Worship Leader Sunday School 9:30-10:30 (all ages) Sunday Morning Worship 10:45-12:00 Soul Fire Prayer Meeting 7:00pm Tuesday Bible Study 7:00pm Wednesday Praise/Worship Practice 7:30pm Friday

Please check our website and Facebook page for additional services

BETHEL EVANGELICAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

PINE CREEK CHRISTIAN CHURCH

501 W. 3rd St., Dixon, 288-1566 Pastor Gary Sorrell Sunday School 9:30 Morning Worship 11 a.m.

Mid Week Prayer Service 6 p.m. Wed.

Corner of 3rd St. & Peoria Ave., Dixon Ph: 815-288-2151 Web page: stlukedixon.org Fr. Richard Frontjes, Rector Fr. Tom Lamb, Priest Associate SUNDAY Eucharist 10:15 a.m., followed by Coffee and Fellowship WEDNESDAY Healing Mass: 10 a.m.

944 Stony Point Rd., Dixon, 288-2625 Don Beasley, Pastor Sunday Celebration of Worship 10:00 a.m.

Wed. Christian Education 6:30 p.m.

GRACE FELLOWSHIP 2128 IL Route 38, Ashton, 815-453-7464 Pastor Jeremy Horton Sunday Worship Service 9 a.m.

37 S. East Avenue, Amboy (farm bureau building) Pastor Brian McWethy Sunday Worship Service 10:15 a.m. www.graceisforyou.com

SAUK VALLEY ISLAMIC CENTER 202 E. Fellow St., Dixon -815.284.4868 Friday Prayer 12:15-1 pm Open to Public ~ All Denominations.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF FRANKLIN GROVE 106 S. Walnut, Franklin Grove 815-456-2432 Pastor Jack M. Briggs Worship at 9:00am

ROCK RIVER BAPTIST 614 Orchard St., Dixon

815-677-7566

COWBOY CHURCH ON THE ROCK 106 Gaston St., Prairieville 815-445-5912 Bible study Tuesday 6:00 p.m.

Sunday worship service 10:30 a.m.

Handicapped accessible - everyone welcome.

ST. BRIDE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH All are welcome Fr. Robert Francis Cristobal, Priest-In-Charge Sunday Schedule: 8 AM Holy Communion 9 AM Children’s Sunday School 10 AM Holy Communion with Music Fellowship and Coffee after the 10 AM service Contact information: 1000 IL Route 64 W, Oregon 815-732-7211 saintbrides@verizon.net www.saintbrides.org

FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH 14206 E. Flagg Rd., Rochelle, 815-562-7575 Sunday Worship 8am & 10:30am Youth Sunday School 9:15 am Adult Sunday School Classes 9:15am Choir Wednesday at 7:00pm Jr. High Ministries Wednesday 7:00pm E-mail: faithlc@rochelle.net

FAITH UNITED METHODIST

IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF AMBOY 960 Rt. 52, Amboy, 857-2225 Pastor Carol Soderholm Sunday Worship 9:00, Fellowship 10:00 am Sunday School 9:40 - 10:15

IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH 1013 Franklin Grove Rd., Dixon, 284-2804 Reverend Frank Langholf Saturday 5:30 p.m.Worship, Sunday 8:00 a.m. Traditional Worship, 9:15 a.m. Education and Fellowship, 10:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship Web Site: www.immanueldixon.org Bright Beginnings Daycare & Preschool 285-1033

ST. PAUL LUTHERAN 421 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon, 288-2757 Pastor Janet Wittenmeyer Sat. 5:30pm Traditional Service Sun. 8:30am Traditional Service 9:30am Sunday School/Bible Study 10:45am Contemporary Service Wed. 9:00am Quilting, 5:45pm Bell Choir, 7:00pm Chancel Choir, 7:00 Praise Band Nursery available. Visitors welcome. www.stpauldixon.org

EAST GROVE UNION CHURCH 449 E. Reuter Rd., Amboy 376-6661 One mile east of Route 26 Pastor Rick Wulf 440-5321 Sunday Morning Service 9:00 am Sunday School 10:30 am Other services and activities announced.

Please join us.

SUBLETTE UNION CHURCH 500 W. Main St., Sublette, 849-5914 Pastor Kris Johnson Sunday Worship Service 9:00 am Kid’s Klub Wednesday 6:30-7:30 pm

ASHTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 906 Richardson Ave., Ashton, 453-2328 Pastor Sang-Hun Han Sunday School 9am, Sunday Worship 10am

CHANA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 606 Main Street, Chana Pastor Javier Martinez chanaumc@gmail.com Sunday: Adult & Children’s Education 9 am Worship Service 10:30 am Sunday of each month.

Open Hearts - Open Minds - Open Doors.

ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH Nachusa, 284-4152, Brant Clements, Pastor Sunday Service 10:00 a.m.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST 202 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon, 284-2849 Mike Jones, Senior Pastor Heewon Kim, Associate Pastor Saturday Worship 5:00 pm Chapel Sunday Services 10:00 am in Sanctuary Nursery available 8:30am - 11:30am Cross Current Youth 4:30 pm Sunday 9:45 am Powerhouse Kids www.fumcdixon.org

FRANKLIN GROVE UNITED METHODIST 203 W. Middle St., Franklin Grove, 456-2456 Jin Ho Hong, Pastor Worship 10:15 a.m.; 1st Sunday of each month - ASL Sign interpreter for the hearing impaired

702 E. Dixon Street, Polo, 815-946-3212 Rev. Derek Rogers, Pastor Sunday School for all ages at 9:00 am Sunday Morning Worship at 10:00 am All are welcome to our multi-generational congregation. Nursery service provided during the service. Handicapped accessible.

211 N. Franklin Avenue - Polo Rectory phone: (815) 946-2535 Rev. Louis F. Tosto, Parochial Administrator Sunday Mass: 10:30 a.m.

SAUK VALLEY COMMUNITY CHURCH

REYNOLDS UNITED METHODIST

498 IL. Rte. 2, Dixon, 288-7000 Sunday Worship 10 a.m., nursery provided.

Tuesday evening praise and prayer 6 p.m. www.saukchurch.com

NEW LIFE LUTHERAN 702 W. Lynn Blvd., Sterling 815-499-6552 Pastor Bill Sullivan Saturday Evening Service 6:00pm Sunday Traditional Service 8:30am Sunday Contemporary Service 10:45am Sunday School 9:45am

CHURCH OF ST. MARY CATHOLIC

2496 Reynolds Rd, Ashton - 815-453-2513 Rev. Alan Meyer, Pastor - 815-453-7480 Sunday School - All ages - 9:00am Sunday Worship - 10:00am - Nursery provided Wednesday Bible Study - 7:00pm Handicapped Accessible

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 1140 Inlet Rd., Lee Center 815-456-2432 Pastor Jack M. Briggs Worship at 10:30am

HARMON UNITED METHODIST 202 North Grove Street, Harmon, 359-7302 Pastor Leanne Keate Worship 8:30 a.m.

Junior Church for ages 12 and under during morning worship.

LIGHTHOUSE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 4938 S. Daysville Road, Oregon, 732-7264 Xavier Martinez, Pastor Sunday School: 9 a.m. Kindergarten -6th Sunday Morning Worship: 9:00 a.m.

The church is handicapped accessible.Visitors and newcomers are always welcome.

LOST LAKE COMMUNITY CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 90 W. Flagg Road, Dixon - 815-626-4732 (corner of Lowden and Flagg Road) Pastor: Bob Clardie Sunday School 9:00 am Sunday Weekly Service 10:00 am Fellowship 11:00 am

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN 110 E. 3rd St., Dixon, 284-7741 Rev. Dr. David Spaulding Worship 9:30 a.m.

Church School, Adult Forum and Study Groups Follow Service

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Chicago and Flagg Streets, Paw Paw, Worship: 11:00 a.m.

Christian Education: 10:00 a.m.

THE WORSHIP CENTER 403 N. Ottawa, Dixon, 284-1340 Pastor, Michael Cole Sunday Worship 11 a.m.

Wednesday Service 6:45 pm Non-Denominational www.worshipctr.org

GRACE UNITED METHODIST 921 E. Chamberlin, Dixon, 288-1505 Pastor Marilyn Nolan Sunday Worship 9:30 a.m.

WoW Worship Wednesday 5:30 p.m.

Sun. School 10:45-11:30 a.m.

GREATER LIFE TABERNACLE 1403 Hemlock, Dixon, Steve Young, Pastor 815-284-8680 Bible Study, Thursday 7:00 p.m., Sunday Praise & Worship 10:00 a.m., Sunday Home Groups CALL

LIVING WELL CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 113 E. 1st Street, Dixon Rev. John Trotter, Pastor 815-973-5981 Small Groups 9:30-9:55 am Fellowship Cafe 10:00-10:30 am Adult & Children Worship 10:30 am www.livingwellchurch.org

HOPE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP 732 N. Brinton Ave., Dixon, IL www.hopebiblefellowship.com Senior Pastor Joshua Shaw Associate Pastor Nathan Meeks Worship Service Sundays at 9:30 am Grow Groups at 10:45 am Evening Sunday Service 6:30 pm

UNITED FIRST CHURCH 326 E. Main Street, Amboy, IL 815-857-2415 Pastor: Charles Jeanblanc Sunday Services 9 am - 10 am Bible study following services 10:15 - 11:15

ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH LCMC Congregation 107 W. Lahman Street, Franklin Grove 815-456-2457 or 815-440-6590 Pastor Myron Bartell Worship at 8:30 a.m. Sundays Sunday School at 9:45 a.m.

Bible Study Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST 416 Prospect St., Dixon Pastor Trudy Dunn Saturday Sabbath School 10:00am Worship Service 11:30am

KINGDOM HALL OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES 634 Countryside Lane, Dixon, 288-4019

MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH LeFevre Rd. & Ave. F, Sterling 625-2284 Rev. Patrick Pinion SundayWorship 9am Sunday School & Bible Class 10:15am Live broadcast on WLLT 107.7FM on Sunday

You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. R.S.V. Matthew 5:48

This feature is paid for by the following community-minded businesses:

Richard Schilling and Personnel

Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home Dixon, Illinois

www.ShopKnies.com

POLO • STERLING

Dick, Mark & Deb Phone 284-2044

Remove Octopus, Dr. Pitkin every other week

Things to do and places to go in Northwest Illinois Sauk Valley Media • A12

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Friday, December 26, 2014

THE LIST | YEAR IN REVIEW

Favorite moments in entertainment in 2014 I’m a lover of all things entertainment.

Whether it’s music, movies, TV, books, magazines, tractor pulls, hotdog eating contents, or live arm wrestling, I can’t get enough.

Entertainment, in all of its forms, is an amazing opportunity to spend time with family and friends, enjoying the things that make our hearts beat and toes tap.

Knowing that I’m sure to forget a few, here are a few of my favorite things in mainstream entertainment in 2014.

Jimmy Fallon changing late night television ... but, not really Jimmy Fallon made his debut on “The Tonight Show” on Feb. 17, taking over for longtime host Jay Leno. He hasn’t looked back since.

He’s lied about things in boxes with Channing Tatum. He’s been gut-bustingly silly a handful of times with Justin Timberlake. The guy threw a ball at Julia

reviews of his performance, it was clear to most of the rest of us.

lucasPAULEY Lucas Pauley is a page designer and Plan!t editor for Sauk Valley Media. You can reach him at lpauley@ saukvalley. com or 800798-4085, ext. 5576.

Roberts’ face ... more than once!

He’s returned late night television to something more like a variety show.

It turns out people enjoy seeing celebrities loosen up and act more like normal folks. Who knew?

Don’t believe me? Go look at the view counts for the show’s countless YouTube videos. Fallon has used the medium to connect to an audience who isn’t always home when the show airs.

What Fallon lacks in his interview style, he has more than made up for with all the new things he’s brought to the show.

And you watch, he’ll get better in time with the interviews.

Pop music got a little jolt

AP

This Feb. 18 photo released by NBC shows host Jimmy Fallon during “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” in New York. Fallon’s brand of latenight television was one of Plan!t editor Lucas Pauley’s favorite things in entertainment in 2014.

Bruno Mars kills it at Super Bowl XLVIII Bruno Mars is an entertainer, in every sense of the word. He proved that to the world when he rocked the Super Bowl XLVIII halftime show stage Feb. 2 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

His vocals were impressive. His dancing was impressive. He made you feel like you were watching him in concert as you

MUSIC | YEAR IN REVIEW

sat on your couch and dipped your last, lonely tortilla chip into that glorious cheese dip.

The only knock on the performance has nothing to do with Mars. Red Hot Chili Peppers joined him on stage, and it just didn’t work.

It should have been clear to the suits that Mars didn’t need to share the stage with anyone.

Judging by the positive

Good music found a home on the radio again this year.

Artists like Bastille, Hozier, Vance Joy, and Imagine Dragons provided something different than the typical EDM tunes that have become the norm on Top 40 radio.

Ed Sheeran released “X,” one of the best pop albums I’ve heard in the past few years. Iggy Azalea stormed onto the scene and released “The New Classic,” an pop-friendly breath of fresh air in the world of hip hop. Sam Smith pulled on everyone’s heartstrings when “Stay With Me” came out.

Good stuff, all around.

I liked the typical poppy stuff, too I’m going to be honest. I enjoyed quite a bit of nodoubt-about-it pop songs this year. Look below to see where I ranked the year’s best pop songs.

Outpouring of love for Robin Williams There have not been many deaths in my lifetime that I can remember affecting people like the passing of Robin Williams on Aug. 11. It seemed like everyone loved him.

And I was no different.

Williams had a hand in some of my favorite movies, including my favorite of all-time, “Good Will Hunting.” He was one of my favorite humans on the planet.

Critics slam “Patch Adams” all the time.

That’s my jam. I love that movie. But, it is so hard to watch now, because Robin was a lot like Patch – funny and kind-hearted, yet troubled.

Having dealt with suicide on a very personal level, it truly cut me deep.

But, the outpouring of love from other comedians, actors, and artists was something special to watch.

Tears may have been flowing watching the montages of his best work. But, we were still laughing. We were still laughing.

MUSIC | YEAR IN REVIEW

Top 25 songs on pop radio in 2014

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

What makes certain songs strike a chord with mainstream America?

A good beat? Lyrics that stand out? Something new and different?

In regard to 2014, I’m not so sure I know the answer. And, the harder that question is to answer, the better off all of us are.

Now, I’m not try to sit here and tell you pop music has taken a dramatic and unprecedented turn. Not really, no. But the growing trend of hearing more songs by bands and artists like Mumford & Sons, The Lumineers, Fall Out Boy, Bastille, and Hozier, provides a nice change of pace to the regular pop jams.

But, let me be honest; this is the year I fell back in love with pop music. OK, maybe not love, but we are getting very close and have met each other’s parents.

It’s going somewhere.

Some people will never like pop music, and that’s OK. When you consider yourself to have good taste in music, but still like pop music, it’s like watching “Meet The Press” with your friends and intelligently discussing politics over coffee, and then binge-watching 5 episodes of “Cops” after they all leave. Guilty as charged, officer.

But, I’m not keeping it a secret anymore. Some pop songs are just good.

It’s not my fault. It’s not my fault. It’s not my fault.

OK, that feels better.

So here’s a list of my top 25 songs that you

probably heard on pop radio in 2014. I look at this list as songs that make me want to get out of my chair at a wedding or sing very loudly in the car. Get off the wall and join me.

1. “Uptown Funk,” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars 2. “Take Me To Church,” by Hozier 3. “Problem” by Ariana Grande ft. Iggy Azalea 4. “Steal My Girl,” by One Direction 5. “Blank Space,” by Taylor Swift 6. “3005,” by Childish Gambino 7. “Black Widow,” by Iggy Azalea ft. Rita Ora 8. “Sing,” by Ed Sheeran 9. “I Bet My Life,” by Imagine Dragons 10. “Lips Are Movin,”

by Meghan Trainor 11. “Stay With Me,” by Sam Smith 12. “Bang Bang,” by Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj 13. “A Sky Full of Stars,” by Coldplay 14. “Jealous,” by Nick Jonas 15. “Pompeii,” by Bastille 16. “Night Changes,”

by One Direction 17. “Cool Kids,” by Echosmith 18. “Rude,” by Magic!

19. “Centuries,” by Fall Out Boy 20. “Chandelier,” by Sia 21. “Riptide,” by Vance Joy 22. “All of Me,” by John Legend 23. “Shake It Off,” by Taylor Swift 24. “The Heart Wants What It Wants,” by Selena Gomez 25. “Superheroes,” by The Script FREE KITCHEN DESIGNS BY

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Future Islands’ single “Seasons (Waiting on You)” was SVM Managing Editor Jeff Rogers’ favorite song of 2014. Samuel T. Herring leads the band through an April 12 set on the second day of the Coachella Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California.

The top songs of 2014 – Jeff Rogers Great songs move you in some way. They make you tap your feet, bob your head, or drum your fingers on something solid. Some part of it – the chorus, a guitar part, an intro – sticks in your head. I’m not afraid to admit that the appreciation for the best songs makes me tear up.

By the time 2014 ends, I will have listened to thousands of new songs.

So picking a top 25 that stood out among others was extremely difficult.

A self-imposed rule – no more than one song per artist – made it even more difficult.

But each of my top 25 songs of 2014 still moves me in some way as I listen to them today. If you see me out on my morning walk, mouthing words, moving my hands to a beat, or raising my fist in the air (this is very rare), I’m probably listening to one of these songs.

jeffROGERS Jeff Rogers is the Managing Editor for Sauk Valley Media.

You can reach him at jrogers@ saukvalley. com or 800798-4085, ext. 5591.

This list includes one admittedly guilty pleasure. I’ll let you guess which one that is. One song you might recognize as now playing on iPad Air 2 commercials on TV. 1. Seasons (Waiting On You), Future Islands

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Friday, December 26, 2014

www.saukvalley.com

Sauk Valley Media • A13

PLAN!T SAUK VALLEY: WHAT’S GOING ON ART EXHIBITS At The Next Picture Show DIXON – The National Watercolor Traveling Exhibit runs through Wednesday at the gallery, 113 W. First St. About 30 paintings from the National Watercolor Society are on display. Dixon is one of five stops for the exhibit.

The work of Chuck Cook will be shown through Wednesday on the front wall.

The Regional Survey of Art 11 will open Jan. 9 at the gallery.

Member Ann Potts is showing her watercolors through Wednesd at Sauk Valley Bank, 300 Walton Drive.

At Eagle’s Nest OREGON – Eagle’s Nest Art Group’s annual art show is open through December at the group’s studio and gallery on the second floor of Conover Square Mall, 201 Third St. This year’s free show is dedicated to Jessie Hinkle, who was a local artist and member of ENAG from the beginning in 1957 until her death in June at the age of 91. Many of her paintings will be on display.

Many different forms of art are on display, including oil, watercolor, acrylic, pen and ink, calligraphy, 3-dimensional art, prints, cards, and jewelry.

Art at the Loveland DIXON – The art collection at Loveland Community House and Museum, 513 W. Second St., and its many other exhibits are available for viewing from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment. Guided group tours can be scheduled by contacting Steve Wilson at swilson@lovelandcommunityhouse. org or 815-284-2741.

Visit lovelandcommunityhouse. org for a virtual tour of the museum, and for more information.

Admission is free, and the event is open to the public.

At River Arts Center CLINTON, Iowa – Twenty members from Clinton and the surrounding area have contributed paintings, photographs, and wood carvings for an exhibit of artwork from volunteers at River Arts Center, 229 Fifth Ave. S. The exhibit, free and open to the public, will run through Dec. 28.

At Woodlawn Arts Academy STERLING – The 2014-15 Winter Art Exhibit features the works of Barbara Lundeen (batik and oil on glass), Betty Predmore (watercolor), and Linda VonHolten (mixed media).

The exhibit will run through Feb. 20.

Visit woodlawnartsacademy. com for more information.

BANDS AND BARS Get listed!

Are you in a band that would like to be listed in Plan!t Sauk Valley’s free entertainment calendar? Are you a bar that offers live entertainment? Send an email with the band’s name, booking number and website or Facebook page, and gig or event schedule, or the bar’s event schedule, to Lucas Pauley at lpauley@saukvalley.com.

At Books on First DIXON – Jay Von will play from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the store, 202 W. First St. At Cochran’s Pub STERLING – Doug Brundies will play from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Saturday at the bar, 13464 Galt Road.

At The Cooler ROCK FALLS – There will be video DJ from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. today at the bar, 311 W. Second St. Wikid Likir will play from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m Saturday. Rout 38 will perform during a New Year’s Eve VIP party. Attendees must buy tickets by Tuesday at the bar.

At Cragel’s PROPHETSTOWN – Reflex Blues will play from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Wednesday at the bar, 345 Washington St. At Val’s Place DIXON – The CatFish Dogs will play from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. today at the bar, 316 W. First St. Acoustic open mic is open to the public at 8:30 p.m. every Monday at the bar.

Musicians also are welcome to join the band with Notorious Folk, featuring Steve Catron, at 8 p.m. every Tuesday.

At Whiskey Barrel Saloon ROCK FALLS – Black Tooth Grin (Pantera tribute band) will play from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. today at the bar, 305 W. Second St. Trippin Molly will play from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, and Drop Dead Dolly will play form 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Wednesday.

Upcoming: Jan. 2, Sentido Musical; and Jan. 3, Rollin’ Whiskey Saturday Hitz City Blues on stage STERLING – Hitz City Blues will play from 8 p.m. to midnight at Dairy Mart, 312 16th Ave. Upcoming: 8 p.m.-midnight Jan. 17, Val’s Place; and 7-9 p.m. Feb. 14, Books on First Wednesday Lyle Grobe and the Rhythm Ramblers DIXON – Lyle Grobe, Jim Miller and Dennis Milby will play from 8 p.m. to midnight at Brandywine, 441 state Route 2.

Call 815-284-8484 for more information. 441 state Route 2.

Upcoming: 8-11:30 p.m.

Jan. 10 at Rock Falls American Legion, 601 First Ave.; and 7-10 p.m. Jan. 24 at Sterling Moose, 2601 E. Lincolnway.

DOWNTOWN EVENTS Jan. 10 Second Saturdays in Dixon DIXON – Second Saturdays Art Happenings, featuring art, music and other cultural events, returns to various venues, mostly from 6 to 8 p.m. downtown, between First and Second streets and Peoria and Galena avenues.

Find the event on Facebook for a complete schedule.

KARAOKE Today, Saturday, Wednesday Party with the James Gang Karaoke with the James Gang

from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. today at First Street Pub, 222 W. First St., Dixon; 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Saturday at Ralphie and Lu Lu’s, 812 Main St., Ashton; and 8 p.m. to midnight Wednesday at The Roadhouse, 807 S. Seventh St., Oregon. Email jamesgang1996@ gmail.com for more information.

Tuesday At Charlie’s Bar and Grill MOUNT CARROLL – Karaoke is offered at 7 p.m. every week at Charlie’s Bar and Grill, 123 W. Market St.

OPEN MIC Sunday Musicians welcome in Mount Carroll MOUNT CARROLL – Open mic is on tap at 4 p.m. every Sunday at Charlie’s Bar and Grill, 123 W. Market St.

THEATER Saturday New family musical on stage ROCK ISLAND – The Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse is set to present the venue’s new family

musical, “’Twas The Night Before Christmas.�

Running through Saturday, the show is filled with colorful costumes and seasonal merriment.

The final noon brunch performance and 10 a.m. show-only performance are set for Saturday. “’Twas The Night Before Christmas� takes its title from the first line of the timeless holiday poem “The Night Before Christmas,� which tells us that all through the house, “not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.� It is a comedic take on the traditional Christmas story.

The show’s author is Tonynominated playwright Ken Ludwig, known for such popular stage farces as “Lend Me a Tenor,� “Moon Over Buffalo� and “Leading Ladies.�

Tickets for the brunch shows are $20 for adults, $18 for ages 6-18, and $15 for ages 5 and under, with discounts available for groups of 12 or more.

Show-only tickets are $10.50 per person and $9.50 each for groups of 12 or more, with extra discounts available for school

groups during weekday performances.

To reserve tickets, contact the Circa ‘21 ticket office at 1828 Third Ave., Rock Island, or call 309-786-7733, ext. 2.

Jan. 21-22 Auditions set for production MOUNT MORRIS – Performing Arts Guild of Mount Morris will have open auditions for its spring production of “Steel Magnolias,� from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan 21 and 22 at the library at Pinecrest Grove Community Center on North McKendrie Street.

The production will take a peek into the lives of six women, taking place at a beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana. The cast consists of six women, ranging in ages from 20 to 60.

Those interested are encouraged to come read for a part in a Southern accent. Readings will be provided.

Performances are scheduled for April 24-26, and May 1-3, and also matinees are set for July 1-2 and 8-9 at White Pines Theatre.

For more details about auditions, call Kathryn Paigen at 815990-0732.

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CONCERTS Jan. 2 First Fridays in Oregon OREGON – First Fridays Open Stage music show returns at 7 p.m. to the Oregon VFW Post 8739, 1310 W. Washington St. Each musician or band performs for 15 minutes. Instruments are acoustic, and a professional sound system is provided. The music is varied and includes country, bluegrass, blues, gospel, folk, soft rock, and eclectic mixes of all of the above. Admission is a donation.

All musicians and spectators are welcome. Call 815-973-0942 for more information.

Jan. 9 Pops concert returns STERLING – The Sterling Municipal Band will present its 21st annual Pop Concert at 7 p.m. at Abiding Word Church, 806 E. Lynn Boulevard.

There is an optional buffet, for $25 a person, that begins at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.

The deadline for reservations is Wednesday.

Call 815-622-1681 or go to www.sterlingmunicipalband.com for more information.

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Jan. 16 Blues and Bluegrass FRANKLIN GROVE – If it’s the third Friday of the month, it’s Blues and Bluegrass night at the H.I. Lincoln Building, 136 N. Elm St. Open stage acoustic gospel, folk, country, blues and bluegrass will be performed, starting at 7 p.m. Admission is free; donations are accepted to help with the upkeep of the historic building.

Go to www.franklingroveil.org for more information.

k Local!

Check out the Sauk Valley Service Directory for all your service needs including: Home Improvement, Landscaping, Seasonal, General Contracting and more!

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Located Daily in the Classified Section of the Daily Gazette, Telegraph and saukvalley.com!

Also in The Review located throughout the Sauk Valley on newstands!

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Friday, December 26, 2014

CHRISTMAS CAPPER: BULLS BATTLE LAKERS. NBA, B3.

GET CONNECTED

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Section B

e-mail: sports@saukvalley.com Holiday hoops

‘Like’ us!

Sauk Valley Sports

High school basketball fans can feast on hoops over the next few days, as area teams play in tournaments around the state. Check out the pairings on B6.

28

Friday, December 26, 2014 Numbers game That’s how many IHSA team state championships have been won by schools in the Sauk Valley coverage area.

Eastland-Pearl City’s football team added the lone entry to that list in 2014, with its 2A state tite in November.

Sports for the Sauk Valley fan!

YEAR IN REVIEW | 2014 | TOP 10 LOCAL SPORTS STORIES danWOESSNER Sports Editor Reach him at dwoessner@ saukvalley. com or 800798-4085, ext. 5555.

Things can get better L

ast March, I spent most of an afternoon talking with Dixon boys basketball coach Jason Mead for his coach of the year story.

We talked some about the 23-win regional championship team that earned him the honor.

But we talked quite a bit more on the journey it took to get there.

When he arrived at Dixon before the 2012 season, he had 12 players to work with in the entire program. During his first summer tournament, he had four players show up. They played a 2-2 zone to try and get by.

Needless to say, the Dukes went on to a 1-27 record that first winter with a lineup consisting mainly of freshmen.

Dixon basketball had reached the bottom.

The vibe around most of Dixon sports wasn’t much better.

For a school of 800, it was the like the spirit had drained out of its athletic programs.

There’s a litany of reasons that things were that way, but as we say in the business, that’s old news.

The new news is that Dixon isn’t in that place anymore, and the 2014 calendar year marks the culmination of a lot of hard work, an influx of coaching and athletic talent, and a smattering of good vibes.

I can’t think of a better way to talk about high school sports in 2014.

In our top 10 story countdown, you’ll get the rundown of the Dixon athletes and teams that reached big heights in 2014.

Here, I am using them as the standard-bearer for the old adage that bad times don’t last forever.

I can admit that I wasn’t sure things would ever get to this point for Dixon.

Dixon winning regional titles in boys basketball and volleyball. The Dukes making the playoffs in football. A Duchess winning a state title in girls track.

1. Purple reigns supreme

T

here was time when it was thought that Dixon sports needed to be saved. If 2014 proved nothing else, it is that Dixon sports is alive and well. The calendar year of 2014 might have been the best year for sports in Dixon, ever.

It started on the basketball court last winter, where the Dukes had a 20-win season and won their first regional title since 1986. Most of that squad has returned this season, and Dixon has yet to lose a game in eight tries. Junior forward Isaiah Roby

WOESSNER CONTINUED ON B2

SPORTS inside

Dixon has historic year in sports in 2014 made a splash this fall by committing to play at Nebraska when his time in purple is over. Senior teammate Cal Jarrett committed to Cincinnati to play baseball last spring.

On the track, Lexy Duncan won the first state title for a Dixon girl since Tammy Turner in 1980. Duncan won the long jump in 2A, placed second in the 400, and ninth in the 1,600 relay.

This fall, Dixon entered a new conference in the Big Northern West, leaving the NIB-12 West. The Dixon football team made an immediate impact, earning a playoff berth for the first time since 2006. The Dukes also

won a home playoff game in the first round.

The volleyball team got into the action, winning the team’s first regional title since 2005. The Duchesses pulled off an upset in the sectional semifinal before bowing out in the championship match.

Eighth grader Tayla Schwarz added more hardware by winning IESA state titles in the shot put and discus. She also won the shot put competition at the USATF Junior Olympics in Humble, Texas last summer.

The Reagan girls cross country team also won the 2A state title this fall.

MORE INSIDE | CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE TOP STORIES | B5 LOCAL

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Staff shares favorite 2014 memories, B6.

Illini ready for bowl game, 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

Taking the fifth Derrick Rose Bulls guard is fifth in All-Star voting among Eastern Conference guards behind John Wall, Dwyane Wade, Kyrie Irving and Kyle Lowry.

Better days ahead Phil Jackson Knicks president tweets to beleagured fans: “Please be assured your hopes and wishes are getting through to Santa.”

Your guide to what’s going on in sports

B2 • Sauk Valley Media

www.saukvalley.com

Friday, December 26, 2014

SVM 2X4 | LAST 4 SVM STORIES OF THE YEAR

On the calendar Local events

On the tube TV listings

Today Boys basketball 8:30 a.m.

Today College football Noon

• Heart of Dallas Bowl, Illinois vs. Louisiana Tech, ESPN 3:30 p.m.

• Quick Lane Bowl, Rutgers vs. N. Carolina, at Detroit, ESPN 7 p.m.

• St. Petersburg (Fla.) Bowl, N.C. State vs. UCF, ESPN

2013 Comets win fifth state football title

2012 Sauk Valley wins five wrestling titles

• Newman started its 2A state title game with a 52-yard touchdown run by Jake Snow, and never looked back for a 40-13 win over Staunton. The Comets finished with a 13-1 record, their lone loss coming in Week 1 against Rockridge. Newman won the Three Rivers North title, and survived tough tests from Erie-Prophetstown, Momence, and Mercer County along the way.

• There’s never been a day quite like Feb. 18, 2012 in Sauk Valley wrestling history. Five local wrestlers – three from Newman and two from Morrison – won titles at the Class 1A state meet.

The Comet champions were Maxx Hubbard, Brian Bahrs, and R.J. Troye. Morrison’s twin brothers Mark and Matt McDonnell won the area’s other two titles.

Prep football

• Plano tournament, Dixon vs. Sandwich

6:40 a.m.

• Premier League, West Ham at Chelsea, NBCSP

2:30 p.m.

• Eastland tournament, Eastland vs. Amboy

8:55 a.m.

• Premier League, Newcastle at Manchester United, NBCSP

3 p.m.

• Newman tournament, Oregon vs. Paw Paw

11:25 a.m.

MLB

Pierzynski to catch on with Braves

2011 Sterling softball wins Little League World Series title • On Aug. 17, 2011, Sterling gained international exposure as the Sterling 11-12 year-old All-Stars beat Waco, Texas 7-5 to claim the Little League World Series championship. The Sterling team was led by pitcher Lexy Staples, and the slugging of Erin Stroup, Shannon Long, and Abri Hale. Sterling became first Illinois team since 1985 to win the LLWS title.

2010 Rock Falls native Seth Blair drafted by Cardinals

• Seth Blair became the first person in the area’s history to be drafted before the second round of the MLB draft on June 7, 2010. Blair, who was the Pac-10 pitcher of the year for Arizona State, was selected with the 46th overall pick (a compensation pick between the first and second rounds) by the Cardinals. Blair has spent the last four seasons in the Cardinals minor-league system.

In a move that has been rumored for days, Michigan State defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi officially will be named Pitt’s new football coach today.

The school called a news conference for 2:30 p.m. to “address its head football coaching vacancy,” at which point Narduzzi will be introduced as the next coach.

He will be Pitt’s fifth fulltime coach in the past 7 years.

Narduzzi has a tremendous reputation as a defensive coach after 8 years with the Spartans.

• DeKalb tournament, Sterling vs. Marmion 5:30 p.m.

• Eastland tournament, Prophetstown vs. Polo

9 p.m.

• State Farm Classic, Rock Falls vs. Bloomington Central Catholic

Girls basketball 9 a.m.

• Dixon tournament, Sterling vs. Aquin 3 p.m.

• Amboy tournament, AFC vs. Midland • Dixon tournament, Eastland vs. Rochelle 4:30 p.m.

• Dixon tournament, Dixon vs. Boylan 5:30 p.m.

• Erie tournament, Bureau Valley vs. Rockridge 6 p.m.

• Dixon tournament, Oregon vs. Newman

Varejao to miss rest of the season

MSU’s Narduzzi headed to Pitt

5 p.m.

• Newman tournament, Newman vs. AFC

NBA

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

4 p.m.

• Eastland tournament, Fulton vs. Galena • Erie tournament, Morrison vs. Mercer County • Erie tournament, Erie vs.

Stockton

7:30 p.m.

The Atlanta Braves have been one of the busiest teams in the offseason under new president of baseball operations John Hart, and they reportedly made another move by adding veteran catcher A.J. Pierzynski.

According to CBSSports. com, the Braves have reached agreement with Pierzynski on a deal that will pay him about $2 million in 2015.

The contract will not be finalized until January, but Pierzynski is expected to take a significant cut after earning $8.25 million in 2014, which he split between the Boston Red Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Cleveland coach David Blatt can relate to what Anderson Varejao is going through, because he also once went through the process of rehabilitating a torn Achilles.

“A tough injury,” Blatt said.

Varejao was injured in Cleveland’s win over Minnesota on Tuesday night, falling to the court in obvious pain after positioning himself for a rebound in the third quarter.

11:30 a.m.

• Eastland tournament, Polo vs. Warren

2 p.m.

Soccer

SVM staff, wire services

• Eastland tournament, Eastland vs. Galena • Erie tournament, Bureau Valley vs. Orion

1 p.m.

• 2014 Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, at Spartanburg, S.C., ESPNU

sportShorts

10 a.m.

• Eastland tournament, Prophetstown vs. Pearl City • Erie tournament, Brueau Valley vs. Lena-Winslow

6 p.m.

• Premier League, Arsenal vs. Queens Park, at London, NBCSP

• Eastland tournament, Amboy vs. Fulton • Erie tournament, Erie vs.

Lena-Winslow • Erie tournament, Morrison vs. Knoxville

7 p.m.

• Erie tournament, Erie vs.

Mercer County • Erie tournament, Fulton vs. Monmouth-Roseville 7:30 p.m.

• Amboy tournament, Amboy vs. Paw Paw 8:30 p.m.

• Erie tournament, Morrison vs. Stockton 9 p.m.

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Dixon’s Jessa Long walks off the court after the Duchesses lost in a 3A sectional championship match to Marian Central in November. Long, a sophomore libero, was a big reason why the Duchesses won their first regional title since 2005. It was part of a banner year for Dixon sports.

Changes galore hit area in 2014 WOESSNER

think ever would happen.

Ten years ago, I would never have dreamt that I thought maybe, just Dixon and Sterling maybe, I’d be able to would be playing in difsay at the end of my ferent conferences. We career that I could have have that now, as Dixon claimed to see each is lining up in the Big one of those things. I Northern, and Sterling never thought I’d say is in the NIB-12. that I had seen all those When I started here, things in a single year. volleyball was kind of I don’t think the good warm-up sport for girls news is over for Dixon at Sterling before basyet. Yes, I think 2015 will ketball started. Now, the be good for the Dukes Warriors volleyball team and Duchesses, too. is a perennial power.

But, there were plenty Over the course of of surprises and chang- time, it didn’t seem es this year that I didn’t like Eastland-Pearl City CONTINUED FROM B1

football would ever stack up with the best teams in 2A. That theory went out the window in 2014. The Wildcatz not only won the 2A title, but they thumped most of the teams they faced.

I never dreamt that I’d see Rich Montgomery back on the sideline as a coach at Rock Falls.

We didn’t see that in 2014, but we’ll see it next fall when football starts back up.

Maybe he’ll be the guy that helps get the Rockets back to the playoffs for the first time since 1992. Heck, he was the

guy that took them there the last time.

So, I guess the point of all this is that things change. Teams go from good to bad, and from bad to good.

Even the staff of this section changed. We added Patrick Mason this spring in a fulltime capacity, and welcomed the return of Cody Cutter as a parttimer after a decade’s absence.

I am glad I got to see 2014 in this role as sports editor, and I am excited to check out the next 12 months.

• State Farm Classic, Rock Falls vs. Alleman

Let us hear it • Game results, story tips, athlete of the week nominations, team and individual stats can be faxed to 815-6259390, called in to 800798-4085, ext. 5552 or emailed 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

Friday, December 26, 2014

www.saukvalley.com

NBA | BULLS 113, LAKERS 93

THURSDAY’S SCOREBOARD NFL

NHL

AMERICAN CONFERENCE

EASTERN CONFERENCE

y-N.England Miami Buffalo N.Y. Jets

W 12 8 8 3

y-Indianapolis Houston Jacksonville Tennessee

W 10 8 3 2

x-Cincinnati x-Pittsburgh Baltimore Cleveland

W 10 10 9 7

y-Denver San Diego Kansas City Oakland

W 11 9 8 3

East L T 3 0 7 0 7 0 12 0 South L T 5 0 7 0 12 0 13 0 North L T 4 1 5 0 6 0 8 0 West L T 4 0 6 0 7 0 12 0

Pct .800 .533 .533 .200

PF 459 364 326 246

PA 296 336 280 377

Pct .667 .533 .200 .133

PF 431 349 232 244

PA 359 290 389 411

Pct .700 .667 .600 .467

PF 348 409 389 289

PA 317 351 292 317

Pct .733 .600 .533 .200

PF 435 341 334 239

PA 340 329 274 405

NATIONAL CONFERENCE East L T Pct PF y-Dallas 4 0 .733 423 Philadelphia 6 0 .600 440 N.Y. Giants 9 0 .400 354 Washington 11 0 .267 284 South W L T Pct PF Carolina 6 8 1 .433 305 Atlanta 6 9 0 .400 378 New Orleans 6 9 0 .400 378 Tampa Bay 2 13 0 .133 257 North W L T Pct PF x-Detroit 11 4 0 .733 301 x-Green Bay 11 4 0 .733 456 Minnesota 6 9 0 .400 312 Chicago 5 10 0 .333 310 West W L T Pct PF x-Seattle 11 4 0 .733 374 x-Arizona 11 4 0 .733 293 San Francisco 7 8 0 .467 286 St. Louis 6 9 0 .400 318 x-clinched playoff spot y-clinched division Sunday’s games Indianapolis at Tennessee, noon Jacksonville at Houston, noon San Diego at Kansas City, noon Chicago at Minnesota, noon Cleveland at Baltimore, noon Dallas at Washington, noon N.Y. Jets at Miami, noon Buffalo at New England, noon Philadelphia at N.Y. Giants, noon New Orleans at Tampa Bay, noon Arizona at San Francisco, 3:25 p.m.

St. Louis at Seattle, 3:25 p.m.

Oakland at Denver, 3:25 p.m.

Detroit at Green Bay, 3:25 p.m.

Carolina at Atlanta, 3:25 p.m.

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m.

W 11 9 6 4

PA 335 374 366 394 PA 371 383 404 387 PA 252 328 334 429 PA 248 279 323 334

College football Bowl glance Wednesday’s results Bahamas Bowl At Nassau Western Kentucky 49, Central Michigan 48 Hawaii Bowl At Honolulu Rice 30, Fresno State 6 Today’s games Heart of Dallas Bowl Illinois (6-6) vs. Louisiana Tech (8-4), noon (ESPN) Quick Lane Bowl At Detroit Rutgers (7-5) vs. North Carolina (6-6), 3:30 p.m. (ESPN) St. Petersburg (Fla.) Bowl UCF (9-3) vs. N.C. State (7-5), 7 p.m.

(ESPN) Saturday’s games Military Bowl At Annapolis, Md. Virginia Tech (6-6) vs. Cincinnati (9-3), noon (ESPN) Sun Bowl At El Paso, Texas Duke (9-3) vs. Arizona State (9-3), 1 p.m.

(CBS) Independence Bowl At Shreveport, La. Miami (6-6) vs. South Carolina (6-6), 3 p.m.

(ESPN2) Pinstripe Bowl At Bronx, N.Y. Boston College (7-5) vs. Penn State (6-6), 3:30 p.m. (ESPN) Holiday Bowl At San Diego Nebraska (9-3) vs. Southern Cal (8-4), 7 p.m. (ESPN) Monday, Dec. 29 Liberty Bowl At Memphis, Tenn.

West Virginia (7-5) vs. Texas A&M (7-5), 1 p.m. (ESPN) Russell Athletic Bowl At Orlando, Fla. Clemson (9-3) vs. Oklahoma (8-4), 4:30 p.m. (ESPN) Texas Bowl At Houston Texas (6-6) vs. Arkansas (6-6), 8 p.m.

(ESPN) Tuesday, Dec. 30 Music City Bowl At Nashville, Tenn.

Notre Dame (7-5) vs. LSU (8-4), 2 p.m.

(ESPN) Belk Bowl At Charlotte, N.C. Louisville (9-3) vs. Georgia (9-3), 5:30 p.m.

(ESPN) Fosters Farm Bowl At Santa Clara, Calif.

Stanford (7-5) vs. Maryland (7-5), 9 p.m.

(ESPN) Wednesday, Dec. 31 Peach Bowl At Atlanta Mississippi (9-3) vs. TCU (11-1), 11:30 a.m.

(ESPN) Fiesta Bowl At Glendale, Ariz.

Boise State (11-2) vs. Arizona (10-3), 3 p.m. (ESPN) Orange Bowl At Miami Gardens, Fla. Mississippi State (10-2) vs. Georgia Tech (10-3), 7 p.m. (ESPN) Thursday, Jan. 1 Outback Bowl At Tampa, Fla. Wisconsin (10-3) vs. Auburn (8-4), 11 a.m.

(ESPN2) Cotton Bowl Classic At Arlington, Texas Michigan State (10-2) vs. Baylor (11-1), 11:30 a.m. (ESPN) Citrus Bowl At Orlando, Fla. Minnesota (8-4) vs. Missouri (10-3), noon (ABC) Rose Bowl At Pasadena, Calif.

Playoff semifinal: Oregon (12-1) vs. Florida State (13-0), 4 p.m. (ESPN) Sugar Bowl At New Orleans Playoff semifinal: Alabama (12-1) vs. Ohio State (12-1), 7:30 p.m. (ESPN) Friday, Jan. 2 Armed Forces Bowl At Fort Worth, Texas Pittsburgh (6-6) vs. Houston (7-5), 11 a.m.

(ESPN) TaxSlayer Bowl At Jacksonville, Fla. Iowa (7-5) vs. Tennessee (6-6), 2:20 p.m.

(ESPN) Alamo Bowl At San Antonio UCLA (9-3) vs. Kansas State (9-3), 5:45 p.m. (ESPN) Cactus Bowl At Tempe, Ariz.

Oklahoma State (6-6) vs. Washington (8-5), 9:15 p.m. (ESPN) Saturday, Jan. 3 Birmingham (Ala.) Bowl Florida (6-5) vs. East Carolina (8-4), noon (ESPN2) GoDaddy Bowl At Mobile, Ala. Toledo (8-4) vs. Arkansas State (7-5), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Saturday, Jan. 10 Medal of Honor Bowl At Charleston, S.C. American vs. National, 1:30 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 12 College Football Championship At Arlington, Texas Sugar Bowl winner vs. Rose Bowl winner, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Atlantic Division W L OT Pts GF Montreal 22 11 2 46 95 Tampa Bay 21 11 4 46 117 Detroit 18 8 9 45 100 Toronto 20 12 3 43 118 Boston 18 14 3 39 91 Florida 15 9 8 38 73 Ottawa 14 14 6 34 90 Buffalo 13 19 3 29 69 Metropolitan Division W L OT Pts GF Pittsburgh 22 7 5 49 108 N.Y. Islanders 23 11 0 46 105 N.Y. Rangers 18 10 4 40 97 Washington 17 11 6 40 99 Philadelphia 14 14 6 34 97 Columbus 14 16 3 31 80 New Jersey 12 17 7 31 78 Carolina 10 20 4 24 70

GA 84 96 87 102 91 82 94 115 GA 80 94 83 90 101 107 104 93

WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division W L OT Pts GF GA 23 10 2 48 107 72 22 9 2 46 95 70 21 10 3 45 100 86 18 10 7 43 88 81 16 13 3 35 93 89 13 13 8 34 90 101 14 14 5 33 95 113 Pacific Division W L OT Pts GF GA Anaheim 23 8 5 51 104 98 San Jose 19 11 5 43 99 90 Vancouver 20 11 2 42 99 91 Los Angeles 17 11 7 41 97 88 Calgary 18 15 3 39 104 98 Arizona 12 18 4 28 80 112 Edmonton 7 21 7 21 75 121 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss.

Saturday’s games N.Y. Islanders at Buffalo, 7 p.m.

Detroit at Ottawa, 7 p.m.

Carolina at Tampa Bay, 7 p.m.

New Jersey at N.Y. Rangers, 7 p.m.

Boston at Columbus, 7 p.m.

Winnipeg at Minnesota, 7 p.m.

Washington at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m.

Dallas at St. Louis, 8 p.m.

Philadelphia at Nashville, 8 p.m.

Anaheim at Arizona, 8 p.m.

Chicago at Colorado, 9 p.m.

Edmonton at Calgary, 10 p.m.

San Jose at Los Angeles, 10 p.m.

Chicago Nashville St. Louis Winnipeg Minnesota Colorado Dallas

NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L Pct Toronto 22 7 .759 Brooklyn 12 15 .444 Boston 10 16 .385 New York 5 26 .161 Philadelphia 4 23 .148 Southeast Division W L Pct Atlanta 21 7 .750 Washington 20 8 .714 Miami 14 16 .467 Orlando 11 20 .355 Charlotte 10 19 .345 Central Division W L Pct Chicago 20 9 .690 Cleveland 17 11 .607 Milwaukee 14 15 .483 Indiana 10 19 .345 Detroit 5 23 .179

Sauk Valley Media • B3

GB — 9 10½ 18 17 GB — 1 8 11½ 11½ GB — 2½ 6 10 14½

WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division W L Pct Memphis 21 7 .750 Houston 20 7 .741 Dallas 20 10 .667 San Antonio 18 12 .600 New Orleans 14 14 .500 Northwest Division W L Pct Portland 23 7 .767 Oklahoma City 14 16 .467 Denver 12 17 .414 Utah 9 20 .310 Minnesota 5 22 .185 Pacific Division W L Pct Golden State 23 4 .852 L.A. Clippers 19 10 .655 Phoenix 16 14 .533 Sacramento 12 16 .429 L.A. Lakers 9 20 .310

GB — ½ 2 4 7 GB — 9 10½ 13½ 16½ GB — 5 8½ 11½ 15

Thursday’s results Washington 102, New York 91 Oklahoma City 114, San Antonio 106 Miami 101, Cleveland 91 Chicago 113, L.A. Lakers 93 Golden State at L.A. Clippers, late Today’s games Brooklyn at Boston, noon Cleveland at Orlando, 6 p.m.

Milwaukee at Atlanta, 6:30 p.m.

Indiana at Detroit, 6:30 p.m.

San Antonio at New Orleans, 7 p.m.

Charlotte at Oklahoma City, 7 p.m.

Houston at Memphis, 7 p.m.

L.A. Lakers at Dallas, 7:30 p.m.

Minnesota at Denver, 8 p.m.

Philadelphia at Portland, 9 p.m.

Phoenix at Sacramento, 9 p.m.

Saturday’s games Toronto at L.A. Clippers, 2:30 p.m.

Boston at Washington, 6 p.m.

Orlando at Charlotte, 6 p.m.

Memphis at Miami, 6:30 p.m.

New Orleans at Chicago, 7 p.m.

Indiana at Brooklyn, 7 p.m.

Atlanta at Milwaukee, 7:30 p.m.

Philadelphia at Utah, 8 p.m.

New York at Sacramento, 9 p.m.

Minnesota at Golden State, 9:30 p.m.

Thursday’s box score

BULLS 113, LAKERS 93 L.A. LAKERS (93) Johnson 6-18 5-6 19, Davis 5-10 3-6 13, Hill 6-16 4-4 16, Price 3-7 0-0 7, Ellington 5-12 1-1 12, Young 1-6 0-0 3, Boozer 7-11 0-0 14, Lin 2-8 2-2 6, Sacre 1-2 0-0 2, Clarkson 0-2 1-2 1. Totals 36-92 16-21 93.

CHICAGO (113) Dunleavy 2-5 0-0 6, Gasol 9-14 4-6 23, Noah 2-8 0-0 4, Rose 7-14 4-4 20, Butler 7-12 6-6 21, Gibson 3-5 3-7 9, Brooks 6-13 0-0 13, Moore 2-4 0-0 4, Mirotic 4-9 2-2 13, Snell 0-2 0-0 0, Bairstow 0-0 0-0 0.

Totals 42-86 19-25 113.

L.A. Lakers 24 23 30 16 — 93 Chicago 27 31 25 30 —113 3-Point Goals–L.A. Lakers 5-16 (Johnson 2-6, Young 1-3, Ellington 1-3, Price 1-3, Lin 0-1), Chicago 10-24 (Mirotic 3-7, Dunleavy 2-4, Rose 2-6, Gasol 1-1, Brooks 1-2, Butler 1-3, Snell 0-1). Fouled Out– None. Rebounds–L.A. Lakers 47 (Davis 14), Chicago 64 (Gasol 13). Assists–L.A. Lakers 18 (Price 8), Chicago 27 (Rose, Brooks 6). Total Fouls–L.A. Lakers 21, Chicago 12. Technicals–Noah. A–22,865 (20,917).

College basketball Thursday’s results TOURNAMENT Diamond Head Classic Seventh Place Loyola Marymount 72, DePaul 69 Fifth Place Nebraska 72, Ohio 58 Third Place Hawaii 69, Colorado 66 Championship George Washington 60, Wichita St. 54 Top 25 schedule Saturday’s games No. 1 Kentucky at No. 4 Louisville, 1 p.m.

No. 8 Gonzaga at BYU, 8:30 p.m.

No. 15 Maryland vs. Oakland, 4 p.m.

No. 20 North Carolina vs. UAB, 3 p.m.

No. 21 Ohio State vs. Wright State, 6 p.m.

No. 24 Colorado State at New Mexico State, 8 p.m.

Sunday’s games No. 6 Wisconsin vs. Buffalo, 7 p.m.

No. 13 Washington vs. Stony Brook, 7 p.m.

No. 17 St. John’s vs. Tulane at the Barclays Center, 11 a.m.

No. 23 Northern Iowa vs. South Dakota State, 2 p.m.

Transactions BASKETBALL National Basketball Association PHOENIX SUNS — Assigned Gs Tyler Ennis and Archie Goodwin and F T.J. Warren to Bakersfield (NBADL).

Jolly good show Bulls fend off Lakers for fifth straight win

BY ANDREW SELIGMAN AP Sports Writer

CHICAGO – Pau Gasol had 23 points and 13 rebounds against his former team, and the Chicago Bulls beat Los Angeles 113-93 on Thursday night with Lakers star Kobe Bryant resting his sore body.

Jimmy Butler added 21 points, and Derrick Rose had 20 points and six assists to help the Bulls win their season-high fifth straight.

With Bryant missing his second straight game, the Lakers were unable to pull off another upset. They stunned Golden State on Tuesday night, but came up short against the Central division leaders.

The Bulls hung on after a 16-point second-quarter lead dwindled to two in the third. They pulled away in the fourth, sending the Lakers to their fourth loss in five games.

Gasol, a two-time champion in six-plus seasons with the Lakers, was 9 of 14 from the field in his first game against Los Angeles since joining the Bulls in the summer.

Butler added six rebounds, and Nikola Mirotic and Aaron Brooks each scored 13 points.

It didn’t hurt that Bryant was watching from the sideline in a dark red jacket even if the Lakers were coming off a big victory without him.

Carlos Boozer scored 14 points and got booed

AP

The Bulls’ Taj Gibson (22) goes up to shoot against the Lakers’ Carlos Boozer (5) during the first half of Thursday’s game in Chicago. in his return to Chicago, as he often did during his four seasons with the Bulls. The Bulls used the amnesty clause to cut him last summer and create the salary-cap space to bring in Gasol and add depth to the roster.

Wesley Johnson led Los Angeles with 19 points.

Ed Davis added 13 points and 14 rebounds. Jordan Hill finished with 16 points, but the Lakers shot about 39 percent overall and went 5 of 16 from 3-point range.

They will likely have to go without Bryant again when they visit Dallas tonight.

Star of the game: Pau Gasol, Bulls, 23 points, 13 rebounds Key performers: Derrick Rose, Bulls, 20 points, 6 assists; Wesley Johnson, Lakers, 19 points Up next: Hornets at Bulls, 7 p.m. Saturday (WGN/1000 AM)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL | ILLINOIS VS. LOUISIANA TECH

Big finish in Big D for Illinois Fighting Illini hoping to make most of unlikely bowl trip By the Associated Press

DALLAS – Illinois needed to win its last two games to become bowl eligible, then had to wait another week before finding out if there would be more football.

Louisiana Tech knew after winning six of seven at the end of the regular season that it was going to a bowl. And the Bulldogs have already played an extra week, a tight 26-23 loss to Marshall in the Conference USA championship game.

Now the Illini (6-6) of the Big Ten and the Bulldogs (8-5), both coached by the sons of coaches, meet today in the Heart of Dallas Bowl that is played at historic Cotton Bowl Stadium. It’s the first of 10 bowl games involving a Big Ten team, and the last of five for Conference USA. “You want to go into your winter workouts with success and you want your seniors to leave with success,” third-year Illinois coach Tim Beckman said.

“They have done a great job with this program.

I’m proud of them. We have made strides from Day 1, and we are doing it on and off the football field.”

This is the third time in five seasons the Illini go into a bowl 6-6. They won the previous two for a winning record, but that was before they went 6-18 in Beckman’s first two seasons.

Skip Holtz is wrapping up his second year at Louisiana Tech, which last played in a bowl game in 2011. The Bulldogs overcame a 2-3 start this season that included games against Oklahoma and Auburn, then both top-five teams.

“We knew it was going

Heart of Dallas Bowl When: noon today Where: Cotton Bowl, Dallas TV: ESPN Line: La. Tech. by 6 to be a challenging start,” Holtz said. “We talked about we’re a work in progress as a young team, and we had to grow and develop as the year went on, and I felt like they really did that.”

The Bulldogs got a big boost from two graduate transfers: quarterback Cody Sokol and defensive end Houston Bates, who was a starter at Illinois before returning to his home state to finish his career. There was also the addition of defensive coordinator Manny Diaz.

“Kind of the land of misfit toys, when you look at Manny, myself, Houston Bates, Cody Sokol, that have all come together and really gelled to put together something pretty special this season,” Holtz said. “To have this group of people all come together in Year 1 and accomplish what we were able to accomplish, it’s been very rewarding as a coach.”

Here are a few other things about the Heart of Dallas Bowl:

AP

Reilly O’Toole will lead Illinois into the Heart of Dallas Bowl today at the Cotton Bowl. O’Toole had been a bench player for most of his career, but is now the starter.

through the second half of that football season,” Beckman said.

Louisiana Tech had three 3-point losses.

Teaching history: Beckman and Holtz both taught their teams some history, letting them know about some of the players, coaches and teams that have played Close games and come- at Cotton Bowl Stadium, backs: Illinois trailed in even though the namethe fourth quarter in four sake game moved 5 years of its six wins. The Illini’s ago to the Dallas Cowlargest margin of victory boys’ NFL facility about was 47-33 at Northwest- 20 miles away. ern in the regular-season The Bulldogs practiced finale that got them bowl this week at the high eligible. They had four school of legendary runwins by a combined 21 ning back Doak Walker, points. providing even another “I’m so proud of what reference of football histhey’ve been able to tory for Holtz. accomplish, fight“I introduced my father ing through adversity, to our players one time,

and I heard one of the players say, he’s the guy from ESPN. ... That’s how they know Lou Holtz, one of the talking heads on TV,” said Holtz, whose son who plays at Texas referred to champion boxer George Forman as the guy with a grill.

Record runner: Kenneth Dixon has 3,347 yards rushing in his three seasons at Louisiana Tech and needs only 6 yards in the bowl game to break Daniel Porter’s career school record.

Dixon is just the third player in school history with multiple 1,000-yard seasons. He has 1,236 yards rushing this season with 21 touchdowns, 10 of those in the last four games.

B4 • Sauk Valley Media

NBA

www.saukvalley.com

Friday, December 26, 2014

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Wade, Heat Central Michigan nearly pulls off miracle ease past Chippewas fall one point short after wild last-play TD in Bahamas Bowl LeBron, Cavaliers By the Associated Press

By the Associated Press

Before Dwyane Wade and LeBron James produced championships as teammates, they produced some of the best head-to-head drama in the NBA. That made Christmas a flashback Thursday, best friends embracing pregame, joking alongside one another at the scorers’ table at halftime . . . and then restoring a rivalry during four consecutive years of runs to the NBA Finals at teammates.

Now back on their own, Wade this time got the best of his friend, leading the Miami Heat to a dramatic nationally televised 101-91 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers at AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami.

With Wade scoring 31, the Heat had enough to overcome James’ 30 in the first meeting between the teams since James left the Heat as a free agent in the offseason.

Wade was supported by 25 points, eight rebounds and eight assists from forward Luol Deng, the player who was signed to help replace James, and the player who spent most of Thursday defending James.

Guard Kyrie Irving added 25 points for Cleveland.

Thunder 114, Spurs 106:

Russell Westbrook scored 34 points, and Oklahoma City beat the Spurs in San Antonio in a rematch of last season’s Western Conference Finals.

The Thunder earned their sixth straight regular-season victory over the defending NBA champions in the first meeting between the teams since San Antonio topped Oklahoma City in six games on the way to a fifth title.

The Thunder were without reigning MVP Kevin Durant, and the Spurs were missing Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, but there was still plenty of firepower.

Serge Ibaka had 21 points, including going 3 for 4 on 3-pointers for Oklahoma City (14-16).

Steven Adams added 16 points and 15 rebounds to offset San Antonio center Tiago Splitter matching his season-high with 14 points.

Matt Bonner had 17 points to lead seven players in double figures for San Antonio (18-12), which has lost five of six. Tim Duncan had 15 points, six rebounds and five assists.

Wizards 102, Knicks 91:

John Wall had 24 points and 11 assists, eluding the Knicks all day until getting knocked to the floor by a flagrant foul that sparked an altercation, and Washington beat New York in Madison Square Garden.

Wall toyed with the Knicks for 3 1/2 quarters, highlighted by a spinning, 360-degree layup, before Quincy Acy knocked him down with a forearm shove with 5:31 to play.

Wall got up and pushed Acy, who responded with a punch that appeared to hit Wall behind the neck.

Acy was ejected in the Christmas dust-up, and Wall received a technical foul.

Bradley Beal added 17 points for the Wizards, who had their top five of Wall, Beal, Paul Pierce, Nene and Marcin Gortat in the starting lineup for the first time this season.

Carmelo Anthony scored 34 points for the Knicks, who fell to 5-26 and have the most losses in the NBA. They have dropped six straight and 16 of 17.

New York fell to 22-28 in a league-high 50 Christmas appearances.

Central Michigan’s miracle comeback fell just short Cooper Rush’s record-setting day in the inaugural Bahamas Bowl in Nassau, Bahamas.

Down by 35 points with 12 minutes remaining, Central Michigan (7-6) scored the final five touchdowns of the game, including a

three-lateral, 75-yard dazzler as time expired. But Western Kentucky (8-5) escaped with a 49-48 victory Wednesday when Rush’s 2-point conversion pass fell incomplete.

Rush threw a bowl-record seven touchdown passes in the first college football postseason game played outside the U.S. or Canada

since Jan. 1, 1937. He was 28 of 45 for 485 yards.

Western Kentucky’s Brandon Doughty threw five touchdown pass to increase his nation-leading total to 49. He was 31 of 42.

Rice 30, Fresno State 6: Driphus Jackson passed for 318 yards and three touchdowns, and Rice completed a remarkable turnaround

with a victory over Fresno State in the Hawaii Bowl in Honolulu.

The Owls (8-5) started the season 0-3 and ended it with their second bowl win in the last 3 years.

Jackson was accurate with his arm, especially on two deep sideline routes, and dangerous with his feet. He rushed for 41 yards and some key scrambles out of trouble.

Friday, December 26, 2014

www.saukvalley.com

Sauk Valley Media • B5

YEAR IN REVIEW | 2014 | TOP 10 LOCAL SPORTS STORIES OF YEAR

November 28, 2014

February-March, 2014

February 22, 2014

4. Snow captures 3. Eastland, 2. Wildcatz second state stake claim to 2A Prophetstown girls make state wrestling crown football crown

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astland-Pearl City rolled through the regular season undefeated, struggled in a second-round game with Hall, and had to rally for wins in the quarterfinals and semifinals. Once the Wildcatz made it to Memorial Stadium, they were ready for anything.

The EPC defense held Iowa recruit Jack Hockaday in check, as EPC beat MaroaForsyth 41-12 in the 2A title game to claim the co-op’s first state championship.

Quarterback Deven Heeren completed 14 of 16 pass attempts for 207 yards and three touchdowns. Walter Ollie continued a spectacular playoff run with 13 tackles and an interception. That ran his pick total for the season to 11.

EPC is the first non-Three Rivers team in the Sauk Valley to win a football state title.

astland’s Colleen Finn-Henze and Prophetstown’s Don Robinson have been at the coaching game for a long time, so it was a nice coincidence that the two were able to make their first appearances at the state tournament in the same season.

The Prophets moved up to 2A for a season with an enrollment just above the 1A cut, but that didn’t stop them. Prophetstown won the semifinal game over IC Catholic 57-48 before matching up with a massively talented team from St. Thomas More. The Prophets couldn’t pull off the upset, falling 70-34 to take second place.

Eastland was charged with the task of playing Annawan in the semifinal in 1A. That didn’t go well in a 71-45 loss. The Cougars bounced right back in the third-place game with a 55-50 win over Moweaqua Central A&M.

ewman’s Jake Snow spent the entire Class 1A 145-pound championship bout against Dakota freshman Greg Krulas on the offensive. Krulas, who lost to Snow 12-3 in a sectional final a week earlier, was determined not to make any mistakes.

So he played defense against Snow. The plan worked, but not well enough, as Snow won the bout 3-1 for his second state championship; he also won a title as a freshman. It was Newman’s 1A-record 35th individual state title.

Snow finished the season with a 40-1 record, his only loss coming to Krulas’ teammate J.J. Wolfe earlier in the season.

Snow, who also helped the Comets football team to a state championship in the previous fall, was named SVM’s male athlete of the year for 2013-14.

November 15, 2014

Spring 2014

Fall 2014

5. Comets upset in quarterfinals

6. Two softball teams at state

7. Sauk makes national meets

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uch like Eastland-Pearl City, the Newman Comets had rolled through the regular season. Newman entered the 3A quarterfinal with Byron as the top-ranked team in the state. Byron had four losses. The Tigers won a defensive struggle, 16-14.

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he Amboy Clippers softball team won a string of 1-run games to advance to the 1A state tournament for the first time, and finished fourth. Sterling returned to the 3A state tournament for the second year in a row. This time the Golden Warriors took third, one spot better than 2013.

he Sauk Valley women’s sports teams had an exceptional fall. The volleyball team, led by Rock Falls grad Jordan Giddings, advanced to the national tourney for the first time. That came right after the tennis team, led by Mary Alice Oswalt, earned a national berth.

Fall 2014

November 6, 2014

March 11, 2014

8. Rock Falls football trouble

9. Warriors win sectional title

10. Tough day at Convo Center

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he Rock Falls football team suffered through an 0-9 season, but more waves came from off the field. Coach Scott Berge announced he was going to resign at end of the season in September, and he was later suspended for the final 3 weeks. Rich Montgomery will be the coach in 2015.

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he Sterling Golden Warrior volleyball team got over the sectional hump for the first time since 1981 with a twogame win over Lincoln in the IVC Sectional championship. The Warriors went on to fall to Joliet Catholic in the supersectional.

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he Eastland and Newman boys basketball teams were stopped a game short of the state tournament at the DeKalb Supersectional. Eastland fell in 1A to eventual state champ Mooseheart 59-41.

Newman fell in 2A to Bloomington Central Catholic 77-65.

B6 • Sauk Valley Media

www.saukvalley.com

YEAR IN REVIEW | 2014 | STAFF MEMORIES

Friday, December 26, 2014

LOCAL SCOREBOARD Boys basketball NIB-12 West Conf.

2-0 1-0 1-1 1-1 0-1 Today’s games Romeoville tournament • Geneseo vs. Joliet Catholic, 1:30 Plano tournament • LaSalle-Peru vs. St. Bede, 9 a.m.

• Ottawa vs. Yorkville, 12:30 Chuck Dayton Tournament • Rochelle vs. Schurz, 9 a.m.

• Sterling vs. Marmion, 5 Saturday’s games Romeoville tournament • Geneseo vs. TBA Plano Christmas Classic • LaSalle-Peru, Ottawa vs. TBD Chuck Dayton Tournament • Rochelle, Sterling vs. TBD Sterling Ottawa LaSalle-Peru Geneseo Rochelle

All 5-2 5-3 3-3 4-3 0-9

The crowd reacts as Eastland’s Hannah Hake makes the game-winning free throw in overtime against Amboy on Feb. 20 in the 1A Forreston sectional championship game. The game is Sports Editor Dan Woessner’s favorite memory from the 2014 local sports scene.

Lasting memories SVM sports staff won’t soon forget these events

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very year, Sauk Valley Media sports staffers cover hundreds of games and events, but more stick out in the memory than others.

That was no different in 2014. Here’s a look at the favorite memories our staffers have from another year in the Sauk Valley.

Dan Woessner, Sports Editor Probably the most iconic image of the year came from the camera of Phillip Marruffo, when he snapped the reaction of the crowd behind Eastland senior Hannah Hake as she sank the winning free throw against Amboy in overtime of the 1A Forreston Sectional final.

The crowd crashed onto the court like a wave. While the foul that put Hake on the line was somewhat controversial, there was no doubt that the two Sauk Valley heavyweights had put on a great show. It’s rare that we get to cover an all-local sectional final, and this one did not disappoint. Eastland went on to finish third in Class 1A. Amboy, using many of the same players, went on to have a historic softball season that resulted in a state trip in that sport. In the end, both teams proved to be full of winners.

Cody Cutter, Sports Reporter When the call came in July to rejoin the SVM sports department after a 10-year absence, I shelved the website that I had been working on to pounce on this opportunity. Why? Much has changed in print journalism since my first go-round, and I looked at this as a challenge while being closer to my family and friends.

The first event I covered since rejoining the staff was the Rocket Run on Aug. 26. I should have brought an empty milk gallon with me, because I wound up sweating that much in the 95-degree heat. My pain was meaningless compared to what the runners went through.

The Newman boys had a couple of lead runners out for that race, and perhaps the experience that the bottom of the lineup had to go through in earning important team points would help the Comets earn a top-10 finish at the IHSA State Meet.

Items such as this were left out of the news stories 10 years ago in favor of simple results.

Today, readers have become more interested in the hows and whys of the events which take

Three Rivers East All 10-0 8-2 6-3 6-2 5-4 4-7 0-10

Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

Rock Falls’ Breu Knox runs during the Rocket Run in August. The event was the first assignment for reporter Cody Cutter for SVM in nearly 10 years. place. And they want to know quickly – that meant no more dawdling around until the last minute.

Personally, it felt great to be “back in the saddle again.”

Patrick Mason, Sports Reporter While this might remind some of a nightmare scenario, my favorite event to cover this year was the girls track & field Class 2A Freeport Sectional.

The timing system malfunctioned and shut off during the 3,200 relay, forcing officials to only allow the top two teams to move on to state, leaving Kaneland and Rock Falls on the sidelines despite running times under the state cut.

Eventually, the two schools were allowed to run at state after IHSA officials watched tapes of the race. What I enjoyed most about that event was that it reminded me that there is always so much more happening at a given event than the event itself.

I wrote an extra story that night – three to be exact – from my car parked on a side street in Freeport, as my adrenaline was rushing to make deadline. It was an exciting day, and a reminder why I enjoy what I do.

Ty Reynolds, Sports Reporter For the third year in a row, my favorite event I covered this year

involves NIU football.

After spending a Saturday at Soldier Field in Chicago and Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City the past two seasons, I finally got to see Sterling native Tyler Loos suit up for a home game.

While the game itself wasn’t too memorable – the Huskies held on for a 17-14 win over Kent State on Oct. 4 – the Loos family had rented out two of the end zone boxes for friends and former coaches to watch the game. Taking in the second half while listening to stories from those who know Tyler best was a pretty cool experience, and one I’m not likely to have again too often.

Brian Weidman, Sports Reporter My favorite event to cover was the EastlandPearl City football team’s 44-21 victory against Rockridge in the quarterfinals of the Class 2A playoffs on Saturday, Nov. 15. Quite frankly, I expected the Wildcatz to lose, after watching Rockridge give Newman everything it could handle before losing in the season opener.

After the Wildcatz dug themselves a 14-0 hole, they did something about it.

The biggest thing I’ll remember is the Wildcatz’s Walter Ollie running wild with a torn meniscus in his right knee. Seemingly no Rocket could tackle him, and he was a holy terror on defense as well.

Conf.

Rockridge 4-0 Orion 2-1 Riverdale 1-1 Morrison 1-1 Fulton 1-1 Prophetstown 0-1 Sherrard 0-2 Erie 0-2 Today’s games Warkins Cardinal Classic • Erie vs. Lena-Winslow, 8:30 • Morrison vs. Knoxville, 8:30 • Orion vs. Bureau Valley, 10 • Riverdale vs. Mercer County, 11:30 • Rivedale vs. Peoria Heights, 2:30 • Orion vs. Stark County, 2:30 • Morrison vs. Mercer County, 4 • Erie vs. Stockton, 4 Eastland tournament • Fulton vs. Amboy, 8:30 a.m.

• Prophetstown vs. Pearl City, 1 • Fulton vs. Galena, 4 • Prophetstown vs. Polo, 5:30 Macomb tournament • Rockridge vs. Pittsfield, 8 p.m.

Newman tournament • Sherrard vs. Durand, 6 Saturday’s games Warkins Cardinal Classic • Erie vs. Stark County, 5:30 • Riverdale vs. Knoxville, 5:30 • Orion vs. Lena-Winslow, 7 • Morrison vs. Wethersfield, 8:30 Eastland Tournament • Prophetstown vs. Warren, 4 • Fulton vs. Eastland, 5:30 Macomb tournament • Rockridge vs. TBA Newman tournament • Sherrard vs. Newman, 1:30 • Sherrard vs. AFC, 6

Conf.

2-0 2-0 1-0 2-1 1-1 1-2 1-2 0-2 0-2 0-2 Today’s games Eastland tournament • Polo vs. Warren, 11:30 • Polo vs. Prophetstown, 5:30 Newman tournament • Durand vs. Sherrard, 6 • AFC vs. Newman, 7:30 Plano tournament • Forreston vs. Coal City, 3:30 Saturday’s games Eastland tournament • Polo vs. Pearl City, 7 Newman tournament • AFC vs. Durand, noon • AFC vs. Sherrard, 6 • Durand vs. Newman, 7:30 Plano tournament • Forreston vs. TBA

Erie tournament Pool A: Erie, Bureau Valley, LenaWinslow, Orion, Stark County, Stockton Pool B: Knoxville, Mercer County, Morrison, Peoria Heights, Wethersfield, Riverdale Today’s games • Erie vs. Lena-Winslow, 8:30 a.m.

• Morrison vs. Knoxville, 8:30 a.m.

• Bureau Valley vs. Orion, 10 a.m.

• Wethersfield vs. Peoria Heights, 10 a.m.

• Stark County vs. Stockton, 11:30 a.m.

• Rivedale vs. Mercer County, 11:30 a.m.

• Knoxville vs. Wethersfield, 1 • Lena-Winslow vs. Bureau Valley, 1 • Peoria Heights vs. Riverdale, 2:30 • Orion vs. Stark County, 2:30 • Mercer County vs. Morrison, 4 • Stockton vs. Erie Saturday’s games • Erie vs. Stark County, 5:30 • Riverdale vs. Knoxville, 5:30 • Orion vs. Lena-Winslow, 7 • Mercer County vs. Peoria Heights, 7 • Bureau Valley vs. Stockton, 8:30 • Morrison vs. Wethersfield, 8:30 Monday, Dec. 29 • Knoxville vs. Mercer County, 3 • Lena-Winslow vs. Stark County, 3 • Peoria Heights vs. Morrison, 4:30 • Stockton vs. Orion, 4:30 • Wethersfield vs. Riverdale, 7:30 • Erie vs. Bureau Valley, 7:30 Tuesday, Dec. 30 • 11th place, 1:30 • 9th place, 1:30 • 7th place, 3 • 5th place, 3 • 3rd place, 7:30 • Championship, 7:30

Today’s games • Paw Paw vs. Oregon, 3 • Ridgewood vs. Alleman, 4:30 • Durand vs. Sherrard, 6 • AFC vs. Newman, 7:30 Saturday’s games • Oregon vs. Alleman, 9 a.m.

• Paw Paw vs. Ridgewood, 10:30 a.m.

• Durand vs. AFC, noon • Sherrard vs. Newman, 1:30 • Paw Paw vs. Alleman, 3 • Oregon vs. Ridgewood, 4:30 • Sherrard vs. AFC, 6 • Durand vs. Newman, 7:30 Monday, Dec. 29 • 7th place, 3 • 5th place, 4:30 • 3rd place, 6 • Championship, 7:30

All 8-0 3-5 5-2 6-5 3-6 1-4 3-5 3-7

Plano tournament Tuesday’s results • St. Bede 68, Coal City 31 • Newark 57, Forreston 47 • Ottawa 58, Wilmington 37 • Sandwich 42, Hinckley-Big Rock 37 • Seneca 64, Princeton 60 • Kaneland 67, Indian Creek 53 • Streator 55, Lisle 32 • Game 8, Plano 60, Somonauk 31 Today’s games • Game 9, Coal City vs. Forreston, 3:30 • Game 10, Wilmington vs. Hinckley-Big Rock, 5 • Game 11, Princeton vs. Indian Creek, 6:30 • Game 12, Lisle vs. Somonauk, 8 • Game 13, LaSalle-Peru vs. St. Bede, 9 a.m.

• Game 14, Aurora Christian vs. Newark, 10:30 a.m.

• Game 15, Yorkville vs. Ottawa, 12:30 • Game 16, Dixon vs. Sandwich, 2 • Game 17, Morris vs. Seneca, 3:30 • Game 18, Burlington Central vs. Kaneland, 5:30 • Game 19, Genoa-Kingston vs. Streator, 7 • Game 20, Mendota vs. Plano, 8:30 State Farm Classic Small School Boys Today’s games • Game 1, Peoria Christian vs. El PasoGridley, 10 a.m.

• Game 2, St. Joseph-Ogden vs. Prairie Central, 11:30 a.m.

• Game 3, Kewanee vs. Cissna Park, 1 • Game 4, Fieldcrest vs. Olympia, 2:30 • Game 5, Bishop McNamara vs. Quincy Notre Dame, 4:30 • Game 6, Rockford Lutheran vs.

Annawan, 6 • Game 7, St. Thomas More vs. Tri-Valley, 7:30 • Game 8, Bloomington Central Catholic vs. Rock Falls, 9

Girls basketball

NUIC East AFC Aquin Forreston Polo Milledgeville South Beloit Pecatonica Durand Dakota Orangeville

Tuesday, Dec. 30 • 7th place, 2:30 • 5th place, 4 • 3rd place, 5:30 • Championship, 7

Newman tournament Pool A: Paw Paw, Oregon, Ridgewood, Alleman Pool B: Durand, Sherrard, AFC, Newman

Three Rivers West

All 5-1 6-2 4-2 8-3 2-9 2-5 2-6 2-5 1-6 0-8

Holiday tournaments DeKalb tournament Monday’s results • Glenbrook North 55, Belvidere North 46 • Marmion 72, Eisenhower 66 • St. Charles East 102, Mundelein 66 • Sterling 63, Winnebago 62 • Moline 72, Rochelle 38 • Hampshire 67, Harlem 59, OT • DeKalb 70, Schurz 38 • West Chicago 48, Belvidere 43 Tuesday’s results • Winnebago 82, Mundelein 62 • Eisenhower 96, Belvidere North 93 • Harlem 72, Rochelle 48 • Belvidere 61, Schurz 35 • St. Charles East 89, Sterling 46 • Glenbrook North 67, Marmion 56 • DeKalb 63, West Chicago 56 • Game 16, Moline 54, Hampshire 49 Today’s games • Game 17, Rochelle vs. Schurz, 9 a.m.

• Game 18, Belvidere North vs. Mundelein, 10:30 a.m.

• Game 19, Eisenhower vs. Winnebago, noon • Game 20, Belvidere vs. Harlem, 1:30 • Game 21, West Chicago vs. Hampshire, 3:30 • Game 22, Sterling vs. Marmion, 5 • Game 23, Semifinal, DeKalb vs. Moline, 6:30 • Game 24, Semifinal, St. Charles East vs.

Glenbrook North, 8

NIB-12 West Conf.

All 2-1 6-7 2-1 6-8 1-1 9-4 0-2 1-7 0-3 3-12 Today’s games Dixon tournament • Sterling vs. Aquin, 9 a.m.

• LaSalle-Peru vs. Chicago Harlan, 1:30 • Rochelle vs. Eastland, 3 State Farm Classic • Geneseo vs. Mahomet-Seymour, 11:30 a.m.

LaSalle-Peru Sterling Ottawa Rochelle Geneseo

Saturday’s games Dixon tournament • LaSalle-Peru, Sterling vs. TBD State Farm Classic • Geneseo vs. TBD

BNC West Conf.

All Mendota 4-0 14-0 Rockford Lutheran 3-1 6-1 Stillman Valley 3-1 8-3 Oregon 2-2 9-4 Dixon 2-2 4-6 Byron 2-3 10-4 Rock Falls 0-3 6-5 Winnebago 0-4 5-10 Today’s games Dixon tournament • Stillman Valley vs. Pekin, 10:30 a.m.

• Oregon vs. Newman, 6 State Farm Classic • Lutheran vs. Peoria Christian, 2:30 • Rock Falls vs. Alleman, 9 Saturday’s games Dixon tournament • Oregon, Stillman vs. TBD State Farm Classic • Lutheran, Rock Falls vs. TBD

Three Rivers East Amboy Kewanee Newman Hall Bureau Valley St. Bede Princeton

Conf.

3-0 2-0 2-1 1-1 1-2 1-2 0-4

Today’s games Erie tournament • Bureau Valley vs. Rockridge, 5:30 Dixon tournament • Newman vs. Oregon, 6 Amboy tournament • Amboy vs. Paw Paw, 7:30

Saturday’s games Amboy tournament • Amboy vs. Plano, 7:30 Dixon tournament • Newman vs. TBD Erie tournament • Bureau Valley vs. Erie, 8:30 a.m.

• Bureau Valley vs. Wethersfield, 1 Prophetstown tournament • Hall vs. Riverdale, 3 • Hall vs. Prophetstown, 7:30

Three Rivers West

Monday, Dec. 29 • Pool A 4th vs. Pool B 3rd, 2:30 • Pool A 3rd vs. Pool B 4th, 4 • Pool A 2nd vs. Pool B 1st, 5:30 • Pool A 1st vs. Pool B 2nd, 7

Conf.

All Dixon 3-0 8-0 Winnebago 3-1 9-2 Rockford Lutheran 1-1 6-1 Oregon 1-1 4-7 Byron 0-1 8-3 Mendota 0-1 7-3 Stillman Valley 0-1 2-4 Rock Falls 0-2 1-7 Today’s games Chuck Dayton tournament • Winnebago vs. Eisenhower, noon Newman tournament • Oregon vs. Paw Paw, 3 Plano tournament • Dixon vs. Sandwich, 2 • Mendota vs. Plano, 8:30 State Farm Classic • Lutheran vs. Annawan, 6 • Rock Falls vs. Bloom. Central Catholic, 9 Saturday’s games Chuck Dayton tournament • Winnebago vs. TBD Marengo tournament • Stillman Valley vs. TBA Newman tournament • Oregon vs. Alleman, 9 • Oregon vs. Ridgewood, 4:30 Plano tournament • Dixon, Mendota vs. TBD State Farm Classic • Rock Falls, Lutheran vs. TBD

Conf.

Bureau Valley 2-0 Princeton 2-0 Kewanee 1-0 St. Bede 0-0 Newman 0-1 Hall 0-2 Amboy 0-2 Today’s games Eastland tournament • Amboy vs. Fulton, 8:30 a.m.

• Amboy vs. Eastland, 2:30 Erie tournament • Erie vs. Lena-Winslow, 8:30 • Erie vs. Stockton, 4 Marseilles tournament • Hall vs. St. Benedict, 6:30 Newman Tournament • Newman vs. AFC, 7:30 Plano tournament • Princeton vs. Indian Creek • St. Bede vs. LaSalle-Peru, 9 a.m.

State Farm Classic • Kewanee vs. Cissna Park, 1 Saturday’s games Eastland tournament • Amboy vs. Galena, 4 Erie tournament • Erie vs. Stark County, 5:30 Marseilles tournament • Hall vs. TBA Newman tournament • Newman vs. Sherrard, 1:30 • Newman vs. Durand, 7:30 Plano tournament • Princeton, St. Bede vs. TBD State Farm Classic • Kewanee vs. TBD

Today’s games • Amboy vs. Fulton, 8:30 a.m.

• Galena vs. Eastland, 10 a.m.

• Polo vs. Warren, 11:30 a.m.

• Pearl City vs. Prophetstown, 1 • Eastland vs. Amboy, 2:30 • Fulton vs. Galena, 4 • Prophetstown vs. Polo, 5:30 • Warren vs. Pearl City, 7 Saturday’s games • Amboy vs. Galena, 2:30 • Prophetstown vs. Warren, 4 • Eastland vs. Fulton, 5:30 • Pearl City vs. Polo, 7

BNC West

Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

Eastland tournament Pool A: Amboy, Eastland, Fulton, Galena Pool B: Prophetstown, Pearl City, Polo, Warren

All 9-1 11-2 2-7 5-4 6-5 3-9 2-10

Conf.

All Sherrard 4-0 11-1 Prophetstown 4-0 12-2 Rockridge 3-1 10-2 Erie 3-2 6-5 Orion 1-2 2-5 Morrison 2-2 6-3 Fulton 0-3 4-7 Riverdale 0-3 0-10 Today’s games Erie tournament • Rockridge vs. Bureau Valley, 5:30 • Erie vs. Mercer County, 7 • Fulton vs. Monmouth-Roseville, 7 • Morrison vs. Stockton, 8:30 Riverton tournament • Sherrard vs. Warrensburg-Latham, 7:30 Saturday’s games Erie tournament • Fulton vs. Galva, 8:30 a.m.

• Erie vs. Bureau Valley, 8:30 a.m.

• Morrison vs. Monmouth-Roseville, 10 a.m.

• Rockridge vs. Wethersfield, 10 a.m.

• Rockridge vs. Mercer County, 2:30 • Fulton vs. Stockton, 2:30 • Erie vs. Knoxville, 4 • Morrison vs. Ridgewood, 4 Prophetstown tournament • Prophetstown vs. Orion, 1:30 • Riverdale vs. Hall, 3 • Orion vs. Rockford Christian, 6 • Prophetstown vs. Hall, 7:30 Riverton tournament • Sherrard vs. TBA

NUIC East Conf.

5-0 3-0 3-1 3-1 2-2 1-1 1-2 1-3 0-3 0-4 Today’s games Amboy tournament • AFC vs. Midland, 3 Dixon tournament • Aquin vs. Sterling, 9 a.m.

Aquin AFC Dakota Milledgeville Polo Durand Forreston Orangeville Pecatonica South Beloit

All 11-2 10-0 8-4 4-9 6-7 2-4 3-9 1-9 1-11 0-5

Saturday’s games Alden-Herbon tournament • Durand vs. TBA Amboy tournament • AFC vs. Somonauk, 3 Dixon tournament • Aquin vs. TBD Holiday tournaments Sterling Shootout Friday’s results • Hononegah 73, Richwoods 64 • Moline 62, Fenwick 54 • Montini 70, Sterling 30 Saturday’s results • Richwoods 56, Sterling 40 • Fenwick 85, Hononegah 82 • Montini 54, Moline 35 • Richwoods 67, Fenwick 63 • Montini 54, Hononegah 47 • Moline 47, Sterling 28 Tuesday’s results • Hononegah 62, Sterling 28 • Richwoods 56, Moline 33 • Montini 61, Fenwick 60 • Moline 52, Hononegah 51 • Sterling 56, Fenwick 51 • Montini 79, Richwoods 33 Amboy tournament Red Pool: Amboy, Indian Creek, Plano, Paw Paw Black Pool: AFC, Marquette, Somonauk, Midland Today’s games • AFC vs. Midland, 3 • Marquette vs. Somonauk, 4:30 • Indian Creek vs. Plano, 6 • Amboy vs. Paw Paw, 7:30 Saturday’s games • Somonauk vs. AFC, 3 • Midland vs. Marquette, 4:30 • Paw Paw vs. Indian Creek, 6 • Amboy vs. Plano, 7:30 Monday, Dec. 29 • AFC vs. Marquette, 3 • Somonauk vs. Midland, 4:30 • Plano vs. Paw Paw, 6 • Amboy vs. Indian Creek, 7:30 Tuesday, Dec. 30 • 7th place, 3 • 5th place, 4:30 • 3rd place, 6 • Championship, 7:30 Dixon tournament Today’s games • Game 1, Aquin vs. Sterling, 9 a.m.

• Game 2, Stillman Valley vs. Pekin, 10:30 a.m.

• Game 3, Belvidere North vs. Aurora Christian, noon • Game 4, LaSalle-Peru vs. Chicago Harlan, 1:30 • Game 5, Eastland vs. Rochelle, 3 • Game 6, Boylan vs. Dixon, 4:30 • Game 7, Oregon vs. Newman, 6 • Game 8, United Township vs. Rosary, 7:30 Erie tournament Pool A: Knoxville, Rockridge, Wethersfield, Erie, Mercer County, Bureau Valley Pool B: Monmouth-Roseville, Stockton, Ridgewood, Morrison, Galva, Fulton Today’s games • Bureau Valley vs. Rockridge, 5:30 • Ridgewood vs. Galva, 5:30 • Erie vs. Mercer County, 7 • Fulton vs. Monmouth-Roseville, 7 • Knoxville vs. Wethersfield, 8:30 • Stockton vs. Morrison, 8:30 Saturday’s games • Galva vs. Fulton, 8:30 a.m.

• Erie vs. Bureau Valley, 8:30 a.m.

• Morrison vs. Monmouth-Roseville, 10 • Wethersfield vs. Rockridge, 10 • Stockton vs. Ridgewood, 11:30 • Mercer County vs. Knoxville, 11:30 • Bureau Valley vs. Wethersfield, 1 • Monmouth-Roseville vs. Galva, 1 • Rockridge vs. Mercer County, 2:30 • Fulton vs. Stockton, 2:30 • Knoxville vs. Erie, 4 • Ridgewood vs. Morrison, 4 Monday, Dec. 29 • Morrison vs. Galva, noon • Bureau Valley vs. Mercer County, noon • Fulton vs. Ridgewood, 1:30 • Erie vs. Wethersfield, 1:30 • Monmouth-Roseville vs. Stockton, 6 • Rockridge vs. Knoxville, 6 Tuesday, Dec. 30 • 11th place game, noon • 9th place game, noon • 7th place game, 1:30 • 5th place game, 1:30 • 3rd place game, 6 • Championship, 7:30 Prophetstown tournament Saturday’s games • Prophetstown vs. Orion, 1:30 • Riverdale vs. Hall, 3 • Orion vs. Rockford Christian, 6 • Hall vs. Prophetstown, 7:30 Monday, Dec. 29 • Rockford Christian vs. Hall, 1:30 • Prophetstown vs. Riverdale, 3 • Hall vs. Orion, 6 • Riverdale vs. Rockford Christian, 7:30 Tuesday, Dec. 30 • Orion vs. Riverdale, 6 • Prophetstown vs. Rockford Christian, 7:30 State Farm Classic Small School Girls Today’s games • Game 1, Annawan vs. LeRoy, 10 a.m.

• Game 2, Rochester vs. El Paso-Gridley, 11:30 a.m.

• Game 3, Brimfield vs. Bloomington Central Catholic, 1 • Game 4, Lutheran vs. Peoria Christian, 2:30 • Game 5, Tri-Valley vs. Prairie Central, 4:30 • Game 6, St. Thomas More vs. Camp Point Central, 6 • Game 7, Bishop MacNamara, 7:30 • Game 8, Alleman vs. Rock Falls, 9

Friday, December 26, 2014 Dilbert by Scott Adams

www.saukvalley.com

Sauk Valley Media • B7

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

Self-control can help with plays

Grizzwells by Bill Schorr

Professor Shlomo Bernartzi, a leading authority on behavioral finance, said, “Selfcontrol is not a problem in the future. It’s only a problem now when the chocolates are next to us.”

Bridge players need to exercise self-control, especially when there is a trump suit.

The urge to remove those held by the opponents can be overwhelming, but might not be best.

In today’s deal, South is in four spades. What should he do after West leads the heart ace?

East’s two-diamond response was a transfer, showing at least five hearts and zero or more points. South’s two-spade overcall was dangerous, but his heart length

suggested that his partner would be short in that suit and have some spades. West rebid three hearts to indicate four-card support, and North jumped to game because

he had a void and expected partner to hold a six-card suit.

After ruffing the lead in the dummy, if South plays three rounds of trumps, he draws them all, but then the defenders can cash three hearts and two clubs for down three.

(True, they are unlikely to get it right and will allow declarer to escape for down two, but that is still expensive.)

South must keep the trump and heart suits under control.

At trick two, he should run the spade seven. West takes the trick but has no defense.

He does best to lead another high heart, in the hope that East has the diamond queen.

Here, though, declarer will ruff in the dummy, play a diamond to his hand, draw trumps, and claim an overtrick. Watch for this play of losing an inevitable trump trick as soon as possible. © 2014 UFS

place ads online www.saukvalley.com

CLASSIFIED SAUK VALLEY Friday, December 26, 2014

Dixon 815.284.SOLD(7653)

Sterling 815.626.SOLD (7653)

• we reach over 48,000 readers every day • LOST

110

IS YOUR PET MISSING? Read our found section in todays paper. Just in case it is not there, call one of your area animal shelters listed below: Lee County Animal Control (815)284-3833 Granny Rose Animal Shelter (815)288-7387 Whiteside County Animal Control (815)625-3507 Happy Tails Humane Society (815)626-2994 A public service of Sauk Valley Media

VOLUNTEERS

126

CASA 15th Judicial Circuit (Lee/ Carroll/Ogle Counties) is seeking volunteers to advocate for children in the court system involved in abuse and neglect cases.

Your involvement can impact a child’s future.

Contact Vanessa White, Director of Advocate Services (815) 288-1901 www.casalee carroll.com

ADOPTION NOTICES

128

♥♥ADOPTION:♥♥ At-Home Mom, Financially Secure Family, LOVE, Laughter, Art, Music ♥Awaits 1st Baby♥ ♥♥Melanie♥♥ ♥Expenses Paid♥ 1-866-757-5199

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.

FOR SALE

BY OWNER

209

STERLING Cozy 2 story Sterling Home, move in ready! 3BR, 1½ BA, 1,300 sq. ft. garage, deck & lg. yard. All new roof, kitchen, baths, H/W floors, furnace Plus finished basement w/ family/ 4th BR & ½ BA. 1110 5th Ave. $114,900.

Call 815-626-9472 See pictures on Saukvalley.com

✦✦✦✦✦

For Sale or Rent: This luxurious custom built 2000 home features: 2 story entrance foyer which opens into large LR with soaring ceilings and two-story windows. Elegant designer kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops.

4BR, 3.75 baths.

Two master suites with Jacuzzi including ground level suite. Loft over looking living area.

Large deck overpark-like looking backyard. 3.5 car Walking garage. distance to Sinnissippi Park and Rock River. $269,000. Will consider owner financing and/or rent with to buy. option

Http://fusion.realtour vision.com/idx/29397

Need to place an ad?

Call us 625-3600 284-2222

Please ask about property tax incentive. 312-373-0601

STERLING Exceptional ranch condo. 2BR, 2 ba.

2 car garage. Like new. Mid $150s.

815-631-6483.

Remodeled 2BR, $550+dep. No Pets Ref. 815-213-0247 815-564-9383

CEMETERY LOTS

226

4 Cemetery lots for sale at Coloma Township Cemetery $600/ea. Mary 815-626-3073 Chapel Hill Memorial Park perpetual care Dixon IL. Near the carillon. Make offer. Call 623-5477191 or email j3a5l5@gmail.com

MOBILE HOMES 230

MOBILE HOMES

230

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 ROCK FALLS EFFICIENCIES! -InclusiveClean & Quiet

Monthly Discount

815-626-8790*

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

AMBOY

DIXON

2BR Duplex in Amboy w/ garage, also 2BR apts., 815-440-8116

Nice 1BR upper, stove, refrigerator., garbage p/u furn.

No pets, ref., lease, $375/ mo. + dep.

815-652-2042 Nice 2BR, stove refrig. stacked w/d garbage p/u furn.

Pets.

Ref., No Lease, $450/mo. + dep. 815-652-2042

ASHTON ★★ 1&2 BR., Ashton/ F.G. 815-7512712/562-5075.★

DIXON

PROPHETSTOWN

WELCOME HOME TO

DIXON RIVER APARTMENTS 2 BR, 1 BA Starting at $505

INCLUDES: • Appliances •Large Closets • Carpet & Window Treatments * Garages Available * ** On Site Laundry Favilities **

815-284-6782

Newer 2 BR, apartment Fieldstone area: W/D hookup, appls. incl. Fireplace, garage w/opener. $625 mo., $500 dep.

960 sq. ft.

815-626-1431 or 815-631-5855 1BR basement apt, north side w/ garage, stove refrig., utilities & heat furnished. No pets ref., lease, $425/ mo. & dep 815652-2042 1BR upper, stove refrig, garbage p/u furn. No Pets. Ref., Lease, $350/ mo. + dep.

815-6522042 2 - 2BR apts., water & garbage included. No pets, Call 815-973-1743 DIXON MANOR APTS- 2BR CLEAN QUIET, WALK TO DOWNTOWN, ONSITE LAUNDRY, APPLIANCES INCLUDED, HEAT, WATER INCLUDED. CALL ERICK 815-739-5806

2 bedroom apartment, with one stall garage, $500/mo.

Call Kophamer & Blean Realty (815) 772-2728

ROCK FALLS 1 BR $375 Hampton Apts.

815-625-7043 2BR, newly remodeled, on lake 1 ½ mi. W. of Rock Falls, $600/mo. + utilities, no pets, 815-626-2145 Lg. 1BR. + appl.

No pets. $425 + dep. 815-718-1784 THICKSTEN APTS. 1 & 2 BR houses 815-499-4217

STERLING

Sterling Rentals 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. Call 815-7160367.

STERLING

RIVER RIDGE APARTMENTS

2 Bedroom Great Location Garages Available

$

495

PER MONTH

1st Month’s Rent

FREE *with 1 year lease

3 Months

FREE

Garage Rental*

*Only Valid while garages last. New applicants only.

Next to

ALDI in Sterling

1-815-414-2288

NORTHLAND PARK APARTMENTS Studio, 1 & 2 Bedroom Washer & Dryer Units Fitness Center Balconies / Patios Open House Daily

1st Month FREE! Ca l Me 2-Rent 815)632-7368 (Loc ted d Behind Northland Mall)

1BR, $400 815-562-7368 Rochelle Realty 2 & 3BR, 2 car attch. Garage, W/ D/ ups, all applics., pet friendly. 563212-1896 2 BR for $500 Water, sewer, garbage incl.

Coin W/D, No pets/ No parties.

Call Diana: 630-327-7046

STERLING

MILLEDGEVILLE

2BR downstairs apt, stove & fridge furn., water & garbage fees incl., C/A, no pets, 1401 E. 4th St., $500/mo. + $500 dep. 815441-1912.

4BR New flooring.

Refs.

Required.

No pets. $550/mo.

815-499-1793.

Efficiency, $370/ mo.

No pets.

Close to down town and good location. Call 815632-9602 Near CGH & Rec. Cent. Nice 1BR garage, applcs., $425/mo. 1830 3rd Ave. 815-499-0199 Sinnissippi Townhomes First Mo. Free!

Spacious 2 BR. 2 story townhomes.

Central air, good location. Laundry hookup. (815)6261130.

Spacious 2BR apt.

Stove, refrig. furn.

Lease/dep. Req. $460/mo. Inc. sewer & garbage P/U. H&H Rental Properties LLC 815-625-7995

HOMES FOR RENT

310

PROPHETSTOWN Small 2-3 BR No pets 815-632-9036

ROCK FALLS 1 BR, $450 mo. + dep. No pets! 815718-4424 3BR 1½ BA, 1 car garage, $650/mo. +dep. + lease, no utilities, no pets.

815-625-5137

NEW TODAY 3BR home, 403 Dixon Ave. $650/ mo. + sec. Dep. No pets 815-590-6464 4BR 2BA full basketball court, pool, trampoline, $850 / mo. + utilities 815499-5548 Remodeled LG 1BR, $500/ mo.

Bsmt. Non smoking, small pets ok.

815-988-1398.

STERLING

FOR RENT HOUSES & APTS. svla.org

3BR, freshly painted 1½ BA, no pets.

815-625-0624

DIXON

Nice 3BR $700 2BR $600 svla.org 815-718-5488

2BR 1 BA, Newly renovated home, $575 + dep. 815440-4817 or 815440-2912 2BR Duplex w/gar.

Appl. + W/D & C/A, 815-973-0942

GRAND DETOUR 2BR, finished basement, 1 car garage, no pets, no smoking, river access, Available in Jan. $750/mo. + dep. 815-652-3023

Nice 3BR, newly remodeled, fenced back yard utility shed, across from Washington school, $700/mo. + dep. No pets. Will also have more 3BR avail. In Jan. 815-535-6302 RTO 2BR $49,900 $5,000 down.4413515.Agent owned.

TAMPICO 3BR $650/mo. + dep. 815-438-6281

LOOKING

FOR THE PERFECT HOME? Read Sauk Valley Classifieds real estate section & Real Estate Weekly on Thursdays.

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- USED VEHICLES -

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

*Plus tax, title, license & doc fee.

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

2014 Chrysler Town & Country Touring Gray......................................................$25,500* 2011 Ford F150 Ext. Cab 2WD Silver ....................................................$14,800* 2011 Ford F150 Crew Cab 4x4 Gray......................................................$22,900* 2011 Chevy 1500 Ext. Cab LT 4x4 Silver ....................................................$18,900* 2010 Chevy Equinox FWD 2LT, Silver....$14,500* 2008 Chevy 1500 Ext. Cab LTZ Gray......................................................$17,900* 2009 Chevy Tahoe LT, Blue ...................$21,500* 2008 Chevy 1500 LT Crew Cab Z71 Blue ......................................................$20,500* 2008 Pontiac G6, Maroon .....................$10,900* 2007 Chevy Impala LT, Maroon.............$10,500*

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

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• A 172 Point Inspection and Reconditioning Process • New, Exclusive 2 Year/30,000 Mile Standard CPO Maintenance Plan • 12 Month/12,000 Mile Bumper-toBumper Warranty • 5 Year, 100,000 Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty • 24/7 Roadside Assistance • A 3-Day/150 Mile Customer Satisfaction Guarantee • 2.9% for up to 72 Months on Select Vehicles 2014Chevy1500LTZ71,CrewCab Red ..............................................$30,900* 2014ChevyImpalaLimitedLT Maroon..........................................$15,900* 2014ChevyCruze2LTRS,White..........$17,500* 2014GMCYukonXLSLT Red ..............................................$42,900* 2014ChevyCruzeLTZ Silver............................................$19,500* 2014ChevyMalibu2LT,Gray...............$19,900* 2014ChevyImpalaLimitedLTZ Gray ..................................... $19,900* 2013 Chevy Equinox FWD 2LT, Sunroof Silver ................................... $20,900* 2013 Chevy 1500 LTZ Crew Cab Red...................................... $34,500* 2013 Chevy 1500 Crew Cab 4x4 LTZ White ................................... $34,900* 2013 Chevy Equinox FWD 1LT Tan ...................................... $18,900* 2013 Chevy Cruze ECO Blue...................................... $14,900* 2013 Chevy 3500 Dually Diesel 4x4 Crew LTZ Black.................................... $45,500* 2013 Chevy 1500 LT Ext. Cab Z71 Blue ..................................... $27,900* 2012GMC2500SLECrewCab,Diesel,LongBox Green............................................$44,500* 2011Chevy2500LTZ71,CrewCab Brown ...........................................$22,800* 2011ChevyMalibuLTZ White............................................$15,900* 2011ChevyTraverseFWDLT Maroon..........................................$20,500* 2011Chevy1500LTExt.Cab Z71 Mocha...........................................$26,900* 2011Chevy1500CrewCab4x4LTZ-71 Red ..............................................$29,000* 2011Chevy1500X-Cab4x4Z71LTZ Silver ...........................................$28,900* 2011Chevy1500Z71CrewLT White............................................$31,500* 2010Chevy1500Z71LTExt.Cab,20KMiles Silver............................................$27,300*

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

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VEHICLES COME WITH:

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

MOBILE HOMES FOR RENT

315

“Great Deals, Great Service, Since 1926” Rt. 52 N. Sublette, IL, Ph. 815/849-5232 or 1-800-227-5203 After 6, 849-5251

www.vaessenbrothers.com VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

Tall Pines Mobile Home Community

has a mobile home available for rent! $350$450. Call Kristine for details.

815-772-8943

LOANS

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

44,500 *

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

Green ,GM Certified, 1-Owner, Local Trade, Duramax Diesel, Long Box, Running Boards, Leather Interior, Heated Seats & Only 17,000 Miles!

THESE GM CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

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

SELL

those unwanted items with the help of a Sauk Valley Classified Ad

625-3600 284-2222

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 501 NOTICEPURSUANT to the Business Opportunity Sales Law of 1995, every business opportunity must be registered with the Illinois Securities Department. Protect yourself and get the facts before you hand over your hard earned money by contacting the Illinois Secretary of State's Securities Department at 1800-628-7937. This notice provided as a public service by Sauk Valley Classifieds.

HEALTH / MEDICAL

504

Immediate opening for a Registered Nurse to join our team at Serenity Hospice & Home located in Oregon, IL. The position is part time on the 3:00 pm11:00 pm shift in Serenity Home.

Ideal candidates will possess excellent assessment and communication skills, the ability to work independently, previous experience in hospice or home care and computer based charting a plus.

Applications are available on our website: www.serenity hospiceand home.org or call 815-732-2499.

Wanted C.N.A.'s Full and P.T. Apply at: Heritage Square 620 N. Ottawa Ave. Dixon, IL EOE NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE!

EMPLOYMENT

505

Brechon Farm Services, Inc. is Now Hiring for Mechanics FT or PT $30/hr.

Send resumes to: 1270 IL. State Route 26 S. Dixon, IL 61021

EMPLOYMENT

Administrative Assistant The Lee/ Ogle Regional Office of Education is seeking a full-time Administrative Assistant for grantfunded program.

Require excellent word processing and communication skills. Some travel required.

This is an IMRF position. No medical benefits. Submit application on: www.leeogle.org

by December 29, 2014. Questions to: mhop@leeogle.org CDL DRIVER NEEDED Rock River Cartage is a family owned flatbed carrier. $55,000 a year. We offer 401K, Health Ins., and home every night. Must have 2 yrs experience. Call 1-800892-9587 Dental Receptionist for busy office.

Successful candidate will have good organizational and strong people skills, and works well with others.

Past experience in dental/medical environment and computer skill are helpful.

Please send replies to Box #:1261 ,c/o Sauk Valley Classifieds, P.O.Box 498, Sterling, IL 61081 Life and Health Agent Seeking a FullTime Producer to sell annuities, life, and health insurance in our Walnut, Amboy, Mendota and Rock Falls markets.

Established book of business and full benefit package included.

Previous experience required.

Apply online at www.ffsbweb.com or email resume to mmulinazzi@ ffsbweb.com Markman Peat Corp. is currently taking applications for machine operators.

Benefits offered, incentive bonuses also offered.

Please call 815-772-4014 for an interview.

®

815-284-8655

849 N. Galena, Dixon, IL

RELAX WE USE

2014 Ford Edge Limited ........................................... $31,995* 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara ......................................$30,995* 2014 Chrysler Town & Country Touring .....................$26,995* 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe LT ...........................................$24,995* 2014 Ford Escape Titanium ...................................... $23,995* 2014 Nissan Murano S ............................................ $23,995* 2014 Ford Escape SE................................................ $21,995* 2010 GMC Acadia SLT1............................................ $20,495* 2011 GMC Terrain SLE-2 ......................................... $20,995* 2011 Infiniti G25 Sedan x ......................................... $19,995* 1957 Chevrolet BEL-AIR RACE CAR .........................$19,995* 2013 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV .................................... $18,995* 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE2 ....................................$18,295* 2013 Nissan Rogue S................................................ $17,995* 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan Crew ........................... $17,995* 2012 Ford Fusion SEL............................................... $17,995* 2014 Chevrolet Impala Limited LS ........................... $16,495* 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 S ......................................... $16,495* 2013 Toyota Camry LE ............................................. $16,495* 2011 Ford Taurus SEL............................................... $16,995* 2012 Chevrolet Impala LTZ ...................................... $15,995* 2012 Nissan Quest S ............................................... $15,995* 2014 Chevrolet Cruze 1LT ........................................ $15,995* 2013 Ford Focus SE ..................................................$15,495* 2011 Nissan Altima 2.5 S ........................................ $14,495* 2011 Nissan Altima 2.5 S .........................................$14,495* 2013 Ford Focus SE.................................................. $14,995* 2013 Chevrolet Cruze 1LT ....................................... $12,995* 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LT ........................................ $11,495* 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan SE ............................... $11,495* 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe LS ......................................... $11,995* 2000 Chevrolet Express Commercial Cutaway ........... $9,995* 2009 Chevrolet HHR LS.............................................. $9,495* 2008 Pontiac G5 ......................................................... $8,995* 2004 Dodge Dakota ................................................... $7,295* 2003 Chevrolet S-10 LS ............................................. $7,495* 2003 GMC Envoy SLE ................................................ $7,995* 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT ................................ $6,995* 2004 Pontiac Grand Am SE1 ..................................... $4,495* 2004 Pontiac Grand Am SE2 ..................................... $4,495* 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS ............................ $4,495* 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier LS ........................................$4,995* 1997 Ford F-150 XLT....................................................$4,995* 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada ...........................................$4,295* 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS ..................................$3,795* 1992 Chrysler Lebaron ...............................................$2,995* 2002 Chevrolet Impala ................................................$2,895* 1998 Chevrolet Blazer LS ............................................$2,595* 1998 Ford Expedition XLT........................................... $2,595* 1998 Chevrolet Blazer LT ............................................$2,595* 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle GLX ............................ $2,495* 2004 Pontiac Grand Am SE ........................................ $2,495* 2014 Ford Fusion SE ..................................................... SOLD 1996 Ford Windstar GL............................................. JUST IN! 2005 Chrysler Pacifica AWD .................................... JUST IN! 2007 MINI Cooper Hardtop...................................... JUST IN! 2008 Kia Sedona LX .............................................. JUST IN! *Plus tax, title, license & doc fee.

505

EMPLOYMENT

505

Local heavy highway contractor seeking Drivers for low boy and dump truck positions.

Send resumes to jobcontract10@ gmail.com.

Location is Dixon.

Please send replies to Box #1260, c/o Sauk Valley Classifieds, P.O. Box 498, Sterling, IL 61081 Part Time Drivers/ Laborers wanted for snow plowing/ light equip. operation. Must have A, B, or C Class license & cell phone.

Retirees welcome. Call 815625-3207.

Plews & Edelmann in Dixon seeks a Quality Inspector to ensure proper product inspection standards & procedures are followed; perform incoming, in-process & final inspections; support day-to-day ops of quality dept; & serve as liaison to customers & suppliers on nonconformance issues. Communication is vital to this role.

Requires HS diploma or equiv., previous quality training or exp., ability to work flexible hrs, excellent math & PC skills (Excel/ Word/Access), strong BP reading skills, ability to use calipers & micrometers, & ability to make decisions.

Send resume to: careers@plews.com

qualified applicants only; no phone calls please.

Plews is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/V/D)

Sauk Valley Media seeks an individual for the position of Machine Operator at our facility in Sterling.

The position is in our inserting department working with the daily newspaper during third shift hours.

Responsibilities include the set up and operation of insertion equipment as well as pre-planning for the next days distribution. Forklift driving and other packaging knowledge is a plus.

The qualified person will possess good mechanical ability, be able to work independently, strong customer service skills, show attention to detail, and the ability to communicate clearly.

Some driving may be needed on occasion so you must have a good driving record, insurance and be able to pass prehire drug and fitness screenings.

For consideration, complete an application at our offices in Sterling, 3200 E. Lincolnway, or Dixon, 113 S. Peoria Ave. Qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Sauk Valley Media is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free work place.

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 intent. malicious While we attempt to screen advertising with potential fraud, it is impossible to screen all potential We problems. strongly encourage our readers to exercise caution and common sense, when particularly dealing with companies with which you are not familiar.

Wanted P.T. Day-Shift Dietary Aide Apply at: Heritage Square 620 N. Ottawa Ave Dixon, IL EOE NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

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))

H

Secured 3 acre w/ high bays and office, 3818 River Rd., Sterling.

815-626-8790

MORRISON

2012 GMC 2500 SLE Crew Cab

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

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assle Free Bu e of H yin om

DIXON

g

Sales Going On All Month!

COMMERCIAL RENTAL VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

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SAUK VALLEY MEDIA • Friday, December 26, 2014 • PAGE B9

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14 VW BEETLE STK#EE7936

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AREA GARAGE SALES 624 STERLING GARAGE SALES 624 THE EMPORIUM THRIFT STORE 115 W. 3rd St. Sterling BLUE BASKET SALE Fill one of our Blue Baskets with Christmas items for $5.00.

Dec. 22 til ?

ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES 705 I Buy: Antiques, collectibles, toys, post cards, etc.

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GE 30” freestanding convection gas range, self-clean, slate color $600 815-535-1866

WOOD / FUEL

746

Firewood, Hardwoods, split & delivered. Call 815626-6875 Seasoned hardwood $70 per face cord. Multiple load discounts. Also unseasoned cherry wood $60 face cord.815-876-0871

FURNITURE

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$18,275*

755

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Twin $99, Full $129, qu. $159, King $259. W/ Warr. Can deliver.

815-703-3688 Bassett bedroom set- full or queen w/ box matt. $600.

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Mattress sets: $99, Full Twin $129, Queen $159, King $199. Will deliver! Kern Mattress Outlet, call 309452-7477.

MUSIC INSTRUCTION

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765

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SAUK VALLEY MEDIA • Friday, December 26, 2014 • PAGE B10

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PUBLIC NOTICES

A1

SAUK VALLEY MEDIA • Friday, December 26, 2014 • PAGE B11

SAUK VALLEY

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LEE COUNTY, ILLINOIS

COMMUNITY STATE BANK OF ROCK FALLS-DIXON, Plaintiff, v.

KENNETH R. BURNELL a/k/a KENNETH BURNELL a/k/a KEN BURNELL; AMCORE INVESTMENT GROUP, N.A., its successor or successors, as Trustee under a Trust Agreement dated March 17, 2008, known as Trust Number 15960; CITY OF DIXON, ILLINOIS; CITIBANK (South Dakota) N.A.; UNKNOWN OWNERS; and NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants.

NO. 14 CH 98 NOTICE BY PUBLICATION NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU: Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants That this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, praying for the foreclosure of the following Mortgages regarding the following described premises: The Westerly Forty-five (45) feet of Lot Number One (1) in Block Number Thirty-nine (39) in the Town (now City) of Dixon, all situated in the County of Lee and State of Illinois.

COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 312 W. Third St., Dixon, IL 61021 which said Mortgage was made by: AMCORE Investment Group, N.A., as Trustee under a Trust Agreement dated March 17, 2008, known as Trust Number 15960 to Community State Bank of Rock Falls - Dixon, as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Lee County, Illinois, as Document No. 2008007395; and for other relief; that summons was duly issued out of said Court against you as provided by law and that the said suit is now pending.

AND The East Half (E 1/2) of the West Half (W 1/2) of the North Two-thirds (N 2/3) of Lot Number One (1) in Block Eighty-six (86) in the Original Town, now City, of Dixon, all situated in the County of Lee and State of Illinois.

COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 508 W. Seventh St., Dixon, IL 61021 which said Mortgage was made by: AMCORE Investment Group, N.A., as Trustee under a Trust Agreement dated March 17, 2008, known as Trust Number 15960 to Community State Bank of Rock Falls - Dixon, as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Lee County, Illinois, as Document No. 2008007395; and for other relief; that summons was duly issued out of said Court against you as provided by law and that the said suit is now pending.

NOW, THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the Clerk of this Court: Clerk of the Circuit Court Lee County Court Facility 309 S. Galena Ave. Dixon, IL 61021 on or before January 8, 2015, A DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU AT ANY TIME AFTER THAT DAY AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRAYER OF SAID COMPLAINT. Dated: December _8__, 2014.

Denise A. McCaffrey (Seal of Court) Clerk of the Circuit Court Lee County, Illinois

Douglas E. Lee Ehrmann Gehlbach Badger Lee & Considine, LLC Attorneys for Plaintiff 215 E. First St., Suite 100 P.O. Box 447 Dixon, Illinois 61021 (815) 288-4949 (815) 288-3068 (FAX) lee@egblc.com NOTE: This law firm is deemed to be a debt collector.

Dec. 12, 19, 26, 2014

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 14TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WHITESIDE COUNTY - MORRISON, ILLINOIS U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION PLAINTIFF VS MONICA J RODRIGUEZ; DEFENDANTS 11 CH 00135 1713 AVENUE C STERLING, IL 61081 NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE UNDER ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE ACT ***THIS DOCUMENT IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT ON A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE*** PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered by said Court in the above entitled cause on October 8, 2014, WHITESIDE COUNTY SHERIFF in WHITESIDE County, Illinois, will on February 5, 2015, in Whiteside County Courthouse, Third Floor Lobby 200 E. Knox Street, Morrison, IL 61270, at 10:00AM, sell at public auction and sale to the highest bidder for cash, all and singular, the following described real estate mentioned in said Judgment, situated in the County of WHITESIDE, State of Illinois, or so much thereof as shall be sufficient to satisfy said Judgment: LOT 5 IN BLOCK 2 IN DAVID L. AND JOHN W. MARTIN'S SIXTH ADDITION TO THE CITY OF STERLING, WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS. TAX NO. 11-16-381-015 COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 1713 AVENUE C STERLING, IL 61081 Description of Improvements: BLUE VINYL SIDING TWO STORY HOME WITH ONE CAR GARAGE; UTILITIES ARE ON; DOES NOT HAVE A FENCE; PROPERTY IS OCCUPIED The Judgment amount was $104,705.99.

Sale Terms: This is an "AS IS" sale for "CASH". The successful bidder must deposit 25% down by certified funds; balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. NO REFUNDS. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments or special taxes levied against said real estate, water bills, etc., and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to plaintiff.

The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the bid amount, the purchaser shall receive a Certificate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all inforThe successful purchaser has the sole mation. responsibility/expense of evicting any tenants or other individuals presently in possession of the subject premises. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DYAS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For Information: Visit our website at http:\\service.atty-pierce.com. Between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. only - Pierce & Associates, Plaintiff's Attorneys, 1 North Dearborn, Chicago, Illinois 60602.

Tel. No. (312) 372-2060.

Please refer to file #PA1117572 Plaintiff's attorney is not required to provide additional information other than that set forth in this notice of sale.

Dec. 26, 2014, Jan. 2, 9, 2015

Find your dream home!

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice of filing of evidence regarding the reconciliation of revenues and costs under Ameren Illinois Company d/b/a Ameren Illinois- Rider GER - Gas Energy Efficiency and Demand Response Cost Recovery (Gas Charge Applicable to Rate GDS-1 Residential Gas Delivery Service [GDS-1] and Rate GDS-2 Small General Gas Delivery Service [GDS-2]) with costs incurred in connection with the cost of gas from June 1, 2012 through May 31, 2013.

To the Patrons of Ameren Illinois Company d/b/a Ameren Illinois: Ameren Illinois hereby gives notice to the public that it has filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission evidence (direct testimony) regarding the reconciliation of revenues collected from its electric customers under its Rider GER - Gas Energy Efficiency and Demand Response Cost Recovery (Gas Charge Applicable to GDS-1 and GDS-2) with costs incurred in connection with the cost of gas from June 1, 2012 through May 31, 2013.

A copy of such evidence may be obtained by any interested party at Ameren Illinois? business office in Peoria, Illinois or online at www.icc.illinois.gov/e-docket/.

All parties interested in this matter may obtain information with respect thereto either directly from Ameren Illinois or by addressing the Chief Clerk of the Illinois Commerce Commission, 527 East Capitol Avenue, Springfield, Illinois 62701.

AMEREN ILLINOIS COMPANY d/b/a Ameren Illinois By: Richard J. Mark, President IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LEE COUNTY, ILLINOIS ESTATE OF Kenneth W. Gilbert, Deceased.

No. 14 P 86 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given to creditors of the death of Kenneth W. Gilbert. Letters of Office were issued on December 19, 2014 to Larry Ebert, 3413 Dugdale Rd., Ashton, IL 61006, and to Joe Bothe, 2846 Wedgewood Drive, Dekalb, IL 60115, as independent Executors, and whose attorney of record is John E. Miller, of MILLER, LANCASTER & WALKER, P.C., 15 East Third Street, P.O. Box 535, Sterling, Illinois, 61081. Claims against the estate may be filed in the Circuit Clerk's office, Whiteside County Courthouse, Morrison, Illinois 61270, or with the representative, or both, on or before the _26th_ day of _June_, 2015, or if mailing or delivery of a notice from the representative is required by Sec. 18-3 of the Probate Act of 1975, the date stated in that notice. Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered by the claimant to the representative and to the attorney within ten (10) days after it has been filed.

Larry Ebert and Joe Bothe Independent Representatives for the Estate MILLER, LANCASTER & WALKER, P.C. Attorneys for the Representative 15 E. Third Street, P. O. Box 535 Sterling, IL 61081 (815) 625-0600 Dec. 26, 2014, Jan. 2, 9, 2015 Legal Notice To Customers of Illinois-American Water Company (IAWC) IAWC hereby gives notice to the public in accordance with 83 Ill. Adm. Code Subsection 656.30 (c) that information sheets have been filed on December 19, 2014, with the Illinois Commerce Commission (Commission) to revise the Quality Infrastructure Program (QIP) surcharge for customers in all service districts.

If the Commission takes no action, the revised information sheets will be implemented with an effective date of January 1, 2015. A copy of IAWC?s filing with the Commission may be inspected by any interested party at any business office of IAWC. Customers should be advised that the Commission may alter or amend the rates or conditions of service after hearings held pursuant to 83 Ill. Adm. Code 200 and may increase or decrease individual rates in amounts other than those requested by the company.

Interested parties may obtain information with respect thereto either directly from IAWC or by addressing the Chief Clerk of the Commission, 527 E. Capitol Avenue, Springfield, IL 62701.

Dec. 26, 2014 & Jan, 2, 2015 Polo COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 222 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A PUBLIC HEARING will be conducted on a request for a Waiver to Section 5/1020.12a of the Illinois School Code prior to the SPECIAL MEETING of the Polo Board of Education to be held on Monday, January 12, 2015, at the Centennial Elementary Community Room at 8:00 P.M. Section 5/10-20.12a of the School Code regulates tuition charges for nonresident pupils.

Dec. 26, 2014

PETS & PET SUPPLIES 775

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN Donaldson Company, Inc. a leader in air filtration solutions is currently seeking candidates to fill a third shift Maintenance position at its Dixon, IL facility.

The successful candidate will possess the following: • 3+ years electrical and/or mechanical maintenance experience in a manufacturing facility • Experience with control wiring, pneumatics, hydraulics, welding, machining and HVAC • Computer knowledge • PLC/CNC experience preferred Donaldson Company, Inc. provides competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package.

Apply at the plant between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday or email a resume to: DonaldsonDixon@gmail.com Donaldson Company, Inc., 815 Progress Drive, Dixon, IL 61021 EOE/AA

District Sales Manager Sauk Valley Media is interviewing for a district sales manager in the circulation department. Responsibilities include recruitment, selection and training of contracted carriers to provide sales growth, prompt delivery service and collections within Sauk Valley Media communities.

The successful candidate will be self-directed and communicate effectively with subscribers and carriers. Subscriber solicitation is required. Ability to manage time, organize duties and operate as a team member is critical to performance.

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, reliable transportation and acceptable motor vehicle record. Pre-employment drug screen, physical agility test and background check required.

Sauk Valley Media offers a comprehensive behefits package.

Submit your resume to: recruitment@shawmedia.com Or Contact: Sheryl Gulbranson, Circulation Director Sauk Valley Media 3200 E. Lincolnway P.O. Box 498 Sterling, IL 61081 Phone: 815-625-3600 x5300 Sauk Valley Media is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.

This posting may not include all duties of the position.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 14TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WHITESIDE COUNTY - MORRISON, ILLINOIS U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION PLAINTIFF VS MONICA J RODRIGUEZ; DEFENDANTS 11 CH 00135 1713 AVENUE C STERLING, IL 61081 NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE UNDER ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE ACT ***THIS DOCUMENT IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT ON A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE*** PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered by said Court in the above entitled cause on October 8, 2014, WHITESIDE COUNTY SHERIFF in WHITESIDE County, Illinois, will on February 5, 2015, in Whiteside County Courthouse, Third Floor Lobby 200 E. Knox Street, Morrison, IL 61270, at 10:00AM, sell at public auction and sale to the highest bidder for cash, all and singular, the following described real estate mentioned in said Judgment, situated in the County of WHITESIDE, State of Illinois, or so much thereof as shall be sufficient to satisfy said Judgment: TAX NO. 11-16-381-015 COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 1713 AVENUE C STERLING, IL 61081 Description of Improvements: BLUE VINYL SIDING TWO STORY HOME WITH ONE CAR GARAGE; UTILITIES ARE ON; DOES NOT HAVE A FENCE; PROPERTY IS OCCUPIED The Judgment amount was $104,705.99.

Sale Terms: This is an "AS IS" sale for "CASH". The successful bidder must deposit 25% down by certified funds; balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. NO REFUNDS. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments or special taxes levied against said real estate, water bills, etc., and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to plaintiff. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the bid amount, the purchaser shall receive a Certificate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. The successful purchaser has the sole responsibility/expense of evicting any tenants or other individuals presently in possession of the subject premises. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DYAS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For Information: Visit our website at http:\\service.attypierce.com. Between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. only - Pierce & Associates, Plaintiff's Attorneys, 1 North Dearborn, Chicago, Illinois 60602. Tel. No. (312) 372-2060.

Please refer to file #PA1117572 Plaintiff's attorney is not required to provide additional information other than that set forth in this notice of sale.

Dec. 26, 2014, Jan. 2, 9, 2015

FIND

Your next New or Used Car in

C CLASSIFIEDS

Read Sauk Valley Classifieds real estate section and Real Estate Weekly on Thursdays.

SAUK VALLEY SAUK VALLEY

LASSIFIEDS dailyGAZETTE

dailyGAZETTE 815-625-3600

TELEGRAPH

TELEGRAPH 815-284-2222

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!

TICKETS / TRAVEL 787 & EVENTS No person or business, unless properly licensed by the Illinois Secretary of State, may sell ticket(s) for any sporting event or otherwise, for more than the price printed upon the face of the said ticket(s).

Only licensed ticket brokers may legally advertise, negotiate and execute the sale of ticket(s) for any amount over what is printed upon the face of ticket.

KRINGLE'S KORNER

794

New in the box, Kid Trax Kia SingA-Long Soul 12V Ride On. Green. $200. Call 815626-6721

WANT TO BUY 795 Cash 4 Gold Silver, Coins & Antiques 815-564-9061 Wanted: Kodak 750H Carousel Projector. Phone 815-772-7449

MISCELLANEOUS 796 FOR SALE 5 Anderson Windows, 68 1/2 L 33 1/2”W, (2x6 walls) 815-946$300 3572 6,000w Generator, $300. 100 amp.

Century arc welder & access. $120.

Call 815-626-3331 please leave message if no answer.

Ab Circle pro. $75 815-622-4916 Box of Harlequin books. $15 815622-4916 Cub Cadet 110 w/ thrower, snow mowing deck & $1,050. chains.

815-973-4058.

Kitchen Aid coffee pot w/ mug. $25 815-622-4916 Michael Jordan carboard stand up over 6' tall. New $50 815-718-5499.

Older Nordic treadmill, Track good shape. $25.

815-718-3124.

See More Online Photos, Commerce, Expanded Text ➛Look for WEB ID ➛Log on to: www.saukvalley. com classifieds ➛Enter the WEB ID in the WEB ID Box ➛View Photos, Expanded Text BUY ONLINE!! saukvalley.com CLASSIFIEDS Tow Dolly, excellent condition always stored inside. $600. If interested call 815-772-2127 Twin, full, queen, king beds. Dryer, recliner, refrig., sofa, dresser, table set, bedroom set.

815-718-4385 Unusual Gifts, costume jewelry, coins, pottery & art work.

Mr. & Mrs. P's 710 S. Galena Dixon 815-288-1178

CLASSIC CARS

904

1974 Nova Custom Hearst 4 speed, Gaustauf built racing engine, 355 Chevy motor, Master Flow exhaust system, headers, street legal, never driven in been snow, $15,000/obo 815-590-1425 Ask for Jimmy.

AUTOMOBILES

905

1995 Buick Riviera 187K mi., new tires, new radiator, runs good, $1800 815-973-2267 2002 Buick Century low mileage, loaded, $4,795 815-857-2830

SAUK VALLEY MEDIA • Friday, December 26, 2014 • PAGE B12

AUTOMOBILES

905

Bob Endress Auto S&S

13571 Lincoln Rd. (Rte 30 West) Morrison, Illinois

815-772-3215

USED AUTOS 2014 Chevrolet Equinox - Big Savings 2012 Ford Fusion SEL

2009 Chevrolet Silverado Reg. Cab,

905

2007 Ford Focus SES, good cond., no rust, 90K mi. red, $4,995 815677-6910 creditautosales dixon.com Always over 100+ vehicles to choose from.

HAVING TROUBLE wording your ad? Call our classified department today. We'll be glad to help you. 626SOLD or 284SOLD. Toyota 1993 2 new front tires, all brake pads, 2 oxygen censors, 815-2884330 after 2 p.m.

S.U.V.S

909

2000 Trail Blazer, runs good, good condition.

4X4.

Reduced! $1600/ obo. 815-973-9480

SNOWMOBILES

2008 Buick Lucerne CXL 2008 Buick Enclave

TRUCKS

AUTOS WANTED

4x4

1995 19 95 D Lhevy OCChevy S Blazer 4x4 B

$1,000* 1992 Pontiac Sunbird Convertible 1991 Jaguar Like New, 68,000 Miles

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 $$$$$$$$$$$$$ Top Dollar for Junk cars and farm equipment.

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http://endress autosales. webs.com/ Business Hours: Monday 8 to 8, Tues.-Fri. 8 to 5, Saturday 8 to 3

Draw

readers to your ad with Borders or Reverse Type!

*Plus tax, title, license & doc fee.

NEW REAL DEAL

FOR ITEMS OVER $300

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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.

Offer expires 12/31/14 No Commercial Advertising, Pets, Garage Sales, Wood/ Fuel, Tickets/ Travel or Real Estate

2003 Buick Limited Lesabre 85K miles $6000 815-985-5705 2003 Pontiac Grand Am GT, silver. Runs good.

A/C, heat, moonroof. $3,800 obo.

815-626-6589

Get your ad noticed!

911

1999 Mercury Villager, fair shape.

Good work vehicle. $1200. Call 815535-6741.

MOTORCYCLES

CALL

625-3600 OR 284-2222

935

03 Honda Shadow 750 Spirit, Black less than 20k mi.

Christmas Great gift! $3,100 OBO 815-441-9362

TRAILERS/RVS

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945

20+5 Gooseneck, rated.

14,000lb.

Good shape. $3500. Call 815716-0475.

CELEBRITY CIPHER

by Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present.

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

TODAY’S CLUE: G equals U “ZX’EX MXWNEXP RLX HXBABDS C J N E X N G M P M X C W T. R L X M X C M X D N W N M X B W U N T T B J A X P M X C W T. ” -- KXTTX KCHFTND Previous Solution: “Oh holy night / The stars are brightly shining / It is the night of the dear Savior ’s birth!” -- Placide Cappeau/Adolphe Adam (c) 2014 by NEA, Inc., dist. by Universal Uclick 12-26

Astrograph Reflect on the past year

We Buy Used cars & trucks.

Call Dixon ATV 815-288-2146

910

VANS

960

$$$$$$$$$$$$$ 815-499-3543

1989 Chevy Truck, 4WD w/ Meyers snow plow, 2 new & battery. tires $2350.

815-9733441 2003 Ford F150, very clean, runs great! $2,250 815716-0475 One ton '89 Chevy pit dump body & plow, 1114 E. River St, Dixon $7000 obo, 815-716-6161

1998 Mercury Mountaineer

955

1999 700 VMax SX, fast, liquid cooled.

Good shape. $2,000. Call 815-766-2523.

2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD, 6cyl, new tires & brakes, excl. cond. $4950 OBO 815284-6934 2007 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4x4 $8,500 128k. mi.

Call Tom at 815499-4751

32,000 Miles

Call 815-625-3600 or 815-284-2222

Published Every Other Tuesday!

C E L E B R A T I O N S

2014 GMC Terrain - Big Savings

AUTOMOBILES

Friday, December 26, 2014 Your ability to designate tasks will be an important facet of your success this year. There is only so much you can do on your own, so put your trust in people who share your visions and can facilitate your plans. If you try to handle everything yourself, you will miss your goal.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- You will receive gifts or money from a surprising source.

An unexpected visitor will brighten your day and take your mind off your troubles. Travel delays can be expected.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Your generosity and charity will enable you to do a good turn for someone less fortunate than yourself. The reward you get in return will be surprising and could influence your future.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- You will have to be careful about what you say to avoid a clash with someone who grates on your nerves. Keep your opinions to yourself and change the topic if a discussion becomes heated.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- It’s time to relax and let others

take charge for a change. You have helped those around you to the best of your ability, and now you deserve some time to yourself.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Take a moment to be introspective. Reflecting on the past year will allow you to see how far you have come and how much further you wish to go.

agree with what is said, but it will help if you are diplomatic and strive to keep the peace.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Make changes to your living arrangements. Get your point across without accusations or demands. An equitable solution will be found if you don’t let your temper get out of control.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Get together with an old friend.

The interaction will help remind you of past goals and encourage you to make the effort to achieve them next year.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- A change of scenery will motivate you to take a new direction next year. Ask for guidance from someone you respect. Do your research and forge ahead with your plans.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- You may be anticipating big vocational changes in the new year, but for now remain focused on love and family. Your career plans will unfold when the time is right.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Overspending, overeating or drinking too much will lead to emotional blackmail and manipulation. Moderation will be the key to having a good time, free of regrets.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -Make today a time of joy and sharing. Consider helping out at a charitable event. The connections you make could have a positive impact on your future.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Avoid getting drawn into a confrontation. You don’t have to

©2014 UFS

CLASSIFIEDS SAUK VALLEY

TELEGRAPH

dailyGAZETTE

RN for A.D.O.N 121 Bed long term care facility is seeking an RN for Assistant Director of Nursing.

Must be detail oriented with critical thinking skills. Supervisory experience and knowledge of long term care.

Willing to train appropriate candidate.

Franklin Grove Living & Rehabilitation 502 N. State Street Franklin Grove, IL 815-456-2374 • Fax: 815-456-2250

EARN HOLIDAY $$$$ CASH $$$$

Towns

AMBOY ROCKFALLS STERLING STERLING

Streets

Route

N. Jones, N. Metcalf, N. East, Provost, Wasson, Joe 17th-24th, 11th Ave - 14th Ave Sterling High Rise 2403 E 19th St (Behind Northland Mall) Miller Rd, 4th Ave, 5th Ave, 3rd Ave, 2nd Ave

Customers

3218 225 83 76

CALL FOR OPEN MORRISON ROUTES SIGN ON BONUS FOR MORRISON ROUTES Sauk Valley Media 3200 E. Lincolnway Sterling, IL 61081

85 66 30 82

Telegraph 113 S. Peoria Dixon, IL 61021

815-625-3600 ext. 5301

Full-Time Coordinator for Ogle & Lee County Responsible for: • Coordinating the efficient operations of nutrition programs in Lee and Ogle • Overseeing Lee and Ogle County Staff Requirements include: Related experience in supervision, social services, food service or management. High school diploma, higher education preferred.

Fax resume to Human Resources 815-490-1272 or call 815-963-1609 EOE

S u do k u !

Answer on B11

PUZZLE ENTHUSIASTS: Get more puzzles in “Random House Crossword MegaOmnious” Vols. 1 & 2

SERVICE DIRECTORY

SAUK VALLEY MEDIA • Friday, December 26, 2014 • PAGE B13

SAUK VALLEY

Air Cond./Heating

Handyman

Property Maint.

Snowplowing

Eikenberry Sheet Metal 412 E. 3rd Sterling Service work heating & cooling; gas, electric. Free estimates. Accept Visa & MC on all new installations.

A Family's Handyman ★Roofing ★Siding ★ Decks ★Great Rates ★Fast Service Free Estimates 815-994-0075

★★★★★★★ JR's

❋❋❋❋❋❋❋❋❋❋❋

FARLEY'S APPLIANCE Heating & Cooling Sale & Service Free Estimates New & Replacement Units We service all brands!

Call Today (815)284-2052

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

CALL 815-625-0955

Alterations SHOE REPAIR ZIPPER REPAIR & ALTERATIONS Grummerts Hardware Sterling or Rock Falls 815-989-8320 or 815-388-8047

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

Cleaning Service

Advanced Cleaners

Maid/Janitorial Carpet/Upholstery We are currently running a special on our maid service!

10% off your first 4 cleanings Gift certificates for the holiday season are now available!

We have a limited supply so call today!

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 www.mullerslane farm. com

Haul/Clean Service

Property Maintenance ★★★★★★★★ ★★

-------------

SNOW REMOVAL ✳CALL NOW!!✳ Rates starting at

$15

Call as needed available!!

-------------

Discounts on all interior projects!

------------•Hauling •Clean Out FREE •Scrap Metal Pick Up •Interior Painting •Dry Wall/Plaster Repair •General Labor •Friendly Service •Small jobs welcome •Serving Whiteside County •References Available Senior Discounts Call Jamie Richards for a FREE quote!

815-213-3383 Local Cell#

Remodeling

Attn: Landlords & Home Owners •General Clean up/ •Maintenance •Skid Loader/ •Dump Trailer work Will haul anything!

Free Estimates 815-440-5452 JOHN'S CLEANUP & REMOVAL Anything goes!!

Estate Cleanups PHONE 815-622-0240

Home Improvement

Randy L. Moore

MIKE'S SNOW PLOWING •Commercial •Driveways Dixon Sterling R.F. Starting at $15 Free Estimates 815-590-6570

Storage Get Ready for Winter!

Units Available •10x20 $50/mo.

•10x10 $35/mo.

Storage Works Dixon, IL 815-288-3301

www.allsafe center.com High-Security Storage Solutions and Much More!

•Climate Controlled Storage •Low-Cost Moving Truck Rental •Confidential Document Shredding •We Ship FedEx & UPS! •Expert Packaging Services •Value Boxes & Packaging Supplies •EBAY and EMOTORS Internet Auction Sales Over 15,000 Sales •Office Hours: Mon-Fri. ☛ 8:306, Sat. ☛ 8:30noon 690 Timber Creek Rd. Dixon, (815)285-2212

www.advanced cleaners.biz

Construction

Sexton’s Lawn Service Quality Service Since 1995

WINTER SERVICES • Snow Removal

Illinois License #104.016127 Bonded/Insured •Roofing •Siding • Windows •Doors •Additions• Garages •Drywall• Decks and more Free Estimates 815-213-0556

Roofing/Siding

Dumpster Rental

Dumpster Rental for Clean-ups & Construction Small & Large containers avail.

Tidy Bug Inc. Dixon, IL tidybuginc.com 815-456-3001

Genl. Contracting

ODD-JOBS

GET ON SPRING 2015 MOWING LIST FREE ESTIMATES

8155-626-6195 or 815-441-0583 Robert & Sons Lawn Care Specializing in: •lawn care •landscaping •HANDYMAN •SNOW Removal Leroy Petersen 815-622-8565 free estimates! find us on facebook robertandsons lawncare

Plumbing

“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 RAMOS CONSTRUCTION Roofing (Techos) Siding, Windows, Garages, Drywall, Remodeling, Repairs, Property Maintenance Licensed, Bonded, Insured Roofing Lic. #104016565 815-564-7241

Sewing/Repairs All Types of Interior and Exterior Work

ROCK FALLS (815) 973-3039 Gilbertson Construction Residential & ReCommercial. modeling, house winadditions, & dows, siding doors. Also mobile home repairs. Licensed, Bonded, Insured. No Job Too Small. 30 yrs (815)622exp.

0087.

Lewis Plumbing 815-288-0028 Serving All of the Sauk Valley Area Lic.#058-173956

Property Maint.

LawnCare Service •Mowing •Leaf clean up & removal •House cleanup •Small hauling •Gutters •Pressure washing •Mulch •Snow Removal •Free Estimates• 815-590-6336

LEATHER, 5.3 V8

$10,999* 09 MAZDA 6

$10,999* 05 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER LT

$9,999* 07 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY

LOW MILES

$9,999* • 06 CHRYSLER

$8,999* • 07 PONTIAC

• Yard Clean Up • Gutter Cleaning

• Basement & Garage Cleaning • Haul Away Service • Interior Painting

02 CHEVY TAHOE LT

• 05 BUICK LACROSSE CXL

Roofing

FALL SERVICES C & C SWORD CONSTRUCTION Licensed, Bonded, Insured. Windows, Doors, Siding, Remodeling, Painting, Additions, & Roofing.

(815)-632-3617 (779) 245-1067 p.sword@ comcast.net

$10,999!*

Get SOLD Bold type

draws readers to your ad.

$9,987*

IL State Roofing Licensed 104-002247(1986) Bonded-Insured

Lawn Care

UNDER

Go BOLD

TOWN & COUNTRY

815-626-1333

815-632-3822

DEALS

❋❋❋❋❋❋❋❋❋❋❋

Tree Service

✶Since 1981✶ ◆Home Improvement ◆New Construction

Winter is the perfect time to build your garage, addition or remodel bath or kitchen!!

MATT'S SNOWPLOWING Sterling Rock Falls Residential & Commercial Most Driveways $20 LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEED 815-590-1677

GREAT

A1

Sewing Machine Rescue - N - Repair

Country at Heart 1910 E. 4th Street Sterling, IL 61081

815 - 625 - 7484

Snowplowing Commercial Snow Plowing 815-857-3281 815-716-3023

TIMBER TREE SERVICE Tree & Limb Removal Stump Removal Storm Clean-up Free Estimates Fully Insured 815-238-7277 Dixon, Illinois

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

Windows

TORRENT SUV

$7,999* • 06 MITSUBISHI ENDEAVOR SUV

$7,999* • 07 PONTIAC TORRENT

$7,987* • 08 CHEVY IMPALA LS

$6,999* • 04 PONTIAC MONTANA

$6,999* • 05 BUICK LESABRE

$5,999*

Looking for the perfect home?

Read Sauk Valley estate section and Real Estate Weekly on Thursdays.

GO BOLD

CLASSIFIEDS SAUK VALLEY dailyGAZETTE

TELEGRAPH

• 04 CHRYSLER SEBRING

$5,999* • 02 CADILLAC SEVILLE STS

$4,999* • 02 LINCOLN TOWN CAR

“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

Get your ad noticed!

$3,999* • 97 OLDSMOBILE 88

CALL 815-625-3600 815-284-2222

$3,999*

Quality Vehicles

WWW.MAJESKIMOTORSINC.COM

815-625-9600

Mon.-Thur. 9-7 • Fri. 9-6 • Sat. 8:30am-4pm

*Plus tax, title, license & doc fee. **75 Months @ 2.9%, includes tax, title, license & doc fee with approved credit.

Photos for illustration only.

To place your AD TODAY!

SAUK VALLEY MEDIA • Friday, December 26, 2014 • PAGE B14

YEAR END CLEARANCE! ONE PRICE. ONE PLAN. ONE GOAL. ONE TEAM. SAVE ON ALL NEW 2014 MODELS!!!

UP TO $12,461 OFF MSRP ON A NEW FORD F1501 WHY BUY USED WHEN YOU CAN BUY NEW FOR LESS!

2014 Ford F-150 20

1

9 TO CHOOSE FROM

YOUR PRICE $33,494*

Must qualify for all incentives.

MSRP: ....................... $45,955 Dixon Ford Savings: ... $4961 XLT Retail Cash: ......... $1500 Retail Cash:................... $500 Ford Credit CashA: ...... $1000 "Dream Big" Cash: ..... $1000 Retail Trade-in BonusC: $1500 Farm Bureau OfferB: ...... $500 Ranger Owner Loyalty: . $1500 TOTAL SAVINGS: $12,461

2014 Ford Focus

YOUR PRICE $30,844*

DIXON FORD

YOUR PRICE $29,520*

MSRP: ....................... $23,085 Dixon VW Savings: ..... $1407 Rebate: ........................ $2500 TOTAL SAVINGS: $3,907

YOUR PRICE $19,178*

2014 VW Jetta 2

stock# FE8257

Must qualify for all incentives.

4 TO CHOOSE FROM

MSRP:....................... $20,290 Dixon Mazda Savings: $1044 Mazda Finance Cash: . $1500 Owner Loyalty: .............. $500 Military BonusD: ............ $500 TOTAL SAVINGS: $3,544

YOUR PRICE $16,747*

815-288-3366

6 TO CHOOSE FROM

MSRP: ....................... $36,540 Dixon Ford Savings: ... $3020 Retail Cash: ................. $1500 Ford Credit CashA: ........ $500 Retail Bonus Cash: ....... $500 “Dream Big” Cash:..... $1000 Farm Bureau OfferB: ..... $500 TOTAL SAVINGS: $7,020

2014 Mazda3

489 Illinois Route 2, Dixon, IL 61021 Open: Mon.- Fri. 8am-8pm Sat. 8am-5pm

stock# EE8016

stock# BE8591

Must qualify for all incentives.

3 TO CHOOSE FROM

www.DIXONFLM.com

2014 VW Passat

MSRP: ....................... $37,005 Dixon Ford Savings: ... $3161 Retail Cash:.................. $1500 Retail Bonus Cash: ..... $1000 Farm Bureau OfferB: ..... $500 TOTAL SAVINGS: $6,161

2014 Ford Edge 2

of Hassle Free Buy e in om

g

H

YOUR PRICE $14,979*

MSRP: ....................... $20,045 Dixon Ford Savings: ... $1566 Retail Cash: ................. $1500 Ford Credit CashA:........ $500 “Dream Big” Cash: ..... $1000 Farm Bureau OfferB: ..... $500 TOTAL SAVINGS: $5,066

stock# BE8445

Must qualify for all incentives.

2 TO CHOOSE FROM

stock# AE8551

Must qualify for all incentives.

9 TO CHOOSE FROM

2014 Ford Flex 2

stock# BE8258

2014 VW Jetta SportWagen

stock# EE8278

3 TO CHOOSE FROM

MSRP: ....................... $25,975 Dixon VW Savings:..... $1558 Rebate: ........................ $1500 TOTAL SAVINGS: $3,058

YOUR PRICE $22,917* stock# EE8477

2014 VW CC

stock# EE8241

2 TO CHOOSE FROM

MSRP:....................... $23,280 Dixon VW Savings: ..... $1306 Rebate: ........................ $2500 TOTAL SAVINGS: $3,806

YOUR PRICE $19,474*

2014 VW Beetle

YOUR PRICE $31,355* stock# EE7936

MSRP: ....................... $21,050 Dixon VW Savings: ..... $1255 Rebate: ........................ $1500 TOTAL SAVINGS: $2,755

YOUR PRICE $18,295*

MSRP:....................... $36,710 Dixon VW Savings: ..... $2355 Rebate: ........................ $3000 TOTAL SAVINGS: $5,355

2014 VW Golf

stock# EE8011

MSRP:....................... $21,085 Dixon VW Savings: ..... $1265 Rebate: ........................ $1750 TOTAL SAVINGS: $3,015

YOUR PRICE $18,070*

*Tax, title, e license & ser service ice fees not incl included. ded Dealer not responsible for errors errors. A) Ford Credit Cash - m must st finance thro through gh Ford) Ma Max terms 72 months months. B) Farm B Bureau rea (must (m st be 2014 member to qualify). q alif ) C) Trade In Assistance - must have trade in to qualify. D) Must Qualify for Military Bonus. Offer Expires 12-31-2014.