TEL_12262015

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Saukvalley.com

Your source for news and sports 7 days a week

Serving Lee, Whiteside, Carroll, Ogle and Bureau counties Saturday&Sunday, December 26-27, 2015 $2.00

East meets best – and the rest of 2015’s big moments TOP LOCAL SPORTS STORIES, B1

STOP WATCH |

2015 IN REVIEW | TOP LOCAL NEWS STORIES

Two twisters, plenty of damage Tornadoes top SVM newsroom’s list of top stories

TRACKING POLICE ACTIVITY ON LOCAL ROADS

Tickets for uninsured on the rise Percentages in Dixon, Sterling top averages

BY ANGEL SIERRA asierra@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5695 @_angelsierra

Editor’s note: This story is part of an occasional series looking at data on traffic stops in the Sauk Valley.

Utilities, rent or house payments, groceries, gasoline – they’re bills most of us have to pay. Then there’s cable, internet, and telephone – and don’t forget car insurance.

With all those things competing for our dollar, it’s easy to see how quickly a balanced household budget can get a bit lopsided.

For some, a stressed budget is reason enough to drive without auto insurance.

But regardless of why people drive without insurance, it’s still illegal in Illinois.

In fact, the next annual Sterling Police year-end report might mark 2015 as the fifth consecutive year that tickets for driving without insurance exceeded any other traffic offense, according to data provided by the department from the beginning of the year to Sept. 10.

UNINSURED CONTINUED ON A8 Earleen Hinton/ehinton@shawnews.com

Adriana Price covers her ears from the wind early April 10 as she stands by her basement, where she and her family took refuge as a tornado demolished their home on East Kuehl Court, northwest of Rochelle.

Storms caused damage in Lee, Ogle and Whiteside

What’s inside

STAFF REPORT news@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5501

For the first time since her arrest at City Hall in 2012, former Dixon Comptroller Rita Crundwell did not have a part in the Sauk Valley Media top news story of the year.

In 2015, Mother Nature took over.

A powerful tornado rolled through Lee, Ogle and DeKalb counties on April 9, causing damage around Ashton and Rochelle, and killing 2 people in Fairdale in DeKalb County. The National Weather Service later classified the tornado as an EF4, meaning its wind speeds were between 166 and 200 mph.

Then, on the second day of summer, an EF2 tornado ripped through Woodhaven Lakes near Sublette. The camping resort was closed to the public for 5 days.

TOP STORY CONTINUED ON A11

Angel Sierra/asierra@saukvalley.com

Kathy James picks up debris at her rural Ashton home April 10, a day after it was severely damaged by a tornado that rolled through Lee, Ogle and DeKalb counties. Kathy, her husband, Gust, and their three children huddled in the basement while the tornado tore through their property.

Top 15: The rest of the year’s top stories, as chosen

by Sauk Valley Media news staff members. Pages A3,A5,A11 Most Viewed Stories: What were the 15 stories that received the most pageviews on saukvalley.com in 2015? Page A3 Our Opinion: Where is Rita Crundwell on this year’s list?!

Page A6

Amid Springfield stalemate, locals struggle STAFF REPORT news@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5501

If you read the Opinion page of this newspaper, you will have noticed a counter with the headline “Illinois Budget Stalemate.”

It’s been there for the past several months, and it’s there again today, where the count

now stands at 179.

That’s the number of days the state has gone without a budget for the fiscal year that started July 1. But there has been a stalemate in Springfield for far longer than 179 days this year.

It essentially began Jan. 12, when Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner took the oath of office. A month later, he

gave his first budget address, during which he unveiled his first spending plan, what he calls a “turnaround agenda.”

In it, Rauner called for deep spending cuts to Medicaid, pensions and other programs to fix the state’s budget mess without raising taxes.

STALEMATE CONTINUED ON A3

FROM THE EDITOR

Portrayal of traffic stops data fell short

BY JEFF ROGERS jrogers@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5591 @EditorJeffSir

A story we published on the front page of last Saturday’s edition of SV Weekend caused a significant amount of conversation on social media locally.

While many of the comments were critical of Sauk Valley Media and its reporting, that members of our community were discussing an important topic regarding law enforcement and race was a positive result.

Unfortunately, the narrative of the story – and hence the headline, “Minorities more likely to be stopped, cited” in the Sauk Valley – was partially flawed.

It is true that minority drivers stopped by police in the Sauk Valley are more likely than white drivers to get a traffic ticket. And, as the story pointed out, that is the case statewide.

But it is not true that minority drivers are stopped more often than white drivers throughout the Sauk Valley. That is true in only parts of the Sauk Valley.

PORTRAYAL CONTINUED ON A14

Scattered rain

VOLUME 8 ISSUE 17 40 Pages

Today: 42/35 For the forecast, see Page A13

Business

Owners of Luck on First provide a quiet, casual gambling parlor.

See Page C1

Community Boxing builds discipline, works off stress, and offers a good workout. Check out our SVM photo page on “Boxing Day” at a local club.

See Page C12

Index Births................ C5

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

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

Markets .......... A13

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

Obituaries ...A4, A5

Comics ........... A12

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

Community ..... C12

Scoreboard ...... B4

Crossword Saturday ......... B11

Scrapbook ....... C3

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

Support groups .. C5

Dave Ramsey ... C1

Weather.......... A13

Dear Abby ........ C6

Wheels ........... B14

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

A2 • SV Weekend

www.saukvalley.com

Saturday, December 26, 2015

POLITICS

CHICAGO

Dems enlist unlikely ally: Bush

Morgan Freeman visits killer in Joliet for TV documentary

Obama, Clinton echo former president’s message that ‘Islam is peace’ WASHINGTON (AP) – Taunted by Republicans to declare war on “radical Islamic terrorism,” Democrats are turning to an unlikely ally: George W. Bush.

President Barack Obama, under pressure to be more aggressive on terrorism, regularly cites his predecessor’s refusal to demonize Muslims or play into the notion of a clash between Islam and the West. It’s a striking endorsement from a president whose political rise was predicated on opposition to the Iraq war and Bush’s hawkish approach in the Middle East.

As Hillary Clinton put it, “George W. Bush was right.”

Laying out her plan to fight domestic terrorism, Clinton reminded voters in Minneapolis earlier this month of Bush’s visit to a Muslim center 6 days after the Sept. 11 attacks. She even quoted his words from that day about those who intimidate Muslim-Americans:

“They represent the worst of humankind, and they should be ashamed of that kind of behavior.”

Bush, of course, was not referring to the 2016 Republican presidential field. Clinton certainly was.

Donald Trump has called for a temporary ban on Muslims entering the U.S. – then enjoyed a bump in the polls. Ben Carson deems traditional Muslims unfit for the presidency. Marco Rubio warns of a “civilizational struggle against radical, apocalyptic Islam,” making a distinction, at least, between ordinary Muslims and extremists. Ted Cruz berates Clinton and Obama incessantly for refusing to declare war on “radical Islamic terrorism.”

Clinton and Obama argue that rhetoric just helps the Islamic State group and likeminded extremists, whose recruitment pitch is based on the narrative of an apocalyptic battle between Islam and the

West. The Democrats warned that proposals like Trump’s Muslim ban jeopardize national security, drawing a contrast with Bush.

“I was very proud after 9/11 when he was adamant and clear about the fact that this is not a war on Islam,” Obama said recently. His message to today’s Republican leaders: “They should follow his example. It was the right one. It was the right impulse.”

Sen. Bernie Sanders, Clinton’s top challenger for the Democratic nomination, visited a mosque this month in a show of solidarity that evoked Bush’s after 9/11. And the Democratic National Committee released an ad contrasting comments by the 2016 GOP contenders with footage of Bush declaring that “Islam is peace.”

Not all Republican candidates have been as harsh about Muslims as Trump has been. Jeb Bush has joined his GOP challengers in describing the

enemy as “radical Islamic terrorism.” But he’s also said the U.S. should follow his brother’s lead, arguing in the last GOP debate that “we can’t dissociate ourselves from peace-loving Muslims.”

During the 2001 mosque visit, one of several occasions George W. Bush denounced antiMuslim bias, he stood alongside Muslim leaders and quoted the Quran about evil-doers being ultimately defeated. He insisted that intimidation against Muslims in America would not stand.

“The face of terror is not the true faith of Islam,” Bush said.

The former president has stayed mostly silent throughout the recent debate. His spokesman, Freddy Ford, recently said Bush wouldn’t comment on “Trump’s bluster” but repeated Bush’s insistence that “true Islam is peaceful.” Ford declined to discuss what Bush thinks about Democrats quoting him now.

COMMUNITY WATCH POLICE

Were we in

ERROR?

Sterling Police

James R. Crouch, 46, of Sterling; 10:25 a.m. Wednesday, Locust Street and Lynn Boulevard; no insurance; promise to comply.

Ryan P. Collin, 21, of Harmon; 3:55 p.m. Wednesday, West Third Street and Oak Grove Avenue; speeding; promise to comply.

Lee County Sheriff

Karl D. Terry, 49, of Rock Falls; 2:25 p.m. Wednesday;

T R I V I A

Getting it right We care about accuracy, and we want to correct errors promptly. Please call mistakes to our attention at 815-284-2222 or 815-625-3600, ext. 5501 or 5502. arrest warrant – failure to appear – contempt possession of cannabis 500 grams

Q U E S TI ON ?

Chirstmas around the world

1) In Greek Christmas folklore mischievous goblins from the center of the earth appear above ground during the twelve days of Christmas.

What are they called?

2) In Iceland children put their ______ in the window in the hope of the Yule lads (the Icelandic version of Father Christmas/Santa Claus) leaving them a little something.

Answer located in today’s classified section

Before you make a move call…

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or less; posted bond.

Ogle County Sheriff

Thimmestry W. Mangruem, 21, of Rockford; Wednesday; failure to appear; posted bond; to appear in court.

Jermaine Homer, 24, of DeKalb; Wednesday; driving while license suspended; posted bond; to appear in court.

Kathleen A. Knack, 50, of Dixon; 11:16 p.m. Dec. 18, intersection of state Route 52 and Sterling Road; driving under the influence of alcohol,

operating an uninsured motor vehicle and improper turn; taken to Ogle County Jail.

BIRTHDAYS

Tribune News Service

CHICAGO (AP) – To understand the concept of evil, actor Morgan Freeman visited an Illinois prison to interview a serial killer.

Freeman this month visited convicted murderer Brian Dugan, 59, at Stateville Correctional Center near Joliet for an upcoming six-part documentary for the National Geographic Channel.

Dugan is serving a life sentence for various crimes, including the 1983 abduction, rape and murder of 10-year-old suburban Chicago girl Jeanine Nicarico.

Dugan’s frankness

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Happy birthday to Greg McNinch, Rose Perino, Cara Guinn, Noah Pettenger, Les Baumgartner, Diane Bingham, and Dulce Lemus, all on Saturday.

Happy birthday to Lois Scales, Jackie Mayer, Sherri Shaulis, Jim Patch, Angela Hohn, Melissa Hohn, and Nanci Hohn, all on Sunday.

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about his “grisly and horrific actions” sparked the producers’ interest, and they hope to provide “a glimpse into the mind of a man who has claimed he is repentant for his crimes, but also admits that if he were back in society, he is sure he’d be unable to keep himself from returning to his former life,” Freeman’s production team wrote in an email to prison officials.

Other portions of the documentary, which Variety magazine says will be called “The Story of God,” will deal with religious experiences, rituals and how discoveries in neuroscience overlap with religion.

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www.saukvalley.com

Saturday, December 26, 2015

www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • A3

2015 IN REVIEW | TOP LOCAL NEWS STORIES

Changes in city government, schools in Dixon also made list STAFF REPORT news@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5501

Other top stories of 2015 in the Sauk Valley, as chosen by news staff members of Sauk Valley Media: Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

Standing with board members, Michele Miller, executive director of Northwestern Illinois Center for Independent Living, tears up as she talks July 2 about the closing of the Sterling office after state legislators’ inability to pass a budget before July 1 – the start of fiscal year 2016.

Better chance for resolution after new year?

STALEMATE

CONTINUED FROM A1

“This is our last, best chance to get our house in order,” Rauner said.

“I think today’s budget address was one of the most honest discussions of state finance in years,” state Rep. Tom Demmer, R-Dixon, told Sauk Valley Media that day.

From the other side of the aisle, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, didn’t see it quite the same way.

“I think the proposals that he made are going to try and balance the budget on the backs of working-class citizens and the less fortunate here in Illinois,” Smiddy said.

And thus battle lines were drawn. Lines that haven’t budged much in the 10 months since.

The Springfield standoff and its impacts locally was voted the secondplace top local story of 2015 by SVM staffers.

It didn’t take long after July 1 for the effects to be felt, no more so than in local governments and social service agencies that rely on state funding.

On July 2, Michele Miller, executive director of Northwestern Illinois Center for Independent Living in Sterling, held back tears as she read a statement to a crowd after a temporary budget was killed in the state House.

“Today, eight people are not here working because of the lack of a budget,” Miller said. “ Today, we cannot serve.” The group provides services critical to those with disabilities, enabling them to live independently.

At Tri-County Opportunities Council in Rock Falls, almost immediately, President and CEO Terri Lawrence said a number of elderly people in-aid programs “are scrambling right now.”

And Sinnissippi Centers CEO Patrick Phelan said cash flow would become a “huge issue” if state bills weren’t paid.

“I don’t think the people making decisions understand,” Phelan said in July. “Now, we’re

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the adversary … begging for funds.”

When the governor’s office announced the municipalities wouldn’t be getting their cut from video gambling until a state budget was in place, Sterling Mayor Skip Lee was angry.

“The story just goes on and on,” Lee told Sauk Valley Media for a story published July 29. “At this point, the Legislature is nonfunctional.”

And while little has changed in the budget standoff in Springfield, local government officials and service providers continue to find ways to cope with funding shortages and uncertainties.

Just this week, Sinnissippi Centers announced it was adding 3 furlough days this year, to save money in light of state budget cuts. The offices of the addiction and mental health care service provider closed Thursday and won’t reopen until Jan. 4. “ We are tr ying to decrease costs without sacrificing services,” Phelan said.

And last month, Rock Falls officials fretted as they tried to plan city road projects for the coming year. One of two funding sources – gas tax disbursements from the state – was stopped in June when Rauner froze three of the seven main revenue funds that the state allocates to cities.

“What happens when towns can’t even buy salt for the winter?” Alderman Jim Schuneman asked at the time.

“We have enough in our [Motor Fuel Tax] reserves for salt,” City Administrator Robbin Blackert said, “but if no payments come from the state this year, our bond payment would take all of the reserves.”

So, while the year ends without a state budget, how soon in 2016 could a resolution come? Once the calendar turns, only 60 votes in the House and 30 in the Senate would be required to pass a budget. Today, 71 “yes” votes in the House and 36 in the Senate would be needed.

Stay tuned.

tO

F

r n

3. Sweeping changes in Dixon city government “The city is ready for some fresh leadership,” Li Arellano Jr. said on April 7, hours after voters elected him to be Dixon’s new mayor. Arellano, then 34, handily defeated Commissioner Jeff Kuhn by a 64-to-36 percentage margin.

Kuhn wasn’t the only elected official voted out of office that day. So, too, were Commissioners Dennis Considine and Colleen Brechon, as residents chose to elect an entirely new City Council.

Mike Venier, Jesse Arjes, Mitch Tucker and Christopher Bishop were chosen from a crowded field of 11 candidates.

But that wasn’t the end of the changes. In July, Kevin Marx was appointed to the council to replace Arjes, who resigned earlier in the month for personal reasons.

The new mayor and council also had another big change to make that had been mandated by voters last year – hiring a city manager to complete the transition to a managerial form of government. They chose Cole O’Donnell, East Moline’s city administrator. He will take over the job in January.

“I’m excited and ready to get going when I arrive,” O’Donnell told Sauk Valley Media.

Meanwhile, Dixon city officials are in the process of merging Dixon Tourism, Main Street and the Riverfront Commission into Dixon One. And it will ask voters next year in a nonbinding referendum whether parks should be absorbed as a city department.

4. Dixon High School decision ahead While city government was changing in Dixon this past year, so too was the city’s public school district.

Margo Empen took over as the district’s superintendent when Michael Juenger retired at the end of the 2014-15 school year. Empen had spent the previous 8 years as the district’s assistant superintendent.

But the biggest change in the district in quite some time was being discussed throughout 2015 – what to do with Dixon High School. The school board has determined three multimillion-dollar options: • Bring the high school up to building codes, which would cost $22,164,107.

• Demolish part of the current building, then make renovations and additions, which would

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Liandro Arellano Jr. (center) celebrates his victory in the Dixon mayoral race April 8 with friends, family and supporters at his Dixon home. Arellano collected 64.38 percent of the vote to Commissioner Jeff Kuhn’s 35.62 percent.

Top 20 stories online Here are the top 20 local stories of 2015 online, according to unique pageviews on saukvalley.com: 1. Sterling teacher charged with attempted murder (30,380 pageviews) 2. Dixon’s own Gina Venier goes national (22,982) 3. Lanark woman shot, killed; husband facing first-degree murder charge (19,965) 4. Sterling woman, 33, dies in crash near Polo (17,846) 5. Beating victim released from Dixon hospital (13,881) 6. Tornado touches down in Sublette; Sterling mall loses its roof (13,529) 7. Lee County state’s attorney arrested for DUI (13,056) 8. Two injured when Mustang crashes into St. Mary in Sterling 9. Six arrested in Dixon drug bust (12,626) 10. Morrison teen heads to Idol (11,979) 11. Rock Falls woman charged with theft from booster club (10,911) 12. Sterling man, 28, dies in collision Monday (10,616) 13. Gina Venier advances to next round on ‘American Idol’ (10,559) 14. Former Dixon inmate wins millions in lottery drawing (10,412) 15. Woman killed in crash on Prophetstown Road (10,226) 16. Man struck by train, killed in Ashton (9,732) 17. Dixon woman dies of suspected heroin overdose; mother, son held in connection (9,630) 18. Coroner identifies driver, 31, killed in Thursday morning crash (8,857) 19. Feds: Polo woman charged with embezzling $59K from bank (8,847) 20. One injured in two-vehicle wreck on Route 2 (8,435) cost $74,372,759.

• Build a new high school on a new site, which would cost $69,229,741.

“We need to make this decision sooner rather

than later,” school board President Pam Tourtillott said. “We can’t shortchange the community.

I think we need to, in either January or Febru-

ary, make this decision as a team, then get out there and educate the community.”

LIST CONTINUED ON A5

A4 • SV Weekend

www.saukvalley.com

Saturday, December 26, 2015

OBITUARIES Dorothy M. Abbott MORRISON – Dorothy Marie Abbott, 88, of Morrison, died on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015, at Resthave Home in Morrison.

Dorothy Marie Abbott (nee Behrens) was born May 8, 1927, in Sterling, the second child of Elmer August and Marie Mensch Behrens of rural Rock Falls.

She was educated at the Allpress country school and graduated from Rock Falls High School.

Before she married, Dorothy worked as a secretary at the Stone Insurance Agency in Rock Falls. After her two daughters were born, she returned to the work force and spent 25 years in the admissions office at Morrison Community Hospital. After her retirement, she enjoyed working at jewelry stores in Morrison, Clinton, Iowa, and Sterling.

Dorothy met her husband, Ed, as a member of the Rural Youth Organization in Whiteside County.

They married on Feb. 6, 1955, in Sterling at St. John Lutheran Church, after which they made their home on the Abbott family farm west of Morrison. In addition to her offfarm work, Dorothy also raised chickens, made a home for her family, and supported their many activities.

Although she lived her entire life in Whiteside County, Dorothy traveled to every county fair in Illinois with her husband. She was a vital, behind-thescenes support to running both the treasurer and publicity offices at the Whiteside County Fair, when her husband held those positions, as well as the annual state convention and banquet of the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs. The couple also served as docents at the Morrison Historical Society.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, Ed, of Morrison and two daughters, Susan ( Jerry) Gidel of Chicago and Jan (Brett) Landow of Louisville, Kentucky.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Bob and Donald, all of Rock Falls.

Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home in Morrison. The funeral will be at 2 p.m.

Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Cottonwood Community Cemetery in Morrison.

Memorials may be made to Morrison Community Hospital or the Whiteside County Fair Association.

Visit bosmarenkes.com to send condolences.

Willis R. ‘Bill’ Ottens MORRISON – Willis R. “Bill” Ottens, 79, of Morrison, died Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2015, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling.

Bill was born on Jan. 30, 1936, in Morrison, to Ren and Cornelia (Tegeler) Ottens. He was educated in the Union Grove grade school and was a 1954 graduate of Morrison High School.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving on the USS Hancock.

He married Carol F. Bender on Sept. 10, 1960, in Prophetstown. She died on April 15, 1997.

Bill engaged in farming with his father in the Union Grove area until 1980. He first worked for J.A. Bull & Sons in Union Grove and then started his career with General Electric in 1963 in Morrison, working there until retiring in 1998.

Bill was a member of the Morrison Dunlap Lodge No. 321 AF & AM and the Eagles Club Arie No. 705 in Clinton, Iowa.

Bill was a NASCAR fan, and enjoyed traveling.

He excelled in all high school sports and was an inaugural inductee into the Morrison High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Bill’s life philosophy was “Work hard and play hard.” He enjoyed visiting with people and “going on tour.”

Sur vivors include o n e d a u g h t e r, L o r i ( Da v i d ) Mo e l l e r o f Streamwood; two sons, Michael (JoAnn) Ottens and Mark Ottens, both o f Mo r r i s o n ; t h re e g ra n d c h i l d re n , Je n nifer Moeller, Samuel Ottens, and Thomas Ottens; four sisters, Ruth Wilkens of Brookfield, Wisconsin, Rachel Groharing of Prospect Heights, Joyce Kimmel of Palm Harbor, Florida, and Judy Steele of Princeton, Iowa.

He also was preceded in death by his parents.

There will be no visitation or funeral service.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Visit bosmarenkes.com to send condolences.

Charles D. Gallardo ROCKFORD – Charles D. Gallardo, 54, of Rockford, formerly of Sterling, died Monday, Dec. 21, 2015, at Milestone Long Term Care in Rockford.

Charles was born Aug. 27, 1961, in Sterling, the son of Joseph Z. and Virginia (Amesquita) Gallardo and Amelia Garcia.

Survivors include six sisters, Dolly (Ralph) Gonzalez and Lola (Dave) Pletsch, both of Sterling, Barbara (Roger) Berry of Geneseo, Valentina Gallardo of Rockford, Shirley (Mike) Hanson of Chicago, and Sally Martinez of Chicago; five brothers, Joseph A. (Denise) Gallardo, Thomas (Kris) Gallardo, and David (Toni) Gallardo, all of Sterling, Reynaldo (Victoria) Gallardo of Rockford and Refugio (Sally) Gallardo of Chicago; three biological sisters, Lilly Garcia, Rachael Gar-

cia and Nellie Garcia; and three biological brothers, Roy Garcia, James Garcia and Saul Garcia.

He was preceded in death by his parents; biological mother; one brother, Joseph Gallardo; and one biological brother, Julio Garcia.

Visitation will be from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Monday at St. Mary Catholic Church in Sterling, and the Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the church, with the Rev. Adalberto Sanchez officiating. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Sterling.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

A r ra n g e m e n t s w e re completed by McDonald Funeral Home in Sterling.

Visit mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com to send condolences.

More obituaries on A5

Frances J. ‘Jay’ Pierson DIXON – Frances J. “Jay” Pierson, 95, of Dixon, passed away Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in her son’s home.

She was employed by Kings Elementary, and retired from Madison Elementary in Dixon.

Frances was born on April 6, 1920, in Princeton, the daughter of Edward W. and Frances (Allen) Dahl. She married Ralph Pierson in 1945, in Princeton.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Dixon.

She enjoyed traveling, gardening, flowers and nature, and loved spending time with her two sons and family.

Mary F. Machen

Survivors include her sons, Paul (Ruth) Pierson and Phil (Evelyn) Pierson; five grandchildren; and 14 greatgrandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Dixon.

As per her request, a memorial service will be at a later date with private burial.

Visit delehantyfh.com to send condolences.

Arrangements were completed by Delehanty Funeral Home Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park.

Betty L. Hess DIXON – Betty L. (Grice) Hess, 92, a longtime Dixon resident, passed away Dec. 15, 2015, in Los Angeles. She worked at Micro Switch.

She was born Oct. 12, 1923, in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, to Harold and Marcia (Rice) Grice. She married Paul D. Hess on April 6, 1944. He preceded her in death on Sept.

16, 1999.

She is survived by six children, Michael, Dolores (Hazel), Patrick, Steven, Mark and Paula; 17 grandchildren; 22 greatgrandchildren; and four

great-great-grandchildren.

She also was preceded in death by her parents; four sisters; a son, James; and two grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m.

Tuesday, and the funeral at 11 a.m.

Tuesday at Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Dixon, with the Rev. Lynn Bond of First Christian Church in Dixon officiating.

Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Dixon.

Visit chapelhilldixon. com to send condolences.

AMBOY – Mary Francis Machen, 76, of Amboy, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015, at KSB Hospital in Dixon.

Mary was born July 20, 1939, in Amboy, the daughter of Clarence and Bernice (Ollmann) Hillison. She was a graduate of Franklin Grove High School. Mary was united in marriage to William M. Machen on June 28, 1958, in Amboy.

Mary was a longtime member of the Church of the Open Door in Clinton, Iowa. She was very involved in the church, especially with Bible study and following a faithful ministry of encouragement – sending personalized cards to anyone in need.

Mary started her career working at Midwest Rug Mill in Amboy. However, she changed her career to her main passion, which was cooking. She was a cook at Zimmer’s Café in Amboy and then for Golden Meals for many years, where she received the honor of Amboy Citizen of the Year for her work and cooking for the elderly.

Eventually, Mary retired from Sauk Valley Community College.

Her work as a cook only strengthened her overall passion for cooking for her family and

friends; you would never go home hungry. Mary also loved gardening – spending countless hours tending to her gardens.

She had a real talent for turning nothing into something.

Mary is survived by her husband, William M. Machen, one daughter, Deb (Art) Albee, and one son, William T. (Rosie Wessels) Machen, all of Amboy; three grandchildren, Jennifer (Eric), Amanda (Nate) and Matt; four great-grandchildren; one sister, Sylvia Bartlett of Franklin Grove; one brother, Ronald Hillison; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one infant sister.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, and the funeral at 11 a.m.

Monday at the Church of the Open Door in Clinton, Iowa, with James Machen Sr. officiating.

Burial will be at Amboy Prairie Repose Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the Church of the Open Door.

Lemke Funeral Homes in Clinton is handling the arrangements.

Visit lemkefuneralhomes.com to share fond memories and condolences for Mary’s family.

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Serving the Sauk Valley for 20 Years With locations in: Sterling Rock Falls Prophetstown Millegeville Fulton www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com

Carol A. Holland DIXON – Carol Ann Holland, 73, of Dixon, passed away on Dec. 22, 2015, after a brief 2-month battle with cancer, surrounded by family at Rush University Medical Center.

Carol was born in 1942, the daughter of Russell and Lorraine (Ruble) Hinshaw, in Eureka. She was employed at Dixon Public Schools as a kindergarten teacher, until her retirement in 2001. Carol was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Dixon, participating on various committees, choir, and playing in the bell choir.

She enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends at their Wisconsin home on Little Silver Lake. She was an avid gardener.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Curtis; two daughters, Christie Houck of Dixon and Jennifer (Mike) Andre of Arlington Heights; five grandchil-

dren, Hailey and Hillary Houck of Dixon and Abby, Kiley and Brooke Andre of Arlington Heights; one sister, Betty (Ron) Dean of Hennepin; one b ro t h e r, Ro g e r (Barbara) Hinshaw of Kalamazoo, Michigan; five nephews; and one niece.

Carol was preceded in death by her father and mother.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, and the funeral at 11 a.m.

Tuesday at First United Methodist Church in Dixon.

Burial of cremains will be at a later date at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Dixon. Arrangements were completed

by Jones Funeral Home in Dixon.

A memorial has been established to the First United Methodist Church and the American Cancer Society.

Visit thejonesfh.com to send condolences.

Regina K. Kelchner

ROCK FALLS – Regina K. to noon Tuesday at FireKelchner, 47, of Rock Falls house of God Ministries, died Wednesday, Nov. 25, 306 Fifth Ave., Sterling.

2015, at the University of A graveside service, with Wisconsin – Madison in Brian Tribly, pastor, officiMadison, Wisconsin. ating, will follow at 12:15 Regina was born April p.m. Tuesday at Coloma 20, 1968, in Morrison, the Township Cemetery, 403 daughter of Richard and Haskell Ave., Rock Falls.

Carol (Thompson) NichA r ra n g e m e n t s we re ols. completed by McDonald Arlyn Folkers A gathering of family and Funeral Home and CreSTERLING – Arlyn Folkers, 73, of Sterling, died Thursfriends will be from 11 a.m. matory in Rock Falls. day, Dec. 24, 2015, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at McDonald Curtis A. Kerchner Funeral Home in Rock Falls. His funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Scott PorDIXON – Curtis A. Kerchner, 57, of Dixon died ter officiating. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2015, at his home.

A complete obituary will be published in Monday’s Arrangements are pending at Jones Funeral Home in editions.

Dixon.

Sherry L. Zerbe BYRON – Sherry L. Zerbe, 51, of Byron, died Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2015, in her home s u r ro u n d e d by her family.

She was born Nov. 12, 1964, in Mendota, the daughter of Lee and Carole ( Vincent) Wendel.

Sherry worked as a personal banker for Fifth Third Bank and US Bank in Dixon for many years.

She enjoyed flower gardening, traveling, decorating, photography, and doing crafts with her grandchildren.

Sherry married Lane Zerbe on July 4, 2008, at White Forest Pines State Park in Mount Morris.

Survivors include her husband; three children, Jenni Hermeyer of Amboy, Josh Christoffersen of Chicago, and Tara (Adrian) Medina of Miami; five grandchildren, Caden and Jayce, and Alexis, Liliana, and Quentin; her mother, Carole Benson of Amboy; her father,

Lee (Carol) Wendel of Mendota; two sisters, Susan (Hugh) McCoy of Quincy and Connie ( Jon) Yambert of Aurora; and two brothers, Jonathan (Sarah) Benson of Arrington, Tennessee, and Terr y (Roberta) Wendel of Mendota.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Sarah Christoffersen.

Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, with a scripture service at 1:30 p.m., at Jones Funeral Home in Dixon.

Visitation also will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Monday, and Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Amboy, with the Rev. Timothy Draper, pastor, officiating.

Burial will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery in Amboy.

A memorial has been established to the Northwestern University Medical Faculty Foundation.

Visit thejonesfh.com to send condolences.

Saturday, December 26, 2015

www.saukvalley.com

2015 IN REVIEW | TOP LOCAL NEWS STORIES

OBITUARIES June E. Livingston STERLING- June E. Livingston, 86, of Sterling, died Friday, Dec. 25, 2015, at Regency Care of Sterling.

Born July 2, 1929, in Geneseo, she was a daughter of Mancill and Nona Ellen (O’Haver) Livingston.

She is survived by a sister, Betty Thiess of Montgomery.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Round Grove Cemetery in Morrison.

A r r a n g e m e n t s w e re handled by McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls.

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR THE WEEK Today’s visitations: Carole J. Swanlund of Amboy, 9-11 a.m. at Mihm-Jones Funeral Home in Amboy and noon-1 p.m. at Community United Methodist Church in LaMoille.

Dorothy M. Abbott of Morrison, 1-4 p.m. at Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home in Morrison.

Today’s funeral: Carole J. Swanlund of Amboy, 1 p.m. at Community United Methodist Church in LaMoille.

Sunday visitations: Sherry L. Zerbe of Byron, 2-6 p.m. with 1:30 p.m. scripture service at Jones Funeral Home in Dixon.

Robert L. Lowe of Amboy, 2-6 p.m., with Masonic services at 5 p.m., at Mihm-Jones Funeral Home in Amboy.

Sunday funeral: Dorothy M. Abbott of Morrison, 2 p.m. at Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home in Morrison.

Monday visitations: Mary F. Machen of Amboy, 9-11 a.m. at Church of the Open Door in Clinton, Iowa.

Sherry L. Zerbe of Byron, 9:30-10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Amboy.

Robert L. Lowe of Amboy, 10-10:45 a.m. at Zion United Methodist Church in Mendota.

Charles D. Gallardo of Rockford, 10-10:45 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Sterling.

David P. Short Sr. of Polo, 4-6 p.m. at Polo Family Funeral Home.

Monday funerals: Sherry L. Zerbe of Byron, 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Amboy.

June Adams of Sterling, 11 a.m. graveside service at Oak Knoll Cemetery in Sterling.

Robert L. Lowe of Amboy, 11 a.m. celebration of life at Zion United Methodist Church in Mendota.

Charles D. Gallardo of Rockford, 11 a.m.

Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary Catholic Church in Sterling.

Mary F. Machen of Amboy, 11 a.m. at Church of the Open Door in Clinton, Iowa.

SV Weekend • A5

Pensions push cities to raise taxes LIST

CONTINUED FROM A3

5. Pension costs crunch city budgets While local municipalities were being hit by the state budget impasse in Springfield this year, they also were preparing for the crushing blow of rising pension costs. That problem was no more evident than in the Twin Cities.

Rock Falls and Sterling became among many cities opting for double-digit tax levy increases to meet new standards for funding police and fire pensions that were mandated by the state this year.

In Rock Falls, that is resulting in a 10.09 percent tax increase that would tack another $45.06 a year on the tax bill of the owner of a $71,000 home – the median price in the city.

“Even though we’ve been doing our job keeping the pensions adequately funded, these rules equalize the process for the people who weren’t,” Finance Committee Chairman Glen Kuhlemier said.

“Until state legislators can fix an unfair system, this is the reality of what we’re faced with,” Alderman Jim Schuneman said.

That reality is hitting even harder in Sterling, where the City Council this week approved an 18.76 percent tax levy increase, and also instituted a local utilities tax.

From fiscal year 2011 to 2016, the city’s required contribution to the firefighters pension fund has jumped by 87.66 percent, while the police pension fund is up by 81.66 percent.

The tax levy hike will add about $122 a year to the tax bill of the owner of a $100,000 home.

“As aldermen, we have been asking questions all hours about possible cuts, but it’s such a deep hole, we can’t cut our way out of it,” Alderwoman Retha Elston said. “This was not an easy decision, and it’s sad it’s come to this.”

6. Lee County state’s attorney on leave after DUI One thing is certain in the Lee County state’s attorney’s office: There will be a new top prosecutor after the 2016 election. But the imme-

Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

Lee County State’s Attorney Anna Sacco-Miller wipes away tears as she reads a statement Nov. 18 at the Lee County Courthouse. Sacco-Miller will not seek re-election next year, and is taking 30-day a leave of absence in the wake of her arrest Nov. 15 for drunken driving. diate future of current State’s Attorney Anna Sacco-Miller is uncertain.

She was charged with misdemeanor DUI on Nov. 15 after the vehicle she was driving hit a parked car at 7:02 that Sunday morning in Dixon.

Sacco-Miller, 48, issued a public apology for her “lapse in judgment” the next day, then told the Lee County Board she would be taking a 30-day leave of absence to enter an inpatient treatment center.

In a news conference Nov. 18, Sacco-Miller said she would not seek a second term in the 2016 election.

“The process was humiliating, but was appropriate,” she said during the news conference. “The law enforcement staff were professional and thorough, and gave me no special treatment, which is exactly how it should be. Many people have kindly reminded me that even elected officials are human and make mistakes. But I hold myself to a higher standard, and I think the community deserves that.

“Right now, all I can do is ensure that the state’s attorney’s office continues its professionalism and especially ensure that this embarrassing mistake never … ever … happens again.”

The County Board has not received word yet on whether Sacco-Miller intends to resign or serve out her term, which ends Dec. 1.

Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Klahn of

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Work crews and city officials inspect the damage to Seventh Street near the Monroe Street intersection June 16, following a torrential downpour the day before that washed out the street, causing a partial collapse.

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Heroin use has been on the rise in the Sauk Valley, and a string of deaths from abuse of the drug early in the year led law enforcers, health care officials, and community members to take significant steps to attack the burgeoning epidemic in 2015.

The scope of the problem in Dixon and Lee County was made tragically evident on Nov. 12.

That day, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin met with police

8. A flood of problems after heavy rains Heavy rains throughout the area June 15 forced another temporary shutoff of water service in Rock Falls. It also caused a portion of a Dixon street to wash out, leaving a hole large enough to swallow a car.

In Rock Falls, the city water supply was turned off at 6:30 a.m. June 16 because the lift station pumps were unable to keep up with the volume of water entering the system during a short period of time. Water service was restored 14 hours later.

Mayor Bill Wescott said that situation was not similar to the electrical failure at the main pump station that took down the water supply for 18 hours on Feb. 13, 2014.

In Dixon, rains washed away a portion of West Seventh Street. Had the city stayed on top of street maintenance, new Mayor Li Arellano Jr. said, Seventh Street would have been less vulnerable.

“We knew that area was a concern,” Arellano said. “Unfortunately, God works faster than we do.”

The street was closed until it was repaired and reopened Nov. 25.

TAXES CONTINUED ON A11

New Year’s Dinner

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svcc.edu

7. Dixon, Lee County combat heroin

and city leaders to discuss the Lee County Safe Passage Initiative, designed to get opioid drug users to come to the police or other agencies as a path to treatment.

Hours after the meeting, Dixon police issued a news release about the death of a 22-year-old woman of an apparent heroin overdose in a Dixon home. Her death was the seventh of a series of heroin overdoses in Dixon since 2010, but the fourth this year.

“It’s devastating to see another life lost to this deadly epidemic,” Dixon Police Chief Danny Langloss said. “Residents who are struggling with addiction, please know we are here to help.”

The Safe Passage Initiative allows those seeking treatment to contact police without fear of arrest, as long as they

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Sterling, who is handling her duties in the interim, has filed to run for the office, as has Michael Downey of Nachusa and William Brozovich of Dixon. All are Republicans, as is Sacco-Miller.

don’t have any outstanding warrants. It launched Sept. 1, and dozens of people have since been placed in treatment centers.

People can also turn over drugs and paraphernalia without being charged.

Before the program began, it was difficult getting people into treatment, Langloss said.

“If you don’t have insurance, or if you are on Medicaid, you were at the bottom on the list,” he said. “You were always waiting to get into treatment.”

Safe Passage wasn’t the only initiative to address heroin use in the region.

An anti-drug task force was established, as was a substance abuse hotline and an Opiate Recovery Group. Local law enforcement agencies also had training sessions on Narcan, an anti-overdose drug being carried now by most agencies.

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Opinion A6 • SV Weekend

www.saukvalley.com

Saturday, December 26, 2015

EDITORIAL | DIXON

Crundwell saga nears its final chapter 2

015 may well mark a major turning point in the saga of Rita Crundwell and the shadow the thieving ex-Dixon comptroller cast over the Petunia City.

For the previous 3 years, Crundwell’s theft of nearly $54 million over a 2-decade span, and its many ramifications, dominated Sauk Valley Media’s year-end local news package.

Here is how Crundwell’s shocking larceny dominated the news.

No. 1 story in 2012: “Stealing headlines: Longtime Dixon comp-

troller’s theft from city over two decades was top story of 2012.”

Our story began: “One word best describes the story that grabbed the most headlines in the Sauk Valley in 2012: Incredible.

“Dixon was thrust into the national spotlight this year when what officials say is the largest municipal fraud in U.S. history was revealed by federal prosecutors.

“Longtime Comptroller Rita Crundwell, a nationally renowned horse breeder, was led out of City Hall in handcuffs

What we think

the top story; No. 2 is the local impact of the state Dixon’s thieving ex-comptroller dropped out budget stalemate.

A Crundwell-related story of the No. 1 story-of-the-year perch in 2015 came in third: Dixon voters after 3 years of dominating local headlines. usher in sweeping changes That’s good news for Dixon and its residents. in city government; first city manager hired; council revamps public works, April 17 and charged with sentence; city gets milconsiders parks. stealing more than $30 lions.”

Activities connected to million since 2006.

No. 1 story in 2014: Crundwell, now 62, still “That number jumped “Dixon voters call for a make news, most recently to nearly $54 million since big change.”

December 1990 when fedNot that the memory of when SVM reported on eral prosecutors indicted Crundwell’s crimes disap- the pending recovery of nearly $680,000 that her May 1 on a single peared this year. represented Crundwell’s count of wire fraud.”

But she lost her place share of a family farm No. 1 story in 2013: as the No. 1 local newspartnership.

“Year of resolution maker.

But asset recovery work in Crundwell case: Damaging tornadoes appears to be nearing Crundwell gets prison in April and June were

an end. That will leave Crundwell out of the spotlight with many more years remaining on her federal prison sentence.

She will be 77 when she is released.

It won’t be too much longer until Crundwell recedes further into the collective consciousness, which is a good thing.

Dixon residents must never forget the hard lessons they learned from Crundwell’s betrayal of their trust.

But they won’t be sorry to see the end of this greedy, thieving woman’s dominance of the news.

THE CARTOONIST’S VOICE

Joe Heller, Heller Syndication

Dave Granlund, GateHouse News Service

GUEST COLUMN

Budgeting tougher because of increased pension costs Other states consolidated local pensions; Illinois must, too SCOTT SHUMARD Sterling

Pensions are the leading cause of the fiscal challenges facing most Illinois cities with populations more than 5,000 that have full-time police and fire.

State law requires those cities to run individual pension systems for each fire and police department.

This has created more than 600 fire and police pension systems in Illinois. Contrast that to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, one state-

wide fund for all other municipal employees.

Combined, employer contribution rates to IMRF and Social Security are lower now than they were in the 1990s. However, Sterling’s fire contribution rate has quadrupled since 2008. The rate in 2009 was 19.4 percent of payroll. For 2016, the rate is 86.42 percent.

Police pension rate went from 19.15 percent to 57.63 percent of payroll.

What is driving the increase?

Studies have cited a number of factors, including higher than average benefits, increased benefits, and formulas that based pensions on the last day of pay rather than an average wage over time. Statewide, funds

are recovering from 2008 investment losses.

Locally, just as we are recovering, the fire department has had 12 retirements in the past 5 years. In 2010, there Scott were 23 fireShumard fighters and 19 retirees plus widows.

In 2015, there are 19 firefighters and 29 retirees plus widows. Monthly fire pension checks rose from $57,760 to $109,420.

WHAT DO OTHER states do?

In 1990, Iowa combined 87 separate fire and police pensions into one statewide pension fund. It has an employer contribution

rate of 25.92 percent and a funding ratio of 77.8 percent.

Indiana has a statewide fund for fire and police that was 98.3 percent funded in 2014 with an employer rate of 19.7 percent.

Wisconsin has a statewide fund, but employer rates differ between cities, though most are in the teens.

Missouri has individual plans for cities, but the benefits are set by the cities.

Compare to Sterling’s employer contribution rate of 86.42 percent and 57.63 percent. A statewide 2013 report found that combined, Illinois fire and police funds were 54.87 percent funded in 2010.

At that time, Sterling’s ratios for fire and police were 76 percent. Since then, our costs have increased more than 80 percent while our funding ratios have decreased 20 percent.

WHY ISN’T THERE change? The state sets the benefits, then leave cities to pay for them; therefore, there is no real urgency for them to act. Further, the Illinois Constitution guarantees benefits, so once benefits are added, they never go away.

Finally, unions advocate for status quo over fears of losing control over fund management, and others fear loss of work.

The 640-plus funds individually pay actuaries,

attorneys, accountants, auditors, associations, conference registrations and money managers.

Donations and lobbying efforts go toward legislators.

Cities are powerless.

The Illinois Municipal League has lobbied to no avail.

How does it change?

The city cannot change the system. Our only local means of reducing longterm costs is by employing fewer firefighters and police officers.

Citizens need to contact state legislators and let them know reform is needed immediately before we are the No. 1 state for property taxes.

Note to readers: Scott Shumard is Sterling city manager.

THE READER’S VOICE

Opportunity for change in the new year MARK MARONDE Dixon

I read Mrs. Brokaw’s guest column and Mr. Koper’s article The Reader’s Voice Dec. 17 and agree 100 percent with their views. The need for proper funding of our mental health system is essential and needs to be corrected sooner rather than later.

EDITORIAL BOARD Jim Dunn Sam R Fisher Sheryl Gulbranson Jennifer Heintzelman Jeff Rogers

The “I don’t care” mentality has definitely carried over into voting habits, when we elect a third consecutive governor lacking in ethics. A specific example is the hatchet job done on the health and human services budget at the directive of Bruce Rauner.

After contracting his educational secretary at an annual salary of $250,000, the HHS budget was decimated, putting mental health services in shambles.

Rauner’s support of this practice, known as “off-shore accounting,” is still legal but highly unethical and accomplishes nothing beyond rewarding his campaign contributors.

It does increase the suffering by those needing but unable to have access to mental health services. Six months without an approved budget has further created divisiveness.

How quick our state representatives and senators

THE FIRST AMENDMENT

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

would be to complain if their paychecks were attached until the budget mess is resolved. Rauner would be deserving of an Emmy in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge.

An opportunity for change in 2016 exists with Illinois’ primary election on March 15. The need to properly fund our state’s mental health system, as well as that of America’s, really is not a Republican or Democratic issue.

It’s our responsibility, as a free people, to take

charge of the direction our government is headed and exercise term limits at the polls on those politicians, especially our local politicians who still cannot bring themselves to publicly state their views on mental health funding.

Instead, they languish in the past stereotypes regarding mental illness and permit themselves to be intimidated by the current governor.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

“As history so recently has shown, totalitarianism builds its brutalities ... on a single concept: deprived of a free press and, thus, the freedom to speak, a people are easily manipulated.”

William S. Morris, Morris Communications Corp., 2000

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

Quotes brought to you courtesy of

Illinois Budget Stalemate

179 days

without a state budget for the fiscal year that started July 1.

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

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

Saturday, December 26, 2015

www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • A7

UNDERSTANDING ILLINOIS | POLITICAL POWER

House Rules give Madigan total control That’s how he accumulated so much influence A reader asked why Illinois Speaker of the House Mike Madigan is so powerful in Illinois politics.

The fundamental answer is that virtually no piece of legislation introduced in either the House or the Senate by the other 176 lawmakers can ever be enacted into law without the speaker’s OK. And this is because the House Rules, adopted at the beginning of every 2-year legislative session by a majority of House members, give Madigan control over every step in the process.

It wasn’t always so.

When I was first elected to the House in 1969, the House Rules of the day, combined with traditions, undergirded a process that worked as follows, in brief: A member introduced a bill, which was given a number and automatically assigned by the speaker’s office to a substantive committee, such as that on education or agriculture. Every bill received a hearing

in committee, where it could be amended.

If a majority of the committee approved, the bill was sent to the House floor, where members could offer further amendments. The bill was then called by the speaker (or whoever was presiding in behalf of the speaker) for a vote by the full House, in numerical order of original introduction. Every bill was called for a vote.

Each member had his “day in court,” you might say, for his or her bills. The speaker could not unilaterally kill your legislation.

Today he can.

Over the decades, the House Rules have been changed to provide the speaker full control. Running about 30,000 words, the House Rules today are three times longer than the rules in 1969.

IT SHOULD BE NOTED that many of the changes to increase the powers of the speaker and his counterpart in the state Senate were initiated by Republicans in the 1990s when, for a time, that party had majorities in one or both chambers.

Upon regaining majority status, Democrat leaders adopted these rules

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

He co-wrote “Fixing Illinois.”

changes and added more of their own.

Today, the speaker rules through, appropriately enough, the House Rules Committee, which was but a minor housekeeping committee in my day.

The speaker appoints three of the five members of this all-powerful committee, all loyal members of his leadership team.

In recent decades, every bill introduced goes automatically to the Rules Committee, which decides whether to assign it to a substantive committee. If the bill is held by Rules, it dies.

Efforts to discharge a bill from the Rules Committee require unanimous consent of the House, which never occurs.

If a bill is assigned to a substantive committee and it appears the bill

might be treated differently than the speaker wishes, he can change committee membership of those in his party at will, to assure an outcome to his liking.

By the way, any amendments proposed in committee or later on the House floor are also automatically referred back to the Rules Committee, which determines whether these shall ever be considered.

If the bill makes it to the House floor, the speaker can then determine whether he will ever call the bill for a vote. If he doesn’t, the bill, of course, dies.

Because of this control, the major interest groups contribute big money to Madigan’s several campaign funds. I say that is the case – unless the speaker’s office instructs the groups to contribute directly to a speakerpreferred candidate who doesn’t want to be publicly associated with contributions from Madigan.

Madigan has used this money, which until now has dwarfed that raised by the minority Republicans, to protect his loyal members and increase his majority.

(By the way, money plays a bigger role than

Tax retirements? Don’t bet on it The AARP last week worked to focus attention on, and opposition to, any discussion of taxing retirement benefits as part of a solution to the state’s budget problems.

As you may or may not know, Illinois does not apply the state income tax to retirement benefits. In that sense, it is something of an outlier among states that have an income tax.

Of the 41 states that have an income tax, Illinois is one of only three that does not tax retirement benefits.

Now, it’s no secret the idea of taxing retirement benefits has been bandied about from time to time. And just in case any news reporters forgot that last week, various, um, interests in the Capitol made sure they remembered right when AARP was holding its news conference.

The governor’s office made sure reporters remembered that Senate President John Cullerton talked about the idea back in 2011. He also backed off of it at something approaching the speed of light.

Senate Democrats, meanwhile, made sure the media had copies of a March 2014 Chicago Tribune story with the headline: “Rauner won’t rule out taxing retirement income.”

So, yeah, it’s been discussed, but think about

Seymour-Memreez

Doug Finke’s column is syndicated

by GateHouse News Service.

Contact him at doug. finke@sj-r. com.

Retirees sound off AARP released the results of a survey of 1,000 people aged 50 and over on their views of extending the state income tax to retirement benefits.

In other words, the audience surveyed was either retired or closing in on retirement. The survey found 90 percent were opposed to the idea of the state taxing retirement income. (Interestingly, the same survey found that nearly 41 percent of respondents weren’t aware that Illinois does not

For the third time in 3 weeks, Gov. Bruce Rauner and the four legislative leaders were scheduled to sit down last week to continue talking about ways to end the budget impasse.

They were scheduled, but only four of the five showed up. House Speaker Michael Madigan didn’t attend. His aides said he had a scheduling conflict.

Well, at least they had two meetings.

Their own zone The Lincolnshire village board voted last week to make the town a right-to-work zone, at least for private employers. The ordinance adopted by the village board does not apply to

public employees.

Basically, it means private employees don’t have to pay dues to unions even if they hold unionized jobs.

Proponents of the measure said it is a matter of freedom for workers and will promote economic development.

Organized labor said right-to-work laws will gut unions.

And now the whole thing will end up in court, where it was destined to head anyway. The Illinois AFL-CIO said it will challenge the legality of the ordinance. Attorney General Lisa Madigan had previously said that federal law prohibits individual local governments from making towns rightto-work zones. She said the state would have to make that decision.

Last spring, the Rauner administration was pushing local governments to enact right-to-work zones, but the effort met with almost no success.

He has abandoned the effort, at least for now.

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this. If something is finally resolved for the current fiscal year budget, it looks like it probably won’t be until well into the 2016 calendar year.

Of course, 2016 is also an election year. Just how many lawmakers do you think will be willing to vote to impose the state income tax on granny, which is pretty much how the attack ads will portray it?

It’s never wise to say never around the Capitol, but extending the state income tax to retirement benefits seems like the least likely revenue option out there.

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tax retirement income).

In another survey with equally startling results, an overwhelming number of newspaper columnists said they oppose a tax on columnists.

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‘‘

Whenever Madigan steps down as speaker, I am sure the rank-and-file membership of the House will demand rules changes that would give them more of a role in the process.

Cannon’s powers.

Yet Democrats in the Illinois House have shown no desire to do likewise.

Gov. Bruce Rauner is hoping to use his seemingly unlimited wealth to reduce – it is not possible to eliminate in one election – the majorities Democrats have in the Legislature.

(Ironically, insiders think it possible the Democrats might actually increase their numbers in 2016 because of the gerrymandering artfully done by Madigan in 2011 and because Democrats tend to turn out in greater numbers in presidential election years than otherwise.)

Whenever Madigan steps down as speaker, I am sure the rank-andfile membership of the House will demand rules changes that would give them more of a role in the process.

Until then, Madigan rules by the rules.

Note to readers: Jim Nowlan of Toulon served two terms in the Illinois House and worked under three governors. He cowrote “Fixing Illinois: Politics and Policy in the Prairie State.” Contact Nowlan at jnowlan3@ gmail.com.

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Saturday, December 26, 2015

THE PEOPLE’S VOICE | KRIS NOBLE, STERLING

Chamber director’s bottom line: Put people first Without a business background, she put love of community to use

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

N

o matter the technological advancements, small-town business will always need salespeople, owners and everyone in between. And it’ll always need proverbial bricks and mortar like Kris Noble.

She took over as executive director of the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce in February without a business background. Her fondest memories are of organizing philanthropic projects. She tears up when she talks about the Sauk Valley community picking her up after her divorce.

She’s a people person.

“From a true business standpoint, the chamber’s mission is to help businesses be successful and make a profit,” she said. “But in the bigger picture, that can’t happen unless a community is thriving.”

That’s the bedrock.

“We need people who want to move here because our schools are amazing,” she continued. “We need jobs that can employ people and give them a decent living wage. Strong churches.

We need a community with a low crime rate. We need to address the substance abuse issues.

“Nothing can be done in and of itself.”

One at a time, now.

Amazing schools

The Nobles’ arrival to the Sauk Valley in 2005 marked the family’s seventh move in the 15 years David and Kris were married, and was the latest twist in his career arc with Wal-Mart. He took the job as general manager of the distribution center, and the family moved in August, as the center was still being built.

Even though they built their home in Deer

Grove, they wanted the Twin Cities to be their hub. She vividly remembers holding her 1-yearold, Elliot, as her 7-yearold, Seiler, walked up to St. Anne School for his first day of second grade.

Three little boys greeted Seiler and welcomed him into the fold. Anthony Garcia, who stood about a foot taller than his new classmate, put an arm around his shoulder.

“I still can remember this today, that little boy putting his arm around him and inviting him to play,” Noble said. “I’m bawling, as are many parents, but I didn’t know a soul. There are certain things that imprint in your memory.”

It led to many more memories, most of them good. She said the people at the school are some of the best she’s ever met.

“It’s truly family, and when I went through some of the things I went through later on, it was that school and the people there that picked me up,” Noble said.

She and David divorced in 2008, the same year her dad died, and the same year she got a scare from the thyroid cancer she’d beaten in 2006.

Test results came back negative. She met Max Melms, today her significant other. But at the time, she just needed someone to help her stay connected.

“I met him when I was newly divorced and didn’t really like, … I didn’t really like anybody, in general. I was very, very lost,” Noble said.

“Divorce is very commonplace, and I know we weren’t unique, but it was unique to me – because I believe so much in staying married.”

Strong churches

Faith is a cornerstone in Noble’s life, and she found Wesley United Methodist Church, where she said all generations are on the same page.

In 2012, she organized

christopher HEIMERMAN Heimerman is the Enterprise and Projects Editor at SVM. He can be reached at cheimerman@ saukvalley. com or 815-625-3600, ext. 5523.

a mission trip to Redbird Mission in Kentucky. The community in the valley at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains had a poverty rate of more than 90 percent, and with one of the mission’s coordinators, four adults and seven youngsters from Wesley tore down and rebuilt an elderly couple’s home.

None of the children were particularly close before the trip. Certain kids and adults needed convincing. But Nancy Pitsch offered spiritual guidance as only she can, Bruce Kramer brought his signature sense of humor, and Curt Greenfield spearheaded the construction.

“Obviously, God put that all in place,” Noble said. “It was great to see them grow and make changes. It was one of the best experiences of my life.”

And the kids?

“They want us to do it again before they graduate,” Noble said.

Fighting substance abuse

Since graduating from Gustavus Adolphus College, a small, Lutheran liberal arts school in St. Peter, Minnesota, Noble has carved out her niche in youth wellness.

She was trained by Search Institute in Minneapolis and is wellversed in its 40 Assets for developing adolescents.

She tied in her research on resiliency and worked with Wisconsin Regional Teen Institute and Sterling Public Schools. Her contract work over the years allowed her to predominantly be a stay-athome mom.

But in tumultuous

Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

Kris Noble has been executive director of the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce in Sterling since February.

2008, she felt the need to return to work, and took a job as an adolescent therapist with Lutheran Social Services of Illinois.

Primarily, she worked with youths affected by substance abuse and in need of anger management.

But in 2014, a 20-yearold man walked in her door. She’d had him 6 years ago, when he was a 14-year-old boy with a chance.

“You know what it’s like when you’re not unhappy, but you’re not content?” she said. “I was frustrated that the system wasn’t changing for our kids. I worked with them 2 or 3 hours a week, and was not seeing change.”

In the family’s many moves, Noble learned the vital role of chambers of commerce. And in 2014, she caught wind of an opening in downtown Sterling, as well as winds of change, in terms of the chamber’s mission.

‘Nothing can be done in and of itself’

Noble had already struck up a rapport with the chamber’s executive director, Kim Ewoldsen, after giving the chamber

a presentation on youth wellness. In September 2014, Ewoldsen brought Noble in as project manager.

When Ewoldsen went on maternity leave 6 weeks later, neither of them could imagine how different things would be when she returned in February. She got an offer to return to her hometown of Morrison and help reshape its economic development efforts.

Noble was driving on Broadway when Ewoldsen called, and told her to pull over. Upon hearing the news, Noble thanked Ewoldsen for taking a chance on her.

“And she said, ‘No, you don’t understand. How would you like to be the executive director?’”

Noble said.

She credits the executive committee for giving her a chance.

“I’m forever grateful for that,” said Noble, who officially took the reins in February. “But the chamber is not the executive director. It’s made up of its members, board of directors, ambassadors, and committees. And those stayed stable. We didn’t have members drop. We’ve increased membership and cleared

out some members that haven’t been active for a long time.

“When you look at what a chamber does, I try to steer the ship, but the people rowing are the ones who are doing great work.”

She ran things past Ewoldsen for about the first 6 months on the job, and said her predecessor laid the groundwork for Noble’s people-first approach.

But like serendipity, just as she was saying that, into her office walked Andrea Zinanni, literally one of the first locals Noble met at WalMart’s temporary office at Moore Monument in 2005. Zinanni would interview for and land the job as David’s assistant, the first employee they hired off the street.

She’d ascend to the rank of human resources manager.

But her career with the company began with a sense of belonging, as only Noble could provide.

“She was so nice to me,” Zinanni said.

“Kris treated me like I was part of the family, and I will never forget that. She made me feel very included – like I belonged.”

‘Definitive correlation’ with unemployment rate UNINSURED

CONTINUED FROM A1

Last year, at least 20 percent of the 1,945 traffic citations issued were for uninsured drivers.

That’s higher than the percentages statewide and nationally.

In Illinois, 12 to 15 percent of drivers are estimated to be without insurance. It’s about 12 percent in the nation.

In 2013, 22.6 percent of traffic citations (359 of 1,587) in Sterling were for driving without insurance, while in 2012, that percentage was 19.2 (265 of 1,378).

There is little evidence to explain the difference between Sterling and Rock Falls, where no-insurance citations accounted for only about 8 percent of tickets in 2014. That was an improvement from 2013, when the percentage was 9.4 (83 of 879 traffic citations), and in 2012, when it was 12.8 percent (126 of 981).

“Given local socioeconomic conditions, I’m not surprised that there

might be a significant number of uninsured drivers,” said James Wright, sociology professor at Sauk Valley Community College.

Wright, who has a doctoral degree, suggested the difference in citation rates might be explained by “other policing priorities,” such as stopping some types of vehicles more often, or seeking specific offenses, such as illegal lane use or broken headlights.

That’s just a guess, though, he said, because without more data, it is difficult to make sense of why two cities separated by only a river would produce such different results.

Data through Sept. 10 in Sterling show there already were more citations this year for no insurance (228) than speeding (203), another top reason why drivers are stopped.

A few miles away from the Twin Cities, in Dixon, police report that 29.1 percent (309) of the 1,060 citations through Sept.

10 were for driving without insurance. That’s up

from 26.4 percent (567 of 2,140) in 2013 and 25.9 percent (559 of 2,155) in 2012.

There’s a “definitive correlation” between u n e m p l oy m e n t a n d uninsured drivers, said Patrick Schmid, research director at the Insurance Research Council, a nonprofit group that collects and analyzes property and casualty numbers.

It’s his job to figure out how the two numbers relate to insurers, customers, and policymakers.

He said it makes sense to him that people who don’t have a job are likely to go without insurance.

Jobless rates (not seasonally adjusted) in Lee and Whiteside counties have not seen statistically significant changes over the past year, remaining stagnant at 5.6 and 6.7 percent, respectively.

“However, other data – unfilled job openings, the 6 million people who are working parttime but want full-time employment, the 625,000 people who say they are discouraged from even

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looking for a job – tell a somewhat different story,” reads a Nov. 18 report by the Insurance Information Institute, which includes Schmid’s group.

Schmid said auto insurance is becoming more affordable across the country, but not necessarily in every market.

Several factors affect the going rate in an area, such as accident frequency, accident sever-

ity, and competition – even the likelihood or evidence of fraud, and whether more lawyers are involved in traffic cases. All of these are examined and drive rates up or down, Schmid said.

While the percentage of uninsured motorists is declining nationally (good news for consumers), rising claims and levels of uninsured motorists still remain a concern, said Elizabeth

A. Sprinkel, senior vice president of the IRC. Uninsured motorist claims totaled $2.6 billion in the U.S. in 2012, an increase of 75 percent from the previous decade, according to a recent IRC report.

In the end, it is the responsible motorists who are ultimately affected, Sprinkel said, by being saddled with higher premiums, paying for the uninsured.

Saturday, December 26, 2015

www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • A9

The hair styles have changed over the years, but the smiles & laughter remained constant.

Congratulations

Ed Bushman On Your Upcoming Retirement

Ed will be retiring January 6, 2016 after 33 years with the Telegraph and Sauk Valley Media.

We are all going to miss him!

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A10 • SV Weekend

www.saukvalley.com

Saturday, December 26, 2015

New Year’s Eve

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• Collect car keys as soon as guests arrive. Allow people who are impaired to stay overnight or call a taxi for them to return home safely.

Be Alert: • Be aware of your surroundings and how others are acting.

• Look out for your friends and family. Make sure everyone sticks together.

Extra Precautions: • Don’t forget about your pets: If you are using fireworks, anything with loud noises, or fire, be sure that pets are kept at a distance, as well as children.

• Be careful with open flames: If you’re burning candles, incense or oil burners, remember to extinguish them before you turn in or before you leave the room they are burning in.

• Fireworks: Practice proper safety precautions when using them. Let off fireworks in a field or other open area where homes and power lines are out of sight. Have a fire extinguisher nearby and never try to re-light a firework that did not go off when first lit.

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SV Weekend • A11

2015 IN REVIEW | TOP LOCAL NEWS STORIES

Northland Mall recovering from damage TOP STORY

CONTINUED FROM A1

Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

Workers position walls on the second floor of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites on July 27 along the Rock Falls riverfront. Work continues on the hotel, and it will still open, but later than expected. The city learned that the project’s lead contractor is going out of business.

Hotel, green space projects progress along Rock River TAXES

CONTINUED FROM A5

9. Rock Falls riverfront progress rolls on The most visible evidence yet that the riverfront renovation efforts in Rock Falls are progressing came in 2015 with the start of construction of a Holiday Inn Express & Suites on East Second Street.

Meanwhile, city officials continued moving forward with plans for a green space project in the RB&W District. Plans call for an amphitheater with tiered stone walls, a skate park, water feature, and scenic overlook piers, surrounded by bike and walking paths. The city hopes to complete the project in 2017.

But the efforts have not been without their obstacles. Last month, Rock Falls learned that the leading contractor for the hotel project was closing its business. The project now might not be

completed until mid-May 2016.

The state budget stalemate, meanwhile, has the city’s grant for the project on hold.

10. Sterling teacher arrested Mario Garnica Jr., who was a bilingual firstgrade teacher at Jefferson Elementary School in the Sterling district, was arrested at the school Feb. 3 on multiple charges, including attempted murder.

Police say Gar nica stabbed his boyfriend in the neck and beat him about the head, shoulders and arms with a metal pipe Jan. 19 in the boyfriend’s Dixon home.

After his arrest, Superintendent Tad Everett described Garnica as a “model staff member.”

The school board, however, decided not to renew his contract. Garnica was in his third year of probationary teaching.

He was released from jail on his own recognizance Aug. 18.

Other top stories of 2015 11. Death for Sheley? Prosecutors in Jefferson County, Missouri, announce they will seek the death penalty for Nicholas Sheley, the Sterling man who will be tried there for the murder of an Arkansas couple in Festus, Missouri. Sheley already is serving three life sentences for the killings of 6 people in Rock Falls, Sterling and Galesburg.

12. Resolution in teen tragedy: Rock Falls teen Brady Osborne is sentenced to 3 years’ probation for accidentally shooting and killing his best friend, Matt Anderson, in the Osbornes’ home in 2014.

13. Stirring the pot: A plan for a medical marijuana cultivation center in Dixon goes up in smoke when the company that received the permit misses the deadline to pay state fees for the permit. The grower license eventually goes to Hillcrest, north of Rochelle, in Ogle County. The Dispensary LLC in Fulton also receives a license to be the only dispensary of medical marijuana in northwestern Illinois. Construction of the Fulton facility begins in late summer.

14. Prison finally opens: Employees and inmates begin arriving at the federal prison in Thomson. By the fall, about 250 prison staff positions had been filled, and the prison’s workforce is expected to reach about 1,100. In addition, more than 90 minimum-security inmates had arrived at the prison’s satellite camp, and 110 more are expected.

15. Shooting death in Lanark: A Freeport man is charged with first-degree murder in the Dec. 5 shooting death of his wife, whose body was found in a Lanark home. Morgan D. Hake, 49, was arrested in Freeport less than an hour after the body of Suzanne M. Hake, 46, was found. Lanark Mayor John Huggins says this is the first homicide in the city of 1,400 since the late 1800s.

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That same day, heavy wind and rain caused considerable damage at Northland Mall in Sterling.

Sauk Valley Media news staffers voted the spring and summer tornadoes as the top local news story of the past year. It was one of only two stories to receive votes on all 10 ballots.

The efforts by the federal government to recover more money for the city of Dixon from the sale of Crundwell’s assets, while receiving a vote, did not place among the top 15 stories.

Twister turns deadly

When Kathy James was 2 years old, she took shelter in the basement at her babysitter’s house, and survived a tornado that leveled homes and displaced several neighbors. But it was an event that filled her with a quiet, unspoken fear.

That harrowing childhood experience returned April 9 when a tornado dropped from the sky and carved a long line of destruction across two rural Ashton properties. No one was hurt.

The James’ home north of town on state Route 38 had its chimney stack gutted and tossed across the rear part of the house; part of it was sitting in the living room.

The roof of a red barn was shredded like paper and blown out onto a nearby field; neighbors miles away still were finding pieces of it, James said the next day.

James braved the storm under a counter in the basement with her three kids and husband, Gust, after her sister, Gretchen, who lives in town, sent her a text message alerting her of the approaching storm and tornado warning.

Sirens aren’t heard that far out into the country, she said.

“To be huddled in a basement – our kids are 3, 5, and 6 – that uncertainty was terrifying,” James said. “We’re feeling very lucky. A few feet could have changed it all.”

The same could be said about 18 miles to the northeast at Grubsteakers Restaurant.

There, a spice rack was one of the few things left standing after the tornado demolished the landmark bar and restaurant 6 miles north of Rochelle. Slot machines were tossed out of the bar area, coming to rest alongside an overturned semitrailer and other damaged vehicles.

Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

Section 22 of Woodhaven Lakes was hit hard by an EF-2 tornado June 22. The twister flipped trailers, downed trees and destroyed vehicles.

The driver of the semi, Tod Carlock of Mount Morris, was one of 12 people who sought shelter in the basement of Grubsteakers, at the corner of state Routes 64 and 251. None of them was seriously injured, but each had to be helped out after part of the building fell over the basement exit.

The tornado, estimated to have been about a mile wide, hit the restaurant at 7 p.m.

“The whole thing was over in a minute and a half,” Carlock said. “You didn’t hear a roar or anything like that. It was more like a heavy wind.”

Carlock, a driver for Me y e r Tr u c k i n g i n Mount Morris, was on his way home after making a delivery in Minnesota. He had had a tire blow out on Interstate 39, about 4 miles from Grubsteakers, at 4:30 p.m.

“I limped in here and called a mechanic,” Carlock said. “He got it fixed and left. I waited another 5 minutes to do paperwork. I went to pull out and was staring into the eye of the storm.”

Carlock said he immediately threw his semi in reverse and backed it up about 100 feet behind Grubsteakers.

“I knew exactly what was going to happen,” Carlock said. “I wanted to put the truck away from people and have the building in front for a wind block. Then I ran inside to seek shelter.”

Huddled with the other 11 employees and customers, Carlock waited out the storm, listening as the building was being demolished above them. Some prayed, others silently hoped their lives would be spared.

“When I finally got out, I started laughing when I saw my truck,” Carlock said. “It was flipped over and twisted like a tin can. I knew it was going to be trashed. In a situation like this, what else can you do but laugh?”

A few days later, the Ogle County Board honored Grubsteakers owner Ava Mirtoska as a hero for getting customers and employees

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safely into a storm cellar just before the tornado struck.

Ogle County Board Chairman Kim Gouker said he had talked to several people who were at the restaurant.

“They said without Ava, we would have had some fatalities,” Gouker said.

“She made sure they got into the cellar.”

Looking back on that day, Mirtoska said she would do everything the same.

“I am glad everybody is safe,” Mirtoska said. “It is good they call me hero, but I feel like I would do it any time it happens. I hope it never happens again.”

Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle reported the day after the tornado that 30 homes in the Rochelle area had been destroyed, one of them his.

G ov. Br u c e Ra u ner declared Ogle and DeKalb counties state disaster areas, making available a variety of state resources to aid in recovery efforts. In DeKalb County, two people were killed in Fairdale, a town of about 150 people.

Six months after the tornado hit, the James family was still in the process of rebuilding, but they consider themselves fortunate.

A century-old barn – one of the reasons they bought the house – was destroyed.

But instead of throwing out the wood, Kathy was repurposing the best of the red lumber to create furniture, such as tables and a bookshelf.

“It was important for me to bring some of that into the house,” she said.

That’s the philosophy she wants to pass to her three children – out of the bad, good can come.

‘Worse than a war zone’ at Woodhaven

When the sirens went off, the people at Woodhaven Lakes camping resort north of Sublette in Lee County scrambled, searching for the best place to take cover as what would later be

declared an EF-2 tornado tore through the campground.

A trailer is, after all, pretty much the last place you want to be when a twister hits.

They huddled together inside concrete bath houses, called comfort stations, and waited it out.

What they emerged to, into the darkness, was devastating.

Im m e d i a t e l y, f i r s t responders and locals who lived outside the campgrounds started flooding in, searching through the wreckage and making sure everyone was OK. Miraculously, no one was killed. Even more miraculously, hardly anyone was even injured – just one woman was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.

Amboy Mayor Tom Nauman was one of the first on the scene.

“The chief of the fire department called and said they had an awful mess,” Nauman said from the campground, where he had been helping to clear the roads for a week after the storm.

“There’s no doubt that they were in trouble out here.

“It’s a big place, you know; it’s 40 miles of roads in here and stuff, and when I got out here, I’ll tell you what, it was worse than a war zone.”

It was 5 days after the storm before the private campground was opened to property owners.

Hundreds of homes were gone. The campground has 6,144 lots, and about 300 properties were occupied when the tornado touched down.

Jeff Sus has been coming to Woodhaven Lakes since he was a kid in the ’80s, and he’s never experienced anything like what he saw that night.

He a n d h i s w i f e, Andrea, 30, of Batavia, had been staying at their cabin since early May. Cellphone reception in Woodhaven Lakes is bad, so the only way the Suses could monitor the storm was to watch it out their front door.

And then, the sirens went off.

They and their 2-yearold German shepherd, Zeke, made their way to a comfort station, where they hunkered down with about 50 other people as the tornado raged through the campground.

On a normal day, the above-ground com fort station, one of 14 at Woodhaven, is a bathhouse and restroom for guests.

On the night of June 22, it served as a bunker.

MALL CONTINUED ON A13

A12 • SV Weekend Dilbert by Scott Adams

www.saukvalley.com

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Zits® by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

Arlo & Janis by Jimmy Johnson Garfield by Jim Davis

Luann by Greg Evans Get Fuzzy by Darby Conley

Blondie by Dean Young & John Marshall

Wizard of Id by Brant Parker and Johnny Hart

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

Pickles by Brian Crane Big Nate by Lincoln Peirce

Born Loser by Art and Chip Sansom

Baby Blues by Jerry Scott & Rick Kirkman

Soup To Nutz by Rick Stromoski

Family Circus by Bil Keane

The Argyle Sweater by Scott Hilburn

Alley Oop by Dave Graue and Jack Bender

Bridge Frank & Ernest by Bob Thaves

Pick count of three or four

Grizzwells by Bill Schorr

Stirling Moss, an Englishman who won 16 Formula One grand prix races, said, “I was taught that everything is attainable if you are prepared to give up, to sacrifice, to get it.”

That can apply at the bridge table. If you sacrifice a trick at the right moment, you will make a contract that would otherwise have failed.

In this deal, which trick should South sacrifice and when? He is in four hearts, and West leads the spade queen.

South had a close decision with his opening bid. He was strong for one heart and a tad weak for two clubs (which would have promised at least nine winners with an unbalanced hand). And here, if he had rebid three no-trump, that

would have worked well.

South starts with four possible losers: one in each suit.

(If he has two trump losers, he is surely going down.)

However, if the club finesse wins, that will probably end

all problems. Also, East might have king-doubleton of hearts. But is there any chance if both of those kings are offside?

Now count winners. Declarer has two spades, five hearts, one diamond and two clubs. Hey – that’s 10. So, as long as South does not lose four tricks first, he has the winners to get home. He just needs to sacrifice a trick at the right moment.

He must win the first trick in his hand with the spade king. Then he cashes the club ace and continues with the club queen, giving up on the finesse.

Here, West takes the trick and plays another spade. Declarer wins with dummy’s ace and discards his low diamond or low spade on the club jack. Then he tries the trump finesse for an overtrick. © 2015 UFS

Saturday, December 26, 2015

www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • A13

MONEY & MARKETS

FIVE-DAY FORECAST FOR THE SAUK VALLEY Today

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

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

Scat'd Rain

Mostly Cloudy

Snow Possible

Snow Possible

Snow Possible

Abbott .......................... 45.07 Alcoa ............................ 10.13 AltriaCorp .................... 58.31 Autonation .................. 60.21 American Express ....... 70.16 Arris-Group ................. 29.78 Apple.......................... 108.03 ADM............................. 36.65 AT&T ............................ 34.64 Bank of America.......... 17.27 Boeing........................ 143.58 BorgWarner ................. 43.49 BP ................................. 32.11 Casey’s ....................... 121.07 Caterpillar ................... 69.39 CenturyLink ................ 25.87 Chevron ....................... 92.11 Cisco ............................ 27.38 Citigroup ..................... 52.70 CocaCola ..................... 43.52 ConAgra ....................... 42.15 Dean ............................ 17.84 Deere & Co .................. 78.79 Disney ........................ 105.86 Donaldson................... 28.93 DuPont ........................ 66.45 Exxon ........................... 79.30 Ford .............................. 14.32 Exelon .......................... 27.75 GE ................................ 30.83 FifthThird .................... 20.52 HawaiianElectric ........ 28.64 Hewlett Packard .......... 11.74

35º

36º

23º

34º

Winds: 3-7 mph NE

Winds: 5-10 mph E

28º

Illinois Cities

Local Outlook Today we will see cloudy skies with a 50% chance of rain, high temperature of 42º, humidity of 70%. East wind 5 to 10 mph.

The record high temperature for today is 58º set in 1982. Expect cloudy skies tonight with a 50% chance of rain, overnight low of 35º. North wind 5 to 15 mph. The record low for tonight is -23º set in 1914.

Local Almanac TEMPERATURE YESTERDAY’S HIGH . . . . . . . . . . .37 YESTERDAY’S LOW . . . . . . . . . . .28 NORMAL HIGH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 NORMAL LOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 RECORD HIGH . . . . . . . . . 58 in 1982 RECORD LOW . . . . . . . . . -22 in 2000 PRECIPITATION YESTERDAY’S . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.00" MONTH TO DATE. . . . . . . . . . . 3.35" YEAR TO DATE. . . . . . . . . . . . 38.73" NORMAL YEAR TO DATE . . 35.88"

AURORA . . . . . . .

CARBONDALE . .

CHARLESTON . .

CHAMPAIGN . . .

CHICAGO . . . . . .

DEKALB . . . . . . .

FREEPORT. . . . . .

GALESBURG. . . .

JOLIET . . . . . . . . .

KANKAKEE . . . .

MACOMB . . . . . .

MOLINE . . . . . . . .

PEORIA . . . . . . . .

ROCKFORD . . . . .

SPRINGFIELD . . .

WAUKEGAN . . . .

Sun. 39/26 mc 54/40 sh 47/33 ra 44/31 ra 40/29 mc 37/24 mc 34/21 pc 38/27 mc 40/28 ra 41/28 ra 38/26 ra 36/23 mc 42/28 ra 36/24 pc 43/33 ra 38/26 mc

Sunrise.................................. 7:24 a.m.

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

Moonrise .............................. 6:17 p.m.

Moonset................................ 8:03 a.m.

Last

Flood Stage Current ROCK FALLS . . . . . .10 9.64 BYRON . . . . . . . . . . .13 10.72

1/2

New

1/9

25º

34º

Winds: 10-15 mph N

23º

Winds: 5-10 mph N

Today's Weather

Today 45/37 ra . . .

67/52 sh. . .

57/46 sh. . .

54/43 ra . . .

47/39 ra . . .

43/34 ra . . .

40/32 ra . . .

48/37 ra . . .

47/38 ra . . .

49/39 ra . . .

48/37 ra . . .

43/34 ra . . .

50/41 ra . . .

43/33 ra . . .

51/42 sh. . .

43/35 ra . . .

Sun and Moon

Rock River Levels

35º

Winds: 10-15 mph NE

First

1/16

Full

Polo Oregon Milledgeville 43/33 43/34 41/34 Rochelle Morrison 43/34 Dixon Sterling 42/34 43/35 42/35

Prophetstown 42/35

Weather History Dec. 26, 1776 - George Washington crossed the ice-clogged Delaware River. He marched on Trenton in the midst of snow and sleet, thus surprising and capturing many of the British troops.

Weather Trivia

?

About how long does it take thunder to travel one mile?

1/23

National Cities

Amboy 44/34

Rock Falls 42/35

Answer: Around 5 seconds.

42º

Today's U.S. Map

Today Sun. ANCHORAGE . . . 25/25 mc . . 32/23 sn ATLANTA. . . . . . . 75/63 mc . . 72/63 t BOSTON . . . . . . . . 48/44 ra . . . 56/35 ra CLEVELAND . . . . 55/47 ra . . . 52/30 sh DALLAS . . . . . . . . 73/51 t . . . . 55/37 sh DENVER . . . . . . . . . 30/1 sn. . . . 27/7 s DETROIT . . . . . . . 45/43 ra . . . 44/27 ra HONOLULU . . . . . 84/73 ra . . . 84/72 ra HOUSTON . . . . . . 79/69 t . . . . 73/44 t INDIANAPOLIS . . 59/49 ra . . . 52/32 ra KANSAS CITY . . . 51/31 t . . . . 36/27 ra LAS VEGAS . . . . . 48/31 s. . . . 49/33 s LOS ANGELES. . . 60/41 s. . . . 62/44 s

Today Sun. MEMPHIS . . . . . . . 77/66 t . . . . 69/53 t MINNEAPOLIS . . 32/15 sn. . . . 19/5 s NEW ORLEANS . . 76/68 mc . . 77/65 t NEW YORK CITY . 66/50 ra . . . 62/40 ra PHILADELPHIA. . 54/49 sh. . . 69/40 sh PHOENIX . . . . . . . 54/36 s. . . . 55/36 s PITTSBURGH. . . . 58/57 sh. . . 62/35 ra RENO. . . . . . . . . . . 31/10 s. . . . 33/21 s ST. LOUIS . . . . . . . 54/45 ra . . . 45/36 ra SAN FRANCISCO. . 52/43 s. . . . 51/44 s WASHINGTON, DC 55/52 ra . . . 69/43 mc

110s 100s 90s 80s 70s 60s 50s 40s 30s 20s 10s 0s

H

H

H

cl/cloudy; fl/flurries; pc/partly cloudy; ra/rain; rs/rain & snow; s/sunny; sh/showers; sn/snow; t/thunderstorms; w/windy

L This map shows high temperatures, type of precipitation expected and location of frontal systems at noon.

Cold Front

Stationary Front

Warm Front

L

Low Pressure

H

High Pressure

HomeDepot .............. 132.94 Intel Corp. ................... 34.98 IBM ............................ 138.24 IntlPaper ...................... 38.52 JCPenney ....................... 6.95 JohnsonControls ......... 40.48 Johnson&Johnson..... 103.72 JPMorgan Chase ......... 66.58 Kraft-Heinz.................. 73.96 Kroger .......................... 42.45 Leggett&Platt .............. 42.83 Manpower ................... 85.90 McDonald’s ............... 118.63 Merck&Co.................... 52.84 Microsoft ..................... 55.67 3M .............................. 151.22 Monsanto .................... 99.26 Newell .......................... 43.59 AGL .............................. 63.23 Nike .............................. 63.12 Parker-Han .................. 99.92 Pfizer ............................ 32.60 Pepsico ...................... 100.51 Procter&Gamble ......... 79.77 RaymondJames ........... 58.19 Republic ...................... 44.42 Sears Hldg ................... 20.79 SensientTech ............... 63.87 Sprint ............................. 3.82 Staples ........................... 9.62 TheTravelers.............. 113.22 UnitedContinental ..... 59.79 UnitedTech .................. 96.31 USBancorp .................. 43.40 USSteel .......................... 8.63 Verizon......................... 46.70 Walgreen...................... 86.46 WalMartStores............. 60.82 WalMartMexico........... 25.27 WasteMgt..................... 53.43 Wendy’s........................ 10.89

Commodities The following quotations are provided as a community service by Sterling Futures: Corn: March 3.64 1 ⁄ 2 ; May 3.71; July 3.763⁄4 Soybeans: Jan. 8.76; March 8.731⁄4; May 8.903⁄4 Soybean oil: Jan. 30.84; March 31.09 Soybean meal: Jan. 269.20; March 271.00 Wheat: March 4.681⁄2; July 4.831⁄2 Oats: March 2.22 1 ⁄ 4 ; July 2.25

Live cattle: Dec. 131.10; Feb. 137.02; April 138.02 Feeder cattle: Jan. 163.47; March 160.12 Lean hogs: Feb. 58.30; April 65.07; June 77.60 Sugar: March 15.05 Cotton: March 63.59 T-Bonds: March 1552⁄32 Silver: March 14.37 Gold: Feb. 1076.00 Copper: March 2.1205 Crude: Feb. 37.97 Dollar Index: March 98.01 Ethanol: March 1.438

All stores at Northland have reopened but Dunham’s Terror at the mall

MALL

CONTINUED FROM A11

“ T h e y ’r e t h e s a f est structures on the grounds,” Andrea said.

“We had been watching the weather out the window pretty much the whole night, and then the lightning started. It got very still, and then it was super loud outside.

It sounded like an airplane.”

The crowd tried to keep things light, making small talk and keeping the many children in the structure calm until the storm blew through.

“The worst moment was this morning, realizing how bad it was,” Jeff said the next day. “Our place fared pretty well compared to a lot of others.”

“It’s a miracle,” Andrea said.

The same evening a tornado was causing destruction in Lee County, winds ripped part of the roof off Northland Mall in Sterling, over the new Dunham’s Sports store. A back wall crumbled.

No one was hurt, but among other precautions, police officers had to secure the store’s firearms.

At the time the storm hit, there were six people left in Dunham’s – four employees, including 19-year-old Drew Sauer, of Rock Falls, and two customers. They went to the golf simulator room in the southwest corner of the store to stay safe, Sauer said.

They could hear the rain pounding, and the hail, then came that telltale

sound – like a freight train barreling down.

All of a sudden, “the roof started to lift up, the lights started to swing, and tons of water came pouring in,” Sauer said.

After everyone had been

evacuated, he ran to the break room at the back of the store, to retrieve keys – his and his co-workers’.

“That’s when I actually was able to take everything in and see all the damage that had been

done,” Sauer said in a text.

Because of the damage, the mall was closed for several days. Since then, all but Dunham’s has reopened, and it’s on track to reopen sometime next year.

– Sauk Valley Media and Shaw Media staff members Angel Sierra, Kathleen A. Schultz, Christi Warren, Earleen Hinton, Chris Johnson, and Andy Colbert contributed to this report.

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A14 • SV Weekend

www.saukvalley.com

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Data worthy of discussion PORTRAYAL

CONTINUED FROM A1

It is true that in 9 of 17 (a slight majority) Sauk Valley law enforcement jurisdictions, the percentage of minorities stopped was higher than expected in 2014. However, it wasn’t accurate for us to portray the likelihood as definitively as we did.

Rather than say “If you’re black or Hispanic in Lee and Whiteside counties, you’re more likely to get stopped for a moving violation, ...” as we did, we would have been more accurate to write that minorities are more likely to get stopped for a moving violation in some parts of Whiteside and Lee counties but not in others.

It’s an important distinction, and anything short of a 100 percent accurate narrative for a news story is unacceptable.

In this case, the fault rests with copy editors and, as the editor, with me. We did not consider the individual sets of statistics as critically as we should.

The 2014 data used for last Saturday’s story comes from the Illinois Traffic Stop Study, mandated by the state Legislature to “test the extent to which race plays a part in traffic stops,” according to the report.

The audit is scheduled to continue through 2019.

While part of the story’s

premise was flawed, the statistics cited in the story were accurate. What they show is that minority drivers were stopped about 39 percent more than the state would expect in Lee County in 2014. The percentage there was the highest in 5 years.

In Whiteside County, minority drivers were stopped about 10 percent more often than the study would “expect” – a number determined by a community’s minority driving population.

Percentages were also higher than expected in Carroll County, Rock Falls, Lanark, Franklin Grove, Milledgeville, Chadwick, and Lyndon. It is important to note that the smaller the community, the less reliable the statistical result. For example, there were only 2 stops recorded in Lyndon.

Meanwhile, in Dixon, a minority driver was 54 percent less likely to get stopped by police than expected, according to the data. Similarly, lesser percentages were recorded in Sterling (18 percent fewer), Morrison (37 percent), and Fulton (67 percent), as well as in Amboy, Erie, Oregon and Polo.

That is significant.

So, what do all of these statistics mean? That’s open for interpretation, which might depend on an individual’s perspective. Sauk Valley Media did not report the numbers as an indictment of local police – as some

readers suggested in the ensuing discussion. It certainly was not done as “race baiting,” as others have opined.

The story was a simple recitation of factual data reported to the state by law enforcement agencies themselves. And the only interpretations of the data reported in the story came from local law enforcers – Lee County Sheriff John Simonton, Rock Falls Police Chief Tammy Nelson, and Sterling Police Chief Ron Potthoff.

Beyond that, the interpretation of the data should be left to the state, law enforcement, and the public. Some might see the numbers as confirmation that law enforcers are doing their jobs well.

Others might see it as racial profiling by police.

Why write the story in the first place? State lawmakers considered the potential for racial bias in traffic stops to be a large enough concern to merit a law mandating the reporting of data for 15 years.

The results of that data collection should be one of many tools the public uses to assess the performance of its law enforcers.

It’s an important assessment, one worthy of continued discussion in the Sauk Valley, statewide, and nationally.

My regret is that we fell short of portraying that data accurately. Our readers, and the community discussion of the issue, deserved better.

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FOLLOW SATURDAY’S LOCAL SPORTS ACTION ONLINE. GET CONNECTED.

Sports

BULLS WIN

v weekend

Section B

Chicago stuns Thunder, B4.

e-mail: sports@saukvalley.com

Saturday, December 26, 2015

YEAR IN REVIEW | 2015 | TOP 10 LOCAL SPORTS STORIES

1. Cougars conquer Class 1A Eastland sends off veteran volleyball coach with state championship

F

or nearly a decade, ever since this group of Cougars watched their beloved Eastland volleyball idols win back-to-back state championships while they were in middle school, there was only one thing on their collective minds: bringing home another 1A title to Lanark.

Then, not long into the first steps of their journey, these Cougars realized they would be able to play for something even more special than themselves.

After 3½ decades of coaching volleyball – as the only coach the Eastland program had ever known – Kristy Pierce was going to hang it up.

She was up front about it with this group of seniors from the

very start: 2015-16 would be her final years teaching before she retired, so it seemed the perfect time to say goodbye to the volleyball court as well.

So, after writing their goal on a dry-erase board in the coach’s office, the Cougars got to work.

Every practice, they busted their butts to get better at every little thing. Every team get-together was spent becoming closer friends, and learning what made each other tick and what made the team go forward as a unit.

Then, in a form they would least expect it, came the little extra incentive necessary to push them over the top.

As a junior-laden team in 2014, the Cougars put together a strong run toward the end of the season – as Eastland volleyball teams

usually do – and found themselves playing in the sectional championship at River Ridge High School. Across the net was two-time defending 1A state champion Keith Country Day, with a a pair of Division I players on its roster.

But even knowing what they were up against, the Cougars did not back down. They pushed Keith in both games of an eventual straight-set loss – and instead of tears flowing after their season came to an abrupt end, the look in these players’ eyes was determination, not sadness.

Needing very little mudging from Pierce, the Cougars rallied around each other and made the most of their offseason, and were actually hitting on all cylinders

by the time the first match rolled around.

And after starting the season 1-1, Eastland reeled off a win streak that lasted until a tie in its own season-ending tournament, then shook that off and rolled through the postseason. The Cougars won every match in straight sets, and Pierce used only two timeouts in the entire seven-match run.

And when the dust had settled, the Cougars were lifting the program’s third state championship trophy. There were hugs, and laughter, and tears of joy – and a Croc disco dance party to end all parties – and the fulfillment of a goal that had lasted them nearly half their lives ... and, maybe the most special element of it all, sending their beloved coach and mentor out on top.

MORE INSIDE | CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE TOP STORIES | B3

Endings both sweet and bittersweet in 2015 T

he year started with a longtime basketball coach finishing his career with a victory.

It ended with a veteran volleyball coach finishing her career with a state championship.

And in between, there were quite a few firsts – and a couple of milestones – that made for an interesting year in the Sauk Valley.

Not long after the calendar rolled around to 2015, Don Robinson walked off into the sunset – figuratively, anyway – in a way that not a lot of coaches get to go out: with a win.

After 38 years in Prophetstown, Robinson guided his squad to the state tournament for the second straight season – and second time in his career – after a runner-up finish in Class 2A in 2014.

And while the talented, experienced core of seniors couldn’t deliver a state title to their venerable mentor, they did manage to send him out with a victory in their final game for the first time ever. Robinson finished his nearly 4-decade career with 705 wins and 323 losses, good for a .686 winning percentage.

Sports inside

for their coach of 34 years.

Led by that strong senior tyREYNOLDS core – and a couple of Sports lights-out junior studs – reporter. the Cougars rolled to the He can be reached at third 1A state championtreynolds@ ship in school history. saukvalley.

Kristy Pierce used just com or 815two timeouts the entire 625-3600, ext. 5554. postseason – both in the second set of a supersectional victory over Harvest Christian Academy – as Eastland scored its best Fast forward 9 months, record in program history to the same building at 40-1-1, and sent Pierce where Robinson bid out fourth on the IHSA’s farewell to the sideline. all-time wins list with Another talented, expe941 and an .818 career rienced group of seniors – this time from Eastland winning percentage (941– was on the same mission 206-10).

LOCAL

SVM’s Sports Staff shares 2015’s most memorable moments, B2.

Not surprisingly, neither Robinson or Pierce wanted to make any kind of big deal about themselves and all they had accomplished. Instead, both got emotional about strong groups of 12th graders who made their final season one of their most epic.

In that same vein, another longtime coach reached a career milestone this past fall that he would have made zero fuss about if it were up to him.

Newman’s Mike Papoccia became the eighth member of the IHSA’s

300-win club after a Week 2 win over Fulton, and was more emotional about seeing many members of past teams at the surprise reception his longtime assistants set up without his knowledge than he was at winning the actual game.

Rock Falls senior Micheala Ward also had a milestone moment, as the 4-year varsity starting pitcher broke the Rockets’ all-time records for strikeouts and innings pitched to cap a brilliant career.

REYNOLDS CONTINUED ON B2

Suggestion box Comment or story tip?

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

TOP OF 2

My left foot Adrian Peterson The NFL’s leading rusher with 1,314 yards, Peterson is questionable for Sunday’s game vs. the Giants with left ankle sprain.

Chuck Pagano Embattled Colts coach, whose team stands at 6-8 and unlikely to make the playoffs, has been linked to Dolphins coach opening.

Your guide to what’s going on in sports

B2 • SV Weekend

www.saukvalley.com

Saturday, December 26, 2015

YEAR IN REVIEW | 2015 | MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS

Another year full of memories Here’s what stood out to the SVM sports department in 2015

W

hile the number of local events we cover here at Sauk Valley Media are too many and too varied to count, there are the inevitable games – or even just moments in time – that stick with us long after they’re over ... and stick out from the clutter of all the games we’ve covered.

Here’s what the SVM Sports Staff had to say when it came to a trip down memory lane to pick the 2015 events that were the most unforgettable for each of us: Ty Reynolds Despite the urge to keep my streak alive and talk about covering a Division I football game for the fourth consecutive season, even a second trip to Kinnick Stadium to watch Sterling grad and Illinois State starting linebacker Alejandro Rivera was topped this past year.

It’s not often that you get the chance to say goodbye to a great coach by covering their swan song. I got the chance to do it twice in 2015.

On the final day of February, though it wasn’t official, almost everybody in the know just knew that Don Robinson was coaching the final game of his 38-year career – and he was doing it at Redbird Arena.

For the second straight season, the Prophetstown Prophets advanced to the state tournament, and though a talented group of seniors couldn’t send Robinson out with a state title, they did give him a victory in the third-place game – the first time in his nearly four decades on the Prophets’ sideline that he won the final game of the season.

Lightning struck twice in Normal for me, as I returned to ISU’s home court in November to watch the final chapter of Kristy Pierce’s long, successful career as Eastland’s volleyball coach. Unlike Robinson, there was no doubt that this was her final season at the Cougars’ helm, and her talented team full of seniors made sure that she went out with a win in her finale, as well. Eastland capped a dominant run to the 1A state title with their seventh straight two-set victory – out of seven postseason matches – and fulfilled a goal that was almost a decade in the making.

In addition to memories that will last me for a long, long time, those events also gave me the chance to write farewell columns about two of my favorite coaches I’ve ever worked with ... and boy, did those stories flow easily.

Cody Cutter Falling short of a team goal, or prematurely seeing your season end may be a bitter pill to swallow. However, when you leave it all out on the playing surface, that is the memory which will eventually stick out the most.

Tears couldn’t quite hide themselves from Michaela Ward’s face after her final outing in a high school softball pitcher’s circle, and her team’s end result stung her for days. The Rock Falls senior’s final appearance was a memorable one, despite seeing the Rockets’ season end in a 3A regional semifinal. Ward, who is pitching at Kankakee College this year, used her riseball and curveball to strike out 20 Mendota Trojans in an 11-inning

Boys basketball 8:30 a.m.

• Eastland tournament, Polo vs. West Carroll JV • Erie tournament, Orion vs. Bureau Valley • Erie tournament, Morrison vs. Wethersfield 10 a.m.

• Eastland tournament, South Beloit vs. P’town 11:30 a.m.

• Eastland tournament, Eastland vs. Stillman Valley • Erie tournament, Erie vs.

Peoria Heights 12:15 p.m.

• DeKalb tournament, Sterling vs. Marmion 1 p.m.

• Eastland tournament, Galena vs. West Carroll JV 2:30 p.m.

Photos by Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

Nine months after the Prophets gave longtime coach Don Robinson (above left) a win in his final game, the Cougars sent off veteran coach Kristy Pierce (below middle) with a state title. complete game, allowing just four hits in a 1-0 loss.

Seven of her strikeouts came in a row, and she had 10 in an 11-batter span. The 20 punchouts became a new singlegame Rockets’ record, surpassing the 17 set by Korby Paul in a 2004 Class A State semifinal – and I covered that epic 20-inning scorcher, also.

During the season, Ward established Rockets records of 718 career strikeouts, including a new season-high of 255, in 4 years in which she also piled up a record 54 wins.

Patrick Mason My most memorable game coverage from 2015 comes from the boys basketball 3A Sterling Regional final.

Top-seeded Dixon lost to Geneseo, 53-43, in the title game in what ended up being a huge upset. The Dukes won the Big Northern Conference West title and were pegged to embark on a deep playoff run.

When picking my most memorable game, I struggled to find one that stood out among the many I covered this year, but I kept coming back to that basketball game on March 6. Fellow SVM sports reporter Ty Reynolds sat to my right, a reporter from the Moline Dispatch scribbled in a notebook to my left, and Musgrove Fieldhouse was seemingly at capacity as people stood and watched alongside the four sets of full bleachers. No one expected the outcome – which is what makes the nature of sports both fun and devestating to those with rooting interests.

The atmosphere in Musgrove was unique. It felt like every person in attendance figured Dixon was feeling out its opponent and was just a play away from turning it on and taking over, but that run never came.

I waited for almost an hour by the locker room waiting to talk to a few players after the loss.

The kids didn’t want to leave because exiting the locker room meant the dream season was over. Even in defeat, the Dukes players handling themselves with class was something I won’t forget for a while.

There were several other strong finishes in 2015 as well, besides the feats of the Eastland volleyball and Prophetstown girls basketball teams.

Fulton’s baseball team advanced to the 1A final four for the first time, and bounced back from a semifinal loss to take third place at Dozer Park

in Peoria.

Newman’s softball also earned its first state berth, and played pretty well in a pair of losses at EastSide Center in East Peoria.

And the hurdlers led a solid contingent at the state track & field meet, as Newman’s Regan Todhunter notched a pair of top-five finishes in 1A, and Erie-Prophetstown’s Dylan Binion placed fourth in the 2A 110 hurdles final.

• Eastland tournament, Polo vs. Fulton • Erie tournament, Bureau Valley vs. Mercer County • Erie tournament, Morrison vs. Peoria Heights • Newman tournament, Oregon vs. Alleman 3:30 p.m.

• Plano Invite, Dixon vs.

Princeton 4 p.m.

• Erie tournament, Erie vs.

Stark County • Newman tournament, Newman vs. Paw Paw 5:30 p.m.

• Eastland tournament, Eastland vs. Prophetstown 6:30 p.m.

• Newman tournament, Oregon vs. Ridgewood 7 p.m.

• Eastland tournament, Fulton vs. Galena 8 p.m.

Brian Weidman The best game I covered this past year was the Class 1A Eastland Sectional final boys basketball game between Forreston and Freeport Aquin on Friday, March 6.

The Cardinals won the game 59-58, after Aaron Shelton hit a free throw with 1.1 second remaining in the fourth quarter.

Shelton got to the line when he was fouled on a 3-point attempt by the Bulldogs’ Krisean Coffee, a call that brought howls of protest from Aquin fans.

Shelton missed the first two free throws, then made the third for the eventual game-winner.

Senior guard Robert DeVries put Forreston on his back with 33 points, including 15 in the final quarter as the Cardinals erased a 44-40 deficit. Aquin, which had defeated Forreston twice in the regular season, scored the first 11 points of the game, and the Cardinals fought an uphill battle the rest of the way before finally winning at the end.

Forreston, which had won a Class 1A football championship the previous fall, went on to place fourth in the 1A boys state basketball tournament.

Making the evening even more compelling was the ForrestonAquin game coincided with that Class 3A Sterling Regional final between Dixon and Geneseo.

Fellow SVM staffers Ty Reynolds and Patrick Mason were covering that game, and I eagerly awaited their Twitter updates throughout my game in Lanark.

Dan Woessner I didn’t know it at the time, but the Class 1A girls basketball state semifinal between Prophetstown and Moweaqua Central A&M at Redbird Arena on February 27 at Redbird Arena in Normal turned out to be the last state event that I covered for Sauk Valley Media.

It likely was the best basketball game that I attended in 11 years at SVM. The Don Robinson-led Prophets lost 56-52 in a clash of teams with similar makeups and styles. The Prophets led just one time, 2-0, and spent the entire game trying to close 6- to 8-point gaps. When they would, Moweaqua simply found ways to push the score back out. A last surge was denied, and the Prophets lost.

As it also turns out, it was Don Robinson’s second-to-last game as the varsity coach. The team would go on to win third place the following day, running Robinson’s career total to 705.

From a fan’s standpoint, it was a pleasure to watch. As a journalist, there simply wasn’t a team that handled success and failure with more grace that Don Robinson’s teams. His group of talented seniors led by Corrie Reiley and Clare Kramer answered every question afterward, and while I am sure somewhere deep inside there was some disappointment for Robinson, the last image I’ll have of him is of him proudly smiling with his Prophetstown letterman jacket on during interviews in catacombs of Redbird Arena.

Looking back at 2015 helps us look forward to 2016 CONTINUED FROM B1

Local events

Saturday

By SVM Sports Staff

REYNOLDS

On the calendar

And the Sauk Valley volleyball team made a trip to Arizona for the second straight season by earning a berth in the NJCAA national tournament.

But not everyone got to enjoy such a fairy-tale ending. The Dixon Dukes basketball team won its first conference crown in nearly 50 years just three seasons after a 1-27 campaign … but got upset in the 3A regional final in a slugfest with Geneseo.

Polo’s football team

also had unprecedented success this past fall, rolling through the regular season before posting impressive wins in the first two rounds of the 1A playoffs … then falling to postseason nemesis Stark County in the quarterfinals.

Even the sports department closed the year out in a somber mood, as longtime friend and co-worker Dan Woessner left for greener pastures (with much better

working hours).

But every ending leads to a new beginning, and that’s what we’re looking ahead to now. Whether a team or person finished their last season on a high note, or is still trying to get over a tough loss to close things out, another turn of the calendar means another chance to either build upon the past or avenge it.

Either way, here’s to another fun year in the Sauk Valley.

• Newman tournament, Newman vs. Alleman

Girls basketball 6 p.m.

• Amboy tournament, AFC vs. Ridgewood 7 p.m.

• Erie tournament, Fulton vs.

Orion 7:30 p.m.

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

• Erie tourney, Erie vs. BV • Erie tournament, Morrison vs. Wethersfield

On the tube TV listings

Saturday College football 10 a.m.

• St. Petersburg Bowl, Marshall vs. UConn, ESPN 1 p.m.

• Sun Bowl, Miami vs.

Washington St., CBS 1:20 p.m.

• Heart of Dallas Bowl, So. Miss. vs. Washington, ESPN 2:30 p.m.

• Pinstripe Bowl, Duke vs.

Indiana, ABC 4:45 p.m.

• Independence Bowl, Tulsa vs. Virginia Tech, ESPN 8:15 p.m.

• Foster Farms Bowl, Nebraska vs. UCLA, ESPN

Men’s basketball 11 a.m.

• Louisville at Kentucky, CBS

NBA 6 p.m.

• Rockets at Pelicans, NBA

NFL 7:25 p.m.

• Redskins at Eagles, NFL

NHL 7 p.m.

• Stars at Blues, FSN

Saturday, December 26, 2015

www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • B3

YEAR IN REVIEW | 2015 | TOP 10 LOCAL SPORTS STORIES OF YEAR

February 28, 2015

March 6, 2015

September 5, 2015

2. Don Robinson 3. Dukes hoops 4. Mike Papoccia retires after wins BNC title, wins 300th game Prophets take 3rd upset at regionals at Newman

I

n 36 years, Don Robinson had never had the pleasure of taking the Prophetstown girls basketball team to the IHSA state tournament. In his final 2 years, the Prophets went twice.

Though it was speculated that Robinson would retire from coaching at the end of the school year, only he knew for sure if the win in the Class 1A third-place game would be his final time patrolling the Prophetstown sideline.

Turns out that season-ending win at Redbird Arena in Normal was the perfect curtain call to a career that saw Robinson win 705 times and amass 15 regional championships.

Their venerable coach wasn’t the only one the Prophets bid adieu to that final day of February – a deep, talented, close-knit senior class also finished off a remarkable 4-year run at Prophetstown.

T

he season was a storybook one, especially considering the fact that the Dixon basketball program had finished 1-27 just 3 years earlier.

A year after winning the program’s first regional title since 1986, the Dukes added the first conference crown since 1967.

But if Hollywood was scripting this rise with a pair of stellar senior stars in Cal Jarrett and Laron Carr leading the way, somebody got the ending all wrong.

In a low-scoring defensive struggle, the Dukes were upset in the 3A Sterling Regional final by former conference foe Geneseo Instead of celebrations and tears of joy, there was much soul-searching and shock in the postgame locker room. But looking back on it down the road, there’s no doubt the Dukes will look back fondly on their journey.

W

ith as little fanfare as you’ll find with such a milestone, Newman lifer Mike Papoccia became just the eighth member of the IHSA’s 300-win club when his Comets beat Fulton 28-16 in a Week 2 matchup.

What Papoccia didn’t know – and would never have done himself – was that his longtime assistants and the school where he’d spent so much time as a student-athlete and coach had arranged a celebration for him.

Imagine Papoccia’s surprise when he walked into the get-together and saw family, friends, and many, many former players there to greet him, slap him on the back, and share old-time war stories about the good old days.

The present day was also pretty sweet, as the Comets finished the season 9-2.

June 6, 2015

Fall 2015

November 11, 2015

5. Fulton baseball takes 3rd in 1A

6. Polo football goes 11-1

7. Roby, McCarty to play D-1 hoops

W

A

A

hat better way to end a dream season than a win to close things out?

The Fulton baseball team made sure to finish on a high note, bouncing back from a semifinal loss to the eventual state champions to win the third-place game at the Class 1A tournament at Peoria’s Dozer Park.

ll season long, the Polo Marcos were the team to beat. After storming through the NUIC Upstate in dominating fashion, the Marcos made the deepest postseason run of any local football team in 2015, advancing to the Class 1A quarterfinals before falling to eventual state runner-up Stark County.

fter a brief hiatus of local basketball talent playing in Division I, the Sauk Valley doubled its pleasure on National Signing Day. Dixon star Isaiah Roby inked his Letter of Intent with Nebraska, while Newman standout Noah McCarty signed on to continue his career at Northern Illinois.

June 6, 2015

April 16, 2015

November 7, 2015

8. Comet softball takes 4th in 1A

9. Amboy votes to leave TRAC

10. Hamblen 3rd at 1A state XC

P

robably the surprise team of the area in 2015, the Newman softball team simply refused to lose once the postseason rolled around. After a solid regular season, the Comets put it all together in a scintillating run to the 1A state tournament at East Peoria’s EastSide Centre, where they finished fourth

I

n a move the school had been contemplating for a while, Amboy voted to leave the Three Rivers Conference and join the Northwest Upstate Illini Conference. Dwindling enrollment was the biggest reason for the move, which the Clippers hope to make after the current school year, but may not be able to make until next year.

A

fter an offseason spent pounding the pavement of Rock Falls in order to be better prepared for the rigors of the season, Rockets junior Brayden Hamblen never let himself get satisfied throughout the fall, even as his times continued to drop. He saved his best performance for last, outrunning all but two competitors at the 1A state meet.

B4 • SV Weekend

www.saukvalley.com

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Monsters tournament is back

I

f you all remember a few years back, you would probably remember me pushing the first ever Rock River Catfishing series that I lovingly referred to as the Monsters of the Rock.

Well, the series went pretty well for the most part. However, due to a lack of help and the fact that Mother Nature absolutely treated us horribly, I decided to shelf it.

Well, I am very excited and proud to announce that the Monster is back for the 2016 season. I never ever considered ending this series – I just knew I could not continue it the way it was. So, with a new enthusiastic group of people involved, a handful of new sponsors and many lessons learned, we will move forward once again.

This year our headline sponsor and very, very gracious host will be Cochran’s Pub. When we approached Dave and Dianna, they were very receptive to it and wanting a partnership, not just a sponsorship.

They have opened their awesome building to us catfishermen for three big events this season.

The first will be next

mattJONES Fishing guide from Prophetstown.

He can be reached at flathead mechanic40 @gmail.com

Saturday, January 2nd, when we will be getting together to go over rules, dates, scheduling and general asking and answering any questions any of you may have. We will technically begin this event at 6 p.m., but we will be there early and probably closing the place, so make it a point to come on in and see us.

Our second event at Cochran’s will be immediately following our opening tourney on March 18th, when we will be have our posttourney get together, featuring a wild game meal in the back room.

We will also be hosting our end of the year banquet at The Pub. The date for this has yet to be released, but late September or early October is the likely time frame.

I am really pumped for the series to kick off, and

I believe the schedule this year is just awesome and really tests an angler’s skills in all situations.

I mean, we start in the cold of March and finish in the heat of early September summer. We fish at night and day. We fish several new locations, and even hit the Mississippi for a tourney.

We once again will feature a manufactured bait-only tourney, again sponsored by G and S cheese bait, and have some new twists worked into our points and weigh-ins. Again, all this will be discussed at Cochran’s Pub next Saturday night ,so be there.

Heck, local taxidermist Craig Siedel is even on board with a terrific prize for the winner of our big fish awards.

Replicas for the big fish prize, you kiddin’ me?

Anyway I could go on for days, but I just ain’t going to. All ya got to do is show up to Cochran’s next Saturday and have a good time with us and get all your questions answered.

I’m just tickled we are able to make this happen again here on the Rock. Here is to a great New Year out of doors.

Until next week, Go Catfish!

NBA | BULLS 105, THUNDER 96

OK in Oklahoma Bulls rise up to silence red-hot Thunder By the Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Chicago Bulls were angry and on edge after three straight losses. They channeled those emotions into one of their best wins of the season.

Jimmy Butler scored 23 points, and Pau Gasol had 21 points and 13 rebounds in the Bulls’ 105-96 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday.

“We’ve just got to go out there and attack,” Chicago forward Taj Gibson, who got a double technical with Oklahoma City’s Serge Ibaka, said.

“It’s no time to be friends with anybody right now.

We’ve got enough friends AP in here. We’re with each other 24-7. We can’t go Bulls guard Derrick Rose (right) looks to pass as out there and look to be Thunder center Enes Kanter defends during Friday’s game in Oklahoma City. Chicago won 105-96. nice to everybody.”

Saturday, December 26, 2015

FRIDAY’S SCOREBOARD Boys basketball NIB-12 West Conf.

Sterling 2-0 LaSalle-Peru 1-0 Ottawa 1-1 Geneseo 0-2 Rochelle 0-2 Saturday’s games DeKalb tournament • Sterling vs. Marmion, 12:15 Plano tournament • Ottawa vs. Sandwich, 5:30 • LaSalle-Peru vs. Mendota, 7 Romeoville tournament • Geneseo vs. TBA

All 6-0 6-0 6-2 3-5 3-6

BNC West Conf.

All Winnebago 2-0 8-0 Dixon 2-0 5-1 Oregon 1-1 8-3 Byron 1-1 5-6 Rockford Lutheran 1-1 3-2 Mendota 0-1 8-2 Stillman Valley 0-1 3-4 Rock Falls 0-2 2-6 Saturday’s games DeKalb tournament • Winnebago vs. Grayslake Central, 4:45 Eastland tournament • Stillman Valley vs. Eastland, 11:30 a.m.

• Stillman Valley vs. Sourth Beloit, 4 Newman touranment • Oregon vs. Alleman, 2:30 • Oregon vs. Ridgewood, 6:30 Plano Invitational • Dixon vs. Princeton, 3:30 • Mendota vs. LaSalle-Peru, 7

Three Rivers Conf.

All St. Bede 3-0 7-1 Princeton 3-0 7-2 Newman 2-0 8-2 Hall 2-0 5-3 Erie 2-0 6-3 Fulton 1-1 6-6 Sherrard 1-1 5-6 Morrison 1-1 2-5 Orion 0-1 5-3 Kewanee 0-1 3-6 Rockridge 1-2 6-4 Riverdale 0-2 5-4 Prophetstown 0-2 4-4 Bureau Valley 0-2 2-7 Amboy 0-3 2-10 Saturday’s games Eastland tournament • Prophetstown vs. South Beloit, 10 a.m.

• Fulton vs. Polo, 2:30 • Prophetstown vs. Eastland, 5:30 • Fulton vs. Galena, 7 Erie tournament • Bureau Valley vs. Orion, 8:30 a.m.

• Morrison vs. Wethersfield, 8:30 a.m.

• Riverdale vs. Stockton, 10 a.m.

• Erie vs. Peoria Heights, 11:30 a.m.

• Orion vs. Stockton, 1 • Bureau Valley vs. Mercer County, 2:30 • Morrison vs. Peoria Heights, 2:30 • Erie vs. Stark County, 4 • Riverdale vs. Lena-Winslow, 4 Marseilles tournament • Hall vs. Gardner-South Wilmington, 9 a.m.

Newman tournament • Newman vs. Paw Paw, 4 • Newman vs. Alleman, 8 Plano tournament • Princeton vs. Dixon, 3:30 • St. Bede vs. Genoa-Kingston, 12:30

• Eastland vs. Prophetstown, 5:30 p.m.

• Galena vs. Fulton, 7 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 28 • Prophetstown vs. Stillman, 2:30 • Fulton vs. West Carroll JV, 4 p.m.

• Galena vs. Polo, 5:30 p.m.

• Eastland vs. South Beloit, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 29 Games TBD Wednesday, Dec. 30 Games TBD Erie Warkins Classic Pool A: Erie, Wethersfield, Knoxville, Morrison, Peoria Heights, Stark County Pool B: Bureau Valley, Lena-Winslow, Mercer County, Orion, Riverdale, Stockton Saturday’s games Annex Gym • Orion vs. Bureau Valley, 8:30 a.m.

• Riverdale vs. Stockton, 10 a.m.

• Mercer Co. vs. Lena-Winslow, 11:30 a.m.

• Knoxville vs. Wethersfield, 1 p.m.

• Morrison vs. Peoria Heights, 2:30 p.m.

• Erie vs. Stark County, 4 p.m.

H.S. Gym • Wethersfield vs. Morrison, 8:30 a.m.

• Stark County vs. Knoxville, 10 a.m.

• Peoria Heights vs. Erie, 11:30 a.m.

• Stockton vs. Orion, 1 p.m.

• Bureau Valley vs. Mercer County, 2:30 p.m.

• Lena-Winslow vs. Riverdale, 4 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 28 Annex Gym • Stockton vs. Bureau Valley, 5:30 • Orion vs. Lena-Winslow, 7 • Mercer County vs. Riverdale, 8:30 H.S. Gym • Stark County vs. Peoria Heights, 5:30 • Morrison vs. Knoxville, 7 • Wethersfield vs. Erie, 8:30 Tuesday, Dec. 29 Annex Gym • Morrison vs. Stark County, 3 • Erie vs. Knoxville, 4:30 • Peoria Heights vs. Wethersfield, 7:30 H.S. Gym • Bureau Valley vs. Lena-Winslow, 3 • Mercer County vs. Stockton, 4:30 • Riverdale vs. Orion, 7:30 Wednesday, Dec. 30 • 11th place, 1:30 (Annex) • 9th place, 1:30 (H.S.) • 7th place, 3 (Annex) • 5th place, 3 (H.S.) • 3rd place, 7:30 (Annex) • 1st place, 7:30 (H.S.)

Girls basketball NIB-12 West Conf.

3-0 2-0 1-3 0-2 0-3

Sterling LaSalle-Peru Rochelle Geneseo Ottawa

All 6-7 6-4 2-8 5-8 3-8

Monday’s game Dixon Tournament • Sterliing vs. Eastland, 4:30 p.m.

BNC West Rockford Lutheran Byron Stillman Valley Winnebago Dixon Rock Falls Oregon Mendota

Conf.

4-0 3-1 3-1 3-2 1-2 1-3 1-3 0-4

All 6-0 12-2 7-3 8-3 6-5 6-5 5-7 2-10

Three Rivers

Conf.

All AFC 4-0 7-3 Aquin 2-0 7-3 Forreston 2-0 2-6 Polo 2-1 9-2 Milledgeville 2-1 7-5 Dakota 1-3 1-8 Durand 0-1 0-6 Orangeville 0-2 1-10 South Beloit 0-2 0-7 Pecatonica 0-3 3-7 Saturday’s games Eastland tournament • Polo vs. West Carroll JV, 8:30 a.m • South Beloit vs. Prophetstown, 10 a.m.

• Polo vs. Fulton, 2:30 • South Beloit vs. Stillman Valley, 4 Plano tournament • Forreston vs. Plano, 5

Conf.

All Kewanee 5-0 10-6 Amboy 4-1 10-2 Sherrard 4-1 10-3 Bureau Valley 4-1 7-4 Hall 3-1 6-2 Erie 3-2 5-2 St. Bede 3-2 8-7 Morrison 3-3 6-3 Fulton 2-2 3-3 Newman 2-2 4-6 Prophetstown 1-3 3-10 Rockridge 1-4 5-7 Riverdale 1-4 2-8 Princeton 0-4 6-7 Orion 0-5 0-8 Saturday’s games Amboy tournament • Amboy vs. Somonauk, 7:30 Erie tournament • Rockridge vs. Mercer County, 5:30 • Fulton vs. Orion, 7 • Erie vs. Bureau Valley, 8:30 • Morrison vs. Wethersfield, 8:30 Riverton tournament • Sherrard vs. TBA

Eastland Tournament Pool A: Eastland, Prophetstown, South Beloit, Stillman Valley Pool B: Fulton, Galena, Polo, West Carroll JV Saturday’s games • Polo vs. West Carroll JV, 8:30 a.m.

• Prophetstown vs. South Beloit, 10 a.m.

• Stillman Valley vs. Eastland, 11:30 a.m.

• West Carroll JV vs. Galena, 1 p.m.

• Fulton vs. Polo, 2:30 p.m.

• South Beloit vs. Stillman Valley, 4 p.m.

NUIC East Conf.

AFC 5-0 Milledgeville 4-1 Aquin 3-2 Durand 4-2 Pecatonica 2-2 Dakota 2-4 Forreston 1-2 Polo 1-2 Orangeville 0-3 South Beloit 0-4 Saturday’s game Amboy tournament • AFC vs. Ridgewood, 6

W y-New England 12 N.Y. Jets 9 Buffalo 6 Miami 5

Houston Indianapolis Jacksonville Tennessee

W 7 6 5 3

x-Cincinnati Pittsburgh Baltimore Cleveland

W 11 9 4 3

Denver Kansas City Oakland San Diego

W 10 9 7 4

East L T 2 0 5 0 8 0 9 0 South L T 7 0 8 0 9 0 11 0 North L T 3 0 5 0 10 0 11 0 West L T 4 0 5 0 8 0 11 0

Pct .857 .643 .429 .357

PF 435 344 341 278

PA 269 272 336 361

Pct .500 .429 .357 .214

PF 275 285 343 269

PA 301 372 380 359

Pct .786 .643 .286 .214

PF 378 378 292 253

PA 243 287 360 387

Pct .714 .643 .467 .267

PF 308 365 342 300

PA 259 257 376 371

NATIONAL CONFERENCE

East L T Pct PF PA 7 0 .500 316 332 8 0 .429 318 362 8 0 .429 373 358 10 0 .286 246 324 South W L T Pct PF PA y-Carolina 14 0 0 1.000 449 278 Atlanta 7 7 0 .500 302 312 Tampa Bay 6 8 0 .429 311 353 New Orleans 5 9 0 .357 350 432 North W L T Pct PF PA x-Green Bay 10 4 0 .714 347 265 Minnesota 9 5 0 .643 296 272 Detroit 5 9 0 .357 302 363 Chicago 5 9 0 .357 289 352 West W L T Pct PF PA x-Arizona 12 2 0 .857 445 269 x-Seattle 9 5 0 .643 370 248 St. Louis 6 8 0 .429 241 294 San Francisco 4 10 0 .286 202 339 x-clinched playoff spot; y-clinched division Thursday’s result Oakland 23, San Diego 20, OT Saturday’s game Washington at Philadelphia, 7:25 p.m.

Sunday’s games Houston at Tennessee, noon Cleveland at Kansas City, noon New England at N.Y. Jets, noon Indianapolis at Miami, noon San Francisco at Detroit, noon Dallas at Buffalo, noon Chicago at Tampa Bay, noon Carolina at Atlanta, noon Pittsburgh at Baltimore, noon Jacksonville at New Orleans, 3:05 p.m.

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

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

N.Y. Giants at Minnesota, 7:30 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 28 Cincinnati at Denver, 7:30 p.m.

Washington Philadelphia N.Y. Giants Dallas

W 7 6 6 4

College football Bowl Glance

Thursday’s results Bahamas Bowl Nassau W. Michigan 45, Middle Tennessee St. 31

Monday’s games Dixon Tournament • Oregon vs. Boylan, 9 a.m.

• Dixon vs. United Township, 6 p.m.

NUIC East

Tournament glances Newman Christmas Classic Saturday’s games • Paw Paw vs. Ridgewood, 1 • Oregon vs. Alleman, 2:30 • Newman vs. Paw Paw, 4 • Ridgewood vs. Oregon, 6:30 • Alleman vs. Newman, 8 Monday, Dec. 28 • Paw Paw vs. Oregon, 5 • Ridgewood vs. Newman, 6:30 • Alleman vs. Paw Paw, 8 Tuesday, Dec. 29 • Ridgewood vs. Alleman, 6 • Oregon vs. Newman, 7:30

NFL AMERICAN CONFERENCE

All 9-0 7-6 9-5 5-5 4-4 6-8 7-4 2-8 0-9 0-4

Tournament glances Dixon Christmas Classic Monday, Dec. 28 • Oregon vs. Boylan, 9 a.m.

• Stillman Valley vs. Hall, 10:30 a.m.

• LaSalle-Peru vs. Aurora Christian, noon • Belvidere North vs. Aurora Rosary, 1:30 p.m.

• Pekin vs. Aquin, 3 p.m.

• Sterling vs. Eastland, 4:30 p.m.

• Dixon vs. United Township, 6 p.m.

• Newman vs. Rochelle, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 29 Games TBD Wednesday, Dec. 30 Games TBD Erie Warkins Classic Pool A: Stockton, Rockridge, Knoxville, Erie, Mercer County, Bureau Valley Pool B: Monmouth-Roseville, Wethersfield, Orion, Morrison, Galva, Fulton Saturday’s games Annex Gym • Rockridge vs. Mercer County, 5:30 • Knoxville vs. Stockton, 7 • Erie vs. Bureau Valley, 8:30 H.S. Gym • Monmouth-Roseville vs. Galva, 5:30 • Fulton vs. Orion, 7 • Wethersfield vs. Morrison, 8:30 Monday, Dec. 28 Annex Gym • Galva vs. Morrison, 8:30 a.m.

• Wethersfield vs. Fulton, 10 a.m.

• Monmouth-Roseville vs. Orion, 11:30 a.m.

• Mercer County vs. Stockton, 1 p.m.

• Rockridge vs. Bureau Valley, 2:30 p.m.

• Knoxville vs. Erie, 4 p.m.

H.S. Gym • Erie vs. Mercer County, 8:30 a.m.

• Stockton vs. Rockridge, 10 a.m.

• Bureau Valley vs. Knoxville, 11:30 a.m.

• Fulton vs. Galva, 1 p.m.

• Orion vs. Wethersfield, 2:30 p.m.

• Morrison vs. Monmouth-Roseville, 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 29 Annex Gym • Orion vs. Galva, noon • Fulton vs. Morrison, 1:30 p.m.

• Monmouth-Roseville vs. Wethersfield, 6 p.m.

H.S. Gym • Bureau Valley vs. Mercer County, noon • Knoxville vs. Rockridge, 1:30 p.m.

• Erie vs. Stockton, 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 30 • 11th place, noon (Annex) • 9th place, noon (H.S.) • 7th place, 4:30 p.m. (Annex) • 5th place, 4:30 p.m. (H.S.) • 3rd place, 6 p.m. (Annex) • 1st place, 6 p.m. (H.S.) Amboy Holiday Tournament Red Pool: Indian Creek, Marquette, Plano, Forreston JV Black Pool: AFC, Somonauk, Amboy, Ridgewood Saturday’s games • Indian Creek vs. Forreston JV, 3 • Marquette vs. Plano, 4:30 • AFC vs. Ridgewood, 6 • Amboy vs. Somonauk, 7:30 Monday, Dec. 28 • Marquette vs. Forreston JV, 3 • Indian Creek vs. Plano, 4:30 • AFC vs. Somonauk, 6 • Amboy vs. Ridgewood, 7:30 Tuesday, Dec. 29 • Forreston JV vs. Plano, 3 • Marquette vs. Indian Creek, 4:30 • Somonauk vs. Ridgewood, 6 • Amboy vs. AFC, 7:30

Hawaii Bowl Honolulu San Diego State 42, Cincinnati 7 Saturday’s games St. Petersburg (Fla.) Bowl Marshall (9-3) vs. UConn (6-6), 10 a.m.

(ESPN) Sun Bowl El Paso, Texas Miami (8-4) vs. Washington State (8-4), 1 p.m. (CBS) Heart of Dallas Bowl Washington (6-6) vs. Southern Mississippi (9-4), 2:20 p.m. (ESPN) Pinstripe Bowl Bronx, N.Y. Duke (7-5) vs. Indiana (6-6), 2:30 p.m.

(ABC) Independence Bowl Shreveport, La. Virginia Tech (6-6) vs. Tulsa (6-6), 4:45 p.m.

(ESPN) Foster Farms Bowl Santa Clara, Calif.

Nebraska (5-7) vs. UCLA (8-4), 8:15 p.m.

(ESPN)

NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L Pct Toronto 18 12 .600 Boston 16 13 .552 New York 14 16 .467 Brooklyn 8 21 .276 Philadelphia 1 30 .032 Southeast Division W L Pct Atlanta 19 12 .613 Miami 17 11 .607 Orlando 17 12 .586 Charlotte 15 13 .536 Washington 13 14 .481 Central Division W L Pct Cleveland 19 8 .704 Chicago 16 11 .593 Indiana 16 12 .571 Detroit 17 13 .567 Milwaukee 12 18 .400

GB — 1½ 4 9½ 17½ GB — ½ 1 2½ 4 GB — 3 3½ 3½ 8½

WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division W L Pct San Antonio 25 5 .833 Dallas 16 13 .552 Memphis 16 15 .516 Houston 15 15 .500 New Orleans 9 20 .310 Northwest Division W L Pct Oklahoma City 20 10 .667 Utah 12 15 .444 Denver 12 17 .414 Minnesota 11 18 .379 Portland 11 20 .355 Pacific Division W L Pct Golden State 28 1 .966 L.A. Clippers 16 13 .552 Sacramento 12 17 .414 Phoenix 12 19 .387 L.A. Lakers 5 24 .172

GB — 8½ 9½ 10 15½ GB — 6½ 7½ 8½ 9½ GB — 12 16 17 23

Friday’s results Miami 94, New Orleans 88, OT Chicago 105, Oklahoma City 96 Golden State 89, Cleveland 83 San Antonio at Houston, late L.A. Clippers at L.A. Lakers, late Saturday’s games Washington at Brooklyn, 3 p.m.

Toronto at Milwaukee, 4 p.m.

Houston at New Orleans, 6 p.m.

Miami at Orlando, 6 p.m.

Memphis at Charlotte, 6 p.m.

Boston at Detroit, 6:30 p.m.

New York at Atlanta, 6:30 p.m.

Indiana at Minnesota, 7 p.m.

Denver at San Antonio, 7:30 p.m.

Chicago at Dallas, 7:30 p.m.

L.A. Clippers at Utah, 8 p.m.

Philadelphia at Phoenix, 8 p.m.

Cleveland at Portland, 9 p.m.

Friday’s box score

BULLS 105, THUNDER 96 CHICAGO (105) Gibson 6-8 1-1 13, Mirotic 1-5 3-3 6, Gasol 8-16 5-6 21, Rose 7-18 5-6 19, Butler 9-20 4-4 23, Snell 1-4 0-0 3, Hinrich 1-2 0-0 2, Brooks 2-4 0-0 6, Portis 3-8 0-0 7, McDermott 2-7 0-0 5. Totals 40-92 18-20 105.

OKLAHOMA CITY (96) Durant 11-21 6-6 29, Ibaka 3-12 0-0 6, Adams 1-4 1-2 3, Westbrook 9-23 7-13 26, Roberson 1-6 0-0 2, Kanter 6-12 2-2 14, Waiters 1-6 0-0 2, Collison 1-2 0-0 2, Augustin 1-4 0-0 3, Morrow 3-6 0-0 9.

Totals 37-96 16-23 96.

Chicago 32 22 32 19 —105 Oklahoma City 26 26 16 28 — 96 3-Point Goals–Chicago 7-18 (Brooks 2-2, Snell 1-1, Portis 1-1, Butler 1-3, McDermott 1-4, Mirotic 1-5, Gasol 0-1, Rose 0-1), Oklahoma City 6-24 (Morrow 3-6, Augustin 1-2, Durant 1-6, Westbrook 1-7, Roberson 0-1, Ibaka 0-2). Fouled Out–Rose. Rebounds–Chicago 63 (Gasol 13), Oklahoma City 57 (Kanter 13).

Assists–Chicago 22 (Gasol 6), Oklahoma City 20 (Westbrook 8).

Saturday, December 26, 2015

www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • B5

Wind Farms: For the Good of the Community

There aren’t many industries that can make a promise to its local host community like this:

Wind farms bring direct economic impact to your local community.

Wind farms bring increased spending to your local community.

The tax revenue garnered from wind farms goes towards:

Spending increases in businesses such as:

3 3 3 3

3 LOCAL schools 3 LOCAL fire departments 3 LOCAL counties and townships

LOCAL restaurants LOCAL hotels LOCAL stores LOCAL manufacturing or supply chain industries

Green River Wind Farm: Over 20 Years of Operation $1,100,000 County Tax Revenue

Community Giving

$560,000

$2,000,000 Township Tax Revenue

$2,700,000 Income Result of Permanent Jobs

Landowner Payments

$14,000,000

$9,900,000

School Districts

$13,000,000 Support your community.

Support your local wind farm.

Geronimo Energy Local Office | 108 Jackson Street | Walnut, IL 61376 | 815-379-2784 | www.geronimoenergy.com

B6 • SV Weekend

www.saukvalley.com

Saturday, December 26, 2015

2010 FORD

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ESCAPE XLT

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WAS $9,995

2010 VW

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per month p

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8,994

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2014 NISSAN

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GRAND CARAVAN SE

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9,497

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337

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C

D

10,997

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11,292

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3 32

11,686

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14,495 14,4 4495

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2000 Saturn SL2 - #TA529AV - $1,995* 2001 Ford Windstar - #NF324AV - $2,995* 2002 Buick Lesabre - #XT6135A - $3,995* 2000 Ford F150 - #TF242BR - $3,995* 2004 Nissan Quest - #PF608AJ - $3,995* 2006 Dodge Caravan - #DG016AY - $3,995* 2004 Lincoln LS - #TF434AU - $4,495* 2007 Saturn Aura - #CYF231B - $4,990* 2003 Buick Lesabre - #TF346BS - $4,995* 2004 Chrysler Pacifica - #TF430A - $4,995* Prix-#CYF377A2-$5 499* 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix #CYF377A2 $5,4 499 4

ALL UNDER 40k MILES

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2009 Toyota Pruis - #TF407AZ - $8,897* 2009 Pontiac G6 - #GF041A - $8,940* 2004 BMW X5 - #VPD727A - $9,495* 2010 VW Beetle - #XTA115 - $9,525* 2010 Toyota Pruis - #TF726AX - $9,978* 2003 Lexus LS430 - #TF388AZ - $9,995* 2007 Jeep Compass - #TF369AK - $9,995* 2009 Chrysler T&C - #CF046AX - $9,995* 2010 Ford Escape - #TE719AS - $9,995* 2007 Toyota Camry - #TG050AX - $9,995* Chrysler $9 995* 2008 Chrys sler T&C - #BF043B - $ s $9,995

AVAILABLE! AV VAILABLE! V

2013 Chevy Equinox #BG014B -$19,995* 2014 Dodge Challenger #TF398AU -$21,495* 2013 Toyota Tacoma #VPD722 -$21,995* 2012 Ford Mustang #XTA117A -$22,690* 2014 Nissan Murano #CYG031A -$22,696* 2014 Chevy Camaro #NG027AZ -$23,995* 2011 Jeep G. Cherokee #JF023AX -$24,495* 2012 Lincoln MKT #BF049A -$24,876* 2011 Cadillac CTS #KE029A -$24,889* 2010 Toyota Highlander #TF424AS -$25,872* 2013 Toyota Sienna #JG013A -$26,623* 2014 Toyota RAV4 #TG029AR -$27,495* 2012 GMC Sierra #GF271B -$27,995* 2012 Toyota Tacoma #TG048AZ -$27,995* 2014 Chevy Impala #XPD847A -$27,995* 2013 GMC Sierra #GF198A -$28,339*

We’re Expanding at Ken Nelson Auto Group!

2015 Nissan Rogue #JG019AZ -$28,495* 2012 Toyota Tacoma #CYF384A -$28,994* 2013 Ford F150 #CYF417A -$28,944* 2012 Nissan Murano #GG050A - 28,995* 2013 Chevy Silverado #NF182A -$28,828* 2011 Chevy Silverado #CYG052A -$29,995* 2013 GMC Acadia #GF153A -$29,998* 2014 Chevy Traverse #CYF021A -$29,998* 2014 Toyota Venza #TF420A -$30,583* 2013 Chevy Traverse #CYF263B -$30,925* 2013 GMC Sierra #GF313A -$31,994* 2013 Cadillac XTS #KG001A -$32,899* 2014 GMC Sierra #GF326A -$32,995* 2012 Lincoln Navigator #CYF392A $33,980* 2012 Jeep Wrangler #CYF331A -$33,983* 2014 Toyota Tundra #GF239A -$34,997*

ALL UNDER 40k MILES

PR PRE-OWNED RE OWNEEED R SELECTION

2014 Nissan Versa #CYF410A-$11,292* 2012 Chevy Captive #PA779B1-$11,986* 2013 Chevy Sonic #NF242A-$12,899* 2013 Chevy Malibu #CYF405A-$14,287* 2015 Nissan Versa #IPF621 -$14,720* 2015 Nissan Versa #IPF622 -$14,720* 2014 Toyota Corolla #TF385AZ -$15,995* 2015 Nissan Versa #IPF623 -$15,995* 2013 Toyota Pruis #TF390A -$16,158* 2015 Chevy Trax #JF089AY -$17,294* 2012 Toyota Pruis #DG002AZ -$17,899* 2013 Nissan Altima #IPD605 -$17,986* 2012 Chevy Silverado #CYF064A -$17,992* 2012 Buick Lacrosse #BG005A -$18,574* 2011 Chrysler T&C #CF038A -$18,587* 2014 Dodge Journey #DF067AZ -$19,990*

SIERRA 1500 SLT

*

2002 Chevy Trailblazer - #TG041A - $5,995* 2007 Kia Rondo - #JF088CY - $5,995* 2002 Buick Lesabre - #BG002A - $6,995* 2007 Lincoln Towncar - #CYF393B - $6,995* 2008 Dodge Dakota - #NF255AJ - $6,995* 2006 Buick Lacrosse - #BG003B - $7,848* 2008 Chevy Equinox - #CYF312A - $7,994* 2005 Nissan Murano - #NF338AK - $7,995* 2006 Toyota Sienna - #VP8706A - $8,324* 2004 Pontiac GTO - #NF350AZ - $8,659* 2008 Pontiac G6 895* 6 - #CYF160A - $8 $8,895 5

*

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MPG HIGHWAY

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Out Our NEW Pre-Owned Lot!!!

Make 1 Stop & Shop the LARGEST Selection of New & Pre-Owned Vehicles in the Sauk Valley Area!

1100 N. Galena - Dixon, IL - 815.288.4455 - www.KenNelsonAuto.com

50

Celebrating years

Warren Gridley Mike Freeman

General Manager General Manager g

Chad Conderman Thais Fazekas

Rick Pontnak Sales Manager

Jamie Curia

Brad Claussen Craig Buchanan Sales Manager g

Al Riley

Sales Manager

Bob Pilling

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Rick Hauser

Sales Manager g

Rusty Baker Clayton Bonnell Adam Chapman

Sales Professional Sales Professional Sales Professional Sales Professional Sales Professional Sales Professional Sales Professional

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Brett Simpson

Denny Bellows Ron Stephenitch

Joe Patzer

Mike Baker

Carl Buehler

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Professio Business Manager Business Manager Sales Professional Saless Professional Sales Professional Sales Professional Sales Professional Sales Professional

Sally Deming Donielle Freytag Josh Vannoy

Leon Mealing Tanner Dornacher Dave Kipping

Steve Davis

Sales Professional Sales Professional Sales Professional Sales Professional Sales Professional Sales Professional Sales Professional

*Prices do not include tax, title, license or doc fees. With approved credit. Not everyone will qualify. a. 3.24% apr for 72 months with $3,000 Trade-In Value or Cash Down. b. 2.74% apr for 72 months with $3,000 Trade-In Value or Cash Down. c. 3.99% apr for 84 months with $3,000 Trade-In Value or Cash Down. d 3.99% apr for 78 months with $3,000 Trade-In Value or Cash Down. e. 3.49% apr for 78 months with $3,000 Trade-In Value or Cash Down. f. 3.49% apr for 75 months with $3,000 Trade-In Value or Cash Down. g. 2.79% apr for 84 months with $3,000 Trade-In Value or Cash Down. h. 3.24% apr for 75 months with $3,000 Trade-In Value or Cash Down. i. 2.59% apr for 66 months with $3,000 Trade-In Value or Cash Down. Dealer not liable for errors.

We Buy Vehicles! Call Chuck TODAY! 815.973.0000

B7 place ads online www.saukvalley.com

CLASSIFIED SAUK VALLEY

Section B

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Dixon 815.284.SOLD(7653)

• we reach over 48,000 readers every day •

PUBLIC NOTICES SAUK VALLEY

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LEE COUNTY, ILLINOIS IN PROBATE

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF KAY E. WALTER, Deceased.

NO. 2015 P 92 CLAIM NOTICE and NOTICE OF RIGHTS OF INTERESTED PERSONS DURING INDEPENDENT ADMINSITRATION To: Danny T. Walter, Sandra K. Walter and unknown heirs.

Notice is given of the death of KAY E. WALTER. Letters of office were issued on December 14, 2015 to Karen “Sue” Burger as Independent Executor, whose attorney is Michael C. Downey, 420 West Second Street, Dixon, IL., 61021.

Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Clerk of court, Lee County Courts Building, 309 South Galena, Dixon, IL, 61021, or with the representative's attorney, or both, within 6 months from the date of issuance of letters or first date of publication, whichever is later, and any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative's attorney and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.

Additionally, an order was entered granting independent administration of the decedent's estate. This means that the executor or administrator will not have to obtain Court orders to file estate papers in Court during probate. The estate will be administered without Court supervision, unless an interested person asks the Court to become involved.

Under Section 28-4 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/28-4), any interested person may terminate independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Clerk of the Court. However, if there is a will which directs independent administration, independent administration will be terminated only if the Court finds there is good cause to require supervised administration and if the petitioner is a creditor or non-residuary legatee, independent administration will be terminated only if the Court finds that termination is necessary to protect the petitioner's interest.

In addition to the right to terminate independent administration, any interested person may petition the Court to hold a hearing and resolve any particular question that may arise during independent administration, even though supervised administration has not be requested (Probate Act Section 28-5, 755 ILCS 5/28-5). The independent representative must mail a copy of the estate inventory and final account to each interested person and must send notice to or obtain the approval of each interested person before the estate can be closed (Probate Act Section 28-6 and 28-11, 755 ILCS 5/28-6 and 28-11). Any interested person has the right to question or object to any item included in or omitted from and inventory or account or to insist on a full court accounting of all receipts and disbursements with prior notice, as required in supervised administration (Probate Act Section 28-11, 755 ILCS 5/28-11).

Dated this 15th day of December, 2015.

Karen “Sue” Berger By, Michael C. Downey, Her Attorney Michael C. Downey Attorney for Estate 420 West Second Street Dixon, IL 61021 815-288-6688 Dec. 19, 26, 2015, Jan. 2, 2016 Resolution #R2015-12-28 Authorizing the Sale of 902 Fourth Avenue, a singlefamily dwelling; Resolution No. R201512-29 providing for the abatement of certain taxes levied against real property for the Special Service Area Unlimited Tax Bonds, Series 1998 - Greenridge in the annual amount of $38,080.07 for years 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018; Motor Fuel Tax Resolution #R2015-12-30 for Maintenance of Streets and Highways from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 in the amount of $265,000; Ordinance #2015-12-20 Establishing a Municipal Utility Tax for Gas and Electric; Ordinance #2015-15-19 setting out the 2015 Tax Levy for the City of Sterling in the amount of $4,349,149; and Resolution #R2015-12-31 Urging the General Assembly to Adopt Reforms to Police and Fire Pensions were passed at the December 21, 2015 City Council meeting.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 14TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WHITESIDE COUNTY MORRISON, ILLINOIS

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. PLAINTIFF

VS

CHRISTINE MUELLER; THOMAS BARNUM; DAVID BARNUM; DANIEL BARNUM; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF RICHARD A. BARNUM, IF ANY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS ; WILLIAM BUTCHER, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DECEASED MORTGAGOR RICHARD A. BARNUM A/K/A RICHARD ARTHUR BARNUM; DEFENDANTS 15 CH 24 403 9TH AVENUE 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 September 2, 2015, WHITESIDE COUNTY SHERIFF in WHITESIDE County, Illinois, will on February 4, 2016, in Whiteside County Courthouse, Third Floor Lobby 200 E. Knox Street, Morrison, IL 61270, at 10:00 AM, 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: THE EASTERLY 45 1/2 FEET OF LOTS 7, 8, AND 9 IN BLOCK 59, WEST OF BROADWAY, IN THE CITY OF STERLING, SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF WHITESIDE, IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. TAX NO. 11-22-311-012 COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 403 9TH AVENUE STERLING, IL 61081 Description of Improvements: SINGLE FAMILY HOME, NOT FOR SALE, UTIL ON, 2 CAR DET GAR The Judgment amount was $76,289.28.

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.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 #PA1500065 Plaintiff's attorney is not required to provide additional information other than that set forth in this notice of sale.

I678808 Dec. 19, 26, 2015 & Jan. 2, 2016

The Village of Franklin Grove is accepting sealed a 2000 bids for Chevy One Ton Truck with Snow Plow through January 11, 2015. The Truck and Plow is being sold as is. All be bids should submitted to the Village Clerk in person or by mail to P.O. Box 206, Franklin Grove, IL 61031. The Truck can be viewed on Route 38 at Atkinson Trucking in Franklin Grove.

December 19, 21, 23, 26, 2015 January 2, 8, 9, 2016

SELL

those unwanted items with the help of a Sauk Valley Classified Ad 625-3600 284-2222

Call

Classified

To sell those extra items easily and economically!

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 Lost Female Pekingese Nelson area.

563-639-6740

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-Broome, Director of Advocate Services (815) 440-6598 www.casalee carroll.com

REAL ESTATE 202 SERVICES PUBLISHER'S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference , limitation or discrimination based on race, color,religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law.

Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-800-669-9777.

The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-279275.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 14TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WHITESIDE COUNTY MORRISON, ILLINOIS WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. PLAINTIFF

VS

CHRISTINE MUELLER; THOMAS BARNUM; DAVID BARNUM; DANIEL BARNUM; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF RICHARD A. BARNUM, IF ANY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS ; WILLIAM BUTCHER, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DECEASED MORTGAGOR RICHARD A. BARNUM A/K/A RICHARD ARTHUR BARNUM; DEFENDANTS 15 CH 24 403 9TH AVENUE 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 September 2, 2015, WHITESIDE COUNTY SHERIFF in WHITESIDE County, Illinois, will on February 4, 2016, in Whiteside County Courthouse, Third Floor Lobby 200 E. Knox Street, Morrison, IL 61270, at 10:00 AM, 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. 11-22-311-012 COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 403 9TH AVENUE STERLING, IL 61081 Description of Improvements: SINGLE FAMILY HOME, NOT FOR SALE, UTIL ON, 2 CAR DET GAR The Judgment amount was $76,289.28. 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.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) 3722060. Please refer to file #PA1500065 Plaintiff's attorney is not required to provide additional information other than that set forth in this notice of sale.

I678808 Dec. 19, 26, 2015 & Jan. 2, 2016

Contact us to place an ad call 815-626-7653 815-284-7653

SAUK VALLEY SAUK VALLEY

LASSIFIEDS TELEGRAPH

dailyGAZETTE dailyGAZETTE

815-625-3600

Announce

TELEGRAPH

815-284-2222

saukvalley.com

EMPLOYMENT Search for local job listings at saukvalley.com/jobs/

NOW HIRING Full-Time Positions • Machine Operators • Parts Cleaners • Robot Weld Operators • Welders • Assembler Temporary Laborer Apply online at etnyre.com

E. D. ETNYRE & CO. 1333 S. Daysville Road, Oregon, Illinois M/F Disabled and Vet EEO/AA Employer

FRONT DESK RECEPTIONIST An opportunity exists in our organization for a full-time Receptionist. Responsibilities will include receiving visitors and callers, determining the appropriate contact person and arranging contact, and performing miscellaneous clerical duties for the HR Department.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma and 2-4 years of related experience.

Excellent communication skills, operation of multi-line switchboard, attention to detail and ability to multitask. Experience with Microsoft WORD, EXCEL, ACCESS and OUTLOOK. ETNYRE offers a competitive compensation and benefits package.

Apply online at etnyre.com

E. D. Etnyre & Co. ATTN: HR Admin, Sr. 1333 S. Daysville Rd. Oregon, IL 61061

Providing career opportunities since 1898

Providing Career Opportunities Since 1898

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))

Check us out on Facebook and www.etnyre.com M/F Disabled and Vet EEO/AA Employer

$$EARN HOLIDAY CASH$$ Towns Streets Route STERLING 15thAve., 16thAve., 17thAve., 18thAve., E. 6th St. 63 STERLING 12thAve., 14thAve., 15thAve., E20th., 16thAve. 50 STERLING W 5th, W 6thAve. I, W 7th, W 8th, W 9th 25 STERLING W 18th, W19th, Ave. L, Ave. K, Ave. J 40 MILLEDGEVILLE Askforsignon/bonus$50/1stSt.Cochran,Franklin,Main 315 MILLEDGEVILLE Askforsignon/bonus$50/5thSt., Hagar, Holcomb 313 Sauk Valley Media 3200 E. Lincolnway Sterling, IL 61081

Customers 78 72 57 75 52 34 Telegraph 113 S. Peoria Dixon, IL 61021

815-625-3600 ext. 5301

Tri-County Opportunities Council Position Openings Pre-K Teacher Assistant: Dixon 30hrs./wk., shool-year; Minimum of AAS in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or related degree with a minimum of 18 credit hours in ECE. Pre-K Teacher: Rochelle/Sterling 40hrs./wk., school year. Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or closely related degree with a minimum of 21 credit hours in ECE.

CLASSIFIEDS C

These documents are published in pamphlet form and available for public inspection in the Office of the City Clerk, 212 Third Avenue, Sterling, IL 61081, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Marie Rombouts City Clerk December 26, 2015

A2 A1

Sterling 815.626.SOLD (7653)

Infant Toddler Teacher: Sterling 40 hrs./wk.; full-year; Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or closely related degree with a minimum or 21 credit hours in ECE. Infant-Toddler Support Teacher: Sterling 30 hrs./ wk., full year; Minimum of a AAS in early childhood education, child development, or closely related degree with a minimum or 21 credit hours in ECE. Bus Monitor: Sterling and Dixon 20 hrs./ wk., school year; Minimum of high school diploma or GED and excellent driving record. Must have held a valid for a minimum of three (3) consecutive years prior to hire.

Food Service Worker: Sterling 30 hrs./wk.,full-year. Minimum of high school diploma or GED.Valid Illinois drivers license.

For information and application contact Tri-County Opportunities Council at 815-625-7830 or visit our website at www.tcohelps.org.

T.C.O.C is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a United Way Partner.

Send Invoice to: Tri-County Opportunities Council Early Head Start/Head Start Program P.O. Box 610 Rock Falls, IL 61071

Your Special Occasions in

CELEBRATIONS!

(815)625-3600

Published Every Other Tuesday!

Engagements Weddings Birthdays Birth Announcements Graduations & Much More!

B8

A1

SAUK VALLEY MEDIA • Saturday, December 26, 2015 • PAGE B8

saukvalley.com

EMPLOYMENT

Contact us to place an ad call 815-626-7653 815-284-7653

Search for local job listings at saukvalley.com/jobs/ BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 501 NOTICEPURSUANT to the Business Opportunity Sales Law of 1995, every busiopportunity ness 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.

Any Where

HEALTH / MEDICAL

504

NOW HIRING RN/LPN, CNA &

Assistant Director of Nursing We are looking for Experienced and dedicated professionals to assume key positions on our team! If you are committed to team-oriented outcomes and quality care, we offer: excellent starting wage; vacation; holiday pay; medical; dental; vision; 401K; advancement opportunities; and much more!

For an immediate interview, apply in person or call Lynette at (815) 284-3393.

Dixon

Healthcare & Rehab 800 Division St Dixon, IL 61021

EMPLOYMENT

505

Any Time Online! saukvalley .com

102 S. Galena Ave 2nd floor, DIXON 815-835-3000 Now Hiring: •Administrative •Sales •Fabrication •General Labor •Material Handling ------------Apply online at: hughes resources.com

EMPLOYMENT

505

Bibler Co. Locally Owned Trucking Company Has IMMEDIATE Employment Available for O.T.R. Flatbed experienced drivers Need to have CDL and to be DOT Qualified, Drug Screen, and Verifiable references, Company provided Health Insurance, Simple IRA, Paid Vacations And Holidays Call 815-825-6002 7AM to 4PM

Full or Part Time Drivers Wanted !Class A CDL !Assigned Peterbilt and Kenworth Trucks !Preloaded Trailers !Paid Vacations !Home Weekends !Flexible Dispatch !Wellmark Health Insurance Apply online at www.avtrans inc.com or Call Missy 800-397-6387x10 Mr. Nifty Cleaners in Sterling looking for a clothes Presser Please apply in person, 1102 E. 4th St., Sterling.

815-625-9386

Police Officer THECITYOFSTERLING,ILBoardofFireandPoliceCommissioners will be accepting applications for POLICE OFFICER for the Sterling Police Department. Applications will be available in the Police Department Administration office, 212 3rd Avenue, Sterling, IL beginning Monday, December 21, 2015 through Monday, January 11, 2016.

All applications must be returned no later than 4:00 p.m. on Monday, January 11, 2016 to the Police Department Administration office.

General Requirements: Must be 21 years of age and not have reached your 35th birthday, U.S. citizen, high school diploma or equivalent, valid Illinois driver’s license, and good health and vision.

Exam required.

A MANDATORY ORIENTATION will be held for applicants on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Sterling Coliseum, 212 3rd Avenue, Sterling, IL. The testing will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2016. More information to be provided at the orientation.

Board of Fire and Police Commission Sterling, Illinois Equal Opportunity Employer

Director of Human Resources

Responsible for the recruitment, selection, orientation, retention, development and compensation of all Kreider employees. Provides management/consultative services in employee/labor relations and compliance activity regarding laws and regulations which impact on the employer-employee relationship.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field; Human Resource generalist’s background with broad knowledge of employment, compensation, organizational planning, employee relations, benefits, worker’s compensation and training and development.

Experience working with union contracts preferred.

Excellent communication skills, knowledge of computers; and a valid driver’s license.

A generous benefits package includes health and life insurance; dental; retirement plan with company match; tuition reimbursement; and more. Salary range , p $40,000 - $$60,000 commensurate with experience.

Please send your resume to: Jodi Murdock, HR Generalist Kreider Services, Inc.

EMPLOYMENT

505

Helena Chemical a national ag chemical co, has openings at our Steward IL location for: 2 Custom Applicators Duties include applying fertilizer and pesticides, and maintenance of equipment.

CDL required.

Truck Drivers Full-time driver with Class A or B CDL Call 815-824-2266 or apply in person at 1318 Steward Rd., Steward, IL. Pre-employment drug screen and background check required.

EEO/AA/M/F/ Disabled/Veteran IMMEDIATE OPENING LPN/ RN Fulltime 2nd shift Flexible Part Time - 2nd & 3rd shift Dementia experience preferred.

IL. Nursing license must be in good standing.

Morningside of Sterling 2705 Ave. E Sterling, IL 61081 815-622-2800 ORGANIST/ PIANIST/ ACCOMPANIST The United Church of Byron in Byron IL is searching for a keyboard player.

Piano and organ skills in some combination are required for this salaried position.

Duties include providing music for Sunday worship service, accompanying the choir, and rehearsing with the choir once a week. Other duties may include assisting the youth with special music activities and playing for weddings or funerals.

Interested parties should contact David Johnson at 815.234.5009 and/or djkj70@frontier. com Small Package Delivery Driver from Oregon area.

Part time evenings and occasional weekends. Excellent pay and benefits, perfect for retired person. Must have clean driving record.

Please send replies to Box #1313, c/o Sauk Valley Classifieds, P.O. Box 498 Sterling, IL 61081

EMPLOYMENT

505

TO OUR

MEDIA CONSULTANT Freeport Shopping News

READERS:

Sauk Valley Media does not knowingly accept advertising which is in violation of the law. Likewise, we do not knowingly accept advertising which is fraudulent or has malicious intent.

While we attempt to screen advertising with potential fraud, it is impossible to screen all potential problems.

We strongly encourage our readers to exercise caution and common sense, particularly when dealing with companies with which you are not familiar.

Need to place an ad?

Freeport, Illinois Join the advertising/marketing team of a local media company. We are looking for an ambitious sales representative to drive revenue and provide customized print and/or digital presence for local merchants. Your primary objective will be to demonstrate strong sales leadership and customer advocacy while achieving revenue goals and developing new business. Expectations include: • Saturate the market with contacts and cold calls per week • Meet/exceed established sales targets • You will be busy with at least 10+ selling appointments per day, which include needs analysis, demonstration, closing, up selling and cross selling • Provide excellent customer service and consultation with existing customers Our customers are #1. Our goal is to help area businesses prosper by maximizing their presence. You will offer the very best in print advertising and/or digital advertising solutions for your clients. Skills include interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively on sales proposals for multiple products; attention to detail; good organizational skills, ability to prioritize workload, handle multiple projects. You need the ability to meet deadlines; have proficiency with computers and are willing and able to work independently. Strong communication and presentation skills a plus. You must also hold a valid driver’s license with a good driving record.

We provide a competitive compensation plan to fit the right candidate.

• Aggressive commission program • Benefit package includes health insurance, 401k, paid vacation • Phone and mileage reimbursement • Fun work environment with good emphasis on work/life/balance Send your resume and income requirements by January 15th to: Monroe Publishing LLC Attn: Laura A Hughes 1065 4th Avenue West Monroe WI 53566 Email: lhughes@themonroetimes.com

Call us 625-3600 284-2222

Equal Opportunity Employer

APPLY ONLINE AT

CGH Medical Center 100 E. LeFevre Road - Sterling, IL 61081 815.625.0400

Current Positions www.cghmc.com

RN – CCU 24 hrs/wk; 7am-7:30pm or 7pm – 7:30am w/weekends RN – Medical Floor 36 hrs/wk; 7am-7:30pm or 7pm – 7:30am w/weekends RN – Obstetrics (Hospital) 24 hrs/wk; Night shift; OB experience required RN – Emergency Department 36 hrs/wk; 7pm – 7:30am, w/weekends RN – Float (Hospital) 36 hrs/wk; 7pm – 7:30am; w/weekends RN – Surgical Floor 36 hrs/wk; 7pm – 7:30am, w/weekends

HRIS Analyst-Human Resources 40 hrs/wk; Days; Salaried; Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or five years Applications/ Analysis experience and Associate degree in Computer Science required Certified Medical Assistant Oncology Clinic - 37 hrs/wk; Days LPN or Medical Assistant Cardiology Clinic – 36 hrs/wk; Days CNA-Medical Floor 24 hrs/wk; 7pm – 7:30am, w/weekends HUC/CNA-Medical Floor 40 hrs/wk; varying hours, w/weekends

RN – Operating Room 40 hrs/wk; 7am – 3:30pm, w/call

HUC/CNA-Emergency Department 12 hrs/wk; 7pm – 7:30 am, 1 day a week, w/ weekends

Physical Therapist-Home Nursing 20 hrs/wk; flexibility required; IL License required; 2 yrs. experience in health care setting required

Cardiac Monitor Technician-Critical Care Unit 24 hrs/wk; 6:30am – 7pm, w/weekends, CNA required

Ultrasound Tech PRN; Various shifts; ARRT or ARDMS required; IEMA license preferred Nuclear Medicine Tech PRN (as needed); cover high volumes, etc.

EMT-B, I or P - Pre-Hospital PRN (as needed); certification required Housekeeper I-Environmental Services 16 hrs/wk; 9pm – 6am, Every Friday and Saturday

CT Tech PRN; Various shifts; ARRT and IEMA required; 2 yrs. Experience in (CT) Scan required

Love a good challenge? Thrive on change?

Sales Professional Sauk Valley Media is seeking a full-time outside sales professional who can prospect, negotiate and has the ability to open new accounts as well as maintain, grow and serve existing accounts in an established territory.

As Sauk Valley’s premier provider of print and digital news and information, we rely on ground-breaking and innovative thinking to connect our audiences and advertisers. Our rapidly expanding portfolio of publications and websites has created new opportunities for professionals who share our passion for serving our customers.

The successful candidate will possess the ability to work with minimal supervision while maintaining focus and productivity to meet deadlines. This person will have experience creating and presenting client proposals as well as experience developing and maintaining client relationships. Our Multi-Media Account Executive must have the ability to strategically and creatively think in a fast-ppaced environment. Must have a valid drivers license, dependable transportation and proof of insurance.

Qualified candidates should send cover letter and resume to: Contact Jennifer Heintzelman Sauk Valley Media 3200 E. Lincolnway, P.O. Box 498, Sterling, IL 61081 jheintzelman@saukvalley.com

500 Anchor Road

Sauk Valley Media is an equal opportunity employer and a drugfree workplace.

Pre-employment drug screen and background check required.

P.O. Box 366 Dixon, IL 61021

S Those Extra Items Easily & Economically Using....

E SAUK VALLEY 815-625-3600 L LASSIFIEDS 815-284-2222 L

C

dailyGAZETTE

TELEGRAPH

B9

ROCK FALLS

STERLING 1BR, $375 mo. + dep. Stove & refrig.

563-880-8622

ASHTON ★★ 1&2 BR., Ashton/ F.G. 815-7512712/562-5075.★

2 Bedroom Great Location

$

495

PER MONTH

No Security Deposit Required

1-815-414-2288

NORTHLAND PARK APARTMENTS Studio’s, 1 & 2 BR Apts.

CALL FOR AVAILABILITY

(815) 632-7368 (Located Behind Northland Mall)

1 BR Apts.

No pets.

No Exceptions!

Call 815-716-0367.

DIXON 2BR 507 Van Buren. $575/mo + dep. Refs. req.

773-552-8498 2BR Duplex, gar. $550/mo, lease, no pets, snowplowing.

815-973-2831 3BR, 2 car atgarage. tached $825/mo. Lease & dep. req. H & H Rental Properties LLC. Call or text 815-625-7995.

Near Grand Detour 3BR on River. W/D h/u, 2 car garage.

No pets or smoking. $750/mo + $750 Dep. Call 815-652-3023

*Plus tax, title, license & doc fee.

2012 Buick Enclave CXL FWD, Black ..................................................$22,900* 2012 Chevy Equinox FWD 2LT, Loaded, White.....................................$15,900* 2011 Chevy 1500 Ext. Cab Z71 Gray....................................................$22,900* 2010 Chevy K1500 Crew Cab LT 4x4, Silver ..................................................$25,500* 2011 Chevy 1500 Ext. Cab LT 4x4, Black ..................................................$18,900*

Rt. 52 N. Sublette, IL

815-849-5232

“Great Deals, Great Service, Since 1926”

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

or 1-800-227-5203 After 6,849-5251

www.vaessenbrothers.com

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

VAESSEN BROTHERS

SAUK VALLEY

CLASSIFIEDS

JOB BOARD

PT 3rd Shift RN/LPN $1000 bonus PT CNA – 1st and 2nd shift

Good Samaritan Society - Prophets Riverview is accepting applications for RN’s, LPN’s, and CNA’s.

Please go and apply online at www.good-sam.com.

AA/EOE, M/F/Vet/Handicap, Drug Free Workplace.

Prophets Riverview

310 Mosher Dr. Prophetstown, IL 61277 815-537-5175

NOW HIRING

Customer Service up to $12/hr Administrative Assistant • Assembly 1st & 2nd Shifts Packaging 1st & 2nd Shifts • Production in Chadwick• Forklift Drivers $14 • Material Handlers $14 • General Labor $12.50 • Data Entry $12.50

Apply online. Visit: manpowerjobs.com Sterling Office 815.622.2814 Dixon Office 815.288.7800

COMPETITIVE WAGES/SIGN ON BONUS

Winning Wheels has openings for Certified C.N.A.’s.

Weekend Warrior Program $12/hour.

Apply online at: www.winningwheels.com Or in person at Winning Wheels 701 E. 3rd St. Prophetstown, IL 61277 Pre-employment drug screen, background check, and physical required

Maintenance Mechanic 2nd Shift (2:30pm – 11pm) Responsibilities:

Provide support for Production and Quality Control by repairing and adjusting production machinery Ensure minimum machine down time and product loss Performing mechanical and electrical machinery repair

Requirements:

Knowledge of, or ability to learn, a wide array of mechanical and electrical skills.

Understanding of electrical controls, machines and mechanical applications Ability to handle multiple priorities Good people and communication skills We Offer: Annual Bonus, Paid Vacation & Personal Time, 11 Paid Holidays/year, ear, Health Insurance, Dental, Disability & Life Insurance, Profit Sharing & 401(k), Fitness Center, Wellness Program, 10 Year Trips Please send resume to: Crest Foods, P.O. Box 371, Ashton, Il 61006 Attn: HR Crest Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

3BR Luxury apartment- 202 Market St. $1,200/month.

Kophamer and Blean Realty 815-772-2728

Next to

ALDI in Sterling

FOR RENT/SALE HOUSES & APTS. svla.org

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

PROPHETSTOWN

Garages Available

310

- USED VEHICLES -

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

DIXON MANOR APT- 2BR, 1 BA, CLOSE TO DOWNTOWN, SECURITY BLDG, HARDWOOD FLOORS, HEAT, WATER INCLUDED. CLEAN, QUIET. CALL FOR INFO & SHOWINGERICK; 815-7395806 ★Must See!★ 2BR very clean, quiet.

No smoking or pets. $500 + dep.

815-690-2711

3BR apt. 600 Griswold Ave. (Woosung is the town to Dixon). next Newly renovated and new appliances. No pets. $525/ mo. Sec. dep. req. Call Matt 310-750-5663

HOMES FOR RENT

*with 1 year lease

DIXON

WOOSUNG

2013 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab, Gray.......................................... $33,500* 2012 Chevy Colorado 2WD Crew LT, Red .......................................... $19,900* 2012 Chevy Impala LTZ, Sunroof, White’....................................... $12,900* 2012 Chevy 1500 LTZ 4x4 Ext. Cab, Sunroof, Red .......................................... $29,500* 2012 Chevy Equinox FWD 2LT w/ Leather , Black......................................... $18,000* 2012 Chevy Equinox 2LT FWD, Leather, White........................................ $17,900* 2012 Chevy 2500 Crew Cab LT 4x4, Silver........................................ $31,900* 2011 Chevy 1500 Crew Cab LT 4x4 Z71 Black......................................... $26,900* 2011 Chevy Suburban LTZ Maroon...................................... $34,000* 2011 Chevy Crew Cab LT, 4x4 Z71 18K Miles, Red............................ $28,900*

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

HAVING TROUBLE wording your ad?

Call our Classified Department today.

We'll be glad to help you.

626-SOLD or 284-SOLD

RIVER RIDGE APARTMENTS

Sinnissippi Townhomes First Mo. Free!

Spacious 2 BR. 2 story townhomes.

Central air, good location. Laundry hookup. (815)6261130.

2015 Chevy Impala 2LT, Silver......... $26,700* 2015 Chevy 1500 Crew Cab 4x4 LT, Brown ....................................... $36,500* 2015 Chevy Impala Limited LTZ, Silver........................................ $19,900* 2015 Chevy Traverse LT AWD, White........................................ $29,000* 2015 Chevy Equinox AWD LTZ, Black......................................... $29,900* 2015 Chevy Equinox FWD LT, Gray.......................................... $25,900* 2015 Chevy Impala Limited, Silver.... $17,900* 2015 Chevy Cruze LT, Gray.............. $18,500* 2015 Chevy Malibu LT, Gold............ $19,900* 2015 Chevy Impala LT, Gray............ $17,900* 2015 Chevy Cruze LTZ, Red............. $19,900* 2015 Chevy Cruze LT, Silver ............ $16,900* 2015 Chevy Traverse AWD LTZ White........................................ $37,900* 2014 Chevy 1500 Crew Cab LTZ 4x4, White........................................ $39,500* 2014 Chevy Cruze LTZ, Red............. $15,900* 2014 Chevy Impala LT, Blue ............ $21,400* 2014 Chevy Cruze Eco, White .......... $13,900* 2013 Chevy 1500 Crew Cab LTZ Z71 4x4, Silver........................................ $31,900* 2013 Chevy Traverse LTZ AWD, Gray.......................................... $32,900* 2013 Chevy Crew Cab Z71 LT, Maroon...................................... $28,800* 2013ChevyMalibu2LTE-AssistRed.... $17,500*

• 2015 Chevy Malibu 2LT, Sable MSRP $29,190........Sale $23,000 • 2015 Chevy Sonic LT, Summit White MSRP $19,170......Sale $14,000 • 2015 Chevy Trax LT FWD, Silver Ice MSRP $25,215......Sale $19,600 • 2015 Chevy Trax LTZ AWD, Ruby Red MSRP $28,305......Sale $21,500

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

APARTMENTS UNFURNISHED 306

STERLING

2BR, $420 815-562-7368 Rochelle Realty

• 2015 Chevy City Express LT, White MSRP $25,125......Sale $16,995 • 2015 Chevy Malibu 1LT, Iridescent Pearl MSRP $27,310......Sale $20,500 • 2015 Chevy Malibu 2LT, Champagne Silver MSRP $28,795......Sale $21,600 • 2015 Chevy City Express LT, Galvanized Silver MSRP $25,125......Sale $18,995

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

EFFICIENCIES! -InclusiveClean & Quiet 815-626-8790*

Water, sewer, garbage incl.

Coin W/D, No pets/ No parties.

Call Diana: 630-327-7046

* ALL INCLUDE ALL APPLICABLE REBATES & VBC DISCOUNTS.

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

APARTMENTSFURNISHED 305

2 BR for $500

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

Advertise your mobile homes for sale here!!

(815)626-1431

CHRISTMAS SPECIALS!

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

MOBILE HOMES 230

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

MOBILE HOMES 230

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

3BR project house, 401 W 6th St. $20k 815-718-5488

606 W. Lefevre 2 BR $535.00 1 BR $465.00 1 Studio $390.00 Partial Heat, Water, Sewer, Refuse Removal, Laundry Facilities, Satellite

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

STERLING

Whiteside County Housing Authority is accepting applications for 2, 3 & 4 Bedroom Apts At Coloma Homes.

Coloma amenities include: playgrounds, sheds, and close proximity to shopping and schools.

Stove and fridge inc.

Electric, trash removal, and water included. Nominal fee for basic cable. Qualified applicants will beet income guidelines.

Applications may be picked up at WCHA 401 W 18th St. Rock Falls IL.

Newer 2 Bedroom $599.00 & Up Applcs., Fireplaces 2002 3rd Ave. 1836 First Ave.

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

2BR, $500mo. No pets. Edon Apts.

815-441-3999

Reduced 410 VanBuren $15,000 Please leave message 815-440-3478

Sterling Rentals

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

1 & 2 BR Hampton Apts.

815-625-7043

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

DIXON

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

STERLING

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

209

ROCK FALLS

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

CARS815.com

FOR SALE

BY OWNER

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

SEARCH FOR LOCAL CARS

SAUK VALLEY MEDIA • Saturday, December 26, 2015 • PAGE B9

B10 SAUK VALLEY MEDIA • Saturday, December 26, 2015 • PAGE B10

WRAP UP THE DEALS, WRAP UP THE YEAR.

DROP OFF LOCATION!

ASK US ABOUT OUR:

Costco Discount Program Supplier Discount Program

Military Discount Program

NEW YEAR SAVINGS EVENT! New 2015 Chevrolet

New 2015 Chevrolet

Silverado 1500 Crew Cab 4x4 LT

Malibu LS Stk#2540

Sterling g Price:

19,988 $ 259

Stk#2549, MSRP $47,695

$

Sterling g Price:

37,695 $ 10,000 $

p per month! m

4 MORE IN STOCK!

O OFF MSRP! M

• PRE-OWNED • PRE-OWNED • PRE-OWNED • PRE-OWNED • PRE-OWNED • 2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA LT

2014 Chevrolet Captiva Sport LS

Stk#P1073A PRICE: $6,488 $

Stk#P1098A PRICE: $9,988 $

2015 Hyundai Elantra SE

Stk#P1140 PRICE: $13,988 $

Stk#P1138 PRICE: $14,588 $

2011 GMC TERRAIN SLE-1

2015 FORD ESCAPE SE

2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT

2014 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500HD SRW LTZ

2007 PONTIAC G6 1SV

145 per mo

146 per mo

204 per mo

Stk#P1139 PRICE: $22,588 $

Stk#P1079 PRICE: $20,988 $

Stk#P1102 PRICE: $15,588 $

Stk#2555A PRICE: $47,588 $

329 per mo

306 per mo

227 per mo

209 per mo

694 per mo

Hurry In For Best Selection!

1824 N North th LLocustt Street, St t St Sterling, li IL 61081

(815) 625-2700

2

Dixon

Sterling

Morrison 30

www.sterlingchevy.com

38

2 52

88 30

88

26

2

52

Sublette

SALES ES HOURS: Monday - Thursday 9am 9am-8pm, 8pm Friday 9am -6pm, 6pm Sa Saturday 9am-5pm

All offers plus tax, title, license, & doc fee. To qualified buyers. All payments based on 2.99% for 75 months. Malibu payment based on 2.9% APR for 75 mos. per $1,000 financed and $1,998 down. Dealer will not honor pricing errors in this advertisement. No prior sales. Savings from MSRP. MSRP may not be the value at which vehicle is sold in the trade area. Offers expire 3 days from pub.

$

21,900 *

$

STK# 1376

2014 CHEVY EQUINOX LT

LOADED 4x4

LOCAL TRADE

9,900 *

$

STK# 1382

2013 DODGE DART SXT LOW MILES

23,995 *

$

STK# 1420

2014 CHEVY IMPALA LT SHARP

$

13,995 *

2007 FORD EDGE SEL PLUS

LEATHER, 1 OWNER

LOW MILES

23,900 *

$

STK# 1392

32,900 *

$

17,900 *

2013 DODGE JOURNEY SXT 3RD ROW SEAT

$

15,900 *

2013 CHRYSLER 200 TOURING LOW PAYMENTS

$

LOCAL TRADE

$

STK# 1373

10,800 *

$

2013 CHRYSLER 300 AWD LOADED

31,900 *

$

$

STK# 1385

SHARP

$

STK# 1354

2014 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY TOURING LEATHER, DVD

8,995 *

$

2011 FORD EDGE SEL

1 OWNER, MOONROOF

19,495 *

$

STK# 160019A

13,800 *

$

STK# 1317

2013 FORD EXPLORER XLT LEATHER, 1 OWNER

16,900 * STK# 1290

26,995 * STK# 160056A

2008 FORD EXPEDITION EDDIE BAUER 4X4 LOCAL TRADE

17,995 * STK# 160016A

SHARP!!

18,995 *

24,995 * STK# 1408

2004 DODGE RAM 4X4

CREW CAB 4x4

2014 FORD ESCAPE SE

$

STK# 150182B

2014 DODGE RAM SLT 4X4 $

21,995 * STK# 1407

STK# 1380

STK# 160018B

2012 FORD ESCAPE LIMITED

11,995 * STK# 1353

STK# 1144

STK# 1379

2013 FORD EDGE SEL $

13,900 *

14,900 * STK# 1257

STK# 1326

2010 DODGE CALIBER SXT $

$

STK# 1429

2008 CHEVY AVALANCHE $

20,400 *

$

5,995 *

NEW ARRIVAL! STK# 1296A

2010 FORD F-150 4X4 CREW CAB

F-250SD

YOU GOTTA SEE THIS ONE!

SHARP

$

32,995 *

$

7,995 *

NEW ARRIVAL!

NEW ARRIVAL!

2012 GMC ACADIA DENALI AWD

2008 GMC ENVOY

2013 FORD FIESTA HATCHBACK

$

12,495 * STK# 140282A

2012 FORD FUSION

2013 FORD FUSION SE

LOW MILES

$

SHARP

15,995 *

$

STK# 1404A

2001 FORD MUSTANG GT V8 POWER

9,995 *

$

STK# 150216A

21,500 * STK# 1361

STK# 1377A

STK# 150218A

LOCAL,1 OWNER, SHARP

LOCAL TRADE

2012 HYUNDAI VELOSTER SUNROOF, SHARP

2011 NISSAN ROGUE AWD LOW MILES

2007 TOYOTA TACOMA

LOCAL TRADE, WON’T LAST

2015 FORD TAURUS LIMITED LEATHER

WWW.PRESCOTTROCHELLE.COM

800-939-0762

620 SOUTH 7TH STREET (HWY 251 SOUTH) ROCHELLE, IL 61068

Roger Wakenight

Chad Young

Jim Stephanie Blomberg VanBuren

Ed McKee

Jason Gelwicks

Jesse Lopez

P R E S C O T T P R O M I S E P R O C E R T I F I E D L I F E T I M E W A R R A N T Y C O V E R S Q U A L I F I E D N E W & P R E - O W N E D V E H I C L E S T H AT A R E L E S S T H A N 8 0 K M I L E S A N D U P T O 5 Y E A R S O L D . * P L U S TA X , T I T L E L I C E N S E . B A S E D O N L E A S I N G N E W F O R D W I T H F O R D C R E D I T. Q U A L I F I C AT I O N B A S E D O N C R E D I T, N O T A L L W I L L Q U A L I F Y 2 B A S E D O N T O TA L U . S . R E P O R T E D S A L E S O F F U L L - L I N E A U T O B R A N D S O F F E R I N G M U LT I P L E U T I L I T Y V E H I C L E S . B A S E D O N 2 0 1 1 - 2 0 1 4 C A L E N D A R Y E A R S A L E S .

FIND

Your New Vehicle

dailyGazette Sauk Valley Weekend Telegraph

&

Online at...

Saukvalley.com

B11 SAUK VALLEY MEDIA • Saturday, December 26, 2015 • PAGE B11

DIXON

Go BOLD

Get SOLD Bold type

draws readers to your ad.

Get your ad noticed!

GO BOLD CLASSIFIEDS SAUK VALLEY dailyGAZETTE

TELEGRAPH

WOOD / FUEL

Newly remodeled 2 BR, 2 bath, 2 car gar., no smoking or pets $700 mth 815-973-6774 Why Rent? ™ Fully remodeled 3BR home $725/mo.

82 Grant Ave. 815-878-6356

ROCK FALLS 1 Bed House Rock Falls $425/mo available immediately 815-622-2725 SNLRentals.com 2 Bed House Rock Falls $545/mo available immediately 815-622-2725 SNLRentals.com MOVE IN SPECIAL: One month FREE rent from 1/1 thru 1/31/16, quiet community for 55+, 663 sq. ft., 1BR, 1 BA, patio, washer/ dryer, C/A, utilities paid for except electric, community room available to use. Rent $500/ mo., $250 sec. dep. Section 8 accepted.

Contact Rock Falls Living Center, 2202 12th Ave. Rock Falls, IL, 815-622-9940

2BR, 1½ BA close to Civic center. No pets. 815-590-3026 Cute 3BR,

Rent like a Winner™

Nice yard, gas heat 1204 Ave. J. $598 815-878-7399 311

Secured 3 acre w/ high bays and office, 3818 River Rd., Sterling.

815-626-8790

MOBILE HOMES FOR RENT

315

LOANS

402

THE CLASSIFIED Advertising Department of Sauk Valley Media does not have the opportunity to fully investigate the credibility of each advertiser appearing within these columns. If an offer sounds “too good to be true” it probably is.

Proceed with caution if you are asked to send money or to give a credit card number.

Proceed with caution in calling 900 phone numbers. All phone numbers prefixed by “900” are charged to the CALLER. Charges may be assessed on a “per minute” basis rather than a “per call” basis.

Sauk Valley Classified makes every effort to qualify these charges for the reader.

If you have a concern about an advertiser, please contact the Better Business Bureau 330 N. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60611.

312-832-0500

AREA GARAGE SALES 624 ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES 705 I Buy: Antiques, collectibles, toys, post cards, etc.

815-445-6151.

CALL

WOOD / FUEL

Seasoned Hard Wood For Sale in Galt $60 per load 815-631-2271

FURNITURE

755

3pc. Living room group- couch, love seat & chair, Tan. $900. Great shape!

815-535-8108.

Ashley South Bay king size mattress, box spring, frame & headboard with nightstands. Memory foam mattress with pillow top. $975. Call 815380-5926.

Mattress sets: Twin $99, Full $129, Queen $159, King $199. Will deliver! Kern Mattress Outlet, call 309452-7477.

Silky pale gold M cat, approx 2-3 yr. old, fixed & shots up to date, Free to good home 815622-2622

PETS & PET SUPPLIES 775 Free Adorable Kittens to a good home, Ready for Christmas!!

Call Laura 815-626-9046

Golden Doodles 9 males, Apricot. $700 each 563-212-7307

STERLING

COMMERCIAL RENTAL

746

746

Oak firewood split & delivered. Call 815-441-3299.

Shepherd Lab mix puppies, males & females, $75 each 815-716-0084 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!

SNOWBLOWERS 782 722 Simplicity 2 stage self propelled snow blower 7HP, pull start.

Exc Cond. $425 FIRM. 815-973-3223

TICKETS / TRAVEL 787 & EVENTS No person or business, unless properly licensed by the Illinois Secretary of State, may sell ticket(s) for any sporting event or otherwise, for more than the price printed upon the face of the said ticket(s).

Only licensed ticket brokers may legally advertise, negotiate and execute the sale of ticket(s) for any amount over what is printed upon the face of ticket.

TOOLS & MACHINERY

792

Retired Mechanic, selling tools-Mac & Snap-On, $25,000 invested—Asking $10,000/obo. Serious Inquiries only.

Call Mike for details. 309-716-7382

WANT TO BUY 795 I Pay Cash 4 Gold, Silver, Coins & Antiques 24/7 815-564-9061 Skid loader in any condition 563-212-7699

MISCELLANEOUS 796 FOR SALE -Military Field Desk w/ stool.

-M-65 Field Jackets -Polypropylene underwear and more!

Princeton Military Surplus 11 E Putnem St. Princeton IL. Tues.-Sat. 10-5 815-875-1096 4hp Torro 2 cycle 21” snowblower, runs good, $55 815-625-1606 8x12 Tiny Home, 2 bunk beds, one loft, toilet, lots of shelving. All insulated, elect. Steel roof, steel siding.

OSB behind steel.

Easy to move. $3500 FIRM 815-994-3339 Beer lights and signs for sale. $15. 815-973-1334 Cal Spa Hot Tub for sale in excellent condition. Lots of jets, waterfall, different colored lights, head rests and I will give you all the chemicals. It has hardly been used. If interested I will send you pictures. $3500. Originally it cost $7,000.

Call 815-994-2009 Computer desk, O'Sullivan brand, good condition, $100. 815-9731334

NEW TODAY Conceal and Carry Illinois, Florida & Utah. Pepper Spray Training for those oppose firearms.

Excellent defense for men & women.

No license or permits req. Includes training, legal use, referral packet, certification, 1 can of professional pepper spray. Will come to your location. Info.

815-716-8478 Rock Falls, IL. Security Officers training in all categories. ISP- DPR IL, Florida & Utah Firearms Instructor.

Make plans for the day Saturday December 26, 2015 CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Go over your end-of-year checklist to make sure you have taken care of any paperwork that should be dealt with before the year comes to a close.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Stick close to home and enjoy time spent with children or loved ones. Getting your house in order will make you feel good and prepared for what’s to come.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Travel somewhere exciting or visit someone you love.

Favors will be granted, and new possibilities will open up through the people you encounter.

Romance is highlighted.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Try to relax and get back on course. Bring about the changes that will help you realize your full potential. Aim to forge ahead in a new direction.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Make plans for the day. Conversations and email exchanges or getting involved in a cultural event will lead to new possibilities as well as domestic improvements. Take advantage of what’s offered.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Do your best to figure out what you want. Upcoming negotiations will have to be handled diplomatically. If you have a well-thought-out plan to present, you will get what you want.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Host a gathering or get involved in an event that allows you to express a family tradition.

Sharing memories with people you love will be uplifting.

Romance is encouraged.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -Remember those who have done so much for you in the past. Visit an older friend or relative and offer some festive cheer. Your generosity and thoughtfulness will be rewarded in an unusual way.

the enemy. Bide your time and keep the peace.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Travel should be your first choice, but if that’s not possible, join in an activity that will offer unusual entertainment. If nothing else, it’s a perfect day for intimacy.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Make changes at home that will add to its comfort and convenience. Invite friends over to reminisce about the year gone by. Be careful not to overdo it.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Interact with people you find stimulating. If you share your ideas, you will attract interest as well as a potential partner for a venture you want to pursue.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Keep a low profile when dealing with sensitive situations regarding someone you are emotionally tied to. Impulse is

©2015 UFS

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: F equals W “ K T YA J N A D B Z S J S X N W W K T S X D J .

J B S E D B Z S J S X I Y, K T Y X S N I S X DBZ ... DBZ ZBYJX’K YHSJK FSKTBCK I Y. ” - - I B M D N X E M Y Y I N X Previous Solution: “There’s a lot of cynicism. Let’s really enjoy Christmas, with all that’s going on in the world.” -- Bob Newhart

Doll house, 4 level, with furniture, great shape, $95.

815-973-1334.

Epiphany & Cypress Serious 6.4 Home theater surround sound systems $250 obo 815-440-0029 Free 40” Sharp tv.

Works great.

Will help load into vehicle.

Call 815-677-8119 Looking for 2 sofa cushions. Good cond. Any color.

Call 815-284-0970 Order Your Homemade/ Hand Delivered Holiday Cakes and Cookies Now! 815-677-4137 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 Twin, full, queen, king beds. Elec. lift chair, full bed, dryer, washer, table & chairs, recliners, sofa, dresser, BR set, freezer, refrig.

815-718-4385.

815-625-3600 815-284-2222

To place your AD TODAY!

Astrograph

Sudoku!

Answer on B13

PUZZLE ENTHUSIASTS: Get more puzzles in “Random House Crossword MegaOmnious” Vols. 1 & 2

B12 SAUK VALLEY MEDIA • Saturday, December 26, 2015 • PAGE B12

Share your passion to be featuredin the next ad #PASSIONTOWORK

Whether it’s higher education, mentoring, or something completely unique, you may be surprised at how many jobs are connected to the things you love.

So bring your passion to partnerurl.com/monster and start searching. Who saukvalley.com/jobs/ knows, you might find the perfect opportunity to put your passion to work.

Monster. Find Better.®

PARTNER LOGO

HERE

SERVICE DIRECTORY

B13 A1

SAUK VALLEY MEDIA • Saturday, December 26, 2015 • PAGE B13

SAUK VALLEY

Air Cond./Heating

Handyman

Eikenberry Sheet Metal 412 E. 3rd Sterling Service work heating & cooling; gas, electric. Free estimates. Accept Visa & MC on all new installations.

LawnCare Service •Pot Holes •Leaf clean up •House clean up •Large hauling (dirt, gravel, sand) •Gutters •Pressure washing •Snow Plowing •Free Estimates• 815-590-6336

CALL 815-625-0955

FARLEY'S APPLIANCE Heating & Cooling Sale & Service Free Estimates New & Replacement Units We service all brands!

Call Today (815)284-2052

Alterations SHOE REPAIR ZIPPER REPAIR & ALTERATIONS Grummert's Hardware Sterling, Rock Falls, & also Shaw's Marketplace 214 Washington Prophetstown

815-989-8320

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

PAUL’S HANDYMAN SERVICE “Anything Your Husband Won’t Do!” •Experience On All Manner of Home Repairs & Maintenance since 1986 (815)631-4122

www.mullerslane farm.com

Haul/Clean Service JOHN'S CLEANUP & REMOVAL Anything goes!!

Estate Cleanups PHONE 815-622-0240

Home Improvement

Dumpster Rental

✶Since 1981✶ ◆Home Improvement ◆New Construction

Winter is the perfect time to build your garage, addition or remodel bath or kitchen!!

Randy L. Moore

815-626-1333

IL State Roofing Licensed 104-002247(1986) Bonded-Insured

Painting PRATER Paint & Waterproofing Specializing in •Residential •Commercial •Farm & •Industrial Call for your FREE painting or sandblasting estimate 815-626-5165

Mobil Pressure Wash Service • Commercial, • Residential & • Semis You name it.... we clean it!

Call Ben 815-590-2694

Remodeling

Dumpster Rental for Clean-ups & Construction Small & Large containers avail.

Tidy Bug Inc. Dixon, IL tidybuginc.com 815-456-3001

Genl. Contracting ASSOCIATED Services Enterprise, LLC

Excavating Hauling •Tandem Dump Trucks •Skidsteers Guaranteed Low Rates 815-618-2717

Shaffer's Seamless Gutters

Gutter Protection Systems Owner Scott Shaffer 815-677-5579 Dixon, Illinois

Handyman HANDYMAN/ GENERAL CONTRACTING Bathroom/Kitchen Rehabs, Complete Remodels, Drywall Painting, Flooring (tile, linoleum, wood, carpet) All types of home repairs.

Free Estimates Insured-Bonded 815-564-7428

Snowmobile Repair

Snowmobile & ATV Service Repair & Accessories Your Local Amsoil Dealer!

Be Ready Before The Snow Flies!!

10576 Buell Rd. Rock Falls 815-622-9370

Storage Units (Big & Small) $35-$45 per month No Deposit Flexible Terms Open Every Day **We accept debit or credit cards** 2213 New Century Drive, Dixon 61021 815-618-2717

STORAGE UNITS Multiple Sizes Starting at $35 No appt. needed Located inside MOORE TIRES 2411 E. Rt 30 Rock Falls (815)625-3764

www.allsafe center.com High-Security Storage Solutions and Much More!

•Climate Controlled Storage •Low-Cost Moving Truck Rental •Confidential Document Shredding •We Ship FedEx & UPS! •Expert Packaging Services •Value Boxes & Packaging Supplies •EBAY and EMOTORS Internet Auction Sales Over 15,000 Sales •Office Hours: Mon-Fri. ☛ 8:306, Sat. ☛ 8:30noon 690 Timber Creek Rd. Dixon, (815)285-2212

✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤

Roofing

“Area's #1 Roofing Contractor IL Lic# 104-015191 Licensed, Bonded & Insured •Roofing •Siding •Windows •Decks •Additions •Garages & More Residential & Commercial Call now to schedule your FREE Estimate!

Will beat any leading competitor price 815-590-2677 Looking for the perfect home?

Read Sauk Valley estate section and Real Estate Weekly on Thursdays.

Tree Service MEISTER TREE CARE Specializing in all of your tree care needs.

Certified pesticide & herbicide applicator & line clearance tree trimming .

Storm clean up & specialty work.

Free Estimates No job too big or too small!

Licensed, Bonded Insured Safety and your satisfaction is my #1 goal!

815-994-1750

TV Repair

TELEVISION IN HOME REPAIR 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE! Work on all Brands & Models Old or New Serving the Sauk Valley and More Call Ron for a free quote at 815-561-0011 Dixon, IL

Water Softeners The Softener Man Repair on all makes & models Service Call Special $19.95 Over 30 years experience 815-323-1622

Windows

BRAD'S TREE SERVICE A division of Timber Industries, LLC. Tree & Limb Removal Stump Removal Storm Clean-up Mulch & Firewood •Free Estimates •Fully Insured 815-857-3674 Cole's Complete Tree Service Tree Trimming Stump Removal

Snow Removal Snow Plowing Licensed and Insured *Free Estimates* 25HR Emergency Service Call 815-718-2997 Donnie Cole colestree service@outlook.com

Need to place an ad?

Call us 625-3600 284-2222

AUTOMOBILES 905

815

HAVING TROUBLE wording your ad? Call our classified department today. We'll be glad to help you. 626SOLD or 284SOLD.

Family farming operation wanting to expand; looking for land to cash rent or 50/50.

Please send replies to Box #:1311 ,c/o Sauk Valley Classifieds, P.O.Box 498, Sterling, IL 61081

LIVESTOCK / SUPPLIES

TRUCKS

“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

C Print All E Your L Special Events E Here!

B R A T I CALL O N TODAY S

910

1983 Ford F250 XL 4x4 7.3 Diesel w/ plow. $3500 1995 Chevrolet S 10 Blazer 4x4 new motor trans. 6.4 $3500 1997 Chevrolet 8' truck box. $800 2003 Toper Short box. $200 815-626-7165 or 815-441-2559

840

3 year old Angus Bull. Very docile, produces good calves. $2,000 815-499-6613 Purebred Pygmy Goat Kids, 5 wks., shots, dehorned, neutered 815-6317391 (no texting)

1997 Chevy S10 ext. cab, 157k mi., bedliner, runs good, $2000 815-632-3397

AUTOMOBILES 905

NEW REAL DEAL

4X4S

FOR ITEMS OVER $300

A 5 Line REAL DEAL

912

NEW TODAY

ad runs for 30 days in Sauk Valley Classifieds, 4 Ogle County Papers, The Review, Prairie Advocate, and saukvalley.com all for only $42!

Special must be mentioned at time of ad placement.

2006 Jeep Liberty 4x4 6cyl., brand new cond. 100K mi. Garage kept. $6300. Must see!

815-590-1677.

Offer expires 12/31/15 No Commercial Advertising, Pets, Garage Sales, Wood/ Fuel, Tickets/ Travel or Real Estate

PARTS & ACC.

925

Aluminum topper for 1993 Toyota light pick up truck, $50. 815-535-8974

2002 Toyota Camry, Looks & runs great 252k mi. $3200 OBO 815-625-6629

Goodyear 14" snow tires and rims for small Toyota pick up, never used, $50. 815535-8974.

2014 Cadillac ATS Luxury Edit., silver, black leather. 4yr to GM bumper bumper warranty, 9K mi. $26,900.

Jeff 815-631-7610

MOTORCYCLES

935

2008 Harley Davidson 1200 Sportster Custom, low miles, $4,500 815-499-9409

TRAILERS/RVS

945

Quality Vehicles

2008 Pace American 4 placed enclosed drive-on drive-off snowmobile trailer $3,900 815-716-0297

1707 EAST 4TH ST., STERLING

815-625-9600

2009 Single Axle (load trail) trailer.

5'x10' dove tail & drop down ramp.

Set up w/ removable wheel chock to carry bigger motorcycle. $1,000 815-535-3503

SNOWMOBILES

$

2011 Ski Doo MXZ TNT well maintained sled, always stored indoors.

3400 mi. $5,300 815-499-1640

AUTOS WANTED

96' Chevy Lumina, low mi. dependable. $2,200 OBO. 815-631-3130 leave message

15,999!

*

YOUR CHOICE!

955

2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SE

960

$$$$$$$$$$$$$ 815-499-3543

CASH 4-CARS

We are licensed & insured to buy vehicles. Running or non running, scrap, Ect. 7 days a week.

All Calls Answered!

(815)499-3543 $$$$$$$$$$$$$

5-CYLINDER, LEATHER INTERIOR, KEYLESS ENTRY & MORE!

2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU LT

Classifieds Work!

C CCLASSIFIEDS LASSIFIEDS SAUK VALLEY SAUK VALLEY SAUK VALLEY

LASSIFIEDS

creditautosales dixon.com Always over 100+ vehicles to choose from.

Storage

Tree Service

Gutters American Energy Savers “Sauk Valley's Oldest & Best Seamless Gutter Company” Always Flow Seamless Gutters Call Dan Maloney 815-288-4525

Specializing in: •Seamless Gutters •Siding •Roofing •Doors/Windows General Contracting & Construction 815-213-0704 Free Estimates •Licensed •Bonded •Insured

Frank's Performance

Fully Insured Free Estimates!

www.advanced cleaners.biz

Illinois License #104.016127 Bonded/Insured •Roofing •Siding • Windows •Doors •Additions• •Garages •Drywall •Decks and more Free Estimates 815-213-0556

Snowmobile Repair

Power Washing

815-632-3822

Roofing/Siding

FARM LAND WANTED

dailyGAZETTE

dailyGAZETTE dailyGAZETTE

TELEGRAPH

TELEGRAPH TELEGRAPH

815-284-2224 815-625-3600

Credit Auto Sales www.creditautosalesdixon.com Email: Phone:

(815) 288-1716 (815) 288-2406

creditautodixon@yahoo.com Fax: (815) 288-6183 601 IL Route 2, Dixon, IL 61021

4-CYLINDER, CLOTH & LEATHER SEATING, HEATED BUCKET SEATS

2013 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S

Hours: Monday-Friday: 9am-6pm Saturday: 9am-3pm

TR IV I A AN SW ER 1) Kallikantzaroi

4-CYLINDER, BACK UP CAMERA, DUAL ZONE HEAT, KEYLESS ENTRY

2) shoe

2014 CHEVROLET IMPALA LIMITED

Before you make a move call…

SHIPPERTS Moving & Storage

404 N. Lincoln Ave., Dixon, IL 288-3133 www.alliedvan.com ILL CC 10540

US DOT 76235

V-6, KEYLESS ENTRY, TILT STEERING W/ AUDIO & BLUETOOTH

2013 FORD FOCUS SE

• Births

• Graduates • Reunions

• And More

4-CYLINDER, KEYLESS ENTRY W/ REMOTE START, TILT STEERING W/ AUDIO& BLUETOOTH

2009 LINCOLN MKS

625-3600 or

284-2222

V-6,POWERSLIDINGPANORAMIC MOONROOF,LEATHER INTERIOR,KEYLESSENTRY

www.majeskimotors.com Mon.-Thur. 9-7 • Fri. 9-6 • Sat. 8:30am-4pm *Plus tax, title, license & doc fee. Dealer not liable for errors.

Photos for illustration only.

Wheels www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • B14

Saturday, December 26, 2015

2016 Mazda CX-3

Paid Advertisement

By Larry Printz Tribune News Service (TNS)

I

f it seems that everything is getting smaller, that’s because it is. Oh sure, people claim that the world is getting smaller, but other things are shrinking as well. You could say that there are fewer intelligent politicians, but really, there weren’t many to begin with. Certainly paychecks have gotten smaller, but that goes without saying.

Now, you can add the sport utility vehicle to the list.

Maybe you didn’t notice, but there are a number of subcompact SUVs vying for your attention, including the Buick Encore, Chevrolet Trax, Fiat 500X, Honda HR-V, Jeep Renegade, Kia Soul, Nissan Juke and today’s subject, the new 2016 Mazda CX-3.

This peep of a vehicle adeptly channels the looks of its sportier Mazda siblings, including the Mazda3 hatchback. But the CX-3 is 7.3 inches shorter thanks to its platform, which is derived from the Mazda2, a car no longer sold

by Mazda in the United States.

Instead, it is sold by Scion as the iA sedan, which is 2.9 inches narrower and 2.2 inches shorter than the Mazda, yet shares its 101.2inch wheelbase.

This gives the Mazda CX-3 an impressive, planted stance, one that enhances its sporty, athletic appeal. The silver trim that frames the CX-3’s grille horizontally melds seamlessly into the headlamps that anchor the corners of the car, enhancing its wide stance. A sharp beltline undulates along the side windows, arching over the rear wheels and flowing under the rear window, tautly tying the vehicle together with a sensuous, muscular look. Given that some crossovers in this class look like ungainly lumps the Encore and Trax come to mind the

146-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder matched to a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual-shift mode.

CX-3’s assertive allure is quite a mains composed under any of feat for such a small car. the conditions that you throw at it, so this is a true Mazda.

Of course, the Mazda’s aggressive appearance is more than While the fast and furious crowd mere window dressing. Unlike may not find the CX-3’s 146 some of its competitors, the CX-3 horsepower fleet enough for their boasts a fairly large engine: a taste although you might wonder 146-horsepower, 2.0-liter four- if any car would be _ most drivcylinder matched to a six-speed ers will find it sufficient, although automatic transmission with a you will have to rev this little manual-shift mode. Front-wheel beastie to get the most out of it. drive is standard; all-wheel drive On the flip side, fuel economy is is optional. commendable.

Climb into the front seats and The CX-3’s specs don’t suggest you’ll find a sophisticatedly that it should be anything special sporty instrument panel that with its MacPherson strut front lacks the visual clutter comsuspension and torsion beam mon to modern interiors. There’s rear axle. But this is a Mazda, and pleasing simplicity that looks as its goodness belies its numbers. it comes from a pricier car. All This fun-to-drive trucklet lends controls are easy to figure out at the driver the confidence to take a glance. on the world, be it tackling a twisting road or a snow-covered Interior space is adequate up cul-de-sac. The steering is nicely front, but cramped in the rear, weighted, and firm suspension especially when it comes to legkeeps everything snubbed down room. Best to fold down the rear and under control. The CX-3 re- seat and expand the 12.4 cubic-

foot cargo hold.

The CX-3 is offered in three flavors: entry-level Sport, mid-level Touring and all-in Grand Touring.

Even the base Sport model is blessed with a lot of niceties, including backup camera, remote keyless entry, push-button starter power windows, power door locks and a seven-inch, full-color touchscreen with an infotainment suite with Bluetooth for phone and audio streaming. Allwheel drive is a $1,250 option.

Stepping up to the Touring nets you leatherette trimmed heated seats, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, heated side mirrors, a center armrest and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter. An optional $1,410 Touring Technology Package adds a power moonroof, SiriusXM and HD radio and a rear cargo cover.

As you’d expect, the top-of-theline Grand Touring includes the Touring Technology Package equipment as standard equipment along with navigation, adaptive front lighting, head-up display, leather and suede seats, a seven-speaker Bose audio system, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and LED lighting. An optional $1.920 i-ACTIVSENSE package includes radar cruise control, smart brake support, high beam control system, lane departure warning system, rain-sensing wipers and automatic on/off headlights.

No matter which trim level you choose, you’ll find the CX-3 to be a smartly styled, fuel-efficient, fun-to-drive, affordable allweather friend.

Its bigness of spirit belies its small size. So even though the world is getting smaller, there are good things to be found in small packages.

Denny Bellows Celebrates

KEN NELSON / CHRYSLER; 10.4579 in; 10 in; Black plus one; 140018-1226

5 4 years

and still counting...

45 Years of Service, Selling Vehicles at Ken Nelson Auto Group 45 years. It’s his love for cars and changing environment that drew him to Ken Nelson Auto Group. All it took was a phone conversation back in 1970 between Denny and Chuck Stephenitch that made the career switch from construction to selling cars official.

Working in the dealership environment was a lot different back then than what it is today. There were fewer models and fewer salesmen on the showroom floor.

Mr. Bellows was the “Green Pea” a new kid working on the sales floor and had other Senior Sales Professional to watch, learn and look up to; taking in everything he could to mold him into the Sales Professional he is today.

72 Hour work weeks is not an easy task and being a car salesman is not an easy job. Put the 2 together and it takes someone with a lot of dedication to become successful. Mr. Bellows is that someone.

He provides his customers with the highest level of customer service.

Giving each customer the time and attention they deserve. Over 45 years it’s the customer or as Denny refers to them, his friends and their friendships that has him loving what he does every day.

There are always new challenges to face every day. Handling and knowing all the

vehicle makes and models in additional to the yearly production changes ensures that Mr. Bellows stays current with his education and training so he can help assist his customers whether it be questions on their vehicles through service or sales. Juggling not only his career but family time and finding that balance has been hard to do. Especially when selling a vehicle or prospecting customers doesn’t just stop at work, but seems to follow him wherever he goes.

With all those challenges, Mr. Bellows has come out ahead. Working hard and putting in the time. He has received awards month after month for Salesmen of the Month which then leads to the Ultimate Salesmen of the Year title. If they had a salesmen of the last couple of decades award, Mr. Bellows would also take home that title. When asked where Denny sees himself in 5 years… his answer… Spending more time with his family and probably still selling cars. So if you are in the market for a vehicle or know of someone that will be in the market soon, stop in and see Mr. Denny Bellows. The man whose been at the same dealership location for 45 years, serving his new, current and previous customers with integrity, endurance and trustworthiness

Business

www.saukvalley.com

Section C

SV Weekend

Saturday, December 26, 2015

ON THE JOB

Take all the time off you want Small but growing number of companies offer unlimited vacation Tribune News Service

Unlimited vacation time sounds like a pretty good job perk.

Social media site LinkedIn this year joined the still-small-but-growing roster of companies offering employees as much time off as they’d like – with the understanding that the offer is good only if they get their work done.

Estimates about how many companies offer open-ended vacations run in the 2 to 4 percent range, mostly small startups but including none other than General Electric, which earlier this year began offering unlimited vacation time to many of its executives.

What’s in it for the companies?

Besides being a strong recruit-

ment and retention tool, such policies can free companies from any unused vacation pay liability if they currently allow vacation days to accrue.

Proponents say the policies also bestow a sense of “ownership” among employees that cultivates a more committed workforce.

TIME OFF CONTINUED ON C8

daveRAMSEY

SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT | DIXON

Financial straight talk.

For more advice, plus special readers offers, visit davesays. org or call 88822-PEACE.

Fractured family?

Agree to disagree

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Eric and Dina Bushman have opened Luck on First, a gambling parlor in downtown Dixon.

They want a good First impression Owners of new gambling parlor give their customers a quiet, casual place to bet a few bucks

BY JERMAINE PIGEE jpigee@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5525 @JPigee84

DIXON – When most owners open a business, the last thing they want to do is keep things quiet. But the owners of new gambling lounge in Dixon are hoping to do just that.

Now that doesn’t mean they don’t want to get the word out about their business.

They just want that word to be “quiet” or “casual,” and they’re betting that the idea of a more relaxed place to gamble will pay

off. Eric Bushman and his wife, Dina, and Eric’s brother-in-law, David Dempsey Jr., opened Luck on First Gaming Lounge at 420 W. First St. in September.

“This is basically just a gaming parlor where people can come in and relax – a convenient, discrete and comfortable place,” said Eric.

There’s an ATM and payout machine on site, and Luck on First customers can munch on free snacks and refreshments.

There’s also a mini-bar that serves beer only.

LUCK CONTINUED ON C8

Details

Luck on First is located at 420 W. First St. in Dixon.

It’s open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Monday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, call 815-284-0577.

The lounge can also be found on Facebook by searching “Luck on 1st”.

Dear Dave, I haven’t spoken to my mom and sister in more than 6 months. Over time, I realized we have a real clash of moral values that has led to arguments and hard feelings. Lately, with it being Christmas season and a new year just around the corner, I’ve found myself wanting to navigate things a little better and stop avoiding them.

It’s been mostly just between myself and them, so my wife and kids are pretty insulated from the ugliness. Do you have any advice for handling situations such as these?

– Dave Dear Dave, Well, the good news is it doesn’t sound like you’ve had to spend a lot of time with them.

So their influence over you and your household has been minimal. Still, things like this are painful. These are people you love, even if they are hard to get along with or understand.

I’m not a family counselor, but my initial advice would be don’t try to change them.

And don’t take discussions too deep. If you get together, just keep things simple and on the surface. To the extent they try to invade your family, that’s where you have to put up a good solid boundary. You have to protect your family and try your best to keep bad influences at a distance. But I don’t think you’re going to fix them.

Probably the best thing you can do is model sanity and reason in front of them.

A friend of mine who has some crazy in-laws says he adopts the bobblehead deal.

RAMSEY CONTINUED ON C8

Dr. Reniguntala Family Medicine NOW ACCEPTING

NEW PATIENTS

101 E. Miller Road, Sterling, IL 61081

(815) 625-4790 • www.cghmc.com

C2 • SV Weekend

www.saukvalley.com

Saturday, December 26, 2015

SENIORS OF DISTINCTION

The Oregon High School November Senior of Distinction is Jarrett Reynolds of Oregon. He received his certificate of achievement and a gift certificate from Pat Donahue of Stillman Bank – Oregon Branch. Photos submitted by Angela Burgett.

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Polo Community High School’s October Student of the Month is Wyatt Patterson. He plans to study chemistry at the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

PCHS Student of the Month POLO – Wyatt Patterson, 17, of Polo, is Polo Community High School’s October Student of the Month. He is the son of Becky Patterson and Lenny Bryson, and has two sisters, Morgan, 21, and Megan, 22.

What will you do after high school? I will attend the University of Wisconsin – Madison, and major in chemistry.

If you could go anywhere in the world for free, where would it be?

Italy, because there are a Favorite class: Advanced lot of landmarks and hisplacement calculus, tory to see because I like being challenged and taught new What is your proudthings est moment? Winning regionals in baseball. It Least-favorite class: I was a Forreston first. like all of my classes.

Is there a celebrity who Favorite teacher: Rachel you look like, act like, or Plock, math. We learn feel like? Kobe Bryant. He new things and have a has a lot of perseverance blast while learning. and determination.

School activities: Basketball, football, Varsity Club, student council president, baseball, Spanish Club, and National Honor Society Do you have a job? I work at the Auction Shed in Polo.

What is something you learned in high school that you think you will never use? How to graph a parabola What kind of music are you listening to? School Boy, J-Cole, Big Sean, pretty much everything

rap and hip-hop

What is your favorite: App: Twitter Food: Mac and cheese pizza Game or activity: Basketball Actor: Matthew McConaghey Movie: “Interstellar” TV show: “The Walking Dead” Sports team: Green Bay Packers Do you have a hobby?

Woodworking

What scares you? Losing the ones I love, because I can’t live without them.

If you could ask President Obama any question, what would it be? Why are we not doing more to fix the budget?

Carson Buck of Mount Morris has been named the December Senior of Distinction.

NOVEMBER OPTIMIST

If you could try any job for a day, what would it be? The president, to see all of the secret documents What is the last good book you read? “Angels and Demons,” by Dan Brown. The book is about the pope trying to be killed. It was pretty suspenseful.

What’s the one thing in your life you can’t do without? My mother

Who is your hero or role model? Kobe Bryant, because I want to have his determination work ethic

What is your advice for surviving high school? Participate in a lot of activities.

Is there someone you’d like to send a shout out to? Shout out to Paige Peterson

STUDENTS GIVE, SHOW TEAM SPIRIT

The Sterling Optimist Club and Challand Middle School in Sterling announced the November Optimist of the Month. Valerie Villaneda, the daughter of Leah Shabani, received her award from Sam Meier, club member. She received $50, and designated another $50 to Twin City PADS Homeless Shelter in Sterling. Photo submitted by Meier.

IN BRIEF Congresswoman seeks applicants WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-East Moline, is accepting applications for internship positions at her offices in Rock Island, Peoria, Rockford, and Washington, D.C. Bustos represents the 17th District, which includes Carroll and Whiteside counties.

Applicants should email a resume and cover letter with “Intern Application” in the subject line. Send to Mike.Williams@mail.house. gov for the Washington position and Lucie.Ven Heckie@mail.house.gov for the state offices.

Visit bustos.house.gov/ helping-you/internships for more information.

Recently as part of a fundraiser, for a donation students at St. Anne School in Dixon could wear sports team shirts. Counting the money raised are second-grade students. The proceeds were given to the Dixon Food Pantry. Photos submitted by Sister Marcianne.

Time to sign up for music, theater

Dolores Kness (from left) with the food pantry accepts the checks from Sister Marcianne, school principal; and Mary Papoccia, second-grade teacher, and her students.

STERLING – Registration opens at 9 a.m. Jan. 11 for Session 3 at Woodlawn Arts Academy, 3807 Woodlawn Road.

Programs start the week of Feb. 1. Classes in music, theater, and healing, visual, domestic, culinary, and literary arts will be offered.

Early registration is underway for the spring production of Disney’s “Aladdin Jr.” The musical theater class starts rehearsals Jan. 11, and is open to students in sixth through eighth grades. Fifth-grade students may call for placement on a waiting list. Performances will be April 1-3 at Sauk Valley Community College, 173 state Route 2, Dixon. Tuition is $97.

Visit woodlawnartsacad emy.com or stop at the academy to view the arts program guide.

To register, go to apm. activecommunities.com/ woodlawnarts or call 815-626-4278, or stop

at Woodlawn. Application forms are at Woodlawn or on the website. Online registration is not available for private lessons or yoga.

Donation to help with resources MENDOTA – Fraternal Order of Police 220 of Lee County recently donated $200 to Mendota High School’s MHS Cares and Pulleying programs.

The donation will help underwrite costs for providing students with aroundthe-clock crisis assistance resources. Mitch Landgraf, a counselor at the school, said the Pulleying Program reinforces positives instead of negatives, and is a play on words about bullying.

The money also will cover the cost of crisis and emergency business cards with crisis resource phone numbers given to students and mentoring.

Autism overview part of session DIXON – Lee County Special Education Association will offer a parent workshop on the Strategies for Teaching based on Autism Research support program and Linking Assessment and Instruction for Independence curriculum from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 7 at the Dixon School District central office, 1335 Franklin Grove Road.

The overview session will include strategies for family to use in home settings and a video of the programs in action. Parents will be able to interact with trainers.

Registration is required

by Jan. 4. Email cstein meyer@dps170.org to sign up.

For information, email the above address or call the office at 815-284-6651.

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Scrapbook www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • C3

THE BENEFITS OF WALKING

From trains to quiet scenery, Justin Jones from the Sterling area took these photos Nov. 3 while walking through Sinnissippi Park in Sterling.

FALL GLORY

LEFT: Autumn’s beauty pushes back the green leaves of summer near Flowers Etc. in Dixon. Photos submitted by Ann Stover of Dixon.

ABOVE: Sunset blazes above the Rock River along Page Drive in Dixon.

COLLEGE BOUND

MORE AUTUMN EVENTS Veterans and supporters attended the Veterans Day lunch at the Dixon VFW. Among them are (sitting, from left) Gary DeBord, Maureen Voss, and Brandon Shiemo; and (standing) Lynda Norton and Grace DeBord, all of Dixon. Photo submitted by Norton.

Isaiah Roby (center), a Dixon High School senior, has signed to play basketball for the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska. With him are (seated) Roderick and Danielle Roby, his parents; and (standing, from left) members of the DHS basketball team, David Whitcombe; Kandras Martin; Jason Mead, head coach; Riley Mehrens; Javier Gomez; Nate Gascoigne; and Kyle LeBlanc. Photos sub- A “haunted graveyard” popped up for Halloween on Second Avenue in Sterling. mitted by Karen Price.

Photo submitted.

Wanted: Photos from you A scrapbook is a book with blank pages, and that’s what our Scrapbook page is without your pictures. We want to fill the page with images that capture lives in the Sauk Valley. They can be submitted by email to photos@saukvalley.com or can be taken to the Sterling and Dixon offices.

C4 • SV Weekend

www.saukvalley.com

Saturday, December 26, 2015

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF COURSE

IN BRIEF Bridge players earn top spots DIXON – The Dixon Monday Night Bridge Club has announced its Dec. 14 results.

Tying for first place were Mimi Boysen and Barb Hermes and Roger and Jane Landreth. Barb Bass and Fred Spitzzeri took third place.

For more information, contact Spitzzeri, club manager, at spitzzeri@ aol.com or 630-9175858.

will continue Jan. 31.

Some participants start the day by counting the eagles as the birds leave their nighttime roosts, while it is still dark. In the past, counters have used cars, boats, and airplanes.

Anyone interested in helping, should contact Terrance Ingram at 300 E. Hickory St., Apple River, IL 61001 or 815594-2306 before Jan. 30 to get forms and to receive an area assignment.

Sign-up time for Dixon student on count draws near job at ISU radio

Students at Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon completed a 50-hour pharmacy technician course Nov. 24. They are (from left) Clarissa Solis, Rachel Near, Nathanial Steder, and Tina Hummel. To register for spring semester classes, contact Brenda Helms of the business and community center office at brenda.helms@ svcc.edu or 815-835-6212. Photo submitted by Dana Chacon.

PRISM

Mental health impacts society We’re all familiar with Ebenezer Scrooge. Dickens’ classic has been retold in many ways. The tale of the miser poring over his ledger, unaware and uncaring of the misery around him, touches something deep inside each of us, as we see his cold heart transformed by the visitation of three spirits.

There is a misery around each of us to which we have become so accustomed that we have ceased to notice or care about it – the misery of mental illness. It begs us to re-examine both our ledgers and our hearts.

The importance of the ledger cannot be denied, and mental illness is costly.

As one psychiatrist testified, “We are spending too much on mental illness in all the wrong places.”

As with any medical disorder, mental illness has direct costs: medication, clinic visits, and hospitalization. But it is the indirect

maryBROKAW Mary Brokaw, NAMI Sauk Area president, writing for Prevention, Recovery and Information on Substance Abuse and Mental Health.

costs that are so staggering, because they impact not just our pocketbooks, but the very fabric of our community.

Untreated or poorlytreated mental illness takes an otherwise contributing member of the work force and makes them dependent upon public assistance. Our jails and prisons are housing 10 times more people with serious mental illness than psychiatric hospitals do. Mental illness accounts for one third of the homeless population.

One-third of alcohol abus-

ers and one half of all drug abusers experience some form of mental illness. And, of course, the tragedy of deaths by drug overdose or suicide causes unimaginable pain to a rising number of families. The National Alliance on Mental Illness states in its report on America’s health care system, “The unintended consequence of untreated mental illness results in a negative financial and social impact to police, educators, emergency rooms, and businesses.”

In Lee County, those on the front lines in the fight against substance abuse and untreated mental illness have recognized the futility in ignoring or criminalizing those who need treatment. PRISM (Prevention, Recovery and Information on Substance Abuse and Mental Health) of Lee County is committed to raising awareness of this problem

How to reach new goals STERLING – Each year many Americans turn the calendar to the new year and make resolutions.

According to a 2014 YMCA survey, less than a quarter of respondents kept their resolutions throughout the year. Seventy-one percent tried, but said they fell short of their goals, while 40 percent confessed they gave up within the first few months, even weeks, of the new year.

This year, the SterlingRock Falls Family YMCA encourages community members to give their New Year’s resolutions a boost by creating smaller, more manageable goals that can lead to success of a larger one.

“Losing weight is too broad a goal,” Shelley McCarty, healthy lifestyles director, said.

“Reframe your big resolution into something achievable.” For example, instead of making a resolution to lose weight, resolve to incorporate fruits and vegetables into at least two meals a day.”

Reframing goals in a positive way also can help people stick to them. Limiting screen time can be more manageable if that time is preplaced with something positive like volunteering or setting special time aside for family.

“Rather than thinking about what you’re losing, think about what you’re gaining,” McCarty said.

“This can make a resolution feel more positive, and therefore more achievable.”

According to the news release, change is a process and bad days are part of that – bad habits didn’t appear overnight, so changing them will take time and patience.

Below are four tips the Sterling-Rock Falls Y recommends to help 2016 New Year’s resolutions stick.

Start small: Break those b i g re s o l u t i o n s i n t o small, achievable goals.

Take it 1 step at a time: Trying to change too many habits at once can lead to frustration. Focus

on one change for the month, and add another and add another small change next month.

Choose an organization that focuses on a holistic approach to health: Before committing to a membership, take a tour of local gyms to find the best fit. The facility should not be just a gym, but a community organization that offers more health, more hope, and more opportunity.

Consider working with a cer tified personal trainer. Find a certified personal trainer who is up-to-date on the most effective and efficient exercise strategies.

They’ll keep a person accountable in the times when life gets in the way of exercise.

Talk it out. It’s easier to stick to resolutions with a partner or friend working toward similar goals.

For additional tips or to learn how to get involved with the Sterling-Rock Falls Family YMCA, visit srfymca.org or call 815535-9622.

Exercise classes planned at Sauk DIXON – A 4-day, free introduction to fitness classes will be offered from 5 to 6 p.m. Jan. 4-7 at the fitness center at Sauk Valley Community College, 173 state Route 2.

The two classes are Indoor Boot Camp on Jan. 4 and 6 and Cardio Core on Jan. 5 and 7.

Regular classes at the fitness center are: Four Indoor Boot

Camps, 5 to 6 p.m. Monday and Wednesday and 6 to 7 Tuesday and Thursday Jan. 11 to March 3: Each class is different, with timed circuit stations that can be modified for all fitness levels. The cost of each is $40.

Four Cardio Core courses, 6 to 7 p.m. Monday and Wednesday and 5 to 6 Tuesday and Thursday, Jan. 11 to March 3:

The circuit class uses different types of equipment and floor exercises, mixing cardio bouts with core exercises. All fitness levels are welcome. The cost is $40 each.

Registration is required for all classes. To sign up, call SVCC’s community education office at 815835-6212. Visit svcc.edu/ bcc for the community class schedule and more information.

that touches each of us.

When we, as a community, cease to look at certain individuals as inevitable detritus and begin to see them as people of value in need of restoration, we will demand the change that can bring about results.

When the final specter visits Scrooge, he is warned of a dismal, forbidding future. What draws us to this story is the lesson that the future can be altered when we learn from our mistakes and resolve to change. For each of us as regards substance abuse and mental illness, that means paying attention to our ledger and using the money where it does the most good – lifting the sick out of a failed system and placing them on the road to recovery and productive lives.

God bless us, everyone … everyone.

APPLE RIVER – Volunteers are needed Jan. 30 for the 56th annual MidWinter Bald Eagle Count.

Eagle Nature Foundation plans to document eagles along the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana, as well as the Illinois, Ohio, Missouri, Rock, and Pecatonica rivers in Illinois, and Maquoketa and Wisconsin rivers in Iowa.

Inland wintering areas will be included. In case of bad weather, the count

NORMAL – Karen Sanders of Dixon serves as the assistant client services director at WZND, Illinois State University’s student radio station.

Sanders, a communication studies student at the college, is in charge of selling WZND products and services.

A 2013 graduate of Dixon High School, she is the daughter of Rose Sanders and the late Kelly Sanders.

Not too late to get flu vaccine SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends anyone who has not yet received flu shots should get have one as soon as possible.

Dec. 6-12 was National Influenza Vaccination Week, an observance to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination. According to a news release, flu activity usually peaks between December and February.

Vaccinations can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school, and prevent flurelated hospitalizations and deaths.

In addition to getting a

flu shot, IDPH suggests following the three Cs: clean – frequently wash hands with soap and warm water; cover – cover a cough and sneeze; and contain – contain germs by staying home if sick.

To find a location to get a flu shot, check with county health departments in Bureau, 815872-5091; Carroll, 815244-8855; Lee, 815-2843371; Ogle, 815-732-7330 in Oregon and 815-5626976 in Rochelle; and Whiteside, 815-626-2230.

Or, visit dph.illinois.gov/ topics-services/diseasesand-conditions/influ enza for the Flu Vaccine Finder.

EMPLOYEES HELP SENIOR CENTER

Staff at Resthave Home in Morrison recently brought in food items to receive their paychecks a day early. The items were donated to the Whiteside County Senior Center in Sterling. Doug Vandersee, the center’s executive director, displays the food. Photo submitted by Karla Burn.

Audubon group meeting set FREEPORT – The Northwest Illinois Audubon Society will meet at 7 p.m.

Jan. 5 at St. John United Church of Christ, 1010 Park Blvd.

The theme is Members Night. Those attending are welcome to share stories and pictures featuring birds, plants, or other natural history subjects. Photos can be slides or in electronic format. To take part, call Richard Benning by Jan. 2 at 815-865-5279.

Other scheduled events are: The Children’s Nature

Event: Animal Tracks Winter Hike will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Jan. 9 at Oakdale Nature Preserve’s Mogle Building, 4433 S. Cranes Grove Road.

Juliet D’Souza will teach children of all ages and their families about tracks, scat, and other signs of animals at the preserve.

Advance registration is suggested; call D’Souza at 201-233-0946. Also call if the weather is questionable.

An open land birding field trip will be Jan.

16 along country roads in areas that were historical prairie. Cars will be used as blinds.

A carpool will leave at 9 a.m., and return about noon, from the Staples parking lot, 1722 S. West Ave. An optional lunch is planned in Freeport.

The society’s monthly Conservation Conversation will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at Amigo’s Restaurant, 306 N. Galena Ave. All are welcome.

Visit nwilaudubon.org for more information.

Saturday, December 26, 2015

www.saukvalley.com

BIRTHS Aviona Sarah Wilson Destiny Wilson of Dixon is the mother of a daughter born at 8:26 a.m. Dec. 12, 2015, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling.

Aviona Sarah Wilson weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces at birth and was 22 inches in length.

Maternal grandparents are Paul and Sarah Wilson of Dixon.

Maternal great-grandparents are Gary and Car yl Wilson of Rock Falls and Wayne and Debbie Martin of Pell City, Alabama.

Aleena Rae Kester Shawna and Steven Kester of Dixon are the parents of a daughter born at 1:26 a.m. Dec. 4, 2015, at KSB Hospital in Dixon.

Aleena Rae Kester weighed 8 pounds at birth and was 20.5 inches in length.

Maternal grandparents are William and Erica Grim of Dixon.

Paternal grandparents are Darrin and Penny Kester of Sterling.

Maternal great-grandparents are William and Carolyn Grim and Neil and Linda Morehead, all of Sterling.

Paternal great-grandparents are Raymond Mueller of Byron and Truman and Diane Kester of Rochelle.

Noah Jacob Medrano Secilia Gonzalez and Victor J. Medrano of Sterling are the parents of a son born at 8:47 a.m. Dec. 8, 2015, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling.

Noah Jacob Medrano weighed 9 pounds at birth and was 22 inches in length.

He is welcomed by Ryan, 8, and Troy, 4.

Corinna Lyn Carroll Pageloff Demi and Ronald Pageloff Jr. of Rock Falls are the parents of a daughter born at 10:28 a.m. Dec. 8, 2015, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling.

C o r i n n a Ly n C a r roll Pageloff weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces at birth and was 21.5 inches in length.

She is welcomed by Steven Jones, 8, Patrick Jones, 7, and Hailey Pageloff, 6.

Maternal grandparents are Diann Nepean of Lanark and the late Vernon Dawson.

Paternal grandparents are Glenda and Ronald Pageloff Sr. of Rock Falls.

Paternal great-grandparents are Nancy Wagner and Ron and Martha Pageloff, all of Rock Falls.

Ellie Ranae Sheldon Kim Hammer and Thomas Sheldon of Rock Falls are the parents of a daughter born at 7:38 p.m. Dec. 14, 2015, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling.

Ellie Ranae Sheldon weighed 9 pounds, 12 ounces at birth and was 20 inches in length.

She is welcomed by Sadie Hammer, 13, and Abby Johnson, 12.

Maternal grandfather is William Schuttler of Sterling.

Paternal grandmother is Linda Sheldon of Rock Falls.

Information sought The birth announcement for Callie Elizabeth Mallette cannot be printed without additional information. The editorial department has been unable to reach the submitters. If those who submitted it could call 815-625-3600, ext. 5501, it would be appreciated.

SV Weekend • C5

THANK GOODNESS

Thanks to all for help with Santa event JOHN STAUTER Sterling

The Kiwanis Club of Sterling would like to thank all who took part in our Dec. 5 Breakfast with Santa.

We appreciated all who made it to the breakfast.

Our Kiwanis motto says, “We serve the children of the world,” and working the breakfast is a fun way to do this.

All of our members look forward to working this event, and it is very fulfilling.

Breakfast with Santa would not be possible without the help of members of Sterling Moose Lodge No. 726; they are the greatest to work with and are always ready to help.

The Sauk Valley Area Chamber always helps and promotes this event for us; thank you. To the individuals (Nardinis) and businesses (Apple-

bee’s, Sterling McDonald’s, Candlelight Inn, Rock Falls, Roy Dern, State Farm, Sterling) and those we missed who donated time and or supplies, we say thank you.

To the Kiwanis Key clubs at Sterling and Newman, thank you for your help; you do a great job. A special thanks to Santa (who has a busy schedule this time of the year) – thanks for being there.

To all the families and children, thank you for making this a success.

The pictures taken with Santa are always a big hit.

Unfortunately, three families forgot their pictures as they left. Call 815-625-7674 to pick them up.

All of the money raised from this event go to our scholarships for local youths at the three high schools, Sterling, Newman Central Catholic in Sterling, and Rock Falls.

Again, thanks to all, and we hope to do this for many more years.

Thank you for support of cancer center JOAN PADILLA Sterling

Dear friends of the Rock River Valley: What do you say to someone who has just been diagnosed with cancer? What words do you speak to that father, mother, friend or neighbor who faces the harsh reality of a cancer diagnosis?

Many of us are familiar with not having the “right words” to say. It is my wish your words would encourage hope; hope through our local cancer wellness center – Home of Hope Cancer Wellness Center.

Home of Hope is there for anyone facing cancer, whether you are the patient, family member, or caregiver. Home of Hope’s mission is to offer hope through support, education and wellness.

Services are free of charge because, from the begin-

Thank Goodness policy Sauk Valley Media accepts letters to the editor (300 words or less) from nonprofit and volunteer groups who want to thank the community for its support.

Letters may be emailed to letters@saukvalley.com or sent to Sauk Valley Media, 3200 E. Lincolnway, P.O. Box 498, Sterling, IL 61081. ning, we know the financial burden a cancer diagnosis brings.

On Dec. 1, Home of Hope participated in Giving Tuesday, a national day focused on giving back. It was an appropriate day to celebrate our mission.

We kicked off the celebration with a bucket brigade and then a gathering of friends at our premier breakfast. Thank you to the students of Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities, advised by Lee Hartman, for serving the breakfast.

Meeting our goal was a blessing. I want to thank our sponsors, Serenity Hospice, Northland Mall, Books on First, and Bakers Union. Thank you to all who participated in the online match challenge.

Home of Hope relies on the community to support the organization, as we do not have ordinary revenue sources to fund the day-to-day operations and all the programs and services offered.

Home of Hope is blessed with committed supporters throughout the year, including Northern Illinois Cancer Treatment Center, CGH Medical, KSB and United Way. Friends, clubs, schools, churches, including Team Underwires and Touchdowns for Tatas, show tremendous generosity and passion in their patronage.

Thank you for your continued support.

Note to readers: Joan Padilla is the executive director of Home of Hope Cancer Wellness Center.

tion project was completed this fall under stage construction by Martin & Co. Excavation of Oregon at just more than $2.5 million. Tyler Jahn, a company intern, and his father, used their drone to capture photos and a video of the project.

The company has offices in Rockford and Rochelle.

St. Presentations will be given by an agricultural research scientist and a soil scientist, as well as local farmers with cover crop experience.

Time will be available for questions and discussion with the presenters. Lunch will be provided by area seed representatives and agribusinesses.

To register for the program and lunch, go to go.illinois.edu/covercrops or call the Carroll County SWCD office at 815-2448732, ext. 3, or the extension office at 815-2449444 by Jan. 4.

Walk-ins (no lunch guarantee) are welcome.

IN BRIEF Lanark man to lead area committee MOUNT CARROLL – Christopher Flikkema of Lanark will begin a 3-year term on the Carroll County Farm Service Agency Local Area Administration 3 Committee on Jan. 1 Andrew Daulphin of Savanna was elected as the LAA first alternate and Lars Colgan of Savanna as the second alternate.

The committees help administer U.S. Department of Agriculture farm programs at the local level.

LAA includes Washington, Savanna, Woodland, Mount Carroll and Freedom townships.

4-H ski trip planned at Chestnut resort MOUNT CARROLL – All 4-H’ers and their families are welcome to the Car-

icksburg, Iowa, wastewater treatment plant save on electricity while resolving odor problems and addressing the challenges from aging equipment.

The firm helped evaluate options for upgrading the equipment and increasing plant efficiency. The article, titled “Fine-Tuning Aeration,” was featured in the How We Do It: Wastewater section.

In other news, the company also provided design and construcFehr-Graham observation to named in article tion reconstruct Wiscold Drive at the east edge of Fehr-Graham was feaRochelle. Challenges on tured in the December the project included utility issue of TPO-Treatment Plant Operator magazine, conflicts, reconstructing an existing railroad a monthly national pubcrossing, avoiding a high lication on wastewater and water treatment pro- pressure petroleum pipeline, and acquiring the fessionals.

The company provided necessary right-of-way for construction. insight and solutions to The .67-mile construchelp the city of Frederroll County 4-H Federation ski and snowboarding trip Jan. 17 at Chestnut Mountain, near Hanover.

Registration forms are available from at the extension office, 807D S. Clay St., online at extension.illinois.edu/clw or from club leaders.

Registration forms and payment are due to the office by Jan. 11.

For more information, contact Leanne Rahn at lrahn@illinois.edu or 244-9444.

Cover crop topic of January meeting MOUNT CARROLL – The Carroll County Soil and Water Conservation District, in association with University of Illinois Extension and U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, will offer Cover Crops: Successful for Carroll County.

The program will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Jan. 12 at Naaman Diehl Auditorium, 811 S., Clay

4-H club gathering set for Thursday

Childhood immunization clinic; women, infants and children clinic; and family planning services, Lee County Health Department, 309 S. Galena Ave., Suite 100, Dixon.

Appointments: 815-284-3371.

Abuse Changing team, 815625-0338.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 a.m., open, Methodist church, 402 First Ave., Forreston.

American Red Cross blood drive, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Savanna Fire Department, 101 Main St. Appointments: 800-733-2767.

Alcoholics Anonymous Gratitude Group, noon, step, closed; 6 p.m., open, lower level, Loveland Community House, 513 W. Second St., Dixon.

Dixon Rotary Club, noon, lower level, St. Luke Episcopal Church, 221 W. Third St., Dixon.

Alcoholics Anonymous, noon, closed, Big Book; 6 p.m., closed, Spanish; 7 p.m., open, Bazaar Americana, 609 W. Third St., Sterling.

Alcoholics Anonymous, noon, closed (1), St. Paul Lutheran Church, 114 S. Fifth St., Oregon.

Affliction of Addiction Narcotics Anonymous, noon, 6 p.m., First Christian Church,

506 Fifth Ave., Rock Falls, 779245-3487. Downstairs, west door.

Sauk Valley Alcoholics Anonymous Group, noon, open, Sunshine meeting, back door, 1503 First Ave., Rock Falls.

Crochet-Knitting Club, 12:30 p.m., Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling.

The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, 1 p.m., 409 Avenue F, Sterling, 815-6251622.

Whiteside County Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 1:30 p.m., Coventry Village, 612 W. 23rd St., Sterling.

TOPS, 4 p.m. weigh-in, 4:30 p.m. meeting; 5:30 p.m. weigh-in, 6 p.m. meeting, Hub City Senior Center, 401 Cherry Ave., Rochelle.

TOPS Chapter IL 634 meeting, 4:30 p.m., 205 S. Walnut St., Franklin Grove.

TOPS, 5 p.m. weigh-in, 5:30 p.m. meeting, Polo Church of the Brethren, 401 S. Congress Ave., Polo, 815-946-3638.

Celebrate Recovery, 6-8 p.m., 201 W. Market St., Morrison, 815-590-8929.

Celebrate Recovery, 6-8 p.m., New Hope Baptist Church, 902 W. 12th St., Rock Falls, 815-564-8852.

Celebrate Recovery, 6-8 p.m., Revive Community Church, 8 E. Front St., Mount Morris, 815-994-0428.

Rock Falls Rotary, 6 p.m., Beelendorf’s Deli, 204 W. 10th

St., Rock Falls.

Rock Falls Boy Scout Troop 306, 6:30 to 8 p.m., fellowship hall, Harvest Time Bible Church, 1802 Dixon Ave., Rock Falls.

Rock Falls Optimist Club, 6:30 p.m., Candlelight Inn, 2200 First Ave., Rock Falls.

Rock River Interfaith Peace Action Group, 7 p.m., Wesley United Methodist Church, 2200 16th Ave., Sterling, 815-6254657, public welcome.

Mount Carroll Monday Night Al-Anon-Alateen, 7 p.m., Church of God, 816 Clay St., Mount Carroll. 815-2843444.

Lee, Whiteside Chapter of the American Diabetes Association, 7 p.m., Ryberg Auditorium, CGH Medical Center, 100 E. LeFevre Road, Sterling.

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

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., closed, step study, New Hope Fellowship Church, 113 state Route 64, Kings.

Tampico Lions Club, 7 p.m., Good Times, 106 N. Main St., Tampico, 815-438-2789.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7:30 p.m., closed, St. Luke Episcopal Church, 207 W. Third St., Dixon.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., closed (3), First Presbyterian Church, 502 Third St., Savanna.

Sauk Valley Al-Anon GroupAlateen, 8 p.m., open, back door, 1503 First Ave., Rock Falls.

Euchre lessons and games, 10 a.m., Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling. Register: 815-6229230 or 828-461-7979.

Zumba class, 10:30 a.m., Post House Community Center, 100 W. Second St., Dixon, 815288-9236.

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, Post House Community Center, 100 W. Second St., Dixon.

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

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

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

Duplicate bridge, 12:30 p.m., Post House Community Center, 100 W. Second St., Dixon.

Friendly Mexican Train dominoes, 12:30 p.m., Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, 815-6229230.

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

Tacos, 4-8 p.m., Latin Ameri-

can 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.

Dixon Area Evening Bridge Club, 5:30 p.m., Post House Community Center, 100 W. Second St., 630-917-5858.

Sauk Valley Chess Club, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Northland Mall, 2900 E. Lincolnway, Sterling; 815-622-8838.

AMBOY – The Amboy Young Seekers 4-H Club will meet at 7 p.m. Jan. 7 at the Lee County Extension office, 280 W. Wasson Road.

SUPPORT GROUPS, CLUBS, AND SERVICES Today Red Cross blood drive, 7-11 a.m., 112 W. Second St., Rock Falls. Appointments: 815-6250382.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 9 a.m., closed, Big Book, United Methodist Church, 201 E. Chicago Ave., Davis Junction.

Alcoholics Anonymous Gratitude Group, 9 a.m., women’s, open; noon, open; 6 p.m., open, lower level, Loveland Community House, 513 W. Second St., Dixon.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 9 a.m., open, tradition; 12:30 p.m., closed; 7 p.m., closed (5), Bazaar Americana, 609 W. Third St., Sterling.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 9:30 a.m., former St. Anne Grade School, 32 N. Jones Ave., Amboy, 815-857-2315.

Women’s Alcoholics Anonymous, 10:30 a.m., closed; 7 p.m., closed, 808 Freeport Road, Sterling.

Mercy Nursing Services free blood pressure clinic, 11 a.m.-noon, Walmart, 1901 First Ave., Rock Falls.

Sauk Valley Alcoholics Anonymous Group, noon, open, Old School; 8 p.m., open, fun night, bring a friend, back door, 1503 First Ave., Rock Falls.

Affliction of Addiction Narcotics Anonymous, noon and 6 p.m., First Christian Church, 506 Fifth Ave., Rock Falls, 779245-3487. Downstairs, west door.

Mercy Nursing Services

free blood pressure clinic, 1-2:30 p.m., Save-A-Lot, 928 First Ave., Rock Falls.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., closed, First Presbyterian Church, 1100 Calvin Road, Rochelle.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., closed, Village of Progress, 710 S. 13th St., Oregon.

Sunday Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 a.m., closed; 7 p.m., open, Rochelle Community Hospital, 900 N. Second St. Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 a.m., closed; 11 a.m., open; 1 p.m., closed, Spanish; 7 p.m., closed, Bazaar Americana, 609 W. Third St., Sterling.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 10 a.m., open, barn, Horizon View Farm, 2422 N. River Road, Oregon.

Sauk Valley Alcoholics Anonymous Group, 10 a.m., open, Big Book, back door, 1503 First Ave., Rock Falls.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 6 p.m., closed, Church of St. Anne, 401 N. Cherry St., Morrison.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., closed, Spanish, St. Patrick Catholic Church, 236 Kelly Drive, Rochelle.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., 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. Monday

COMMUNITY EVENTS Today Farmers Market, 8 a.m.-noon, Twin City Market, indoors, 106 Avenue A, Sterling, 815-6268610.

Sunday No events today.

Monday 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., Post House Com-

munity Center, 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.

Mexican Train dominoes, 9 a.m., Hub City Senior Center, 401 Cherry Ave., Rochelle, 815562-5050.

Kings on Corner cards, 9 a.m., Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, 815-622-9230.

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.

C6 • SV Weekend

www.saukvalley.com

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Offhand comment about weight still stinging Dear Abby: recently went on a cruise with several other women. I was friendly with one of them, but didn’t know the others.

I am overweight. One of the other women, “Dolores,” was also overweight, heavier than me, in fact.

She’s very proud of being Christian, but she made the comment, in front of several other people, that she didn’t mind going places with me because with me around she didn’t feel so fat.

I was so stunned I remained silent. Actually, I was afraid that if I spoke I’d say too much, but I felt very hurt and ashamed.

dearABBY Dear Abby is written

by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips. The column is provided through Universal Uclick.

Even though I have tried to ignore it, this has bothered me for months and I don’t know what to do.

Should I say something to Dolores or continue to ignore it? I don’t really want to be friends with her now because I don’t

know what kind of snide remark may come out of her mouth next. And I certainly don’t want to go anywhere with her again.

– Taken Aback in Texas Dear Taken Aback: When mankind was created, a delete button should have been installed at the end of our tongues.

However, it’s possible our creator thought common sense would suffice.

Obviously, Dolores was elsewhere when it was handed out.

While her comment was tactless, it says far more about how she feels about herself than it does about

you. Because this is still bothering you, I don’t think it would be at all out of line for you to tell her how hurtful her comment was.

Dear Abby: I’m 17 and just started my junior year. I’m in an advanced program that my school offers because I want to get into an international college and need to take these classes to get noticed. I’m just over a month in, and I’m losing it. I have a job, I play soccer and I’m the lead in a school production.

On top of that, I have an insane workload I wasn’t prepared for and I’m try-

ing to cope with discovering that I’m not straight.

With everything going on, I’ve been having meltdowns nearly every day. I leave class sometimes just to hide in the bathroom. I spend hours doing homework and still don’t get everything done I need to.

Last year, four or five of my classmates left school because of mental breakdowns in this program.

I’m afraid I’m burning out, too. What should I do? Should I drop out of the program or seek help?

– Scared and Stressed in New York Dear Scared: The first thing to do is talk about

all of this with a counselor at your school. If you are at the point where you must leave class and “hide,” you need more help than I can offer in a letter.

If counseling is available, or your course load can be modified, you should go in that direction. But dropping out should be your last resort and only after having discussed it with your parents and your counselor, because there may be other options.

Contact Dear Abby at DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

ROCK FALLS OPTIMIST ACTIVITIES

Rock Falls Optimist Club members met Nov. 9 at the Candlelight Inn in Rock Falls, and recognized Bill Wescott, 2014-15 president, with a scrapbook of memRock Falls Optimist Club served hot dogs, brats, and pork chops June 27 and 28 ories and events from his term. With the book are Wescott (left) and Don Stindt, during the Rock Falls River Chase on the Rock River. Photos submitted by Don scrapbook chairman. The club meets at 6 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays of the month at the Rock Falls Candlelight.

Stindt.

More than 80 exhibitors brought vehicles Aug. 1 to the Rock Falls riverfront for the Rock Falls Optimist Club’s Touch A Truck day and corn boil. Among the vehicles available for viewing were race cars, dragsters, motorcycles, company trucks, Rock Falls and Sterling police and fire vehicles, Army National Guard vehicles from the Rock Falls Armory, the REACT helicopter from OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, ambulances from CGH Medical Center in Sterling, and pink fire trucks to bring attention to the fight against breast cancer. Optimists sold Children were able to get a close look at motorcycles during the event. Hundreds pork chops and hot dogs with sweet corn from Selmi’s of Rock Falls. of children and adults attended.

The Rock Falls Optimist Club had a Pride Calendar Blitz Dec. 5 at Rock Falls businesses. With the calendars are (from left) Ben Marruffo, Gale Seloover, Tom Star, George Logan, Jim Wiemken, and Eric Arduini, calendar co-chairman. The calendars feature historic pictures of Rock Falls and Sterling. The cost is $5. They can be purchased from Optimists or in Rock Falls at The Loop Barber Shop, 301 1/2 First Ave.; Community State Bank, 1801 First Ave.; and Jack Spencer – State Farm Insurance, 313 First Ave; and at Sauk Valley Bank locations, 904 First Ave., Rock Falls, and 201 W. Third St. and 3319 E. Lincolnway, Sterling. Not pictured is Matt Selmi, co-chairman. Proceeds benefit youth activities and scholarships.

Rock Falls Optimist Club members and Santa Claus delivered gifts Dec. 9 to patients, visitors, families, and employees at CGH Medical Center in Sterling.

During the visit are (from left) Barry Farley, Wescott, Leonard Johnson, and Brent Hughes, club members, and John Watts as Santa; Makenzi Schaefer, certified nursing assistant; and Stindt, Santa chairman. The visit is in memory of the late Ed Wagner, the first Rock Falls Optimist Santa, and has been ongoing for more than 20 years. The gifts included potted palms with poinsettias, teddy bears, baby outfits and bibs, and toys.

Festive lighting shouldn’t be tossed in garbage; try recycling OREGON – Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department has made arrangements for dropoff containers for recycling holiday lights to be available until Jan. 31.

Acceptable strings

include Italian minilights, traditional lights with larger glass bulbs, LED lights, similar string lights, and extension cords. Rope lights, garland, live greens and wreaths, and other deco-

rations will not be accepted.

The lights will be sent to a recycling facility, then processed and separated for use in new products.

The containers are at: Byron Fire Depart-

ment, 123 N. Franklin St. Davis Junction village office, 207 N. Elm St. Forreston Village Hall, 102 S. Walnut St. Mount Morris Fire Department, 15 E. Center St.

Oregon, OCSWMD, 909 W. Pines Road; Ogle County Courthouse, 105 S. Fifth St. Polo City Hall, 115 S. Franklin Ave. Rochelle Fire Department, 401 Fifth Ave. Stillman Valley Fire

Department, 200 S. Rural St. Proceeds received from the recycling will be donated to United Way in Ogle County. For information, call OCSWMD at 815732-4020.

Saturday, December 26, 2015

www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • C7

AMBOY YOUNG SEEKERS The Young Seekers 4-H Club met Nov. 5 at the University of Illinois Extension office in Amboy. Members gathered the food items they collected for the Buddy Bags Program, which supplies kids in need with snacks and meals.

Awards were handed out to members from the county award and volunteer banquet. Club awards also were presented. After the meeting the club decorated ornaments for nursing home residents. Photo submitted by Hannah Grady.

AMBOY HIGH SCHOOL FFA

Amboy High School FFA members participated in the trap- and skeet-shooting Amboy placed fifth in the Agronomy and Dairy Foods contests Nov. 18 at Rochelle competition Oct. 24 in Geneseo. The teams, coached by Mark Hicks, placed ninth High School. Members are (from left) Mike Stenzel, Mitchell McLaughlin, Autumn Welch, Becker, and Evan Bickett. Becker was Amboy’s top scorer, placing third and tenth. Photos submitted by Hannah Grady. individually. Rochelle also hosted the section grain fair, where members brought samples of their grains to be judged.

The Section 2 FFA Meats Evaluation Career Development Event was Nov. 14 at Eickman’s Processing Co. in Seward, hosted by Stillman Valley High School FFA. The Amboy team placed fifth overall in judging, and identified various cuts of meat. Hannah Grady was Amboy’s top scorer, taking eighth-place individually.

With their ribbon are (from left) Zach Becker, Grady, Hayden Montavon, Evan Bickett, Autumn Welch, and Allison Hicks.

Members of the dairy foods team gathered with their eighth-place ribbon. They are (from left) Megan Grady, Maverick Lindenmeyer, Logan Lindall, Madison Murphy, and Logan Whelchel.

POLO FFA MEMBERS ATTEND CONFERENCE The Polo Community High School FFA Chapter sent six student representatives to the National FFA Convention from Oct. 28 to 31 in Louisville, Kentucky. Members are (from left) Kyle Blum, Emily Boelens, Madison Boelens, Colton Griffin, Nathan LeFevre, and Matthew Coffman. They toured Undulata Farm, which raises Saddlebred horses. There, they were given information on the methods of raising and training the horses. They also toured Mulberry Orchard, which is owned and operated by the Gajdzik family. The orchard has 2,500 apple trees, 1,500 peach trees, 50 acres of burley tobacco, as well as corn, soybeans, hay, and cattle. Both farms are near Shelbyville, Kentucky. The students also explored and navigated through the National FFA Expo. Photo submitted

by Stephanie Ruppert.

C8 • SV Weekend

www.saukvalley.com

Saturday, December 26, 2015

MARIJUANA

Pot sellers step on customers’ carbon footprint A growing industry is blowing a lot of smoke, and that has environmentalists, and cities, concerned Tribune News Service

DENVER– The $3.5 billion U.S. marijuana market is emerging as one of the nation’s most powerhungry industries, with the 24-hour demands of thousands of indoor growing sites taxing electricity grids and unraveling hard-earned gains in energy conservation.

Without design standards or efficient equipment, the growing facilities in the 23 states where marijuana is legal are responsible for greenhouse-gas emissions almost equal to those of every car, home and business in New Hampshire. While reams of regulations cover such things as tracking individual plants, package labeling and advertising,

they lack requirements to reduce energy waste.

Some operations have blown out transformers, resulting in fires. Others rely on pollution-belching diesel generators to avoid hooking into the grid. And demand could intensify in 2017 if advocates succeed in legalizing the drug for recreational use in several states, including California and Nevada. State regulators are grappling with how to address the growth, said Pennsylvania Public Utility Commissioner Pam Witmer.

The corporatization of what was once off-the-grid agriculture is taxing electrical systems as the nation prepares to comply with the Paris climate agreement and the Environ-

mental Protection Agency tries to reduce greenhouse gases from coalfired power plants, which are considered the single largest domestic source of emissions that contribute to global warming.

“Consumers seeking a green lifestyle are likely unaware that their cannabis use could cancel out their otherwise lowcarbon footprint,” Evan Mills, an energy analyst for California’s Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, wrote in an email.

Indoor growing in 2012 racked up at least $6 billion a year in energy costs, compared with $1 billion for pharmaceutical companies, Mills found in a study he did independent of the research institu-

Owners hope to grow business LUCK

CONTINUED FROM C1

Bushman said he doesn’t want Luck on First’s focus to be the brew, but the bets. He said there’s a demand for gambling lounges that have less of a bar atmosphere.

“A lot of bars have these gaming machines, but we wanted to do something where people don’t have to go in the bars to play the machines,” Bushman said. “People can go somewhere that is quiet, relaxed and not loud.”

Bushman said he doesn’t want the business to be a place where people get rowdy. That’s why it’s only open until 11 p.m. on weekends.

“We don’t want to be in a place that is loud and people are crazy and drunk,” he said.

The business has five gambling machines, the maximum number allowed by state law, but that doesn’t keep Bushman from thinking about ways to grow his business. He said the building next door to Luck on First is currently vacant, and if there’s enough demand,

the trio could open another parlor there.

Eric said the largest payout at the business so far is $1,600. There’s also been several $600 and $700 winners.

“People can come in, play for a little bit and have a drink,” said Peggy Scudder, the manager and one of four employees. “Some people can also play a little longer, if they’d like.”

But whether the payout is big or small, the owners think there’s a good chance customers will enjoy a quiet and casual time trying their luck.

Beware of business partnerships RAMSEY

CONTINUED FROM C1

He just sits there like a bobblehead and smiles and nods, no matter what craziness is swirling around. And that’s not a bad idea when you think about it. You don’t want things getting ugly if you can help it, plus the chances of you changing a lifetime of toxic behaviors in one brief interaction are very small.

Pray for them, too, Dave. Then, if they ask for help, maybe you could insert some gentle wisdom.

Don’t tell them what they’re doing is wrong or that they’re bad people. Just describe things you and your family have done and how you’ve handled similar situations. But until they bring it up, I wouldn’t go there.

—Dave

Structure things intelligently

Dear Dave, I work as a software developer, and recently a co-worker approached me about starting a side business together. We would create apps for the legal community with advice from my wife, who is a lawyer.

The only problem is that we’re in the middle of Baby Step 2 of your plan, and we still have some debt to pay off. Do you think starting a business would be too risky at this point?

– Jeremy Dear Jeremy, It sounds to me like this is the kind of idea that would require more in the way of brain sweat and time than money.

I would just think of it as a part-time side job and go for it. However, make sure you have a clear understanding of

exactly how much – if any – financial support would be required. Set these financial boundaries, and also be clear on when you expect the business to make money.

One thing I would warn against is ending up in a partnership if this thing becomes a success. Partnerships are bad news in the business world, so I’d advise you to figure out a way to structure things where you each own different parts – something more along the lines of a joint venture.

But in terms of doing some side deals, creating some cool new apps, and making money in the process? Absolutely, I would do that. Just figure out an intelligent way to structure the business and finances so you don’t get pinched!

– Dave Follow Dave on Twitter (@DaveRamsey), or visit daveramsey.com.

Workers’ fear fuels unused vacation TIME OFF

CONTINUED FROM C1

“This flexible scheduling has really come into play in the last 6 months to a year,” said Ginger Kochmer, the Philadelphia-based vice president of The Creative Group, a division of Robert Half International.

In a survey of 400 advertising and marketing executives and 400 office workers commissioned

by The Creative Group earlier this year, 39 percent of executives said they believed productivity would increase if employees had unlimited time off. And 72 percent of managers and 56 percent of workers said they would probably take the same amount of time off.

That second finding is further backed up by a study commissioned

by Project: Time Off, a Washington, D.C.-based group affiliated with the

U.S. Travel Association.

It found 41 percent of Americans did not plan to use all of their paid vacation days in 2014, leading the group to conclude “the benefits of vacation were no match for the fears that are keeping them at work.”

Those fears, in descending order, included the prospect of facing piles of work when they return, a belief that no one else can do their job (a smaller percentage worried they would be replaced) and lingering effects of a struggling national economy.

Some workers said they could not afford to take the time off, and others thought foregoing vacation would demonstrate dedication to their employer.

Open-ended vacation policies don’t work for every business. A year ago, the Chicago-based Tr ibune Co. offered unlimited time off for

some salaried staff, then rescinded the policy 1 week later without explanation other than the change “had created confusion and concern.”

There are jobs that don’t easily lend themselves to an unlimited vacation policy, acknowledged Kochmer. In sales, for example, “The more hours you put in, obviously, the more success you’re going to have.”

And those who’ve adopted such a policy need to monitor and manage it, perhaps by scheduling quarterly performance reviews, to make sure the employee’s productivity doesn’t tail off.

But she said the idea of unlimited vacations is probably here to stay.

“Because the business environment is changing more drastically, you need to be flexible,” said Kochmer. “It really is becoming more common.”

tion. Some larger facilities use as much as $1 million worth of power a month.

In Colorado, more than 1,234 licensed grow facilities account for almost half of new demand for power. In 2014, 2 years after residents voted to legalize marijuana for recreational use, growing sites consumed as much power as 35,000 households.

In California, indoor production consumed 9 percent of household electricity in the nation’s

oldest legal medical marijuana market, the amount used in 1 million homes, Mills found.

In a Denver warehouse this month, growers wore sunglasses as they checked on 150 top-heavy flowering marijuana plants. The 4-foot-tall bushes were flourishing under dozens of 1,000-watt bulbs.

“All these things consume too much power,” said Paul Isenbergh, a commercial real estate broker and co-owner of

the 3,100-square-foot medical-marijuana operation called Sense of Healing. “The air conditioning, the lighting, the fans, the scrubber, the humidifier.”

Electricity represents as much as half of an operator’s overhead, yet profits far outweigh costs, with a pound of medical marijuana selling for about $2,500 on the wholesale market, Isenbergh said.

His costs to raise the weed from clippings are only $600 a pound.

Astrograph Try to relax Sunday, December 26, 2015 CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -Go over your end-of-year checklist to make sure you have taken care of any paperwork that should be dealt with before the year comes to a close.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) -- Stick close to home and enjoy time spent with children or loved ones. Getting your house in order will make you feel good and prepared for what’s to come.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Travel somewhere exciting or visit someone you love. Favors will be granted, and new possibilities will open up through the people you encounter. Romance is highlighted.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Try to relax and get back on course. Bring about the changes that will help you realize your full potential. Aim to forge ahead in a new direction.

TAURUS (April 20May 20) -- Make plans for the day.

Conversations and email exchanges or getting involved in a cultural event will lead to new possibilities as well as domestic improvements.

Take advantage of what’s offered.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Do your best to figure out what you want. Upcoming negotiations will have to be handled diplomatically. If you have a wellthought-out plan to present, you will get what you want.

CANCER (June 21July 22) -- Host a gathering or get involved in an event that allows you to express a family tradition.

Sharing memories with people you love will be uplifting. Romance is encouraged.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Remember those who have done so much for you in the past. Visit an older friend or relative and offer some festive cheer. Your generosity and thoughtfulness will be rewarded in an unusual way.

ing someone you are emotionally tied to. Impulse is the enemy. Bide your time and keep the peace.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) -- Travel should be your first choice, but if that’s not possible, join in an activity that will offer unusual entertainment. If nothing else, it’s a perfect day for intimacy.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Make changes at home that will add to its comfort and convenience. Invite friends over to reminisce about the year gone by.

Be careful not to overdo it.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept.

22) -- Interact with people you find stimulating. If you share your ideas, you will attract interest as well as a potential partner for a venture you want to pursue.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Keep a low profile when dealing with sensitive situations regard-

See Today’s Classified Section for Crossword Answers

Saturday, December 26, 2015

www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • C9

SAUK VALLEY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RECOGNITION, NEW MEMBERS

Sauk Valley Bank has been named the November Customer Service Award winner by Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce in Sterling. Tara Beer (from left), Chris Mitchell, Dirk Meminger, and along with other bank staff members gathered with chamber members. The bank has locations in Sterling, Rock Falls, and Dixon. Photos submitted by the chamber.

The University of Illinois Extension, 12923 Lawrence Road, Sterling, recently moved.

A November ribbon cutting took place at the new site. Extension staff (in no particular order) Janice McCoy, director; Allie Lancaster and Martha Ebbesmeyer, both of Whiteside County 4-H; Karla Belzer, family life; Bruce Black, horticulture; and Mary Sheridan and Sunny Porter, administration, joined chamber ambassadors. Photos submitted by the chamber.

Several recently gathered for the a ribbon cutting celebrating the redesign of the building at 402 Second. Ave., Sterling. At the ceremony are (in no particular order) Scott Winter of Winter Design Inc., contractor; Dean Ahlers of the bank; Shane Beckman of Raymond James & Associates and Appellate Court Judge Vicki Wright, both tenants; city officials; and Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce board members and ambassadors. The building is owned

by Sterling Federal Bank.

CGH Medical Center celebrated the grand re-opening of its Milledgeville Clinic on Nov. 18 at 601 E. Old Mill St., with chamber members.

Dr. Paul Steinke (in no particular order, CGH president and CEO; Shane Brown, CGH Physician Services vice president; Andy Moore, board president; Lynne Coffey, center family nurse practitioner; Emily Miller, receptionist; and Paul Beveroth, registered nurse, attended the ceremony.

Wesley United Methodist Church, 2200 16th Ave., Sterling, joined the chamber.

The Rev. Wesley Dickson, pastor, cut the ribbon Dec. 2. With him are (in no par- O’Dawgs, 10 E. Fourth St., Sterling, also joined the chamber. Oscar Bosch (centicular order) Kayla Heimerman, congregation members, and chamber board and ter) owner, stands by while his mother, Nilda Bosch, assistant manager, cuts the ribbon as chamber ambassadors look on. ambassadors.

Nominations sought for chamber champion honor STERLING – The Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Champion Award will be given to an individual or group who “goes above and beyond” to improve the quality of life for the people of the

Sauk Valley. The recipient can be someone who has made an impact through his, her or their work as an individual, organization, or business to make a positive difference in the community either

through volunteer accomplishments or outstanding contributions through their business efforts.

No m i n a t i o n s m u s t include (in narrative form) how this person or organization has positive-

ly affected the community and made the area a better place to live and work.

The more descriptive, the better.

Include both nominee and submitter contact information.

Email nominations to chamber@essex1.com or fax to 815-625-9361 or go to saukvalleyareachamber.com to download forms. The nomination deadline is Jan. 6.

The award will be pre-

sented at the chamber’s annual dinner Jan. 28 at Deer Valley Banquets and Golf Course in Deer Grove.

For more information, call the chamber at 815625-2400.

Travel www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • C10

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Climb up to the clouds Getting a summit view of the islands of Ireland’s Clew Bay

Tribune News Service photos

The islands of Ireland’s Clew Bay as seen from partially up Croagh Patrick.

BY SARAH DE CRESCENZO Tribune News Service

H

ow many islands dot Ireland’s Clew Bay? As many as days of the year, goes the saying.

Scanning the green mounds peppering the white-capped sea below while visiting this past summer, I tried futilely to distinguish from the other islands the grassy knoll where my grandmother was born.

They all looked the same from my vantage halfway up Croagh Patrick, the mountain that overlooks the bay, so after a swig of water and a few lungfuls of air, my husband and I continued our trek to the peak.

The mountain – referred to locally as the Reek – rises to about 2,500 feet above sea level and is 5 miles outside the seaside village of Westport in County Mayo.

It draws about 100,000 people to the area each year.

Visitors at the start of the climb are greeted by a white statue of St. Patrick, the nation’s patron saint and the mountain’s namesake. At its summit is a small chapel where Masses are celebrated on Reek Sunday, the last Sunday each July when thousands turn out to walk together to the top.

Some among the trekkers who make the annual pilgrimage take the rocky trail barefoot.

We set off for the summit on a clear morning in June, with light jackets zipped over stomachs filled to bursting by the breakfast cooked to order by the proprietor of Plougastel House, the cozy bed and breakfast where we were staying in Westport.

Heading out, I remembered the first time I had hiked Croagh Patrick as a teenager, more than a decade ago: My memory was of me and my family bounding upward under a warming sun.

But on this climb, about halfway up the mountain the crowd began to thin as the temperature dropped and fog damp-

A statue of St. Patrick greets those who climb Croagh Patrick, which is considered Ireland’s holiest mountain. About 1 million people visit the mountain each year. ened the loose shale and rocks.

Before leaving Southern California for our honeymoon, I told my husband I’d like us to climb the Reek together. But I hadn’t said anything about the clouds that often roll over the top of the mountain, or how the top third of the climb becomes more of a crawl as rocks shift underfoot without warning on the narrowing trail.

That day, our final steps onto the plateau were witnessed by only one other climber, a woman calmly feeding blueberries to a lone sheep.

Stepping by her onto the plateau, we felt the full force of the wind. I pulled my phone from my pocket for a photo, and my stiffening fingers nearly lost it to a powerful gust.

With the realization that the wind was so strong our voices were lost to it, we ran to the fog-shrouded chapel and hunkered down against its leeward side.

Minutes later the cold became too much, and

we descended, skidding down toward the sundappled stretch of the trail visible below.

That afternoon, our spirits fully revived by a thimbleful or two of Jameson, slices of homemade cake and attaboys from the relatives for reaching the top, we set out to the first of two islands we would visit during our trip.

We cast off from the shore in a small boat with two relatives and a sea-loving mutt to visit the island where my maternal grandmother had lived before she emigrated to Chicago.

Motoring by islands of deep green scattered throughout the bay, we saw seals lounging on rocks and herds of cows and sheep grazing contentedly.

As we neared our destination, the wind picked up noticeably, whipping up spray and rocking the boat.

Docking, we knew the visit would have to be a quick one.

With our four-footed friend bounding ahead, we walked up to an intricate and rusted gate and through it found a path leading to the house.

Once we reached the doorstep, we walked around the building, peering through the windows as if we would see the faces of those who once lived there. Then, as the sky darkened, we hurried back to the boat.

Later that week, we found ourselves headed toward another Irish island, this one at the mouth of Galway Bay, south of Mayo.

Many still speak Gaelic on the Aran Islands, three of which are inhabited and reachable by ferry.

We decided to visit the smallest, Inis Oirr, or Inisheer, and as we rode the ferry, a pair of dolphins played in the waves caused by a boat chugging alongside us.

Once on Inis Oirr, we picked out a block of Man of Aran fudge from a stand smartly situated near the ferry drop-off.

The creamy chocolate sustained us as we pedaled rented bicycles past thatched cottages with horses in the yard.

Stacked stone walls – the farther west in Ireland you go, the rockier it gets – crisscrossed the land, penning in livestock.

Along our ride, we stopped for a time to goggle at the wreck of the Plassey, a cargo ship driven ashore in a storm in 1960. Today its rusted shell sits on the island’s shore, dwarfing a nearby coffee stand and looming over visitors as they use the iron carcass as a photo backdrop.

Just before turning back so as not to miss the ferry, we spotted a lighthouse at the island’s edge. The white pillar, like the chapel swathed in cloud cover atop Croagh Patrick, looked ghostly.

As it had during our short time on the island in Clew Bay, it was easy to feel as if nothing had changed there for at least a century.

If you go Getting there: To get to Westport: Renting a car and driving from Dublin is about a 3½-hour trip. Or, take Ireland’s national bus service, Bus Eireann, from Dublin to Castlebar (via Athlone), then on to Westport.

Aran Islands: From Westport, head south via bus to Galway (a ticket is about $17) and book a day tour of the islands at the Galway Tour Company office on High Street. If you have free time, keep an eye out for signs offering free walking tours of Galway to get insight into the city’s history.

(Be sure to tip your guide.)

Lodging in Westport: Castlecourt Hotel, Castlebar Street, westportplazahotel.ie; Plougastel House B&B, Distillery Road, plougastel-house. com; McCarthy’s Lodge & Bar, Quay Street, mccarthyslodge.com

Saturday, December 26, 2015

www.saukvalley.com

SV Weekend • C11

ROCK FALLS ROTARY

The Rock Falls Rotary Club raised $1,371 in November to help eradicate polio through donations and loose change collections in canisters at several businesses.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation matched dollar for dollar, for a total of $4,113. Club members illustrating “We are this close ...” are (front row, from left) Cheryl Faber, Sarah Willey, Julie Logan, Betty Clementz, Pam Erby, and Jan Whitlock; and (back row) Karen Voss, Keith Zoeller, Bob Sondgeroth, Mark Young, Jim Geer, Mike Albert, Pat Novak, and Mai, a Rotary exchange student from Thailand. Not pictured are Rollie Ducoing, Vicki Dunphy, Deb Gonzalez, Art Johnson, Linda Murray, Dave Chavira, Brent Martin, and Tyler Ewing. Photos submitted by Betty Clementz.

LEFT: Dave Chavira, program chairman, welcomed Brenda Fiorini, a Rock Falls High School teacher and author of several children’s books, to a recent meeting. Her first book, “Rescue Puppy, is being translated into Spanish for distribution next semester to every first-grade student in Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside counties. To date, more than 7,000 books have been distributed through the program. This year, the club helped with the cost of publishing and distribution.

CENTER: Betty Clementz presented Georgia Sanford a thank-you gift for sharing her story as a polio survivor with the Rock Falls Rotary Club members. Sanford was diagnosed with Stage 3 polio when she was 8 years old. She shared the physical and emotional sides of the disease.

RIGHT: Tyler Ewing of Edward Jones in Rock Falls, recently was inducted into the club. Julie Logan, president, presented the Rotary wheel to Ewing.

ART CONTEST WINNER

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Illinois American Water invited third- through fifth-grade classrooms within its service area to participate in an “Imagine a Day Without Water” art contest. Hailey Bielema, a fourth-grade student at Washington Elementary School in Sterling, was a winner. Her theme was “No water means we can’t do a lot of daily tasks.” All winning artwork can be viewed on Illinois American Water’s Facebook page and will be featured in future bill inserts. The winning students also won a $100 for their classrooms. The contest took place in conjunction with the Value of Water Coalition’s national event to raise awareness about the value of water service. Photo submitted by Karen Cotton.

Staff of Select Employees Credit Union in Sterling raised money in October for Breast Cancer Awareness. The team designated a theme for each Friday of the month. For $5, the staff was allowed to dress in the theme for the day.

The first week was wear pink, the second, Cubs apparel, and week three was any professional sports team. To close out the month, the theme for Oct. 30 was 80s’ wear. The group donated the $480 raised to CGH Medical Center Foundation in Sterling. CGH also set up a cancer information center inside the credit union. Photo submitted by Will Wille.

CGH Foundation recognizes appeal donors STERLING – Donors to the CGH Health Foundation were honored during a Tree of Life ceremony Dec. 1 at the annual appeal reception at CGH Medical Center.

Marty Benson, campaign general chairman, announced $335,000 has been raised. Forty-six individuals, businesses, and groups were honored during the special Tree of Life dedication ceremony.

Ten programs are funded through the annual appeal.

Two stones, eight pine cones, and 36 leaves were dedicated on the Tree of Life donor wall in the lobby.

Ho n o re e s i n c l u d e d Stone ($25,000 or more cumulative): Ed and Jan Andersen and Dr. Terry and Cheryl Donat; pine cone ($10,000 or more cumulative): Arthur J. Gal-

lagher, Trissel, Graham & Toole, Hugh F. Miller Insurance Agency Inc., Marrietty Lilly family, Dr. Keith Pham and Dr. Nancy Tran, Walmart Distribution 7024, Walmart of Rock Falls 830, Dr. Peter and Karen Toth, and Dr. Frank Tugwell.

Those receiving a leaf ($1,000 or more cumulative) included Jon and Eileen Berens, Brian and Paula Beveroth, Lau-

rie Buckman, Michael and Lynette Ceruzzi, CGH Diagnostic Imaging Department, CGH Marketing Department, LaVonne Colloton Memorial, Jerry and Julie Conley, Brad and Pam Crawford, Barb Decker, Stephanie Ernst, Ronald and Karol Gerken, Good Samaritan Society, Christine Hall, Chad and Erin Hartman, Jane Hayen, Roger and Kathy Hoffman, Joe

Klimson, Steve and Peggy Kuelper, Bruce and Patty Luther, Dr. Keith and Diane Martin, Hugh and Betty Miller, Robert and Susan McGinn, Tom and Genevieve Nedbal, Carolyn Nelson, NRG Media, Dr. Edward L. Olds III Memorial, Richard and Karen Palmer, Bill and Norma Rae Peters, Nancy Peugh, Perri Plog, Kim Przysucha, Genia Reitzel, Rock Falls American

Legion Post 902, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Association Inc., and BJ Wolf Memorial.

Each stone, pine cone, and leaf is engraved with an inscription of the donor’s choice. For more information on how to support the foundation, contact Joan Hermes, executive director, at joan. hermes.@cghmc.com or call 815-625-0400, ext.

5672.

Community SV Weekend • C12

www.saukvalley.com

BOXING DAY

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Saturday, December 26, 2015

R

age Boxing and Fitness Club in Dixon is a place where people young and old can build discipline, work off stress, or find a new form of fitness. Everyone has their own story, a few of which are told on this page. The club is located in back of 105 S. Peoria Ave. and it’s open from 7-9 p.m.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday RIGHT: Madison Rockwood, 9, works on her punches Dec. 16 with trainer Bruce Rumbolz at Rage Boxing and Fitness Club. “This is her third time down here. She’s very excited to get back here after missing a few sessions,” her Dad said. “She loves it. She’ll be getting a bunch of new boxing gear for Christmas.” BELOW: Jacob McBride, 30, of Dixon works the speed bag. “I quit drinking and picked up boxing about a year ago. I’ve lost 50 pounds and I’m getting closer to my goal.”

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

Josh Fiorini, 38, of Sterling has known Bruce Rumbolz for a long time and said he had “played around with boxing in the past; it’s just another form of exercise.”

ABOVE: Brandon Stehl, 17, of Dixon, who has been working out at the gym for a month and a half, said he was never much for sports. “I tried wrestling and tae kwon do, but have really been pushing myself with this.” RIGHT: Corinna Eisenberg, 42, of Sterling said working out does more than just keep her in shape, it helps her at home, too. “I have a special needs daughter, so I need to stay in shape to help her out.”