Sauk Valley

Sauk Valley Sun P.O. BOX 678 Dixon, IL 61021

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Sauk Valley Sun

DIXON - STERLING - ROCK FALLS …the community’s newspaper July 2014 | Vol. 2 Issue 7

Red, white and blue artistic flag celebrates USA

INSIDE

Little League River Bandits The Dixon River Bandits, a 12U AA classification boys baseball team in the United States Sports Specialty Association (USSSA) has earned a berth at the USSSA World Series Event…

see page 31

CGH Foundation A single gift from a Sterling man in the mid-1980s continues to impact the health of adults and children living in the Sauk Valley area. Emil Ryberg’s legacy bequest was a major factor in…

see page 10

Success has many factors Photo: Larry Hammelman

With paint, an idea and the sidewalk as a canvas a young boy creates an artistic version of the American flag. The art is a part of the Dixon’s Petunia Festival July Read more… page 30 4th “Brush, Bloom and Boom” event.

Rick Curia, owner of the Ken Nelson Auto Plaza Inc., says business is phenomenal. To flourish, changes that serve the public as well as staff must occur.

see page 25

Faith

Agriculture

Community

Home & Garden Family

Food

Firehouse Ministries is a faith-based museum that attracts people.

Many of the barns on the 2014 Annual Whiteside Barn Tour date from The 1800s.

The bison are coming! About 30-50 Purebred behemoths will come to Nachusa.

Careful selection of soil amendments makes a difference for plants.

Rock Falls’Summer Splash, a family-friendly series of events near the Rock River.

Try B-u-f-f-e-t….here are sample menus and ideas for family and friends.

see page 26

see page 18

see page 19

see page 6

see page 4

see page 29

DIXON FORD LINCOLN VOLKSWAGEN MAZDA HAS EXPANDED SERVICE HOURS TO SERVE YOU BETTER! New service hours: Monday 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM / Thursday 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM Saturday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays are still 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM

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July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

2

Community Brad’s Beat

Brad Monson The Fourth of July…can you hardly wait! If you need

anything, anything at all, run, do not walk, to Jim Prescott’s BBQ in Sterling. We believe he has everything (except the food) that anyone would need. In fact, some of his BBQ spices, sauces and rubs might dial your BBQ up just a notch or two. Likely nothing has happened in the BBQ world in the last 25 years that Jim Prescott doesn’t know all about. Ask him some day, have a seat on one of his comfy Meadowcraft patio chairs and listen. Happy 4th

Jim to you and all you bring to the Tri-Cities BBQ scene.

When it rains, folks with sloping roofs or flat roofs could be concerned.

One solution is a LEAKPROOF roof from Northern Illinois Seamless Roofing, 815-539-5142. They have a guarantee! Several TriCities businesses, homes and churches have used this company with good results: no leaking!

There is at least one characteristic you may want in

a flooring specialist: experience. Ken McNinch of Northern Floors, Sterling, is a 37-year veteran in the flooring business. He knows floors. He is located in the restored Royer Home in Sterling so when you meet, you can ask for a “look around”... and look no farther than Ken for expert flooring advice.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse are cute. Other mice are not nice inside dwellings. Enter our good friends the exterminators…namely

Crown Exterminators, Rock Falls. One call does it all from mice to ants to other creepy crawling things. We called Myles Lewis, a fine former Naval officer who handled our situation with respect and efficiency. We hope not to need him again.

And, if we do, we do.

This year you’ll not want to miss The 50th Petunia Festival July 2-6th and the LAST Oregon Trail Days July 19-20; “Barefoot in the Park” at Stage Left (ummm

dinner at Orom Restaurant); Reagan Run; Rock Fall’s Summer Splash and Pedal Tractor Event.

And remember to enjoy a couple of lazy days by the Rock River reading our favorite community newspaper, The Sauk Valley Sun and check out our website, www. saukvalleysun.com.

Keep those cards and letters comin’ Brad

Poem at Veteran’s service

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A poem recently read at a veterans’ service came from a family tragedy.

A young woman was widowed on Christmas Day within 18 months of marriage.

She kept this poem with her for all her life.

She never remarried. She was a loving and kind person.

Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there; I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,

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I believe that dose will last a long time.

It was public. All 50,000 plus readers saw it. Some of them probably scoffed and laughed at our error.

It was very personal.

My husband asked me to print the poem. The service where the poem was read was his favorite cousins’ husband who had served in WWII. He had known this man all of his life. The woman who had kept the poem as a sacred memory was his favorite Aunt Pearl.

What was the lesson: Forget the ego, forgive myself and others, stay as focused as possible and

continue to strive toward an error-free publication.

No more. No less.

Don’t you love the synergy…this year the Dixon Petunia Festival and the Sauk Valley Community College celebrate 50 years.

And here’s a “first”..

Kids can go to Rock Falls for the first ever Tractor Pedal contest (Page 4).

Their personal power will determine the winners.

What fun!

And the last…

Mid-July is the LAST Oregon Trail Days! The organizers’ goal was to raise monies to repair the statue of Blackhawk. They

When you awaken in the morning’s hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there; I did not die.

Mary Frye, 1932

My first Petunia parade Becky Reilly Fifty years ago, I was a little petunia sitting on the hard bed of a hay wagon in the first Petunia Festival parade. The Dixon Junior Garden Club had an entry that included a group of young kids all dressed in white shorts. We each had a big felt pink petunia around our necks.

We lined up in front of our Crawford Ave home and rode the wagon to the parade line-up. My mother was involved in making many of the felt petunias we wore around our necks. It seems kind of silly now, but as I look back on that first parade, I can honestly say that it might have been the event that later made me take an interest in doing things with the Petunia Festival and also for our Dixon Community.

You see, my father was very involved with the Men’s Garden Club. He helped plant petunias for as many years as he could bend, and every year he would go help at the pan-

Publisher’s Note Last month we printed the poem reprinted above.

It was proof-read by three persons.

Everyone saw the error including me. “Grave” was spelled “grace”. We made note to correct the spelling.

It didn’t happen!

When the newspaper was printed, I gasped in disbelief: How could it be and would anyone believe that we thought we got it right?

We were not careless.

We were not depending on “spell check”. In one word: error!

The good news is that everyone needs a dose of humility now and then.

I am the diamond glint on snow, I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain.

met their goal. We salute Beth Henderson and Amy Trimble, businesswomen extraordinare for their inspiration in creating the event and reaching the goal.

WOW: 50th Dixon Petunia Festival 50th year for Sauk Valley Community College 1st Rock Falls Pedal Tractor Contest Last Oregon Trail Days Applause! Applause!

We are blessed!

Judy Bell Publisher

cake breakfast from 5 am until it was done at noon.

He taught us kids to have a sense of pride in Dixon. He taught us to volunteer and help our community and never expect anything in return except the good feeling of knowing you helped

the Star Spangled Banner anymore. At a sporting event – you rarely hear the crowd sing our country’s song (unless you are at a Blackhawk’s game). “It’s a shame – stand up and sing,” we would often remark.

So today, yes, I am very

out a good cause. As I grew older, I think the heredity of volunteering was in my genes.

Respect shown a flag in the parade was also taught to us kids. Never did a flag go by that my dad did not stand or salute. Even last year, at 96 years old, for his last Petunia Parade, he struggled to stand, but did so to show respect. One of dad’s and my biggest pet peeves, is that youth and young families often don’t “sing” during

busy with many organizations and committees that I serve. It keeps me involved and gives me that sense of helping out. This year, as I march with Kreider Services in the parade, and help with the Petunia Festival board, and sing the National Anthem on the Court House Lawn at the band concert – I will do all this in honor of my dad (Ferris Walker) who passed away in November.

So, here’s to you dad – you left a great mark on Dixon!

Library hours change Jill Horn The Dixon Public Library has different library hours that began in May. On Monday through Thursday the library is open from 9AM to 7:30PM and Friday and Saturday from 9AM to 4PM. The Sterling Public Library hours are Monday

through Thursday from 9AM to 8PM, Friday from 9AM to 5PM and Saturday from 8AM to 5PM. The Rock Falls Public Library hours are Monday through Thursday 9AM to 8PM, Friday from 9AM to 6PM and Saturday from 9AM to 4PM. All three libraries are closed on Sundays.

July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

3

Community

50 years ago people envisioned Sauk Valley Community College Duane Paulson Sauk Valley Community College hits the 50 year mark in 2015. In the mid-1950s several educators and civic leaders in the Dixon-Sterling/Rock Falls communities, noting that the nearest college was in DeKalb, began exploring the idea of establishing a junior college or technical school in the area.

Forrest Tabor, Roscoe Eades, and Clayton Schuneman took a proposal for a college to Springfield, but it wasn’t until July 29, 1965, that the state passed the Public Junior College Act which provided for the expansion of existing junior colleges and the creation of new institutions. By now the local group included Pete Dillon, Dr. Karl Plath, Stan Weber, and original board members Jerald Stuff, Ken Reuter, and Catherine Perkins and others. By his own admission, Pete Dillon, working at his family-run Northwestern Steel & Wire

Company, spent much of his waking hours for several years getting the college off the ground.

Laying the groundwork for the vote to establish a college was a lengthy process, and a referendum was passed on June 8, 1965, by a 3 to 1 majority. The original college district consisted of nine school districts, with others added in subsequent years.

The first elected college board of trustees consisted of Pete Dillon, Warren Walder, Gerald Stuff, Forrest Tabor, Catherine Perkins, Clayton Schuneman, and Ken Reuter.

A “Name the College” contest was held with 1054 entries submitted. Michael Flanagan of Dixon’s St. Mary’s School won with “Sauk Valley.” He was awarded a $25 cash prize and a certificate entitling him to one semester’s free tuition at the school.

One of the first things the board members and hired consultants had to do was

select a building site. On October 20, 1965, they purchased 150 acres along Rock River, midway between Sterling and Dixon from C. W. Schuler for $150,000.

At that same time a search was being conducted for a college president, and after interviewing nine candidates, Dr. Edward J. Sabol of the State University of New York at Cobleskill was hired for the position on December 21, 1965. Another early appointment was Robert D. Edison as Controller and Business Manager on March 28, 1966.

By November 1965 a permanent college building was in the planning stage. A $3,975,000 building referendum was passed by a 4 to 1 margin on February 6, 1966.

Until a permanent campus could be built, temporary quarters were needed, and a 44,000 square feet Armco steel building was erected on one side of the campus.

Groundbreaking for the temporary structure took place on May 4, 1966, and

the building and parking lots were completed just in time for the first students entering the new college when classes began on September 26, 1966, with 346 full-time and 314 part-time students.

One-third of the students were in career programs and 2/3 in baccalaureate programs. “Old ironsides,” as it was soon called, contained classrooms and administrative offices, and was used for four years until 1970.

One of the objectives of having a college in the Sauk Valley area was to offer classes of interest to community members. The first community service program began on October 25, 1966, with the Certified Life Underwriters course consisting of 32 two-hour sessions.

Groundbreaking ceremonies for the permanent facilities were held on January 6, 1967.

Sauk Valley College end-

ed its first year with fourteen degree candidates honored at a reception held at the Rock River County Club on June 13, 1967. Two hundred sixty-six different classes were offered to students when the fall semester began on September 18, 1967.

Many things had taken place during that first year, and Sauk was well on its way to becoming an integral part of the educational scene in the area.

Country Breakfast at Taft Campus for Oregon Trail Days One of the most popular new activities at the Oregon Trail Days Festival in 2013 was the addition of Breakfast at the Lorado Taft Field Campus. Over 200 people enjoyed a full country breakfast with eggs, meats, fruits and of course the famous homemade cinnamon rolls.

Oregon residents and visitors will be happy to know that the Breakfast is back on the schedule for 2014.

From 8-10:30 am on Sunday, July 20, the staff of Lorado Taft will be serving breakfast in the Dining Hall of the Field Campus. The kitschy 60’s style cafeteria is a popular gathering place for thousands of school children

who attend workshops at the campus each year. “The room reminds you of an old dining hall that you would eat meals in when you went to camp,” Said Donna Mann, committee member, “but this dining hall fixes amazing homemade meals and has one of the best views of the Rock River in all of Ogle County.”

Cost of the breakfast is $12 per person, children ages 3-10 are $5 and children under 2 are free. This does not include the cost of Festival entry which is $7 (children 6 and under are free). Parking is at the Festival Parking Lot at the intersection of N. Daysville Road and Park

Road. Shuttles will take visitors to the entrance of the Lorado Taft Field Campus.

Early tickets may be purchased at either the Oregon Chamber of Commerce or Merlin’s Green House for just $16 for adults (a $3 savings). Festival entry is included in this price.

Visitors may also send a check for $16 per ticket to: Oregon Trail Days Festival 500 N 4th Street Oregon, IL 61061 and tickets will be mailed.

Please allow for 3-4 business days for mailings.

For additional information and a schedule of events please visit www.oregontraildays.org.

Be our guest!

Join us on Monday, July 28th for

Magic Monday Featured stylists will be offering select services at 50% off between 12:00pm & 8:30pm.

women’s haircuts - $11.50 men’s haircuts - $8.50

reg. $23

reg. $17

haircolor - $23.50

reg. $47

highlights - $31.00

reg. $62

facial wax - $7.50

reg. $15

chemistry treatment - $10

reg. $20

The Magic Monday stylist team:

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Future Magic Mondays will be held on the last Monday of each month.

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July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Family

Free First Pedal Tractor Pull Event Sunday in Rock Falls The first ever Pedal Tractor Pull on the Rock Falls Riverfront will be taking place at Summer Splash on June 29th. This is a free activity for children and a unique opportunity for them to feel like a champ!

The pedal tractor pull is setup similar to a regular tractor pull, but the instead of expensive gas for fuel, kids get to use their muscle to power their tractor to victory. The activity is fun and encourages kids to get out and get active. The first fifty participants will receive a wristband from the IL State Police/Department of Transportation.

“We are always excited to

offer opportunities for kids to have fun and learn something. We are so thankful that the sponsors came together to make this activity happen for our community and encourage every kid in town to participate. What can be more fun then a tractor pull, POWERED

BY YOU!,” says Bethany Bland, President/CEO of the Rock Falls Chamber.

To participate, come to Summer Splash on the Rock Falls Riverfront, the corner of Ave A & E. 2nd in Rock Falls, by 11:45. The pedal tractor pull starts at noon.

For more information, contact Imprintable Memories, at 815-535-0931.

It’s “thumbs up” for Jayden Mitchell, Rock Falls, as he put pedals into play to power his John Deere tractor in readiness for the first-ever Pedal Tractor event in Rock Falls Sunday.

Off to Camp Grandpa and Grandma for the summer Jeff Coester and Tricia Lewis In a few weeks many children will take a much-anticipated break from school in celebration of summer vacation. Some children may continue the academic year by extending to summer school, but many, who are fortunate enough, will be heading off to grandma and grandpa’s for the summer.

With a combined total of twenty one grandchildren and two great grandchildren, we know a thing or two about entertaining grandkids. The following collection of ideas and activities have brought us great success with our own grandkids, and now we want to share it with you.

• Check out the local library. It isn’t just about books anymore. The library has many more fun filled activities to offer, such as arts and crafts days at some locations.

• Make a list of local parks, and pack a picnic

lunch. There are many parks nearby that have safe playground equipment and hiking trails of various lengths.

• Go on a nature hike and point out bugs, different kinds of trees, birds and butterflies. Bring your binoculars to increase their fascination over what can be seen from a distance.

• Lay on the ground with them, and stare at the clouds.

Make up stories about what you see.

• Cook with your grandchildren. It’s fun, a great learning experience, and an excellent way to practice math.

• Make one super duper ice cream sundae-don’t forget the whipped cream, cherries and spoons!

• Plant flowers or vegetables in your garden or window box. Get kid size tools and let your children get dirty.

• Play volleyball with a balloon. May not sound like much at first, but is rather invigorating and fun. Plus it’s safe.

• Go camping in your own backyard and have a cookout as a family. Everyone enjoys a barbecue. Make s’mores with chocolate, graham crackers and marshmallows and tell stories in the dark with a flashlight.

• Draw on the sidewalk or driveway with chalk. Play hopscotch, and draw each other’s portrait.

• Go bowling. Set it up in your backyard using household items, such as empty soda cans you can easily knock down.

• Make a mobile with string, magazine pages, straws, paper clips, and ribbon. Hang it on the porch.

• Go fishing. Clean and eat what you catch. It will teach them skills and be their favorite meal forever.

• Close your eyes, spin a globe, and stick your finger on a spot. When it stops, talk about the destination and what it would be like to live there.

• Go to a farmer’s market.

Without knowing it, your grandchildren will learn

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• Shuck corn with your grandchildren. Eat all the corn you shucked. Let the butter drip from your chin.

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• Find a volunteer opportunity everyone can participate in.

• Learn a foreign language and about its culture together, then find a restaurant where you can practice the language.

Shared memories are a key to close knit relation-

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ships. Hopefully, these ideas will make this summer with your grandchildren a fun one that is wrapped in special memories. Your grandchildren will think you’re the coolest grandparents around or at least the most young at heart.

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July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Community

The Jelly-Making Man Sweetens Lives Jill Horn Pete Paladino of Sterling makes jelly or freezer jams to give away. Last year he

gave away 351 jars to 151 people and so far this year has passed out about 112 jars to 45 people. Pete says, “Birthdays, special days,

spur of the moment days, fund raising days, whimsical days, sunny days, cloudy days, sick days, anytime days are some of

the times jelly and jams are passed out.” Pete loves to ask his favorite question, “What’s your favorite jelly?”

“What kind of jelly do you like?” is a favorite question Pete Paladino poses to almost anyone he meets. He usually follows that up with a jarful of jelly that he makes himself. At last count he’d made 35 different kinds of jelly and last year gifted 151 people with jars of jelly. Here he shares with Rich Gingrich and Mike Paris, Sterling.

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Pete sized down his jars a few years ago since he can make 17 4oz. jars versus only eight 8oz. jars of jam per batch. Each jar costs about $15 to make. He currently has 70 jars of jellies and jams in his freezer and seven cases of new, yet to be filled jars, in his garage.

The ingredients for his jelly are Sure Jell, sugar and fruit. He picks some of the fruit himself, grows some and buys some. He likes people to return the jars since the most expensive part of making the jam is the jar.

He started making freezer jam in 1986 when his mother-in-law passed away.

She used to make raspberry freezer jam that Pete thought was the best he’d ever tasted. He wanted to imitate that jam and felt he did a good job. Then he branched out and started making other kinds of jellies and jams. So far he’s made 35 different varieties and is still counting. “The whole thing sort of ex-

ploded in 2013. I became a volunteer for the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry in 2012. I got involved with their annual fundraiser in 2013, ‘Walk for the Poor’.

As part of my solicitation for persons to support me in my walking the 5K, I provided a bonus of a jar of jelly or jam,” stated Pete.

Liz Davis, a Tri-Cities resident, says, “I met Pete one day and he just gave me a jar of jam.” Pete says that he saw Liz at Airplay Sports and has always admired her.

So he wanted to meet her and when he did, he had a jar of jam with him to give to her.

If Pete thinks he will run into someone, he wants to have a jar of his jam, then he will bring a selection of different jellies and jams with him that day. Pete says that certain people will receive his jams for life at different times. Pete loves making jams and creating new recipes and then giving them away.

Dixon Business Competition final event selected winners The Dixon Business Competition was set for the final round as six businesses vied in a live “elevator pitch” event on Wednesday at the Loveland Community House.

The Dixon Business Competition is for innovative entrepreneurs, businesses, and startup companies. Entrepreneurs competed for $10,000 in cash prizes, free commercial rent, top tier professional advisory support, and the opportunity to showcase their business idea to the Dixon community.

The finalists were: Genesis Hey Productions EfferVesce Vapors 319 Bistro Roxie’s Choffee House Impact Shave “The finalists each had great business plans when our panel of local judges reviewed them last week,” Josh Albrecht, Executive Director of Dixon Main Street said. “We were excited to see what their final pitches had in store for us.”

The competition had 25 local entrepreneurs attend business seminars in May that Lee Crocket of Venture Advisors provided as part

of the competition. From there, each entrepreneur was required to submit a business plan for round two.

“The competition is a great way to get local entrepreneurs an opportunity to think about their possible start-ups and to get excited about operating a business in Dixon,” Albrecht said. “We want Dixon to be known as a dynamic business friendly community that goes above and beyond in helping entrepreneurs get started.”

(Winners selected too late for press deadline. Go to www.saukvalleysun.com for results.)

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July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

6

Home & Garden

Good soils will keep those colors coming!

Gary Scott Sauk Valley Sun reader Kathy H. of Rock Falls writes in asking: ‘I’m putting together a rather large container planting for late-season color. Is there a potting soil that you recommend?’

The single most important aspect of a plant’s life, whether indoor or outdoor, is what happens below the soil line.

There’s a lot of soil products on the market for the consumer right now that claim to produce ‘amazing’ results with blossom and growth of your plants. Some of these contain what is known as pearlized fertilizer.

Small, round capsules

containing fertilizer which slow-releases into the soil surrounding the roots of your plantings – thus supposedly releasing you from having to monitor feeding. What the manufacturers of this type of soil product are not telling you is that sensitive roots will be coming into contact with those capsules as they release their loads and that in turn can cause burning of visible leaves and general failure to thrive.

The other downside to using such a soil product (again, not explained to the consuming public) is the fact that these ‘time release’ fertilizer products are actually temperature sensitive with their action. University re-

search has shown that when temperatures are above 68F, the capsules release (at an undocumented rate) freely and when temperatures drop below that, they simply stop releasing anything.

The other type of soil product you will encounter that has been gaining in popularity the past few years is one that claims to ‘hold moisture’ in the soil, thus allowing you to be free from having to water quite so frequently during summer months. This product contains what is called a ‘crystal polymer’ that absorbs moisture, swells and then begins to release that same stored moisture back into the soil as the planting dries. The down side of that is there are many, many varieties of plants (such as geraniums, dusty miller, ageratum and more) that prefer their soil to dry before water is applied and thus resent the presence of these moisturizing time-saving crystals. Also, be aware that these

crystals are NOT bio-degradable making them unfriendly to the environment.

Seek out a soil product with as few additives as possible. What is called ‘soil-less’ mixes work best and put you, the grower and gardener, in the driver’s seat with moisture and fertilization. Contact your local

greenhouse or garden center if you are having problems locating such a product.

Choose a water-soluble, balanced fertilizer (something like 20-10-20) which can be used on most all your plants. Follow the directions on mixing with water, save for only use ½ the recommended rate of fertilizer.

Plants, like people, can only eat so much. Contrary to some myths out there, plant leaves do not ‘eat’ or absorb fertilizer, so be sure to concentrate your fertilization techniques on the soil surrounding your plants.

Keep in mind that hanging baskets need both watering and fertilization on a more regular basis than standard pots or beds by virtue of being surrounded by the summer breeze each day. It’s always a good idea to check them daily and fertilize at least every-other week.

At last, summer has burst out in the Sauk Valley and hopefully the blossoms in your gardens continue to do so as well! ___________________ Gary Scott holds an advanced degree in Horticulture Sciences from the University of Minnesota and is co-owner/head grower at Palmyra Greenhouse located at 489 Palmyra Rd. in Dixon. Gary can be reached at 815-285-2800.

You may email questions to him at info@sauksun.com or gary@palmyragreenhouse. com.

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Hi! My name is Bob Hawkins. I am part owner of Hawkins-Cassens Insurance since its inception 15 years ago. I have 27 years overall experience in the insurance business. I am happily married to Sue for 37 years. We have 2 children and 4 awesome granddaughters. Sue and I love to golf, bike and attend our grandchildren’s sporting events to cheer them on. Stop by the office so I may brag about them! I can be reached at the office or by email at bob@hci-agency.com.

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July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

7

Home & Garden

Playing in the Dirt Kimberly Watley This column from now through November will touch on topics for greenhorn green thumbs, seed sultans and everyone in between. Gardening ideas, tips and your questions will be answered. Email watleykimberly@gmail.com or post on Facebook at www. facebook.com/saukvalley. sun. Timely questions will be responded as quickly as possible. General questions will be answered in the next edition of Playing in the Dirt.

At this point of the season, I feel like gardening should be called weeding. Even a properly mulched, lined bed will see its share of weeds and you have to stay on top of them. The root systems of many can strangle the good stuff.

As plentiful as weeds are this year, the bugs have them beat! The only insect I’ve seen so far this year that isn’t seemingly trying to eat my face off is butterflies. What a welcome sight seeing them flit from flower to flower, enjoying the fruits of my labor.

If you provide good nectar

sources in your yard, they’ll find their way to your house too. So will hummingbirds.

Purple Coneflowers, Bee Balm, Autumn Joy, Russian Sage, Black-Eyed Susans and Coreopsis are a few that work well here.

Butterfly bushes, JoePye weed, Aster and Milkweed are surefire ways to attract them too. Long-blooming annuals, including Pentas, Heliotrope, Zinnia, Cosmos and alike, are a great place to start.

They must be planted in the sun, where they feed.

You can also start next season with a seed mixture of wildflowers.

It’s a messy, (in that they grow sporadically in varying heights) yet effective way to fill a troubled spot in your yard.

Division: Most perennial flowers and plants can be split after they finish blooming. It is good for the overall health of the plants to do every few years. Some can be divided every year, though it is not necessary.

If there is a dead spot in

the center; if there are fewer blooms than previous years; if something is outgrowing its location - it’s time to divide them.

The best piece of advice I can offer for doing so is to dig farther out than you

think you need to and dig a little deeper as well. Some roots branch out as far as the diameter of the foliage.

There again, don’t be too upset if you lose some. Most varieties are able to flourish even with some root damage, so don’t panic if you

don’t go deep enough.

The toughest ones I have are daylilies and Siberian irises. I don’t think you can even kill them. I’ve been less than gentle, hacking into the center of each, tearing through roots--never losing a single one. What I like about both is that the foliage stays green long after the plentiful, long-lasting blooms are spent. They can also be taken apart root by root. Rather than replanting a clump, both are designed

in a way that allows you to break them apart creating several more new plants that will multiply by next year, which is why giving them space when planting is vital.

Danger in the dirt: While clearing a new place for a garden, one of our readers found themselves in an itchy situation. Irritants in the great outdoors can come from anywhere. New allergies, or those you never knew you had, can pop up seemingly out of thin air. Due to the rough winter, and high

winds lately, pollen counts have been off the charts.

The biggest and most dangerous culprits we see in this area to be aware of however are poison ivy, sumac and oak.

They typically grow in areas that have been untouched, but can be right in your yard. Abate by pulling it out by the roots with gloved hands and bag it up with lawn waste immediately. Don’t mow it or burn it because it can get into your lungs and cause serious health problems.

Do not allow you skin to be exposed to any part of the plant. Wash your clothing and gloves in hot water as soon as possible. Any contact you have with it can leave residue elsewhere that you may accidentally touch ungloved later.

Herbicides can also be used to get rid of it, but I’ve seen people breakout in a rash from touching a dead plant too. Tread with caution. Not everyone will break out in a rash from contact, but those who do, will www.edwardjones.com be the first to let you know the itchy, painful, blistering sting can make you very uncomfortable.

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July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

8

Pets

Watch for summer hot spots in your pets Summer for most people is a time of sunshine, and fun, but do our pets enjoy Summer as much as us? Not if they have a Hot Spot.

Acute moist dermatitis, also known as a “hot spot,” can be a painful irritation for your dog.

It’s a red, moist area on the dog’s skin that they will scratch and lick making the moist area grow and become even more painful.

Hot Spots show up in a short period of time and are typically found on the legs or chest or any place where your dog can easily lick and get to. These moist areas usually happen due to an allergic reaction to something. It could start from an insect bit or be caused by general allergies your dog has. Even stress or boredom can cause pets to start licking a specific area and then cause a large Hot Spot.

If you’re a dog owner and you see your dog scratching or licking excessively then that is the time to take

them to a veterinarian. Often times, the veterinarian has to shave the specific area so that medication can be applied easily, then it is cleaned with a solution

that is not irritating to the wound.

Sometimes your dog will need to wear an Elizabethan Collar to help avoid any further licking to the area. Topical medication is often sent home to help stop the irritation and heal the wound.

In order to prevent this from happening again the veterinarian will want to figure out what the underlying cause of the hot spot is, such as fleas, skin allergies, infection, improper grooming, or stress.

In order to help prevent acute moist dermatitis owners need to keep their pets on flea control to avoid any reaction to the bits, make sure they have proper grooming done, and try to keep pets away from stressful environments.

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July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

9

Pets

Prevent litter box problems Cats make great companion animals, as they’re relatively self-sufficient and do not require large backyards in which to exercise. Cats can be content to curl up and sleep on their owner’s lap or occupy a cozy spot on a sun-drenched windowsill.

One of the less desirable responsibilities associated with cat ownership is maintaining the litter box to prevent odor. Litter boxes come in many varieties, but they are all intended to give cats a place to go to the bathroom. Cat owners typically place the litter box in a faraway spot to keep it out of sight and avoid any odors that may emanate from within.

However, this way of thinking could be counterproductive. If the cat cannot easily find the litter box or

is not pleased with its location, it may opt to abandon the litter box, which can get messy. That convenient houseplant in the living room may seem more inviting than the litter box in the basement, after all.

The odor of cat urine, when it has a chance to penetrate carpeting or wood flooring, can be difficult to remove. Therefore, it is imperative to create a litter box environment that is accessible to the animal. This may mean placing it in a common area of the home.

Avoid placing the litter box next to a noisy appliance, which may spook the cat.

Also, do not place the litter box next to a heat source, as that may exacerbate the smell and cause the odor to spread.

Invest in multiple litter

boxes, especially if you have more than one cat. The general rule of thumb is one per cat and then one more in another location as a backup, in case the primary one is blocked.

It may seem tempting to try to mask litter box odor by using scented litter or placing an air freshener nearby. But this smell may actually repel the cat and force it to relieve itself elsewhere. Use unscented litter and then sprinkle baking soda inside the box to help absorb odors. Baking soda should not offend the cat.

According to the Humane Society of America, research has shown that many cats prefer fine-grained litters because they have a softer feel. Clumping litters may be preferable to clay litters. Picky cats who resist

commercial litters may like sand. Once a litter material is found that the cat likes, stick with it.

The primary way to prevent litter box odors is to

keep the litter box clean. If the odor offends you, it is likely it will offend the cat, too. Clean the litter box of waste at least once a day, replace the litter twice a

week, and at least once a week remove everything and wash the box down with warm, soapy water.

Make sure there is plenty of ventilation around the litter box so that odors will not build and fester.

Treat your cat to a new litter box once per year. Over time, a cat may scratch its litter box, creating small crevices where bacteria can thrive. This may make odors worse, and the box could be more difficult to clean. Think about donating the used litter box to an animal shelter.

Cat owners don’t have to put up with litter box odor and soiling around the house. Maintenance and finding the right location and litter material go a long way toward having a happy, well-behaved cat.

show starting at 8:30 a.m.

There are 48 classes to choose from. A stick horse making stand will be available 10 – 10:45 a.m. for the stick horse class. A negative Coggins Test is required.

Class sponsorships are available to any individual, family, business, etc. that would like to be a sponsor.

For more information, for a show flyer, or if you would like to sponsor a class, con-

tact Jessica Hollewell, Linda Gengenbach, Steve Hollewell or Carroll County University of Illinois Extension Office at 815-244-9444 or e-mail Leanne Rahn at lrahn@illinois.edu.

Routine maintenance can eliminate litter box problems.

Open horse and pony show to be held An Open Horse and Pony Show, sponsored by the Carroll County Boots ‘N Spurs 4-H Equine Club, will be held Saturday, July 19, at the Carroll Co. Fairgrounds near Milledgeville. The

show will be held rain or shine. Enter at the west gate.

There will be a lunch stand on the grounds by “Purple Scrappers” Relay for Life Team. The show will be held at the horse

arena, located at the west end of the fairgrounds.

The arena was built and is sponsored by the Boots ‘N Spurs 4-H Equine Club.

Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. at the arena, with the

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July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

10

Health

Releasing trunk muscles can relieve aches and pains Nancy Nesyto-Freske Moving from the inside out is how we are meant to move. Starting with the spine, the larger muscles of the trunk and then out to the extremities of the arms and legs.

As we start to get older, and nowadays I’m seeing this in younger people, even teens, the muscles in our trunk start getting “tighter.”

What’s really happening is that they just won’t release

fully. The nervous system has forgotten how to do that.

At first we don’t really notice, then over time, we start feeling achy, stiffer, less flexible and then we start experiencing pain. That’s because our body just can’t do it any more and we just say, “I’m just getting older”.

When people have, for example, carpal tunnel or repetitive stress injuries, they are surprised when I tell them that the where the pain is, is not the where the

problem is. ìWhat do you mean? My wrists (elbow, etc.) hurt.î I tell them that’s where you’re feeling the symptom. The problem is that you aren’t moving efficiently at the shoulders and very likely you have muscles in your trunk that are the tight and you have learned to compensate. The compensation has now built up to a point that it is causing pain.

So, we work to release the muscles that are tight and the pain reduces or is eliminated.

It is pretty simple and, it works.

Next time you are exercising, I’d like to encourage you to move slower and to notice and feel. When you come to a stopping point, this is where you’ve reached your true range of motion, stop there, back up a little and just stay in that range. Move only where you find ease, without forcing beyond it. Continue doing this and see what happens. See how quickly things start to feel better!

Nancy NesytoFreske is a Certified Yo g a I n s t r u c t o r and Certified Yoga Therapist. She is currently studying Clinical Somatics as well. Nancy has 2 locations, 1 in Dixon and another in Naperville. She can be reached at 815-509-6479 or via email at Nancy@ journeyyogastudio. com.

Legacy gift leaves its mark on Sauk Valley health A single gift from a Sterling man in the mid-1980s continues to impact the health of adults and children living in the Sauk Valley area. Emil Ryberg’s legacy bequest was a major factor in creation of the CGH Health Foundation.

“Mr. Ryberg’s generosity has allowed the hospital to take its caring tradition outside hospital walls and into the communities we serve,” said Roger Wait, Foundation trustee and chairman of the 2014 Annual Appeal.

“We are in the middle of our twenty-sixth year of annual fundraising, and ask our area community members, businesses, and clubs to support this worthwhile endeavor,” he went on to say.

The pursuit of wellness for all has been the driving

force of Foundation supporters. The mission now includes services for the chronically ill, as well as medication assistance for the under-served.

“Keeping people out of the hospital has always been our goal, by providing individuals with the latest

in educational information and services,” said Wait.

“In addition, this year we are adding a prescription program for patients that need help and are in the second year of the free Community Health Network program for chronically ill patients.”

There are several projects being funded, including Love on a Leash Dog Therapy Program, Diabetes Health Services Voucher Program, Eyeglasses for Kids Program, Prescott

Dental Clinic, Nursing/ Healthcare Scholarships, Cardiac Wellness, Workplace Wellness, Women’s Health, Nutrition & Fitness Initiative, and Lung Cancer Prevention.

The campaign’s goal is $400,000, and donations are being accepted through Sept. 25, the date for the Annual Appeal reception.

Mr. Ryberg’s gift formed the corpus of the Foundation endowment fund. Bequests, memorials, gifts of stock, and annual gifts all

help extend the legacy of health in the Sauk Valley.

Please consider making a donation by going online to www.cghmc.com/foundation, and clicking on the Donate Now button. Your dollars stay local, helping local people.

It all began with our generous neighbor, Mr. Ryberg, and can continue with you. For more information, contact Foundation Executive Director Joan Hermes, 815/625-0400, ext. 5672.

Lee and Whiteside County Health Departments hold immunization clinics

Ronald McDonald Care Mobile to provide free medical and dental services

Tricia Lewis

Tricia Lewis

Immunization clinics are held on most days (by appointment only). Vaccines that are provided include: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), measles, mumps, rubella, varicella

(chickenpox), polio, haemophilus influenza type B (HIB), pneumococcal, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningococcal, rotavirus, human papilloma virus (HPV) influenza. Some vaccines are limited to certain age groups.

Information is also pro-

vided on international travel. Medicaid and some insurances are accepted. For fee information or to make an appointment call the Lee County Health Department at 815-284-3371 or the Whiteside County Health Department at 815-626-2230.

The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile is coming to Dixon! If your child is in need of basic medical or dental care, the Care Mobile provides free basic medical and dental care to uninsured or underinsured children ages 0-18 who need care.

July 25-9am -3:30pm Dental

July 26-9am -3:30pm Medical Schools require physical exams for K, 6th & 9th grades and dental exams for K, 2nd & 6th grades.

Mc Donald’s Restaurant, 207 N. Galena, Dixon Medical and Dental visits will be available by appointment This is a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL service.

Welcome our new therapist Kayla Roth, PT, DPT Sauk Valley Physical Therapy is pleased to welcome Kayla Roth, PT, DPT to the therapy team.

Kayla joins current physical therapist Donnie Early, PT, DPT. Kayla has extensive knowledge in a variety of areas including orthopedic and sports rehab.

To become a patient of Kayla’s, see your physician and have him or her write a prescription for physical therapy at Sauk Valley Physical Therapy.

Sauk Valley Physical Therapy A part of the Orthopedic and Sports Therapy Institute network of clinics

4204 East Lincolnway Avenue- Suit D, Sterling Orthopedic and Sports Therapy Institute

(815)548-9444 • ostipt.com

Some of the services provided are the following: immunizations, physicals, well-child exams, dental screenings, cleaning, fluoride treatments and basic dental restorative work.

For more information about the Care Mobile, call (815)971-5810.

To schedule an appointment, please call the Lee County Health Department at (815)284 3371.

July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

11

Health

Parasomnias: Sleep disorders disruptive, complex and confusing

Donald R. Lewis, MD FACS The parasomnias are a wide range of disruptive sleep-related events. In most cases, they are infrequent and mild, but sometimes they can occur often, or become so bothersome that medical attention is advised.

In these cases the sleeper is awake enough to act out a complex behavior but not aware of, or able to remember the activities.

Of all these parasomnias, the Confusion Arousals, Sleep Walking and Sleep Terrors are most common.

They share several characteristics. The person is in a mixed state, both asleep and awake, and may just be emerging from the very deepest stage of non-dreaming sleep so that they can act out things like walking and eating, without remembering. This is more common in young children, and does not usually indicate any significant psychological problems. Sometimes these run in families, and can be more severe when the child is either overly tired or has a fever, or even due to certain medicines. Sometimes these children have “good” and “bad” weeks.

Confusion Arousals are most common in infants and toddlers, although they can occur in adults. They begin with crying and thrashing around in bed, and the sleeper seems to be awake, but is confused and upset, and will resist all attempts to comfort them and calm them down. It is very difficult to awaken a person in the grips

of an episode, and these can last up to a half an hour. It usually ends when the child awakens completely, but then wants to return to sleep.

One of the more dangerous versions is Sleep Walking, which is seen more often in older children. This can range from simply getting up out of bed and walking around the bedroom, or going to the bathroom.

They may even speak, but incoherently. Danger exists when the sleepwalker goes outside or operates machinery. In most cases, no treatment is necessary, and this rarely indicates any serious underlying medical or psychological problem in the sleepwalker. As the child gets older, the events tend to decrease, but occasionally we see them even in adults and more rarely, starting in adulthood.

Fairly common is SleepRelated Eating. The person just gets up, goes and eats, and eats again without ever remembering what they did.

When confronted with their weight gain, they haven’t any idea how that happened.

It seems to be more common in young women, but it does occur in both sexes.

Many parents have seen an episode of Sleep Terrors.

These are the most dramatic of the arousal disorders and very distressing to witness.

It often begins with a bloodcurdling scream or shouting. The person has dilated pupils, breathes rapidly and their heart is racing. They are sweating, and they are extremely agitated. The person may bolt out of bed and run around the room or even out of the house.

During these frenzies, they can hurt themselves, but as disturbing as they are to the observer, the sleeper usually has no awareness of the event and does not remember anything upon awakening. These should

not be confused with typical nightmares or bad dreams, and are not usually associated with any vivid dream images recalled after awakening. In most of these, if they are mild, it is unlikely that a medical evaluation is necessary, but you should probably contact your physician if your child’s disturbed sleep causes a potentially dangerous situation or extreme disturbance of other household members and especially if it is associated with extreme sleepiness during the day which could affect his or her school performance.

These disorders of arousal, the “parasomnias”, are relatively uncommon after childhood, but adults who suffer from these should definitely seek evaluation.

They could be triggered by sleep apnea, reflux, or periodic limb movements and only a sleep specialist will be able to get through the complex history and the findings of a comprehensive polysomnography, which is the fancy name for a sleep study. There are simple precautions to take, such as clearing the bedroom of obstructions, making sure the windows are locked and maybe even having the person sleep on the mattress on the floor. If it is a really serious problem and you are concerned about the health and safety of your loved one, speak to your regular physician.

Hypnagogic Hallucinations are episodes of dreaming while awake, often just before falling asleep. It can be scary, because the setting in the dream reflects reality, but the content of that dream is often frightening.

There is also something called Sleep Paralysis, which is the event of waking up from a dream, with the feeling that the muscles of your body will not move

and during which you cannot move your eyes, and you feel as if you cannot breathe. This sleep paralysis and the hypnagogic hallucinations can go together.

These things can be common in people who are sleep deprived. While they can be terrifying, they are not physically harmful in most cases.

There are some rare Nocturnal Seizures which occur only while the person is asleep. They cause the victim to cry, scream, walk or run about or curse. Fortunately, these are often successfully treated with medication.

Sleep Talking (somniloquy), is just what it sounds like. It is normal and is of absolutely no medical or psychological importance.

Sleep Starts occur when the person has a sudden, often violent jerk of the entire body as they are falling asleep. Sometimes you can have a Visual Sleep Start: the sensation of a blinding light coming from the inside of the eyes or head, or an Auditory Sleep Start which is a loud noise. While these are frightening, they are absolutely harmless, except

that they may scare the bed partner!

Teeth Grinding (bruxism) during sleep is a very common too. There is no evidence that it is associated with any big problem, but it can damage teeth so in severe cases the dentist may create a mouth device to help reduce the risk of dental injury.

Minor sleep problems can be handled by your primary care provider, and of course, that is where you should always go in the beginning.

If needed, your primary care provider may send you for sleep studies and may even enlist the aid of a sleep specialist. There are some things that adults can do to help themselves. The first sounds easy, but I bet you do not do it! That is getting up the same time every day, even on vacation, and going to bed only when sleepy.

You can establish a presleep ritual like 10 minutes of quiet reading. I would certainly not advise watching “blood and guts” TV shows right before sleeping.

Exercising later in the evening can actually bother your sleep. Your vigorous exercise ought to be done

earlier, perhaps several hours before bedtime. I suggest avoiding caffeine as much as possible within six hours of bedtime. Alcohol does have a potent effect of helping you to sleep, but, unfortunately, you end up waking up at about 2 or 3 in the morning, so it is really best to avoid it. Of course, you shouldn’t smoke but certainly do not do it in bed as that may have a “terminal” outcome.

Naps are not a bad idea.

A mid afternoon nap is often very helpful. Some authorities say to limit it to half an hour and some go as far as an hour, yet if you sleep too long, you may have difficulty at night. You should not use sleeping pills for longer than three weeks, and you really should not use them without talking to your regular doctor.

There is a good reference for finding out even more information: The American Sleep Disorders Association, Rochester, Minnesota http://www.asda.org.

Wishing you restful sleep, I will see you next month.

DCI Drum and Bugle Returns to the Petunia Festival Sunday, July 6 6 p.m.

Dixon High School A.C. Bowers Field

Six International Drum Corps will perform at the Dixon Petunia Festival Sunday, July 6th.

Tickets are available now for purchase at the Dixon Main Street Office Or Order online at www.dci.org Tickets are $12, $20 or $25

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July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

12

Community

Fire victims lose everything except community support Fundraising effort ongoing A charred pile of debris is all that remains of the Beltran home, two miles outside of Leaf River.

The family of six was at the German Valley Days parade on June 7, when fire broke out, taking with the home, everything, including their beloved therapy dog, Bella.

About 100 firefighters from a dozen departments fought the fire, to no avail.

Fire investigators suspect a heating lamp for newly hatched chickens sparked the blaze.

The community rallied around the family on June 12, at Forreston Junior-Senior High School, bringing household items, clothing and other donations.

The family currently is staying in a bunkhouse in Pecatonica. The tight quarters offer temporary shelter while they wait for the investigation and insurance officials to finish their jobs.

Steve and Jennifer Bel-

tran say they intend to rebuild at the site, though it is too soon to say when they can begin.

In the meantime, officials have confirmed in School District 221, there is a homeless clause that will allow the Beltran children to begin the school year in their home schools, even if they still technically fall out of district.

F o r r e s t v i l l e Va l l e y School Superintendent, Sheri Smith organized “Rally of Love” as a way to provide a central location for donations.

“Everyone was asking what they could do. It made sense to do something for them here. The beauty of being in a small town is, people will stepup to help get them through this,” she said.

S c h o o l s t a ff v o l u n teered to accept donations. Coaches dropped off school apparel and equipment for the children, Jeremy, 12, Julianna, 12,

Matthew, 10 and Max, 3.

Jenny substitutes through the Lee/Ogle County Education Consortium, often in the school.

The children also attend school in the district.

Smith created an online survey that lists all of the items received and needed for the family. Much like a gift registry, it helps limit duplicates.

Smith said “If the school is open, people are welcome to continue bringing items after today.”

The couple who volunteer, wherever they are needed, say it is humbling yet difficult to be on the other side.

Jenny said, “People all over, even people we don’t know, have been amazing.”

Steve added, “You always hear about paying it forward, it’s just, you never think about it like this or expect anything in return. This community has been phenomenal.”

On that fateful day, Matthew and Jeremy were on separate floats in the parade the rest of the family had attended. A neighbor called saying smoke could be seen from their property.

Steve said, “I drove home, only to see it complete engulfed in flames.

Jenny arrived 5 minutes later and we sobbed in the drive way.”

After a couple of devastating minutes, the couple received a call that Jeremy was run over by a float and was being rushed to the hospital.

Jenny left the fire and headed to the hospital.

Steve stayed behind, crippled in shock and devastation.

Since third grade, Jeremy has suffered from ITP. Immune thrombocytopenia causes the immune system to attack and destroy its own platelets.

Doctors said his leg was sprained and he was sent

home. By Sunday he was in excruciating pain and his leg was swollen, causing his mother to take him to another hospital.

He was rushed to the pediatric hematologist where they discovered he had a broken foot. As a result, emergency treatments to infuse his body with platelets had to be administered to save his leg.

On crutches, then zooming around in a wheelchair being pushed by his little brother Max, he said, he isn’t in as much pain, and feels better since the nauseating residual effects of the treatments are gone.

With their son finally on the mend and reality of their loss having set in, emotionally it has been draining.

Their dream home, built seven years ago, was gone, as was their beloved therapy dog, Bella.

“She was a phenomenal dog,” Steve said.

He and daughter Juli-

anna, used to visit patients in area hospitals and residents of Pine Crest Manor in Mount Morris with her.

More than that, he said, she was an instrumental part of their family and the loss is devastating.

The support of his family, friends and his community are what keep the despair from swallowing him whole.

June 7, was the second time a fire swept through their home, taking away many of their possessions. The first in 2004, on Christmas Eve, when the Beltran family, who lived in Durand at the time, awoke, rushed out of their smoke-filled house with nothing except the clothes on their backs, in 20 degrees below zero temperatures.

A faulty constructed fireplace left them homeless then. The second fire would claim everything, including some of Steve’s faith.

July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

13

Government

Mayor Column July 2014 Bill Wescott Mayor - Rock Falls Summer is rapidly approaching, and with it is a multitude of events and happenings around our community during the end of June and into the first part of July that I would like to share with you. At the same time I am encouraging your participation in these community events.

On June 27th through June 29th the Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the 9th Annual Summer Splash on the Rock Falls Riverfront directly across the street from the site where the future hotel and RB&W greenspace will be developed.

This year’s even is bigger

and better than before, with more events, more activities, and more participants all leading the way to a funfilled three days.

At the time of this writing, over 50 local organizations have come together, working with the Chamber to be part of this event, which is free for all ages. Some of the many activities scheduled are a cruise in event for vehicles and motorcycles, kid’s fun fair, petting zoo, arts and crafts showcase, business showcase, police and fire displays, dance performances and lessons, and martial arts demonstrations.

Come hungry as the cookout this year will be featuring a wild game cookout including alligator brats, buffalo and elk burgers, pork,

chicken and more.

To make the weekend even more fun-filled, two blocks east of the Summer Splash activities, at Seward Park, the River Chase will return to Rock Falls on June 28th and 29th. The River Chase will bring in highspeed boats racing between the two dams on the Rock River. Find out more information about these two great events by going to www.

RockFallsChamber.Com. It is so important that, as a community, we come out and support these events, as it is an excellent opportunity for the community to come together.

There is another community event that is still being finalized, but I wanted to include information that is

currently available so we can get as much advance notice as possible.

It is an event that will not only involve Rock Falls, but Sterling, Dixon, and Morrison as well. The Pink Heals Initiative which is an organization dedicated to helping communities come together and raise awareness about different causes that support people in the local communities who are dealing with medical conditions. Several examples are Pink Heals Diabetes, Pink Heals cancer, Pink Heals at-risk kids, and Pink Heals communities.

Rock Falls has been fortunate enough to have been selected to have a visit from the Pink Heals Tour that travels across the United States each

year. It consists of Firefighters and Police Officers from across the country, which volunteer their time and pay their own way to come into communities with fire trucks, command cars and police cars that are painted pink. Their message, “We are here to help you bring about awareness of those who need the love and support of the communities they call home.”

The Pink Heals Tour and the “Cares Enough to Wear Pink” program is about community, our family, our neighbors, and our leaders and how it will help bring us back together to focus on our own people now, rather than on promises that were never kept, opportunities that were lost, and things that might

have been.

The members of the Pink Heals Imitative will be in Rock Falls on Monday, July 7, 2014.

During the day, arrangements are being made for the members of the Pinks Initiative Team to visit individuals, medical facilities, treatment centers, health departments and others to personalize the message of hope and support.

That evening, all of the Pink Units, along with local police and fire units, as well as, representatives from other communities will gather on the River Front in Rock Falls between the hours of 6-9 p.m. to end the day with a celebration of life.

Continued on page 28

Brush, Bloom & Boom painting event part of Petunia Festival Brush, Bloom, & Boom, a family-friendly art event, will take place at the Peoria Avenue Bridge in downtown Dixon on Friday, July 4 from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Dixon Main Street and the Dixon Petunia Festival

are teaming up for this fun-filled painting competition for all ages in downtown Dixon. The event will use Peoria Avenue Bridge as the canvas as budding artists will help decorate downtown for the Petunia

'

S

Festival.

On July 4, starting at noon, artists will paint 4 foot by 4 foot squares on the bridge. Winners will be announced with prizes being awarded. Pre-registration is $10 per square.

Participants can pre-register by downloading a form at www.dixonmainstreet. com or at the Dixon Main Street office, 115 S. Hennepin Ave. Day of registration will begin at 11 a.m. and is $15.

Paint and brushes will be supplied for the participants. The event is open to all ages.

The Petunia Festival runs from July 2-6, and features a fantastic line-up of music, carnival rides, parade,

fireworks, the Reagan Run 5K, and much more. Read all the details about the festival at www.petuniafestival.org.

For more information, call Dixon Main Street at 815-288-2308.

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July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

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July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

15

Real Estate

Galt: a tiny town has big impact Carol Chandler Historically, the tiny village of Galt impacted our area.

According to “History of Whiteside County, Illinois” published in Morrison in 1877 by Bent and Wilson, “The village of Galt was laid out and platted in January of 1855 by John Galt and

others. It consists of 20 blocks. There are now 25 dwellings, four business houses, a warehouse, cheese factory, elevator, blacksmith shop & lumber yard, besides the depot and other bldgs of the Chicago & Northwestern RR Co, and the large school house, in the upper story of which is the Town Hall. The

population is estimated at two hundred.”

The Galt Cheese Manufacturing Company was organized October 22, 1873 with a capital stock of $3,100. The officers were William Pratt, president and Robert A. Galt, treasurer and general superintendent. About sixty thousand pounds of cheese were made

annually. It prospered for a few years and then closed.

In the text, “Whiteside County” by Wayne Bastian, “The completion of the Chicago and Northwestern RR, which was then called the Galena and Chicago Union, encouraged the platting.

It also advised that, “In 1882, there was a clay pipe factory at Galt. It was operated first by John O’Brien and later that same year by the O’Brien brothers. A kiln of pipes was 20,000 and they burned them at intervals of about five weeks.

The pipes were generally shipped to Chicago.”

Galt, located three miles west of Sterling, is also the hometown of Super Bowl XLVIII-winning (assistant) equipment manager Andrew Bley of the Seattle Seahawks. This little place in history also was the resting place of GTW 8305, an old steam engine of the Northwestern Steel and Wire Company until a few years ago when it was shipped to Quincy, Illinois to rest in a museum.

Galt! Who knew that it’s this interesting!

www.saukvalleysun.com Staff Judy Bell Publisher Robert Bell Co-Publisher Julie Reeder Editor Production Karina Ramos Graphic Designer Joseph Doane Jerry Knox Layout Artists Liz Davis Graphics Associate Website Tony Winstead VP of Digital Marketing John Yada Web / IT Support Writers/Contributors Lindsay Aiello Josh Albrecht Carol Chandler, RN Pastor Jeff Coester Cody Cutter Gary Davey Tom Demmer Randy Ernst Towana Ernst Larry Hammelman Jill Horn Ann Lewis Donald R. Lewis, MD, FACS

Dr. Brandon Gumbiner Tracey Montgomery Kimberly Watley Patricia Lewis Lonnie Miller Brad Monson Nancy Nesyto-Freske Frances O’Dorrell Spencer Schein Greg Smith Jill Straw © Sauk Valley Sun, 2014 www.saukvalleysun.com The opinions expressed in the Sauk Valley Sun do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Sauk Valley Sun staff.

Advertising Policy: Acceptance of an advertisement by Sauk Valley Sun does not necessarily constitute an endorsement of its sponsors or the products offered. We will not knowingly publish advertisements that are fraudulent, libelous, misleading, or contrary to the policies of Sauk Valley Sun. We reserve the right to reject any advertisement we find unsuitable. Please direct all advertising inquiries and correspondence to the address below.

Editorial Contributions, Letters to the Editor, and Advertising Inquiries: Please submit all correspondence to our office by e-mail, at sauksun@gmail.com. All correspondence must be dated and signed and include the writer’s full address and phone number in order to be considered for publication. Email would also be helpful. All editorial content is subject to editing to fit the publication’s format. Word count for letters is 250.

Sauk Valley Sun 25,500 copies published monthly 25,000 copies direct-mailed to homes and business addresses in Dixon, Sterling, Rock Falls, and Galt Postage paid at Rockford, IL Permit No. 28 Phone (815) 888-4403 Address: PO BOX 678,

Dixon, IL 61021 Email: sauksun@gmail.com

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July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Real Estate

Land of Lincoln Ann Lewis From last installment, Lincoln had just enlisted as a private in Jacob Early’s “independent spy company.”

The story of “Lincoln in Illinois”…

They were ordered back to Dixon’s Ferry. Early’s company was dispatched to Kellogg’s Grove on June 25 to bury the dead from the Second Battle of Kellogg’s Grove. Lincoln assisted with the burial and later wrote about what he saw: “I remember just how those men looked as we rode up the little hill where their camp was. The red light of the morning sun was streaming upon them as they lay head towards us on the ground.

And every man had a round red spot on top of his head, about as big as a dollar where the redskins had taken his scalp. It was frightful; it was grotesque and the red sunlight seemed to paint everything all over. “ Early’s company remained at Kellogg’s Grove until June 28 when they returned to Dixon’s Ferry. In the first week of July, Early’s company, moved north along the Rock River to Coldspring, Wisconsin.

On July 10, 1832, General Atkinson decided he had too many men and ordered Early’s company out of

…continued from June issue

service. Lincoln’s horse, along with a comrade’s, was stolen the night before he was discharged from service. They bought a canoe and paddled down the Rock River to Dixon’s Ferry. Then, by foot and occasionally a comrade’s horse, they traveled to Peoria. Once in Peoria, Lincoln and his wartime compatriot bought another canoe and made their way down the Illinois River to Havana, IL. At Havana, they disembarked and made the final 23-mile jaunt on foot to New Salem.

Lincoln’s service had a lasting impression on him and he related tales about it later in life with modesty and a bit of humor. Through his service he was able to forge lasting political connections.

In addition, he received a 160-acre land-grant from the U.S. government for his military service during the war. Though Lincoln had no military experience when he assumed command of his company, he is generally characterized as an able and competent leader.

There is one popular story about Lincoln’s leadership during the war that illustrates his inexperience as a military commander. The story relates how Lincoln was marching his company and encountered an open gate,

through which his formation needed to pass. Unable to remember the proper command to direct his men through the gate, Lincoln called “Halt!” and ordered the men to fall out for two minutes. Then, he ordered them to reform on the other side of the gate.

On August 20, 1832, Blackhawk was captured at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin and the Black Hawk War was officially over.

Lincoln referred to his service during the Black Hawk War as a “shaping circumstance in his life.”

He made one tongue-incheek remark concerning his Black Hawk War service during an 1848 speech before the U.S. Congress in which he mentioned the Battle of Stillman’s Run by name.

“By the way Mr. Speaker, did you know that I am a military hero? Yes sir, in the days of the Black Hawk War I fought, bled and came away . . . I was not at Stillman’s defeat but I saw the place very soon afterwards . . .

If Stillman saw any live, fighting Indians, it was more than I did; but I had a good many bloody struggles with the mosquitoes, and although I never fainted from the loss of blood, I can truly say I was often very hungry.”

After the Black Hawk War, Lincoln stayed in New

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Salem doing a variety of jobs and began studying law. In 1836, he was admitted to the Illinois bar and moved to Springfield, where he would live the next 24 years of his life.

Lincoln practiced law in Springfield, handling “every kind of business that could come before a prairie lawyer.” He appeared before the Illinois Supreme Court in 175 cases; 51 as sole counsel with 31 decided in his favor. From 1853 to 1860, Lincoln’s largest client was the Illinois Central Railroad.

In 1856, B.F. Shaw from the Dixon Telegraph, along with 11 other newspaper editors and Abraham Lincoln, met in Decatur to form the Republican Party of Illinois in response to the growing concern over slavery. The new Republican Party nominated explorer and former California senator John C. Frémont as its presidential candidate.

During this time, presidential candidates rarely campaigned for themselves. Lincoln gave more than 50 speeches around Illinois in Fremont’s behalf.

One of those speeches was in front of the Lee County Courthouse in Dixon on July 17th, 1856. Lincoln spoke for two hours in front of 1,500 people. Afterward, he stayed at the Nachusa House.

In 1858, the Republicans nominated Lincoln for Senator. There were seven debates between him and his Democratic opponent, Stephen Douglas. The second debate was in Freeport and Lincoln traveled by the Illinois Central railroad spending the night in Amboy.

He then traveled through Dixon by train on his way to Freeport. Lincoln lost that election, but two years later, on May 18, 1860, the Republican National Convention, meeting in Chicago, nominated Lincoln as their candidate.

In the summer of 1860, Lincoln visited his friend in Dixon, Joseph Crawford whom he had met in Springfield when Mr. Crawford served in the House of Representatives.

Crawford took Lincoln for a carriage ride to Franklin Grove along what would become the Lincoln Highway. This is the only documented section of the coast-to-coast Lincoln Highway that Lincoln traveled on.

On November 6, 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected the 16th President of the United States. In 1865, Lincoln became the first United States President to be assassinated. As much as he loved Springfield, and considering the only home the Lincolns owned was in that city, it is likely that

he would have spent his retirement years back in Illinois.

Wondering what Lincoln’s life would have been like had he lived longer, I found a quote of his that gave me an answer. He wrote: “And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”

For those wanting more information, Dixon Tourism has published a free SelfGuided Tour of Lincoln in Dixon that shows the ten sites connected to Lincoln.

It is available at the Dixon Welcome Center at 106 W. River Street.

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July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

17

Home & Garden

Helpful gardening tips make difference to plants Tracey Montgomery

Plant Ties Old bed sheets make great plant ties as they are soft and can be tied easily.

Simply rip sheets into 2” strips approximately 12”18” long.

Gnat Attack We’ve noticed an invasion of gnats in the past few weeks. If you want a sure fire way to keep them at

bay while you work or play then here’s the answer. Mix 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla (not imitation) with 1 cup of water. Fill a spray bottle and mist yourself with it.

They won’t come near you and you’ll smell good all day long.

Tomato Suckers Tomato plants will produce side shoots (sometimes referred to as suckers).

These suckers will appear in the crotch between a

stem and a branch. If left to grow, they will become another main stem with branches, flower clusters, fruit and more suckers of their own. Remove or not to remove these suckers is the question. Pruning tomato suckers on indeterminate type plants is recommended because the resulting new stem is competing for nutrients with the main plant.

You may be setting more fruits if you leave the suck-

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ers to grow, but the fruit will be smaller as the water and nutrients are shared by a greater number of tomatoes. Pruning tomato suckers is just simply thinning the plant. Determinate type tomatoes don’t really need any pruning at all. Determinate tomatoes tend to be more compact and stop growing at a certain height.

Container Gardening and Professional Mix Professional potting mix is great for container gardening, but be aware that these types of mixes contain a great deal of peat moss. Peat moss is highly absorbent and without premoistening can be a detriment to your plants. If you just throw the mix into a container then water, you may find that the mix at the top will absorb all the water and the lower area in your container may never get any water and that’s where the roots are. We suggest pre-moistening the mix.

Moist not soaking wet and if you plan on using a saucer under your container, then place some water in the saucer now and then ... just don’t leave any stand-

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Providing Water Soaker hoses are fairly inexpensive and can be a

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They will water your plants and help to promote weed growth.

Don’t miss next month’s article about freezing, canning and Mr. T.’s salsa recipe!

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July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Agriculture

Whiteside Barn Tour to feature many barns from 1800s and lunch!

Duane Paulsen Barns—once common to every farm—are disappearing from the rural landscape.

Once used to house horses and livestock, with the mows filled each summer with hay, barns are almost a relic of a bygone way of farming. They are being replaced by large metal sheds with high ceilings and wide doors that can accommodate today’s machinery.

For anyone interested in looking at barns, the 7th Annual Whiteside Barn

Tour, Saturday and Sunday, July 12 & 13, is for you. Admission is $20 per vehicle and includes a booklet and tour map. Load the car with family and make a day of it. The tour begins at 1963 Mound Hill Road, Dixon, and includes 11 barns.

The route is a compact 28 miles containing a little bit of everything a barn tour should include—a variety of architectural barn styles, beef and dairy cows, horses, vegetable gardens and fresh produce, chickens and antique farm equipment.

Many of this year’s barns date back to the 1800s.

Midway through the tour you can satisfy your hunger by enjoying a lunch prepared by the Whiteside County Cattleman’s Association. The barbeque steak sandwiches are always a winner!

The mission statement of the sponsoring groups says it all: “Provide awareness, knowledge and resources to facilitate a grassroots effort to preserve the barns and agricultural history of Whiteside County.”

If the past is a prelude to what you can expect on the tour, you will experience a wide variety of barn styles and can visit with their owners who will tell you about the buildings. Some of the farms have been owned by the same families for several generations.

Many of these barns are little used today and mostly neglected, serving as storage places with cobwebs in abundance. As you enter a barn there is often the lingering smell of hay—a ghost of the past. The ceilings

tend to be low. The dairy equipment often remains in place—of no use today. The wooden planks on the stalls and loafing areas show the wear from livestock having rubbed against them for many years. The older barns may have a stone foundation, and some on past tours had floor and ceiling beams that had been hand-hewn oh-so many years ago.

You will not see much livestock in these barns— perhaps animals being raised as a 4-H project.

Cats can be seen in most

barns—on the prowl for the ever-present mice.

The owners who agreed to put their barns on the tour spent hours—perhaps days—tidying things up.

They take pride in the history of the barns they show to visitors, so enjoy what you see. For $20 bucks, a day spent in the country visiting farms and looking at barns is something for everyone to enjoy.

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July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Community

Bison Are Coming Back!

Carol Chandler Bison, once the livelihood of Native Americans and an important part of our ecology, are coming back to the Nachusa Grasslands! After an absence of nearly 200 years, these great behemoths will return to the tall grass prairies of Illinois.

The initial herd will be “approximately 30 to 50 animals of diverse age-groups and sexes,” according to Prairie Smoke, an annual stewardship report of The Nature Conservancy. The herd is scheduled to arrive in a few months after completion of a special fence.

They will be acclimated to the change in environ-

ment within a corral and later “soft released” to the north unit of 500 acres. In 2016, an added south unit of 1,000 acres will be opened to them, resulting in a grand total of 14 enclosed miles of fencing.

A veterinarian will examine each animal on arrival, and each bison will be micro-chipped so that they may be monitored by a computer system. The bison will be re-examined on a yearly basis, but will be allowed to live with minimal human intervention.

According to the stewardship report, “weather extremes, parasites, potential predators, and herd social

dynamics will all be realities for bison at Nachusa.”

The final herd capacity is projected to be 110 to 150 animals, and any that are culled will be sold to other conservation herds or to private bison farms.

The Nachusa Grassland bison are from the Wind Cave National Park and certified as 100% bison, as opposed to the majority of bison today that have been cross bred with cattle in the past. These purebreds are the descendants of only about 500 bison left after

HALF PAGE HORIZ White Pines NEW

the immense slaughter in the 1800’s.

There are a total of seven TNC preserves in the U.S. and regular transfers will be made to promote genetic diversity. Studies are in progress to track the changes in the wildlife and ecology of their new habitat.

The project is drawing national attention, as well as local attention. Visitors may view the bison from Lowden and Stone Barn Road later this year.

Because the herd will still be small, and the area

is quite large, it may not always be possible to see them. Plans are being made to have a visitor use area, a parking trail entrance, and pull-offs open by 2016.

Please come out and see what our prairies looked like 200 years ago!

For more information, contact: The Nature Conservancy, Nachusa Grasslands Preserve, 8772 S. Lowden Road, Franklin Grove. You may also reach them by phone at (815)456-2340 or their website at www.nature. org/illinois.

20

July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Automotive Are We There Yet? Randy Ernst You may have heard the news that in June, electric car manufacturer Tesla, voluntarily relinquished its patented technology rights to the world. Their hope is that other vehicle manufacturers will take this high technology and use it to build more electric cars in the nearer future than had been planned.

The second reason most people don’t want the Volt is the cost. The Volt strongly resembles a Malibu but costs nearly twice as much as its gas powered cousin.

Real life road tests revealed that it’s actually more expensive over a few years to own the Volt.

One reason for that is because your electric bill will increase from charging the battery. Once these facts

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So, are we there yet when it comes to electric cars?

Sadly, no. I say sadly because I would love to own an electric car. They are quiet, quick and cool. Besides, it would be fun to wave at all the gas stations as you whir past them! But until the average electric car sells for under $25,000, and gets at least 200 miles on a single charge, I’m just not interested.

We’ll keep you informed with the latest developments – who knows? Maybe we’ll all be able to afford one before long thanks to Tesla’s generosity. Thank you, Tesla!

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electric car, how far you can travel before your battery needs to be recharged. Any gas-powered vehicle can fill up quickly and, until the last few years, relatively cheaply, as often as needed. Not so with their pure electric cousins. All pure electrics need at least a few hours to charge the batteries – others take all night.

The Chevrolet Volt looked like it might be a winner until real life tests were done by car magazines that proved the “First 40 Mile” claim to be more like 25.

The thought was that you could drive a Volt for 40 miles just on the battery and after 40 miles the generator would kick in and charge the battery as the electric motor drove you down the road.

The reality is that you’ll probably only get 25 miles “free” before the generator (which is powered by gasoline) kicks on.

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Electric cars aren’t a new idea. The earliest automobiles were electric but couldn’t compete with the gas-powered cars when it came to range. That problem still exists and is one of two of the top reasons why most people don’t own one.

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Term & rate may vary depending on credit worthiness of customer as determined by bank approval. All rebates & incentives applied. Not everyone will qualify. See dealer for details. A) Ford Finance CashCashCash - must finance through Ford). Max terms 72 months. B) Farm Bureau (must be 2014 member to qualify). C) Trade In Assistance - must have trade in to qualify. D) With approved credit. Offers expire 6/30/14.

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July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

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Automotive

22

July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Business

Midwest Cement Jill Horn Midwest Cement Products, located along Route 26 in Woosung, has been a family-owned and operated business for four generations.

Doug Nielsen is the current owner, and works with his son, Mike. There are three other employees that

work there as well. Doug’s grandfather, Clarence Nielsen from River Grove, Illinois founded Midwest Cement Products approximately 60 years ago.

The company outgrew its space in River Grove, and Dennis, Clarence’s son, moved the business to its current location 35 years ago. Some of their custom-

ers have been patrons of Midwest Cement since it was in River Grove.

Midwest Cement makes patio and retaining wall block for wholesale and retail sales. All the blocks are made in Woosung. They also sell statuary, some that are made here and others from out of state.

“The molds are very ex-

pensive, so we can’t afford to have all the molds we might need here,” says Sharon Welker, office manager for Midwest Cement Products. They can also custom make some concrete products, including benches and engraving.

“A small family-owned business that likes to offer reasonable prices for local

people and give personalized service,” continues Welker. “It’s a good place to work.”

Since it’s hard to make cement during the winter months, Midwest Cement is closed from mid-October until mid-March.

“We do work on an as needed basis during the winter. Some people who want

to give Christmas gifts can call during that time, and we will make what they need,” says Mike Nielsen.

Midwest Cement Products can be reached by phone at 1(815)284-2342 for all your statuary, patio, and retaining wall block needs.

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July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Business Services & Coupons

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24

July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Business

Hobby turns to business for Country Cutie Spencer Schein Laid off from her job as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Katy Conklen turned to her hobby of making home-made candles to make ends meet. Conklen’s hobby turned business, Country Cutie Candles, has fortunately proven to be lucrative enough to become her fulltime job.

“Years ago I had wanted to make candles. Three years ago, around Christmas, I decided to start making them

to sell,” Conklen said.

She continued, “I’ve loved every minute of it. I was laid off after working for a company for over a year, and decided to start making candles full time.”

Having previously worked a clerical job and as a CNA, handcrafting candles at home may not have been the most obvious choice for Conklen, but it certainly has been the best one.

Working from home has

been beneficial in many ways to this lifelong resident of Whiteside County. As a single-mom, it has allowed her more time to spend with her three daughters.

She is also able to help others outside her family, such as organizing a single-moms’ support group at her church in Sterling.

“My family is everything, and whether they are blood, church, or brought together through other means, they are supportive of me and I

of them,” Conklen said.

The candles Conklen makes from home are reminiscent of the days on the prairie, where candles were the sole source of illumination.

“I make custom soy wood wick candles and soy low melt tarts,” Conklen stated. “I make strong scented soy wood wick candles in mason jars. All candles are hand poured, and can be customized to make them match any decor,” she went

on to say.

She researched different methods of candle making, teaching herself in the process. “I chose to make soy candles because it is a clean, renewable resource, as opposed to paraffin, which is a byproduct of crude oil,” Conklen said.

Conklin makes all her candles at home, and, depending on the demand, they take no longer then a week to complete. “In the fall every year at the start of

hunting season, I make deer candles. These unique candles have attracted trophy bucks from 100 yards away to a position that provided an easier target and cleaner hit,” she said.

Besides marketing her candles on Facebook, Conklen travels to craft and vendor shows.

To place an order for Conklen’s candles, she can be contacted at (779)245-8247 or countrycutiecandles@ gmail.com.

Captions: All photos submitted by Katy Conklen Conklen candles 1 Conklen candles 2 Conklen candles 5 Conklenís Country Cutie Candles on display.

Conklen candles 4 Katy Conklen stands in front of her Country Cutie Candles display.

Conklen candles 7 A display of Katy Conklenís Country Cutie Candles.

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25

July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Business

Phenomenal customers, employees, franchises, make Ken Nelson flourish Kimberly Watley DIXON — Rick Curia, owner of the Ken Nelson Auto Plaza Inc., says business is phenomenal.

During tough economic times, businesses can sink or swim. To flourish, changes that serve the public as well as staff must occur.

His corporate plan over the past several years involved significant changes.

Dealerships were merged, pulled from one town to the next, but it wasn’t the typical downsizing many companies experience.

Reaping the benefits of experienced personnel through relocation, while lowering expenses, was an opportunity for growth.

The 10 franchises have been combined along Galena Avenue. (1100 N. Galena - GM Chevy Chevrolet Car and Truck, Buick, GMC Truck and Cadillac, 1050 N. Galena - Toyota, 1000 N. Galena Chrysler Dodge Jeep and Ram Truck and Nissan is at 928 N. Galena) They are contained within four adjacent buildings, which allowed him to optimize staff and give customers a one-stop shop, no matter their make and model of choice.

“Consolidation served us well because we have been able to have everything in one location, rather than spread out, which makes it much easier, and you can conduct better business,”

Curia said. “The luxury we have with all these franchises is being able to provide diversity.”

Fourteen years ago, the land to expand the operation was purchased on Galena, and a new facility was built.

Although it wasn’t in disarray or dilapidated by any means, the manufacturers want dealerships to have an image. It is called Essential Brand Elements, and all franchises across the country had to undergo aesthetic changes.

Last year, the final step of uniformity was completed with an upgrade on Nissan.

“EBE is the manufacturer’s concept. You have to have everything to their specs. Every showroom will

have all the same furniture, tiles, paint, ceilings, lighting and display material. Everything had to comply with the EBE program including the outside,” he said.

Another thing that has changed over the past 5 years that is making the business stronger yet is vehicle service.

Curia said, “Service is the future. Five years ago, 80 percent were in for repair.

They have done such a phenomenal job building them; you see maintenance now, not repair.”

Maintenance packages are offered with auto purchases.

“That is their philosophy.

They want them coming back for maintenance. They are trying to create an en-

vironment. Eventually it will get to a point we sell, maintain, and want it back on trade.”

A culmination of a lot of efforts have built the success, he said. His highest level of praise, however, goes to the community.

“It has been wonderful to us, which has allowed us to stay modern and up to date, if it wasn’t for the loyalty of the community, these things wouldn’t be possible,” he said.

Curia is involved in a lot of volunteer work, and has received awards, including Citizen of the Year. He has served on the Dixon Chamber and KSB boards, among others.

For a man with 50 years

of business sales experience, he said the level of devotion and respect goes both ways.

“We [staff] live in the community and have to see these people all around,” he said. “I made it a point that I didn’t want to be in this business just to be in it.”

Of the 100 employees, many have been with Ken Nelson for 25 years or more.

Curia said they are the reason why, “you continue to reinvest in your people and community. The only reason we’ve had success is the phenomenal customers, franchise and lot of people working together for a long time.”

orthwest territory Nh istoric ceNter Research - Discovery Heritage - Legacy

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In Ronald Reagan’s beautifully restored boyhood South Central School building.

A memorable visit includes: “Dutch” Regan’s Restored Classroom Walgreen History Room Rock River Assembly Diorama Original Reagan Movie Posters Chautauqua Assembly Building Model Original Ronald Reagan Diplomas Earth from Space Poster Exhibit Beautifully Restored Gymnasium Dixon-1846 Diorama Museum Store and Art Gallery President Reagan History Room Historical Paintings on every floor Veterans Interview Center

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26

July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Faith

Fire House of God: Restoring Buildings – and Lives Randy Ernst In 2004, a young youth pastor felt God’s call to start a new church in Sterling with the mission of not just preaching the Gospel but also of meeting the needs of those whom many people normally avoid.

Like the Good Samaritan of old, Brian Tribley had a vision of reaching out to hurting people, offering restoration spiritually and in tangible, physical ways

by feeding, clothing, and in some cases, housing them.

The ministry that was started 10 years ago last month is the Fire House of God. The verses in the Bible that define its purpose are Jude 1:22-23: “And on some have compassion, making a difference: and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire . . .”

The church serves lunch from 12 pm to 1 pm every day to anyone who comes - no questions asked and

no pressure for a donation.

Dinner is served from 5 pm to 6 pm. No doubt the Fire House of God is in the business of restoration as evidenced by the museum in Rock Falls which the city helped them acquire; a building with some history that was slated for demolition – the original Rock Falls firehouse!

Much work has been done since 2012 when renovations began to restore it to its present condition. Pastor

Tribley states that more work is needed and when donated funds become available, total restoration can be completed. When asked why the project was undertaken, he said, “The main focus of the museum is a different way to minister to people. We get to meet new people that might not come to a church. It’s enjoyable to see the smiles on the faces of children riding on the back of a fire truck!” He continued, “This building

brings joy to a lot of people in Rock Falls – it’s a part of our history and it’s a great tool for us to minister with.”

The museum houses and displays the 1928 Peter Pirsch fire truck, owned by the city of Rock Falls. The 1971 International “water truck,” the 1975 International Engine and the 1987 Pierce Engine are all owned by the Fire House of God Ministries and call the museum home. Other fire-fighting equipment and

memorabilia is on display as well.

The museum officially opened on May 3, 2014. It is located at 403 West Second Street in Rock Falls and is open to the public every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. Admission is free. It will also be open on Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day. Everyone is invited – there will be free food and rides on the fire trucks. Tax deductible donations are always appreciated.

Captions: Photos were taken on May 3 but I wasn\’t there - Judy - can photographer advise what the photos depict?

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27

July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Faith

THE HARDHAT Parent Call Home First Rev. Jeff Coester “If you get in trouble, call Dad and Mom!” We’ve said this to our children hundreds of times. We wanted them to have a sense of security and safety when they fail.

God set the example with frequent reminders to His people that He was always with them; and would never forsake them. When Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, ruining everything, God came to them ‘walking in the Garden in the cool of the day.’ God was not elevated. God only wanted to fight for a better future and a closer relationship.

Irwin Lutzer, Pastor of Moody Church in Chicago, wrote a book, “Failure, The Back Door to Success.”

Wise people know, failure is sometimes the catalyst to future success.

No life is exempt from failure. Rare is the life in which a person has not made mistakes they would prefer no one see. When our children fail, it affects our ego and emotions. These normal human responses create fear in the heart of every parent

who wants the best for the child they love.

Many parents use fear and disappointment as tools to intimidate a child into compliance with their wishes. Fear undermines the resolve of most people; and weakens the parent/child relationship. The Scripture is clear that fear and accusation are primary tools of a very real Devil.

I do not suggest that angry parents are uncaring. The opposite is true. Even our most outrageous response is usually rooted in love, but loving is not a guarantee that we will respond constructively under life’s greatest pressures.

People run to places where they feel safe. Today that means a gang or a peer group for teens; a tavern or social organization for adults. Children are likely to see trouble increase in their lives if family is not their strongest refuge.

Life is seldom defined by one mistake. If we push people away they may continue a chain of events that defines them forever. What

Elder child becomes teacher to younger children.

you set in motion, you cannot control. If they are with us we can work together to minimize the damage and restore hope for the future.

Remind children constantly they are loved, and your love is unconditional.

This does not mean you approve of wrongdoing. Tell them, “Even when you don’t like my parenting, I am on your team. That will never change! I am here to work with you to make your life the best possible. This will never change.” This can be

expressed in a multitude of ways.

Be honest with your own failures. Tell then when you lost your temper in traffic and the other driver then harassed you. Talk about what it cost you when you unwisely loaned someone money. Tell them about failures in your youth, without celebrating or glorifying the bad behavior. Let them meet people who helped you in crisis and honor those people.

Be especially honest

when you fail them. Lost temper, false accusations broken promises and personal struggle are the reality for most parents. There is no substitute for honest, accountable apologies.

If you point only to the successes of your life and hold your child to that standard, you alienate them.

They may not be compliant with your wishes, but they are smarter than you think they are. They know your failures whether you admit them or not.

Help them recover without being personally derogatory! Name calling is a sign of immaturity and self-indulgence. Their failure should not be about your disappointment. Their failure is about the progress of their lives. Either you walk with them into that future or someone else will.

Rev. Jeff Coester is The Pastor of The Big Red Church in Sterling. Like them on Facebook! Send Questions to hardhat1@ juno.com

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Saint Luke’S epiScopaL church 175 Years Young!

221 W. 3rd St., Dixon, IL 61021 (815) 288-2151 St. Luke's Episcopal Church welcomes you... Join us!

10:15 AM Sunday Service followed by coffee & Fellowship.

Children welcome!

www.stlukesdixon.org

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July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Home and Garden

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You deserve to wake up to this everyday n

Build Your Dream Home on the Links at

Deer Valley Golf Club

Ask About Our Building Lot Promotion running through December 31, 2014

Chris King

110 Dixon Avenue, Rock Falls, IL 61071

Managing Broker/Owner

Office: 815-626-1771 Fax: 815-626-1777 Cell: 815-632-9917

www.unitedcountry.com • www.ucsaukvalleyrealty.com • svrealty@cin.net

29

July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Food

Buffet Ideas, Tips and Menus for Simply Spectacular Entertaining Judy Bell, M.S. Food and Nutrition Editor Can life get any busier? Me thinks not. The multi-task wizards are even stretched to the max. It’s the farewell of club meetings, school groups, Sunday School….all of which seem to spark… if not demand… year’s end celebrations.

Then there are graduations, wedding showers, and wed-

dings. Add to this national holidays and visiting family.

Whew!

Those who face the entertaining/cooking demands want to run and hide and leave the commitments to others.

There are several choices of how to manage these culinary needs. You could engage a caterer or one of the area’s restaurants. Many restaurants who do not pro-

vide on-site catering will cook for you…all you have to do is pick up the food.

Then, there are times when you may want to implement your own ideas and

ENJOY OUR PATIO!

family favorites.

One word gives you LOTS of culinary latitude: BUFFET! Simple, modest or flashing, dazzling and extrav-

agant….a buffet can be anything you want and more than satisfy the demands of the occasion.

Buffets, too, offer an interesting opportunity for

creative dining décor…. everything from pottery to crystal are appropriate and at the whim and taste of the most important person of all – you the hostess.

Sauk Valley Sun

Did you know we do carry out BEER, FOOD & LIQUOR? Available at our convenient drive-thru!

Take-out menu available on our website & Facebook!

COMPETITIVE Beer Prices – Check us out!

ALL DAY SPECIALS

Mondays

Tuesdays

Thursdays

Kids: Build Your Own Sundae Bar Free Kids Meal with Each Adult Entree Purchase.

Appetizers Half Price!

$5 Rum Buckets & $2 Domestic Bottles Ladies Night!

Kids 12 & Under

Like us on Facebook to keep up with daily specials!

Ask about our Senior & Military Discounts!

Hours: Sun-Thurs 11:00 am -10 pm Fri-Sat 11:00 am -11 pm Kitchen closes 1 hour before restaurant closes

We strongly encourage reservations for groups of 10 or more persons

628 Palmyra Rd. Dixon, IL 61021

815-288-6300

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

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July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

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Express Lane • Gas & Food Marts

In the Rock River Valley

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31

July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Xxxxx

HALF PAGE HORIZ Crown Exterminators

July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

FULL PAGE 10x16 Dixon Stage Left

19

July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Community

Bison Are Coming Back!

Carol Chandler Bison, once the livelihood of Native Americans and an important part of our ecology, are coming back to the Nachusa Grasslands! After an absence of nearly 200 years, these great behemoths will return to the tall grass prairies of Illinois.

The initial herd will be “approximately 30 to 50 animals of diverse age-groups and sexes,” according to Prairie Smoke, an annual stewardship report of The Nature Conservancy. The herd is scheduled to arrive in a few months after completion of a special fence.

They will be acclimated to the change in environ-

ment within a corral and later “soft released” to the north unit of 500 acres. In 2016, an added south unit of 1,000 acres will be opened to them, resulting in a grand total of 14 enclosed miles of fencing.

A veterinarian will examine each animal on arrival, and each bison will be micro-chipped so that they may be monitored by a computer system. The bison will be re-examined on a yearly basis, but will be allowed to live with minimal human intervention.

According to the stewardship report, “weather extremes, parasites, potential predators, and herd social

dynamics will all be realities for bison at Nachusa.”

The final herd capacity is projected to be 110 to 150 animals, and any that are culled will be sold to other conservation herds or to private bison farms.

The Nachusa Grassland bison are from the Wind Cave National Park and certified as 100% bison, as opposed to the majority of bison today that have been cross bred with cattle in the past. These purebreds are the descendants of only about 500 bison left after

the immense slaughter in the 1800’s.

There are a total of seven TNC preserves in the U.S. and regular transfers will be made to promote genetic diversity. Studies are in progress to track the changes in the wildlife and ecology of their new habitat.

The project is drawing national attention, as well as local attention. Visitors may view the bison from Lowden and Stone Barn Road later this year.

Because the herd will still be small, and the area

is quite large, it may not always be possible to see them. Plans are being made to have a visitor use area, a parking trail entrance, and pull-offs open by 2016.

Please come out and see what our prairies looked like 200 years ago!

For more information, contact: The Nature Conservancy, Nachusa Grasslands Preserve, 8772 S. Lowden Road, Franklin Grove. You may also reach them by phone at (815)456-2340 or their website at www.nature. org/illinois.

20

July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Automotive Are We There Yet? Randy Ernst You may have heard the news that in June, electric car manufacturer Tesla, voluntarily relinquished its patented technology rights to the world. Their hope is that other vehicle manufacturers will take this high technology and use it to build more electric cars in the nearer future than had been planned.

The second reason most people don’t want the Volt is the cost. The Volt strongly resembles a Malibu but costs nearly twice as much as its gas powered cousin.

Real life road tests revealed that it’s actually more expensive over a few years to own the Volt.

One reason for that is because your electric bill will increase from charging the battery. Once these facts

ONE PLAN

of Hassle Free Buyi e n om

DIXON DIXON FORD

www.DIXONFLM.com 489 Illinois Route 2, Dixon, IL 61021

2014 Ford Fiesta SE Comfort PKG. Stk# AE8187

Payments as low as $188/mo** MFG Rebate ................... $1,000 Ford Finance CashA .......... $500 Farm Bureau Members Only ..$500 B

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14,843*

$

2014 Ford Fusion SE FWD Stk# AE7959 were realized by the public, the interest in the Volt waned and production was greatly reduced as the demand was just not there for that particular pure electric vehicle.

The Tesla has better range and speed (0 – 60 in less than 4 seconds) but costs nearly six figures new. That’s fine if you have the money for

Payments as low as $283/mo**

Payments as low as $196/mo** Dixon Discount ................$1,571 MFG Rebate .....................$2,000 Ford Finance CashA ......... $1,000

YOUR PRICE

14,974*

$

Farm Bureau Members Only ...$500 B

2014 Ford Taurus FWD SEL

Payments as low as $294/mo** MSRP ............................. $30,665

Dixon Discount .............. ..$2,398

Dixon Discount .............. ..$2,718

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MFG Rebate ................... ..$2,000 Farm Bureau Members Only ..$500 B

$

21,617*

2014 Ford Escape SE 4x4 Stk# BE8225

Payments as low as $318/mo** an expensive exotic car but most people need an affordable means of transportation with room to carry the kids and the dog and the groceries. Tesla is coming along but the price will continue to keep it out of reach for most middle-income families.

So, are we there yet when it comes to electric cars?

Sadly, no. I say sadly because I would love to own an electric car. They are quiet, quick and cool. Besides, it would be fun to wave at all the gas stations as you whir past them! But until the average electric car sells for under $25,000, and gets at least 200 miles on a single charge, I’m just not interested.

We’ll keep you informed with the latest developments – who knows? Maybe we’ll all be able to afford one before long thanks to Tesla’s generosity. Thank you, Tesla!

2014 Ford Focus SE

MSRP ............................. $27,015

Ford Finance Cash ........... $500

electric car, how far you can travel before your battery needs to be recharged. Any gas-powered vehicle can fill up quickly and, until the last few years, relatively cheaply, as often as needed. Not so with their pure electric cousins. All pure electrics need at least a few hours to charge the batteries – others take all night.

The Chevrolet Volt looked like it might be a winner until real life tests were done by car magazines that proved the “First 40 Mile” claim to be more like 25.

The thought was that you could drive a Volt for 40 miles just on the battery and after 40 miles the generator would kick in and charge the battery as the electric motor drove you down the road.

The reality is that you’ll probably only get 25 miles “free” before the generator (which is powered by gasoline) kicks on.

Open: Mon.- Fri. 8am-8pm Sat. 8am-5pm 815-288-3366

Stk# AE8271

A

The Tesla Roadster

Our Goal is 100% Credit Approval!

Rates as low as 0%!D

MSRP ............................. $20,045

Dixon Discount ..................$947

Electric cars aren’t a new idea. The earliest automobiles were electric but couldn’t compete with the gas-powered cars when it came to range. That problem still exists and is one of two of the top reasons why most people don’t own one.

Range is how far you can travel on a tank full of gas – or in the case of an

ONE TEAM

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MSRP ............................$17,790

The Chevy Volt

ONE GOAL

g

Electric Cars:

H

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MSRP ............................. $28,900

Ford Finance Cash ....... ..$1,250 A

Farm Bureau Members OnlyB ..$500

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22,447*

2014 Ford Edge AWD SEL Stk# BE8286

Loaded

Payments as low as $442/mo** MSRP ............................. $39,815

Dixon Discount .............. ..$1,584 MFG Rebate ................... ..$2,000 Farm Bureau Members OnlyB ..$500

MFG Rebate ................... ..$3,750

YOUR PRICE

24,816*

$

Dixon Discount .............. ..$2,515 MFG Rebate ................... ..$2,000 Ford Finance CashA ............ $500 Farm Bureau Members Only ..$500

YOUR PRICE

34,300*

$

B

2014 Ford Flex SEL FWD Stk# BE8304

Stk# BE8174

Payments as low as $451/mo** MSRP ............................. $40,685

Payments as low as $374/mo** MSRP ............................. $36,790

Dixon Discount .............. ..$3,687 MFG Rebate ................... ..$1,500 Farm Bureau Members OnlyB ..$500

2014 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4

$

YOUR PRICE

34,998*

Dixon Discount .............. ..$3,006 MFG Rebate ................... ..$2,500 Ford Finance CashA ....... ..$1,000 Trade in AssistanceC ...........$750

YOUR PRICE

30,284*

$

Farm Bureau Members OnlyB ..$500 *Plus tax, title, license & doc fee. **Payment based on 84 months @ 2.7% APR financing. Must qualify. Plus tax, title, license, doc fee & $500 cash down.

Term & rate may vary depending on credit worthiness of customer as determined by bank approval. All rebates & incentives applied. Not everyone will qualify. See dealer for details. A) Ford Finance CashCashCash - must finance through Ford). Max terms 72 months. B) Farm Bureau (must be 2014 member to qualify). C) Trade In Assistance - must have trade in to qualify. D) With approved credit. Offers expire 6/30/14.

July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

21

ONE GOAL

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**www.DIXONFLM.com 2014 Volkswagen Beetle 2.5L Stk# EE7936

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2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Stk# EE7987

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18,500*

$

2013 Volkswagen GTI DRIVERS ED Stk# ED7897

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22,347*

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2014 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0 S Stk# EE8070

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YOUR PRICE

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17,137*

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2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Prem. 2014 Volkswagen Passat S 2.5 L Stk# EE8026

Stk# EE8246

MSRP ....................................$29,360 Our Discount ...........................$1,451 MFG Rebate ............................$750

YOUR PRICE

27,159*

$

2013 Volkswagen Passat SE TDI W/SR & NAV.

MSRP ....................................$21,953 Our Discount ...........................$1,115 MFG Rebate ............................$1,250

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$

2014 Volkswagen Touareg VR6 Sport

A look back Randy Ernst I was tooling around enjoying the sunny 80 degree day with the windows up, the air conditioning on and, for some reason, started entertaining childhood memories.

Are you old enough to remember that even if the family car had seat belts, nobody wore them? The “package tray” was the area behind the backseat, and the back windshield was where small children would lay, sticking their tongues out at passing vehicles?

Windows were cranked down by hand and the triangular shaped “vent” windows were open, creating ample airflow.

The radio (if you had one) was AM and only had one speaker located in the top-center of the dashboard.

Seats were cloth or vinyl and until the late 60’s most didn’t have headrests.

Cars were simple – there was lots of room under the hood to change the spark plugs and components under the distributor cap. Dad did his own tune ups every 10,000 miles or so on that blue ‘60 Chevy Biscayne.

The times were simple then too, although Grandpa would tell us over Sunday dinner that the country was “going to Hell in a hand basket!”

Gas was 45 cents a gallon and I remember my grandfather complaining about how expensive it was. Why, when he was a youngster, gas was only 12 cents a gallon – highway robbery he would exclaim!

Forty dollars bought a family of four more than enough groceries to live on for a week. Of course, Mom and Dad gardened and canned what they harvested so there was always plenty of green beans and corn from the garden along with peach jam, plum jelly

than we could eat, so Dad would give them away to people he worked with and people at church.

Bike rides were plentiful for us kids and we survived many nasty spills without wearing helmets, gloves, knee or elbow pads.

We lived on, even though we did some pretty stupid things that I’ll not mention here – wouldn’t want to give young minds any bad ideas!

We had toy guns and played with the original “action figures” – GI Joes.

Dad was nervous – I don’t think he liked the idea of me playing with “dolls” but Mom convinced him that they were just over-sized plastic green army men!

We played Cowboys and Indians, pretended that we were in WWII shooting the Germans. Our dads were WWII veterans and though they never talked much about their war experiences, they never discouraged us from “playing” war.

Political correctness had not been invented yet.

When school was out for the summer we played outside from the time we got up until dark. We were always within a half-mile distance from home and knew all the neighbors on both sides of our street that far away.

A lot of things have changed in 50 years. Some for the better, some not.

I can’t say I really miss those days gone by – even though I miss loved ones and friends who are gone now. But I cherish and am so thankful for the wonderful memories of a great childhood; parents who loved me, guided me, insisted I attend church even when I didn’t want to – all of that helped me develop into who I am and what I believe.

I rolled the windows down for a while and let

Stk# EE7860

Stk# EE8188

MSRP ....................................$31,840 Our Discount ...........................$1,580 MFG Rebate ............................$1,250

Automotive

ONE TEAM

YOUR PRICE

29,010

$

*

MSRP ....................................$49,320 Our Discount ...........................$2,649 MFG Rebate ............................$1,500

YOUR PRICE

45,171

$

*

* Not including tax, title, license or doc fees. All rebates and incentives applied. **Finance rate varies depending on credit worthiness of customer as determined by bank approval. Some customers will not qualify. Photos for illustration only. Offer ends 06/30/2014.

and apricot preserves from our very own fruit trees growing in the back yard.

And apples – more apples

the warm air rush in. And at least for a few minutes, all was right with world.

22

July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Business

Midwest Cement builds a solid family firm Jill Horn Midwest Cement Products, located along Route 26 in Woosung, has been a family-owned and operated business for four generations.

Doug Nielsen is the current owner, and works with his son, Mike. There are three other employees that work there as well. Doug’s grandfather, Clarence Nielsen from River Grove, Illinois founded Midwest

Cement Products approximately 60 years ago.

The company outgrew its space in River Grove, and Dennis, Clarence’s son, moved the business to its current location 35 years ago. Some of their customers have been patrons of Midwest Cement since it was in River Grove.

Midwest Cement makes patio and retaining wall block for wholesale and retail sales. All the blocks are made in Woosung. They also

sell statuary, some that are made here and others from out of state.

“The molds are very expensive, so we can’t afford to have all the molds we might need here,” says Sharon Welker, office manager.

They can also custom make some concrete products, including benches and engraving.

“A small family-owned business that likes to offer reasonable prices for local people and give person-

alized service,” continues Welker. “It’s a good place to work.”

Since it’s hard to make cement during the winter months, Midwest Cement is closed from mid-October until mid-March.

“We do work on an as needed basis during the winter. Some people who want to give Christmas gifts can call during that time, and we will make what they need,” says Mike Nielsen.

Midwest Cement Products owner Doug Neilsen stands with statuary produced at the plant.

Midwest Cement Products can be reached by phone at 815-284-2342

Travel Consultants offer confidence and safety Carol Chandler Ever been accused of having “wanderlust?” Do you like adventure and excitement? If you do, Colleen Brechon of Travel Consultants of Dixon can help you. She has years of experience and can even tell you first-hand about locals who have had many adventures all over the world, including a Dixon man who ran with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain. (He came back safely.) That’s just one of her exciting stories.

Colleen became a travel agent in 1982 and joined Travel Consultants. “The business had been purchased

by several local businessmen and I slowly purchased shares until I now own it,” she said.

One of her first trips was to Tokyo and Hong Kong.

When asked what her most unusual trip was, Colleen said, “It was a trip to Kenya.

It was very enlightening. We rode in a Land Rover with the top down about twenty feet from a pride of lions.

We rode out into the bush early in the morning while it was still dark so that we could see the sunrise from a hot-air balloon. It was exciting! I was also able to meet the mayor of Thika, our sister-city. I’ve had a lot of experiences. It’s the

unanticipated experiences that you remember.”

She continued, “One of the most important things that a travel agent can offer is confidence. There is no reason why people shouldn’t avail themselves of our services instead of spending their time researching. We have the contacts to get you where you need to go safely and worry free. We care about our clients, they’re not just names. We want them to have the very best experience they can possibly have. I like the personal contact.” Also, if there is ever an unexpected event while you are in another part of the world, you have an expert

here, ready to help you or resolve any issues.

Colleen’s staff is very professional. “Gary Orlando is my go-to guy for airline tickets. He can answer any questions. He’s been with me forever. Lori Anderson has been with me as long as I have been in business.

She works outside sales.

Crystal Fischer started with us in March. She was a flight attendant with American Trans Air. Gina Weed, Pam Newton and Gene Curren are outside agents and Kathy Myers is our bookkeeper.”

Travel Consultants is open Monday through Friday from 9 to 5 pm.

Saturdays are open by ap-

Colleen Brechon pointment in the summer but have normal hours in the winter. The office is located at 735 N. Galena Avenue in Dixon and the office number is 815 284-6681.

Colleen still enjoys travel

herself. She says, “Some things I plan to do – they’re on my bucket list – is to go to Australia/New Zealand and enjoy a Mediterranean cruise to Greece, Egypt and Turkey.”

NEW EXPANDED MENU available starting at 4pm

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July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

23

Business Services & Coupons

Dan’s Home Repair “No Job Too Small” • Painting: Interior/Exterior • Deck/Fence Construction • Wood Sealing/Staining • Remodeling

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July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

24

Business

Hobby turns to business for Country Cutie Spencer Schein Laid off from her job as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Katy Conklen turned to her hobby of making home-made candles to make ends meet. Conklen’s hobby turned business, Country Cutie Candles, has fortunately proven to be lucrative enough to become her fulltime job.

“Years ago I had wanted to make candles. Three years ago, around Christmas, I decided to start making them to sell,” Conklen said.

She continued, “I’ve loved every minute of it. I was laid off after working for a company for over a year, and decided to start making candles full time.”

Having previously worked a clerical job and as a CNA, handcrafting candles at home may not have been the most obvious choice for Conklen, but it certainly has been the best one.

Working from home has been beneficial in many ways to this lifelong resident

of Whiteside County. As a single-mom, it has allowed her more time to spend with her three daughters.

The candles Conklen makes from home are reminiscent of the days on the prairie, where candles were

the sole source of illumination.

“I make custom soy wood wick candles and soy low

Katy Conklen stands in front of her Country Cutie Candles display.

She is also able to help others outside her family, such as organizing a single-moms’ support group at her church in Sterling.

“My family is everything, and whether they are blood, church, or brought together through other means, they are supportive of me and I of them,” Conklen said.

melt tarts,” Conklen stated. “I make strong scented soy wood wick candles in mason jars. All candles are

hand poured, and can be customized to make them match any decor,” she went on to say.

She researched different methods of candle making, teaching herself in the process. “I chose to make soy candles because it is a clean, renewable resource, as opposed to paraffin, which is a byproduct of crude oil,” Conklen said.

Conklin makes all her candles at home, and, depending on the demand, they take no longer then a week to complete. “In the fall every year at the start of hunting season, I make deer candles. These unique candles have attracted trophy bucks from 100 yards away to a position that provided an easier target and cleaner hit,” she said.

Besides marketing her candles on Facebook, Conklen travels to craft and vendor shows.

Conklen’s candles can be contacted at (779)245-8247 or countrycutiecandles@ gmail.com.

A display of Katy Conklen’s Country Cutie Candles.

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July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

25

Business

Phenomenal customers, employees, choice of brands, make Ken Nelson dealership flourish Rick Curia, owner of the Ken Nelson Auto Plaza Inc., says business is phenomenal.

the next, but it wasn’t the typical downsizing many companies experience.

Reaping the benefits

well because we have been able to have everything in one location, rather than spread out, which makes it

“EBE is the manufacturer’s concept. You have to have everything to their specs. Every showroom will

nomenal job building them; you see maintenance now, not repair.”

Maintenance packages are

During tough economic times, businesses can sink or swim. To flourish, changes that serve the public as well as staff must occur.

His corporate plan over the past several years involved significant changes.

Dealerships were merged, pulled from one town to

of experienced personnel through relocation, while lowering expenses, was an opportunity for growth.

The 10 franchises have been combined along Galena Avenue. (1100 N. Galena - GM Chevy Chevrolet Car and Truck, Buick, GMC Truck and Cadillac, 1050 N. Galena - Toyota, 1000 N. Galena Chrysler Dodge Jeep and Ram Truck and Nissan is at 928 N. Galena) They are contained within four adjacent buildings, which allowed him to optimize staff and give customers a one-stop shop, no matter their make and model of choice.

“Consolidation served us

much easier, and you can conduct better business,” Curia said. “The luxury we have with all these franchises is being able to provide diversity.”

Fourteen years ago, the land to expand the operation was purchased on Galena, and a new facility was built.

Although it wasn’t in disarray or dilapidated by any means, the manufacturers want dealerships to have an image. It is called Essential Brand Elements, and all franchises across the country had to undergo aesthetic changes.

Last year, the final step of uniformity was completed with an upgrade on Nissan.

have all the same furniture, tiles, paint, ceilings, lighting and display material. Everything had to comply with the EBE program including the outside,” he said.

Another thing that has changed over the past 5 years that is making the business stronger yet is vehicle service.

Curia said, “Service is the future. Five years ago, 80 percent were in for repair.

They have done such a phe-

offered with auto purchases.

“That is their philosophy.

They want them coming back for maintenance. They are trying to create an environment. Eventually it will get to a point we sell, maintain, and want it back on trade.”

A culmination of a lot of efforts have built the success, he said. His highest level of praise, however, goes to the community.

“It has been wonderful to

us, which has allowed us to stay modern and up to date, if it wasn’t for the loyalty of the community, these things wouldn’t be possible,” he said.

Curia is involved in a lot of volunteer work, and has received awards, including Citizen of the Year. He has served on the Dixon Chamber and KSB boards, among others.

For a man with 50 years of business sales experience, he said the level of devotion and respect goes both ways.

“We [staff] live in the community and have to see these people all around,” he said. “I made it a point that I didn’t want to be in this business just to be in it.”

Of the 100 employees, many have been with Ken Nelson for 25 years or more.

Curia said they are the reason why, “you continue to reinvest in your people and community. The only reason we’ve had success is the phenomenal customers, franchise and lot of people working together for a long time.”

orthwest territory Nh istoric ceNter Research - Discovery Heritage - Legacy

Learning - Insight Tradition - Enrichment

In Ronald Reagan’s beautifully restored boyhood South Central School building.

A memorable visit includes: “Dutch” Regan’s Restored Classroom Walgreen History Room Rock River Assembly Diorama Original Reagan Movie Posters Chautauqua Assembly Building Model Original Ronald Reagan Diplomas Earth from Space Poster Exhibit Beautifully Restored Gymnasium Dixon-1846 Diorama Museum Store and Art Gallery President Reagan History Room Historical Paintings on every floor Veterans Interview Center

Please plan a visit soon!

Fifth Street and Reagan Way • Dixon Illinois

Open All Year: Tuesday-Saturday 9am-4pm

815-288-5508

info@nthc.org • www.nthc.org

Surprisingly Affordable Assisted Lifestyle Living Caring Makes the Difference “I have EVERYTHING I need here at Heritage Woods!” Ila H. “Heritage Woods is a WONDERFUL place to live when you can’t be home alone anymore!” Betty H. “Heritage Woods gives me the comfort of knowing that I am safe, yet still living independently!” Lulu B. To arrange a visit, call Denise Garcia

815-625-7045

2205 Oak Grove Ave. Sterling, IL 61081 hw-sterling-slf.com

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July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

26

Faith

Fire House of God: Restoring Buildings – and Lives Randy Ernst In 2004, a young youth pastor felt God’s call to start a new church in Sterling with the mission of not just preaching the Gospel but also of meeting the needs of those whom many people normally avoid.Like

clothing, and in some cases, housing them. The ministry that was started 10 years ago last month is the Fire House of God. The verses in the Bible that define its purpose are Jude 1:22-23: “And on some have compassion, making a difference: and others save with fear, pull-

Dinner is served from 5 pm to 6 pm. No doubt the Fire House of God is in the business of restoration as evidenced by the museum in Rock Falls which the city helped them acquire; a building with some history that was slated for demolition – the original Rock

work is needed and when donated funds become available, total restoration can be completed. When asked why the project was undertaken, he said, “The main

in Rock Falls – it’s a part of our history and it’s a great tool for us to minister with.”

The museum houses and displays the 1928 Peter Pirsch fire truck, owned by

as well.

The museum officially opened on May 3, 2014. It is located at 403 West Second Street in Rock Falls and is open to the public every

Photos: Larry Hammelman

Firehouse Ministries truck awaits a mission.

Shawn Klyber, and son Kaiden check out the displays

the Good Samaritan of old, Brian Tribley had a vision of reaching out to hurting people, offering restoration spiritually and in tangible, physical ways by feeding,

ing them out of the fire . . .”

The church serves lunch from 12 pm to 1 pm every day to anyone who comes - no questions asked and no pressure for a donation.

Falls firehouse!

Much work has been done since 2012 when renovations began to restore it to its present condition. Pastor Tribley states that more

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focus of the museum is a different way to minister to people. We get to meet new people that might not come to a church. It’s enjoyable to see the smiles on the faces of children riding on the back of a fire truck!” He continued, “This building brings joy to a lot of people

the city of Rock Falls. The 1971 International “water truck,” the 1975 International Engine and the 1987 Pierce Engine are all owned by the Fire House of God Ministries and call the museum home. Other fire-fighting equipment and memorabilia is on display

Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. Admission is free. It will also be open on Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day. Everyone is invited – there will be free food and rides on the fire trucks. Tax deductible donations are always appreciated.

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July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

27

Faith

THE HARDHAT Parent Call Home First Rev. Jeff Coester “If you get in trouble, call Dad and Mom!” We’ve said this to our children hundreds of times. We wanted them to have a sense of security and safety when they fail.

God set the example with frequent reminders to His people that He was always with them; and would never forsake them. When Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, ruining everything, God came to them ‘walking in the Garden in the cool of the day.’ God was not elevated. God only wanted to fight for a better future and a closer relationship.

Irwin Lutzer, Pastor of Moody Church in Chicago, wrote a book, “Failure, The Back Door to Success.”

Wise people know, failure is sometimes the catalyst to future success.

No life is exempt from failure. Rare is the life in which a person has not made mistakes they would prefer no one see. When our children fail, it affects our ego and emotions. These normal human responses create fear in the heart of every parent

who wants the best for the child they love.

Many parents use fear and disappointment as tools to intimidate a child into compliance with their wishes. Fear undermines the resolve of most people; and weakens the parent/child relationship. The Scripture is clear that fear and accusation are primary tools of a very real Devil.

I do not suggest that angry parents are uncaring. The opposite is true. Even our most outrageous response is usually rooted in love, but loving is not a guarantee that we will respond constructively under life’s greatest pressures.

People run to places where they feel safe. Today that means a gang or a peer group for teens; a tavern or social organization for adults. Children are likely to see trouble increase in their lives if family is not their strongest refuge.

Life is seldom defined by one mistake. If we push people away they may continue a chain of events that defines them forever. What

Photo: Larry Hammelman

Elder child becomes teacher to younger children.

you set in motion, you cannot control. If they are with us we can work together to minimize the damage and restore hope for the future.

Remind children constantly they are loved, and your love is unconditional.

This does not mean you approve of wrongdoing. Tell them, “Even when you don’t like my parenting, I am on your team. That will never change! I am here to work with you to make your life the best possible. This will never change.” This can be

expressed in a multitude of ways.

Be honest with your own failures. Tell then when you lost your temper in traffic and the other driver then harassed you. Talk about what it cost you when you unwisely loaned someone money. Tell them about failures in your youth, without celebrating or glorifying the bad behavior. Let them meet people who helped you in crisis and honor those people.

Be especially honest

Area Vacation Bible Schools explore God’s love

There are five churches in Sterling that are combining their vacation Bible schools; 1. Grace Episcopal Church 815-625-0442 2. St John Lutheran Church 815-6252634 3. St Paul Lutheran Church 815-6253069 4. Bethel Reformed Church 815-6261816 5. First Presbyterian Church 815-6250452

Dates: July 20th-25th Time: 5:30 pm-8 pm Ages: 3 years-5th grade Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church 815-625-1234 Dates: July 15th-August 1st Time: 9 am-12 noon Ages: 5 years-6th grade Harvest Time Bible Church (Rock Falls) 815-626-1234 Dates: July 28th-August 1st

Help them recover without being personally derogatory! Name calling is a sign of immaturity and self-indulgence. Their failure should not be about your disappointment. Their failure is about the progress of their lives. Either you walk with them into that future or someone else will.

Rev. Jeff Coester is The Pastor of The Big Red Church in Sterling. Like them on Facebook! Send Questions to hardhat1@ juno.com

JONES

Funeral Homes

Tricia Lewis Summertime is an excellent time for children to learn about God’s unconditional love for them. There are many opportunities to explore God’s love at area churches this summer.

when you fail them. Lost temper, false accusations broken promises and personal struggle are the reality for most parents. There is no substitute for honest, accountable apologies.

If you point only to the successes of your life and hold your child to that standard, you alienate them.

They may not be compliant with your wishes, but they are smarter than you think they are. They know your failures whether you admit them or not.

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Saint Luke’S epiScopaL church 175 Years Young!

221 W. 3rd St., Dixon, IL 61021 (815) 288-2151 St. Luke's Episcopal Church welcomes you... Join us!

10:15 AM Sunday Service followed by coffee & Fellowship.

Children welcome!

www.stlukesdixon.org

July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

28

Home and Garden Art on the porch: simply fun Tricia Lewis Students at Reagan Middle School, in Dixon, are very fortunate to have JoAnn Hamer as their art teacher.

It is her belief that in this world of video games, head phones, cell phones, and too much television, that students have forgotten how to express feelings and emotions in a positive manner.

She said, “Students have forgotten how to create and explore, and students need to understand that it’s Ok to fail in order to find solutions to problems. When students are involved in the arts, it gives them the opportunity to do

that over and over again.”

She stated, “I know that the arts teach students how to express feelings and emotions, to imagine and create.

It teaches them to how to solve problems and how to appreciate the beauty of a musical score, a painting and a movement in dance.

She went on to explain, “Often, when students are involved in the arts, it opens their eyes to other cultures and what they value. When I see students that are involved in the arts, they are different. They are willing to try new things. They enjoy challenges and they believe there must be a solution to this problem, this art task,

this musical composition or choreography because to ‘this kind of student’ all things are possible and maybe, just maybe, there is more than one correct answer” Summer is the perfect time to use your imagination and to try something new and different. Some ideas are: 1. Art from recycled materials. Save cardboard tubes and boxes of various sizes, scrap wood, yarn, scraps of colored paper and yarn.

Anything will do. Use a hot glue gun and see what you can create. There is no right or wrong way to do this. Let your imagination soar!

2. Tie dye in an old unused

baby wading pool on a hot summer day. Use an old white cotton T shirts and rubber bands and liquid dye 3. Try a theme-based photo slide show of insects, flowers or animals with your digital camera. Share your slide show with friends and family. Project outside onto a white sheet on a clothes line.

4. Experiment with sand.

Pour sand into a large Parmesan cheese or sugar shaker. Brush glue on cardboard or construction paper. Sprinkle colored sand on the glue.

Shake off any excess glue before letting their sand paintings dry.

5. Make sand play dough.

Mix 2 cups flour, 1 cup salt,

Playing in the dirt Continued from page 7 Quick compost guide: The only free way to revitalize depleted soil and feed your garden is to cover it with compost, which can easily be made by things you would typically throw away.

Food is as important to plants as it is to any other living thing.

A n e a s y o rg a n i c method is to dig a hole and stick in all of the debris from your yard,

weeds, branches anything even ash from your fire pit.

Add shredded cardboard, paper, newspaper, dryer lint, wet food – meaning anything you would put in a garbage disposal; avoiding

meat, oils, fat and of course yard waste that is suspect for disease.

Although not necessary, soil and manure can be added and both help speed up the breakdown process. But, I’m sad to say, Fido’s waste isn’t good enough.

Vegetarian animals like horses and cows provide gardener’s gold. Oddly enough, if you ask a farmer for some, they won’t look at you funny

and likely won’t charge.

Be sure to bring more than empty pockets to carry it home and let it dry out in the sun before adding it to your pile.

Take a pitchfork or shovel, turning it every couple of days or when you add something new. How long it takes to breakdown and be ready for use is determined by what is in there and how large the containment or hole is. Somehow, you’ll just know when it is ready.

1 cup water and a few drops of vegetable oil. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup sand until the dough is the desired texture.

6. Paint washes. Use crayons to draw pictures on pieces of construction paper.

Make a wash by diluting tempera paint with water.

Brush the paint wash over paper to make the crayon drawings stand out.

7. Make rubber glove puppets. Wash and dry an old rubber glove. Draw facial features on each finger with a permanent felt-tip marker.

9. Make bottle puppets.

Rinse and dry an empty liquid dishwashing detergent bottle and discard the cap. Hold the bottle upside

down. Glue or tape a piece of fabric around the bottom two-thirds of the bottle, leaving the top third of the bottle uncovered for a face. Use a permanent felt-tip marker to draw eyes, a nose and mouth on the face part of the bottle.

Glue pieces of yarn on top of the bottle for hair.

9. Act out your favorite stories with puppets. Better yet, write your own stories.

Jo Ann Hamer tells her students “good art was meant to look at over and over again.” When they leave for the summer, she tells them. “Do art and bring it back to show me in the Photos: Kimberly Watley fall.

Try something new and surprise me!”

Mayor Column July 2014 Continued from page13 Local Fire Police and EMS units will join the Pinks Initiative team, along with various local organizations, that will have booths to share information about services and other valuable information that patients and families need to fight the good fight.

There will be a food vendor on site, so come and join us for an evening celebration

of our community and its people. The kids can explore the emergency vehicles and then to conclude the evening, it is rumored that there will be a fireworks display over the Rock River with pink being the dominate color.

Please come join us for all of these events and be a participant in your community.

Thank you and have a safe summer.

You deserve to wake up to this everyday n

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Office: 815-626-1771 Fax: 815-626-1777 Cell: 815-632-9917

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July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

29

Food

Buffet Ideas, Tips and Menus for Simply Spectacular Entertaining Judy Bell, M.S. Food and Nutrition Editor Can life get any busier? Me thinks not. The multi-task wizards are even stretched to the max. It’s the farewell of club meetings, school groups, Sunday School….all of which seem to spark… if not demand… year’s end celebrations.

Then there are graduations, wedding showers, and weddings. Add to this national holidays and visiting family.

Whew!

Those who face the entertaining/cooking demands want to run and hide and leave the commitments to others.

There are several choices of how to manage these culinary needs. You could engage a caterer or one of

Red, White and Blue…

The All-American with Flags and Pa-zazz Sliced Brisket of Beef in B-B-Q Sauce Honey-Baked Spiral Cut Ham Roast Breast of Turkey Condiments: Mustard, Pickles, Mayo, Lettuce, Tomato, Sliced Onion Sliced Pretzel Rolls Macaroni Salad Potato Salad Baked Beans Cookies (variety of frosted and plain) Frosted Cake (sheet cake from a bakery) Ice Cream or sherbets (at least three choices)

the area’s restaurants. Many restaurants who do not provide on-site catering will cook for you…all you have to do is pick up the food.

Then, there are times when you may want to implement your own ideas and family favorites.

One word gives you LOTS of culinary latitude: BUFFET! Simple, modest or flashing, dazzling and extravagant….a buffet can be anything you want and more than satisfy the demands of the occasion.

Buffets, too, offer an interesting opportunity for creative dining décor…. everything from pottery to crystal are appropriate and at the whim and taste of the most important person of all – you the hostess.

Finger Lickin’ and Hot Off the Grill BBQ Chicken wings BBQ Baby Back Ribs Roasted Veggies: Corn on the cob, Zucchini, Portabello Mushrooms, Red, Yellow and Green Peppers Halved Cherry Tomatoes on Spinach leaves with Creamy Basil Dressing Marinated Bean Salad Strawberries, Raspberries, Peaches Pound Cake, Angel Food Cake Strawberry Sauce, Chocolate Sauce, Caramel Sauce Whipped Cream

BUFFET TIPS: Buffet meals work best when you have a written plan.

Prepare yourself a cup of tea or coffee, take it to the area where you believe your buffet will be served and sit down with pencil and colored pens in hand and start.

ENJOY OUR PATIO!

A Touch of Europe Smoked Salmon Platter of capers and English cucumbers Cream Cheese Water Crackers Deviled Eggs with Caviar and Sour Cream Sardines Country Pate with Gherkins and Radishes Roasted Red Peppers with Garlic and Olive Oil Pasta Primavera with Ham and Roast Chicken Petit Fours Flan Miniature Lemon Curd Tarts Tre Chic Cocktail Buffet Baby Red Potatoes Stuffed with Caviar Artichoke Hearts with Hummus Dip Avocado Dip with Blue, Black Bean and Yellow Corn Chips Mango salsa with pita chips Miniature quiche Stuffed grape leaves with lemon sauce Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Grilled Shrimp and Fresh Pineapple Kabobs Baked Brie Sliced and Rolled Cold Roast Beef with Blue Cheese Stuffing Chocolate covered Strawberries Cheese cake Chess Tarts Cream Puffs filled with Chocolate Mousse

Sauk Valley Sun

Did you know we do carry out BEER, FOOD & LIQUOR? Available at our convenient drive-thru!

Take-out menu available on our website & Facebook!

COMPETITIVE Beer Prices – Check us out!

ALL DAY SPECIALS

Mondays

Tuesdays

Thursdays

Kids: Build Your Own Sundae Bar Free Kids Meal with Each Adult Entree Purchase.

Appetizers Half Price!

$5 Rum Buckets & $2 Domestic Bottles Ladies Night!

Kids 12 & Under

Like us on Facebook to keep up with daily specials!

Ask about our Senior & Military Discounts!

Hours: Sun-Thurs 11:00 am -10 pm Fri-Sat 11:00 am -11 pm Kitchen closes 1 hour before restaurant closes

We strongly encourage reservations for groups of 10 or more persons

628 Palmyra Rd. Dixon, IL 61021

815-288-6300

www.bombdigitydixon.com

  

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July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

30

Sports Oregon Park District to host annual triathlon Jill Horn On Saturday, July 26, the Oregon Park District will be hosting their annual triathlon. The participants will swim 300 meters at the Nash Recreation Center, then bike 10 miles and finish by running a 5K. The participants will start in the swimming pool at 7:30 am with groups starting every 15-30 seconds. From there they will go directly to their transition zone area before

the race begins. No one will be allowed to go to the locker room to change after the swimming. The participants will then get on their bike to ride 10 miles and finish with the 5K run.

There were 87 who participated last year. Teams or individuals can participate. The teams can consist of 2 or 3 persons. The registration fee is $35 per individual or $70 per team.

Each participant receives a t-shirt if they register

before July 9, 2014.

Awards are given to overall top male and female winners. Awards are also given in each of the following age categories for both males and females: 14-19, 20-24, 2529, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59 and 60+. Awards are also given for the top three teams.

For more information contact the Oregon Park District at 815-732-3101 or register online at www. oregonpark.org.

Cater Your Event!

Graduation, Shower, Wedding Reception, Retirement, Bir thday...use our Special Events Room!

815-288-4448

104 South Peoria, Dixon

Sun-Thur 11am-11pm • Fri-Sat 11am-2am www.mamaciminosdixon.com

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Responsive Web Design Mobile Websites E Commerce Websites Hosting & Support Photography & Video Digital Marketing S e e m y p o r t f o l i o o n To n y W h o . c o m

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Nearly 2,000 participants are expected for the 15th Annual Reagan Run 5K on Saturday, July 5 in downtown Dixon. The traditional race is part of Dixon’s Petunia Festival and draws runners and walkers alike. It has developed into a premier 5K race in the Sauk Valley area.

The race begins at 8 a.m. with the start line located just steps away from Ronald Reagan’s Boyhood Home, 810 S. Hennepin Ave., Dixon. The unique course takes runners through downtown Dixon, across the Rock River, through wooded paths and finishes in Haymarket Square in the downtown.

Racers continue to rave year after year about this classic and fun course that offers a changing landscape as you run.

The race is a benefit that helps several groups in Dixon including: The Dixon Athletic Boosters, Dixon Main Street, Dixon Park District and the Dixon YMCA Strong Kids.

Online registration is available at www.getmeregistered.com or www.reaganrun.com. Early race packet pickup will be Thursday, July 3, from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

at the Dixon Family YMCA. Race Day Registration can be done up until 7:30 a.m. on the morning of the race at Haymarket Square. Entries are $25 from June 16th until July 4th. Race day entries are $30 up until 7:30 am at the finish line.

No registrations will be available at the start line at the Reagan Home.

Unofficial mobile race results will be available by scanning the QR (Quick Response) Code on the race bib using a free downloadable smart phone app. Net times will be posted later in the week at raceresultsplus.com For more information, call Dixon Main Street at 815-288-2308, or Nancy Varga at 288-2655.

Related Events

A.Kids Fun Run (For kids 9 and under) 1.Saturday, July 5, 2014 7:30 a.m.

2.Registration ends at 7:15 a.m.

3.Free t-shirts to the first 100 registrants B.KSB Corporate Challenge – 14th Annual 1.Run in conjunction with the Reagan Run 2. Requires five participants from the same compa-

ny- Rock Falls High School is the defending champ History of the Event 1. Began in 2000 with 315 runners & walkers Male winner Bryan Glass - Female Tasha Atchley 2. 2001 - 326 runners & walkers Male winner Bryan Glass (2 time winner) - Female Jessica Schauff 3. 2002 - 337 runners & walkers Male winner Ken Lauff Female Ellie Pinzarrone 4. 2003 - 402 runners & walkers Male winner Anthony Welty - Female Jessica Schauff (2 time winner) 5. 2004 – 532 runners & walkers Male winner Andy Tremble - Female Jessica Schauff (3 time winner) 6. 2005 - 556 finishers (572 entries) Male winner Anthony Welty (2 time winner) - Female Jessica Schauff (4 time winner) 7. 2006 - 720 finishers (605 entries) Fun Run - 126 Male winner Andy Tremble (2 time winner) - Female Barb Lauff 8. 2007 - 744 finishers (804 entries) Fun Run – 123 entrants/108 finishers Male winner Kel Bond Female Terah Cheatham

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July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

31

Sports

Dixon River Bandits to compete in USSSA World Series The Dixon River Bandits, a 12U AA classification boys baseball team in the United States Sports Specialty Association (USSSA) has earned a berth at the USSSA World Series Event in Bristol Tennessee July 2-6, and will be competing with teams from different states. Some of the states they will face have the opportunity to play yearround ball and are highly competitive.

Team is coached by Bill Wilson and Kyle Ackman.

Current team members are: Cade Coffey, Andrew Wilson, Noe Aponte, Christian Monerrez, Nick Clevenger, Maverick Lindenmeyer, Connor McBride, Jake Ackman, Drew Ackman, and Alec Faley.

The Dixon River Bandits, a traveling competitive baseball team, was formed in 2006 by Dan Newman and Rick Reubin. The current team has mainly been together for three years and carries a roster of 10 with 7 Boys from Dixon, one Amboy and two From Sterling. Their schedule has them competing in Iowa,

Wisconsin and the suburbs of Chicago with nearly fifty games.

This year’s team holds an impressive record of 33-9-2 and has earned 4 1st Place tournament wins including the Eastern Iowa Shootout,

Woodstock Summer Slam, Mother’s Day Clash in The Quad Cities and the Rock Falls Summer Tourney.

According to literature from the organization, the goal is to teach the fundamentals of baseball to

Meet our local, friendly state-certified technicians

Continually serving the Sauk Valley area since 1981

Jerry Melton (815) 590-3094 Training Coordinator / Termite Inspector Being heavily invested in Crown Exterminators, both as an employee and former owner, Jerry is dedicated to his customers. Jerry has always brought a level of perfection, first in the 26 years in the postal service and now in the 17th year with Crown Exterminators as a state certified pest control technician and termite inspector. Jerry lives in Rock Falls and has 4 children and 7 grandchildren.

Vanessa Greer (815) 631-8604 Certified Pest Control Technician A native of Rock Falls, Vanessa is a seasoned veteran having joined the Army in 1980. She was honorably discharged in 2005 having attained rank of Sergeant First Class (SFC.) She is married and has two children, a son of 31 years and a daughter of 28 years. Her long years in the military allow her to bring an excellence to whatever task she undertakes, be it her hobbies of arts, crafts and gardening or her position as a certified technician in pest control.

Michael Lavelle (815) 631-5707 Certified Pest Control Technician As a 32-year-old from Sterling, Michael is familiar with the area and will have no trouble finding any location in the Sauk Valley Area. He has traveled the country and worked as a contruction specialist for 5 years. He has two children, 11-year-old Haliegh and 3-year-old Sebastian. Michael is a loyal NFL fan who enjoys softball and boating on the Rock River.

Myles Lewis (815) 499-3094 Pest Control Technician With Jerry changing positions with Crown this year, we would like to introduce our newest employee. Myles will be taking over the Dixon/Oregon area. Myles has a large family that lives in the Oregon area. Myles was an Intelligence Officer in the Navy and was honorably discharged. His attention to detail will be an added value in providing you with excellent service. He spends his free time with his fiancée Jericha. Welcome aboard, Myles!

Crown Exterminators • Rock Falls, IL

We are a proud and supporting member of the Sauk Valley and Dixon Chambers of Commerce and Sauk Valley Realtors Association

the youth of Dixon and surrounding communities based on courage, sportsmanship, dedication and character. The River Bandits baseball organization strives to develop the talent of baseball players through

r Box eldeian s bug or A e beetl s? problem!

Call us

a program of outstanding instruction that emphasizes both the skills of the game, as well as the player’s commitment to learning and improving as a player and a person.

According to Coaches

Wilson and Ackman, “The players have developed so much this season, they are just having a blast. We have seen these young men develop as players as well as in their personal growth.”

Crown Exterminators

Business & Residential Accounts We’re still here! We have not moved to Iowa, but continue to serve our Sauk Valley Area customers with excellence, just as we have since 1981. We look forward to serving the Sauk Valley Area for many more years in any and all pest control needs.

Top Ten Reasons to have us take care of your pest control needs: 1. Over 30 years experience 2. Certified Technicians 3. EPA approved, human and pet safe products 4. Affordable prices 5. Schedules that meet your time frames 6. Professional and courteous staff 7. Prompt service 8. No pressure –No hassles 9. We service with Pride and Integrity 10. 100% satisfaction for our customers

Coming soon to your home:

Ants, Asian Beetles, Bees, Box Elder Bugs, Centipedes, Cockroaches, Crickets, Fleas, Mice, Spiders, Wasps and more.

We can help!

Crown Exterminators (815) 625-8604

24/7 Direct Answering Service

July 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

SL

DIXON STAGE LEFT

presents

STAGE LEFT dixonstageleft.com

July 19 thru 27

Matinees on Sundays 7 SHOWS

Exclusive Pre-Theater Dinner Package

Öröm Restaurant STAGE LEFT

Stage Left is pleased to announce an exclusive pretheater package at the elegant Öröm Restaurant.

The prix-fixe four-course dinner includes two halfpours of wine chosen by Chef Mark to complement your meal. When you arrive at the restaurant, you may select your preferred table for the show, and order your pre-theater drinks - because the dinner theater package also includes a complimentary beverage from Crystal Cork. After dinner your reserved table and beverages will be ready for you!

The $60 package includes your Stage Left ticket.

Limited seating! Much be purchased by July 19.

is a new 'black–box' theater event venue in downtown Dixon.

Seating is cabaret-style – informal groups of chairs around small tables with intimate views of the thrust stage.

The vintage second-floor space has an elegant but relaxed feel so you can enjoy an adult night out. And with beverage service provided by THE CRYSTAL CORK you can sit back and watch the show in style!

Ideal for Date Nights or Girls’ Night Out!

$20 Tickets available at the door, or at these Dixon vendors:

TreinÕs Jewelry ¥ …ršm Restaurant

The Crystal Cork ¥ The Next Picture Show st

306 W 1 St ¥ Dixon IL ¥ 312-420-8715