The city of Rock Falls got its start in 1837, when Isaac Merrill settled along the southern bank of the Rock River in the northern section of Coloma Township.
He soon was joined by several other settlers and their families, including Edward Atkins, Daniel Brooks and Noah Merrill.
Isaac Merrill’s son, Nelson, is believed to be the first child born in the settlement, in November 1838.
Rock Falls originally was called Rapids City after A.B. Wheeler, Isaac Merrill, Atkins and Brooks laid out a mile-square area on the riverbank. Atkins must have had high hopes for growth and future residents – he built a large framed house for use as a hotel.
During that time, the state let out a contract to build a canal at Rapids City, but when the state encountered financial difficulties, the project was suspended.
Because of the financial hardship sweeping the United States, the future Rock Falls lay nearly dormant for 20 years. There were no shops or stores in operation in the township, and in 1857, the plat of Rapids City was vacated. A year later, the county map showed only 31 residents.
Schooling was not offered until 1845. The first teacher, Anastasia Sturtevant, held classes in an old store until a granary was bought and remodeled. A brick building later was built, followed by Merrill School in 1888.
Businessman and New York native Augustus P. Smith is credited with salvaging the community in 1867. Smith moved across the river from Sterling, bought 47 acres and opened a mitten factory. Then he laid out a town and called it Rock Falls.
ROCK FALLS HISTORY cont’d to page 4
Redefine Comfort as You Know it
Smith also bought the Sterling Hydraulic Co.’s water plant, which had built a dam in 1854. Smith used the dam’s water power to run his factory. He spent $12,000 to improve his water supply, which promoted the use of waterpower and motivated others to use the power, as well. The town sprang up around the factory, and Smith was able to hire about 100 workers.
Rock Falls was incorporated in January 1869, and a town government was formed. The first ordinance was a temperance act forbidding the sale of malt liquors in less than 1-gallon quantities. At the same meeting, the town seal was ordered. It carried the motto, “Fundo in Tempero,” which means “I build in good time.”
Eventually, Rock Falls gained city status.
At that time, campaigns were waged both for and against annexing with Sterling. In the end, the voters nixed the idea and Rock Falls became its own town.
barn-door hangers.
Eureka Manufacturing organized in 1871. Early products were school and office furniture.
Production later was changed to carriages and allied products and vehicles of all types including hearses and ambulances. During World War II, it switched to war production, buses, ambulances and turret baskets for tanks. It operated until 1965.
The Sterling Manufacturing Co. began making stair rails, newel posts, church seats and butter tubs, among other things, as early as 1855. By 1877, it was making 2,500 butter tubs a week.
Many other manufacturing companies have occupied the south shore of the Rock River over the years.
Downtown Rock Falls was bustling with activity during the 1910 Corn Carnival, a once annual event in the city. The Johnston Lumber and Coal store is at right, and the First Avenue Bridge can be seen in the background. At left, a carnival attraction advertises a “natural born” threelegged calf and colt.
A period of rapid growth followed the arrival of the railroad in Rock Falls. The new form of transportation boosted industry, and numerous factories were established and prospered.
George S. Tracy and Thomas A. Galt bought water rights and land in Rock Falls from Smith after their Sterling factory was destroyed in 1867. Keystone Manufacturing Co. was organized between 1870 and 1877, built 10 more buildings, and concentrated on making agricultural machinery.
Others who played a role in the development of Rock Falls were brothers John H. and Edwin F. Lawrence, prosperous manufacturers who started with a patent for two
As early as 1877, Rock Falls had one hose company protecting the town. In 1908, the first fire wagon and team was bought, and the horses were named Thome and Grady, in honor of the mayor and alderman. The department became motorized in 1921.
Rock Falls had several newspapers in the late 1800s, many of which lasted only a couple of years. The earliest one was Rock Falls Progress, which ran its presses by water power. It was Republican in its beliefs and was published for about 7 years.
The Rock Falls Methodist Church is the oldest in the township. It was organized by the Rev. J.H. Alling in 1869.
Many service clubs and special interest groups also were organized more than 100 years ago.
The Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society was chartered in 1959, and in 2017, Rock Falls celebrated its sesquicentennial. n
The Rock River and Elkhorn and Sugar creeks combined with woodlands and prairie to make the Sterling area attractive to settlers in the early 1900s.
The area was one of the last to be settled in Illinois, with the first settlers arriving in the region about 1832, after the Black Hawk War. Prior to their arrival, the territory was occupied by Fox and Sauk Indians.
Hezekiah Brink was the first person to build a cabin in the area, in 1834. He soon was joined by other settlers, and 2 years after Brink built his cabin, he and his wife had a daughter, the first child born in the township.
Steamer pilot Capt. D.S. Harris delivered a load of supplies to the settlers via the Rock River in 1836, with the majority of merchandise for Brink. In return, Harris received a half interest in a community that was named Harrisburg in his honor.
Around the same time, William Kirkpatrick laid claim to property near Harrisburg that would come to be known as the settlement of Chatham.
Soon the residents of Harrisburg and Chatham became rivals, competing for possession of rented office space and a post office called the Rock River Rapids.
By 1838, though, the two settlements made peace and merged in hopes of becoming the county seat. They united under the new name of Sterling, named after Maj. James Sterling, who participated in the Black Hawk War.
In 1842, believing they were victorious in becoming the county seat, the settlers began building a courthouse. The building was used for only a short time before the county seat was moved to Morrison, where it remains today. Religious groups and other organizations used the building in Sterling until it was razed for its bricks in 1881.
One of the settlers’ other hopes was to use the Rock River as a navigational route. This plan, however, never worked out because the river had too many rapids. Instead, the settlers learned how to harness the river’s power to run saw and grist mills.
Because navigating the Rock River was not an option, the state authorized construction of a canal in 1839. It was to run along the south side of the river and bypass the shallow waters.
STERLING HISTORY cont’d to page 8
Left: The CN&W Depot in downtown Sterling, circa 1909. In the background is the Simpson and Co. Coal & Wood. Below: A train pulls into the CB&Q passenger station in downtown Sterling.
Financial problems, though, caused this project to be abandoned, as well.
While Brink was somewhat successful in running a ferry service on the Rock River to attract travelers, other means for crossing the river were unsuccessful.
Work on the first bridge was done from 1856-57, but never was completed and eventually the bridge washed away before it could be used. Other bridges were built and destroyed by the elements, including a toll bridge in 1863 and one in 1904. It was predicted to last forever, but it fell to ruins in 1906.
In 1854, Sterling Hydraulic Co. built a dam across the river to encourage and support other industry in the area.
Not all factories, though, were dependent on water power.
Industrial expansion increased dramatically after the Civil War. One of the first factories was the mitten factory owned by A.P. Smith, the founder of Rock Falls. Keystone Co., Northwestern Steel and Wire Co. and Eureka Manufacturing Co. all were begun between 1870 and 1879.
rated under the laws of the state.
The first bank in Sterling opened in 1852, when Hapgood and Miles S. Henry went into business together. The firm dissolved in 1861, and other banks were started.
The Sterling Gas Co. was organized in 1873 to provide gas for domestic purposes and street illumination. Eventually, the company changed its name and provided both gas and electricity after a period in which Sterling had many service companies.
By July 1889, the installation of a system to light the city with electricity and the building of an electric railway progressed simultaneously. However, the project of electric transportation was complicated and dormant for 10 years.
The “New Lawrence Building” in downtown Sterling is seen here, circa 1910. On the corner of the building is a sign advertising a suit sale at M&K, and on the ground floor facing First Avenue is a restaurant.
The arrival of the first train in Sterling, in July 1855, caused great celebration and was a progressive step for the town. U.S. Sen. Stephen A. Douglas and Gov. Joel Matteson were among the 3,000 people in attendance.
Sterling didn’t become a city until 1857, when it received a special charter from the General Assembly. An election of officers was held and Lorenzo Hapgood was chosen as first mayor. In 1869, the charter was revised and Sterling was governed under amended provisions until it was incorpo-
One of the few electric lines to be successful was the Sterling, Dixon and Eastern Electric Railway. The SD & EER ran a trolley service between Sterling and Dixon from 1904 to 1925.
Around 1930, some of the streetcars were remodeled into tourist cabins and moved to Morrison.
Schools developed slowly in Sterling, with the first constructed in 1856. The early schools were frame structures, but later ones were constructed of brick. Lincoln School originally was called First Ward School, and Central School was called Sterling School.
In 1877, Sterling Business College was started by Harry Aument. He claimed to have the first business college in the world to include shorthand in its curriculum.
The Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society was founded in 1959 by individuals interested in preserving the historical heritage of both cities. n
People helping people is what Rock Falls is all about. Since its founding in 1839, residents have pitched in and worked together to make things happen in Rock Falls. They built the city’s first shops, homes and industries. They built the first schools and churches. They built a library, parks and more businesses.
Today, the city’s 9,000 residents continue to work together to build what they need, whether it be a walking bridge across the Rock River or a riverfront development project. City leaders also work together to bring in new business and strengthen existing ones.
Work is moving forward on the newest member of the city’s public utilities family: a fiber network. Rock Falls can now boast that it’s a gigabit city, and the city is working on connecting residents to its broadband service, which can provide speeds up to 1,000 megabits per second.
Rock Falls is focused on developing its riverfront, cleaning up empty factories and redeveloping them for commercial use. In recent years, the city has finished the second phase of the RB&W District, turning a former industrial site into a RB&W Park, complete with an entertainment venue, a trail, Art in the Park sculpture display, and restrooms.
Other proposals being considered along the riverfront would include a path under the First Avenue bridge for safer and easier access to RB&W Park.
“We’re going to be looking at putting a path in underneath the bridge so people can park on the west side of First Avenue in our parking lots over there; [and] to get to events you won’t have to cross First Avenue,” City Administrator Robbin Blackert said during a December 2023 City Council meeting.
The city also hopes to see new development along state Route 40 and Interstate 88, and has partnered with the neighboring towns of Dixon and Sterling, as well as economic leaders from Lee and Whiteside counties, to attract industry to the I-88 West Corridor.
ROCK FALLS TODAY cont’d to page 10
In March 2024, Rock Falls native Amber (Morris) Hoffman, a residential and commercial real estate contractor, announced plans to develop two new subdivisions that would bring 138 single-family homes to the city, and to redevelop the downtown building at the corner of Second Street and First Avenue, which has been sitting vacant since 2007.
Plans call for one subdivision to be built in the Marsha Lane area, off Dixon Avenue, with the other subdivision built at the south end of state Route 40 at Fourth Street, near the Hennepin Canal.
Hoffman, owner of Rock River Establishments, wants to convert the downtown building owned by local attorney Louis Pignatelli into a business that would house a bar, restaurant and food court area on the first floor, and a cigar lounge and outdoor patio upstairs, with a view of the Rock River. If all goes as planned, she’d also like to build a brewery along the riverfront, followed by up to seven commercial buildings and a fourstory condo with garages by the Lower Dam.
Along with recent development that included the addition of Ollie’s, the new OnCall Imaging that offers advanced noninvasive imaging, and planned redevelopment of the MicroIndustries building downtown, Rock Falls could also become the home of a new shared firefighting training facility. Members of the Rock Falls and Sterling fire departments want to bring such a facility to enhance scenario-based training.
The Garrett Ramos Training Facility Cooperative — formed after the December 2021 onduty death of Sterling Fire Lt. Garrett Ramos, who fell through the floor of a burning home in rural Rock Falls — was formed between Sterling and Rock Falls “in an effort to construct the proper facility for our organizations,” said Rock Falls Fire Department Capt. Kyle Sommers, co-chairman of the cooperative’s committee. If plans pan out, the facility would be located in the Rock Falls Industrial Park on Beltway Drive. Sommers said he expects the project, which is planned to be completed in phases, will take about five years. n
The master plan for Sterling’s Riverfront Reimagined project. Among the proposed features: an amphitheater, trails and paths, playground, skating rink, water feature, and river overlook areas. Go toriverfrontreimagined.com for more information.
Sterling is a city built on the strength of its residents. That strength led to the development of industry, with the city’s first factories being built in the 1850s, some along the banks of the Rock River, so the water could help power them.
Over time, more factories were built, many that manufactured hardware. So much hardware was produced in Sterling that the city was dubbed the Hardware Capital of the World at one point. Though the city is no longer the world’s hardware capital, it’s economic landscape has changed with the times and it’s matured and diversified, giving rise to a balance of industry, commerce and retail business.
In recent years, Sterling has seen a flurry of economic activity throughout the city.
Northland Mall welcomed a new anchor store in 2024 when Hobby Lobby moved into the space formerly occupied by Bergner’s; and just down the road, in Pine Tree Plaza, Harbor Freight moved in to space formerly occupied by Staples.
Meanwhile, a business incubator consisting of six small, free-standing storefronts was built downtown to help online, in-home or even brand-new startups eventually migrate to their own brick-and-mortar stores.
The Sterling Main Street project, The Shoppes at Grandon Plaza, was built in an empty lot at 310 Second Ave that was donated by Sterling Today Inc., a nonprofit economic development group.
To help spur new growth, the city created the Greater Sterling Development Corp., which works to recruit new business to the area. In turn, those new businesses can help attract more people to Sterling and spur the construction of new housing.
STERLING TODAY cont’d to page 13
Mead and Hunt Inc.
In January 2024, Ashley and Ryan Nares, owners of Nares Event Co. and ‘Til Death Photo and Film, announced plans to lease the first and second floors of the three-story, historic Mercantile Building at 117 W. Third St. and turn the first-floor ballroom into a venue for weddings and other events, and the second floor into the headquarters for their photography/videography and wedding planning business.
The Mercantile Ballroom & Cocktail Lounge will feature a standalone bar and a kitchen that serves globally inspired food, Thursday through Sunday for starters, Ashley said.
On the east end of town, in the Sterling Crossings plaza (the former Kmart on East Lincolnway and a neighboring building) were transformed into a shopping center that’s home to an Old Navy, Five Below, Marshalls’s and Shoe Sensation, and two stores that moved from the Northland Mall: Maurices and Bath and Body Works.
Elsewhere downtown, it was announced in 2022 that a restaurant, new retail and/or office space and five new apartments are in the works in the Haymarket Tap building on the corner of East Third and Second Avenue, and the Beans, Books & Beliefs building right next door, at 121 E. Third.
Sterling’s leaders also want to improve the quality of life for residents.
In April 2023, Sterling’s Riverfront Commission unveiled the concept plan for the Lawrence Bros. and National sites, part of the $300-million-plus Riverfront Reimagined Project, during an open house.
The plan is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to reinvent and reclaim land along the riverfront, a former industrial hub in the city that was home to a number of factories. As times changed and the factories closed, the city made one of its fundamental goals to capitalize on prime real estate along the Rock River, reestablishing the riverfront as an amenity and destination.
The main components of the master plan focus on the two former factory sites and call for apartments, a hotel and events center, and a rooftop bar/restaurant for the four buildings at the Lawrence site, which would be developed first if plans are undertaken.
Plans for the National site call for 127 income-based, workforce housing units in buildings 1, 2 and 5, and mixed-use development in building 3, 4, 6, and 7 that could include shops, bars, restaurants and other businesses.
More information on the Lawrence and National sites can be found at riverfrontreimagined.com.
Work wrapped up in 2024 on a $6.3 million reconstruction of Locust Street/ state Route 40, from 14th Street to a little south of 25th Street. The project, in the works for several years, completely rebuilt Locust from LeFevre to Lynn, with the pavement replaced and the road widened to three lanes to include a left turn lane.
Another priority in Sterling is maintaining excellent schools. Six schools and a career center are included in the Community Unit 5 school system, and Sterling has three private schools. Upon graduation, students can advance their education at Sauk Valley Community College, just a few miles east of town on state Route 2.
cont’d to page 14
The Sterling Park District maintains several parks, an indoor fitness facility and an 18-hole golf course. Central Memorial Park downtown received a number of upgrades recently, with a splash pad opening in 2023, and work wrapping up on a concession stand/restroom facility. Other work at the park includes new wiring and light fixtures, replacing band shell benches and creating a walking path around the parks’ perimeter.
The city also worked with Rock Falls to build a footbridge over the Rock River, allowing residents to hike and bike along the Hennepin Feeder Canal in Rock Falls. The river offers great recreational opportunities each summer for boating, waterskiing and fishing.
For those who enjoy the arts, there’s the Woodlawn Arts Academy, a nonprofit created to provide educational opportunities for children and adults in all areas of the arts. Classes vary from visual arts to music and the literary arts to the performing arts.
Residents also can take advantage of the entertainment and recreational opportunities available in many of Illinois’ biggest cities, as Sterling is just a 1- or 2-hour drive from Chicago, Rockford, the Quad Cities and Peoria.
The city’s easy access to these other major economic centers also makes it more convenient to do business there, which is why Sterling has partnered with Dixon and Rock Falls, and Lee and Whiteside counties to develop the I-88 West Corridor.
Together, they’re bringing new business to the Sauk Valley, making it even more attractive to live here. n
Daughters of the American Revolution, Rock River Chapter — ildar.org/ chapters/rockriver/
Eagles Club 2783 — 321 W. Second St., Rock Falls; find “Rock Falls Eagles Club” on Facebook
Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois — 229 First Ave. Rock Falls; 844-4764463; girlscoutsni.org/
4-H, University of Illinois Extension Office for Lee, Carroll and Whiteside counties — 12923 Lawrence Road in Sterling; 815-632-3611; https://extension. illinois.edu/clw/4-h-whitesidecounty and on Facebook
Kiwanis of Sterling P.O. Box 44, Sterling; sterlingkiwanis.org; on Facebook. Knights of Columbus No. 662 kofc. org or call the nearest Catholic church Latin American Social Club — meets at 6 p.m. the first Monday of the month at Sterling Public Library; 815-626-8290; Facebook
Masonic Lodge Rock River 612 — 113 1/2 W. Third St., Sterling; 612-il.ourlodge-
page.com
Moose Lodge 726 — 2601 E. Lincolnway, Sterling; 815-625-3619; mooseintl.org/ location/726-sterling/ and on Facebook Optimist Club-Rock Falls optimistofrockfalls@gmail.com; optimist.org/ member/clubdirectory/clubdetail. cfm?club=12302 and on Facebook Optimist Club-Sterling sterling.optimist@gmail.com; optimist.org/member/ clubdirectory/clubdetail.cfm?club=12328 and on Facebook
PEO Sisterhood Chapter CC — peoillinois.org
Rebekah Lodge 202 Rock Falls — ioof-il. org/lodge-directory/rebekah-lodges/ Rock River Human Resources Professional Association P.O. Box 962, Dixon; rrhrpa.shrm.org
Rock River Road Runners Running Club — on Facebook
Rock River Valley Barbershop Chorus rockrivervalleychorus.org and on Facebook
Rock River Valley International Fellowship — 802 W. Third St., Sterling; immanuelrockfalls.org/the-rock-river-valley-international-fellowship/ and on Facebook
Rotary Club, Twin City Sunrise https://rotary6420.org/clubinfo/twincities-(rock-falls-sterling) and on Facebook Rotary Club of Rock Falls rockfallsrotary.org and on Facebook
Sterling Noon Rotary — sterlingilrotary. com
Sauk Valley Association of Realtors — 2605 Woodlawn Road No. 4, Sterling; 815-626-8148
Sauk Valley Landlord Association
P.O. Box 401, Rock Falls; svla.org
Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society — 1005 E. Third St., Sterling; 815-6226215; srfhs.com and on Facebook
United Methodist Women of Rock Falls — 210 Fourth Ave., Rock Falls; 815625-0114; rockfallsumc.org/
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5418 — 217 First Ave., Rock Falls; 815-626-3513
Whiteside County Genealogists genealogytrails.com/ill/whiteside Yak Yak Sisters, kayaking club for men and women — on Facebook
The Rev. James R. Uhlinger, with support from the Rock Falls Womens Club and other residents, worked with the W.P.A. (Works Project Administration) to turn the idea of a library into reality. Its first chapter began in the old Rock Falls National Bank building before moving to the Cruse Building and later, Merrill School. In the midst of a World War, the library continued to grow and in September 1943 moved into the Johnston Building on First Avenue, where it remained for 22 years.
In November 1965, the Coloma Township Library merged with the city of Rock Falls and formed the Rock Falls Public Library, which was then housed in the north wing of the Municipal Building, where it remained for three decades.
In the 1990s, the non-profit group K.I.D.S.S (Knowledge Increases Developing Skills for Success) was formed to raise money to build a new library. Thanks to the contributions of local residents and businesses, including former Rock Falls resident Dr. Louis Rubin, the new library became a reality. The Joseph and Dora Rubin Library Building, dedicated to Dr. Rubin’s parents, opened in February 2001.
In addition to a sizable book collection for all ages, the library subscribes to several newspapers and dozens of magazines. It also loans out audio books, CDs and DVDs.
Patrons can access the Internet from any of several computers, and computers also are available for children. Special reading programs for children and adults are available, and the library offers a book club, a craft club and other activities.
Library cards are free for Coloma Township residents or those who pay taxes on property within Coloma Township. Patrons outside of Coloma Township pay $60 a year per family.
LIBRARY cont’d to page 18
SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH
page 17
Each summer, the library organizes crafts and other programs for children, and offers short-term, discounted library cards for children who live outside the township. Library cards can be used at other Illinois public libraries. Rock Falls has joined its collection with Dixon and Sterling public libraries, and with Sterling Public Schools, and Newman Central Catholic, Rock Falls and Dixon high schools, to form the Rock River Library Consortium. n
Sterling Public Library, established in 1878, has grown and progressed along with the city. To keep up with this growth, the library has had several homes within the community as its collection of reading materials and number of patrons has increased. The current building was opened in November 1905, thanks to a donation by Andrew Carnegie. It was expanded in 1985, and again in 1995.
Three main departments serve patrons of all ages. The library even offers items in Spanish, and has extensive local history and genealogy resources. There is a community room and small study room available for public use.
The library houses about 57,000 items in many formats: print, audio, DVD, and electronic books. Newspapers, periodicals, public computers with Internet access, wi-fi, and microfilm of local newspapers is also available.
More info
Sterling Public Library | 102 W. Third St. 815-625-1370.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday & Tuesday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Online: On Facebook or go to sterlingpubliclibrary.org
The library offers a host of digital library services on its website
There is a summer reading program for children and adults, and weekly story time for preschoolers year-round.
Library cards are available at no charge to residents within city limits, and for a fee to people outside city limits — contact the library for cost. Cards are valid for 2 years. People who live outside the city limits, but own property within the city limits, can get a free, 1-year library card with proof of property ownership.
Cards can be used at other Illinois public libraries. Sterling has joined its collection with Dixon and Rock Falls public libraries, and with Sterling Public Schools, St. Mary’s School in Sterling, and Newman Central Catholic, Rock Falls and Dixon high schools, to form the Rock River Library Consortium. In addition, people with a valid library card from other public libraries in Illinois can register their card with the Sterling library for circulation privileges. The library also offers more than just books. People can make copies or use a
self-service scanner to scan documents into a PDF file. A notary public is on staff, and adult patrons can check out general admission passes to the Putnam Museum in Davenport.
In addition, the library has an extensive local history and genealogy collection supported by a part-time genealogist. The collection includes periodicals, books, genealogies and microfilm. It also has subscriptions to several internet databases that patrons may use on the library’s computers. n
CGH Medical Center has been caring for patients since 1909, and today has more than a dozen area offices and clinics, including a bigger and better clinic in Rock Falls.
The hospital, which merged with the Sterling-Rock Falls Clinic, now the CGH Main Clinic, in December 2010, has facilities in Sterling, Rock Falls, Dixon, Milledgeville, Morrison, Mount Carroll, Polo, Prophetstown, Tampico and Walnut. Its service area encompasses 105,000 people, and it employs more than 1,400 people, with a staff of 140 physicians specializing in 35 different fields.
In 2023, CGH announced a major renovation project designed to enhance and modernize the most dated parts of the hospital: the entrance, lobby, Admitting department, Auxiliary Gift Shop, and the CGH Café. The project will involve 20,000 square feet of the facility and will improve patient flow and create a more welcoming lobby with expanded, comfortable seating; create a confidential admitting/discharge experience and a new reception area; improve security surveillance; add family patient consultation rooms, and make upgrades to the CGH Cafe and cafeteria seating area.
“This project is really about ensuring that our patients have the best experience we can possibly provide from the minute they walk in our doors,” Cindy Zander, CGH Vice President of Support Services, said in a news release. “We want them to feel welcome and relaxed in an environment that reflects the high quality of care and service we offer.”
The project is being done in two phases, and was on track to be completed by the middle of 2024.
HEALTH CARE cont’d to page 22
Rock Falls Electric Utilities
Nationally recognized Municipal Electric Agency One of only Three Communities in Illinois Est. 1895
Rock Falls provides green, affordable, and reliable power to consumers and is transitioning our generation to a cleaner, more diverse portfolio in a responsible fashion while ensuring reliable supply and proving stable costs to our customers Solar Field: Belt way Dr.
In 2023, CGH announced a major renovation project designed to enhance and modernize the most dated parts of the hospital, including the main entrance. Above: An artist’s rendering of the finished entrance project
HEATH CARE cont’d from page 21
The project is part of CGH’s ongoing efforts to meet the ever-changing demands of people’s health care needs.
CGH’s inpatient services include a 36-bed medical unit, a 28-bed surgical unit, 10 birthing center suites, six pediatric beds, and 18 CCU/ICU/Biotelemetry beds. Outpatient services include the state-of-the-art Cath Lab and an accredited laboratory.
Diagnostic imaging services include a 64-ring CT scanner, nuclear medicine with SPECT scanning, ultrasound, dedicated mammography including digital mammography and an in-house, high field MRI.
Other departments and services include a neurology laboratory, a GI laboratory and nutritional support, pain management, pharmacy, and respiratory therapy.
In addition, CGH offers an ambulatory surgical center, a digestive health center, physical and occupational therapy, a diabetic education department, a wound care center, and a 24-hour trauma ready emergency department.
It also operates its own day care center adjacent to the campus.
CGH and its satellite facilities provide tens of millions of dollars in free and discounted care yearly, and also gives back to the community through community sponsorships; donations and support; community partnerships; and supplementation of Community Services and Foundation programs, which provide for the health and wellness of community members.
Since 2013, CGH has received high grades for patient safety from the Leapfrog Group, including the A Safety Rating. The Leapfrog Group collects and reports data to empower patients to choose the right hospital.
“CGH Medical Center is honored to provide ... the very best care,” Dr. Paul Steinke, the medical center’s president and CEO, said in a statement. “We are proud of these achievements and believe it is a direct result of our physicians’, nurses’ and staffs’ dedication to outstanding care.” n
MORE INFO
CGH Medical Center
100 E. Le Fevre Road,
Sterling 815-625-0400
Email: info@cghmc.com
Online: cghmc.com and on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. Go to cghmc.com/ locations for a list of CGH’s satellite locations.
HEALTH CARE OPTIONS
Residents of Sterling Rock Falls are also served by two other area hospitals, Morrison Community Hospital and KSB Hospital in Dixon. Morrison Community Hospital
303 N. Jackson St., Morrison
Main phone: 815-7724003 (for other numbers, go to morrisonhospital. com/contact-us)
Online: morrisonhospital. com/ and on Facebook KSB Hospital and Medical Group
403 E. First St., Dixon 815-288-5531
Online: ksbhospital.com/ and on Facebook
East Coloma-Nelson
Consolidated Elementary District 20
East Coloma-Nelson School serves grades K-8. It has about 280 students, with about 15 in each class. K-5 students stay in self-contained classrooms, while 6-8 students rotate classes in preparation for high school. East Coloma-Nelson School 1602 Dixon Ave. 815-625-4400
Online: ecoloma.net
Principal: Andrew Blackert
Rock Falls Elementary District 13
District 13 has a preschool, two grade schools, Merrill and Dillon, and Rock Falls Middle School. It has about 1,000 students in its four buildings. 602 Fourth Ave.
Enrollment: About 160 students with an average class size of 20
Principal: Chelese Palmer
Montmorency School District 145
Montmorency School serves grades K-8. It has about 350 students, with an average class size of 18 Montmorency School 9415 Hoover Road
815-625-6616
Online: sites.google.com/a/mgs145. net/montmorencyschooldistrict145/ home
Principal: Megan Dillon
Rock Falls Township High School District 301
Rock Falls High School
101 12th Ave.
815-625-3886
Online: www.rfhs301.org Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: About 670 students, with an average class size of 15
Principal: Mike Berentes
Parochial School
St. Andrew
Catholic Grade School
701 11th Ave.
815-625-1456
Online: https:// standrewsgradeschool.org/ Grades: Pre-K through 8
Enrollment: About 112 students, with an average class size of 16
Principal: Katie Blakeslee
Community Unit
School District 5
410 E. LeFevre Road
815-626-5050
Online: sterlingpublicschools.org
Community Unit School District 5 encompasses four grade schools, a middle school, and a high school. The grade schools are part of an attendance center format.
Enrollment: About 360 students, with an average of 26 in each class.
Principal: Cindy Frank
Washington Elementary
815 W. LeFevre Road
815-625-2372
Online: sterlingpublicschools.org/o/wes
Grades: 3-5
Enrollment: About 375 students, with an average of 25 in each class
Principal: Liz Engstrom
Vocational school
Whiteside Area Career Center
1608 Fifth Ave. 815-626-5810
Online: wacc.cc/
Whiteside Area Career Center was the first of only 23 career and technical education centers in Illinois. It serves students from 16 member school districts and four parochial schools. About 600 students are enrolled in its 12 programs that provide technical training in several areas, including business and related technology, consumer services, industrial technology and transportation services. Specialized career and technical skills are taught in a variety of occupations. Workbased learning programs also are offered.
Parochial schools
Newman Central Catholic High School
Newman serves parishes in Lee, Bureau, Ogle and Whiteside counties. 1101 W. 23rd St. 815-625-0500
Online: newmancchs.org
Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: About 250 students, with an average of 20 in each class.
Principal: Jennifer Oetting
St. Mary’s School
6 W. Sixth St. 815-625-2253
Online: smsterling.org/
Grades: Pre-K through 8
Enrollment: About 180 students, with an average of 18 in each class.
Principal: Melanie Selmi
Christ Lutheran School
2000 18th Ave. 815-625-3800
Online: christlutheranschool.com
Grades: Pre-K through 8
Enrollment: About 150 students, with an average of 15 in each class
Principal: The Rev. Kevin Koester
Abiding Word Christian Center Food Pantry — 806 E. Lynn Blvd., Sterling; 815626-1827; abidingwordchurch.org Alzheimer’s Association, Rock River Branch — 93 S. Hennepin Ave., Dixon; alz. org; 815-285-1100
American Cancer Society — 4312 E. State St., Rockford; 815-229-1287; cancer.org American Red Cross of Northwest Illinois — 727 N. Church St., Rockford; https://www. redcross.org/local/illinois/about-us/locations/northwest-illinois.html; 815-963-8471
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Whiteside County — 506 W. Fourth St., Suite 27, Sterling; 815-716-8987; bbbsmv.org or find “Big Brothers Big Sisters of of the Mississippi Valley-Whiteside County” on Facebook Department of Human Services — 2605 Woodlawn Road, Suite 4, Sterling; 815632-4045; www.dhs.state.il.us/ First Church of the Nazarene “Helping Hands” — 1208 E. Fourth St., Sterling; 815-625-1146; sterlingnaz.com/ministries/ helping-hands/ and on Facebook
F.I.S.H. Food Pantry — 902 E. Fifth St., Sterling; 815-626-1734
Happy Tails Humane Society — 1408
McNeil Road, Rock Falls; 815-626-2994; happytailsanimalshelter.org and on Facebook Home of Hope Cancer Wellness Center — 1637 Plock Road, Dixon; 815-288-4673; homeofhopeonline.org and on Facebook Rock River Hospice & Home — 2706 Ave. E, Sterling; 815-625-3858; hospicerockriver.org and on Facebook Lutheran Social Services — 1901 First Ave., Sterling; 815-626-7333; lssi.org March of Dimes — 5411 E. State St., Suite 8, Rockford; 815-397-0097; marchofdimes.com Marine Corps League, Sauk Valley Detachment 913 — Rock Falls American Legion, 712 Fourth Ave., Rock Falls; 815441-2243
Northwest Illinois Workforce Investment Board — 815-625-9648; illinoisworknet.com/WIOA/Pages/IWIBGuide.aspx Prairie State Legal Services — 1600 Fourth Ave., Suite 200 Rock Island, (serving Henry, Lee, Mercer, Rock Island, and Whiteside counties); 309-794-1328, 800322-9804; pslegal.org
SERVICE AGENCIES cont’d to page 26
Sat
Project VITAL (adult literacy program) —
173 state Route 2, Dixon; 815-835-6363; svcc. edu/community/adult-education/vital
Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce — 601 W. 10th St., Rock Falls; 815-625-4500; rockfallschamber.com and on Facebook
Rock Falls Rotary Club — P.O. Box 902 Rock Falls; 815-325-4120; www.rockfallsrotary.org
Salvation Army — 409 Ave. F, Sterling; 815625-1622; salvationarmy.org and on Facebook
Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce — 211 Locust St., Sterling; 815-6252400; saukvalleyareachamber.com and on Facebook
Sauk Valley Food Bank — 1801 Plant Road, Sterling; saukvalleyfoodbank.org/; 815-625-4556
Sauk Valley Friends of Ferals — 601 W. Route 30, Rock Falls; 815-590-3290; on Facebook
Self Help Enterprises — 2300 W. LeFevre Road, Sterling; 815-626-3115; selfhelpenterprises.org and on Facebook Sinnissippi Centers — 2611 Woodlawn
Road, Sterling; 815-625-0013 or 800-2427642 (24-hour emergency hotline); sinnissippi.com
Society of St. Vincent De Paul Society — 7 W. Sixth St., Sterling; 815-625-0311; svdpsaukvalley.org
Tri County Opportunities Council — 405 Emmons Ave., Rock Falls; 800-3235434; tcochelps.org and on Facebook
Trinity United Methodist Church Food Pantry — 205 E. 10th St., Sterling; 815-626-7777
Twin Cities PADS Homeless Shelter — 111 E. 29th St., Sterling; 815-626-2210; twincitiespads.org and on Facebook
United Way of Whiteside County — 502 First Ave., Sterling; 815-625-7973; unitedwayofwhitesidecounty.org and on Facebook
Whiteside County Senior Center — 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling; 815-622-9230; wcseniorcenter.org and on Facebook
White Oak Women’s Clinic — 1503 1st Ave, Suite C, Rock Falls; myfutureapproved. com/white-oak-clinic/; 815-408-0793
YMCA Sterling-Rock Falls — 2505 Ave. E, Sterling; 815-535-9622; srfymca.org/ and on Facebook
Rock Falls
The Coloma Township Park District was formed in 1925 and is governed by an elected five-member board of commissioners who serve six-year terms without compensation. It is the second largest park system in Whiteside County, serving the residents of Coloma Township and adjacent unincorporated areas. More information: colomatownshipparkdistrict.com, find it on Facebook, call 815-625-0272.
Bennett Park — West Bennett Drive; playground and picnic area
Bowman Family Park — downtown riverfront; fishing, pavilions and scenic area
Centennial Park — Avenue D and East 11th Street; ball diamonds, tennis courts, playground, canoeing and paddleboating, fishing, ice skating, monument, pavilions, picnic area, and scenic area
Dillon Park West — 19th Street and 11th Avenue; ball diamonds, playground, and picnic area
Joshua Park — U.S. Route 30 and Riverdale Road; ball diamond, basketball court, disc golf course, playground, picnic shelter, and restrooms
Kiwanis Park — West 12th Street and Seventh Avenue; ball diamonds, playground, pavilions, and picnic area
Liberty Bell Monument Park — junction of Route 88 and Second Avenue; replica of the Liberty Bell
Logan Memorial Park East U.S. Route 30; playground, picnic area, and scenic area
Lower Dam Park — downtown riverfront; boat ramp and fishing, excellent for Eagle watching
Nims Park — East Third Street and Avenue E; ball diamonds, basketball court, disc golf course, playground, pavilions, and picnic area
Optimist Park — 14th Avenue and Prophet Road; ball diamonds, playground, and picnic area
RB&W District Park — East Second Street, on the riverfront downtown.; green space area includes entertainment
venue, water feature, parks, a trail, and restrooms
Rotary Park — East Minkle Road; ball diamonds, playground, pavilions, and picnic area
Seward-Riverside Park — East Second Street and Avenue C; fishing, playground, boat launch, picnic area, and scenic area
A.V. Sieglinger Park — Ninth Avenue and 22nd Street; ball diamonds, playground, pavilions, and picnic area
Veterans Memorial Park — West Fifth Street and Galt Avenue; bandshell and monument
Wallingford Park — East Eighth Street and Avenue C; ball diamonds, basketball courts, playground, pavilions, and picnic area
Sterling
The Sterling Park District encompasses 596 acres featuring 5 facilities, 14 park sites, 8.5-miles of bike paths. For more information, go to sterlingparks.org, find it on Facebook, or call 815-622-6200.
Dillon Home Museum — 1005 E. Third St.: Constructed in 1857, the Dillon Home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Douglas Park — 2100 Chestnut Ave.: Basketball courts and playground equipment.
Duis Recreation Center — 211 E. 23rd
St.: Gymnastics Center, swimming pool, party rentals.
Eberley Park — 2699 West LeFevre Road: 1.5-mile soft surface walking path.
Emerald Hill Golf Course — 16802 Prairieville Road: 18-hole golf course and driving range.
Frasor Administrative Office — 1913
Third Ave.: Home of the Park District’s administrative offices and park maintenance operations.
Gartner Park — 212 W. LeFevre Road: Eight baseball diamonds.
Harry Kidd Field — 1219 W. Seventh St.: Full-size football field.
PARKS cont’d to page 28
Hoover Park — 3807 Woodlawn Road: Playground, picnic area, open play area, bike path access.
Kilgour Park — 400 W. 15th St.: Basketball courts, tennis courts, Imagination Station playground, 9-hole disc golf course, picnic area, open play area.
Lawrence Park — Avenue G Island: Boat Launch, fishing, horseshoe courts, picnic area, open play area.
Martin’s Landing and Sinnissippi Dam Walkway — Broadway and East Second Street (behind the Dillon Home): Fishing, trail connection to the Hennepin Canal Parkway Trail, bike path access.
Oppold Marina — 523 Stouffer Road: Boat Launch, boat slip rental, fishing, picnic areas, playground area, open play areas.
Scheid Park — 1102 Woodburn Ave.: Basketball courts, soccer fields, playground, open play areas.
Sinnissippi Park — Sinnissippi Road: 27-hole Disc Golf Course, bike path access, picnic areas, open play areas, sled hill, playgrounds, national historic site.
Thomas Park/Dogwood Acres Dog Park — 2301 12th Ave.: Pickleball courts, basketball courts, fishing, playground, bike path access.
Westwood Fitness and Sports Center — 1900 Westwood Drive: Three buildings; over 40,000 square foot of fitness equipment; functional training space; boxing equipment; indoor fitness turf; 200-meter indoor track; indoor basketball, volleyball, tennis, pickleball, racquetball/wallyball court; plus, an indoor batting cage, indoor baseball/softball turf practice area and a
Rock Falls
APOSTOLIC
New Life Tabernacle — 920 Ave. D, 815-718-6657; find “New Life Tabernacle Church” on Facebook ASSEMBLY OF GOD
Rock River Christian Center — 1800 Prophetstown Road; 815-625-4371; rrccag.org and on Facebook BAPTIST
Liberty Baptist Church — 2002 Ninth Ave.; 815-625-4101; givemelibertybaptist.org and on Facebook
Maranatha Baptist Church — 2103 Walter St.; 815-625-8978; sinnissippibaptist.org/maranatha-rock-falls
CATHOLIC
St. Andrew Catholic Church — 708 10th Ave.; 815-6254508; standrewrockfalls. org and on Facebook
CONGREGATIONAL
First Congregational United Church of Christ — 905 Dixon Ave.; 815625-3314; find “First Congregational Church of Rock Falls” on Facebook DISCIPLES OF CHRIST
First Christian Church — 506 Fifth Ave.; 815626 2271; fccrockfalls.blogspot.com or find “First Christian Church Rock Falls, IL” on Facebook
EVANGELICAL
Evangelical Congregational Church — 1602 13th Ave., 815-625-5360; on Facebook
FOURSQUARE
Foursquare Church — 1501 11th Ave.; 815-625-5040; foursquare.org/ churches/31679 or find “Rock Falls Foursquare Gospel Church” on Facebook
LUTHERAN
Good Shepherd Lutheran — 435
Martin Road; 815-625-3376; gslcrf. org and on Facebook
Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran — 501 Eighth Ave.; 815-6253575; immanuelrockfalls.org and on Facebook
METHODIST
Rock Falls United Methodist Church — 210 Fourth Ave.; 815-6250114; rockfallsumc.org and on Facebook
NONDENOMINATIONAL
Harvest Time Bible Church — 1802 Dixon Ave.; 815-626-1234; htbc. info and on Facebook
OPEN BIBLE
First Open Bible Church — 2105 E. Rock Falls Road; 815-6251957; fobrf.org and on Facebook
Sterling
BAPTIST
Emmanuel Baptist — 1904 18th Ave.; 815-625-0351; ebcsterling.com and on Facebook
Faith Baptist — 2005 Freeport Road; 815625-7690; faithbaptiststerling. com and on Facebook
First Baptist Church — 1705 Sixth Ave.; 815625-1288
Macedonia
Baptist Church — 1313 Woodburn Ave.; 815-625-6473: on Facebook
New Hope Baptist Church — 25059 Como Road; 815-625-8492; newhopecomo.org/ or find “New Hope Baptist Church Como” on Facebook
CATHOLIC
Sacred Heart Catholic Church — 2224 Ave. J; 815-625-1134; sacredheartparish.net and on Facebook
St. Mary Catholic Church — 600 Ave. B; 815-625-1684; https://www. stmarysterlingil.org/ and on Facebook
CHURCHES cont’d to page 30
CHURCH OF CHRIST
16th Avenue
Church of Christ — 1902 16th Ave.; 815-625-2251; 16avechurch. com/ and on Facebook
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints — 2709 16th Ave., 815-6251229; https://local.churchofjesuschrist. org/en/us/il/sterling/2709-16th-avenue and on Facebook
CONGREGATIONAL
Big Red Church — 311 Second Ave.; 815-625-5112; www.thebigredchurchsterling.org/ and on Facebook
DISCIPLES OF CHRIST
First Christian Church — 3400 N. Sixth Ave.; 815-625-6851; firstchristianchurchofsterling.org and on Facebook
EPISCOPAL
Grace Episcopal — 707 First Ave.; 815-625-0442; episcopalgrace.org and on Facebook
JEWISH
Temple Sholom — 510 E. 10th St.; 815625-2599
LUTHERAN
First Lutheran Church of Jordan — 20314 Hickory Hills Road; 815-6255407; on Facebook
Messiah Lutheran Church — 1601 Ave. F; 815-625-2284; mlcsterling.org/ and on Facebook
New Life Lutheran Church — 702 W. Lynn Blvd.; 815-499-6552; nllutheran. com and on Facebook
Our Savior Lutheran — 21496 Hazel Road, 815-772-4345; and on Facebook
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran — 703 Third Ave; 815-625-2634; stjohnssterling.org and on Facebook
St. Paul Lutheran — 1701 16th Ave.; 815-625-3069; stpaulsterling.com and on Facebook
MENNONITE
Science Ridge Mennonite Church — 1702 E. 37th St.; 815-626-0538; www.scienceridgechurch.org/ and on
Facebook
METHODIST
East Jordan United Methodist — 22027 Polo Road; 815-626-0104; eastjordanchurch.org and on Facebook
First United Methodist Church — 501 Broadway Ave.; 815-625-0244; on Facebook
Trinity United Methodist — 205 E. 10th St.; 815-626-7777; find “Sterling Trinity” on Facebook
Wesley United Methodist Church — 2200 16th Ave.; 815-625-1968; sterlingwesley.org and on Facebook
NAZARENE
First Church of the Nazarene — 411 13th Ave.; 815-625-0864; sterlingnaz. com and on Facebook
NONDENOMINATIONAL
Abiding Word Church — 806 E. Lynn Blvd.; 815-626-1827; abidingwordchurch.org and on Facebook
Amazing Grace of Sterling — 512 Second Ave., 815-625-9300; revivalfires.net and on Facebook
Faith Family Fellowship — 417 E. Third St.; 815-626-2577; faithfamily. faithweb.com
Firehouse of God Ministries — 306 Fifth Ave.; 815-622-9490; on Facebook Full Gospel Assembly — 3807 River Road; 815-535-2049; on Facebook
Shalom Assembly of Yahweh — 26477 Fulfs Road; 537-8086435; forhisname.org and on Facebook
The Living Bread — 1003 Griswold Ave.; 815-626-6941; on Facebook
PRESBYTERIAN
First Presbyterian Church — 410 Second Ave.; 815-625-0452; firstpresbyteriansterling.org and on Facebook
REFORMED
Bethel Reformed Church — 230 E. 23rd St.; 815-626-1816; bethelreformed.org and on Facebook
SALVATION ARMY
Salvation Army — 409 Ave. F, 815625-1622; tsasterling.org or find “The Salvation Army Sterling/Rock Falls IL” on Facebook
GARBAGE PICKUP
AM Disposal —P.O. Box 915, Sterling; 815-973-4626; Online: amdisposal.net
Rock Falls Electric Department — 603 W. 10th St.; 815-622-1100; Online: rockfalls61071.net/utility-services/ electric-services
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• FIRST PLACE Nonprofit Organization
• FIRST PLACE Workplace for Seniors
• TOP 3 Workplace for Veterans
At the start of each day, our hospital and clinics begin with one purpose: to deliver exceptional patient care with outstanding skill and heartfelt compassion. At the end of the day, that makes CGH a great place to work!
THANK YOU to all of our physicians, healthcare providers, staff members and volunteers for contributing to our success!
THANK YOU to all of our patients for choosing CGH Medical Center - your local hospital and clinics - for your healthcare needs.
If you are looking for a career in healthcare, and would like to join the TOP WORKPLACE in the Sauk Valley, visit www.cghmc.com/careers today!
• Sign-on Bonus for Select Positions
• Tuition Reimbursement
• IMRF & DC Retirement Plan • Hospital RNs starting at $32/hr, Clinic RNs starting at $26.84/hr •
