Sterling-Rock Falls
GET TO KNOW US
STERLINGROCK FALLS, ILLINOIS 2019-2020
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Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2019-2020
GET TO KNOW US | WHAT’S INSIDE Publisher: Don T. Bricker General Manager/ Ad Director: Jennifer Heintzelman Magazine editors: Kathleen Schultz and Rusty Schrader
Greeting from the mayors .....................................................5-9 Sterling history .................................................................10-14 Rock Falls history .............................................................15-18 Sterling today...................................................................19-21 Rock Falls today................................................................22-23 Sauk Valley Community College.........................................24-25 Rock Falls education...............................................................26 Sterling education.............................................................26-27 Need to Know: Contact information.........................................28 Rock Falls Public Library .........................................................29 Sterling Public Library .......................................................30-31 Health care......................................................................32-33 Service Agencies...................................................................34 Rock Falls parks................................................................35-36 Sterling parks........................................................................36 Places of worship – Rock Falls.................................................37 Places of worship – Sterling................................................37-38 Clubs ...................................................................................39
Get to Know Us: Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois, is a specialty publication of Sauk Valley Media, 3200 E. Lincolnway, Sterling, IL, 61081, 815-625-3600. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Ad content is not the responsibility of Sauk Valley Media. The information in this guide is believed to be accurate; however, Sauk Valley Media cannot and does not guarantee its accuracy. Sauk Valley Media cannot and will not be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by advertisers listed in any portion of this magazine.
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Has produced the following KWH’s over the years: 2016 - 7,718,600 | 2017 - 10,664,000 | 2018 - 8,441,000 Average household uses 600 KWH’s/month The City of Rock Falls uses approximately 6,506,147 KWH’s/month.
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Nationally recognized Municipal Electric Agency One of only Three Communities in Illinois 3
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Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2019-2020
ROCK FALLS & STERLING | LETTERS FROM OUR MAYORS
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s mayor, and on behalf of the City Council, our municipal employees, residents and businesses, let me say welcome to Rock Falls. Rock Falls was founded in 1867 by A.P. Smith on a 65-acre tract of land on the south side of the Rock River. Its first town meeting was recorded on Jan. 28, 1868. Today, we boast a population of 9,000 Bill Wescott Mayor residents. We are most of Rock Falls proud that we are a community that has its own award-winning, reliable public electric utility, recognized water department and a $23 million wastewater treatment plant, completed in 2011. We are about 2 hours from downtown Chicago, an hour and a half from Madison, Wisconsin, and 45 ROCK FALLS continued on 94 Sauk Valley Media
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n behalf of the city of Sterling, I welcome you to our city – a city described as “Shining Brightly ... Leading the Way.” This city is leading its citizens into a 21st century of great infrastructure, great quality of life, and a time of outstanding partnership between the private and public sectors of our society. Sterling is a beautiful community. It is Skip Lee Mayor a peaceful, safe and of Sterling nurturing environment with the amenities of a larger city but still retaining the “small-town feel.” Sterling is a distinct community of families, business leaders, and professionals who enjoy life to the fullest in a backdrop that combines history, small-town charm and a dedication to becoming even better. STERLING continued on 74 5
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Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2019-2020
STERLING
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We are in northwest Illinois between Chicago and the Quad Cities on the Interstate 88 corridor. We are a prosperous community because we work hard. We welcome the opportunities presented by challenges presented to us. We meet and overcome those challenges because of the hard work of many people involved in community organizations. Our location, the availability of reasonably priced land, and the “we can get it done” attitude of the people are integral parts of what makes this the place for entrepreneurs to locate. Our industrial park and the Greater Sterling Development Corp. helps those enterprises both large and small to be successful. We are proud to be the home of the international headquarters of Wahl Clipper Corp. Along with Wahl, manufacturers like Sterling Steel; Menk, USA; Franz Manufacturing; Astec Screens; HALO Branded Solutions; and Boston Leather show we have a thriving manufacturing environment. Our retail business community is expanding and successful. This success comes from the outstanding efforts of organizations such as Sterling Today and Sterling Main Street, which are made up of communityoriented individuals devoted to the development of the central business district as a vital commercial center. Those fine organizations and an active Chamber of Commerce allow us to do special projects such as our Farmers Market, which features the finest and freshest regionally produced products. We have 20 colorful murals dedicated to preserving our great history, making us a popular destination for regional tourists. When we finish working, we like to play, whether it be playing on one Sauk Valley Media
of our fine area golf courses, having a picnic in one of the community’s parks, fishing or boating on the Rock River, biking, hiking or camping in one of the many recreational areas in our region, or taking advantage of the many opportunities afforded by the Sterling Park District and the Sterling-Rock Falls YMCA. We are especially excited about the development of our riverfront area. Come to Sterling and watch an old industrial site become an exciting “green space” allowing water access for kayaking, fishing, and relaxing river watching. During the winter, one of the largest populations of American bald eagles live along the Rock River, and our new riverfront will allow prime viewing locations. A number of events also are available for you to enjoy, including one of the Midwest’s finest municipal bands, the fall Latin Fiesta, community theater productions, storytelling festival, or the many adult and youth arts experiences afforded through the Woodlawn Arts Academy. We host a number of 5K and 10K running events as well. Our revitalized downtown features the Free Movies in the Park series at the Grandon Civic Center band shell. Bring your family, lawn chairs, and favorite treats to watch wonderful family movies. While all of the above-mentioned attributes make this a lovely place to live and visit, there is one other component that makes Sterling outstanding – the people. You will find the people of Sterling have a friendly “can-do” attitude. Welcoming visitors is nothing new – it’s a Sterling tradition! So again, whether you are new to Sterling, a longtime resident, or have just stopped by for a visit, I know you will find us “A Great Place To Call Home.” Mayor Charles “Skip” Lee, City of Sterling 7
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Two easy access points to our community are off Interstate 88, which runs on the south side of town, and where the scenic highways of state Route 40 and U.S. Route 30 meet, forming a crossroads in our community. So, no matter where you may be traveling, Rock Falls is on the way. Here in Rock Falls, we have a variety of things to do. Our Coloma Township Park District boasts 14 parks throughout the community and adjacent area. Baseball, softball, soccer, disc golf, fishing, many picnic shelters and ready access to other recreational outlets make it one of the top park districts in the state. Additional recreational opportunities can be found in the Hennepin Feeder Canal and the Rock River. The canal, dedicated in 1895, played an important role in the history of the United States, and its commerce and industry. In the 1930s, the Hennepin and its sister canal, the I&M, tied the Illinois, Des Plaines and Mississippi river systems into a transportation network connecting Lake Michigan to the Gulf of Mexico. The entire canal is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places; it is a 104-mile state park that spans five counties. Of particular note: The engineering innovations that were utilized in its construction later were incorporated into the design and construction of the Panama Canal. The Rock River Recreational Trail, which meanders down a gentle gradient to carry the water traveler and recreational enthusiast alike over 300 miles, from the headwaters in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, to the mighty Mississippi River at the Quad Cities, was named part of the National Water System Trail System in March 2013. The significance of the designation Sauk Valley Media
cannot be overstated: The trail’s landscape and vistas, and the recreational, cultural and historic experience and ease of accessibility bring travelers, who connect to the Hennepin Feeder Canal by exiting at the designated portage site at the Arduini Boat Ramp here in Rock Falls. A true mark of a progressive community is the quality of the educational system and its educators. Rock Falls High School is fed by Rock Falls Elementary, East Coloma-Nelson and Montmorency school districts, and there also are several private schools that provide instruction for grades K-12. As our children graduate and advance to higher education opportunities, they can access seven colleges and universities in less than an hour’s commute. We also are pleased to have a diverse business community, which includes a wide variety of restaurants ranging from national and fast food chains to local hometown favorites that offer pizza, pasta, homemade soups, deli products, baked goods, Chicken George and much more. The recently completed Riverfront Bike and Walk District, combined with our uptown business community, is the focal point of community events along the banks of the Rock River between its two dams. A large green space includes an amphitheater, restrooms, splash pads and a pedestrian/bicycle trail that conncets to the other trails through town and to the Hennepin Canal Parkway. All of these efforts will improve the quality of life for residents of the Rock Falls/Sterling area, and promote local and regional tourism. If you are traveling in northwest Illinois or looking for a destination for recreational activities, please stop in and take a look, there truly is something for everyone. We look forward to welcoming you to our community. Mayor William B. Wescott, City of Rock Falls 9
STERLING | HISTORY
Unity from rivalry Sterling’s story, from Harrisburg and Chatham, to a soldier who played a major part of the city’s legacy
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he Rock River and Elkhorn and Sugar creeks combined with woodlands and prairie to make the Sterling area attractive to early settlers. 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. STERLING HISTORY continued on 124
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Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2019-2020
A view of downtown Sterling, on Third Street looking east, circa 1915.
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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. 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. STERLING HISTORY continued on 134
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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
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begun between 1870 and 1879. 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 incorporated 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. STERLING HISTORY continued on 144
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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. 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
Want to learn more?
Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society Museum The Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society Museum, 1005 E. Third St., Sterling, is open from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, and from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday; closed Sunday. Lincoln-Manahan Home In March 2007 the The Sterling-Rock Falls History Society bought the Lincoln-Manahan Home (photo at right) at 607 E. Third St. in Sterling. This brick home is one of the oldest remaining houses in the area, dating back to 1847. Sheriff William Manahan hosted Abraham Lincoln during his 1856 visit to Sterling, where he was speaking at a rally for presidential candidate John C. Fremont. After extensive restoration the home was dedicated on July 18, 2011, as the Lincoln-Manahan Home Museum. Call 815-622-6215, go to srfhs.com or find it on Facebook to learn more about these facilities. 14
Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2019-2020
ROCK FALLS | HISTORY
A Rapids decline, then a rebirth A settler helped get Rock Falls Merrill-y on its way, but it took a New York businessman to breathe new life into the town
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he 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 milesquare 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. ROCK FALLS HISTORY continued on 164
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During that time, the state let out a contract to build a canal at Rapids City, but then encountered financial difficulties and suspended the project. 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. 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.” ROCK FALLS HISTORY continued on 174
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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. 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 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. ROCK FALLS HISTORY continued on 184
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Many other manufacturing companies have occupied the south shore of the Rock River over the years. 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
In 2017, Rock Falls celebrated its sesquicentennial, with jubilee activities throughout the year, Music, dancing, fireworks, a parade.
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Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2019-2020
STERLING | TODAY
Ready for tomorrow Sterling has grown from a city where success was forged in steel and growth hinged on hardware, to one where the future will depend on diversity and change
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terling is a city built on the strength of its residents. That strength led to the development of industry, with Sterling’s first factories being built in the 1850s. Some were built 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 once dubbed the
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“Hardware Capital of the World.” In recent years, though, the city has matured and diversified, giving rise to a balance of industry, commerce and retail business. To help spur new growth, the city created the Greater Sterling Development Corp., which recruits new business to the area that help attract more people to Sterling and spur the construction of new housing. STERLING TODAY continued on 204
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Sterling Today, a nonprofit economic development group, has spearheaded a project to give a downtown building – the Mercantile, at 117 W. Third St. – a much-needed facelift, and is seeking business tenants to fill the 7,500-square-foot main floor. The second and third floors would house residential units. Elsewhere, the city is moving ahead with plans to build its first roundabout, at Lynn Boulevard and LeFevre Road, near Meadowlands Business Park, which is in the process of welcoming more business activity. One of the city’s largest employers, Halo Branded Solutions, opened its new, expanded headquarters there in 2018, a business incubator (the former Best Cob building) is being built, and warehouse expansion project has been announced.
Sterling’s leaders also are concerned about improving the quality of life for area residents. They realize it’s important to offer top-quality health care, schools and recreational opportunities, as well as jobs, to keep residents happy. The city also is continuing its focus on riverfront redevelopment, including more green space and a second roundabout, on Wallace Street. The staff at Sterling’s city-owned hospital, CGH Medical Center, is committed to attracting and retaining top-notch doctors. In December 2010, the hospital merged with the Sterling Rock Falls Clinic, now the CGH Main Clinic. In recent years, the hospital completed a $27 million addition, and the clinic has expanded. In 2015, the hospital opened the doors on an $8.6 million expansion of its Emergency Department, and a second cardiac catheterization lab. STERLING TODAY continued on 214
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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 have the opportunity to advance their education at Sauk Valley Community College, just a few miles east of town on state Route 2. Sterling Park District maintains a number of parks, an indoor fitness facility and an 18-hole golf course. 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 for those who enjoy 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. Of course, 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
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ROCK FALLS | TODAY
A city ready for change From a riverfront redux to a gigabit of good news, Rock Falls has its eye on a brighter future
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eople helping people is what Rock Falls is all about. Since its founding in 1839, Rock Falls residents have pitched in and worked together to make things happen. 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 has 9,000 residents who continue to work together to build what they need, whether it be a walking bridge across the Rock River or a new
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 it’s working on connecting residents to its broadband service, which can provide speeds up to 1,000 megabits per second. ROCK FALLS TODAY continued on 234
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www.kellysinc.com Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2019-2020
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Rock Falls is focused on developing its riverfront, cleaning up empty factories and redeveloping them for commercial use. The latest project, announced in 2018 and headed up by local developer Pete Harkness, will bring a 46-unit hotel – from My Place Hotels – to the RB&W site on East Second Street. Plans have also been discussed for a retail center on another parcel nearby. Larry McCormick, owner of McCormick’s Nursery and Garden Center,also announced plans earlier this year to turn the former Rock River Tool and Die building at 205 E. Third St. into a banquet hall and business conference center. The city also hopes to see new development along state Route 40
and Interstate 88. Rock Falls 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. Downtown Rock Falls is fortunate to have retailers, restaurants and service providers in nearly every building. Tax increment financing districts also are important to developing Rock Falls. The new Holiday Inn Express & Suites, which opened in May 2016, in the RB&W District, is one product of the city’s Riverfront TIF. The recently finished second phase of the RB&W District has brought a green space area – which includes an entertainment venue, water feature, parks, a trail, and restrooms. Other retailers and hospitality service providers can be found along the city’s other main thoroughfares. n
Life Insurance • Annuities • IRAs • Mutual Funds Tina Rajnowski
Personal Financial Representative
815-625-1351
2608 WOODLAWN RD 10162266
Life insurance offered through Allstate Life Insurance Co. and Allstate Assurance Co., 3075 Sanders Road, Northbrook IL 60062; American Heritage Life Insurance Co., 1776 American Heritage Life Drive, Jacksonville FL 32224. In New York, life insurance offered through Allstate Life Insurance Co. of New York, Hauppauge NY. Securities offered by Personal Financial Representatives through Allstate Financial Services, LLC (LSA Securities in LA and PA). Registered Broker-Dealer. Member FINRA, SIPC. Main Office: 2920 South 84th Street, Lincoln, NE 68506. (877) 525-5727. Check the background of this firm on FINRA’s BrokerCheck website http://brokercheck.finra.org. ©2019 Allstate Insurance Co. allstate.com 4/19 Sauk Valley Media
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EDUCATION | SAUK VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Higher education: An ongoing, and evolving, mission at Sauk
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auk Valley Community College has been on a mission to provide quality education to its diverse student body since its doors opened in 1965. The fully accredited college, which sits on a 144-acre campus at 173 state Route 2, between Dixon and Sterling, enrolls full- and part-time students a year from 16 in-district high schools, 18 states and three foreign countries, in courses that include GED and ESL classes, community enrichment courses, business training and dual credit courses for high-schoolers.
In February 2019, the college reported that spring enrollment numbers were up about 4.5 percent over last year, with preliminary numbers reporting 1,973 students, which was higher than last year’s number at that time, when the count was 1,888 students. Sauk offers 2-year transfer associate degrees in art or science in more than 40 areas; 22 career-technical degrees, 24 associate degrees and a associate in engineering science degree, along with 50 career-technical certificates. SAUK continued on 254
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Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2019-2020
SAUK
skills-building program in conjunction with area manufacturers, designed to CONTINUED FROM 24 pique students’ interest in the trades t at an earlier age, and bridge the skills In November 2018, Sauk’s ag stugap that is impeding the companies’ dents harvested their first crop of corn operational efficiencies. Sessions are and soybeans at the college, part of scheduled at different sites to accomthe college’s new and rapidly growing modate students throughout the area. agriculture program. Students also have access to the The hands-on harvest lesson taught Sauk YMCA. students how to test factors that affect In 2018, the college announced yield, such as soil properties, nitrogen plans for several million dollars in and water levels. improvements, maintenance and Men’s and women’s sports, cultural upgrades to the building. The project activities and events, and more than was the latest in the college’s ongoing 20 student clubs and organizations, effort to maintain the school, upgrade including Phi Theta Kappa (the honor technology, and remodel it to fit the society for 2-year colleges), student changing needs of students and the government, Association of Latin evolving curriculum. American Students, Magic Club, Sauk spent $1.3 million in 2017 last Campus Crusade year to remodel the for Christ and Math 12,000-square-foot More online Club, contribute to Health Care ProfesGo to svcc. the vibrant campus sions area, upgradedu or call 815life. Students also ing technology and 835-6273 for have access to a full expanding classclass schedules fitness center and rooms and training or more information weight room. facilities to allow about Sauk Valley CommuSauk also has an students to learn and nity College. active ABC Ameripractice in a more Corps program, hospital-like setting. in which students That project came on the heels of a earn a stipend while working with string of other renovations, includchildren, youth and families as well ing work on the West Mall, where a as community-based agencies, small towns and municipalities, learning life $1.9 million Student Services Center opened in 2015, along with a new skills while contributing to the health testing center, business offices and of area communities. two new classroom spaces. As part of its commitment to the The science, math and technology region’s economic development, in labs underwent major remodeling early 2016 Sauk launched its Small and upgrading a year or 2 before that. Business Development Center, and The college also has beefed up its the Sauk Valley Community College Multicraft Technology program, in Community Leadership Program. which local manufacturers partner The center is a resource for small with Sauk and the Whiteside Area business owners and aspiring entreCareer Center to educate, train and preneurs, in collaboration with the employ workers and reduce the local Dixon, Sterling and Rock Falls chamtrade skills gap, through internships bers of commerce, city and county and classes; 2017 saw enrollment in officials, and local banks. that program double. n The leadership course is a 10-month Sauk Valley Media
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ROCK FALLS | EDUCATION East Coloma-Nelson Consolidated Elementary District 20 East Coloma-Nelson School 1602 Dixon Road, 815-625-4400 ecoloma.net East Coloma-Nelson School serves grades K-8. It has about 280 students, with about 15 in each class. K-5 students stay in selfcontained classrooms, while 6-8 students rotate classes in preparation for high school.
District 13
District office: 602 Fourth Ave., 815-626-2604, rfsd13.org 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. Dillon School 1901 Eighth Ave., 815-625-3356 Dillon serves grades pre-K-2. It has about 300 students, with about 22 in each class. Merrill School 600 Fourth Ave., 815-625-4634 Merrill serves grades 3-5. It has about 330 students, with about 26 in each class. Rock Falls Middle School 1701 12th Ave., 815-626-2626
Rock Falls Middle School serves grades 6-8. It has around 300 students, with about 20 in each class. Riverdale Preschool 3505 Prophet Road, 815-625-5280 Riverdale School has about 160 students, with about 20 in each class.
District 145 Montmorency School 9415 Hoover Road, 815-625-6616 sites.google.com/a/mgs145.net/montmorencyschooldistrict145/home Serves grades K-8. It has about 350 students; the average class size is 18.
Rock Falls Township High School District 301 Rock Falls High School 101 12th Ave., 815-625-3886 rfhs301.org RFHS has about 670 students in grades 9-12. The average class size is 15.
Parochial school St. Andrew Catholic Grade School 701 11th Ave., 815-625-1456 standrewgradeschool.com Serves grades pre-K through 8. It has about 160 students, with about 16 in each class.
STERLING | EDUCATION District 5
District office: 410 E. LeFevre Road, 815-626-5050 sterlingpublicschools.org Community Unit School District 5 encompasses four grade schools, a middle school, and a high school. All four public elementary schools are part of an attendance center format. Sterling High School 1608 Fourth Ave., 815-625-6800 Sterling High School has about 1,000 students in grades 9-12 with an average class size of 16 students. 26
Challand Middle School 1700 Sixth Ave., 815-626-3300 Challand Middle School has about 760 students in grades 6-8 with an average class size of 23 students. Franklin Elementary School 1510 E. 25th St., 815-625-5755 Franklin houses students from Preschool to Second grades. Jefferson Elementary School 806 E. LeFevre Road, 815-625-6402 Jefferson has students from Preschool through Second grades. STERLING SCHOOLS continued on 274
Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2019-2020
STERLING SCHOOLS CONTINUED FROM 26 t
Lincoln Elementary 1501 E. Sixth St., 815-625-1449 Lincoln is one of two 3-5 schools. It has about 360 students, with about 26 in each class. Washington Elementary 815 W. LeFevre Road, 815-625-2372 Washington is the other grade 3-5 school. It has about 375 students, about 25 in each class.
Vocational schools Whiteside Area Career Center 1608 Fifth Ave., 815-626-5810 wacc.cc/ Serves about 700 students from 16 member school districts and four parochial schools in northwestern Illinois. Provides 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 1101 W. 23rd St., 815-625-0500 newmancchs.org Serves as the high school for parishes in Lee, Bureau, Ogle and Whiteside counties. Has about 250 students in grades 9-12. The average class size is 20. St. Mary’s School 6 W. Sixth St., 815-625-2253 smsterling.org/ St. Mary’s serves grades pre-K-8. It has about 180 students, with about 18 in each class. Christ Lutheran School 2000 18th Ave., 815-625-3800 christlutheranschool.com Christ Lutheran serves grades pre-K-8. It has about 150 students, with about 15 in each class.
Sundays, 10 am 1403 Hemlock Avenue • Dixon, IL | 815-284-8680 | www.glcdixon.org www.facebook.com/glcdixon.org
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NEED TO KNOW | CONTACT INFORMATION Allied Waste – 1214 S. Bataan Road, Dixon; 815-625-1281 ComEd (serves Sterling) – 800-334-7661; comed.com Comcast – 800-226-2278; comcast.com Illinois American Water Co. – 800-422-2782; amwater.com Moring Disposal – 815-938-3602 Nicor Gas – 888-642-6748; nicorgas.com Rock Falls Electric Dept. – 603 W. 10th St.; 815-622-1100; rockfalls61071.net/utility-services/ electric-services Rock Falls Water Department – 603 W. 10th St. 815-622-1100 rockfalls61071.net/utility-services/ water-services Sauk Valley Media – 3200 E. Lincolnway, Sterling; 815-625-3600; saukvalley.com Whiteside County Clerk – 200 E. Knox St., Morrison; 815-772-5189; whiteside.org
Whiteside County Collector-Treasurer – 200 E. Knox St., Morrison; 815-772-5196 Whiteside County Assessor – 200 E. Knox St., Morrison; 815-772-5195 CGH Medical Center – 100 E. LeFevre Road, Sterling; 815-625-0400; cghmc.com/ Illinois State Driver’s License Exam Station – 1224 W. Fourth St., Sterling; 815-626-2825; ilsos. gov/ Rock Falls Public Library – See page 29 Sterling Public Library – See page 30 Rock Falls Post Office – 210 Second Ave.; 815-626-0514; usps.com Sterling Post Office – 408 Third Ave.; 815-625-0812; usps.com Rock Falls City Hall – 603 W. 10th St.; 815-622-1100; rockfalls61071.net/ Sterling City Hall – 212 Third Ave.; 815-632-6621; ci.sterling.il.us/
Health & safety
CGH Medical Center – 100 E. LeFevre Road, Sterling; 815-626-0400; cghmc.com/ Rock Falls Fire Department – 1013 Seventh Ave.; 815-622-1135 Rock Falls Police Department – 1013 Seventh Ave.; 815-622-1140 Sterling Fire Department – 110 W. Fifth St.; 815-632-6680 Sterling Police Department – 212 Third St.; 815-632-6640 Whiteside County Sheriff’s Department – 400 N. Cherry St., Morrison; 815-772-4044 whiteside.org IN AN EMERGENCY, CALL 911
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Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2019-2020
ROCK FALLS | LIBRARY
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Library cards are free for Coloma Townn the mid-1930s, Rock Falls first public library was housed in the old ship residents or those who pay taxes on property within Coloma Township. Rock Falls National Bank building. Patrons outside of Coloma Township pay It moved several times before taking $52 a year per family. up residence at its curEach summer, the rent location in 2001. More information library organizes crafts In addition to a sizable Rock Falls Public Library and other programs book collection for all 1007 Seventh Ave. for children, and offers ages, the library sub815-626-3958 short-term, discounted scribes to several newsOnline: https://rocklibrary cards for chilpapers and about 100 fallslibrary.com/ and on dren who live outside magazines. It also loans Facebook the township. out audiotapes and CDs, Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Library cards can be DVDs, and music CDs. Monday-Thursday; used at other Illinois Patrons can access 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; public libraries. Rock the Internet from any 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. SaturFalls has joined its colof several computers, day; closed Sunday lection with Dixon and and computers also are Sterling public libraries, available for children. and with Sterling Public Schools, and There are special reading programs Newman Central Catholic, Rock Falls for children and adults, and the and Dixon high schools, to form the library offers a book club, and a craft Rock River Library Consortium. n clubs and similar activities.
GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod Rev. Daniel M. Behmlander, Pastor
Sunday Morning Worship 9:00 a.m. Sunday School & Adult Bible Class 10:15 a.m. Thursday Evening Worship 7:00 p.m.
CARS815.com
815-625-3376
www.gslcrf.org Sauk Valley Media
SM-ST1670742
435 Martin Rd. Rock Falls, IL
29
STERLING | LIBRARY
S
terling 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 reels of local newspapers are also available. There is a summer reading program for children and adults, and weekly story time for preschoolers year-round. LIBRARY continued on 314
With over 40 years of experience, Sauk Valley Printing is your local one-stop source offering professional designs, excellent print quality, fast turn-around times, friendly customer service at affordable pricing. Full Color/ Black & White Printing Business Cards Letterhead Envelopes Postcards Fliers Newsletters Carbonless Forms 30
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saukvall eyPRINTING Notepads Event Programs Church Bulletins Menus Calendars Gift Certificates Labels/Stickers Meeting Books Raffle Tickets Booklets Membership Cards Wedding Invitations Event Tickets and much more...
Graphic Design
Please contact Kris Sands 815.632.6470 or ksands@saukvalley.com 3200 E. Lincolnway - Sterling (located inside Sauk Valley Media) Pickup and delivery available at the Dixon Telegraph
Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2019-2020
LIBRARY
in Sterling, and Newman Central Catholic, Rock Falls and Dixon high CONTINUED FROM 30 schools, to form the Rock River t Library Consortium. Library cards are available at no In addition, people with a valid charge to residents within city limlibrary card from other public librarits, and for a fee to ies in Illinois can regpeople outside city ister their card with More info limits. Cards are valid the Sterling library Sterling Public Library for 2 years. People for circulation privi102 W. Third St. who live outside the leges. 815-625-1370 city limits, but own The library also Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. property within the offers more than Monday through Thursday; city limits, can get a just books. People 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; 8 free, 1-year library can make copies (15 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. card with proof of cents a page, 20 cents Online: sterlingpublicliproperty ownership. for color) or use a brary.org and on Facebook Library cards can be self-service scanner used at other Illinois to scan documents public libraries. Sterling has joined into a PDF file. A notary public is on its collection with Dixon and Rock staff, and adult patrons can check Falls public libraries, and with Sterout general admission passes the ling Public Schools, St. Mary’s School Putnam Museum in Davenport. n
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STERLING-ROCK FALLS | HEALTH CARE
Healthy growth at CGH
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GH Medical Center has been caring for patients since 1909, and today has 16 area locations 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, with a medical staff of 140 physicians specializing in 35 medical areas. The new, 7,000-square-foot CGH
Rock Falls Medical Center opened in 2019 at 1315 Dixon Ave., replacing the former facility at 100 W. First St. The clinic offers family practice services – wellness, disease prevention and treatment of minor illness in patients of all ages – and pediatric services. While work was underway on the new clinic, CGH also completely remodeled the hospital’s fourth floor, which houses surgical patients. The 15,430-square-foot surgical floor now boasts a bariatrics patient room, an isolation/negative pressure room, and two safe rooms. CGH continued on 334
Welcome to Grace Episcopal Church There’s an energy in this place. People are full of love and joy, on fire with the Holy Spirit. This is a place where we embrace the questions that motivate us to study God’s creation. Walk through these doors, and you will find friends - a people and a place of Grace! Sunday Worship 9:00 a.m.
Bible Study Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. through the school year
Kids Club 4th Friday at 5:30 p.m. through the school year
707 1st Ave., Sterling • 815-625-0442 www.episcopalgrace.org 32
Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2019-2020
CGH
pain management, pharmacy, and respiratory therapy. CONTINUED FROM 32 In addition, CGH offers an ambulat tory surgical center, a digestive health In addition, all 20 of the patient center, physical and occupational rooms on the floor got a makeover, therapy, a diabetic education departwith new paint and new floors. The ment, a wound care center, and a lighting and heating systems were 24-hour trauma ready emergency upgraded and all of the bathrooms department. were enlarged and remodeled. It also operates its own day care cenThe projects are just the latest in ter adjacent to the campus. CGH’s ongoing efforts to meet the CGH and its 16 satellite facilities ever-changing demands of people’s provide tens of millions of dollars in health care needs. free and discounted care yearly, and In March 2017, CGH Medical Cenalso gives back to the community ter’s unveiled its new pediatrics through community sponsorships; department, which got a wall-to-wall donations and support; community makeover. The department, which partnerships; and supplementation hadn’t been renovated of Community Services since the 1980s, boasts and Foundation proMore information new nurses stations, grams, which provide CGH Medical Center, upgraded lighting, an for the health and well100 E. LeFevre Road in enhanced security ness of community Sterling, has 16 Sauk system, and a colorful members. Valley locations; go to mural. Since 2013, CGH has cghmc.com for a comIn spring 2015, CGH received high grades for plete list. opened a second Cardipatient safety from the Call 815-625-0400 or ac Cath Lab, and a new Leapfrog Group, includfind CGH in Facebook state-of-the-art Emering the A Safety Rating for more information. gency Department that this spring. The Leapfrog features 26 private treatGroup collects and reports one-ofment rooms, six easy care areas, two a-kind data to empower patients to new trauma rooms, secured access, choose the right hospital. and streamlined registration. In May 2016, CGH opened its Spirit CGH’s inpatient services include a of the Heart art gallery, a joint project 36-bed medical unit, a 28-bed surgiof its Marketing Department and the cal unit, 10 birthing center suites, six pediatric beds, and 18 CCU/ICU/Bio- CGH Auxiliary. It’s intended not only to be a venue for local artists, but also telemetry beds. a healing force for patients, families, Outpatient services include the and even hospital staff, to help prostate-of-the-art Cath Lab and an mote the idea of art’s positive impact accredited laboratory. on healing and health. Diagnostic imaging services include “CGH Medical Center is honored to a 64-ring CT scanner, nuclear mediprovide ... the very best care,” Dr. Paul cine with SPECT scanning, ultraSteinke, the medical center’s presisound, dedicated mammography dent and CEO, said in a statement. including digital mammography and “We are proud of these achievements an in-house, high field MRI. and believe it is a direct result of our Other departments and services include a neurology laboratory, a GI physicians’, nurses’ and staffs’ dedicalaboratory and nutritional support, tion to outstanding care.” n Sauk Valley Media
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ROCK FALLS & STERLING| SERVICE AGENCIES Abiding Word Christian Center Food Pantry – 806 E. Lynn Blvd., Sterling; 815-6261827; abidingwordchurch.org Alzheimer’s Association, Rock River Branch – 93 S. Hennepin Ave., Dixon; 815285-1100 American Cancer Society – 4312 E. State St., Rockford; 815-229-1287; cancer.org American Red Cross, Lincoln Land Chapter – 112 W. Second St., Rock Falls; 815-6250382 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Whiteside County – 506 W. Fourth St., Suite 27, Sterling; 815-716-8987; bbbsmv.org and on Facebook Catholic Charities – 801 W. 11th St., Sterling; 815-625-6945; catholiccharities.rockforddiocese.org Department of Human Services – 2605 Woodlawn Road, Suite 4, Sterling; 815-6324045; dhs.state.il.us First Church of the Nazarene “Helping Hands” – 1208 E. Fourth St., Sterling; 815625-1146; thesterlingchurch.org/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 Hospice of the Rock River Valley – 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; “Sauk Valley Marines #913” on Facebook 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, 34
Lee, Mercer, Rock Island, and Whiteside counties); 309-794-1328, 800-322-9804; pslegal. org Project VITAL – Sauk Valley Community College, 173 state Route 2, Dixon; 815-8356363; 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 Salvation Army – 409 Ave. F, Sterling; 815-625-1622; 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; 815-625-4556 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; 815-6257830; tcochelps.com and on Facebook Trinity United Methodist Church Food Pantry – 205 E. 10th St., Sterling; 815-6267777 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 Oaks Womens Center – 2323 E. Lincolnway, Sterling; 815-408-0793; whiteoakwomenscenter.com and on Facebook YMCA Sterling-Rock Falls – 2505 Ave. E, Sterling; 815-535-9622; srfymca.org/ and on Facebook
Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2019-2020
ROCK FALLS | PARKS Rock Falls – Coloma Township Park District
nic 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
The Coloma Township Park District was formed in 1925 and is governed by an elected five-member board of commissioners who serve 6-year terms without compensation.It is the second largest park system in Whiteside County, serving the residents of Coloma Township and adjacent unincorporated areas. For more information go to colomatownshipparkdistrict.com or find it on Facebook. Office number: 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 pic-
ROCK FALLS PARKS continued on 364
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ROCK FALLS PARKS CONTINUED FROM 35 t
RB&W District Park – East Second Street, on the riverfront.; 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 n
STERLING | PARKS The Sterling Park District features 525 acres of park sites with 14 parks, 7 miles of bike paths, access to the Rock River via two boat ramps, an 18-hole golf course, 27-hole disc golf course, tennis courts and pickleball courts, fishing ponds and much more. Go to sterlingparks. org or find it on Facebook for more information. For more information visit Sterling Park District at sterlingparks.org/. Office number: 815-6226200 Douglas Park – 2100 Chestnut Ave.; basketball court, playground equipment, and open play area Duis Recreation Center – 211 E. 23rd St.; fitness center and swimming pool Eberley Park – 2699 W. LeFevre Road; 1.5mile walking course Emerald Hill Golf Course – 16802 Prairieville Road; golf course and Emerald Hill Pavilion (weddings and parties) Gartner Park – 2121 W. LeFevre Road; ball diamond, playground Harry Kidd Field – 1219 W. Seventh St.; football field Hoover Park – 3807 Woodlawn Road; trail system, playground equipment, picnic and open play areas, and drinking water Kilgour Park – 400 W. 15th St.; basketball court, tennis courts, Imagination Station playground, picnic and open play areas, local historic site and drinking water Lawrence Park – Avenue G Island; boat launch, fishing, horseshoe courts, picnic area with grills, playground equipment, open play areas and shelters Martin’s Landing and Sinnissippi Dam Walkway – 10th Avenue and Second Street (behind the Dillon Home); benches, gazebo shelter, fishing and trail connection to Hennepin Canal Parkway Trail 36
Oppold Marina – 532 Stouffer Road; boat launch, boat slip rental, fishing, harbor house, ice skating (outdoor), playground equipment, picnic open play areas, shelters and restrooms Propheter Park – 506 E. Sixth St.; basketball courts, playground equipment and open play areas Redfield Park – 14th Avenue and Second Street (behind the Dillon Home); benches, playground equipment, open play areas and access to trail system Scheid Park – 1102 Woodburn Ave.; basketball courts, soccer fields, playground equipment, open play areas, shelter and restrooms Sinnissippi Park, Sinnissippi Road; ball diamonds (unlighted), disc golf course, crosscountry skiing and sledding, fishing trail access, playground equipment, picnic and open play areas, national historic site, shelters and restrooms Skate Park – 1300 block of Third Avenue behind the Frasor Center; grinding rails and boxes, 5-foot quarter pipe, 5-foot half pipe, 5-foot spine, 5-foot bank ramp radius with kicker, jump box combo and kinked quarter pipe Thomas Park – 2301 12th Ave.; basketball courts, tennis courts, ice skating (outdoor), playground equipment, picnic, open play areas and shelter Westwood Sports Center – 1900 Westwood Drive (just east of McCue Road); 6-lane 200 meter indoor track, 60-yard AstroTurf Puregrass football/soccer field, four indoor tennis courts, four indoor pickleball courts, four indoor racquetball/wallyball courts, two indoor batting cages, wrestling room, eight indoor basketball/ volleyball courts, aerobics room with woodsprung floor, more than 12,000-square-feet fitness center with free weights, pin- and plateloaded weights and cardio theatre. n
Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2019-2020
ROCK FALLS | PLACES OF WORSHIP Assembly of God Rock River Christian Center – 1800 Prophet Road; 815-625-4371; rrccag. org and on Facebook Baptist Berean Baptist Church – 1119 10th Ave.; 815-625-7179; and on Facebook 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.; 815-625-4508; standrewrockfalls.org and on Facebook Congregational First Congregational United Church of Christ – 905 Dixon Ave.; 815-6253314; and on Facebook Disciples of Christ First Christian Church – 506 Fifth Ave.; 815-626-2271; fccrockfalls.blogspot.com Evangelical Evangelical Congregational Church – 1602 13th Ave., 815-625-5360; and on Facebook
Foursquare Foursquare Church – 1501 11th Ave.; 815-625-5040; foursquare.org/churches/31679 Lutheran Good Shepherd Lutheran – 435 Martin Road; 815-625-3376; gslcrf.org and on Facebook Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran – 501 Eighth Ave.; 815-625-3575; immanuelrockfalls.org and on Facebook Methodist Rock Falls United Methodist Church – 210 Fourth Ave.; 815-625-0114; rockfallsumc.org and on Facebook Nondenominational Harvest Time Bible Church – 1801 Dixon Ave.; 815-626-1234; htbc.info and on Facebook Open Bible First Open Bible Church – 2105 E. Rock Falls Road; 815-625-1957; fobrf. org and on Facebook Pentecostal New Life Tabernacle – 513 E. 10th St., or 815-625-2926
STERLING | PLACES OF WORSHIP Baptist Emmanuel Baptist – 1904 18th Ave.; 815-625-0351; ebcsterling.com and on Facebook Faith Baptist – 2005 Freeport Road; 815-625-7690; faithbaptiststerling. com and on Facebook First Baptist Church – 1705 Sixth Ave.; 815-625-1288; fbcsterlingil.com Macedonia Baptist Church – 1313 Woodburn Ave.; 815-625-6473 and on Facebook New Hope Baptist Church – 25059 Como Road; 815-625-8492; newhopeSauk Valley Media
como.org/ 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; and on Facebook Church of Christ 16th Avenue Church of Christ – 1902 16th Ave.; 815-625-2251; sterlingcofc. blogspot.com and on Facebook STERLING CHURCHES continued on 384 37
STERLING CHURCHES CONTINUED FROM 37 t
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints – 604 Third Ave., 815-625-1229; and on Facebook Congregational Big Red Church – 311 Second Ave.; 815-625-5112; 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.; 815-625-2599; sholomsterling.com/ and on Facebook 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 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 Community Mennonite Fellowship – meets at YWCA, 412 First Ave.; 815-284-4460; community-mennonite. org and on Facebook Science Ridge Mennonite Church – 1702 E. 37th St.; 815-626-0538; and 38
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; and on Facebook Trinity United Methodist – 205 E. 10th St.; 815-626-7777 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; and on Facebook Full Gospel Assembly – 3807 River Road; 815-626-4499; Facebook Shalom Assembly of Yahweh – 26477 Fulfs Road; 815-7181323; forhisname.com and on Facebook The Living Bread – 1003 Griswold Ave.; 815-626-6941; and 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 and on Facebook n
Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2019-2020
STERLING & ROCK FALLS| CLUBS American Legion Post 902 – 712 Fourth Ave., Rock Falls; 815-6263862; legion.org and on Facebook American Legion Post 296 – 601 First Ave., Sterling; 815-625-1212;legion. org and on Facebook Beta Sigma Phi women’s service organization – 888-238-2221;bspinternational.org Boy Scouts of America, Blackhawk Area Council, White Eagle District – 815-397-0210; blackhawkscouting.org Carpenters Local 790 – 1008 Seventh Ave., Rock Falls; 815-626-1533; local790. com/ CGH Medical Center Auxiliary – 100 E. LeFevre Road, Sterling; or 815-625-0400, ext. 4642; cghmc.com Church Women United – 210 Fourth Ave., Rock Falls; Carol Siefken, 815-6250114; churchwomenunitedillinois.org/ Crossroads Youth Ministries – 1800 Prophet Road, Rock Falls; 815-625-4371; Facebook Daughters of the American Revolution, Rock River Chapter – ildar.org/ chapters/rockriver/ Eagles Club 2783 – 321 W. Second St., Rock Falls; 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;web.extension.illinois. edu and on Facebook Jaycees-Sterling/Rock Falls – P.O. Box 705, Sterling; Facebook Kiwanis of Sterling; Sterling – P.O. Box 44, Sterling; sterlingkiwanis.org and on Facebook. Knights of Columbus No. 662 – kofc. org or call the nearest Catholic church Latin American Social Club – 2708 W. Fourth St., Sterling; 815-626-8290; Facebook Thrivent Financial – offices in Sterling, Rock Falls and Dixon (go to www.thrivent. com and click on the “find a financial professional” link at the top of the page); Sauk Valley Media
800-847-4836 Masonic Lodge Rock River 612 – 113 1/2 W. Third St., Sterling; 612-il.ourlodgepage.com Moose Lodge 726 – 2601 E. Lincolnway, Sterling; 815-625-0354; mooseintl. org/location/726-sterling/.org Optimist Club-Rock Falls – optimistofrockfalls@gmail.com; on Facebook Optimist Club-Sterling – sterling.optimist@gmail.com; on Facebook PEO Sisterhood Chapter CC – peoillinois.org Rebekah Lodge 202 Rock Falls – ioofil.org/lodge-directory/rebekah-lodges/ Rock River Human Resources Professional Association – 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; Facebook Rotary Club, Twin City Sunrise – rotary6420.org 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 Toastmasters – Sterling; 815-7183664; toastmasters.org United Methodist Women of Rock Falls – 815-625-0114; rockfallsumc.org/ Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5418 – 217 First Ave., Rock Falls; 815-626-3513; on Facebook Whiteside County Genealogists – genealogytrails.com/ill/whiteside Yak Yak Sisters kayaking club for men and women – on Facebook n 39
CGH Medical Center Eye Care Edward Hanlon, OD | Matthew Cutter, OD | Jerald Cundiff, MD | John Hahn, MD, FACS
Edward Hanlon, OD | Matthew Cutter, OD
OPTOM ETRISTS Comprehensive eye exams for contact lenses and glasses, from kids to adults!
Jerald Cundiff, MD | John Hahn, MD, FACS EYE SURGEONS
OPHTHALMOLOGISTS Performing Over 800 Cataract Surgeries a Year! The only full-time coverage in the Sauk Valley Area
VISION Dixon • Sterling
Vision & Oral Surgery Center 10 W. Third St. Sterling, IL 61081 (815) 622-1208
Dixon Clinic
1321 N. Galena Ave. Dixon, IL 61021 (815) 284-1600
www.cghmc.com/vision CGH Vision Centers are an Outpatient Department of CGH Medical Center SM-ST1668153
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Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2019-2020