Sterling-Rock Falls
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STERLINGROCK FALLS, ILLINOIS 2020-2021
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Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2020-2021
PARKS Douglas Ave. 2100 Chestnut Ave. Eberly Park 2699 W. LeFevre Rd. Gartner Park 2121 W. LeFevre Rd. Harry Kidd Field 1219 W. 7th St. Hoover Park 3807 Woodlawn Rd. Kilgour Park 400 W. 15th St. Lawrence Park Avenue G Island Martin’s Landing & Sinnissippi Dam Broadway Ave. & 2nd St. Propheter Park 506 E. 6th St. Redfield Park 14th Ave. & 2nd St. Scheid Park 1102 Woodburn Ave. Sinnissippi Park Sinnissippi Rd. Thomas Park 2301 12th Ave.
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GET TO KNOW US: DIXON | WHAT’S INSIDE
Publisher: Don T. Bricker | General Manager/Advertising Director: Jennifer Heintzelman Get to Know Us ... Sterling-Rock Falls is a specialty publication of Sauk Valley Media, 113 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon, IL 61021, 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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Solar Panels:
Total KWH’s produced since 2012 - 1,262,000 Enough energy to operate a TV for 36,553 days The energy to power 970.97 computers for one year
Hydro Plant: Has produced the following KWH’s over the years: 2019 - 7,121,000/2018 - 8,441,00/2017 - 10,664,000 Average household uses 600 KWH’s/month The City of Rock Falls uses approximately 5,807,726 KWH’s/month.
Rock Falls Electric Utilities
Est. 1895 4
Nationally recognized Municipal Electric Agency One of only Three Communities in Illinois Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2020-2021
As 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 Rock Falls Mayor 65-acre tract of land on the south side of the Rock River. Bill Wescott Its first town meeting was recorded on Jan. 28, 1868.
Today, we boast a population of 9,250 residents. We are most 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.
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On behalf of Sterling, I welcome you to our city — a city described as “industrious, inspired, innovative.” This city is leading its citizens into a 21st century of great infrastructure, great quality of life, and a time of Sterling outstanding partnership between the private and public Mayor Charles sectors of our society. “Skip “Lee Sterling is a beautiful community. It is a peaceful, safe and 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.
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ROCK FALLS cont’d from page 5 We are in northwestern Illinois, about 2 hours from downtown Chicago, an hour and a half from Madison, Wisconsin, and 45 minutes from the Quad Cities. 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 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. Now that the demolition and environmental remediation of the old industrial properties along the riverfront is done, we have begun the transformation of the 17.5-acre canvas that will become the Riverfront Bike and Walk District. This area will produce future development opportunities, and combined with our uptown business community, will become 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 connects 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. n 6
Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2020-2021
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STERLING cont’d from page 5 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 such as 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 community-oriented 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 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, our outstanding Main Street Car Show, as well as the many adult and youth arts experiences afforded through the Woodlawn Arts Academy. 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.” n 8
Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2020-2021
The Rock River, 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. 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 built a courthouse. It 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 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, and one of the first factories in the area 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. 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.
STERLING cont’d on page 10 Sauk Valley Media
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STERLING cont’d from page 9 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. 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
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Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2020-2021
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. 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 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, with 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. 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.
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ROCK FALLS cont’d from page 11 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. 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
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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. 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 actively recruits new business to the area. In turn, those new businesses help attract more people to Sterling and spur the construction of new housing. 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.
STERLING TODAY cont’d on page 14
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STERLING TODAY cont’d from page 13 Elsewhere, work is moving ahead on the city’s first roundabout, at Lynn Boulevard and LeFevre Road near Meadlowlands 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 want to improve the quality of life for residents. They realize it’s important to offer top-quality health care, schools and recreational opportunities, as well as jobs, to keep residents happy. One example of the city’s efforts to improve the quality of life has been the ongoing Sterling Market project, which will expand and upgrade the Twin City Farmers market downtown, at 106 Ave. A. A covered walkway has been added just west of the Twin City Farmers Market. The marketplace construction is tied to work being done at Sterling Today’s Mercantile building, and is part of a multi-phase project that will include a parking lot and other improvements and landscaping. The project will allow the Twin City Farmers Market to expand outdoors and give other events, such as the Harvest Moon Festival and the Hops on the Rock craft beer festival, a better venue. 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. Another priority in Sterling is maintaining excellent schools. Six schools and a career center are part of 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. 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 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. 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 14
Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2020-2021
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, its first schools and churches, 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 members 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. The city recently finished the second phase of the RB&W District, turning a former industrial site into a green space, complete with an entertainment venue, water feature, parks, a trail, and restrooms. Another 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 in Sterling, recently turned the former Rock River Tool and Die building into a banquet hall and business conference facility – the McCormick Event Center – and Matt Prescott, owner of the Candlelight Inn, and his business partner, Tim Kendrick, are bringing an upscale restaurant to the building, and in a nod to the area’s past, naming it The Industrial Restaurant. 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. A furniture store serves as an anchor to other businesses. Tax increment financing districts also are important to developing Rock Falls. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites, which opened in May 2016, in the RB&W District, is one product of the city’s Riverfront TIF. Other retailers and hospitality service providers can be found along the city’s other main thoroughfares. n Sauk Valley Media
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Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com
Dannae Cadenas (left) and Alyssa Bonnette pose for a picture in January 2020 with Slammin’ Sammy Skyhawk, Sauk Valley Community College’s mascot, during the Spring Sauk Fest. The event gives students the opportunity to learn about the college’s clubs and activities while socializing with fellow students.
Sauk Valley Community College has been on a mission to provide quality education to its diverse student body since it opened in 1965. The fully accredited college, which sits on a 144-acre campus at 173 state Route 2, between Dixon and Sterling, serves about 1,800 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. Sauk offers 2-year transfer associate degrees in art or science in more than 40 areas, 22 career-technical degrees, 24 associate degrees, and an associate in engineering science degree, along with 50 career-technical certificates. In November 2018, Sauk’s ag students harvested their first crop of corn and soybeans at the college, part of the college’s new and rapidly growing agriculture program. The hands-on harvest lesson taught students how to test factors that affect yield, such as soil properties, nitrogen and water levels. Men’s and women’s sports, cultural activities and events, and more than 20 student clubs and organizations, including Phi Theta Kappa (the honor society for 2-year colleges), student government, Association of Latin American Students, Magic Club, Campus Crusade for Christ and Math Club, contribute to the vibrant campus life. Students also have access to a full fitness center and weight room.
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Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2020-2021
SAUK cont’d from page 16 Sauk also has an active ABC AmeriCorps program, in which students earn a stipend while working with children, youth and families as well as community-based agencies, small towns and municipalities, learning life skills while contributing to the health of area communities. As part of its commitment to the region’s economic development, in early 2016 Sauk launched its Small Business Development Center, and the Sauk Valley Community College Community Leadership Program. The center is a resource for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, in collaboration with the Dixon, Sterling and Rock Falls chambers of commerce, city and county officials, and local banks. The leadership course is a 10-month skills-building program in conjunction with area manufacturers, designed to pique students’ interest in the trades at an earlier age, and bridge the skills gap that is impeding the companies’ operational efficiencies. Sessions are scheduled at different sites to accommodate students throughout the area. Students also have access to the Sauk YMCA. In 2018, the college announced plans for several million dollars in improvements, maintenance and upgrades to the building. The project was the latest in the college’s ongoing effort to maintain the school, upgrade technology, and remodel it to fit the changing needs of students and the evolving curriculum.
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SAUK cont’d from page 17 Sauk spent $1.3 million in 2017 to remodel the 12,000-square-foot Health Care Professions area, upgrading technology and expanding classrooms and training facilities to allow students to learn and practice in a more hospital-like setting. That project came on the heels of a string of other renovations, including work on the West Mall, where a $1.9 million Student Services Center opened in 2015, along with a new testing center, business offices and two new classroom spaces. The science, math and technology labs underwent major remodMore online eling and upgrading a year or 2 Go to svcc.edu or call 815-835before that. 6273 for class schedules or The college also has beefed up more information about Sauk its Multicraft Technology proValley Community College. gram, in which local manufacturers partner with Sauk and the Whiteside Area Career Center to educate, train and employ workers and reduce the local trade skills gap, through internships and classes; 2017 saw enrollment in that program double. n
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Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2020-2021
As the nation struggled through a Great Depression, a group of Rock Falls residents joined together to help bring the city its first library. The Rev. Jame 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. Rock Falls Public Library In the 1990s, the non-profit group 1007 Seventh Ave. K.I.D.S.S (Knowledge Increases 815-626-3958 Developing Skills for Success) was Online: https://rockfallsliformed to raise money to build a brary.com/ and on Facebook new library. Thanks to the contriHours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. butions of local residents and busiMonday-Thursday; 9 a.m. to nesses, including former Rock 6 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Falls resident Dr. Louis Rubin, the Saturday; closed Sunday 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. There are special reading programs for children and adults, 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 $55 a year per family. 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
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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. The library offers a host of digital Sterling Public Library library services on its website 102 W. Third St. There is a summer reading pro815-625-1370. gram for children and adults, and Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekly story time for preschoolers Monday through Thursyear-round. day, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Library cards are available at no Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. charge to residents within city limSaturday. its, and for a fee to people outside Online: Find it on Facecity limits. Cards are valid for 2 book or go to sterlingyears. People who live outside the publiclibrary.org 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. 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
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Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2020-2021
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CGH Medical Center has been caring for patients since 1909, and today has 16 area locations and clinics. 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. A 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 bariatric patient room, an isolation/negative pressure room, and two safe rooms. In addition, all 20 of the patient rooms on the floor got a makeover, with new paint and new floors. The lighting and heating systems were upgraded and all of the bathrooms were enlarged and remodeled.
HEALTH CARE cont’d on page 23
Your Voice Has Power We Believe You. We are Here to Help. We Offer FREE and CONFIDENTIAL Services for All Genders and Ages. • Sexual Assault Counseling
• Legal Advocacy
• 24-Hour Crisis Intervention
• Medical Advocacy
• Services available in Spanish
This project was supported by Grant #2017-VA-GX-0048, awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, through the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. Points of view or opinions contained within this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice, or the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority.
815.626.7277 & 815.288.1011
SM-ST1783319
24-Hour Hotline:
ywsauk.org
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• Support Groups
Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2020-2021
HEALTH CARE cont’d from page 22 The projects are just the latest in CGH’s ongoing efforts to meet the ever-changing demands of people’s health care needs. In March 2017, CGH Medical Center’s unveiled its new pediatrics department, which got a wall-to-wall makeover. The department, which hasn’t been renovated since the 1980s, boasts new nurses stations, upgraded lighting, an enhanced security system, and a mural that offers a splash of color, featuring fish, birds and other attentiongrabbers that kids can gander at when they visit the hospital. In addition to the mural, artwork from students at Woodlawn Arts Academy will be displayed in the department, with different pieces featured periodically. In spring 2015, CGH opened a second Cardiac Cath Lab, and a new state-of-the-art Emergency Department that features 26 private treatment rooms, six easy care areas, two new trauma rooms, secured access, and streamlined registration. A major expansion was completed in 2008 that produced a new suite of surgical rooms, a new Obstetrics Department and Birthing Center, a new Critical Care Unit, and a new Digestive Health Center. 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.
HEALTH CARE cont’d on page 24
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CGH Medical Center helps bring its mission – to “deliver exceptional patient care by combining outstanding skill with heartfelt compassion” – into focus with its ICARE approach to health care: Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence.
HEALTH CARE cont’d from page 23 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. CGH and its 16 satellite facilities provide tens of millions of dollars in free and dis100 E. Le Fevre Road counted care yearly, and also gives back to Sterling the community through community sponsor815-625-0400 ships; donations and support; community Email: info@cghmc.com partnerships; and supplementation of ComOnline: cghmc.com and munity Services and Foundation programs, on Facebook, Twitter, which provide for the health and wellness of YouTube and Instagram community members. Since 2013, CGH has received high grades for patient safety from the Leapfrog Group, including the A Safety Rating this spring. The Leapfrog Group collects and reports one-of-a-kind data to empower patients to choose the right hospital. In May 2016, CGH opened its Spirit of the Heart art gallery, a joint project of its Marketing Department and the CGH Auxiliary. It’s intended not only to be a venue for local artists, but also a healing force for patients, families, and even hospital staff, to help promote the idea of art’s positive impact on healing and health. “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.”
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Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2020-2021
Education needs in Sterling and Rock Falls are met through public and parochial schools. Rock Falls has seven public schools (including a middle school and high school), and one parochial school. Sterling has four grade schools, a middle school, a high school, and 3 parochial schools. ROCK FALLS
K-5 students stay in self-contained classrooms, while grade 6-8 students rotate classes in preparation for high school. 1602 Dixon Road 815-625-4400 ecoloma.net Principal: Andrew Blackert
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.
EDUCATION cont’d on page 26
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EDUCATION cont’d from page 25
merrill-elementary-school Grades: 3-5 Enrollment: About 330 students, with an average class size of 26. Principal: Brody Rude
ROCK FALLS ELEMENTARY DISTRICT 13 Office Rock Falls Middle School 602 Fourth Ave. 815-626-2604 rfsd13.org
Dillon School 1901 Eighth Ave. 815-625-3356 rfsd13.org/index.php/schools/dillon-elementary-school Grades: K-2 Enrollment: About 300 students, with an average class size of 22 Principal: Roy Calkins
Merrill School 600 Fourth Ave. 815-625-4634 rfsd13.org/index.php/schools/
1701 12th Ave. 815-626-2626 rfsd13.org/index.php/schools/rfms Grades: 6-8 Enrollment: About 300 students, with an average class size of 20 Principal: Kyle Ackman
Riverdale Preschool 3505 Prophet Road 815-625-5280 rfsd13.org/index.php/schools/riverdale-preschool Enrollment: About 160 students with an average class size of 20 Principal: Chelese Palmer
EDUCATION cont’d on page 27
Going on vacation? Keep in touch with the news of the Sauk Valley!
www.saukvalley.com 26
Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2020-2021
EDUCATION cont’d from page 26
MONTMORENCY SCHOOL DISTRICT 145 Montmorency School & District Office 9415 Hoover Road 815-625-6616 sites.google.com/a/mgs145.net/ montmorencyschooldistrict145/home Grades: K-8 Enrollment: About 350 students, with an average class size of 18 Principal: Shad Hansen
Rock Falls Township High School District 301
Enrollment: About 670 students, with an average class size of 15 Principal: Mike Berentes
PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS
St. Andrew Catholic Grade School 701 11th Ave. 815-625-1456 standrewgradeschool.com Grades: Pre-K through 8 Enrollment: About 112 students, with an average class size of 16 Principal: Deacon William J. Lemmer
STERLING Community Unit District 5
101 12th Ave. 815-625-3886 www.rfhs301.org Grades: 9-12
Office 410 E. LeFevre Road 815-626-5050 Online: sterlingpublicschools.org EDUCATION cont’d on page 28
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EDUCATION cont’d from page 27
Sterling High School 1608 Fourth Ave. 815-625-6800 Online: sterlingpublicschools.org/o/shs Grades: 9-12 Enrollment: About 1,000 students, with an average of 16 in each class. Principal: Jason Austin
Challand Middle School 1700 Sixth Ave. 815-626-3300 Online: sterlingpublicschools.org/o/cms Grades: 6-8 Enrollment: About 760 students, with an average of 23 in each class. Principal: Lindsy Stumpenhorst
Franklin Elementary 1510 E. 25th St. 815-625-5755 Online: sterlingpublicschools.org/o/fes Grades: Preschool through second Principal: Brooke Dir
Jefferson Elementary 806 E. LeFevre Road 815-625-6402 Online: sterlingpublicschools.org/o/jes Grades: Preschool through second Principal: Heather Wittenauer
Lincoln Elementary 1501 E. Sixth St. 815-625-1449 Online: sterlingpublicschools.org/o/les Grades: 3-5 Enrollment: About 360 students, with an average class size of 26 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 class size of 25 Principal: Liz Engstrom 28
VOCATIONAL SCHOOL Whiteside Area Career Center
1608 Fifth Ave. 815-626-5810 Online: wacc.cc/ WACC serves students from 16 member school districts and four parochial schools in northwestern Illinois. 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. Work-based 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 class size of 20 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 class size of 18 Principal: Kathleen Howard
Christ Lutheran School 2000 18th Ave. 815-625-3800 Online: christlutheranschool.com Grades: Pre-K through 8 Enrollment: About 150 students, with an average class size of 15 Principal: The Rev. Russell Helbig
Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2020-2021
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; redcross. org/local/illinois/chicago-and-northern-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 and on Facebook Department of Human Services – 2605 Woodlawn Road, Suite 4, Sterling; 815632-4045; 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 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; 815-4412243; “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, Lee, Mercer, Rock Island, and Whiteside counties); 309-794-1328, 800-3229804; pslegal.org Sauk Valley Media
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 Rock Falls Rotary Club –P.O. Box 902 Rock Falls; 815-325-4120; rockfalls-rotary.org 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; 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; 815-6267777 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; 815-6229230; wc-seniorcenter.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 29
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 – 815397-0210; 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; 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; https://extension.illinois.edu/clw/4-h-whiteside-county and on Facebook Jaycees-Sterling/Rock Falls – P.O. Box 705, Sterling; on Facebook Kiwanis of Sterling; 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 – 2708 W. Lincolnway., 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); 80030
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; 815-625-3619; mooseintl.org/ location/726-sterling/.org and on Facebook Optimist Club-Rock Falls – optimistofrockfalls@gmail.com; optimist.org/ and on Facebook Optimist Club-Sterling – sterling.optimist@gmail.com; optimist.org/ and 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 – 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; 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 United Methodist Women of Rock Falls – 210 Fourth Ave., Rock Falls; 815-6250114; 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
Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2020-2021
ROCK FALLS
Church – 210 Fourth Ave.; 815-6250114; rockfallsumc.org and on Facebook
Apostolic
Nondenominational
New Life Tabernacle – 920 Ave. D; 815718-6657; on Facebook
Harvest Time Bible Church – 1802 Dixon Ave.; 815-626-1234; htbc.info and 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.; 815-625-4508; standrewrockfalls. org and on Facebook
Congregational First Congregational United Church of Christ – 905 Dixon Ave.; 815-6253314; on Facebook
Disciples of Christ First Christian Church – 506 Fifth Ave.; 815-626-2271; fccrockfalls. blogspot.com
Evangelical Evangelical Congregational Church – 1602 13th Ave., 815-6255360; on Facebook
Foursquare Foursquare Church – 1501 11th Ave.; 815-625-5040; foursquare.org/ churches/31679
Open Bible First Open Bible Church – 2105 E. Rock Falls Road; 815-625-1957; 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; 815-625-7690; faithbaptiststerling.com and on Facebook First Baptist Church – 1705 Sixth Ave.; 815-625-1288; fbcsterlingil.com Macedonia Baptist Church – 1313
CHURCHES cont’d on page 32
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.
Lutheran
Methodist
435 Martin Rd. Rock Falls, IL
815-625-3376
www.gslcrf.org
SM-ST1786395
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 Rock Falls United Methodist Sauk Valley Media
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CHURCHES cont’d from page 31
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; on Facebook
Church of Christ 16th Avenue Church of Christ – 1902 16th Ave.; 815-625-2251; on Facebook
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints – 2709 16th Ave., 815-625-1229; on Facebook
Congregational Big Red Church – 311 Second Ave.; 815625-5112; 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.; 815-6250442; episcopalgrace.org and on Facebook
Jewish Temple Sholom – 510 E. 10th St.; 815-6252599; sholomsterling.com/ and on Facebook
Lutheran First Lutheran Church of Jordan – 20314 Hickory Hills Road; 815-625-5407; 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.; 815625-3069; stpaulsterling.com and on Facebook
Mennonite Community Mennonite Fellowship – 32
meets at YWCA, 412 First Ave.; 815-2383421; and on Facebook Science Ridge Mennonite Church – 1702 E. 37th St.; 815-626-0538; 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 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; 537-808-6435; 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, 815-6251622; tsasterling.org and on Facebook
Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2020-2021
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. 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 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, playSauk Valley Media
ground, 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 features 525 acres of park sites featuring 14 parks, 7 miles of bike paths, access to the Rock River via 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: 815-622-6200 Douglas Park – 2100 Chestnut Ave.; basketball court, playground equipment, and open play area Duis Recreation Center – 211 E. 23rd St.; fitness center and pool Eberley Park – 2699 W. LeFevre Road; 1.5-mile walking course Emerald Hill Golf Course – 16802 Prairieville Road; golf course and Emerald Hill Pavilion (weddings and parties) PARKS cont’d on page 34 33
PARKS cont’d from page 33 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 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 Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com Sinnissippi Park, Sinnissippi Nathan Ludwick of Rock Falls patiently Road – ball diamonds awaits a nibble while ice fishing at Thomas (unlighted), disc golf course, Park in February 2019. The Sterling park, on cross-country skiing and sled12th Avenue off Lynn Boulevard, offers ding, fishing trail access, playyear-round fishing, basketball courts, ground equipment, picnic and tennis courts, ice skating, playground open play areas, national historic equipment, play areas and more. site, shelters and restrooms 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 plate-loaded weights and cardio theater 34
Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2020-2021
Service providers Republic Services (waste disposal) 815-625-1281 republicservices.com Moring Disposal 815-938-3602 www.moringdisposal.com Wiersema Waste Service 815-535-9000 www.wiersemawaste.com ComEd (serves Sterling) 800-334-7661 comed.com Comcast 800-226-2278 comcast.com Illinois American Water Co. 800-422-2782 amwater.com Nicor Gas 888-642-6748 nicorgas.com Rock Falls Electric Department 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/waterservices Sauk Valley Media 113 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon 815-625-3600 or 815-284-2224 saukvalley.com
Miscellaneous Whiteside County Clerk 200 E. Knox St., Morrison 815-772-5189 https://www.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. Le Fevre Road, Sterling 815-625-0400 cghmc.com/ Driver’s License Station 1224 W. Fourth St., Sterling Sauk Valley Media
815-626-2825 ilsos.gov/ Rock Falls Public Library 1007 Seventh Ave. 815-626-3958 rockfallslibrary.com/ Sterling Public Library 102 W. Third St. 815-625-1370 sterlingpubliclibrary.org/ Rock Falls Post Office 210 Second Ave 815-626-0514 usps.com Sterling Post Office 408 Third Ave. 815-625-0812 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/
Non-emergency numbers CGH Emergency Services 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 E. Third St. 815-632-6640 Whiteside County Sheriff’s Department 400 N. Cherry St., Morrison 815-772-4044 whiteside.org Advance EMS Ambulance Services 661 Reynoldswood Road, Dixon (serving Dixon, Sterling and surrounding areas) 815-288-6898 https://advems.com
In an emergency, call 911 35
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-ST1786246
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Get to know us...Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois • 2020-2021