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  • Bring on the cold

    OTTAWA – No one knows cold like those who take up ice sculpting. Area lovers of winter, or those who think they just might be able to tolerate the col ...
    Dec. 5, 2013 - 10:33 pm

  • Ex-Rep. Schilling talks about health care act

    ROCK FALLS – Bobby Schilling, a Republican candidate for Congress, told a crowd of factory workers Thursday that he came from nothing, recalling his f ...
    Dec. 6, 2013 - 2:58 pm

  • Numbers hold steady in Sauk Valley

    Despite a 2-month wait since the release of the last county unemployment statistics, numbers throughout the Sauk Valley haven't changed much during th ...
    Dec. 5, 2013 - 10:20 pm

  • Police: Rochelle man sexually abused child

    DIXON – A Rochelle man was in jail Thursday for sexually abusing a child, police said.William M. Hol ...
    Dec. 5, 2013 - 10:31 pm

  • School district, union final offers due next week

    DIXON – In about a week, both the Dixon school district and the Dixon Educational Support Personnel Association will file their final contract offers ...
    Dec. 5, 2013 - 10:20 pm

  • Letter remains under wraps

    ROCK FALLS – The state comptroller's office is denying public access to a letter in which Coloma Township Supervisor Debra Burke explains why she has ...
    Dec. 5, 2013 - 10:21 pm

  • Happy Tails temporary homes at Northland Mall

    Miracle, a 10-month-old calico, kicks back in her cage, attempting to win over Maria Durham and Greg Burke. Her temporary home at Happy Tails will be ...
    Dec. 6, 2013 - 2:23 pm

  • Santa, snacks at open house event

    LYNDON – A free holiday open house will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Lyndon Area Historical Society, 405 W. Fourth St.
    Dec. 4, 2013 - 8:10 pm

  • SVCC plans winter performance

    DIXON – The Sauk Valley Community College music department’s annual winter concert will be at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Historic Dixon Theatre, 114 S. Gale ...
    Dec. 4, 2013 - 8:10 pm

  • Christmas music planned at DHS

    DIXON – The Dixon High School choral department’s annual holiday concert will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 16 in the high school auditorium, 300 Lincoln Statue D ...
    Dec. 4, 2013 - 11:11 pm

  • Carl Junior Anderson

    THOMSON – Carl Junior Anderson, 73, of Thomson, died Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013, at his home.Law-Jones F ...
    Dec. 5, 2013 - 10:04 pm

  • Cadet T. Thorp

    STERLING – Cadet T. Thorp, 73, of Sterling, died Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling. He had a milk hauling business in the Tam ...
    Dec. 5, 2013 - 10:05 pm

  • Nora Glazier

    LYNDON – Nora Glazier, 81, of Lyndon and Prophets Riverview Good Samaritan Center in Prophetstown, died Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013, at CGH Medical Center i ...
    Dec. 5, 2013 - 10:05 pm

  • Robert E. Anderson

    PROPHETSTOWN – Robert E. Anderson, 94, of Prophetstown, died Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling.
    Dec. 5, 2013 - 10:05 pm

  • Nora Glazier

    LYNDON – Nora Glazier, 81, of Prophets Riverview Good Samaritan Center in Prophetstown, formerly of Lyndon, died Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013, at CGH Medical ...
    Dec. 4, 2013 - 10:26 pm

  • Cathy L. Landis

    ROCK FALLS – Cathy L. Landis of rural Rock Falls passed away Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013, at her home, after a 4-year battle with cancer.
    Dec. 4, 2013 - 10:26 pm

  • Michael J. Galvan

    MOUNT MORRIS – Michael John “Chongo Warrior/Indian” Galvan, 58, of Mount Morris, passed away Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013, at his home.
    Dec. 4, 2013 - 10:26 pm

  • Dorothy Schaver

    FULTON – Dorothy Schaver, 86, of Fulton, died Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013, at her home.Bosma-Renkes Funera ...
    Dec. 4, 2013 - 10:25 pm

  • Thomas A. Denning

    ROCK FALLS – Thomas A. Denning, 57, of Rock Falls, died Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013, in his sleep, at home.
    Dec. 4, 2013 - 10:26 pm

  • Sandra L. Jones

    FULTON – Sandra L. Jones, 57, of Fulton, died Monday, Dec. 2, 2013, at Mercy Medical Center North in Clinton, Iowa.
    Dec. 4, 2013 - 10:27 pm

  • No coincidence that churches were spared

    Our governor enacted the law legalizing same-sex marriage just days after the Illinois Senate paved the way for it by putting it in front of him. Join ...
    Dec. 5, 2013 - 8:20 pm

  • Congress should aim higher to achieve more

    Congressional budget negotiators are moving to meet a Dec. 13 deadline to produce, well, something.F ...
    Dec. 5, 2013 - 8:19 pm

  • Reform deal must not be the only step

    If the pension reform bill passed Tuesday by the Illinois General Assembly was a first step in a series of reform measures still to come, we’d hail it ...
    Dec. 5, 2013 - 8:19 pm

  • Remembering Shriver’s role in JFK funeral

    The single soul-searing event of my generation had to be the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. As a 20-something college student, I joined t ...
    Dec. 4, 2013 - 8:09 pm

  • Prepare for winter’s worst

    Winter weather already has brushed the Sauk Valley with minor snowfalls on Oct. 22 and Nov. 25.Tempe ...
    Dec. 4, 2013 - 8:09 pm

  • Pension ‘fix’ only a prelude to higher taxes

    SPRINGFIELD – On Tuesday, the Illinois General Assembly passed a measure that its leaders contend will solve the state’s pension crisis.
    Dec. 4, 2013 - 8:09 pm

  • Most vital fact, consumer cost, was omitted

    I generally try not to “shoot the messenger,” complain about the treatment and the lack of reliable and/or a sound perspective in political reporting. ...
    Dec. 3, 2013 - 10:22 pm

  • Be prepared for next cougar

    He was lean, athletic, and had traveled hundreds of miles, most likely from the Black Hills of south ...
    Dec. 3, 2013 - 10:22 pm

  • Turkeys most likely went to taxpayers

    I read again SVM reporter Mr. Giuliani’s column (Saturday, Nov. 30) regarding the Thanksgiving basket distribution that, and I quote, “I’m betting tha ...
    Dec. 3, 2013 - 10:22 pm

  • Thank you to those on the ‘other side’

    I would like to respond to Don and Sheryl Noble [“Letter writer speaks out, earns respect,” The Reader’s Voice, Nov. 20] and Charles Becker [“Writer e ...
    Dec. 2, 2013 - 11:26 pm

  • An ugly word in our language

    Justin Coltrain, who is charged with a hate crime in an August fight in Ogle County, says he is not a racist. But Coltrain, who is white, didn't help ...
    Dec. 2, 2013 - 4:05 pm

  • Like what you see on the front page?

    What to put on the front page is a big decision every day – one in which readers often disagree. In an email, one woman objected to our lead story, "V ...
    Nov. 28, 2013 - 11:05 pm

  • Day meetings good for working folks?

    Last week, the Lee County Board resisted the idea of holding meetings at night – the time most working people can attend. The vote was 12-10 in favor ...
    Nov. 27, 2013 - 9:10 am

  • Sure would like to hear from Gene

    In his re-election campaign last year, Whiteside County Board member Gene Jacoby pushed for openness. In a statement in our newspaper, he wrote, "As e ...
    Nov. 21, 2013 - 4:07 pm

  • All for choice on helmets, but...

    When it comes to helmets and seat belts, I'm on the side of choice and freedom. If you want to ride your bike and let the breeze blow through your hai ...
    Nov. 18, 2013 - 4:14 pm

  • Unnecessarily complex

    One of the biggest objections to Obamacare is it'll make health insurance more bureaucratic. I'll leave that debate to others, but let's make one thin ...
    Nov. 8, 2013 - 12:21 pm

  • Rock Falls shoppers help Sterling

    Just like everywhere else in Illinois, Cherry Valley residents have to pay property taxes – for schools, township, county, other entities. But not for ...
    Nov. 5, 2013 - 3:00 pm

  • A concern for offenders'' privacy?

    In September, we reported on a father-and-son duo who attacked Benjamin Brainerd in Sterling earlier this year. The father, James Velasquez, asked Bra ...
    Nov. 1, 2013 - 2:19 pm

  • No need for bureaucratic middleman

    It took years, but government is finally becoming more transparent, thanks to a nonprofit group. The other day, a story from July 2008 caught my eye. ...
    Oct. 29, 2013 - 1:12 pm

  • Too many government agencies?

    Slowly but surely over the years, government agencies have been merging around here. The evidence is often seen in the clunky hyphenated names in gove ...
    Oct. 25, 2013 - 9:50 am

  • Wipfli team earns recognition

    MILWAUKEE – Wipfli LLP, a professional services firm, announced that its Turnaround and Restructuring Services group was honored with the Turnaround o ...
    Nov. 27, 2013 - 10:31 am

  • Sterling builder attends course

    MAZOMANIE, Wis. – Ryan Hartman of Andersen Statewide Buildings LLC of Sterling participated in the 3-day Wick Buildings Builder School refresher cours ...
    Nov. 27, 2013 - 10:31 am

  • Hibbett Sporting Goods now open

    DIXON – Hibbett Sporting Goods has opened its newest location in Dixon.The store, 1620 Miller St., w ...
    Nov. 30, 2013 - 12:20 am

  • Local YMCA CEO recently honored

    STERLING – Andy Thornton, CEO of Sterling-Rock Falls Family YMCA, received the Illinois Chief Club Award at the Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs annua ...
    Nov. 22, 2013 - 9:24 am

  • Bank manager earns promotion

    STERLING – Jon Byar, banking center manager at Midland States Bank’s Sterling office, has been promoted to commercial relationship manager.
    Nov. 22, 2013 - 9:23 am

  • Cost Cutters helps fight cancer

    STERLING – Cost Cutters hair salons in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin recently donated $3,424 to the southern Wisconsin affiliate for Susan ...
    Nov. 22, 2013 - 9:22 am

  • Urban Outlet likely to move downtown

    STERLING – Urban Outlet, a clothing store at Northland Mall, appears to be moving downtown. The stor ...
    Nov. 22, 2013 - 7:48 pm

  • Rochelle announces $1.5 million airport expansion

    ROCHELLE – In the mid 1940s, business man, LaVerne Schultz, created a grass runway near his factory on state Route 251 South, first known as Schultz F ...
    Nov. 15, 2013 - 9:09 am

  • Morrison students honored at luncheon

    MORRISON – Members of Morrison Rotary Club met October Students of the Month, Brandi Hosford and Cory Brown of Morrison High School, during the Oct. 2 ...
    Nov. 15, 2013 - 9:10 am

  • WACC weathers budget storms

    STERLING -- The challenges Illinois schools face from decreased funding for education have been well documented. Career and technical education center ...
    Nov. 15, 2013 - 6:01 pm

  • Bring on the cold

    OTTAWA – No one knows cold like those who take up ice sculpting. Area lovers of winter, or those who think they just might be able to tolerate the col ...
    Dec. 5, 2013 - 10:33 pm

  • Support Groups, Clubs, and Services

    Saturday, Dec. 7Alcoholics Anonymous, 9 a.m., closed, Big Book, United Methodist Church, 201 E. Chic ...
    Dec. 5, 2013 - 8:20 pm

  • Volunteers, donations sought by local shelter

    STERLING – The annual Christmas Wish drive has started for Twin Cities PADS Homeless Shelter, 111 E. 29th St.
    Dec. 5, 2013 - 10:22 pm

  • Revival canceled at Firehouse of God

    STERLING – A revival scheduled for today and Saturday has been canceled. Taking Back the City Crusade had organized the revival, set from 5 to 10 p.m. ...
    Dec. 5, 2013 - 10:23 pm

  • Fundraiser Sunday for woman facing stage 4 cancer

    AMBOY – A benefit on Sunday will help a Franklin Grove woman in her fight against colorectal cancer.
    Dec. 5, 2013 - 10:23 pm

  • Toys, coats drive Saturday in Dixon

    DIXON – Goodfellows of Lee County will collect donations of toys and coats from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the front door of Walmart, 1640 S. Galena ...
    Dec. 5, 2013 - 10:23 pm

  • Morrison choir plans Christmas concert

    MORRISON – The 85-voice outreach choir of Emmanuel Reformed Church will perform its seventh annual Christmas cantata Thursday and Dec. 14 and 15 at th ...
    Dec. 5, 2013 - 10:04 pm

  • Christmas in the Grove is Dec. 13

    FRANKLIN GROVE – Christmas in the Grove will be Dec. 13, featuring door prizes and raffles from churches and businesses in the village.
    Dec. 5, 2013 - 10:04 pm

  • Santa, snacks at open house event

    LYNDON – A free holiday open house will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Lyndon Area Historical Society, 405 W. Fourth St.
    Dec. 4, 2013 - 8:10 pm

  • SVCC plans winter performance

    DIXON – The Sauk Valley Community College music department’s annual winter concert will be at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Historic Dixon Theatre, 114 S. Gale ...
    Dec. 4, 2013 - 8:10 pm

  • Snow day and pancakes

    Snow comes with winter the way the receipt comes with groceries. Routine. Except in Baltimore. There, snow comes with winter the way Godzilla comes wi ...
    Dec. 4, 2013 - 5:03 pm

  • Capture the benefits of cranberries

    Among the fruit group, cranberries are one of the top contenders for richest in health-promoting antioxidants. Cranberries and cranberry juice have lo ...
    Dec. 3, 2013 - 9:07 pm

  • Wine gifts galore for the holidays

    You know the type: He or she already has a 1,000-bottle wine cellar, 65 corkscrews, a dozen too-cute wine posters (“Wine a little; you’ll feel better” ...
    Dec. 3, 2013 - 9:00 pm

  • Talkin' turkey with Butterball CEO

    NEW YORK (AP) – Turkey isn't just for Thanksgiving, says Butterball CEO Rod Brenneman. Whether it's turkey sausage for breakfast, turkey medallions on ...
    Nov. 27, 2013 - 8:47 am

  • Homemade for health and wealth

    I was speaking with a friend this week who told me that she asked her kids “What is the one dish you could not do without for Thanksgiving?” After hea ...
    Nov. 27, 2013 - 8:47 am

  • Pot pie perfection

    Now is when the menu changes, when pasta with fresh tomatoes and basil retires to also-ran status, when the prospect of gravy makes our mouth water.
    Nov. 27, 2013 - 8:47 am

  • Don’t waste a can of chipotles

    Q: A lot of recipes call for a teaspoon or tablespoon of chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, but then yo ...
    Nov. 19, 2013 - 6:46 pm

  • Sweet history: Early American desserts connect us deliciously with tradition

    Desserts are the sweet stuff of which memories are made, particularly in a holiday season, a time typically so rich with recollections. Salute that sp ...
    Nov. 19, 2013 - 9:30 pm

  • Be selective during holidays

    Our first snowfall reminded me that the holidays are quickly approaching. Holidays bring joy, excitement and happiness. They also can bring anxiety, c ...
    Nov. 19, 2013 - 6:46 pm

  • Better health doesn’t come without hard work

    Have you ever heard the expression “anything worth having is worth working for”?A lot of people say ...
    Nov. 12, 2013 - 7:59 pm