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MAGAZINE
Sterling, IL 61081

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Business owner looks to

leave a legacy in Sterling

All types of auto work

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New bar, restaurant worth

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s t e r l i n g - r o c k f a l l s l i v i n g 1
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2 f a l l / w i n t e r 1 6
 Sterling-Rock Falls COVER • STORY

MAGAZINE

Publisher
Sam R Fisher
Advertising Director
Jennifer Heintzelman
Editor
Jeff Rogers

Magazine Editors
Lucas Pauley
Hard
Rusty Schrader

Page Design
work
Lucas Pauley
Published by hits
home
Sauk Valley Media
3200 E. Lincolnway
Sterling, IL 61081

16
815-625-3600
Articles and advertisements are the property of Sauk Valley Media. No
portion of Sterling-Rock Falls Living Magazine may be reproduced without the
written consent of the publisher. Ad content is not the responsibility of Sauk
Valley Media. The information in this magazine 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 Teen knew what she wanted and made it happen
goods and services provided by advertisers listed in any portion of this magazine.

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s t e r l i n g - r o c k f a l l s l i v i n g 3
Contents

10 5 – Linda Von Holten

Artist dabbles in a variety of mediums,
including photography and painting

10 – Behrz-Bloomz
Longtime local business blooms
in new location in Sterling

13 – Dale Dance
5 Studio
Respected local dance teacher
offers classes for all ages to enjoy

16 – Legacy Martial
Arts
Driven 19-year-old looks to build strong
business in downtown Sterling

13 19 – St. Andrew
Thrift Store
Successful first 6 months raises
$40,000 for school and church

25 – Vintage
Mechanical Works
19 Sterling auto shop not just
focusing on renovations anymore

16 29 – Touch of Thai II
New restaurant in Rock Falls

25
growing its customer base each day

33 – Dead Tree Tavern

29 New bar offers so many drink
choices, you might be stumped

33
4 f a l l / w i n t e r 1 6
 She wonders Sterling native’s
artwork draws
inspiration from
as she wanders anything and
everything
Story By Kayla Heimerman & Submitted Photos of artwork by Linda Von Holten
For Sterling-Rock Falls Living Continued on page 7

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 LITERACY IS FUN
FOR EVERYONE
• A Program of United Way of Whiteside County •

2016 United Way of Whiteside County Campaign Chair Robbie Minor

and his children Aubree, Hadlee and Rhylee.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is a 60 volume set of books beginning

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6 f a l l / w i n t e r 1 6
 Von Holten
Continued from page 5 returned to the Sauk
Valley and landed
a job as an aide in
the Sterling school
system in 1989. She
filled the needs of
teachers throughout
the district, often
assisting with art
classes and lessons.
She decided she
Linda
Von Holten wanted to teach art,
so she took more spe-
cific art education coursework.
Von Holten then served as the district art
This piece, inspired by “The Great Gatsby,” is part of teacher for kindergarten through sixth grade
Von Holten’s “PrintFilmCanvas” series, which is on display from 1996 to 1999.
through Oct. 28 in the library at Sterling High School.
She next taught art at Newman Central Cath-
olic High School until 2013, when she resigned

L
inda Von Holten looks at the world
with an awe, a curiosity, a wonder that
most people lose or stifle as they grow
from childhood to adulthood.
She sees things that most ignore. And she
paints them. Or photographs them. Or
mentally stashes them away for just the right
time.
Von Holten, 51, is an artist. She’s a painter, a
photographer, a singer. She’s also a teacher.
•••
Von Holten grew up on a farm south of Har-
mon; she attended Amboy schools, then Ster-
ling High School, graduating in 1983.
She studied music at Sauk Valley Community
College, but quickly decided she didn’t want
to teach music. She transferred to Illinois State
University, and earned a liberal arts degree,
paving a wider, yet more uncertain path to an
art-related career.
to pursue her own art.
•••
“I’ve always been a painter,” Von Holten said.
“My subject matter has always been whatever…”
She paints a variety of subjects in a variety of
styles. She often gets questioned at art fairs and
shows about whether the pieces on display are
all hers.
Continued on page 9

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Continued from page 7
“I don’t know if it’s because it’s so varied,”
Von Holten said. “I don’t really fit a mold.”
She likes to paint in a series, though, and she
has several in the works.
Her “Raw Naturals” series is based on mate-
rial, which influenced the subject matter. She
stretches a raw, unbleached linen over a frame
and secures with bronze brads. She then paints
on the linen, as she would on a canvas, images
from nature: cardinals, a squirrel, mushrooms.
Her “Liquified History” series is based on the
stone slabs along the Thames River in London,
which she has photographed and reinterpreted
in abstract with matte and metallic acrylic paint.
And her “PrintFilmCanvas” series features
scenes or images from movies that were adapt-
ed from books.
“So many times, I would see a shot in a movie
and think, ‘That would make a great paint-
ing,’” Von Holten said.
She has plucked images from such classics as
“Pride and Prejudice,” “The Great Gatsby,” and
“Alice in Wonderland,” to fantasy works such
as the Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter fran-
schises, to more modern thrillers such as “The
Bourne Identity” and “Casino Royale.”
The series is on display through Oct. 28 in
As shown by the three pieces on this page, Von Hol-
ten paints a variety of subjects in a variety of styles.
She often gets questioned at art fairs and shows
about whether the pieces on display are all hers.
the library at Sterling High School.
Von Holten does not simply paint or photo-
graph the world around her, though. Artwork
by LVH, the umbrella under which all of her
s t e r l i n g - r o c k
For more information
Find Artwork by LVH, which includes
paintings, photographs, An Artful Party
in-home/on-site painting events, and
more, on ...
Facebook: facebook.com/Artwork-by-
LVH-397811483599348
Instagram: instagram.com/artworkbylvh
artistic ventures fall, also includes teaching.
She long has offered private lessons. She also
offers An Artful Party in which she goes to a
home or to a venue and conducts a painting
party. She has done birthday parties, bachelorette
parties, and even small groups, such as a women’s
Bible study.
And now, Von Holten is in the middle of a
9-week series called “Cover Me: Artists to Idol-
ize” at Sauk Valley Community College. Partic-
ipants copy a work from a famous artist, while
Von Holten provides an art history and popular
culture lesson.
Oh, and she is the fifth- through eighth-grade
art teacher at St. Andrew Catholic School in
Rock Falls.
“Being born a creative with a sense of wonder
is a most incredible gift,” Von Holten said. “No
power-off switch exists for the desire to explore,
the need to experience, or the urge to express.
… I love how the moments we live through
converge to mold who we truly are now, and
inform who we will be in the future. Helping
others tap into that drive and inspiration ... is
just one facet of life [for me], as is bringing my
own ideas to visual fruition, or doing the same
for others and their ideas.
“Getting paid to be a creative with a sense of
wonder? Best gig ever.” s
f a l l s l i v i n g 9
 Stephanie Dusing is the owner of
Behrz-Bloomz at 2503 N. Locust St.
in Sterling. The business sells crafts,
gifts and fresh flowers.

Story By Kacie Long

& Photos By Philip Marruffo
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Business is blooming
Shop feels fresh after change in name, location
B
ehrz-Bloomz, formerly known as Beh-
rens’ Blumen’ Stuff, has gone through
a lot of changes over the past few
months.
A few things have remained the same though,
such as its classic floral arrangements and
quality customer service.
On top of a new name, Behrz-Bloomz also
moved from its longtime Rock Falls loca-
tion to a new location on the intersection of
Locust Street and Lynn Boulevard in Ster-
ling.
“Our traffic here is just phenomenal,” said
Stephanie Dusing, 51, who took over owner-
ship of Behrz-Bloomz after the move.
Jim and Kathy Behren still work in the flower
shop, but after 45 years of owning and running
the business, they wanted to slow down, after
they began thinking about retirement.
“I’ve worked for Jim and Kathy Behrens for
15 years and not only are they my co-workers, ABOVE: Halloween and fall-related items are on display at the shop. BELOW: Pumpkins not your thing?
we’re friends,” Dusing said. “It just seemed like No worries. There’s still a wide selection of other items from which to choose.
it was the right time in their lives and mine for
me to take ownership. Holiday open house
“I don’t feel like I’m their boss, and I didn’t
Behrz-Bloomz will host a holiday
feel like they were my bosses before. I just look
open house from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 11;
at it like we’re a team.”
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 12; and 11 a.m.
Another big change in the business is the
to 3 p.m. Nov. 13 at the shop.
amount of merchandise the shop offers.
People check out holiday-themed
“We carry a wide array of stuff; It’s not just
floral decorations and gift items to
flowers,” she said. “We’ve got new lines that we
gain inspiration for their own home
have never carried before.”
decor and gift needs.
Some of the new items include lotions, hand
Refreshments will be served and
soaps, dips, breads, soups, jewelry and bou-
there will be door prizes.
tique-style fashion.
Another benefit the new location offers is
plenty of windows, and that means plenty of
and put it towards your prom, and hopefully Behrz-Bloomz
you’ll all come back for your prom and tuxe-
sunshine, which really perks up the petals that Address: 2503 N. Locust St., Sterling
dos.’”
fill the store’s open floor plan. Phone: 815-625-5116
Along with combining community involve-
Behrz-Bloomz still arranges fresh and silk Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday
ment and business promotion, customer service
flowers for any sort of occasion or event, and through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
is also a staple of Behrz-Bloomz.
offers tuxedo rentals. Saturday
“If you have a problem with anything, we
“When we did our grand opening in July, I Online: On Facebook
want to know about it,” she said.
called Sterling High School and said, ‘Do you What sets this business apart from others,
have any of your groups that would like to do a said Dusing, is how it caters to each customer’s “I looked at her and said, ‘You got your flow-
fundraiser?’ and the Sterling junior class came individual needs. ers from here,’” Dusing said. “And she started
and had a cookout [to raise money for their Dusing said she remembers a woman com- apologizing and I said, ‘No, I cannot believe
prom],” Dusing said. “The kids told their par- ing into the flower shop asking for a flower you didn’t come back to me.’
ents to stop here; we told our customers to go arrangement for her daughter’s homecoming “That year, I gave her her flowers for noth-
get a pork chop. and remarked on how she strongly disliked her ing and said, ‘You need to be happy this
“Then, we brought the kids in and handed daughter’s bouquet from last year, but couldn’t year.’ I want everybody to walk out of here
them a check as a donation and said, ‘Take this remember where she got them. happy.” s
s t e r l i n g - r o c k f a l l s l i v i n g 11
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12 f a l l / w i n t e r 1 6
 Destined to dance
Family has been
behind Dale Dance
Studio for 70 years
STORY BY KACIE LONG &
PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KRABBENHOEFT
FOR STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING

I
t takes some people years to find a hobby
they are truly passionate about – but not
Julie Dale, 74, owner of Dale Dance Studio.
She tapped into her passion early on in life.
Dale Dance Studio was originally started by
Julie’s mother, Alice Dale. Julie and her sister,
Sharon, followed in their mother’s footsteps
and eventually took over Dale Dance Studio.
Sharon retied in 1982, but Julie still carries on
her family’s dance legacy.
Julie has instructed hundreds of locals on the
art of dance, and this year, the studio is cele- ABOVE:
brating its 70th anniversary. Dance
“When you come here, we treat you like one instructor
of us,” Julie said. “Everyone has a camaraderie. Julie Dale
... They love each other. There’s no bickering, leads a class
no fighting; it’s a love of dance and a love of one through
another.” different
Julie began passing on her passion to others when moves at
she began teaching dance fulltime in 1963. With Dale Dance
53 years of dance instruction under her belt, it’s no Studio in
Sterling.
wonder she still has students flocking to her studio.
“People should come to our studio because
LEFT: Jena
we’re the best,” she said. “I do all ages, from age Bettner and
3 and a half all the way up to my oldest stu- Brian Dillard
dent, who is 93. Her name is Delores Bartizol practice
and she’s been tap dancing for 5 years.” dance moves
Continued on page 15 at the studio.

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s t e r l i n g - r o c k f a l l s l i v i n g 13
 Dale Dance Studio
Address: 6 E.
23rd St., Sterling
Phone: 815-718-1814
Email: julied12@hotmail.com

Continued from page 13

Julie not only teaches students of all ages, she

instructs students from all different walks of life.
According to Julie, anyone is capable of enjoying
the art of dance, no matter who they are or what
they do.
Some of her students include Dana Dillard, a
police dispatcher, and Mark Nytko, a state trooper.
“I love dancing because it combines thinking and
artistry,” said Dillard. “[It] gives me a chance to
escape from everyday stress.”
Nytko said it gives him something fun to do
during his free time.
“It’s a good show-off skill to have,” Nytko said.
On top of having years of experience, Dale was
president of the Chicago National Dance associa- Mark Nytko (from left), Dana Dillard, Ed Marquez, Onnica Marquez, Brian Dillard, Jena Bettner, August
Ufkin and dance instructor Julie Dale pose for a photo at Dale Dance Studio in Sterling.
tion for 10 years where she ran conventions, work-
shops and helped aspiring dance teachers get on
their feet and open their own studios. Onnica and
Ed Marquez
Dale added that many dance teachers around the
practice
area took dance classes at her studio before starting dance moves
their own studios, such as Paula Eastman, 65, who at the studio.
owns Eastman School of Dance in Dixon.
“I started taking classes with [Julie Dale] when I
was 10,” Eastman said. “I worshipped her. She had
just come back from college, and she was beautiful
and glamorous. She walked into a room and just
made a statement.
If you were in Sterling and a teenage girl at that
time, taking classes at Dale Dance Studio is just
what you did.”
Dale said she has no plans to retire or close her
studio anytime soon. She has high hopes that dance
will continue to be a integral part of the Sauk Valley.
“I would just like to see the dance business flour-
ish,” she said. “It’s important that we have good
educators, and it’s important that the people know
how to do dance correctly.” s

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s t e r l i n g - r o c k f a l l s l i v i n g 15
 A New
place to
kick it
Martial arts master opens Legacy Martial Arts in Sterling
STORY BY KACIE LONG & PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KRABBENHOEFT
M
ost 19-year-olds are still trying to
figure out how to live on their own,
let alone determine what they want
to do with the rest of their lives
Jane Dillon, owner of Legacy Martial Arts in
downtown Sterling, is not your typical 19-year-
old.
“I was 7 when I told my parents I wanted to
make this a career. It was right before I got my
black belt,” Dillon said.
When Dillon was just 2 years old, her father,
a police officer in Wheaton and a staff sergeant
in the Army National Guard, started taking her
to his taekwondo classes where she would watch
on the side mimicking her father’s every move.
16 f a l l / w i n t e r
FOR STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING
Seventeen years later, Dillon is now a
fourth-degree black belt, has placed in doz-
ens of martial arts competitions and has been
teaching martial arts for the past 8 years.
“I graduated high school early and started col-
lege when I was 17,” Dillon said.
After taking business and fitness courses at
the College of DuPage, Dillon sat down with
her parents and discussed using the remainder
of her college fund as a business investment.
She came across a building in downtown
Sterling that formally hosted the Only the Best
consignment shop and decided it would be the
perfect place to teach her taekwondo courses.
“I told [my parents] that I wanted to pur-
1 6
Martial Arts master Jane Dillon,
19, is the owner of Legacy Martial
Arts in downtown Sterling. She’s
fourth-degree black belt who’s
been teaching martial arts for
8 years. She offers adult and chil-
dren’s classes at her studio as well
as self-defense classes for women.
chase this building instead of rent. ... I have the
funds, I don’t need to go away to a big univer-
sity and spend all that money on what some
people nowadays would consider a worthless
degree,” she said. “So instead, I took that
money and invested it in that building.”
The building is nearly unrecognizable from
the inside after the renovations Dillon has
made since August.
The walls are all freshly painted, one of which
is emblazoned with the Legacy Martial Arts
symbol. The floor is covered with mats, and
there are benches on small platforms toward
the front of the building where parents can sit
and watch their children.
 Next to the benches, walls are lined with
medals and trophies Dillon has earned for her Legacy Martial Arts
martial arts accomplishments. Address: 21 E. Third St, Sterling
“I will admit, it’s a little intimidating being Phone: 630-244-0580
19 and opening my own business because I’m Hours: 3 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday
in the chamber [of commerce] and surrounded Email: MasterJane.Legacy@gmail.com
by tons of adults but I have to remember, I’m Online: martialartslegacy.com and on Facebook
an adult too, even though I am still a teenag-
er,” she said. “That’s actually my biggest fear:
people not taking me seriously because I am so
young.” 
Dillon said she prefers to look at her youth as
a positive attribute to her business instead of a
negative one.
“I think being young and being female really
helps me to relate to the kids,” she said. “Being
younger, I think I have more patience with
[kids]. I have been in their shoes more recently
than older instructors. I can relate to them
and understand some of the difficulties they’re
going through.”
Although Dillon offers classes for all ages and
genders, she specializes in children’s taekwondo
classes as well as women’s self-defense classes,
which are separate from her taekwando classes.
“In this day in age, it’s a reality that women
are going to be attacked. One in three women
will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. It’s
something that everyone needs to be prepared
for,” Dillon said.
In Dillon’s eyes, women’s self-defense classes
are a necessity, which is why she charges only
$5 per class.
“I would teach [the classes] for free if I could,
but in reality, this is a business and I have to make Dillon
said one
money, so I made it as cheap as I could,” she said.
of the
Dillon said one of the personal perks to personal
beginning this new business venture is living perks to
directly above her studio. beginning
this new
“My apartment is right upstairs so I can come business venture
down here in my pajamas at 2 in the morning is living directly above her
and just practice if I want to,” she said. “That’s studio. “My apartment is right
upstairs so I can come down
always been my dream.” here in my pajamas at 2 in the
Martial Arts is for anyone, any age, any gen- morning and just practice if I
der and any body-type, according to Dillon. want to,” she said. “That’s always
“My 80-year-old grandfather wore a white been my dream.”

belt and walked in the Fiesta Day parade with

us and he was breaking boards,” she said. “It’s
something literally anyone can do.”
Dillon wants people to know that she even
though she’s young, she knows what she’s doing
– if you don’t believe her, come see for yourself.
“I think for me, personally, confidence is the
most important thing martial arts can teach
you,” Dillon said. “Being confident with your-
self and who you are, loving yourself and being
confident you can take care of yourself in risky
situations. All of that martial arts can teach you
– besides the whole self-defense thing.” s
s t e r l i n g - r o c k f a l l s l i v i n g 17
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18 f a l l / w i n t e r 1 6
 St. Andrew Thrift Shop volunteers (from left) Sally Keeling,
Doug Rhoades, Mary Starr, Lorrine Gaffey and Wanda Schmitt,
all help keep the thrift shop clean and organized.

Suited for success

St. Andrew Thrift Shop is on its way to great first year
Story By Kayla Heimerman & Photos By Michael Krabbenhoeft
For Sterling-Rock Falls Living Continued on page 21

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20 f a l l / w i n t e r 1 6
Continued from page 19

S
t. Andrew Thrift Shop in Rock Falls has
been up-and-selling for more than 6
months and already has donated $40,000
back to the church and school that share its
name.
The idea for a thrift shop came about 5 years
ago, when volunteers from St. Andrew Catholic
Church took over a booth at the Whiteside
County Fair only to have it rain all week; the
church tried again the following year, but
school started the same week.
“We thought then that we should go with a
thrift shop,” said Wanda Schmitt, a volunteer
and church member. “We did a lot of research
and got information on all the requirements.
And we learned it was all about finding the
right place to have it.”
A prime location opened up this past fall,
when Focus Services moved out of its space in
the Prescott building at 1100 First Ave.
“I remembered when it was a grocery store. It
was big,” Schmitt said. “We walked in, and we
already had an idea of where everything would
go. It’s too small now. We have had so many
wonderful donations.”
The store is outfitted with shelving and other
accoutrements reclaimed from defunct local St. Andrew
businesses: The shelving underneath the front The shop has a large selection
Thrift Shop
counter is from a local doctor’s office. The top of men’s clothing (above), and Address: 1100B First
of the front counter is from an elk farm south well as furniture, home decor Ave., Rock Falls
and more.
of Deer Grove. Rolling racks that now hold Phone: 815-622-9181
books came from Fashion Bug. Clothing racks Online: On Facebook
came from JC Penney, after the mall suffered Hours: 9 a.m. to
storm damage in June 2015. And carts, baskets, 6 p.m. Monday through
and even a cash register came from Sunbeam. Friday, and 9 a.m. to
The shop accepts donations of clothing, 3 p.m. Saturday
books, toys and games, household items, small Donations are accept-
appliances, and furniture. ed during business
“It’s coming from everyone, not just St. hours (through the
Andrew’s parishioners,” Schmitt said. “We’ve front door). Transac-
received wonderful things from Morrison, Wal- tions are cash only.
nut, from all over.”
Continued on page 23

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s t e r l i n g - r o c k f a l l s l i v i n g 21
 The Rev. Richard Kramer of Harmon shops Sept. 20
at St. Andrew Thrift Shop. He said he enjoys looking
for old dishware, antiques and pieces of local history
at thrift shops.

Continued from page 21

The shop has received items from several

estates, so the store isn’t full of “just clothing
and knick-knacks.” It regularly has good-con-
dition furniture, including dining tables and
chairs, and household items. The shop also has
many items, especially clothing, new in the box
or with tags.
“The reason we’re charging only 50 cents for
clothes or books is because we have so many
things, and we have to keep it moving out of
the store,” Schmitt said. “We have people com-
ing in from the Quad Cities to shop, and they
are buying cartloads of clothes at a time.”
The St. Andrew Thrift Shop is one of several
such stores in the Sauk Valley that benefit a
church, school, or other nonprofit organiza-
tion. But volunteers don’t believe the local mar-
ket is saturated or competitive.
“We weren’t worried at all,” Schmitt said.
“The Sterling-Rock Falls area needs the help.
And the community is so wonderful. We tell
An antique pump organ is for sale at the thrift store.
everyone, if you can’t find it with us, then you
should go to the other thrift stores in town.” the end of the year. Besides, costs are going up, not only for the
Proceeds from the store are split 50-50 Both the church and the school are old and in church and school, but for its parishioners,
between St. Andrew Catholic Church and its need of repairs and upgrades, including a par- who still are giving generously to the church.
grade school. The thrift shop so far has donat- ish hall, so students do not have to eat lunch in “But we needed something to help fill in that
ed $20,000 to the church and $20,000 to the their classrooms if there is a funeral during the void, and this store is really helping out a lot,”
school, and volunteers hope to double that by school day. Schmitt said. s
s t e r l i n g - r o c k f a l l s l i v i n g 23
 Ben Linton, owner of Vintage
Mechanical Works, works on his
Illini State pulling truck at his shop.

Reaching
beyond Vintage Mechanical Works

restoration isn’t just wrenchin’ on

the classics anymore
STORY BY KACIE LONG & PHOTOS BY PHILIP MARRUFFO
FOR STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING

V
intage Mechanical Works has been
around for the past 10 years, but for
the past 2 years, it has been offering
more than just vintage car restoration.
New owner Ben Linton, 32, took over the
business in January. He hopes to get the word
out about all of the services his business has to
offer.
Linton grew up in Sterling as a farm boy. He
graduated from Sterling High School, as did
his wife, Kaci.
He said that growing up, his father always
told him, “If you break something you’ve got to
learn how to fix it on your own.”
This was the foundation upon which Linton
built his career.
After attending Universal Technical Institute
in Houston, Texas, and working at Gerber
Auto Collision in Rockford, Linton decided it
was time to come home and began to work for
Vintage Mechanical Works.
Originally, Vintage Mechanical Works spe-
cialized solely in the restoration of old vehicles,
but in an effort to build its business, it has
since broadened its scope.
Vintage Mechanical Works now encompasses
all vehicle needs including restoration, custom
work (which includes race cars and pulling
trucks), collision repair, sandblasting and gen-
eral auto repair.
“Everybody knows that we do restorations,
but nobody really knows that we’re doing
everything else,” Linton said. “The previous
owner, ... he never really branched out to bring
in work. I’m more energetic. More like, let’s get
out there, get the job done; let’s bring in some
work.”
Linton has definitely seemed to grab the bull
– and the vehicles – by the horns since taking
over. He keeps his shop clean, having someone
come in and mop during the week and using
protective plastic around vehicles when they’re
not being worked on.
“I’m very hands-on,” he said. “I’m very par-
ticular, I like things done a certain way. I like
things perfect.”
Continued on page 27

s t e r l i n g - r o c k f a l l s l i v i n g 25
 Vintage Mechanical Works
Address: 806 Prosperity Drive,
Sterling
Phone: 815-626-1690
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday
through Friday
Online: vintagemechanicalworks.com
and on Facebook

ABOVE: Dustin Thompson works with an angle grinder at Vintage Mechanical Works in Sterling.
RIGHT: Body work is performed on the vehicle at the shop.

Continued from page 25

He ensures this by assigning deadlines to all of the projects in the shop.

He also gives each vehicle a once-over before it leaves his shop.
Although Vintage Mechanical Works now offers more than just res-
toration, Linton said he has no plans of getting rid of that aspect of his
business.
“I don’t want to steer away from restorations because that’s what this
business was built off of,” he said. “Restorations are for ... my parents’
generation and my grandparents’ generation.
“I guess you could say it’s a dying breed of all originality,” he said. “My
generation is taking the same muscle car era and bringing the new tech-
nology into those muscle cars.”
That’s what’s popular now, Linton said.
It’s all about taking a classic car, maintaining its vintage look but
modernizing the inside of the car, and its performance, to make it more
user-friendly. The shop offers modern performance work, along with collision repair and
vintage restorations.
Linton said he would like to buy another building within 5 years, so he
can use one for restorations and the other for collision repairs.
He also said he would love to see his children Elena, 3, and Zach, 1, “There’s a lot of shops that push you to do something and I don’t like
become a part of the business in the future. that,” Linton said. “I like to be able to accommodate your vehicle to
“Every Saturday morning, my kids are like, ‘Lets go to the shop, Dad!’ your needs.
They love it,” he said. “I’m selling labor and building friendships. I’m not here to make a lot
He said his business’ slogan is simple: “Vintage Mechanical: Projects of money, I’m here to make your dream come true. Whether it’s your
built to your specs.” Honda Civic or your muscle car.” s

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s t e r l i n g - r o c k f a l l s l i v i n g 27
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28 f a l l / w i n t e r 1 6
 STORY BY KACIE LONG
& PHOTOS BY
ALEX. T. PASCHAL
FOR STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING

From left: Janjiya Jankawekul, Koranath

Chirahiranroch, Sawitree Bangthup, Micah
Khuntangta and Pavida Pratumrat pose for
a photo at Touch of Thai II in Rock Falls.

A
fter
years of
planning
The magic “The
building
changes character

touch
and preparation, throughout the day.
Touch of Thai II official- It’s a nice lunch time
ly opened its doors at the setting and it changes to
beginning of June, and so far, more of a nightlife setting
the business has been received in the evening,” Micah said.
positively by the community. “[Dead Tree] has eight craft
Touch of Thai II incorporates beers; it can all go well with Thai
authentic, healthy Thai cuisine con-
cocted by cultured chefs – some of whom
New Thai eatery food.
“People will sit at the bar and order
came straight from Thailand. cooks up a food or sit over here and just drink and
The chefs’ talents extend from how they maybe get an appetizer.”
cook the food to how it’s displayed on the plate, unique dining Pavida Pratumrat, 34, co-owner of Touch of
with close attention to detail. Thai II and Trirong’s fiancee, said they are very
Micah Khuntangta, 21, who manages Touch of experience open to suggestions and enjoy hearing feedback
Thai II and is the son of co-owner Trirong Khuntangta, from their customers.
said customers seem pleased with the food and enjoy hav- One of the adjustments they have made based on
ing something new to try in the area. customer input is making sure a majority of their menu
“Every day it gets busier,” Micah said. includes gluten-free options.
Touch of Thai II shares its location with Dead Tree Tavern,
Continued on page 31
which makes for a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
s t e r l i n g - r o c k f a l l s l i v i n g 29
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Continued from page 29

“There’s only one dish on the menu you

can’t get gluten-free,” Pratumrat said.
Health is a top priority when it comes to
how the food is cooked and prepared, accord-
ing to Pratumrat.
“The most important thing is our food has
no MSG. We are very serious about MSG and
health,” she said. “The vegetables are fresh and
the sushi is hand-rolled”
One of the challenges Touch of Thai II has
faced is making sure the menu has food with
an authentic spice but a familiar taste.
“Finding a good mix between spice and
American-izing the food took some time,”
Micah said.
One of their most popular dishes is Super
Star Chicken, which Micah said is the restau-
rant’s take on sweet-and-sour chicken. The combo appetizer
features shrimp, crab
“It’s close to our best seller,” he said. rangoon, egg rolls
Pratumrat said one of the goals she has for and potstickers.
her business is to broaden the sushi menu and
to incorporate a sushi bar. She would also like
to work with Dead Tree to create some food
and drink specials.
“People like to eat sushi with their drinks,”
she said.
Another new feature Touch of Thai II began
to offer shortly after opening is online order-
ing and delivery service.
“As people find out about the online order-
ing and delivery, it’s really begun to take off,”
Micah said. “It’s [either] pizza or Jimmy John’s r
tte
around here. ... We’ve been getting delivery
i pla n
h o
orders from hospitals, clinics, banks, Wahl sus rag
a te e D t, and .
Clipper – orders all of the time.” r n h
t gh una
is o ins i T
According to Micah, what sets the restaurant Th onta ot N picy
c ll, H , S
y
apart is that you won’t go home and not feel Ro nch
u
good after chowing down on the food. Cr
“With us, you won’t feel that way,” Micah
said. “It’s simple, it’s authentic and nothing
excessive.” s

Below, the menu options of Crazy Spaghetti Sea-

food (left) and Basil Duck, are shown.

Touch of Thai II
Address: 102 W.
Second St., Rock Falls
Phone: 815-716
8559
Hours: 11 a.m.
to 9 p.m. Monday
through Thursday;
11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday;
and noon to 9 p.m.
Sunday
Online: touchofthai-
2rockfalls.com amd
on Facebook

s t e r l i n g - r o c k f a l l s l i v i n g 31
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32 f a l l / w i n t e r 1 6
 Brothers Brian (left)
and Brent Sisson are
the owners/operators
of Dead Tree Tavern.

Bar’s roots run deep

Almost 3 years of hard work paying off at Dead Tree Tavern
STORY BY KACIE LONG & PHOTOS BY ALEX. T. PASCHAL
FOR STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING

F
or almost 3 years, Brent and Brian Sisson, along with Trirong
Khuntangta, poured their blood, sweat and tears into the Dead
Tree Tavern to prepare it for its opening day.
“We were 13 days shy of 3 years,” said Brent Sisson, 38, who co-owns
Dead Tree Tavern with his brother, Brian.
The trio broke ground on May 3, 2013, and opened April 20.
Brent and Brian rent part of the building from Khuntangta, which is
directly connected to Touch of Thai II. Having a Thai restaurant and
tavern directly connected to each other makes for a unique atmosphere.
“We’ve been well-received; we’ve been staying busy. We get compli-
ments from people of all ages,” Brian, 42, said. “What makes us unique
is the old-school feel. It’s the original floors, the original ceiling. Even in
our bar design, that’s a very old-style bar. It’s not a horseshoe, it’s not a Drinks specials are
offered on game days
straight bar.”
for Chicago’s favorite
The Sisson brothers agree their tavern gives off an atmosphere similar sports teams.
to the that of the TV show “Cheers.”
Continued on page 35

s t e r l i n g - r o c k f a l l s l i v i n g 33
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34 f a l l / w i n t e r 1 6
The unique bar is built around an actual tree trunk, which inspired the name of the business.
Continued from page 33
“It’s kind of got the similar homey feel. ...
When you walk in, you’re comfortable with
everyone,” Brian said. “We know a lot of peo-
ple by name that walk in the door.”
Creating the tavern of their dreams didn’t
come easy though. While still working fulltime
doing flooring and small construction gigs, the
Sissons would come into Dead Tree after a full
day of work to continue the renovation.
“We didn’t hire out at all. There isn’t anything
in this place from top to bottom that Brian and I,
and Trirong, didn’t put our hands on,” Brent said.
Brent did add that they received help through
many local friends and family members, espe-
cially their father, Doug.
“We would have never made it as far as we
did without the help we received,” Brent said.
While working incredibly long days for
almost 3 years, the Sissons had to find the
funds to pay rent and utilities, in addition to
the costs of remodeling.
“The hardest thing was not wavering,” Brent
said. “We started this project and we saw it
through. A lot of people would have given up a
long time ago.”
Brent and Brian have worked together for
Dead Tree Tavern
Address: 102 W. Second St., Rock
Falls
Phone: 815-716-8572
Hours: 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday
through Sunday
Online: On Facebook
Email: deadtreetavern@gmail.com
virtually the past 15 years. Both agree they
wouldn’t have it any other way.
The business has a large selection of craft beers.
“Brian and I felt like there was no market in
the area for craft beer. ... We have our own beer
that’s brewed for us by the Lena Brewing Com-
pany, which is the Dead Tree Ale and the Otis
T. Bass,” Brent said. “Those two are exclusive
for us.”
Customers can stop in and try a pint of one
of their many craft beers for $5.
Not only does Dead Tree boast its own exclu-
sive craft beers, it’s decor is also one-of-a-kind.
One of the tavern’s most notable features is
a real tree trunk behind the bar, which Brent
came across through Ryan’s Tree service.
He wanted to incorporate it somewhere in
the bar and said he and his brother kept shift-
s t e r l i n g - r o c k
ing the tree’s location back and forth unable to
decide where to place it.
“I don’t know how many times we moved
that tree; it was such a pain. It was a huge, dead
tree, it was like a thorn in the side,” Brent said.
“Brian actually came up with the name [of the
business]. There’s so much dead wood in here.”
Brent isn’t exaggerating. The establishment is
covered with wood accents, from the tables to
the walls to the bar itself.
The brothers plan to create a rooftop deck. A
stage and bar is already built, and is just wait-
ing for some finishing touches.
Adding even more under one roof, Brent and
Khuntangta are opening up a kickboxing/jiu
jitsu gym in the basement.
“The young man’s name is Stephen Gladhill
who will teach the jiu jitsu classes and Trirong
and I will teach kick boxing,” Brent said.
Brian said he truly feels like they have some-
thing special with Dead Tree that no other
business has been able to create until now.
“I just think we’re out of the ordinary. We
have a niche here that needed to be filled,”
Brian said. “It’s something that you don’t see in
these towns that we have to offer, which is the
atmosphere, the drinks and the decor.” s
f a l l s l i v i n g 35
 2 STERLING LOCATIONS

1901 LOCUST ST NEAR KROGER 2501 E LINCOLNWAY NEAR WALGREENS

(DRIVE-THRU) (PICKUP WINDOW)

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CGH Main Clinic Welcomes

Jeffrey Thormeyer, MD
Orthopedic Surgery

We are very pleased to announce that Jeffrey Thormeyer, MD

has joined CGH Medical Center as an Orthopedic Surgeon. Dr.
Thormeyer is now accepting new patients.
Dr. Thormeyer received his MD from George Washington
University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., and both is
BA and MA from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois.
He completed a surgical internship and his orthopedic surgical
residency at the University of Illinois in Chicago.
Most recently, Dr. Thormeyer served as an orthopedic
surgeon and department chief with the U.S. Army at General
Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital in Fort Leonard
Wood, Missouri.

To schedule an appontment,
call toll free
(800) 625-4790 or
(815) 625-4790 MAIN CLINIC
www.cghmc.com