By Susan Stephens
Dixon, IL – Dixon, Illinois became the Midwest's focal point for mourning former President Ronald Reagan. His hometown along the Rock River attracted hundreds of people who wanted to pay their respects by leaving flowers, notes, and jelly beans at the feet of a lifesize statue of the 40th president. It's in a park right next to his boyhood home. But Reagan's connection to his hometown goes deeper than historic sites. WNIJ's Susan Stephens spoke with two Dixon residents who stayed in touch with Reagan long after he left for Hollywood and the White House.