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WINNEBAGO WRAP-UP
AUGUST 2023 NEWSLETTER
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NOTE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Despite our days being longer this time of year, it seems the summer season has flown by. While we take time to celebrate many holidays and activities occurring, we also have made headway on several public safety priorities:
• In an effort to improve safety at the downtown Administration Building, discussions with the Sheriff’s Office resulted in the plan to establish a secure building entrance using a walk-through metal detector staffed with WCSO deputies. The County Board approved this security project using ARPA Phase 3 Funds to pay for equipment and window film and for the initial staffing requirement. These security improvements will better protect both staff and members of the public doing business with the County.
• The Sheriff’s Office and the City of Loves Park entered into an agreement in which the County 911 center would provide Fire Dispatch Services for the Loves Park Fire Department. Transitioning to our state-of-the-art County 911 center will mark a significant step towards enhancing emergency response times, prioritizing firefighter safety and improving public safety in our community. We’ve already seen its impact in a short amount of time, and I’m pleased with this partnership that is not only mutually beneficial but potentially life-saving.
I'm proud of these initiatives as they will improve the quality of life for many of our citizens. I hope you all enjoy the warmer weather while we have it, and get to spend time outdoors taking advantage of all our county has to offer!
Sincerely,
Joseph V. Chiarelli
Winnebago County Board Chairman
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Chairman Chiarelli, along with a host of VIPs and other officials, celebrated a major milestone in the construction of the Hard Rock Rockford Casino, as the final steel beam was hoisted into place! The key step in construction happened about three months after the first steel columns and beams were erected at I-90 and East State Street for the future 180,000-square-foot casino. The company’s goal is to open by late August 2024 with a grand opening celebration near Labor Day. “Hard Rock has already proven to be a tremendous asset to our county with their Opening Act Rockford Casino,” Chairman Chiarelli said. “Every day since its debut the Hard Rock proves over and over to be an excellent community partner through their generous sponsorships and their contributions to our community, and the best is still yet to come.” | |
National Board Recognition | Chairman Chiarelli was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for the National Association of Regional Councils, which serves as the national voice for regions by advocating for regional cooperation as the most effective way to address a variety of community planning and development opportunities and issues. Members of the National Association include regional councils, councils of governments, regional planning and development agencies, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), and other regional organizations. On behalf of the MPO for our Regional Planning Council (RPC), Chairman Chiarelli will represent District VI which includes Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Minnesota. The Board of Directors will work collaboratively with their communities to address their citizens’ needs and promote a regional approach to planning for the future. | |
Chairman Chiarelli, Winnebago County Board Member Kevin McCarthy, Sheriff Caruana and members of the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office along with others had a great time at this year's 4th of July celebration in downtown Rockford. Staff, family and friends took part in handing out candy and waving to kids lined up for the festivities along the parade route. It was a great time seeing so many people out enjoying the day and we are already looking forward to participating in next year's Independence Day events! | |
Criminal Justice Education | A 3-day Youth Police Academy was held for area junior & high school students interested in the criminal justice system, thanks to the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office. Education focused on patrol, corrections, the court system and other areas related to law enforcement. Participants were able to learn about crime scene and evidence collection, K-9 demonstrations and the capabilities of police dogs. Students also had the chance to take a tour of the Courthouse, check out the State's Attorney's Office, visit with therapy dogs, tour the Coroner's Office and learn about the value of having drones. We can't wait to see how many students pursue potential careers with Winnebago County! | |
YLC Seeking Youth Leaders | The Chairman and Mayor's Youth Leadership Council (YLC) congratulates its five graduating senior members and seeks new members for the 2023-2024 school year! YLC members participate in interactive educational sessions, special events, group community projects and youth advisory meetings with discussions attended by City of Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara & Winnebago County Board Chairman Joe Chiarelli. Students who want to join the YLC for next year can apply now. Additionally, teachers, principals, coaches or anyone who works with youth are encouraged to nominate students. Applications and nominations will be accepted until September 18, 2023. To apply or learn more information, click here. | |
Recently, several County departments took place in an Emergency Response exercise in our newly upgraded Emergency Operations Center (EOC). More than 250 individual participants from local, county and state agencies were a part of the FEMA evaluation, which Winnebago County passed exceptionally. The purpose of an EOC is to provide a place where local government officials can do together what they cannot do separately. It is a place where all official problems, actions and requirements can be voiced, displayed and acted upon, and where decisions can be made to guide actions in the future. Thank you to Chairman Chiarelli, our Highway Department, Sheriff's Office, Health Department, WinGIS, Regional Office of Education, IT Department and others who took part in the exercise to ensure we are as prepared as possible in the event of an emergency. | | |
WCCMHB Strategic Plan 2.0 | |
The Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board (WCCMHB) is hosting three Strategic Plan Open House events designed to gather public comment on the development of its next three-year Strategic Plan. Dates for the open houses are:
- Thursday, August 10
- Wednesday, August 16
- Wednesday, August 23
All open houses will be held from 5:30 – 6:45 p.m. at the Regional Planning Council office at 127 N Wyman St., Suite 100, Rockford, IL 61101. The draft of the strategic plan is available at r1planning.org/wccmhb. If unable to attend an open house event, Public Comment can also be provided by emailing: info@mentalhealth.wincoil.us.
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Winnebago County Board Members Jaime Salgado & Jim Webster had the opportunity to represent Winnebago County at the United Counties Council of Illinois (UCCI) Annual Conference in Galena this summer. This two-day event provides not only education and training for county officials, but also offers them the opportunity to meet in social settings with their peers. County Board members from nearly half of Illinois' 102 counties gathered to share information and experiences on the challenges and issues units of local government have in common, and to seek out ideas and solutions on how the communities and citizens they represent can be best served. | | |
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Festa Italiana
Friday, August 4 - Sunday, August 6, 2023 | Boylan High School, 4000 St. Francis Drive - Rockford, IL
Festa Italiana returns to Boylan High School for its 44th year, one of the largest festivals in the area where everyone who walks through the gates is an "honorary Italian" for the weekend! Enjoy authentic Italian dancing, food, music, bocce, carnival rides and other cultural events. Admission is $8 per day, FREE for kids 10 & under and for military active duty/veterans. Family packs are also available.
SEE MORE DETAILS
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Winnebago County Fair
Wedmesday, August 16 - Sunday, August 20, 2023 | Fairgrounds Driveway, 500 W. 1st St. - Pecatonica, IL
The Winnebago County Fair returns for its 102nd season offering thrilling rides, great food and incredible entertainment! Between the tractor pulls, queen pageant, rodeo, 4-H exhibits, petting zoo and live music, there is something for the whole family to enjoy. Admission ranges from $5-7 daily, with discounts for kids, seniors and military. Mega passes are available as well.
SEE MORE DETAILS
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