Belvidere Bulletin December 15, 2022

December 15, 2022

Your Weekly City News...City Views!!

This weeks photo provided by Public Works Director Brent Anderson

Tis’ the Season to wonder if there will be snow-plowing this year!

A Citywide Snow Emergency will be declared following an accumulation of 2 inches of snow. At that time, a Citywide parking ban shall automatically go into effect. What does a Citywide parking ban mean? Citywide parking ban is when vehicles shall not be parked on any portion of public roadway or public parking lot until that portion of the parking lot or roadway has been completely plowed. What happens if I leave my car in the public roadway or public parking lot? Violators are subject to receiving a $50 parking ticket, as well as having their vehicle towed. Where do I park if I do not have a private driveway? Residents may park in Municipal Lot #5 which is located across from City Hall (The Municipal lot with the blue mailbox).

To find out if the city is under a Snow Emergency tune into your local TV station, Radio station or look on the City of Belvidere website.

Although there isn’t an Ordinance, the city encourages all residents to be considerate of pedestrians and school children by clearing sidewalks of snow and ice.

Committee of the Whole Meeting of December 12, 2022

At the December 12th Committee of the Whole meeting, Mayor Morris acknowledged the recent announcement by Stellantis regarding the idling of the plant beginning February, 2023. Citing a number of factors, including the global microchip shortage and the costs related to the electrification of the automotive market. The car manufacturer which is the City’s largest employer will indefinitely lay off over 1,000 individuals. This is not the first time in the automaker’s history the plant has idled. Mayor Morris remains optimistic about the future of Stellantis and will continue working with state officials to keep the plant operating in Belvidere.

Council members also discussed the 2022 tax levy at Monday’s committee meeting. Citing, among other things, increased pension costs, a significant rise in the cost of materials, labor and fuel, and the unknown financial impact of ambulance services, Council agreed a levy increase is necessary, which would be the first since 2017. A public hearing will be held December 19 at 7 p.m. followed by a second reading and approval of the levy. Stay Tuned!

Video - December 12th, Committee of the Whole

POLICE CHIEF SHANE WOODY - PRESS RELEASE

On Monday, December 12, 2022, at approximately 5:03 a.m. the Belvidere Police Department was dispatched to the Mobil Gas Station located at 1741 Pearl Street, Belvidere, Illinois 61008, for a robbery to the business. Belvidere Police Officers and Boone County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the scene and began searching the area for any suspects. The suspect that entered the business was described as a black male, mid 30’s, approximately 6’01” 210 pounds, clean shaven, wearing a black stocking cap, black sweatshirt, and jean type pants. The suspect demanded money from the clerk and stole an undisclosed amount of United States Currency then fled the scene on foot towards W. 10^th Street. Belvidere Police Detective was called to process the scene and the investigation is on-going. The Belvidere Police Department asks anyone with security cameras that were recording on 12/12/2022 between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. between the areas of W. 10^th Street to W. 6^th Street and Pearl Street to 5^th Ave to please contact the Belvidere Police Department

The Belvidere Police Department is asking anyone who may have witnessed or have information regarding this incident to call (815)-544-2135. 24 hours a day, Boone County Crime stoppers at 815-544-7867(815-547-STOP) and BOONECOUNTYCRIMESTOPPERS.COM. Persons with information leading to an arrest can be awarded a cash reward of up to $1000.00

King Street Fire

On December 13th Belvidere Fire responded to a possible garage fire in the 400 block of King Street. On arrival fire crews found a fully involved detached garage fire . There was also a vehicle in the driveway and the left side of the house was actively on fire. Fire crews had the fire under control within 5 minutes. No firefighter injuries and one resident was assessed by Lifeline Ambulance but not transported. Damage is estimated at $40,000 and the home is still able to be occupied. Garage and vehicle were a total loss. Belvidere Fire received assistance from Lifeline Ambulance, Boone County District #2 Fire, Boone County EMA, Cherry Valley Fire and the Belvidere Police Department.

Belvidere Fire Department participates in the Keep the

Wreath Red Campaign

Belvidere IL, December 10, 2022: Belvidere Fire Department will once again be participating in the national Keep the Wreath Red campaign. During the month of December each of our firehouses will have a holiday wreath hanging on the front displaying red lights on them. For each holiday related fire that occurs one of those lights will turn from red to white. Our goal throughout the month is to promote holiday fire safety in hopes that the whole community will help us keep the wreath red.

Keep the Wreath Red campaign originated in Naperville in 1954 to raise awareness about holiday fire safety. There are several different ways it is done throughout the country, but one thing stays true, every time a family in the community is affected by a holiday fire during this holiday season the local department bulb goes from red to white.

Below are some tips to keep in mind to stay fire-safe when decking the halls this holiday season:

• Be careful with holiday decorations. Make sure decorations are either flame retardant or flame resistant.

• Keep lit candles at least 12 inches away from decorations or anything that can catch fire.

• Extinguish all lit candles before going to bed or leaving the house.

• Check to make sure your lights are rated for indoor or outdoor use, or both.

• Replace any light strands that have worn or broken cords. Make sure to read the recommendation for number of light strings you can string together.

• Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.

• If you have a real Christmas tree, make sure to check water levels daily! It is not unusual for a tree to drink two gallons of water the first day it is in the stand.

• Keep real Christmas trees away from a heat source. It can dry out the tree quickly.

Dari Queen Coming 2023

On December 8th, Neal Patel and family broke ground and blessed the site of their future DQ Grill and Chill, in Belvidere.

The new Dari Queen will be located next to Taco Bell on North State Street with construction to start in the spring.

Support your local business this Holiday Season

Whether you are buying holiday treats at a local bakery or getting that special someone a gift card to a local shop, you are helping our local families and community. For every $100 you spend at a locally owned business, $68 will stay in the community. When it comes to supporting these businesses, it doesn’t always have to cost money. It can be as simple as sharing there post on social media, writing a review or signing up for newsletters. In this day and age when most of us can shop anywhere, shop local.

Source: Independent We Stand