WINNEBAGO WRAP-UP

News & Announcements

Join the Valentines for Seniors Card Drive!

Winnebago County Board Chairman Joe Chiarelli is joining Senator Dave Syverson for the fifth year in a row to brighten the day for people living in long-term care facilities by providing Valentine’s Day cards. This heartwarming initiative invites community members, churches, schools, and other groups to participate in spreading joy by sending Valentine’s Day cards.

Participants may drop their Valentine’s Day cards at Chairman Chiarelli’s Office: 404 Elm St., 5th floor, Rockford, IL 61101 by February 6th, 2025.

In 2024, the Valentines for Seniors Card Drive collected and delivered tens of thousands of Valentines, spreading love and joy to residents across the region. Let’s come together once again to make this year’s drive even more successful and bring smiles to our senior citizens.

Theresa Grennan Sworn in as New Winnebago Co. Treasurer

Theresa Grennan took the oath of office to become the new Winnebago County Treasurer on Friday, January 31, 2025. Chairman Joseph Chiarelli administered the oath and welcomed Theresa to her new role.

“Her dedication to the office ensures a smooth transition of service to our community,” said Chairman Chiarelli.

Theresa brings a wealth of experience to this position, having dedicated 30 years to the Treasurer’s Office. Serving as Chief Deputy Treasurer for the past 16 years, she has played an integral role in the office’s daily operations and management. She succeeds Sue Goral, who is retiring after a remarkable 49-year career with the office.

“It is an incredible honor to step into this role and continue serving the people of Winnebago County,” said Grennan. “While Sue’s leadership will be missed, I look forward to upholding the exceptional level of customer service established by Sue over the years in this office.”

River Bluff Welcomes New Director of Nursing, Traci Kline

River Bluff Health & Rehabilitation is pleased to welcome Traci Kline as our new Director of Nursing! Traci brings more than 30 years of nursing experience, with an impressive background in long-term care, hospital leadership, and healthcare administration.

Traci earned her Nursing degree from Elgin Community College, followed by a Bachelor’s in Health Care Administration from National Louis University and a Master’s in Public Health from Benedictine University. With over 20 years of experience as a Director of Nursing in long-term care, she has also played a key role in launching hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities from the ground up. Her diverse expertise includes serving as a Hospital Director overseeing seven departments, leading Case Management and Utilization Review, and working in Emergency Room and Hospice care.



Beyond her professional accomplishments, Traci and her husband, Andrew, reside in Roscoe, where they enjoy spending time with their five children, seven grandchildren, and four beloved dogs.

Please join us in giving Traci a warm welcome to the River Bluff community!

River Bluff Welcomes New Asst. Administrator, Laura Doise

River Bluff Health & Rehabilitation is delighted to welcome Laura Doise as our new Assistant Administrator! With an impressive 35-year career in long-term care (LTC), Laura brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Throughout her career, Laura has worked in nearly every aspect of LTC, holding roles in nursing, social services, admissions, marketing, and administration. Additionally, she is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and has worked as a consultant, helping develop behavioral management programs for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia in the Rockford area.

For the past four years, Laura has been a valued member of the River Bluff team, serving as Hospital Liaison and Marketing Director. Now, in her new role as Assistant Administrator, she looks forward to continuing her commitment to excellence in long-term care.

Laura and her husband of 40 years reside in Davis, IL, where they cherish time with their four children, five grandchildren, and their beloved Great Pyrenees.

Please join us in welcoming Laura to her new role at River Bluff!

Focused Deterrence Program -Success in Reducing Violent Crime

Focused Deterrence is a crime reduction strategy funded by Winnebago County and the City of Rockford. Program participants are high-risk former gun offenders recently released on parole and probation. Over the last three years, the program, managed by Marlana Dokken, Director of the Chairman’s Office of Criminal Justice Initiatives, has shown positive results in reducing recidivism. During quarterly Focused Deterrence Call-in Forums, resources to build success are offered, alongside advice of the enhanced prosecution that awaits should they choose to reoffend.

Subsequent arrests of participants continue on a downward trend. In fact, during the last quarter of 2024, there were zero arrests for violent offenses among Focused Deterrence participants. No arrests equal no prosecutions resulting in reduced billing to the program from the State’s Attorney’s office.

Due to the success of the program in reducing violent offenses, this leaves a budget surplus allowing an extension of this valuable program at no additional cost.

Participants have made inspiring strides toward personal and professional growth in the areas of education, job training, employment and housing.

Thanks to the support and dedication of our federal, state, local, and community partners, we are able to help those with the desire to change, and protect the community from those who do not. 

2024 Year End Court Case Statistics Available

The Winnebago County Circuit Court's overall case closure rate for all case types in 2024 is 100.37%

Individual Case Type Closure Rates (2024):

·        Criminal Felony: 92.13%

·        Criminal Misdemeanor: 108.35%

·        Juvenile Delinquency: 111.61%

Correspondingly, new case filings rose 16% overall compared to 2023, with notable trends:

·        Criminal Felony: +5%

·        Criminal Misdemeanor: -1%

·        Criminal Traffic: +19%

·        Juvenile Delinquency: -20%

Additionally, total cases closed increased by 18% over the previous year.

As a reminder, procedural changes implemented in 2022—including case consolidation based on highest offense and case type modifications—impact year-over-year comparisons. A nuanced approach is recommended when analyzing long-term trends.

Current case statistics are always available on the circuit court’s webpage.

Upcoming Events

Stand Up, Speak Out Bingo

Saturday, February 22 | 9032 N. 2nd Street - Machesney Park, IL

Join the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department for Stand Up, Speak Out Bingo – A Domestic Violence Fundraising Event.

After Sheriff Caruana’s recent call to action against domestic violence, the incredible team at The Mill Saloon in Machesney Park reached out, eager to make a difference.

Together, we’re excited to announce Stand Up, Speak Out Bingo!—an afternoon of fun, awareness, and fundraising to support this important cause.

📅 Date: Saturday, February 22nd

⏰ Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

📍 Location: The Mill Saloon, 9032 N. 2nd Street, Machesney Park, IL 61115

We invite you, your family, and friends of all ages to join us for a meaningful and enjoyable afternoon. Let’s come together as a community to make an impact while having a great time!

Mark your calendars, spread the word, and let’s Stand Up & Speak Out—because together, we can make a difference.

Thank you for your support!