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WINNEBAGO WRAP-UP
JUNE 2023 NEWSLETTER
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NOTE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
As we reflect on the past few months, I am pleased to announce several initiatives and projects the County has been able to expand and implement this spring:
- Through the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, we are improving technology and other essential upgrades at the County's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) which activates in the case of any weather, chemical or nuclear disaster. This will equip the Winnebago County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency (ESDA) to increase functionality and response time in coordination with other governmental entities such as police, fire and public works.
- The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced that $553,500 was awarded the Winnebago County Highway Department through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program to make an extension of the Perryville Bike & Recreation Path. This will allow for increased access on the shared-use path and connection all the way to Village of Roscoe's Porter Park!
- We are actively working on a plan to repurpose the Public Safety Building in downtown Rockford with the vision of a Regional Police Training Facility. With the support of local legislators, the $846,910 in requested federal funding would assist in funding a state-of-the-art police training facility that is unmatched in our region. Our number one priority is keeping people safe and making sure our officers are well-trained.
I wish everyone a happy and healthy summer and I encourage you to get outdoors and enjoy all that our wonderful county has to offer!
Sincerely,
Joseph V. Chiarelli
Winnebago County Board Chairman
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Recently, the Winnebago County Board voted to grant $90,000 to the Winnebago Homes Association (Northern Illinois Regional Affordable Community Housing) for the purpose of reducing blight and providing affordable rental housing to low-income families in Winnebago County. This utilizes the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP2) remaining funds granted from the U.S. Department of Treasury in 2021. This will allow local families like Pazzaz and Purpose Breedlove to continue living in affordable housing, while also investing in neighborhoods that help surrounding homeowners and instill community values. Thank you to Alan Zais and NiReACH for all you do for residents in Winnebago County, and thank you to Pazzaz and Purpose for stopping by Chairman Chiarelli's office! | |
A tradition since 1870, the Memorial Day Parade in dowtown Rockford remembers our fallen by inviting local Veterans groups, school bands, police and fire departments and other area organizations to participate in the ceremonies. Winnebago County lost 682 veterans in 2022, one of whom was Cpl. Nathan Carlson, 21, who was killed in an Osprey crash in California last year. Carlson graduated from Harlem High School in 2019 and was captain of the swim team, and went on to join the Marines later that year. This year the parade was dedicated in his honor. Thank you to Veterans Memorial Hall and Museum for hosting a touching tribute to Cpl. Carlson as well as honoring the many soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice fighting for our country! | |
Scott Bloomquist, Regional Superintendent of Schools for the Boone-Winnebago Regional Office of Education (ROE4) was sworn in by Chairman Chiarelli after taking his official Oath of Office. In addition to coordinating and delivering state and local services, the Regional Superintendent acts as an advocate for education by providing positive leadership and disseminating information for educators, 13 school districts and the community. Bloomquist has served in that role since July 2019. Thank you for all of the great work you've done and will continue to do for our many students and teachers in Winnebago County and our surrounding region! | |
The Winnebago County State's Attorney's Office welcomes its summer 2023 interns! Following a two-day orientation, interns are off to work in the Civil, Criminal, and Juvenile divisions. Throughout the school year, State's Attorney J. Hanley regularly visits students in the classroom, encouraging youth to explore potential careers in the legal field and educating them about the duties performed by the SAO. For more information about employment or internship opportunities, please click here to visit the State's Attorney's Office website. | |
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The Therapeutic Intervention Program (TIP Court) hosted their 33rd graduation ceremony at the end of May. TIP is a mental health Court that focuses on addressing the behavioral health needs of participants to address the underlying issues that lead to their involvement in the criminal justice system. Two more TIP Court participants successfully completed all of the program requirements, bringing the total
number of Graduates to 199 since TIP Court began in 2005! As the Presiding Judge, 17th Judicial Circuit Judge Janet Holmgren leads a multidisciplinary team consisting of Justice and Clinical professionals who provide case management, intensive community supervision, trauma therapy, psychiatric services, and other mental health and substance use disorder treatment services to participants.
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More than a dozen local highschool students recentlyparticipated in their final meeting for the Chairman & Mayor's Youth Leadership Council. Facilitated by the Winnebago County Health Department since 2017, the YLC promotes the development of diverse young leaders in our community by providing hands on experience with how government works and building skills they can use in the future. Members of the council participate in interactive, educational sessions focusing on community issues, and have the opportunity to engage Winnebago County Board Chairman Joseph Chiarell and City of Rockford Mayor Thomas McNamara on the issues presented. The YLC is seeking new members for the 2023-2024 school year, click here to apply today! | | |
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Rockford Pride Alley Party
Saturday, June 3, 2023 | 120 N. 3rd Street - Rockford, Illinois
Did you know that people of all genders, sexual orientation and identities experience domestic violence? The 17th Judicial Circuit Family Violence Coordinating Council will be set up at a table at this year's Rockford Pride Alley Party, stop by the information booth for more resources and to say hello!
LINK HERE
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Rockford Juneteenth Celebration Weekend
Sunday, June 18 - Monday, June 19, 2023 | Sinnissippi Gardens - Rockford, Illinois
Founder of Rockford Juneteenth Celebrations, Tommy Meeks, created Juneteenth1865 with the sole mission to promote and cultivate knowledge and appreciation of African American history. The 33rd Annual Rockford Juneteenth Celebration will bring two days of events, including music, awards program, community presentations, talent show, church service and much more!
LINK HERE
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