County Highlights

• Accessible parking is now available outside of the Administration Building (404 Elm Street) to accommodate those in need. Additionally, the elevators at the Courthouse (400 W. State Street) were renovated and will be up and running by the end of October!
• The Winnebago County Coroner's Office reports a significant decrease in confirmed overdose deaths in Winnebago County compared to July 31 of last year. This year, there have been 46 confirmed overdose deaths, a substantial drop from 89 at the same time last year. This decline reflects a positive trend in the community’s response to the ongoing opioid crisis. A key factor contributing to this decline is the increased availability and use of Narcan (Naloxone), a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. Narcan is easy to administer and can be carried discreetly, making it accessible for those in need. Residents can obtain free Narcan at the main lobby of the Criminal Justice Center at 650 W. State Street via a vending machine. For those interested in learning how to use Narcan, the Winnebago County Health Department offers training sessions. The Coroner's Office encourages the community to take advantage of these resources to help combat the opioid crisis and save lives.
• The Winnebago County Highway Department received $235,000 from the Department of Transportation Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program. This award will be used to provide equipment to alert drivers of their speed on dangerous sections of highway, provide safe direction to the motoring public through highway department work zones, and provide safe work zones for highway department employees.
• The Veterans Memorial Hall has received a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to fund the repair of the plaster walls in the auditorium. Additionally, the Conservation Center in Chicago is working on the restoration of one of the hall’s original murals, a project funded through donations! All repair work is being carefully scheduled around the many events hosted at the Hall. Interested in hosting your event there? Please contact info@veteransmemorialhall.com or (815) 969-1999.
• The 17th Judicial Circuit Domestic Violence Coordinated Court is the recipient of two federal grants totaling $2.1 million dollars from the Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women, both focused on improving the court response to domestic violence. This funding will allow for advocacy and increased access to justice initiatives for survivors within our court system. In addition, the Winnebago County State's Attorney's Office was awarded a $500,000 grant, which will allow law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to expand and improve their capacity to investigate and prosecute domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and in so doing, support survivor safety and autonomy, hold offenders accountable, and promote trust within the surrounding community. 
• The 17th Judicial Circuit Court announces the launch of a new Pretrial Data Dashboard for Winnebago County, now available at pfa.wincoil.gov. The dashboards allow the public to view key metrics, such as: arrests by agency, serious charges and offenses, petitions denied or granted and more. The tool offers valuable insights into how the courts are functioning since the implementation of the Pretrial Fairness Act (PFA) one year ago.
• Following County Board approval, the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office is entering into an agreement with North Park Fire and Northwest Fire Protection Districts to provide Fire Dispatch Services. Transitioning to the state-of-the-art County 911 center will mark a significant step toward enhancing emergency response times, prioritizing firefighter safety, and improving public safety in our community. 

News & Announcements

Hard Rock Rocks!

Chairman Joe Chiarelli was proud to be part of the guitar smash and grand opening ceremony at the brand new Hard Rock Casino Rockford! The 180,000-square-foot casino opened to the public Labor Day weekend after years of construction and planning to bring:

• 65,000 square feet in gaming space
• 1,300 slot machines
• 44 table games
• live theater for up to 2,000 people

Not only will the casino tax revenue be a win for our region, with the County's portion being invested in the Highway Fund and Capital Improvement projects, but it will be a destination that is sure to bring continued success for tourism in Winnebago County for years to come!

Tracking Conviction Rates

In its first full year of tracking data, the Winnebago County State's Attorney’s Office shows that more than three-quarters of the felony domestic violence cases it handles have ended with successful prosecution.

Prosecutors and advocates for domestic violence survivors say the 81% success rate is indicative of the office’s focus on proving charges that have been notoriously difficult to prosecute. “We’re holding defendants accountable and we’re earning the trust of survivors,” Winnebago County State’s Attorney J. Hanley said. “That’s what this data shows and what the community can really take to heart.” The entire Rock River Current article can be viewed here.

Growth in Aerospace

Woodward, Inc., a global leader in energy control solutions for aerospace and industrial markets, celebrated the completion of its aerospace Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Loves Park last month. Winnebago County Board Chairman Joe Chiarelli was present along with Woodward leaders, elected officials and other members to commemorate the completion of the $55 million project to transform the state-of-the-art facility, which will meet growing demand for aircraft fleet fuel controls aftermarket services!

The site currently employs about 1,100 members and could add up to 100 new jobs over the next five to seven years. Updates include features such as Rapid Advanced Machining, automated equipment, world-class test stands, and new digital technologies.

Early Voting Underway

In preparation for the upcoming November 5, 2024 General Election, the Winnebago County Clerk's Office announces that early in-person voting is underway at the Administration Building. For Winnebago County residents residing outside of City of Rockford limits, in-person voting will take place at 404 Elm Street, Room 401, Rockford, Illinois, 61101. Voting dates and hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Early voting will be conducted on weekdays through Friday, October 18. Beginning Monday, October 21 through Friday, November 1, extended hours will be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Additionally, the off-site voting location at Harlem-Alpine Shopping Center (1965 Harlem Road, Loves Park) will open on October 9 to accommodate early voting. For a full list of hours and other election information, visit clerk.wincoil.gov or contact the Winnebago County Elections Office at (815) 319-4252 with any questions.

FEMA Disaster Assistance

The President has signed a disaster declaration for the State of Illinois for weather events from July 13-16, 2024. Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams from FEMA are now in Winnebago County to help residents navigate the federal disaster assistance process. If you live in Winnebago County, and were affected by the severe storms and flooding, residents may now apply for assistance in 3 ways: call 1-800-621-3362, download the FEMA app, or online at DisasterAssistance.gov. For those who have business losses, including property damage and economic losses, you may qualify for assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Visit the MySBA Loan Portal to learn more and apply.

Join the Sheriff's Department!

Are you ready to make a difference and start a new rewarding career? Join the incredible team at the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office as a Corrections Officer or Deputy and help build a safer community. Several positions are now accepting applications. If you’re dedicated, resilient, and passionate about serving your community, we want to hear from you! Apply today and be part of a team that values integrity, teamwork, and growth. Visit winnebagosheriff.com/careers to apply. To learn more, check out the WCSO Recruitment video on YouTube.

Upcoming Events

Faith & Blue

Saturday, October 12, 2024 | First Covenant Church, 316 Wood Road - Rockford, IL

Rockford's own first Faith & Blue Event is being held Saturday, October 12, 2024 at First Covenant Church in Rockford. A national initiative, Faith & Blue was launched to facilitate safer, stronger, more just and unified communities by directly enabling local partnerships among law enforcement professionals, residents, businesses and community groups through the connections of local faith-based organizations. During this event Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana and Rockford Park District Police Chief Theo Glover will be recognized, while Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd is being honored. You can expect a night filled with faith, love and respect and musical guests including "The Gospel Cop" Minister Mervin Mayo. You just may have seen him on America's Got Talent!

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Shop with a Cop Fundraiser

Thursday, October 17, 2024 | The Mill, 9032 N. 2nd Street - Machesney Park, IL

It's almost that time of year! The Winnebago County Sheriff's Office invites the community to participate in the fundraiser for the annual "Shop with a Cop" event, which allows less fortunate children to shop with Winnebago County Sheriff’s Deputies and staff to buy Christmas gifts for themselves or family members. The WCSO works with the Harlem School District and other school districts within Winnebago County to identify and assist families in need. To raise money and prepare for the annual shopping event, please join us at The Mill on Thursday, October 17 from 6 - 9 p.m. for a night of fun while supporting a great cause. All donations and guest bartender tips will benefit children in our community. For those interested in donating any silent auction items, please contact Cori Hilliard at HilliardC@WCSO-IL.us for more information.

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Shining the Light Ceremony

Tuesday, October 29, 2024 | Crusader Community Health, 1200 W. State Street - Rockford, IL

Do you know someone that has made a difference in our community's response to domestic violence? Nominate someone today for the Winnebago County Shining the Light on Domestic Violence Awards. The Shining the Light Award, established in 2012, is an award presented by the 17th Judicial Circuit Family Violence Coordinating Council every October to recognize a community member or organization that has made a difference over the past year in preventing or responding to domestic violence in the community. The Legacy Award was established in 2021 to recognize an individual whose years of service have made a lasting impact on our community's approach to serving survivors and holding offenders accountable. Both awards will be presented at the Shining the Light on Domestic Violence event on Tuesday, October 29 at Crusader Community Health. Nominations close Friday, October 4 at 5 p.m. Join us as we recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month by mourning those lost to domestic violence, celebrate the strength of survivors, and connect as a community.

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Trick-or-Treat at the Bluff

Thursday, October 31, 2024 | River Bluff Health, 4401 N. Main Street - Rockford, IL

The Halloween tradition lives on at River Bluff Health & Rehabilitation on Thursday, October 31 from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. in the facility's main dining room. The event is open to the community and residents are looking forward to seeing friends and family stop by. Trick-or-treaters are encouraged to wear their costumes and take part in the spooky fun! DONATIONS NEEDED: In addition, you can help make Halloween extra sweet with candy donations. Just drop off any individually packaged candy at the River Bluff front desk now through October 30 to ensure a fun and festive event! Questions? Please call (815) 921-9279 for more information.

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