CASA FUNDING: The Board approved funding for Winnebago County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), supporting trained volunteers who advocate for abused and neglected children in our juvenile court system.

Funded through the Public Safety Sales Tax, this investment will add a part-time supervisor — allowing CASA to expand its volunteer base and serve even more vulnerable youth in our community.

Research shows that children who experience abuse are at greater risk of future involvement in the justice system. CASA helps break that cycle by ensuring every child has a consistent, caring advocate in their corner.

To learn more about Winnebago County CASA or to volunteer, visit https://www.winnebagocountycasa.org/

ANIMAL SERVICES: The Board approved a two-year, $100,000 agreement with Shelter Vet-On-The-Go, PLLC to provide on-site veterinary care at Winnebago County Animal Services three times per week, four hours per visit – bridging care until a full-time staff veterinarian joins on June 1, 2026.

On-site services eliminate the need to transport animals to Madison, Wisconsin for spay/neuter surgeries, reducing stress on animals and staff; the agreement also supports Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) programs and low-income rabies vaccine clinics in the community.

To learn more about Winnebago County Animal Services, adopt a pet or to volunteer, visit https://winnebagoanimals.org/

LOUD AND CLEAR: The Board unanimously approved the replacement of 330 Motorola Starcom radios used by the Sheriff's Office, Corrections, Animal Services, and Probation/Detention. The radios currently in service, purchased in 2016, no longer meet the reliability and performance standards our public safety personnel depend on every day.

The $2.6 million upfront cost includes a $848,000 savings by upgrading now. The new radios are funded through the Public Safety Sales Tax Fund — dollars collected specifically to support law enforcement and public safety needs. Keeping first responders connected with dependable equipment isn't just a budget line item. It's a commitment to the safety of everyone who calls Winnebago County home.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: The County Board approved $100,000 from the host fee to establish a dedicated Site Acquisition Fund for the Winnebago County Rail Authority, accelerating the WCRA’s ability to secure shovel-ready sites south of the airport where rail and highway connectivity already exists – complementing $250,000 already committed by the private sector.

The Winnebago County Rail Authority provides for rail and related transportation services in the county, as well as economic development opportunities pertaining to rail and its properties. The Region 1 Planning Council Executive Director also acts as Executive Director of the Rail Authority, as the Authority is under the direction of the regional MPO.

PERRYVILLE ROAD IMPROVEMENTS - The Winnebago County Highway Department is hosting an Open House Public Meeting March 11, 2026 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M at the Rockford Public Library East Branch, 6685 E. State Street, Rockford, Illinois 61108, for the purpose of discussing the following project:

Improvements to S. Perryville Road from ¼ mile South of Harrison Avenue to E. State Street (Bus. 20), located in County Board Districts 8 and 11 in the Village of Cherry Valley and the City of Rockford.



All persons interested are invited to attend this meeting to express their views and comment on the project. This meeting will also serve to involve and inform the public about potential project impacts to the adjacent properties. An opportunity will be made available for participants to comment on the project. 

MADIGAN CREEK - The Winnebago County Highway Department (WCHD) is hosting an Open House Public Hearing on March 9, 2026 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the Rockford Public Library East Branch, 6685 E. State Street, Rockford, Illinois 61108, for the purpose of discussing the Madigan Creek Restoration Project - Phase I, located between Waterford Drive and Newburg Road in Winnebago County Board Districts 8 and 11.

The meeting will be conducted on an informal basis with project displays and other information available for viewing. An overview of the project will be presented at 5:30pm. This project is funded by an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) Section 319(h) Grant as well as local funds (County, Township, etc.). For more information, contact

Sean Von Bergen at the

Winnebago County Highway Dept.

(815) 319-4034