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WINNEBAGO WRAP-UP
FEBRUARY 2024 NEWSLETTER
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NOTE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
As we move forward in 2024, we are continually focusing on our strategic priorities of improving economic development, infrastructure and public safety in Winnebago County. As we look to repurpose underutilized or vacant properties, we are also working to make improvements to our existing facilities, including our Juvenile Detention Center.
Operating under the authority of our Chief Judge, the Juvenile Detention Center provides secure detention for youth charged with serious felony offenses between the ages of 14-17. We are committed to supporting our Court Services Department and are currently prioritizing projects for the future. These were recently highlighted in a presentation given by our Director of Court Services Debbie Jarvis at our County Board Meeting last month (watch here).
I am proud of the impressive programming that our staff has been able to implement at the JDC. Funded through the Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board, there are a number of cognitive behavioral health services provided to the youth to ensure that 7 days a week, there are mental health resources available. Our center was just recently highlighted by the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts for having the highest number of therapeutic hours in the state, which is a testament to our hardworking staff and the impact this grant funding has for us in Winnebago County. Another feature that sets our center apart is the Nuctech Body Scanner. Purchased in 2021 with American Rescue Plan funding, Winnebago County is the only Detention Center in the state of Illinois with this technology, which allows for contactless, trauma informed searches for juveniles entering the facility.
A number of other funded projects approved in our 2024 Fiscal Year budget include the recent parking lot resurfacing, as well as replacing fences, lighting, tile and grout in showers and a new boiler and HVAC system. There is still more work to be done, as we are completing a space needs study with ideas on how to expand the facility and improve continuity of operations across the divisions of Court Services. All of these upgrades will not only improve the working environment for the staff at the Juvenile Detention Center, but also enhance the rehabilitation process for our youth for years to come.
Sincerely,
Joseph V. Chiarelli
Winnebago County Board Chairman
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Human Trafficking Awareness | Chairman Chiarelli proclaimed the month of January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Human trafficking is a pervasive issue nationwide, but also in our community. Last month, the 17th Judicial Circuit Family Violence Coordinating Council (FVCC) hosted an educational seminar focused on identifying and responding to human trafficking. Winnebago County employees and dozens of community partners also participated in Wear Blue Day on January 11 as a way to show support for survivors and raise awareness on social media, and FVCC Chair Judge Jennifer Clifford accepted the proclamation. Thank you Judge Clifford and the FVCC for all you do in our community to support survivors and ongoing efforts to end human trafficking in our community. | |
Domestic Violence Mentor Court | In January, members of our Domestic Violence Coordinated Court, Judge Joseph Bruscato, Deputy Court Administrator Nikki Ticknor and Coordinator Haley Borchmann, participated in the Domestic Violence Mentor Courts Enhancement Meeting at the Center for Justice Innovation in New York City. Winnebago County is one of six courts nationwide that serves as a mentor court to help courts across the country develop or enhance their responses to intimate partner domestic violence. This meeting allowed the six DV mentor courts to connect and learn best practices around providing mentorship and technical assistance. To learn more about the Domestic Violence Coordinated Courts in Winnebago County, please visit the 17th Judicial Circuit website. | |
Economic Development Growth | Recently, the Winnebago County Board approved Chairman Chiarelli's appointment of Board Member John Sweeney (R-20) to the Quad Cities Regional Economic Development Authority (QCREDA). Its primary function is to provide for low-cost tax-exempt bond financing for eligible projects such as small manufacturing, affordable housing, not-for-profit entities such as hospitals, private universities and YMCAs, local government infrastructure, educational facilities and more. Previously consisting of 9 counties neighboring the Mississippi River, QCREDA recently expanded to include Winnebago and Boone Counties. As current chair of the Economic Development Committee, Sweeney will provide representation of Winnebago County and support our region's priority of economic development efforts! | |
General Primary Early Voting | In preparation for the upcoming March 19, 2024 General Primary Election, the Winnebago County Clerk’s Office announces that early in-person voting will begin on Thursday, February 8, 2024. For Winnebago County residents residing outside of City of Rockford limits, in-person voting will take place at the Administration Building, 404 Elm Street, 4th Floor, Rockford, Illinois, 61101. Voting dates and hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. City of Rockford residents may vote early in-person at the Board of Elections Office located at 301 S. 6th Street, Rockford, Illinois 61104. To view races, candidates, and other election information, visit clerk.wincoil.gov. Please contact the Winnebago County Elections Office at (815) 319-4252 with any additional questions. | |
Progress on the Project 4114 Veteran Home Giveaway is coming along nicely thanks to Marshmallow's HOPE and the many community volunteers working to rehab the home donated by the Winnebago County Trustee Program and get it move-in ready for a deserving Veteran. Electric and gas are being installed, and now setting up plumbing and the HVAC system are in the works. We’re still in great need of finishing supplies, such as drywall, doors, baseboards, light, switches, etc. We will have volunteer opportunities coming up this spring to help us get our Veteran Awardee Bradley Scoville into the home soon! To learn more about how you can get involved or donate, please contact info@marshmallowshope.org. | |
Animal Adoption Promotion | For a limited time, Winnebago County Animal Services will be offering $20 dog adoptions as part of the "New Year, New Best Friend" promotional adoption event. There are over 40 dogs at the shelter in need of loving homes. All adoptions include a wellness exam, spay or neuter, microchip, vaccinations including a one year rabies shot, flea and tick preventative, and more. Adopters are encouraged to have their application pre-approved prior to the event. Please visit winnebagoanimals.org to view pets at Winnebago County Animal Services and complete an adoption questionnaire. Adopters who fill out a questionnaire online and stop in to get their approval card prior to the day of the event, will be the first to view our adoptable animals. | | |
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Valentines for Seniors Card Drive
On behalf of Chairman Chiarelli, we would like to invite all Winnebago County employees to participate in this year’s Valentines for Seniors Card Drive. Seniors have been especially impacted the last few years with Covid-related isolation. In an effort to lift their spirits and let them know how special they are, we are again running our annual Valentines for Seniors Card Drive. Last year with your help we collected over 5,000 cards that went to Seniors in assisted living centers, long-term care facilities, or in their homes.
Winnebago County Board Chairman Joe Chiarelli and State Senator Dave Syverson are asking for your help in writing cards to those living in assisted living and long-term care facilities. To help us reach our goal to deliver to at least 2,500 seniors, we are asking students, churches, businesses and families to either make cards or purchase cards with a message from you to our seniors. The hope is to bring joy to our community’s seniors this Valentine’s Day!
We will be accepting cards until February 7th.
DROP OFF OR MAIL CARDS TO:
Senator Syverson’s Office: 527 Colman Center Dr., Cherry Valley, IL 61108
Chairman Joe Chiarelli’s Office: 404 Elm St., 5th floor, Rockford, IL 61101
SEE MORE DETAILS
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"Hire a Vet" Employment Event
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 | 211 N. Main Street - Rockford, IL
Mark the calendar for the upcoming "Walk In Wednesday" to join the Veterans Assistance Commission of Winnebago County for the Hire a Vet event at Veterans Memorial Hall Museum. This walk-in hiring event will include onsite interviews and potential job offers on the spot from participating employers! Stop by from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. dressed for success and with physical copies of your resume on hand. There will be accessibility to all floors with the ramp to enter the building and elevator use between floors. Assistance for applications will be available as well. Don't miss out on this opportunity for a chance to get connected with potential employers and discover all the resources available to Veterans of Winnebago County.
SEE MORE DETAILS
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