Amado Soria

Online Staff Report

Winnebago County State’s Attorney Joe Bruscato announced March 30 that the Winnebago County Integrity Task Force has completed its investigation into the Jan. 28 shooting involving Rockford Police Officer Amado Soria.

The investigation has centered on determining the events that resulted in the death of Phillip Johnson Jr., 29.

Johnson was shot and killed by Soria Jan. 28 after police responded to a 911 call of shots fired near the intersection of Fairview and East State Street.

Officers stopped a vehicle matching the description of the one involved in the 911 call in the 300 block of North Longwood. Johnson was a passenger in the vehicle, along with a female driver and another male occupant.

Police reportedly blocked the vehicle into a parking lot and approached the vehicle with guns drawn. The first two passengers then reportedly surrendered, leaving Johnson alone in the vehicle.

Johnson then allegedly leaned toward the passenger side of the vehicle, which is when Soria opened fire, killing Johnson.

Soria is an 18-year veteran of the force.

Lt. Kurt Cavanaugh, commander of the Integrity Task Force, delivered the results of the investigation to the Office of the State’s Attorney.

The Office of the State’s Attorney will now begin to review the investigation. Once a review of the investigation is complete, a final determination will be made about whether to present the case to a Winnebago County grand jury, as each case must be individually evaluated before finalizing the decision to proceed to the grand jury.

No specific timetable has been set for reaching the decision on presentation to the grand jury. A review of any investigation must be thorough, and also must allow for the possibility of follow-up investigation, according to the state’s attorney’s office. Should the need arise for follow-up investigation, those matters would continue to be handled by the Winnebago County Integrity Task Force.

Posted March 30, 2012

Online Staff Report

The Rockford Board of Education (BOE) will meet at 7 p.m., tonight, Friday, March 30, in closed session after taking comments from the public.

The emergency meeting was called by BOE President Harmon Mitchell late Thursday night, March 29, after Rockford teachers launched their first strike since 1984.

About 1,500 picketers lined both sides of Seventh Street outside the district administration building March 29 in what is considered to be one of the largest public demonstrations in Rockford history.

Teachers returned to picket lines Friday, March 30. However, they were asked by the teachers’ union — the Rockford Education Association (REA) — to leave picket lines at noon, March 30, and return to the Administration Building at 501 Seventh St., Rockford, at 5:30 p.m., to protest the emergency BOE meeting, which will be in the third-floor board room.

Bargaining talks between the district and the REA are ongoing.

The REA voted 1,500-74 in favor of the strike March 26. Teachers have been without a contract since July 2011.

The REA and the district have met more than 50 times over the past 11 months, but have failed to reach an agreement.

The strike brings to a halt all school functions, with school, sporting events and other activities all canceled. More than 28,000 students are enrolled in the district.

Posted March 30, 2012

Shirley Chisholm, who will be portrayed by Litesa Wallace in the March 31 event at Memorial Hall, became the first African-American woman elected to Congress in 1968. Jan. 25, 1972, she became the first major-party African-American candidate for president and the first woman to run for the Democratic presidential nomination (Margaret Chase Smith had previously run for the Republican presidential nomination). She received 152 first-ballot votes at the 1972 Democratic National Convention.

Online Staff Report

The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW), Rockford Section, will present the Second Annual “A Tribute to African-American Women: Past & Present” from 4 to 7 p.m., Saturday, March 31, at Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St., Rockford.

Shirley Chisholm, Dorothy I. Height, Fannie Lou Hamer, Barbara Jordan and NCNW founder Mary Mcleod Bethune will be just a few of the sisters of the “past” who will be portrayed by local women in the community.

The tribute to local women representing the “present’” are: George Anne Duckett, Sidella Hughes, Margret Meeks and Carol Moseley Braun. The event will also pay tribute in memoriam of three local servant leaders — Earnestine Kendall, Myrtis Woodard and Rosie Simmons.

Awards will be presented to the following recipients:

George Anne Duckett, Winnebago County Board member, community advocate and owner of The Vital Force newspaper

Sidella Hughes, retired DCFC Lan Specialist, community advocate and plaintiff in the People Who Care lawsuit.

Margret Meeks, community advocate.

Carol Moseley Braun, U.S. Senator, U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand, candidate for the Democratic nomination during the 2004 presidential campaign and former candidate for the mayor of Chicago.

In memoriam — Earnestine Kendall, Myrtis Woodard and Rosie Simmons.

Following is a complete list of honorees to be portrayed during the event:

Freedom sisters

Shirley Chisholm, portrayed by Litesa Wallace;

Mary McLeod Bethune, portrayed by Stella Adams;

Septima Poinsette Clark, portrayed by Flossie Hoarde;

Fannie Lou Hamer, portrayed by Janelle Wright;

Dorothy Irene Height, portrayed by Dorothy Paige Turner and Joy Sockwell;

Barbara Charline Jordan, portrayed by Paris Gordan;

Harriet Ross Greene Tubman, portrayed by Thomasine Hansard;

Etta James, portrayed by Beth Ann Beal;

Ida B. Wells-Barnett, portrayed by Karen Portis;

Madame C.J. Walker, portrayed by Madelaine Sherod;

Whitney Houston, portrayed by Stephanie Goldsmith;

Nikki Giovanni, portrayed by NaShira Bailey; and

Alice Walker, portrayed by Janet Brown.

Posted March 30, 2012

Online Staff Report

To improve and encourage growth in Rockford’s downtown and riverfront area, state Rep. Chuck Jefferson, D-Rockford, is backing a new measure designed to spur redevelopment, support investment in historic properties and stimulate the local economy.

“This measure aims to protect and develop the many historic houses and buildings along the Rock River in our area,” Jefferson said. “I will continue working to make sure we are doing all we can to tap into our riverfront resources, support efforts to improve local infrastructure and create opportunities to revitalize our community.”

Senate Bill 2886 will allow individuals to transfer tax credits earned from the restoration and preservation of qualified historic structures located in River Edge Redevelopment Zones (RERZ).

Rockford has one of four RERZ locations in Illinois, covering almost 8 square miles along the Rock River. Aurora, East St. Louis and Elgin also have RERZ locations.

In addition to making the credits fully transferable, it will allow investors to pay more for the credits, potentially bringing more private financial support to projects.

Jefferson’s measure is an expansion of the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Act passed last year. This act provides tax credits against Illinois income taxes for 25 percent of the cost of rehabilitating qualifying historic properties located in a River Edge Redevelopment Zone.

Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey (I) said: “I am happy to partner with Rep. Jefferson and the Illinois General Assembly to expand on a valuable program designed to rehabilitate and enrich Rockford. I look forward to continued collaborations to attract investment in our riverfront and promote job retention and growth.”

Senate Bill 2886 recently passed the Senate and is now in the House for further consideration.

For more information, contact Jefferson’s constituent service office at (815) 987-7433 or DCEO at (815) 987-5632.

Posted March 30, 2012

Online Staff Report

PECATONICA, Ill. — Illinois State Police District 16 Commander Lt. Jeff Bain announced the following arrests were made between March 1 and 28 for driving under the influence (DUI) by District 16 troopers:

Arrested in Winnebago County — Dwane S. Woolbright, 47, of Loves Park, Ill.; Caroline Ramirez, 21, of Rockford; Caprecia L. Hill, 41, of Rockford; Michael J. Durand, 49, of Carmel, Ind.; Lacressa Y. Dangel, 40, of Rockford; Jason Thomas, 42, of Beloit, Wis.; Jason L. Barnett, 29, of Rockford; Walter J. Horton, 43, of Rockford; Collin A. Archer, 34, of Winnebago, Ill.; Zachary D. Frost, 25, of Rockford; David M. Durham, 27, of Chicago; and Oscar Hernandez, 43, of Rockford.

Posted March 30, 2012

The teachers' strike continued Friday, March 30, with Rockford teachers continuing to picket outside District 205 buildings. Pictured outside King Elementary School March 30 are, from left, Ms. Keena, Ms. Campbell and Ms. Kerry. (Photo by Stephanie Reid)

Online Staff Report

Teachers in Rockford Public School District 205 could remain on strike for multiple days, according to reports.

Meantime, the district announced March 29 that Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) auditions scheduled for March 30-31 have been canceled. The auditions will be rescheduled after a resolution has been reached in teacher contract negotiations.

Rockford teachers began their strike Thursday, March 29, with teachers hitting picket lines at school buildings throughout the district. Negotiations between the Rockford teachers’ union — the Rockford Education Association (REA) —and District 205 are ongoing.

The strike brings to a halt all school functions, with school, sporting events and other activities all canceled. More than 28,000 students are enrolled in the district.

The REA voted 1,500-74 in favor of the strike March 26. Teachers have been without a contract since July 2011. The REA and the district have met more than 50 times over the past 11 months, but have failed to reach an agreement.

About 20 members of the Rockford Tea Party gathered at the district’s administration building, 501 Seventh St., March 29, to protest the teachers’ strike.

In a press release, the Rockford Tea Party stated: “The Rockford school teachers are unhappy with the school district offer to increase their salaries between 2.5 and 9 percent over the next three years and with the additional requirement to pay $700 extra a year for family plans on their Cadillac health insurance plans. An analysis of the top 800 teachers shows that they currently make about $82,000 yearly, on average. That is half the teachers in the district. A strike tomorrow will hurt children and hurt this community. Our community is already facing devastating economic conditions. Many people are very upset about this looming strike, which will put many families in an even more difficult position. Please join us in voicing your disapproval with these teachers’ lack of compassion for the residents and taxpayers of this community.

“If not us … who? If not tomorrow … when?

“We, the Tea Party, are the only organization standing up to teachers’ unions.”

Posted March 29, 2012

Online Staff Report

Rockford’s unemployment rate has dropped to 12.8 percent and is now the second-highest in the state behind the Kankakee-Bradley metropolitan area, which is at 12.9 percent.

According to data released March 29 by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), the Rockford metropolitan area gained 4,200 jobs between February 2011 and February 2012, up to 145,700 from 141,500.

Rockford’s unemployment rate was the highest in the state in February 2011 at 14.1 percent. Kankakee-Bradley’s was the second-highest at 13.7 percent.

Statewide, the local unemployment rate fell in nine of 12 metropolitan areas. Following are the February 2012 unemployment rates for all metropolitan areas, listed from highest to lowest, with the February 2011 unemployment rate in parentheses:

1. Kankakee-Bradley — 12.9 percent (13.7 percent)

2. Rockford — 12.8 percent (14.1 percent)

3. Danville — 11.1 percent (11.7 percent)

4. Decatur — 11 percent (11.7 percent)

5. St. Louis — 10.5 percent (10.2 percent)

6. Lake (Ill.)-Kenosha (Wis.) — 10.2 percent (10.8 percent)

7. Peoria — 9 percent (10 percent)

8. Chicago-Joliet-Naperville — 8.9 percent (9.6 percent)

9. Champaign-Urbana — 8.6 percent (8.8 percent)

10. Davenport-Moline-Rock Island — 8.5 percent (8.5 percent)

11. Springfield — 8.4 percent (8.5 percent)

12. Bloomington-Normal — 7.5 percent (7.7 percent)

Posted March 29, 2012

Online Staff Report

Rockford’s Boylan Catholic High School will participate in the Illinois State Bar Association’s (ISBA) High School Mock Trial Invitational March 30-31 in Springfield, Ill.

Teams from 45 high schools statewide will participate in the event at the University of Illinois at Springfield, Public Affairs Center — Lower Level, 1 University Plaza, Springfield.

The trials will begin Friday, March 30, at 11:15 a.m. and will continue through Saturday afternoon. The final round will begin at approximately 3:30 p.m., Saturday, March 31.

The eight top-scoring teams will compete in the final round Saturday, March 31, for the state championship. The winner will represent Illinois at the National High School Mock Trial Championship in Albuquerque, N.M., May 3-6.

“The mock trial program is a rare opportunity for Illinois high school students to compete in a high-level academic endeavor,” said Lauren E. DeJong of Park Ridge, chairman of the ISBA’s Standing Committee on Law Related Education for the Public, which conducts the program.

“Students must analyze complex information, apply logic and deductive reasoning, communicate effectively, and use other critical thinking skills in the trial scenario,” she added. “The ISBA offers this opportunity for the students to come together, after months of hard work and preparation, to challenge each other and stimulate discussion.”

Each 10-member team tries both sides — plaintiff and defense — of a hypothetical case developed by the ISBA Standing Committee on Law-Related Education for the Public. This year, the case involves the estate of the late Estelle Heeney-Potter, a wealthy widow, and her two estranged adult children — Addison and Alexi Heeney-Potter, who vigorously contest the will.

Estimated at more than $20 million, the estate leaves $10 million to establish a trust to care for the pets, and includes provisions to pay an annual salary of the pet keeper, Riley Rendlow, who is to remain in the home to care for the animals.

The trust also will pay for the upkeep of the mansion, land, out-buildings, automobiles, as well as ensure financial provisions for veterinary visits to the property on a quarterly basis to check on the animals, provisions for pet food and other necessities for their care.

The children are contesting the will, stating that the decedent lacked testamentary capacity to create the will, and that the defendants unduly influenced the decedent in the creation of the will.

Students will assume the roles of attorneys and witnesses, and a panel of Illinois lawyers and judges, along with members of the ISBA Law Related Education Committee, will rate the students’ performance. The students must also take a written test about the issues of the case and basic legal principles.

The high school mock trials have been conducted each year since 1982 by the ISBA to provide Illinois high school students an interesting and challenging way to gain insight into the American judicial system. The Constitutional Rights Foundation of Chicago is also a co-sponsor of the event.

The 33,000-member ISBA, with offices in Springfield and Chicago, provides professional services to Illinois member attorneys, and education to the public.

Posted March 29, 2012

Online Staff Report

Teachers in Rockford Public School District 205 began their strike today, Thursday, March 29.

The Rockford teachers’ union — the Rockford Education Association (REA) — and the District 205 negotiations team worked late into the night Wednesday, March 28, in attempts to reach a tentative agreement that would have averted the strike. However — as has been the case in more than 50 meetings over 11 months — the two sides were unable to come to an agreement.

According to District 205, the two sides were close to reaching an agreement March 28. However, the school district was obligated to notify parents of school cancellations for March 29, and an agreement could not be reached prior to the cutoff time for the notification to be sent out. The two sides will meet again Thursday, March 29.

The strike brings to a halt all school functions, with school, sporting events and other activities all canceled. More than 28,000 students are enrolled in the district.

The REA voted 1,500-74 in favor of the strike March 26. Teachers have been without a contract since July 2011.

Strike instructions call for teachers to picket their respective buildings, with picket lines expected at every District 205 school building.

The teachers’ union has also purchased 30-second advertising spots on local television, which have already begun airing.

Rockford Public School District 205 released the following press release March 28:

ROCKFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISTRICT 205 MAKES SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS WITH REA, BUT NO AGREEMENT REACHED AND REA GOES AHEAD WITH STRIKE

District to implement comprehensive strike plan to keep students safe

Rockford School District 205 announced that it made significant progress toward a new agreement with the REA after a long day of bargaining. However, while the parties are close, the parties are not in agreement on all issues and are unable to finalize the details of the agreement in writing even if they worked overnight.

Therefore, the REA said it would still conduct a strike against Rockford’s public schools on Thursday.

For the safety of our students, the district had an obligation to timely notify parents and students of the REA’s decision to strike.

“We hope to get back to the bargaining table tomorrow to finalize the details and we hope to have the kids back in school as soon as possible,” said Dr. Robert Willis, interim superintendent of the Rockford Public Schools.

For more information on the status of negotiations, please visit www.205teachernegotiations.com.

Tea Party to protest teachers’ strike

The Rockford Tea Party has announced it will protest the teachers’ strike. According to a press release, the Rockford Tea Party will meet at the Rockford Public School District 205 Administration Building, 501 Seventh St., at noon, Thursday, March 29.

“The Rockford school teachers are unhappy with the school district offer to increase their salaries between 2.5 and 9 percent over the next three years and with the additional requirement to pay $700 extra a year for family plans on their Cadillac health insurance plans,” the Rockford Tea Party press release stated. “An analysis of the top 800 teachers shows that they currently make about $82,000 yearly, on average. That is half the teachers in the district. A strike tomorrow will hurt children and hurt this community. Our community is already facing devastating economic conditions. Many people are very upset about this looming strike, which will put many families in an even more difficult position. Please join us in voicing your disapproval with these teachers’ lack of compassion for the residents and taxpayers of this community.

“If not us … who? If not tomorrow … when?

“We, the Tea Party, are the only organization standing up to teachers’ unions.”

Posted March 29, 2012

Online Staff Report

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan (D) commended Senate lawmakers March 28 for unanimously passing a bill to better protect consumers from the exceedingly high costs of tax refund anticipation loans and refund anticipation checks.

These products are billed as a faster way to receive a refund around tax time, but they’re anything but that. They’re simply a way to siphon excessive fees from what taxpayers are actually owed per their annual tax filings.

“The only thing taxpayers should anticipate with these so-called ‘refund’ products are costly fees and smaller tax returns,” Madigan said. “This legislation will limit a refund anticipation loan’s excessive costs and better protect consumers in communities where these products are heavily marketed.”

Senate Bill 3523 would crack down on the costs and fees of tax refund anticipation products — called refund anticipation loans and refund anticipation checks. It would also strengthen disclosure of fees and other costs and provide for additional protections for consumers who obtain refund anticipation loans from non-bank lenders, including payday lenders.

Refund anticipation loans have interest rates running as high as 150 percent that can reduce a taxpayer’s refund by as much as 20 percent before they receive it. Refund anticipation checks often are offered to taxpayers who do not qualify for a loan and simply allow the taxpayer to cash a refund — using a check or a pre-loaded debit card — after the IRS deposits it in a temporary bank account. These products are similarly riddled with high costs.

“Every year during tax season, some tax preparers and lenders take advantage of low-income individuals by charging them exorbitant fees, on top of high interest rates, to get their refunds early,” said Sen. Jacqueline Collins, Senate bill sponsor. “This legislation will cap interest rates, prohibit fees charged in addition to interest and give borrowers a chance to use their tax refunds as intended — to pay for needs like food, housing, clothing and medicine. Last year, we passed an increase in the state Earned Income Tax Credit and put money back in the pockets of the working poor. I want those eligible for the EITC to be able to keep and spend the full amount of their refunds in our communities, not have to give it to exploitative payday lenders or tax preparers.”

Madigan urged consumers to be aware of the high cost of refund anticipation products this tax season, particularly Illinoisans eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit, a federal and state anti-poverty program for working families, to ensure they maximize their returns.

State Rep. Michael Zalewski will sponsor the measure in the House.

Posted March 29, 2012

Online Staff Report

Robert Norton, 42, was found guilty of two counts of aggravated domestic battery after a bench trial in front of Judge Gary Pumilia March 27.

April 14, 2011, Norton got into an argument with his girlfriend. During the argument, the defendant pushed his girlfriend to the ground and proceeded to stomp on her head and torso. The beating resulted in her jaw being broken in four places as well as a broken rib.

The defendant did not seek medical treatment for the victim until 11 days after the incident.

Aggravated domestic battery is a class 2 felony with a sentencing range of three to seven years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for each count.

Sentencing is scheduled for 11 a.m., May 1, in courtroom 317 in front of Pumilia.

Posted March 28, 2012

Online Staff Report

A new restaurant is scheduled to open early this summer in the former Paragon restaurant space at 205 W. State St., downtown Rockford.

The management team that owns and operates Onyx Bar & Grill, 1001 W. Lane Road, Machesney Park, and R.B.I.’s Bar and Restaurant, 3870 N. Perryville Road, plans to develop a family-friendly sports bar and restaurant inside the 8,000-square-foot space.

Sunil Puri, president of First Rockford Group, which owns the property, said: “This group of talented individuals has already created two of the top five locally-owned bar and grill locations in the Rock River Valley. We are excited to bring that kind of energy to this former fine dining restaurant. People say there is nothing to do in downtown, so we are trying to give more people a reason to come to Rockford’s center.”

The facility has easy access to parking and all of the major arts venues in downtown Rockford — the BMO Harris Bank Center, Davis Park and the Coronado Performing Arts Center — and is expected to employ an additional 50 to 60 people.

“This restaurant will have a unique menu and fast, efficient lunch service,” Puri said. “They are hoping to draw primarily from the people who are already coming downtown for live entertainment at the BMO Harris Bank Center or Coronado, as well as those who are coming out to the City Market, Friday Night Flix and all of the fantastic programming at Davis Park.”

The restaurant will feature a brick pizza oven, meeting room and catering menu.

Posted March 28, 2012

Online Staff Report

The Rockford teachers’ union will meet with members of the Rockford school district at 1 p.m., Wednesday, March 28, as the two sides try to come to an agreement before a teacher strike begins March 29.

Rockford teachers have been working without a contract since July 2011. The two sides have met more than 50 times over the past 11 months and have yet to come to terms.

The teachers’ union — the Rockford Education Association (REA) — voted 1,500-74 in favor of a strike March 26. Barring a tentative agreement with the school district, members of the REA are planning to begin a strike Thursday, March 29. The strike would be the first teachers’ strike in Rockford since 1984.

In a March 26 press release, Rockford Public School District 205 Interim Superintendent Dr. Robert Willis said, “Let me be clear — no one wins in a strike.

“We have tremendous respect for our teachers, but we must balance their concerns with our primary mission, which is to address both the current and future instructional needs of our students,” Willis continued. “Our students must come first.

“The district has been reasonable in negotiations and has made significant change and compromises,” Willis added. “The district’s approach and position on the primary issues has remained constant.”

Following four hours of failed negotiations March 25, REA President Karen Bieschke said: “This is outrageous. We have been bargaining for 11 months with over 60 negotiations sessions. With the education of over 28,000 students hanging in the balance — the REA was prepared to get this done today. We did our homework and came prepared. Why didn’t Superintendent Willis and his team do the same‘?”

Teachers at the March 26 union meeting, held at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, were given written instructions about picket lines and other information about the walkout.

Strike instructions call for teachers to picket their respective buildings, with picket lines expected at every District 205 school.

The teachers’ union has also purchased 30-second advertising spots on local television, which are to air during the strike.

More than 27,000 students are enrolled in Rockford public schools.

Posted March 28, 2012

Online Staff Report

Primary election votes from six precincts in Winnebago County will be re-tabulated beginning at 2 p.m., Friday, March 30, according to the Winnebago County Clerk’s office.

The precincts were selected for re-tabulation by the Illinois State Board of Elections.

Re-tabulation will be at the Winnebago County Administration Building, 404 Elm St., Rockford, on the election side of the office.

A flaw in ballot size affected 36 percent of the 23,400 ballots cast in Winnebago County in the March 20 primary election.

The flaw forced the county to reprint and remake 8,564 ballots from its inventory, with ballots being remade by hand.

Members of both the Democratic and Republican parties were called on by Winnebago County Clerk Margie Mullins to assist with the ballot remaking, a move that has drawn criticism from candidates and voters alike.

The county has said it will seek compensation from the company that supplied the flawed ballots, ABS Graphics of Addison, Ill.

According to reports, the company said a slight blade misalignment was responsible for the flaw, which also affected about 24 other counties throughout the state.

Ballots in Winnebago County were one-sixteenth-inch too large to fit in counting machines.

The county paid ABS Graphics $14,300 for 65,000 ballots.

Mullins plans to meet with ABS Graphics after her office is finished gathering information about the extra costs incurred by the ballot flaw.

Posted March 28, 2012