2013 February | The Rock River Times

Archive for February, 2013

Police in search of two suspects in Feb. 25 murder

Thursday, February 28th, 2013

Online Staff Report

Warrants have been issued for two suspects in the Feb. 25 shooting death of 20-year-old Jimmy Hollins of Rockford.

Tommy G. Nabors, 19, and Damarius L. Nelson, 18, have both been charged with aggravated battery with a firearm and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. Police are asking anyone with information about their whereabouts to contact the police department at (815) 987-5824 or Crime Stoppers at (815) 963-7867.

At approximately 10:15 p.m., Monday, Feb. 25, Rockford police were called to the emergency room at Rockford Memorial Hospital in reference to a gunshot victim. Hollins was driven to the emergency room and carried into the ER by a person saying he had been shot. Hollins was pronounced dead at 10:45 p.m. He died as the result of a single gunshot wound to the chest.

Rockford police located the crime scene at an apartment in the 300 block of Underwood Street. They are investigating the shooting as a homicide.

Posted Feb. 28, 2013

Posted in Happening Now, Local News | No Comments »

Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts at New Mendelssohn Hall March 1

Thursday, February 28th, 2013

Online Staff Report

Rockford’s own Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts will take the stage at the New Mendelssohn Hall (formerly First Presbyterian Church), 406 N. Main St., Rockford, at 8:30 p.m., Friday, March 1.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $10. Tickets can be purchased in advance at mendelssohnpac.org. The event is presented by The Element.

Somewhere between a bar and the recording studio, Nielsens stirs up his own pop rock brand of Beatles-esque cosmic Americana: pop rock arrangements and sunny melodies tucked between a long-lost country folk steel guitar floating through speakers around crashing drums, bouncing bass lines and smooth-as-butter keys.

Born in Rockford, home of Cheap Trick and “Symbol,” power pop DNA runs through the veins of his songs and performances. Thirteen years spent playing bars, clubs and theaters, Nielsen has played and performed as vocalist / lead guitarist in many Midwestern bands from past to present: Harmony Riley, HMS and most recently, as a member in the Appleton, Wis., via Rockford ensemble, Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons — as well as his own band when time permits as Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts.

Aside from opening for acts such as Medeski, Martin & Wood, to Cake, to Moe, he also co-owns a recording studio in Rockford, FUSE, that has served as the recording home to Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons. He has worked with many artists such as Augie Meyers, Lonnie Brooks, Gabriel Reed, Cheap Trick and The Good Year Pimps.

From writing and performing his own tunes to recording and performing on other artists’ songs, Miles Nielsen continues to help carry out that very rare rock ’n’ roll torch that only few can claim out loud, “that sound? … it came from the Midwest.”

Learn more at milesnielsen.com.

Posted Feb. 28, 2013

Posted in Happening Now, Vibe Entertainment | No Comments »

‘Top Cheese Cabaret’: Gourmet comfort food and a show March 1

Thursday, February 28th, 2013

Online Staff Report

With cold winter weather still pummeling the Rockford area, now is the perfect time to warm your stomach and soul with comfort food and entertainment!

Rockford’s Court Street United Methodist Church provides the perfect night out at “Top Cheese Cabaret,” an evening of gourmet comfort food and a show, Friday, March 1, in the church’s dining room.

The fun will start at 6 p.m. as three local cooks serve up their own special recipes for grilled cheese sandwiches. Tomato soup, chili and dessert will also be served with the meal.

At 7 p.m., the entertainment portion of the evening begins with a unique blend of musical entertainment and dance. Both the dinner and entertainment can be enjoyed for a free-will donation.

Court Street United Methodist Church is in downtown Rockford at 215 N. Court St. For more about the Top Cheese Cabaret, call the church office at (815) 962-6061.

Posted Feb. 28, 2013

Posted in Happening Now, Vibe Entertainment | No Comments »

‘First Fridays’ event at Culture Shock March 1

Thursday, February 28th, 2013

Online Staff Report

Culture Shock, 2314 Charles St., Rockford, will host a “First Fridays” event from 5 to 9 p.m., Friday, March 1.

Vinyl Happy Hour will offer 20 percent off all regular merchandise, and a life DJ, Ritual Control/Eric Nofsinger, will provide music all night. Also included will be a Foto-Booth by Foto Pirates (beginning at 7 p.m.), and light food and beverages.

All ages are welcome.

For more about Culture Shock, call (815) 229-2997 or visit cultureshockrecords.com.

Posted Feb. 28, 2013

Posted in Happening Now, Vibe Entertainment | No Comments »

Regional spelling bee gains permanent funding

Thursday, February 28th, 2013

Online Staff Report

The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) announced Feb. 28 that, because of the generosity of the Eunice Wishop Stromberg Family and local donors, the Boone-Winnebago Regional Spelling Bee will be endowed in perpetuity.

The Eunice Wishop Stromberg Spelling Bee Endowment Fund has surpassed the original goal of $100,000, and is now valued at $103,015.

Media outlets reported in March 2010 that according to the Regional Office of Education the regional spelling bee was in jeopardy because of the loss of a local funder. Fortunately at that time, an anonymous donor stepped forward to sponsor the 2010 bee, and members of IBEW Local 364 generously offered to fund the bee’s expenses in 2011.

Meanwhile, the Eunice Wishop Stromberg family believed establishing a permanently endowed fund at the Community Foundation to support the regional spelling bee was an ideal way to honor the memory of their beloved aunt.

Stromberg’s family indicated that Eunice was a life-long Rockford resident who was particularly fond of children and encouraged their pursuit of academic excellence. Several members of Eunice’s close family have chosen education as their profession, and together, the relatives embraced the idea of the spelling bee legacy for Eunice.

The family offered a dollar-for-dollar match for contributions to the Spelling Bee Fund, up to $50,000.

Donations raised at the Community Foundation’s annual dinner last October and charitable contributions recently received by the foundation (including a $5,000 anonymous gift) place the value of the fund at $103,015.

Each year, income from the permanent fund will pay for the spelling bee’s expenses. Students and teachers can plan ahead, knowing that the spelling bee will take place. The Regional Office of Education will no longer have to spend time on fund-raising. This year’s spelling bee will take place March 19.

The CFNIL is the area’s largest provider of grants and scholarships. For 60 years, since 1953, its mission has been to attract, grow, and preserve an endowment for the northern Illinois community. Contributions to endowed funds at the Community Foundation are tax-deductible and accepted at any time.

Posted Feb. 28, 2013

Posted in Happening Now, Local News | No Comments »

City council, board of education candidate forums at Sullivan Center March 5, 19

Thursday, February 28th, 2013

Online Staff Report

Next Rockford, a group of young professionals actively involved in a number of key regional initiatives, is organizing two candidate forums in March to inform voters about key issues with the Rockford City Council and the Rockford Board of Education.

The group will host a city council candidate forum from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, March 5, at the downtown Sullivan Center (formerly New American Theater) at 118 N. Main St., Rockford. All candidates for the city council have been invited to attend; only those in contested races will participate in the on-stage forum.

A second forum from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, March 19, also at the downtown Sullivan Center, will feature candidates for the Rockford Board of Education. Again, all school board candidates have been invited to attend; only those in contested races will participate in the on-stage forum.

Both events will feature panelists from the daily newspaper and Next Rockford. Community members can submit question and topic suggestions via the Next Rockford Facebook page and on the Next Rockford blog at www.rrstar.com.

The general election is set for Tuesday, April 9.

Posted Feb. 28, 2013

Posted in Happening Now, Local News | No Comments »

Major snowstorm potential next week

Thursday, February 28th, 2013

By Alex Sosnowski
Expert Senior Meteorologist for AccuWeather.com

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — AccuWeather.com reports a wintry system that will make a cross-country tour beginning this weekend has the potential to develop into a major storm along the East Coast next week.

The storm is cruising northern Pacific waters to close out this week and will push into the Pacific Northwest this weekend with a modest dose of rain and mountain snow.

In fact, most of the life of this storm as it traverses the Northwest (March 2-3), then the northern Rockies and central Plains into early next week (March 3-4) will not be blockbusting news. Through this point, the storm will tend to bring travel disruptions typical of the winter months with a swath of light to moderate snow. (States in the path of the modest storm to this point include, but are not limited to, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri).

However, toward the middle of next week (March 4-5), as this storm crosses the Mississippi River, changes taking place in the upper atmosphere will favor gradual strengthening to the Atlantic coast. Moisture will begin to feed into the storm from the Gulf of Mexico, and we are likely to start to see heavier precipitation in the form of snow, rain and thunderstorms from the Ohio Valley states to parts of the South and the mid-Atlantic. (States likely to be most involved at this point include Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia).

Once the storm reaches the Atlantic coast Wednesday into Thursday (March 6-7), conditions at most levels in the nearby atmosphere and well away from the storm throughout North America will favor explosive development.

The track of this atmospheric bomb will determine whether portions of the mid-Atlantic have a foot or more of windswept snow, travel mayhem, power outages and the whole nine yards with a storm hugging the coast or another non-event with the storm heading out to sea. (States on the bubble for a major storm or a near-miss include Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, as well as the District of Columbia).

At this point, it is certainly not worth altering plans, but rather something to keep an eye on and perhaps come up with “Plan B” in case a major blizzard unfolds and wallops areas from Richmond, Va., and Washington, D.C., to Philadelphia and New York City Wednesday into Thursday.

As the track develops over land this weekend, we will have more information to pass along to followers on AccuWeather.com related to the timing of the precipitation and amount of snow and severity of any rain, thunderstorms and coastal flooding.

Some of the early weather-related problems with the storm in the Northwest this weekend will be drenching rain along the coast and snow dipping to pass levels. As with many storms that bring snow to the high country in the Northwest, there is a risk of avalanches.

Posted Feb. 28, 2013

Posted in Happening Now, Nation & World | No Comments »

Tickets to Willie Nelson at Coronado go on sale March 1

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

Online Staff Report

Country music icon Willie Nelson will perform at Rockford’s Coronado Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m., Sunday, April 7. Tickets start at $39.50 and go on sale at 10 a.m., Friday, March 1. Tickets are available at coronadopac.org, ticketmaster.com, by calling (815) 968-0595 or at the Coronado Box Office, 314 N. Main St.

If ever the words “living legend” were more than just public relations bluster, the application would be to Willie Hugh Nelson.

The iconic Texan is the creative genius behind historic recordings like “Crazy,” “Hello Walls,” “Red Headed Stranger” and “Stardust.” His career has spanned six decades. His catalog boasts more than 200 albums. He’s earned every conceivable award and honor to be bestowed a person in his profession. He has also amassed reputable credentials as an author, actor and activist.

In many ways, however, the weighty distinction “living legend” does Nelson a disservice, for it discounts the extent to which he is a thriving, relevant and progressive musical and cultural force. In the last five years alone, he delivered 10 new releases, two of which received Grammy nominations, and a career-spanning box set, released his debut novel and again headlined Farm Aid, an event he co-founded in 1985, all the while continuing to lobby against horse slaughter and produce his own blend of biodiesel fuel.

As ever, Nelson tours tirelessly, climbing aboard Honeysuckle Rose III (he rode his first two buses into the ground), taking his music and fans on a seemingly endless journey to places that were well worth the ride.

Posted Feb. 27, 2013

Posted in Happening Now, Vibe Entertainment | No Comments »

Sosnowski pushes for bipartisan pension reform deal in Springfield

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

State Rep. Joe Sosnowski, R-Rockford, joined a group (pictured) of bipartisan lawmakers Feb. 27 in unveiling a comprehensive pension reform package intended to end the long, bitter gridlock over pension reform at the state Capitol. (Photo provided)

Online Staff Report

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Joe Sosnowski, R-Rockford, joined a group of bipartisan lawmakers Feb. 27 in unveiling a comprehensive pension reform package intended to end the long, bitter gridlock over pension reform at the state Capitol.

“The pension reform plan released today will guarantee state employees a retirement that is dependable yet affordable for taxpayers,” said Sosnowski. “The compromise combines new ideas with what has been previously suggested by business and labor leaders, legislators and civic groups.”

At a press conference Feb. 27, House Bill 3411 received support from members of all four legislative caucuses and has more than 30 sponsors in the Illinois House.

“The monumental, bipartisan support for the bill is significant and signals a strong step forward in the continuing pension discussion,” Sosnowski said.

The new pension compromise would ensure the benefits for retirees by guaranteeing employer contributions to be 100 percent funded within 30 years. The proposal also calls for higher employee contributions, limits on retirement cost-of-living adjustments, and a hybrid retirement plan for newly hired teachers and state employees.

For more information, visit www.sosnowski.ilhousegop.org, or contact Sosnowski at (815) 547-3436 or by e-mail at repsosnowski@gmail.com.

Posted Feb. 27, 2013

Posted in Happening Now, Local News, Statehouse News | No Comments »

Jefferson-sponsored education initiative advances in state House

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

Online Staff Report

A public-private partnership initiative increasing higher education opportunities, co-sponsored by state Rep. Chuck Jefferson, D-Rockford, advanced out of committee last week.

“Our children are competing for jobs on the global market where, many times, a high school diploma will no longer be sufficient,” Jefferson said. “This bill will provide another resource for our high school students who cannot afford to pay tuition on their own. It also serves as an incentive for high school students to do well and graduate.”

House Bill 194 will allow the city councils of Rockford, Aurora and East St. Louis to each create a temporary “promise zone” pilot program. The program includes the formation of a Lincoln Promise Zone Authority composed of unpaid board members and a review committee. The board will solicit and use privately-donated funds to pay eligible students’ tuition for an associate degree or its equivalent from a local community college. Eligible student recipients of this scholarship must reside within the promise zone and graduate from a public high school located within that promise zone.

“As we collaborate on how we can strengthen our state, we must put education at the forefront of our discussions,” Jefferson said. “If we can increase the size of our educated workforce, then more companies will see Rockford as a place to move to and grow, and our economy will consequently improve.”

H.B. 194 now awaits action on the House floor. The bill’s primary sponsor is state Rep. Chapa LaVia, D-Aurora, a fellow military veteran and chairman of the House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee. The bill also allows for promise zone programs to be created in Aurora and East St. Louis.

For more information, contact Jefferson’s full-time constituent service office at (815) 987-7433.

Posted Feb. 27, 2013

Posted in Happening Now, Local News, Statehouse News | No Comments »

Blizzards bring drought relief to wheat belt

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

By Alex Sosnowski
Expert Senior Meteorologist, AccuWeather.com

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — AccuWeather.com reports two blizzards in less than a week have eased drought concerns in the short term for a large portion of the central and southern Plains. However, more moisture is needed moving forward to completely break the drought everywhere.

A large part of the winter wheat belt has received a big break from two massive snowstorms during the latter half of February 2013.

AccuWeather Enterprise Solutions Senior Vice President Mike Smith said, “The weather pattern over the Plains for the next two weeks is also favorable for additional moisture in some locations.”

Much of the Plains is suffering from a long-term drought that began last summer.

The main winter wheat belt extends from northwestern Texas to the Dakotas with other significant winter wheat areas over the Mississippi Valley, the Midwest, interior Northwest and part of the Atlantic Seaboard.

The combination of the two storms has put down the equivalent of 2 to 3 inches of rain from portions of the Texas Panhandle to northern Missouri. Much of this moisture is locked up in the 2 to 4 feet of snow that fell during the storms, and will gradually melt in the coming days and weeks.

Storms since Jan. 1 cumulatively added significant moisture. The combined rainfall ranged from 5 to 10 inches over a significant part of the central and southern Plains in the winter wheat belt.

A storm during the middle of December also provided an early boost in central and northern areas.

According to Agricultural Weather Expert Dale Mohler, “Additional moisture to near harvest time is no longer critical in many winter wheat areas, thanks to the recent storms, but it is still important.”

Harvest of the winter wheat over the Plains begins in the south during May and finishes in the Dakotas during July, on average. The wheat is planted in the autumn, goes dormant over the winter, and re-sprouts and matures during the spring to early summer.

As big as the storms were, they did not deliver heavy snow and moisture everywhere. Much less snow, and the moisture content within, fell over winter wheat and cattle-grazing areas of western Kansas, western and northern Nebraska, and eastern Colorado, for example.

“The Ogallala Aquifer has received a little moisture and will get a little more, but much more is needed,” Smith said.

The aquifer gets much of its recharge from the Sand Hills of northern Nebraska, which has received little moisture since the first of the year. The aquifer is the biggest source of drinking water over the High Plains region and supplies a large percentage of water for irrigation in the region.

A key to forecasting Great Plains rainfall for the latter part of the spring and summer is determining where the greatest frequency of thunderstorm complexes will be.

“There is great challenge of forecasting summer precipitation over the Plains,” Smith said. “There are often great variances with precipitation.”

AccuWeather.com will be taking a look at long-range prospects for moisture over the Plains and other areas of the nation for the spring and early summer in the coming weeks.

As far as the next couple of weeks are concerned, storms are likely to track farther north than the two recent blockbuster storms have done. This is likely to distribute some needed moisture to the northern Plains and will continue to bring moisture to areas farther east to the Mississippi Valley. However, moisture may be stingy over portions of eastern Colorado, eastern New Mexico and western Kansas with the projected storm track.

Moisture has been stingy in California over the winter, and problems may arise as a result.

Winter snowfall and the spring snow melt over the mountains are key components for drinking water and irrigation throughout the year in California and the Western U.S.

Posted Feb. 27, 2013

Posted in Happening Now, Nation & World | No Comments »

Sock Monkey Madness at Midway Village Museum March 2-3

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

Online Staff Report

An original event, the Sock Monkey Madness Festival, returns to Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, as a unique celebration of Rockford’s past by highlighting its once-thriving knitting industry and the stuffed sock toy made from Rockford Red Heel Socks, which continues as a part of America’s pop culture.

Dates are Saturday, March 2, and Sunday, March 3, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. Admission is $8 adults, $5 children and students. Museum members are admitted free. Tickets may be purchased at the door or call (815) 397-9112 for assistance.

Make-A-Monkey Workshop

Visitors have the opportunity to use their talents and imagination to construct a sock monkey of their own with the help of the talented museum staff at the Make-A-Monkey Workshop, or adorn ready-made monkeys with clothing, accessories and other free stuff. The workshop has a $20 additional fee, and may run for two hours (basic sewing skills required). Advance reservations are required for the Make-A-Monkey Workshop.

Other attractions include: The history of Rockford’s knitting industry; the origin of the sock monkey doll; Sockford General Hospital (free medical checkups and minor surgery); children’s crafts; book signings; food from Burritt’s Meat Products; the annual Ms./Mr. Sockford 2013 Beauty & Talent Pageant on Sunday (with adult and youth divisions); and the Sock Monkey Hall of Fame inductee ceremony.

Shopping is available; you can purchase crafted sock monkeys and unique accessories. Vendors will be on site selling unique sock monkey-themed items. The Midway Village Museum Gift Store will also be open.

A part of Rockford history

The Nelson Knitting Company of Rockford manufactured and sold Rockford Red Heel work socks from 1932 to 1992, which were used during the Great Depression to create a folk art sock monkey stuffed toy. Nelson Knitting acquired the patent for the sock toy and included the sock monkey doll pattern with each pair of Rockford Red Heel Socks sold starting in the early 1950s. In recent years, the sock monkey has been sold in department and specialty stores worldwide. The interest in creating a uniquely American handmade doll from Rockford Red Heel Socks is still around to this day.

Posted Feb. 27, 2013

Posted in Happening Now, Vibe Entertainment | No Comments »

Six-time Grammy winners The Chieftains at Coronado March 2

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

Six-time Grammy Award winners The Chieftains will play at Rockford’s Coronado Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 2. (Photo by Kevin Kelly)

Online Staff Report

Six-time Grammy Award winners The Chieftains will play at Rockford’s Coronado Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 2.

If you’re not already familiar, The Chieftains are the world’s most influential and successful traditional Irish band. They’ve defined Celtic music for a popular audience worldwide during their astonishing 50-year career, collaborating with legends like Sting, Van Morrison, Joni Mitchell and The Rolling Stones along the way.

The band achieved the highest Billboard debut of its career in 2012 with “Voice of Ages,” which Rolling Stone magazine called “killer” and Billboard hailed as “momentous.”

Tickets are $45-$55, and can be ordered online at coronadopac.org; at the Coronado Box Office, 314 N. Main St., Rockford; or by calling (815) 968-0595.

Posted Feb. 27, 2013

Posted in Happening Now, Vibe Entertainment | No Comments »

March 1 deadline for ‘Ready, Set, Grow’ Gardening Workshop

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

By Lisa Valle
University of Illinois Extension Ogle County, Extension Program Coordinator

Garden enthusiasts are wanted for the 2013 “Ready, Set, Grow” Gardening Workshop Saturday, March 9, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon, Ill.

Join the Master Gardeners of Ogle, Lee and Whiteside counties for this one-day event offering participants information about various aspects of home gardening.

Choose from a selection of 15 workshops ranging from sustainable landscapes to the wonderful world of beekeeping.

Other topics include organic soils, community gardening, growing vegetables, seed starting, vertical gardening and much more.

Three hands-on workshops are available for an additional fee: Magical Miniature Gardens, Succulent Container Gardens and Rain Barrels.

A keynote address by Mark Dwyer, director of horticulture at the Rotary Botanical Gardens in Janesville, Wis., will close the workshop. Dwyer will speak about “Ornamental Edible Gardening.” Learn how to incorporate a range of ornamental edibles into your garden borders, containers, and any open nook and cranny.

The workshop fee is $40, which includes a continental breakfast and buffet lunch, welcome bag courtesy of Ball Seed Company and select handouts.

In addition to the workshops, a variety of vendors will be present in the East Mall. Door prizes and the Master Gardener Q & A desk will all be waiting for you.

To register, call Ogle County Extension at (815) 732-2191 or visit their website at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/bdo. Registration is required by March 1.

Sessions will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Extension reserves the right to refuse registrations received at any time if numbers exceed room capacity.

For more about “Ready, Set, Grow” and other Master Gardener programs, call the Lee, Ogle or Whiteside county extension offices or visit their websites.

Posted Feb. 27, 2013

Posted in Home & Garden | No Comments »

Police Reports: Week of Feb. 20-26, 2013

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

Editor’s note: Click here to read this report in PDF format.

From the Rockford Police Department

Report Updated 2/27/2013 8:35:03AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

2/27/2013

GRAY, DONNA Age: 44 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/27/2013 12:08:00AM Case Number: 13-022094

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il 61101

Charges:

Driving Under Influence Liquor

Traffic signal violation

Virginia AVE

JOHNSON, ASHLEY Age: 24 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/27/2013 2:30:00AM Case Number: 12-092641

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61104

Charges:

Contempt of Court (City FTA – Failure to Appear Warrant)

Auburn ST

ONEILL, SKYE Age: 23 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/27/2013 3:09:00AM Case Number: 13-022120

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Failure to reduce speed/ Too fast for conditions

Hit and Run

Other traffic offenses

Suspended/revoked drivers license

EASTMORELAND AVE

WRANCHER, MARK Age: 21 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/27/2013 12:45:00AM Case Number: 09-067633

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Contempt of Court (City FTA – Failure to Appear Warrant)

Jackson ST

2/26/2013

ANGEL, CHRISTOPHER Age: 20 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/26/2013 11:09:00PM Case Number: 13-022084

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Prospect Heights, IL 60070

Charges:

Warrant Service – Other Agency (List Type in Note Field)

E OLD WILLOW RD

ELLIS, JEREMIAH Age: 18 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/26/2013 8:51:00PM Case Number: 13-022049

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61103

Charges:

Warrant Service – Other Agency (List Type in Note Field)

Bruner St.

ELLIS, PARIS Age: 19 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/26/2013 11:00:00AM Case Number: 10-114537

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61114

Charges:

Resisting/Obstructing an Officer (No Physical Contact)

Thyme Dr

GUTIERREZ-ALDAMA, CARLOS Age: 53 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/26/2013 4:12:00PM Case Number: 13-021956

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

N Independence AVE

All subjects are presumed innocent Page 1 of 15

until proven guilty in a court of lawReport Updated 2/27/2013 8:35:03AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

2/26/2013

Charges:

Failure to reduce speed/ Too fast for conditions

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Suspended/revoked drivers license

HARRIS, ASHLEY Age: 19 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/26/2013 4:15:00AM Case Number: 13-021694

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il

Charges:

Aggravated Battery (Peace Officer, Correctional Officer, Fireman)

Illegal consumption by minor

BROADWAY

HAY, ARIEL Age: 19 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/26/2013 11:00:00AM Case Number: 10-114537

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61102

Charges:

Resisting/Obstructing an Officer (No Physical Contact)

N Henrietta AVE

JERMON, MAURICE Age: 20 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/26/2013 11:00:00AM Case Number: 10-114537

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61104

Charges:

Resisting/Obstructing an Officer (No Physical Contact)

Fourth Ave

KELLY, RONALD Age: 67 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/26/2013 4:56:00PM Case Number: 13-021998

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Blood alcohol content over .08

Driving Under Influence Liquor

Hit and Run

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

11TH ST, RM

MAGINNIS, MICHAEL Age: 22 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/26/2013 11:09:00PM Case Number: 13-022084

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Beloit,Wi 53511

Charges:

Defective equipment

PRAIRIE AVE

MEADOWS, TREMAYNE Age: 21 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/26/2013 11:00:00AM Case Number: 10-114537

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61103

Charges:

Resisting/Obstructing an Officer (No Physical Contact)

Ferguson ST

MEEKS, CIERA Age: 18 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/26/2013 11:00:00AM Case Number: 10-114537

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61103

Charges:

Resisting/Obstructing an Officer (No Physical Contact)

Warrant Service – Other Agency (List Type in Note Field)

SUN VALLEY TER

PIENADO-ALDAMA, JOSE Age: 42 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/26/2013 4:12:00PM Case Number: 13-021956

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

N HORSMAN

All subjects are presumed innocent Page 2 of 15

until proven guilty in a court of lawReport Updated 2/27/2013 8:35:03AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

2/26/2013

Charges:

Warrant Service – Other Agency (List Type in Note Field)

REYNOLDS, KAVAIL Age: 23 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/26/2013 12:51:00AM Case Number: 13-021672

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il

Charges:

Suspended/revoked drivers license

HARRISON AVE

ROBINSON, DEQUAWN Age: 24 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/26/2013 9:00:00PM Case Number: 13-022050

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Criminal Trespass To State-Supported Land

Arline AVE

TORRES, SHERI Age: 26 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/26/2013 6:40:00PM Case Number: 13-022027

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Cherry Valley, IL

Charges:

Warrant Service – Other Agency (List Type in Note Field)

BAXTER RD

WHITE, SEAN Age: 29 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/26/2013 12:45:00AM Case Number: 10-032175

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Probation violation or revocation

W Jefferson ST

WILLIAMS, ANTONIO Age: 38 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/26/2013 4:00:00PM Case Number: 12-089769

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Belvidere,

Charges:

Burglary – Forced Entry (Non-Residence)

W. State ST

WRIGHT, PIERRE Age: 27 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/26/2013 2:45:00PM Case Number: 13-016936

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il

Charges:

Domestic Battery

FOREST AVE

WRIGHT, PIERRE Age: 26 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/26/2013 4:30:00PM Case Number: 13-021656

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Warrant Service – Other Agency (List Type in Note Field)

HOWARD AVE/ 310 FRST

2/25/2013

DAVIS, CLARENCE Age: 31 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/25/2013 10:25:00AM Case Number: 13-021342

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Fleeing to elude police officer

No drivers license

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Other traffic offenses

LINCOLN AVE

All subjects are presumed innocent Page 3 of 15

until proven guilty in a court of lawReport Updated 2/27/2013 8:35:03AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

2/25/2013

DEBERRY, TERRY Age: 41 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/25/2013 11:00:00PM Case Number: 13-021642

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il

Charges:

Driving Under Influence Liquor

Ellen Ave.

GRANADOS, DIANA Age: 18 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/25/2013 3:47:00AM Case Number: 13-021291

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

1/2 CHURCH ST

HAYWOOD, QUINTON Age: 29 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/25/2013 1:15:00AM Case Number: 13-021262

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il

Charges:

Domestic Battery

Unlawful Use Of Weapons (Unlawfully carried or possessed in a vehicle)

JONATHAN

HEIMANN, NEVIN Age: 57 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/25/2013 3:04:00AM Case Number: 13-021280

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Freeport, IL

Charges:

Driving Under Influence Liquor

Failing to signal/Improper signal

Illegal Transportation or Possession of Alcohol

Other traffic offenses

W. EMPIRE ST

HILL, DEKEISIANA Age: 19 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/25/2013 5:14:00PM Case Number: 13-021534

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, ILL

Charges:

City Ordinances Loitering on Public Property

8TH AVE

NORMAN, KYLE Age: 18 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/25/2013 9:25:00PM Case Number: 10-031144

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Probation violation or revocation

1/2 7TH ST

NORMAN, KYLE Age: 18 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/25/2013 9:25:00PM Case Number: 10-111718

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Probation violation or revocation

Homeless

RUDD, CHRISTOPHER Age: 24 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/25/2013 12:45:00AM Case Number: 13-021269

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61101

Charges:

No registration

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Suspended/revoked drivers license

N Day AVE

All subjects are presumed innocent Page 4 of 15

until proven guilty in a court of lawReport Updated 2/27/2013 8:35:03AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

2/25/2013

SCHULDT, HARRY Age: 60 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/25/2013 4:58:00PM Case Number: 13-021530

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Domestic Battery

Albert AVE

STORY, ZACHERY Age: 18 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/25/2013 11:21:00PM Case Number: 11-031188

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61104

Charges:

Contempt of Court (City FTA – Failure to Appear Warrant)

Crosby ST

STORY, ZACHERY Age: 20 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/25/2013 11:21:00PM Case Number: 13-021655

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61104

Charges:

Resisting/Obstructing an Officer (Physical Confrontation)

Warrant Service – Other Agency (List Type in Note Field)

Crosby ST

THREADGILL, JOSEPH Age: 24 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/25/2013 1:28:00PM Case Number: 13-021405

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61109

Charges:

Disorderly Conduct

Jacqueline Ct.

WHITE, CECIL Age: 21 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/25/2013 4:10:00PM Case Number: 13-007632

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,

Charges:

Telephone threats

N Rockton

WHITE, CECIL Age: 21 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/25/2013 4:10:00PM Case Number: 13-018348

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,

Charges:

Violation Of An Order Of Protection

N Rockton

2/24/2013

DIXON, CHEYENNE Age: 21 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/24/2013 11:22:00AM Case Number: 13-021073

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61102

Charges:

Suspended/revoked drivers license

Overdene AVE

FRAZIER, JEFF Age: 32 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/24/2013 4:21:00AM Case Number: 13-020994

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Driving Under Influence Liquor

LANGSTONE

GARCIA, LAURA Age: 24 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/24/2013 10:45:00PM Case Number: 13-021246

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

LOG CABIN

All subjects are presumed innocent Page 5 of 15

until proven guilty in a court of lawReport Updated 2/27/2013 8:35:03AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

2/24/2013

Charges:

No drivers license

Other traffic offenses

GUENTHER, ADAM Age: 29 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/24/2013 7:41:00AM Case Number: 13-021025

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61109

Charges:

Criminal Trespass to Real Property (Standard)

Bildahl St

JEFFERSON, RUSSELL Age: 24 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/24/2013 11:00:00PM Case Number: 12-063984

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Murder-first degree

Unk

JOHNSON, KEITH Age: 45 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/24/2013 12:50:00AM Case Number: 13-020910

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Theft of Services

ARTHUR AVE

JOSEPH, ANTINEO Age: 39 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/24/2013 4:05:00PM Case Number: 10-125337

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Probation violation or revocation

Oakley AVE

LASTER, ZACHERY Age: 21 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/24/2013 6:53:00PM Case Number: 11-152580

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Contempt of Court (City FTA – Failure to Appear Warrant)

N INDEPENDENCE

LEE, CODY Age: 20 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/24/2013 5:24:00PM Case Number: 12-028737

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Probation violation or revocation

UNDERWOOD ST

LEE, CODY Age: 21 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/24/2013 5:24:00PM Case Number: 13-021145

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Warrant Service – Other Agency (List Type in Note Field)

UNDERWOOD ST

RENFRO, BRITTANY Age: 19 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/24/2013 5:35:00AM Case Number: 13-021005

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Domestic Battery

Marshall ST

ROSE, NICOLE Age: 29 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/24/2013 7:30:00PM Case Number: 13-021189

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61108

Monmorecy DR

All subjects are presumed innocent Page 6 of 15

until proven guilty in a court of lawReport Updated 2/27/2013 8:35:03AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

2/24/2013

Charges:

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Suspended/revoked drivers license

SMALL, SOPHIA Age: 37 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/24/2013 7:06:00PM Case Number: 13-021184

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford Il, 61102

Charges:

Violation of the Cannabis Control Act (more than 2.5 less than 10)

Contempt of Court (City FTA – Failure to Appear Warrant)

No registration

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Suspended/revoked drivers license

OGILBY RD

TRIPP, MONTREL Age: 25 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/24/2013 10:31:00AM Case Number: 13-020289

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il

Charges:

Domestic Battery

Interfering with the Reporting of Domestic Violence

SCHOOL STREET

TRIPP, MONTRELL Age: 24 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/24/2013 10:31:00AM Case Number: 12-000181

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61102

Charges:

Additional Authorized Charges (See Note Field)

N Day

TRIPP, MONTRELL Age: 24 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/24/2013 10:31:00AM Case Number: 12-068923

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Harassment by telephone

N Day ST

TRIPP, MONTRELL Age: 25 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/24/2013 10:31:00AM Case Number: 12-142729

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Fleeing to elude police officer

Parole violation or revocation

Suspended/revoked drivers license

Warrant Service – Other Agency (List Type in Note Field)

N Day ST

VAZQUEZ-BRIONES, JUAN Age: 23 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/24/2013 10:10:00PM Case Number: 13-021235

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

No drivers license

Other traffic offenses

Catherine ST

WOLF, STEVEN Age: 31 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/24/2013 1:43:00AM Case Number: 13-020922

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Aggravated Driving Under Influence Liquor

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Traffic speeding

CHARING DR

All subjects are presumed innocent Page 7 of 15

until proven guilty in a court of lawReport Updated 2/27/2013 8:35:03AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

2/24/2013

YOUNG, CHARLENE Age: 22 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/24/2013 12:30:00PM Case Number: 13-021089

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Chicago, IL 60628

Charges:

Aggravated Battery – Knife/Cutting Instrument

S Lafayette AVE

2/23/2013

BROWNLEE, BOBBY Age: 50 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/23/2013 3:24:00PM Case Number: 13-020743

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il

Charges:

Improper turning

No drivers license

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

CHESTNUT ST

DAVIS, DONNITA Age: 37 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/23/2013 6:00:00PM Case Number: 13-020761

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Sign violation

Suspended/revoked drivers license

N Independence

DAVIS, ROBERT Age: 31 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/23/2013 7:00:00PM Case Number: 13-020804

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Criminal Trespass to Land

N SUNSET

DOTSON, LOWELL Age: 46 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/23/2013 11:55:00PM Case Number: 13-020895

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61104

Charges:

Light violation

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Suspended/revoked drivers license

10th AVE

FEHR, GENE Age: 47 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/23/2013 11:55:00PM Case Number: 13-020885

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il

Charges:

Aggravated Driving Under Influence Liquor

Hit and Run

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Wood RD

FRYE, IVORY Age: 36 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/23/2013 3:24:00PM Case Number: 13-020743

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il

Charges:

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

BERGLUND RD

GABBARD, FELECIA Age: 31 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/23/2013 2:23:00PM Case Number: 13-020715

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61104

12th Ave.

All subjects are presumed innocent Page 8 of 15

until proven guilty in a court of lawReport Updated 2/27/2013 8:35:03AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

2/23/2013

Charges:

Heroin Possession (not more than 15 grams)

Sale or Possession of Hypodermic Syringes or Needles

GULLEY, RICHARD Age: 54 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/23/2013 4:13:00AM Case Number: 13-020589

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department San Diego, CA 92104

Charges:

Theft of Services

30TH ST STE B

HECKLESMILLER, GAIL Age: 51 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/23/2013 11:00:00PM Case Number: 13-020871

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Aggravated Domestic Battery

S COURT ST

LAWRENCE, RICK Age: 61 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/23/2013 5:30:00PM Case Number: 13-020640

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Warrant Service – Other Agency (List Type in Note Field)

7TH AVE

MAYON, ALICIA Age: 32 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/23/2013 12:23:00AM Case Number: 13-020530

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61102

Charges:

Improper use of registration

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Suspended/revoked drivers license

Lexington AVE

MILLER, SUSAN Age: 47 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/23/2013 2:23:00PM Case Number: 13-020715

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Decatur, IL 62521

Charges:

No registration

E. Lakeshore Dr.

SANDERS, CLETIA Age: 41 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/23/2013 11:30:00PM Case Number: 13-020888

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61103

Charges:

Canceled/suspended/revoked registration

Suspended/revoked drivers license

ISLAND AVE

SLICK, KIMBERLY Age: 18 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/23/2013 1:20:00PM Case Number: 13-020692

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Byron, IL 61010

Charges:

Illegal possession by minor

Retail Theft (less Than $150-Standard)

E WALDEN RD

TAYLOR, RODNEY Age: 37 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/23/2013 11:00:00AM Case Number: 13-018525

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Sale or Possession of Hypodermic Syringes or Needles

Homeless

All subjects are presumed innocent Page 9 of 15

until proven guilty in a court of lawReport Updated 2/27/2013 8:35:03AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

2/23/2013

TISDALE, CAROLYN Age: 49 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/23/2013 6:33:00PM Case Number: 13-020793

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61109

Charges:

Disorderly Conduct

ALLIANCE AVE

2/22/2013

ALEXANDER, MARQUISE Age: 25 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/22/2013 6:08:00PM Case Number: 13-009551

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Domestic Battery

UNK

BURRIS II, MICHAEL Age: 26 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/22/2013 11:23:00AM Case Number: 12-026273

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Belvidere, IL 61008

Charges:

Other criminal offenses

Newburg RD

BURRIS, MICHAEL Age: 26 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/22/2013 12:00:00PM Case Number: 12-026114

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61104

Charges:

Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (Discharged in the direction of a person)

Unlawful Use Of Weapons (carried or possessed)

Unlawful Use Of Weapons By A Felon

5TH AVE

BURRIS, MICHAEL Age: 26 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/22/2013 11:23:00AM Case Number: 12-071149

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Belvidere,

Charges:

Theft (more than $300- Unauthorized Control)

Newburg Rd.

DAVIS, CIERRA Age: 27 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/22/2013 1:05:00AM Case Number: 13-020534

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Warrant Service – Other Agency (List Type in Note Field)

N Rockton AVE

ELLIOTT, ERIC Age: 19 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/22/2013 11:47:00PM Case Number: 13-020512

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Suspended/revoked drivers license

Traffic signal violation

PRAIRIE RD

FLINT, ANTWON Age: 33 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/22/2013 1:40:00AM Case Number: 13-020169

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Contempt of Court (City FTA – Failure to Appear Warrant)

Warrant Service – Other Agency (List Type in Note Field)

N Central

All subjects are presumed innocent Page 10 of 15

until proven guilty in a court of lawReport Updated 2/27/2013 8:35:03AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

2/22/2013

HORTON, ROBERT Age: 60 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/22/2013 6:22:00PM Case Number: 13-020421

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Light violation

Suspended/revoked drivers license

ELM ST

MARKIN, KELLI Age: 34 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/22/2013 1:40:00PM Case Number: 13-020320

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department S Beloit, IL 61080

Charges:

Retail Theft (More than $150- Standard)

Roscoe AVE

MCLIN, DARRELL Age: 32 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/22/2013 5:40:00AM Case Number: 13-014456

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Criminal Damage to Vehicle

UNK PARMELE ADDR

MCLIN, DARRELL Age: 32 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/22/2013 5:40:00AM Case Number: 13-020198

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61107

Charges:

Aggravated Assault (Peace Officer or Fireman)

Silentwood Trl

MEREDITH, JAMIE Age: 31 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/22/2013 11:20:00PM Case Number: 13-020493

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61108

Charges:

Warrant Service – Other Agency (List Type in Note Field)

Marshall St.

MORGAN, TYRICE Age: 18 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/22/2013 5:05:00PM Case Number: 13-020402

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Unauthorized Possession or Storage of Weapon

Collins ST

PEREZ, ALBERT Age: 21 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/22/2013 10:51:00PM Case Number: 13-020504

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, Ii

Charges:

Aggravated Assault (Peace Officer or Fireman)

Aggravated Driving Under Influence Liquor

Illegal Transportation or Possession of Alcohol

Light violation

No drivers license

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Resisting/Obstructing an Officer (Physical Confrontation)

Warrant Service – Other Agency (List Type in Note Field)

Broadway

PEREZ, NABOR Age: 26 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/22/2013 10:51:00PM Case Number: 13-020504

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61101

Lapey ST

All subjects are presumed innocent Page 11 of 15

until proven guilty in a court of lawReport Updated 2/27/2013 8:35:03AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

2/22/2013

Charges:

Illegal Transportation or Possession of Alcohol

Resisting/Obstructing an Officer (Physical Confrontation)

PEREZ, TEOFILO Age: 23 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/22/2013 10:51:00PM Case Number: 13-020504

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61104

Charges:

Aggravated Assault (Peace Officer or Fireman)

Resisting/Obstructing an Officer (Physical Confrontation)

N Springfield AVE

THOMPSON, KIMBERLY Age: 26 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/22/2013 6:45:00PM Case Number: 12-164102

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61109

Charges:

Forgery (Checks)

WILL JAMES RD

WATKINS, KEYONDIA Age: 32 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/22/2013 8:15:00PM Case Number: 13-020461

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61102

Charges:

Operating vehicle suspended reg.-no insurance

Suspended/revoked drivers license

Andrews St.

WENTZ, SARA Age: 28 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/22/2013 6:59:00PM Case Number: 12-059834

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department South Beloit, IL 61080

Charges:

Endangering the Life or Health of a Child

Lawney CT

WENTZ, SARA Age: 29 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/22/2013 6:59:00PM Case Number: 12-151563

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Loves Park, IL 61111

Charges:

Probation violation or revocation

Painted Pony LN

WILSON, ADAM Age: 18 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/22/2013 12:00:00PM Case Number: 12-026114

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Darien, WI 53114

Charges:

Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (Discharged in the direction of a person)

Unlawful Use Of Weapons (carried or possessed)

Violation Of The Firearm Owner’s Identification Card Act (No FOID)

Buckingham CT

2/21/2013

ACREE, CHRISTOPHER Age: 25 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/21/2013 7:50:00PM Case Number: 13-016958

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Freeport, IL 61032

Charges:

Theft (more than $300- Unauthorized Control)

W. Mulberry Ln.

ASHFORD, DONQUEZ Age: 18 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/21/2013 10:10:00PM Case Number: 13-020104

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il

LUCILLE ST

All subjects are presumed innocent Page 12 of 15

until proven guilty in a court of lawReport Updated 2/27/2013 8:35:03AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

2/21/2013

Charges:

Aggravated Battery – Hands/Fist/Feet – Great Bodily Harm

Other criminal offenses

Resisting/Obstructing an Officer (No Physical Contact)

BAKER, DAVID Age: 46 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/21/2013 5:09:00PM Case Number: 13-020010

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Suspended/revoked drivers license

KENNON RD

BROWN, LUTECE Age: 26 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/21/2013 1:30:00PM Case Number: 13-019932

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61101

Charges:

Improper turning

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Suspended/revoked drivers license

ANDREWS ST

BRYDEN, KYLE Age: 24 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/21/2013 1:50:00AM Case Number: 13-019820

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Aggravated Assault (Peace Officer or Fireman)

Resisting/Obstructing an Officer (Physical Confrontation)

NORMANDY AVE

CABLE, TANISHA Age: 23 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/21/2013 9:30:00PM Case Number: 11-153234

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Probation violation or revocation

Overland TRL

CROSS, DANIELLE Age: 36 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/21/2013 1:00:00AM Case Number: 13-019807

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61104

Charges:

Aggravated Driving Under Influence Liquor

Improper lane usage

No registration

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Other moving violations (non-specific)

7th ST

DITTBENNER, JENNIFER Age: 29 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/21/2013 1:15:00AM Case Number: 13-019815

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61102

Charges:

Contempt of Court (City FTA – Failure to Appear Warrant)

ALICIA AVE

DITTBENNER, REGGIE Age: 33 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/21/2013 1:15:00AM Case Number: 13-019815

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Resisting/Obstructing an Officer (No Physical Contact)

Warrant Service – Other Agency (List Type in Note Field)

ALICIA AVE

All subjects are presumed innocent Page 13 of 15

until proven guilty in a court of lawReport Updated 2/27/2013 8:35:03AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

2/21/2013

FARRAH, CRAIG Age: 35 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/21/2013 11:00:00PM Case Number: 13-020121

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Criminal Trespass to State Supported Property

KENT ST

FOSTER, HAROLD Age: 21 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/21/2013 12:05:00AM Case Number: 13-019801

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Defective equipment

Suspended/revoked drivers license

Chamberlain ST

GRIFFIN, MAJOR Age: 35 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/21/2013 10:20:00AM Case Number: 13-019885

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

16TH AVE

HAIMAN, NICHOLAS Age: 26 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/21/2013 3:25:00AM Case Number: 11-147013

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford Illinois,

Charges:

Contempt of Court (City FTA – Failure to Appear Warrant)

Ashland AVE

HAIMAN, NICHOLAS Age: 27 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/21/2013 3:25:00AM Case Number: 13-019828

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Warrant Service – Other Agency (List Type in Note Field)

Ashland AVE

HALL, WILLIAM Age: 27 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/21/2013 12:56:00AM Case Number: 13-019813

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Improper use of registration

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Suspended/revoked drivers license

ROME AVE

JACKSON, LINDSEY Age: 41 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/21/2013 10:30:00AM Case Number: 13-019897

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61101

Charges:

Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

N Horsman

KOHNKE, TRACEY Age: 42 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 2/21/2013 3:53:00PM Case Number: 13-019988

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rock City, IL 61070

Charges:

Other criminal offenses

MARKET STREET PO BOX 83

POSTLEWAITE, WILLIAM Age: 51 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/21/2013 3:53:00PM Case Number: 13-019988

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rock City, IL 61070

MARKET ST PO BOX 83

All subjects are presumed innocent Page 14 of 15

until proven guilty in a court of lawReport Updated 2/27/2013 8:35:03AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

2/21/2013

Charges:

Suspended/revoked drivers license

PULLEY, SHADDRICK Age: 36 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/21/2013 2:59:00AM Case Number: 13-019821

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61107

Charges:

Criminal Damage to Property(under $300)

Resisting/Obstructing an Officer (No Physical Contact)

N Longwood ST

ROGGENSACK, BRADLEY Age: 34 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/21/2013 10:30:00AM Case Number: 13-019884

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61109

Charges:

Suspended/revoked drivers license

Traffic speeding

SENATE DR

STONITSCH, RYAN Age: 35 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/21/2013 11:34:00AM Case Number: 13-019917

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61101

Charges:

Suspended/revoked drivers license

SEXTON DR

THOMAS, MARK Age: 29 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/21/2013 12:56:00AM Case Number: 13-019813

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Aggravated Assault (Peace Officer or Fireman)

Illegal Transportation or Possession of Alcohol

Resisting/Obstructing an Officer (Physical Confrontation)

Edelweiss DR

THOMAS, TOMMIE Age: 29 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/21/2013 11:51:00AM Case Number: 13-019920

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Operating vehicle suspended reg.-no insurance

Andrews ST

WATKINS, JAMES Age: 19 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 2/21/2013 10:10:00PM Case Number: 13-020104

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Possession of Cannabis With Intent to Deliver (more than 10 less than 30)

Aggravated Battery – Hands/Fist/Feet – Great Bodily Harm

Fleeing to elude police officer

Other criminal offenses

Resisting/Obstructing an Officer (No Physical Contact)

Christina

All subjects are presumed innocent Page 15 of 15

until proven guilty in a court of law

Posted Feb. 27, 2013

Posted in Police Reports | No Comments »

‘Unique’ development in Block 3

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

Urban Equity Properties, LLC, closed on the purchase of 324-330 E. State St., Tuesday, Feb. 19, from long-time owner Dennis Clement. UEP President Justin Fern said he plans state-of-the-art, market-rate lofts for the upper floors and a restaurant with an accordion storefront that will be very unique. (Urban Equity Property, LLC, photo)

By Frank Schier
Editor & Publisher

Get ready for the unique in East State Street’s Block 3.

Tuesday, Feb. 19, Urban Equity Properties, LLC, (UEP) acquired 324-330 E. State St. for redevelopment. The property is the former home of the Surf Lounge, and now Bar 3 and Damon’s Print Shop. UEP’s other projects include a 2009 million-dollar renovation of lofts and storefronts at the old Minglewood Building, 317-325 W. Jefferson. In 2010, UEP purchased the Adriatic/MSII Graphic Building at 327 W. Jefferson. UEP recently completed a $500,000 renovation of the old American Café, now Salvage by Sonya, Angelic Organics, and Cool Chicks Aerobics with two residential loft apartments on the second floor at 110-112 N. First St. UEP has also purchased 130-136 N. First St., and plans to do a complete historical renovation in May of this year. In 2008, UEP purchased the well-known art gallery and lofts at 317 Market St. UEP also owns various residential properties in the Signal Hill Neighborhood of Rockford and several commercial properties in Chicago and Chicago suburbs.

Urban Equity has leased back Bar 3 and Damon’s Print Shop to the former property owner, Dennis Clement, for the remainder of the year.

“Bar 3 and Damon’s Print shop will remain open until we begin our renovation in January of 2014,” said Fern, president of UEP. “I’m really excited about this acquisition because this property was a constant challenge for its owner, the City of Rockford and the surrounding neighborhood. This project will be very unique.

“I’m so happy we were able to come to an agreement that benefited both Mr. Clement and Urban Equities Properties. I have tremendous respect for Dennis personally, his business sense, his long-term commitment to downtown, and his perseverance and creativity.

“We’ve been working with the City of Rockford, and really appreciate the efforts of Mayor Morrissey, City Administrator Jim Ryan, and Building Department Director Todd Cagnone and all the staff that helped us to understand this property to improve downtown.

“However, let me make it clear — this project is 100 percent financed by Urban Equities Properties, LLC.

“Our vision for this section of East State Street’s Block 3 will incorporate a mixed-use with six market-rate residential loft apartments, with balconies, gourmet kitchens, exposed brick and all the amenities that the modern urban dweller craves. The first floor of the property will be a restaurant and bar, around 6,000 square-feet, and will be the first downtown food and beverage establishment with an accordion facade that completely opens onto the sidewalk. It will be an inside/outside open-air restaurant; it’s really going to be wild,” concluded Fern.

Rockford City Administrator Jim Ryan said: “More than anytime since I can remember in the last 10 years of working for the city, there is more interest than ever in doing residential development in downtown Rockford. One of the reasons for that is because of the River Edge Redevelopment Zone and Historic Tax Credit legislation pushed by Mayor Morrissey and our state legislators. Now, we have developments that were once unattainable being very viable. Mr. Clement has been a very good business owner and advocate for downtown, and we wish him the best.”

“I did make a deal with Justin Fern,” said Clement. “I guess the fact that I’ve owned vacant real estate for the last few decades, this eases the strain on me. I don’t really have any plans at this point that I want to discuss. The decision to do something with the property has realistically been one of a couple of options for me for some time. My children are gone and grown up, and we are official empty nesters. With the plans for downtown they’ve laid out, it was time, and I’m not in the position to do something of that scope. Justin has the vision and drive to do this. I’ve always lived within a quarter of a mile of downtown, and I want to see good things happen. That’s what it’s all about. We leased back the bar. We’ll continue to operate it for the year, and we hope to see all of our friends.”

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Local News, News | 9 Comments »

PaleoFest March 2-3 at Rockford’s Burpee Museum

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

Dr. Scott Sampson

Staff Report

The 15th Annual PaleoFest will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, March 2-3, at Rockford’s Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford.

General admission is $12 (includes all Dino-Blast activities and Rick’s Picks); $20 for non-members and $15 for members for the “Dr. Scott Talks Dinosaurs” presentation, including general admission to Burpee, access to Dino-Blast Stations and Rick’s Picks; The End of the Dinosaurs Symposium, which includes admission to the museum and access to Rick’s Picks, is $80 for non-members and $60 for members and students for a two-day pass, and $60 for non-members and $40 for members and students for a one-day pass; the Dr. Horner Dinner Talk is sold out; and Hands On Burpee Workshops (Sunday only) are $15 non-members and $10 members.

Started in 1999, PaleoFest is a family-friendly event that celebrates the science of paleontology, with hands-on paleo-workshops for kids, Dino-Blast Activity Stations, paleo-themed adult lectures, and back for 2013 — Dr. Scott Sampson (aka “Dr. Scott”) of the popular PBS children’s show Dinosaur Train.

In addition to being a TV host, Dr. Scott is a world-renowned paleontologist and educator who delivers exciting, kid-friendly presentations, inspiring children to “get outside, get into nature and make their own discoveries!”

This year, Dr. Scott will deliver kids presentations both Saturday and Sunday called “Dr. Scott Talks Dinosaurs.” Registration for Dr. Scott’s presentations includes general admission to the museum.

Dr. John “Jack” Horner

For PaleoFest weekend, Burpee will have several Dino-Blast activity stations throughout the museum. Children who attend one of Dr. Scott’s presentations and complete all the Dino-Blast activity stations will receive a Junior Paleontologist Certificate signed by Dr. Scott.

In addition to Dr. Scott, Burpee will have Dr. John “Jack” Horner, curator of paleontology from the Museum of the Rockies, who will provide the Saturday evening dinner talk.

Dr. Horner is one of the best-known paleontologists in the world, having written hundreds of scientific papers and several books. Dr. Horner is regularly seen on dinosaur documentaries on Discovery Channel , National Geographic and 60 Minutes. He will be talking about dinosaur ontogeny (how a dinosaur changes as it grows up).

Special for the 2013 PaleoFest is The End of the Dinosaurs Symposium. This first-of-its-kind symposium will feature 32 well-known paleontologists from all over the world, who will be presenting new research on the latest Cretaceous period. There will be presenters from the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, Museum of the Rockies, University of Toronto, University of Iowa, University of California/Berkeley, University of Alberta, Royal Tyrrell Museum, and international presenters from Argentina, China, Japan and Scotland.

Registration for the symposium includes Burpee general admission, access to Dino-Blast and Rick’s Picks.

For more PaleoFest information about Dr. Scott, Dino-Blast Activities, Burpee Paleo-workshops, Jack Horner dinner lecture, the late Cretaceous scientific symposium/lectures and more, visit www.burpee.org or call (815) 965-3433.

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Local News, News | No Comments »

‘Young Artist Show: High School Division’ opens at RAM March 3

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

The 72nd Young Artist Show: High School Division, featuring 151 works of art from 108 students from 17 area schools, will open with a free public opening from 1 to 3 p.m., Sunday, March 3, at Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. Awards will be presented that day at 2 p.m. The exhibit will remain on display through Sunday, April 7. Click here for full details about the show, including a complete list of participating students and information about the “Arts of March” display at Rockford’s Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, featuring 26 works by 26 students from 17 schools. “Arts of March” is on display March 1-30.

“Paula,” by Kayla Inthabandith, senior at Machesney Park Harlem High School

“Aidan,” by Alayni Frizzell, junior at Machesney Park Harlem High School

“Weeping Lichtenstein,” by Brianna Smith, senior at Rockford East High School

“Scream,” by Nayeli Talavera, senior at Rockford Jefferson High School

“Fish Hockey,” by Serina Cortinez, senior at Machesney Park Harlem High School

“Outlook Not So Good,” by Audrey Gilfallan, senior at Rockford Guilford High School

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Art, Vibe Entertainment, Vibe Entertainment News | No Comments »

Time for doubters to accept that Danica is for real

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

By Doug Halberstadt
Sports Columnist

It’s no secret that I’ve been a Danica Patrick fan for a long time. I found myself defending her driving skills and abilities to her critics long before she transitioned from the IndyCar Series to the NASCAR Nationwide Series and now to the Sprint Cup Series.

After Patrick’s impressive showing last Sunday, Feb. 24, in the Daytona 500, I don’t think she’ll be requiring my services any longer.

It’s evident Patrick does, indeed, have what it takes to compete at the sport’s highest level. Her ability to capture the pole of NASCAR’s biggest race, lead five laps during that race and finish in the eighth spot clearly demonstrate that she’s not a fluke.

To all of her critics, I say it’s time for you to eat your words and show her the respect she’s earned. I’m not suggesting you have to be a Danica fan, all I’m saying is you’ve been consistently wrong by suggesting she doesn’t have any driving talent and the only reason she is where she’s at is because of her good looks. You were wrong then, and you’re still wrong. She can drive, and she’s always been able to.

As a matter of fact, she’s actually getting better. Just like every other driver, she’s had to experience the “learning curve” that is so often referred to by the sport’s analysts. I’d say she’s a pretty quick learner.

Patrick’s showing at Daytona has proven she can “run with the big boys.” Now, it’s time for the big boys, and their fans, to accept that fact.

Doug Halberstadt can be reached via e-mail at Dougster61@aol.com.

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Sports, Sports News | No Comments »

KNIB adds two board members

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

Patrick J. Murphy

Jennifer Kuroda

Jennifer Kuroda, of Rockford, and Patrick J. Murphy, of Belvidere, have joined Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful (KNIB) as members of the Board of Directors.

“We are pleased to have these supportive volunteers,” said Board Chairman Bob McCreath. “Patrick Murphy will spearhead our expansion in Boone County, and Jennifer Kuroda brings to the table her expertise in science and ecological stewardship.”

Murphy has served as Belvidere Township supervisor since 2008 and is agent/owner of P. Murphy Insurance Services. He also serves on the board of Growth Dimensions and the state board for CASA.

Kuroda is quality improvement manager at SwedishAmerican Health System, where she oversees regulatory compliance, risk management, and care coordination for the SwedishAmerican Health Group. She is also enrolled in a graduate program in zoology with Miami University of Ohio.

For 25 years, KNIB has engaged all elements of the community to enhance the environment and beauty of the region by reducing, reusing and recycling the world’s resources for future generations. For more information, call (815) 637-1343, visit the website at www.knib.org, or “like” the organization’s page on Facebook, www.facebook.com/keepnorthernillinoisbeautiful.

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Community News and Notes, People In Our Times | No Comments »

Call to action on Keystone XL pipeline

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

Sandra and I are writing this letter on a bus returning from Washington, D.C. We attended a rally named Forward on Climate, originally projected to attract fewer than 10,000 people. Attendance mushroomed to somewhere between 35- and 50,000 in the weeks before the event and included people of all ages and backgrounds. One of the primary goals of the rally was to support President Obama’s stated desire to move to a clean energy economy and to encourage him to find alternatives to the Keystone XL pipeline. Sandra and I are amazed by how many in our community support a project of a foreign corporation that seizes property rights from U.S. land owners to pump tar sands oil over our aquifers for refining by an international company with a history of emissions violations, for sale in the international market. If you are not aware of the KXL project and its consequences for our future, please become informed, learn the facts from reliable sources and take action to help protect our future.

Dave Davis
Oregon, Ill.

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Letters to the Editor | No Comments »

Eureka! Classifieds: Week of Feb. 27-March 5, 2013

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

FOR SALE

Appliances

ADMIRAL REFRIGERATOR 18’ $125 779/368-0135. 3/13

SHARP CAROUSEL MICROWAVE $125, silver, call if interested 815/847-9922. 2/27

ROPER WASHER, large load capacity and Roper dryer, heavy-duty super-capacity, $150 each. Kinetico brand water softener $100 815/978-7610. TFN

WASHERS, DRYERS, STOVES, refrigerators, ladders & lawn mowers, power tools, furniture items. Warranties included, delivery available. 815/721-6318. TFN

Cemetery Plots

SUNSET MEMORIAL Garden of Good Shepherd, 2 lots $600, Judy 815/904-6509. 3/13

WILLWOOD CEMETERY 4 spaces Concordia area $1795 each. 815/877-0145. TFN

1 CEMETERY SPACE in Sunset Memorial Gardens, valued at $3300, will sell for $800 – seller pays fees 779/774-5238. 3/13

INSIDE SINGLE CRYPT with a right for cremation at Sunset Memorial Gardens, current value $9300 includes interment fees, asking $7500 815/637-6130 or 815/315-3430. 3/6

2 SPACES, WILLWOOD Burial Park, Lakeview Division, asking $1795 each 815/980-7215. 2/27

1 SPACE IN SUNSET MEMORIAL GARDENS (Lutheran section). $1,000 + fees. 941/893-5283. janey0403@hotmail.com. TFN

RIVER VALLEY MEMORIAL GARDENS Dundee, IL. 4 spaces, Catholic section by the shrine. Valued at $5,000 – Make offer. 815/558-1478. TFN

Clothing

DESIGNER SWEATERS & sweater dresses, unique accent trims, sizes sm-lg 815/877-4498. 3/13

DOWN UNDER SHORT DROVER coat, XL, unlined, black. 100% cotton oilskin, double snap closure $85 815/621-8971. 3/6

JEANS/SLACKS women’s sizes 10-16, men’s waist 32-34, length 33, women’s shoes/boots sizes 7-9 815/877-4498. 3/6

Collectibles

CASPER THE FRIENDLY GHOST collectible, fluorescent toy from 1957, excellent condition $10 779/774-5238. 3/13

Craft Supplies

QUILT FRAME for one quilter or expand for group quilting $75 815/449-9078. 3/13

FABRIC DENIM INDIGO WASHED medium blue, light weight 60” 10 yd. bolt $38 815/621-8971. 3/6

Electronics

PEAVY ST6 15″ 4-way loud speakers with 2 black window woofers $800 815/988-0325. 3/13

STEREO HEADPHONE, mp3 player, princess telephone, 1980 color TV, many electronic components, everything for $11 815/395-1430. 3/13

Used XEROX 5028 black and white office copier. Includes storage base; 15 page sorter; two letter size, one legal size and one 11”x17” size paper trays; one extra toner. Copy cartridge partially used. Automatic doc. feeder needs repair. $500 OBO. Call 815/964-9767 M-F, 9:30-5:00 and ask for Frank. TFN

Equipment

9’ WHEEL DISC $400 815/266-9809. 3/13

MTD 2-STAGE SNOW THROWER walk behind with snow shield, electric start, 5hp, runs good $250 815/397-4483. 3/13

20’ ALUMINUM WALK PLANK with 3-rung aluminum ladder brackets $400 815/266-9809. 3/13

WALL JACKS, adjustable height 1000# cap. $200 815/266-9809. 3/13

MEYERS SALT SPREADER/SAND with controls $300, used Meyers lightweight show plow blade $650, snow plow mounting frame with lights & lift pump $150 815/222-2225. 2/27

METAL LAWN TRACTOR TRAILER 30wX45lX14d, with tilt, new tubes $75 815/980-7863. TFN

MEYERS SNOWPLOW & PUMP. $500 OBO. Call Sam 815/505-6833. TFN

MACHINERY CONSIGNMENT SALE, Mon., Mar. 4, 2013 at 9:00 A.M. Consign early by Feb 18, 2013 for complete advertising. Gilbert’s Sale Yard, LLC, 641-398-2218. 2 Mi. N. of Floyd, IA On Hwy. 218. Tractor House Internet Bidding Available. www.gilbertsaleyard.com (MCN)

MACHINERY CONSIGNMENT SALE, Mon., Apr. 8, 2013 at 9:00 A.M. Consign early by Mar. 25, 2013 for complete advertising. Gilbert’s Sale Yard, LLC, 641-398-2218. 2 Mi. N. of Floyd, IA On Hwy. 218. Tractor House Internet Bidding Available. www.gilbertsaleyard.com (MCN)

Food

100 PERCENT GUARANTEED OMAHA STEAKS – SAVE 69 Percent on The Grilling Collection. NOW ONLY $49.99 Plus 2 FREE GIFTS & right-to-the-door delivery in a reusable cooler. ORDER Today. 1-866-414-8037 Use Code:45102YXK or www.OmahaSteaks.com/grill89 (MCN)

Furniture

ROLL-TOP DESK nice shape $100 815/494-3627. 3/13

BRAND NEW SOLID OAK entertainment center with glass shelves & doors, also twin boxsprings 815/315-1912. 3/13

KING-SIZE, LIKE NEW excellent condition!!! Mattress & boxspring, must sell! $400 815/968-9781. 3/6

RARE ANTIQUE OAK LIBRARY table, used for dining table $900 OBO 779/348-3638. 3/6

GREEN LEATHER COUCH, love seat $250, dark green leather couch $200, end tables $60 815/494-1908. 3/6

BLACK, SOFT MICROFIBER loveseat, like new in excellent condition $300 815/639-9232. 3/6

OAK QUEEN BEDROOM SET dresser, mirror, chest, cabinets, bookcases, corner desk, chair, must see $900 815/494-4709. 2/27

OAK CORNER COMPUTER DESK 66 tall, 66 wide, hutch desk 46×21, good condition, chair included $600 815/962-1667. 2/27

ROLL -TOP DESK solid dark oak, 30-year-old, antique, excellent condition, 30” deep, 54” wide, 50” high, 7 drawers. $900. 815/398-7941. TFN

entertainment center holds up to 37” TV, $75. 815/988-5796. TFN

Misc. Items For Sale

HAMMOND ORGAN model L102 $50 OBO, pristine condition, 1926 Excelsior accordion, beautiful, plays great $700 815/732-3049. 3/13

COMMERCIAL PIZZA OVEN $30, pipe wrenches $7 each, sunglasses $2, 779/348-4835.3/6

TOOL BOX $250, (Craftsman), hammer drill $100, snap-on AC leak detector $40 815/494-8238. 3/6

STORAGE SALE rolling toolbox, stereo, weight bench plus, motorcycle accessories 815/312-8407. 3/6

WROUGHT IRON OUTDOOR SWING 3-piece Bistro set, chandeliers, candelabras, baskets, etc. 815/877-4498. 2/27

ERV’S PIG HEAVEN 4½-foot elvis impersonator pig, cookie jars, banks, figurines, dishes 815/969-1582. 2/27

SMALL LOAD of choke cherry wood, asking $25 815/397-1406. 2/27

4-WHEEL WALKER with brakes, seat and basket $50, 2 standard walkers $20 815/608-3795. 2/27

HIGHSPEED INTERNET EVERYWHERE BY SATELLITE! Speeds up to 12mbps! (200x faster than dial-up.) Starting at $49.95/mo. CALL NOW & GO FAST! 1-877-789-9086 (MCN)

PROFLOWERS - Enjoy 60 percent off Tender Hugs and Kisses with Chocolates for your valentine! Site price: $49.99, you pay just $19.99. Plus take 20 percent off other gifts over $29! Go to http://www.Proflowers.com/Buy or call 1-866-983-2204 (MCN)

EDENPURE® PORTABLE INFRARED HEATERS. Join the 3 million beating the cold and winter heating bills. SAVE $229 on our EdenPURE® Model 750. CALL NOW while supplies last! 1-888-686-8209 (MCN)

BUNDLE & SAVE on your CABLE, INTERNET PHONE, AND MORE. High Speed Internet starting at less than $20/mo. CALL NOW! 800-291-4159 N-2/27

FRUIT TREES Low As $15.00! Blueberry, Grape, Strawberry, Asparagus, Evergreen & Hardwood Plants. FREE Catalog. WOODSTOCK NURSERY N1831 Hwy 95 Neillsville, WI 54456 Toll Free 888-803-8733, www.wallace-woodstock.com (MCN)

DISH NETWORK. Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) & High Speed Internet starting at $14.95/month (where available). SAVE! Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 1-888-543-6232 (MCN)

*LOWER THAT CABLE BILL! Get Satellite TV today! FREE System, installation and HD/DVR upgrade. Programming starting at $19.99. Call NOW 1-800-935-8195 N-2/27

DIRECTV Lowest Price! FREE: HBO Starz SHOWTIME CINEMAX 3mo + HD/DVR to 4 Rooms! $29.99/mo+ – 12 mos. 24/mo.contract, Ends 3/13/13 888-248-4052 N-2/27

DIRECTV, Internet, Phone $69.99/mo+ 12 mos. 24/mo.contract FREE : HBO Starz SHOWTIME CINEMAX 3mo + FREE HD/DVR Features 4 Rooms! Ends 3/13/13, 888-248-4048 N-2/27

Sporting Goods

SNOWMOBILE HELMETS XL & M $75 each, Polaris snowmobile suit, size men’s medium $90, call 815/979-2619. 3/13

Gun Show & Auction, Sun. March 24, 2013. Turn your guns & sporting goods into cash! Reserve your table now. UnitedSportsmensStore.com 815-599-5690, Freeport, IL. 2/27

We Buy, Sell, Trade guns, boats, tractors, ATVs. We have a full-time gunsmith. Fix up Grandpa’s old gun! RockHollowHuntClub.com 815-232-5428. 2/27

Thrift Store

FHC Thrift Shop, 710 Broadway. 815/299-3615, Open 9am – 5pm, Mon-Sat. Call for emergency after-hour appts. TFN

Crusader Thrift Shop,310 7th Street - Open Mon.-Sat. from 11am to 3pm. Children’s clothes 10¢-$1.00, fiction books 25¢ each, paperbacks 3 for 25¢, most ladies dresses $3, many new ladies 2-piece suits, men’s clothes, most $1-$1.50, 10% off shoes $5 and over. Records 2 for 25¢, buy now before we no longer sell them! Many other clothes ½ off. We put out new supplies every day. TFN

MISSION MART THRIFT Benefits Rockford Rescue Mission. 2710 20th St., M-S 9-5pm. TFN

SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH THRIFT SHOP. 318 North Church Street. Open Tuesday 9am – 1pm. TFN

Brooke Road METHODIST CHURCH Thrift Shop, 1404 Brooke Rd. Lots of clothes, newborn to kids, men & women’s small up to 3X, shoes, knick knacks, and household items. Open Wednesdays, 9-12. TFN

SERVICES

Adoption

Loving married couple wishes to adopt a child, newborn to 24 months. Stable home. Michelene & Richard 877-507-5471. hope2adopt@comcast.net. Provider ID #012998 TFN

BIRTHMOTHER: We’ll care about you as you get to know us…open-minded, married couple hoping to become ADOPTIVE PARENTS. Expenses paid. TEXT/CALL Lisa 1-917-478-3178 (MCN)

Computer Support

PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT FOR ALL THINGS MAC including Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, QuarkXpress, Microsoft Office Suite, Creator, software and hardware conflicts or failures. 15+ years experience. Call Slayton Solutions at 515-360-8100. (MCN)

Education

AIRLINE CAREERS begin here – Become an Aviation Maintenance Tech. FAA approved training. Financial aid if qualified – Housing available. Job placement assistance. CALL AIM 800-481-8312 (ICAN)

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home *Medical, *Business *Criminal Justice *Hospitality. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV authorized. Call 888-336-5053 www.CenturaOnline.com (ICAN)

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice, *Hospitality. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV authorized. Call 800-401-2385 www.CenturaOnline.com (MCN)

AIRLINE CAREERS begin here Become an Aviation Maintenance Tech. FAA-approved training. Financial aid if qualified Housing available. Job placement assistance. Call AIM (888) 686-1704 N-2/27

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Call 800-510-0784 www.CenturaOnline.com N-2/27

MEDICAL CAREERS begin here Online training for Allied Health and Medical Management. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call 800-510-0784 www.CenturaOnline.com N-2/27

WORK ON JET ENGINES Train for hands on Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA-approved program. Financial aid if qualified Job placement assistance. Call AIM (866) 854-6156. N-2/27

Financial

GOLD AND SILVER CAN PROTECT Your Hard Earned Dollars Learn how by calling Freedom Gold Group for your free educational guide. 888-488-2921 (MCN)

EVER CONSIDER A REVERSE MORTGAGE? At least 62 years old? Stay in your home & increase cash flow! Safe & Effective! Call Now for your FREE DVD! Call Now 866-215-9894 (MCN)

$$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!! Injury Lawsuit Dragging? Need $500-$500,000++ within 48/hours? Low rates Apply Now By Phone! 1-800-568-8321. www.lawcapital.com (MCN)

DO YOU RECEIVE REGULAR MONTHLY PAYMENTS from an annuity or insurance settlement and NEED CASH NOW? Call J.G. Wentworth today at 1-800-741-0159. N-2/27

LAWSUIT SETTLEMENT LOANS Get Cash Before Your Case Settles! Fast Approval. All Cases Qualify Call (866) 709-1100 www.glofin.com N-2/27

Health & Medical

CANADA DRUG CENTER is your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our licensed Canadian mail order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 90 percent on all your medication needs. Call Today 1-800-263-4059 for $25.00 off your first prescription and free shipping. (MCN)

ATTENTION SLEEP APNEA SUFFERERS with Medicare. Get FREE CPAP Replacement Supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, prevent red skin sores and bacterial infection! Call 888-705-4795 (MCN)

VIAGRA 100MG AND CIALIS 20MG! 40 Pills + 4 FREE for only $99. #1 Male Enhancement, Discreet Shipping. Save $500! Buy The Blue Pill! Now 1-888-796-8870 N-2/27

VIAGRA 100MG AND CIALIS 20MG! 40 Pills + 4 FREE for only $99. #1 Male Enhancement, Discreet Shipping. Save $500! Buy The Blue Pill! Now 800-213-6202 N-2/27

Legal Services

NEED LEGAL HELP? FREE REFERRAL Call 877-270-3855 Courtesy of the Illinois State Bar Association at www.IllinoisLawyerFinder.com (ICAN)

Massage Therapy

Creative Touch therapy: Alleviate stress, muscle tension, improve circulation, encourage overall well-being. Techniques meet your needs. Contact Glenn LMT 815/965-1787. iamhealedme@live.com 3/13

Misc. Services

NEED TO PLACE YOUR AD in more than 300 Illinois newspapers? Call Illinois Press Advertising Service 217-241-1700 or visit www.illinoispress.org (ICAN)

REACH 2 MILLION HOUSEHOLDS! Do you have a product, service, or business that would be helped by reaching over 2 million households throughout Iowa and the surrounding states? The Midwest Classified Network will allow you to reach these potential customers quickly and inexpensively. For more information concerning a creative classified ad call this publication or Midwest Free Community Papers at 800-248-4061 or get information online at www.mcn-ads.com (MCN)

TO INVESTIGATE OTHER ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES Call PaperChain at 931-922-0484 or e-mail info@paperchain.com (MCN)

WANT TO ADVERTISE TO THE MIDWEST? Place your classified ads in the Midwest Classified Network anytime online at www.midwestfreeclassifieds.com (MCN)

SEARCH THOUSANDS OF CLASSIFIED ADS FROM AROUND THE MIDWEST! Give it a try! Go to http://www.mw-ads.com. Ads from Free Papers offer you great bargains. (MCN)

Weddings & Occasions

Need an inexpensive caring minister for your special event or for counseling? Call Dr. Chuck Olson at 815/342-6064 or visit makeanyrelationshipbetter.com TFN

PERSONALS
SWM 60 IN SHAPE seeks FMs, CLPs, males, for hot times any race, call or text and send photos if photos 779/200-5208. 3/6

I’m a hot male and looking for a younger hot male 20-30 years old 779/770-0796. 2/27

WHITE TALL GUY 31 would like to meet a single white lady 20-39 for romance and LTR, Rockford area. Call or leave message 779/770-7194. 3/13

THIS BISEXUAL MALE is seeking other guys for dating and possible roommate options. For more details call 815/315-7491 Billy. TFN

AFRICAN-AMERICAN ATTRACTIVE TRANSSEXUAL: Educated, outgoing, wants to meet gentleman. Race unimportant. Age 30-60. Serious calls only! 815/516-6298. TFN

MEET SINGLES NOW! No paid operators, just people like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages, connect live. FREE trial. Call 1-877-737-9447 N-2/27

Public Announcement

CHESS LESSONS for coffee at East Rkfd Library, Fred Jesse Smith, IBA, life member USCF 815/397-5531. 3/6

BEAT THE WINTER BLUES Indoor pistol range $20 rockhollowhuntclub.com 815/232-5428 3/6

Polo Senior Center Plans Trip! We still have room on the bus! Come travel with us! We are traveling to Albuquerque & Santa Fe New Mexico. Call today and reserve your spot. 815-946-3818. 2/27

Take your friends pheasant hunting! Rock Hollow Hunt Club 815-232-5428. Hunts starting at $75 www.rockhollowhuntclub.com 2/27

PROTECT YOUR FAMILY!! Concealed Carry Handgun Class at Rock Hollow Hunt Club. Call for dates, 815-599-5690 or email rockhollow1931@hotmail.com. 2/27

come worship with us at 10th Street Church of Christ 815/397-1855. TFN

COME WORSHIP WITH US at Kishwaukee Church of Christ. TFN

LOOKING FOR CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS to sponsor underprivileged & special needs children & adults. Call for details. 815/332-2312. TFN

CLASSES STARTING wED. jULY 11 1-3pm, Math tutoring Booker Washington, Every Wednesday & Friday. TFN

GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS Court St. Methodist, Mondays at 6pm. TFN

Looking for answers? Try Bible call. 24-hour automated service – 815/316-2650. (Church of Christ). TFN

Positive Image ChurcH - Basic Life Skills Programs. Free. 1408 Elm Street. For information: 815/967-9061. TFN

REIKI ENERGY HEALING resumes at RVC, 3350 N. Bell School Rd. on Wednesdays, Starting February 13, 6-9pm. TFN

Pre-Vatican II church is alive and well. St. Sebastian. Call 815/520-4374. TFN

Al-Anon, support group for families and friends of alcoholics. Help-line: (815) 399-0456. TFN

Power of the Blood SDC outreach Ministry Services currently held every Sunday @ 11-1pm & Every Thursday @ 7:30pm, starting January 1st, bible class every Wed. @ 7:30pm APOSTLE EDWARD A. JOHNSON OVERSEER, Lectlady Anna Lynn Johnson, Apostle Waddel David Moore, Presiding Apostle. I’ll pray for you & you pray for me. Watch God change things! 815/962-4559, 779/771-0957. Thank you,God Bless. TFN

Welcome to St. Sebastian Orthodox Church. Traditional liturgy every Sunday, 10:30 am, 2415 Charles St., Suite 20×1, Rockford, IL. Call 815/520-4374. TFN

Organ, Blood, & Tissue Donation

Single young mother with 2 children desperately needs kidney donor. Blood type O positive/negative. 779/200-5885. TFN

www.LinksForLifeCampaign.com Read the stories, see the faces of those desperately in need of a lifesaving organ transplant, or set up your own link for free. TFN

The Rock River Times is now offering a special classifieds section reserved for individuals
or families seeking organ donations. This is a totally free service for those who are in need. Please feel free to call: (815)964-9767, fax: (815)964-9825, or e-mail: contact@rockrivertimes.com your FREE 15-word ad for this special section. For more information on organ & tissue donation, visit www.giftofhope.org To contribute to The Angela Rushford Children’s Organ Donation Fund, visit the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois’ Web site: www.cfnil.or g .

PETS

For Sale

SCHNAUZER PUPPIES $300 each 815/489-9006. 3/6

5 PITBULL PUPPIES 4100 each 779/348-5565. 3/6

Horses

HORSE SALE: Belle Plaine Western Exchange, Belle Plaine, IA. Next Scheduled Sale and Open Ranch Horse Show: Saturday, March 9, 2013. Tack 10:00 a.m., Horses immediately following. Sale 2nd Saturday of every month. Upcoming Sale: April 13, 2013. Check out our website for details and sale results: www.westernexchange.com; Info/To Consign: 319-444-2320; email: bpwe@netins.net (MCN)

Pet Services

T&T PET SITTING & dog walking, will come to your house, call Tina 815/977-1214.2/27

Rescue/Foster

RESCUED KITTIES are looking for loving & caring foster parents to take care & love them until they are adopted into their forever, indoor homes. Please call 815/980-7863 if you can help. Thank you & God bless. TFN

‘PAWS’ neeDs foster homes for dogs. Call 299-PAWS (7297) or visit the website at www.pawshs.org. TFN

WHIPS, SCARS, CHAINS, & BARS. Circus suffering is NOT entertainment. 3/13

WANTED

WANTED: grandmother seeking 2 bunk bed mattresses for 2 small children 779/200-0041. 3/13

WOMAN WITH MS WANTS free yarn and large fish tank, also large art easel 779/770-2477. 3/6

LOOKING TO BUY Rockford Interurban Railway items 779/537-9525. 2/27

I BUY BMX BIKES from 1970’s, 1980’s; Mongoose, Redline, Haro. Also Schwinn Paramount road bikes 815/985-2575. TFN

LOOKING FOR NORTHWOODS items and cabin decor, e.g. snow shoes, deer/moose heads, etc. Also looking for a large wooden airplane propeller & railroad lanterns. Tye 815/218-3054. TFN

I BUY OLD STEREO EQUIPMENT. Working or not, also looking for tube equipment & testers. Rick 815/871-2538. TFN

PAYING CASH! Diabetic Test STRIPS WANTED. Will pay up to $27 per box. Quick & local. Call Nancy. 815/519-9966. TFN

**OLD GUITARS WANTED! ** Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker. Prairie State, D’Angelico, Stromberg, and Gibson Mandolins/Banjos. 1920’s thru 1980’s. TOP CASH PAID! 1-800-401-0440 N-2/27

CASH PAID- UP TO $28/BOX for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! 1-DAY PAYMENT & PREPAID shipping. BEST PRICES! Call 1-888-776-7771. www.Cash4DiabeticSupplies.com N-2/27

DIABETIC TEST STRIPS WANTED Check us out online! All Major Brands Bought Dtsbuyers.com 1 888 978 6911 N-2/27

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Classifieds | No Comments »

Polar Plungers wanted to jump into Olson Lake March 2

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

Staff Report

Be a fan of brrr-avery! Support Special Olympics athletes by jumping into the waters of Olson Lake at Rock Cut State Park at noon, Saturday, March 2. Funds raised from the Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge will benefit Special Olympics Illinois Northwestern/Area 1, which serves athletes with intellectual disabilities in nine counties.

All Polar Plungers are required to collect a minimum of $75 in donations. Check-in begins at 10:30 a.m. The after-Plunge party will be held at Rock Cut State Park. Lunch is free for Plungers and $5 for non-Plungers. A pre-registration event is from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., Feb. 27, at Peak Sports Club in Loves Park.

People are encouraged to attend the Polar Plunge in costume and to form teams. Each team member must also raise a minimum of $75 in donations; all team members’ individual fund-raising totals will be merged to form a combined team total. Statewide, teams are placed into divisions based on size and are awarded prizes for the most money raised.

Each Plunger receives an official Polar Plunge sweatshirt. There are also incentive items for raising more money with grand prizes, including a four-night trip for two adults to Cancun, Mexico, with accommodations at Riu Peninsula, courtesy of Apple Vacations. For every $500 a Plunger raises, he/she will get an entry into the drawing for this grand prize.

Plungers can register for the Plunge at www.plungeillinois.com and also create their own fund-raising page, or they can register by contacting Debbie Kelly at (815) 288-2939. Last-minute Plungers are welcome to register the morning of the Plunge.

The Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run is the single largest year-round fund-raising vehicle benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. This intrastate relay and its various fund-raising projects have two goals: to raise money and increase public awareness for the athletes of Special Olympics. Each year, more than 3,000 officers in Illinois run more than 1,500 miles carrying the Flame of Hope through the streets of their hometowns and deliver it to the State Summer Games in Normal, Ill., in June.

Special Olympics Illinois is a year-round program of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics programs are now in more than 170 countries with 4 million athletes.

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Health & Fitness, Living | No Comments »

Yoga Rockford: Yoga from the ground up

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

By Jennie Williford
Pranayama Yoga Studio

Since most of us are controlled by and live in our heads most of the time, we tend to approach yoga from that same direction … from the head down. But yoga promises to create a more steady and balanced connection of mind and body by reversing that habit and focusing on our base — so much so that yoga teachers often talk about being “grounded.” But what does that really mean?

It has been my experience that Iyengar Yoga offers the actual experience of this term. There is no waxing poetic about mulabhanda or “growing strong roots.” You actually create them through effort and awareness.

BKS Iyengar himself has spent a lifetime developing a practice of yoga and an approach to asana from the ground up. Through his method, we have an opportunity to experience the totality of yoga through the doorway of our physical asana practice.

Every pose has its connection to the ground, and through this physical connection we have an indication of how everything else within the pose may be going. When the base of a pose is unsteady, the entire pose is unsteady, including the mind and consciousness. This disconnect from the base deprives us of much-needed energy for support and upward lift. Hatha Yoga is based on the idea that we need to move our energy from the base of our spine upward, so in any pose, this upward direction is what we need to keep in mind.

Let’s take Vrksasana (the tree pose) as an obvious example. A tree needs deep, solid roots to be able to suck nutrients up its trunk to bear leaves and fruit. If the roots never take, the tree will be weak. So also, deep, solid work in our legs and hips allows energy in our tree pose to move up into the spine and trunk, in turn building support for the upward extending arms. Without our legs and hips strongly working beneath us, our tree sinks, wavers or easily uproots.

I have been in classes where doing tree pose “felt nice,” my mind alone imagining a lovely tree. I did tree pose, but was I really a tree? Iyengar Yoga teaches that we can become that tree. Without imagination (which is a distraction of the mind), we can become the essence of any pose we do with attention and awareness. Instead of just imagining the tree in Vrksasana, we become the tree in Vrksasana when we work well from the ground up.

So, stand on your two feet, feel your legs underneath you, compact and firm, feet and toes broad and open to the ground beneath them. With your mind focused and intent on keeping the foot broad, take the other foot up to the inner thigh. Let the inner thigh grasp and receive the lifted foot, building a balance of pressure between thigh and foot. With this pressure, the hips are stable and compact for maintaining balance. Tuck your tailbone under you, maintaining a centerline of energy up through the trunk, and then raise the arms overhead. With firm and powerful arms, the trunk is pulled farther upward to continue the flow of energy to the fingertips and beyond. From foot to fingers, roots to fruit, you have planted and grown an alive and attentive tree.

This Vrksasana, performed with focus and awareness from the strong connection at the root, builds steadiness not just of body, but of mind as well. With the mind attending completely to the growth of the pose, it cannot wander to your grocery list or worries at work. Awareness travels through the entire pose, like the sap flows through the tree, and you become the tree in experience and not just imagination.

There are roots to grow and awareness to build in every asana. So, taking the time to focus our efforts on the base up instead of working only in the head, we may soon find ourselves in an actual state of quiet balance of body, mind and spirit, the true promise of the practice of yoga.

For more information about Pranayama Yoga Studio, visit www.yogarockford.com or call (815) 968-9642.

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Living, Naturally Rockford, Yoga Rockford | No Comments »

Deadline March 2 for migratory bird workshop for educators

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

Staff Report

Space is still available for teachers/educators ages 18 and older to learn about Project Flying Wild, an exciting new education program that provides interactive, interdisciplinary and standards-based activities for teachers to help students understand the importance of migratory birds and their conservation.

The workshop is scheduled for 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, March 9, at Atwood Center in Rockford Park District’s Seth B. Atwood Park, 2685 New Milford School Road, Rockford. Registration fee is $22 ($24 non-resident).

The activities being presented are geared toward middle school students, but are adaptable to other grade levels. Educators attending the workshop will have a chance to earn CPDUs.

Register by March 2, either online at www.rockfordparkdistrict.org (click My RPD), by fax with credit card, by mail or at either Customer Service location — downtown Rockford, or at Carlson Ice Arena in Loves Park. More about Atwood programs, facility rentals, and group activities and retreats is available at www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/atwood. For information about accessibility and support for people with disabilities, call (815) 987-8800.

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Living, Outdoors | No Comments »

Is the end of cheap natural gas and oil upon us?

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

By Drs. Robert & Sonia Vogl
President and Vice President, Illinois Renewable Energy Association

The cheap price of unconventional natural gas in the United States is an exception to the global trend of increasingly costly fossil fuels. With natural gas cheaper than coal, gas-fired generating plants are displacing coal plants. The change is lowering carbon dioxide and mercury releases.

G.E., along with other firms, is expecting to profit from the gas generators they bought at bargain rates when such facilities ceased operating because of high natural gas prices. G.E.’s newly-developed combined cycle gas generators are 60 percent efficient, and sales are expanding. For fracking of natural gas to be profitable, some experts suggest its price will have to double.

While U.S. oil consumption is down and production from shale oil is up, pundits believe prices will rise since we used up the cheapest, most easily-captured oil.

After World War II, energy policies contributed to the destruction of public transportation, while the interstate highway system unleashed urban sprawl. Individual homes were encouraged over multifamily dwellings. Energy conservation was ignored.

We are locked into a very inefficient energy infrastructure. Our consumption-oriented lifestyles are less viable in an economy of limited job opportunities, low pay, rising health care costs and taxes, and high levels of debt.

Tad Patzek, an engineer, has pointed out a number of problems related to securing new sources of hydrocarbons. Deep ocean drilling yields more oil, but the wells can cost $100 million to drill and another $50 million to bring the oil to the surface. Oil needs to sell at $75 a barrel to cover the cost of the operations.

The first drilled oil well in the U.S. in Pennsylvania was only 69 feet deep; the 1901 gusher in Texas was more than 1,100 feet deep, while deep ocean wells are approaching 40,000 feet. These distant, deep sources of supply are costly in terms of the energy and materials consumed.

If a new well is developed off western Norway in the North Sea, it could pass through 10,000 feet of water and 25,000 feet of sea bottom to secure hydrocarbons. It could require a well casing of 36-inch-diameter steel and another 7-inch-diameter pipe inside the casing to bring up the oil. Cement will be used to seal the casing, and a blowout prevention unit must be installed on the ocean floor.

Patzek indicates that drilling in our Arctic waters presents new costly challenges. Everything needed to drill and ship oil from the Arctic will have to be brought in by ships from places such as Seattle and Vancouver. The wells will be drilled in shallow waters that freeze down to the sea bed and will require components to be dug into the seabed to protect them from ice, making them difficult to service.

Transport by oil tankers will be limited from late fall through early spring. An additional 350 miles of pipeline are needed to bring the oil from the seabed to existing pipelines.

Another oil disaster could add billions of dollars to our energy bills.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Renewable Energy | No Comments »

Agitate, America!: How bad can it get?

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

Nancy Churchill

By Nancy Churchill
A Progressive Visionary

Note: The following is part one of two parts, written originally on Nov. 26, 2010. Part two will explore what each of us can do to reconnect with Kennedy’s new human possibility, starting now.

James Douglass’ JFK and the Unspeakable details how John F. Kennedy was assassinated for contemplating how bad it could get when he stood up to “The Unspeakable” military-industrial complex over the Cuban Missile Crisis.

According to Douglass, the generals were furious that Kennedy had refused to order air strikes against a Soviet nuclear arms buildup in Cuba, which would surely have launched a global nuclear war that would have precluded us even having this conversation.

Thomas Merton coined “The Unspeakable” to describe what lurked behind Kennedy’s assassination, the Vietnam War, the nuclear arms race and subsequent assassinations of Malcolm X, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy.

According to Douglass, Merton was “pointing to a kind of systemic evil that defies speech,” manifest in our government as the “covert-action doctrine of ‘plausible deniability,’” which sanctioned assassinations and the overthrow of foreign governments.

“The Unspeakable,” says Douglass, “is not far away. It is not somewhere out there, identical with a government that became foreign to us. The emptiness of the void, the vacuum of responsibility and compassion, is in ourselves.”

Fifty years after Kennedy’s assassination, we are embroiled in a War on Terror, the Great Industrial Complex pours billions of dollars into elections to ensure legislative outcomes that block any attempts at curbing its insatiable appetite and Republicans first blocked Obama’s attempts to ratify the START treaty with Russia to monitor nuclear weapons. So, what is new? No one has been assassinated recently, but impeachment is always on the table.

Because Kennedy foresaw how bad it could get, he began secret talks with, and thereby humanized, his Cold War opponent, Nikita Kruschev. Five months before he was murdered, Kennedy envisioned a way out of hostilities in a commencement address at American University, June 10, 1963. “What kind of peace do we seek?” he asked. “I am talking about genuine peace, the kind of peace that makes life on earth worth living, the kind that enables men and nations to grow and to hope and to build a better life for their children — not merely peace for Americans, but peace for all men and women — not merely peace in our time, but peace for all time.”

Douglass provides our takeaway from that speech: “In his American University address, John Kennedy was proclaiming a way out of the Cold War and into a new human possibility.” We need to reconnect with Kennedy’s new human possibility by conscientiously objecting to the Unspeakable Great Industrial Complex that currently rules our lives. To me, this means becoming mindful of every little thing we do: what we buy and use, where we work, what we do when we get there — and just how each one of those things might be contributing to our distressed lives, not to mention the death of our species and the planet.

Nancy Churchill was raised in the D.R.C. (Congo), raced stock cars on short dirt tracks for 25 years, and is a proud, lifelong member of “We, the People.” She lives in Oregon, Ill.

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Agitate, America!, Commentary | 1 Comment »

Use tax dollars to save lives, not take them

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

Forty-nine percent of Americans are pro-life citizens and will never relinquish their constitutional rights to those who destroy their innocent children’s lives because we are morally responsible people. Planned Parenthood receives $485 million per year of government funding since 1973. That’s $1.3 million per day tax dollars times 40 years. We are minus 55 million aborted taxpaying citizens.

Arizona, Texas and Maine governors are helping budget legislation to funnel state money to divert funds from Planned Parenthood to funding comprehensive health care that does not commit abortions. Gov. Quinn could help our state deficit budget, also.

A “person” is any human being from the beginning of a biological development of that human being to natural death. “Personhood” is human life dignified.

We have a disastrous decline in the birth rate in America. Our government could use our tax dollars to save babies instead of killing babies. We need to fix tax laws to promote natural marriage and save families.

Loss of American freedom is caused by a monstrous law forcing hospitals, doctors, charities and Christians to pay for insurance for abortions and abortifacients killing humans. These are moral people who dedicated their lives to saving lives.

Helen M. Deckler
Freeport, Ill.

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Letters to the Editor | 1 Comment »

Pre-St. Patrick’s Day Massacre boxing event March 9 in Loves Park

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

By Doug Halberstadt
Sports Columnist

Most of us have heard of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. That’s old news. On Saturday evening, March 9, there’s a new massacre in town. It’s called The Pre-St. Patrick’s Day Massacre, and it will take place at the Fusion Sports Complex, 7435 Clinton Road, in Loves Park.

The 5,000-seat arena is hosting an evening of professional boxing with fighters coming from Ireland, Mexico and the United States. The main event features 30-year-old Rockford native Skylar “The Black Irish Prince” Thompson versus 36-year-old Steve “The Spoiler” Walker. Walker is fighting out of Hannibal, Mo. This unification bout will be for the Irish Boxing Foundation and the World Boxing Bureau Middleweight Championship of the World.

The veteran Walker has a professional record of 26 wins (18 knockouts) and 29 losses. The less experienced Thompson’s professional record is 12 wins (10 knockouts) and seven losses.

Several other fights will make up the under card, including another Rockford fighter, Josh “The Aztec Warrior” Rodriguez, competing for a World Welterweight title. Kenny Council, Thomas Miller and Markus Coney will be battling Irish boxers Anthony “Anto” Cacace, Joe “The Faith” Hillerby, Ray “Sugar” Ginley and Eddie “Top Gun” Nesbitt. All of them have boxed internationally as amateurs. This will be their first opportunity to enter the ring as professionals.

General admission tickets are $10. Third- and fourth-row seats are $15. Ringside seats are $30.

A limited number of $50 VIP tickets are still available. The VIP tickets include barbecue ribs, smoked turkey and beef brisket, dirty rice, potato salad and smoked baked beans supplied by Skylar Thompson Knockout BBQ Catering. Doors open at 7 p.m.

To purchase tickets in advance, you may call Tony at (815) 742-4424 or Skylar Thompson at (779) 772-1324.

Doug Halberstadt can be reached via e-mail at Dougster61@aol.com.

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Sports, Sports News | No Comments »

Guest Column: What is ‘just a library’ today?

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

Editor’s note: The following is in response to the Feb. 13-19, 2013, guest column, “Why can’t our library be just a library?” by Tim Hughes.

By Paul Logli
President, Rockford Public Library Board of Trustees

In a recent column, Tim Hughes asked the question, “Why can’t a library just be a library?” He then goes on to criticize just about any library activity that is not exclusively dedicated to the circulation or use of printed materials. His mistaken view of the true role of the modern and evolving library of the 21st century has given us a great opportunity to respond to his various points.

Mr. Hughes continues to be profoundly disturbed by our Young Adult Zone. Yes, we do have young adults who visit the library for the express purpose of meeting up with other teens and playing video games (all of which have an ESRB rating of “E” for Everyone or “T” for teen-agers 13 and older). However, many of those students have developed relationships with our staff members. They’ve become members of the Young Adult Advisory Board, involved in selecting materials for teens (including books!), volunteering at library events and in the community, and helping the library connect with other teens. They’ve entered the Young Adult Writing Contest, thanks to encouragement from staff. They’ve checked out books, movies, used the Internet and more (despite Mr. Hughes’ suggestion to the contrary). We’ve extended our reach into the lives of these teens, and we consider that a successful program.

Mr. Hughes next levels his criticism on the way the Summer Reading Club — the library’s largest and longest-running program — is handled and administered. Summer setback, the loss of reading skills over the summer, is one of the major causes of the reading achievement gap in low-income students and can be largely prevented by reading as few as six books over the summer. RPL’s finishing goal for readers is 15 books, which in studies has increased reading proficiency over the summer months.

Mr. Hughes takes issue with the kick-off party and the fact that attendees aren’t registering for the reading club within the physical confines of the library building. Last year, the club enrolled close to 11,000 kids, teens and adults — only 1,500 of whom registered at the party. The others registered at any of our libraries or at outreach events throughout the summer. The RPL Summer Reading Club also boasts a 27 percent finishing rate, which is high among our peer libraries. We think that getting families excited about reading over the summer months to prevent summer setback is worthy of a party, and we’re glad that we’ve developed such a loyal following over the years.

Mr. Hughes references The Sullivan Center as a, “gift … whose costs keep going up.” The Sullivan Center, in the brief time RPL has had ownership, has already proven its potential to realize the goals we’ve set for it. Not only has initial library programming been successful (just look at the amazing results of the Community Scholarship Fair, held in the space in January, as an example), but the space is already being booked by outside groups. In fact, library staff are fielding calls and balancing the immediate demand against the time required to make improvements and set ongoing policies and procedures. The cost figures referenced by Mr. Hughes were already anticipated in a pro forma budget prior to the library’s acceptance of the building, and some projects are even coming in under budget.

Rockford Public Library is working to address the diverse needs of our customers. Our physical collection has experienced a net growth of 34,000 items since 2009, yet we’ve added more than 53,000 downloadable books and audiobooks. We now circulate a variety of devices, including e-Readers, Playaways and Playaway Views, in addition to providing wireless access and computers within our buildings. RPL maintains more open hours than most comparable peer libraries, albeit spread across more locations. Our program offerings for children, teens and adults rated a 98.6 percent satisfaction rating in a recent community survey, a percentage practically unheard of in any industry.

Mr. Hughes wants us to be “just a library.” What does that mean in an information age where our population wants and needs materials in a greater variety than ever before? What does it mean for the basic premise of libraries that we, as a community, can afford and provide shared resources that would be otherwise unavailable to the individual? What does it mean for RPL as libraries around the nation and the world embrace identities as gathering places, hubs of culture and enrichment, and centers of technology?

As for the Board of Trustees, we believe we need to be more than “just a library.” What we need is to be a library in the 21st century, to honor our place as a “sanctuary of knowledge and civilization,” while understanding that our community’s needs are different today than they were 100, 50 or even 10 years ago. We strive to be a place where education and entertainment coexist, where we respect the diverse nature of our community’s information needs and where learning can happen through a variety of channels. The board, administration and staff at the library is ready, willing and able to engage in further dialogue with our community. What we are unwilling to do, however, is to be satisfied with being “just a library.”

Paul Logli is president of the Rockford Public Library Board of Trustees. He can be reached at plogli@rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Commentary, Guest Column | 5 Comments »

New assistant director at Center of Excellence

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

Mary Gubbe Lee, MS, Licensed Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, was hired as the assistant director of the Illinois Center of Excellence Jan. 28 to provide information, training and technical assistance to help the justice system respond appropriately to the needs of people with behavioral health disorders.

Her expertise lies in the clinical aspects of mental health and substance abuse disorders and behavioral health treatment. She has extensive experience working in behavioral health, including problem-solving courts, and she is the Crisis Intervention Team (C.I.T.) coordinator for northern Illinois. Previously, she worked for Rosecrance, Inc., as the training coordinator, supervising staff orientation, clinical training, volunteer services and community events. Prior to becoming the training coordinator, she developed and implemented new programs for the mentally ill.

The Illinois Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health and Justice is housed at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford. Serving all Illinois counties, the center promotes, coordinates and provides training to communities looking to implement jail diversion programs and problem-solving courts for mentally ill and/or substance-abusing offenders and offenders who are military veterans.

“Mary is a quality addition to our staff and is someone who brings both integrity and valuable experience to her new position,” said Director Michelle Rock of the Illinois Center of Excellence. “Many jurisdictions do not have the information and training necessary to implement effective interventions to address mentally ill or substance-abusing offenders, and lack resources to engage in system change without technical assistance. Our goal is to bridge that gap.”

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Community News and Notes, People In Our Times | No Comments »

Vince’s Notes: Hear a true Rockford original, Joey Irving, March 1 at Kryptonite

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

Joey Irving

By Vince Chiarelli

Who’s Vince and what are his notes? Well, I am Vince Chiarelli, and I will be bringing you my thoughts on the Rockford music scene.

I am a 22-year-old musician, accountant and the station manager of Rockford College Radio. Observing that I helped restart Rockford College Radio, re-established my grandfather’s record label Vincent Records, and have dabbled in all things musical, Frank Schier, The Rock River Times’ editor and publisher, saw me as fit to write this weekly column. For that, I want to say “thank you” to Frank and compliment him for giving the younger generation a voice.

Each week, I’ll be writing about original Rockford musicians, local music shows, Rockford College Radio shows, and basically anything having to do with Rockford music and entertainment. So, let’s get to it!

My biggest inspiration is my grandfather, Vince Chiarelli. Many of you may know him as Vince the Tailor. However, most of you may not know that he was quite a musician and owned his own record label and music publishing company. While I can go on all day about his legacy, the most important thing he taught me was to be original and to never be afraid to take risks.

I grew up learning about the vast music history of this town, and saw firsthand how many people spent their lives trying to fulfill their love of music. So, I’ve spent my entire life appreciating those musicians who have never given up, and I want to help them share their music with future generations and not let this originality be consumed by dust in closets and basements.

This week, I want to focus on one of the greatest funk/soul/R&B artists to come out of the Rockford area, and that man is Joey Irving. Over the course of his career, two major record labels and four independents signed Joey, including Vincent Records. Although Joey toured with Wilson Pickett and gained much popularity, especially in Europe, much of his music has still not been heard. When you listen to Joey’s music, his astounding falsetto transports you to the mid-’70s. Joey is still a proud Vincent Records artist, and some of his songs are for sale on our website, www.vincentrecords.com.

I am proud to say that Joey Irving will be playing at 9 p.m., Friday, March 1, at Kryptonite Bar, 308 W. State St., Rockford.

Last September at the Sullivan Center, Joey charmed the Ethnic Heritage Museum’s Jazz and Blues Festival audience, and left them begging for more. The March 1 event will be Joey’s first full-length performance in Rockford in 30 years. Please try to make plans to come see Joey, because you will definitely walk away amazed.

Joey and his keyboardist, Norman Bryant, have been working together for more than 30 years, and it’s not very often that you get to hear true Rockford originals like them.

If you want to learn more about Joey’s career in music, check out my Rockford College Radio show Rockford Originals. Each Thursday at 7 p.m., I interview original Rockford musicians and talk about their music careers and give them an avenue to play their music. Please visit www.rockfordcollegeradio.com, and under Rockford Original Podcasts you will be able to hear Joey Irving’s story, in addition to all the other great Rockford original musicians I’ve interviewed in the past. In preparation for his show this weekend, I will be rebroadcasting my interview with Joey this Thursday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m.

Please contact Vince Chiarelli if you have any original Rockford music or radio suggestions. He can be reached at info@vincentrecords.com.

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Community, Vibe Entertainment, Vibe Entertainment News | 2 Comments »

Jobs and Opportunities: Week of Feb. 27-March 5, 2013

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

JOBS

Courtesy of The Rock River Times – Warning from the Better Business Bureau.

Work-at-home and fraudulent employment opportunities. Work-at-home and business opportunity scams are frequently found online as well as in the classified sections. They promise high income for minimal work and minimal effort. However, when an interested consumer “applies”, they almost always ask for money up-front to pay for materials, training kits, or investment money. After sending payment, most consumers either have their checks deposited and never hear anything again, or obtain something that is completely useless- essentially junk mail. Internet employment opportunities, mostly found on job boards, looking for “shipping” or “billing managers”, “payment processors”, or anything with a financial sounding name, very frequently turn out to be fraudulent listings that are in actuality looking for victims to commit money laundering by accepting and forwarding payments.-

General Help Wanted

ENTRY-LEVEL carpenters, please call 815/871-2302. 3/13

MEN AND WOMEN all ages! Earn up to $500 daily part-time. Hottest money making opportunity in America! Write for FREE report: Dry Tech, Promo #CL46937, 19871 Nordhoff St., Northridge, Ca 91324. 4/3

JOB FAIR Thursday Mach 14th, Hilton Garden Inn, 7675 Walton St., Rockford 1-5pm, Local hotels and restaurants hiring for hospitality positions for info call 815/229-3322. 3/6

LAWN MAINTENANCE hours vary from 20 to 40+, must be reliable, have valid drivers license and own vehicle to get to work on time, must have clean criminal record. Please leave resume on voicemail 815/962-0551. 3/6

EXPERIENCED LANDSCAPE PERSON wanted, general knowledge of all phases required, with emphasis on retaining walls & patio work 815/968-3439. 3/6

Hostess, Wait Staff & Cook wanted at Rock Hollow Hunt Club, email resume to rockhollow1931@hotmail.com. 2/27

Looking for property manager to manage several properties. Must have good customer service. Call 773-382-0446. TFN

Administrative Assistant needed. Preferably with Quickbooks experience. Starting around 20 hrs per week. Call Mike. 773-382-0446. TFN

Looking for experienced licensed leasing agents. Great income opportunity. Set your own hours. Work part time, or full time. Call Mike 773-382-0446. TFN

COORDINATOR P/T: Locate and screen host families, provide support and activities for exchange students. Make friends worldwide! www.aspectfoundation.org (ICAN)

HELP WANTED!!! Make $1000 a week mailing brochures from home! FREE Supplies! Helping Home-Workers since 2001. Genuine Opportunity! No experience required. Start Immediately! www.mailing-station.com (VOID IN SD) (MCN)

NOW HIRING: Companies Desperately Need Employees to Assemble Products at Home. No Selling, Any Hours. $500 Weekly Potential. Info. 1-985-646-1700 Dept. MW-501 (Not valid in SD) (MCN)

NOW HIRING: Companies Desperately Need Employees to Assemble Products at Home. No Selling. $500 weekly potential. Info. 1-985-646-1700 Dept. AM-457 N-2/27

HELP WANTED!!! Up to $1000 WEEKLY PAID IN ADVANCE!!! MAILING BROCHURES or TYPING ADS. FREE Supplies! Genuine Opportunity, PT/FT. No Experience! www.HelpMailingBrochures.com N-2/27

HELP WANTED! Make extra money in our free ever popular homemailer program, includes valuable guidebook! Start immediately! Genuine! 888-331-0888 www.howtowork-fromhome.com N-2/27

$294 DAILY! MAILING POSTCARDS! Guaranteed Legit Opportunity! www.ThePostcardGuru.com NOW ACCEPTING! ZNZ Referral Agents! $20-$60/Hour! www.FreeJobPosition.com BIG PAYCHECKS! Paid Friday! www.LegitCashJobs.com N-2/27

Cosmetology

HAIRSTYLIST & NAIL TECH Now hiring for chair rental, reasonable rent conveniently located off State St & Mulford. Please call 815/978-8562. 2/27

Drivers

$2000 Sign On Bonus! Class – A, 2yrs Exp. Company Drivers: .38cpm East & .34 all other. Health/Dental/401K. Owner Op’s: 78% of line haul, 100% FS Plate Program, No electronics. Tom 800-972-0084 ext-169. 3/6

DRIVER – $0.01 increase per mile after 6 and 12 months. $.03/mile quarterly bonus. Daily or Weekly pay. CDL-A, 3 months current exp. 800-414-9569 www.driveknight.com (ICAN)

NEED CLASS-A CDL TRAINING? Start a CAREER in trucking today! Swift Academies offer PTDI certified courses and offer “Best-In-Class” training. • New Academy Classes Weekly • No Money Down or Credit Check• Certified Mentors Ready and Available • Paid (While Training With Mentor) • Regional and Dedicated Opportunities • Great Career Path • Excellent Benefits Package Please Call: (602) 648-5307 (ICAN)

TANTARA TRANSPORTATION is now hiring OTR Company Flatbed Drivers and Owner Operators. Competitive Pay and Home Time. Call Dave @ 800-650-0292 or apply online at www.tantara.us (ICAN)

COMPANY DRIVERS: $2500 Sign-On Bonus! Super Service is hiring solo and team drivers. Great hometime options. CDL-A required. Recent graduates with CDL-A welcome. Call 888-471-7081 or apply online at www.superservicellc.com (ICAN)

“YOU GOT THE DRIVE, WE HAVE THE DIRECTION” OTR Drivers APU Equipped Pre-Pass EZ-pass passenger policy. Newer equipment.100% NO touch. 1-800-528-7825 (ICAN)

OPENINGS FOR LARGE DISTRIBUTION CENTER account in Olney, IL. Dedicated regional drivers, diesel & reefer technicians, truck washers, operations/dispatch. 800-277-0212 or primeinc.com (ICAN)

DRIVERS-CDL-A $5,000 SIGN-ON BONUS For exp’d solo OTR drivers & O/O’s Tuition reimbursement also available! New Student Pay & Lease Program USA TRUCK 877-521-5775 www.GoUSATruck.com (ICAN)

FOREMOST TRANSPORT paid over $16,000 in bonus money to its owner/operators of 3/4 ton and larger diesel pickup trucks for January alone, just for towing travel trailers. How much of that do you want next month? Call 1-866-764-1601 or foremosttransport.com for more info or to apply today! (ICAN)

TRUCK DRIVERS WANTED – Best Pay and Home Time! Apply Online Today over 750 Companies! One Application, Hundreds of Offers! www.HammerLaneJobs.com (MCN)

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Classifieds, Jobs | No Comments »

Apartments and Real Estate: Week of Feb. 27-March 5, 2013

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

REAL ESTATE

FOR RENT

Apartments

1-BEDROOM, 1-BATH Victorian style apartment, 505 Market St., heat included $525 815/964-0102. TFN

2-BEDROOM, NICE UPPER with bonus room, 1212 Benton #2, Rockford, large kitchen and screened in porch. $625/mo. Tovar Realtors. 815-877-8500. Se habla espanol. TFN

2BR-Sun Valley, Blinds, Laundry in Bldg., Fresh Paint, ready to Go, $550 Jeff 847-514-0775. 3/6

2BR-Halsted & N.Main, Nice Apartments, Laundry in Bldg, $550 Jeff 847-514-0775. 3/6

1&2 BR’s-Alpine & E State, Spacious Apartments with Large Closets. Laundry in Bldg. Starts at $555 Sandy 815-398-9614. 3/6

2-BEDROOM 1640 Maple Ave., Loves Park. Appliances, air, no pets. $490/mo. + $490/deposit. 815/262-9096. 3/6

2208 S. MAIN #4 2-bedroom, 2nd floor, single shower stall $450/month 815/275-9127. 2/27

BEAUTIFUL UPDATED 2-BEDROOM, washer/dryer in unit, new appliances, new carpet, lower unit, fenced backyard, driveway, $585 815/540-6757. 2/27

STUDIO with carpeted central room, separate kitchen & bath, murphy bed in central room (must provide own mattress), roof-top garden, indoor heated parking, laundry on-site $425 815/964-9767. TFN

2-BEDROOM LOFT huge living room, dining room, kitchen, 2.5 baths, skylight, roof-top garden, indoor heated parking (2 cars), laundry on-site $900 815/964-9767. TFN

2-Bedroom, 1 Bath Townhouse, 5415 East Drive # 3, Loves Park, private basement w/laundry hookup. $695/month. Tovar Realtors 815-877-8500. Se habla español. TFN

2-Bedroom, 1-Bath Townhouse private basement w/laundry hookup. 215 River Lane #1, Loves Park. $695 a month. Tovar Realtors 815-877-8500. TFN

518-520 HORSMAN 3-bedroom duplex, upper or lower $600/month 815/275-9127. 2/27

Houses

4-BEDROOM/3 BATHROOM, completely remodeled upscale home. All NEW ceramic tile in kitchen/baths, stainless steel appliances, cabinets, granite countertops, paint, carpeting, light/bath fixtures. 1st floor laundry, bonus room w/stone fireplace, finished basement and remodeled 2-car garage, near Cherry Valley. $1350/mo. 815/222-3734. 3/13

3 BEDROOM, 1 BATH HOME, 16 Gilbert, Machesney Park. Large yard. $850.00/month. Tovar Realtors 815-877-8500. Se habla espanol. TFN

1624 13TH AVE. 4-BEDROOM house, newer furnace/windows, 2-bath, off-street parking $700 815/226-8644. 3/6

2012 VAN WIE available in March, 3-4 bedroom, 2-stall garage, fenced backyard, large family room $925/month 815/275-9127. 2/27

2208 CHRISTINA 2-bedroom, central air, 1½-bath, finished basement $650/month 815/275-9127. 2/27

WELCOME HOME AT 1307 SCHOOL ST., 5 large bedrooms, 2 full baths on each level, dining room, washer/dryer hookup on 1st floor, newer windows, fresh paint, RTA bus route, tenant pays gas/electric, Section 8 welcome, no pets, easy showing, $850 Fox Signature 815/980-6354. 3/20

3-4 Bedroom, 1-bath home, fenced yard plus 2-car garage. 2220 18th Ave, Rockford. $850/month. 815-877-8500. TFN

2 Bedroom, 1 Bath, single family home. Carpet, 1-car garage. 323 N. Pierpont Ave., Rockford. $550/month. Call 815-505-0685. TFN

3-BEDROOM, 1-BATH HOME, 16 Gilbert Terrace, Machesney Park. Large yard. $850/month. Tovar Realtors 815-877-8500. Se habla español. TFN

3-BEDROOM, 1-BATH HOME, 2-car garage. 607 Marie Ave., Machesney Park. $850/month. Tovar Realtors 815-877-8500. Se habla español. TFN

3 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home, 1.5-car garage, large yard, 11008 Norman Rd., Machesney Park. $1100/month. Tovar Realtors 815-877-8500. Se habla español. TFN

3-Bedroom, 1-Bath Home, 1-car garage, 117 Marquette Rd., Machesney Park. $850/month. Tovar Realtors 815-877-8500. Se habla español. TFN

3-Bedroom, 1 Bath Home, 1 car garage, 7615 Cadet Rd., Machesney Park. $850/month. Tovar Realtors 815-877-8500. Se habla español. TFN

3-Bedroom, 1-bath home, 2-car garage, basement, 311 Fairview Rd., Rockford. $950/month. Tovar Realtors 815-877-8500. Se habla español. TFN

3-Bedroom, 1-Bath Home, 1-car garage, large yard, 304 Wilshire Blvd., Machesney Park. $850/month. Tovar Realtors 815-877-8500. Se habla español. TFN

3 Bedroom, 1 Bath house, 318 Logan St., $795. 815/963-3250. TFN

3 Bedroom, 1 Bath house with 2-car garage, 1911 Elm St. $695, 815/877-8500. TFN

5-Bedroom, 1 Bath Farm house, living, Halley Road, $850, 815/877-8500. TFN

4-BEDROOM, 2-BATH, SINGLE FAMILY HOME, Hardwood floors, 2-car garage, $795/mo. 519 John St., Rockford. 815/505-0685. TFN

Commercial Rental

Commercial radio tower space available on 350-foot tower on Clikeman Road. 815-316-8864. TFN

2 storefronts available Will build to suit. 917 S. Main. Each space 1,400 sq.ft. mol. Contact Kerry Knodle, CCS, Inc. 815/963-6236, kknodle@youthbuildrockford.org. TFN

115 7th Street. Commercial Office Space Starting at $200-$600 a month. 815/877-8500. TFN

Roommate Wanted

LOOKING FOR ROOMMATE 1½ rooms, $450, utilities included, need own TV, central air, backyard 779/770-5569 or 815/388-2552. 2/27

Storage

hEATED STORAGE with electric, great location, 2314 Charles, rear. $350 815/540-6757. 2/27

Vacation Rentals

$399 CANCUN ALL INCLUSIVE SPECIAL Stay 6 Days In A Luxury BeachFront Resort With Meals And Drinks For $399! http://www.cancun5star.com/ 888-481-9660 (ICAN)

FOR SALE

Homes For Sale

2-YR-OLD HOME on approx. ½-acre. 2-bedroom, 2-bath, 2-car garage. Well-established subdivision near Jefferson HS. Contract available. Mid-100s. 815/398-3762. TFN

Mobile Homes

14’x66’ MOBILE HOME- 3BR, full bath. Newer windows & furnace. $13,500. 815/871-3801. TFN

LARGE 1-BEDROOM MOBILE HOME new stove, new front door, newer water heater, Sandy Hollow & 11th St. $4500 779/368-0174. 3/6

3 Bedroom, 2 Bath manufactured home, 5622 Rockport, Loves Park. Creative financing available. Offered at $29,900. Tovar Realtors, 815-877-8500. TFN

Seasonal Living

30 FT. SUNNY BROOK TRAILER, all aluminum super structure, 8×10ft screened-in porch, 8×8 storage shed, excellent condition, in Madison area $5000 OBO 815/520-6597. 3/13

Lots For Sale

BUILDER SPECIAL Residential lot, Crosby/Hilton, Multiple unit lot, Zenith Pkwy 815/398-3762. TFN

CANDLEWICK LOTS FOR SALE $6,600. Terms available. With ownership come amenities including fishing, boating, golf, swimming & family activities. Please call 815/398-3762. TFN

FLORIDA LAND 1 to 60 Acres From $9,900. Financing From $500 Down. $114 Monthly. Call 24/7 FREE Brochure 877-983-6600 www.FloridaLand123.com N-2/27

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Classifieds, Homes | No Comments »

Free pine mulch still available through March 1

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

Staff Report

LOVES PARK, Ill. — Residents may still find free pine mulch at Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful’s (KNIB) 13 Christmas Tree Recycling sites through March 1.

“While the mulch piles may be buried in snow right now, people should try to retrieve the mulch as soon as the weather improves,” said Lori Gummow, executive director of KNIB. “The mulch is available only on a first-come, first-served basis, and the sites will be cleaned up in the next few weeks.”

Participants need to bring their own shovel and containers.

The following locations are unmanned, and most are accessible 24 hours a day:

Cherry Valley — Baumann Park;

Loves Park — Martin Park, lot on Park Ridge Road off Riverside Boulevard;

Machesney Park — Behind Village Hall, 300 Machesney Road;

Pecatonica — Pecatonica Wetlands Forest Preserve, near picnic area, 4550 N. Pecatonica Road;

Rockford — Alpine Park, 900 S. Alpine Road; Andrews Park, 800 N. Central Ave.; Blackhawk Park,100 — 15th Ave.; Don Schmid Youth Sports Center; Riverdahl Park off Sandy Hollow; Gambino Park, Pepper Drive west of North Alpine Road; Levings Lake, entrance off Johnston Avenue;

Rockton — Boat ramp parking lot off Hononegah Road; and Williams Tree Farm, 4661 Yale Bridge Road; and

Roscoe — Valley View Farms, 6440 Belvidere Road.

For 25 years, KNIB has engaged all elements of the community to enhance the environment and beauty of the region by reducing, reusing and recycling the world’s resources for future generations. For additional information, call (815) 637-1343, visit the website at www.knib.org, or “like” the organization’s page on Facebook, www.facebook.com/keepnorthernillinoisbeautiful.

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Local News, News | No Comments »

Chrisisms: Justin Milnes uses drive, passion

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

By Chris Wachowiak

While going to Rock Valley College, Justin Milnes, now 28, realized between school and playing football he needed to make a little money. So, he became a host at Cheddar’s Casual Café, then a barback, and then soon, a bartender.

Justin began to gain connections in the restaurant industry, and kind of stumbled upon the music scene when some buddies in a band wanted to start playing in some bars. He realized he knew some of the right people, and that with a couple of phone calls, he could connect with the decision-makers to put a deal together.

The next day, Justin was booking and beginning to manage a band. He took on a perspective of looking at the end result, and then working his way backward. He would see something and ask himself how could he put the pieces together, and if he didn’t know, he was never afraid to seek out and ask someone who might have known.

As Justin started making connections for bands with venues, he was realizing he was also making strong connections with some venues, and began to work at a large banquet hall/restaurant as a bartender. It was during his bartending days and working with bands that one of his co-workers mentioned to their boss that Justin might be able to help with their shows. The venue was Giovanni’s and the band was Mike & Joe.

Justin claimed he could book Mike & Joe, even though he’d never met the band, booked for a venue before or run an event like this. He told Giovanni’s owner Joe Castrogiovanni he could do it, and he was right. He saw himself in the right place at the right time, seized the opportunity before him, and had his first successful show.

Justin wasn’t afraid of failure, but he was afraid of not trying. Making mistakes when trying to figure things out is part of the process, but by adjusting and correcting, improvements were always being made. Justin also had the foresight to ask himself how he could do bigger and better.

As Justin began to book bands at venues and for venues, he paid close attention to what made shows either successes or failures. He paid attention to marketing programs from the standpoint of the promoter, the venue and the salesman. He also realized the relationship made all the difference in every part of all these equations. Relationships is what Justin began to focus on for business.

Justin didn’t finish Rock Valley, but his education surely didn’t stop. Justin puts in typically 10-hour days, six days a week with a minimum of two hours a day researching for projects, goals or curiosities that intrigue him. It is with his zest for music, bands and events that he began to grow his bases. He has carved out his niche now with The District Bar and Grill (205 W. State St.), booking their bands.

You want to know who’s been bringing these big names to the smaller stage? Justin, with support from The District owners Andy and Denny, has been bringing some big-name national acts to our community. He recently had a surreal moment booking and hanging out with one of his favorite childhood bands, Candelbox.

Justin has also been a driving force behind two of Rockford’s best-known original acts of recent, The Pimps and Miles Nielsen. Justin helped get both of these bands their Pandora accounts and their own phone apps. He has booked and managed more shows than anyone else I know at his age, and he is certainly carving out his path in this market.

Justin has drive, passion and an ethical approach to his business. He lays his heart, and his brains, into everything he touches, and looks at the big picture of how it can affect all involved. Next time you hear of some big show about to hit Rockford, my money is that Justin had a role in making it happen.

Chris Wachowiak is owner of Kryptonite Bar, 308 W. State St., No. 110, Rockford. Read his blog at http://ChrisWachowiak.com. Do you know a 20-something who is doing something unique and should be recognized? E-mail Chris at chris@kryptonitebar.com and tell him who, why and how to contact them.

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Community, Vibe Entertainment, Vibe Entertainment News | No Comments »

Operation Christmas Child says ‘Thanks!’

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

I wanted to write to thank fellow Rockford residents who generously gave of their time and means to help impact thousands of hurting kids this Christmas. Together, we were able to pack more than 8,800 shoe boxes — filled with toys, school supplies and basic necessities — for Operation Christmas Child. Our packed shoe box gifts, joined by millions of others, are now on their way to needy children in more than 100 countries. During the 2012 collection season, Operation Christmas Child reached a milestone — more than 100 million children have been impacted by the power of a simple gift since 1993.

I would like to thank the volunteers at our local collection sites and all those who packed an Operation Christmas Child shoe box gift. For many of the children who receive these gifts, this shoe box will be the first gift they have ever received.

Although our local drop-off locations here in Rockford are closed, gifts are received year-round at Samaritan’s Purse by mailing them to 801 Bamboo Road, Boone, N.C. 28607.

There are also year-round volunteer operations available to serve with Operation Christmas Child. Find out how you can use your gifts and talents to make a difference in children’s lives around the world by visiting www.samaritaqnspurse.org or by calling (913) 831-4466.

Thank you again to everyone who participated in this project. A simple gift, packed with love, can communicate hope and transform the lives of children worldwide.

Joe Christian
Regional Director, Lower Midwest Region
Operation Christmas Child

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Letters to the Editor | No Comments »

Rockford America’s third-most miserable city, according to ‘Forbes’ magazine

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

By Brandon Reid
Assistant Editor

Forbes magazine has once again named Rockford among America’s Most Miserable Cities.

In a report released Thursday, Feb. 21, Forbes ranked Rockford the third-most miserable city in America, behind only Detroit and Flint, Mich. The magazine ranked Rockford the ninth most miserable city in America in 2012 and 14th most miserable in 2010. Rockford was not included among the magazine’s 20 most miserable cities in 2011.

“A three-decade decline in the manufacturing base has hurt Rockford’s economy and kept unemployment high,” the magazine wrote of Rockford. “Job fairs … are busy servicing the city’s 11.2 percent unemployed, which is one of the highest rates in the U.S. Another burden: high property tax rates.”

Chicago was ranked fourth, followed by Modesto, Calif. (fifth), Vallejo, Calif. (sixth), Warren, Mich. (seventh), Stockton, Calif. (eighth), Lake County, Ill. (ninth) and New York (10th).

Of its criteria for the rankings, the magazine wrote: “This year we examined nine factors for the 200 largest metro areas in the U.S. The metrics include the serious: violent crime, unemployment, foreclosures, taxes (income and property) and home prices. We also include less weighty, but still important quality-of-life issues like commute times and weather.

“We tweaked the methodology in this year’s list in response to feedback from readers, dropping our rankings of both pro sports team success and political corruption, since both were based on regional, rather than city-specific data,” the magazine said. “We also added a new measure — net migration — which we see as a clear gauge of whether or not residents feel a community is worth living in. Detroit, which ranked No. 2 last year, also would have finished No. 1 under the previous methodology.

In addition to consistently being ranked among the bottom of Money magazine’s 300 largest American cities in terms of livability and among the most miserable in America by Forbes, the website 24/7 Wall Street — published on several websites such as The Wall Street Journal online, MSN Money, Time.com, AOL Finance and Newsweek.com — ranked Rockford the ninth-most dangerous city in America in 2011.

24/7 Wall Street used FBI crime data to calculate the number of crimes per 1,000 people. The site also used median income and unemployment numbers to compile the list of cities of more than 100,000. Statistics from that report showed Rockford had 14.5 violent crimes per 1,000 residents.

The unemployment rate for the Rockford metropolitan area was 11.2 percent in December 2012, the second-highest of the state’s 12 metro areas. The statewide unemployment rate in Illinois was 8.6 percent in December 2012, while the national unemployment rate was 7.9 percent in January.

The Forbes ranking of most miserable cities comes a little less than two months before voters will decide who will serve as Rockford’s next mayor. Mayor Larry Morrissey (I), who has been in office since 2005, is seeking a third term. His challengers are Democrat Jim Hughes and Republican Michael Kleen.

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue

Posted in News | 4 Comments »

Autos, boats, motorcycles and RVs: Week of Feb. 27-March 5, 2013

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

AUTOS

Autos

2000 FORD TAURUS SE WAGON red, clean, low miles, fully loaded $2000 815/489-9006. 3/6

Auto Parts & Accessories

1970 VOLKSWAGEN PARTS engine good 815/494-8618. 3/6

ALUMINUM SNOWMOBILE TRAILER SALE: Includes 5 yr Warranty, torsion axles, LED’s, swivel-up jack, 102″ x 10’ tilt $1,149.00; 102″ x 12’ tilt $1,423.00; Following include tandem axles, combo rockguard-drive off: 102″ x 14’ $2,799.00; 102″ x 16’ $3,199.00; 102″ x 20’ $3,750.00; 102″ x 22’ $3,999.00, 102″ x 24’ 3,500# axles 14″ tires $4,699.00 www.fortdodgetrailerworld.com 515-972-4554 (MCN)

Auto Repair

ANTIQUE AND COLLECTIBLE AUTOS SERVICED, repaired, restored, 40 years experience, references available, reasonable rates 815/827-4030 www.zzaappauto.com 4/24

Motorcycles

2001 HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA Super Glide, 26,000 miles, battery tender, storage cover, $8700, call 815/289-6225, leave message. 2/27

1995 Kawasaki GPZ 1100 sport bike for sale. $1,200 or best offer. Sport bike. Fast. Call for more info. 773-455-4238. TFN

1985 Kawasaki ZN700 LTF for sale. $1,250 or best offer. Bike is in good shape and runs. Might need tune up. Call for more info. 773-455-4238. TFN

WANTED JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE KAWASAKI 1967-1980 Z1-900, KZ900, KZ1000, ZIR, KX1000MKII, A1-250, W1-650, H1-500, H2-750, S1-250, S2-350, S3-400 SUZUKI GS400, GT380, GT750, Honda CB750 (1969,1970) CASH. FREE PICKUP. 1-800-772-1142, 1-310-721-0726 usa@classicrunners.com N-2/27

Recreational Vehicles

8’ SLIDE IN CAMPER, jacks, stored inside, must move, $1500 815/266-9809. 3/13

FISHING BOAT AND TRAILER two motors and extra equipment. Call 815/645-8245. 3/6

Autos Wanted

DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR BOAT TO HERITAGE FOR THE BLIND. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. 888-757-6941 (MCN)

MISC AUTOS: CASH FOR CARS: Any Make, Model or Year. We Pay MORE! Running or Not Sell your Car or Truck TODAY Free Towing! Instant Offer: 1-888-420-3805 (MCN)

DONATE A CAR – HELP CHILDREN FIGHTING DIABETES. Fast, Free Towing. Call 7 days/week. Non runners OK. Tax Deductible. Call Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 1-800-578-0408 N-2/27

DONATE CAR AND GET $1000 GROCERY COUPONS Help United Breast Cancer Foundation Fast Free Towing 24hr Response Tax Deduction 888-777-8799 N-2/27

CARS/TRUCKS WANTED! Top $$$$$ PAID! Running or Not, All Years, Makes, Models. Free Towing! We’re Local! 7 Days/Week. Call Toll Free: 1-888-416-2330 N-2/27

CASH FOR CARS: All Cars/Trucks Wanted. Running or Not! Top Dollar Paid. We Come To You! Any Make/Model. Call For Instant Offer: 1-800-864-5960 N-2/27

Posted in Cars, Classifieds | No Comments »

Private School Tour: Rockford Christian Schools: Led by a ‘committed and caring group of teachers’

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

Randy Taylor

Submitted by Rockford Christian Schools

“To challenge young people to know Christ as Lord, apply God’s truth to all areas of life, love others sacrificially and achieve the highest level of knowledge and skill in order to serve God and others.”

Rockford Christian Schools provides a Christ-centered, college-preparatory education for students prekindergarten (age 3) through grade 12. As the largest independent, non-denominational Christian school in the region, its student body represents nearly 130 area churches and 23 denominations.

It is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International, the North Central Association, and the Commission on International and Trans-regional Accreditation, and recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education.

State-certified faculty members have an average of 15 years of classroom experience, and 37 percent hold advanced degrees. “Rockford Christian has a committed and caring group of teachers that want to make a difference in the lives of their students,” says Randy Taylor, superintendent. “Each one seeks to educate in body, soul, mind and spirit.”

Rockford Christian students routinely score well above grade level: primary and intermediate, two to three levels above; middle schoolers, three to five above; and high schoolers test at post-high school levels in most learning disciplines. The average Rockford Christian Honors ACT score is 28.3, well above both state and national averages. Of its graduates, 99 percent attend college.

Rockford Christian curriculum includes a college preparatory program, gifted enrichment and honors programs, 15 Advanced Placement courses, dual-credit college courses, and many academic and extra-curricular clubs and organizations. The school recently added Mandarin Chinese to its foreign language program.

Students have access to cutting-edge tools, with a state-of-the-art Science and Technology Center; a distance learning auditorium; five computer labs; and five science labs, including a special “dirty” lab for large-project construction and robotics; and integrated technology and SMART Boards in all classrooms. The school also boasts two libraries, three art studios, a performance stage, three gymnasiums, lighted football stadium and soccer field, eight-lane all-weather track, full-service weight training facility, and baseball and softball fields.

Rockford Christian faculty and staff partner with students and their families in the educational process. “Parents make a huge impact on our team-oriented environment,” says Taylor. “From the classroom to the playground, parents are on the scene.”

Rockford Christian teaches that biblical truths guide behavior and decision-making. Students take part in daily Bible classes and prayer time and attend weekly chapel, and they practice real-world applications of their spiritual lessons through community service projects, yearly mission trips and other service programs.

Through biblical integration in its Christ-centered academics and activities, Rockford Christian prepares students for responsibility to themselves, others and their community.

Rockford Christian Schools at a glance

Rockford Christian Schools’ primary/intermediate campus is at 220 Hemlock Lane. The junior/senior high school is at 1401 Bell School Road, Rockford. Rockford Christian Schools can be reached at (815) 399-3465 or online at rockfordchristian.org.

Rockford Christian Schools was founded in 1960 and offers pre-K through 12th grade. Enrollment is 1,240 with a student-to-teacher ratio of 15:1. Tuition is from $1,270 for pre-K to $6,588 for high school. Tuition assistance is available. Dress code for students is uniforms. The athletic teams compete in the Big Northern Conference. Sports include the following:

Boys and girls — Basketball, bowling, golf, swimming, soccer, cross country, track and tennis;

Boys — Football, baseball and bass fishing; and

Girls — Softball, diving, dance, cheerleading and volleyball.

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Local News, News | No Comments »

Sock Drive on Sock Monkey Night at ’Hogs game

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

Staff Report

A “Sock Drive on Sock Monkey Night” will be held Saturday, March 2, at the BMO Harris Bank Center as the Rockford IceHogs take on the Milwaukee Admirals at 7:05 p.m. Tickets to the game may be purchased at www.icehogs.com or (815) 968-5222.

The BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, began accepting donations for the drive Monday, Feb. 25, and sock donations will be accepted through the March 2 IceHogs game.

A partnership between BMO Harris Bank, the Rockford IceHogs and the United Way of Rock River Valley, the drive seeks to collect new children’s socks for those in need through Project Undershare.

Individuals who donate a pair of new children’s socks at the BMO Harris Bank Center will receive a buy-one-get-one-free voucher for free admission to select IceHogs games throughout the remaining season. Hubert the Lion will be present at the March 2 game to greet and thank the community as the donations are accepted.

BMO has committed to matching the sock donation up to 5,500 pairs of socks for the Rockford community — the city known as the “Home of the Sock Monkey,” which produced the first-ever sock monkey in the early 1900s.

BMO Harris Bank will also give out free sock monkeys to the first 1,500 fans at the March 2 game. The sock monkeys are dressed in an IceHogs jersey and ice skates. Visit BMO Harris Bank’s Facebook for photos.

“With over 1,000 homeless children in Rockford, the winter season brings an even greater demand for clothing to keep families safe and warm,” said Andrea Ward, market president, BMO Harris Bank. “Through our great partnership with the IceHogs, an organization truly embedded in its community, ‘Sock Monkey Night’ will give back to those in need, heighten awareness of this ongoing issue, while also celebrating a rich part of our city’s history.”

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Sports, Sports News | No Comments »

Private School Tour: Defining success at Rockford Lutheran School

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

Don Gillingham

By Don Gillingham
Executive Director, Rockford Lutheran School

One measure of success is an individual’s or organization’s ability to find meaningful partnerships and develop a shared vision of success with others who share their values. I am confident that what too many people overlook as they evaluate the quality of life in the greater Rockford area is the tremendous synergy that exists among a wide range of community institutions. If there was such a thing as a combined calendar for all who read this paper, we would see the tremendous energy that is the result of serious planning by leaders of neighborhoods, churches, cultural organizations, schools and many other institutions that are touched by this paper.

Rockford Lutheran experienced tremendous success last year winning the Mayor’s Arts Award for Creative Cultural Event while bringing our region’s history to life with a fourth-grade musical Hometown History. Rockford Lutheran again is part of an ad hoc civic group that will bring focus to the tremendous creativity of this community with a series of events being planned for the month of May 2013. The school’s contribution this year will be highlighted by another musical written by Rockford resident Darcy Hill titled On Being Wright. The theme highlights the life of a creative genius who is the architect of a local treasure.

Many other groups, including the Rockford Area Arts Council and the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, have joined together in sponsorship of this month-long observance and planning for individual events. You can see a complete list of those involved and the calendar that is being filled by going to www.rockfordlutheran.org/outofthebox. The venture will have its own site shortly, thanks to the involvement of Chicago & Beyond, a group that specifically promoted activities in many towns in our local area.

Collaboration is not unusual for Rockford Lutheran, as we are also a member of the Greater Rockford Area Lutheran Schools. This group helps to promote activities and events within the system of Lutheran education. You can learn more about the schools in the group by going to GRALS.org, which serves as a portal to all the websites of our schools.

Education is about helping people to develop, promote and implement the ideas that serve as the bedrock for solid communities. The greater Rockford area has many educational options available for parents, and we encourage readers to investigate the strengths of each of the schools that work daily to promote the success of our children.

It is the role of every individual to encourage the schools in their local district, as well as the private schools to which they have connections, to provide leadership as we build the next generation of those who will define our cities and towns. Each of us has a responsibility to work tirelessly, spreading the message that a lifelong love of learning cannot be confined to any one classroom, any one school or even any community within this region and beyond. I am confident that the involvement of citizens in the support of education will help to define our success.

Don Gillingham came to Rockford Lutheran School in January 2010 to fill the office of executive director. Since that time, he has become involved in efforts to unify the community and help us focus on what brings us together.

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Local News, News | No Comments »

Tales from the Trough: ’Hogs extend win streak to five

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

Rockford IceHogs forward Jimmy Hayes (17) continues his hot streak, scoring two goals and two assists for Rockford in week 20, helping to extend their win streak to five straight. Martin St. Pierre (39) has also continued his solid play, tallying two goals and one assist this week. (Photo by Todd Reicher)

By Todd Reicher
Sports Columnist

The Rockford IceHogs continued their winning ways in week 20, scoring three wins to run their current streak to five straight victories.

Rockford’s first game of week 20 took place Wednesday, Feb. 20, at the Carver Arena in Peoria.

It didn’t take the ’Hogs long to find the back of the net as rookie Terry Broadhurst tallied his third marker of the season with 48 seconds expired in the game. Klas Dahlbeck blasted a shot from the left blue line, and Broadhurst was on the doorstep of the goal crease to tip in the puck for the early lead. Defenseman Joe Lavin also assisted on the goal.

Things remained quiet until Jeremy Morin tallied a powerplay marker at 9:20 of the second period to double Rockford’s lead. As Rockford began their second powerplay of the evening, Brad Mills won the ensuing offensive zone face-off back to Shawn Lalonde on the near blue line. Lalonde immediately cycled the puck to Morin on his left, who ripped a one-timer past Mike McKenna for the 2-0 lead just 4 seconds into the powerplay.

The second period ended with Rockford up 2-0, despite being outshot 22-13 after two periods, including more than 1:30 of five-on-three shorthanded time.

With time winding down in the game, Martin St. Pierre found the empty net with 1:23 left in the game for his 18th goal of the season.

With McKenna back in net, Rockford won the next face-off and moved into the offensive zone, where Kendall McArdle found a Brandon Pirri rebound and slapped it into the back of the net for a 4-0 lead late in the game.

Carter Hutton stood tall late in the game, and stopped all 35 shots he faced, en route to earning his second shutout of the season.

Friday, Feb. 22, Rockford came back home to host the Grand Rapids Griffins in their final meeting of the season. In their last meeting, a bench-clearing brawl was the highlight of the game, as the Griffins routed the ’Hogs 11-6 back on Jan. 19.

Griffins forward Tomas Jurco was the recipient of a gift from Hutton, putting Grand Rapids up 1-0 2:22 into the game. Hutton started to skate behind the net to place the puck into position for his defense, but mishandled the puck on his way. Jurco alertly skated toward the net and grabbed the puck off the post and pushed it into the back of the net.

Jimmy Hayes scored Rockford’s first goal of the game at 7:47 with an acrobatic shot for his 17th of the season. St. Pierre put a shot on the net, which was blocked out by Griffins goalie Petr Mrazek, but toward Hayes who was moving away from the net. As Hayes was falling backward, he slapped the puck at the net, which beat Mrazek to even the score at 1-1.

The IceHogs took their first lead of the game with 50 seconds remaining in the first period with a five-hole goal by Mathieu Beaudoin, tallying his fourth goal of the season, but his first as a Rockford IceHogs skater. Brandon Svendsen took possession of the puck off a turnover at mid ice and fed Beaudoin off his right side. The Griffins’ defense gave him just a little too much room, as Beaudoin fired a fast wrister that beat Mrazek between his legs for the 2-1 lead going into the second period.

Francis Pare pulled the game to even early in the second period off a cross-ice pass from Riley Sheahan, which beat Hutton over his right shoulder.

Grand Rapids’ lead only lasted 24 seconds, thanks to Hayes scoring his second goal of the game. Morin fired a shot from the right boards, which was blocked out to the middle of the ice. Hayes was skating hard to the net, and the rebound came right to his stick for an easy goal and a 3-2 lead.

With 12 seconds left in the second, Griffins captain Jeff Hoggan fired the puck over the glass and was sent off for a delay of game penalty, putting the ’Hogs on a late power play.

Rockford’s Mills won the ensuing powerplay, and found Kyle Beach up the left side of the ice, who quickly put the puck on the net. Pirri was waiting at the door and attempted to shove the puck into the net. At first, the shot appeared to be blocked, but the puck made it past the goal line as time expired in the second. The on-ice call was a goal, but referee Pierre Lambert skated back to the review area for a review of the goal. After review, it was determined the puck crossed the line with .1 seconds left in the period, and Rockford was awarded a last-second goal for a big, momentum-changing 4-2 lead.

Pare pulled Grand Rapids to within one goal with his second marker of the game 2 minutes after the midway point of the third period. Hutton let out a big rebound, and Pare was there to slip the puck behind Hutton.

With just more than 2 minutes left in the game, Grand Rapids was tagged with a bench minor penalty for too many men on the ice. The IceHogs were unable to score on the powerplay, but more importantly held the Griffins off the board, as they skated away with a 4-3 win.

After a day off, Rockford headed to the Allstate Arena in Rosemont to face the second-place Chicago Wolves Sunday, Feb. 24.

In the midst of a penalty-ridden first period, Mills was rewarded for his hard work with his first goal of the season. Adam Clendening had a shot stopped by Wolves netminder Matt Climie, but Mills was there to clean up the rebound for the 1-0 lead.

Rockford extended that lead to 2-0 with another late-period goal, this time by St. Pierre. While on the powerplay, Hayes had a shot deflected right to St. Pierre, who made good on his 19th goal of the season.

Sunday’s scoring remained silent until late in the third period. Henrik Karlsson, who recently returned from his call-up to the Chicago Blackhawks, stopped all 23 shots he faced up until the last minute of the game. Ben Smith, who was playing in his second game since returning from a month-long injury, was called for hooking with 43 seconds left in the game. Wolves captain Darren Haydar scored the lone Chicago goal with 29 seconds left to deny Karlsson’s shutout bid and pull Chicago to within one.

Rockford once again stood tall in the waning seconds of the game, and held on for a 2-1 win, giving the team their season-best fifth-straight win.

Looking forward

Rockford plays two straight home games against divisional opponents in week 21. The first game Friday, March 1, has the Rivermen in town with a 7:05 p.m. start time. The following night, the Milwaukee Admirals come into town for a 7:05 p.m. game at the BMO Harris Bank Center.

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Online Exclusives, Sports, Sports News, Tales from the Trough | No Comments »

Tube Talk: ‘The Americans’ mini-marathon March 1-2

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

By Paula Hendrickson
Contributing Writer

Did you miss the first few episodes of FX’s critically acclaimed new drama, The Americans, but are afraid you’ll never catch up on the storyline? Good news. Friday night, March 1, FX is showing a mini-marathon of the first five episodes. It starts at 9 p.m. (Central), and the final episode ends at 2:30 p.m. (Central) Saturday morning, March 2.

Whether you stay up late or record The Americans, it’s definitely worth catching up before the next new episode airs Wednesday, March 6, at 9 p.m. (Central).

If you aren’t already familiar with the premise, Keri Russell (Felicity, Waitress) and Matthew Rhys (Brothers & Sisters) play a pair of Reagan-era KGB sleeper agents living as true blue Americans Elizabeth and Phillip Jennings in a middle-class suburb of Washington, D.C. During their 15 years in the United States, they’ve had two kids, Paige and Henry, and established a seemingly successful travel agency. No one — not even their kids, who learn anti-Soviet lessons at school — have a clue about the couple’s covert affairs.

(Travel agents. How better to establish the early ’80’s world Elizabeth and Phillip live in?)

Maybe you can’t picture co-ed Felicity or Brothers & Sisters’ whiny Kevin as spies, but Russell and Rhys are very convincing in the fight and action scenes. Also impressive? In real life, Rhys is a Welsh actor playing a Russian pretending to be American — with a flawless American accent.

Elizabeth seems a bit detached from her family, with good reason. She and Phillip were ordered to marry and have children as part of their cover. She’s also committed to their mission and Mother Russia. Phillip clearly loves and enjoys the kids — watch for one of my favorite scenes from the pilot episode when he and Paige are at the mall, it showcases Rhys’ range very well — and the American way of life.

The Americans is a good balance of suspense, thriller and family drama. There’s humor, too.

Did I mention the Jennings’ new neighbor happens to be an FBI agent named Stan (Noah Emmerich), who just ended a long-term undercover assignment of his own? After being embedded with an extremist militia group, Stan probably knows all the tricks Elizabeth and Phillip use to maintain their cover. Even Phillip has to suspect something when Stan opens a tin of caviar.

Spies don’t work alone. Stan’s FBI boss is played by Richard Thomas (The Waltons), and the Jennings’ new handler (Jusitfied’s Margo Martindale) looks like a nice American grandmother.

The espionage is fun to watch, but the early ’80’s costumes, décor, music and props are simply icing on the cake. At some point, you’ll probably realize that the writing and performances have you rooting for both sides at the same time. Elizabeth and Phillip aren’t Cold War monsters — they’re human beings trying to do the right thing. But what is the right thing — for the world, for their kids, even for their marriage? Each episode has at least one character wondering what the greater good really is.

If you haven’t checked out The Americans yet, you can’t be more than five episodes behind, so there’s plenty of time to get caught up this weekend.

Paula Hendrickson is a regular contributor to Emmy magazine and Variety, and has been published in numerous national publications, including American Bungalow, Television Week and TVGuide. Follow her on Twitter at P_Hendrickson and send your suggestions to tubetalking-paula@yahoo.com.

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Online Exclusives, Tube Talk, Vibe Entertainment | No Comments »

Guest Column: Bustos: Why sequestration is wrong

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos (D)

By U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos (D)
17th Congressional District

In just a matter of days, deep across-the-board budget cuts that were designed to be so painful that they would never see the light of day are set to kick in. These cuts, also known as sequestration, could deal a big blow to the economy of our region and lead to job losses.

That is why I have been opposed to sequestration from the very beginning.

Yet, here we are, less than a week away from feeling the impact of these indiscriminate cuts to every federal government program. From cutting programs like Head Start that equip our children with the tools to learn, to programs that make sure the communities we live in are safe, to programs that protect our country from threats abroad, these cuts will impact us all, and could wreak havoc on our region’s economy.

Here is how:

The Rock Island Arsenal is the largest employer in our region, with about 8,000 workers. Sequestration will force the Army’s civilian workforce at the Arsenal to begin furloughs. Army analysis shows the Arsenal could lose close to $200 million from the automatic budget cuts.

Cuts to the Arsenal also will have a trickle-down effect throughout the region. People will have less money to eat out, see a movie, buy a car and shop in our small businesses. We cannot afford to let this happen.

In addition to jeopardizing national security and readiness, sequestration could harm border security, food safety programs, as well as airline safety and security.

In Illinois alone, close to 3,000 children could lose access to Head Start, 50,000 people could lose access to job training programs, 5,000 fewer children could have access to vaccines, funding for law enforcement and first responders could be cut, and the list goes on.

Rather than argue about how and why we got to this point, now is the time for both parties to work together to find a bipartisan, common-sense plan to stop these cuts in their tracks.

Here is what I’ve done to play my part in bringing about such a solution:

Instead of sending members of Congress home last week, I asked Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, to keep the House of Representatives in session so we could work together on a deal to avert the sequester. As much as I wanted to go home to Illinois to travel around our region and listen to our residents, sending lawmakers home before a deal was reached was irresponsible and not in the best interests of our country.

Unfortunately, with the clock ticking, my call to stay and work wasn’t heeded.

I also introduced the Government Waste Reduction Act, a bipartisan, common-sense piece of legislation that could save tens of billions of dollars by reducing unnecessary duplicative government services and programs while protecting those that middle class folks across the country rely on.

This represents a good first step toward getting our country back on sound fiscal footing without hurting our middle class and hardworking Americans.

As for sequestration, anyone can see these across-the-board cuts are bad for our economy and bad for our communities here in the 17th Congressional District. We need to get our fiscal house in order, but it cannot be on the backs of American workers, the middle class, and the programs that support the middle class.

I urge both parties to come together to find a bipartisan common-sense solution before March 1.

U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Ill., is in her first term serving the 17th Congressional District, which includes portions of Rockford. She lives in East Moline, Ill.

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Guest Column, Online Exclusives | 5 Comments »

Artists’ Ensemble raffles off front-row tickets to the Bulls

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

This photo was taken from the seats that are being raffled off. (Photo by Al Wieden)

Staff Report

See the Chicago Bulls from Row A, directly behind the Bulls’ bench, if you buy the winning ticket in Artists’ Ensemble’s (AE) sports raffle.

First prize is a pair of Row A seats to the Chicago Bulls, plus VIP parking for the March 21 game with the Bulls playing the Portland Trailblazers. Second prize is $150 cash. Third prize is five tickets to the March 27 IceHogs game — Row A, right against the glass — with two parking passes included.

“This is a real opportunity for someone to see the Bulls from $700 seats, which is a whole different experience, or so I hear,” said AE Artistic Director Richard Raether. “It is a chance to view a Bulls game in the same way Jack Nicholson watches the Lakers and Spike Lee sees the Knicks.”

The odds are good, as only 200 raffle tickets will be sold.

Tickets are $50 each, and can be purchased at the box office at (815) 394-5004 or buy online at www.artistsensemble.org. The AE box office is open 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday-Friday.

The winning raffle tickets will be drawn March 4, and the lucky winners will be notified.

All raffle proceeds go to support Artists’ Ensemble Theater, performing its ninth season of professional theater at Rockford College.

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Online Exclusives, Sports News, Vibe Entertainment | No Comments »

Aaron Carter headlines May 3 show in DeKalb

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

Staff Report

DEKALB, Ill. — Teen heartthrobs and pop sensations Aaron Carter and special guests Ryan Cabrera, Tyler Hilton and Teddy Geiger are coming to the historic Egyptian Theatre in downtown DeKalb, Ill., for a one-night only special performance presented by the Egyptian and ProSound Productions at 7 p.m., Friday, May 3.

Tickets go on sale to the general public at 11 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 28. Premium reserved seats are $35 and regular reserved seats are $22. Tickets are available by phone at (815) 758-1225 or in person during box office hours from 2 to 6 p.m., Tuesdays, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursdays. Tickets are available online 24/7 at www.egyptiantheatre.org.

Catapulted to fame in their childhood and teen years, all four artists have continued to pack houses and entertain devoted fans with their mix of pop, rock, folk and indie music. Carter, younger brother of the Back Street Boys’ Nick Carter, has been appearing on Broadway in the musical Fantasticks and appeared in the ninth season of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, dancing with partner Kirina Smirnoff and finishing fifth overall.

Cabrera, Hilton and Geiger are in the midst of their first-ever national tour together. By 21, Cabrera was in the studio with his mentor Johnny Rzeznik (Goo Goo Dolls) writing and producing his first major-label debut, Take It All Away. Hilton is best known for his role as Chris Keller on the CW hit-show One Tree Hill and for playing Elvis Presley in the Johnny Cash biopic Walk the Line. Geiger shot to stardom with the million selling international hit, For You I Will, which was featured on Geiger’s critically-acclaimed debut album, Underage Thinking, entering the Billboard charts at No. 8 in 2006.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.egyptiantheatre.org.

The Egyptian Theatre is operated by the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Preservation of Egyptian Theatre, Inc., and is at 135 N. Second St., downtown DeKalb, Ill.

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Online Exclusives, Vibe Entertainment | No Comments »

Great food choices to help lower cholesterol

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

By Marilyn Csernus, MS, RD, CDE
Nutrition & Wellness Educator, University of Illinois Extension Ogle County

Could you be making better food choices to maintain heart health? Including certain foods into your diet on a regular basis can help keep cholesterol numbers in check.

February is American Heart Health Month, and a healthy diet is one of the important lifestyle measures that affect cholesterol numbers.

Overall, a diet lower in total fat, and particularly saturated fat and trans fat, helps promote heart health.

Saturated fat is found in full fat dairy products, meat and some oil and solid fats, including butter and lard, as well as foods made with these added fats.

Trans fats found in stick margarines and some commercially made cookies, cakes and crackers are especially bad for raising our “bad” cholesterol (LDL).

Eating a heart-healthy diet should go hand-in-hand with other healthy lifestyle measures such as avoiding tobacco products, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress and getting regular physical activity.

Think about adding the following items to your grocery list to help boost your intake of heart-healthy foods:

• Nuts, especially almonds and walnuts — Eating a handful of nuts (about 1 to 1.5 ounces) is a good way to replace unhealthy fats with healthy fats found in nuts. Buy nuts that do not have added salt or sugar. Nuts are packed with calories, so keep serving sizes small. Think about replacing other less healthy fats such as meat or cheese on a salad with a handful of nuts.

• Olive, canola and peanut oil — Like nuts, these oils are heart healthy and help lower bad cholesterol without lowering good cholesterol. Substitute these oils in place of other unhealthy fats in the diet such as stick margarine, butter and lard. Choose extra-virgin olive oil to get the most cholesterol-lowering effect. Extra-virgin olive oil is less processed and contains antioxidants.

• Fish and omega-3 fatty acids — Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, lake trout, albacore tuna, halibut and herring are high in omega-3 fatty acids These are essential fats that the body needs but does not make, and must get through food. Certain omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to be beneficial to both healthy people and those who already have cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association recommends two servings per week of these heart-healthy fish.

• Soluble fiber — Soluble fiber reduces “bad” cholesterol or LDL cholesterol. Oatmeal is a good source of soluble fiber, and if you prefer a cold cereal, choose one made with oat bran or oatmeal. Good sources of soluble fiber are oatmeal, oat bran, nuts, seeds, beans, dried peas, legumes, lentils, strawberries and blueberries. For a change, try steel-cut oats with blueberries and walnuts.

• Foods with added plant sterols or stanols — A few foods on the market are fortified with plant stanols or sterols. These are substances occurring in plants that block the absorption of cholesterol. Consuming 2 grams per day of plant stanol or sterols from eating or drinking fortified food products may reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol by 10 percent. Soft-tub margarines, orange juice, yogurt drinks and granola bars are some of the products fortified with plant stanol or sterols. Foods in these categories that are fortified with plant stanol or sterol esters will be labeled as containing this cholesterol-lowering substance.

• Fruits and vegetables — Half of our plate should be filled with fruits and vegetables. Fresh, frozen or low-sodium canned vegetables are the best choices. Fruit should be fresh, or if frozen or canned, without sugar added. Filling up on fruits and vegetables helps decrease our intake of less healthy foods.

Visit the American Heart Association website at http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/ to learn more about reducing the risk of heart disease. The American Heart Association website has great recipes available to help get you started eating healthy.

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue

Posted in Living, Online Exclusives | No Comments »

‘Young Artist Show: High School Division’ features work by 108 students from 17 schools

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

Online Staff Report

Rockford Art Museum’s (RAM) 72nd Young Artist Show begins Sunday, March 3, with a free, public opening and awards presentation of its High School Division, an annual juried competition that features exceptional artwork by students from schools within 50 miles of the museum.

The free public opening is from 1 to 3 p.m. (awards at 2 p.m.), Sunday, March 3, at the museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. The exhibit remains on display through Sunday, April 7.

The 72nd Young Artist Show is sponsored by Women’s Art Board of Rockford Art Museum, and the Thomas and Kathleen Laird Family Foundation.

Twenty schools submitted 1,003 pieces of artwork for consideration by this year’s jurors, who chose 151 pieces that represent 108 students from 17 schools for display at the museum and for awards. On view are paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography, mixed media and digital artwork. The two jurors did not know the artist’s name, grade level or school affiliation when selections were made. Awards will be announced at 2 p.m. during the public opening March 3.

New this year is a concurrent student exhibit, “Arts of March,” on display March 1-30 at Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, 1324 N. Second St., Rockford, that includes 26 works representing 26 students at 17 schools. This show is a partnership between RAM, Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, and Rockford Park District in support of National Youth Art Month and the Illinois Art Education Association. Learn more at ilaea.org/youth.

A total of 133 students at 18 schools are participating in the 72nd Young Artist Show.

For more details, contact RAM at (815) 968-2787 or visit rockfordartmuseum.org.

2013 jurors

Michael x. Ryan is director of student-run galleries and projects at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He is also co-chairman of the Curriculum Development Committee for the Advanced Placement (AP) Studio Art Program and a Portfolio Review Exam Leader, where last year they reviewed more than 34,000 portfolios.

Cynthia Hellyer Heinz is foundations coordinator at Northern Illinois University, and works with first-year students through their transition at the university. Both jurors are not only educators but also full-time artists; learn more about them at michaelxryan.com and cynthiahellyerheinz.com.

Participating students by school

Auburn High School, Rockford — Marquan Simon, senior; and Bert Tucker, junior. (Teachers: Betsy DeGunther, Allison Marcon and Brock McWilliams.)

Auburn Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) High School, Rockford — Elizabeth Ady, junior; Ling Chou, sophomore; Cynthia Ho, freshman; Camille Sanchez, sophomore; and Sabrina Tassoni, freshman. (Teacher: Leslie Arbetman.)

Belvidere High School — Sylvia Alamilla, senior; Tyler Kappes, junior; Niko Munoz, sophomore; and Zach Swanson, senior. (Teachers: Laura Davis and Jilian Reints.)

Belvidere North High School — Alyssa Alvardo, sophomore; Vincent Coslovich, sophomore; and Aurelia Tauscher, senior. (Teachers: Edith Obenchain and Troy Yunk.)

Boylan Catholic High School, Rockford — Paige Bauling, senior; Dana Dray, senior; Alena Eitenmiller, senior; Samantha Erdmier, senior; Anna Girgenti, junior; Kelsey Gugliuzza, senior; Elizabeth Hilby, senior; Jennifer Peters, junior; Alyssa Steinhagen, senior; Breanna Stutsman, sophomore; and Melanie Timms, sophomore. (Teachers: Tabatha Dougherty and Rebecca Pelley.)

Christian Life High School, Rockford — Caleb Benson, sophomore; Julia Giallanza, sophomore; and Sam Kramer, senior. (Teachers: Bruce McDonald, Sarah Waldron and Diane Wing.)

DeKalb High School — Michaela Murphy, senior. (Teacher: Chad Gregory.)

East High School, Rockford — Isabel Alvillar, junior; Maricon Mae Borja, senior; Joel De La Rosa, senior; Jessica Doering, sophomore; Tyler Ford, junior; Brittany Furman, sophomore; Jose Garcia, sophomore; Lamarcus Harvey, senior; Jackeline Herrera, sophomore; Aurora Macek, senior; Mediatrice Niyobuhungiro, junior; Teyanna Simonsen, sophomore; Brianna Smith, senior; Shay Tarlton, senior; and James Trinh, sophomore. (Teachers: Marissa Barclay, John DeRango, Michelle Jones and Timothy Lange.)

Guilford High School, Rockford — Rebecca Alamo, senior; Rebekah Caballero, senior; Zia Diaz, senior; John Doherty, senior; Rebecca Earp, senior; Elisabeth Endsley, sophomore; Tristan Endsley, senior; Audrey Gilfillan, senior; Sara Hallstein, senior; Shannon Hallstein, sophomore; Jennifer Hess, senior; Rantavian Horton, senior; Dexter Johnson, senior; Demi Lomeli, senior; Haran Lopez, senior; Taylor Mattingly, senior; Alpha Mugabo, senior; Siena Peterson, senior; Jordyn Poile, senior; Rachele Robertson, senior; Jane Shallcross, sophomore; and Taylor Slabaugh, senior. (Teachers: Eric Blackwell, Lisa Doll, Bo Hammarberg, Carolyn St. Angel and Elizabeth Woodyatt.)

Hallstrom Homeschool Academy — Kylie Barnard, senior; and Morgan Barnard, junior. (Teacher: Mary Schermerhorn.)

Harlem High School, Machesney Park — Brianna Barnes, senior; Serina Cortinez, senior; Jordan Diaz, senior; Alayni Frizzell, junior; Kayla Inthabandith, senior; Brandi Jenkins, senior; Stas Melnichuk, senior; Andrea Palmer, senior; Amber Rizzio, senior; and Kelsey Schreiber, senior. (Teachers: Alison Agustsson and Barb Kurilla.)

Hinckley-Big Rock High School, Hinckley — Ben Barnes, senior; and Kristie Runyan, senior. (Teacher: Vicki Kanik.)

Hononegah High School, Rockton — Ben Minard, senior. (Teachers: Jennifer Multhauf and Arra Van Galder.)

Huntley High School — Keish Camara, senior; Marissa Dal Cerro, senior; Eddie Dalton, senior; Kelly Frankel, senior; Logan Ganassin, sophomore; Ashley Gelz, senior; Isabella Green, senior; Anna Krum, sophomore; Gabby Miller, senior; Trevor Obecny, senior; Jessie Owensby, senior; Allison Preble, senior; Kelli Ruzbasan, senior; and Mary Kate Thompson, sophomore. (Teachers: Jillian Corapi, Kate Duchene, Valerie Lindquist, Bridget Regan and Sandra Spear.)

Jefferson High School, Rockford — Chenoa Belcher, senior; Morgan Bell, senior; Mitchell Gorsuch, senior; Thomas Helser, junior; Irin Jelnov, senior; Lorenzo Jimenez, senior; Stephan Jimenez, senior; Patricia Elaine Jordan, senior; Anna Lepke, senior; Adriana Lopez, senior; Daray Manning, junior; Brittany Manuell, senior; Alejandro Marques, senior; Lina Mauries, sophomore; Veronica Morales-Arredondo, senior; Gerardo Ortiz, senior; Diana Pacheco, junior; Carlos Pasillas, senior; Jesenia Pérez, senior; Marisa Perez, senior; Yoselim Sanchez, senior; Imelda Talavera, senior; Nayeli Talavera, senior; and Dalton Thompkins, senior. (Teachers: Steve Hoover, Lynn Stockton and Gail Zernia.)

Rockford Christian High School — Tatum Hendrickson, senior; and Emily Zhang, sophomore. (Teachers: Liz Day and Kelli Sabin.)

Rockford Lutheran High School — Abby Esposito, senior; Emily Peterson, senior; and Leonie Progl, sophomore. (Teacher: Sarah Wolfe.)

Roosevelt Alternative High School, Rockford — Gerardo Alvarez, sophomore; James Clevenz, sophomore; Brieanna Conner, senior; and Tashala Watkins, sophomore. (Teachers: Brian Hierstein and Kyle Wolfe.)

Winnebago High School — Jessie Bright, senior; Sienna Heflin, sophomore; Abigail Nilles, senior; Mariah Oakley, junior; and Lauren Wilson, sophomore. (Teachers: Lisa Jimenez and Jamie Zander-Tarara.)

Posted Feb. 27, 2013

Posted in Art, Vibe Entertainment, Vibe Entertainment News | No Comments »

‘For Women About Women Art Show’ at North Main Studios March 1-2

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

Online Staff Report

North Main Studios, 2500 N. Main St., Door 4 South, Rockford, will host a “For Women About Women Art Show” from 5 to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, March 1-2.

The exhibit showcases female artists and photographers whose work portrays images of women — their joys, hardships, struggles, identity, sexuality, etc.

Refreshments and music will be included in the event.

Featured artists include Mindy Joy Nutter Young, Sarah Hoey, Molly Butz, Abby Elliot, Elizabeth Chambers, Cyrene Krey, Erin Kirkpatrick, Cari Ann Wayman, Kristine Olson, Kris Gray, Marilyn Lamar, Bobbi Sorensen, Dominique Smith, Zaneta Bender Striedl, Jennifer Dyer, Ashley Cook, Brittany Bunton, Georgia Alderson, Tamarra BaVincio-Legge, Joanne Gustafson, Jojo , Natalie Nygren-Kearns, Chris Lawton McKibben, Suzanne Fielding-Paul and Melissa Marsden.

In addition to the art, music and refreshments, the Oscar Mike Foundation, dedicated to serving disabled men and women of the armed forces, will have their products available for purchase.

The Global Small Business Incubator, a student-managed nonprofit group, works with organizations such as Set Her Free & Jhoole, to combat social injustices such as slavery, sexual exploitation, poverty and child labor through fair trade and entrepreneurship. Handmade products from their clients will be available for purchase at the event.

For more details, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/322020051248928/.

Posted Feb. 27, 2013

Posted in Art, Vibe Entertainment, Vibe Entertainment News | No Comments »

Archive for February, 2013

Polls