2013 March | The Rock River Times

Archive for March, 2013

Mayor meets with state transportation officials regarding local projects, including rail

Friday, March 29th, 2013

Online Staff Report

Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey (I) met with Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Secretary Ann Schneider and Illinois Tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur March 26 on the status of numerous state projects for the City of Rockford. Morrissey said he left the meeting encouraged by the progress and efforts on current and future projects.

“Gov. (Pat) Quinn, Secretary Schneider and Executive Director Lafleur have supported numerous projects for the City of Rockford,” Morrissey said. “They know that Rockford’s effort to build and compete in a 21st century economy depends on outstanding transportation infrastructure.

“Our citizens and businesses will all benefit from a record level of transportation investment in Rockford on both the state highway and tollway systems as well as new passenger rail service,” Morrissey said. “Over the next three years, these investments will create hundreds of jobs as we modernize our central city state highway systems, restore passenger train service, and expand and rebuild our tollway connection to Chicago.”

The focus of the transportation strategy meeting was to share project status for major highway and bridge reconstruction efforts that are being funded and implemented by the State of Illinois and City of Rockford collaboratively, along with the Jane Addams Tollway (I-90) Rebuilding and Widening Project.

Projects that are currently under way and slated for 2013 and 2014 construction include the following:

• Rebuilding South Main Street from the airport to downtown Rockford;

• Building the Main and Auburn roundabout;

• Completing the planning and engineering for the rebuilding of North Main Street from Auburn to Riverside;

• Rebuilding the Morgan Street bridge; and

• Rebuilding and widening the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) from Elgin to Rockford.

Also discussed at length was the progress to restore Amtrak service from Chicago to Rockford and Dubuque, Iowa.

Schneider said: “Gov. Quinn and I are very excited about the upcoming state highway projects being built in the City of Rockford through the Illinois Jobs Now! capital program, and we share Mayor Morrissey’s vision of delivering projects that modernize the transportation system as well as catalyze neighborhood and economic development by delivering context-sensitive design and complete street amenities, such as landscaping, lighting and pedestrian systems where none existed before.”

Schneider gave Morrissey an overview of Illinois’ new long-range transportation plan, “Transforming Transportation for Tomorrow.” With a vision toward a sustainable, ecofriendly and economically supportive multi-modal transportation network for Illinois, the Transforming Transportation for Tomorrow plan focuses on further developing a coordinated and integrated transportation system network including roadways, bicycle and pedestrian systems, freight rail, public transit, intercity passenger train service, aviation, and waterways and ports.

Steve Ernst, executive director of the Rockford Metropolitan Agency for Planning, said, “As we develop our Sustainability Plan for the Rockford Region, I was very pleased with IDOT’s long-range transportation vision and how it integrates so well with our regional long-range planning efforts.”

One of Morrissey’s primary concerns prior to the meeting was the status on restoring Amtrak passenger rail service. While design for the new Amtrak train station on South Main Street will begin in approximately 30 days, rail line upgrades to the Canadian National railroad have been stalled. Schneider assured Morrissey that progress was being made and there was full support from the governor and federal transportation officials.

Schneider said: “The governor and I are committed to re-establishing train service between Chicago and Rockford. It is one of our top transportation priorities. We have procured new trains for the Rockford service, to be built locally in Rochelle by Nippon Sharyo, and we remain steadfast in our goal to restore train service to Rockford by the end of 2015.”

Lafleur also added that as part of the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway Rebuilding and Widening Project, roadway and shoulder lanes will be rebuilt and sized to accommodate transit service between Chicago and Rockford, allowing for increased transit opportunities and quicker commute times. Morrissey and Lafleur also committed to an ongoing planning dialogue and discussion regarding public transit expansion on the tollway and about the potential to get a train connection between Rockford and O’Hare airports.

Lafleur said, “Mayor Morrissey and the Illinois Tollway share the same goal of increasing collaboration and opening dialogue between transportation agencies and communities we serve to plan for a 21st century, state-of-the-art corridor linking Rockford to O’Hare Airport and Chicago.”

Carl Towns, a Rockford resident and member of the Illinois Tollway Board of Directors, participated in the meeting and shared his support for the ongoing planning effort between the two agencies.

Towns said, “The Illinois Tollway’s model for success has been to work in collaboration with local governments and communities, so we appreciate Mayor Morrissey’s willingness to join with IDOT and the Tollway to improve the transportation network serving Northern Illinois.”

Morrissey concluded: “Our partnerships with IDOT and the Illinois Tollway are strong and growing. I am eager to get these important projects under construction, get people to work and grow our local economy.”

Posted March 29, 2013

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Two teens arrested on Rockford’s southwest side after traffic stop

Friday, March 29th, 2013

Online Staff Report

March 27, members of the Rockford Police Department were conducting an enforcement detail concerning recent shots fired incidents in southwest Rockford.

Shortly after 6:30 p.m., one of the Gang Unit detectives working the detail conducted a traffic stop at West and Blake streets on a black sports utility-type vehicle. After the vehicle stopped, several of the occupants fled on foot from the vehicle. The driver and one of the passengers that fled on foot were taken into custody without incident a short distance away.

During the incident, a firearm in which the serial number was defaced was recovered. A green plant material suspected to be cannabis was also recovered.

During the investigation, it was determined the passenger who fled from the vehicle was a Latin King gang member.

The facts of the investigation were reviewed by the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office and the following charges were authorized:

Juvenile male, 16 years of age, Rockford (driver of the vehicle) — No valid driver’s license; and

Juvenile male, 16 years of age, Rockford (passenger in the vehicle) — Aggravated unlawful use of a weapon (on a public way); aggravated unlawful use of a weapon (by a gang member); no Firearm Owner’s Identification card; criminal defacement of a firearm; violation of the Cannabis Control Act; and resisting/obstructing a police officer.

Posted March 29, 2013

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Yard waste collection begins April 1 in Rockford

Friday, March 29th, 2013

Online Staff Report

Yard waste collection for City of Rockford residents will begin Monday, April 1, and continue until late in the fall.

Yard waste will only be collected when placed in compostable paper bags or in garbage cans clearly marked with a large “X” visible from the street.

Branches and limbs less than 4 inches in diameter bundled with string or twine may be placed for pick-up as long as they don’t exceed 4 feet in length, 3 feet in diameter and 75 pounds by weight.

Posted March 29, 2013

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Court Street UMC offers family-friendly Easter weekend festivities

Friday, March 29th, 2013

Online Staff Report

Rockford’s Court Street United Methodist Church announces its schedule of activities for Holy Week and Easter Sunday.

From a neighborhood egg hunt to a Resurrection Celebration on Easter Sunday, all are welcome to join in the family-friendly festivities for Holy Week.

Good Friday Services will be held at Court Street United Methodist Church Friday, March 29, at noon in the church chapel. Hymns and music will complement dramatic readings of the gospel that tell the story of Jesus’ betrayal, trial and crucifixion.

From 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, March 30, a neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt will take place in the city parking lot across the street from Court Street United Methodist Church, weather-permitting (alternate location: youth center, lower level of church). Parents are asked to stay with their children during the egg hunt and game time.

Easter Sunday, a 6 a.m. Sunrise Service be held in the church chapel. The First Service of Resurrection Sunday begins outdoors, around a pot of fire, where individual candles will be lit and those attending will proceed into the chapel. Songs, scripture and communion are open to all.

The Resurrection Celebration will take place on Easter Sunday at 9:45 a.m in the church sanctuary. The service begins with music from the adult choir, handbell choir, string quartet and brass quartet. The 10 a.m. processional brings singing, scripture and a sermon. All are welcome to attend.

Court Street United Methodist Church is in downtown Rockford at 215 N. Court St. Visit www.courtstreetumc.org for more info.

Posted March 29, 2013

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State trooper dies after squad car struck by semi on I-294

Friday, March 29th, 2013

Online Staff Report

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. — Illinois State Police Director Hiram Grau released the following statement regarding the fatal crash that claimed the life of a District 15 State Trooper Thursday, March 28: “It is with deep sadness that I announce the tragic death of Trooper James Sauter, and on behalf of the men and women of the Illinois State Police, I offer sincere condolences to Trooper Sauter’s family. Trooper Sauter left a legacy of courage, honor and duty, and we will never forget Star No. 6095. Our hearts are heavy with grief, but they are also strengthened by Trooper Sauter’s brave calling and dedicated service to ISP.”

Trooper Sauter was on duty in his ISP squad car when his vehicle was struck by a truck tractor semi-trailer at I-294 southbound at Willow Road. He was pronounced dead at the scene early Friday morning and had been a member of the Illinois State Police since June 29, 2008. Trooper Sauter had just completed a temporary assignment in Air Operations and was recently reassigned to District 15 as a patrolman.

Trooper Sauter was 28 years old and is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and family.

Posted March 29, 2013

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Rockford metro area’s unemployment rate at 13.4 percent in February

Thursday, March 28th, 2013

Online Staff Report

The Rockford metro area’s unemployment rate raised slightly from 13 percent in January to 13.4 percent in February, new data from the U.S. Department of Labor and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) revealed March 28.

Despite the slight rise in the percent unemployed over the last month, Rockford saw a net year-over-year job increase of 3,200 between February 2012 and February 2013. The February 2012 unemployment rate was 13 percent.

The Rockford metro area’s unemployment rate is the second highest among the state’s 12 metropolitan areas, with the Decatur area being the highest at 13.7 percent in February 2013.

In February, Illinois recorded job growth in five metropolitan statistical areas while declines occurred in seven, according to the U.S. Department of Labor and the IDES. February local unemployment rates increased in 10 of 12 metros and decreased in two. More people looking for work this February compared to last February contributed to the higher unemployment rates.

The largest job increases throughout the state were in Rockford (plus 2.2 percent, plus 3,200 jobs), Quad Cities (plus 1.6 percent, plus 2,800 jobs), Champaign-Urbana (plus 1.5 percent, plus 1,600 jobs) and Chicago-Joliet-Naperville (plus 1.5 percent, plus 55,000 jobs). Sectors increasing in the most metros were Educational and Health Services (nine of 12), Financial Activities and Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities (both eight of 12), and Leisure and Hospitality (seven of 12).

Largest increases in unemployment were in Decatur (plus 2.8 points to 13.7 percent), Danville (plus 1.5 point to 12.4 percent) and Peoria (plus 1.4 point to 10.4 percent). The Chicago-Joliet-Naperville Metropolitan Division rate was up 1.2 point to 10.3 percent.

The February 2013 not seasonally adjusted Illinois unemployment rate was 10.5 percent and 12.2 percent at its peak in this economic cycle in January 2010. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 8.1 percent in February and 10.6 percent in January 2010 at its peak. The unemployment rate identifies those who are out of work and looking for work and is not tied to collecting unemployment insurance benefits.

Following are the unemployment rates for February per metropolitan area, listed from highest to lowest:

1. Decatur — 13.7 percent (10.9 percent in February 2012, a decrease of 2,300 jobs)

2. Rockford — 13.4 percent (13 percent in Febraury 2012, an increase of 3,200 jobs)

3. Kankakee-Bradley — 13.3 percent (12.9 percent in February 2012, an increase of 300 jobs)

4. Danville — 12.4 percent (10.9 percent in February 2012, a decrease of 100 jobs)

5. Lake-Kenosha (Ill.-Wis.) — 10.7 percent (10.1 percent in February 2012, a decrease of 2,600 jobs)

6. Peoria — 10.4 percent (9 percent in February 2012, a decrease of 400 jobs)

7. Chicago-Joliet-Naperville — 10.3 percent (9.1 percent in February 2012, an increase of 55,000 jobs)

8. St. Louis (Illinois section) — 10 percent (10.5 percent in February 2012, a decrease of 1,800 jobs)

9. Champaign-Urbana — 9.3 percent (8.6 percent in February 2012, an increase of 1,600 jobs)

10. Springfield — 9.2 percent (8.4 percent in February 2012, a decrease of 400 jobs)

11. Davenport-Moline-Rock Island — 8.2 percent (8.3 percent in February 2012, an increase of 2,800 jobs)

12. Bloomington-Normal — 8.1 percent (7.5 percent in February 2012, a decrease of 800 jobs)

Posted March 28, 2013

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Sandy-ravaged businesses reopen; residents fear public confusion

Thursday, March 28th, 2013

By Jillian Macmath
Staff Writer, AccuWeather.com

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — AccuWeather reports as Memorial Day and the start of the summer season nears, almost an entire rebuild is under way at the Jersey Shore, after Superstorm Sandy devastated homes and businesses last fall.

When Sandy made landfall in New Jersey Oct. 29, 2012, locals evacuated with prized possessions and a few days worth of spare clothing. Few anticipated the severity of the storm and how long displacement might last.

Nearly five months later, hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions are preparing to re-open and are in need of a heavy tourism season. Homeowners, however, have their reservations about what conflicting messages the public may be receiving.

Casino Pier’s signature attraction, the Jet Star roller coaster, was framed as the backdrop for Sandy’s devastation, as it washed into the ocean and remained dismally amid the water for months after the storm.

Despite severe damage to the pier and its attractions, Cirigliano is set on re-opening.

“We are still hopeful of being able to bring the entire property east of Ocean Terrace back by Memorial Day weekend,” Cirigliano said.

The iconic Jet Star rollercoaster seen in the background was washed into the ocean during the wrath of Superstorm Sandy.

“It is still a very long process yet,” Cirigliano said. “We have no electrical services or utilities there. We are working hard, and things will begin in ernest this week, but in only two months there is still a lot to be accomplished.”

The pier is being disassembled in areas deemed structurally unsound and new pilings are being placed where fresh boardwalk will lie in the future.

Like many, Cirigliano has struggled with the frustration of new building requirements and the bureaucracy of insurance companies and governmental agencies.

“We can’t wait to do the required work, but with all our damage we sustained, we also need to do certain things based on the procedures the insurance representatives dictate,” Cirigliano said.

“The rebuilding process has been quite complicated — more so than I ever imagined,” Cirigliano concluded.

Cirigliano is just one of many facing the same plight.

Ohana Grill in Lavallete has been closed since Sandy ransacked the town in October.

“Between the winds that knocked the power lines down and the surge of water that overtook the barrier island, our restaurant was in bad shape,” restaurant owner and Head Chef James Costello said.

Winds gusted to near 90 mph in the hardest-hit areas of New Jersey, knocking out power to more than 2.4 million customers. Sandy’s destructive winds were responsible for more than double the number of power outages caused by Irene in 2011.

Ohana Grill, which opened two years ago, received 1 1/2 feet of water damage and required Costello to replace the floor and 4 feet of the bottom sheetrock. What was salvaged sits in storage, awaiting the restaurant’s official reopen.

“Every time we meet with the landlord, we feel his frustration that to date none of his insurance claims have even come close to settling. Basically, right now we are building in the ‘hopes’ that everything being spent will be covered,” Costello said.

Costello says it has been a “leap of faith” for him and his wife.

“I had a discussion with my wife prior to beginning the rebuilding process that there was a possibility that we would take on substantial debt to reopen,” he said. “We decided, together, to go forward. This had always been our dream together, and we couldn’t let this storm take it away.”

Despite a hopeful attitude, the coast is draped with concern, from both business and homeowners alike.

“I think we will see people returning to Seaside to support the businesses that are back opened, but I fear that the rentals and hotels they used to stay in may not be reopened in time …,” Cirigliano said.

Businesses to the north of Casino Pier were severely impacted, and Cirigliano questions whether they will ever return.

“I know the phones have been ringing about the summer, and that is keeping us optimistic,” Cirigliano said. “If the amount of people in town on the weekends so far is any indication, things will be good.”

But for homeowners, there is a dangerous mixed message of preparedness for the summer season and disrepair in the community.

Faith Ligouri, a resident of Seaside Park, has returned to her home, but has not yet been able to restore the first floor, which sustained severe water damage and has since been gutted.

“I’m excited today because B&B is open, a local store down the street,” Faith told AccuWeather March 16. “I’m happy to see them back.”

“I don’t want to discourage people from coming and visiting, it’s important to our businesses and our economy, but I would beg the world, honestly, to understand that we are not whole,” she said. “And we will not be whole for years to come because we all have to face, how are we going to rebuild our homes? And no one can give us a clear and financially doable answer to that.”

The elusiveness of federal mitigation grants and insurance payouts is breeding frustration in the community.

“I feel like there is a perception that the Jersey Shore is wealthy or these are people’s second homes and that’s really not true,” Ligouri said. “These are our primary homes. And we need support, financially, emotionally and physically.

“And that’s what I;d like people to know,” Ligouri added. “While our streets may be clean, our houses are empty.”

Posted March 28, 2013

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Express driver’s license facility to open on Auburn Street April 2

Thursday, March 28th, 2013

Online Staff Report

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White (D) announced that the new Rockford Express driver’s license facility will open Tuesday, April 2, on the city’s west side.

“I made a commitment to the people of Rockford to offer driver and vehicle services on the city’s west side, and I am pleased to announce that the facility will be opening next week,” White said.

White added that he will be joined by Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey (I) as well as state and local officials for the facility’s ribbon-cutting at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 2.

Services provided at the new Express facility include the following:

• Driver’s license renewals, instructions permit renewals and vision screenings;

• Address change;

• Organ donor registrations;

• State ID first-time issuance, renewal, duplicate or corrections;

• Temporary disability placards, first-time issuance and replacement;

• Voter registration applications;

• License plate renewal stickers; and

• Driving Record (Abstract).

The new facility, which is at 3214 Auburn St., will be open 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Tuesday; 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday-Friday; and 7:30 a.m.-noon, Saturday. The facility is closed Sunday and Monday.

Drivers also can visit the Rockford Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) facility at 4752 Baxter Road, the State Street location at 3720 E. State St., in Rockford, or the Roscoe Express Facility at 10631 Main St., Roscoe’s Village Hall.

For more information, drivers may call the Secretary of State’s information line at (312) 793-1010 or visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com.

The state closed the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) facility at 3816 Auburn St., July 29, 2012, drawing intense criticism from area residents and elected officials. Plans for the new Express Facility on Auburn were announced Oct. 24, 2012. The previous Auburn Street CDL location reportedly issued more state ID cards than other area offices combined.

The new location is about six blocks from the facility that closed in July 2012, and is next to the Dollar General at 3214 Auburn.

The old Auburn Street location was the first of two Secretary of State offices in Rockford.

Posted March 28, 2013

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State contractor pleads guilty to fraud in obtaining millions in taxpayer-funded contracts

Thursday, March 28th, 2013

Online Staff Report

CHICAGO — Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan (D) announced March 28 the former president of a Peoria, Ill., area construction firm pled guilty to fraud in a scheme to obtain millions in taxpayer-funded state contracts.

Thomas J. Williams, 81, the former president of the Peoria Heights-based Williams Brothers Construction Inc., pled guilty Wednesday afternoon, March 27, before Judge John Schmidt in Sangamon County Circuit Court to two counts of mail fraud. Williams admitted using a minority-owned business, BJB Enterprises in Peoria, as a front to obtain two state contracts in 2010 to restore the historic Lincoln Hall at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and to construct a new science complex at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

The felony conviction is the result of an investigation by the Attorney General’s Public Integrity Bureau, which Madigan created to uncover fraud, abuse and waste of government resources.

Madigan said Williams represented to the Illinois Capital Development Board that it would employ BJB Enterprises on the two projects to meet the state contracts’ requirements that a portion of the work be completed by minority-owned businesses. Madigan’s Public Integrity Bureau investigation revealed that BJB Enterprises did not do any work associated with the two contracts or provide any materials for the projects.

“Williams Brothers used this subcontractor as a front to win significant state construction contracts,” Madigan said. “The company’s illegal acts denied legitimate minority-owned businesses from securing public contracts and defrauded taxpayers.”

Williams, of Peoria, was ordered to pay $1.5 million in restitution to the State of Illinois and sentenced to 30 months of probation. Williams resigned as president of the construction firm in February.

Madigan formed the Public Integrity Bureau and tasked it with using the tools afforded the office within statutory limits to uncover public corruption and enforce state law. Public Integrity investigations have led to the convictions of elected officials, public employees and government vendors — from an elected state representative and county state’s attorney to local officials, police officers and rank-and-file government workers — who used their positions for personal or political gain.

The Attorney General’s work to fight corruption has extended beyond the scope of her Public Integrity Bureau. During her tenure, Madigan’s office has investigated and prosecuted fraud against government programs, including child care, in-home care, unemployment insurance and student loan programs, Medicaid and state grant funding, and minority business fraud. The Attorney General took legal action to revoke the Emerald Casino license over deep concerns of corruption, and acted to deny taxpayer-funded pension benefits to federally convicted former governors George Ryan and Rod Blagojevich.

Madigan also created the new position of Public Access Counselor in her office to serve as a watchdog to public bodies that refuse access to public records. The Public Access Counselor reviews and resolves thousands of public record disputes each year, working to reverse Illinois’ long legacy of a lack of government transparency. Her office has continued this work in the state legislature by helping to draft the State Employees and Officials Ethics Act, tightening revolving door prohibitions on state employees and requiring greater public disclosure of Inspector General investigative reports.

“Public corruption comes in many forms, whether it’s public officials misusing their position for personal gain, government agencies abusing taxpayer funds or government vendors unfairly obtaining public contracts,” Madigan said. “With the legal tools afforded to my office, I’ve fought to uncover corruption, increase accountability and restore the public’s faith in its government at all levels.”

Deputy Bureau Chief Mary Bucaro, Assistant Attorney General David Navarro and Associate Director James S. Dorger handled this case for Madigan’s Public Integrity Bureau.

Posted March 28, 2013

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State Board of Elections to take ‘no further action’ against Hughes campaign regarding Morrissey complaint

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

Rockford mayoral candidate Jim Hughes (D)

Online Staff Report

“No further action” shall be taken by the Illinois State Board of Elections in the illegal campaign electioneering complaint filed by the campaign of Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey (I) against the campaign of Rockford mayoral candidate Jim Hughes (D).

James Tenuto, hearing officer for the Illinois State Board of Elections, rendered his opinion March 27.

The allegation of illegal campaign electioneering, which also applied to the Rockford police union, PBPA No. 6, was in reference to television and radio ads that were critical of the Morrissey administration’s managing of the police force and his geopolicing plan.

In response to the State Board of Elections’ March 27 ruling, Hughes said in a release: “The frivolous action by Morrissey was without foundation and is a prime example of desperation politics and a waste of taxpayer dollars. Fairy dust and magic beans are the banner phrases of the Morrissey campaign, but in any sophisticated campaign of purpose, especially one that has involved the entire city of Rockford, there is no room for campaign tactics that causes confusion amongst the electorate. The Hughes Administration is for a better, safer, and prosperous Rockford.”

Representatives for the Hughes campaign attended a State Board of Elections hearing on the matter March 25.

A press release from the Morrissey campaign about the original allegations stated: “Under applicable state law, political organizations must identify in an ad the organization responsible for the ad as well as a source for detailed information about the organization responsible for the ad.”

Morrissey added in that release: “We’re simply asking for a level playing field. These ads attack me and my administration directly without disclosing the funding source. The PBPA has ‘endorsed’ the ads, but there is no indication whether the PBPA is the actual organization funding the ads.”

Candidates for Rockford mayor on the April 9 ballot include Hughes, Morrissey and Republican Michael Kleen.

Posted March 27, 2013

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Second of two suspects in Feb. 25 murder taken into custody

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

Online Staff Report

Rockford police have arrested the second suspect allegedly involved in the Feb. 25 murder of Jimmy Hollins, 20.

Damarius L. Nelson, 18, of Rockford, was arrested March 27 and taken into custody in Harvey, Ill. He is charged with aggravated battery with a firearm and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.

The other suspect, Tommy G. Nabors, 19, of Rockford, was taken into custody March 4 and is being held at Winnebago County Jail. Nabors is charged with aggravated battery with a firearm and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.

At 10:15 p.m., Feb. 25, Rockford police responded to the Rockford Memorial Hospital emergency room in reference to a gunshot victim. Hollins, the victim, was pronounced dead after suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. Officers located the scene of the shooting at a residence in the 300 block of Underwood Street.

Posted March 27, 2013

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NPR’s ‘Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me!’ at Coronado April 4

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

Carl Kasell (left) and Peter Sagal (NPR photo by Antony Nagelmann)

Online Staff Report

Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me!, NPR’s weekly hour-long quiz program, is coming to the Coronado Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 4. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m., Friday, Feb. 22, and are available through the Coronado PAC Box Office, Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, or by calling (815) 968-0595. Tickets are $25 and $60.

During the show, attendees can test their knowledge against some of the best and brightest in the news and entertainment world while figuring out what’s real news and what’s made up.

The show is hosted by Peter Sagal. Prior to becoming host of Wait Wait in 1998, Sagal had a varied career including stints as a playwright, screenwriter, stage director, actor, extra in a Michael Jackson video, travel writer, essayist, ghostwriter and staff writer for a motorcycle magazine. In October 2007, Harper Collins published Sagal’s first book, The Book of Vice: Naughty Things and How to Do Them, a series of essays about bad behavior, which was released in paperback in 2008.

Carl Kasell is the official judge and scorekeeper for Wait Wait. A veteran broadcaster, Kasell launched his radio career more than 50 years ago. He was a newscaster for NPR’s daily newsmagazine Morning Edition from the show’s beginning in 1979 until December 2009.

Posted March 27, 2013

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Supporters defend Alice Saudargas at March 26 Board of Education meeting

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

Editor’s note: Longtime Rockford educator and school board member Alice Saudargas, 96, was removed from the April 9 ballot following a series of suspicious events that included bullying and intimidation from prominent community members.

Having served 11 years as the school board member of Sub District C before finishing second in a three-way election in 2011, Saudargas filed paperwork in December 2012 with the Winnebago County Clerk and Rockford Board of Elections to run for the seat in the April 9 election. However, she was informed Jan. 28 by the Rockford School District Electoral Board that her request was being denied.

Saudargas was hospitalized for the flu and unable to attend previously scheduled hearings or retain legal counsel to appear on her own behalf at the hearings. She has since declared herself as a write-in candidate for the board seat, running in opposition to incumbent Ken Scrivano. She has also since retained legal counsel and is seeking a new hearing in attempts to be added to the ballot.

The objection to Saudargas’ candidacy was filed by a SwedishAmerican employee being represented by the Holmstrom & Kennedy law firm.

Saudargas contends that nine of 28 signatures deemed invalid by the Electoral Board should have been counted; she previously released copies of affidavits from registered voters confirming that their signatures on her petitions were authentic and that they lived in the subdistrict. Combined with 43 uncontested signatures, Saudargas would have had more than the 50 required to appear on the ballot.

Following are remarks given Tuesday, March 26, before the Rockford Board of Education by local publisher John Gile.

Thank you for the opportunity to come before you this evening.

My name is John Gile. I am a husband, father and grandfather who shares your love for children. I also am an author, journalist, editor and publisher who has spent more than two decades helping more than 500,000 students and teachers in 39 states, Europe, and New Zealand develop and strengthen their communication skills.

It is a relief for me to come home from working in other school districts where I see wonderful things being done and now to see so many good things happening here in Rockford. Among the many concerns I know you are addressing, as are all school districts, is the problem of bullying.

Tonight, I want to briefly address the problem of bullying and the importance of teaching by example. Children see and imitate what we adults do, not what we say. That is why it is particularly important for you to set a good example in this public forum.

It has been called to my attention that a form of bullying is being used to keep former school board member, teacher and principal Alice Saudargas off the April school board ballot. Legal technicalities have been used to invalidate her election petitions. My question is, what are you teaching the children?

We have seen what happens in the business world when bullies misuse and abuse power and use legal technicalities to justify their actions, impoverishing whole nations. Is such behavior what we want to teach our children?

You have an opportunity to set a better example. You can reschedule the hearing Alice was unable to attend because she was hospitalized. You can honestly consider the affidavits proving the petitions are valid. And, if you act now, Alice’s name can still be added to the ballots in accordance with the wishes of those who signed her petitions.

I encourage you to do what is right and just and fair, not only to avoid giving more fodder to those who malign Rockford, but because it provides the right example for our children. It is not too late to do the right thing. Schedule the hearing now.

Posted March 27, 2013

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School board approves superintendent, administrative contracts

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

Online Staff Report

At its Tuesday, March 26, meeting, the Rockford Board of Education approved a three-year superintendent contract with Ehren Jarrett, effective July 1. With two automatic one-year renewal terms, the contract could last five years, through June 30, 2018.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the board and be part of a leadership team in this community,” said Jarrett, who was hired as an assistant superintendent under interim Superintendent Robert Willis in June 2011. “I’ve said on many occasions this is my dream job, and I am truly humbled and honored to be able to serve this community and this school district.”

Jarrett will receive an annual salary of $210,000; increases are at the board’s discretion during an annual review. That salary level is on par with Willis. The board has also agreed to pay into Jarrett’s Teachers’ Retirement System pension fund at the same rate of Rockford Public Schools’ certified teaching staff. His benefits package — including personal, vacation and sick time — is also the same as the district’s certified administrative staff members.

The board also approved appointments for some of Jarrett’s leadership team, effective July 1, as follows:

• Assistant Superintendent Matt Vosberg will become deputy superintendent and earn $175,000 annually.

• Executive Director of Learning Vicki Jacobson will become assistant superintendent of elementary education and earn $135,000 annually. She will replace former Assistant Superintendent Martha Hayes, who retired in December.

• Theodore “Chip” Hickman, Kaneland High School principal, will become assistant superintendent of secondary education and earn $135,000 annually. He will fill the assistant superintendent position that Jarrett vacates. Hickman has worked in the Kaneland School District since July 2011. Before that, he worked as an assistant principal in the Batavia School District.

Jarrett said the current cabinet under Willis will remain intact. Formal announcements will be made in the coming weeks.

“We are building a team to support our district and our community, and maximizing our efforts to increase student achievement for all students,” Jarrett said.

Posted March 27, 2013

Posted in Happening Now, Local News | No Comments »

Police Reports: Week of March 20-26, 2013

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

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

From the Rockford Police Department

Report Updated 3/27/2013 7:35:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

3/27/2013

BROWN, JAMAR Age: 21 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/27/2013 1:53:00AM Case Number: 13-033040

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Obstructing Identification

Ranger ST

MCFADDEN, ADAM Age: 25 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/27/2013 2:48:00AM Case Number: 13-033094

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Aggravated Driving Under Influence Liquor

Driving Under Influence Liquor

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Registration/Title violation

Traffic signal violation

N COURT ST

ROBINSON, DELWIN Age: 21 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/27/2013 12:34:00AM Case Number: 13-033028

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Other traffic offenses

Suspended/revoked drivers license

10TH AVE

3/26/2013

BENNETT, STARLETTA Age: 26 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/26/2013 10:30:00AM Case Number: 13-021559

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Aggravated Battery (Pregnant Victim)

Freemont ST

BENNETT, STARLETTA Age: 26 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/26/2013 10:30:00AM Case Number: 13-025493

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Stalking

FREEMONT ST

CARTER, BRANDI Age: 36 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/26/2013 11:23:00PM Case Number: 13-033011

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Service to other agency- State other

CLIFTON AVE

EDWARDS, CLIFFORD Age: 33 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/26/2013 1:41:00AM Case Number: 13-032619

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Dakota, IL 61108

Charges:

Aggravated Driving Under Influence Liquor

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Registration/Title violation

N WEST ST

All subjects are presumed innocent Page 1 of 17

until proven guilty in a court of lawReport Updated 3/27/2013 7:35:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

3/26/2013

EYTALIS, SARAH Age: 32 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/26/2013 11:45:00AM Case Number: 13-028533

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61114

Charges:

No drivers license

THYME DR

FOLLMAN, ERIK Age: 40 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/26/2013 2:45:00PM Case Number: 13-032813

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Disorderly Conduct

Remington RD

HARRINGTON, MICHAEL Age: 53 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/26/2013 11:09:00PM Case Number: 13-032992

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il

Charges:

Aggravated Assault – Handgun

Domestic Trouble

Resisting/Obstructing an Officer (Physical Confrontation)

Unlawful Use Of Weapons By A Felon

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

UNK

HERREN, DENNIS Age: 30 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/26/2013 4:24:00AM Case Number: 13-032638

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61109

Charges:

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

23RD ST

KECK, JOHN Age: 45 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/26/2013 5:20:00PM Case Number: 13-032888

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Other traffic offenses

W STATE ST

KECK, JOHN Age: 45 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/26/2013 5:20:00PM Case Number: 13-032900

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61103

Charges:

Other traffic offenses

W STATE ST

MCSWINE, ANTHONY Age: 40 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/26/2013 10:00:00PM Case Number: 13-032991

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61102

Charges:

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Suspended/revoked drivers license

CUNNINGHAM

MEIER, PAMELA Age: 50 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/26/2013 8:38:00PM Case Number: 13-032912

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Freeport, IL

Charges:

Driving Under Influence Drugs

Failure to reduce speed/ Too fast for conditions

GREENFIELD CR

All subjects are presumed innocent Page 2 of 17

until proven guilty in a court of lawReport Updated 3/27/2013 7:35:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

3/26/2013

MOORE, CONNIE Age: 45 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/26/2013 11:59:00AM Case Number: 13-032772

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Edgerton, WI 53534

Charges:

Service to other agency- County other

E ALLEN DALE RD

POSADAS, EIDANY Age: 24 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/26/2013 12:13:00AM Case Number: 13-032597

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

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

Criminal Damage to Vehicle

GREGORY

SCOTT, COREY Age: 40 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/26/2013 9:00:00PM Case Number: 13-032979

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61103

Charges:

Aggravated Battery (Peace Officer, Correctional Officer, Fireman)

Criminal Trespass to Land

Resisting/Obstructing an Officer (Physical Confrontation)

Theft (less than $300- Unauthorized Control)

BLACKSTONE AVE

3/25/2013

ADAMS, DAVID Age: 43 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/25/2013 1:50:00PM Case Number: 13-003667

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il

Charges:

Disorderly Conduct

S Memorial

BLAKE, JOSHUA Age: 19 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/25/2013 5:24:00PM Case Number: 13-032438

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Domestic Battery

7TH ST

FITHEN, JEFFREY Age: 41 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/25/2013 1:30:00PM Case Number: 11-024350

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il 61109

Charges:

Criminal Damage to Government Supported Property (under $500)

Garver

GILLETTE, KYNEESHA Age: 19 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/25/2013 12:43:00PM Case Number: 13-032356

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Suspended/revoked drivers license

S Highland AVE

HAYES, ASHLY Age: 23 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/25/2013 12:10:00AM Case Number: 13-032205

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il 61108

Charges:

Suspended/revoked drivers license

8TH ST

All subjects are presumed innocent Page 3 of 17

until proven guilty in a court of lawReport Updated 3/27/2013 7:35:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

3/25/2013

HOLBROOK, KASSI Age: 25 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/25/2013 8:07:00PM Case Number: 13-032515

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61109

Charges:

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Suspended/revoked drivers license

11th St

KOHN, GRACE Age: 22 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/25/2013 9:53:00AM Case Number: 13-032287

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61107

Charges:

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

Skylark DR

MACIEL, DANIEL Age: 19 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/25/2013 11:01:00AM Case Number: 13-032316

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

City Ordinance Impound – Sound Amplification 17-27

No drivers license

Houghton ST

OTANEZ, JOE Age: 36 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/25/2013 8:40:00PM Case Number: 13-032519

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Disorderly Conduct

Domestic Trouble

Resisting/Obstructing an Officer (Physical Confrontation)

Haskell AVE

OWENS, JAMETHA Age: 32 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/25/2013 12:12:00AM Case Number: 13-032202

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Dekalb,Il

Charges:

Resisting/Obstructing an Officer (Physical Confrontation)

MARKET ST

PARHAM, PATRICK Age: 49 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/25/2013 11:45:00PM Case Number: 13-032590

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

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

RIDGE AVE

PARKER, JERRY Age: 53 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/25/2013 10:50:00PM Case Number: 13-032572

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61101

Charges:

Criminal Trespass to Real Property (Standard)

W State ST

SHERROD-COLE, SHARAE Age: 20 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/25/2013 3:45:00PM Case Number: 12-084469

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61104

Charges:

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

5th AVE

All subjects are presumed innocent Page 4 of 17

until proven guilty in a court of lawReport Updated 3/27/2013 7:35:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

3/25/2013

STEWART, JASON Age: 33 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/25/2013 10:39:00AM Case Number: 13-032310

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il 61104

Charges:

Canceled/suspended/revoked registration

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Suspended/revoked drivers license

11th St

THOMPSON, LEWIS Age: 27 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/25/2013 12:10:00PM Case Number: 11-104957

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61102

Charges:

Burglary – Forced Entry-Residence

Elm ST

THOMPSON, THOMAS Age: 25 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/25/2013 1:11:00AM Case Number: 13-032198

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Aggravated Driving Under Influence Liquor

Blood alcohol content over .08

Failure to reduce speed/ Too fast for conditions

No drivers license

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

N Prospect AVE

WILKINS, PAULETTE Age: 26 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/25/2013 7:40:00AM Case Number: 13-032257

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Failure to reduce speed/ Too fast for conditions

Suspended/revoked drivers license

MIRIAM AVE

WOODARD, CATREAVIA Age: 25 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/25/2013 1:28:00AM Case Number: 13-032220

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61101

Charges:

Light violation

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Suspended/revoked drivers license

ALLIANCE AVE

3/24/2013

ALEXANDER, LEE Age: 44 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/24/2013 11:35:00PM Case Number: 13-032190

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61102

Charges:

Other traffic offenses

Suspended/revoked drivers license

HALSTED RD

BAILEY, AYANNA Age: 30 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/24/2013 12:56:00AM Case Number: 13-031874

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61102

Charges:

No drivers license

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

Lincoln Ave. UPPR

All subjects are presumed innocent Page 5 of 17

until proven guilty in a court of lawReport Updated 3/27/2013 7:35:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

3/24/2013

BASS, KENDRA Age: 21 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/24/2013 5:15:00AM Case Number: 13-031935

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61104

Charges:

Domestic Battery

S 1st ST

BELL, TENEITA Age: 24 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/24/2013 8:35:00AM Case Number: 13-031962

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Criminal Damage to Vehicle

9TH AVE

BINNEL, MICHAEL Age: 47 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/24/2013 4:48:00PM Case Number: 13-032082

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il

Charges:

City Ordinances Public Drinking

HOMELESS

BOLDEN, COREY Age: 43 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/24/2013 11:30:00PM Case Number: 13-032194

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Domestic Battery

Other criminal offenses

KILBURN AVE

BOOTH, MELISSA Age: 31 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/24/2013 8:18:00PM Case Number: 13-032136

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61104

Charges:

Service to other agency- Sheriffs dept

16th St.

CARTER, CAROLYN Age: 51 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/24/2013 12:50:00PM Case Number: 13-032022

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

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

CLIFTON AVE

COLLIER, REVA Age: 21 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/24/2013 3:31:00AM Case Number: 13-031927

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61101

Charges:

Suspended/revoked drivers license

KILBURN AVE

EASH, BRANDON Age: 28 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/24/2013 8:30:00AM Case Number: 13-031964

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il

Charges:

Service to other agency- Sheriffs dept

S JOHNSTON AVE

ELLIS, KENNETHA Age: 24 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/24/2013 1:10:00AM Case Number: 13-031878

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rfd, IL

Charges:

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

Glenwood AVE

All subjects are presumed innocent Page 6 of 17

until proven guilty in a court of lawReport Updated 3/27/2013 7:35:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

3/24/2013

HANSON, KEVIN Age: 35 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/24/2013 1:10:00AM Case Number: 13-006329

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,

Charges:

Unlawful Failure to Register As A Sex Offender

HOMELESS

JOHNSON, RASHEON Age: 24 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/24/2013 1:55:00AM Case Number: 13-031858

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Violation of the Cannabis Control Act (less than 2.5)

S Henrietta AVE

JOHNSON, TRENT Age: 24 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/24/2013 2:05:00AM Case Number: 13-031889

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Domestic Battery

Other criminal offenses

Kilburn AVE

KIMBERLY, JOSHUA Age: 22 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/24/2013 2:54:00AM Case Number: 13-031911

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Roscoe, IL

Charges:

Aggravated Driving Under Influence Liquor

Illegal Transportation or Possession of Alcohol

Improper lane usage

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

HUNTSBORO LN

LARA, BRANDON Age: 29 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/24/2013 6:16:00PM Case Number: 13-032101

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61102

Charges:

Reckless Discharge Of A Firearm

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

N HENRIETTA AVE

MARTIN, MICHAEL Age: 33 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/24/2013 6:00:00PM Case Number: 13-008358

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Retail Theft (More than $150- Standard)

UNK BEACH/ALPINE/HARRISON AREA

MISSOURI, THOMAS Age: 37 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/24/2013 9:40:00AM Case Number: 13-031978

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Milwaukee Wisc,

Charges:

Criminal Trespass to Real Property (Standard)

Disorderly Conduct

E. LLOYD ST

MORGAN, RAEVON Age: 29 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/24/2013 10:29:00PM Case Number: 13-032175

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61101

Charges:

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

Acorn ST

All subjects are presumed innocent Page 7 of 17

until proven guilty in a court of lawReport Updated 3/27/2013 7:35:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

3/24/2013

PARSON, WILLIAM Age: 24 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/24/2013 3:21:00PM Case Number: 13-032056

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il

Charges:

Retail Theft (More than $150- Standard)

CHELSEA AVE

SANCHEZ, LUIS Age: 34 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/24/2013 12:00:00PM Case Number: 13-032011

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61107

Charges:

No drivers license

Other equipment violations (non-specific)

JACKSON ST

SPODEN, ANTHONY Age: 21 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/24/2013 1:40:00PM Case Number: 13-032028

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il

Charges:

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

Service to other agency- Sheriffs dept

MULBERRY ST

WADE, TONYA Age: 43 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/24/2013 1:22:00PM Case Number: 13-032029

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il

Charges:

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

16TH AVE

3/23/2013

ABRON, ALONZO Age: 53 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/23/2013 9:20:00PM Case Number: 13-031783

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

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

TRILLING AVE

BRADLEY, JACQUELINE Age: 57 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/23/2013 10:00:00PM Case Number: 13-031788

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Janesville, WI

Charges:

Unattended motor vehicle

N LEXINGTON DR

CLARK, STEVEN Age: 52 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/23/2013 12:01:00AM Case Number: 13-031450

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61101

Charges:

Battery (Simple)

Acorn St At 2w

COLEMAN, CHRISTINA Age: 34 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/23/2013 8:58:00PM Case Number: 13-031771

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Handicapped parking violations

Retail Theft (less Than $150-Standard)

WENTWORTH DR,

All subjects are presumed innocent Page 8 of 17

until proven guilty in a court of lawReport Updated 3/27/2013 7:35:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

3/23/2013

COLEMAN, LOUIS Age: 18 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/23/2013 11:16:00PM Case Number: 13-031702

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il

Charges:

Failing to signal/Improper signal

Fleeing to elude police officer

No drivers license

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

INDIANA AVE

FORD, GERRY Age: 20 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/23/2013 1:15:00AM Case Number: 13-031477

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Wheaton, IL

Charges:

Illegal consumption by minor

Illegal Transportation or Possession of Alcohol

Briar CLF

GRENOBLE, GERALD Age: 51 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/23/2013 12:45:00PM Case Number: 13-031529

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il

Charges:

Domestic Battery

8TH AVE

GRIFFIN, MAJOR Age: 35 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/23/2013 3:07:00AM Case Number: 13-031494

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

City Ordinance Impound – Sound Amplification 17-27

W JEFFERSON ST

HARRIS, PATRICK Age: 22 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/23/2013 9:51:00PM Case Number: 13-031801

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61103

Charges:

Criminal Trespass to State Supported Property

N Court ST

HEINZE, JEREMY Age: 41 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/23/2013 8:00:00PM Case Number: 09-115845

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Probation violation or revocation

N. Church

HILL, CHRISTOPHER Age: 23 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/23/2013 10:46:00PM Case Number: 13-031827

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il 61103

Charges:

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

S Henrietta AVE

JENNINGS, TASHEKA Age: 25 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/23/2013 1:15:00AM Case Number: 13-031477

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il 61101

Charges:

Improper use of registration

Robey

All subjects are presumed innocent Page 9 of 17

until proven guilty in a court of lawReport Updated 3/27/2013 7:35:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

3/23/2013

KEYS, KIMBERLY Age: 30 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/23/2013 1:55:00AM Case Number: 13-031483

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

City Ordinance Offensive Uses of Property

CLIFTON AVE

KING, ALLANTE Age: 20 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/23/2013 11:00:00AM Case Number: 11-060323

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

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

Garrett LN

KING, MELISSA Age: 32 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/23/2013 10:20:00PM Case Number: 13-031814

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

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

NEWBURG RD

LATTA, KRYSTEN Age: 28 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/23/2013 10:47:00AM Case Number: 12-040700

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

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

N Greenview

LATTA, KRYSTEN Age: 29 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/23/2013 10:47:00AM Case Number: 13-031573

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Cocaine Possession (less than 15)

Possession of drug equipment

Obstructing Justice

Resisting/Obstructing an Officer (No Physical Contact)

N Greenview

LAWRENCE, JASON Age: 40 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/23/2013 2:40:00PM Case Number: 13-031638

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il

Charges:

Domestic Battery

1/2 ALBERT AVE

LOCKHART, DERIC Age: 30 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/23/2013 11:04:00AM Case Number: 13-031585

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61103

Charges:

Failing to signal/Improper signal

Suspended/revoked drivers license

Ridge

MCBRIDE, PIERRE Age: 20 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/23/2013 1:15:00AM Case Number: 13-031477

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,

Charges:

Aggravated Unlawful Use of Weapon (vehicle)

Resisting/Obstructing an Officer (Physical Confrontation)

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

Hoban AVE

All subjects are presumed innocent Page 10 of 17

until proven guilty in a court of lawReport Updated 3/27/2013 7:35:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

3/23/2013

PRICE, COREY Age: 40 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/23/2013 10:46:00PM Case Number: 13-031827

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61102

Charges:

Sign violation

SOPER AVE

REED, TAKNOTKA Age: 18 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/23/2013 12:29:00AM Case Number: 13-031461

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Chicago, IL 60619

Charges:

No drivers license

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Traffic signal violation

S State ST

ROPER, SHAWN Age: 27 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/23/2013 2:18:00PM Case Number: 13-031641

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il

Charges:

Retail Theft (More than $150- Standard)

WILSHIRE DR

SWANSON, JOHN Age: 52 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/23/2013 12:55:00AM Case Number: 13-018663

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

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

MAGNOLIA ST

TAYLOR, JUSTIN Age: 24 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/23/2013 10:47:00AM Case Number: 13-031573

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61102

Charges:

Cocaine Possession (less than 15)

Possession of drug equipment

Obstructing Justice

Resisting/Obstructing an Officer (No Physical Contact)

Montague RD

TILSON, VANESSA Age: 20 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/23/2013 12:16:00AM Case Number: 13-031453

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Criminal Damage to Property(under $300)

Disorderly Conduct

W Riverside

URQUIZA, LUIS Age: 19 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/23/2013 9:10:00PM Case Number: 13-031791

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

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

6TH AVE

VEGA, TITO Age: 31 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/23/2013 2:52:00PM Case Number: 13-031653

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Resisting/Obstructing an Officer (No Physical Contact)

SOPER AVE / 1231 20TH AVE

All subjects are presumed innocent Page 11 of 17

until proven guilty in a court of lawReport Updated 3/27/2013 7:35:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

3/23/2013

WASHINGTON, SENECA Age: 35 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/23/2013 7:16:00PM Case Number: 13-031738

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61108

Charges:

Cocaine Possession (less than 15)

Domestic Battery

SHIRLEY RD

WILIAMS, KAREN Age: 46 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/23/2013 10:07:00PM Case Number: 13-031807

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Suspended/revoked drivers license

FERN TER

3/22/2013

BEEH, STEPHEN Age: 34 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/22/2013 10:50:00PM Case Number: 13-031432

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Oregon,Il 61061

Charges:

Possessing a controlled substance

Sale or Possession of Hypodermic Syringes or Needles

Resisting/Obstructing an Officer (No Physical Contact)

S Blackhawk RD

BUNGER, GLENDA Age: 71 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/22/2013 1:45:00PM Case Number: 13-031197

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61103

Charges:

Failure to reduce speed/ Too fast for conditions

Hit and Run

VASSAR RD

CHATMAN, MARCUS Age: 23 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/22/2013 9:05:00PM Case Number: 13-031401

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Operating vehicle suspended reg.-no insurance

MULBERRY ST

CHURCHILL, PHILLIP Age: 31 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/22/2013 8:30:00AM Case Number: 11-135028

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Domestic Battery

Kilburn AVE

CHURCHILL, PHILLIP Age: 31 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/22/2013 8:45:00AM Case Number: 13-009905

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61104

Charges:

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

S 5TH ST

DAVIS, MARCUS Age: 33 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/22/2013 1:40:00AM Case Number: 13-031033

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

City Ordinance Impound – Sound Amplification 17-27

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Suspended/revoked drivers license

MIDDLEBURY

All subjects are presumed innocent Page 12 of 17

until proven guilty in a court of lawReport Updated 3/27/2013 7:35:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

3/22/2013

EXLINE, GERALD Age: 51 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/22/2013 8:45:00AM Case Number: 13-031081

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

City Ordinance Panhandling

HOMELESS

JACKSON, CARMILLE Age: 40 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/22/2013 12:40:00PM Case Number: 13-031172

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il 61101

Charges:

No drivers license

MONTROSE AVE

JORDAN, SHAWN Age: 26 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/22/2013 8:20:00PM Case Number: 13-031306

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Endangering the Life or Health of a Child

ASHLAND CT

KEEN, MICHAEL Age: 21 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/22/2013 5:29:00PM Case Number: 13-031270

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Loves Park, IL

Charges:

Domestic Battery

RENROSE AVE

MARTINEZ, FERNANDO Age: 35 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/22/2013 11:00:00AM Case Number: 10-005116

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

No drivers license

Obstructing Justice

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Service to other agency- Sheriffs dept

Traffic speeding

Montague ST

MCMAHON, JONATHAN Age: 21 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/22/2013 7:24:00PM Case Number: 13-031337

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Monroe, WI 53566

Charges:

Heroin Possession (not more than 15 grams)

N260 Woodman RD

MORGAN, TYRICE Age: 18 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/22/2013 1:22:00PM Case Number: 13-031199

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,

Charges:

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

Collins ST

PERSAUD, CHRISTOPHER Age: 31 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/22/2013 10:30:00AM Case Number: 13-030919

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Violation Of An Order Of Protection

Homeless In Rockford

All subjects are presumed innocent Page 13 of 17

until proven guilty in a court of lawReport Updated 3/27/2013 7:35:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

3/22/2013

PROSSER, MONTY Age: 54 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/22/2013 5:30:00PM Case Number: 13-025717

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61104

Charges:

Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

S 6TH ST

STANTON, LATOYA Age: 31 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/22/2013 1:50:00PM Case Number: 13-031183

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

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

Cameron Ave. 3C

STARLING, JAMES Age: 55 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/22/2013 1:50:00PM Case Number: 13-031217

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,

Charges:

City Ordinances Public Drinking

HOMELESS

TAYLOR, CLINTON Age: 33 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/22/2013 10:37:00PM Case Number: 13-031402

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,

Charges:

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

SEMINARY ST

WALLIS, WILLIAM Age: 34 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/22/2013 5:10:00PM Case Number: 13-031289

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)

ARCADIA TER

WILSON, MICHAEL Age: 22 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/22/2013 8:34:00PM Case Number: 10-032022

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

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

Elm ST UNIT 2B

3/21/2013

BLOUGH-TORRES, JOANN Age: 25 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/21/2013 12:15:00PM Case Number: 12-041931

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61109

Charges:

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

S COURT ST

BOX-WOODARD, QUTAVES Age: 22 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/21/2013 7:50:00AM Case Number: 13-030667

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Unlawful Use of Weapon

Forest AVE

BRADLEY, DARRYL Age: 25 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/21/2013 8:45:00PM Case Number: 13-030942

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il

Charges:

Criminal Damage to Property(under $300)

CONCORD AVE

All subjects are presumed innocent Page 14 of 17

until proven guilty in a court of lawReport Updated 3/27/2013 7:35:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

3/21/2013

CARDONA, ELENA Age: 32 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/21/2013 12:20:00AM Case Number: 13-030603

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Muffler violation

Operating uninsured motor vehicle

Suspended/revoked drivers license

ISLAND AVE

COLON, GABRIEL Age: 34 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/21/2013 11:09:00AM Case Number: 11-050331

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Probation violation or revocation

15th AVE

GARDNER, SHANIQUA Age: 21 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/21/2013 2:20:00PM Case Number: 13-030784

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Oak Park,Il 60302

Charges:

Retail Theft (less Than $150-Standard)

SUPERIOR

GRIMMETT, SCOTT Age: 38 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/21/2013 4:55:00AM Case Number: 13-030629

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61104

Charges:

Driving Under Influence Liquor

Suspended/revoked drivers license

15th AVE

JR BERGNER, ROBERT Age: 46 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/21/2013 8:00:00PM Case Number: 13-030920

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Battery (Simple)

W State

LAWRENCE, ALEC Age: 26 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/21/2013 10:45:00PM Case Number: 13-030944

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il

Charges:

Violation Of An Order Of Protection

N. MAIN

LEE, CLINTON Age: 24 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/21/2013 7:10:00AM Case Number: 13-030649

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Possession of drug equipment

Violation of the Cannabis Control Act (more than 10 less than 30)

OVERDENE AVE UNIT

MARTINEZ, TIFFANY Age: 21 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/21/2013 6:40:00PM Case Number: 12-159538

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61108

Charges:

Theft (more than $300- Unauthorized Control)

BLENHEIM DR

All subjects are presumed innocent Page 15 of 17

until proven guilty in a court of lawReport Updated 3/27/2013 7:35:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

3/21/2013

MCBRIDE, JOSEPH Age: 40 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/21/2013 9:21:00PM Case Number: 13-030941

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61102

Charges:

Criminal Trespass to Real Property (Standard)

Mclain AVE

PATTERSON, DANGLO Age: 19 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/21/2013 11:45:00PM Case Number: 13-031008

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61104

Charges:

Cocaine Possession With Intent to Deliver (more than 1 gram less than 15)

Heroin Possession With Intent to Deliver (more than 1 but less than 15 grams)

Possession of Cannabis With Intent to Deliver (more than 2.5 less than 10)

Armed Violence(X Felony)

Unlawful Use Of Weapons By A Felon

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

10th AVE

RAMEY, ROBERT Age: 32 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/21/2013 7:10:00AM Case Number: 13-030649

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL

Charges:

Other criminal offenses

Unlawful Use Of Weapons By A Felon

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

OVERDENE AVE

SCOTT, DEONTA Age: 18 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/21/2013 9:29:00PM Case Number: 13-015750

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61107

Charges:

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

Nassau PKWY

SCOTT, DEONTA Age: 18 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/21/2013 9:29:00PM Case Number: 13-030940

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61107

Charges:

Burglary – Forced Entry-Residence

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

Domestic Battery

Resisting/Obstructing an Officer (Physical Confrontation)

Violation Of An Order Of Protection

Nassau PKWY

SMITH, JESSIE Age: 46 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/21/2013 4:10:00PM Case Number: 13-030833

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford, IL 61104

Charges:

Burglary – No Forced Entry (Non-Residence)

Burglary – No Forced Entry-Residence

KISHWAUKEE ST

THOMPSON, CHALITA Age: 40 Sex: F Arrest Date/Time: 3/21/2013 11:50:00PM Case Number: 13-030996

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il 61104

Charges:

Aggravated Driving Under Influence Liquor

Blood alcohol content over .08

Failure to reduce speed/ Too fast for conditions

No drivers license

MAY ST

All subjects are presumed innocent Page 16 of 17

until proven guilty in a court of lawReport Updated 3/27/2013 7:35:01AM

City of Rockford Police Department

Last 7 Days of Arrests

3/21/2013

WALSTON, AMOS Age: 56 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 3/21/2013 4:10:00PM Case Number: 13-030833

Arrest Location: Rockford, IL

Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Rockford,Il 61104

Charges:

Burglary – No Forced Entry (Non-Residence)

Burglary – No Forced Entry-Residence

SEMINARY ST

All subjects are presumed innocent Page 17 of 17

until proven guilty in a court of law

Posted March 27, 2013

Posted in Police Reports | No Comments »

Mayoral money race: Hughes accepts donations from Gasparini, Kleen donates to own campaign

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

• Morrissey continues to lead money race, raising more than $40,000 since December

By Brandon Reid
Assistant Editor

With a little less than three weeks remaining until the Tuesday, April 9, general election, Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey (I) continues to lead the mayoral money race.

Morrissey’s campaign has raised $40,486 in A-1 ($1,000+ Year Round) contributions since Dec. 1, 2012, compared to $36,197.50 for Democrat Jim Hughes and $1,514.73 for Republican Michael Kleen. Kleen loaned the $1,514.73 to his own campaign.

D-2 quarterly reports of campaign contributions for the period of Oct. 1-Dec. 31, 2012, filed by two of the three candidates, showed Hughes with $4,201.18 in funds and Morrissey with $39,317.90 in funds. Kleen had not yet raised enough funds in his mayoral campaign to file a D-2, but said March 26 that in addition to his own loan of $1,514.73, his campaign has raised about $1,233 in individual contributions.

The quarterly D-2 reports do not reflect activity past Dec. 31, 2012. The A-1 ($1,000+ Year Round) reports reflect all contributions in excess of $1,000 made to the respective campaigns since the end of the quarterly reporting period.

Sunil Puri, Joseph Behr & Sons among Morrissey contributors

First Rockford Group Founder and President Sunil Puri and Joseph Behr & Sons, Inc., are among notable A-1 contributors to Morrissey’s campaign.

Puri donated $1,001 to Morrissey’s campaign March 7, and Joseph Behr & Sons donated $6,000 to Morrissey’s campaign in contributions made Dec. 10, 2012, and Dec. 28, 2012.

Puri has been a longtime contributor to area political campaigns, including contributions to, among others, Citizens for Marc A. Gasparini, Citizens for Scott, Citizens to Elect Kris Cohn, Committee to Elect George Gaulrapp Mayor, Citizens for Jesse White, Friends of Carl R. Wasco for Alderman, Citizens for John M. Cabello, Syverson for Senate, Friends of Blagojevich, Citizens for Sheriff Meyers, Citizens to Elect Michael Dunn, Citizens to Elect Dave Johnson, Citizens to Elect Judge Rosemary Collins, Citizens for Lisa Madigan, Christiansen for Chairman, Citizens for Joe Sosnowski, Committee to Re-Elect Chuck Jefferson, Friends of Joe Bruscato and Stadelman for State Senate.

According to the Illinois State Board of Elections’ (ISBE) campaign disclosure website (elections.il.gov), Puri has made 143 donations for $465,798.07 and his local development company, First Rockford Group, has made 67 donations for $148,168.79.

Joseph Behr & Sons, 1100 Seminary St., Rockford, has also donated widely to area political campaigns. According to the ISBE’s website, Joseph Behr & Sons has made 43 donations for $75,200 to area campaigns. Among those donations were contributions to Syverson for Senate, Citizens for George Ryan, Christiansen for Chairman, Citizens for John M. Cabello, Citizens for Scott, Citizens for Prorok and Citizens to Elect Kris Cohn.

Following is a complete list of A-1 contributions made to Morrissey’s campaign since Dec. 3, 2012 (most recent listed first):

David Rydell — $2,500 (March 18, 2013)

Gorman & Company (Oregon, Wis.) — $2,500 (March 11, 2013)

Giovanni’s — $1,000 for fund-raising hall rental (March 7, 2013)

Dealer Alliance Corp. — $1,000 (March 7, 2013)

Dave Van Camp, professional engineer, HR Green, Inc. (Crystal Lake, Ill.) — $1,000 (March 7, 2013)

Patrick Murphy, president, Metrology Resource Group — $1,185 (March 7, 2013)

Patricia Thayer — $1,300 (March 7, 2013)

Sunil Puri, founder and president, First Rockford Group — $1,001 (March 7, 2013)

Northern Illinois Building Contractor’s Association — $5,000 (Feb. 22, 2013)

Illinois Licensed Beverage Association — $1,000 (Feb. 22, 2013)

SwedishAmerican Health Management Corporation — $1,000 (Feb. 19, 2013)

Rockford Orthopedic Associates, LTD — $1,000 (Feb. 19, 2013)

Gary (and Tina) Kaatz, CEO, Rockford Health Systems — $1,000 (Feb. 13, 2013)

Patrick Murphy, president, Metrology Resource Group — $1,000 (Feb. 6, 2013)

Rockford Toolcraft, Inc. — $1,000 (Feb. 6, 2013)

Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Ltd. — $1,000 (Feb. 1, 2013)

Joseph Behr & Sons, Inc. — $5,000 (Dec. 28, 2012)

Southern Imperial, Inc. — $1,000 (Dec. 12, 2012)

Joseph Behr & Sons, Inc. — $1,000 (Dec. 10, 2012)

Richard Nordlof, president/owner, Mechanical Tool & Engineering Co. — $5,000 (Dec. 3, 2012)

LoRayne Logan, owner, The Work Place — $2,000 (Dec. 3, 2012)

LoRayne Logan, owner, The Work Place — $3,000 (Dec. 3, 2012)

Former sheriff Donald Gasparini donates to Hughes’ campaign

Hughes has accepted two donations — totaling $4,505 — from retired Winnebago County Sheriff Donald Gasparini.

Gasparini was at the center of a controversy in 2011 when the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District (WCFPD) purchased 18 acres of land from the former sheriff for $216,500. The land is adjacent to the Four Lakes Forest Preserve near Pecatonica, Ill., and includes three fishing ponds.

The $216,500 price tag was set by private appraiser Harrison & Associates, Inc., of Woodstock, Ill. The same company appraised the land at $248,000 in 2004.

Although the WCFPD purchased the land at a price set by a private appraiser, the deal led many to believe cronyism was involved, as Gasparini was longtime friends with then-WCFPD Board President Randy Olson.

In August 2012, Olson was stripped of the WCFPD president title after commissioners voted to remove him from the president’s chair. Olson had created a new public safety and risk management job without the board’s consent and had handpicked Theresa Rawaillot, a 13-year Roscoe police veteran and his fellow Law Enforcement Aviation Coalition member, to fill the position.

Gasparini drew regional attention in 1995 when, while serving as sheriff, he faced seven violations relating to an alleged slaughter of 10 deer on a wooded farm north of Byron, Ill. He was fined a maximum $1,000 for hunting without permission and failing to tag a deer immediately. The story was featured in the Chicago Tribune, which referred to Gasparini as “Teflon Don.”

Hughes, who currently works for Winnebago County as director of development services, was born and raised in Rockford, and worked at Barber-Colman as a machinist and Kelsey Hayes (Gunite) in quality control. While at Gunite, Hughes served numerous leadership roles for the UAW Local 718. According to his campaign website, “He has also been a small business owner, starting with his own grocery store on Broadway and including Hughes Pub & Restaurant and Hughes Deli.” He has also previously served as alderman of Rockford’s sixth ward and as a member of the Winnebago County Board.

Following is a complete list of Hughes’ A-1 ($1,000+ Year Round) contributions (most recent listed first):

UAW Illinois Political Action Committee (PAC) — $1,500 (March 25, 2013)

Kamlesh Patel — $1,500 (March 25, 2013)

Laborers’ Local 32 P.A.C. — $1,500 (March 22, 2013)

Urban Equity Holdings, Inc. — $1,000 (March 21, 2013)

Giovanni’s Convention Center — $1,092.50 for fund-raising and food (March 14, 2013)

Kelley Williamson Company — $1,500 (March 14, 2013)

I.U.O.E. Local 150 (Countryside, Ill.) — $5,000 (March 14, 2013)

Donald Gasparini — $1,505 (Feb. 22, 2013)

Donald Gasparini — $3,000 (Feb. 22, 2013)

John Lindstrom — $1,100 (Feb. 21, 2013)

Plumbers & Pipefitters UA Local No. 23 — $1,000 (Feb. 21, 2013)

Laborers’ Local 32 P.A.C. — $5,000 (Feb. 19, 2013)

Northwestern Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council — $5,000 (Feb. 19, 2013)

Carl Scandroli — $1,000 (Feb. 15, 2013)

Rockford Ambulatory Surgery Center — $1,000 (Feb. 15, 2013)

Rockford Anesthesiologists Associated — $1,500 (Feb. 15, 2013)

IBEW Local 364 — $1,000 (Feb. 15, 2013)

Family Amusements of Northern Illinois — $1,000 (Feb. 13, 2013)

Illinois Licensed Beverage Association — $1,000 (Jan. 9, 2013)

Kleen donates to own campaign

Kleen, who has lived in Rockford for about five years (coming here from Des Plaines in 2008) and has been viewed by many as an outsider with little chance of winning, has struggled to raise significant funds, even from within his own party. His only A-1 contribution — $1,514.73, made March 8, 2013 — is from himself.

The Republican candidate, a book publisher and author of several books about the history behind Illinois folklore and ghost stories, lent his own campaign $1,514.73 and has raised about $1,233 in individual contributions.

Prior to announcing his candidacy for mayor, Kleen made an unsuccessful bid for the Winnebago County Board District 8 seat in the March 2012 primary election. He lost that race 57-43 percent to incumbent Dianne Parvin. Kleen also served as an unpaid contributing columnist for The Rock River Times prior to announcing his plans to run for mayor.

From the March 27-April 2, 2013, issue

Posted in Local News, News | No Comments »

Daily’s parent company continues debt struggles

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

• GateHouse Media Inc. to seek forgiveness from creditors in attempts to avoid bankruptcy court

By Brandon Reid
Assistant Editor

The financial struggles of the daily newspaper’s parent company, GateHouse Media, Inc., continue.

March 25, The Wall Street Journal reported that GateHouse, “the struggling local newspaper chain owned by Fortress Investment Group LLC,” was working on “streamlined bankruptcy-protection filing to tackle more than $1 billion in debt coming due next year while it tries to negotiate a far-reaching deal with creditors, said people close to the company.”

The Wall Street Journal article added: “GateHouse has begun to informally ask creditors to forgive their debt for ownership stakes in a reworked company, or accept payments of 33 cents for every dollar they are owed, the people said. Should enough creditors go along with the plan, GateHouse could avoid bankruptcy court.

“If enough creditors balk, GateHouse is preparing to file a prepackaged bankruptcy, the people said. In a prepackaged Chapter 11 case, GateHouse would get approval from enough creditors ahead of time so that a judge could bless its debt restructuring plan and streamline the trip through bankruptcy court.

“The newspaper chain has racked up losses of more than $50 million over the past two years. While it doesn’t have any significant debt coming due until February and August 2014, it is ramping up efforts to address the debt problems, the people said. The upshot: A restructuring, inside or outside of bankruptcy court, could come in the next month or so, the people said.”

GateHouse was trading at 5 cents per share March 25. The company was delisted from the New York Stock Exchange in 2008.

Rockford’s daily newspaper, the Rockford Register Star, was sold by its previous parent, Gannett Co., Inc., to GateHouse as part of a $410 million deal April 12, 2007. The deal also included the GateHouse purchase of three other Gannett daily newspapers — the Norwich (Conn.) Bulletin, the Observer-Dispatch in Utica, N.Y., and The Herald-Dispatch in Huntington, W. Va. At the time of the purchase, GateHouse’s stock was trading at about $21 per share.

The April 12, 2007, purchase of the Register Star came on the heels of an April 11, 2007, GateHouse purchase of nine publications from The Copley Press, Inc., for a net price of approximately $380 million. The nine publications included seven daily and two weekly newspapers, including the Peoria Journal-Star and Springfield Journal-Register in Illinois. The Freeport Journal-Standard is also owned by GateHouse.

GateHouse owns nearly 80 daily newspapers and more than 250 weeklies throughout the country and employs about 4,100 people across 21 states.

In January 2012, GateHouse announced it was consolidating operations to two main production centers. Originally, the two production centers were to be in Downers Grove, Ill., and Framingham, Mass., with the local daily laying off 10 employees and outsourcing production of the paper to the central production desk in Downers Grove. However, GateHouse changed its plan in early February 2012, announcing the Downers Grove central production desk would instead be in Rockford. The move was to bring about 65 jobs to Rockford.

The creation of the Rockford production desk meant all GateHouse newspapers with a circulation of 5,000 and greater were to be designed in Rockford. Meantime, smaller newspapers within the company were to be produced at the other central production desk in Framingham, Mass., at the MetroWest Daily News.

The Rock River Times reported in 2011, prior to the 2012 restructuring, that portions of the local daily’s graphics and advertising design departments had been outsourced.

In July 2012, GateHouse shook up its top management positions in Rockford and Springfield. Peter Ricker, who had served as publisher of the Register Star and the Freeport Journal-Standard for two years, was replaced with Josh Trust. Paul Gaier was also named general manager and director of sales operations for both newspapers. Both Trust and Gaier had sales backgrounds.

Trust joined GateHouse in 2009 as an advertising director and had served as group publisher for GateHouse’s New York newspapers, Messenger Post Media. He had a digital revenue background.

Gaier joined GateHouse in early 2012 as advertising director of the Journal Star in Peoria. In Rockford, Gaier was to oversee revenue-producing functions, including running the Register Star and Freeport Journal-Standard sales departments and overseeing commercial print strategies and development.

From the March 27-April 2, 2013, issue

Posted in Local News, News | 1 Comment »

More accountability of TIF districts needed, Morrissey not the answer

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

In a recent call made to the Ken DeCoster show, a Rockford citizen asked Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey (I) about a TIF project that his brother and father personally gained from off of Seventh Street. Morrissey dodged the question the caller made when he asked the mayor, “What happened to the money?” Morrissey claims the caller would have to talk to his father or brother about the project. My question is, “If Mayor Morrissey doesn’t know what happened to $500,000 that his father and brother received by THE CITY, then what the hell is he doing as our mayor?”

There is no accountability to what happens to the TIF money that is being stolen by city coffers and being used to reinvest only on East State Street. All the while, West State Street has waited 30 years to get one major project on that side of town. I know a lot of west side people are pulling for Mayor Morrissey, but you are seeing the brunt of major economically deprived decisions that the mayor has made that are negatively affecting that side of town, particularly crime and redevelopment.

It’s time for a change, Rockford. I want to be third on the list of most liked cities by Forbes. That will never happen under Morrissey’s reign.

Bill Rose
Loves Park, Ill.

From the March 27-April 2, 2013, issue

Posted in Letters to the Editor | No Comments »

Legendary Rock Interviews: Q & A with One-Eyed Doll’s Jason Rufuss Sewell and Kimberly Freeman

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

By John Parks

After getting more than 1 million YouTube views, touring nonstop, and independently releasing album after album of critically-acclaimed and unique rock and roll, it seems One-Eyed Doll is taking the long route to “overnight success.”

The unique duo is poised to have an even bigger year this 2013 with a new album in the works produced by Grammy winner Sylvia Massy (Johnny Cash, Slayer) and more touring than ever.

One-Eyed Doll are currently on tour with heavy-metal heavyweights OTEP, including a stop in Rockford Thursday, April 11, at Bar 3 (326 E. State St.), and we spoke with Jason Rufuss Sewell (a.k.a. Junior) and Kimberly Freeman about everything going on, including the tour.

Q: You guys do a ton of touring and often with pretty diverse bands. Do you wind up seeing a lot of people get into the band who might not have heard of you otherwise?

A: Junior: Yeah, we get to see a lot of different people and meet a lot of people who are just finding out about us. A lot of the bands who are out touring right now are metal bands, and we just end up touring with them, even though what we do may or may not be considered metal. We definitely have a lot of heavy songs from our catalog that we can pull out for those purposes while touring. I feel like we can probably put together a set that will probably work with any touring package we’re on. Personally, I feel like after listening to three or four “screamo” bands, just about everybody in the room is at least open to the idea of hearing someone sing. We headline shows in some areas, but have been out with bands like OTEP and others who we know are going to pack the place every night. Hopefully, soon we will be at that point. I feel like every show we play, we are building to that point. We just played Salt Lake City, and we’ve never played there before, but there were a LOT of One-Eyed Doll fans there, which was pretty cool. I think one of the really exciting things about being in a band is showing your music off to people for the first time and playing to a crowd of people for the first time. That’s one of the best things about doing this, the fact that even after doing this for so many years, we can show up to a venue and play for a room where at least half of the people there are seeing us for the first time.

Q: Kimberly, your insane onstage persona is such a huge part of the show and really makes me wonder what your influences are. I am showing my age here, but to me it’s almost like Iggy Pop, Alice Cooper and Gene Simmons all blended and regurgitated by Hello Kitty. Are any of those artists inspirational to you?

A: Kimberly: There are a lot of those things in there, but I think what a lot of those bands have in common and I have in common with them is their theatrical showmanship. I know exactly where my influence for that comes from, and it was from watching my Grandpa perform at a party. My Grandpa’s name is Bernie Jones, and back in the day, he was part of the Spike Jones group, super cool dude. I was just a little kid watching him, and it was so cool. He put on this particular hat and just became this real slapstick, vaudeville character and turned the audience into part of the show and had them singing along and playing all these different instruments; it was very theatrical and funny. It made a huge impression on me, and I think that’s where a lot of that comes from. Later on when I decided to get into music, I went to him and asked for his advice, and I’ve basically emulated him. It’s always in the back of my mind that I’ve got these big clown shoes to fill, and that is my big performance influence and where all of the fun and silliness comes from, but I think the darkness that comes out is me — that’s part of who I am (laughs).

Q: There is a great documentary about you guys that really captures the life of a band on the road, traveling, getting to know your audience, and one of the most interesting parts of it is watching how you handle your merch. The money from merch is such a huge part of what keeps a band on the road, and it looks like you really approach it as another creative outlet. Do you enjoy coming up with merch ideas?

A: Kimberly: Yeah, it’s really a fun part of it for me that I’ve enjoyed. I like the challenge of merchandising and marketing of it. Jason and I are really good at brainstorming about it and finding creative ways to make our gas money (laughs). After our set last night, I went back to our dressing room and painted a few things to sell at the merch table (laughs).

Junior: A guy came up and said he wanted some of our guitar straps. He said he had seen these really cool hand-painted guitar straps and wanted one. I told him we only had blank ones, but I said, “I tell you what, if you buy one now, I will have Kimberly paint it for you after the show,” and he was like “Yeah, awesome, I’ll do do it.” So Kimberly was sitting there painting guitar straps last night (laughs).

Kimberly: We do a lot of our stage stuff, too. In the very beginning of One-Eyed Doll when I was just starting out, I lived in my car and I would Dumpster dive for stage props and things that I could make art out of and sell at the merch table. I was literally painting lids and things and selling them at tables. So, that’s something we’ve been good at from the beginning.

Q: I’m pretty excited about coming out to see you and your crazy show here in Rockford. Junior, you actually ran for Senate, and I wanted to ask you one last question: Do you think that some of your band’s lyrics that seem deeply personal could also be interpreted as socio-political dialog as well?

Junior: I think we’re all part of the same human race and the same society, and we’re all just trying to make it through the world. Hopefully, our personal experiences are something that everyone can relate to, because we’re all in this together, I guess. I think a lot of our personal issues could also be a metaphor for a socio-political issue, and I think one song could be interpreted in many ways and have a broad range of meaning. For example, if you’re talking about rape, that could be very personal, but it could also be something that can be viewed from — and should be viewed from — a national level.

From the March 27-April 2, 2013, issue

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

Music Academy adds faculty member

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

Elizabeth Hale was named an artist faculty member of The Music Academy in Rockford, teaching violin. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and is a graduate of Lee University with degrees in music performance and music education. Hale also holds Suzuki certification from the Suzuki Association of the Americas. She is accepting new students.

Hale has performed with the Symphony Orchestra of Augusta, Ga., the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra and the Richmond, Ind., Symphony. She has been concert master of several orchestras and ensembles, including Advent Now, a group that recently completed a 23-concert tour of Japan

The Music Academy (TMA) is a not-for-profit community school of music dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable instruction and performing opportunities to students regardless of age and ability. The academy’s mission is to inspire in students a lifelong love of music and the arts. TMA is in Loreen Hall, 226 S. Second St., next to First Lutheran Church in Rockford. For more information, call (815) 986-0037 or go to www.MusicAcademyInRockford.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheMusicAcademyInRockford.

From the March 27-April 2, 2013, issue

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

Your Horoscope: Week of March 27-April 2, 2013

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

Denise Guzzardo

By Denise Guzzardo

Week of March 27-April 2, 2013

This Week: This full moon in Libra can create a little bit of inner conflict because of its activity in Aries. Libra is all about compromise, and Aries is all about “self.” Many of you may not know which way to turn, whether you’re ready to confront a long-standing conflict or turn your back on it for good. No matter which way you turn, it is definite that some type of action will be required. Keep this in mind if you find your blood is starting to boil. Take a deep breath, and choose your words carefully. If you fly under the radar now, Libra will be gentle with your spirit and soothe you past this turmoil. By week’s end, a positive shift will be evident.

Aries (March 21 to April 19) — Unexpected phone calls and communication will be blowing up the personal bubble you’ve been floating around in recently. People from the past may be crawling out from under the woodwork at this time to make a connection with you. There are many benefits to revisiting some of these old stomping grounds. In fact, you may have a fresh perspective as to why your life path has evolved to the magnitude it has to this point. When all is said and done, you can count your blessings.

Taurus (April 20 to May 20) — Erie feelings of déjà vu are very apparent at this time. This creates such a strong imprint that you may be feeling a little light-headed over it all. Take the time to try to figure out the lesson in this spiritual journey. You may also feel it’s your responsibility to straighten out a conflict among others. Choose your words carefully as you navigate through this situation, or you may find yourself biting off more than you can chew.

Gemini (May 21 to June 20) — The focus is on a new family member this coming month. A two-legged or four-legged friend appears to find its way into your heart and your home. A positive rhythm begins to develop this week, creating balance between work and your personal life. You have many outstanding projects hanging in limbo at this time. You will begin to see these aspects fall into place one by one now. As a result, you are free to spend some quality time with friends and loved ones. This is a welcome sign of relief.

Cancer (June 21 to July 22) — Those around you may be looking to drag you into their inner turmoil. This is best to avoid now, considering they don’t even know which end is up themselves. Confusion may reign on the first part of this week, especially with your personal life and where it stands. This is only a temporary vibration, so try not to blow this out of the water making mountains out of molehills. If you can just keep your wits about you, the frustrations of others will magically smooth back into place. Romance brings a positive element back into your life by week’s end.

Leo (July 23 to Aug. 22) — You need to clear the air with another whom you may have inadvertently upset in the recent past. Sticking your head in the sand isn’t going to make it any better or allow it to go away. As a result of all of this, your health may be playing little tricks on you this week. Try to keep your emotions in check; stress creates disease. Take it easy on your personal demands and get the rest you require. Next week, your energy shifts again into high gear. You can catch up with those nagging responsibilities at that time.

Virgo (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) — You’re finding yourself in a bit of a rut, and you can’t really deny it any longer. You tend to adopt the policies or behaviors of those around you, and it appears this isn’t helping your long-term growth. Step out and enjoy gatherings with those horses of a different color we often hear about. An abundance of knowledge can be acquired through those in a position of authority. Health issues may become a concern midweek. Take care of yourself first before worrying about the paperwork or dust bunnies around your humble abode. By week’s end, you will have everything back to normal.

Libra (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) — Expansion with family appears to be evident at this time — many blessings to look forward to in the months to come. Romance takes precedence over anything else this week. Aligning your priorities with your emotional self will bring the balance you have been looking for previously. There has been so much emphasis on work or higher education that you have not had time to meet the needs of those who matter most to you. Life is short — make the most of it!

Scorpio (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21) — An outside influence could provide you with a favorable career opportunity during this time. Keep your eyes and ears open during the month of April for advancements. Fun with friends and family members sets you in a lighthearted mood no one can deny. Anticipation for future romantic commitments are also on your mind at this time. Your career sector provides an unexpected upgrade in the months to come. Keep your eyes and ears open for advancement.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) — You’re feeling a bit overworked, but after this week’s flurry of activity, things will settle down into a consistent pace that you can deal with more effectively. Finances are improving now, but April brings a positive permanent change in your cash flow that you can count on. You have ignored your love life long enough — put yourself out there and see what happens. Easter brings out the kid in all of my fellow Sagittarius friends. Enjoy the new season.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) — A concern with the health or welfare of a loved one may be consuming all of your thoughts. Trust that the universe will work with this individual, and your prayers will be answered. Romance may need a bit of coaxing before it can get back on track this week. Ignoring the needs of your significant other or a family member will not help the situation. In fact, it will only make it worse. Step away from your worries. A quiet dinner out will put your love life back on track.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) — You are in a fabulous position to launch a self-employed or self-contracted career element. Take a leap of faith and begin to make room for this opportunity. Even though this will not happen overnight, this will be a long-term shift that will provide success. Spiritually, emotionally and physically, you will be on top of your game. Now would be a good time to open the door for romantic elements. For many of you, it’s been closed long enough.

Pisces (Feb. 19 to March 20) — Although work may seem as though it’s monotonous, you are breaking some fresh ground with a co-worker or client. An organization or large group can benefit from your expertise. Follow up on the contacts you have made, and give it all you’ve got. You’re at a turning point where if you can see your success in your mind’s eye, you can make it happen in the real world. Go for it!

For an extended astrological forecast or psychic consultation, contact Denise at (815) 398-3983.

From the March 27-April 2, 2013, issue

Posted in Horoscopes, Your Horoscope | No Comments »

Reservations for Klehm’s Botanica Luncheon due April 8

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

• April 17 event at Giovanni’s features Chicago landscape architect Terry Guen

Staff Report

Rockford’s Klehm Arboretum will host its Botanica Luncheon, “Gardening Large: a City, a Park, a Garden,” Wednesday, April 17, at Giovanni’s Restaurant, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford.

Reservations are due by April 8. Cost is $25 for an accompanying workshop or $45 for the luncheon.

Speaker at the luncheon is Terry Guen, founder of the award-winning, Chicago-based Terry Guen Design Associates, Inc. She has focused her 25-year career as a landscape architect and urban designer on creating spaces for public benefit and enhancing the quality of the urban outdoor environment.

As Master Landscape Architect for Chicago’s Lakefront Millennium Park, Guen was responsible for the design and implementation of the entire 25-acre landscape. In her presentation, “Gardening Large: a City, a Park, a Garden,” Guen will discuss the need to develop a passion for nurturing the earth, through planning, design and gardening. Giving examples from her own garden projects, she will talk about understanding the local ecology and creating great gardens, both for ourselves and for future generations.

Prior to the featured presentation, at 10 a.m., Jim Wojtowicz, Klehm’s new landscape architectural consultant, will demonstrate how to design seasonal containers that will add the “Wow Factor” to your garden, patio or front porch in “Design Workshop: Pots, Planters, Urns and Troughs.”

Reservations can be made online at klehm.org. Klehm, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, can be reached at (815) 965-8146.

From the March 27-April 2, 2013, issue

Posted in Living, Outdoors | No Comments »

Van Vleet steps up on national stage

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

By Matt Nestor
Prep Sports Reporter

Former Rockford Auburn High School star Fred Van Vleet has had a solid, but unspectacular, year for the most part in his freshman year at Wichita State University.

He’s had his good moments, rarely any bad. But with veteran players in front of him, Van Vleet had limited minutes each game to make a significant impact.

Van Vleet certainly wasn’t hurting for attention in his hometown, where Rockford residents have watched his every move. But he had not made the sort of impact as a freshman as you see in other programs.

That is not really the Wichita State way, either. They are a program-builder, not a one-and-done factory like Kentucky. The plan for Van Vleet was for him to make big plays in big games as a junior and senior after watching teammates step up as a freshman and sophomore.

If it’s all the same to Van Vleet, he has decided to bypass that plan. And his clutch play has garnered him national attention after he sealed a big victory in the NCAA tournament.

As he and his Wichita State Shockers teammates stared down the No. 1 seed Gonzaga Bulldogs in the West Regional of the NCAA Division 1 men’s basketball tournament, Van Vleet had several big plays along the way.

He made a steal, he hit a 3, and he converted a fast break while being fouled and hit the free-throw. But while those were important plays, none was as important as what he did at the end of the game.

With his team trying to cling to a late lead against the top team in the AP poll in the waning minutes, and the shot clock nearing expiration, Van Vleet didn’t have a lot of options. He nearly lost his dribble before nailing a dagger 3 as the clock expired.

Van Vleet then proceeded to knock down four straight free-throws (5-5 on the game) on his way to 13 points and the clinching plays as the No. 9 seed Shockers busted their way into the Sweet 16.

The moment gave flashbacks to his high school career, where these moments seemed commonplace. Specifically, it reminded me of the Super Sectional game where his team trailed in the third quarter before he took over down the stretch to lead his team down state.

It has been some time since someone from Rockford has performed this well in basketball on this kind of stage. Others have played in college and played in the NCAA tournament, but none in recent memory has won a game for his team.

Afterward, it was exciting for the city to see their native son get praise. The Twitter and Facebook world of Rockford was overflowed with mentions of Van Vleet and his performance. Charles Barkley even got excited on TNT to find out he was from Auburn, until someone told him it wasn’t the one in Alabama.

For Rockford basketball fans, it was a great moment in time, one not soon to be forgotten. More memories could be added this season as well if the Shockers can make the Final Four in a busted West bracket.

For Shockers fans, it is a glimpse into what I’m sure they hope is three more years of greatness. And with Van Vleet’s work ethic, it is unlikely to be the last March memory he provides us with.

From the March 27-April 2, 2013, issue

Posted in Sports, Sports News | No Comments »

Guest Column: The spin doctors of Rockford Public School District 205

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

By Jane Hayes

Welcome to the world of the spin doctors of Rockford Public School District 205. According to the dictionary, a “spin doctor” is a person who is responsible for ensuring others interpret an event from a particular point of view.

Now that the district has added former Rockford Register Star reporters Cathy Bayer and Mary Kaull to its fleet of public relations spin doctors, plus the KMK Media firm, you will see more reporting from the administrative point of view, spinning the truth, as they are told it. They already have Earl Dotson glad-handing people to compensate for deficiencies.

Investigative journalists must be reeling on the turntable of propaganda! Thankfully, The Rock River Times is still true to reporting both sides of an issue; otherwise, Rockford news would be truly slanted, the public would be uninformed, and the truth would be gagged.

Public education is seen as the last vestige of democracy; our founders must be spinning in their graves as a result of the unethical and undemocratic occurrences throughout this district. Now, our infamous school board has decided not to allow Alice Saudargas, the only true educator running for school board, to speak at forums or be on the ballot. Her name must be written in on the ballot. The people behind this travesty of justice are the shameful ones, just another spin doctor routine corrupting our district. Good luck, Alice, and know that many of us are aware of this egregious behavior by misguided individuals.

Where is our union? The leadership of the Rockford Education Association (REA) has inadequately supported their beleaguered teachers in a responsible manner. Isn’t their duty to provide fair representation and demand due cause? Why do teachers pay their dues, only to be further victimized and need private legal counsel to fight indignities imposed by the board lawyer and head spin doctor, Lori Hoadley?

According to the editorial March 17 in the Rockford Register Star, REA leaders (spin doctors) would have the community feel that all is well with the teachers they serve. Well, it is NOT! Open Pandora’s box and release the truth so we can address the ills, resolve issues and hope for a far better school system.

The Belvidere Education Association (BEA) has extended a vote of no confidence against the Belvidere High School administration supporting staff unfairly released; their union has also been critical of the subjective evaluation tool used to dismiss these teachers. Perhaps it is the Charlotte Danielson tool used in Rockford, a subjective tool used to unfairly dismiss tenured teachers at the top of the salary scale, who are highly educated and/or have been loyal REA representatives or outspoken in their buildings. Fortunately, the BEA is indeed concerned with the democratic spirit of public education and the unethical treatment of its staff and students and are holding the perpetrators responsible.

Since my last commentary in TRRT in the Feb. 13-19 issue titled “Remove the shades,” I received a dozen calls and e-mails from persecuted teachers defamed by this district and unsupported by their union. We are investigating through Rockford Educators Advocating Civil Treatment (REACT) how to counter injustices done to them.

Beware, district voters, as you go to the polls and vote for future school board and community leaders. Spin doctors don’t treat endemic problems in our community by distorting the truth. Until we do something about them and their misguided tactics, our community will always be at the bottom of any national list.

Those who care about recognizing and dealing with the educational problems in District 205 can join us for the next REACT meeting at 4 p.m., Thursday, April 11, at JustGoods, 201 Seventh St., or can contact me at momadeus@comcast.net.

Come, help us find solutions for truly better schools in Rockford!

Jane Hayes is a member of Watchdogs for Ethics in Education and Rockford Educators Advocating Civil Treatment.

From the March 27-April 2, 2013, issue

Posted in Commentary, Guest Column | 1 Comment »

Insulation and efficiency upgrades pay off

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

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

Some pioneering efforts to encourage solar energy and efficiency in the 1970s included a solar business district in Soldiers Grove, Wis., a community-wide energy efficiency program in Osage, Iowa, and a Bigelow solar energy subdivision in Aurora, Ill.

These projects demonstrated the value of high levels of insulation for reduced heating and cooling costs, while providing increased home comfort. With new construction, it is possible to construct buildings that produce all the energy needed to operate them over the course of a year.

Existing buildings can also be modified in cost-effective ways to cut their energy consumption by 30 percent or more. Before the upgrades are performed, a visual inspection of the building, along with an energy audit, blower door test and infrared image scan can identify air leaks and existing insulation levels.

The collected data are used to create a detailed report identifying the areas that can be repaired, sealed and insulated to boost the building’s efficiency. The owner knows in advance of doing the work the needed remedies, the expected results and the cost of the upgrades.

The process can be compared to having X-rays and body scans before medical procedures are undertaken. The personnel involved in the work must be properly trained to ensure a successful project.

About 80 homes in Rockford received energy efficiency upgrades thanks to a federal grant that offset some of the costs. The work was performed by appropriately trained personnel from two area firms, Saunders Insulation and Home Focus.

Energy efficiency programs can be implemented on a community-wide basis. Murray, a small town in rural Ohio, combined a variety of government and utility programs into one effort that enabled 74 percent of homeowners to benefit from energy efficiency upgrades. Given the abstract nature of energy efficiency, it is a challenge to secure citizen interest in such a program.

An effective strategy for convincing homeowners of the need for energy upgrades was used in Osage, Iowa. An infrared aerial survey of the town was done, and owners from each neighborhood were invited a block at a time to view the heat loss from their homes shown by the infrared photos. After the work was completed, Osage, with a population of slightly fewer than 4,000, realized benefits in energy savings exceeding millions annually.

A community-wide energy efficiency program properly designed and implemented could both pay for itself over time and improve the economic viability of the community. Equipment sales from local stores needed for the upgrades would increase, as would the number of workers needed to implement the improvements.

Current low natural gas prices weaken consumers’ commitment to energy efficiency. But with volatile energy prices, a longer-term perspective is sensible. After having energy audits on our 100-year-old farmhouse, we sealed drafts and insulated more than 35 years ago, cutting our heating fuel consumption, reducing our energy bills and providing improved comfort.

When energy prices were low, savings were less, but there were years when energy prices spiked to astronomical levels. Over the long-term perspective, the benefits are substantial.

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 March 27-April 2, 2013, issue

Posted in Renewable Energy | No Comments »

Boy Scout First Aid Meet at Memorial Hall March 30

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

Staff Report

Boy Scout Troop 23 will hold its 19th Annual First Aid Meet Saturday, March 30, at Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St., Rockford. Registration is at noon with competition at 12:30 p.m.

The First Aid Meet challenges Boy Scouts from area troops to solve first aid problems in 5 minutes. Fifteen scenarios will be read. Patrols will administer first aid to a victim (Webelo Scout). Judges will score the responses. Points will be totaled and trophies awarded to the top three patrols. All attendees receive a patch.

All area scout troops are invited as well as Webelo Scouts. Webelos attending can earn their Readyman patch. Troops attending should bring blanket, splints, walking sticks, scout neckerchief or bandanna, and Boy Scout handbook.

For more information, contact Brian Berridge at (815) 289-2528 or Chuck Jansen at (815) 742-9714. Troop 23 is sponsored by Third Presbyterian Church, Rockford.

From the March 27-April 2, 2013, issue

Posted in Health & Fitness, Living | 3 Comments »

Florida Gulf Coast, Wichita State, Marquette among NCAA tournament surprises

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

By Doug Halberstadt
Sports Columnist

March Madness is living up to its name. The postseason NCAA men’s basketball tournament is in full swing, and the games have not failed to excite or entertain the fans.

For the first time ever, a No. 15 seed has advanced to the “Sweet 16.” The Cinderella of this year’s tournament has to be the Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) Eagles. They are the No. 15 seed in the South Region and had to face perennial powerhouse Georgetown in the first round.

They knocked off the Georgetown Hoyas convincingly 78-68. A couple of days later, they managed to keep the clock from striking midnight again when they scored another 10-point win over San Diego State University (81-71) in the second round.

Their next opponent just so happens to be one of the favorites in the entire tournament and also hails from the same state. They’ll have to beat the Florida Gators to keep their dreams of a national championship alive.

In addition to FGCU, there are a couple of other teams that have surprised a few of the experts and messed up millions of people’s brackets. Among them are the Wichita State Shockers led by their freshman and Rockfordian Fred Van Vleet. He nailed a 3-pointer with a little more than a minute to play to help them eliminate the No. 1 seed Gonzaga Bulldogs 76-70 during the second round of the Midwest Region.

Van Vleet and his Shockers teammates will meet up with yet another team that has exceeded expectations in the tourney. LaSalle University was the No. 13 seed, and they upset Kansas State in the first round and got by Ol’ Miss in round two. Wichita State and LaSalle will face one another in their Sweet 16 game.

The other team that has captured the headlines in this area is the Marquette Golden Eagles from Milwaukee. After squeaking by No. 14 seed Davidson 59-58 in the first round, they scored another narrow victory (74-72) over No. 6 seed Butler in round two. Their next opponent is No. 2 seed Miami.

These are prime examples of why the NCAA basketball tournament truly is one of America’s premier sporting events. Here’s to the Shockers, Eagles and Golden Eagles. I hope at least one of you will continue “dancing.”

From the March 27-April 2, 2013, issue

Posted in Sports, Sports News | 1 Comment »

Guest Column: Daily newspaper needs less biased reporting about west side

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

Editor’s note: The following letter to the editor was sent to Josh Trust, publisher of the Rockford Register Star. As it also pertains to this newspaper, the letter is republished here as a guest column with permission of the author.

Dear Mr. Trust:

I am the marketing director of the West Side Business Association. We are a group of small business owners on the west side united for commerce, entrepreneurship and a pleasant shopping experience for those who do business on the west end of Rockford.

My husband and I also co-own Rockford Deliveries LLC, a delivery business that services greater Rockford (both east and west).

I want to let you know how disappointed we are at Brian Leaf’s recent article about how deplorable and miserable the west side of Rockford is to live and do business in. This is simply untrue, as well as offensive.

My husband and I live on the west side off Halsted Road in a very lovely home. We also draw 90 percent of our customer base for our business from the west side (though we service all of Rockford). We also attend one of the best churches I have ever been to — Faith Temple Church on School Street. The co-pastors there have been leading their flock for more than 30 years and are truly an institution on the west side.

Additionally, I have enjoyed fishing along the Rock River with my husband since moving to the west side, many of the parks here and have come to be much more in tune with downtown Rockford and the numerous mom-and-pop small businesses here. Most are a hardworking, delightful, dedicated group of people who care very deeply about their community and customers.

We invited Brian Leaf to come to our business meeting held last night. He declined, saying he had a “singing engagement.” We then spoke to your editor who said if he did not come himself, he would send another reporter to come. No one showed from the Rockford Register Star. However, the publisher of The Rock River Times was present.

It may also interest you to know that while drinking at a local bar three days before this abysmal article ran, Brian Leaf approached one of our board members and started asking him questions about Rockford, where he lived and his perceptions about the west end. The board member reports he had all positive things to say. None of it got into Leaf’s article.

I would appreciate the following actions taking place:

A follow-up article about the positive things being done and achieved on the west side with the same play and space devoted on the front page.

Your staff actually showing up to our meetings when they tell us they will be sending someone.

Less biased reporting.

And an understanding by your employees that a ZIP code does not define you.

Sincerely,

Audrey Decker
Rockford Deliveries LLC
West Side Business Association Board member

From the March 27-April 2, 2013, issue

Posted in Commentary, Guest Column | No Comments »

Vince’s Notes: Micky Rosenquist a truly versatile musician

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

Micky Rosenquist as Black Squirrel

By Vince Chiarelli

Have you ever seen a squirrel play music? Well, then, you haven’t heard the Black Squirrel, aka Micky Rosenquist.

Micky Rosenquist is a multi-instrumental performer, songwriter and teacher with more than 13 years of experience gigging, touring and recording. He holds two college degrees in music, a bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University and an associate’s degree from Rock Valley College.

Micky has performed, recorded and toured with many local and regional bands, such as Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts, Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons, Kelly Steward, The Snaggs, Mana Kintorso and many more.

However, throughout all this time, Micky has been writing his own music, and it is great. While Micky has enjoyed his touring career and performing with various musicians, he has recently decided to start performing solo and perusing his original music as the “Black Squirrel.”

When I asked Micky why he decided to go solo, he said: “Even things in motion can collect dust. There’s no better song to perform on stage than your own.” That is a great philosophy, and should resonate with original musicians.

The first time I heard Micky perform solo was at the JustGoods Listening Room. He really amazed me, as I had only seen him as a drummer before. Now, he was out from the back and playing his guitar and piano, and singing. He truly is a versatile musician, and plays all of his instruments very well.

Most recently, I saw Micky sing and play with an accordion. Now, you may be thinking what kind of music does this Black Squirrel play if he is singing, playing piano, guitar and accordion? Well, as Micky puts it, his music is “abstract/folk/art/rock metaphor for the bleeding heart, Midwestern working man.” Now that is a musical genre, if I’ve ever seen one.

I really suggest that you check out Micky’s music and hear the great melodic tunes he has written. Please visit http://mickyrosenquist.com/ for music, videos, shows and more! Also, Micky is in the middle of recording three albums. The first will be a 10-inch vinyl EP, which he hopes to release by July. Then, he plans to release a double album next spring. So, look out, Rockford!

In addition to being a great musician, Micky is also a well-established recording engineer and producer. He owns and operates the Underground Squirrel Studio, where many bands and musicians have recorded, including Mana Kintorso.

I am hosting a series of Music Business Seminars at Rockford College for the next three weeks. The next seminar will be about the Fundamentals of Recording, which will be presented by Micky. The seminar will take place from 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, March 27, in the Faculty Dining Room in the Burpee Center Building at Rockford College. It is free to attend, but space is limited. So please RSVP to vchiarelli@rockford.edu.

The other two seminars will be April 3, Copyrights and Music Publishing with Attorney Michael Schirger, and April 10, Marketing & Promotion with musician Nicholas Gunn.

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

From the March 27-April 2, 2013, issue

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

SwedishAmerican opens Rochelle clinic

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

Staff Report

ROCHELLE, Ill. — Monday, April 8, SwedishAmerican Medical Group will open its new primary care clinic at 380 Illinois Route 38 East in Rochelle’s Caron Ridge Shopping Center.

The new clinic will offer a range of family medicine services, including initial diagnoses, annual exams, acute care, preventive care including immunizations, and the treatment of chronic diseases.

In addition, patients also will benefit from the availability of on-site laboratory and X-ray services. SwedishAmerican will offer a number of specialty services at the clinic on a rotating basis, beginning with OB/GYN.

Family medicine services will be provided by Dr. Luc Tchapnda, who previously practiced in Rock Falls. Dr. Tchapnda provides compassionate treatment to patients of all ages, from newborns to older adults. He has a special interest in diabetes management and children’s health, and prefers a small-town atmosphere for his family.

Patients can schedule appointments by calling (779) 696-9050.

From the March 27-April 2, 2013, issue

Posted in Health & Fitness, Living | No Comments »

SwedishAmerican appoints new VP of operations

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

Jedediah Cantrell

SwedishAmerican Health System has announced the appointment of Jedediah Cantrell as vice president of operations. Previously, Cantrell was vice president of ancillary services and corporate compliance officer for Graham Health System in Canton, Ill. She assumed that role in 2005, after serving as Graham Health System’s director of health information management.

In her new role, Cantrell will be responsible for most of the ancillary clinical areas within SwedishAmerican Hospital, along with the Dietary, Biomedical and Engineering Services departments.

“We are very pleased to welcome Jedediah to SwedishAmerican,” said SwedishAmerican President and CEO Dr. Bill Gorski. “She brings additional strength to our senior management team, and the organization will benefit from her energy, experience and expertise.”

From the March 27-April 2, 2013, issue

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

Michael Kleen will work for Rockford’s poor and middle class

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

I will vote for Michael Kleen in Rockford’s upcoming mayoral election. Not only does Michael have a great plan to move Rockford forward, he is the type of leader that can identify with the less fortunate in our city.

Michael was raised in very humble surroundings. His father was a teacher back in the days when a teacher’s salary was very low. Michael’s parents couldn’t afford to buy a house, and he spent the first few years of his life in a modest apartment on Chicago’s northwest side. His father had to work a second job to pay the bills.

I’m voting for a candidate who personally understands what it’s like for a family to struggle to make ends meet. Kleen will work hard for everyone in Rockford, not just a wealthy and well-connected few.

Nanette Fabros
Rockford

From the March 27-April 2, 2013, issue

Posted in Letters to the Editor | No Comments »

Horse-riding lessons begin in April at Rockford’s Lockwood Park

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

Online Staff Report

Registration is under way for group horse-riding lessons this season at Rockford Park District’s Lockwood Park and Trailside Equestrian Centre.

A variety of lesson programs is offered throughout the spring, summer and fall for all skill levels, ages 7 through adult, including: for children ages 3-6, the “My Little Pony” program provides an introductory riding experience, with weekly four-week sessions beginning in April, June, July, August and September; Saddle Up lessons for ages 7 and older offered in five-week sessions throughout the season, and begin April 29; Wyoming Wednesdays trail ride classes for ages 10 and older, held once a week for four weeks with monthly sessions June-August.

These popular programs and lessons usually fill quickly, so early registration is encouraged. Fee assistance is available for qualifying Park District residents; an installment payment plan is also offered.

Information about support for riders with disabilities is available at (815) 987-8800. Register online at www.rockfordparkdistrict.org (click My RPD), by mail, fax (credit card only), or at Customer Service locations in downtown Rockford or at Carlson Ice Arena, Riverside and Perryville, Loves Park.

For class descriptions, schedules and costs, or for more information, check the Park District’s Spring/Summer Program Guide available on the Park Districts website, at Park District offices and facilities, or by calling (815) 987-8800. Semi-private and private lessons are also offered. More about Lockwood Park can be found at www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/lockwood.

Posted March 27, 2013

Posted in Living, Outdoors | No Comments »

Oregon principal among America’s top educators

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

PJ Caposey

Principal PJ Caposey was recognized as an Outstanding Young Educator Award (OYEA) honoree at the ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development) national conference this past week. Caposey was one of five national candidates chosen for the award.

OYEA celebrates the next generation of teachers and administrators who demonstrate outstanding leadership. OYEA winners and honorees exemplify a passion for excellence in educating the whole child, demonstrating leadership, improving student engagement, and learning and contributing to the education profession.

As an honoree, Caposey becomes part of the National OYEA Cadre, which serves ASCD and the greater educational community in several ways. Caposey’s first activity as a Cadre member will come when he meets with a member of the Department of Education to discuss the current state of education in the United States.

Although the award recognizes Caposey as an individual, he was the first to give credit to his colleagues for winning the award. “It was much more a collective effort rather than just myself,” said Caposey. “There is a lot of great leadership that exists here with the superintendent and the staff. They’re doing a lot of really great things that have set our school apart from the rest.”

Since becoming principal of Oregon High School four years ago, Caposey and staff have impacted the growth of the school in a positive way. Attendance, graduation rate and ACT scores have all seen improvement since Caposey was named principal. Oregon High School has added several Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Credit courses and has also committed to a service-learning program.

From the March 27-April 2, 2013, issue

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

Mayoral candidate debate April 2 at Rockford College

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

Staff Report

Rockford mayoral candidates Jim Hughes (D), Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey (I) and Michael Kleen (R) will participate in a debate at 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 2, in Regents Hall, Burpee Center, on the Rockford College campus, 5050 E. State St., Rockford.

The debate is sponsored by Rockford College’s Jane Addams Center for Civic Engagement and is the last scheduled mayoral debate before the April 9 elections.

The debate will be 90 minutes with each of the three candidates having 2 minutes to answer each question. Pre-submitted questions will be chosen by the moderator in advance. If all pre-submitted questions have been asked within the 90 minutes and time remains, questions from the audience will be taken. Professor of Political Science Jules Gleicher, Ph.D., will moderate, with representatives from the League of Women Voters serving as the official timekeepers.

The public is welcome to submit questions for consideration to JACCE@rockford.edu. Submissions must be received by March 28.

From the March 27-April 2, 2013, issue

Posted in Local News, News | No Comments »

Guest Column: ‘Jungle’ capitalism destroying the American people

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

By Gregory John Campbell

Capitalism is now “The law of the jungle,” because it won’t regulate itself. And like all systems (cultures) of absolute power, such an absolute power (culture) will corrupt itself absolutely, until it reaches its logical conclusion — a “dog eat dog,” “survival of the fittest” flight to Darwinian economic determinism — “jungle” capitalism.[1] This is what America’s become.

Nothing is getting done in Washington, because nothing will be done, until Americans realize the parties serve capital, not us. And those believing “the market” will solve all our problems need only remember what short-term “jungle” capitalism did to our nation in the 2008 financial collapse — further destroy the long-term economic base and social contract of the American people.

There is no left or right with “jungle” capitalism, nor right or wrong, but only might, which is why there is only one political direction in Washington — jungle greed. There is nothing new about “jungle” capitalism, for without moral restraint, capitalism is what it is — a system designed to extract resources, covet wealth and eliminate others through natural attrition or economic deprivation, whichever comes first, like a jungle.

“Jungle” capitalism places companies over families, profit over human safety and ecology and money before morality, because it can do no other. Once capitalism was based on a “share the wealth” economic philosophy, not a “take-holder” greed mentality, because it was believed the more wealth was shared, the more we would all benefit. No more.

There is no fairness in “jungle” (ultra-conservative) capitalism, because the jungle of wealth and politics is greed. And as George Lakoff writes in a CounterPunch.org article, “… progressives believe … the private depends on the public, that without those public provisions Americans cannot be free to live reasonable lives and … thrive in private business.”[2] He adds, “Ultra-conservatives … believe that Democracy gives them the liberty to seek their own self-interests … without having responsibility for anyone else. … They see the social responsibility to provide for the common good as an immoral imposition on their liberty.”[3] Further, “… ultra-conservatives do not see all the ways in which they … rely all day every day on what other Americans have supplied for them. They actually believe that they built it all by themselves.” And finally, he iterates what ultra-conservatives see as the proper course of our nation, “… maximal elimination of the public sphere.”[4]

To describe this as unconscionable is hardly adequate; sociopathic is more accurate, because such is what “jungle” conservatism (neoliberalism) is — without moral conscience, restraint or accountability to anything but greed. This is why conservatism as a traditional philosophy is now bankrupt and worthless — it has lost the common moral responsibility men must share in a free democratic society to remain men, be free and behave democratically. For without such a common moral vision, a nation becomes a jungle.

This is the distortion Paul Ryan proposes as the best direction for our country — as a jungle — where the strong thrive, the poor and weak perish and the commons is destroyed. Such “jungle” conservatives don’t see that the tax revenues of “the people” — through the government — built our railroads, highways, utilities and schools; they didn’t.[5] And then he suggests they, using these common benefits, owe nothing to others at all. Nothing could be more un-American, un-Christian, immoral or inhuman epitomizing a jungle, “the heart of darkness.”

His take: they do not give, they extract; they do not invest, and they war because war diverts us to a false “enemy,” depleting our nation, when they’re the real enemy we should fear. No one gets sick, injured, diseased, destitute or old in their jungle, because nothing human exists in their jungle. And if we succumb to their “jungle,” our civil nation is doomed. Thank you.

[1] Hence: “jungle” whatever’s. C-PAC denounces “secular socialism,” but it embodies “jungle” capitalism, because the social contract of “secular socialism” isn’t Godless, “jungle” capitalism is.

[2] CommonDreams.org, published Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013, by Common Dreams, “Why Ultra-Conservatives Like the Sequester,” by George Lakoff at https://www.commondreams.org/view/2013/02/26.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Taxes are the dues we pay for civilization, i.e., a “civil nation.” Jungle capitalism destroys civilization.

Gregory John Campbell is a Rockford resident.

From the March 27-April 2, 2013, issue

Posted in Commentary, Guest Column | 3 Comments »

Tales from the Trough: ’Hogs return from Canada with 3 of 4 possible points

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

Rockford defenseman Klas Dahlbeck tries to grab the puck from Abbotsford Heat center Ben Street during Rockford’s 7-2 victory Feb. 16. Rockford took 3 of a possible 4 points this past weekend in Abbotsford, completing a 3-0-1-0 record this season against the Heat. (Photo by Todd Reicher)

By Todd Reicher
Sports Columnist

The Rockford IceHogs’ annual pilgrimage to Abbotsford, British Columbia, took place this past weekend with the IceHogs and Heat squaring off for a weekend series to finish their series for the regular season.

Rockford won both games against the Heat at home earlier this season with a 3-2 win Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012, and 7-2 drubbing Saturday, Feb. 16.

The Feb. 16 game had Rockford scoring a season-high five first-period goals on Heat goaltender Barry Brust, who at the time was the third-ranked goaltender in the league.

Friday, March 22, had a similar tone with Rockford scoring three unanswered goals on Brust on only 11 shots, chasing him out of the game 2:11 into the second period.

Brandon Svendsen started the scoring for Rockford with his second goal of the season with a nice wrist shot from the right circle. Svendsen brought the puck into the offensive zone with a Heat defender skating with him on his left. Svendsen managed to get a slight distance on his defender and quickly wristed the puck into the top left corner for the 1-0 lead.

With 10 seconds remaining in the first period, Martin St. Pierre turned in his 21st goal of the season to increase the lead to 2-0. A costly turnover in the defensive zone was picked up by Ben Smith, who put the puck on the net. Rostislav Olesz, who returned for his first game in almost a year because of major reconstructive surgery on his knee, attempted to put in the rebound, but it was blocked away by Brust to St. Pierre, who had a mostly open net to deposit the puck.

Rockford’s lead stretched to 3-0 with recent acquisition Steve Montador tallying his first goal in an IceHogs sweater while on their first powerplay of the game. Dylan Olsen, who was credited for the secondary assist on Rockford’s first goal, passed the puck from the far right blue line over to St. Pierre, who was at the top of the blue line in the center. St. Pierre immediately cycled the puck to his left, where “Monty” slapped a one-timer into the back of the net, signaling the end of Brust for the evening.

Rockford cashed in again while shorthanded just shy of the midway point of the second. Brad Mills took a breakaway attempt to the net, but was fouled on his way in, resulting in a penalty shot. Mills backhanded his penalty shot past Danny Taylor, increasing the lead to 4-0. Mills was the first IceHogs skater to record a goal on a penalty shot this season. Prior to his goal, Rockford was 0-4 this season on penalty shot attempts.

The ’Hogs looked to increase their lead to 5-0, but a shorthanded goal by Abbotsford turned the tide in favor of the Heat. After being denied a few moments earlier by Henrik Karlsson, Carter Bancks beat him the second time, registering his fourth goal of the season.

A tip-in goal by the Heat late in the second closed the gap to 4-2. Traffic in front of Karlsson allowed the Heat to get position, and Greg Nemisz tallied his third goal of the season to cut the lead in half.

Abbostford had some good third-period chances, but none would get past Karlsson.

With 6 minutes remaining in the game, Olesz scored on Rockford’s best chance of the period when a Ryan Stanton shot was blocked off to the right side, but right to Olesz, who put Rockford back up by 3, 5-2.

Karlsson continued to thwart the Heat scorers throughout the rest of the game as Rockford took the third meeting of the season.

The following night, Rockford looked for the sweep in the fourth, and final, meeting of the regular season between these two teams.

All was quiet in the first period with neither team managing a goal in the opening 20 minutes, despite Rockford earning two powerplay opportunities to Abbotsford’s one.

The Heat put the first points on the board with a goal from Ben Walter. Poor defensive play allowed the Heat to take possession of the puck in the Rockford zone, as Walter tallied his 13th goal of the season.

A rare mistake by defensemen Klas Dahlbeck put Abbotsford up 2-0 with 1:38 left in the second period. Dahlbeck took possession of the puck deep in the defensive zone, and looked to clear the puck by passing it to the middle of the ice in the Rockford zone. Tyler Ruegsegger stepped into the lane to steal the puck and put it past Karlsson for the 2-0 lead going into the third period.

Currently, Rockford leads the league in third-period come-from-behind victories with nine, and looked to make it 10.

On their third powerplay of the evening, Brandon Pirri cut the lead to 2-1 4:27 into the frame. Less than 4 minutes later, Rockford had their second goal of the period to tie the game at 2-2. This time, Pirri led the assist to Ben Smith, who tied Pirri with his 19th goal of the season.

But the tie wouldn’t last, as the Heat scored with 4:25 left in the game to take a 3-2 lead.

With 1:05 remaining in the game, Ben Street took a costly holding penalty, leaving Rockford a chance to tie the game once again. With Karlsson on the bench, and only 10 seconds remaining in the game, Olesz tallied the equalizer with his second goal in as many games to send the game to overtime.

A 10th come-from-behind victory was not in the cards for Rockford this time, as Roman Horak beat Karlsson five-hole on a breakaway halfway through overtime for the 4-3 victory.

Rockford’s league-leading powerplay went 3-for-8 this weekend, while holding the Heat to 0-for-4.

With Rockford grabbing 3 of 4 points this weekend, the team stays in the hunt for the playoffs and finish the weekend tied for the eighth, and final, playoff spot with three other teams: the Chicago Wolves, Oklahoma City Barons and the Heat. Both the Barons and Wolves have two games in hand on Rockford, but Rockford has three games in hand on the Heat. Rockford will play both the Wolves and the Barons once more this season.

Looking forward

Rockford’s fight for a playoff spot continues this week with three games all at home and against playoff-contending opponents. Wednesday, March 27, Rockford plays host to the Toronto Marlies in their second, and final, meeting of the season. The ’Hogs lost to the Marlies 5-2 back on Jan. 5, and look to even the series.

Friday, March 29, the ’Hogs host the Milwaukee Admirals in a key matchup. The Ads are currently 2 points ahead of Rockford and hold the seventh playoff spot. The ’Hogs and Ads will battle a total of four times in the last 12 games of the season, and these wins could make the ’Hogs’ road to the playoffs that much easier.

Saturday, March 30, Rockford hosts the Oklahoma City Barons for the final time this season. Rockford won the recent two meetings against the Barons with a 4-3 shootout win back on March 8 and a 7-4 win on March 9, with both games taking place in Oklahoma City.

Of the 12 remaining games in the regular season, Rockford will play six at home and six on the road.

From the March 27-April 2, 2013, issue

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

Burpee, Discovery Center team up for ‘Egg Hunt Extravaganza’ March 30

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

Staff Report

Saturday, March 30, Burpee Museum of Natural History and Discovery Center Museum are teaming up to present an “Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza.” Highlights of the event will include 10,000 hidden eggs and live animals for petting.

All children, ages 2-9, are asked to bring their own baskets to hunt for plastic eggs. Egg hunts will be at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. for children ages 9 and younger. Everyone is encouraged to arrive at least 20 minutes before start times, as the egg hunts will begin promptly. Children will be divided into age groups and have separate hunts at both times.

In between the egg hunts, both museums will offer an array of springtime crafts and science activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Burpee Museum will have a variety of unusual eggs on display and baby animals to pet.

Combined ticket admission that allows access to both museums for all activities March 30 is $11 per child, $8 per adult. Member children of either Burpee or Discovery Center are $2 while member adults and children age 1 and younger are free. Admission is possible from either entrance. Cost does not include admission to Burpee’s Rick’s Picks exhibit.

Burpee and Discovery Center hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, March 30. Both museums will be closed Sunday, March 31, in observance of the Easter Holiday.

Burpee is at 737 N. Main St.; Discovery Center is inside Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St. Free parking is available at both locations. For more information, call Burpee at (815) 965-3433 or Discovery Center at (815) 963-6769.

From the March 27-April 2, 2013, issue

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

STEM Lab at Sycamore’s Midwest Museum of Natural History March 30

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

Online Staff Report

SYCAMORE, Ill. — Science + Technology + Engineering + Math = STEM! In our increasingly technology-based world, STEM fields are becoming a critical part of daily life for all ages, even if you’re just turning on a light bulb. Dig into the amazing science that surrounds us at the STEM Exploration Lab at the Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St., in Sycamore, Ill., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, March 30.

The museum will be packed with 50 hands-on science experiments featuring everything from mirrors to magnets, lasers to neon, and static to sound.

“Even though we’re exposed to technology every day, it can still be an intimidating topic,” said Museum Director Molly Trickey. “STEM Lab is a great chance to interact with it in a fun and friendly atmosphere.”

Learn about optics by using a two-way mirror to merge your face with a friend’s; explore static by making your hair stand on end; discover what roller coasters have to do with energy; and much more!

Presented in partnership with Northern Illinois University STEM Outreach, this one-day event is geared toward ages 4 to adult.

STEM Exploration Lab is $10 per person for non-members and $8 per person for members. Purchase a Museum membership that day (or add a year to an existing membership) and the entire group is admitted free.

For more details, visit www.mmnh.org or call (815) 895-9777.

Posted March 27, 2013

Posted in Living, Outdoors | No Comments »

Golf specialty clinics offered in April, May and June

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

Online Staff Report

Adult golfers ages 18 and older who want to improve their game are invited to sign up for Rockford Park District golf specialty clinics scheduled in April, May and June.

The 90-minute individual sessions meet Friday evenings or Saturday mornings from April 12 through June 22 at Aldeen Practice Centre, and cover various aspects of the game.

Attend all, some or one — each clinic will focus on a specific type of shot or skill: Putt/Chip, Pitch/Bunker, Irons, Woods, Trouble Shots and Full Swing/Accuracy.

Fees are $20 per clinic ($23 non-resident). Register at least one week prior to each clinic, either online at www.rockfordparkdistrict.org (click My RPD) or by mail, fax (with credit card), or at either Park District Customer Service location (downtown Rockford, or Carlson Ice Arena, Loves Park).

Registration will close as capacities are reached. A schedule of all clinics and topics, as well as a registration form, are included in the Spring/Summer 2013 Program Guide available on the Park District website, at Park District offices and facilities, or by calling Customer Service at (815) 987-8800.

For information about support or adapted golf programs for golfers with disabilities or special needs, call (815) 987-8800.

Posted March 27, 2013

Posted in Sports, Sports News | No Comments »

Vote ‘yes’ for new Oregon library

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

I plan to vote “yes” for the new oregon library April 9. We are behind the times and long overdue for this project. We need a new facility because our current one is outdated, inconvenient for patrons, and not up to standard. Our community deserves to have a top-flight library that we are proud to use and tell others about. The following are just a few of the reasons why I am marking my ballot “yes.”

A new library will:

1) attract residents to the area and improve the economy with increased home sales, tax income, business activity and students for our schools.

2) provide more and better information in the form of books, e-books, magazines, movies, audios and Internet access.

3) create an attractive social and cultural hub to inform us about community events, services, and recreational and educational opportunities.

4) educate residents through book clubs, book sales, speakers, authors and special programs.

5) provide comfortable meeting spaces for groups planning community events.

6) help our school teachers and administrators in educating our children and youth by providing a place for them to learn after school, weekends and during the summer.

7) expand physical access for those with disabilities and special needs.

8) My “yes” vote means that I am willing to dig deeper into my pocket for the good of the community. Because of a state grant, the cost is half of what it was the last time it came to a vote. The more people who agree with me, the easier it will be to reach our goal. We get what we pay for and benefit from our sacrifices. We also suffer when we don’t pull together to build an adequate library facility. I’m hoping we can stand together to build together.

Clifford E. Knapp
Oregon, Ill.

From the March 27-April 2, 2013, issue

Posted in Letters to the Editor | No Comments »

Park District’s Community Egg Hunt March 30

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

Staff Report

Bring the family to enjoy fun outdoors and the coming of spring at the free Rockford Park District Community Egg Hunt at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 30, rain or shine, at Anna Page Park, 3102 N. Springfield Ave., Rockford.

Children will enjoy finding colorful eggs among thousands containing prizes and treats, having a photo taken with the Bunny, and the popular Cost Cutters hair design station.

Family activities for all ages will be from 10 to 10:45 a.m., and music will be provided by Super Stolie. Refreshments may be purchased from the Friends of Lockwood, with all proceeds benefiting Lockwood Park.

The Egg Hunt begins at 11 a.m. for children ages 2-7, who will be grouped by ages: 2, 3-5, and 6-7. The event will continue while eggs last. All children will be provided a bag for collecting eggs; no outside bags or containers are allowed.

Those attending are encouraged to carpool, if possible, as parking is limited. This event is open to the public.

For more info, visit rockfordparkdistrict.org or call (815) 987-8800.

From the March 27-April 2, 2013, issue

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

School board candidate forum April 3

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

Staff Report

SWIFTT has partnered with the local NAACP, Salsa Business Network and 100.5 NTA FM to host a school board candidate forum from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, April 3, at New Zion Baptist Church, 604 Salter Ave., southwest Rockford.

All candidates for sub districts A-G were invited to attend and participate in the forum. Mike Williams, executive director of Rock River Training Corp and former school board president, will be the moderator.

Each of the partners will prepare two questions each. The community is invited to submit questions to RPS205SchoolBoardForum@gmail.com.

There will be Spanish interpreters and a sign language interpreter at the forum.

SWIFTT is a membership-based, nonprofit economic and community development organization whose charter includes attracting and retaining businesses and services to improve the quality of life for people in the community. The most important component to promote economic growth and vitality is an educated and skilled population.

From the March 27-April 2, 2013, issue

Posted in Local News, News | 1 Comment »

Ralph Frese Memorial Paddle April 14

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

Staff Report

SKOKIE, Ill. — Postponed from New Year’s Day, The Ralph Frese Memorial Paddle will begin at 10 a.m., Sunday, April 14, with a short ceremony, preceding a paddle on the Ralph Frese Canoe Trail on the North Branch of the Chicago River from Willow Road to Linne Woods on Dempster in Skokie, Ill.

An Empty Canoe Ceremony will be conducted in which one of Ralph’s boats will make his symbolic last paddle as it is towed by voyageurs on Ralph’s favorite canoe trail. All participants will receive a commemorative “Mr. Canoe” button.

Boat launch for the paddle will be from 10 a.m. to noon at the Willow Road dam (Willow Road and Forestway Drive, Winnetka, Ill.). Shuttle bus service is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

All participants will be checked for proper clothing and equipment before launching. Allow 45 to 60 minutes for the bus shuttle and two to three hours for the paddle itself. Bring non-alcoholic beverages, complete change of warm clothes in a waterproof container, cell phone waterproofed in a freezer bag, a sense of humor and overflowing goodwill. Wear a personal flotation device/life preserver and clothing that retains warmth if wet. Layering of wool or fleece and synthetic undergarments works best.

Canoes/kayaks: This is a bring-your-own-boat event. Some local liveries have rental boats available.

After the paddle, warm up at Linne Woods. Traditionally, paddlers meet at Hackney’s on Lake after paddling. Hackney’s is on the north side of Lake Avenue in Glenview, Ill., just east of Waukegan Road.

From the March 27-April 2, 2013, issue

Posted in Living, Outdoors | No Comments »

Golf Rules Clinic offered April 3 at Elliot Golf Course

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

Online Staff Report

The rules of golf can be fun and informative, and Rockford Park District offers the opportunity for golfers ages 8-17, and 18 and older, to learn the usual and most common rules at a Golf Rules Clinic from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 3, at Elliot Golf Course, 888 S. Lyford Road, Cherry Valley.

Fees are $5 for ages 8-17, and $10 for ages 18 and older. Pre-registration is required by April 2, either online at www.rockfordparkdistrict.org (click My RPD) or by mail, fax (with credit card), or at either Park District Customer Service location (downtown Rockford, or Carlson Ice Arena, Loves Park); a registration form is also included in the Spring/Summer 2013 Program Guide available on the Park District website, at Park District offices and facilities, or by calling Customer Service at (815) 987-8800.

For information about support or adapted golf programs for golfers with disabilities or special needs, call (815) 987-8800.

Posted March 27, 2013

Posted in Sports, Sports News | No Comments »

Support Walk MS — Rockford on May 5

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating disease that affects over 20,000 people across northern Illinois alone. MS stops people from moving, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society exists to make sure it doesn’t. The Rockford MS Committee is looking to spread awareness of this disease any way we can. We will be hosting WALK MS — ROCKFORD at Klehm Arboretum on Sunday, May 5, 2013. We are currently looking for donations, volunteers and participants for the walk.

In light of Walk MS, along with spreading recognition of Multiple Sclerosis, the Rockford Committee will also be hosting a MS Awareness IceHogs game on March 29. The game begins at 7:05 p.m. We are selling tickets for $15 apiece, and $5 of every ticket goes directly to the National MS Society to aid research programs and to assist those battling this disease. If you are looking to attend this game, please remember to wear ORANGE to support this remarkable cause! We need your support to achieve a cure!

For tickets to the game or information about Walk MS, please contact BROOKE GIDDINGS at (815) 980-2541.

Brooke Giddings
Rockford

From the March 27-April 2, 2013, issue

Posted in Letters to the Editor | No Comments »

Winnebago Buy Local hosts SEO, Yelp workshop March 28

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

Staff Report

Winnebago Buy Local will host a workshop about search engine optimization (SEO) and Yelp for local business owners at 6 p.m., Thursday, March 28, at Rockford Art Deli, 402 E. State St., Rockford.

Jarrod Hennis of Rockford Art Deli will speak about their bold new business and what it has to offer to the local business community. Troy Redington will speak about how your business can benefit from SEO and by using Yelp to gain more customers.

Yelp is an online search engine where customers review and leave feedback about their experiences with businesses.

Admission to the event is free. Those attending are also encouraged to bring a blank T-shirt and get a “Buy Local” graphic printed on it for free. Ink will be black, so shirt colors should be chosen accordingly. Blank T-shirts will also be available for purchase.

Winnebago Buy Local is dedicated to helping locally-owned, grassroots businesses to grow and compete in the local economy. For more details, visit winnebagobuylocal.com or call Culture Shock at (815) 229-2997.

From the March 27-April 2, 2013, issue

Posted in Local News, News | No Comments »

Literary Hook: Poetry reading, workshop and new book debut April 13

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

Christine Swanberg

By Christine Swanberg
Author and Poet

In Print holds monthly meetings and workshops for writers at the Cherry Valley Library on the second Saturday of each month. Located at 755 E. State St., Cherry Valley, the meetings and workshop are from 1 to 4 p.m., and are free and open to the public. This organization promotes and supports writers in every genre.

I would like to invite you to the April 13 workshop. Immediately after the business meeting, the winners of the In Print Poetry Contest will read their works, followed by my own reading. Then, I will also give a workshop titled “The Shape a Poem Makes.” After the writing workshop, there will be a question-and-answer period that will include “Dancing with the Editors” and other issues of interest to poets.

Copies of my books, The Alleluia Tree (Puddin’head Press) and Who Walks Among the Trees with Charity (Wind Publications), will be available. A new anthology, Prayers, Poems are Prose (a June Cotner book), will also debut.

All you need to do is show up. If you want more about In Print, visit inprintwriters.com.

From the March 27-April 2, 2013, issue

Posted in Literary Hook, Vibe Entertainment, Vibe Entertainment News | No Comments »

‘When the World Was Young’ March 28 at Kresge Hall

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

Online Staff Report

Rockford Dance Company’s (RDC) Dancing and Acting Workshop, funded through The United Cerebral Palsy of Blackhawk Region of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, will culminate in a performance at 10:30 a.m., March 28, at Riverfront Museum Park’s Kresge Hall.

Steven F. Vrtol III and Sharon Smith have been conducting workshops twice a week since November 2012. Milestone and Center of Hope participants have been working separately to prepare for the performance. The two groups will join together for a rehearsal and performance of When the World Was Young. This performance will include song favorites “Circle of Friends,” “Bare Necessities” and “One World.”

The public is invited to this free event.

Established in 1973, the RDC is a nonprofit organization committed to excellence in its mission to promote the art of dance through quality performance, education and outreach programming. RDC is a pre-professional dance company and one of four resident performing organizations of the historic Coronado Theatre.

RDC’s upcoming performance, Bold Moves, will feature three dynamic premiers in one evening April 13.

Posted March 27, 2013

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

Children have lost a champion

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

Children and their working families lost an incredible champion with the sudden and unexpected death of Diane Stout on this past Monday.

Diane — in addition to being a loving daughter, wife, mother and grandmother — worked tirelessly on behalf of so many others. In her role at Circles of Learning, she took great pride in how well every child did and how well every family did. Making sure that each day was a great one for all the children at Circles of Learning was always her first priority.

Diane also played a tremendous role in advancing a broader agenda to ensure that all children in Rockford and in Illinois Action for Children for almost 40 years and was always willing to do whatever it took to ensure that children mattered most!

Both Diane’s family and the city of Rockford have lost so much. Our deepest sympathy is with you all.

Maria Whelan
President, Illinois Action for Children
Chicago

From the March 27-April 2, 2013, issue

Posted in Letters to the Editor | No Comments »

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