Sept. 22, 2011, South Beloit Police officers were sent to 608 Wheeler Ave. in South Beloit, Ill., in regards to the death of an infant boy. Winnebago County Sheriff’s Deputies were sent to assist.

Upon arrival, South Beloit officers and deputies found 6-week-old Jackson Betts deceased. An autopsy conducted by the Winnebago County Coroner’s office determined the death was because of lack of adequate food and medical care.

Results of an investigation conducted by Winnebago County Sheriff’s detectives were reviewed by the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office, and a warrant was authorized for first-degree murder for the child’s mother, Kayla A. Lund, 23.

The warrant was issued May 23, and Lund was arrested the same day and lodged in the Winnebago County Jail.

Posted May 23, 2012

Rockford police are investigating the shooting death of 18-year-old Dwayne Buchanan, who was shot and killed at the BP gas station, 3721 Auburn St., Rockford, shortly before 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 22.

According to police, a van occupied by four or five people was involved in the shooting. Another individual was injured in the shooting and walked in to a local hospital.

A press release from the Winnebago County Coroner’s Office said an autopsy will be performed on Buchanan May 23 to determine the exact cause of death. Buchanan suffered multiple gunshot wounds.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Rockford police shift commander at (815) 987-5824 or Crime Stoppers at (815) 963-7867.

Posted May 23, 2012

Shortly after 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 22, Rockford Police patrol officers and Gang Unit detectives responded to the 3500 block of Elm Street in reference to shots fired. The 3500 block of Elm Street is in the Concord Commons Housing Complex. Officers and detectives were unable to locate anyone or anything struck by gunfire.

Officers and detectives developed information that the suspect in the shooting incident may be at 632 Newport Ave. The residence was checked, and officers located James A. Jones, 18, of Rockford, inside. A loaded 9mm pistol was also located inside the residence. Jones was charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm, unlawful use of weapons by a felon, unlawful possession of a firearm by a gang member and no Firearm Owner’s Identification card.

Jones is on probation for resisting arrest.

Posted May 22, 2012

Jan. 18, 2011, Rockford police detectives responded to Rockford Memorial Hospital in reference to a death investigation. Upon arrival, detectives met with the medical staff of the hospital and personnel from the Winnebago County Coroner’s Office. Detectives were advised a 7-day-old child had died.

An autopsy was conducted by the Winnebago County Coroner’s Office. The results of the autopsy indicated the cause of death was premature birth and maternal cocaine use.

Rockford police detectives conducted a lengthy investigation. May 17, the facts of the investigation were reviewed by the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office and Tina M. LaMonica, 37, of Rockford, was charged with first-degree murder.

An arrest warrant was obtained for LaMonica with bond set at $1 million.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of LaMonica is asked to contact the Rockford Police shift commander at (815) 987-5824 or Crime Stoppers at (815) 963-7867.

Posted May 22, 2012

Shortly after 10 a.m., Sunday, May 20, Rockford police responded to an address in the 500 block of Ranger Street in reference to a home invasion. Officers were advised the suspect, Robert M. Goldsmith, entered the apartment and struck the victim with a baseball bat.

Rockford police detectives conducted a follow-up investigation into the incident. The facts of the investigation were reviewed by the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office and Goldsmith, 43, of Rockford, was charged with home invasion.

Rockford police detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Goldsmith. The bond on the warrant was set at $500,000.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Goldsmith is asked to contact the Rockford Police shift commander at (815) 987-5824 or Crime Stoppers at (815) 963-7867.

Posted May 22, 2012

Danny R. Dees, 17, of Rockford, and William King III have been arrested on burglary charges.

At approximately 11 p.m., May 20, Rockford police patrol officers located Dees and King III near 1924 23rd Ave. (R.L. Leek Trucking). Officers located a pair of bolt cutters on the person of Dees. Officers checked the area, locating several semi trailers that had been burglarized.

The patrol officers continued their follow-up investigation. Dees has been charged with five counts of burglary from motor vehicle and possession of burglary tools. King III has been charged with five counts of burglary from motor vehicle.

Posted May 22, 2012

The body of a missing Loves Park boater was pulled from the Rock River at about 2 p.m., Monday, May 21.

Terry J. McFaddin, 52, of Loves Park, went missing Sunday, May 20, after dropping friends off at the Verdi Club between 3 and 3:30 a.m. His pontoon boat was found unoccupied on a cement ramp near 2312 Illinois St., at around 4:25 p.m., Sunday, May 20.

On the afternoon of Monday, May 21, the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department, Rockford Fire Department and Illinois Department of Conservation Police continued searching the Rock River for McFaddin. Each agency deployed boats, and Rockford Fire and Department of Conservation both had sonar.

A body was located by the sonar about 200 yards south of where McFaddin’s pontoon was located. The body was in the center of the river, in about 12 feet of water.

Rockford Fire divers recovered the body, and he has been identified as McFaddin.

The Winnebago County Coroner’s Office took control of the body, and an autopsy will be scheduled.

The investigation is ongoing.

Posted May 21, 2012

William A. Woodard, 41, of Rockford, has been charged with the May 20 armed robbery of the Phillips 66 gas station at 4402 Linden Road, Rockford.

Shortly after 1 a.m., May 20, Rockford police responded to the Phillips 66 on Linden Road in reference to an armed robbery. Upon arrival, officers were advised the suspect entered the business wearing a black mask and armed with a handgun.

The suspect demanded cash from the cash register and then fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Patrol officers located a suspect, identified as Woodard, in the 4300 block of Yale Drive. Woodard was transported to the Public Safety Building, where he is being held.

Posted May 21, 2012

The Rockford Park District Park police voted May 18 to join the Policemen’s Benevolent Labor Committee (PBLC) to represent all of the Park District’s patrol and event officers, both full- and part-time.

There were three separate votes taken to determine if full-time police officers, part-time police/patrol officers, and part-time facility/event officers would be represented by PBLC. All three groups voted “yes” to unionize; the outcome of each group’s vote was determined by a majority of the valid ballots that were cast in the election.

The Rockford Park District Park Police administration, including the chief of police and supervisors, did not take part in the vote.

The results of this vote do not become final for approximately one week, pending the possible filing of objections by either party. If the results are certified by the Illinois Labor Relations Board, “the district will bargain in good faith while providing the highest level of safety and security for our citizens,” said Rockford Park District Chief of Police Theo Glover.

Posted May 21, 2012

During the month of May, at least 18 incidents of criminal damage to mailboxes have been reported to the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department and the Rockford Police Department.

Explosive devices (commercial fireworks) were placed inside of the mailboxes and ignited, causing heavy damage to boxes.

The incidents have taken place in various sections of the county to include Rockford and Machesney Park.

An investigation conducted by detectives of the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department and the Rockford Police Department has led to the arrests of two subjects. Both were taken into custody May 18.

The State’s Attorney’s Office has authorized charges against Jeffrey J. Valentine, 22, of Rockford, and Kyle A. Foster, 22, of Rockford. They are both charged with three counts of criminal damage to property.

Both Valentine and Foster were lodged in the Winnebago County Jail.

Posted May 21, 2012

Rockford Ald. Frank Beach, R-10, will host a 10th Ward public meeting beginning at 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 22, at Salvation Army, 500 S. Rockford Ave.

Speakers at the meeting will include Police Department Deputy Chief Lori Sweeney, City of Rockford Human Resources Director Julia Valdez, Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau President/CEO John Groh, and Miracle Mile Rockford Executive Director Jennifer Hall.

Call Hall at (815) 975-0466 for more details about the meeting.

Posted May 21, 2012

RPS 205 completes principal and administrative salary study; makes recommendations for improvement

The Rockford Public School District leadership team plans to present a salary comparison study and resulting recommendations for reorganization and cost savings to the school board at its meeting at 7 p.m., May 22.

Last fall, the district hired Fox, Lawson, and Associates, a Minnesota firm specializing in human resource compensation consulting for government organizations, to perform the market analysis. The study evaluated 11 school districts, two organizations and two data sources from the private sector. Comparison school districts included Belvidere, East St. Louis, East Aurora, Elgin, Freeport, Harlem, Lincolnshire-Prairie View, Peoria and Valley View.

“We have spent many hours over the past several months evaluating our existing organizational structure and working hard to attract top leadership talent to our school system,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Robert Willis. “It became readily apparent, as we attempted to recruit for various administrative positions, that we are not as efficiently structured as we could be, nor are we able to offer a competitive salary in comparison to similar-sized districts, government organizations and even private companies. Perhaps even more importantly, the analysis showed that our pay scale was not helping motivate our best teachers to move upward into leadership positions.”

Last fall, the district commissioned the salary study. Its findings of RPS 205 principal and assistant principal salaries revealed that 14 out of 35 RPS 205 elementary school principals make less than the top RPS 205 teacher salary of $76,670, and none of the 27 assistant principals in the district makes a salary at the top of the teacher scale of $76,670. All salary figures exclude contributions to the Teachers Retirement System (TRS).

“From the data, we concluded all of our district’s principals, assistant principals, and administrators are paid significantly below market level,” explained Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ehren Jarrett. “We recommend to the board that we address the issue as soon as possible so we can continue to effectively recruit high-quality leaders and encourage our existing teachers and administrators to step up and help advance our district.

“What the study also told us is that we need to get leaner and reorganize,” Jarrett continued. “We propose consolidating and streamlining our staff so that the net result is the elimination of 11 positions in the central office and across the district. The total cost savings to the district is projected to be $283,903 for our fiscal year 2013 budget.”

The district will recommend to the school board that it:

• Adjust principal and administrative salaries to make them competitive with market rates;

• Cut the size of the central office;

• Consolidate and streamline the organizational chart, resulting in the net elimination of 11 positions (projected FY13 net savings of $283,903);

• Perform an external market compensation analysis every three years

• Determine individual compensation by slotting jobs into ranges (minimum, midpoint, maximum); and

• Review classification of jobs to ensure proper leveling and compensation between supervisors and managers.

“Our administrators aren’t being adequately compensated for their increased level of responsibility, leadership and skills,” Jarrett continued. “We want to take the information we now have to make our district leaner and more efficient with competitive salaries to attract and retain the best talent.”

The school board will need to approve the salary recommendations before they go into effect.

RPS 205 leadership team recommends school board give 58-cent tax levy back to taxpayers

The Rockford Public School District leadership team plans to recommend to the Rockford School Board that it vote to give taxpayers back the 58-cent tax levy it has assessed since 2006 when the “Kids Win” community-led campaign resulted in a positive vote of overwhelming support.

“We are no longer required by state law to ask voters to let us continue collecting the 58-cent tax levy,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Robert Willis. “If we wanted to, we could continue collecting it without their consent. But we feel a moral obligation to give that money back to the voters. We realize citizens need property tax relief, our community needs economic growth, and pushing our overall tax rate down will help those efforts.”

In 2006, when the community and school board were well on their way toward a successful public campaign to get the 58-cent tax levy passed, the Illinois state legislature voted to give Illinois school districts more freedom to control the individual tax levies that make up their total tax rates. (Public Act 94-0976, referred to as PTELL went into effect June 30, 2006.). That meant the “Kids Win” campaign committee’s promise to go back to voters in five years to again approve or deny the levy was no longer legally required.

Eliminating the 58-cent tax levy means an average Rockford homeowner with a home valued at $100,000 will see a savings of 58 cents per $100 of assessed home value in their 2013 tax bill. For a homeowner with a Rockford home valued at $150,000, the savings would be approximately $132.

“Once we voluntarily give the money back, it is still possible local residents will see a tax increase at some point in the future,” Willis continued. “It could happen due to inflation and increases resulting from any rise in our Equalized Assessed Valuation (EAV). But we do not expect to see real increases in EAV for at least three more years.”

If the board approves the administration’s recommendation, the district expects to lose $7 million in revenue in FY2013 and nearly $14 million in 2014.

“We continue to budget conservatively, our reserves are healthy and growing, and we expect revenues to gradually rise based on inflation,” Willis said. “We feel this is the right decision for our district, our taxpayers and our community.”

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ehren Jarrett added: “We are encouraged that, despite a decrease in revenue, our organizational efficiency, our skilled administrators and our entire staff will allow us to give more to voters than we ever have before. We are giving them Readiness Rocks — College & Career Readiness, Preschool for All, Seven Periods to Success, 21st Century Learning Environments, and College for All — five big initiatives that will change the landscape of our schools and our community in the months and years to come.”

Posted May 18, 2012

Two individuals were struck by gunfire after a residence in the 3100 block of Mulberry Street in Rockford was the target of two drive-by shootings May 17.

The first shooting occurred around 10:15 p.m. A 40-year-old man was shot in the left arm after the residence was hit once and the man’s car was hit by gunfire from an occupant in a gold or silver minivan. The assailant opened fire from the sliding door of the minivan as it drove by the house.

The second shooting occurred slightly before midnight. A woman who was standing outside the residence was shot in the leg by someone in a vehicle matching the description of the minivan from the earlier shooting. The occupants of the vehicle fired five to six shots from a handgun, striking the victim, who was transported to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Anyone with information about the shootings is asked to contact Rockford police at (815) 987-5824 or Crime Stoppers at (815) 963-7867.

Posted May 18, 2012

Rockford police responded to reports of gunfire being exchanged between two vehicles in the area of South Alpine and Newburg roads at about 10:50 p.m., Thursday, May 17.

One of the vehicles, which was carrying a woman and two passengers, crashed into Big Foot Lounge, 1609 S. Alpine. The passengers fled the scene and did not return.

According to police, a silver minivan followed the vehicle while traveling westbound on Newburg. The minivan then turned south onto Alpine and one of the occupants of the minivan then reportedly opened fire.

The driver of the other vehicle lost control of her vehicle and struck Big Foot Lounge. The incident is under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call Rockford police at (815) 987-5824 or Crime Stoppers at (815) 963-7867.

Posted May 18, 2012

Rachel Jacob, 62, of Loves Park, was killed Thursday, May 17, after the black Toyota RAV4 she was driving collided with a Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD) bus in the 6800 block of Spring Brook Road in Rockford.

According to the Winnebago County Coroner’s Office, an autopsy concurred that Jacob suffered a medical crisis but was unable to identify the cause. She died of multiple blunt force trauma.

Officers responded to the two-vehicle crash at 3:05 p.m., May 17, and learned the Toyota RAV4 had been traveling westbound when it collided with the RMTD bus, which was traveling eastbound.

The roadway was shut down for several hours.

Posted May 18, 2012

A 16-year-old Rockford East High School student has been arrested after a stolen handgun was found in his backpack.

At approximately 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 17, Rockford police working at East High School, 2929 Charles St., Rockford, recovered a loaded handgun in the backpack of a student. The handgun was determined to be stolen.

An unnamed juvenile, 16, of Rockford, has been charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, possession of a firearm (younger than 18 years of age) and possession of a stolen firearm.

The juvenile was taken to the Winnebago County Juvenile Assessment Center.

Posted May 17, 2012

As a result of studies begun in September 2011, and the Feb. 23 announcement expanding the Rockford mail processing center study, the Postal Service has decided to move Rockford outgoing mail operations into the Carol Stream Processing & Distribution Center and incoming mail operations into the Palatine Processing & Distribution Center.

Once completed, annual savings are expected to be almost $10.5 million. All employee notifications and relocations will be made in accordance with existing employee agreements.

The consolidation will begin this summer and is expected to be completed by the end of 2013. Once the transfer is completed, the mail processing operation in Rockford, 5225 Harrison Ave., will cease. There will be no change to the retail operations, mail collection or the Business Mail Entry Unit operations at this time.

U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo, R-Ill., issued the following statement in response to the Postal Service’s decision to end mail processing operations in Rockford: “We are saddened that the U.S. Postal Service has decided to end mail processing operations at one of our nation’s most efficient sorting centers in Rockford and move the work to the Chicago suburbs. We understand that the USPS is facing severe money shortages and must make difficult cuts, but we are frustrated that the USPS still has not shared with us the data that confirms closing Rockford will save money. We continue to seek that data so we can share it with the people of northern Illinois who will be affected by this decision.

“When Postmaster General Pat Donahoe toured the Rockford processing center with me last month, he said all employees who wanted to keep working for the USPS would be offered jobs in the area — albeit in different capacities — if the decision was made to end operations in Rockford,” Manzullo said. “He also said he was confident that consolidating Rockford’s operations into Carol Stream and Palatine would allow the USPS to continue overnight delivery service to the region. We will hold the Postmaster General to his statements and monitor the situation closely as the consolidation ensues.”

The Rockford mail processing center is consistently rated among the most efficient centers in the nation, and Rockford workers provide overnight delivery service to their customers in ZIP codes starting with 610 and 611.

Closing the Rockford facility will cost the Rockford area nearly 200 jobs and cause delays of two to three days in mail delivery to homes and businesses in the eight northern Illinois counties served by the Rockford facility — Boone, Winnebago, Stephenson, Jo Daviess, Carroll, Whiteside, Ogle and Lee.

The Postal Service announced in December 2011 it would delay any final decisions regarding facility closures until May 15, 2012. The delay was designed to allow Congress time to enact comprehensive postal legislation. Meantime, USPS continued to review facility consolidations, including public notifications, public input meetings and consideration of public comments.

Hundreds attended a public meeting Jan. 5 at Rockford’s Best Western Clock Tower Resort & Conference Center to share their thoughts about the USPS’s recommended closure of the Rockford facility.

A 2006 consolidation study also originally recommended the closure of the Rockford facility, but efforts by area elected officials helped keep the facility in operation.

The Postal Service has experienced a 25 percent decline in First-Class Mail volume since 2006, and receives no tax dollars for its operations, relying instead on the sale of postage, and postal products and services.

Because of the drastic decline in mail volume, the Postal Service is in a fiscal crisis and must take action to reduce the size of its mail processing network.

As a result of this action, staffing adjustments will be necessary. Any actions taken will be in compliance with applicable law, collective bargaining agreements, and Postal Service regulations and policies.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

Posted May 17, 2012

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — A plan to raise Illinois’ minimum wage to more than $10 per hour passed a Senate committee May 16, despite protests from business owners who said it would harm their ability to stay afloat in a tough economy.

Proponents of Senate Bill 1565 say a minimum-wage hike will put more money in workers’ pockets, thus enabling them to spend more money at Illinois businesses.

Illinois’ minimum wage now stands at $8.25. The measure would increase the wage by 50 cents a year until it matches the the inflation-adjusted equivalent of minimum wage in 1968, which was $1.60 per hour. The phased-in hikes would bring Illinois’ minimum wage to $10.55 in 2015, after which yearly cost-of-living increases would occur.

The Senate Executive Committee approved the proposal 9-5. The bill, sponsored by state Sen. Kimberly Lightford, D-Maywood, now goes to the Senate floor for a vote.

If the measure is enacted, Illinois could have the highest minimum wage in the country, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Washington state has the highest minimum wage, at $9.04 per hour.

Illinois last increased its minimum wage in 2010.

Backers of the increase, including minimum-wage workers and a small business owner from Chicago, said they barely can support themselves and their families on the current minimum wage.

Lathan Cole, 29, of Springfield, said he has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and worked with disabled people at a nonprofit, until he was laid off two years ago during the state’s budget crisis. He now works in a diner for $8.25 an hour.

“I can’t pay my car payment, so my grandfather helps me with that. Sometimes I have to ask my grandmother for gas money,” he said. “I can’t afford to go out to eat. That’s a leisure thing, and that’s not my qualm. It’s that I can’t even meet my bare minimum. It’s really hard.”

Business owners, however, said the hike would cripple their ability to continue operating.

Doug Knight, owner of Knight’s Action Park, a water and recreation park here, hires about 200 teen-agers and young adults to work at his business. He said he was forced to scale back his operating hours following the last minimum wage hike in 2010 because he could not stay profitable and had to cut costs.

“If my expenses go up, I have to raise my prices,” Knight, a third-generation businessman, said, noting that his business is tricky because families shop wisely when it comes to vacations, and he has regional competition in Missouri, Wisconsin and Indiana.

“If I can’t be profitable, I can’t grow my business,” Knight said.

State Sen. Kirk Dillard, R-Hinsdale, who said he has supported minimum wage hikes in the past, voted against the measure, saying, “The timing here is terrible,” economically.

Jayette Bolinski can be reached at jayette.bolinski@franklincenterhq.org.

Posted May 17, 2012

CHICAGO — Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan (D) joined the Federal Trade Commission, 44 other states and the District of Columbia to announce a settlement with Skechers USA Inc. for $45 million to resolve allegations that the shoe company deceived consumers into believing its rocker-bottom athletic shoe line would help them lose weight and get in shape.

In a complaint filed May 16, along with the settlement, the FTC and the states alleged Skechers made deceptive, unsubstantiated claims in marketing and advertising its line of rocker-bottom athletic shoes: Shape-ups, Tone-ups and the Skechers Resistance Runner. Skechers misled consumers to believe wearing the shoes would cause them to lose weight, burn calories, improve circulation, fight cellulite and strengthen muscles.

“Companies that make health claims without scientific proof to support them are using deceptive tactics that may unfairly influence consumers’ purchasing decisions,” Madigan said.

Under the settlement, Skechers is barred from making health claims unless it has adequate evidence. Skechers will also pay $40 million back to consumers who bought the shoes and $5 million to the states for costs of investigation.

Consumers who purchased Shape-ups, Tone-ups or the Skechers Resistance Runner should visit the FTC website at www.ftc.gov or call (866) 325-4186 for information in obtaining a refund.

Joining Illinois in the settlement were Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Hawaii’s Office of Consumer Protection, and Georgia’s Governor’s Office of Consumer Protection.

Assistant Attorney General Colleen Bisher handled the case for Madigan’s Consumer Fraud Bureau.

Posted May 16, 2012

CHICAGO — Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, with Equip for Equality and a 16-year-old high school student from La Grange, filed a joint lawsuit May 16 against the nonprofit Illinois High School Association (IHSA) to ensure student athletes with disabilities have full and equal opportunities to compete in interscholastic sports competitions throughout the state.

Madigan filed the lawsuit jointly with Equip for Equality, a federally mandated legal advocacy organization for people with disabilities in Illinois, and which represents Mary Kate Callahan, a 16-year-old junior at Fenwick Catholic High School in Oak Park.

Madigan said their mutual goal in bringing the action against the IHSA is to ensure all students with disabilities have the right to access every high school program and activity, including interscholastic sports competitions and state meets that feature separate heats to allow disabled athletes to compete.

“Every student athlete should have a chance to compete, including athletes with disabilities,” Madigan said. “Many other states give student athletes with disabilities the opportunity to compete. Students in Illinois should have the same chance.”

IHSA Executive Director Marty Hickman issued the following statement: “For years, we have looked past disabilities and accommodated student-athletes — as people — in sports like gymnastics, golf, bowling, swimming, cross country and track and field. We’ve been actively engaged, listing to stakeholders, advocacy groups, parents, student athletes and others to determine how to enhance opportunities for our student athletes, all of our student athletes. We are confident that by working together we will help raise awareness about the abilities of people with disabilities and continue to be a leader.”

The joint lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, charges the nonprofit IHSA with violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act, both of which require that no person be excluded from equal participation in any program or activity of a public entity because of their disability. The laws also prohibit discrimination based on a person’s disability.

Out of 811 high schools in Illinois, 793 public and private high schools are members of the nonprofit IHSA, the only organization in the state through which high schools can compete in interscholastic competitions. But under current IHSA practices, athletes with disabilities cannot compete with able-bodied athletes and cannot advance to state meets offered by the IHSA. Nationally, 15 states already provide an opportunity for student athletes with disabilities to take part in various sporting events.

“Students with disabilities should have the same opportunity to participate and compete in high school sports,” said Zena Naiditch, president and CEO of Equip for Equality. “This lawsuit seeks to bring Illinois in line with many other states, which already fully include student athletes with disabilities.”

The action arose out of complaints brought to Madigan’s office by Equip for Equality and Mary Kate Callahan, who uses a wheelchair because of lower limb paralysis from a condition called transverse myelitis. Though Mary Kate is a member of Fenwick’s swim team and Fenwick supports her participation in competitions, she is not allowed to compete with her team in IHSA meets at the sectional or state championship level.

“By not providing appropriate time standards for high school athletes with disabilities to qualify for state events, the IHSA is punishing disabled athletes,” Mary Kate Callahan said. “We work just as hard and want to represent our high schools at the highest level of competition, just like all athletes. The IHSA is preventing us from doing so.”

Madigan said the lawsuit was brought after attempts by her office to resolve the matter out of court were rebuffed by the IHSA. The nonprofit association filed suit against the Attorney General’s office in April. Madigan’s office had hoped to reach an agreement with the IHSA to allow athletes with disabilities to compete during the same championships as their able-bodied peers.

The lawsuit seeks to allow all students with disabilities to compete and earn points in interscholastic high school meets and to establish qualifying standards and rules for these students so they can compete at state meets, set records and earn medals like all other students. The lawsuit seeks to require IHSA to do so first for swimming and track and field sports for the 2012-2013 school year, and expand opportunities in other sports thereafter.

Public Interest Division Chief Paul Gaynor, Disability Rights Bureau Chief Nicki Bazer and Assistant Attorney General Judith Levitan are handling the case for Madigan’s office. Alan Goldstein, Amy Peterson and Lauren Lowe are handling the case for Equip for Equality.

Posted May 16, 2012

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — With bipartisan support and agreement from victim advocates and the adult entertainment industry, strip clubs that permit alcohol would have two options to help restore funding to rape crisis centers under a bill passed 8-0 by the Senate Public Health Committee, Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon said May 16.

Strip club owners would choose to pay the state a $3-per-patron surcharge on an annual basis, or opt to pay a flat fee based on the taxable receipts they report to the Illinois Department of Revenue each year, under House Bill 1645 Amendment 3.

Clubs that report taxable receipts of $2 million or more would pay $25,000 a year; clubs that report total receipts of $500,000 to $2 million would pay $15,000; and clubs that report total receipts of less than $500,000 would pay $5,000, according to the legislation.

The $3 surcharge and fee structure in House Bill 1645 Amendment 3 replaced the $5-per-patron entrance fee proposed in an earlier bill.

The new language was agreed to by rape crisis advocates, club owners and sponsor state Sen. Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights). House Bill 1645 Amendment 3 now moves to the Senate for a vote.

“I am pleased all the interested parties came to the table with Sen. Hutchinson and my office and agreed on a common-sense way to restore funding to rape crisis centers that have struggled to provide critical services to sexual assault survivors, school children and law enforcement agencies on ever-shrinking budgets,” Simon said.

“Substantial evidence links the consumption of alcohol at strip clubs to negative secondary effects, including sexual harassment, sexual assault and prostitution. This legislation will address the social ills and protect free expression. Clubs that do not want to pay the surcharge or fee can choose to stop permitting alcohol,” Simon added.

The newly-generated revenue will go into the new Sexual Assault Services and Prevention Fund and be distributed by the Department of Human Services for community-based assistance to victims of sexual assault and sexual assault prevention. There are at least 32 rape crisis centers — 10 in the Chicago-metro region and 22 in the non-metro area. State funding for the centers has decreased about 28 percent in the past five years.

Last year, the Texas Supreme Court upheld legislation that funded crisis centers through a $5 entrance fee at strip clubs that permit alcohol based on the correlation between alcohol, live nude dancing and negative secondary effects, such as sexual assault.

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge of that decision, effectively opening the door for other cities and states to purse similar measures.

California is among the states seeking legislation; it is considering a $10-per-patron fee.

Simon, a longtime domestic violence and women’s advocate, first voiced her support for Hutchinson’s legislation in February and testified in support of the amended legislation May 16. She visited rape crisis centers across the state this spring to call for a budget-neutral way to restore state funding.

Posted May 16, 2012

Saturday, May 12, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 245 held their 20th Annual Stamp Out Hunger! Food Drive in collaboration with Greater Rockford Pantry Coalition and United Way of Rock River Valley.

More than 49,010 pounds of food was donated by generous individuals in the community who placed a bag of non-perishable food items by their mailbox for their Letter Carrier to collect. All the donated food items will benefit the 13 area food pantries that belong to the Greater Rockford Pantry Coalition.

Candice Berg, from the Salvation Army, said: “The Greater Rockford Pantry Coalition is thankful for the support our community provides to help those in need. The food collected from the Letter Carriers’ Food Drive will help restock area pantries and provide food for families and individuals struggling to make ends meet.”

The food that was generously donated by those in the community will help relieve the desperation of those families struggling to put a nutritious meal on their table during these tough economic times.

For more about the annual Stamp Out Hunger! efforts in the Rock River Valley, contact Kelly Pruka, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers No. 245, at (815) 494-5923.

Posted May 16, 2012

Marc Anthony Bell, 18, has been arrested and charged with aggravated battery with a firearm and armed robbery in relation to a May 14 shooting on Lincoln Park Boulevard in Rockford.

At approximately 2:47 p.m., Monday, May 14, Winnebago County Sheriff’s deputies were sent to the area of 302 Lincoln Park Blvd., in Rockford, regarding a shooting.

Upon arrival, officers located a 26-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his leg.

Investigation at the scene determined the victim worked for Direct USA Meat Company. The victim and a co-worker were in a truck in the area selling meat.

They were flagged down by a male, who inquired about purchasing meat. This subject subsequently produced a handgun and attempted to rob the victim. The suspect fired one shot, and the victim was hit in the leg.

An investigation conducted by Winnebago County Sheriff’s detectives was reviewed by the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office, and an arrest warrant and search warrant were authorized.

Bell was taken into custody Tuesday, May 15, and is lodged in the Winnebago County Jail.

Posted May 16, 2012

Riverside Community Bank plans to expand its original banking office at 6855 E. Riverside Blvd. in Rockford — constructed in 1995 when the bank was chartered — by adding a 4,000-square-foot addition, increasing the size of the bank’s main office to nearly 12,000 square feet.

Bank President Steve Ward explained: “Riverside Community Bank sees a positive outlook for the future of the greater Rockford area and continues to experience a growth rate exceeding the marketplace. As we are committed to bringing the best banking experience to our customers by providing a full range of products and services through a convenient and efficient network of banking centers, we are taking steps to further grow and prepare for continued success.”

Rockford firm Cord Construction will serve as general contractor, with Larson and Darby Group as project architects.

The $1.8 million expansion will incorporate many “green” energy-efficient elements. It is expected the project will result in the creation of 18 new much-needed local construction jobs.

Significant core growth of clients over the years led Riverside Community Bank to add new lines of business in 2009, including Trust Services, Wealth Management and Private Banking. Those departments will join Riverside Community Bank’s Commercial, Consumer, Mortgage and Brokerage teams with headquarters at the newly-expanded and renovated Perryville office.

Ward expects the construction project to be completed by late fall.

Riverside Community Bank is a member of Heartland Financial USA, Inc. Riverside Community Bank has assets of $343 million with four banking centers and an extensive ATM network, many in Road Ranger convenience stores throughout the northern Illinois area. The bank offers an array of credit services, wealth management, investment services and deposit accounts, all with a focus on personal service. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Visit www.riversidecommunity.com for more details.

Posted May 15, 2012

Robert J. Barr has been charged with the April 22 armed robbery of a 76-year-old woman, the Rockford Police Department announced May 15.

The incident occurred Sunday, April 22, at the Associated Bank ATM at 621 N. Main St., Rockford.

Barr was charged with aggravated robbery in relation to the incident. Barr was already being held at the Winnebago County Jail on an unrelated charge and is on parole from the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Posted May 15, 2012

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — As the country’s two main political parties continue to duke it out in the so-called “war on women,” women voters in Illinois say they believe the hubbub is merely a tool to distract from the bread-and-butter issues they care about.

Jobs. The economy. College affordability. Education cuts. Those are the women’s issues of 2012, women on both sides of the political aisle say. They describe recent proposals to regulate abortion rights and birth control as insulting, divisive, regressive and over the top.

“I really think, especially in Illinois, people have taken that and run with it as a diversion,” said Laurel Bault, a 54-year-old suburban Chicago married mother of two grown children. “So, while we’re standing on the corner with signs saying, ‘I’m not livestock,’ they’re selling our state out. It’s kind of a divide-and-conquer tactic to distract from things that are really going on.”

Jan Dorner, president of the nonpartisan Illinois League of Women Voters, which represents about 3,000 women and men voters in the state by hosting political debates and other educational opportunities, said members are sensitive to the “war on women,” mainly because many of them battled issues of birth control and abortion rights decades ago.

“It’s not our priority,” Dorner, 60, said about reproductive-rights issues. “I have a 31-year-old daughter. I’m sure it’s not on her radar. Our members are older, and they fought this fight, what, 30, 40 years ago. When they see this stuff come up again, it makes them nuts.”

Carrie Stark, 33, of rural Smithton, comes from a long line of small business owners in the Metro East region of Illinois. The issues important to her family when she was growing up — job creation and economic growth, particularly — remain key political issues for her today.

She said she sees candidates pandering to women’s votes or to men’s votes and drawing political lines — women believe in this, while men believe in that.

“I see it as, ‘Hey, I’m a woman and my big issue is small business, the economy, jobs.’ And I would say those are probably the issues for the majority of voters right now,” she said.

Indeed. Women are worried about finding a job, putting food on the table, paying for their children’s college tuition and trying to secure their family’s financial future. The “bedroom issues” of gay marriage, birth control and abortion are on women’s radar but aren’t priorities.

A survey in early April by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, a nonpartisan research organization, indicated the top issues for voters — women and men — are the economy, jobs, the budget deficit, health care and education. Issues identified as least important are gay marriage, birth control and abortion.

“I firmly believe that with the state our country is in that the social issues are not the issues people should be making their decisions on,” said Ginny Kronsted, 50, and a small-business owner in the Chicago suburb Aurora.

Kronsted has watched as her four children, ranging in age from 27 to 16, struggle with the job market. Her oldest graduated from college a few years ago with a radio broadcast degree and hasn’t found a job in the industry. Her younger children vie for summer jobs with adults who are searching for work.

“I found it rather insulting that some believe reproductive rights and social issues are all that women care about. For me, it’s secondary, and for any women I know it’s secondary. We want our children better off than we are,” she said.

So, is there a war on women?

“I think it’s a war for women. I think people want women’s votes, and everybody is pointing fingers at each other, saying, ‘You’re not for women.’ ‘No, you’re not for women,’” Kronsted said. “You know what? Women vote on issues just like men vote on issues. If someone said, ‘I want the men’s vote,’ people would look at them like, ‘What?’”

Mikal Sutherlin, 37 and born and raised in Chicago, is married, stays home with her three young daughters and is working on an advanced college degree. She said she thinks there is a war on minorities in general — whether they are women, black, gay, unemployed or something else.

“I feel like we’re all stumbling and trying to fight our way through this recession, and I think it’s easier to blame people who aren’t really in the workforce. It’s convenient to look at us and say, ‘You don’t deserve to have your employer pay for birth control,’” Sutherlin said. “It also felt like forced morality on people who can think for themselves.

“I was just really incensed about most of it. I hope most people in general have common sense and realize this is so mean-spirited. It’s a huge distraction from what people need. It felt like a huge step backward into the 1940s or something.”

Sutherlin, who worked in journalism and public relations before deciding to stay home with her children while they are young, said she voted for President Barack Obama (D) in 2008, and she intends to vote for him again. She said her priorities as a voter — the economy, job creation and health care — have stayed the same since the last presidential election.

“The last time I voted, I was pregnant and I was worried about my job. I was worried about being laid off. Houses all around us were being shuttered and foreclosed upon. That was just the beginning,” she said.

“I guess I’m a post-1970 baby, and I vote,” Sutherlin said. “And I’m sorry if it’s going to make some people mad. I’m going to raise my daughters here to be the same way — if you don’t like something, be vocal about it.”

Hannah Neukomm, of Cissna Park, a rural community of just more than 800 in east-central Illinois, is considered a “millenial voter” — between the ages 18 and 29. She is 21, has a son and is in a relationship with her child’s father. She is taking courses for an associate’s degree and works in a quilt shop in her hometown.

She votes Republican and intends to support former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) if he wins the GOP nomination in November. She said she feels the Republican Party’s views are most closely aligned with her own views. Social issues are important to her.

“I think the biggest is abortion. I do not believe in it, and I honestly don’t think we should be able to do it,” she said. “Another thing I take notice of is education. Who will make it easier to access higher education and whatnot?”

She said she has felt frustration as a voter.

“I honestly don’t think some of the issues people campaigned on last year, such as jobs and the economy, were ever addressed. They try to mix it up and talk about something new, and they’ll make a big deal about that, and you forget whether or not the last subject was fixed,” Neukomm said, adding that she thinks women voters’ priorities are taken seriously, but only to an extent.

“That can be seen in all aspects of life. Look at wage differences. A woman still makes less than a man,” she said. “They think we do not pay attention to what is going on, but, realistically, we probably do more than (men) do, we listen to the news and we have a sense of what is going on.”

Frustration among young voters like Neukomm is a concern for people like Bault, who is active in the Tri-County Civic Leadership Project in the collar counties of Chicago. The organization tries to rally voters to become engaged and maybe run for office some day.

“I am so hopeful when I talk to young voters because I think they have such a firm grasp on a much fairer and better world,” Bault said.

“One of the saddest things to me is when the powers-that-be are successful at getting people to throw up their hands and say, ‘I’m done with the whole process.’ I know women are smarter than that. Instead of turning away and throwing our hands up, we need to go organize and turn out at the polls,” Bault said.

Illinois Statehouse News Staff Writer Stephanie Fryer contributed to this report. Jayette Bolinski can be reached at jayette.bolinski@franklincenterhq.org.

Posted May 15, 2012

Charles Cortez Stallworth, 18, of Rockford, and a 16-year-old male juvenile, also of Rockford, have been arrested in connection with a shooting in the 1900 block of West Riverside Boulevard.

The shooting occurred shortly after 11:30 p.m., Friday, May 11. When police arrived at the scene, they found a 16-year-old male victim with a gunshot wound to the head. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he is being treated for life-threatening injuries.

Stallworth and the juvenile have been charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and unlawful use of a weapon.

Posted May 14, 2012

At 2:47 p.m., Monday, May 14, Winnebago County Sheriff’s Deputies were sent to the area of 302 Lincoln Park Blvd., in Rockford in regards to a shooting.

Upon arrival, officers located a 26-year-old male with a gunshot wound to his leg.

Investigation at the scene determined the victim worked for Direct USA Meat Company. The victim and a co-worker were in the area in a truck selling meat. They were flagged down by a male who inquired about purchasing meat. This subject subsequently produced a handgun and attempted to rob the victim. The suspect fired one shot and the victim was hit in the leg.

The suspect is described as a black male, late 20s or early 30s, 5-foot-8, 170 to 190 pounds. His hair was in braids, he had sideburns and a goatee, and he was wearing a brown shirt and khaki shorts.

The suspect was last seen northbound on foot.

The victim was transported to a Rockford hospital with a non life-threatening wound.

Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to call the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department (815-319-6300) or CrimeStoppers (815-963-7867).

Posted May 14, 2012

At 6:30 p.m., Sunday, May 13, Rockford police were dispatched to the 2800 block of Yonge Street regarding a personal injury accident. Upon arrival, officers located a motorcycle that collided with a parked pickup truck. The 20-year-old male driver of the motorcycle, Michael Naramore, was transported to a local hospital with critical head injuries. Naramore died at 1:18 p.m., Monday, May 14, as a result of his injuries.

Preliminary investigation shows the motorcycle was following a go-cart west-bound in the 2800 block of Yonge Street. The go-cart, which was driven by a 32-year-old male, turned into a private driveway and was struck by the motorcycle. The motorcycle then lost control, striking the parked pickup truck.

The crash is still under investigation by the Rockford Police Traffic Unit.

Posted May 14, 2012

Rockford residents Reza Box, 19, Darion J. Gulley, 19, and Kenneth D. Torrance, 23, have been charged with the May 2 shooting of a 34-year-old man.

The shooting occurred shortly before noon, May 2, in the 2600 block of Broadway in Rockford. Upon arrival at the scene, police located a 34-year-old male victim with multiple gunshot wounds to his torso. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated for life-threatening injuries.

Box was charged with attempted murder, armed robbery, aggravated discharge of a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon and armed violence. The Illinois Department of Corrections issued a hold on Box, who was on parole for residential burglary.

Gulley was charged with attempted murder, armed robbery, aggravated discharge of a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon and armed violence. A Winnebago County Probation warrant was issued for Gulley because of his probationary status.

Torrance was charged with attempted murder, armed robbery, aggravated discharge of a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon and armed violence.

Detectives obtained arrest warrants for Box, Gulley and Torrance.

May 4, detectives served Box with the arrest warrant in the Winnebago County Jail, where he was being held on unrelated charges.

May 9, detectives located Gulley and placed him under arrest.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Torrance is encouraged to contact the Rockford police shift commander at (815) 987-5824 or CrimeStoppers at (815) 963-7867.

Posted May 14, 2012

Shortly after 11:30 p.m., Friday, May 11, Rockford police responded to the 1900 block of West Riverside Boulevard in reference to a shooting incident. Upon arrival, a 16-year-old male victim was located with a gunshot injury to the head. Rockford Fire Department personnel transported the victim to a local hospital, where he is being treated for life-threatening injuries.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Rockford Police Department shift commander at (815) 987-5824 or CrimeStoppers at (815) 963-7867.

Posted May 14, 2012

At approximately 1:46 a.m., Sunday, May 13, Illinois State Police District 16 responded to a motor vehicle crash on U.S. Route 20 approximately three-quarters-of-a-mile west of Willow Road in Jo Daviess County.

The investigation found a red 1996 Chevrolet S-10, driven by Cullen E. Connors, 17, of Apple River, Ill., was traveling east on U.S. Route 20. The Chevrolet apparently traveled into the west-bound lane and struck a 2007 Freightliner truck tractor head on. The Freightliner was traveling west on U.S. Route 20, and was driven by David J. Bloedow, 42, of Fon Du Lac, Wis. The Freightliner lost control after the collision and entered the south ditch, where it struck a utility pole, causing power lines to land on top of the Freightliner’s tanker trailer. Bloedow’s vehicle then caught fire, but Bloedow was able to exit safely.

Connors suffered fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. Connors was not wearing a seatbelt. Bloedow was transported to Freeport Memorial Hospital by Stockton Ambulance, where he was treated for injuries and released. Bloedow was wearing a seatbelt. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor in the crash.

No citations have been issued. Illinois State Police District 16 continues to investigate the crash and a crash reconstruction has begun. Assisting agencies included Illinois State Police District 1, Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, Jo Daviess County Coroner’s Office, Stockton Police Department, Stockton Fire Department, Stockton Ambulance, Warren Police Department and the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Posted May 14, 2012

Mauro Lima, 32, pled guilty to two counts of criminal sexual assault and was sentenced May 11 in front of Judge Ron White to nine years in the Illinois Department of Corrections with a minimum of three years to life for mandatory supervised release.

The defendant assaulted the victim on two occasions when she was 14 and 15 years of age. On one occasion, defendant took his clothes off and made contact with his penis into the victim’s vagina. On the other occasion, the defendant forced his hand down the victim’s pants and penetrated her vagina with his finger. The defendant admitted to committing these acts and stated it was wrong. The defendant has no other prior criminal history.

Criminal sexual assault is a class 1 felony with a sentencing range of four to 15 years in the Department of Corrections. The defendant was sentenced to five years and four years consecutive on two counts of criminal sexual assault for a total of nine years. Truth in sentencing applies, and Lima must serve 85 percent of his sentence.

Posted May 11, 2012

Vivica Thomas, 35, pled guilty to robbery and was sentenced by Judge Rosemary Collins to eight years in the Illinois Department of Corrections followed by two years mandatory supervised release. The defendant also pled guilty to aggravated battery and was sentenced to five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections followed by one year mandatory supervised release. The sentences will be served concurrently.

Aug. 14, 2011, Rockford police officers stopped a suspect vehicle from a robbery that had occurred at Hilander, 3710 N. Main St. The vehicle had been followed by a witness after a 91-year-old woman had her purse taken by Thomas as she was opening a door to her vehicle. The victim had tried to hold onto her purse, but the female used her hands to push the victim down to the ground and then took the purse and fled in a vehicle. Witnesses positively identified Thomas as the person who pushed the victim and took the purse.

Robbery is a class 2 felony with a sentencing range of three to seven years in the Illinois Department of Corrections; however, because the victim was older than 60, it is a class 1 felony that carries a sentencing range of four to 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Aggravated battery is a class 3 felony with a sentencing range of two to five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Posted May 11, 2012

Robert Norton, 42, was sentenced to seven years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for two counts of aggravated domestic battery and was ordered to pay $150,000 in restitution to the victim. The defendant was found guilty March 27 after a bench trial in front of Judge Gary Pumilia.

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

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

Aggravated domestic battery is a class 2 felony with a sentencing range of three to seven years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for each count. The defendant will serve 85 percent of his sentence followed by four years mandatory supervised release.

Posted May 11, 2012

Dec. 24, 2011, an accident took place on Bypass 20 that resulted in the deaths of Dea Crose and Cole Trusler.

The accident was investigated by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department and reviewed by the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office.

As a result of the investigation, a Winnebago County Illinois Grand Jury returned an indictment against Anthony D. Crose, 34, of Winnebago, Ill.

Crose is charged with reckless homicide and aggravated reckless driving.

May 11, Crose turned himself in on the warrants and was lodged in the Winnebago County Jail.

Posted May 11, 2012

An F-22 Raptor soars through the air July 1, 2010, on its way home to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. The first two F-22s, the U.S. Air Force's most advanced fighter jet, were dedicated July 9, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Gustavo Gonzalez)

Online Staff Report

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner, D-Va., and U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., requested additional information May 11 from the U.S. Secretary of the Air Force to further determine the scope of safety concerns raised by several pilots of the USAF F-22 Raptor.

A joint letter to Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley also recommends a comprehensive and confidential survey of F-22 pilots and USAF flight surgeons to determine the scope of oxygen-related, hypoxia-like symptoms and other health issues reported by F-22 pilots.

The letter followed a meeting in Sen. Warner’s office with Virginia Air National Guard Capt. Joshua Wilson and Maj. Jeremy Gordon, the two F-22 pilots who appeared on CBS’ 60 Minutes May 6 to discuss their concerns. The pilots are assigned to Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Va., and since they went public on 60 Minutes, other pilots have contacted Sen. Warner with concerns.

“I have tremendous respect for the military service of Capt. Wilson and Maj. Gordon, and I admire their willingness to step forward under the Military Whistle Blower Act to voice their concerns about the safety of this aircraft,” Sen. Warner said. “The F-22 is a vital piece of the Air Force mission, and we must get better answers about these recurring medical issues experienced by our Raptor pilots and crews. The Air Force, scientists and the air crews themselves must work together to solve this problem, and we need to make sure there is a culture in which others feel safe coming forward.”

Rep. Kinzinger added: “Now is the time to press ahead and get the answers needed to these critical questions and requests in order to ensure the safety of the F-22 pilots and crews. I’m pleased to work with Sen. Warner in an effort to obtain a written response from the Air Force in order to determine the next step toward ultimately strengthening the F-22 program and protecting our military pilots and crews.”

In their letter, the senator and congressman ask for answers to a detailed set of specific questions, and recommend an immediate confidential safety survey to document the scope and frequency of hypoxia-like incidents involving the F-22. They also recommend establishment of a high-level task force involving the Navy, NASA and other qualified, independent researchers to help the Air Force identify and correct the issues involving the F-22.

“The safety of our pilots, the importance of their mission, and the safety and well-being of residents in our military communities are too important to do anything less,” the lawmakers wrote.

A text of the letter follows:

May 10, 2012

Michael B. Donley

Secretary of the Air Force

1690 Air Force Pentagon

Washington, DC 20330

Dear Secretary Donley:

We are writing to share our continued concerns for the health and safety of America’s F-22 Raptor pilots.

As you are aware, Captain Joshua Wilson and Major Jeremy Gordon recently met with both of us under protection by The Military Whistle Blower Act to express their concerns with the F-22 Raptor. The reports of hypoxia-like symptoms experienced by many F-22 pilots are deeply troubling, and we appreciate the attention to this issue that has been demonstrated to date by the Air Force.

After meeting with these pilots, and having conversations with many other knowledgeable individuals, we would recommend an immediate, confidential and anonymous safety survey of all active duty and reservist F-22 crews, pilots, and flight surgeons to definitively document the scope and frequency of these hypoxia-like incidents. It is our view that such a survey could be initiated within 10 days, and our offices would expect to receive timely updates both on the survey methodology and the results shortly thereafter.

As part of such a survey, the Air Force should clearly communicate to all F-22 pilots, maintenance crews, and flight surgeons that there will be no reprisals against anyone who comes forward with information. We suggest that you consider using a toll-free hotline to support anonymous dialogue, and consider broad outreach to maximize awareness of the availability of this hotline. Such a hotline should be staffed by trained individuals.

In addition, we urge you to consider establishing a high-level task force to work with the Department of Navy, the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) and other qualified and independent research labs to identify the root causes of the F-22 safety issues and to explore potential solutions. The safety of our pilots, the importance of their mission, and the safety and well-being of residents in our military communities are too important to do anything less.

Additionally, we would appreciate your expeditious written responses to the following:

1. What were the results from any previous Air Force Culture Assessment Survey Tool (AFCAST) Safety Surveys provided to F-22 pilots or maintenance crews?

2. Has the Air Force initiated any other surveys, either formally or informally, in relation to hypoxia-like symptoms experienced by pilots or maintenance crews? If so, were these surveys completed?

3. Have any other pilots expressed to the Air Force their desire to not fly due to hypoxia-like symptoms? If so, how many?

4. Boeing presented two briefs to the Air Force regarding implementation of the M2A1 filter in the F-22 Raptor. Has Boeing asserted a claim against the release of such reports based on the disclosure of proprietary information? If not, when will the Air Force make those two briefings available?

5. Are you aware of any remaining pending disciplinary action against Capt. Joshua Wilson or Major Jeremy Gordon? If so, what is the justification for such disciplinary action?

6. It appears that the mitigation measures have been ineffective in preventing hypoxia-like incidents and the On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS) system may not be producing enough oxygen for pilots during their flights. What mitigation measures has the Air Force taken to increase the amount and quality of oxygen delivered to the pilots?

7. If it is true that the incidence of hypoxia among Air Force F-22 pilots is 18%, how does that compare historically to other types and models of aircraft? What level of hypoxic incidents does the Air Force consider acceptable?

8. What has testing shown about the potential liberation of charcoal and other ingredients from the C2A1 filter that may be blown through the system and into the pilot’s oxygen mask? Specifically, what concern do you have that particle sizes have been shown, in testing, to be liberated from the filter at a size in the three-micron range, and what level of concern do you have regarding the long term pulmonary and respiratory health of the pilots?

9. How many instances have there been of pilots or Air Force leadership at the squadron or wing level requesting a “stand down” due to concerns with the filter and other continued physiological incidents? What safety measures were added after each stand down to ensure the safety of the pilots?

10. What were the results of safety surveys administered by the wings at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida and Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska? How many previously unreported incidents were identified as a result of those two surveys? How many maintainers have reported incidents during ground runs? Are these numbers included in the incident rate?

11. What is the Navy Experimental Dive Unit’s position on the F-22 OBOGS system? Do they believe the system delivers enough oxygen to the pilots, especially in high workload environments including high G maneuvering?

12. What metrics did the Air Force use when it returned the F-22 to flight status? What was the rationale for clearing the plane to fly, and what systems were repaired or modified to improve the air flow to pilots?

13. Are you aware of neurological symptoms reported by a large number of experienced F-22 pilots such as fatigue, headaches, persistent thirst, lack of coordination and coughing? If so, what is the Air Force’s aeromedical plan to deal with these issues?

As members of Congress, we both understand that the F-22 is a vital component of the Air Force mission for continued supremacy in air-to-air combat. Each of us wants to see these problems addressed immediately so that the F-22 can continue in that role.

Thank you for your timely cooperation and written response on these important matters.

Sincerely,

Mark Warner
U.S. Senator
Virginia

Adam Kinzinger
Member of Congress
Eleventh District of Illinois

Posted May 11, 2012

A neighborhood meeting to discuss a proposal to transform Windsor Lake in Loves Park into a Regional Activity Center will begin at 6 p.m., Monday, May 14, at Paddle and Trail, 7212 N. Alpine Road, Loves Park, Ill. The meeting will be in the tent at the rear of building, and will take place rain or shine.

At its May 8 meeting, the Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners heard a proposal to transform Windsor Lake into a Regional Activity Center. Windsor Lake is off North Alpine Road and Windsor Road in Loves Park, and is adjacent to the Windsor Athletic Club. The lake discussed is owned by Ed and Kurt Carlson.

The Carlsons expressed an interest in working with the Rockford Park District to open the lake to the general public, and proposed a concept that would include a short-term lease to the Rockford Park District in preparation for a permanent donation in 2013. During that time, the Rockford Park District would enter into a sub-lease/partnership with Paddle and Trail (owner preferred and located right along the lake property) to offer open water programs and activities.

Under the short-term lease, the Rockford Park District would incur minimal expense toward the project. All operational costs would be the responsibility of Paddle and Trail.

“We are exploring a lot of options for this body of water and are excited about the opportunities and the collaboration that is going on with the Carlson Family, Paddle and Trail, the City of Loves Park, and Illinois Department of Natural Resources,” said Rockford Park District Deputy Director of Operations Jay Sandine.

Windsor Lake facts

• 12 acres of lake property

• Under private family ownership for decades

• Largest of three bodies of water near Windsor and Alpine roads in Loves Park

Water activities and programs at Windsor Lake

The Rockford Park District would partner with Paddle and Trail to offer water programs such as kayaking, canoeing and windsurfing. The lake would also be open to the public for regulated fishing opportunities, leagues and derbies along with rental boat opportunities, hiking, exploration and winter activities. Boating on Windsor Lake would only be available through rental options at Paddle and Trail.

After receiving public feedback, having more board discussion and board approval, required licensing and safety items would be in place.

The Regional Activity Center at Windsor Lake Pilot Program could begin operating as early as July 2012.

Posted May 11, 2012

The Rockford Fire Department was dispatched to 1010 Eighth St., Rockford, at 10:51 p.m., Thursday, May 10, for a reported house fire.

First arriving fire crews found heavy smoke and fire at the rear of the two-story structure. After battling the blaze for nearly an hour, firefighters were pulled from the interior of the house because of extensive damage to the rare of the unoccupied and condemned structure.

Rockford Building Department crews arrived and razed the heavily-damaged building.

Two nearby detached garages at 1014 Eighth St. and 1213 Ninth Ave. also suffered minor damage because of radiated heat from the fire.

Preliminary damage estimates were for $50,000 to the 1010 Eighth Ave. house, $2,000 to the garage at 1213 Ninth Ave. and $200 to the garage at 1014 Eighth St.

Two firefighters suffered minor injuries during firefighting operations.

Posted May 11, 2012

Sinnissippi Audubon Society will lead a “Birding for Beginners” event at 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 16, at Rock Cut State Park, 7318 Harlem Road, Loves Park.

The spring migration is in full swing. Many warblers, vireos, thrushes, orioles, sparrows and other migratory birds are moving though the area. Local experts will offer pointers about how to identify different birds.

You do not need to be a master birder to join the group — people of all skill and interest levels are welcome.

Hikers will spend about one to two hours in the field traveling over easy to moderate terrain. Bring sturdy walking shoes, a water bottle, binoculars (if you have them), and any bird identification books you may have. Dress for being out of doors for the duration of the hike.

The group will meet at the concessions building at Rock Cut State Park at 6 p.m. This event is free.

The National Audubon Society was founded in 1905 to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity. The organization is named in honor of John James Audubon, an American ornithologist and naturalist who catalogued and described the birds of North America in the mid-1800s. The Sinnissippi Chapter of the Audubon Society was founded in the 1970s and is committed to wildlife preservation in the Rockford region.

Posted May 11, 2012

PAWS Humane Society, Friends Forever of Freeport, Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary and Winnebago County Animal Services (WCAS) will hold a pet adoption event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 12, at the grand opening of the Valli Produce, 5880 E. State St.

PAWS Humane Society will have their Mobile Adoption Vehicle (MAV) on site to do adoptions. Noah’s Ark, Friends Forever and WCAS will also be there adopting out animals.

“People can come visit our animals and also see animals outside the shelter setting,” said PAWS Director Luan Dean. “This allows for better interaction and hopefully ends up in adoption.”

The PAWS MAV has 17 cages, for both cats and dogs.

The event is being hosted by Purina.

PAWS Humane Society is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to helping animals in need in the Winnebago and Boone county areas.

For more about PAWS, visit www.PAWSHS.org or call (815) 299-7297.

Posted May 11, 2012

Jonathan Shotwell, 38, was found guilty May 8 of unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle after a jury trial before Judge Rosemary Collins.

Nov. 20, 2010, the victim and his friends went to a local restaurant where they watched a sporting event. At the end of the night, the victim went to his father’s car and started it. Two of his friends were parked in the car next to his father’s car. The victim then went back into the restaurant, leaving the car running. The defendant, Shotwell, got into the vehicle and drove off.

One of the victim’s friends was able to identify the defendant in a photo lineup as the person who drove off in the vehicle. The car was later recovered at the Bigfoot Lounge by the victim and his father.

Shotwell admitted to detectives he took the vehicle without the victim’s permission and drove it to the Bigfoot Lounge, leaving it there with the keys inside.

Unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle is a class 2 felony with a sentencing range of three to seven years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. However, because of the defendant’s prior record, he is subject to class X sentencing, with a sentencing range between six to 30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections and three years of mandatory supervised release. The defendant is not eligible for probation.

Sentencing is scheduled for 10 a.m., June 11, in courtroom 478 with Judge Collins.

Posted May 10, 2012

Barack Obama (left) and Mitt Romney

Online Staff Report

With the Nov. 6 general election six months away, President Barack Obama (D) has come out in favor of same-sex marriage.

In a May 9 interview with ABC News, Obama said: “At a certain point I’ve just concluded that for me, personally, it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to get married.”

The president once opposed such marriages, but said his views had evolved.

“I had hesitated on gay marriage, in part, because I thought civil unions would be sufficient,” Obama said. “I was sensitive to the fact that — for a lot of people — that the word marriage is something that provokes very powerful traditions and religious beliefs.”

Meantime, Obama’s presumptive opponent in the Nov. 6 general election, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R), opposes same-sex marriage and has pledged to push for a Federal Marriage Amendment to the Constitution.

As stated on Romney’s campaign website:

“The values that Mitt Romney learned in his home have enriched his life immeasurably. With his parents’ example before him, he married, had five sons, and now basks in the joy of 16 grandchildren.

“Marriage is more than a personally rewarding social custom. It is also critical for the well-being of a civilization. That is why it is so important to preserve traditional marriage — the joining together of one man and one woman. As president, Mitt will not only appoint an Attorney General who will defend the Defense of Marriage Act — a bipartisan law passed by Congress and signed by President Clinton — but he will also champion a Federal Marriage Amendment to the Constitution defining marriage as between one man and one woman.”

As reported by Nate Silver in the New York Times May 9, “According to surveys included in the PollingReport.com database, an average of 50 percent of American adults support same-sex marriage rights while 45 percent oppose it, based on an average of nine surveys conducted in the past year.”

Obama’s announcement came one day after North Carolina became the 31st state to pass a constitutional amendment affirming natural marriage between one man and one woman.

Mat Staver, chairman of the conservative lobbying organization Liberty Counsel Action, said May 9: “The president has made the issues in this election very clear. Today, Gov. Mitt Romney said he unequivocally supports natural marriage and opposes ‘marriage between people of the same gender,’ drawing a stark contrast in the upcoming election. For most voters, this election will now be an easy choice.”

In his April 25 “Ready for the Fight: Rolling Stone Interview with Barack Obama,” Rolling Stone Publisher Jann S. Wenner asked Obama the following: “You’ve shied away from demanding marriage equality for all. Are you at least willing to say that you support it on a personal level?”

Obama replied: “I’m not going to make news in this publication. I’ve made clear that the issue of fairness and justice and equality for the LGBT community is very important to me. And I haven’t just talked about it, I’ve acted on it. You’ll recall that the last time you and I had an interview, we were getting beat up about ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ in the LGBT community. There was skepticism: ‘Why’s it taking so long? Why doesn’t he just do it through executive order?’ I described very specifically the process we were going to go through to make sure that there was a buy-in from the military, up and down the chain of command, so that it would be executed in an effective way. And lo and behold, here we are, and it got done.

“Ending ‘don’t ask, don’t tell,’” Obama continued, “has been the dog that didn’t bark. You haven’t read a single story about problems in our military as a consequence of the ending of the policy. So whether it’s on that, or changing the AIDS travel ban, or hospital visitation rights, or a whole slew of regulations that have made sure that federal workers are treated fairly in the workplace, we’ve shown the commitment that I have to these issues. And we’re going to keep on working in very practical ways to make sure that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters are treated as what they are — full-fledged members of the American family.”

Posted May 10, 2012

Vito J. Dangelo, 94, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 21st Annual Rockford Area Music Industry (RAMI) Cocktail Party and Awards Ceremony April 13. (Photo by Jon Lambert)

Online Staff Report

Rockford musician Vito J. Dangelo, 93, who was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 21st Rockford Area Music Industry (RAMI) Cocktail Party and Awards Ceremony April 13, has died.

Dangelo played alto saxophone in area dance bands for more than 70 years. His tenure included time with Rockford’s Bill Engberg Orchestra, Kay Howard Band, Mark Rose’s Old Towne Band and the East Bank Commanders.

Over the years, Dangelo’s musical groups performed at many venues, including Rainbow Gardens in Belvidere, various hotels, and high school dances and reunions. He also played in bands at the old downtown location of the Tebala Temple known then as the Sodatorium, the Rockford Armory and events at the Faust Hotel and Landmark.

By day, Vito worked at Cotta Transmissions for 42 years and played his sax along the “kerosene circuit,” which included many nighttime area dances. He once performed during an NBC nationwide broadcast with the Bill Engberg Orchestra in 1946 at the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

Dangelo recalled being involved in a car accident on the way to a dance in Beloit, Wis., and playing with a busted lip that evening. He also appeared in a band on his wedding night in 1944, as his very understanding wife looked on.

Dangelo and his late wife, Gladys, had three children, Carey, Cynthia and Jim. He graduated from Rockford High School in 1936.

Funeral rrangements are pending at Fitzgerald Funeral Home.

Posted May 10, 2012

Rockford’s Carpenter’s Place, which helps homeless people rebuild their lives by providing basic and practical life services, is in need of pots and pans.

In an e-mail, Carpenter’s Place said: “Great news! We are getting an average of one homeless person per day into stable housing … apartments they can call home after years of being homeless!

“Sad news — we are completely out of pots and pans for setting up apartments; we have none.”

Any size of pots and pans can be taken to Carpenter’s Place, 1149 Railroad Ave., Rockford, between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday-Friday. Cash donations can also be made by indicating the funds are to be used to purchase pots and pans. Cash donations can be made at www.carpentersplace.org or by mail.

For more details, contact Mary Devine, director of in-kind donations at Carpenter’s Place, at (815) 964-4105, ext. 203, or maryd@carpentersplace.org.

According to Carpenter’s Place’s website, the organization accomplished the following in 2010:

• 284 guests were transitioned to stable housing — apartments, supported or transitional housing;

• 94 guests obtained employment, 75 full-time;

• 197 guests secured their identification cards or driver’s licenses; and

• 109 guests completed job development training.

Also in 2010, Carpenter’s Place reported it provided the following basic services to its guests:

• 23,888 meals were served (breakfast and lunch);

• 4,740 calls were made by guests in they day room;

• 5,117 bus tokens were distributed;

• 1,854 showers were taken;

• 1,439 loads of laundry were done; and

• 1,315 unduplicated guests received case management.

In coordination with other community agencies, Carpenter’s Place accomplished the following in 2010:

• 85 guests obtained mental health screenings or assessments; and

• 89 guests received mental health treatment, counseling and medication.

Posted May 10, 2012

LOVES PARK, Ill. — Volcano Falls Adventure Par in Loves Park, Ill., will mark Mother’s Day with a special deal for moms.

All moms can golf for free this Sunday, May 13, with purchase of an accompanying round of golf for their child at either of Volcano Falls’ two courses.

Volcano Falls, 7602 Rock Valley Pkwy., is open 3-8 p.m., Mondays-Thursdays; 3-9 p.m., Fridays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturdays; and 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sundays, weather-permitting.

Volcano Falls features two miniature golf courses, two go-kart tracks, batting cages, soccer cages, an indoor laser tag course and an arcade.

Visit Volcano Falls on the web at volcanofalls.com or on facebook (facebook.com/VolcanoFalls/). Call (815) 282-2100 to book groups or birthday parties.

Posted May 10, 2012

This week in six cities across the state, people with disabilities, their family members, and home care workers are uniting to denounce proposed cuts to home care services.

In Rockford, supporters collected signatures on a letter they plan to fax to Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn (D) urging him to stand up for people with disabilities and working families this Mother’s Day by stopping the cuts and investing in quality home care.

Pat Whitman, a mother and home care consumer, spoke out about what it means for her to remain in her home, surrounded by family and loved ones.

“My home care worker allows me to stay in my community and with my family, where I want to be,” Whitman said. “Cuts to home care services would not only end the independence I enjoy right now, but would also cut me off from my children because I’d be forced into institutional care. These cuts are wrong for Illinois — the services people like me receive are critical to our lives.”

Home care services enable more than 100,000 seniors and people with disabilities to live independently in their own homes across Illinois with the assistance of home care workers. Beyond protecting the dignity and security of these consumers, home care also saves the state hundreds of millions by avoiding costly institutional care.

Budget shortfalls have resulted in proposals to cut access to these critical services and cut hours for consumers already enrolled in the program.

The governor’s proposed budget includes huge cuts to the DHS-DRS Home Services Program that provides access to home care services for people with disabilities in Illinois. The proposed $60.5 million in service and eligibility cuts would kick thousands of people with disabilities out of the program, prevent thousands from entering and receiving the services they need, and drastically reduce services for more than 14,000 consumers.

As lawmakers grapple with the budget, many Illinoisans fear they’ll be left with no choice but to transition to nursing home care, swallowing more state resources and sending home care workers to the unemployment line.

“My consumer relies on me for a lot, and I take pride in the quality care I provide for her,” said home care worker Heather Lindstrom. “It’s getting harder and harder to get her everything she needs in the hours I’m allowed to work, and talks about cuts would mean her hours would be slashed even further, and she won’t get the care she needs. It would also be much harder for me to support my family with even lower take-home pay. We need to invest in quality home care services and jobs.”

Posted May 10, 2012

Daniel A. Cruz, the 37-year-old Rockford police officer who was charged May 7 with driving under the influence of alcohol and leaving the scene of a two-vehicle accident that left a woman critically injured, has been put on administrative leave and relieved of his police powers, the City of Rockford announced May 9.

Cruz, a 13-year veteran of the police force and a Machesney Park resident, was arrested on charges of leaving the scene of a personal-injury accident, aggravated DUI, aggravated reckless driving, improper passing, driving in the wrong lane and operating a vehicle without proof of insurance in Boone County.

Cruz was not on duty at the time of the incident.

According to witnesses, Cruz was traveling south on Beloit Road in a gray 2010 Dodge Caravan when he entered the intersection of Town Hall Road. His van then struck a northbound vehicle, believed to be an Oldsmobile, containing four people.

A complaint filed in Boone County Court alleged Cruz left the scene by walking away and was found walking a half-mile from the scene. He reportedly told police he had been consuming alcohol, and the officer described Cruz as having a “strong odor of alcoholic beverage on his breath, bloodshot-glassy eyes, unsteady on his feet and using the squad car for balance.”

Cruz refused all chemical testing, according to Boone County State’s Attorney Michelle Courier. However, a court order was obtained, and Cruz was subjected to a blood draw, although it is unknown how much time elapsed between the time of the incident and the test.

The city stated in a release May 9 that “Because this is an ongoing investigation, the City of Rockford will not offer any additional information on this matter.”

Posted May 9, 2012

Omarrian Jones

Online Staff Report 

Omarrian Jones, 27, was found guilty of first-degree murder (20 counts), attempted first-degree mrder (one count), home invasion (five counts) and residential burglary (one count) after a two-week jury trial in front of Judge Ron White. The jury deliberated for more than two hours before returning with the guilty verdict on all 27 counts. 

At approximately 7:05 p.m., July 8, 2009, Rockford police were dispatched to 2623 Pleasant View Ave. to investigate a possible home invasion. Upon arrival, detectives met with Reyle Cardino, who had informed them that when he arrived at his parents’ home there was a unknown male in the kitchen of the home and he observed the house was in disarray.  

Cardino further indicated the assailant attacked him and during the struggle they fell down a flight of stairs. The assailant continued to beat Cardino, hitting him and throwing several items at his head, and then fled from the scene.  

After surviving the beating, Cardino was able to make his way outside, where he was able to reach a neighbor, who then contacted the police.  

Upon searching the home, officers discovered the bodies of of Reynato and Leticia Cardino, who were brutally beaten to death in their home. Cardino provided a description of the assailant to police, and after an extensive investigation and DNA testing, Jones was developed as a suspect.  

July 14, 2009, police secured a warrant for Jones’ arrest. He was located and taken into custody July 16, 2009, after a foot chase. Cardino later identified Jones in a photo line-up as the man he encountered when entering the home of his parents. 

First-degree murder is a class M felony with a sentencing range of 20 to 60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Under Illinois law, if a person is convicted for killing two or more individuals, the sentence is mandatory life in prison without the possibility of parole.  

The jury also found the murders were committed against a person 60 years of age or older and that the murder was accompanied by exceptionally brutal or heiness behavior indicative of wanton cruelty. These enhancement factors provide a sentencing range of up to 100 years on the first-degree murder charges.  

Attempted first-degree murder is a class X felony with a sentencing range of six to 30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Home invasion is a class X felony with a sentencing range of six to 30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Residential burglary is a class 1 felony with a sentencing range of four to 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. 

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date. The next court date is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., May 14, in courtroom 316 in front of Judge White. 

Posted May 9, 2012

Rockford Urban Ministries (RUM) will celebrate its 50th anniversary at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 24, at JustGoods Fair Trade Store, 201 Seventh St., Rockford.

The program, which features former RUM Council president the Rev. John Allen Boryk, is free and open to the public.

The Rev. Boryk will reflect upon his tenure as RUM Council president from 1991 to 1996.

A dedication of an outdoor sculpture celebrating 50 years of RUM will also be held, as well as the presentation of the Bob Holland Award.

Founded in 1962, RUM was the outreach of 16 United Methodist churches. RUM worked on desegregation, integration of the schools, community development, youth advocacy, and peace and justice.

In its 50 years, RUM has had four clergy directors. During the last 26 years, lay director Stanley Campbell has directed 19 United Methodists churches as well as five congregations of other denominations. They are presently housed at the nonprofit fair trade store, JustGoods, where the first program will take place.

Posted May 9, 2012