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WINNEBAGO WRAP-UP
MAY 2024 NEWSLETTER
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NOTE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Alongside our fellow partners in the North COG (Illinois Council of Governments) we have collectively identified waste to energy as a top priority for our region. As part of our Solid Waste Management Plan, it is our goal to explore technologies that will convert waste to energy or waste to fuel as part of the solution to handling waste for future generations, as well as supporting economic development:
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We are excited about the potential for Monarch Energy to build in Rockford, as the clean energy developer is considering a site south of the airport for its more than $1 billion investment. It would use carbon dioxide from nearby landfills as part of a process to create sustainable jet fuel to be used at the Chicago Rockford Airport (RFD).
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Sustainability efforts continue thanks to the practices being implemented by Four River Sanitation Authority. On a daily basis, the plant processes 40,000 lbs. of waste including industrial runoffs, fats, oils, and household wastes. It converts from dirty, “brown” water to water that meets and exceeds the clean water standards as defined by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency before it is discharged into the Rock River. A valuable bi-product of the cleaning process is biogas, which is created during the digestion process and in turn, becomes the energy that runs the plant. This accounts for two-thirds of the energy needs onsite, saving more than $1 million annually!
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A world leader in gases, technologies and services for industry and health, Air Liquide has constructed the largest biomethane production unit in the world, right here in Rockford, Illinois. Located adjacent to the Winnebago Landfill, the plant captures gas produced when organic material and trash decompose and processes it into pipeline quality natural gas. The site is already up and running and will be fully operational this June.
The need for future waste reduction and diversion is vital, and I am proud of the sustainable approach we are taking to improve the quality of life for all residents and future residents of Winnebago County!
Sincerely,
Joseph V. Chiarelli
Winnebago County Board Chairman
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New Director of Community Development | Winnebago County proudly announces the appointment of Ashley Spohr as the new Director of Community Development. Since 2014, Ashley has served in a variety of roles for our Regional Planning Department, as an administrative assistant, county planner, office manager and most recently, the Interim Director of the Department for the past several months. Her extensive background in building and zoning knowledge is evident through her years of professional experience, and we look forward to her leadership across the department to best serve the residents of Winnebago County! | |
Highlighting Waste-to-Energy Accomplishments | In honor of Earth Day, Winnebago County Board Chairman Joe Chiarelli recognized Four Rivers Sanitation Authority (FRSA) for their exceptional efforts in safeguarding the environment. FRSA has been dedicated to protecting the watershed and promoting green energy, particularly by utilizing methane gas to power their plant. Recently recognized in the April 2024 edition of the Water Environment & Technology (WE&T) magazine as “Cultivating a Culture of Innovation,” FRSA identifies as a leader in its commitment to protecting the environment through careful planning and thoughtful use of resources. This recognition is a testament to their unwavering commitment to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable practices! | |
Honoring our Lifesaving Heroes | Following the recent tragedies that took place in Rockford when four innocent citizens lost their lives during a senseless brutal attack, several heroes were recognized by Chairman Chiarelli and Sheriff Gary Caruana at our Winnebago County Board meeting: WCSO Deputy Michael Gambino, who immediately answered the call of duty to finally stop the heinous rampage and saved potentially many other lives; and Keith Fahrney, who courageously and selflessly intervened during the attack to directly save the life of Lindsey Craig. In addition, we recognized Cassidy Davenport, another civilian who rendered aid in a sudden and unexpected situation, which resulted in saving a young child's life at the Machesney Park Target. Thank you to these three heroes for going above and beyond, serving and protecting the citizens of Winnebago County! | |
Veterans Assistance Podcast | As a way to stay informed and empowered with the latest updates and resources from the Veterans Assistance Commission of Winnebago County, be sure to sign up for WinAlerts to receive timely notifications about benefits, events, and opportunities tailored specifically for our veterans community. Additionally, join the team for their VAC Podcast to hear stories of local veterans as well as learning about the Federal, State and local benefits available to those living in Winnebago County who served for our country. Recently, VAC Superintendent Jesus Pereira sat down with our Supervisor of Assessments Thomas Hodges to discuss certain tax exemptions available for veterans in Winnebago County. To get in contact with the VAC, please call (815) 516-2850, visit the VACWC page on Facebook or at vacwc.org. | |
Child Abuse Prevention Efforts | Chairman Chiarelli issued a proclamation for Child Abuse Prevention & Awareness Month in Winnebago County at the annual 'Hands Around the Courthouse.' Congratulations to Mary Bawinkel of the Regional Office of Education for being named the recipient of the inaugural Blue Bow Champion for Children Award. The recognition is awarded to an individual, organization or group that has made outstanding contributions to child abuse awareness and prevention by going above and beyond to help kids grow up in safe environments! Thank you to the 17th Judicial Circuit Family Violence Coordinating Council for holding this important event annually as a way to remember survivors and celebrate the work that has been done and is being done in our community to improve the response and resources for victims of child abuse and neglect. | |
Record-Setting Trustee Auction | Region 1 Planning Council (R1), serving as the agent for Trustee Programs in Winnebago and Boone Counties, proudly wraps up a record-setting online auction of tax delinquent parcels, returning more than $1 million to local government coffers and placing hundreds of neglected properties into the hands of private owners! The April 2024 sales auction featured 280 registered bidders and more than 1,300 placed bids – both historic highs for the Winnebago County Trustee Program sale. It is encouraging to see new responsible owners investing in these previously abandoned properties, resulting in an increase in property value and a stronger neighborhood, as well as generating more taxable income for local governments and lowering the tax burden on existing property owners. | | |
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Northern Illinois Police Memorial Week
Wednesday, May 15 - Sunday, May 19, 2024 | 2821 N. Bell School Rd. & 7200 Harrison Ave.
The Northern Illinois Police Memorial Week Committee cordially invites you to observe the 44th Annual Police Memorial Events. The committee hosts these events to recognize fallen officers within Winnebago, Boone, Ogle, Dekalb, Stephenson and McHenry counties. The Northern Illinois Police Memorial Week includes five days of events, which shows our support and appreciation to the Local Law Enforcement Agencies and the communities that they serve, and most importantly honoring those Law Enforcement Officers who have given the “Ultimate Sacrifice” for us. Events include:
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Law Enforcement Ecumenical Memorial Service: Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 7 p.m. We encourage not only law enforcement officers to attend, but an open invite is also extended to the public. Winnebago County representation will include Sheriff Gary Caruana, Chief Deputy Coroner Matt Lane and Deputy Coroner James Kirby. This year’s Memorial Service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2821 N. Bell School Road, Rockford, IL 61107.
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3-Day Annual Law Enforcement Displays: Friday, May 17 – Sunday, May 19, 2024
Friday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Chief’s Day / Community Choice Award 1 - 3 p.m.)
The displays consist of law enforcement officers or representatives from their agencies, squad cars, informational pass outs and interactive displays. This year’s events will host Chief’s Day, K-9 demonstrations, Bomb Robot demonstration, Atwood Park Birds of Prey and more at CherryVale Mall, 7200 Harrison Avenue, Rockford, IL 61112.
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2024 Memorial Day Parade & Program
Monday, May 27, 2024 | 211 N. Main Street - Rockford, IL
A Rockford tradition since 1870, the Memorial Day Parade will remember our fallen with participation from area veteran organizations, school bands, law enforcement and countless other organizations showing their support in downtown Rockford. Kicking off at 9 a.m. all parade units will line up near 7th St. and 6th Ave. and head north on 7th St. to Charles St., then west on State St. over the bridge, turning on Wyman St. to Beattie Park where the parade will end. A Memorial Day Ceremony will immediately follow the parade on the Wyman St. side of Veterans Memorial Hall and Museum. At approximately 10:15 a.m. the Memorial Day Program will include remarks from Winnebago County Board Chairman Joe Chiarelli and keynote speaker Jesus Pereira, Superintendent of the Veterans Assistance Commission of Winnebago County. The annual Navy Club Ship # 1’s Sinking of the Ship ceremony is to be held on the Rock River bank behind the New Rockford Public Library at State and Wyman, including a wreath presentation and 21-gun salute by the Rockford Detachment Marine Corp League.
SEE MORE DETAILS
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