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WINNEBAGO WRAP-UP
JULY 2023 NEWSLETTER
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NOTE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Through numerous collaborations, Winnebago County has made great strides these past few months spanning across several key initiatives:
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Winnebago & Boone Counties partnered to update our regional Solid Waste Management Plan with Region 1 Planning Council to develop solutions that will benefit our environment and economic development. Currently, over 2.3 million tons of garbage is buried in the Winnebago Landfill each year and it’s expected to reach capacity by 2034. Our goal is to decrease landfill dependency, explore waste to energy opportunities and reduce our impact. We have been meeting with organizations such as Sustain Rockford to see how we can reach some of our short term goals such as public education & outreach to shift the focus on sustainability. The need for future waste reduction and diversion is vital.
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Alongside the City of Rockford, we worked to establish a Behavioral Health Advisory Group to address the biggest problems the Rockford region faces surrounding mental and behavioral health. A recent study indicates that 27% of our residents reported having a behavioral health disorder, and Winnebago County ranks in the bottom quarter of Illinois counties in health outcomes. It's imperative we work together to identify the gaps in service that are delaying and preventing treatment for those who need it most. Our goal is to implement a plan that provides a long-term, sustainable solution to meet the behavioral health needs of our community.
I am proud of our progress as we continue to make Winnebago County a better place to live and improve quality of life for all residents!
Sincerely,
Joseph V. Chiarelli
Winnebago County Board Chairman
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The EIGERlab FastPitch Competition is an annual event which draws participants from throughout the region for a chance to make their "pitch" of their invention or concept. Starting in 2006, this competition has attracted entrepreneurs in all phases of business from pre-startup, an idea on a napkin, active companies, or plan to expand with a new product or service. Winnebago County was proud to award the $5,000 top prize to 1st place winner Tiarah Fricks. Congratulations to all of the contestants for their wonderful innovation ideas! | |
The Winnebago County Board and Chairman Chiarelli were recently honored by the Winnebago-Boone Farm Bureau and presented with the "Allies in Agriculture" award for their resolution in support of agriculture. From job creation and tax generation, to the implementation of sustainable environmental practices, farmland is a resource that is vital to agriculture, food production and the economic well-being of the County. Winnebago County is proud to support the agricultural industry, and remains committed to promoting the development of agriculture in our region! | |
Members of the media had the opportunity to interview Emergency Services and Disaster Agency (ESDA) Coordinator Kurt Whisenand in the Winnebago County Emergency Operations Center. The EOC is utilized to respond to and mitigate emergency situations in the county. Between the use of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds as well as eligible ESDA grants, an estimated $500,000 was invested into various upgrades in the EOC, such as new cables, monitors, printers, televisions, phones, infrastructure and other improvements to effectively communicate with our first responders and local hospitals, as well as get important information out to the community to make public safety a top priority. | |
17th Circuit Court Judge Joseph G. McGraw announces his retirement effective July 5, 2023. Judge McGraw was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court in January 2002 and elected in November 2002. He previously served as chief judge of the 17th Judicial Circuit from 2012-2017. Chairman Chiarelli honored Judge McGraw last month with a Service Excellence Award to recognize his years of service to Winnebago County as 17th Judicial Circuit Court Presiding Criminal Division Judge, as past Chief Judge and for his creation of an innovative court response to human trafficking. This award recognizes his leadership, integrity and sustained commitment to excellence. Thank you for proudly serving Winnebago County for more than 20 years! | |
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Last month, members of the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office and their families took part in the Law Enforcement Torch Run benefiting Special Olympics Illinois - Region A! Thank you to everyone that supported and donated to this very special cause. Officers carried the flame running down N. 2nd Street to pass the torch to Loves Park Police Department Officers, and continued west on Riverside Blvd. as a team. Roughly 3,000 officers carry the Flame of Hope nearly 1,500 miles, running through thousands of Illinois communities to its final destination – the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games in Normal.
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In collaboration with Collins Aerospace, Winnebago County is a proud sponsor of the #CRE8IV Transformational Art Project in Rockford's North End neighborhood this season hosted by the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau! Artist AJ Davis created a beautiful mural installation located at 1436 N. Main Street near the Veterans Memorial Circle in honor of veterans and active military serving our country. CRE8IV is a community-building, arts-infused event launched in 2019 as part of RACVB's placemaking and public art efforts. Designed to enhance the region for residents and visitors, CRE8IV has grown to include more than 40 beautification projects to date! | | |
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Rockford 4th of July Festival
Tuesday, July 4, 2023 | Davis Park, 320 S. Wyman Street - Rockford, Illinois
Since 1963, Rockford's 4th of July committee has been putting on an Independence Day celebration for the community. Join us in downtown Rockford for the festivities all day long!
- Lifescape 5k Run/Walk: 7 a.m.
- Patriotic Prayer Breakfast: 8:30 a.m.
- Davis Park Opens: 4 p.m.
- Patriotic Parade Begins: 5 p.m.
- Live Entertainment: 6 p.m.
- Fireworks: 9:30 - 10 p.m.
SEE MORE DETAILS
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WCSO Movie Night
Wednesday, July 19, 2023 | Harlem High School, 1 Huskie Circle - Machesney Park, Illinois
Mark your calendars for the next Outdoor Movie Night hosted by the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office! The featured film will be "Lightyear" starting at 8 p.m. Admission and parking is free, please bring your own lawn chair or blanket for seating.
SEE MORE DETAILS
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