WINNEBAGO WRAP-UP

JANUARY 2024 NEWSLETTER

NOTE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Reflecting on all the progress we have made in 2023, I’m proud to say what a year it has been! From security improvements and policy change to name a few, our many accomplishments are a testament to our hardworking staff and their unwavering commitment to service for residents of Winnebago County.

To maintain the public's confidence, the County Board recently updated the Winnebago County Purchasing Ordinance. We took this opportunity to make a complete overhaul to our Purchasing Ordinance not only to advocate for responsible bidders, but to prevent other inequities in purchasing practices such as sole sourcing and the absence of competitive bidding. The need for responsible bidder and apprenticeship language is rooted in our mission to uphold high standards of work, equity, and community betterment.

We are striving to promote economic development by encouraging the participation of Winnebago County businesses, by providing equal opportunity for minority, Veteran, and women-owned businesses, and by applying environmentally sound practices in the procurement process. I am proud of how this will positively impact our operations and those looking to do business with Winnebago County. This will allow us to focus on our continued priorities of economic development, infrastructure and public safety.

I wish everyone a happy and healthy start to the new year and I look forward to all that is to come in 2024!

Sincerely,

Joseph V. Chiarelli

Winnebago County Board Chairman

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News & Announcements

Recognizing Law Enforcement

Congratulations to the dozens of Winnebago County Sheriff's Department officers recognized for their leadership and years of service at our recent Awards Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Hall & Museum to kick off 2024. It was a bittersweet day filled with several retirements, promotions, swearing-ins and even life-saving awards handed out. Congratulations to all in the department for an outstanding job. Thank you for your commitment and dedication to serving and protecting the citizens of Winnebago County!

Opioid Overdose Awareness

This Christmas, our community remembered loved ones who lost their lives to opioid overdose with a ‘Blue Christmas’ service at Brooke Road United Methodist Church. First started last year, "Blue Christmas" aims to bring the community together to remember loved ones lost to addiction and address the problem of substance abuse. In Winnebago County, 346 lives have been lost due to opioid overdose since January 1, 2022 with the youngest victim being 14 and 76 being the oldest, according to the Winnebago County Coroner's Office. The service heard from several community members and leaders, each of them lighting candles in remembrance of loved ones lost to opioid overdose.

Reduced Fee Animal Vaccines

Winnebago County is proud to continue supporting Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary in 2024 to offer reduced-fee vaccinations for pets. In partnership with Winnebago County Animal Services, Noah's Ark is offering a low-income community program where qualifying individuals can vaccinate and register their pets for just $55. Owners will need to provide proof of Winnebago County residence and proof of low-income status (i.e. social security/disability, link award letter, etc). To schedule your appointment, please call (815) 489-9800 or email noahsarkanimalhospital@gmail.com.

Veteran Court Graduation

The Winnebago County Veterans Court held its 16th Graduation Ceremony in December. 17th Judicial Circuit Court Judge John T. Gibbons, Presiding Judge of the Veterans Court, congratulated graduate BJ on a successful completion of the program. The Veterans Court team provides intensive court supervision and wrap-around treatment services to Veterans, addressing mental health and/or substance use disorders. We want to acknowledge BJ and all the Veterans of our County for their service. Congratulations BJ on your positive life changes!

Shaping Future Leaders

Winnebago County Assistant State’s Attorneys Alex Ronning and Scott Robinson presented to the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Rockford class last month. Class participants represent many different organizations and have all levels of experience in their careers. ASAs Ronning and Robinson, joined with Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana and Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd to talk about the role of the Winnebago County State's Attorney's Office office in the criminal justice system. It was an honor to participate and educate this group of emerging leaders in our community!

Therapy Dog Program

The 17th Judicial Circuit Therapy Dogs had a busy holiday season! From visiting schools, attending community events and fulfilling their typical duties within our courts, the dogs and their handlers certainly found many ways to bring some Christmas cheer and provide comfort during a sometimes overwhelming or stressful time of year for many. Started in 2014, the Therapy Dog Program has been serving residents of Winnebago and Boone Counties in times of need for those going through our court system, but also serving the community outside the courts as well.

Upcoming Events

Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition

Wednesday, January 24 - Saturday, January 27, 2024 | 1402 N. 2nd Street - Rockford, IL

The Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition is a free, family-friendly community winter event hosted by the Rockford Park District. For more than 35 years, teams from around the state come to compete in Rockford for the right to represent Illinois in the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition in 2025. There is also a high school division. As many as 50,000 visitors come to Sinnissippi Park to view these massive works of snow art each year. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Spectators may drive or walk through to view sculptures daily, and the designs will remain up in the park after the event for as long as weather conditions allow!

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