May 19, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BOONE COUNTY - Historic Auto Attractions at 13825 N. Metric Drive, off Rockton Road, will reopen Saturday, May 23 for its 15th year.

And speaking of years to remember, this is the 150th anniversary of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, as well as the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War.

Those interested in the 16th president of the United States may see a large room filled with memorabilia by visiting the museum.

Owner Wayne Lensing of Poplar Grove said he put the Lincoln room together six years ago, after obtaining most of the vast collection of Dr. John Lattimore, who died in 2007.

"A lot of what's in Springfield is homemade," he said of Lincoln trivia. "Ours is real."

"Rare" is another word that could be used to describe what's in the Lincoln Room at the museum.

There's a piece of cloth from the Lincoln Catafaulque, a raised platform used to support the president's casket. This one was used for the first time in the United States for Lincoln's funeral in 1865.

Since then it has been used for those lying in state in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C. When not in use, it is on display in the Exhibition Hall at the United States Capital Visitor Center.

That piece of cloth, according to a certificate of authenticity, is "thought to be the largest in private hands."

Also with that display are two tassels from the same catafaulque. And elsewhere in the room are six handles from Lincoln's coffin. 

A focal point

A wax figurine of Lincoln is in the middle of the room. Also in the glassed enclosure is a photograph of the president for which he posed 11 days before giving the Gettysburg Address on Nov. 19, 1863.

Another of the rarities in the exhibit is a chair Lincoln used in his private study, next to the Oval Office. There's another chair, from the train in which he did much of his traveling during his presidency.

He was elected to a second term as president in 1864 and took the oath of office in January 1865. Lensing's museum has a section of carpet on which Lincoln stood during the inauguration.

There are lots of photographs, several of them associated with his assassination.

Affixed to one wall is a large photograph of the four co-conspirators hanging after their simultaneous executions July 7, 1865. Another photograph shows the empty gallows with their adjacent graves.

The four were Lewis Powell, also known as Lewis Payne; David Herold, Mary Surratt and George Atzerod.

Also in this area of the room is a large photograph of Lincoln lying in an open casket in Springfield, Ill.; manacles worn by Powell while he was in jail and, later, while standing on the gallows; pieces of bandages that were on Surratt's hand the day she was hanged; and bits of the ropes used to hang the four.

In addition, there's a photograph of Christian Roth, who pulled the lever that dropped the trap doors on the gallows.

Another assassination-related artifact is a piece of cloth from the rocking chair in which Lincoln was sitting when he was shot to death at Ford Theater in Washington, D.C. The actual chair is on display at the Henry Ford Museum.

Other photos on a nearby wall show the log cabin in which Lincoln was born; the cabin he lived in while he was 2-7 years of age; and the windowless schoolhouse in which he learned to read and write.

A 35-star flag

Yet another wall contains a tattered, 35-star American flag that accompanied Lincoln from 1863-65. It was carried by the president's bodyguard and flag bearer, Master Sgt. Smith Stimmel, and likely was flown while the Gettysburg Address was being given.

Other artifacts are from Lincoln's wife, Mary Todd Lincoln. They include a dress and shoes along with the mourning skirt she wore to services for their son, Willie, who died in the White House in 1862, and the president himself three years later.

Once the museum reopens, a flat screen television will be on continuously, with information about Lincoln and the Civil War.

"You can read what's on the walls and be educated," Lensing said, which was a goal of his while assembling the collection of memorabilia. He added that it took a room that large to show all of the collectibles he was able to obtain concerning Lincoln's life.

The 36,000-square-foot building that houses Historic Auto Attractions is a diverse place and that was an overall goal of Lensing while collecting items for display.

There are cars that once carried presidents, the car that followed the one carrying President John F. Kennedy the day he was shot to death in Dallas, Texas, cars that carried European dictators and celebrities and cars from motion pictures and television series.

Artifacts including clothing and personal items that were owned by movie stars, famous musicians and notorious gangsters are part of the museum's collection.

The museum also is home to the Illinois Hall of Fame for Stock Cars and, recently, the father of NASCAR driver Rusty Wallace was inducted. 

Part of the museum has racers from the NASCAR and Indy Car circuits, including one that once was driven by former Roscoe resident, Danica Patrick.

Historic Auto Auctions is open from now through Labor Day weekend and then weekends only in September through November. Current hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. It is closed Mondays.

Admission prices are $13 for adults; $11 for seniors and veterans; and $8 for students 6-17 years of age. A season's pass is $25 per person.

May 17, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - Their direction has been made clear. Now, members of the ad-hoc committee dealing with regulations for animal breeders and boarders are going to craft a text amendment for the Boone County Code.

That work will continue May 20, when the panel meets at 1 p.m. in the county administration building.

The committee last met April 29 and there was some spirited debate before members got down to the subject at hand.

Chairman Denny Ellingson said that after hearing what people had to say during the public comments portion of the agenda, he would not take any more audience input for the rest of the meeting.

That didn't set well with resident Robert Christianson, who pretty much has been given carte blanche when it comes to speaking at will on animal matters.

"Concerns come up as you go along," he said. "You're saying you don't care about what we have to say?"

No, Ellingson replied, he wasn't saying that. There can be a room-full of people with opinions, he said, and allowing a lot of them to speak as a meeting goes along can cause problems. He referred to the April 15 county board meeting as evidence of that.

"I will do it differently," he said.

Christianson said he had not encountered that procedure at any other of the county board's standing committees, such as finance and health and human services.

That didn't dissuade Ellingson, who stuck by his wanting to limit audience comments.

What's expected here?

The bottom line was committee members wanted a clearly written set of rules that told breeders and boarders what was expected of them in Boone County. Ideas for doing that ranged from a brochure to a text amendment.

Ultimately, they agreed to proceed with a text amendment after committee member Gwen Meyer reminded them - several times - that was their purpose for being.

Some of the county's existing rules conflict with those of the state Department of Agriculture, which has the final say in these matters. Ellingson said members should compare the two "and see where we align."

Any text amendment the county crafts will have to be sent to the department for approval.

Boone County can't have its own rules because it is not a Home Rule county, Meyer said. Actually, Cook County is the only one in the state with Home Rule powers.

Member Meg Hennessey said she liked the county's existing rules. But Meyer disagreed, saying she didn't believe they were adequate. "A lot of problem areas aren't on the books," she said.

"They (rules) are a bit vague," member Jill O'Malley said in agreement.

What's needed, Meyer said, is for a large group of people to go to Springfield and tell state officials "these are the issues and the changes that need to be made." She added she knew of a large group of veterinarians who shared that belief.

But member Jeanine French said the brick walls being encountered by the committee won't go away. "I think we should take what we have on the books and enforce it. Let them (breeders and boarders) know we mean business."

Enforcement brought in a new set of problems, what with the county having a limited animal control services staff.

More audience comments

The question of enforcement piqued Christianson's interest and he received permission to speak.

"Everything I've heard here is what you can't do," he said. "You have on the table what you can do, but you're not proceeding with that. You can give directions. Are we enforcing rules? Apparently not."

"People are ignorant," French interjected. "We have to put it (rules) on a bulletin board for them. Once they see it, they will understand it."

It was she who suggested reducing the existing regulations to a clearly written pamphlet, giving it to those applying for a special use permit and saying, "This is required of you."

The county can inspect animal breeders and boarders - that's part of the special use process - but once again the question of manpower was raised.

Christianson said animal control Supervisor Roger Tresemer "walks a fine line. He's part of the union and has to keep the union happy and the county happy. Roger will not step over the line. I think he does a good job considering the circumstances."

But Ellingson said he didn't think "the union is involved all that much. I think Roger is doing what he's being asked to do."

May 12, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - Boone County Administrator Ken Terrinoni called it an aggressive timetable but he said, "We want to start (construction) as soon as possible."

Architect Mark Schmidt will begin advertising on May 11 for bids to construct the new Boone County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center. Quotes will be due by 2 p.m. June 2, the same day as the county roads committee meeting. Bids will be discussed at that 6 p.m. meeting.

A special county board meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. June 10 to vote on the lowest, responsible bidder. Construction will begin shortly thereafter with roads committee Chairman Brad Stark saying, "We hope to be in the building by the end of the year. I don't think anyone expected that to happen."

Bids will include the date contractors believe the building will be finished.

Schmidt told the roads committee Tuesday night (May 5) that he didn't believe there would be any problems.

"This is a small, simple building," he said. "I think we could get an early start permit. Site work could begin shortly after approval of the contract."

The building, as currently proposed, will cost between $600,000 and $900,000. It will contain 3,500 square space and include cages and kennel space for seven shelter dogs, eight adoption dogs and a small number of shelter cats. It also will have a manager's office, administration office, lobby, consultation room, adoption room for cats, garage, work room and laundry.

Schmidt said space had been added for a training room, which also could be used by the public for activities. In addition, space had been added for a second bathroom, to provide one each for men and women.

Energy-efficient lighting

"We decided on LED lights, which are more expensive but more energy efficient," Terrinoni reported.

The building as proposed would be a mix of concrete block and brick, though the top portion could have siding instead of brick.

"We could ask for an alternate" bid, Schmidt said, to see which material would be the least expensive.

The shelter will be built along a county-owned road extending north from Squaw Prairie Road, east of Illinois 76 and between the Maple Crest retirement home and Heritage Woods assisted living facility.

In addition, the county sheriff's office one day may have a storage building on the same property. Some concern was expressed Tuesday night that property tax money being generated for the animal building would be used for the sheriff's facility.

Committee member Karl Johnson, who also chairs the county finance, taxation and salaries committee, assured that would not happen. "We won't let funds collected for the animal control building be utilized for anything else," he said. He added that the possibility of moving dirt for another project at that location would save money.

Another committee member, Kenny Freeman, urged the architect to be certain there was sufficient room in the new building for all the needed equipment. "We had problems with this building," he said, referring to the county administration facility on Logan Avenue.

"I think we will be pretty close to being sure the equipment fits the building," Schmidt replied.

May 10, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

POPLAR GROVE - The North Boone Community Unit School District 200 Board of Education has come within one member of being completely changed over the past two years.

Matt Ellingson, Tom Moon and Brian Reininger were elected two years ago, when incumbents Glen Gratz, Tom Kinser and Laura Zwart chose not to run again.

Fast-forward to April 7, 2015, and another election. That one resulted in newcomers Joe Haverly, Mary Maxey and Ed Mulholland being elected to four-year terms. Incumbents Denise Balsley and Amy Morse didn't run again, while the third incumbent, Collin Crull, lost his bid for re-election.

In the final analysis, longtime board president Don Ward was the only incumbent left. And when it came to the board being reorganized Monday night (May 4), he was not returned as president.

Moon nominated Ellingson to lead the board and there were no other nominations. The vote for Ellingson was unanimous, 7-0.

By a 6-1 vote, with Ward dissenting, the board elected Haverly as vice chairman. Moon was chosen as secretary, 7-0, while election of a treasurer was delayed until the next meeting.

The reorganized board took action on a number of agenda items.

One of the first was to change the meeting day from the fourth Monday of the month to the fourth Tuesday. It was suggested by Ward, partly in the hope that less conflict with so many other meetings would lead to more coverage of the district by the local newspaper.

That won't happen until June. And a special meeting already has been called for June 1.

Lunches, student fees

The board also approved lunch prices for the 2015-16 school year. But members rejected the student fee schedule in a 4-3 vote.

Superintendent Steven Baule pointed out the charges were the same as in the current school year. If board members had a problem with the technology fee, he said they could approve the amounts with the exception of that one.

But Mulholland said he wanted more information, such as what percentage of students actually pay those fees, the total amount of fees collected from students, where that money goes and the percentage of students who receive free and reduced lunches.

"About 50 percent pay the fees," Baule responded.

After-school care also drew discussion, now that Poplar Grove United Methodist Church no longer is providing that service.

As the district looks at options, Haverly said he'd like to know the objectives and goals of the program, who the district plans to serve and the total cost.

Baule replied that it would be cost prohibitive for the district to run such a program. "It would be nice to have a decision before the end of the school year, so we can get the information to parents," he said.

Still, Haverly said he would "like to see something so the board is more familiar with what we're voting on. Are there any examples of former programs?"

Not that the district ran, not to his knowledge, Baule answered. The program was offered by the Poplar Grove church for the past 15 years. He added he would put some information together in the next few days.

The board also tabled action on security improvements at various school buildings in the district.

May 7, 2015

By Jean Seegers

Reporter

ROCKTON - Final plans are being made in preparation for the sixth annual VetsRoll annual veteran’s tour of war memorials in and around Washington D.C.  

Two hundred war veterans from World War II, The Korean Conflict and “Rosie the Riveter” veterans will make the trip.

This year, veterans from the Viet Nam War through the end of 1963 have been included. One hundred forty assistants (who pay their own way) will accompany them as they board luxury busses and motorhomes in the Hononegah High School parking lot in the early morning of May 17.

The caravan will return to the same location around 9 p.m, May 20.

Since VetsRoll began in 2009, the event has been held at the Eclipse Center in Beloit.  Extensive renovations at the Center forced the change in location this year.

Officials say there will be plenty of parking available at the high school on Salem St. in Rockton for those who want to help send the veterans off early Sunday morning and/or attend the welcome home celebration in the high school PAC on Sunday evening.

This year, the caravan will be stopping at Wright Patterson Air Force Base Museum, in Dayton, Ohio, the first night and will be staying at the Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C. the following nights.

VetsRoll was conceived six years ago by the Mark and John Finnegan, owners of Finnegan RV in South Beloit. They wanted to honor the memory of Cy Finnegan, the family patriarch who served in WW II.

Since the family was in the motorhome business they decided to bring as many veterans as possible together for a four day all –expense trip to visit the war memorials in and around Washington D.C.

The concept was to be called VetsRoll. The family began a campaign to raise money through donations and fundraising events to make the plan a reality. They recruited qualified volunteers to accompany the veterans. The trip was an overwhelming success.

Every year applications exceed space available, and each year they come from further away.  Veterans from 19 states will make the trip this year. Space is necessarily limited to 200 veterans. 

Donations to sponsor a veteran and fundraising events have become a year-round process. Area schools and businesses are involved in making the trip an unforgettable experience for our veterans. 

As in previous years, the homecoming caravan will return under a motorcycle escort, fireworks and patriotic music. Thousands of cheering family members and well-wishers are expected to be on hand to welcome them home.

Everyone is welcome to be part of this unforgettable experience. The homecoming event on May 20, is an opportunity to pay tribute to,and thank our veterans for their service to our country.

May 6, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - The Boone County Board has approved a special use permit to allow Ceroni Piping to relocate to 22.49-acre parcel on the northwest corner of U.S. Route 20 and Interstate 90.

But that approval, in an 11-1 vote with board member Sherry Branson dissenting, came after lengthy debate over what plans the Illinois Department of Transportation has for that area.

The primary concern was access to the property from Route 20.

Despite that unknown, the city-county interim planning director, Kathy Miller, said she felt "comfortable with going ahead with the special use."

In addition to a new building being constructed for Ceroni Piping, plans call for outdoor storage and, eventually, an industrial subdivision. Such details would be worked out at the next stage, which is platting the property.

The current zoning is I-1, light industrial, with the land use plan calling for single family residences and row crop production. But that area of Route 20 is expected to be developed with industrial uses.

This is a complex issue.

Miller explained that the farmhouse on the property is accessed by an existing driveway. But once the property is developed, Wheeler Road is expected to be extended and used as the sole access.

In addition, the village of Cherry Valley and city of Belvidere have a boundary agreement that includes the subject property.

Everything west of Wheeler Road, including the Ceroni land, falls under Cherry Valley's jurisdiction. Everything east of Wheeler eventually will be developed within Belvidere's jurisdiction.

The final configuration of Wheeler Road will be determined later, during the platting process.

County jurisdiction

"Since the applicant is not seeking to connect to municipal services at this time, he is choosing to remain under the jurisdiction of Boone County, rather than annex into the village of Cherry Valley," Miller explained.

She said the requested planned development is to allow two deviations from the county zoning ordinance. They are:

1. Allowing outdoor storage, which is normally a special use in the light industrial zoning district. The storage would be for semi-cab and trailers, and portable contractor offices (trailers).

2. Having the rear wall of the building be completely metal to accommodate future expansion. The county's U.S. Highway 20 Corridor Overlay District requires buildings to be or masonry or glass materials.

No county agencies had any reservations about the request. That included the Boone County Soil and Water Conservation District, county Engineer Rich Lundin, county building department or the county health department.

The city-county planning staff recommended approval of the request, as did the county zoning board of appeals in a 5-0 vote and the planning, zoning and building committee (PZB) in a 4-0 vote. The PZB is one of seven standing committees of the county board and consists of five county board members.

No bridge anytime soon

The Illinois Tollway Authority plans to one day build a new bridge over I-90, at Route 20. But County Administrator Ken Terrinoni told the board he spoke with IDOT officials that day (April 15) and they don't plan to do anything anytime soon.

"What about the turn lanes?" Branson asked.

"Turn lanes will be addressed at the time of platting," Miller replied.

Attorney Natalie Barber, representing Ceroni, said the company had received preliminary plans from IDOT for that area," so they will plan accordingly." The building is being put in the middle, rear portion of the property. "No one will build towards where the entrance (off Wheeler Road) will be," she added. "There are natural checks and balances."

She said the next step for the company would be to submit a plat to county staff. In addition, she said, "IDOT will have to sign off on that."

County board member Kenny Freeman said he understood the need for new business to come into the county. But he wondered if the access issue had been worked out with the neighbors?

"We have met with the neighbors, and they are comfortable with where we are now," Barber answered.

Board member Cathy Ward asked those in the audience if any of them wanted to address the issue?

One resident, who lives immediately west of the property, said he was "pretty much in agreement with what is happening. "IDOT won't do anything with Wheeler Road until something is done with the bridge" over I-90, he said. "The bridge won't be touched until 2018."

Board member Karl Johnson said this was but one step in the process. "What IDOT will determine is a crystal ball guess," he said. "IDOT can change from one day to the next. We can offer the opportunity for them (Ceroni) to pass this small hurdle. IDOT's the final say."

May 5, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - Boone County Animal Control Services officials are recognizing those who go out of their way to express kindness toward animals.

Whether it's a cash donation of some act of goodness, Supervisor Roger Tresemer is making mention of the incidents at county board meeting.

At the April 15 meeting he told of Samantha Doty from Hoffman Estates, who helped an animal services officer after a dog had been hit by a semi-tractor on Interstate 90 near Garden Prairie Road. She paid the $411 veterinarian bill, which included care to stabilize the animal.

"She had no connection with the animal," he said. "She just wanted to help. She gets the 'Good Samaritan Award' for going above and beyond."

The dog, a German Shepherd, recovered and has been adopted out, he said.

"That's a great story," board Chairman Bob Walberg said. "We appreciate it."

There was more good news that night as Tresemer told of a fund-raising campaign, called Cash for Canines, which was conducted at Meehan Elementary School.

He related how all the students at the school were reading a book entitled, "Shiloh." The story was about a boy who found a dog that was being abused and cared for it.

In response, he said animal services staff made 16 presentations, about animal care and kindness, to 27 classes and, in response, the youngsters raised $589.95 for the animal control facility.

Lisa Krocker is the reading coordinator at Meehan.

Tresemer said he believed they, and others, should be recognized when they do something special for the shelter or one or more of its inhabitants.

Jail inmates too close

for nearby homeowner

BELVIDERE - Shirley Mills lives behind the public safety building, which is next to the Boone County Jail.

She said a landscape berm was supposed to have been put between her house and the building, so she would not have to look at it. But the berm never was put in and now, when she's in her back yard, inmates at the jail can see her.

"I would like something to be done about that," she told the county board at its April 15 meeting.

"That's the first I've heard about this," board Chairman Bob Walberg said in response. "I don't have any suggestions right now, but I believe we can be good neighbors."

Board member Sherry Branson asked if anyone knew what happened?

"You'll have to ask Mr. Terrinoni," Mills replied, referring to county Administrator Ken Terrinoni.

"I don't remember," Terrinoni answered.

Walberg assured that the matter would be investigated.

Minutes bring question

from county board member

BELVIDERE - Minutes from previous Boone County Board meeting usual are approved without question. But April 15, board member Kenny Freeman wondered about a word that he saw on page three of the minutes from the March 18 meeting.

The sentence read that there was "no couching as to when we will stop collecting it." He told the board chairman, Bob Walberg, "I don't understand what that means."

County Clerk Mary Steurer transcribes and then types up meetings of the board. She also saw that word and said she Googled it. She found it means "it was not determined."

That satisfied Freeman, though he said, "I don't remember anyone saying that."

Ultimately, the board voted 12-0 to accept the minutes as printed.

April 30, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - The city's annual celebration of Heritage Days will be here in a scant two months. And a committee is meeting in hopes of making the three-day festival a good time for the young, old and in-between.

This year's dates are June 26-28, with the various events focused on State Street downtown and out at the Boone County Fairgrounds.

Everything from a car show to go-kart races, an art show, bed races, Taste of Belvidere, a 5K race, fireworks and sidewalk sales are on tap. And there will be some new wrinkles as well, all packed into three days filled with fun things to watch and do.

The Heritage Days Committee is led by Mayor Mike Chamberlain and consists of Danny Anderson, Lance Anderson, Gina DelRose and Sarah Turnipseed. It met last week and came up with the following preliminary schedule of events. Times are subject to change.

Friday

Festivities will open with sidewalk sales along State Street from noon to 9 p.m.

Taste of Belvidere, featuring samplings from various Belvidere restaurants, is from 4 to 8 p.m. This year eateries elsewhere in Boone County, including Poplar Grove, may be invited to participate.

Go-kart racing will return, from 6 to 9 p.m. in the parking lot between PNC Bank and the Salvation Army Thrift Store. Practice sessions will start at 6 p.m.

A street dance is planned, from 6 to 9 p.m., near the Apollo Theater.

Other events are expected at the Dari-Ripple and Apollo.

Saturday

Go-kart racing will kick things off at 8 a.m. and continue until 3 p.m. There also may be a static display of historic karts, dating to the 1960s.

The classic car show, with vintage vehicles lining both sides of State Street, is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the Brick restaurant art show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Paint on State, primarily for youngsters, is new this year and will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For $5, would-be artists will be given a square on State, possibly on the bridge, and allowed to decorate it.

This event is being sponsored by the Belvidere Arts Council.

There will be music and dancing from 5 to 8 p.m., near the Apollo. 

Sunday

A patriotic worship service will begin the final day of the festival at 10 a.m. at the Belvidere Community Building on First Street, down from the Brick restaurant.

Bed races will return to the State Street bridge but may be earlier this year, starting at noon. And the parade tentatively is being moved up one hour, to 3 p.m. But both new times are subject to change.

Activities then will shift to the fairgrounds off Illinois 76, just north of Bypass 20, with food available throughout the evening.

A 5K race with obstacles is planned by the Belvidere Family YMCA from 6 to 8 p.m., with a walk-through the night before. There will be various categories including businesses and families. Proceeds will go to charities and various place winners will receive medals.

Fire department water barrel competition is new this year, scheduled for after the parade and before fireworks.

There will be children's activities from 5 to 8 p.m.

The grand finale fireworks display is slated to start around 9 p.m.

The committee will meet again in May to finalize events and their times.

April 29, 2015

BELVIDERE - Boone County Drug Prevention Coalition is pleased to announce a permanent location for Boone County residents to safely dispose of prescription medicines and to keep them from being abused.

With the help of Boone County Crime Stoppers and the CVS Pharmacy’s Safer Communities grant program, a MedReturn Drug Collection Unit has been installed in the front lobby of the Public Safety Building, located at 615 N. Main St., Belvidere.

The MedReturn Drug Collection Unit will provide residents the ability to dispose of medications 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Medications that can be disposed of include prescription medications, patches, over-the-counter medications, and vitamins. Medications should be either in original containers or in non-leaking containers, such as a sealable plastic bag. Medications are not required to be labeled.

Needles, sharps, liquids (hydrogen peroxide, lotions, and ointments), inhalers, aerosol cans, IV Bags, and thermometers will not be accepted in the disposal unit. Medications brought from nursing homes, clinics, doctor’s offices, or other businesses which distribute medications are also unacceptable.

Boone County State’s Attorney Michelle Courier, Co-Chair of the Coalition commented, “The disposal unit provides residents with a safe and environmentally responsible way to dispose of unwanted medication. Reducing the amount of unneeded medicine in residents’ homes will help reduce the risk of prescription drug abuse, especially among teenagers.”

The Boone County Drug Prevention Coalition is an organization whose mission is to reduce and prevent local youth from using alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. That mission is carried out through assessment, education, and collaboration with other community organizations in effectively using local resources.

April 28, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - One of the jobs of the Boone County Board chairman is to appoint people to fill vacancies on the various committees, commissions, districts and associations, and in the fire districts. Those appointments need concurrence from the full county board.

In some cases, the recommendations don't meet with unanimous support.

That didn't happen April 15, when the board considered appointments to four fire district boards of trustees, to the Belvidere Cemetery Association and to the Garden Prairie Street Light District. 

Each received a unanimous vote of approval from the board.

In most cases incumbent members, whose appointments expired this spring, were returned for fresh terms.

The list included:

Fire District No. 1, Carol Berglund, currently board secretary, to a three-year term.

Fire District No. 2, Kevin Stark, vice president, a three-year term.

Fire District 3, Jake Schoepski, treasurer, also a three-year term.

Fire District 5, William Hall, treasurer, three-year term.

Belvidere Cemetery Association, Roger Pope, Jamie Murray, Lee Ladenburger and Edward Marx, to six-year terms.

Garden Prairie Street Light District, Don Pilgrim, to a three-year term.

"That was the first time in a while that there were unanimous votes," board Chairman Bob Walberg said in a follow-up interview.

Questions arise

There were no appointments at the February or March meetings. But at the Jan. 21 board meeting questions were raised about those recommendations.

The first came from District 3 board member Kenny Freeman, who wanted to know how many applications there had been for upcoming vacancies on the regional planning commission?

"Five," Chairman Walberg replied.

Freeman asked if he would provide the names of the other candidates? "I've been getting a lot of phone calls about this," he said. "If you want to appoint your buddies, then what point is there in anyone applying?"

Walberg explained how he decided on who to recommend for the various vacancies. He said he was looking for "some new blood" on the planning commission, adding that he has been trying "to find more young people" to serve.

District 2 board member Cathy Ward said she also had been receiving phone calls about the appointments. She said she knew of two commissioners who were well qualified but had not been reappointed. And she claimed the majority of those appointed were anti-wind farm people.

Finally, she asked for a roll call vote on each of the appointments.

But District 1 board member Denny Ellingson said he didn't know why that was needed. And District 2 board member Karl Johnson said he didn't know what the Cemetery Association, whose appointments also were on the agenda that night, had to do with wind farms.

"Same with the housing authority," he said. "I think that's (roll call vote) more than what's needed."

All of the appointments were approved with roll call votes ultimately being held. Freeman, District 3 board member Craig Schultz and Ward withheld their support of some, but not all, appointments.

April 26, 2015

BELVIDERE – The deadline to enter the Queen Pageant for the title of 2015 Miss Boone County Fair is Tuesday, May 12 when an informational meeting will be held at the Community Grange Hall, 8791 Rt. 76 at 6:30 p.m.  The Grange Hall is at the main entrance to the fairgrounds.

The Queen Pageant takes place at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 11 on the grandstand stage. Queen contestants need to be between the ages of 16-21 (not reaching the age of 22 before Jan. 1 2016). 

The newly crowned Queen will receive a $1,000 scholarship and the right to represent Boone County at the Illinois State Fair Queen Pageant in January 2016.

The 1st runner-up receives $400, and the second runner-up receives $200.

The theme for this year’s pageant is “Unmask the Queen.”

“The Pageant will have a Mardi Gras flavor to it this year,” said Sharyn Geske, Pageant Director. “We strive to put on an entertaining show every year and Steve Summers and Shannon Zimmerman, DJ’s from the Q98.5 radio station do a great job as emcees,” Geske added.

There are song and dance numbers, evening gown and swimsuit competition, and a ‘Little Miss’ competition for girls 6 to 9 years of age. Twenty “Little Miss’ contestants are already signed up for the 2015 fair pageant according to Geske.

 “It’s a great two-hour show for the whole family,” added Geske, “and its free admission to the grandstand.”

Ms. Clairissa Lein of Belvidere is the 2014 Miss Boone County Fair Queen and will be giving up the crown in August. Miss Kenzi Lusz also of Belvidere is the 2014 “Little Miss” winner.

For more information or an application contact: bcfqueenpageant@msn.com.

The Boone County Fair runs from Tuesday, Aug.11 through Sunday, Aug. 16. For more information about the fair go to boonecountyfair.com. or call (815) 544-2900 any Monday or Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

April 23, 2015

LOVES PARK – On Sunday, April 19, at approximately 10:17 a.m., Loves Park officers responded to an accident with injuries at the intersection of E. Riverside Blvd. and Mulford Road, involving four vehicles.

During the investigation, it was alleged that one of the drivers, Maria Rivera Gutierrez, 32, of Belvidere, was traveling west on Riverside Blvd, in a Blue Suzuki Rodeo, when she disobeyed a red light at Mulford Road and collided with a southbound vehicle in the intersection.

She had five passengers in her vehicle, including four children ranging from 2-11 years of age. The southbound vehicle was driven by a 70-year-old male of Loves Park.

Before the southbound vehicle came to a rest, it collided with two additional vehicles that were stopped eastbound on Riverside at Mulford Road.

Gutierrez did not have a driver's license. She was cited for Disobeying a Red Light, No Valid Driver's License and Failure to Properly Restrain Children with a Seat Belt/Child Restraint.

Gutierrez, along with a child from her vehicle and the 70-year-old driver of the southbound vehicle were transported to area hospitals, for non-life threatening injuries.

While directing traffic at the same intersection during the clean up phase of the accident, an officer observed a Ford F150 pickup truck occupied by four adults and three children approaching the intersection. The truck is equipped with four seatbelts.

The vehicle was flagged over by the officer, at which time it was learned that the driver, Candelaria De Ora Motes, 48, of Rockford, had no driver's license.

De Ora Motes was cited for having No Valid Driver's License and three additional citations for Failure to Properly Restrain Children with Seat Belts.

The Mulford and Riverside intersection is one of the 12 intersections Loves Park Police began monitoring and increasing enforcement at, nearly eight weeks ago, in an effort to reduce accidents.

April 22, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - Boone County may have local regulations for animal breeders and boarders. But there's a catch.

Such rules are within the jurisdiction of the state Department of Agrilcuture. And that department must approve of any local rules the county may wish to impose, to be certain there aren't any conflicts. If there are, state rules prevail.

So an ad hoc committee on breeders and boarders agreed Wednesday (April 15) to work up some proposed regulations and send them to the state for comment.

That decision was made after Assistant Boone County State's Attorney Tony Fioretti delivered what he termed "bad news."

He said he "touched base" with the attorney for the state Depart,emt pf Agriculture (DOA) "who essentially agreed that they are in charge of regulations for breeders and boarders. The county can't step into their arena."

"That's what we asked for," committee Chairman Denny Ellingson said of an answer to the question that has been lingering for many weeks.

Despite that, there still are osme options available to the county.

Fioretto said officials could ask the state Legislature to have the DOA impose more stringent rules, if they thought such were needed. Possibly the department would allow the county to do that, he said, adding, "It seems DOA has enough on its plate."

It was committee member Jeannine French who suggested the panel propose some rules for the DOA to consider.

Fioretti supported that approach, suggesting the committee contact state Rep. Joe Sosnowski, R-Rockford, about this issue being of concern among residents of his 69th Legislative District.

Caution from attorney

And he cautioned, "Any rules proposed would have to be reasonable and not in conflict with the DOA. You can't get too far into the regulation of breeding itself."

Another area with wiggle room was developing rules for the care of animans. But there was disagreement over whether the county could address the overpopulation.

As the discussion meandered along resident Robert Christianson, speaking from the audience of four people, encouraged the committee to make a decision. "From what I'm hearing today, you'll be sitting here two years from now without a decision."

Ellingson answered that the committee was just trying to digest what Fioretti had brought to the meeting.

Ultimately, the committee agreed to prepare a list of proposed rules using some from Clark County in Washington state, some from a list of rules for conditions at outdoor animal facilities and existing state regulations. From all that a list will be cobbled together for submission to DOA, to see which, if any, that agency will allow to be imposed locally.

In addition, members wanted to address the subject of overpopulation, but weren't sure how. The DOA allows up to five breeding females in such a facility. But wanting to do that brought a question from member Meg Hennessey, who asked, "Is there an overpopulation problem in Boone County? We're assuming there is, but do we know?"

No one had an answer to her inquiry.

Instead, member Gwen Meyer read from an earlier memo from Fioretti, in which he stated that the county had limited ability to regulate overpopulation.

"The state has told us that since we're not Home Rule, we have to make them (DOA) like the rules we want to put in effect," Ellingson said.

French provided the committee with its marching orders when she said, "Let's take what we have, mesh them together and send that to the state."

The committee's next meeting will be at 1 p.m. May 6.

April 21, 2015

Ken Hennessy, of NDK America Inc., talks with Caitlin Ludwig, Marketing Specialist at Blackhawk Bank, who presented a program, “Contagious: Why Things Catch On,” based on the book by Jonah Berger. Blackhawk Bank sponsored the Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon program at the Community Building Complex of Boone County.

April 19, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

POPLAR GROVE - Code Enforcement Official Phil Long recently had what he described as "a heart related issue" while at work in Poplar Grove Village Hall.

Staff called 911 and he was taken to the hospital by Capron Rescue Squad. When he was released, he said he wondered why village hall didn't have an AED, which is used to shock someone's heart back into a more normal rhythm.

And so he filled the void by donating one of the machines during Monday night's village board meeting.

It will be permanently available at village hall and Village President John Neitzel, after thanking Long for his gift, said he hoped it never would be used. Long said getting one of the automated external defibrillators was an adventure by itself.

He was not allowed to buy one as an individual. So he contacted rescue squad officials who in turn purchased one and he bought it from them. An AED can cost more than $1,000.

"We've been talking about this for some time," Neitzel said of acquiring an AED. "Now thanks to the generosity of Phil Long, we no longer have to worry about it."

"I think all public buildings should have one," Long said. "They save lives."

Village Attorney Jim Stevens asked if anyone who works at village hall knows how to use one?

"We will have some training," Village Administrator Diana Dykstra promised.

Audit of internal controls

Also Monday night the board voted 6-0 to have Lauterbach & Amen conduct an audit of internal controls, which Dykstra said would "be sure our funds are being handled properly." The contract, at $100 an hour, is not to exceed $7,000.

She said employees who work at village hall should not feel threatened by the audit.

"I look at this as a level of protection for our employees," she said. "It will cover a variety of specific things in greater detail than in the annual audit."

Trustee Ron Quimby said there was "a big story" in that day's Chicago Sun-Times about how more of those kinds of audits are being conducted in Illinois municipalities.

In addition, the board solved President Neitzel's continued quest for an office in village hall. Trustees approved a recommendation from the finance committee to spend $7,844.95 to create the space needed for the change.

Neitzel will move into a corner office currently occupied by Village Clerk Martha Suhr. She will relocate to a portion of the room used on a part-time basis by Public Works Director Jeff Strate.

And he will join Long and Village Treasurer Maria Forrest in cubicles being built in what currently serves as a conference room.

Village board members, who currently use the conference room for private executive sessions, soon will be conducting those gatherings in their regular meeting chambers.

A large, adjacent community meeting room will have to be better sound-proofed, so people who happened to be in there can't hear trustees deliberating during closed-door sessions.

April 16, 2015

By Lisa Rodgers

Reporter

BOONE COUNTY- April 9 saw the local forecast change minute to minute. Weather Forecasters had been warning as early as April 4 that Thursday could develop into a dangerous storm system. The Weather Channel had us at a Torcon 6 or 60% likely hood of tornadoes on April 9.

Shortly after 6 p.m. the first Tornado Warning was issued for just south of Cherry Valley and by 6:35 p.m. the Tornado Warning for a large wedge tornado near Ashton was issued.

This tornado would strike Rochelle and Fairdale leaving a path of destruction and fatalities. Many thanks to the local TV stations and Meteorologists that broke into regular programing to keep us all informed and safe! 

Considering Boone County’s history of tornadoes, it’s very appropriate to review what we can do to be prepared in the event of another tornado. It is important to know the difference between a Tornado Watch and Tornado Warning.

Tornado Watch – Means tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. This is the time to review and discuss your emergency plans, and check supplies in your safe room. Have a NOAA weather radio on for possible warnings.

It’s also a good time to move valuables, purses and important papers to the safe room. You may not have time to grab them during a Tornado Warning. Being prepared in advance if a warning is issued may save your life and that of your family.

Did you know only 17% of the population takes shelter during a Tornado Warning?

Tornado Warning – Means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Tornado warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Go immediately to your safe place, which could include a basement, storm cellar or an interior room (closet, hallway or bathroom).

Prior Preparations in event of a Tornado Warning:

* Select a safe room in your home where household members and pets can go for protection.  A basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.

* Practice periodic tornado drills so that everyone knows what to do if a tornado is approaching.

* Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about tornado watches and warnings.

* Know your community's warning system.

* Make sure your cell phones are fully charged in the event of power loss.

* Have new batteries in flash lights and other potential safety equipment.

* Keep a copy of your insurance papers and contact information in your safe place in case you need them quickly in the event of an insurance claim.

* Chip your pets in case they are lost in a tornado. It will be easier to have them returned should they be displaced.   

* Select a meeting place in the event family becomes separated. Cell phones may not be operational.

* Remove diseased and damaged limbs from trees prior to storms.

* Move or secure lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants or any loose items that may be picked up by the wind and become a projectile.

Tornadoes began being tracked in 1950. Boone County has now had four major tornadoes. 

* April 21, 1967 Belvidere High School took a direct hit. Twenty-four perished with 13 being children.   Categorized as an F4 Tornado, its path length was 25-28 miles and had a width up to 1⁄2 mile with winds of approximately 240mph.

* Jan. 7, 2008 Edwards Apple Orchard took a direct hit near Poplar Grove. Categorized as an EF-3.  There were no fatalities.

* Nov. 22, 2010 the Village of Caledonia took a direct hit. Categorized as an EF-2. There were no fatalities.

* April 9, 2015 just south of Belvidere Summerfield Zoo and several homes were effected. Categorized as an EF-1. There were no human fatalities, however, Summerfield Zoo lost several animals.

Did you know?

* On Sept. 14, 1928 a tornado struck Rockford, IL and it eventually moved into Boone County. The tornado descended at the southern city limits and would strike the furniture factory at approximately 3:22 p.m. killing eight.

It would then travel 2 miles south of Argyle and 1 mile north of Poplar Grove at 3:40 p.m. and the damage near Capron occurred around 4 p.m. Its path was about 35 miles with the width of 200 to 500 feet. Fourteen deaths occurred and about 100 persons were injured in Rockford alone. (*Monthly Weather Review published September 1928, Fred H. Weck, Assist. Meteorologist Cicero Aviation Field, Chicago, Ill)

Take head to the Watches and Warnings and be safe!

April 15, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - The 13th Spring Art Scene was in evidence Friday and Saturday at 39 host businesses throughout the Rockford area.

And this year it made its debut in downtown Belvidere, at the Locust Street Press, formerly the Eagle's Club.

Business owner Russell Caldwell contacted the Rockford Arts Council about being one of the host sites. He received the OK and with help from the Belvidere Arts Council and Mural organization, Spring Art Scene came to Locust Street.

He said he wanted to bring this kind of an event to Boone County. It gives those who enjoy the arts an opportunity to visit many galleries over a two-day period.

"We don't have a particular angle," he said of having a particular kind of art in focus, as is the case with some venues. ""We try to be eclectic all the way around."

Wood working, caligrophy, paintings and specially designed greeting cards were among the works on display.

One of the artists was Bob Coleman with his vast collection of wooden creations. He introduced faces in books last year and those works continue to win awards. For this show he had a hand-carved caricature of Gandolf, from the motion picture trilogy, Lord of the Rings.

But it wasn't your run of the mill caricature.

It was carved on a piece of petrified wood from a forest discovered beneath a peat bog in New Zealand. He said he was fortunate enough to get a small piece of one of the trees, carbon dated to be 50,000 years old, from a friend in Rockford.

This new effort was on display with a number of his other creations, but it didn't have a price tag. "I'm not in a hurry to part with it," he said. That's probably because there's not much chance of his getting another piece of that wood.

Still, he said he would take $400 for it.

Yet another Coleman creation at the show was a face in a softball. And the most recent face in a book was that of John Wayne.

"People like to touch them," he said of those works. "They think it's made of wood that looks like a book."

Hands-on event

Caldwell's business has been on Locust Street for more than three years and has evolved into a trade printer for the art world. He operates with a variety of presses, some of them antiques, and said, "We qualify as a working letter press museum. But we generally aren't open to the public."

Last weekend was an exception with a special gift available for visitors.

He and his daughter, Heather Steines, used two presses, one from 1933, to make a specially designed, color Spring Art Scene cards with visitors' names embossed on them. The guest also was given the metal casting used to imprint the name.

Another, newer press, dating to the 1960s, was used to make ink imprints.

Visitors were allowed to lend a helping hand by cranking the presses.

There also were refreshments, munchies along with a taste of wine grown by Our Family Vineyard at a winery in Garden Prairie. Names of the wines - Florence, Birch, Lea and Charles - belonged to members of Caldwell's family, including daughter Heather's three children.

Caldwell is hoping one or more businesses in Belvidere will be a host site when it transitions to the Fall Art Scene later this year.

April 14, 2015

STATELINE – Online registration is now open for both Winnebago and

Boone County collection routes for the 27th Annual Great American Cleanup™ scheduled for Saturday, April 25.

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful is offering 21 equipment pickup locations for those who pre-register by April 17. Same-day registration is available at Patriots’ Gateway Center, 615 South 5th Street in Rockford.

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful coordinates The Great American Cleanup™ as the community-wide litter collection for Winnebago and Boone Counties.

The national anti-littering campaign was originated by Keep America Beautiful in 1985 - Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful is the regional affiliate. The event has grown into a catalyst for change, becoming the nation’s single largest volunteer community improvement program.

Removing litter and debris improves safety for residents and gives best impressions to visitors. The effort is endorsed by the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

Individuals and teams from businesses, civic groups, churches, youth, or neighborhood organizations are invited to choose specific routes or be assigned to a targeted area.

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful and partners provide safety and litter-collecting equipment at strategic staging sites the day of the event, to be returned at the end of the collection. The bright yellow and orange litter bags, when placed in appropriate locations, are retrieved within the week by participating contractors. 

“Last year we had more than 1,300 volunteers clearing more than 300 miles of roadside gathering 50 tons of trash,” said Frank Manzullo, Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful event coordinator.

“This is our chance to “Spring clean” our neighborhoods, parks, sports fields and other public spaces,” Manzullo said. “Everyone is welcome to join together to take pride in a clean community.” 

On Saturday, April 25, a designated team coordinator or individuals may pick up supplies at a pre-selected distribution site in Winnebago County or Belvidere, between 8 and 9 a.m., and bring the materials to the assigned team cleanup location.

Team members meet at the start of the route, receive their supplies and pick up litter between 9 and Noon.

Complimentary water and snacks are supplied by event sponsors.

Cooperating partners and local sponsors of this year’s Great American Cleanup™ include Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful; 23 WIFR Gray Television Inc.; the City of Rockford; Mid-West Family Broadcasting; Rock River Environmental Services; The Rock River Times; SwedishAmerican Foundation; and Winnebago County, Illinois. Additional support is provided by Advanced Disposal; Burger King; Don Carter Lanes; Frito-Lay; McDonald’s; Patriots’ Gateway Center; Pepsi Cola of Rockford; and theWinnebago County Highway and Sheriff’s Departments. 

Organizations, groups or individuals interested in participating in the 2015 Great

American Cleanup ™ may register online at www.knib.org or call Frank Manzullo at Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful, (815) 637-1343.

Supply Distribution Sites

Rockford:

 Patriots’ Gateway Center, 615 South 5th St. (same day walk-ins)

 Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful, 4665 Hydraulic Road

 Banner of Truth Church, 1401 W. State St.

 West Gateway Coalition, 200 N. Johnston St.

 Wayne’s Feed Store, 3435 Auburn St.

 TAC Rockford, 109 N. Main St.

 Illinois Bank & Trust, 6855 E. Riverside Blvd., 2625 Stowmarket Ave., 4048 E. State St.

 Winnebago County Highway Dept., 424 N. Springfield Ave.

Winnebago County:

 Cherry Valley Township, 4875 Blackhawk Rd.

 Durand United Methodist Church, 102 E. Main St.

 Loves Park City Hall, 100 Heart Blvd.

 Machesney Park: Harlem Town Hall, 819 Melbourne Ave.

 New Milford Village Hall, 6771 S. 11th St.

 Pecatonica Township, 410 Reed St.

 Rockton Village Green Park, 100 E. Chapel St.

 Roscoe Public Works Bldg., 5402 Swanson Rd

 South Beloit Fire Station, 429 Gardner St.

Boone County:

 Belvidere Township Bldg., 8200 Fairgrounds Rd.

 City of Belvidere, 401 Whitney Blvd.

Free Oak trees

Also on Saturday, April 25, free oak tree saplings will be available, while they last, at

Cleanup distribution sites in New Milford, Roscoe, Rockton, South Beloit and at the Rockford Park District Trolley Station, 324 N. Madison St. This is a supplemental effort to beautify Northern Illinois, in honor of Arbor Day (which falls on April 24 this year).

The trees are made available through a grant from the Living Lands and Waters project, and the project is sponsored by The Rock River Times, The Rock River Trail and Rockford Park District.

April 12, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BOONE COUNTY - A mixture of incumbents and newcomers have been elected to municipalities and school boards in Boone County.

Among the incumbents returned to office, in contested races Tuesday, April 7, were village trustees Jeff Goings and Ron Quimby in Poplar Grove; Alderman Clayton Stevens in Ward 1, city of Belvidere; and Trustee Kenneth Hawes in Capron.

Incumbents being denied in bids for re-election were Collin Crull, North Boone Community Unit School District Board of Education, and Michael Rathbun, Belvidere Community Unit School District 100 Board of Education.

A non-binding referendum asking District 200 voters if they wanted the school board to sell $4.5 million in working cash bonds to build a new athletic stadium at North Boone High School was defeated, with 61.42 percent voting no.

Only 12.23 percent of the county's registered voters turned out.

Newly elected to the District 100 board of education were Allison Reid-Niemiec, Holly Houk and Heather Sell-Wick. Newcomers to the District 200 board of education were Joseph Haverly, Ed Mulholland and Mary Maxey.

Another newcomer, Elizabeth Kopacz, joined Hawes in being elected to a four-year term in Capron, while Nancy Jones, who was unopposed, won a two-year term.

Neeley Erickson joined Goings and Quimby on the Poplar Grove Village Board. She replaced eight-year Trustee Bob Fry, who chose not to run again.

There were two other contested races for four-year seats on the Belvidere City Council. In those, Wendy Frank received 71.29 percent of the vote to defeat Daniel Hulina in Ward 3, while former Alderman Mark Sanderson got 60.85 percent of the vote to win over John Sanders.

Running unopposed for fresh terms were Daniel Snow in Ward 2 and Ron Brooks in Ward 5. Daniel Arevado was uncontested in his bid for a two-year term in Ward 2.

Votes of confidence

Poplar Grove voters had an opportunity for change on their village board but expressed confidence in the job being done by Goings, who is finishing his first term, and Quimby, who has been on the board for six years. Coming up short in their quest for seats were former Trustee Ed Wethington, who trailed Quimby by 25 votes, 181-156, and newcomer James Jason Vodnansky. He received 113 votes, or 12.68 percent of those cast.

Goings was the top vote getter, as he was four years ago, this time receiving 244 ballots, or 27.38 percent of the total.

"I'm glad we got back in," he said of himself and Quimby. "We will have a chance to get more things done."

He said he liked the direction the village was heading under the leadership of Village Administrator Diana Dykstra. "She's a go-getter and she communicates," he said. "She is big on transparency."

Goings plans to pursue oversight of the water and sewer plants in addition to a possible restructure of Poplar Grove's staff, which seems to have too many supervisors for the number of employees it has.

Quimby, chairman of the administration committee, joined Goings in thanking those who suppprted their bids for re-election. "I will try to live up to that vote of confidence, and serve them to the best of my ability," he said.

He agreed the village was in good hands with Dykstra running the day-to-day operation. "The whole atmosphere has changed with her in charge," he said.

Looking ahead, he said he'd like to see a continued focus on the water and sewer plants and infrastructure, especially roads. "I'd like to see economic development, but keep our rural atmosphere," he said.

Erickson thanked voters for taking a chance of her, as "kind of an unknown," and said, "I will make them proud of me."

She has some ideas she plans to discuss with Dykstra and at the committee level, some of which came from resident comments that were expressed to her on the campaign trail. Among them are:

1. Garbage cans being out of sight. She said residents are concerned about containers being in garages during the warm summer months, when the contents often smell. She termed that a potential health hazard and wondered about amending the ordinance to allow cans to be alongside homes and garages only during the summer.

2. Water bills. Residents would like to see more clarity on their bills and they'd like to know why the charges are so high?

Concerning the effort to collect delinquent bills, she thought revisiting the state comptroller's program might be worthwhile.

3. Overgrown lots were mentioned by a number of residents. She said she saw one where the grass was 32 inches high, well in excess of the village's maximum of 7 inches.

4. More information about what happens at village board and committee meetings, perhaps through including brief recaps of actions on the village website. That would help those who can't get to meetings become more informed.

April 9, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

Third of 3 parts

BELVIDERE - It's been a while since there were organized tours of historic Belvidere Cemetery. Self-guided tours are still allowed and they continue to draw visitors.

Plans are in the works to have another walk but they're preliminary at this point. And longtime sexton Sam Larson said, "I won't promise anything."

Should that occur, she said the tour likely would feature people other than those who are best known around Boone County.

For example, one of those interred there is a nurse, Hannah Habedank, who died of the flu after tending to victims at Camp Grant, in Rockford, during a flu epidemic.

The man who invented the air brush is buried here. His family was connected to Marshall Field of Chicago department store fame.

So is Gen. Allen C. Fuller, born in Hartford, Conn., who moved to Belvidere in 1846. After establishing his law praceice, he was appointed adjutant general of Illinois and served in that position from November 1861 until January 1865, when he was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives.

Following the death of his daughter, Ida Hovey, he provided $5,000 in her memory to establish a free library and that it be named for her. Hence, Belvidere today has the Ida Public Library at 321 S. State St.

Thomas Hart is one of two veterans of the Revolutionary War buried here. He was born in 1757 in Farmington, Conn., and enlisted as a private with the Connecticut Troops at 18 years of age. During his time of service he became acquainted with Gen. Benedict Arnold and Col. Ethan Allen.

He moved to Belvidere in 1843-44 to live with his son and died Jan. 14, 1847, just shy of his 90th birthday.

Then there's Christopher Charles Fritz, a Union veteran of the Civil War, whose resting place was located by his great-great-grandson, John Fritz of Phoenix, after a two-year search. John Fritz finally saw his relative's burial place on June 14, 2014, along with members of his family.

Meanwhile, there are brochures at various locations around the city that provide detail on some of the better known men and women buried there.

But it's a thing, the Pettit Chapel, which continues to draw the most interest.

Memorial to husband

The wife of Dr. William Pettit commissioned the building to be designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, to memorialize her late husband. It was completed in 1907 at a cost of $3,000.

While they both were from Belvidere, they settled in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where he practiced medicine for 27 years, until his untimely death in 1898 at 48 years of age.

Now on the National Register of Historic Places, the chapel continues in use today. Dr. and Mrs. Pettit are buried nearby.

One of the most famous people buried at Belvidere Cemetery is Gen. Stephen Hurlbut, He was a well known state politician who guided Union troops throughout the Civil War, being engaged in Battle of Shiloh that was credited with "saving the day" for the North.

After being mustered out of the military, he served as a member of Congress for two terms and was U.S. minister to Columbia. When he died in 1882, at 66 years of age, more than 10,000 people attended his funeral.

In 1982, a graveside ceremony was held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his death.

Barnabas "Barney" Eldredge is buried in one of the few mausoleums at the cemetery. He once served as president of the National Sewing Machine Company and the carriage in which he rode to work is on display at the Boone County Historical Museum in downtown Belvidere.

One of the many heart-warming stories eminating from the cemetery is one concerning the only Confederate soldier to be buried here, Pierre LeFevre.

His grave was unmarked and unknown until local historians Emmett and Bessie Sullivan located it. Through the efforts of Frank Crawford and members of the student Civil War Round Table at Belvidere High School, the grave site now has a U.S. Government marker.

Belvidere Cemeteri is historic in its own right, being established in 1847. The original plot was just four acres but land was added, and today there are more than 13,000 known graves.

April 8, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

POPLAR GROVE - It was temporary and it was separate. Now it will be in one location and available for viewing May 1.

That's the Boone County on the Move tribute, through walking and driving tours, to the county's transportation history.

Part of the exhibit was a series of panels, each filled with photographs, recalling the horse and buggy days of Belvidere. More photos and information were posted in the Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum at Poplar Grove Airport.

The museum will reopen May 1 and, at that time, the panels will have been moved there to serve as part of a more permanent exhibit.

Joanna Dowling, curator of the museum, said the driving tour will remain the same. It will pass by sites of buildings that were part of the evolution of transportation in the city and surrounding countryside. It also will pass by buildings that are still standing, with information on what they once were.

"We plan to reprise the walking tour of 2014," she said. "We will start at the Brick (restaurant on State Street) and continue to the (Kishwaukee) river and back along State Street. It will take about an hour and visit old buildings that are still here and see the sites of what used to be."

The first tour will be held later this spring and repeated during the summer.

Information will include how the character of downtown Belvidere has changed. There will be photographs of buildings that were part of that history but no longer are here.

New depot on hold

Walkers will go past where the city's original railroad depot was situated, near city hall. Belvidere officials were planning to start construction of a new depot this summer, but now that's been put on hold following the announcement that funding pledged by former Gov. Pat Quinn was in limbo.

The exhibit at the museum will have a timeline of the county's first 100 years of transportation history, from the 1830s until the 1940s. It started with the stage coach, followed by the railroad and aviation.

Dowling said there will be information about transportation businesses and businesses that relied on transportation, such a delivery wagons. Automotive garages, gas stations and car dealerships all played a part in that transition.

Manley Motors, a Ford dealership at 621 S. State St., is one of the automotive complexes that's still around.

But it's scheduled to be torn down as part of an arrangement with the city, which is buying that soon to be vacant space for development as a parking lot. Manley is moving into the former Jack Wolf dealership at the corner of State and Appleton Road.

Here are some of the buildings that remain today but have different uses:

National Sewing Machine Co. factory building, 322 Meadow St., now Ace Hardware; Robinson's Blacksmith Shoip, 223 N. State St., now Aladdin's Smokes & Gifts; Standard Service Station, corner of Logan Avenue and Main Street, now Logan Avenue Mobil Service and Repair; and the Triangle Garage, the first auto repair shop in town, corner of Pearl and West Pleasant streets.

The Boone County Family Restaurant at Illinois 173 and 76, in Poplar Grove, is part of the driving tour. It dates to 1937 and once had an adjoining gas station, known as Wheeler Standard Service.

The Poplar Grove Hotel, at more than 150 years of age the oldest building in that village, was a busy place during the evolution of transportation in the county.

Other stops include sites of railroad depots in Poplar Grove, Caledonia, Garden Prairie and Capron.  

April 7, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

First of 3 parts

BELVIDERE - Ida Public Library has scheduled a walking tour of historic homes on East Lincoln Avenue, beginning at 10 a.m. May 30, which is a Saturday.

Jillian Fuller, director of the local history room at the library, said the tour will be free, but added that reservations will be required. The number of participants probably will be limited to 25.

Call (815) 544-3838, extension 305, to sign up. Reservations will be taken on a first come, first served basis, and the tour will go on, rain or shine. 

The tour, a walk-by of seven or eight homes, will begin in the parking lot at First Presbyterian Church. The walk will proceed at a slow pace and probably cover one-half mile.

Fuller said information provided during the tour would include a history of the house and the people who lived in each one.

The different kinds of architecture, of which there are many along Lincoln, will be discussed. Among them are Queen Anne and Prairie Style.

Descriptions of what homelife was like in the late 1800s and early 1900s also will be a focus of the tour.

"It was and still is one of the more affluent neighborhoods in Belvidere," she said. "In those days it was home to a mayor and the president of the sewing machine company.

"Interesting people, interesting stories," she said. "We already have people calling about it."

Belvidere has designated 31 houses and buildings as local landmarks, with four of them on Lincoln Avenue. One that's not in the list, the bright red Nellie Dutton home at 401 Lincoln supposedly is haunted. Details will be provided during the tour as the group passes by.

Next door, at 405 Lincoln, is the Benjamin Herbert house, built in 1895. It is an example of Queen Anne architecture with a hipped roof and lower cross gables. The wraparound porch has pendiments over the front and side entries.

Across the street, at 410 E. Lincoln, is the oldest among the landmark structures, the Lampert house built in 1837. The Greek Revival residence, with the midsection being Carpenter Gothic, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.

Closer to State Street is the Foote house, at 303 E. Lincoln, which was built in 1913. It was made of brick and granite and is an example of Prairie Style architecture.

The Molony residence, built in 1865, is located at 425 E. Lincoln and a cross-gabled Gothic Revival home.

While not on the Local Landmark list the bright red Nellie Dutton house, at 401 E. Lincoln, reportedly is haunted and will be discussed during the tour.

The most recent addition to the Local Landmark list is not on Lincoln Avenue. It is the three-story Swift House at 127 Locust Ave., across from the Belvidere YMCA and built in the 1890s by Dr. Arthur W. Swift. The Queen Anne Victorian home features a steeply pitched roof, a three-story tower with bent glass and red French roof tiles.

In addition to being a local physician for many years, Dr. Swift also served as mayor of Belvidere.

Belvidere has a local Historic District, designated in 2004 and containing 23 houses along West Hurlbut Avenue, off State Street.

Three years ago two downtown business districts, with State Street being their common denominator, were added to the National Register.

April 5, 2015

By Lisa Rodgers

Reporter

BELVIDERE - “Born on Jan. 30, 1882, in Hyde Park, New York, Franklin D. Roosevelt was stricken with polio in 1921. He became the 32nd U.S. president in 1933, and was the only president to be elected four times. Roosevelt led the United States through the Great Depression and World War II, and greatly expanded the powers of the federal government through a series of programs and reforms known as the New Deal. Roosevelt died in Georgia in 1945,” according to biography.com

On April 9 at 6:00 p.m. R.J. Lindsey, a Chicago actor and historical impersonator will be portraying Franklin D. Roosevelt in a "Fireside Chat" at Ida Public Library. Admission is free and open to the public.  No registration is required. The program is sponsored by the Friends of Ida Public Library.

“R.J. Lindsey will be portraying Franklin D. Roosevelt in a ‘Fireside Chat.’ We thought having FDR come to the library would attract people's interest due to the recent release of Ken Burns' documentary, The Roosevelts.  He will also answer questions from the audience after his presentation.” said Local History and Genealogy Librarian Jillian Fuller.

R.J. Lindsey is an historical dramatist.  He has a Masters degree from Illinois State
University and is also a member of Actor’s Equity, the Screen Actor’s Guild, and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

His performance is based on extensive research and attention to detail. Lindsey uses only documented speeches, letters and anecdotes while using his 35 years of experience to create a living portrait. 
His presentation of the “Fireside Chat” is described as the following: "The president speaks informally about his presidency, Eleanor, Winston Churchill, Orson Wells, and his Scotty dog Fala. Listen as FDR reads Depression era letters from citizens asking for help, the most touching from children, and recounts the New Deal programs designed to help in the days when the people mattered,"  according to www.rjlindsey.com

Additional programs on the schedule at Ida Public Library include:

The Friends of Ida Public Library Spring Book Sale.

Wednesday April 29 - Fri. May 1, 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

Saturday May 2, 10 a.m. to noon

Become a member of the Friends of Ida Public Library and shop early Tuesday, April 28 at 5 p.m.  $5 at the door to attend the Members Preview Sale. Most items are under $1 and as the week goes on, the prices keep dropping. Find that book you've always wanted to buy! Magazines, tapes, CDs, and VHS videos are available for purchase as well.

Early Literacy Workshops for Parents

Wednesday April 15 at 10:50 a.m. after Preschool Storytime

The workshop will be led by Jeffrey Katz, Executive Director of the Montessori Private Academy of Rockford.

Early literacy is essential for your little one and translates into future success in school. In this workshop, you will learn how to build awareness and competencies in your child at home from a very early age. You will also get an introduction to the Montessori Method, which assists young children in learning to read from an early age, with slides of actual classroom work. 

Ida Public Library is located at 320 N. State St. Belvidere. For more information please call Jillian Fuller at (815) 544-3838 ext. 305. Visit www.idapubliclibrary.org for more information on upcoming events.

April 2, 2015

By Tricia Goecks

Reporter

BELVIDERE – When residents go to the polls on Tuesday, April 7, they will have the opportunity to vote for members of the Belvidere Community Unit School Board 100 board.

On the ballot are Allison Reid-Niemiec, Michael Rathbun, Frank Marks, Holly Houk, Lynette Danzl-Tauer, Heather Sell-Wick and Kelly Galluzzo.

Voters will have the opportunity to vote for three open positions on the board. Those positions are currently held by Rathbun, Jason Colson, and Dan Colson.  Rathbun is the current board president and is the only board member seeking reelection.

Voters will have the opportunity to vote for one candidate from Belvidere Township 44N Range 3E. Candidates from that area include Rathbun, Reid-Niemiec and Marks. From the remaining congressional townships, voters will be able to vote for two candidates and will choose between Houk Danzl-Tuaer, Sell-Wick and Galluzzo.

Allison Reid-Niemiec

Reid-Niemiec is a speech pathologist and is the secretary and compliance office for Parents Advocating for Students and Staff (PASS), past executive board member and secretary for Northern Illinois Speech Hearing Language Association. Reid-Niemiec has three children.

“I will serve you as an active listener, a passionate voice, and a research-based responder,” Reid-Niemiec told the audience at the recent candidate forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters.

“We need to continue to be financially stable but we also need to attract and retain our teachers,” Reid-Niemiec said in response to a question regarding the need to balance a quality education and the need to balance the financial burden on taxpayers.

“How do we do that? We bring everyone together in the community to unify in making collaborative decisions.”

All candidates were asked about online schooling options. “I am open to online classes if the need is there and if the option to take either a teacher –based course or an online course is given.  Then the online courses will not take the place,” Reid-Niemiec said. “The online courses are meant to enhance the way we educate our children and who is this going to be available to. Who are we going to target? Are we going to look at those questions before we say online courses are the way to go.”

Michael Rathbun

Rathbun is the associate director at Discovery Center Museum. He has served on District 100’s school board for the past seven years and is the current board president. Rathbun served on Boone County’s Special Education Coop Board from 2008 – 2014.

“We have seen declining local revenues and we still maintain a high quality education in the district. Graduation rates have not declined despite the poverty status increasing from 40 to 45%,” Rathbun said in regards to a question to balance quality education and the financial burden on taxpayers.

“We have had to work hard and be smart about how we use our money. We have had to work to keep the teachers that we have.”

In response to a question on retaining teachers in the district, “I think one of the big things is competitive pay, but that balances out with what the community can provide.  We cannot compete with the suburbs. The suburbs can provide so much more,” Rathbun said.

“We have to provide other things that will draw our teachers in that means a positive environment where teachers feel appreciated, providing teacher with the tools they need to succeed which means providing more one-to-one opportunities, get more technology in the classrooms, get teachers those tools that kids need, invite online educational opportunities so teachers can continue improving their skills, add more tools to the toolbox for their classroom.”

Frank Marks

Marks worked for 25 years at District 100 as a teacher and administrator. He was a division chairman, district curriculum coordinator, gifted director, bilingual director, and assistant superintendent. He previously served as the president and vice president of the Belvidere Education Association and served for 10 years on the Board for Woodstock Community Unit School District.

“We find ourselves in a great technological revolution that is affecting education as it is affecting every other area in the economy. The future for transition to that kind of world is open,” Marks said in regard to a question regarding his opinion of online education. “I would be for online education if it serves the needs of the students and the community.”

“If I was to be in a classroom 10 years ago and 100 years before that, I could point to many things that are similar. I would suggest in the next 10 years things are going to change much more radically than that. Board members have to be open to new ideas. At the same time protect those basic foundational goals that we are trying to accomplish.”

“The district has to be competitive in terms of wages and conditions. Another one is the particular feeling that a teacher has in terms for self-respect. In other words, a person has sacrificed a great deal to be a teacher,” Marks said in regards to a question on how to retain quality teachers.

“If someone is not treated in a way that goes along with that, there is pretty much a disappointment and the teacher cannot help but express that in some way or another. “

“I think one thing every school needs is a feeling that you are accomplishing something that means something to the district. We need to nurture our teachers and appreciate them.”

Holly Houk

Houk is a real estate assistant. She has worked as a noon aid in District 100 for the past seven years and worked with students in classrooms, playgrounds and has worked with students, teachers and administrators. Houk is the co-founder and coordinator of the Belvidere South Parent Volunteer Organization.

“The teachers are the soldiers. They are the ones doing the job,” Houk said in a question regarding how to attract and retain quality teachers.

“They are the ones with our children every day. We need to listen to them.  We need to make sure that the policies and the procedures that we are expecting them to deliver make sense in our schools today.”

“We need to listen. We need to make them part of the team and we need to be there for them. We need to give them the support when they need it.”

“I love this district. I love these families. I love these kids,” Houk said in her closing statement. “I have been in every school in this district. I know kids in every school. I know parents in every school. I know teachers in every school. I speak with them all of the time. I will work tirelessly and make sure that they are all taken care of and all students are given the best educational opportunities available to them.”

Lynette Danzl-Tauer

Danzl-Tauer is the chairman of the Life Science department at Rock Valley College and has 24 years’ experience in curriculum development, instruction, assessment and budgeting. She is a member of the Belvidere High School Music Boosters and is on the executive board of the Belvidere YMCA Barracuda swim team.

I believe it is the responsibility of school board and district to provide the best education it can for the students whether they are pursuing a college degree, technical/vocational career or special needs. It is important to meet those needs in a fiscally responsible manner.

“We need to have high quality teachers, para professionals, and custodial staff who keep our buildings running as best we can,” Danzl-Tauer said in response to a question on balancing a quality education with the financial burden on the taxpayer.

“As a taxpayer I hope we would stay on top of the ball. If we hire the cheapest teachers or least experienced para professionals and custodial staff we may not get our bang for our buck.

“I would rather that we spend a little more money and get the best quality that we can so our students can have a learning foundation of excellence.”

“Getting high quality experienced teachers costs money,” Danzl-Tauer said in response to a question on how to attract and retain quality teachers.

“We need to make sure that our school district is a desirable place to work. We want them to have a role in the shared governance of the district.

“We want to make sure their opinions are valued. I think that means more to teachers than the money does. I know it does for me.” 

“Research shows that teachers with more experience tend to have a better grasp of their teaching material, the subject matter. Research shows it takes about eight years for teachers to be master teachers and that is where we want them to be when they are interacting with our students.”

Heather Sell-Wick

Sell-Wick is the marketing and communications coordinator at Alpine Bank. Sell-Wick is running because she sees a disconnect with the school board, administration, staff and students and believes the gap needs to be sealed.

“When I hear online schooling options I hear two different things. I think of where my son can go online and learn math a little faster.

“I am 100 percent in support of that because he may not have time in class to finish  what he wants so he can sit online and finish it together. I support that fully,” Sell-Wick said in response to a question regarding her support for online education.

“I think one thing that we need to look at before we start offering online schools is that the student has the means to do their class online. Do they have a connection to the internet, do they have a means to use a computer. Do they have a means to get to the library to use a computer if they do not have a computer at home?”

“I think there are a whole lot of different things before we offer classes to everybody. I believe that this is a really good option if they cannot get the class at school and they want to learn more. Then it is a great option to have.”

“We need to find out from teachers who have longevity here what has kept them here. Why have you stayed here for so long?” Sell-Wick said in regards to a question on how to attract and retain quality teachers. “I think that will also attract great teachers.”

“The other thing we have to think about is will the board listen. Really listen. Take everything to heart.  We are going to make this district the number one district.”

Kelly Galluzzo

Galluzzo is an account executive for WREX. She previously was the executive director for 10 years at Growth Dimensions.

She is a board member of the Rockford YWCA and a former board member of the Northern Illinois Workforce Alliance.

“I worked to retain and attract business here. I marketed this place as a strong community with a strong education system,” Galluzzo said.

“I have been in countless meetings and had dialog with many education members, business members, pillars of the community looking for the best possible ways and best initiatives of what we can do to put our students and our district at the forefront of our workforce.”

“All stakeholders need to come together to define what is a quality education and what that looks like. That is developing a core comprehensive vision of what District 100 wants to look like and how it wants to get there.

“That includes goals being set and measurements being set,” Galluzzo said in reference to a question regarding the need to balance quality education with the financial taxpayer burden.

“As the district moves forward to achieve that vision it would have a road map that it would follow.  That process would involve community, administration, school board, parents, families, and tax payer base.”

April, 1, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BOONE COUNTY - There are no attention-getting offices to be filled in Tuesday's consolidated election. Typically, fewer than 20 percent of the registered voters go to the polls.

But there are plenty of reasons for Boone County voters to turn out this Tuesday.

One of those reasons is at the very end of the somewhat lengthy b allot. That is a non-binding referendum that will tell North Boone Community Unit School District 200 board members of voters want them to spend school facilities sales tax proceeds to build a new athletic stadium and track at the high school.

This is a $4.5-million project designed to replace facilities that were constructed in 1957. The school board could decide as early as May 4 whether to sell the bonds needed to pay for the improvements.

Beyond that, a number of seats on village boards, the Belvidere City Council and the county's two school districts are on the ballot.

In the city of Belvidere, aldermen will be elected in five wards.

In Ward 1, incumbent Independent Clayton Stevens is being challenged by a former alderman, Democrat Andrew Racz,  and newcomer A.M. "Marty" Mast, an Independent.

Incumbent Republican Daniel Snow is unopposed for another full, four-year term while Daniel N. Arevald. also a Republican, is the only candidate for an unexpired, two-year term.

There are two candidates for the Ward 3 seat being vacated by Karen Schrader, who is not seeking re-election. They are Republican Wendy Frank and Independent Daniel Hulina.

In Ward 4, incumbent Republican Ronald Brooks is unopposed for re-election.

And in Ward 5, the candidates for one seat are former Alderman Mark Sanderson, a Republican, and Independent John Sanders.

There are four vacancies in the village of Caledonia but only two candidates. They are incumbents Marcia Miller and Michael Pfaffinger, both Independents.

The village of Capron has one race with incumbent Kenneth Hawes, Elizabeth Kopacz and Steven Cavaliere, all Independents, running for two, four-year terms.

In addition, incumbent Nancy Jones is the only candidate for the two-year, unexpired term of Josephine Cavaliere, who was appointed village president in place of Ken Grzybowski, who resigned when he moved out of the village.

Cherry Valley has four candidates for three seats on the village board. They are incumbents Stephen Appell and Sally Hollembeak, former board member Scott Kramer and newcomer Jeffrey Fustin, all Independents.

There will be at least one new member of the Poplar Grove Village Board as eight-year Trustee Bob Fry is not seeking re-election. Candidates for three, four-year terms are incumbents Jeff Goings and Ron Quimby, former Trustee Edward Wethington and newcomers Neeley Erickson and James Jason Vodnansky.

Incumbent Timberlane Village Board members Donna Leone and Laura Herter are the only two candidates for a pair of four-year openings.

There is no contest in the Belvidere Park District where there are two candidates, Eric Dahl and Sam An, for two upcoming vacancies.

Belvidere Community Unit School District 100 will have two contests, with seven candidates for three, four-year terms.

Only one may be elected from Belvidere Township 44N Range 3E. Candidates are the current board President , Michael Rathbun, and newcomers Fred Marks and Allison Reid-Niemiec. Two may be elected from the rest of the townships. Those candidates are Holly Houk, Lynnette Danzl-Tauer, Kelly Galluzzo and Heather Sell-Wick.

There will be at least two new members of the North Boone Community Unit School District 200 Board of Education after Tuesday's election. Incumbents Denise Balsley and Amy Morse have not chosen to run again.

Candidates are incumbent Collin Crull, former District 200 transportation director Ed Mulholland, Mary Maxey, Richard Hutchinson and Joseph Haverly.

March 29, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - Police Chief Jan Noble has issued a 67-page annual report that touches on everything from criminal activity, to the work of the VIPs, to controlling gangs and citing intersections around the city where the most crashes occurred.

It was dedicated to former Deputy Chief Dave Ernest, who retired last year and subsequently was elected the new Boone County Sheriff.

The report was presented at a committee of the whole meeting Monday night (March 23) at Belvidere City Hall.

"It highlights our areas of focus in the last year," Chief Noble said.

He started by pointing out the department responded to more calls for service - 3,308 - than at any time over the past five years. January was the slowest month, with 197 incidents being reported, while June and July were the busiest, with 316 each.

There were increases in some of the index crimes, the most serious offenses, such as murder, robbery, assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft and sexual assault.

But there were no homicides in the city, which the chief said was a tribute to the quality of life being experienced here.

Assaults increased from 229 to 259; burglaries were up, from 79 to 114; robberies went from three to 12; and motor vehicle thefts increased from 16 to 28. The number of sexual assaults decreased from 41 to 34.

Narcotics offenses were up, from 349 in 2013 to 485 last year. "Drugs continue to drive crime in the city," Noble said.

But there were some inroads into the drug culture with Belvidere having one officer assigned to the Rockford-based  Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force.

During 2014, that group's efforts led to 90 arrests being made with 32,374 grams of cocaine being seized along with 2,723 grams of marijuana and 8,263 grams of heroin.

Additionally, 11 pounds of methamphetamine was taken off the street as well as 6 pounds of DMT.

More than $1.6 million in cash was seized as well.

Locally, there were 31 drug-related arrests including eight for delivery of heroin, which can mean "possession with the intent to deliver," and six for possession. Drugs purchased or seized by authorities amounted to $66,415 and included marijuana, cocaine, heroin, pills and psilocybin.

Most vehicle crashes

Belvidere police investigated 640 vehicle crashes last year, with Noble, in response to resident requests, breaking down the intersections where the most mishaps took place.

Locations along Bypass 20 took the first three places.

Bypass 20 and Pearl Street was at the top of the list with 17 crashes, followed closely by Bypass 20 and Town Hall Road with 16 and Bypass 20 and Genoa Road with 15.

Then the frequency dropped to 12, at Gateway Center and Chrysler, with 11 each at Genoa and Chrysler and at Bypass 20 and Appleton Road.

The list concludes with three intersections, which had 10 crashes apiece: Logan and Belvidere; North State and Appleton; and North State and Lincoln.

Gang intervention

Sgt. Matt Wallace supervises 12 officers who have been assigned to the Gang Intervention Unit.

That group is responsible for the suppression and elimination of street gang activity and their illegal involvement with narcotics.

Key ingredients in that work are Intensive intelligence gathering and communication and cooperation with other police agencies and federal law enforcement 

Belvidere police also work closely with county State's Attorney Michelle Courier, whose office has prosecuted a number of reputed gang members.

"We don't have the problems today that we had in 2006-07-08," Chief Noble said. "This was a good return on our investment (of $36,000) last year."

The unit made 476 documented contacts in 2014, arrested 25 people and issued 60 citations.

Others are there, too

The chief said he tries to have one sergeant and five officers on every shift. And while they're primarily the people who residents see on the street, there are many others who help the department live up to its goal of "protection with care and service with pride."

The canine unit has two dogs and they, along with their handlers, are a key part of the law enforcement effort.

During 2014 the dogs were part of 19 building searches, 132 drug arrests, serving of six search warrants, did 291 vehicle sniffs for contraband, helped conduct five school searches and had 420 other contacts.

Wilma retired May 22, 2014, and was replaced by Baks, whose handler is Officer Rob Kozlowski. Officer Brandon Parker and Ralphy are the other team.

Volunteers in Police Service, numbering 62 men and women, recorded 2,913 1/2 hours of work and went through 714 1/2 hours of training during 2014.

They help out at existing functions to allow law enforcement professionals to concentrate on their jobs.

Among the special events to which they were assigned were Immanuel Lutheran Church Touch-a-Truck, Heritage Days, National Night Out, YMCA Marathon, Prescription Medication Disposal, Feed-the-Needy food drive, Pioneer Fest, Hometown Christmas and all parades.

Working in schools

Belvidere Community Unit School District 100 supplies a $75,547.29 grant to the police department, which allows Officer David Ellingson to work at the high school and middle school. He's been doing that since the fall of 2008.

"He is often able to head off problems before they spill out into the community," Noble said. He added that if Ellingson had been at the committee meeting he would have "received a thumbs up from his chief."

Ellingson, who also coaches the boys varsity bowling team at Belvidere High School, maintains an open door contact with students.

Among other things, he develops personal relationships with school staff, students and parents. He communicates, listens and takes appropriate action when warranted.

"Calls for service" that were reported during 2014 numbered seven instances of battery; four thefts; three drug investigations, down from eight in 2013; and seven special details.

Revenue, grants

The police department received $164,812.60 in grants last year.

In addition to the $75,547.29 from School District 100, there was $57,381.11 from the Northern Illinois Motor Vehicle Task Force; $24,609.20 from IDOT Traffic Safety; and $7,275 from the Belvidere Park District for summer patrol.

City police participated in 12 Illinois Dept. of Transportation campaigns in 2014 that led to citations being issued for 134 seatbelt violations; 88 to uninsured motorists; 41 for speeding; 40 for driving with a suspenced or revoked lisense; 28 for DUI; 19 for drug possession; 17 for lack of registration; and nine for outstanding arrest warrants.

Other offenses included curfew, minor drinking of alcohol, blooc alcohol content in excess of .08, equipment problems, open alcohol, resisting arrest, cell phone use and texting while driving and obstruction.

Noble's report also stated the department generated $678,112.98 in revenue last year.

That came from traffic court tines, $457,857.71; impounded vehicle fees, $104,400; DUI equipment fines, $36,714.30; parking fines, $10,795; failure to appear warrant fines, $6,480; accident report fees, $5,161; range rental, $3,260; and e-citation fines, $2,288.80.

"While that's not a priority," the chief said of bringing in money, "it reflects the work that we do."

March 26, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - For years, the Boone County Board has voted annually to rebate property taxes needed to pay off bonds sold in 2000 to built a new jail.

It wasn't necessary to levy any taxes because voters in 1999 approved a half-penny increase in the local sales tax for the new jail. That public safety sales tax (PSST) generates well over the amount needed for the annual payment of about $580,000.

In concert with the annual rebate vote board members usually debate the scheduled sunsetting of the tax in 2018.

The last whereas of ordinance 15-08 reads: "...the bond payments will be satisfied in the year 2018 and at such time the county board hereby pledges to repeal the public safety sales tax ..."

In past years the board, usually in a split vote, always has approved the ordinance with that paragraph. But not Wednesday (March 18). The board that night voted 8-4 to eliminate that paragraph, leaving open the possibility that the tax will be remain in effect after 2018.

Board Chairman Bob Walberg, who supported removing the paragraph, said he always had opposed it.

He pointed out the county is continuing to lose money. Among the new challenges are:

* The possibility that it will lose $900,000 in income tax money it annually receives from the state. That potential was mentioned by newly elected Gov. Bruce Rauner in his first budget address last month.

Most officials believe counties and municipalities will see reduced funding, but not as much as stated by Rauner.

* Being required to pay fees for those deemed to be indigent, when they are involved in a court action.

* Increased cost of men and women serving as jurors in the court system. The county was paying $12 a day for such service. Now the cost has been increased to $25 for the first day and $50 for each succeeding day.

Walberg said the PSST fund has $1.4 million in it, which would go a long way toward recouping those losses. Right now, he said, "If we made all the cuts the sheriff would lose all his deputies."

Concerning the sunset year for the tax, he said, "This county board did not make that pledge. The last 'whereas' was added in 2002."

Board member Paul Larson authored the motion to amend the ordinance and remove that paragraph, with the second provided by member Sherry Giesecke.

Before the vote, board member Kenny Freeman said county voters, not the board, would have to agree to removing that wording.

But Larson countered, "This is a decision for the board in 2018. Why should we tie their hands?

Board member Denny Ellingson wondered if the sunset question would automatically come before the board that was sitting in 2018? "No," Walberg replied, "not unless that board or a board in the future brings it up."

Freeman asked who put the sunset date in the ordinance in the first place?

"I was asked to do it by a board member," County Administrator Ken Terrinoni answered. "That's when the bonds expire."

The ordinance amendment passed, 8-4. Then approval of the ordinance, as amended, was approved, 10-2.

Later, the board voted 11-1 to abate taxes for improvement to the courthouse.

March 25, 2015

By Tricia Goecks

Reporter

BELVIDERE – Manley Motors Ford Lincoln took a step forward its journey to its new home at the corner of State Street and Appleton Road in Belvidere with a groundbreaking ceremony on March 12.

The company which first moved to Belvidere in 1917 announced last October that it purchased the vacant Wolf dealership building at the corner of State and Appleton. In January, work began to demolish the building’s showroom while preserving the service and auto body areas. Manley Motors Ford Lincoln expects to move to their new home in August.

“This is the moment in our history that people will remember,” Belvidere mayor Mike Chamberlain said at the groundbreaking ceremony. “We managed to save a legacy firm, utilize a building from another legacy firm, and be financed within the community. It is the best of all things”

“We certainly feel this will attract other development as the community moves forward.”

The project is financed through Alpine Bank. Sjostrom & Sons in Rockford is the general contractor, and R.B. Custom Designs in Johnsburg is the architect.

“We were excited to be selected to work on this project,” Joel Sjostrom said. “We have been supporters of Belvidere for quite awhile. We are looking forward to completing the dealership in August and having another celebration at that point.”

The new building will feature a 6,600 square foot showroom office space as well as new roof on the existing building, updated lighting and fixtures as well as a fresh coat of paint.

“It is going to be modern with all new finishes throughout the showroom,” Rick Bierman from R.B. Custom Designs said. R.B. Custom Designs has designed more than a dozen car dealership facilities in recent years.

“They put a lot into customer amenities to make the customer happy.”

Among the amenities that the new Manley Motors facility will have will be Wi-Fi capabilities so that customers can surf the net or work while they wait for their vehicles in the service area.

“It so exciting having a state of the art building will help our customers,” Joe Hamblock, general manager at Manley Motors said. “It will have much more room, which we really need.”

In addition to the showroom office addition, among the most significant changes to the facility will be the new roof added to the existing structure which was built in the 1960s and 1970s.

“It is amazing; any building that sits vacant for a couple of years and simple maintenance gets neglected, it just starts falling apart” Bierman said

Wolf Automotive lost the Chevrolet franchise dealership in 2009 when General Motors was taken over by the federal government as part of the automaker’s bankruptcy reorganization.

Despite efforts to reinvent the facility as an “almost new – pre-owned” dealership, John Wolf was forced to close the business in 2013.

Many at the groundbreaking ceremony looked forward to the developmental opportunities that having the Manley and Wolf dealerships across the street from each other at the Appleton-State Street corner.

“Both sides of the street are going to be marked with fantastic institutions for car sales,” Jarid Funderburg executive director at Growth Dimensions said. “I am glad to see Belvidere support the second oldest Ford dealership in the world.”

“It is easier to find. Right now we are off the beaten path,” Hamblock said. “There is a lot of drive by traffic from both streets. Being across from Wolf will help them and us.”

“It will bring people to Belvidere and bring money to Belvidere.”

I am very excited,” Karen Manley Kahler added. “This will bring is so much more business than our old location.

The city of Belvidere purchased the existing home of Manley Motors Ford Lincoln at 621 S. State Street. The building most likely will be demolished.

“We thank Manley Motors for finding a way to stay in our community,” Chamberlain added.

March 24, 2015

By Rhonda Mix

Reporter

POPLAR GROVE – The Poplar Grove Vintage Wings & Wheels Museum, located at 5151 Orth Road, attracts visitors from all over the world.

Dedicated to pre-World War II transportation history, the museum sits on land attached to the Poplar Grove Airport.

It features several early 20th century airplane hangars and automotive garages as well as a number of plane and automobile displays – that are updated several times per year - for people to admire.

The museum showcases transportation through the years and reveals how time and innovation have changed the way people get around. Items on display include donated pieces as well as those on long-term or short-term loan.

Poplar exhibits have included a 1930 Model A Ford mail truck, donated by Gordie and Nada Geddes of Poplar Grove; a 16-foot bronze statute of early aviation pioneer Elrey B. Jeppesen, acquired with funds donated from Jack and Peggy Wolf, Belvidere; and a 1931 American Eagles Airplane donated by Gene Morris of Texas, which was Reserve Grand Champion at the 1976 Experimental Aircraft Association convention held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

According to documentation provided by the museum, in 1997, a group of people with shared interests in vintage aviation created the Poplar Grove Aviation Education Association. It was then that the idea for the Poplar Grove Vintage Wings & Wheels Museum was also born.

The PGAEA developed into a nonprofit organization focused on preserving early transportation artifacts, while promoting education about transportation fields, with an emphasis on aviation and automotive industries. The organization is funded through memberships, corporate sponsorships and donations.

After the creation of the PGAEA, Poplar Grove Airport then donated 12 acres on the north side of its property to the group for the museum. The organization soon acquired the Stone Works Progress Administration Building – otherwise known as the Waukesha Hangar – which currently houses the  exhibits and an office.

One interesting fact about the building? It is dubbed the Waukesha Hangar because it was originally built on the Waukesha County Airport near Milwaukee, in 1937. The original building was allegedly a big part of Midwestern aviation history, with more than 2,300 people, including most living airmail pilots, attending its 1938 dedication.

Saved from a fate of demolition, the building was carefully taken apart and moved to its new location in Poplar Grove. There it was reconstructed, using original metal beams, trusses, and ceilings –  and structured to match the original floor plan.

The Poplar Grove Vintage Wings & Wheels Museum and the PGAEA strive to preserve history and educate people.

A number of fundraisers and outreach programs, including field trips, summer camps, lectures and a scholarship program, are offered throughout the year.

“We bring the community together,” said Trudy Konopka, museum events coordinator. “We are not just for those who are extremely passionate about aviation, but we are also for people and viewers with casual interests in aviation as well.”

Every year, the association provides thousands of dollars in scholarship money to help people who are pursuing certifications or degrees in aviation and automotive industries.

Programs on-site include the Youth Exploring Aviation Program, open to young people between the ages of 15 and 21. This program includes hands-on work in the restoration of a 1941 Areonca aircraft; teaches classes relating to the theory of flight and introduction to flight; and allows kids to meet and work with professional pilots, take field trips and participate in museum events.

An active EAA chapter also is based on the north side of the museum and sponsors a program called Young Eagle Airplane Rides, for youth between the ages of 8 and 17.

A number of events and fundraisers take place at the museum or airport grounds throughout the year. Portions of money from these events also fuel scholarships and outreach programs.

One such event is the annual Murder Mystery Dinner, which will take place at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at the Waukesha Hangar.

The event will feature catered food, an interactive dinner theater performance by the museum's Vintage Players, raffles and more.

“Guests are welcome to come in costume,” Konopka said. “This year we are doing a 1950s theme. It is a one-of-a-kind theater. People may have been to dinner theaters before, but this one is kind of special.”

Tickets to the dinner are limited.

The museum is open Monday through Friday, and the first Saturday and second Sunday of each month, from May through October.

For information, admission fees and a full list of upcoming events, visit  poplargrovewingsandwheels.com or call (815) 547-3115.

March 22, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - The Boone County Health Department is getting high marks from the March of Dimes and Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) for a couple of its community programs.

The March of Dimes likes the department's program on becoming a mom so much that it's going to be the subject of a two-to-three-minute documentary. Boone County was chosen from all of the sites in Illinois.

A film crew recently flew in from California to do a commercial on the program.

The health department's second, six-session program, made possible by a grant, ended March 16. It dealt with such subjects as nutrition, labor and delivery, handling stress during the pregnancy and caring for the baby.

It's a bilingual project, held during the evening with dinner provided, which culminates with a trip to SwedishAmerican birthing center, which is used by most health department clients.

A third program is slated to be conducted in July.

The health department also sponsors a Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) in its parking lot for a short time each summer.

The success of the 2014 program recently was saluted by IDHS as being second best in the state when it came to 58.67 percent coupon redemption rate.

Coupons are given to WIC clients of the department and they are able to use them for purchases at local farmers markets. The market sponsored by the city of Belvidere and the one at Dodge Lanes are eligible to participate in the program.

"It is evident that your staff's efforts in working with your WIC clients, the local farmers and farmers' markets has resulted in increased (coupon) redemption rates...," wrote Penny Roth, chief of the Bureau of Family Nutrition for IDHS.

"Among the 36 participating WIC agencies in the program, Boone CHD (Community Health Department) was the second highest with an overall rate of 59.59 percent in redeemed FMNP checks." 

Roth commended the health department staff for their "creativity, dedication and commitment" to the summertime program.

Information about the recognition was given to the department's overseeing board of health at its March meeting.

The good news prompted reaction from two board members.

Kathleen Taylor said how pleased she was to hear the department was being commended for the work it coes in the community.

"The staff is not sitting on their hands," department Administrator Cynthia Frank said in response.

Another board member, Vice President Jim Cox, asked Frank to be sure she included the recognitions in her next report to the county board.

Some criticism about the way the department does business has come from a few county board members over the past 1 1/2 years.

March 22, 2015

By Tricia Goecks

Reporter

GARDEN PRAIRIE - As part of Boone County lore, is the story of the township of Amesville. The township was named after William Ames who owned the Ames Tavern along the stagecoach line.

When the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad was being developed, the owner of the Ames Tavern was concerned that the railroad would interfere with his stagecoach trade and refused to allow the railroad to build a station in the settlement. The station was built two miles to the east in what is now Garden Prairie.

And the Ames home was moved by the railroad to its present location, where it still stands today. And is the home of Susie’s Garden Patch on Rt. 20 in Garden Prairie.

Susie’s Garden Patch was started on May 2, 1985 by Doug and Susie Silberhorn.

They raised their three daughters Christina (Winch), Rebecca (Perry) and Mary (Brubach) on the 86 ½ acre farm. The farm is now owned by their youngest daughter Mary along with her husband Kevin.

Susie’s Garden Patch is a U-Pick farm that grows everything from lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, melons, strawberries, asparagus, tomatoes, peppers, pumpkins, squash and herbs.

During the coldest days of the winter, Mary Brubach could be found in the Garden Patch’s greenhouse planning the seeds for the tomatoes, peppers and herbs.

Two twin sized waterbeds that Susie Silberhorn purchased for $25 each helps provide warmth for the seeds until the seedlings begin to emerge and Brubach can bring the flats to her counterpart in Cortland who starts his fruits and vegetables during the month of January.

The flats planted in February are brought to the greenhouse in Cortland so that both farms can cut heating and electrical costs of heating the greenhouse. In March, more flats are planted and placed in the high towers located on Susie’s Garden Patch.

“We expect to plant the lettuce, broccoli, and cabbage and cauliflower in the field in the middle of April,” Brubach explained. “They are cold crops and they tolerate the cold well.”

“Tomatoes and peppers will be planted around May 15.”

The unpretentious farm nestled between the Kishwaukee River and the Union Pacific; it attracts customers from the Chicago area who seek a day in the country.

“They want their kids to see what it is like to pick their own vegetables. We do not have a big fancy playground. We do not charge for parking. We are a farm,” Brubach says unapologetically. “That is what we want to be. I want to be able to grow vegetables.”

Tradition and family are important to Brubach. With the farm in its 30th year, the Silberhorn’s dream has the potential to become a century farm.

“I could live to see this become a centennial farm,” Brubach said. “We moved here nine days before second birthday.”

“I see what it can be. Kevin and I are researching kits where we can take an old silo and make it a windmill.”

Following Doug Silberhorn’s death in April 2013, Wesley Winch had a difficult time dealing with his grandfather’s death and he told his Aunt Mary that he wanted to walk in his grandfather’s footsteps.

“The day after the memorial service, Wesley and I walked around the farm and I asked him what he sees. And he tells me what he sees. I said did you know that every time you walk on this farm, you are walking in grandpa’s footsteps,” Brubach told her four year old nephew.

“He asked how. I told him this is where grandpa walked. This is what grandpa did. This is what he loved. Every time you walk on this farm, you are walking in grandpa’s footsteps. This is what he loved.”

Brubach strives to continue her father’s legacy while she and her husband make their own mark on the farm.

“I see the beauty. I see what he sees. He took such pride in that and such joy. I am now seeing that in the way he saw it. I enjoy it,” Brubach said.

A conservationist, Brubach is proud of the wildlife that calls their land home.

“One thing my dad always said was that he would do anything he could do to protect the wildlife. Out of the three girls, I was the most activist when it came to protecting nature,” Brubach said.

The property is home to snapping turtles, sand hill cranes, beaver, deer turkey, and possibly a river otter.

“One of the most exciting things is last year I have seen the most monarchs since I was 10 or 12. I saw the most last year,” Brubach said.

She has plans to increase the monarch habitat on their property.

“A good friend of mine last year works at the conservation district and he is giving me ideas of what to plant by the river so that way I can enhance some of this stuff,” Brubach said.

“I learned a lot about them from Roger Gustafson. He helped me identify some of the plants by the river. It doesn’t mean I want to plant milkweed in my fields. But it doesn’t mean I can’t plant marsh milkweed down by the river.”

March 19, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - It's regional competition time again, with Boone County's Flaming Monkeys robotics team slated to be in Milwaukee on Saturday for the first of two consecutive regional tournaments.

The goal is to finish high enough there, or in Chicago in April, to reach the World Championships in St. Louis, Mo.

They did so six years ago, in their inaugural season. They were selected by one of the teams in the Top 8 to form a three-team alliance in competition with other clubs from around the world.

Zach Hoegberg, current president of the Monkeys, a 4-H club, said they want to be one of the eight choosing others to accompany them to St. Louis.

He was at an open house last Saturday in the lower level of the club's home base in the Belvidere Township office building at 8200 Fairgrounds Road.

Township Supervisor Pat Murphy and other officials made the space available to them in 2012. Up until that that time they had been building, designing, programming and testing robots at the Matt Jenkins home.

Last year, Murphy was honored at a regional competition with the "Make It Loud" award, for his dedication to the Monkeys and overall interest in robotics.

Now a middle school team, named the Atomic Chimps and for those 9-13 years of age, shares space at the township office. And a third robotics team, the recently formed Techno Tamarians for wider range of enthusiasts, is based at the R&D Thiel Carpenter Contractors of America building in Belvidere.

Zach is a junior at Belvidere High School, though he takes classes at Rock Valley College through the Running Start program. He is in his third year with the Flaming Monkeys.

He explained that this year's competiton is different than in the past.

Before the student-built robots would throw things, such as balls and discs, at targets, such as slits in boards and basketball hoops. All that while competing for space on a court with other teams' robots.

This year the competition will be less confrontational, with the individual robot's ability to do a specific task earning points. The goal is to stack totes on the rear of the machine. Bonus points will be awarded if the driver is able to put a garbage can on top of the totes.

The Monkeys were allowed to remove their competition robot from a plastic enclosure, where it had been put a few weeks ago, during a demonstration at the township open house. The competition team was not able to operate the machine and after four years of freedom, it was put wrapped up again to await this week's trip to Milwaukee.

Zach said the team goes to Milwaukee mostly for practice and to compete against stronger opponents than they will see in Chicago a bit later. There will be about 55 robots at both regionals, he said.

Locally, teams from Roscoe and Stateline will join Boone County in Milwaukee, with Rockford and Winnebago teams going to Chicago.

There are regional competitions around the world including Canada, Israel, Mexico and Australia. From those events some 600 teams will converge on St. Louis, where they will be divided into eight fields of 75 each.

Major sponsors for the Flaming Monkeys are Best Buy Children's Foundation, SJTI, Belvidere Township, IEEE, Woodward, United Technologies and FCA Foundation.

The Techno Tamarians are sponsored by Print World, R and D Thiel, Area Mechanical and FIRST Tech Challenge, which organized the first robotics tournament in 1992 at a high school in New Hampshire.

March 18, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

POPLAR GROVE - Students at North Boone High School are known for their service to the community.

Seventeen of them have come together, along with sponsoring Lions clubs in Capron and Poplar Grove, to form a Leo Club at the school.

An organizational ceremony and dinner was held Thursday night in the school's cafeteria. Among those attending were District Gov. Jim Kloepping; Vice District Gov. Pam Graney; Zone Chair/Trustee Steve Boettger; NBHS Principal Jake Hubert; and Assistant Principal Heather Walsh.

Former District Gov. Roger Day of Poplar Grove was in the audience.

Sponsors of the new club were Barb Sager, a member of Capron Lions Club; Jodie Embry, representing the high school; and Bob Kemp and Bob Alderman, members of the Poplar Grove Lions Club.

"Bob Kemp was relentless in not letting this go," Graney said. "He wanted a Leo Club here."

A Leo Club, she explained, is a leadership, service organization that's sponsored by a Lions Club. It is open to boys and girls 12-18 years of age so, one day, there also may be a club at the middle school.

"This is a great opportunity," Hubert said. "We have great expectations from this group."

It is the first student club at the school that is affiliated with a fraternal organization.

Graney installed the first set of officers while informing them of their responsibilities. They are: Mariela Perdomo, president; Skyler Yunk, vice president; Jacob Blouin, secretary; and Bryan Guzman, treasurer.

She then installed the rest of the members, telling them what a privilege it was to be a member of a Leo Club.

Those included Lindsay Anderegg, Pattsy Alvarez, Jade Campos, Sarah Carlson, William Cunzeman, Kyle Hoffmann, Nicholas Krawczyk, Thomas Lee, Griffin Schuster, Johnathan Salman, Kristine Tukesbrey, Mason Yunk and Nancy Zuniga.

The signing of the charter followed.

"Together, we will work to make a successful beginning," Perdomo said.

District Gov. Kloepping first joined a Lions Club in 1986. "Why not earlier?" he asked, then answering his own question, "Because no one asked me."

"This is the price you pay for the space you occupy," he said, offering his definition of service. "I believe these new Leos will be doing that."

For Zone Chair/Trustee Boettger has been secretary of the nearby Kirkland Lions Club for 21 years. For him, the best thing about service is "seeing the faces of the people we serve."

Poplar Grove Lions Club President Owen Costanza said club member Ron Quimby, who was unable to attend the dinner, started the new Leo Club off with a $50 pledge.

The new Leo Club will kick off its existence by assisting the Boone County Soil & Water Foundation with its annual tree sale. Pickup will be April 24-26 at 18528 Poplar Grove Road.

For details call Bob at (815) 765-3266 or Jim at (815) 544-2677.

March 17, 2015

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

BELVIDERE – It is a rare opportunity for people to hear the inside story of the Miss America pageant outside of a 30 second well-rehearsed sound bite. When the Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 100th anniversary dinner on March 11 at the Radisson Hotel in Rockford, approximately500 people got to hear Belvidere’s own Judi Ford Nash tell her Miss America story in her own words.

Nash’s life story would have taken a different journey if she had not accepted a request to be Miss Super Value in the 1966 Boone County Fair Queen Pageant. A tomboy and athlete, Nash never considered herself to be the pageant type. A member of the Kiwanis swim team, she took up the trampoline in an effort to improve her diving.

“When I was 16, I was approached by the manager of the Super Value and asked if I would like to be Miss Super Value at the Miss Boone County Fair Contest,” Nash said. “And I said ‘are you kidding me.’ But all of us at the pool thought it would be a lark. So I entered. And I won.”

Nash went on to compete at and win the Miss State Fair Pageant and also won the title of junior national trampoline champion.

As Nash was crowning her successor for Miss Boone County 1967, Fair Board President Les Carlson announced that he was appointing Nash to represent the county in the Miss Illinois pageant. “You can do your trampoline for your talent. We’ll just go from there,” Nash recalled Carlson as telling her.

That fall, Nash left to attend the University of Southwestern Louisiana where she was the lone female on the team and was coached by Jeff Hennessy. She was the first female to compete interscholastically for the university since the 1920s, and she was the first female to letter in a varsity sport.

The Miss Illinois pageant was almost an afterthought to Nash while she spent her freshman year in college away from home.  She had plans to work in Louisiana over the summer until her mother reminded her that she was supposed to compete in the Miss Illinois pageant.

After winning the Miss Illinois pageant, Nash travelled six weeks later to Atlantic City to compete in the Miss America contest on Sept. 7, 1968.

“When I went out there, no one thought I would win. Even the Miss Illinois pageant people said ‘well Judi, go out and have a good time. You don’t have a chance. Number one you are 18. You are too young. Number two, you are blonde. A blonde hasn’t won in 12 years. Number three….that athletic thing. .It could go either way. You know, Miss America is not supposed to sweat,’” Nash recalled. “In many ways I think it helped me because it took the pressure off. My goal when I went out there was to finish in the top ten.”

The reason why Nash wanted to finish in the top ten was so that the hometown fans who flew out from Belvidere would be able to enjoy her pageant experience for more than a few seconds on stage during the televised finals.

Nash was a shoe in for the top ten finalists having won the swimsuit and talent competitions during the pageant’s preliminary competitions.

As a top ten finalist, Nash competed in the talent portion of the competition. She was not allowed to warm up nor have a spotter. And she had a bee hive hairdo.

Nash performed her routine to Johan Strauss II’s “Blue Danube Waltz.” Her performance began as a tumbling routine before she moved to the trampoline. “Trampoline is a 10 bounce routine and I had to do it for 2 minutes and 40 seconds. I was thinking I don’t think I could do it that long,” Nash said. Of the thoughts that went through her head as she performed her routine and at least once bounced precariously close to the edge of the trampoline was “please do not let my knees buckle.”

As a top five finalist, Nash competed in the interview portion of the competition. Earlier in the week, Nash completed a pageant questionnaire. One of the questions asked what would be her greatest goal or accomplishment as Miss America should she win.

“World peace is probably taken,” Nash recalled thinking. “I would like people to learn to live together more peacefully and happily,” she scribbled on the paper.

When it was time during the pageant for the interview portion, the first four contestants received relatively easy questions. One contestant was asked why she became a music major. Another contestant was asked about the work she did at a pea factory.

Expecting to be asked about the trampoline, Nash was stunned when Bert Parks said “you said on your questionnaire your greatest accomplishment would be to make people live people live more peacefully and happily. What specifically would you do to accomplish this?”

“On the video there are 8 full seconds where people think I am formulating this great answer. But really I was sitting there thinking this is so unfair,” Ford quipped.

After getting over the injustice of the question, Ford replied “I think a person has to learn that he is not better than his neighbor and that all people are equal and should be given equal opportunity.”

As the top five finalists took the stage to await the pageant results, Nash thought “Wow gee, I could be in fifth place….wow gee, I could be in fourth place….wow gee, I could be in third place…oh my! There is an outside chance I could win this thing.”

When Catherine Monroe, Miss Massachusetts was announced as the first runner up and Nash was announced as Miss America, it took a full five seconds for the look of shock to disappear from Nash’s face and to react.

Belvidere celebrates

As Parks sang the iconic  “There she is Miss America” and Nash raced up and down the runway, the City of Belvidere erupted in celebration.

“I understand the biggest celebration was in Belvidere that night. They had parties,” Nash said. “Pianos in the street and everything.”

Over the course of the next year was a whirlwind tour. Nash appeared on the Johnny Carson show. She travelled 20,000 miles per month and 250,000 miles in the year. She attended President Richard Nixon’s inauguration.

On Halloween weekend, she returned to Belvidere for her homecoming parade. “One of biggest highlights was my homecoming. It was the most amazing thing. I could not tell you how overwhelmed I was. Bill Branham did a wonderful job organizing it,” Nash said. “There were floats depicting various things in my life. We had the governor and there was a dinner at the Community Center.”

“I was so excited to see familiar faces because I had been doing appearances for a couple of months and it was a sea of faces. To come home and see my people just meant the world to me. I don’t think any Miss America had as wonderful a homecoming as I did.”

During her year as Miss America, Nash travelled to Vietnam with six other contestants from the pageant to perform with the USO. “My parents were more worried about our safety than I was. I thought yes it is a war, but the USO will take care of us,” Nash stated. “There were times when an incoming round would come in and we had to go into the bunkers.”

Surprisingly enough, it wasn’t the incoming rounds that frightened Nash during her time at the bases and camps in Vietnam. “There were a lot of mosquitos and in the evening you would see lizards on the ceiling to eat the mosquitos,” Nash explained. “I tried to go to sleep and you had lizards on the ceiling which wasn’t half as bad as waking up in the morning and wondering where they went.”

While in Vietnam, Nash had the opportunity to connect with friends from home. “While I was there countless times I would be back stage they would say Miss Ford this guy out here says he knows you he is from your hometown,” Nash said. She was surprised to see friends or acquaintances from Belvidere that she did not know had stationed in Vietnam during the war.

“I started becoming a pen pal with every GI I knew over there because I knew how much it meant to me to have letters from home or contact from home so I made an effort to do that.”

A small act of kindness of Nash’s part became important lifeline to the soldiers. Since returning home and moving with her husband Jim to Geneseo, Ill., many of the Vietnam veterans have gotten in touch with Nash. One man told her husband “I wanted to tell you how much it meant to us to have your wife and the other girls bring a little bit of home to us.”

Since ending her reign as Miss America, Nash was appointed by President’s Nixon and Gerald Ford to the President’s Council on Fitness and Sports and eventually became a physical education teacher for grades kindergarten through fifth grade, coached the seventh grade basketball team and coached the girls’ golf team.

Nash and her husband have five children in their blended family and are the proud grandparents to 12 grandchildren.

“You never know when a decision that you make will change the course of your life. I look back and think what if I hadn’t decided to be Miss Super Value,” Nash concluded. “When I said yes I would be Miss Super Value, it changed the course of my life. I am grateful that it happened and everything that has happened since.”

March 15, 2015

UNION – The McHenry County Historical Society kicks off its annual Sampler Series Monday, March 16, with a topic that is sure to get your toes tapping.

Musician and history buff Mary Ellen Heelan, of Cary, will present “We Sang! We Danced! A Musical History of McHenry County” at 3 p.m. at the McHenry County Historical Society Museum, 6422 Main St., in Union.

“This is an overview: Where people went, the kind of music they listened to, and what was going on culturally,” Heelan said. “If there was one thing that got my attention it was probably the dance halls. I was fascinated by how many [caught fire]. You look at these places and it is kind of like ghosts rising from the embers. I’m helping to bring it back to life.”

In addition to being president of music entertainment business, Heelan is a board-certified music therapist with a degree from DePaul University. She earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Saint Xavier University in Chicago and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. Needless to say, she has an inquisitive mind.

“When I started out I had little bits and pieces. But I wanted to know what the sounds were; actually hear the music,” Heelan said. “Music is universal and it’s part of everyone’s experience. If you understand the music people made, you understand the people themselves.”

Heelan did track down some original music from Bob Freund’s Orchestra and some original sheet music.

“You can tell a great deal about the times from lyrics of songs,” she said. “You can tell what is politically correct and what isn’t.”

Heelan noted that “I Left My Sugar Standing in the Rain (My Sugar Melted Away),” for example, reinforces the stereotype that it takes a Chinaman to properly clean and press a shirt.

By and large, musicians were local. Most of them had day jobs and many have either died or are in poor health. Despite this, Heelan has been fortunate enough to interview some band members who still are here.

“The Botts Moonlight Serenaders from Woodstock, the Red Devils and Eddie Peabody. You are not going to get these guys re-mastered on YouTube videos,” she said. But Heelan can, and does, pay homage to their music in song – by singing and playing the piano and accordion.

A Downers Grove native, Heelan moved to McHenry County 10 years ago by way of Oklahoma. She credits that detachment and an insatiable curiosity for being able to approach the now three-year detective story with a fresh eye. Along the way she learned the largest dance hall in the county in the early 1900s was Pabst Hall, located in the Strode’s Furniture building at 11707 E. Main St. in Huntley, and that even the smallest town’s boasted opera houses – some, like Marengo, linked by special trains to Chicago.

“Everywhere I go I ask: ‘Where did people dance?’” Heelan said. “I’d like to be the catalyst, in a tiny way, for bringing parts of the community together to preserve local history.”

The four-part series continues every other week through April. Upcoming Samplers are:

• 7 p.m. Monday, March 30 – “Domestic Servants in the 19th Century.” Speaker Erika Hoist, curator of the Edwards Place historical home in Springfield, talks about domestic servants and their role in the 1800s when “hired girls” were common in middle-class households across Illinois. Learn about these immigrants, their duties and how their responsibilities evolved over time. Handle period artifacts such as mixing bowls and a flat iron.

• 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 14 – “Man Who Knew Lincoln” ­– The Historical Society is partnering with the McHenry County Civil War Roundtable to bring Abraham Lincoln’s law partner, William Herndon, to the McHenry County Historical Society museum. After his friend’s death,

Herndon (portrayed by Ron Halversen of the Kenosha Civil War Museum), undertook the enormous task of writing Lincoln's biography. The performance portrays Herndon after he conducted all his research on Lincoln. Much of the information he gathered came courtesy of Lincoln’s friends and family. Herndon discovered Lincoln’s earliest speeches, about navigating rivers, and an account of young Lincoln’s distain for slavery.

After stumbling into a slave market during a boat trip to New Orleans, Lincoln vowed to abolish the practice should he ever get the chance.

• 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 28 – “The Journey to Mollie's War: WACs and World War II.” Speaker Cyndee Schaffer’s discusses the often overlooked impact of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) during World War II. It traces the footsteps of the women who served in Europe, following her and her fellow WACs who were stationed in London, England, before D-Day and during the post-D-Day German buzz bomb attacks. WACs were the first women other than nurses to serve overseas in World War II.

All programs are at the Society museum, 6422 Main St. in Union. Series tickets are $35, $30 for Society members. A $10 donation is requested for individual programs. The servants and WAC programs are made possible through a grant from the Illinois Humanities Council. For information, call (815) 923-2267.

March 12, 2015

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

In January 2014, the Belvidere school district approved a three to five year strategic plan.  Among the initiatives under the category of college and career preparedness was: develop five magnet schools by 2017.

As part of that initiative, plans are in the works to develop vocational training programs at Belvidere High School. As with the dual credit programs at Belvidere North High School, the programs would be available to all students in the district.

Initially, the vocational programs will be welding and health science programs. “The goal is with all of these programs to give students course work while in high school and get all of the prerequisites to start off right going into any post-secondary education,” Carl Hobbs, assistant principal at Belvidere High School said. Hobbs is taking the lead on spearheading the district’s efforts on this initiative. “The whole focus is to shift our thinking to give students the employability skills and not just those skills that they have to attend a four year degree to get there.”

 “Welding is something that a lot of industries in our area said ‘if you train welders, we are going to hire them,’” Hobbs explained.

“One of the programs we are trying to create is a two year welding program. By the time they are done with it, students will have an assembly line certificate. Then let’s say they go off to Rock Valley College, they only have 12 semester hours left to be fully certified as a welder for what is needed for industry.”

Welding is the first step in the industrial sciences technical certification path for District 100 students. Plans are to eventually add metal fabrication and tool and die programs.

“I do not see this as a destination. I see this as a journey,” Hobbs said. “It is ongoing. It will continue to evolve. We will add quality programs. Once we get a good quality program, own it. Then we can add more.”

In addition to the welding program, the district will be adding a health sciences program. “On the other side we need health care. Students need to know at the freshman level if you take this sequence of courses this will get you in line to go after the surgical tech, nursing, pharmacy tech, or phlebotomy,” Hobbs said.

The welding and health sciences programs were selected based on conversations with area companies. District personnel engaged area companies including Chrysler, UTC and Woodward about the skills they needed from prospective employees. “We asked the industry people at the beginning of the process ‘what do you find that you need.’ A lot of the initiative has come from our local industry,” Hobbs said.

“We are surrounded by many hospitals and medical centers. The average age of a nurse today is 46 years old. Imagine what is going to happen in the next 15, 20 years. They are all going to be retiring.”

“That is the relationship that I want to build is between the schools and local industry.  Let’s take care of people in our own back yard,” Hobbs said.

“There is going to be a need down the road for skilled trade folks on the manufacturing side. There are going to be lots of people retiring in the coming years and there aren’t enough folks coming into the system to replenish the people who are retiring,” Jodi Tinson, manufacturing and labor communications at Chrysler said. “There is a push to try to get more folks interested in those more technical positions in the skilled trade positions form millwrights to electricians to pipe fitters. Electricians are pretty obvious. Others like the millwrights are less well known.”

“To get young people to know that there are positions available. They might not necessarily be college bound student but there are opportunities for them to make exceptional livings in positions such as these.”

 “Everyone is so focused on college. There is this whole other avenue with the trade school, and make people aware that these jobs still exist and there is a huge need for them,” Tinson said. “Down the road they can make a very good living in those fields”

District 100 expects to add in the fall 2015 courses that will help students earn college credit for courses that are the prerequisites in the medical field. Many positions in the medical field require similar coursework.

“We are finding all of the health care agencies around here are saying we need to get our students educated not only about nursing and being a doctor but also the lab technician, surgical techs, pharmacy techs, medical coding all of those other things that you can have a career in the health field that students don’t know about,” Hobbs added.

Traditionally, students begin to think of their career goals during their junior and senior years in high school. Incoming freshman attended the Academy Expo in September 2014 with Rockford Public School students to learn about possible career fields.  Students are encouraged to think about what they may want to do in the future so they can take courses in high school that will earn them dual credit in college or serve as prerequisites for programs. “Here is a freshman to walk into the door you know what that expectation is so that as a junior or senior you are not saying I wish I would have taken chemistry or anatomy or physiology or microbiology. If I would have, I could have gone right into this medical field,” Hobbs said.

Career readiness begins early

It isn’t just at the high school level that students are preparing for the future. Elementary school students are developing the skills necessary for the future.

Students at Washington Academy, District 100’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) magnet school are learning real world skills.

“Our students do group work and focus on 21st century skills,” Kelly Murdock, principal at Washington Academy said. “Our students need to be able to learn new things, try things. They need to be able to fail and know that they can go back and refine.”

Students work with employees from area companies including General Mills and Chrysler to work on projects. “We had someone from Chrysler come in and work with us in designing cars. He talked about how Chrysler goes through the engineering design process. He helped them design their own cars and build it,” Murdock said.

Students at Washington Academy work in collaborative teams on projects. The students work together on projects in class. Each student plays a vital role for in the completion of the team project.

“It is not just making a poster. They are creating their own thing. Fifth graders are designing a knee brace. One knee brace might look totally different than the next group’s,” Murdock added. “They are able to create in their minds what they want and not just what the teacher tells them.”

“When the Chrysler employee came in, there were some that looked awesome and amazing, and they thought out of the box.”

“You have a logical draw with the STEM curriculum as well as the trade school track,” Tinson praised District 100’s magnet school initiatives for career preparedness.  “There is also a shortage of engineers out there.”

With Dart and Patriot having some of their best sales months, Chrysler is actively looking to hire salaried and hourly employees. They are looking for maintenance supervisors, control engineers and unit leaders as well as skilled trade employees such as electricians, millrights, and pipefitters.

Many of the salaried positions that Chrysler is looking to fill require a degree in engineering. Many of the hourly positions require a high school diploma or GED plus a trade certification.

District 100’s initiatives could not have come at a better time.

March 11, 2015

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

The Special Olympics oath states “Let me win. But if I cannot win. Let me be brave in the attempt.”

Being brave in the attempt was de rigueur on Saturday March 7 when 518 brave individuals took the plunge at Rock Cut State Park in Caledonia.

The Polar Plunge, that is.

The Polar Plunge raised $117,019. The event attracted supporters of Special Olympics for a chilly dip in Olson Lake.  Each person making the plunge raised at least $75 for Special Olympics. Many of the participants wore costumes. After racing into the water, many of the participants dove under the water and several of them made their way to the far end of the water to high five the personnel who wore wet suits in the water.

Because Olson Lake is still covered in thick ice, workers on Friday cut back an area in Olson Lake for the participants to jump into the freezing cold water.  Overnight, the water froze and the workers had to repeat the ice removal.

“Rock Cut went above and beyond the call of duty to help us take the plunge,” Debbie Kelly, director of Northwest Illinois Special Oympics said.

Through fundraisers such as the Polar Plunge and the Law Enforcement Torch Run, Special Olympians do not pay to train or participate in the games.

Among the first teams to make the plunge was Barry’s Team. Belvidere’s Barry Tillema was helped into the water by his father Arnie and Christel Ilg. Barry Tillema has been participating in the Polar Plunge since it first began in the area 10 years ago. The only time he missed participating was when he was hospitalized.

“I like to do it. I thought this would be a good thing for me to do,” Tillema said.

Ilg from Capron has been participating in the Polar Plunge for the last four years. She has been involved in Special Olympics since its 1968 inception. As a member of the Clipped Wings, an organization of former and retired flight attendants, Ilg travels throughout the world to volunteer at national and international Special Olympics games. “It is a fantastic way of making money and helping out,” Ilg said.

Ilg was impressed by the increased level of support that people with special needs and Special Olympics have received since she first was involved in the organization. “From 1968 until now it is a total difference,” Ilg noted.

“The awareness in the area is great,” Jen Hazelwood, volunteer director from BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center in Caledonia and Harvard added.

Hazlewood carried BraveHearts flag with her into frigid water. “We are a big supporter of Special Olympics,” Hazlewood, said. The Special Olympics Equine Games are held at BraveHearts’ Caledonia facility. “We have six of here doing it from the president all of the way down to volunteers.”

Rockford East High School and Belvidere High School were recognized as the two schools raising the most amount of money. Students from East raised $3,207. The Freezing Our Bucs Off team raised $2,328.

“This is a great representation of our youth,” Kelly praised the East and Belvidere students.

“To see the support and raising over $100,000 is just incredible,” Ryan McKnight from Garden Prairie said. The B Club, varsity athletes from Belvidere High School, is participating for the first time this year. “And this is just one of the areas doing it. Knowing that there are other areas doing it is just incredible.”

The Polar Plunge is held at 20 locations in Illinois throughout the winter and early spring. Through March 8, Polar Plunge participants have raised nearly $1.7 million.

Because of the money raised Special Olympians do not pay to participate or compete in their sports.

“We see them every day how much it means to them,” Hazelwood said.  “BraveHeart athletes prepare  for it all year long and we see how excited they are when it comes along and when they get those medals. It is awesome.”

“It is fun being part of a team, wearing a uniform and competing in sports and winning a medal,” Tillema added.

Coaches from Iddy Biddy Pool School in Sycamore took the plunge and raised $6,695.03. The team took top honors for the most money raised by a team with less than 15 participants, most money raised by an individual and best costume. Jeremy Stine from the team raised $2,532.

“All of us volunteer coaches work for Opportunity House out of Sycamore,” Stine said. “Each year we work really hard to do this.”

Opportunity House serves 275 individuals with disabilities. The program offers 24 hour residential care, intermittent residential care, developmental training, Special Olympics and recreational activities.

Like many of the participants, Stine plunged all of the way into the water this year. “It is beyond cold,” Stine said. “I came up and had no breath and could not walk.”

“We all went under,” Tyler Lass from the Freezing our Bucs off team added. “It was cold.”

Ilg asked this intrepid reporter if she will be participating in the Polar Plunge next year. As someone who takes 20 minutes to fully enter her heated swimming pool in August, that answer is a no. But I will donate to the cause and come cheer the other participants on the first Saturday in March.

“It goes to a good cause,” Tillema said.

March 10, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - Garden Prairie Organics (GPO) is asking the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to renew its operating permit for a landscape waste compost facility at 11887 U.S. 20 in unincorporated Garden Prairie.

The EPA has allowed a window for comments and it will close March 18, which coincidentally is the date of the next Boone County Board meeting.

That set the county's planning, zoning and building committee in action Wednesday night (Feb. 11) in hopes of getting a county board resolution to the EPA, expressing concerns about operations at the 35.6-acre site.

Committee member Raymond Larson claimed GPO was in violation of several conditions attached to the special use permit issued by the county in 2009. Among them were:

Having compost piles in excess of the allowable 25 feet in height;

Not having landscape waste in windrows.

Odor, which sparked complaints in the spring of 2012.

"To me, (county) ordinance 09-47 is null and void and they should not be allowed to continue operating," Larson said. "All you have to do is not be in compliance with one."

That prompted lengthy discussion among members of this standing committee of the county board and associate planner Gina DelRose, with side comments from board Chairman Bob Walberg and board members Craig Schultz, Jeff Carlisle and Sherry Branson, attending in ex-officio capacities.

Observations ranged from committee Chairman Denny Ellingson saying he had been told GPO was not yet in violation to Branson saying, "We need to shut these people down."

Committee member Brad Stark thought closing the business would be "a knee-jerk reaction."

Odor a state issue

"The only complaint the (county) building department has received is about odor," DelRose said. And it was determined that the EPA is the only regulatory body that can deal with that problem.

Odor complaints were received during the summer of 2012. An EPA official said at that time the company was taking steps to curtail the smell, which seemed to "come and go"

But that was then and this is now. "You have to go through the process," board member Schultz said. Referring to county building official Drew Bliss, he said, "Drew has to go out there and document the violations. Then give them a chance to comply. If they don't, go to a judge and say there has not been compliance."

County Administrator Ken Terrinoni said Bliss did go to the property recently, but was unable to discern the height of the compost piles.

"It's winter now so there isn't anything going on out there," Stark said.

It finally was agreed that Terrinoni should check with the EPA and see if there's any leeway on the 21-day window for comments. If there is, the full county board will be asked March 18 to adopt a resolution, expressing its concerns about the operation.

"A resolution from the board carries more weight than a letter from the (board) chairman," Walberg said.

If there is no flexibility with the comment window, Walberg will write the letter over his signature, also expressing current concerns, and it will be sent to the EPA within the allowable timeframe.

The GPO application states additional odor management controls is one of the proposed improvements that would be made if the operating permit renewal is approved.

March 8, 2015

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

Walking into the meeting room at the Public Safety Building for the graduation night of the Citizen Police Academy on March 4, the camaraderie between the academy’s participants and members of the Belvidere Police Department is obvious. The jokes and verbal jabs flow freely.

The Citizen Police Academy is an eight week long program. “We explain the basic structure of the department, how police officers are hired, expose them to information about gangs and drugs,” Deputy Chief of Police Brad Lasswell said. “We teach programs we have in the police department like the gang intervention tactical response team. We provide a K-9 demonstration and we talk with them about our traffic enforcement program such as our past year statistics including our top ten traffic accident intersections.”

“The participants use the PRISM system which is a computer system that shows various scenarios that are used to train officers. Attendees also process evidence and make molds of footprints and hands like crime scene investigators.

“For me to learn the ins and outs of the city is really eye opening and it is reassuring to me,” Lucy Gustafson said.

And during the eight weeks, a group of 14 strangers became friends with each other and the police officers who taught the course.

“The one thing I liked about this group is that you get to see the police officers in a different light,” Citizen Police Academy graduate Mary Darmon said. “They are not all rough and tough. They are people too. They are here to protect us and uphold the law. I wish more people in the community could see this.”

“How many times can you go to a police department and make 14 or 15 new friends?” Laswell asked. “We make new friends and partnerships. That is a good thing. It breaks down that steel uniform because they get to see us as a regular person…as we are.”

Upon graduation, the group was eligible to join the Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS). The 62 member strong group added 13 new members.

“This is a fantastic group not just because of the type of people who were here, but because of the diversity from younger people to older people,” Deputy chief Mark Pollock said. “It is a fantastic group of people who are interested in becoming VIPS.”

The VIPS program got its start in Belvidere in 1996. Police chief Jan Noble and Laswell attended a meeting at the Lake in the Hills police department. Following the meeting, Noble, Laswell and the Lake in the Hills police chief were chatting casually.

“The Lake in the Hills police chief says ‘hey I want to tell you about this program this Citizen Police Academy.’ We had never heard anything about it. So he goes through this program and we literally looked at each other at the same time and said the exact words ‘we have to do this.’ And that is how it started. That fall we had our first one,” Laswell recalled

“The VIP program is the best example of citizens getting involved in the community. The first step is taking the Citizen Police Academy class,” Belvidere mayor Mike Chamberlain said. “This shows the involvement of our police department in the life of the community and the citizens of the community wanting to give back to the community.”

“The VIPs saved the city an enormous amount of OT.”

Indeed they did. During 2014, the VIPs volunteered for a total of 2,931.5 hours and saved the city $131,918 in overtime expenses.

Darmon enrolled in the Citizen Police Academy with her friends Laura Landsead and Gustafson after they learned about the program from Officer John Fish who is the community policing coordinator for the Belvidere Police Department.

Concerned about last summer’s gang violence in their Ward 2 neighborhood, Darmon and Landsead worked with Fish to establish a neighborhood watch program.

“It has made us as neighbors more aware in watching out for each other,” Darmon said of the community watch program.

“It has been really nice. I have been in my neighborhood 15 years and I didn’t even know my neighbors,” Landsead added. “It really got us out in the community.”

And as a result of the community watch program, the neighborhood is safer and the VIPs gained three new members.

March 5, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - Winnebago County Board Chairman Scott Christiansen will be coming to Boone County soon, searching for funding to help defray the cost of the proposed $40-million hangar project at Chicago Rockford International Airport.

He already has asked the village of Machesney Park and city of Loves Park for $400,000 each, to be paid in annual installments of $20,000 for the next 20 years.

And he told Machesney Park officials Feb. 17 that he soon would be making a similar request of the Boone County Board and city of Belvidere. Durand and Winnebago also are on his list of upcoming stops.

It's all about partnerships, he said, and far-ranging benefits the hangar project will bring those outside of Rockford. The hope is AAR, one of the world's largest aircraft maintenance companies, will locate at the Winnebago County airport.

The plan calls for construction of two 90,000-square-foot hangars with another 30,000 square feet of office and warehouse space.

It's a cooperative effort with Rock Valley College (RVC) with the goal being to increase the number of graduates from 20 to 120 a year. Those completing the program would be making $45,000 to $50,000 a year.

While the airport and RVC both are located in Rockford, Christiansen said the benefits will be widespread and include Boone County and its municipalities.

Belvidere Mayor Mike Chamberlain said he would not comment on the chairman's proposal until after it is presented to the city council.

Of partnerships and regionalism, he said, "Regionalism is the only sensible solution to economic development in today's economic climate. For us to access federal money, the more citizens who will benefit the better chance we will have."

Regionalism, he added, is the way local governments will be able to create jobs and finance infrastructure improvements in the future.

Support for regionalism

Boone County officials believe in the importance of regionalism. They, in particular county board Chairman Bob Walberg, are members of regional committees that link Boone with Winnebago County and its municipalities. They also attend countless regional meetings throughout the year.

But finding an extra $20,000 a year to help finance the Rockford airport project, at this particular time, would be difficult if not impossible.

The most recent challenge to confront the county is the potential loss of $900,000 in funding it receives from the state. That possibility was part of the budget address given Feb. 18 by newly elected Gov. Bruce Rauner.

He also noted that the lost revenue only would make up 3 percent of local governments' total income.

To finance the hangar project, the airport would receive $15 million from the state, $10 million from Winnebago County and $8 million from the city of Rockford. The airport itself would be in for $5 million to $7 million.

Neither Machesney Park nor Loves Park has committed to the funding request. Machesney Park officials are expected to discuss it March 7, during a workshop on their 2015-16 budget.

March 4, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BOONE COUNTY - As public hearings continue on new setback requirements for wind turbines, Mainstream Renewable Power is continuing its opposition, saying the proposed rules would keep such projects out of Boone County.

The second hearing will be held March 24, with the possibility of a third in April.

The zoning board of appeals' (ZBA) recommendation will be considered by the planning, zoning and building committee meeting, which is held the first Wednesday of each month. That is a standing committee of the county board consisting of five board members.

Last stop for the proposed text amendment to the Boone County Zoning Ordinance will be the county board, which meets the third Wednesday of each month.

The Chicago law firm of Schain, Banks, Kenny and Schwartz Ltd. has written letters to the ZBA, concerning the text amendment.

Here are some excerpts from the second letter, dated Feb. 20, which addressed the revised application submitted by David Cleverdon of Caledonia and Karen Kenney of Capron.

"The new language in the proposed text amendment does not cure the constitutional invalidity of the prior language, and the new provisions will prohibit development of wind energy projects in Boone County. Accordingly, the objections previously raised in my Jan. 27, 2015, correspondence applies to the new proposal, and Mainstream therefore opposes the new amendment for the same reasons.

"The new text amendment again includes a minimum property line setback of one-half mile, or 2,640 feet. As Mainstream previously demonstrated, this setback precludes development of wind energy projects in Boone County, since the setback from the property line alone requires the host parcel to be more than one mile by one mile in size."

Attorney John R. Griffin, who wrote the letter, included a map showing that if a 2,640-foot setback was applied from every property boundary in the county, no land area would be eligible for a wind turbine.

While the revised text amendment includes a provision allowing a "participating landowner" to partially waive the setback requirement, Griffin wrote that it would not make any difference.

"Land use rights cannot be contingent upon receiving special permission from a neighboring property owner," he stated. "...therefore, the county's ordinances must allow for wind energy projects without making the use contingent upon special permission."

Staff recommendation

The city-county planning staff does not support increasing the existing setback, which is 1,000 feet, or 1.1 times the height of the tower, from the property line.

Planners agreed with Mainstream that a 2,640-foot setback or 5.5 times the height of the tower, whichever is greater, "would not allow towers to be constructed in Boone County."

Further, that would be in contradiction with Section 4.8.1.3 of the county zoning ordinance, whose purpose is "to promote the supply of wind energy in support of Illinois' statutory goal of increasing energy production from renewable energy sources."

"There is no submitted evidence to support the need for the greater setback," planners stated. "If the Illinois Tollway Authority, the Illinois Department of Transportation, local municipalities or other utility providers felt that such a setback was required, it would currently be written in their guidelines."

While the county health department and highway department has no comments on the text amendment, there were mixed responses from North Boone Fire District 4 and from Bonus Township.

The 8,000-acre wind farm being proposed by Mainstream is in Manchester and Leroy townships. Bonus Township voted 4-0 against the text amendment, viewing it as "excessive," with no facts "to substantiate the safety and health concerns specifically referred to in the application."

Planners inform each of the nine townships about cases before the ZBA. Bonus was the only one to respond.

Manchester earlier wanted to establish its own setback requirements, but ultimately was told it could not contradict what was in the county zoning ordinance.

Fire District 4 voted 2-0 with one abstention to recommend accepting the amendment.

"The biggest problem with wind turbine fires is that, because of the turbine height, the fire department can do little but rope off the area and watch the fire burn itself out," wrote the board president, Kerry B. Kenney, in an undated letter.

"While this may be acceptable in reasonably still conditions, in a storm setting it means burning debris being scattered over a wide area, with obvious consequences. From a first responder's viewpoint, with further setbacks from roads, houses and property lines, we feel this gives greater safety to the community we serve."

March 3, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

POPLAR GROVE - Late in 2013 and early in 2014, village officials talked about changing to a committee of the whole way of doing the people's business.

Such a committee consists of all village board or city council members and is a recommending body to the same group of people, when they are in their decision-making positions as trustees or aldermen.

To make that change happen in Poplar Grove, the village would have to abolish the administration and finance committees. Officials weren't ready to do that in 2014. But this is 2015 and the possibility is back on the table.

It was resurrected during the Feb. 23 administration committee meeting, while member Don Bawden was talking about ways to make Poplar Grove's government more effective and efficient.

Village Attorney Jim Stevens said things are different since the advent of the state's Open Meetings Act.

Occasionally, trustees have attended committee meetings and commented from the audience on various issues. Can't do that, Stevens said. It's a violation of the act. 

"I think we would operate more efficiently," said the new village administrator, Diana Dykstra.

Bawden threw out a hypothetical. "If I talk to the finance committee as a trustee, it's illegal," he said. "But if I do it as a resident then it's legal, right?"

No, Stevens answered. "You carry that (elected official) burden all the time."

Committee member Jeff Goings thought changing to a committee of the whole would be a problem. One of the concerns earlier this year was three-hour-plus meetings and he raised that during the meeting. "We would have to be some time constraints, so we're not here to midnight."

Members agreed to study a memorandum of pros and cons, submitted that night by Stevens, and discuss the issue at the March meeting.

Belvidere's committee of the whole consists of all 10 aldermen. It meets twice a month, as does the city council. The thought in Poplar Grove was for such a committee to meet monthly, with the village board doing the same thing.

Of rabbits, pot belly pigs

Compliance Officer Phil Long turned in his monthly activity report and with it came questions focused on two farm-related issues.

One was whether rabbits and pot belly pigs were allowed, under the zoning ordinance, and whether farm products could be grown on vacant lots, so the owner doesn't have to mow them.

He was told rabbits are considered both domestic and farm animals while pot belly pigs - up to 120 pounds - are allowed under that ordinance.

"What constitutes a farm?" Bawden asked.

Chairman Quimby didn't want to get into that, so he deferred discussion to the March meeting.

The second issue had to do with a developer who owns eight lots in Burled Wood subdivision who wants to plant vegetables on the land and give the produce to the Belvidere/Boone County Food Pantry. Long said the developer was "tired of mowing them."

Quimby immediately wanted to know what neighboring homeowners thought of that idea. "That is something they should decide," he said. "This (subdivision) is not adjacent to farmland."

"I'd have to say 'no,'" Goings said.

Even if produce was planted in the vacant lots, Village President John Neitzel pointed out "there would still have to be mowing on the perimeter" of the land. "There's no way all eight lots will have vegetables."

Long said if the lots are used for produce, the developer would like them to be assessed as farmland, which could lower the tax bill.

Administrator Dykstra said she would study the overall issue and report back at the March meeting.

March 1, 2015

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

BELVIDERE – “How many people get to say I do a lot for my community,” asked Mike Lowe.

Mike Lowe, Joe Cangelosi and Marty Mast are three people who can emphatically say that they do and are the recipients of the Belvidere Daily Republican’s Volunteer of the Month.

The trio is part of the 62 strong Volunteer in Policing program (VIP) that is sponsored by the Belvidere Police Department. Collectively, the VIPs have logged 2,931.5 hours and have saved the City of Belvidere a total of $131,918 for calendar year 2014.

The three men will receive plaques at the March 2 City Council meeting for volunteering over 1,000 hours each since they joined the organization. In 2014, Lowe volunteered 198.25 hours. Cangelosi volunteered 197.5 hours and Mast volunteered 197 hours. Since joining the VIPs, they have volunteered for 1,021, 1003, and 1,076 hours respectively.

 “The pay is the feel good for what you do. It is more pay than a dollar,” Cangelosi said.

“We are not there for the hours and the recognition. We are there for the community,” Lowe added.

“They mean the world to our department and the city,” John Fish praised them. Fish is the community policing coordinator for the Belvidere Police Department. “Marty, Joe and Mike have done a lot for this department to accumulate over 1,000 hours. That is a lot of free time that they have donated to the city.”

The VIPs are a familiar sight around Belvidere. They can be seen helping set up and control traffic during any of the City’s seven parades. They help volunteer during the medication disposal day held each spring at the Belvidere Township offices, control traffic at the YMCA triathlon and YMCA marathon and the Conservation District’s Pioneer Days, RAMP Wheelathon, Belvidere High School cross country meet, man a booth at the Boone County Exposition, and check in people at the City Council meetings. VIP members fill Halloween bags with glow sticks.

“We do a lot of the behind doors stuff such as getting the oil changed, car washed, maintenance issues. We help with stuff so that it is not tying up an officer’s time,” Lowe said “We do a lot of that (kind of things) as a group.”

In addition to volunteering during scheduled events, the VIPs help out during emergencies. The group helps block intersections when there is a fire, downed power lines, flood, or crime scene.

“The officers have more important things to do. If we have to, we go sit at an intersection for a downed power line,” Lowe explained.

“I have sat at an intersection for hours until the electric company arrived,” Mast said. “There is something different all of the time.”

Feb. 26, 2015

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

STATELINE – It started out as a simple way to honor her father’s and his military service.

Charlotte Kennedy decided to make one 36” x 48” afghan (lapghan), per month and donate it to a veterans group. On Flag Day 2014, Kennedy embarked on her project that she named Sgt. P’s Lapghans.

From there the project quickly grew. Kennedy recruited 26 volunteers throughout northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin to help make lapghans.  Donation collection points were established.  Cub Scouts and 4-H students have held donation drives. High school students made lapghans as part of a class assignment. Twice a month, volunteers gather at the Keen Age Center in Belvidere to make lapghans. Relationships were forged with groups that assist veterans including the VFW, the Veterans Assistance Commission of Boone County and the VA Hospital in Madison, Wis. A 501(c)(3) organization was established.

And on Feb. 19, Kennedy presented the 99th and 100th lapghans to WWII veterans Emery Meyers from Belvidere and to the man who inspired it all, Sgt. P., Walter Petroske.  Making the donation even more poignant was the fact that both men served in the Army as sergeants and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

“I thought it was very nice that she was starting this,” Petroske said.

Petroske and Meyers received the lapghans at a special ceremony held at the VFW Post 1461 in Belvidere. The red, white and blue patriotic lapghans were made by Ann Brandon who joined Kennedy’s team of volunteers in November.

Brandon moved to Belvidere in August 2014 from Hampshire. During a call to Belvidere City Hall to gather information about setting up her utilities, Brandon asked if there were any clubs in the area for senior citizens.  The voice on the other end of the phone told Brandon about the Keen Age Center. Shortly after visiting the Keen Age Center, Brandon learned about the Sgt. P’s Lapghan group that meets twice a month at the center for camaraderie and to make lapghans.

In November, Brandon donated the first of 20 lapghans…a lapghan made of red and white stripes over a field of blue with white stars. “The first one that I made I just made and gave it to her and she called and said we want to do something special with it. I thought okay…. I didn’t really understand,” Brandon recalled.

Soon afterwards, Kennedy asked Brandon to make an identical lapghan. “These were made absolutely with love,” Brandon added.

“It is something really special,” Meyers said of the lapghans.

Kennedy praised the many people who have made the lapghan donations possible. “This is basically due to my volunteers and supporters. They have been tremendous,” Kennedy said.

Cub Scout Troop 141 set up a donation drop off point for full or partial skeins of yarn, quilt squares and fleece at the VFW Post 1461. Larsen’s Community Eyecare Center and Patriot Store and the Keen Age Center as well as The Wool Gathering in Loves Park. The 4-H will host a yarn drive at their upcoming International Night at the Community Building of Boone County. Over 20 volunteers, including a dedicated group that meets at 9:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Friday of each month at the Keen Age Center, make lapghans by knitting, crocheting, quilting and tying or sewing fleece. Chris Corson’s transition vocational class at Belvidere North High School made and donated four fleece lapghans.

For some volunteers for whom knitting or crocheting a lapghan is a daunting task, they make 6x8” squares that other volunteers use to assemble into a lapghan.  Other volunteers make hats, gloves and scarves.

Since September 2014, Kennedy and her husband Pat have made the rounds delivering lapghans to veterans groups. The first delivery was to the William S. Middleton Memorial VA Hospital in Madison. “The looks on the veterans faces made this all worthwhile,” Kennedy said at that time. “I can’t even explain how rewarding it was.”

At the Top of Illinois Veterans Stand Down event in October 2014, Kennedy distributed approximately 30 lapghans and afghans to homeless veterans. One of the homeless veterans thanked Kennedy for the afghan and told her that “it gets really cold in February.”

“My heart just dropped, I was literally in tears,” Kennedy recalled.

Brandon was touched and inspired by Kennedy’s stories about the homeless veterans and asked if she could accompany Kennedy as she distributes lapghans. “I have told her I want to go and see the gratitude that they give, particularly for the homeless,” Brandon said. “I know that they exist, and that it is going to break my heart.”

One out of every four people who is homeless is a veteran. “I wish I could make one to give to everybody,” Brandon added.

Kennedy is always in search of people to donate materials or make 36” x 48” lapghans. For additional information, contact Kennedy at (815) 765-1172, or via e-mail at sgtplapghans@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page at Sgt. P’s Lapghans for Veterans.

It did not take long to begin the distribution of the second 100 lapghans. Shortly after Meyers and Petroske received their lapghans, VFW post commander Greg Kelm brought WWII Navy veteran Ernie Mowers into the meeting room. Mowers received the 101st lapghan.

Feb. 25, 2015

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

Nearly 200 people turned out for the inaugural Trivia Night sponsored by the District 100 Charitable Foundation at the Moose Lodge on Feb. 21 for a night of trivia, camaraderie and joviality that raised money to support the foundation’s mission to provide financial support to enhance and enrich the student experience. The Foundation also oversees the Community Cupboard Food Pantry and provides 80 scholarships to students.

Trivia Night started with a fairly simple concept. Teams of 8 people would answer trivia questions in a variety of topics. To add to the ambiance of the night, teams were encouraged to come dressed in a theme. And they did.

Snow White and the seven dwarves featuring Mike Rogers as Snow White won for the best theme.  Boone County elected officials were present as the Watch Dogs. The Lucky Belvidere Education Association donned Irish hats. Other teams included 50 shades of gray, the questionables, Alpine Aces, thick as thieves, and hippies. Several of the teams brought their own centerpieces to decorate their table.

“What a great turnout. It is light hearted and playful,” Michael Houselog, Belvidere School District #100 superintendent said. “How do you beat this kind of a night?”

“It was such a great turnout for a first year event. It was a lot of fun, and I had a great time,” WREX anchor Kristen Crowley said. Crowley was the MC for the event. She has a personal connection to game shows. Crowley’s mother was a contestant on Wheel of Fortune in the days when contestants could only earn prizes in the game.

As each round progressed through the night, the competition was tight with only a point or two separating the top five teams with the Cosmopolitan Club leading by a point through the first four rounds.

In the final round, the Alpine Aces and Lucky Belvidere Education Association were able to close the gap and tie the game. A first round elimination question eliminated the Alpine Aces. Two more additional elimination rounds continued with no declared winner.

“We thought there could be a tie breaker. We were thinking of ways to do it,” District 100 Charitable Foundation member Don Banks said. Banks wore his IOU cap as he helped proctor Trivia Night. “We were prepared for three overtimes. It was close scoring with all of the teams.”

And in the end, it came down to a question regarding District 100 itself. At the beginning of the 2014-15 school year, what was the enrollment at Belvidere School District 100?

Members of the Cosmopolitan Club immediately began to protest what they perceived as the BEA’s advantage to the question.

The Cosmopolitan Club submitted an answer of 8,080 to the BEA’s answer of 8,401.  With an actual student enrollment of 8,124, the Cosmopolitan Club was declared the victor.

Adding to the BEA’s indignity was the very, very tiny trophy that they won in comparison to the massive trophy given to the first place Cosmopolitan Club. “It went down to the wire. No mulligans,” BEA president Mark Luthin said in reference to one do overs that were allowed.  For one question in each round, team members could submit two answers to a single question and only the correct answer would be scored.

“It was the quintessential team effort. It was the most incredible experience I have had in my entire life.,” J.J. Maville from the Cosmopolitan Club said. “Every team member stepped up with a lot of conviction. We trusted everybody and it was amazing.”

In a post victory post on the Cosmopolitan Club’s Facebook page, the Cosmopolitan Club wrote “We will start with our condolences to the IOU club for losing with grace and dignity.”

“Everyone had a lot of fun so far I have heard nothing but positive comments,” Shannon Hansen, communications coordinator for the district and secretary for the Foundation said.

“I was very pleased with the turnout. It was a great community effort,” Danny Anderson, Foundation president stated.

Houselog praised the Moose Lodge, Hansen, Crowley, Anderson, Greg Brown and Joyce Brown for their efforts in putting trivia night together.

“Hopefully we can do it again next year with a bigger crowd,” Hansen added.

Feb. 24, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - Gaming legislation co-sponsored by state Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Rockford, is being supported by the Boone County Board.

Board Chairman Bob Walberg has written a letter to the lawmaker, who first took office in 1992, expressing that support. He also called for a regional division of revenue should the city of Rockford get a casino.

The bill came up during Wednesday's county board meeting. It wasn't on the agenda so the board could not consider a resolution of support. But there was a unanimous consensus in favor of the bill, leading to the board being included in the letter.

Walberg stated gambling can be a "very sensitive topic for our citizens and there are strong arguments on both sides of the issue."

But gaming revenue "is currently flowing to local governments from the video poker machines, which recently opened across the state," his letter said. "The Rockford region has been especially hurt by the 'Great Recession,' and our unemployment still ranks amongst the highest in the state. Like it or not, revenue from gaming will help local governments with their infrastructure challenges."

He stated that he believed for the Rockford area to truly become regional, income from these new sources should be shared. "If Boone County is part of the Rockford region and is suffering equally from the recession, then I do not understand why previous revenue distribution ideas cannot be changed."

Walberg proposed that gaming revenue be divided on the basis of population.

7% for Boone, Belvidere

That would mean 43 percent for the city of Rockford, which has 150,000 residents; 29 percent for Winnebago County, with 100,000 people in the unincorporated area; and 7 percent each for the village of Machesney Park and city of Loves Park, both with 25,000 inhabitants; 7 percent for Boone County, which has 25,000 residents; and 7 percent for the city of Belvidere, also with a population of 25,000.

"I am fully aware of the fiscal challenges facing Rockford and Winnebago County," the chairman continued. "I am just trying to say that we face similar challenges and do not have the retail sales tax base of our neighbors to the west.

His suggestion of sharing gaming revenue stemmed from the Rockford Metropolitan Agency for Planning using it in the past.

"I respectfully ask that you (Syverson) consider a regional gaming revenue sharing plan to benefit not only the city of Rockford but Boone and Winnebago counties," he stated.

Syverson said Thursday afternoon that the chairman's suggestion was worth consideration. "It probably makes sense to give a percentage to Boone County and Belvidere," he said. "We have to step up and show we are serious about regionalism."

And where does newly elected Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner stand on casinos in Rockford and several other locations around Illinois?

"During the campaign, he said local communities would have to be supportive of casinos," Syverson recalled. "Both Winnebago County and Rockford have supported it. I don't think he has made an official statement about it. But I think he's more interested in it than (former Gov. Pat) Quinn was."

Earlier Wednesday evening, during an interview on another matter, Walberg said he, personally, was opposed to raising money through gambling because the money comes from so many people who can't afford to lose it.

"But I can't stop it," he said.

Feb. 22, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - The finance primer held for Boone County Board members, especially the five who are new to the board, gave officials plenty to think about.

Paramount among the issues was a five-year forecast prepared by County Administrator Ken Terrinoni, who has been working up county budgets for more than 25 years. As such, he is well versed in its financial strengths and weaknesses.

The five-year projection shows the county running out of money in the 2017-18 fiscal year. Of course, there's plenty of time between now and then to erase that deficit. And elected officials have been quick to say that Terrinoni has a knack for fixing such problem areas.

An audit report from Sikich Accountants stated that the Great Recession hit in 2008 and largely was over the end of 2009. But it has continued to linger in Boone County, fueled by the high unemployment rate. Terrinoni also has pointed out revenue, while improving, has not reached the 2008 level and expenses are outpacing what's coming in.

The five-year forecast is updated annually.

Numbers presented during the Feb. 12 get-together showed expenses continuing to trump income.

If things continue in the deficit scenario, which is 2 percent revenue increase and 4 percent increase in expenses, the county's cash balance will be a negative $356,500 on Nov. 30, 2018.

To avoid that, Terrinoni said county income would have to increase by 6 percent starting with the 2015-16 fiscal year, which goes into effect Dec. 1, 2015. Then revenue and expenses would have to be the same - up 3 percent each year - through the end of the 2018-19 fiscal year.

Even that would result in a loss in fund balance, but the Nov. 30, 2019 balance would be $2.992 million as opposed to a negative $2.135 million if nothing is done. The fund balance is projected to be $2.806 million on Nov. 30, 2015, down from an estimated $3.202 million last year.

Current challenges

The county has the usual challenges, among them providing salary increases for its employees, many of whom are covered by union contracts. There are other annual increases as well, such as retirement contributions, health insurance contributions, vehicle purchases and various infrastructure projects.

New demands on county revenue include paying various fees for indigents, when they engage in court actions, and increases in the per diem for jurors. Those are new unfunded mandates and the impacts won't be known until later this year.

There was the recurring question of why can't the county spend some of the $20 million fund balance it has in all of its accounts. The recurring answer was most of them have restrictions on how their dollars may be spent.

Current fiscal difficulties have arisen despite county attempts, from the administrator's office through the individual departments, to keep spending in line.

In addition to the aforementioned unfunded mandates, an analysis by the administrator's office noted the Great Recession in Boone County really didn't reach bottom until 2012.

"The recession, unlike any other, had a tremendous negative impact on the traditional revenues used to operate county programs and departments," the report stated. "Some revenues, such as the inheritance tax, were no longer distributed to counties by the state.

"Making matters worse, the state of Illinois continues its practice of delaying income tax payments to local governments by as much as five months. This has caused more negative impact on cash flow and further complicated methods to forecast this vital source of revenue."

Declining revenue at the county jail, for housing inmates from the U.S. Marshall's Service and DeKalb County, is occurring because more aggressive law enforcement has increased the local population. While a 20-bed wing isn't being used, the sheriff's office does not have enough corrections officers to operate that space.

Annual transfers to the general fund from the public safety sales tax, for jail staffing, is planned to in 2018. A previous county board has promised to end the tax in that year.

Other issues include collective bargaining for most county employees, increasing health care costs and possible groundwater pollution at the former county-city of Belvidere landfill.

County board member Karl Johnson, who's also chairman of the finance committee, said the purpose of special board meeting was "so we can better understand our finances." That included a look at the future and work that's needed to protect those finances.

2012-13 budget year

The 2012-13 budget year is in the books and Terrinoni's report, called "the management discussion" in the annual audit, stated that while recovering from the Great Recession continued, "although at a tepid pace. The recent (economic) downturn is the longest recession since World War II."

What he termed as "elastic revenues" counted on by the county have not returned to 2008 levels. Those include sales taxes, income taxes, corporate replacement taxes, real estate filing fees, building permits and interest on investments.

In addition, the county lost $150,000 in annual income when the sheriff's department no longer provided part-time law enforcement services to the village of Poplar Grove.

With an unemployment rate higher than the national average, he said, "Illinois and Boone County are not experiencing a meaningful recovery."

All general fund revenue sources in 2012-13 brought in $157,963, or 1.1 percent, more than generated. But that was caused by a transfer of $350,000 from the Maple Crest retirement home fund. Absent that, the general fund would have experienced a deficit of $192,037.

General fund expenditure were under projections with the exception of $50,000 in grant funding for the new Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) and more than $200,000 for employee health insurance.

VAC funding now is coming from a 3 percent tax levy approved by voters April 9, 2013.

The audit for the recently concluded 2013-14 fiscal year will be finished and presented later in the spring.

Feb. 19, 2015

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

BOONE COUNTY – At high schools throughout the United States, students are recognizing the importance of agriculture and farming with FFA Week.  The FFA clubs at Belvidere, Belvidere North and North Boone High Schools are participating in events throughout the week.

The Future Farmers of America helps prepare and develop students. FFA students participate in career development events, participate in a variety of competitions, and develop critical business skills with supervised agricultural experience (SAE) projects.

In conjunction with classroom experiences, FFA participation helps prepare students for life after high school. As part of the career development event, students recite the FFA creed, compete in extemporaneous public speaking, and prepared public speaking.  Belvidere North FFA chapter president Chelsey Huntington said that she considers her public speaking as one of her best FFA experiences. “I can stand in front of a room full of people and not stutter or anything,” Chelsey said of the confidence she developed through the career development events.

Belvidere North FFA students competed this year in a soil judging competition.  As part of the competition, FFA students from throughout their section took five core soil samples of 4 – 5 feet deep and described the composition of the soil. “The students are trained to take a core sample, look at the color and texture,” Belvidere North FFA advisor Emily Chambers said. “They have half an hour to 45 minutes to complete the task and they are given a rating.”

The FFA students are preparing to compete in dairy food competitions in March. The students will be provided with milk samples and have to identify what is wrong with the sample. The students are trained to determine if there is oxidation from lines, if the lines got mixed up, if the milk sample includes foreign matter, and test the cattle for mastitis.

 “FFA is everything to me. It means so much,” Chelsey said. “My sister is in it. My dad was involved. I wanted to make it a big part of who I was.”

Through Huntington’s SAE project, she enjoys spending extra time with her dad. “It is fun when I can tell him this is what I did today in FFA or what we did as a chapter,” Chelsea said. “It is nice to get his input and how he feels.”

Chelsey shows swine with her FFA project and with her local 4-H chapter. “My dad helps me with hands on. We will go over what we are doing for the year. When we go to auction, he comes with me and watches over me to make sure I make the right decisions.”

Among the advantages of belonging to the FFA are the friendships that the students develop throughout the United States and the sense of belonging to a group greater than themselves. “When I put on my blue jacket it isn’t that you are just representing yourself or your chapter. You are representing an entire organization,” Chelsey said of the pride she feels when she wears the traditional blue velvet jacket at FFA events. “What I love about being in FFA is sometimes in other clubs it is just you. [With FFA], you are always in a group and everyone is friends.”

“I love that people in my chapter are my friends and we know each other so well.”

Chambers credits the FFA with inspiring her as a student and helping her decide on agriculture and education as a career path. “I benefited from it because it was my career path,” Chambers said. “I didn’t know where I wanted to go in life, and FFA became that focus. It told me this is where I wanted to be.”

Chelsey plans to attend college to study animal science and eventually have her own farm. She would like to raise swine and also grain farm. “With the money I make selling my pigs most of the money goes towards paying for my college tuition,” Chelsey said. “A lot of the kids who show livestock plan on going on to college.”

“One way to pay for it is through livestock projects. That is how you continue to grow.

FFA is more than just agriculture

“I wish people knew it isn’t just for farming kids,” Chelsey added. “We have events like gardening and other events like that.”

A friend of Chambers was able to use her FFA background to gain an advantage over other candidates during a recent job search.  During a job interview for a nursing position in Florida, the Belvidere native was asked to tell something about herself that nobody else would know.  The woman told the interviewer that she showed swine for all four years in high school with FFA.

“The interviewer had recently attended an FFA conference and saw the kinds of things the FFA kids were doing and saw that it was an amazing organization that gives a lot of opportunity to its members,” Chambers said.

Chambers’ friend told her that the interviewer saw her FFA membership as a benefit on her resume and told her that the FFA “creates great productive people in society.”

Belvidere North FFA students develop skills that extend beyond the classroom and farm. “I love watching their motivation and maturity grow,” Chambers said of her students. “It feels good to see them benefit from FFA.”

Feb. 18, 2015

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

BELVIDERE – “Too often these days, it seems we go to the theater to watch a performance that is trying to deliver a message, make the world a better place, or draw our attention to some deep social or psychological problem. While there is nothing wrong with this, we ask, what happened to fun?” Playwrights Michael and Susan Parker wrote in the playbill for their unapologetically farcical production of Money Matters.

“Yet many times we see people frown at the mention of the word ‘farce.’ Perhaps it is the fashionable thing to do, but dare we admit in public that we actually like farces because they make us laugh and forget our worries,” the Parkers wrote.

The world premiere of Money Matters was performed on Feb. 13 at the Community Building of Boone County at 111 W. 1st Street in Belvidere.  The show has a two week run with its final performances on Feb 20-21 at 7 p.m. and a Sunday Feb. 22 performance at 2 p.m.

“In my mind, laughter is one of the best medicines,” director John Vannest said.

“I am excited because this is an awesome cast. It was very hard to get through some of the rehearsals without laughing,” Dawn Stroup said.

“The rest of us are the craziness that revolves around her,” chimed in Jenni Minarik who plays the very dramatic and quirky Marilena.

The show opens with Stroup, who plays Annie, counting the money that she and her father George, played by Pete Gulatto, made through their basement counterfeiting and money laundering operation. In the first few minutes, the audience learns that the pair took over the counterfeiting operations from the previous homeowner who has since passed away and bequeathed the house to Bud…the stud.

Not anxious to lose their money making venture, George and Annie devise a plan to convince Bud that the house is haunted.   

The pair have solicited their crazy neighbor Marilena to perform a séance. Marilena, a Romanian contessa, speaks in dramatic and ominous tones when her psychic abilities pick up on the various things such as the fact that there was a lot of money at the dining room table.

To ensure a successful séance, Annie enlisted the help of her former sorority sister Charmaine. The role is played by Denise Gorski who is reprising the role from the Parkers’ play “Sex Please, We’re Sixty.” Charmaine is an older southern belle whose libido is in overdrive.  Charmaine is not unlike the character Blanche from Golden Girls and she peppers her dialog with southern expressions like “I’ll fetch that varmint for ya quicker than green grass through a goose.”

“This kind of character is just crazy. I can take it and do with it what I want. I am a southern gal,” Gorski said of Charmaine. “The thing that makes me laugh so much is I am not a small girl so it is fun to work it.”

And she does. The scenes in which Charmaine makes the advances on a reluctant George produces some of the earliest laughs from the audience.

Bud the stud is an aging Lothario who hopes to turn the home into a retirement home for senior women…ostensibly to provide himself with a house filled with single women for him to charm.

Rounding out the cast is Bernard, played by Keith Burritt.  Bernard is constantly attached to his cell phone. He was hired by Bud to inspect the home. Bud has a secret of his own.

Throughout the play, George tells a series of story jokes that Annie does not understand. “Did I tell you the story about…,” George says throughout the play to indicate the start of one of his stories. “….the woman who did housework in her lingerie?”

“O.K. O.K. Here we go. Here she is doing her housework in her lingerie. And the bell rings and she says ‘who is it?’ And the voice goes ‘it’s the blind man.’ She thinks what the heck and she opens the door lets him in. And he looks at her. She asks ‘what can I do for you?’ He says ‘wow. I suppose you can tell me where to hang these blinds.’”

“I don’t get it,” Annie replied.

“She is so uptight and conservative,” Minarik said of Stroup’s character.

“That I just don’t get jokes,” Stroup finished Minarik’s sentence.

“Even though I have heard the jokes a million times, they are funny. They are silly and funny. And he is a good storyteller,” Stroup said of Gulatto’s story telling ability as George.

Before the cast took the stage for opening night, the casts’ thoughts were on their anticipation of the audience’s laugher and enjoyment “I hope everyone enjoys the show and laughs a lot,” Burritt said.

“If I can make them laugh a couple of times, I would be content,” Gulatto added.

“I like when they laugh where you are thinking that’s not funny, and then you figure out oh I guess that is funny,” Gordon said of the times when the audience reacts at unanticipated times.

“Sometimes where I laugh they don’t laugh, Burritt added.

“That’s because you have a weird sense of humor,” Gordon chided him.

“That goes without saying,” Burritt replied.

Upcoming auditions for spring show

Gulatto got his start in the theater after he teased his wife of 44 years that he would be a famous movie star if he hadn’t married her. “So one day she was reading the paper and she said ‘ok movie star, go audition for this part.’ They must have been short of people because they called me back,” Gulatto said. “That was my first part.”

“When I did the very first play, ‘Whose Wives Are They Anyway,’ I explained it to my wife and she said ‘pfffft. That isn’t acting, that’s you.’ First or second night we went up front after the curtain call and some guy looked at me and said “it’s not fair. You are playing yourself.”

The Main Street Players will hold auditions on Feb. 23 and Feb. 24 from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. at the Community Building of Boone County for “Are you being served’ by Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft. The show is the theatrical adaptation of the British television program.

Now in his fourth production with the Main Street Players of Boone County, Gulatto is a seasoned veteran of the boards.

When asked if Hollywood had come calling yet, he joked “they did twice but I told them no, I have to be in Belvidere.”

Feb. 17, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

POPLAR GROVE - The second village administrator, Diana Dykstra, already has received a public caution from a village board member.

But it wasn't a negative kind of observation.

It came during Monday night's regular board meeting after Trustee Don Bawden saw her first administrator's report, which touched on 34 different issues. He urged her to pace herself so she didn't get burned out.

"It's not our intent to overwhelm you," he said.

The former Darien, Wis. administrator-clerk-treasurer started here Jan. 12, with the Feb. 9 board meeting being her second.

Communication among village officials and with residents continues to be a priority. In her monthly report, Dykstra reported on updating the village's web page. She said she found "there is a great demand for this form of communication."

For example, the page had 7,137 views between Dec. 1, 2014, and Jan. 26, 2015. The events/activities page was viewed 844 times; officials and staff page, 525 times; local news (there is a link to the Belvidere Daily Republican), 412 times; village board agendas, 339 times; and village ordinances, 216 times.

Village staffing is an area of interest among at least three village trustees, given the fact there are three people supervising four employees.

Dykstra said she met the Office Manager Maureen Brzinski and her assistant about office operations, workflow, financial software, reporting and office supplies. "There is much more that I will have to learn about the processes and positions," she said. "I would also like to eventually become trained as a back-up to staff operations."

She met with Village Treasurer Maria Forrest on financial issues, with a goal of presenting "public budgetary information in (a) format that is more transparent." They also discussed the capital improvements fund, the need for policy and inventory as recommended by the auditor.

There soon will be opportunity for that as the village currently is working on a 2015-16 budget for the new fiscal year, which will begin May 1. 

A second public workshop on the new spending plan will be held at 8 a.m. Feb. 28 at village hall.

Economic development

Growth Dimensions, marketing arm of Boone County and its municipalities, has been told by county officials to focus more on retail growth. Dykstra said she met with the new executive director, Jarid Funderburg, to discuss "roles, expectations, development leads and networking."

Poplar Grove is proposed to be part of an expanded enterprise zone, which would allow increased incentives to attract new business and industry. A decision by the state on that request could come as early as June.

Unhappiness has been expressed with the service being provided by the Belvidere Park District for Poplar Grove residents, south of Orth Road, who live within its boundaries.

Dykstra said she met with park district officials "to discuss opportunities, establish new relationships, look for improvements to parks, coordination of a park master plan and ability to provide Poplar Grove residents with more opportunities through their organization."

District officials suggested a movie night be held in Poplar Grove. "We will hear more about this relationship as they look to purchase more park land and develop more opportunities in Poplar Grove," she said.

A small group of village residents no longer is trying to deannex from the park district.

There were some resident contacts during the last month, she reported. One dealt with traffic back-up on Summit Street, which she said needs to be explored further. She also met with residents on their concerns following the recent snow events, most recently the storm that hit the weekend of Jan. 30.

Feb. 15, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - The new ad-hoc committee dealing with regulations for animal breeders and boarders in Boone County had a particular goal in mind.

Members were being guided by the belief that the county could have regulations that were more strict, but not more liberal, than the state.

But a memorandum from Boone County State's Attorney Michelle Courier has slowed that process.

Members agreed Wednesday afternoon (Feb. 11) to see if someone from the state Department of Agriculture could attend the Feb. 25 meeting to discuss what the county could do, and not do, when regulating breeders and boarders.

In addition, they want the interim city-county planning director, Kathy Miller, to attend and deal with related zoning issues.

County Administrator Ken Terrinoni caused a slow-down in the regulating process by reading from a memo written by Assistant State's Attorney Fioretti, on behalf of Courier, and dated Feb. 5, 2015.

He stated the Department of Agriculture "is designated as the rule-making body and the body responsible for the effectuation of the Animal Control Act. Further, the Department of Agriculture is also reserved as the sole rule-making and licensing body of foster homes, animal shelters, pet shops and kennels by the Animal Welfare Act.

"As a non-home rule unit of government, without some specific authority to regulate the breeding of dogs, the field of regulation appears to be pre-empted by the Department of Agriculture. There is no apparent authority that allows for the county to regulate the breeding of dogs without intruding on the space occupied by the Department of Agriculture in the authorizing legislation."

Concern has been expressed numerous times about the abuse of animals in Boone County and the need to stop it.

In reference to abuse, the memo states, "To the extent that any breeder, or pet owner is breeding, neglecting or otherwise treating dogs in a manner that isn't humane, the (state) Legislature has already provided the authority for (county) Animal Control and law enforcement to investigate and charge persons with violations of the Humane Care of Animals Act."

Referring to the memo, committee Chairman Denny Ellingson said, "We have to be real careful with what we write. This tells me what we have (on the books) shouldn't be there."

"It raises the question," Terrinoni said in agreement.

As proposed, the county would require a special use permit for any breeder with more than five female dogs. But committee member Gwen Meyer said the question now was being asked as to whether the county could even issue a special use permit.

Another committee member, Jeannine French, said it would be important to get answers to question in writing.

Feb. 12, 2015

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

BELVIDERE – On Dec. 3, 1957 two girls were playing in front of their homes. On the busy Center Cross Street in Sycamore, the best friends were dodging and hiding behind a tree to prevent headlights from touching them as passing cars rounded the corner.

A man named Johnny talked to the girls and gave seven year old Maria Ridulph a piggy back ride up and down the street and talked to the girls about dolls. Maria went into the house to get one of her dolls to show Johnny.

A little while later, 8 year old Kathy Sigman went home to get a pair of mittens. As Kathy walked home, she looked back and saw Maria and Johnny still talking at the corner.

When Kathy returned to the corner, Johnny and Maria were gone. Maria’s body was found near Galena on Apr. 26, 1958.

An anonymous tip from a neighbor immediately after the kidnapping suggested that the police investigate Johnny Tessier. Police spoke to the 18 year old on Dec. 8 and again on Dec. 9, 1957 and dismissed him as a suspect because he had an alibi and passed a lie detector test.

In 2008, Tessier’s half-sister contacted the police and implicated him in the murder. She said that on her mother’s deathbed in 1997, her mother sat upright and told her that Tessier had killed Maria.

Tessier was subsequently arrested and eventually convicted of Maria’s murder. The case was the oldest cold case in history to be tried.

The kidnapping and murder of Maria generated national attention. President Eisenhower asked for daily updates as did FBI director J. Edgar Hoover.

The case also drew the attention of Belvidere author Jeff Doty who wrote a true crime chronicle of the murder and trial.  “When I started into the story I was friends with both the public defender and the assistant state’s attorney who prosecuted him. It was through talking to them that I became interested in the story,” Doty said. “What sparked my interest was when they told me it was the oldest cold case in history to be prosecuted. It was 55 years after the crime when the conviction came.”

“I looked at it as a historical book.”

Maria’s murder represented a loss of America’s innocence. In 1957 Sycamore, families did not lock the doors to their homes. Children played after dark without adult supervision. People trusted each other.

“While there had been other kidnappings, this was it could happen to us.  I think as terrible and horrific as the loss of a child is, the national attention that it grabbed probably saved thousands of life since,” Doty said. “By the time I was growing up we had films on stranger danger and our parents told us don’t talk to strangers. I think it was her case that probably generated it.”

“One of my friends told me his whole world changed when that happened. You went from being carefree to where you could not be anywhere alone anymore.”

In writing the book, Doty became convinced of Tessier’s innocence.

Tessier changed his name about 20 years ago to McCullough when he married his fourth wife. The former Seattle police officer lost his job when he admitted to illegal contact with a minor. He was tried and acquitted in 2012 for the gang rape of his half-sister.

“Jack sits in prison now not because he is guilty but because he is convenient. He is a guy who looks guilty,” Doty said. “He has had enough trouble with women and girls in the past that haunts him. He has changed his name so that makes people think he is hiding something. He is a different guy. He is a character. He is an odd duck. He is never completely socially comfortable.”

Doty, who lives in Belvidere with his wife Jean and his Irish twins Johnathan and Heather, leads a writers’ group at the Keen Age Center.

The 6 – 10 writers meet at 9 a.m. at the Keen Age Center in Belvidere on the last Wednesday of each month. The group is working on a book that celebrates growing old and should be available by Heritage Days in June.

Doty’s book, Piggyback is available online through Amazon, Barnes and Noble as well as Kindle.

Tessier’s case is under appeal.

Feb. 11, 2015

BELVIDERE - Mary S Steurer, Boone County Clerk, announced that for the February 24th Republican Primary only, all of the polling places will be at the Community Building, 111 W 1st St. in Belvidere.

In as much as Belvidere City Ward 5 is the only Ward requiring a primary, the decision was made to cluster the polling places.  Voters in Belvidere Precincts 1,2,13, 14, 15 and Flora 1 that are in Ward 5 are the only eligible voters.

Voters will return to their original polling places for the April 7 Consolidated Election.

Feb. 10, 2015

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

BOONE COUNTY – On Jan. 7, terrorists attacked the offices of the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo and killed 12 people in Paris.  Immediately the phrase “Je suis Charlie” (I am Charlie) began to circulate by supporters of freedom of the press.

Who exactly is Charlie? 

Residents of Boone County have been asking that question since 1969.  Or more specifically, Boone County residents have been asking who is Pipeline Charlie?

The first Pipeline Charlie item in the Belvidere Daily Republican was so small it could have gone unnoticed. At the end of a Jan. 22, 1969 Pat Mattison editorial regarding the 11 paid holidays the county clerk’s office requested was an intercepted letter.

Dear Fat Cats:

It’s beautiful - - you mean you set your own holidays?

Signed, Pipeline Charlie.

And then a week letter in the middle of the letters to the editor was another intercepted letter to the County Board officials.

Dear Hard Workers

How many businesses, factories and other offices are getting off Feb. 23 – because Feb 22 (Saturday) is Washington’s birthday? Signed, Pipeline Charlie.

As so began one of the biggest mysteries in Boone County. Who exactly is Pipeline Charlie?

“Does he really work on a pipeline? Is he a spy within the ranks of local government? Maybe he’s a she? Or more than one person, perhaps?” Ron Freeberg asked in his Apr. 15, 1969 column.

“When I got there I asked who was Pipeline Charlie,” former reporter turned Boone County circuit court judge Dave England. “A lot of time they would try to pump you for info. Who was that really?”

“Sometimes people would think so-and-so wrote it, and it wasn’t them at all.”

“I could tell you for a fact that I do not know who all of the Pipeline Charlies are, but there is more than one,” Pat Mattison, past owner and publisher of the Belvidere Daily Republican confessed.

Pipeline Charlie got his start after Mattison hired a Canadian sports writer who subscribed to the Detroit Free Press. “In the Detroit paper there was a little daily blurb in the editorial page called Pipeline Pete. I happened to see that and I watched it on a daily basis,” Mattison said. “It would poke at different issues in the community in one or two liners and bring it to the fore and say something that was going on.”

Curious, Mattison called the Detroit Free Press and asked about Pipeline Pete. “They said at that particular time we never know where it is coming from but it comes on more than a daily basis,” Mattison said.

 “They said ‘well, you know that there are known people that are in that area that know Pipeline Pete,’” Mattison recalled his Detroit Free Press counterpart as telling him after Mattison said that he was from Belvidere.

“The next week or so somebody called in and said did you know such-and-such, and I said ‘no I didn’t know who are you?’ And he said ‘Pipeline Charlie.’”

The Pipeline Charlies were one or two sentence tidbits that related to current events. “They made fun of someone or called them out,” England recalled. “Sometimes they were congratulatory in nature.”

“It was a way for the newspaper to poke fun at or make fun of question the morality or motives of local politicians without attributing it to a reporter or editor,” Freeberg’s son Del said. “It was anonymous. It was a line of text questioning the activities of a local official.”

“From the thing that I saw when the controversial issues were addressed in Pipeline Charlie, it provided the people with a question that should be addressed. It established credibility for the media, for the BDR at that particular time, because at least somebody was addressing the issue,” Mattison said.

The late Ron Freeberg was one of Pipeline Charlie’s alter egos. Freeberg cut out and carried copies of Pipeline Charlie in his wallet. “I could tell from the way my father was carrying this around, he felt some ownership of it,” Del Freeberg said. “Whether he was the one who created this idea or proponents of it, he felt some ownership of the Pipeline Charlies. He would carry them around and show them at gatherings of family and friends.”

The county developed a love-hate with Pipeline Charlie. A 1976 survey revealed that the best read section of the newspaper were the accident, court actions and police reports, obituaries, hospital news…and Pipeline Charlie.

“People got angry, especially if they thought he was sarcastic,” England recalled.

Arnie Tillema resigned on Apr. 12, 1977, as the head basketball coach at Belvidere High School. Two days later, Pipeline Charlie asked Tillema “Been reading wall handwriting lately?”

The question was too much for some of Tillema’s supporters. “A newspaper’s purpose is to objectively inform its readers of the latest news breaks of the day. Not to initiate gossip and rumors of one of the most sincere, honest and hard-working men in this town or any other town,” basketball standout Gary Deitelhoff wrote in an Apr. 18, 1977 letter to the editor. “He has taught me a great deal not only about basketball but also about being sensitive to the needs of the students with which we work. He is without a doubt one of the finest men I have ever known.”

Deitelhoff ended his letter with his own Pipeline Charlie parody that quoted Happy Days’ Fonzie. “About your pipeline of April 14, 1977: SIT ON IT!!!”

In another intercepted letter to Pipeline Charlie on Oct.15, 1971, Peppermint Patty chided him “An Art Buchwald you ain’t!”

As controversial as Pipeline Charlie could be in covering local issues, he displayed a sense of humor. After Earl Suhr was named to the water and sewer committee, Pipeline Charlie asked him “How does it feel to have a committee named after you?”

When a driver missed the turn and drove through the front entrance of the JC Penneys store in Belvidere Pipeline Charlie picked up on that. “We understand you have a new drive thru window now,” Mattison chuckled as he recalled Pipeline Charlie as saying. “The guy running Penneys was just furious. It was just a light hearted thing to say here’s what happened.”

“People would laugh about it and it they would wonder what the next thing was going to be,” England recalled of some of Pipeline Charlie’s humorous antics.

National events were not immune to Pipeline Charlie’s observations. Following Muhammad Ali’s unanimous defeat in the Mar. 8, 1971 “fight of the century” against Joe Frazier, Pipeline Charlie wrote “You might say Ali had feet of clay.”

Pipeline Charlie was a Bears fan. Following the Green Bay Packers 13-6 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Charlie wrote, “Dear Pack, Sunday was probably one of the few days you guys ever had Bears fans cheering for you to win – you let them down!”

A few weeks later on Dec. 18, 1977 with the Bears’ first playoff chances on the line since their 1963 championship season, the Bears played the New York Giants. A thin sheet of ice covered the 1970s era artificial turf. Both teams played poorly, and the game went into overtime. The Bears won 12-9 on a Bob Thomas field goal.

Pipeline Charlie addressed the Chicago Bears.  “Dear Heart Stoppers: You’re the only football team we know that waits until the final seconds to save the kicker – rather than the kicker saving the team!”

Even though Pipeline Charlie has long since been discontinued in the newspaper, Mattison still receives calls from Pipeline Charlie.

“They always accused me or the newspaper. The truth of the matter is that when it started it fed on itself. People who were in the community who had a thought that they wanted in the fore would call in and say do you know this,” Mattison revealed. “And that is how it started and it sustained itself. And it still sustains itself to this day. It is just not being reported.”

With social media, blogging, newsroom tips, letters to the editor, press releases, and the grapevine, everyone is part of the media. With the “Je suis Charlie” movement, it brings to the forefront that everyone is Charlie.  

 “Pipeline Charlie is the public. The public owns Pipeline Charlie,” Mattison revealed.

Je suis Charlie.

Feb. 8, 2015

By Rhonda Mix

Reporter

Bob Scherer of Genoa was one of four people to recently win the coveted Friends of Illinois County Fair award at the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fair's 104th convention in Springfield in January.

Every year the IAAF gives the award to people who have dedicated extensive time to Illinois county fairs and are respected by their colleagues and peers. Scherer won the award for his service to the Boone County Fair.

Scherer has served on the Fair Board for 18 years. He also is in charge of the entertainment pavilion, is superintendent of the truck and tractor pulls and is involved with the fair on a number of levels.

“I feel really honored,” he said of receiving the prestigious IAAF award. “It is a pleasant, great surprise. I remember 20 years ago going to the convention in Springfield, and this award was being given out. I remember thinking I could never get something like that. I never in a million years thought an award like this would be given to me. It gives you a good boost.

“I've met a great group of people winning this award,”  he continued, naming several  IAAF Boone County award winners of the past. “I feel like I'm in a great group of people. I only hope I can live up to my end of it.”

Lyle Lee, president of the Boone County Fair Board Association, said Scherer has put in countless hours over the years.

“He has been in charge of the entertainment building for quite some time, is track superintendent and will help wherever is needed,” Lee shared. “He will cut down trees, build fences and do whatever is required to make the fair happen.”

“He is always there, ready to help,” added Jack Ratcliffe, vice-president of the fair board. “He has been a friend of the fair ever since [I first ran into him]. He is a very fine gentleman.”

Scherer, a grain farmer, grew up in Genoa, where he lived his whole life. He became enamored with the Boone County Fair as a teen.

“My neighbor and I, when we were juniors in high school, we started going up to the Boone County Fair to the tractor pulls,” he said. “I got the fair in my blood and knew that I wanted to be involved somehow. “

Some years later, Scherer said he found the opportunity.

“One day when I was in Belvidere, I saw Jack Ratcliffe [doing some work] on the grounds and I asked him if he needed any help. I've been working for the fair ever since. The rest is history.”

Scherer started out helping Ratcliffe with the tractor pulls and whatever else was needed to prepare for the fair. He later joined the fair board. For 10 years, he also has been in charge of the entertainment building.

He said one of the things he enjoys most about being involved is the people he encounters.

“It is very interesting when you get a moment to sit and watch people who made friends at the fair,” he reflected. “These people may not see each other for a year, but then come there to reunite their relationships.”

He added that although Boone County is small, its fair is one of the top in the state and draws a good number of people.

“We've [also] got a good fair board; they are part of the reason why the fair is such a success,” he said. “We have big shoes to fill from the leaders of the past.”

Scherer does not have plans to stop helping out any time soon.

“As long as I have my health and the good Lord gives me time to breathe, I plan to be involved with the fair for the rest of my life,” he said.

Feb. 5, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

(EDITOR'S NOTE: The following story is part of an occasional series, expanding on the state of the city address given last fall by Belvidere Mayor Mike Chamberlain).

BELVIDERE - As with most any new year the hopes are positive for what lies ahead.

And so it is for the city of Belvidere, where an optimistic Mayor Mike Chamberlain sees good things on the horizon. That means continuing positive strides taken in 2014 while sprinkling in some new, equally positive gains.

Much of what lies ahead falls under the headings of economic growth, infrastrure improvements and bettering what's already here.

There's fun to be had as well, with planning about to begin for an expanded Heritage Days celebration this summer. Once a day-long event, it became two days this year and now it's envisioned to run three days, from Friday through Sunday.

Usually held the last weekend in June, this year it may be early in July what with the Fourth of July being on a Saturday.

Go-kart races, a big hit in their first year in the parking lot in front of the new Salvation Army thrift store, are slated to return. That's also true of other popular activities such as the car show, art show at the Brick, bed races and a parade.

Capping the weekend will be fireworks, back at the Boone County Fairgrounds.

Some new wrinkles in the works include the possibility of a street dance and Taste of Belvidere sampling of foods from local restaurants.

Heritage Days has been an initiative of the city in recent years and now Mayor Chamberlain wants to reach out and get more community involvement. "We are open to suggestions," he said. "Should there be activities at the fairgrounds prior to the fireworks? There's about a two-hour lull" between the end of the parade and lighting up the sky.

"We want this to become a major event that people from the area will attend," he said.

Improvements to Doty Park at the Belvidere Park District are expected to happen this year. That project includes an outdoor skating rink with lighting, which is suitable for hockey games, along with a splash pad and new bathrooms.

Work also is slated on paths and parking.

This is a $3-million project, with part of the cost being defrayed by $500,000 in state grants.

'Pick It Up' campaign

The city will have a new initiative that the mayor calls "Pick It Up."

The idea came to him early one morning, when he was out walking his dog. He saw some trash on the ground and wound up picking it up. Now others in his neighborhood are doing the same thing. And he's like that to become a citywide effort, starting on Earth Day, which is April 22 this year.

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful will be involved and high school students will have an opportunity to log some of their required community service hours. Funding may be possible through Operation SWEEP, a second-year initiative of the Community Action Agency serving Boone and Winnebago counties.

That new program fits in with the recurring effort to help property owners improve their homes to improve the overall appearance of the city.

The promise of train trips between Rockford and Chicago, with a stop in Belvidere, should become reality this fall. Construction of the city's new depot, near city hall, is expected to begin in the spring.

This will be a limited beginning, with one round trip a day. But when it happens, "that will be a big day," Chamberlain said.

Economic development is expected to benefit from completion of the final two ramps of the Irene Road interchange at Interstate 90, which is slated for this year. The nearby Genoa Road interchange also should be completed in 2015.

Speaking of economic growth, the mayor said, "Multiple local projects are being explored by local businesses, including expansions." He can't be specific right but encouraged residents to stay tuned for expected announcements. "We're seeing a very encouraging trend," he said.

Each new year brings a new budget and the one in the works will cover the 2015-16 fiscal year, which begins May 1.

The spending plan will include "a significantly larger sum for street reconstruction," he said. "We had another very prudent year so some of that (savings) will go back into the streets."

“In addition, well #10 will be on line soon, he said.

Feb. 4, 2015

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

BELVIDERE – The weekend blizzard held off long enough for area residents to come to the annual Boone County Expo (BoCo) to learn about area organizations and businesses on Jan. 31. Foot traffic was especially brisk during the morning hours of the expo.

Approximately 60 businesses, organizations and politicians were available to meet with residents and talk about their organizations.

Vick Maish from Boone County CERT and EMA was at the event with her German Shepherd named Scout. In addition to Scout, Maish has a three year old Catahoula cur named Arwen that she works with to prepare as a search and rescue dog.

Scout and Maish hope to travel soon to Camp Atterbury in Indiana to participate in search and rescue training from the Department of Homeland Security. “His job is to find people,” Maish explains.

With the Boone County CERT and EMA, volunteers participate in a variety of teams including air cascade, search and rescue and water rescue. “We are all volunteers to help take care of the community,” Maish explained. “When there is a situation where the police department and Auxiliary have become overwhelmed slightly, we are able to assist them because we have received the training necessary to do it.”

The group provided support during the 2012 mulch fire in Poplar Grove. “We were out notifying the people who lived in the neighborhood of the potential if the wind had changed,” Maish said. “And when the wind did change, we recommended that people leave the premises for a day or two until the fire could be contained enough that the smoke was not overwhelming.”

Other members of the group take part in search and rescue calls.  “We are one of 35 teams across the State of Illinois that gets called out to assist in looking for lost and missing people,” Maish said.

The organization offers courses in community emergency response. “We are always looking for people to take part in the community emergency response team (CERT),” Maish said. “The basic class teaches people to take care of themselves in a disaster or emergency situation.”

“After they have completed the class they can be invited to take part in other teams like the water rescue, search and rescue, air cascade, or security team as well.”

For additional information, visit their page on Facebook for Boone County EMA CERT or Boone County EMA CERT Search and Rescue.

Among the advantages of BoCo is that it allows organizations to meet residents and share their mission with residents. “BoCo gives citizens the chance to see what is in the community from civic group to services,” Cliff Kieser, president of Crime Stoppers

The organization allows concerned citizens who see something suspicious or who have credible knowledge of a crime to call a tip line.

The calls are manned by the police department on an anonymous line.  “They do not have caller I.D. They do not take your name,” Dale Fox explained.

Callers who provide tips are given a secret number that they will use for any future communication. If the tip leads to an arrest, the caller will receive $50 - $1,000 based on the seriousness of the crime and the relevance of the tip. Crime Stoppers uses the secret number to arrange payment to the caller.

“They have a positive impact in the community,” Crime Stopper volunteer Dale Fox added.

In addition to providing payments for tips, the organization publishes a most wanted list.

Among the vendors at BoCo were the Ratcliffe brothers. Tom and Jack Ratcliffe were at BoCo to promote Flora Grange.

“BoCo gives exposure of our organization to the public and let them know that we are still active in the community,” Tom Ratcliffe explained.

Among the upcoming activities for Flora Grange is the popular Safety Town in mid-June for children ages 5 - 8 years old

The Ratcliffes are both active with the Fair Board and are working on the entertainment schedule. Although the name of the headliner is still under wraps, Jack Ratcliffe revealed two new entertainers. Lumber Jills will make their first appearance at the Boone County Fair and will perform a variety of demonstrations including hatchet throwing.

Rescue dogs will also perform stunts on stage.

Politicians were also on hand at BoCo. “It is a good opportunity to connect with people to find out what issues are on their plate and if there are ways in which we can help with the programs that we have,” State Representative Bob Pritchard said.

Pritchard was also out there to communicate with the public regarding some changes that may be coming from Springfield with the Gov. Bruce Rauner administration.

“If we are going to get on top of the fiscal situation we have to change programs, we have to cut back some things, delay some things,” Pritchard said. “To help people understand that and accept that is going to be a big challenge.”

Pritchard expressed frustration with current budget legislation that has resulted in shortfalls for line item funding for early childhood, seniors and the developmentally disabled.

“Why don’t we reprioritize what we do so they get paid first and they have what they need?” Pritchard asked “And then let’s talk about the other things that can be delayed, maybe they can be done a different way, or maybe they do not need to be done at all.”

Pritchard saw a need for community-based volunteer organizations that help meet the specific needs of a community and lamented the state government’s interference in those programs.

“That is one of the things that our country has done in the past 20 years or so,” Pritchard said. “It has put at the margin all of the volunteer groups. And then the state comes in and takes over and they set rules and regulations that the volunteers cannot accomplish. So then you are dependent on the state.”

As the 2015 BoCo wound to an end, vendors quickly packed up their booths. A blizzard was on its way.

Feb. 3, 2015

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

BELVIDERE – Job seekers, employers, staffing agencies, support services and educational institutions descended upon the Community Building of Boone County on Jan. 29 for the Career Expo and Job Fair sponsored by Workforce Connection. Approximately 50 vendors were on hand at the event that drew over 500 job seekers.

“I want to take a look and see what is out there. There is quite a variety (of employers and schools). It is pretty exciting,” Jonathon Gorzela from Poplar Grove said. Gorzela who was recently laid off from his position as a scheduler attended the career expo with his son. “It is a diverse crowd. It is nice to see it addressing a well-rounded crowd.”

“I am taking things in and getting all of the information.”

Nurses were in high demand at facilities that provide senior housing. With many baby boomers approaching retirement age and increases in life expectancy, facilities such as Northwoods Care Center, Maple Crest and The Fountains at Crystal Lake meets their needs ranging from independent living to assisted living to memory care.

“We need nurses and CNAs at Maple Crest and Northwoods,” Mark Bright, public relations director at the two facilities said. “We thought we would try this and see what kind of interest there is.”

Maple Crest and Northwoods Care Centers are part of the Symphony Post Acute Network and are both located in Belvidere. The facility provides a complete range of post acute care and management services and offers a range of rehabilitative services from physical, speech and occupational therapy and cardiac care management.  Maple Crest helps their clients restore their functional capabilities following an injury, illness or elective surgery. Northwoods also offers 24 hours personalized care for their residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Many of Northwoods and Maple Crest Care Center residents are from Boone County.

Bright, who also is the secretary for the Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce and is the past president of the Rotary Club of Belvidere was encouraged  by the quality of applicants that he met at the job expo. “It is wonderful,” Bright said. In addition to accepting applications to meet the facilities’ immediate need for nurses, he was also accepting applications for dieticians and maintenance staff. “I have received applications and some are going online to apply.”

“It has been a good turnout.”

Patty Mills from The Fountains at Crystal Lake decided to try the Career Expo after noticing that increasing numbers of their staff reside in Boone County. Located on 40 acres, The Fountains at Crystal Lake is a senior living retirement community. The 210 residents range from independent living to assisted living to memory care.

The property is set up so that a resident does not need to relocate as their daily care needs increase.  “We believe in aging  in place,” Mills explained. “If a resident comes in and in in independent living and then needs more services, we will bring services to them. We have so many apartments that are licensed for assisted living that it allows us the flexibility to bring services to them”

The 40 acre property offers its residents four dining rooms, trails, and a wide array of activities, outings and clubs. “One resident planted a huge garden with tomatoes and zucchinis,” Mills said.

The Fountains at Crystal Lake has 170 employees. Mills was at the career expo to recruit CNAs and caregivers. “We have never been out in this area before,” Mills said. “We are explaining who we are and where we are.”

Matthew Taylor from the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs in Machesney Park met with veterans to explain the services the department offers. “We are here to explain anything and everything vet-related whether it is the federal VA or state programs,” Matthew Taylor said. He was talking to veterans about education and health care programs. “Our Illinois vet homes are always looking for applications,” Taylor added.

Gathering information from Taylor was Bradley Zumbragel from Cherry Valley. Zumbragel is home after stints in Germany, Afghanistan and as a member of the Caisson Platoon at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. He will complete his military service in mid-February.

Zumbragel was at the career expo to help him find employment while he attends college. Zumbragel will enroll in courses to follow in his father’s footsteps to study fire science and become a paramedic/EMT. Zumbragel’s father, Mark, is a captain with the Belvidere Fire Department.

Patrol officer Keehnen Davis from the Rockford Police Department’s recruiting division attended the career expo with his partner. Police officers for the department must live in Winnebago County or within 15 miles of the Public Safety Building. That area extends into Boone and Ogle Counties.

“We came here to meet people who show an interest in becoming a police officer,” Davis explained. “We are trying to get the word out that we are hiring and what we have to offer as a career.”

Davis said that the biggest benefit in becoming a police officer is community service and helping others. “The big payoff is if you feel you can give back to people in the community and help people out,” Davis explained. “It is not all about arresting people. It is helping people when they cannot solve the problem by themselves in a manner that may not result in an arrest.”

About a dozen of the vendors at the Career Expo represented the staffing industry. Staffing agencies provide job opportunities from temporary employment to temp-to-hire to permanent placement and serve as the recruiting arm for a wide variety of employers.

Mary McBride from Assured Staffing was on hand to recruit for entry level manufacturing, administrative positions, AutoCAD mechanical designers, material handlers, MAZAK CNC operators a production supervisor. Included in the positions for which Assured Staffing is recruiting, is a senior HR specialist in Belvidere for a Chrysler supplier. Assured Staffing has offices in Rockford, Woodstock and Beloit.

“We understand that today’s fast-paced business world you have to stay one step ahead of yourself,” McBride said. “The opportunities we see across the nation are jobs that have been added as a result of companies adding technology. We saw the need and that is what is driving our growth.”

McBride encouraged job seekers to check out the website for Assured Staffing to apply online and to see what jobs the staffing company has available. “All of the positions are available on our website and they change daily,” McBride said. “Our applicant tracking tool allows us to pick the best candidates based on talent.”

For a complete list of the vendors who were recruiting at the Career Expo, visit theworkforceconnection.org and click on the link for the biggest job fair of the year.

Feb. 1, 2015

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

STATELINE – Thin Mints. Do-si-dos. Trefoils. Samoas. Tagalongs.

It can only mean one thing. It is Girl Scout cookie sale season. For the Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois, the cookie sale campaign began on Jan. 9. New to the Girl Scout cookie line up is Rah-Rah Raisins, which feature whole grain oats and plump raisins. Girl Scout cookies are $4 per box. A gluten-free variety is available for $5 per box.

New to the cookie sale campaign is the addition of a digital sales platform which allows the girls to learn new business skills, money handling, and digital marketing. “We send them an e-mail and ask them and they can write back and tell us what they want,” Ruby Gundrum said. Ruby, a Brownie from Troop 316 at Rockford Christian Elementary School, is an emissary for her troop. “We can send it to them.”

As part of the Digital Cookie platform, Daisies, Brownies and Girl Scouts set up individual websites and send e-mails to friends and family members to invite them to their website from which they can order cookies through Mar. 9. To protect the girls, the only way to access a girl’s Digital Cookie website is via an e-mail invitation from the Girl Scout.

The cookies can be shipped anywhere throughout the country for an additional charge with payment made via secured credit card entry. Ruby’s parents Dan and Stephanie Gundrum from Belvidere have friends and family scattered throughout the United States. The Digital Cookie has allowed Ruby to increase her marketing success.

The Digital Cookie platform has not replaced the traditional door-to-door sales or the cookie booth sales outside of various businesses in the spring.

The net revenue from the cookie sales go to support the local Girl Scout council for the girl who sells the cookies. The girls decide how to use the money to fund troop activities, service projects and learning experiences. “Last year we got to go to the Winnebago County Animal Shelter,” Ruby said.  The troop donated supplies to the shelter. “We also went to Dairy Queen to decorate a cake.”

For people who have not been approached by a Girl Scout, they can e-mail cookies4you@girlscoutsni.org and their cookie order will be forwarded to a local Girl Scout.

As for Ruby, her favorite cookies are the Thin Mints. Her mom is partial to the Tagalongs

Jan. 29, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

POPLAR GROVE - Six of the 14 teams that make up the Northern Illinois Chess League (NICL) were in the auxiliary gymnasium at North Boone High School Jan. 18 for the Vikings' annual tournament.

The field included Marengo, Stillman Valley, Freeport, Guilford, McHenry and the host team.

McHenry won both the varsity and frosh-soph competitions with North Boone's varsity in fifth and its frosh-soph team in second.

In addition, North Boone and Stillman Valley made up a dual match that had been cancelled by bad weather. The Vikings won, 61-7, to defeat the Cardinals for the first time since 2005.

Winning matches for the hosts were senior Devin McFadden on Board 1; senior Ryan Johnson on Board 2; freshman Theresa Weiss on Board 3; freshman Damen McFadden on Board 4; freshman Jacob Dlugosz on Board 5; freshman Chase Morgan on Board 7; and freshman Hallie Mrkvicka on Board 8.

The rest of this year's team consists of freshman Thomas Balsewicz, senior Chase Fitzpatrick, sophomore Dakodah Mrkvicka, sophomore Connor Rockwell, senior Nick Tauber and freshman Tyler Turner.

This year's conference meet was held Jan. 31 at Freeport.

NICL East Division members and standings before the conference tournament were McHenry in first, followed by Marengo, North Boone, Fox Lake Grant, Cary-Grove, Harvard, McHenry B and Guilford.

The NICL West Division and standings included Rockford Jefferson in first, followed by Stillman Valley, Sterling, Byron, Freeport and Oregon. Hononegah was listed as a member but apparently did not have a team this year.

Fund-raiser for state

Volunteer head coach Glen Gratz said the North Boone tournament is held every year to raise funds so the team can go to state. There is no regional or sectional, with this year's finals being held Feb. 13-14 at the Peoria Civic Center.

Gratz is no stranger to chess, having been a state champion during the 1975-76 season, on Board 1, and the runner-up in 1976-77, while a student at nearby Harvard High School. Team-wise, the Hornets were state champions both years, back when there were two classes: A for smaller schools and AA for larger schools.

Now there is just one class and, typically, about 140 teams of all sizes compete each year.

North Boone also fared well as a Class A team, winning state in 1979-80 and 1992-93, taking second in 1975-76, 1978-79, 1982-83, 1986-87 and 1992-93, with a third-place finish in 1980-81. All of those teams were coached by Guenther Wohlfarth.

The Vikings have had 17 medalists over the years, including Don Ward, who was second on Board 3 in 1975-76. Currently, he is chairman of the North Boone Community Unit School District 200 board of education.

The most recent medalist was Richard Bennett, seventh on Board 7 in 2010-11.

Last year, the Vikings finished 79th among 140 schools. Junior Steven Hostalak led the way with a ninth place, individually, on Board 4. There, he won five of six matches, with one ending in a draw.

Seniors Michael Abraham, Becca Fishbach, Dustin Nichols, Eric Saue and Margaret Shafala, who since have graduated, all were on that team.

Jan. 28, 2015

BELVIDERE-The Boone County Fair Association has raised nearly $50,000 so far in its fundraising campaign to refurbish the 50 year old grandstand at the fairgrounds, “The Boone County Fair Grandstand Rejuvenation Project” as its being called is looking to raise $125,000 to complete the project.

 “The time has come to give some needed attention to this hard working grandstand. The 2,000 seat grandstand has held some great audiences over the years enjoying a wide variety of entertainment from Loretta Lynn twice to George Jones to Blake Shelton,” Lyle Lee, president of the Boone County Fair Association said. “Not to mention the tractor pulls, harness races, demo derbies and such.”

The Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization receiving no government funds from the city or county with limited funds from the state which go towards the premiums paid to the exhibitors. Any donations toward this project will be tax deductible.

“We continually work to keep the fairgrounds well maintained, but this grandstand project turned out to be larger than we planned on and something we needed to do this year , said Lee. “That’s why we’re asking the community to help keep the Boone County Fairgrounds one of the nicest fairgrounds in the state.”

“The outpouring of support for this project from the community has been very gratifying. We have a ways to go, but in the meantime we can’t thank everyone enough.” Lee added.

According to Lee, one hundred percent of the monies donated will go toward the rejuvenation of this icon of the fairgrounds. The project will include improving the entire structure with new aluminum kick boards, aluminum walking planks, a fresh paint job and some new fencing.

All donors will be acknowledged on a sign to be hung on the back of the grandstand. Donors giving $2,500 or more will have a larger listing on the sign but everyone who donates will be listed on the sign.

If you would like to contribute to the “BCF Grandstand Rejuvenation Project” call the Fair office at (815) 544-2900 any Monday or Wednesday from 8a.m. to 4 p.m. or mail your donation to BCF Assn., PO Box 456, Belvidere, Il 61008. Write “Grandstand Project” on the envelope.

“Our goal is to have the money raised and the project completed in time for the 2015 fair,” Lee said. “The fair association’s grounds crew has been busy preparing the structure so that painting can begin as soon as weather permits in the spring.”

The 2015 Boone County Fair starts Tuesday Aug. 11 and runs through Sunday Aug. 16. The entertainer for Aug. 15 has not yet been announced.

Jan. 27, 2015

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

BELVIDERE – On the outskirts of Kirkland, a little girl grew up fascinated with old things and dreamed of becoming an archeologist. Fast forward several years and that girl, now a woman, is the executive director of the Boone County Historical Museum.

Anna Gill assumed the role that was vacated by the retirement of Mary Hale. Gill received her degree in archeology with an emphasis in museum studies from Northern Illinois University in 2010.  Gill is engaged to be married this September to Belvidere North High School English teacher

Drew Pivoras

Gill worked in fossil preparation at Burpee Museum in Rockford and took part in archeological digs that the museum sponsored. She worked at Midway Village before finding her new home at the Boone County Historical Museum.

It should be no surprise then that as Gill explored the museum’s collection and archives, she discovered a box of rocks. The box as unlabeled and there is no indication of the rocks’ donor or origin.  On top of a card catalog in Gill’s office, the contents of the box of rocks are neatly arranged. 

“I love this museum. It has been great,” Gill said. Before Gill applied for the position, Gill visited the museum and enjoyed the World War I poster exhibit. “There is so much potential here. There are a lot of opportunities for the future here.”

“I was surprised by the high quality of the collection at the museum. There are so many things here that are very special. It has been a surprise to see how much is here,” Gill praised the collection. “I love that there are nostalgia people that save these things.”

“I am very thankful to both the District and the Society for their support in giving me the opportunity to be part of the museum,” Gill said. She also praised the museum’s employees.

“Lonna Bentley and Richard Nelson have both been awesome.”

In addition to acclimating herself to her role at the museum, Gill is developing plans to partner with a different organizations within Boone County. She already has plans to meet with Jillian Fuller, local history and genealogy librarian at Ida Public Library. 

Gill was impressed with the partnership between the museum and the library on the Belvidere and Boone County History book which was sent to the printer this week.  Many residents use both the library and the museum as sources of information as they delve into genealogy projects into their family history.

The book , which Fuller hopes to be available in time for the Boone County Fair, will tell the first 100 year story of the county from 1830 – 1930 through 200 photographs and commentaries.

“It was interesting how they combined efforts to pull everything for the book.”

In addition to partnering with the library, Gill envisions a greater partnership with District 100 and District 200 school districts. She would like to organize more tours with school children or develop some outreach programs.

The next major exhibit at the museum will be the history of immigration in Boone County. Bentley expects that the exhibit will be on display in mid-June to coincide with Heritage Days.

Among the projects that Gill would like to tackle is the natural history room, commonly referred to as the bird room.

“At the museum we have a complete femur of a mammoth that was found in Boone County,” Gill said. The collection also includes two fossilized mammoth teeth. Gill envisions giving the room some TLC in the future.

As Gill rests her eyes on the collection from the box of rocks, she is home.

Jan. 25, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - A proposed text amendment that has been filed with Boone County would increase the setback for wind turbines from 1,000 feet to 2,640 feet, or 6.5 times the height of the tower, from all property lines.

A public hearing on the amendment will be held before the county zoning board of appeals (ZBA) at 7 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 27) in the county administration building, 1212 Logan Ave.

Applicants are David Cleverdon and Karen Kenny, 21123 Grade School Road, Caledonia, and 22679 LeRoy Center Road, Capron, respectively. Grade School Road is the western boundary of the 8,000-acre wind farm being proposed by Mainstream Renewable Power, with upwards of 100 towers.

The Dublin, Ireland-based company is expected to submit an application for a special use permit sometime this spring.

Should Tuesday's hearing be concluded that night, the ZBA recommendation will move on to the county board for consideration at its Feb. 18 meeting.

Planning staff is recommending denial of the request because it is not in compliance with the comprehensive plan. The county planning commission agreed with that position in a 2-3 vote Jan. 20. 

Purpose of the text amendment is "to assure the protection of health, safety, welfare and property values for all Boone County residents and landowners ..."

As proposed, the amendment also would increase the setback to one-half mile from all public roads, third-party transmission lines and communication towers. In addition, all towers would have a minimum setback of not less than 1.5 miles from nearby Sharon, Wis.

The new setback would be 2,640 feet or 6.5 times the height of the turbine, including the blades at the highest point, whichever is greater.

Notice of Tuesday's hearing was sent to each of the nine townships in the county, with no responses being received by the county planning office. Mainstream's proposed wind farm would be located in Manchester and LeRoy counties, in the northeastern corner of the county.

Manchester Township was talking about establishing its own setback for wind towers, but so far has not applied for a text amendment. Manchester's proposed setback was 1,500 feet from property lines.

Tuesday's hearing is the only one at which the public is guaranteed an opportunity to speak to the issue.

Lions Club receives grant to enlarge basketball court

POPLAR GROVE - The Poplar Grove Lions Club has received an anonymous grant if $5,000 to ensure a full basketball court is part of upcoming improvements to the recreational complex, behind the North Boone Fire District 3 station at Illinois 173 and Hill Street.

Club President Owen Costanza said the project will include replacing baseball Diamond No. 4, new outfield fencing and fencing down the left and right-field lines, along with new playground equipment.

He said the playground equipment is expected to be delivered the first week in April. That improvement will be done at the same time as expanding the basketball court.

Jan. 22, 2015

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

ROCKFORD –“Do you want to build a snowman? It doesn’t have to be a snowman,” Anna sings in the Disney movie Frozen.

And at Sinnissippi Park, 27 teams assembled Jan. 14 – 17 to make snow sculptures in the 29th annual Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition. The field included 12 teams competing for the state title, 15 high school teams, and an exhibition piece from 2014 state champions Vikings in Black.

This year, there were fears that the competition would be cancelled due to a lack of snow.  Mother Nature cooperated by blanketing the area with two heavy snowstorms which were promptly followed by a deep freeze.

Snow cleared from the Chicago Rockford International Airport runways was trucked to Sinnissippi Park and placed into wooden forms which organizers slowly fill and stomp on the snow to pack the snow firmly and remove any air pockets. For the state competitors, the blocks of snow are 6’ x 6’ x 10’ high and weighs approximately 2.5 tons. For the high school competitors, the blocks of snow are 4’ x’4’ x 6’ high.

During the four day event, competitors use axes, machetes, water buckets, shovels, ice chisels and homemade fashioned tools to carve snow sculptures.  And in the case of the team from Belvidere North High School, a paint brush and cold water was used.

Belvidere North fielded a team by seniors Jesse Harris, Kelsey Heimer, Alicia Porter, and Justin Sepeda won the Linda K. White Spirit Award. The team was headed by art teacher Edith Obenchain. Jesse was the only returning member of the team.

The team displayed a tremendous amount of spirit when unseasonably warm weather caused the snow to be soft and unstable. The team’s sculpture, titled Frost Bite, featured a saber tooth tiger climbing up on a snow bank. 

On the night before judging, the team was attaching a saber tooth to the jaws of its tiger. During the procedure, the top half of the jaw broke apart. In its collapse, it destroyed the bottom half of the jaw and left their sculpture without a face.

“They managed to take the pieces, mold them together and stick them on,” Obenchain explained. “We came back this morning and they got the teeth on. We crossed our fingers that it would not collapse.”

“It was really stressful trying to put that back on. We had the biggest problem with the teeth.  I tried making the teeth and every single one broke in half,” Alicia added. “I put myself on time out before I through a fit. I didn’t want to get angry with anyone.”

Kelsey completed the task of making the teeth.

The team was aided by the with the advice of professional snow sculptor Fred Gardner who is a member of the ISSC Advisory Committee and served as a mentor to the high school teams and lent tools to the young competitors.

“We had to use a paint brush to put cold water on it to make it sit and make it freeze and turn to ice,” Alicia described how the team resolved the problem of making the teeth in the challenging conditions. “We figured that icicles would work, but we couldn’t make it. We thought maybe if we turned it into ice.”

“They did a great job especially when something bad happened. Can they pull it together and focus? Can they rally together to fix it and make it work?” Obenchain asked. “And they did!”

The team was chosen in October and worked together to come up with a variety of design ideas. Each of the team members used clay to carve models as they practiced for the competition. “We bonded over this. Even though it was stressful, it was such an amazing time,” Alicia said.

The Belvidere North team already is planning on participating next year in the state competition.

Belvidere High School entered a team after a several year hiatus. Their entry Do you wanna build a snowman was made by Willem Kline, Brittany Schloskey, Jessica Schloskey, and Aneysia Scrader. The team was led by advisor Laura Davis. The Bucs’ entry featured Frozen characters Anna and Elsa sitting on opposite sides of a doorway and the snowman Olaf peering out to greet park visitors.

Members of the Belvidere team were unavailable on Saturday to participate in an interview.

State competition

Among the teams vying for the state title was the Frosted Flakes team. The team is made comprised of team members Bruce Quast, Steve Larson and Michael Rathbun. The trio work at Discovery Center and have participated in the competition for several years.

This year the team’s sculpture was titled The Space Between Us. “It has five columns for people to look at. If you look between the columns instead of at the columns you would see people instead of the columns,” Rathbun explained. ‘It is an optical illusion that you see at a lot of museums. We decided this year to make it out of snow.”

The biggest challenge was Frosted Flakes faced in the competition was moving snow. “We had to move the entire back half of each block to the end to make it longer. The block is 6 feet wide and it ended up being 11 ½ feet wide,” the Poplar Grove resident and associate director of Discovery Center explained. “We took it in really big blocks. They were 36 inches by 16 inches by 15. They were really heavy.”

It took all 3 of us to move it. We built them alternating Lego style.

On the final day of competition, the temperatures hovered around 40 degrees. “The warm weather wasn’t too bad until the final day when we were trying to put some final touches and the snow was really soft,” Rathbun said.

On Saturday when Sinnissippi Park was filled with visitors who came to view the sculptures, many of the sculptures were collapsing. The winner, Shot of Whiskey, Leave the bottle was made by Kilted Snow Weasels. Their intricate design of a 1800s style western bar featuring a cowboy and the bartender collapsed before the judging results were announced.

The morning of the competition, the team, comprised of Randy tackett, George Harnish and Grant Rundblade, stood with umbrellas to prevent the sun from melting their entry.

The Whippersnappers were forced to discontinue their work on their sculpture when a large fracture at the base made the sculpture at risk of collapse.

By Saturday night, many of the sculptures had collapsed and they were plowed under.

For anyone who did not have an opportunity to view the snow sculptures, the national competition will be held in Lake Geneva on Jan. 28 – Feb. 1 at Riviera Park.

Jan. 21, 2015

By Rhonda Mix

Reporter

BELVIDERE - On a brisk and sunny January day, the horses stand in pastures with contentment etched across their faces. A cozy barn awaits in case the equines feel the need to escape the elements. Nearby, three goats frolic in a separate enclosure, one of them appearing to smile as it peeks with curiosity through the fence.

A light-hearted feeling lingers in the air at Bertell Farms. Perhaps it comes from the appreciation and gratitude its residents may feel for being given a second chance at happy lives.

Located at 1217 Barberry Lane in Belvidere, Bertell Farms is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) animal rescue that primarily focuses on horses – though the shelter has rescued several other animals including goats, cats and chickens.

It is the only horse rescue in Belvidere.

Lora Bertell and her husband, Jim, own the shelter, which they started seven years ago.

Originally from Rockford and Chicago, Lora Bertell said the couple moved to the area and purchased the home with its 13.4 acres after meeting several people who had hobby farms. She and her husband thought such an endeavor would be fun, and decided to do something similar.

“The previous owners had two horses and we decided to take them as well,” Bertell said. “We knew nothing about horses, but the former house owners taught us how to take care of them and everything we needed to know.”

Bertell said she and her husband fell in love with horses and decided they needed to find a way to make use of the house's large expanse of land, so they opened up a horse rescue.

“We just kept getting horses,” Bertell said, adding that most of the facility's equines come from homes where they have been hoarded and/or neglected.

The rescue can comfortably house up to 15 horses and currently houses 12. Bertell Farm's residents also receive regular veterinarian checks and complete dental work-ups. The horses are put through an extensive evaluation and, in some cases, rehabilitation process, before they are available for adoption.

“We do not rush them and we try to assess what they know,” Bertell said. “For horses that were taken in because of starvation, the goal is to feed them and build their confidence.”

Successful rehab

One successful rehab patient is Phoenix, a 16-year-old thoroughbred.

Horses are given body condition scores which range from 0 to 9 and a score of 4 to 6 is considered acceptable. Bertell said Phoenix was taken from a neglectful situation and came to the farm with a body condition score of 1. Initially, the horse had no muscle and appeared emaciated. He has improved significantly during his eight months at the rescue.

Though Phoenix will live out the rest of his days at Bertell Farms, there are a number of horses currently available for adoption. Two of them are Betty, age 10, and her comrade Mare Mare, 30, a guide horse. Betty is blind and Bertell said the two friendly horses are inseparable.

“They came in together and can only be adopted out as a package deal,” she added, gesturing to the two beautiful, noble-looking horses standing close together in the pasture.

Volunteer, donation opportunities

An important aspect of the day-to-day operations of Bertell Farms is its volunteers.

Poplar Grove resident Janet Gualano has volunteered with the organization for 5 years. She showed horses as a child and said she enjoys helping out at Bertell Farms in order to give back to animals she loves.

“The community needs places like this that take in large animals,” she said. “Horses do so much for people and it is really nice to be able to return the favor.” 

There is always a need for more volunteers at the rescue and people with a wide range of skills are encouraged to apply.

Bertell Farms also is in need of donations. People can donate at Cherry Valley Feed, 1595 South Bell School Road, Cherry Valley, or through Paypal at Bertellfarms.org.

Items such as horse blankets, water buckets, trough heaters and enrichment toys also are much appreciated and can be brought directly to the farm.

The organization is unique not only because it is a horse rescue, but also because the Bertells and volunteers are hands-on in their work and passionate about horses.

“The horses are not numbers in a pasture,” Bertell said. “They are loved like pets and are family. We live by our motto here – hands and hearts helping hooves. We have learned a lot along the way.”

Upcoming events at Bertell Farms will include a horsemanship education class for adults in February and a horse show in September. The rescue also will host a volunteer orientation at 9 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 24.

For more information, visit bertellfarms.org.

Jan. 20, 2015

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

CAPRON – A steady stream of approximately 300 friends and neighbors stopped at the Lion’s Community Building on Jan. 10 for the club’s 60th anniversary.

The chapter, which was started on Mar. 30, 1955 purchased its new home in February 2014 and club members have been toiling to remodel the building. “We have been working hard to make it available for more community events and as an opportunity for people to use it,” Capron Lions Club president Barb Sager said.

In addition to the pancake breakfast, the Capron Lions Club has several activities planned for the next few months. The Easter egg hunt will be held on Apr. 4 at Lions Park.  The group will host free diabetic and macular degeneration vision screenings at Lions Park from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Apr. 11. Club members are selling pre-orders of roses for $18 per dozen. The roses, which will be delivered on Apr. 18 help fund the club’s activities in the community.

“We would like to thank everyone who came out today to support the Lion’s Club,” Sager said. “Events like today help us support the community and we appreciate everyone who came out.”

During the pancake breakfast, guests were treated to the musical talent of piano prodigy Matt White.  The 11 year old started playing the piano when he was four years old. The tike found a keyboard in the storage room at his older sister’s Ame Trowbridge’s apartment and took an instant liking to the instrument. He quickly learned some chords and other notes.

When Matt was 11, the son of Will and Mary White, he started to take began to take piano lessons from Mr. Forbish and he plays a wide variety of music from classics to songs that Matt has composed himself. “I like to play whatever pops into my head,” Matt said.

When asked if he considered himself to be a classically trained pianist, Matt pondered “How old will I be when that happens…..15? 16?”

In addition to his musical talent, Matt is proving himself to be a comedian with a steady supply of jokes in his repertoire. Matt’s specialty are corny jokes that make you think. “A man walks into a bar….and loses the international limbo championship contest,” Matt quipped. “A skeleton walks into a bar and orders a beer and a mop.”

“What do you call a man with no arms and no legs laying on the floor?  Matt!”

Not to be undone, I shared with Matt one of the jokes that from my childhood in the days before ethnic jokes were considered to be politically incorrect and taboo. The same ethnic jokes seem to have endured the passage of time having been converted into dumb blonde jokes.

Question: why did the dumb blonde bring sandpaper with her into the dessert?

Answer: because she thought it was a map.

It’s ok to groan. It’s bad.  And yet, it is still one of my favorite jokes.   

Well, it was until I heard Matt’s skeleton joke. He has a career as the next Victor Borge.

And with Matt’s repertoire of what do you call a man with no arms and no legs jokes, I offer up one of Borge’s. “"Did you know that Mozart had no arms and no legs? I've seen statues of him on people's pianos."

Insert the sound of a rim shot here.

Jan. 18, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

POPLAR GROVE - As assistant chief of the Capron Rescue Squad, Tony Stepansky lives in a "what if" world.

In the 21st century the unspeakable can, and has, occurred. Among those horrific, life-claiming events were the shooting at Columbine (Colo.) High School, which actually took place Apr. 20, 1999, and the Sept. 1, 2001, terrorist attacks on America.

Could a similar, catastrophic event occur in Boone County? Sadly, the answer to that question is "Yes." That caused Stepansky to ask himself, several years ago, whether Boone County was prepared should something like that happen here.

Research showed him that 60 percent of those injured at an "active shooter event" could have been saved had appropriate medical personnel been at the scene in a timely manner. As a medical professional who often has dealt with life and death situations, the "what if" scenario led to formation of the county's first special response team, one of only 11 in the State of Illinois.

It consists of four men and two women, all members of the Capron Rescue Squad (CRS). Three of them are paramedics and three are emergency medical technicians. Now they're known as "tactical medical providers."

They recently graduated after completing about 60 hours of intensive training in providing such medical care in a setting that far expands the boundaries of what they usually do.

Team members are Amanda Bouchard, Taylor Duncan, Dan Eldredge, Joe Erber, Morgan Lohse and Stepansky.

3 levels of care

As proposed, the team would provide three levels of care.

There would be a first responder, who would be right behind law enforcement, carrying a medical kit to provide immediate care for life-threatening injuries.

Then a second responder would set up at the scene, to provide more advanced care, if needed. The victim, or victims, then would be moved to a safer area.

Transporting the injured individuals to a hospital or trauma center would follow.

"We're set up so two such responders are available 24 hours a day," Stepansky said.

There recently was a dry run of sorts during what was thought to be a hostage situation in Capron, behind a heavily populated bar and near the rescue squad station.

"Initially, no one knew the severity of the situation," he said. "Ultimately, it was determined that the individual was not armed. But that took a period of hours. We had five of the six TMPs available in a short period of time and in a safe zone."

Medical team members were able to see SWAT teams from Boone and Winnebago County sheriff's departments in action. "We learned a lot from this," he said.

The next step, he said, is to meet with Boone's new sheriff, Dave Ernest, and ask for him to approve the team. Right now, Stepansky said, "We don't have the permission of the sheriff to deploy this team to any such event."

"We have submitted a mission statement and operational plans," he added. "It will be up to him (sheriff) to decide if such a team exists and how it's utilized."

Meanwhile, the team is continuing to train twice a month.

"Our training is based on what the state of Illinois will require when it sets up an EMT-T (tactical) program," the assistant chief said.

The rescue squad's Board of Trustees has committed $15,000 to equip the team. "I hope we put a lot of time and money into this team and that it's never used," Stepansky said.

"But should we have one of those events, we are ready," he said. 

Jan. 15, 2015

BELVIDERE - Since 2009, Belvidere North High School students have competed in the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Competition.  Rob Arata, Automotive Technology Instructor at the high school, has encouraged his Auto students to join an after school club which essentially works daily to perfect the disassembly and reassembly of an automobile engine.  After many hours of practice these students enter into nationwide competitions designed for high school students to gain experience working in a team environment, solve issues on the fly, meet key people from all around the world at national trade shows such as SEMA and PRI, and earn tens of thousands of dollars in scholarship money.

Since 2011, BNHS has qualified a team for the National Championships, the first of which they attended was held at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas and the PRI Show that was held in Florida until 2012. In 2013, the National Championships moved to Indianapolis to the PRI Show and BNHS had a team qualify for that year as well.

During the 2014 season, BNHS was blessed with two teams that qualified for Nationals, the Hedman sponsored team took first in both the St. Charles competition here in Illinois and the Michigan competition while the K+N sponsored team took third in both venues as well. In July, the Hedman Team was the first Illinois team to complete a competition run in under 20 minutes for a full teardown and reassembly of a small block Chevy 350 engine. The K & N Team is comprised of Dan Gauerke, Jon Szara, Josh Brouillette, Michael Ruvolo, and Colton Gritzmacher. The Hedman Team members are Devan Atkinson, Keegan Knox, Alex Palka, William Wendt, and Will Haerterich.

The teams then traveled to the Dual National Championships, one a SEMA Show in Las Vegas and the other a PRI Show in Indianapolis.  The Hedman Team placed third at the SEMA Show in early November, competing against the 15 top teams in the country and only missed second place by seven seconds, pulling the fastest times in competition to date. The K+N Team traveled in mid-December to Indianapolis to the PRI Show and took seventh out of 15 teams pulling off some of their personal best times as well. Both teams ended up in the top ten out of 30 teams with the Hedman Team tying for sixth and the K+N Team in ninth.

In just this year alone, BNHS raised $202,500 in scholarships earned by both teams, with a new Grand Total near three quarters of a million dollars in scholarships earned since students started entering the competitions in 2009.

Coaching is key for the BNHS Hot Rodder Teams, with countless hours of dedication by Coach Robert Arata.  He is joined by his wife Jill, who has been recognized by BNHS and the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow as an official coach.  Jill is the first female coach to have a team compete at the national level.

The horizons for BNHS in 2015 have yet again two teams with a hopeful third comprised completely of female members coached by a female coach which has never been done before in Hot Rodders history.

You can visit www.hotroddersoftomorrow.com for more information.

Jan. 14, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - The Boone County Homeless Project Board of Directors has a new chairperson in Jennifer Jacky and a new vice chair in Shannon Hansen.

A change in leadership often can lead to fresh ideas and one of the projects Jacky wants to begin is to "look at the causes of homelessness."

Part of that effort will be reaching out to eighth-grade students at Belvidere South and Belvidere Central middle schools with a "reality check" type of program. It will begin early in the new year and last six weeks, in one-hour sessions.

The sessions will include going over basic living skills. While many have an idea of the kind of lifestyle they would like to lead as adults, this program will get specific about how much money they would have to make in order to achieve that goal. And jobs. There will be a career inventory that shows what kind of money is paid for the different vocations and what it would take to get there.

There will be a section on housing, the various types and the cost. The benefits of owning a home as opposed to renting will be discussed. The importance of budgeting, and staying on track, will be part of it as will credit and banking.

Additionally, there will be a focus on the impact of credit reports on so many areas of life. How far-reaching can it be for people who don't pay their bills?

There are other aspects of adult life will be explored as the program comes to a close.

"The goal is to get them thinking about these things," said Jacky, who is executive director of the Belvidere Family YMCA.

This program was a result of brainstorming among members of the homeless board. It will serve as an advance to the career expo, which will be held during their freshman year at either Belvidere or Belvidere North High School.

It is a pilot for Belvidere Community Unit School District 100 and may be included in North Boone Community Unit School District 200 next year.

"The idea is to educate kids (about homelessness) at an earlier age," she said. "They may not be exposed to this home. This will help them become more aware of what's out there. A lot of them want to know."

"Shannon and I believe in the educational side (of homelessness) and want to reach out to youth," she added.

Children are an important part of her job at the YMCA. That also goes for Hansen, who is communications director for District 100 and runs the community cupboard food pantry on East Avenue, adjacent to Belvidere High School.

While homelessness is not a big issue in Districts 100 and 200, there are some students who don't have a place they can consistently call home.

As of Dec. 15, 2014, there were 28 students enrolled in District 100, who fit the definition of being homeless, and 15 in District 200. That is a decrease from Dec. 15, 2013, when there were 41 homeless at District 100 schools and 17 in District 200.

Jan. 13, 2015

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

BELVIDERE - Bob Ryder, superintendent of the Veterans Assistance Commission of Boone County received a late Christmas present that will benefit several area veterans in need. Alyssa Cortes donated to him a portion of the proceeds of the Home for the Holidays dinner dance that was held at the VFW on Dec. 20.

“It was the largest private donation we’ve received in 2014 and we were thrilled by it,” Ryder said.

Cortes organized the dinner dance after she was inspired by a Rock for the Ranch fundraiser in Schaumburg, Ill. she attended several years ago as a professional photographer. The Schaumburg event included key note speaker Marcus Luttrell who was the lone survivor in the Operation Red Wings ambush in Afghanistan. The movie “Lone Survivor,” starring Mark Wahlberg was based on Luttrell’s ordeal. “I donated my time to photograph the event and I left feeling inspired to want to help the troops,” Cortes said. She had a desire to specifically help Boone County active military and veterans.

With the assistance of her father, Tony Ziegelbauer, who helped her acquire donations including customized furniture, Cortes was able to exceed her fundraising goal. With the money that was raised, care packages will be sent to Alex Jones in Kuwait and brothers Lt. Grant Swanson and his brother Major Luke Swanson who are both stationed stateside. 

And the remainder of the proceeds was delivered recently to Ryder in a combination of money and food vouchers. “The food vouchers will be extremely helpful to a lot of veterans who are just short of basic needs and basic food supplies. That will make a big difference to a lot of people who are hurting this winter,” Ryder said.  “The money will help us pay utility bills like gas and electric that might be shut off during the months of December January and February.”

“These are very basic needs that people have and are having a hard time meeting and this donation will make a huge difference in the lives of at least five to six veterans who are having some pretty significant financial problems.”

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Boone County (VACBC), now in its third year, helps area veterans who are in need. “Our main mission is to help indigent veterans on a short term basis,” Ryder said. “Our job is more crisis intervention. We try to do what we can to help them over the hump until they are able to be connected with the federal VA.”

For low income veterans, the VACBC is able to provide partial payment of utilities, partial payment of rent or mortgage, limited transportation, and other financial assistance. “We try to do what we can to help them over the hump until they are able to be connected with the federal VA,” Ryder explained.

“Seventy-five percent of the folks we see are Vietnam era or older.  Many of them are 65, 70 75 years old are on Social Security or on some type of disability so they have a very fixed income. A lot of these folks are trying to live on $1,300, $1,400 a month,” Ryder explained.  “If they have one thing go wrong like their car break down, or their heating bill is more than usual, if they have had a medical concern that they cannot pay for, it is a real crisis. One thing goes wrong and they are having a real tough time.”

“When I went to the VFW and I paid for the rest of the food and I told her that I wanted to help the local troops, she mentioned the VAC,” Cortes explained. “It was exactly what I wanted. I wanted to help vets pay for utility bills or groceries. It was exactly what I wanted”

Private donations help VABC mission

Because the VACBC is funded through property taxes, the veterans the VACBC is limited in who they can help with financial assistance.  “Those private donations give us more flexibility to help the veterans who do not meet the county qualifications,” Ryder said. “We have had other donations from individuals in terms of money and food vouchers. It has been a wonderful time.” 

In addition to the donation from Cortes, Ryder was impressed with the increase in donations that the VACBC received during the month of December. “We have seen so much generosity from people in the month of December whether it is food donations or monetary donations or Afghans or blankets. A lot of people have been extremely generous in the Boone County area and we are extremely thankful,” Ryder said.

“He (Ryder) was so grateful. I got a call from him last week and he said they were already giving out the food vouchers. It was awesome knowing what a difference that money is going to make for them,” Cotes said.

“One of the best things was the local company that came up with 25 baskets for Christmas,” Ryder said of an area company that donated and distributed 25 baskets of food to area veterans in need. “They choose to be anonymous.”

Through Charlotte Kennedy’s efforts with Sgt. P’s Lapghans for Veterans, the VACBC received several Afghan blankets that are hand-made by a legion of area volunteers. Ryder is able to provide the blankets to their clients.

In addition to providing financial assistance and limited emotional counseling to its clients, the VACBC helps Veterans learn about other financial assistance programs for which they are eligible. “We help people qualify for financial assistance. A lot of it is getting them aware of what services are available in Rockford,” Ryder said. The VABC helps veterans get connected with the outpatient VA clinic in Rockford as well as the VA hospital in Madison, Wis.

“We are making sure they get connected to folks who specialize in PTSD for veterans both in Rockford and other local hospitals. A lot of that is more crisis intervention, referral and a little bit of financial,” Ryder said.

“A lot of the younger veterans are working, and they are not meeting the financial (requirements). We try to give them emotional counseling and help them find the federal agencies they need through the VA to get their medical care.”

As for Cortes, she is already making the plans for next year’s Home for the Holidays dinner dance.  Many of the people who attended the dance in December offered to help her plan and organize the event going forward.  “Keep a look out it will be held late November or early December.  We will have information posted at VFW for next year,” Cortes said.

“I never knew about the VAC before. If I knew about them earlier, I should have been donating. Even $5 makes a difference to somebody.”

“We hope more people will be inspired by her (Cortes) efforts to realize how important it is to honor our veterans and to remember them,” Ryder said. “Everyone can take a few minutes to say thank you to a veteran and let them know that their efforts are appreciated.”

For more information about the VACBC, visit them 175 Cadillac Ct. in Belvidere or call (815) 544-6464.

Jan. 11, 2015

By Lisa Rodgers

Reporter

BOONE COUNTY-‘You know you grew up in Belvidere, IL when…’ is a private Facebook group (you may request to be added) where Bill Eklund has been sharing some of his local photography.  Bill’s photos have provided a glimpse of home for some who live far away, created long discussions, and has caught the eye of many local residents.  What started out as following up on a “photography experience that kindled a spark that smoldered inside of me for 30 years” has developed (pardon the pun) into something more than he could have ever imagined.

Bill Eklund grew up in Belvidere and is a graduate of Belvidere High School Class of 1981.  Bill spent most of his school summer vacations running the river banks of the Belvidere Park which would later inspire his photography preference. 

While attending Belvidere High School, he took a photography class with Mr. (Doc) Watson.  He was provided an SLR camera in 1979 for six weeks and took it everywhere.  “I stumbled thru Doc. Watson’s photography class in high school, but that photography experience has stayed with me,” said Eklund.

“In 2009, I finally got around to buying a ‘real’ camera. It was much like the camera I so coveted back in high school, only a little more advanced. No film, full digital. Boy was I overwhelmed! I needed to learn what all of these dials & buttons were used for. So I enrolled in an ‘Introduction to digital photography’ course at Rock Valley College and made a serious effort to learn how to use it. I learned how to use my camera and the basics of photography. I was fascinated with the possibilities that this device presented.  I took my new camera and new found knowledge and headed to the Belvidere Park to take pictures,” explained Eklund. 

For the next several years Eklund would enter local contests and win which inspired him to continue on his photography journey.  “This past year has been very rewarding for my photography as well.  My photos took a 1st and 3rd at Beckman Mill in Beloit.  Boone County Fair awarded my photos a total of 22 ribbons; Best of Show color, Best of Show Black and White, 17 Blue ribbons, two second, two third and one fourth place ribbon.  Winnebago County Fair awarded a total of seven ribbons ( five were blue) and Best of Show,” continued Eklund.

The year 2014 would find Eklund in a new venue with the assistance of another local resident following on Facebook.  Nancy Ellis-Anderson is employed by Luecke Jewelers.  “I approached my boss Marcia Luecke-Toepfer after having seen Bill’s photos.  I asked if we could sell them in our store as many people were requesting to buy his photos.  I thought it would be nice for him to have a local location.  Marcia thought it was a fabulous idea,” Ellis Anderson said.

“I approached Bill and we began selling his framed photos this past November.  Everything on display in the store is from the local parks or area.”

“It’s been amazing to see the personal impact on our customers.  Many emotionally connecting to Bill’s photos have purchased a photos for that very reason.  Bill is so humble and is wonderful to work with.  He is very accommodating to all his customers,” explained Ellis-Anderson.

“I never seem to tire of photographing our parks as there always seems to be a new capture to be had there.  Usually what I am looking to for when I go out for a photo shoot is pieces of ‘Americana’. I enjoy trying to capture the spirit of my hometown whenever I can. I feel compelled to capture the emotion of the time and share it. I strive to show people things that they see every day, in a way that they have never seen them before,’ added Eklund. 

“Please stop by Luecke Jewelers to see Bill Eklund’s photography.  They are simply breathtaking,” concluded Ellis-Anderson.

“I really can’t explain how I do what I do. Since being bitten by the photography bug, I just seem to look at the world from a whole different perspective. It is so very rewarding knowing that you touch so many people with your passion.  People love what I do and I love what I do,” expressed Eklund.

Luecke Jewelers is located at 1444 North State Street, Belvidere.

Jan. 8, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

MACHESNEY PARK - Three long-awaited projects are expected to come to fruition in 2015.

The arrival of a full service grocery store will fulfill a hope that's been high on the village's wish list for a number of year. Progress in building the new Meijer supercenter is seen daily by those who drive along Illinois 173, between Forest Hills Boulevard and Perryville Road.

And speaking of 173, the widening project that began in 2012 was completed in 2014 from Illinois 251 east to Forest Hills. The third and final leg is to be done this year, from Forest Hills on to just shy of the entrance to Rock Cut State Park.

Finally, the multi-use path along the west side of Alpine Road, from Lowe's south to Schnuck's, is slated for construction this year. Once completed, it will provide people with an opportunity to walk, or ride, from the Rock River into the state park.

The path originally was scheduled to run from the entrance to Harlem High School south to Roosevelt Road. But an extension became possible when the village received a $620,000 state grant.

There will be an election on April 7 for three, four-year terms on the village board.

First-term incumbent Kate Tammen is being challenged by the village treasurer, Steve Johnson, in District 2. There also will be competition in District 5, where incumbent Tom Yoe chose not to run again. There, newcomers Terri Bailey, Henry Bridges and Dwight Genin are vying for that seat.

Incumbent Erick Beck is running unopposed, in District 6, for a second term.

Economic development

Economic growth will continue to be pursued by the entire village staff.

Mayor Jerry D. Bolin put "business to be announced" six times on a sheet of paper that included some of what was expected to happen in the new year.

While it was a fill in the blanks kind of thing, he said he was confident those new businesses would be coming to town in 2015.

"We will be working hard to complete the mall," he said, referring to the now-called Machesney Towne Center on the west side of North Second Street. "Practice Velocity is the anchor that will help make that happen."

Practice Velocity is a high-tech call center that invested $6 million into renovating the former Kohl's store in the rrear of the center. It brought more than 250 employees over from previous locations in Machesney Park and Belvidere.

Currently, the former Machesney Park Mall now is occupied by Bergner's, Big Lots and Burlington Coat Factory.

Many shoppers continue to be sad over the recent closing of the former J.C. Penney Outlet Store, on the south end of the center. Mayor Bolin said efforts to fill that space will continue, as well as finding tenants for the six out lots fronting North Second.

That also goes for the vacant, former Menards store on the north side of 173, near Kohl's.

Road improvements

The village has put millions of dollars into road improvements since the Rebuild Machesney project began in 2008. Voters recently approved a seven-year extension of that penny sales tax increase, which will extend to 2020.

Work will begin in May and continue through August on rebuilding the following roads:

Leland from Wilson to Pershing, a distance of 1,650 feet; Erma from Wilson to Pershing, 1,630 feet; Pershing from Victory to Illinois 251, 2,500 feet; Wilshire from Victory to 251, 1,775 feet; Gilbert from Victory to 251, 1,650 feet; Marquette from Victory to 251, 1,960 feet; and Liberty from Victory to 251, 1,885 feet.

Also, Copper from 251 to Emerald, 2,155 feet; Ruby from Copper to Emerald, 470 feet; Emerald from 251 to Roosevelt Estates, 2,315 feet; and the Alpine Road service drive from Nelson to Roosevelt, 620 feet.

Various roads also will be resurfaced, starting Aug. 1.

All of that adds up to 3.45 miles of roads being rebuilt; 4.20 miles of road being resurfaced and a 1.59-mile Alpine Road multi-use path, for a total of 9.24 miles.

Of the resurfacing, Bolin said, "We will probably exceed that."

He said the village is very transparent about what it does to serve residents.

"We continue to be in good shape financially," he said. "We are putting tax money to work and we show people where it goes."

Additionally, all requests for information filed under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) are put on the village's website, as are his expenses related to what he does as mayor.

Jan. 7, 2015

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

BELVIDERE - The Belvidere Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating the whereabouts of Michael E. Spraggins, 46, from Belvidere. He is considered to be armed, dangerous and suicidal and is believed to still be in the greater Rockford area. He is wanted in connection of the Jan. 2 murder of Rachael Ross Golden in Belvidere.

“We are requesting additional assistance from the public in an attempt to locate Michael E Spraggins,” Belvidere chief of police Jan Noble said. “We are hoping that someone out there will call Crime Stoppers at (815) 547-7867 or the police department. (815) 544-2135.”

Belvidere police detectives and U.S. Marshals along with the Rockford Police Department have been working nonstop to locate Michael Spraggins and remind the community that Crime Stoppers will pay a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of Spraggins. Anyone having contact with Spraggins or knows his whereabouts is asked to contact the Belvidere police Department at (815) 544-2135 or call 911.

At 7:41 a.m. on Jan. 2, the Belvidere Police Department received a request for a welfare check on a residence located in an apartment at 2112 Tobyne Drive in Belvidere. Belvidere police officers immediately responded to the scene. 

“When they got on scene there was concern about the individual in the apartment, and additional information was obtained that subsequently entry was gained. Upon gaining entry, they found the deceased,” Noble said. “Officers responding on scene were able to determine that the victim had been deceased for a short while.”

The deceased was identified as Rachael Ross Goldon, 41 of Rockford who was shot in the upper torso. Based on information received from family members, Spraggins was immediately identified as a person of interest. As the investigation continued, the search for Spraggins increased from a person of interest to a suspect. “The investigation is ongoing, and we believe we have a very good case as we are beginning to unfold,” Noble said. “It appeared to be of a domestic nature.”

A warrant for first degree murder with a 5,000,000 (10%) bond was issued for Spraggins. Police Chief Noble declined to specify the relationship between Ross Golden and Spraggins. In July 2014, Spraggins filed for an order of protection against Ross Golden in Winnebago County. The case was subsequently dismissed.

Spraggins, also goes by the street name of “Cockeye” is 5’08” and weighs approximately 220 pounds. In both photos released by the Belvidere Police Department, Spraggins appears to have a lazy eye. In both photographs released by he appears to be looking straight ahead with his left eye. His right eye appears to wander. No description of the vehicle Spraggins was known or suspected to be driving was available at press time.

Neighbor Stacy Snoddy remembered Ross Golden as a dedicated mother.  The two women met when their sons became playmates and Ross Golden made a point of introducing herself to the parent of her son’s friend. “She told me that she was a single parent,” Snoddy said.

Snoddy’s son was concerned about his friend and wanted to go over to the apartment to see how his friend was doing. He added that he may go to the apartment on Saturday to invite him over to play.

The Belvidere Police Department was aided in the investigation by the Boone County Sheriff’s Department and the Illinois State Police. Belvidere deputy chief of police Mark Pollock praised the assistance that the police department received. “Nice work today by everyone involved, dispatch, patrol and investigations. Thanks to the Deputies that responded to Sergeant Martin’s request for assistance, the Sheriff’s Patrol for their assistance and our VIPS that spent the day helping as well,” Pollock said.

Jan. 6, 2015

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

BELVIDERE – When Jeremy Meyers told his wife Sarah that they were invited to a Christmas party on Dec. 22 at Steam Plant Restaurant for Susie’s Garden Patch, she initially protested. 

Sarah couldn’t imagine why they had been invited to the party because they had not helped Susie Silberhorn or Mary Brubach that year. Sarah even accused her husband of honing in and inviting themselves to the party.

As Jeremy has been telling his wife lately, sometimes he knows things.

Jeremy was in on a little secret with Brubach and Silberhorn. Shortly after the entire Blasingame family, along with Mary and Kevin Brubach, Susie Silberhorn, Dawn and Ellis Mundy were assembled at the restaurant, in strolled Marilyn Blasingame who returned from Mongolia for a surprise visit.

Ruth Blasingame immediately erupted in tears. “My mom started crying right away. I was shocked because she is not a crier,” Marilyn Blasingame recalled.

With the health issues that Jimmy Blasingame faced this year, Marilyn wanted to come home and see her dad with her own eyes. She was pleased to see that he is doing better and is on the long road to recovery.  Ruth was overjoyed to have all four of her daughters Marilyn, Karie, Tracey Jones, and Sarah Meyers along with their husbands and children together for the holidays.

Marilyn Blasingame has been stationed in Mongolia through the Peace Corps since June 2013.  She lives in Öndörkhaan, which is the capital of the Khentii province. Blasingame joined the Peace Corps as part of her Master’s program in public health at the University of Pittsburgh.

Nestled between Russia to the north and China to the south, east and west, Mongolia is known as the land of the eternal blue sky because it has 250 sunny days per year. Blasingame describes the weather in Mongolia as “like Midwest weather, only more extreme.”

Indeed it is.

Located south of Siberia and just north of the Gobi Desert, the temperatures where she lives regularly are 20 degrees below zero in the winter and can drop as low as 40 or 50 degrees below zero. In the summer, the temperatures are very hot. Like the Midwest, the land is very flat. “A lot of people describe it as being not desolate but empty. But when you go, it is so amazingly beautiful,” Blasingame said.

Blasingame lives in a small apartment provided by her agency. It has a water boiler that holds 20 gallons of water.  “I cannot control the temperature. If my apartment is cold, it is cold,” Blasingame explained.

In a nomadic country, Blasingame considers herself to be fortunate. Another Peace Corps volunteer lives in what is known as a ger, a round felt tent which does not have running water.  An isolated country that was once part of the Soviet Union, “Their culture has maintained a lot of aspects of what they were like for the past 1,000 years,” Blasingame explained.

Upon arriving in Mongolia in June 2013, Blasingame spent the first few months living with a host family while she took language and health courses as part of her training program.  The family did not speak English and Blasingame did not speak Mongolian.  The communicated with each other via sign language and gestures. Despite the language barrier, Blasingame fell in love with her host family. “It was one of the best experiences that I had learning a family inside and out,” Blasingame said.

Since arriving in Mongolia, her Mongolian has advanced to an intermediate level and she is able to converse with others for running errands and having simple day-to-day conversations.  With her co-workers at the health department, they communicate with a blend of English, Mongolian and hand signals.

In addition to helping teach best practices for public health issues, particularly infectious diseases, Blasingame and the other Peace Corps volunteer started an adult English Club to teach Mongolians who would like to learn English to improve their job prospects or travel abroad. With the English Club, they do activities such as cake baking, or having skating parties. “We try to come up with interesting and fun ways to improve English,” Blasingame said.

Among the adjustments that Blasingame has had to make since being in Mongolia is what she describes as the fishbowl effect. “I am always on display. I do not look Mongolian. I am always on the outside,” Blasingame explained. “I wasn’t used to that at first with people looking and staring and wanting to know about me because I am different.”

“Sometimes it surprises me how other people perceive Americans. People want to learn more about America. They have a great view of what America is or they have basic questions,” Blasingame said and mentioned that she has been asked if people speak American in America. “People view you differently when they see you as an American.”

Blasingame helps dispel American stereotypes. Through the news and movies, Mongolians have a disjointed view of what typical life is like in the States. “They see the glamour and the problems,” Blasingame explained.

Just as she has helped the Mongolians see past the stereotypes of America, Blasingame has had to learn beyond the stereotypes of Mongolia. She has had to learn that Mongolian beef is not typical of Mongolian cooking. “Most Mongolian food is boiled meat and potatoes and noodles. It is pretty hearty but it isn’t spicy or flavorful,” Blasingame added. “They have some interesting dishes that I have come to like.”

She was grateful last fall for a care package from Silberhorn and Brubach that included a wide variety of spices because it represented a taste of home.

Blasingame also learned that Genghis Khan is as beloved to the Mongolians as George Washington is to Americans and said that they have “a very different take on it.”

“They have a huge love of Genghis Kahn,” Blasingame said of the twelfth century warrior and leader of the Mongol Empire. “Mongolians love him because he preserved their culture in a lot of ways.”

During her time in Mongolia, Blasingame has realized how important her family is to her. “My family is what I have missed the most of everything,” she said.

Since moving to Mongolia, Blasingame has fallen in love and hopes to bring her new love back home with her when she finishes with her Peace Corp service next year. It is a 10 month old Mongolian street dog named Myrtle.

Blasingame has been excited to reconnect with her friends and family in Belvidere during her visit home. She returns to Mongolia on Jan. 6 where the temperature is forecasted to be 13 below zero.  And that’s before the wind chill factor is added in.

Blasingame can be reached via Facebook. Her e-mail address is marilynalice@gmail.com. She also maintains a blog at mablasingame.blogspot.com.

Jan. 4, 2015

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

BELVIDERE –After Mike Carlson passed away on Feb. 23, 2014 following a sudden illness, his widow Barbara was not certain that she would be able to find the strength to participate in the Joy of Christ Community Toy Distribution at Evangelical Covenant Church.

And then while moving to a new home she saw it.

A spiral notebook.

In her husband’s handwriting.

Mike Carlson had left comprehensive plans detailing how the toy drive should be organized. The notebook was filled with names and phone numbers of volunteers and distribution sites, plans for where toys should be set up, how to manage the flow of people. Everything was in there.

Barbara Carlson felt like it was a message from her husband to continue their work with the annual toy distribution. Although Mike Carlson was not into Christmas, when it came to the toy distribution he was all in.

Many members of the Carlson family gathered ten months to the day after his death to distribute toys to the needy on Dec. 23. It was a bittersweet moment for Carlson’s sister Valerie Gunn who dedicated her participation in her brother’s memory.

At 28 businesses, churches and organizations throughout Boone County, volunteers put out bins to collect toys, hats and socks. During the month of December, the rooms in the lower level of Covenant Evangelical Church slowly filled up to overflowing with toys. Each room was designated for an age group and gender.

The Belvidere Police Department donated abandoned bicycles to the cause.  The bicycles were refurbished by Blueges Bike Shop.  Rule changes made last January by the Belvidere City Council facilitated the donation process. Previous rules required Belvidere chief of police to receive City Council approval for distribution of unclaimed property.  Rules that were adopted last January allow for the Chief of Police Jan Noble to allocate items worth less than $150 at his discretion.

Earlier in the week, paramedics from OSF Lifeline Ambulance delivered an ambulance filled with toys. OSF Lifeline Ambulance began their involvement with the program in 2010 when Ron Wait, who was the area’s state representative at the time, told Jenny Tirado and another paramedic about the program. “That night at 9 at night we made about a dozen phone calls. Just that night alone we raised $500 from our fellow co-workers,” Tirado explained. “The next day we called St. Anthony’s and we told them about it and how the community was really struggling. They donated about $1,000.”

Since that time, with contributions from OSF St. Anthony Hospital as well as employee donations from the hospital and OSF Lifeline paramedics, Tirado has been able to deliver an ambulance filled with toys and gifts every year since.

On Dec. 23, nearly 100 volunteers and nearly 1,000 people gathered at the church.  Yellow tape was set up to create a series of switchbacks outside of the church for clients to pass through as they arrived as early as 5 p.m.  At 6:30 p.m. the doors of the church were opened and the clients filled up the church from the back pews to the front. After a quick greeting from Santa Claus who was on hand and a short prayer, the pews were emptied one by one and the clients made their way down the stairway into the church basement.

In the basement, volunteers stood in front of a blue tarp that concealed the rooms where the toys were stored. The volunteers enthusiastically greeted the clients who in turn presented a sheet of paper that included the age and gender of their children.

Volunteers took the slips of paper and ducked behind the blue tarp to get a large plastic bag and get toys for the children.

Assisting in selecting the toys was Bianca Hernandez who has been volunteering with the community toy distribution for approximately 20 years. She has been involved in the program since the days when Reverend Don Norek distributed toys to children near the apartments behind Dodge Lanes Bowling Alley.

“I would come with my mom and we would help out and do whatever we can,” Hernandez said. “It felt good to give back to those who are less fortunate.”

Hernandez continuing the tradition and example set for her by her mother by bringing her young daughter Riley Leutik to help her volunteer. Riley was happily gathering toys to give to the volunteers. “I hope she takes it with her as she grows older and sees that it is nice to help out others,” Hernandez remarked.

“I like helping mommy give gifts to kids,” Riley chirped.

“It really brings back the spirit of Christmas for us,” Tirado added. “There is a selfish part of me that does it because it warms my heart.”

Jan. 1, 2015

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - Boone County officials have worked up a wish list of infrastructure needs should state money become available to deal with five major, local projects totaling $31 million.

County Administrator Ken Terrinoni worked up the list after being asked to do so, in the event the state Legislature passes a capital projects bill in the near future.

"More and more people want it," said state Rep. Bob Pritchard, R-Sycamore, who represents Bonus and Spring townships and a small portion of Belvidere in the General Assembly. "It will happen," he said of passing such a bill. But he added, "Raising the money will be difficult."

The state already is addressing infrastructure needs, he said, through a five-year road improvements plan "that is rolled out every year."

Two of the high-priority needs, according to Terrinoni, have to do with the local highway system.

One of them is the Poplar Grove Road bridge over the Kishwaukee River.

That structure was built in 1964 as a two-lane bridge with sidewalks to serve the northeastern side of the city of Belvidere. It is the route from U.S. Business Route 20 to Pillsbury-Green Giant, Dean Foods, and other businesses in Belvidere.

But times have changed and Terrinoni said the bridge was not designed for the 80,000-pound trucks using it today "and is showing signs of deterioration from the many trucks that use this bridge.

Cost to replace that structure is estimated at $2 million.

The second local project would be widening Irene Road, whose interchange with Interstate 90 is scheduled to be completed in 2015.

Irene currently is a narrow, two-lane road in Flora Township that handles truck traffic from the William Charles and Plote quarries, along with 80,000-pound trucks, exiting the toll road to use U.S. Route 20.

That improvement calls for building a new three-lane road, for a length of one mile, which would be designed to handle those 80,000-pound vehicles. The estimated cost is $1.8 million.

State highway system

There are three proposed projects involving the state highway system, totaling $28 million.

One of them concerns U.S. Business Route 20 between Rockford and Belvidere. This state road handles 12,000-17,000 vehicles per day in that area.

Route 20 currently is a four-lane highway from Rockford to a point just east of Shaw Road in Boone County. The proposed project would be to widen the remaining, approximately three miles of two-lane U.S. 20 to four lanes, which would tie into the four-lane highway at Belvidere. The estimated cost of this work is $8 million.

The two-lane stretch of Illinois 76 from the city of Belvidere north to Caledonia Road is 2.75-miles long and carries 11,000-13,000 vehicles each day.

Route 76 is the only north-south highway in Boone County that services traffic from I-90 to the Wisconsin state line. The plan would be to widen that portion of 76 to four lanes at an estimated cost of $9 million.

The final improvement also involves U.S. Business 20 around the north side of the city of Belvidere, from Route 76 to U.S. 20, a distance of 4.5 miles. This two-lane highway carries 9,000-12,000 vehicles each day, of local traffic and traffic traveling from I-90 to Wisconsin.

Plans call for widening the two and three-lane portions of the highway to four lanes and rebuild the bridge over the Kishwaukee River. That cost is estimated at $11 million.

Part of that road was improved last year. 

Dec. 30, 2014

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - Boone County Board Chairman Bob Walberg has appointed five women and two men to make up the new breeding/boarding advisory committee.

District 1 county board member Denny Ellinigson is chairman of the panel, which will recommend rules and regulations for breeding and boarding animals in the county.

Other members are Dr. Dan Lendman, a veterinarian; Sonja Hanson, Jeannine French, Gwen Meyers, Jill O'Malley and Meg Hennessey.

It is an ad-hoc committee of the county board and its meetings will be open to the public. It will start meeting in January, with a recommendation ultimately being sent to the planning, zoning and building (PZB) committee. PZB is one of eight standing committees of the county board, comprised of five county board members.

In response to a question from District 2 board member Cathy Ward, Walberg said he had received the names of 15 people as possible candidates for the committee.

After the announcement was made District 3 board member Kenny Freeman said he didn't remember voting on membership of the committee.

State's Attorney Michelle Courier said that being an ad-hoc committee, membership did not require a board vote.

Walberg said a vote would be fine with him. "I would welcome board support on it," he said.

But Freeman said he had concerns about some of the appointments and would have voted against no.

Veterans office may move

BELVIDERE - The Boone County Veterans Assistance Commission operation on Cadillac Court has become so busy that it is running out of space.

County board member Cathy Ward brought that message to the board Dec. 17, while adding that the commission's landlord wants a hefty increase in rent.

"They're doing a great job" helping qualified veterans, she said. She added she would like to see the commission housed in the county building at 1212 Logan Ave.

After the meeting, she said she would pursue helping the commission find new office space.

Each county in Illinois is required to have such an organization and is responsible for its funding. But here, voters last year approved a small property tax increase to provide the commission with its own revenue.

Housing for the homeless

BELVIDERE - The Rockford Homeless Coalition is starting a new program whose goal it is to help the homeless find housing. 

Information about the program, called "Chance 4 Change," was brought to the Boone County Homeless Project Task Force at its Dec. 19 meeting.

Starting Jan. 2 people who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, will be able to call (815) 987-5711 or, toll free, (844) 710-6919 for assistance. They also may drop by the coalition office at 555 N. Court Sapt., suite 301, in Rockford, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of medical issues and needs. Each will be given a score, with the higher the score the more quickly they will be placed in housing.

"The committee putting this together is excited that it will be for both Boone and Winnebago counties," said Amanda Mehl, director of public health for the Boone County Health Department. "I think this will link people with the right agencies, rather than bouncing around the system."

Federal money is available, with most of it going to Rockford because it has more homeless than Boone, she said.

Dec. 28, 2014

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

BELVIDERE – Advent is a time of rebirth. And nowhere was this more apparent than at St. James Catholic Church on Dec.18.

Like a hospital waiting room that is filled to capacity anticipating the birth of a child, so was St. James’ Church overflowing with parishioners who filled the church to overflowing capacity for the solemn Mass of the church’s dedication of the newly remodeled church. Making the celebration even more poignant is 2014-15 is the sesquicentennial celebration for St. James Catholic Church in Belvidere.

With most communities already established with a Catholic church and the churches built to last for centuries, the celebration to dedicate a church is a rare event and one in which few people, including the priests, have the opportunity to experience.

Bishop David Malloy celebrated Mass in a service that was rich in symbolism and Catholic tradition. As a Catholic myself, it was a privilege to attend the solemn dedication Mass at St. James and I was grateful that fate had intervened in a way that my four year old granddaughter was at the Mass with me.  We positioned ourselves in the front of the choir loft. Even though she has the attention span of most four year olds, she pressed herself against the choir loft railing to watch the Mass so closely as though it were more engaging than the 1,000 watching of the Disney movie Frozen.

The pageantry and symbolism began outside of St. James Church before Mass began. Bishop David Malloy, accompanied by a phalanx of priests from the Rockford diocese, exited the sacristy and met with representatives from Larson & Darby Architects and the general contractor Rockford Structures. The pair handed over the architectural plans to Malloy to symbolize that they are presenting the church to the bishop and handing it over to him.

Poplar Grove resident Rick Hoover from Rockford structures told St. James’ pastor Father Brian Geary that he was very moved by that gesture that he could be part of the transition from Rockford Structures to the church.

Helping celebrate the Mass with Malloy were 11 priests from throughout the Rockford diocese and two seminarians.  In addition to Father Geary and Father John Earl, seminarian Jim Linkenheld represented St. James. Linkenheld is a member of St. James Parish attends St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Lincoln, Neb.

Linkenheld received permission to take his final exams early so he could make the nine hour drive to participate in the Solemn Mass.  He left Lincoln, NE. at 5:30 in the morning and arrived in Belvidere just before Mass began. Making his participation even more special was his father’s role on the remodeling of St. James church. Jeff Linkenheld is the chief engineer of the project. “It was very special that the engineer’s son was able serve the first dedication,” Geary said and noted that Jeff Linkenheld received the call to priesthood while his father was the chief engineer on the project.

Walking into the church, parishioners were immediately overwhelmed by the significant changes that have taken place at St. James since the last time they were inside. The orientation of the church changed 90 degrees. The church which once held 300 people now has a capacity of over 800 people. The focal point of the altar is a mural of the Transfiguration.  Attendees were able to take a rare look inside of the Tabernacle which is usually closed. “The Tabernacle was open because  the body and blood of Christ had not arrived yet,” Geary explained. People were so moved and took photos of the inside of the Tabernacle because they never see the inside of it.”

Mass began with the cantors singing hymns who sang ancient hymns and Gregorian chants during the service. The Knights of Columbus with their feathered chapeaus and colorful capes accompanied Malloy into the church. The Knights of Columbus assist the bishop at solemn occasions. The Knights of Columbus have been organized at St. James for over 100 years and promote charity and Catholic education and support seminarians and the church’s pro-life efforts.

Similar to a baptism of a child, the church was baptized through the sprinkling of holy water. Malloy travelled throughout the church to sprinkle water on the approximately 1,000 people in attendance. The water was used as a sign of repentance, a reminder of baptism and a symbol of cleansing the walls and the altar.

Following the readings and the Homily, Malloy was accompanied by Father Jon Bakkelund from St. Mary’s Church in Huntley to pray over the relics of saints in the altar. Bakkelund is the director of the Office of Divine Worship served as the Mass’ Master of Ceremonies.

Because of practical considerations, the relics had been previously placed inside of the altar. Because the altar represents Christ’s body inside of the tomb, the dedication Mass includes the ritual of sealing the granite altar. Bakkelund’s asked his dad John, a stone mason, to seal the altar. “He was very proud to be a part of it,” Geary observed.

Following the sealing of the altar, Malloy spread chrism on the center and four corners of the altar. Chrism, also known as myrrh, is consecrated oil. Malloy made a sign of the cross with the chrism at each of the four corners of the church. “We say a prayer that this may be God’s house and then we wash the walls with water and then the sacred chrism is used to anoint the walls. It is like the building is being baptized,” Geary explained. “It signifies that God’s blessing remains on you and in this alter. This place is now consecrated for divine worship.”

After the walls were blessed, incense was burned to symbolize the prayers rising before God.  Geary and Earl took part in spreading incense throughout the church’s interior. “We burn incense on alter to show that all of the prayers go up to god. It symbolizes of angels taking prayers to the throne of god in heaven,” Geary explained.

The altar was wiped with cloths and a cloth was placed on the altar to represent the shroud that was used to cover Jesus’ body. Candles were placed on the altar as a sign of rejoicing. The light from the candles was taken by Deacon Bob Mitchison to light the four corners of the church. “Christ is our light. From this altar will come his body and blood made present,” Geary said. “He will light the world with his presence and give us hope and direction.”

For communion, the presentation of the gifts was brought to Malloy by Tom, Sue and Kelly Short and Jose Aguado.  Tom and Sue Short were the co-chairs of the building campaign. “Jose did a tremendous amount of volunteer work in the church,” Geary said. “I wanted to show him appreciation for all of the work that he did in the church.”

Geary expressed his appreciation of the faith-filled parishioners at St. James who made significant sacrifices to make the project a reality. “I am so edified and humbled by the work of the workers who did such wonderful workmanship,” he added.

Since the dedication of the church, Geary and the contractors have observed a steady stream of people who have stopped at St. James to pray.

Dec. 25, 2014

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

BOONE COUNTY – On the first day of deer season, the Dylak family went to their favorite hunting spot. It was land that the family had hunted many times before with their good friend Dave Bullard who had passed away 11 days earlier in a vehicle accident. The family could feel “Big Dave’s presence” as deer season opened.

Dave Dylak and his daughter Addie set out in a two man stand.  Son Bo Dylak took his position in what the family calls their “freezer stand” because of the number of does that pass through the area. Bo had the opportunity to take a position the stand where they generally see bucks, but the family’s meat supply was running low and the decision was made to quickly replenish their freezer.

The son of Tami Mulholland and stepson of Paul Temple, Bo was playing video games on his cell phone and snap chatting with his friend Hunter Johnson. The Belvidere high school student who pays close attention to the lunar charts was waiting for the moon rise when he saw a doe in the distance.

As he began to bring his rifle into position, Bo noticed a buck just behind the doe. “I remember it slowing down a little bit as it came out of the woods and it was running towards the tree line,” Bo said.

He steadied his rifle and shot at the deer, injuring it.  A text message from his father asked if he shot a deer.  Bo immediately called his father to tell him that he shot a “monster buck.”

“I was excited, and I was shaking quite a bit,” Bo recalled.

Dylak urged his son to make a mental note of where he had seen the buck and the direction in which it ran.  Careful not to chase the buck and spook it farther away, Bo eased down from tree stand and began to follow the blood trail when he heard gun shots from other hunters on a neighboring farm and his heart dropped with the thought of the one that got away.

Dylak joined his son and they were able to learn that the other hunter had shot a doe. Resuming their search, Bo spotted the buck a second time.  Steading his rifle on his dad’s shoulder, Bo took aim and shot a second time and missed his target. 

A short while later, Bo spotted the buck a third time. The buck was approximately 150 yards away. Bo had to convince his dad that what he was seeing was not twigs until the deer waved its white flag. To the non-hunters, that means he flicked his white tail.

Bo “applied a Kentucky windage” and shot at the buck a third time. The buck was so far away that Bo had enough time to blink and spot the buck again through the rifle’s site before it fell.

“It was so far away I didn’t think he could make it,” Dylak said. “He had confidence in himself and he is a good shooter. He has young eyes.”

“At first I didn’t realize how big it was until I saw my dad’s reaction,” Bo said.

The 16 point buck measured a gross score of 201 5/8. It was a 12 point buck with two extra sticker points coming out of each side. It is the largest buck shot in Boone County.

The family field dressed the buck and loaded it on the back of their vehicle.  The antlers were wider than the car and the family attracted considerable attention as they drove home from the check in station as other vehicles followed them.  As they slowed down to pass a utility worker who was working on a transformer at an intersection near their home, the worker positioned his cherry picker above the Dylak’s vehicle so he could get a better look.

Bo and his dad credit Dave Bullard’s guiding hand in helping Bo. “Dave was one of the greatest outdoorsmen I ever met,” Dylak said. “I have hunted that woods for 25 years and I’ve never seen that deer before. I know the area pretty well and I never saw that deer before.”

“For Bo to score this magnificent buck, I think there was something extra. The spirit of Big Dave had some positive input on this.”

Dec. 24, 2014

By Lisa Rodgers

Reporter

NORWAY-In 1929 the stock market crashes and a baby boy named Ronald was five months old.  He would be first born in the United States in Rockford, IL to Norwegian immigrant parents.  President Roosevelt declared a “Bank Holiday” in 1933 to prevent a third run on the banks.   

Work was scarce so Ronald’s parents made the decision to return to Norway.  Ronald and his mother Margit would depart Mar. 7, 1933 by ship from New York for Norway, the same month as the third bank run.  His father Axel (Aksul) would remain behind to earn enough money to travel back later that year.  The hope was for a better life in Norway.  But who could have predicted what was to come.

The family settled in Austmarka, Norway where Axel’s family lived.  This was logging country and was near the Swedish border.  This region encompassed hard work, hard men and life and death.  At that time women were not treated equally.  Margit had lived in the states, attended Bible College, and lived independently.  Her father-in-law Paulus was old school and prohibited her from taking her guitar and son Ronald to a home Bible study and where they had music.  Margit defied Paulus exhibiting great courage by going against his will.  Off she went with Ronald and her guitar.  One can only imagine what Paulus thought.  “Who was this woman born and raised in Norway that his son had married and brought home from America?” 

Apr. 9, 1940 Germany invades Norway and gains control within days.  The King and his family would flee to Sweden in the middle of the night crossing the border not far from where Ronald’s family lived.  From 1940-1945 Germany controlled Norway.  The Nazi’s took what they wanted.  If you had three cows you were lucky if they left you one.  It was better for those in the rural areas as they could grow crops, fish, and raise rabbits.  They were not pets, but rather food for survival. 

Christmastime was especially lean during the war years.  A single orange or other piece of fruit was considered a valuable gift.  When the pig was slaughtered for dinner, nothing was wasted including the blood for blood pudding.  Everything was used.

During the war Ronald attended school three days a week while working as a hired hand at a nearby farm the other days.  He would walk to school, carry a knife by his side, and in the winter months would ski to school.  Hitler’s picture hung upon the one room school house wall.  The Nazi’s has strict rules.  No one was to have possession of a firearm.  Ronald and his father were in town one day when they saw the Gestapo arrest an old farmer.  Someone had squealed he had a gun in his barn loft.  They watched as they arrested him and took him away.  The Gestapo returned only his boots. 

By 1941 the United States entered into WWII.  Most knew Ronald had been born in the states.  A very well kept secret as the Nazi’s would have killed him.  Despite this imminent threat, Ronald and his friends would cross into Sweden at night to get the current news.  They knew the back woods and routes better than any Nazi.  They risked their lives to get the information.        

Norway would find its freedom again on May 8, 1945.  The family eventually moved to Telemark, Norway where Margit’s family lived.    Christmas 1949 Aksul and Ronald would buy a wooden jewelry box with Viking ships for Ronald’s Tante (Great Aunt) Ragna.  She was widowed and no children.    Ronald signed the bottom of the box.  It would be the last Christmas the family would spend in Norway as in 1950 they would returned to the United States for Ronald to accept his American citizenship by age 21.  Within a year Uncle Sam would draft Ronald and he would be sent to Occupied Germany as a soldier in the United States Army.  What irony!

As you may have concluded, Ronald Paulsen was my father.  He was a story teller and at Christmas I heard many of these stories of his life in Norway.  He reminded me each year to be thankful for what I received.  We did not have to endure such hardships.  I encourage your families to turn off the TV, cell phones and have a conversation of family stories.  In years to come, you’ll be thankful and will have many cherished memories.  Merry Christmas and God Jul!   

Dec. 23, 2014

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - Boone County resident Robert Christianson was there, reminding the health and human services committee (HHS) of the need to keep moving ahead with construction of the new animal services building. And committee members assured him during their Dec. 11 meeting that progress was being made.

In that vein oversight for the $713,000 project was transferred Dec. 11 from HHS to the roads and capital improvements committee, also a standing committee of the county board.

And a timetable was established for having an occupied, 3,000-square-foot building before the end of 2015.

County Administrator Ken Terrinoni said step No. 1 will be to sell bonds to pay for the project. That has to be done in February in order to begin receiving revenue later in the new year.

Step No. 2 is to send out letters to engineering candidates to assist the project architect, Knapp Schmidt, with design of the building. "We'd like to keep that local," he said of hiring an engineering firm.

"We should be able to break ground by this summer," he added.

While Terrinoni will manage the project for the county, he said the architect would have someone on-site to oversee day-to-day construction activities. "I'm not qualified to do that," the administrator said.

He said the goal is "to build it on time and under budget. We usually have a deadline in the contract. I would stay away from incentives or penalties."

HHS committee member Cathy Ward asked where the facility would be built. She said there had been talk about county property along Illinois 76, where the highway department is located, but there never had been an official vote to accept that site.

County board Chairman Bob Walberg, running the meeting in the absence of committee Chairman Paul Larson, said three locations had been looked at. Those included the animal building's current location along South Appleton Road.

He said he thought building it on the 76 property "has been fairly well accepted," though he agreed there never had been a vote.

Bill Hatfield, environmental health director for the county health department, said studies of the integrity of the existing well and septic system on the 76 land were due the week of Dec. 15.

"We know about the septic system," he said. "It's four times larger than what will be needed there." Condition of the well casing and pump are being checked, along with the well's recharge capacity.

Terrinoni said he wanted to get started right away on landing an engineer for the project.

Christianson, who has bird-dogged the project since its inception late last year, offered some possible changes to current building plans. He said he thought the carport should be closed in and that the building should include a community room, for fund-raisers and other uses by residents.

Walberg agreed. "We've talked about education," he said.  "This would be an excellent facility for tours by school groups. The room you're talking about would be excellent."

Dec. 21, 2014

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - Boone County officials were expecting to see an increase in revenue at the county jail because of an increase in the daily charge to house federal inmates. But that didn't happen.

Instead, income declined primarily because of they had to turn away detainees. That happened primarily for two reasons:

1. While they had the beds, 20 in all, they didn't have the manpower to provide supervision of the "foreign" prisoners, who came through the U.S. Marshal's Service.

2. The number of people booked into the jail increased by 389 over the 2012-13 fiscal year. That reduced the number of available beds for federal detainees.

Sheriff's Lt. John Hare, commander of the jail, attributed the higher local population to an increase in arrests prompted by younger officers at the Belvidere Police Department and sheriff's office.

The decline in revenue occurred in the final months of the 2013-14 fiscal year, which ended Nov. 30, 2014.

As of Aug. 30, the county had been paid $498,204.84 for housing non-local inmates, up from $461,759.99 the previous year. The average daily population for that month was 107, compared with 95 in 2012-13.

There were 274 people booked into the jail during August, up from 215 the year before.

That trend continued in September when the increase over 2012-13 revenue of $36,445.25 decreased to $447.76. Total booked into the jail that month was 247, up 44 from the year before.

In October, revenue tumbled to $43,645.48 behind the previous year as income totaled $27,765.60 for the month, compared with 71,858.24 in 2012-13.

A total of 206 people were booked into the jail in October, up by seven over the year before.

In November, final month of the 2013-14 fiscal year, jail revenue fell to $83,582.88 behind the previous year. That month 236 people were booked into the jail, compared with 239 the year before.

The $576,671.56 collected in 2013-14 compares with $660,254.44 the previous year; $591,014 in 2011-12; $523,407 in 2010-11; and $502,147.50 in 2009-10.

Sheriff Dave Ernest said he wasn't surprised by the decrease in revenue.

He said the jail was built to house local prisoners. There initially was space available, so it was agreed to accept inmates from DeKalb County and the federal government.

"We've been fortunate to have been able to collect that extra money," he said.

Supplemental funds could decrease further in the future as DeKalb County is planning to build its own jail.

Income for housing DeKalb inmates during the last quarter of 2013-14 amounted to $41,824 as a result of housing those detainees for 697 days.  

Dec. 18, 2014

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

BELVIDERE – A familiar sight throughout the month of December are the bell ringers outside of many stores raising donations for the Salvation Army.

Boone County has nine locations where volunteer bell ringers can be seen raising money for the Salvation Army’s ministry in helping serve others. For Tomas Valladares, Officer and Pastor at the Belvidere Salvation Army, getting volunteers to fill all of the spots throughout the month takes a tremendous effort and many of the collection sites are unmanned.

When there are gaps in coverage for volunteers at a location, Valladares calls some people to step in and cover the store. At some donation points, the stores will secure the red kettle at the service desk for the Salvation Army. At other locations, Valladares has to travel to the store to pick up and drop off the red kettle.

And it is with great relief that Valladares appreciates the First United Methodist Church in Belvidere. For many years, the congregation has volunteered their time to fill all bell ringer time slots at all Salvation Army red kettle donation sites in Boone County on a Saturday.

For this, the Belvidere Daily Republican recognized First United Methodist Church as the December volunteer of the month. 

Members from the congregation covered all bell ringing shifts on Dec. 13. “If you see someone bell ringing today, they’re Methodist,” Leathryce Deyo quipped.

“It makes a big difference for the fundraising for the red kettles,” Valladares said. “Every year they do this. I am trying to take them as an example even our own church to collect as much as possible.”

“I think it is a great thing to serve them and help them,” Bob Clair from First United Methodist Church said.  Clair helps organize the bell ringers from the church.  Clair stopped at Shopko to check on bell ringers Neal and Leathryce Deyo before heading over to Wal-Mart to cover his own bell ringing shift.

“I see that we are not just preaching and talking about Jesus and making a difference. We are actually stepping out and making a difference for our community,” Youth Pastor Cris Ramirez added. “For me, to see our congregation responding to that it is very fulfilling.”

Although no one was certain how long First United Methodist Church has been committed to the Salvation Army’s red kettle campaign for well over a decade.

Larry Rubek has been volunteering as a bell ringer for ten years. “It is caring for the Christmas spirit and to help others,” Rubek said as he gently rang a bell in the vestibule at K-Mart.

“It is nice to have the Salvation Army helping out people,” Janet Wheeler added.

The money collected through donation sites in Boone County funds programs in Boone County. “The money we collect stays in Boone County. The money goes to different programs such as food programs, women’s programs, emergency food, rent assistance,  and utility assistance,” Valladares said.

The Belvidere Salvation Army provides food for families in need through food distribution on the first Wednesday of each month from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at its location at 422 Main Street. In early December, the group distributed to its clients toys and the fixings to make a holiday meal. In addition, the Salvation Army provides rent and utility assistance to Boone County residents, offers a variety of programs for women, holds ESL classes, and offers citizenship classes. The non-denominational church holds worship gatherings on Sunday mornings.

“I think they do a great job. I even shop at their store and donated to them,” Pat Carpenter said. “They do a wonderful job helping people with what they need.”

Carpenter was at Pacemakers to help with the effort.  She was relieved for a moderate climate. “I was here last year and every time the doors opened it was really windy and cold out. I was so cold. This year I brought hand warmers.”

Carpenter revealed that there were spots that were favored by the congregants. Shopko, she said was generally the first location to fill its available bell ringing spots because the volunteers can stand indoors and there is a bench on which the mostly elderly volunteers can sit.

Wal-Mart was usually the last location to be filled as volunteer must stand outside in the elements to collect donations.

Valladares said that the Salvation Army tries to have bell ringers at Wal-Mart because of the high foot traffic.

Although many of the volunteers from the congregation are senior citizens, teens from First United Methodist also served as bell ringers. “Youth want to see that they are making a difference. That is one way to empower them,” Ramirez said. “They are excited to make some changes in our community.”

Valladares spoke of two Boone county boys who volunteered last year as bell ringers to fulfill community service hours that were required for high school graduation.

The boys, now young men, were touched emotionally by the experience as they learned of the impact that the Salvation Army has in the community.

Although they have since graduated, they returned this year to volunteer.

In addition to donating at red kettle locations at storefronts, people can donate online or mail. To donate online, visit http://salarmychicago.org/belvidere/ and click on the red kettle.

To volunteer or donate, contact the Salvation Army at (815) 544-3892. They are located at 422 S Main St. in Belvidere.

With 10 days remaining before the end of the campaign, the Belvidere Salvation Army had reached about half of its fundraising goal of $30,000.

“We are praying that donations increase,” Valladares added.

Dec.17, 2014

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - Illinois counties already are facing the unknown cost of paying for court cases filed by indigents. Now the state Legislature has sent another unfunded mandate in their direction: increased cost of paying men and women to serve as jurors in the court system.

Boone County currently pays $12 a day for that service. The new cost will be $25 for the first day and $50 for each succeeding day.

For a full week, which happens on occasion, that would increase the county expense from the current $60 to $225. Right now the county pays about $47,000 a year for jurors.

County Administrator Ken Terrinoni said he didn't know where the money would come from.

"It's a work in progress," he said of finding the source of the additional money. While he didn't have a firm estimate of how much more the county would have to spend, he said it could be $90,000 or more.

The new financial burden was imposed during the Legislature's recent veto session in Springfield. Locally, state Reps Bob Pritchard, R-Sycamore, Joe Sosnowski, R-Rockford and John Cabello, R-Machesney Park, voted against Senate Bill 3075  as did state Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Rockford. State Rep. Jack Franks, D-Marengo, voted yes.

Franks said he voted in favor of the increase because he felt it was the right thing to do. He said it's difficult for someone with a family to give up a day of work and be paid $4 for it. "This will reduce the hardship some," he said.

While Boone pays $12, some pay between $4 and $10 for one day's service.

Franks said this bill also reduces the number of jurors to six for all civil cases. Currently, 12 would service if the amount of money being sought was more than $50,000.

County pays mileage

The increase in jurors pay was mentioned briefly at the Dec. 8 administrative and legislative committee meeting. Terrinoni said it was working on it and would be checking to see if the county could stop paying mileage in view of the additional service cost. The county currently pays about 10 cents a mile for residents to drive to the courthouse on Main Street.

Gov. Pat Quinn had not signed the bill as of Dec. 9. His options are to sign it into law, veto it or not take any action. Should he not act, the measure would become law after a prescribed amount of time. 

The county currently is facing another new unfunded mandate. A Dec. 1 Supreme Court ruling had to do with indigent persons not being required to pay fees and costs associated with a court action in which they are involved.

"It's another expense that we didn't anticipate," he told the finance, taxation and salaries committee at a meeting in November. "But we'll have to pay it. So we'll run it through our normal accounting process."

Another work in progress is finding the money to pay the $132,000 annual budget of the county soil and water conservation district.

Half of that amount recently has been paid by the county health department. But the board of health recently voted not to pay it to help balance its 2014-15 budget, which became effective Dec. 1.

The board at its Dec. 1 voted unanimously to pay $5,500 to keep the department in existence through the month of December, while officials continue to meet on the issue.

Dec. 16, 2014

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

BELVIDERE – Over 25 years ago, Reverend Don Norek began to distribute toys from the back of his pick-up truck to the needy families who lived in the apartments behind Dodge Lanes. With the generosity of Boone County residents who donated toys at drop boxes throughout the county and gave of their time, the operation grew exponentially.

“The whole area would be shut down,” Barb Carlson recalled of the days when they toys were distributed at the Belvidere Outreach Mission on State Street. Long lines of people queued up for hours in a night that generally seemed to have the worst weather including freezing rain. One year the group distributed gifts to over 1,400 children.

Although parents and their children were on hand to receive toys, volunteers have literally given the coat off of their own back. “We had people give their coats away to people who did not have coats and they were freezing,” Carlson recalled.

“There was a young girl whose shoes got wet and she took off her shoes and she had no socks,” Carlson said.  The girl’s feet were painfully cold and Carlson took the girl to a waiting ambulance to warm up and give her a dry pair of socks.

Three years ago, the Evangelical Covenant Church and the Open Bible Church partnered to assume leadership of the Joy of Christ Community Toy Distribution. The distribution now takes place inside the Evangelical Covenant Church each Dec. 23. With the toy distribution at the Evangelical Covenant Church, parents and families can wait inside away from the winter elements. “We bring people into the church so they are not as cold,” Carlson said.

The Joy of Christ Community Toy Distribution has partnered with 28 businesses, churches and organizations throughout Boone County. “It is a community wide effort,” Pastor Scott Nellis from Evangelical Covenant Church said.

The Coon Creek Castors donate fishing poles and tackle boxes. “Culvers has a promotion. If you bring a toy, they will give a pint of frozen custard.  OSF Lifeline always brings an ambulance full of toys that they purchase through St. Anthony Foundation,” Nellis added.

“The city has given us bikes that are not claimed, they are refurbished by Blueges Bike Shop. We gave away 18 bikes last year.

“Sometimes I will ask a kid ‘how would you like a bike’ and their whole face would light up,” Carlson said.

The donated toys are sorted based on age and gender. On the night of the toy distribution, 100 volunteer from throughout the community are on hand to help distribute toys for children from infant to age 16/17.

Large tarps are set up to separate the distribution point from the toys. The group asks that parents bring their children above the age to the toy distribution. “One of the things that we ask is that unless the child is under the age of 2, we ask them to bring the kid so they could have an idea what to give them as a gift. Volunteers talk to the kids so they have a better idea what gift to select for them,” Carlson said.

After meeting with the children, volunteers place toys in opaque bags for the children. The parents can decide when the child receives their gift.

Having the children at the toy distribution provides a second purpose that makes the effort an added bonus for the volunteers. “The faces you see, and the kids’ lives that you touch is just huge,” Carlson said.

“A lot of work goes into carrying out something like this, but when I see smiles on kids’ faces and knowing that they will have a gift, it brings joy to my heart,” Nellis added. “The smiles of kids come through and they are so excited.”

The group accepts toys and stocking stuffers items. “We realize that a lot of families are struggling and my not have the resources to give,” Nellis said. Last year the group distributed toys for 600 children. “We usually give two gifts. We don’t anyone left out at this special time of year.”

Distribution points for the Joy of Christ are: Ace Hardware, Applebee’s, Ashley’s Salon and Spa, Belvidere Public Library, Blackhawk Bank, Culver’s, Dodge Lanes, Dollar General, DiCello’s Pizza, Dr. Perry Tuneberg, DDS, Evangelical Covenant Church, Family Dollar, Fiesta Market, Grandma’s Restaurant, Keen Age Center, McDonalds, O’Brien & Dobbin’s Pharmacy, Marathon Station – Poplar Grove, Open Bible Church, Pacemaker Foods – Belvidere and Poplar Grove, Pizza hut, Shell Station, Shopko, Snyder’s – Poplar Grove, Steam Plant Restaurant, and Tom & Jerry’s.

To volunteer to help with the Joy of Christ Toy Distribution, contact Pastor Nellis at (815) 547-6471. To receive a gift for your child, come to the Evangelical Covenant Church located at 220 E. Harrison St. in Belvidere on Dec.23 at 6 p.m. Toys will be distributed between 6 and 8:30 p.m.

“One thing that touched me the first year there was a young woman who came to volunteer,” Nellis recalled. The woman had received a gift through the Joy of Christ when she was 8 or 9 years old. “Now she is volunteering because she wants to give back. It says so much about this outreach and how it impacts children and adults alike.”

Dec. 14, 2014

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

After 49 long weeks of Mass in the gymnasium at St. James Catholic Church, the parishioners will finally have the opportunity to celebrate Mass inside the newly remodeled church at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 18. Bishop David Molloy will celebrate the rededication of the church along with Father Brian Geary.

The Advent season is a joyous time of year for Christians as they prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth. And for the faithful at St. James, they will also celebrate the rebirth of their church during its sesquicentennial year.

“It will be a tremendous blessing. We set this hard date of Dec. 18 a couple of months ago and it looks like we are going to make it. We have been in this gym for 49 weeks. It is hard to worship in a gym. We couldn’t imagine missing Christmas in our church,” Geary said. “We worked very strenuously to finish the church before Christmas.”

Church leaders worked with Larson & Darby Architects to design the $6.4 million project. Rockford Structures was the contractor of the project. We worked with “Arrow Electric, Miller Engineering, Air Temp Services, Combined Painting and Taping, Packard Excavating, Jack Hall Contractor, M&R Millwork, Bossler Construction, Nelson Carlson Mechanical, Nelson Fire Protection, Northern Illinois Terrazzo and Tile, ARC Design, and Swanson Floor Covering,” project manager Rick Kluber from Rockford Structures said. “I am afraid I am missing somebody. There are a lot of people involved.”

“Rockford Structures has been excellent. Easy to work with and very professional,” Geary said.

Parishioners worked alongside the contractors to help with the construction. “The contractor owner (Nathan Heinrich) said he had never worked on a project where there were so many volunteers,” Geary said and described himself as being humbled by the generosity of the volunteers who toiled both in the construction as in the kitchen. “Sometimes you get some volunteers and they see the workers and they say’ you do it it’s too much.’ They have worked tirelessly from January to today. Without our volunteers we could not have accomplished this.”

“There is a pride for the members in doing much of the work themselves,” Kluber added.

Through the construction project, the capacity of the church increased from 325 to over 800 people. Columns supporting the choir loft represent where the demolished wall once stood.

Parishioners removed the stained glass windows from the demolished wall and preserved them by removing the protective plexiglass covering and replacing it with a clear UV covering and replacing the frame. “The president of the contractor (Nathan Heinrich) was impressed that people who are unskilled in stained glass artistry could do such a wonderful job. I cannot say enough about the Paul family,” Geary said. “They donated their time and love for the church in a most beautiful way of removing, restoring and securing in new framing of the stained glass windows for future generations of Catholics.”

“What will strike them most powerfully is the beautiful artwork inside,” Geary said. “The church has always been a patron of the arts. The church will have four original oil on canvas mural paintings.” “Beauty is one of God’s transcendental qualities. Beauty is something that should lead us to God. I think people will be awestruck with the beauty of this artwork. It should draw their hearts and minds to God.”

The focal point will be The Transfiguration. The 14’6” x 7’ mural was suggested by liturgical architect Joe Winkelmann from Larson & Darby. The mural was inspired by paintings by Raphael and Gustave Dore. “They are two of the most important pieces in the history of art of the Transfiguration,” Geary said.

In a city of murals, it is fitting that the center piece of altar is a mural. The mural represents when Jesus took James, Peter and John to pray at Mount Tabor prior to his death. While Jesus prayed, his clothes turned a dazzling white and Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke to Jesus.

In Dore’s masterpiece, James is seen shielding his eyes from the brilliant light. “The artist recommended, with our direction, to lower James’ arm and turn his head to point to us that the transfigured Jesus that they saw on Tabor is now in the Tabernacle. We positioned the tabernacle to find its end where James is pointing. He is also telling us the same transfigured Jesus he saw on the mountain is now in the Tabernacle,” Geary said. “That is where we can find our transfigured glory.”

Rays of light on the mural emanate from where the tabernacle is located. “So it looks like James is being lit by the Tabernacle,” artist Craig Gallagher from Church Interiors added. Gallagher and Al Wormka have been responsible for the murals of The Transfiguration, Lady of Guadalupe and Divine Mercy, the stencil work as well as the faux stone work on the interior of the church.

The mural includes the symbols of Saints James, John the Evangelist and Peter. James includes both the shell and gourd. John includes the eagle, and Peter is depicted with keys. “The designer added these symbols to help tell the story,” Gallagher said.

Geary finds inspiration from the missionary story of Saint James who traveled to what Santiago de Compostela Spain in what was at that time considered to be the end of the earth. “He is associated with the pilgrim staff with a gourd. He was courageous in the midst of persecution and fearless in his love for Christ and one who had a missionary spirit which we need so desperately today,” Geary said. “Recent popes have said that mission fields are not somewhere across the world in Papua New Guinea or Calcutta. They are right here where vast numbers of believing Catholics are not practicing their faith.”

“James is our example to be a missionary again to realize that the mission that Christ trusted each of us is to make disciples. We need to bring people back to the faith.”

Among the changes to St. James church is the choir loft that can seat 175 people. With limited space in the gym during the past year, Masses at St. James have been without music. Geary looked forward to having music again with the liturgy. He recently announced that the church hired Christopher Aune as the musical director. Aune will begin in mid-January.

Parishioners will be relieved to know that among the changes at the church is the installation of a bathroom on the first floor. No pun intended.

“It has been fun to see the church slowly take shape and come to life,” Gallagher said. “Now it feels like a sacred space.”

Dec. 11, 2014

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

In 2012, Jay Lagerman set up a private Facebook page for his friends and family to participate in a virtual online garage sale, support each other’s community service and business ventures, and help spread the word on fundraisers or lost pets.

Since that time, the number of members on the Belvidere / Poplar Grove Area Swap and Sell’s Facebook page has swelled to over 3,300.

While the primary focus of the online community continues to serve as a cyber-Boone County garage sale, something even more remarkable has been happening with Lagerman and the participants of the Belvidere / Poplar Grove Area Swap and Sell Facebook page.

Three years ago Lagerman and his wife Leah Root picked up some items to donate to others in need during the Christmas season. Coming from a split family and having friends in similar situations, Lagerman knew what it was like to have a Spartan Christmas. He felt a connection with people in need and wanted to help them.  In addition, he wanted to set a positive example for his children.

After Lagerman’s experience in giving to others during that first Christmas, he decided to open it up to others.  On the Facebook page for the Swap and Sell, along with several other group pages that Lagerman administers, he invited page members to get involved and to donate gifts, food or more.

The response was overwhelming. “Last year we launched it in the groups and it blew out.  People wanted to be a part of this. Last year we had ham dinners, sides, fixings, toys, gifts cards,” Lagerman said. “This year we have already surpassed what we collected last year.

“We had 15 complete Thanksgiving dinners that we were able to distribute. It was all collected through donations.”

To facilitate the information sharing for the holiday donations, Lagerman created the Jay’s Secret Santa Facebook page. Jay’s Secret Santa is helping needy families in Boone County and is also assisting families in Freeport, Genoa, Harvard and Woodstock.

Many members of the online community embraced the effort and have donated their talents in a wide variety of ways. The group has collected holiday meal items, hams, turkeys, vegetables, Christmas ornaments, artificial trees, toys, hats, gloves, diapers, baby wipes, household supplies, towels, gift certificates, and anything people think would make a good gift for young or old. The group also collects freshly baked cookies to include in the care packages that they will deliver to needy families.

Area businesses have helped raise funds for Jay’s Secret Santa. Midwest Carpet Upholstery and Duct Cleaning auctioned sofa and loveseat cleaning services and has agreed to donate 25% of services provided through Dec. 19 to anyone who mentions their ad on Jay’s Secret Santa Facebook page. Family Video donated 20 frozen turkeys which were given to needy families for Thanksgiving.  In addition, the video store serves as one of the collection sites for donations.

Area Girl Scouts raised $300 at an art show and auction held at St. Johns Church in early December. The girls donated the proceeds from their auction to Jay’s Secret Santa.

In addition to accepting new items, the group accepts gently used clothes and toys. For items that Jay’s Secret Santa is not able to distribute to the needy families that have signed up will be donated to other charitable organizations throughout the community. “We have some families that are in dire situations,” Lagerman said. “We will even take things like gently used bikes and replace the seat or handle grip if they need replacing before passing them on.”

Jay’s Stateline Secret Santa has collection bins at Family Video at 105 W. Harrison in Belvidere, Buchanan Street Pub at 111 Buchanan Street in Belvidere, and Salon La T Da at 100 E. Grove Street in Poplar Grove. For additional information, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/JaysSecretSanta/

Lagerman was inspired by the response that he has received from throughout the community. “For some reason this has been bringing people together,” Lagerman said. “It is putting the Christmas spirit in people’s heart.”

Dec. 10, 2014

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

BELVIDERE – Mild temperatures and fun filled activities helped coax residents to downtown Belvidere to celebrate Hometown Christmas on Friday Dec. 5 and to the parade on Dec. 6.

Belvidere showcased its musical talent throughout the celebration with performances at several venues. A large crowd gathered at Hub Plaza to listen to Belvidere Middle School choir students sing Christmas carols before the lighting of the Christmas tree. Mayor Mike Chamberlain presided over the festivities in Hub Plaza.

The Washington Academy Chorus entertained revelers in front of Alpine Bank with carolers, dancers and mariachi singers. The Belvidere Youth chorus treated residents with their singing and dancing.

In addition, Belvidere North Acappella, Zion Lutheran Church Choir, Belvidere High School Choraliers and Rockford French Horn Club performed at the Boone County Community Building Complex.

Beautiful Percheron horses led the wagons that clip clopped down State Street.

Hometown Christmas delivered on its promise to feature a wide variety of activities throughout the downtown area. From a teen dance at the Apollo Theater, to a living Nativity display behind Dairy Ripple, to activities at the Belvidere Fire Station, to a family fun fair at the YMCA, a petting zoo sponsored by the North Boone 4-H Club and FFA at O’Brien’s Pharmacy, to a living window display in front of Ollmann Ernest Architects to the avenue of Christmas trees and craft vendors and bands at the Boone County Community Building Complex.

During a time of year when shoppers are encouraged to support small business, the local businesses along State Street were crowded as local shops extended their hours. Residents had the opportunity to patronize and discover local shops. Many shops including Larsen’s Community Eye Care, CT Hobbies, Brereton Inc., Barr’s Florists, and PNC Bank were filled with residents who stopped by to visit and receive some refreshments. Gary Gold and the Metal Level Quartet were epic as they 0020performed their silent rendition of “Our Home is in Belvidere” at Brereton Inc. Insurance.

The Boone County Historical Museum was visited by more than 1,500 people and went through many gallons of punch and hot chocolate. Many visitors took the opportunity to tour the museum.

At the north end of downtown Belvidere, many visitors stopped at Lori’s Little Critters where they were greeted by shop’s canine in residence, a black Great Dane named Inky Dinky Doo.  The pet shop which offers grooming, obedience training, doggie bakery also sells birds, reptiles, fish and other pets.  Getting the most attention from patrons was a pair of ball python snakes that were surprisingly soft and gentile.

The story of the Nativity came to life with a series of scenes depicted by members of Immanuel Lutheran Church. The Journey to Bethlehem showed the Nativity story from the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary to tell her that she would give birth to a son and name him Jesus.  Other scenes depicted Caesar Augustus ordering the census that required Mary and Joseph to travel to his ancestral home to be counted for a census of the Roman Empire; Mary and Joseph registering for the census; learning that there was no room at the inn; and the birth of Jesus.

An addition to Hometown Christmas this year was a teen dance at the Apollo Theater. A large group of teens gathered to dance at the club amid flashing lights and a fog machine adding to the ambiance.

Boone County’s commitment to the community was in strong evidence at the Community Building. Nearly 90 Christmas trees were decorated by area businesses and organizations. Each Christmas tree represented fan area family that was adopted by sponsoring businesses and organizations which decorated the trees and purchased presents.

Residents added to the generosity by putting money in the donation cans for the Christmas trees that they liked best. The money collected was pooled to purchase additional gifts.

On Sunday, members of the 4-H and others delivered the trees to the recipient families.

On Dec. 6, the town turned out along State Street for the parade.

Dec. 9, 2014

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - The Belvidere Historic Preservation Commission is applying for more funding so it can continue a survey of properties around the Boone County Courthouse.

With the application due Nov. 14, the commission has received permission from city council to seek $9,450 through the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. If approved, the city will be notified in January.

This is a $13,500 project overall, with the $4,050 local match coming from the Belvidere Historic Preservation Commission.

Phase I was accomplished earlier year, covering a 70-acre tract that yielded 150 survey documents including monuments in the Big Thunder Park, across the street from the courthouse complex. Among other things, consultants identified two possible local historic districts and 17 properties worthy of being designated as local historic landmarks.

The city already has one local historic district, along West Hurlbut Avenue, which included 19 homes, two of them local landmarks.

In addition, Belvidere has 31 local landmarks, a mix of homes and commercial buildings. A brochure containing photographs of all 31 buildings, with information on each one, is available at city hall, 311 Whitney Blvd., and suitable for self-guided tours.

Also in that brochure are five buildings that have been named to the National Register of Historic Places.

That list includes the Pettit Chapel at Belvidere Cemetery, designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright and built in 1907; Belvidere High School, First and Pearl streets; Belvidere Community Building, around the corner from the high school at 111 First St.; Lampert residence, 410 E. Lincoln Ave., built in 1837; and the former Belvidere Post Office, 200 S. State St., built in 1911.

Now Phase II is in the works - subject to approval of the grant - and it should take 30 to 40 weeks to complete.

In her presentation to the city council, interim planning director Kathy Miller explained the scope of work will include photographing all of the buildings in the remaining area around the courthouse, obtaining dates of construction, who built the homes and architectural style

Attempts also will be made to determine the historic significance of the buildings and their owners, or people who stayed there.

Among the possible outcomes of the survey are designations as a local landmark, being set aside as a historical district or placement on the National Register.

The five-member historic preservation commission works with the city of Belvidere and IHPA to identify and help preserve historically and architecturally significate properties in the community.

Each year, the commission presents awards to local property owners who have improved their historic buildings. The gathering in 2012 was held at the Swift home, 127 Locust Ave., which since has been named a local landmark. It was built in the late 1880s, during the Victorian era, once housing a flower shop, restaurant and offices.

Last year the awards were presented in the newly expanded historic museum off State Street, downtown.

Dec. 7, 2014

By Lisa Rodgers

Reporter

BELVIDERE-On Dec. 30, 2010 Heidi Benzel-Maxwell lost her life to ovarian cancer at the young age of 58.  Heidi had two children: a son John Maxwell and daughter Jocelyn Maxwell-Greene.  Heidi was a Belvidere High School graduate Class of 1971. 

Her passion for art was discovered in Jr. High and continued on into High School and throughout her life.  She never earned a living with her artwork as her art was recreational.  Heidi focused on winter scenes, farm scenes and plant life.  “Heidi was a child of the ‘60’s.  She was independent and wanted to be a hippie. From Jr. High age through High School art was the only thing that kept her in school.  Art was her entire world and she wanted to go to art school but did not want to be bothered by the other academic classes.  All she wanted to take was art classes so she never finished her degree,” said Heidi’s mother Sis Benzel.

“Heidi was a student of mine at Belvidere High School. That particular group of art students was unique because, by chance, there was a very strong grouping of very creative students. Some, like Heidi, were very strong in the visual arts, but others were equally talented in music and drama. Many of that diversely talented group had a tendency to be drawn together at the art room. Heidi was certainly one of the magnets that brought them all to the far end of the building...which was a good thing because of a lot of the craziness that went on,” said Kit Scheidenhelm former Art Teacher at Belvidere High School.   

“In terms of talent, Heidi was, when she wanted to be, very talented. Several years ago, I found a critique note I had written for one of Heidi's drawings. It said something to the effect of: ‘Your drawing shows lots of creativity and the technique is very good. The one thing you might try to do is perfect things a bit more; pay attention to more visual detail.’ That last part just wasn't a part of the high school Heidi. Her personality was so outgoing that there often wasn't time for ‘perfecting’. Her sense of humor (a laugh I will never forget), and her enthusiastic spirit, just got here side-tracked at times. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way, explained Scheindenhelm.

“I was in high school with Heidi and she was a good friend.  I remember when we were both taking art classes and needed money we came up with the idea of going around to the Belvidere downtown businesses offering to paint their windows at Christmas time for cash.  We did several windows that year and got paid.  We just had so much fun doing them,” said Gary Simon. 

Through the month of December, the remainder of Heidi Benzel-Maxwell’s portfolio is on display at The Brick in Belvidere.  Heidi’s family gave the remainder to Gary Simon to be given away to anyone who might be interested in having a piece of Heidi’s artwork.  “We have about 14 pieces of unframed artwork from Heidi’s remaining portfolio.  They are unframed, varying sizes and mediums.  All we ask is that to take a piece of Heidi’s artwork home that you make a donation to the Boone County Arts Council in her memory,” explained Simon.

“I have always preached that talent is something you never lose. You may not use it all the time but when you decide to, it will still be there. The final pieces in the show are evidence of that. The figure work is very expressionistic and very freely drawn. It is tragic that such a vibrant and talented woman's life was taken too quickly,” expressed Scheindenhelm. 

“I miss her!  Heidi had a good heart, enjoyed other people and helping others.  She cherished her high school friends and maintained those relationships along with her former art teachers.  I hope that anyone who takes home a piece of Heidi’s artwork enjoys it,’ expressed Sis Benzel.

The Brick is located at 615 South State St. Belvidere.  For more information please call (815) 547-7586.

Dec. 4, 2014

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

BELVIDERE – With Sheriff Duane Wirth’s retirement and Dave Ernest assuming the helm, it caused a ripple effect in the Belvidere Police Department that was a cause of celebration on Monday, Dec. 1.

Ernest was sworn in as sheriff in the morning at the Boone County Courthouse.  At the ceremony, Wirth gave Ernest the keys to the sheriff’s office and the coveted and newly repaired Ford Explorer.  In the afternoon, the Belvidere Police Department held a promotional and swearing in ceremony before a standing room only crowd at City Hall.

“We have a whole bunch of change coming and it is all positive,” Deputy police chief Mark Pollock said.

With Ernest moving to the sheriff’s department, it vacated the Deputy Chief position in the Belvidere Police Department. Deputy Chief of Administration Mark Pollock assumed Ernest’s role as Deputy Chief of Operations. Police Sergeant Brad Lasswell was promoted to Deputy Chief of Police and will be in charge of the administrative and support services side of the police department. With the vacancy created by Lasswell’s promotion, Detective Christofer Washburn was promoted to the rank of sergeant.  With the vacancy created by Washburn’s promotion from the rank and file, KC Brox was hired and sworn in as a police officer.

“These ceremonies are always the most enjoyable part of my work because it says to the community that we have continuity in our police department,” Belvidere Mayor Mike Chamberlain said. We have officers come up through the department and take on additional responsibilities, add to their career and stay with it. It speaks volumes about the camaraderie, quality and the leadership of the department.”

While some changes may naturally occur as a result of the personnel shuffle, the transition in both the sheriff’s department and police department will be relatively smooth. Ernest has been working with Sheriff Wirth over the last few months, meeting with the command staff at the Sheriff’s department, and attending regional law enforcement meetings. “Since the time it was determined that I would be elected the next sheriff, Sheriff Wirth has worked very close with me during this transition,” Ernest said. “He, unlike most exiting sheriffs in the State of Illinois, wants to make sure that the department and the people see a smooth and seamless transition”

“The good part about leaving is knowing that there is not going to be a miss of the beat at all,” Ernest added.

“Belvidere is one of the best departments around. From Chief on down, it is among the best you will find,” John Hunter from the Police and Fire commission said. “They are all very well qualified and the people they were competing against were also very well qualified and dedicated individuals.”

At the promotional ad swearing in ceremony for the police department, Laswell, Washburn and Brox were joined by members of their family as they took the oath which was administered by City Clerk Shauna Arco. Laswell, Washburn and Brox stood tall and proud as family members pinned their new badge on their uniform.

“No benchmark in my life, be it personal or professional, would be possible without the support and encouragement of my family,” Washburn said.

Pollock was promoted to Deputy Chief of Police a year ago and has been with the department over 20 years. Lasswell has been a member of the Belvidere Police Department since Sept. 9, 1987 and was promoted to sergeant on Jun. 21, 1996. He praised the department and expressed gratitude for the training that he received in advance of his promotion. “Brad is going to do a fantastic job in his new assignment,” Pollock said.

Washburn joined the police department on Apr. 8, 2002 and was assigned to the Detective Division on Oct. 1, 2012.

Brox was not the only member of her family wearing the familiar blue uniform. Her husband Doug attended the ceremony in his uniform from the Hampshire Police Department. “We understand what it is like to be in law enforcement. I have several years’ experience, my husband as well,” KC Brox said. “I look forward to a long career with the Belvidere Police Department.

On a day in which President Barack Obama met with community leaders and law enforcement officials in light of the riots and looting following the grand jury’s decision  not to indict police officer Darren Wilson, several of those in attendance spoke of the danger and peril that police officers face.  “Being a police officer is not the same as when I started as a police officer 40 years ago.  It is much more difficult. The challenges are greater. The risks are greater,” Hunter said. “One thing they need is your prayers for safety and protection and safety out there. It is getting harder and harder to do this job safely and come home every night. You take a chance and it can happen in a split second. They need your prayers, support and understanding when things are not always the best when they come home.”

“These are difficult days in our nation. We know our friends and your servants in law enforcement have become increasing targets of evil,” police Chaplain Bob Kopp said in the invocation prayer. “We call upon you to encourage them and to embrace them when the duty becomes even more difficult.”

“What we learn as police officers we often think that we do it because we are in charge and we are the first guy on the scene. There is always that larger hand that I know guides each and every officer and helps make sure those officers return home at the end of a work day,” Police Chief Jan Noble added.

Dec. 3, 2014

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

This article is the first in a series of articles that focuses on Boone County farming.

GARDEN PRAIRIE – If you ask the Pierce brothers what the best thing about being a farmer is, they will tell you that they like being their own boss. “It is enjoying what we do and being your own boss and having a little control over your destiny,” Ron Pierce said.

Ron and Steve Pierce have been farming for 15 – 20 years at Pierce Family Farm and grow corn and soybean on several fields throughout Boone County. Their father and grandfather also farmed in Boone County.

The pair began this year’s harvest the third week in September and finished up in mid-November. “We have been running from 7 in the morning until 10 or 11 o’clock at night,” Ron said. “I haven’t been home before 10 o’clock at night for quite a while.”

“When it is time to go, you have to go. There are extremely long hours. When something breaks down and it is 9 o’clock at night, you are out there until midnight working on it.”

During the harvest, Steve drives the combine while his brother Ron drives the truck with the hopper bottom trailer to the grain elevator. 

The Pierce brothers use technology to aid in production. Special yellow feelers attached to the front of the corn head (or the fork attachment, as Ron’s wife calls it) helps to steer the combine.

Computer monitors in the cab show where the combine is in the field, instantaneously measures yield per acre throughout the field and the moisture content, and indicate which fields have already been harvested and which fields still need to be harvested.

The computer analysis also compares how different varieties performed overall and in any given field. “We are not the first to adopt (technology), but we see how other people are using it and we will buy it,” Steve said. “We use it a lot to determine where to do any tile work.”

Like many farmers in the area, the Pierce Family Farm grows several varieties of GMO corn and soybeans. Ron cites the difficulty in ensuring that the purity in the crop as one of the reasons why they do not grow non-GMO corn or soy. “If you grow non-GMO corn and do everything to the best of your ability to keep it segregated and pure, if you neighbor is growing GMO corn right next to you, his pollen could drift and contaminate your field and then you would be out of compliance,” Ron said.

“It is hard to do.  If you have a big enough area with enough people going in together, you could do it.”

The Pierce brothers have a love-hate relationship with rain. “It is your friend in the summer and enemy in the spring and the fall,” Steve said. They worked at a frantic pace to bring in the harvest while the weather cooperated.  With the early snow storms this year, their long hours were worth it.

With the harvest complete, the next phase of farming began. “Once we get done combining, we work on getting the equipment cleaned up and doing the repair work, start doing the books and getting ready for tax season,” Ron explained. “We get the back hoe out and trim some trees along the fence lines and take care of stuff like that.”

Like many farmers, the Pierces rent fields from a variety of landowners. On the day of the interview, they were harvestings corn that they had planted from land they rented from Jim Turner. The pair has rented from the Turners for several years and characterized them as very good land owners.

One of the frustrations that many farmers face in renting their land is that they are not guaranteed that they will farm the same land year after year. Despite making changes to improve production such as removing or trimming trees, a farmer can lose his field if another farmer negotiates a higher rental price for the land.

While harvesting the field, Ron flushed out a coyote. As the coyote left the field, he looked back at the combine as though he were cursing it.

“This past winter the coyotes got thinned out because of the harsh winter,” Ron added. “Prior to that, the coyotes were getting to be a bit of a problem.”

Ron did not mention whether or not Turner’s sad and lonely goat also lived in the field.

Dec. 2, 2014

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - Non-union Boone County employees are slated to receive 2 percent salary increases during the 2014-15 fiscal year, which will begin Dec. 1.

But the probation department wants 3 percent adjustments for its employees and that prompted debate among county board members Wednesday night, as they adopted their new budget in a split vote.

Board member Cathy Ward raised the specter of a secret meeting being held on probation department raises, leading to 3 percent increases after the finance, taxation and salaries committee recommended 2 percent.

"The probation department does not think there should be fairness in salaries," she said. "This has gone on for years and I have objected to it for years."

The finance committee recommendation of 2 percent pay increases for all employees came in a 5-0 vote, she said. However now the probation department is scheduled to get 3 percent raises. "Apparently they raised enough fees to allow the 3 percent," she said.

Ward moved that probation department employees receive 2 percent adjustments, the same as everyone else, and it was seconded for discussion by board member Bill Pysson. Ultimately, it failed in a voice vote.

No secret meeting

Board member Karl Johnson, who chairs the finance committee, said there was no secret meeting.

"It was recommended by the finance committee that I meet with them," he said of probation department officials. Earlier in the budget process he also met with members of the board of health, with that meeting being talked about afterward and receiving newspaper coverage.

County Administrator Ken Terrinoni explained the probation department is different than others overseen by the county board, because is falls under the perview of the 17th Judicial Circuit and chief judge. It submits a pay plan every year, which is approved by the state, with the county and state sharing in paying for the salaries.

He called it a confusing, sometimes frustrating process that allows the probation department to pay employees more if it finds the money within its budget to do so. He said he wouldn't be surprised if it did so for the coming year.

That prompted Ward to ask if all the other county departments could increase their pay allocations if they could find the needed money.

"Far as I know," board Chairman Bob Walberg replied. But he said that would not apply to departments that are subject to union contracts.

After the board voted 8-4 to adopt its new $15.3-million budget, with 2 percent pay raises for probation department employees, Ward encouraged other county departments to look for money within their spending plans to enact higher increase salaries for their employees.

She and board members Pysson, Kenny Freeman and Marion Thornberry voted against approving the 2014-15 budget.

Several recognitions

Also Wednesday the board paused to recognize several longtime officials, who are retiring and five of its own who are leaving for various reasons.

Circuit Court Clerk Nora Ohlsen and Sheriff Duane Wirth are retiring, after holding those positions for more than 50 years.

They were at the meeting and were applauded for their service.

Outgoing board members included Chris Berner, Bill Pysson, Marion Thornberry and Ron Wait, who lost bids for re-election, and Brad Fidder, who chose not to run again.

The new board will be seated Dec. 1, with the reorganization including election of a chairman and vice chairman.

In addition, Walberg reappointed Barb Sager, Owen Costanza and Martha Suhr to three-year terms on the Capron Rescue Squad District Board of Trustees. 

Nov. 30, 2014

By Nolan Soma

Guest contributor

My grandpa has worked so hard for 36 years of being a sheriff.  He is very special to me and I love him very much.  I like riding in parades with him.  It makes my day. I like to spend time with my grandpa.  We both like to go to Steak-n-Shake.  He gets a chocolate shake and I get an orange cream shake.   I like to go into his office and see his security cameras.  I also went into his jail and a prisoner waved to me, I waved back.  My grandpa supports me by going to my baseball and basketball games.

My grandpa must have been a great sheriff if he was sheriff for 36 years.  I love when he teases me.  It shows me he has a good sense of humor.  He is a helpful, funny, and respectful person, but I already know that because he’s a big inspiration to me.  When I spend time with him, I am going to make every second count.  My cousins, Madison and Dawson, love him very much and support him a lot.  My twin sister, Eden, loves him with all her heart and cares for him.  She likes arts and crafts and makes a lot of things for our grandpa. When there are people around him, I know he will put a smile on their face.  My grandpa had lots of brothers and sisters growing up and I know they are very proud of him.  I know he should be very proud of himself, too.  His daughter, my mom, must be very proud of him, too.  I love him to the end and he has kept our county safe and happy and that is all I can ask for. 

My grandpa is the biggest inspiration I could ever have. 

Love, Nolan

Nov. 27, 2014

By Miss Slaven’s third grade class

How to catch a turkey by: A.J.

For tools you need a dart. You should bring a bag. For gear you need a tube. Then you need a hat. How to trap a turkey. Get your gear. Then set the trap. If you  don't catch a turkey let the animals loose. If you do then bag the turkey so you can take it home and eat it. The End.

How to catch a turkey by Angel

First your age has to be 14 or 55 to hunt. Just kick it than it will fall. Than dance and go to a tree and slam it. You can get a cat to fight the turkey. Hopefully the cat will win. If the turkey fights back with its wings, get a car, and put it in the trunk. Keep it there until Thanksgiving. To eat it, follow my steps than you will get a turkey. The End.

How to Catch a Turkey by Ava

First, you go outside and go to a big forest. Then say a turkey noise and soon the turkey will come but you have to be 33 and older. If he starts to be mean and he starts to go after you it’s not my problem. After you get hurt you will have to go to the hospital. You will have to get stitches and then when you go home you will have to rest. You will go get the turkey and put it in the oven. When it’s Thanksgiving all the owners, friends, cousins, and even aunts come for when they serve the turkey. I will be out of the hospital. Then when they have a good Thanksgiving I take a vacation to Hawaii. The End.

How to catch a turkey by Brock

First, you have to go outside, then gobble like a turkey. You will eventually attract a turkey. Next, do the turkey dance with the turkey. The turkey thinks you are its friend. Then, catch the turkey and, get rid of all its diseases. Lastly, keep the turkey as a pet and, make sure you don’t have any other pets or, the turkey has to say bye-bye to the world. That’s how to catch a turkey. The End.

How to catch a turkey by Brooke

First, you have to find a turkey. You have to make gobbling noises so it will communicate with you. It will get your attention. Then you have to grab a cage and yell here turkey, turkey. It will soon get your attention, so you lead it to the cage. Hopefully it will get in the cage. So you take it to your backyard, quickly make a fence then put the turkey in. After you make your fence you put the turkey in it. Last you can throw a party since you caught Lurkey the Turkey.  The end.

How to catch a turkey by: Cameron

To catch a turkey grab something  to track a turkey. Then after you find a turkey. Chase  it and grab it. Then  take it to somewhere where they kill it and cook it. If you want a new turkey try and tackle it and if you want to keep it as a pet, tame it. 

How to catch a turkey by Dalaney

First you find a turkey .Then you set up a trap. When it is caught put it in a cage. Put a fence up. Then get a bunch of spiders to get it to one spot. Then tame it. The End.

How to catch a turkey by Donovan

First you lay down food. Next you lay down a trap. Then you walk inside. Then you lay down. Then you walk back outside. Then the turkey would be in the trap. Then you bring it inside and eat it.

How to catch a turkey by Gabby

First  you look for a turkey. Put your turkey in the cage so it does run away. Next go to a pet doctor to see if your  has rabies. Then if it does not have rabies take it home.  Last say hi to the turkey in turkey language and it may be friends with you. The End.

How to catch a Turkey by Gabe

Have a plan to get the turkey. Then, find a turkey by a tree. You need to fight the turkey. You can also get a bear to fight the turkey. Then bring it home to your house. Have it as a pet and name it. It would be awesome to have a turkey as a pet. The End.

How to catch a turkey by Gabriel

First you set up a trap. Then you wait for the trap to go off. When it goes off you check the trap to make sure it is a turkey, if it is not a turkey. Let it go. If it is a turkey you say “You're goin’ down”, next you pick it up and  chuck it at a tree, finally, Thanksgiving dinner. The End.

How to catch a turkey for a pet by Gabriella

First you find a turkey. Then you introduce yourself and say hello. Next you jump on the turkey and put it in the cage. Last you bring it home and put in your house. Close the door so it won’t run away. You get hot coco for the turkey and you. That’s how you catch a turkey.

How to catch a turkey.by Grant

You just charge towards it and kick it up a tree and into outer space. And it will fall back down from where you kicked it. Also it will make a 100,000 foot hole.  You jump in the hole and it will still be alive and you can have it as a pet. The End.

How to Catch a Turkey by Jenny

First you need water balloons and throw it by them and it will scare the turkey. Also you can put the turkeys’ favorite food and the turkey will eat it. Next you lock the cage. Then you take it inside and cook it. Now you can eat it and you have a turkey for Thanksgiving.

How to catch a fat turkey by Karina

First you kick a fat turkey off a tree. Then you get an evil cat and it will stop the turkey. You should comfort it and it will think you're its  friend. Lower it into a bear cave with a bear. Show it you mean no harm. Jump on it and ride on it like a horse. Then name it Bob. Make the turkey say bye to the world.  The End!

How to catch a turkey by Kendra

First, you go outside and look for one. Next, once you see one go after until you catch it. Then, once you catch it you take it home. Last, you make sure it’s healthy so you can eat it for Thanksgiving. The End.

How to catch a turkey by Leonard

First you find a turkey. Then you will make a pie. Then you throw the pie at it and then it will say ouch. You will then jump on it and you will buy a bear to eat it. The End.

How to catch a turkey for a pet by McKenna

 First, you have to make a plan and find the turkey. Next, you need to get water balloons to scare the turkey. Then, set out a cage to get the turkey in it. Last, you have to squirt it with water and chase it towards the cage. You will then need to record a turkey gobbling. Then, put it in the back of the cage. Now all you need to do is lock it and you can have him as a pet! The End.

How to catch a turkey by Nate

First you need to make a plan. Next you find a shelter. Then you wait for a turkey to come at you. Last you make him be your friend. When that’s done you have it as your pet. You put it in a cage. Then you give it food. Then it will be your pet turkey.

How to catch a turkey for a pet.by Nicole

First, you have to find a turkey or get a turkey that is still alive. Next, you have to be nice to it so it will start to like you and be nice to you. Then you put it in a cage so it cannot get out and run away. When you do this you have to make sure it gets in the cage or you will not have your turkey for your pet. Then, you go to the pet shop, to make sure it has no rabies. Last, you have to take it home to make sure it gets along with your other pets which will be very hard.  The End.

How to catch a turkey by Seth

You should get bait and bait around the area. Then get some traps and set the traps. Put some bait in the traps. Wait 2 or more days and then go and check it. If it is there put it in the back of your trunk and drive away. You might want to strap it down. You also might want a thick coat in case it pecks you.  The End.

How to catch a turkey by: Vinny

First, you need to get people to help. Next, make a trap. Then, set the trap so the turkey won’t see it, then booooom. If you like the turkey you can keep the turkey. But if you don’t like the turkey say bye-bye. Then you can finally celebrate.

How to catch a turkey by William

First you make a trap than a trail of food. Then wait for the turkey to step in the trap. Then take it home and have it as your pet. That’s  how to catch a turkey.

Nov. 26, 2014

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

BELVIDERE – Since being named as the executive director of Growth Dimensions in September, Jarid Funderburg has big plans and a vision for growing and supporting Boone County’s economy.

“I have a vision for Belvidere and Boone County. I think it is probably a vision that a lot of people in Belvidere and Boone County have,” Funderburg said. “And that is to see a vibrant downtown, a healthy housing community, great schools and a destination for people to come to.”

In the short term, to accomplish that vision, Funderburg plans to strengthen the ties of communication and collaboration with Growth Dimensions, the City of Belvidere, County officials, the Chamber of Commerce as well as key players and members of the community. “Communication is essential,” Funderburg said. “If we are on the same page looking at the same vision or goal, it will be easier.”

He praised Belvidere Mayor Mike Chamberlain’s vision for the community. “He is very well engaged and he certainly has a tremendous amount of opportunity in the City of Belvidere which is the core of the community,” Funderburg said. “He just got back from Louisville and he shared ideas of ways to utilize vacant space in the community and to make it a unique draw for entrepreneurism and opportunity for people in the city. It is great to hear and to see him working so hard for the City of Belvidere.”

Funderburg is working with the Rockford Regional Economic Development District to submit an application for an Enterprise Zone designation from the State of Illinois.  If approved, the Enterprise Zone designation will be larger than the one currently in place in Boone County and will provide local and state rebates and tax incentives to encourage business investment in the community and provide an attractive option to area businesses to make capital improvements. “It will give us better leverage to attract more business – both retail and primary employment in the area,” Funderburg added.

In addition to the expansion of the Enterprise Zone, Funderburg saw growth and potential of a light industrial corridor near the recently completed I-90 project and the expansion of the Irene Road Interchange.  The area is close to significant interstate, air, and rail service as well as being within 20 miles of the second largest UPS hub in the United States.

In addition to economic growth in the City of Belvidere, Funderburg outlined a vision for rural Boone County that embraced its agricultural and conservation roots. “From the conservation or natural land, there is so much beauty in the county with the parks. The Boone County Conservation District has worked their fingers to the bone. There are many opportunities with conservation. There are a lot of great reasons for people to see those parks and experience them,” Funderburg said.

On the Growth Dimensions website, they provide links to many organizations that could be considered in the agritourism industry. Boone County has many hidden gems that if leveraged to its advantage can bring agricultural tourists to the area. Although many are already familiar with places or activities such as the Boone County Fair, Edwards Apple Orchard or Pioneer Days, there are many other places that poised to attract tourists of urbanites looking for a weekend in the country. Those places include Angelic Organics Learning Center, McEachran Homestead, Kinnikinnick Farm, The Complete Sheep Shoppe, Wind Ridge Herb Farm, Susie’s Garden Patch, and the Poplar Grove Airport and a myriad of antique stores.

Funderburg spoke promoting Boone County as a destination for agricultural tourism. He mentioned the experience of northern Indiana’s Fair Oaks Farm’s mega dairy operation that has 30,000 head on 30 square miles, and on any given day 80 – 100 cows give birth. “They have the creamery, the restaurant, the ice cream, and all the little stuffed animals. They also have an area for school children to go and see the farm experience. This farm operation has studios where they will have bleachers set up and you can watch a cow calve and give birth,” Funderburg said.  “It is a remarkable experience to witness. There is a lot of fascination in that. These kids in the city they get to see something completely remarkable and it makes them think maybe I want to be a farmer.”

Funderburg also praised the growth of the small farm industry in Boone County. “We are seeing point where smaller farms are coming back because a different generation is seeing the opportunity of growing organic for market of farmer’s markets,” Funderburg said.

Lastly, Funderburg stressed the need for Growth Dimensions and residents of Boone County to support local businesses and restaurants. “There are ways to help and support these businesses through the Small Business Association or through SCORE which is on the website for the Chamber of Commerce,” Funderburg said.

“I would like to take it a step further to try to get the community more involved in supporting their downtown shops. We have to get people to know that there is a downtown. There are these shops. People don’t know about some of these places on our website. As a community if we are all working together, all promoting it together, they would have better odds of surviving.”

“It is exciting to be able to see those things in action. It takes a community,” Funderburg added.

Nov. 25, 2014

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

POPLAR GROVE - It doesn't happen all that much but the North Boone Community Unit District 200 Board of Education has found itself with extra money.

There's $12.5 million in state-owed funding that comes from construction projects dating back to the early 2000s. And there's $450,000-$500,000 a year coming from the penny sales tax approved by voters in 2012, in an initiative led by Belvidere School District 100.

A handful of residents turned out for a joint business services committee and town hall meeting Nov. 13 to discuss various ways of spending that money.

The $12.5 million came through the Capital Development Board as reimbursement for some of the money spent on new construction early in the new millennium. North Boone school boards of those days agreed to use the money, should it be received, to pay down some of the bonds sold to make those projects possible.

That money has arrived and the current board seems ready to honor the commitment. The $12.5 million would be paid out over 10 years, thus reducing the tax burden for District 200 property owners.

District Administrative Assistant Kelly Holster spent more than one year assembling the necessary paperwork, so the money could be received. While doing that, she informed school board President Don Ward that she found another $500,000, meaning the final amount of money coming in would be about $13 million.

District 200 Superintendent Steven Baule said the district still has about $42 million in outstanding bonds.

Consultants from PMA were the at the business services portion of the meeting to discuss the best way to invest money over that timeframe, which was not involved in paying down the bonds.

No one was in favor of extending the length of time it would take to pay them off.

Stadium improvements

Additional sales tax revenue started to be collected in January 2014, with the first dollars being received by the two school districts in May.

Ward said that money may be used for capital projects, but may not be used on salaries or day-to-day operational expenses of the district.

Approval of the referendum resurrected talk about a new athletic complex near the high school, with new bleachers for both home and visiting fans, an artificial surface for the football field and a new track. That estimated cost is $3.2 million.

The current stadium is 57 years old and has passed its design life, the board president said.

Some sales tax revenue already has been earmarked to pay down bonds sold to build the new district office and transportation barn off North Boone School Board. That comes to $117,000 a year.

While that takes a good chunk out of District 200's share of the sales tax, Ward said his calculations show the district still could afford the athletic facility and needed parking lot improvements.

"Our buildings are in pretty good shape," he said of the possible need for renovations.

More discussion of best uses for the sales tax revenue is expected at Monday night's school board meeting.

Nov. 23, 2014

By Bob 'Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - After an unsuccessful start, the Boone County Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) will discuss hiring a moderator for contentious public hearings during its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday (Nov. 25).

The ZBA tried to do that during its October meeting, but the need for State's Attorney Michelle Courier to be there to answer legal questions caused a delay until November.

Chairman Tony Savino suggested the postponement, saying it was "too confusing without legal counsel being here."

It's possible that Mainstream Renewable Power will apply sometime next year for a special use permit for development of a wind farm in northeastern Boone County.

Given the complexity of that issue, and the potential for public hearings to go on and on and on, county officials are considering the appointment of a moderator, also called a hearing officer, to preside over the public hearings that would be held by the ZBA.

Courier previously provided an ordinance that would allow a hearing officer to run such a meeting, while still allowing the ZBA to make findings of fact and recommendations.

Boone County government is requesting a text amendment that would allow employment of a hearing officer. That person would be appointed by the county board chairman with the advice and consent of the county board.

Associate county planner Gina DelRose said at the Oct. 29 ZBA meeting that hearing officer would aid the ZBA during more contentious meetings. That individual would act as a judge, to be sure all rules are followed.

The officer would have to be an attorney and in good standing with the state. The term of appointment would be for two years, with the officer receiving $500 per meeting, paid by the applicant.

"He would be familiar with Robert's Rules of Order and the Boone County Zoning Ordinance," DelRose said.

Focusing on testimony

Public hearings are quasi-judicial with the ZBA being a body of volunteers. Having a hearing officer would allow that board to focus on testimony, rather than being concerned with procedure and behavior of those in the audience.

"Other counties in this area have such officers," she said.

Some legal questions began to arise at that point and it was stated they would have to be answered by Courier, who was unable to be at the Oct. 29 meeting.

Former county board member Marshall Newhouse was concerned that the cost of such an officer could be in the thousands of dollars if there was more than one meeting. That could narrow the playing field "to well-heeled applicants," he said.

Board member Joan Krumm moved to postpone and it was approved, 5-0.

What can happen without a hearing officer was seen last year when several public hearings were held on possible revisions to rules governing wind farms. Some of the hearings were marked by repetitive testimony and not sticking to the subject at hand, despite continued requests from ZBA Chairman Norm Stimes.

Nov. 20, 2014

NORTHERN IL - Travel can truly open up one’s eyes to a completely different world and can be absolutely life-changing. This certainly was University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator, Candice Miller’s experience when she visited South Korea this fall. Candice provides horticulture programming to residents in the northwestern Illinois counties of Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Winnebago, Boone, DeKalb, and Ogle counties.

Candice was chosen out of many U.S. Extension Educators to give a presentation on youth gardening at the 2014 Korean Master Gardener International Conference held at GyeongGi-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services (GARES) in South Korea this September. Candice’s presentation focused on giving the newly established Korean Master Gardener Program ideas on how to start youth gardens in their communities. She shared some examples of successful youth gardening programs in her counties, like the Junior Master Gardener programs occurring in Ogle and Winnebago counties, and outlined the step by step process of establishing a youth garden. In addition, she shared a few activities that our Master Gardeners utilize locally like an activity called ‘Calling All Insects’ that helps youth understand how insects can communicate with each other using sounds.

 If you’re unfamiliar with the Master Gardener program, Master Gardeners are a group of volunteers who are trained in horticulture to help their local communities. The mission of the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program is, "Helping Others Learn to Grow." Master Gardeners involve people in improving the quality of life by helping them find sound management practices for home and urban natural resources, by creating aesthetically pleasing environments, by promoting well-being through people-plant interactions and horticultural therapy, and by contributing to a safe, abundant food supply through home fruit and vegetable production.

The idea of taking the Master Gardener program to South Korea was begun in 2011 by a graduate student at the University of Kentucky. She witnessed the program and thought it would be a great program to take to her native South Korea. Since then, Korea has trained 207 Master Gardeners who have similar projects as the volunteers in the U.S. In Illinois, we now have more than 3,400 Master Gardener volunteers in a program that was established 40 years ago.

A large theme of the conference was focused on urban agriculture and horticulture, as one of the goals of GARES is to promote and educate more urban farmers. The Korean government sees the Master Gardener program as playing a pivotal role in promoting urban agriculture in the country. Presentations were given on a variety of volunteer management and horticulture topics and two days of garden tours wrapped up the conference.

Interested in the Master Gardener program? Contact your local Extension office for information about the next training schedule and stay up to date on the latest horticulture news and Candice’s adventures by following her Facebook page and blog:

Facebook: http://goo.gl/0fexqj

Blog: http://goo.gl/XTnAke

Nov. 19, 2014

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

CALEDONIA – It was a day like any other day for Amber Rangel. The best water skier in the United States was on the Rock River with her coach and training for the U.S. Nationals.

A small, almost imperceptible mistake during a maneuver that the barefoot water skier had done thousands, if not millions of times previously sent her careening through the water on July 27 and left her paralyzed.   Within seven minutes, three different fire departments were on the scene and it took an additional four minutes for 15 fire and EMS personnel to reach her.

The 20 year old Caledonia woman was placed on a floating dock and carefully carried up a steep hill to a picnic table while an ambulance drove through the woods to reach Rangel. She was airlifted to the hospital at the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

The woman who was ranked the 26th best barefoot water skier in the world suffered a severe spinal cord injury. After being released from the hospital in Madison, Rangel was transferred to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.

“I had to relearn how to do everything. I couldn’t move from the chest down,” Rangel said. “My arm was snapped backward in the accident. For the first month and a half, I had to learn how to write and eat with my left hand. I had to learn how to dress, put on make-up, roll over in bed. I need to know to do everything”

“It is humbling. You learn how to humble yourself. You have to learn to let go and not be in control of anything anymore.”

The fiercely independent Rangel put as much intensity into her treatment and recovery as she put into her beloved sport. As part of her therapy to prepare her for life outside of the hospital, Rangel took part in the many opportunities that RIC offers. She went to Navy Pier, rode buses, and took taxis.  Rangel already has plans to take the train from Harvard to Chicago.

Rangel described the bus rides as scary, although for different reasons than one might expect. “If someone is driving recklessly (and making fast turns), I would fall out of the wheelchair. It is scary at first,” Rangel said.

With six other patients and staff, Rangel went to O’Hare Airport to take part in a program offered by United Airlines. She went through airport security and boarded an airplane.

And on Nov. 14, Rangel came home.

She was the first patient transported by North Boone Fire District #3’s ambulance. “We were happy to bring Amber home,” John Ragland said. After bringing Rangel home, Ragland and the other members of the North Boone EMS crew visited with Rangel and her parents and sister.

Rangel was excited as she explored the house in her motorized wheelchair. The home has undergone some modifications in the last four months. Doors were widened to accommodate her wheelchair. The bathroom adjacent to her bedroom was renovated. Ramps were added in the garage and off of the back deck. “I love it. It is so nice,” Rangel said of the changes made to the home.

Rangel’s mom Tracy admitted to be overwhelmed by some of the changes, particularly the size of the wheelchair ramp that takes up a significant portion of the garage. “There is an expert for everything and everyone has a talent even if you don’t know they have it,” Rangel said. “Her friend Billy did the dry walling. Her boyfriend’s dad did the tile. Otherwise we would not have been able to do all of this. It would have been too overwhelming.”

Amber Rangel already had plans for her first day home. She wanted to go to Woodman’s Grocery Store with her sister Adora. She was anxious to go grocery shopping and had already assessed the family’s lack of food in the cupboards. “I haven’t shopped in four months. All you do is come home and sleep and leave,” Tracy Rangel explained. Rangel spent three or four days each week at her daughter’s side at RIC.

While Rangel and her husband Joe and daughters Adora and Ariel spent many days and hours traveling to visit Amber, friends and neighbors helped out.  “People stopping by and helping out was a huge difference,” Tracy Rangel stated. “The neighbors have mowed.  It takes a village.”

On Saturday Nov. 15, a bowling fundraiser was held for Amber Rangel on Nov. 15 from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at Don Carter Lanes in Rockford. At the time of the interview, Rangel was looking forward to attending the fundraiser and seeing her friends and well-wishers again.

Donations can be made to the Amber Rangel Fund at Bank First, P.O. Box 10, Manitowoc, Wis., 54221-0010.

Rangel has plans for the future. She is preparing to join the Paralympics and wants to take part in the rock climbing and other sports offered at RIC. She talks about working with horses at BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center in Poplar Grove.

Within two years Rangel wants to return to Colorado where she was living and training before the accident.  And in six years she hopes to be walking again.

With Rangel’s determination, she will do everything she can to make that a reality.

Nov. 18, 2014

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

POPLAR GROVE - An infestation of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has found some of the 290 ash trees in public rights of way in Poplar Grove. A survey earlier this year showed five them them being dead, 127 in a declining condition and the rest being all right at the moment.

Unincorporated Boone County also was surveyed several years ago, with more than 2,000 in the right of way. That study did not include trees in the city of Belvidere or villages of Capron, Caledonia and Timberlane.

Those numbers were delivered Monday night to the Poplar Grove Village Board, along with the urgent plea for development of a plan to deal with the fast-moving disease. 

EAB is a tiny, metallic beetle that burrows into ash trees and eventually kills them by cutting off their water supply. While there is a treatment, there is no known "silver bullet" for eradicating it.

Poplar Grove was surveyed earlier this year by five teams of volunteers from the University of Illinois Extension Service office in Belvidere. The check did not include ash trees on private property.

Candice Miller, horticultural educator at the extension office, said EAB, which originated in China, was discovered in Michigan in 2002. It reached Illinois in 2006, Missouri in 2008 and now has spread west to Colorado and south to Georgia.

EAB is in 61 of the 102 counties in Illinois, with numerous quarantine zones around the state. "The majority of the movement is in firewood," which now is prohibited, she explained. "It kills very quickly, both healthy and stressed trees."

She said EAB was confirmed to be in Boone County in 2010, "so we're a little bit late in getting on the ball. Now you have an inventory" of ash trees. "You're just at the start of mortality. Healthy trees will die if you don't treat them. I ask you to have a plan and to be proactive."

But she cautioned that treatment, removal and replacement can be very expensive. And there is very little government funding available for whatever plan is developed. Beyond that, ash trees on private property are the homeowner's responsibility, she added.

Former Poplar Grove Village Board member Cliff Stetter said a grant requested through the U.S. Forest Service about three years ago was denied.

"You can treat (ash trees), not to save but to spread out the cost of removal," Miller said. "EAB takes out the green ash first; white trees tend to resist a couple of years longer. Treatment needs to happen before one-half of the canopy is lost. Treatment can be every one or two years, depending on which option you choose."

She said the Chicago suburb of Wilmette, about the same geographic size as Poplar Grove, spent $2.5 million dealing with its EAB problem. But Wilmette had 2,000 ash trees, compared with the 290 in Poplar Grove public rights of way.

Boone County Administrator Ken Terrinoni said its survey of ash trees was conducted three years ago, also by a team from the extension office. He said that office determined no funding was available to remediate that situation, with no direction received as to what should be done.

Village President John Neitzel said the timing was right for Poplar Grove, which soon will start work on its 2015-16 budget.

Nov. 16, 2014

By Lisa Rodgers

Reporter

POPLAR GROVE-A young family seeking to build a way of life, overcoming adversity, a family unit working together and ultimately building an annual excursion for many far and near.  It’s a slice of apple in the history of Edwards Apple Orchard which celebrates 50 years 1964-2014.  With the fruits of their labor and decades of love and commitment to an orchard way of life we enjoy their apples, cider and the famous cider donuts hot out of the kitchen.  The temptation is just too great to bring the cashier a full dozen donuts for checkout!  Fact be told, an Edwards Apple Orchard cider donut is being consumed for inspiration during the penning of this article.  Consider it research. 

In reading The Early History of Edwards Orchard A Family Affair written by Robert (Bob) Edwards.  A memoire, Edwards describes himself sitting in the family apple tree watching the transformation of green apples.  His mother warns him that eating too many green apples would result in a stomach ache. Finally the fruit was ripe for eating.  Edwards (age 15) the summer of 1944 recounts the crispy, tart flavor of a large, bright yellow apple.  Edwards reminisced of his love affair with apples as far back as the age of five.  It is apparent Edwards’ love for the apple has been a lifelong narrative.    

“The path of one’s life has many twists and turns and the very difficult decisions of selecting the most promising direction to proceed.  Ours has been filled with many interesting choices and successes we have enjoyed has come from many years of hard work, risk taking, a family that stuck together, a little luck and many supportive friends,” writes Edwards.

In 1961, Edwards had completed his tour of being in the United States Air Force and was also in his sixth year in Waterman, IL as a Vocational Agricultural teacher.  The same year Warren Wessels who was a classmate and good friend of Edwards’ at the University of Illinois submitted his name to the National Peach Council Board and Illinois State Horticulture for a General Managers position.  Edwards would apply, and would be offered the position.  Edwards and his wife Betty along with four (later to become five) children would move to Carbondale, Ill. 

“I am not sure when I considered the possibility of becoming an orchardist.  The seed may well have had its roots in one of the many trips I had taken across the U.S.,” continued Edwards.  By 1963 “I was well into my third year with the National Peach Council and Illinois Fruit Council and each new acquaintance further confirmed my observation that orchard families were a very special group of people.  Many of the orchards I had visited were managed by multifamily intergenerational members with the most successful having a strong husband-wife team,” Edwards explained in his book. 

By 1964 the Edwards were putting together their “Orchard Dream” as Edwards writes in his dedication to his wife Betty who passed away in 2013. With the help of his father Bob Edwards Sr. and mother Audrey Edwards and many other people, the multigenerational Edwards institution would begin to take shape.  Despite Bob Edwards’ concern that “it was too far from Rockford and customers would never find us” it was determined “it would be an excellent choice.”  In May 1964, 2,000 apple trees consisting of Golden and Red Delicious, McIntosh and Jonathan would be purchased, planted, and watered by hand and the orchard dream began.  On Sept. 27, 1969 the grand opening of the apple orchard occurred.   

Resourceful in providing income for their fledgling dream, Edwards taught science in the Rockford School system, raised hogs and grew field crops.  Betty Edwards also served as a substitute school teacher. 

The Edwards raised 5 children and not only overcame financial challenges but overcame many severe weather conditions and most recently the devastating tornado on Jul. 7, 2008.  The orchard ownership was transferred to Barb (Edwards) Hall and husband Ken Hall in 1990.  The orchard continues to thrive with the Edwards’ children, in-laws, grandchildren and great grandchildren participating in the orchard way of life.

Visit the orchard before it closes and enjoy the hours of family love and devotion to an “Orchard Dream”.   Edwards Apple Orchard is located at 7061 Centerville Road in Poplar Grove.  Currently open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.  Closed on Thanksgiving Day.  The final day of the 2014 season with be Sunday Nov. 30.   

Nov. 13, 2014

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

BELVIDERE – By all accounts, 15 year old Megan Schultz was the picture of health. She played basketball and volleyball. A competitive jump roper, the girl was enjoying all that her freshman year had to offer. When the opportunity came up for her to participate in the powder puff football game during Harlem High School’s homecoming week, she immediately jumped at the chance.

During practice for the powder puff football game, Megan complained of a sudden and severe headache. Within minutes, Megan began to get violently ill and an ambulance was immediately called. “By the time the ambulance got there, she was unresponsive,” Megan’s step-mother Sara Coleman said.

Megan was rushed to Rockford Memorial Hospital. Emergency surgery revealed that Megan had an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) which caused a brain aneurism. The aneurism burst and Megan lost a significant amount of blood. The damage to her brain was extensive and severe. Her parents were told that if she survived, she would most likely remain in a permanent vegetative state.

On Oct. 23, the pretty teen with the gorgeous smile and infectious laugh lost her battle and she passed away. She is survived by her parents Eric Schultz and Teresa Haugen, her brothers Steven and Kyle Schultz, grandparents Larry and Sue Schultz, Bonnie Wangen, Roy Haugen, and Bonnie Tilton, and step parents Will Lauritzen and Sara Coleman.

Mourners from Belvidere as well as students and teachers from Loves Park filled Megan’s visitation and her Oct. 30 funeral at First Presbyterian Church in Belvidere. “It was very overwhelming,” Coleman recalled.

A fundraiser is being held on Saturday, Nov. 15 at Backstop Bar and Grill at 1800 Union Ave. in Belvidere from noon until 5 p.m. The fundraiser will include food donated by Olive Garden Restaurant and family and friends, a silent auction and a DJ. The cost to attend the fundraiser is $10 per person and will help pay uncovered medical expenses as well as funeral expenses.

Megan loved going camping with her dad and brothers. She spent this past summer in Belvidere with her grandparents Larry and Sue Schultz. “She did not have a bad bone in her body. She was very active,” Coleman recalled. “She had a love for all animals.”

“She was too young to go.”

For additional information on the fundraiser, contact Shelle Frickman at (815) 978-8535 or Sara Coleman at (815) 988-6335.

Nov. 12, 2014

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

ROCKFORD – Governor-elect Bruce Rauner, first lady Diane Rauner and Lt. Governor elect Evelyn Sanguinetti travelled the State of Illinois on Friday, Nov. 7 to thank voters and constituents. The last stop of the day was at Giovanni’s Restaurant in Rockford where he was greeted by hundreds of supporters, area leaders, politicians and well-wishers.

“We are so honored. This is a victory of all of the families of Illinois,” Rauner said. “Illinois is back. We are going to restore pride in Illinois. We are going to make Illinois the greatest state on earth.”

The governor-elect promised to deliver results that benefit Illinoisans. “We will make Illinois competitive again to create jobs and careers again. We are going to compete with our education system so it is world class competing with every school in America and around the nation,” Rauner added.

Although Rauner is the third governor in a row from the Chicago area, Rauner reiterated his commitment to the Rockford area.  “Rockford has been so good to us. Evelyn and I are going to judge our leadership of the state by how well Rockford is doing. Rockford has everything going for it: Location, people, infrastructure, fertile farm valley and key location. It has every reason to thrive,” Rauner said. “The leaders in Springfield have failed Rockford with policies of the regulations and taxes.”

Area leaders looked forward to the prospect of a renewed interest in the Stateline region. “What this means is that when we call the governor’s office and ask for help, they will actually answer the phone and remember where Rockford is. Remember where downstate is. Remember where more than Chicago is,” State Representative Joe Sosnowski added. “That is very important for our region.”

“As Rockford, Winnebago and Boone County, we are going to have access to the governor,” Gloria Cardenas Cudia said. “And that is what it is all about.”

“It is great to have a governor who is responsive to any place outside of Chicago,” State Senator Dave Syverson stated.

On Nov. 6, Rauner announced his transition team. “It is exciting to have Rockford leaders as part of our transition,” Rauner said. Among the key members of the transition team are Rob Funderburg, owner and chairman of Alpine Bank and Gloria Cardenas Cudia, president and founder of Salsa Business Network. “What does a transition team member do? We are going to be a bridge. We are going to have access to the governor by staying connected to the hearts and souls of our community,” Cardenas Cudia said. “He wants us to be the eyes and ears of the administration.”

Other members of Rauner’s transition team include former Governor Jim Edgar, former White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley, Manny Sanchez from Latinos for Obama, former Chicago Public Schools superintendent Ron Huberman, and Sarah Frey-Talley from Frey Farms.

Rauner implored his supporters to become involved in helping to transform Illinois government. He asked those assembled to encourage their friends to get involved. “If you are willing to serve, we want to bring together the most talented team of leaders that has ever been assembled to turn around the state government. We want to bring talented people; people of intelligence of expertise of intelligence of integrity who are willing to get involved in our government so we can get it running right,” Rauner said. “We need leaders in education and health care and operations and technology and finance. Reach out and contact us. We are going to work together as a big team so we deliver values for taxpayers we deliver the best schools in America and we get our economy booming. We will ensure that our schools are world class.”

“We want it to be broad, inclusive, diverse and representative of the entire state.” We want it to include people from every county.”

In addition to selecting key Democrats to his transition team, Rauner offered an olive branch to Democrats. “I am a Republican. My wife is a Democrat,” Rauner revealed of Illinois first lady Diane Rauner. “I am going to be a bipartisan leader to find real solutions to improve life for all families in Illinois.”

Among the themes of Rauner’s visit was caring for others. “We can judge ourselves as a society by how we help those in need. Those who are vulnerable, those who need our help; the veterans who need our support; our children growing up in poverty who need our support; our elderly citizens who have health issues,” Rauner said. “We will make Illinois the most compassionate state in America.”

“We care about our families. We care about our elderly parents. We care about our children,” Cardenas Cudia said.

Supporters at the event looked forward to Rauner’s election and what it means for the Illinois economy. “It is a new day for Illinois. It is a positive move for the future of Illinois,” Belvidere mayor Mike Chamberlain said.

Many of the supporters anticipated economic growth for Illinois and the Stateline region. “We will be able to move some of the issues we have been talking about for years that we were never able to bring forward to a vote. Bruce is going to give us a voice at that table,” State representative Bob Pritchard said. “We can deal with some of these issues, and we will be able to do more than pass out money.  They are going to create jobs and keep businesses here and even attract businesses.

“The good news is that the people of Illinois realized that we needed to change direction. Now we have a governor who believes you grow your way into a strong economy. You cannot tax your way,” Syverson said. “I am excited about what is the future is going to be for Illinois.”

“Rauner’s election means a new beginning,” Rauner supporter Dave Gallano added. “It is a new start for everyone in the State of Illinois.”

“I love Illinois. I am honored I am humbled and privileged,” Rauner thanked his supporters. “I want to go to work for you. I cannot wait to deliver real results to you.”

Nov. 11, 2014

By Robert R. Ryder

Superintendent of the Veterans Assistance Commission of Boone County

Tuesday, November 11th is Veterans Day, a day dedicated to honoring all those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Many will honor our local Veterans by attending parades, such as the one in Belvidere Tuesday morning, going to local ceremonies such as the one at the L. Z. Peace Memorial in Rockford, or perhaps saying a simple prayer for a beloved Veteran who is no longer with us. No matter what your choice, each has value that shows respect for our Veterans.

But many across our state and even across our nation will not even realize it is Veterans Day, or if they do, won’t recognize and honor the significance of the day. Veterans Day doesn’t have the same notoriety as the 4th of July, or Memorial Day, or even Labor Day and their appealing three day weekends. Because Veterans Day can fall anywhere during the week it can be easily overlooked.

But that’s where all of us who realize the significance of Veterans Day can help. We can reach out to those who seem ambivalent about taking part in Veterans Day activities and invite them to attend. We can educate those who are unaware of the day’s importance with a gentle comment or two about how much the day means to us and how we look forward to honoring it. We can increase awareness of how important Veterans Day is by simply talking with our children or grandchildren or even our great-grandchildren about what the day is all about and why it is important to honor and remember those who served. Children, especially younger ones, love to hear stories about their family and about what Daddy or Grandpa or Aunt Jane did in the military. If you have a picture or two of a loved one in uniform don’t be afraid to show them to the kids and tell them the story behind those pictures. Most children will be amazed that someone from their very own family served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force or Coast Guard. You’ll be educating those children about the importance of serving our country in a fun and interesting way without them even realizing it!

In short, let’s make Veterans Day more than just a day of parades and ceremonies. Let’s take all that good will towards our Veterans and put it into action. It doesn’t have to include any “grand gestures”. It can be as simple as displaying the American flag outside our homes. Or maybe saying thanks to the family of a Veteran for their sacrifices. Or possibly a gentle touch on the arm of a Veteran who needs to hear the words, “Thank you for your service and your sacrifice.”

In reference to Veterans Day President John F. Kennedy once said, “A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.” I believe those words are still as true today as when President Kennedy spoke them more than 50 years ago. Let’s use those words to motivate us to make Veterans Day a day of action. A day where we not only let our Veterans know how much we appreciate their sacrifice, but honor them by helping others to understand and appreciate it as well.

Nov. 9, 2014

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - A new 3,000-square-foot animal services building is in Boone County's future and the county board will continue to be dominated by Republican membership.

In addition, voters in Belvidere Community Unit School District 100 showed they were happy with the way their board members were being elected.

Those were among the results from Tuesday's mid-term election that saw 48 percent of the county's registered voters go to the polls.

Republicans swept all seven available seats on the county board, starting with incumbent Kenny Freeman. He was unopposed for the two-year unexpired term in District 3.

Also in District 3, newcomers Sherry Branson (30.51 percent of the vote) and Brad Stark (29.09 percent) won four-year seats. Coming up short were two Democrats, including a former 10-year board member, Theresa "Teri" Glass (23.11 percent) and Brandon Wells (17.29 percent).

Incumbent Republican Karl Johnson received 36.62 percent of the vote in District 2 and was joined by newcomer Jeffrey Carlisle (34.02 percent) in winning a pair of four-year terms. Democrats Francis "Frank" Egan (14.95 percent) and the late Ray Pendzinski (14.41 percent) trailed.

Overall, Johnson received 3,740 votes, the most of any county board candidate.

Incumbent Democrat Bill Pysson (24.05 percent of the vote) lost his bid for re-election in District 1. Those four-year seats were taken by Republican newcomers Sherry Giesecke (45.11 percent) and Raymond Larson (30.85 percent). Incumbent Republican Brad Fidder chose not to seek re-election.

Swearing in Dec. 1

Successful candidates will be sworn in on Dec. 1. Also that night the board will reorganize, with a chairman and vice chairman being elected. Current Chairman Bob Walberg said if he is chosen he would be willing to serve. Paul Larson is the vice chairman,

Walberg was eager to talk about the successful referendum, calling for a small property tax increase that will be used for construction of a new animal services building.

He said construction of the facility would begin during the 2015 building season and should be ready for occupancy "by this time next year."

A short-term loan will have to be taken out as the project will be under way before the county begins to receive tax money next summer.

That issue drew the most interest of any on the ballot, with 9,548 votes in favor of paying a little to see the project happen, or 63.60 percent, and 5,464, or 36.40 percent, voting no.

Walberg called that "a clear mandate" in support of the new building. "It's an example of the community coming together and working for something positive for the county."

He said newspapers and television stations were instrumental in the outcome with their fair and accurate coverage of the issue.

For someone with a home valued at $100,000, the tax increase will be about 70 cents a month for three years. Bonds for the project will be retired in 2017. There is an $800,000 cap on how much can be spent, with construction estimated at $713,000.

The second referendum, calling for a change in the way School District 100 board members were elected, failed. Unofficial final results showed 7,149 no notes, or 57.82 percent of those cast, to 5,204 yes ballots, or 42.13 percent.

Board members will continue to be elected from separate districts. The referendum proposed changing to an at-large election system.

Craig Schultz in District 3 now will be the lone remaining Democrat among 12 members of the county board.

"We had a very good slate of candidates," said Pat Murphy, chairman of the county Republican party. "They're a very good addition to the board. We're in good shape."

For Mike Gurhrie, chairman of the Democratic party, it was another disappointing election day. "The need for a change won't happen this time," he said. "I thought Bill (Pysson) and Teri (Glass) had a good chance; both were good candidates. But now the county board will run wild."

As goes Precinct 15 ...

Precinct 15, with votes cast at the county administration building on Logan Avenue, was the first to report results Tuesday night. And its balloting accurately reflected the winners in each of the races.

Democrats, at a disadvantage in countywide voter registration, trailed in early returns and the margin increased a little each hour.

Countywide, Boone voters generally mirrored what happened throughout Illinois. And while most Republican candidates were favored locally, statewide and in federal races, that was not always the case.

Incumbent state Attorney General Lisa Madigan, a Democrat, was the eventual winner. She edged out her Republican opponent in Boone County with 48.85 percent of the vote to 47.56 percent.

Another Democrat holding statewide office, Secretary of State Jesse White, also was favored here. He received 53.79 percent of the votes cast to 42.42 percent by his Republican opponent.

Gubernatorial challenger Bruce Rauner, the eventual winner, was a big favorite locally. He garnered 62.42 percent of the votes to 32.93 percent for incumbent Democrat Pat Quinn.

Incumbent U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., won his second two-year term in Congress in the new District 16. He picked up 71.76 percent of the Boone County vote to 28.24 percent for his Democratic opponent.

Nov. 6, 2014

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

MACHESNEY PARK - School buses that are on the road this year look similar to the ones that transported parents of today's teen-agers. But what's on the inside is another matter altogether.

Technological improvements, especially over the past 10 years, have increased the amount of information available to people such as Poplar Grove resident Don West, transportation director for Harlem School District 122.

Cameras, global positioning systems (GPS), you name it, all in the interests of keeping students and bus drivers safe and in providing information as to what's going on while thousands of young people are moved from one point to another and back again.

Now, each of the district's 75 buses have a camera on it. Same goes for GPS systems. But when it comes to the GPS, it's not just about finding a location. "It's so we know where buses are and where they've been," explained West, former transportation director for North Boone School District 200.

That stemmed from the off-season tornado in November 2010, which skipped through Caledonia and along the north side of Illinois 173. A bus on Harlem Road, near Argyle Road, overturned and there was confusion as to whose bus it was. In addition to District 122, Rockford School District 205 and Belvidere School District 100 also operates buses in that area.

Now all of the cameras in District 122 buses work. A district mechanic figured a way to connect the cameras with the GPS system, which tells district officials which cameras are functioning.

In the past some school districts would have cameras on all buses but only a small number of them actually recorded what was going on. Not so in District 122.

Tells a story

In addition to locating a bus, West said a GPS system also will report how fast one has been going. Sometimes a resident will report a bus for appearing to speed down a residential street. The GPS will tell if that's true.

"More often than not they aren't speeding," the director said.

Future improvements could include installation of a camera on the stop arm, which is in the front end of each bus, to record when motorists drive past them. "We get that quite a bit during the year," he said of impatient drivers, who run the risk of endangering the life of a child who happens to be crossing the street.

The city of Chicago has installed red-light cameras on some buses, which record the license plate number of a violator. The citation then is mailed to the owner of the offending vehicle.

West said District 122 is working with District 205 and the Winnebago school system on possibly doing some of those improvements together. But don't look for any of that to happen in the next couple of years.

The District 122 transportation department has 115 employees including drivers, bus assistants and mechanics.

"They're busy all the time even though this is a fairly new fleet," he said of the three mechanics. Buses are replaced on the basis of age, not mileage, and having units with 100,000 miles or more on them is not unusual.

"It's more of a salt issue than age," he said of why buses are retired. "I believe the quality (of workmanship) has improved."

Buses work in two daily shifts. The morning tour can start as early as 7 a.m. and usually concludes by 8:30 a.m. Afternoon routes run from 2:15 until 4:30 p.m. After-school activity trips bring buses back around 5:30 p.m. at the latest, with some evening sporting events not ending until 10 p.m. or so.

After-school work is a perk and West said to be eligible, a driver must have been with the district for at least two years.

Nov. 5, 2014

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - Four members of the Boone County Board have seen first-hand what's ailing the jail and public safety building (PSB). 

Members Marion Thornberry and Cathy Ward were there at the start of the recent inspection, with board Chairman Bob Walberg and member Karl Johnson joining the tour later on.

When it was all over County Administrator Ken Terrinoni said both buildings will see some improvements with money from the 2014-15 budget. But specifics won't be known until November, when the full board approves the new spending plan.

Outgoing Sheriff Duane Wirth, his top aides and Sheriff-Elect Dave Ernest greeted the small assembly with Wirth only remaining for a short time.

After speaking privately with Thornberry and Ward about some 911 dispatch center issues, sheriff's Lt. Perry Gay, the center director, took the group to some parts of the PSB.

He didn't mince words when he talked about how some of the building's needs haven't been addressed.

"I don't turn in many new initiatives because they don't get funded," he said. That's especially true of the exterior.

He and members of the command staff in the sheriff's department visit a lot of other facilities. 'I've never been to another place where the outside looks like this. I'm not going to be kind about it."

Trees and bushes around the public safety building look terrible, he continued. Weeds are everywhere; it's embarrassing. Saying he always wondered why landscaping was considered to be a new initiative, when it should be ongoing maintenance, he added, "I don't put in money for landscaping because it won't go anywhere."

Beyond that, Gay said, "There are all kinds of sewer pipe problems.”Lighting fixtures? We were working on grants before (assistant county administrator) Becky (Tobin) left."

"We're still working on that," Terrinoni said. "It's definitely on our radar."

"The tile, you can just see the dirt in them," the lieutenant said, as the group reached another part of the PSB. "There are health issues. We have always waited for something to break."

Something did break in the office of Boone County State's Attorney Michelle Courier, in the historic part of the County Courthouse. A recent water pipe break resulted in her office being flooded.

Ward said county officials tried a referendum a couple of times for public safety, but they were "badly defeated. So the public must either not know or not care."

"Anytime you see the word 'tax,' it's defeated," Thornberry said. "We have to talk to the public and explain why the issue is important."

Terrinoni said income from video gaming machines and a recently-received $100,000 state grant will be used for improvements at the PSB and jail. And since the PSB is jointly operated with the city of Belvidere, the city also will share in the cost of improvements.

Lt. John Hare, commander of the jail, escorted the group to that facility. Part of it was built in the mid-1970s, with the newer portion constructed 2001.

Improvements are needed in the shower area, where he said he was concerned water may be leaking behind the tiles. "That could lead to mold and mildew issues," he said. "There's too much steam, too much water" in an area used by 48 inmates every day.

While the new portion of the jail is in pretty good condition, he said, "The wear is beginning to show."

Nov. 4, 2014

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

Drivers on their way to the suburbs, Chicago or beyond have a reason to celebrate with the opening of three new lanes between Rockford and Elgin on Oct. 28. The road has been under construction since 2012.

Elected officials from Boone and Winnebago Counties as well as representatives from the Chicago Rockford International Airport and Illinois Tollway Authority and construction workers assembled at Johnson Road Bridge in Belvidere to participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony.

“Gov. Quinn has been an incredible leader for the state particularly on infrastructure and capital investment. He is truly the infrastructure governor,” Kristi LaFleur, Illinois Tollway Executor Director said. “From his support of the state’s capital bill which was the first in over a decade shortly after taking office to his incredible support of the Move Illinois capital program which has helped up be here today to open up this first stretch of I-90.”

“Our Move Illinois is a 15 year 12 billion dollar program. That is the largest capital program in the Illinois Tollway’s history. But it is the largest of any toll road agency in the country.”

At 56 years since its original construction, the Rockford – Elgin segment of the Tollway of the project cost $800 million dollars. The new I-90 corridor will accommodate as many as 83,000 more vehicles per day beginning in 2016 and accommodate more than 15,000 trucks carrying 375,000 tons of freight per day.

“We build in each direction 37 miles of widened rebuilt roads in five and a half  months each year,” LaFluer added.

The rebuilding and widening of I-90 between Rockford and Elgin also includes improvements to two interchanges and 37 bridges. On the 37-mile-long segment, nearly 580,000 cubic yards of concrete, 860,000 cubic yards of asphalt and about 3,300 tons of steel were used to construct the new pavement and bridges. More than 2.7 million cubic yards of earth were moved as part of this project. 

Officials praised the completion of the project and looked forward to the economic growth and development possibilities that the I-90 corridor promises. “It is important to recognize the Tollway’s role as an economic engine for our area. In addition to this project, the Irene road interchange project will create a full interchange to enhances access and create new economic development opportunities for Belvidere, Boone County, and Winnebago County ,” said Illinois Tollway Board Director Earl Dotson Jr.

“As lawmakers we always talk about jobs. What we can do to get jobs here. What we can do to attract jobs throughout the Rockford area. It all begins with projects like this. For me and the General Assembly, the key to economic development is transportation infrastructure and supporting projects like this,” State Senator Steve Stadelman said.

“When it comes to infrastructure, economic development things that will propel this region, across the aisle we are pumped and excited for what this project means to our region,” Illinois State Representative Joe Sosnowski said. “With things like Irene Interchange, growing our economic development possibilities within Boone County is a huge asset for our region.”

The project involved cooperation, coordination and planning between many stakeholders. “This project is being coordinated with Boone County, Belvidere, Spring and Flora Townships and the Illinois Department of Transportation along with local municipalities, school districts, police and fire departments,” Dotson Jr. said.

“I have been so impressed with how open and impressed they were to work this out.,” Boone County Chairman Bob Walberg added “They gave us this whole thing as an economic engine for this corridor . They realized that and they wanted to make it work for everybody.”

LaFluer said that Walberg had been in her office close to 60 times to talk about the project and to promote the needs of Boone County and the region. She added that if Walberg did not receive an answer that he liked, he returned for a subsequent meeting to revisit the issue.

Among the issues, was the original plan to permanently dismantle the Johnson Road bridge. As the ceremony took place on the Johnson Road bridge, Walberg praised the Tollway Authority for working with him and the community for recognizing the need to replace the bridge. Walberg also praised Spring Township supervisor Ryan Kufalk for his efforts in promoting the need for the Johnson Road bridge.

“A lot of the citizens had concerns about safety and response time for emergency services as well as ag equipment,” Kufalk said. “It is a lesser travelled road. If it were gone, it would force more of the farm traffic or ag  traffic to the heavier traveled roads.”

“One of the Tollway representatives came to our township meeting and we were able to get the bridge put back in.”

The work on the western segment of the Tollway created or sustained 5,880 jobs and included work by 290 firms including 225 construction firms. 

“Today is evidence of what vision, persistence cooperation and determined execution can produce. We want to thank everybody from the governor’s office to every job that was created of  everyone who worked on this Tollway,” Belvidere mayor Mike Chamberlain said. “We want to thank the men and women of Illinois for creating an incredible project that makes us world class.”

Approximately 100 of the construction workers who worked on the project were on hand to participate in the ribbon cutting ceremony. A section of ribbon was handed to each person who attended the ceremony. Many of the construction workers held up their green ribbon as they smiled broadly and posed for photos overlooking the wide open expanse of Tollway beneath them.

One of the workers commented that he enjoyed having a tangible memento to remember his contribution to the Tollway.

“The citizens of Belvidere and Boone County thank you,” Chamberlain added.

Nov. 2, 2014

By: Rhonda Mix

Reporter

BELVIDERE - It was a tail-wagging weekend as dogs, their owners and dog lovers gathered together Oct. 25 at Meyer's Tails Up Farm in Belvidere for the first annual Experience Canines with Us event. Sponsored by the Blackhawk Kennel Club, DeKalb Kennel Club, Fox River Valley Kennel Club and the Kishwaukee Kennel Club, the gathering featured a number of different breeds of dogs accompanied by their breeders and trainers.

All canines present were AKC pure bred dogs, most of which had been show dogs at one point in their lives, or were on their way to taking the stage.

The event provided visitors with information on select breeds, and also featured a few demonstrations.

Dogs on display were on their best behavior and were happy to pose for pictures. Their owners were also happy to share insights about why they believed their breeds were so special.

Connie Swenson, Rockford, brought her Irish Terrier to the event.

“She's a nice size and has a lot of energy and likes to play,” said Swenson of Quinn, her female terrier. “She has a really good personality and is a nice companion. Irish Terriers are a working type breed, but they are versatile and can do a lot of different activities. People should be committed to owning the breed and make sure they are experienced with obedience training,” she continued. “Irish Terrier coats require a lot of grooming and investing a lot of time. But having [an Irish Terrier] is a great reward. They are good for families with older children and can be around other pets, as long as the animals are properly introduced.”

Also in attendance were members of the Greater Chicago Whippet Club. Sue Schinel shared her thoughts on her female whippet, Terrion.

“I love how fast these dogs run, their friendliness. They are easy maintenance since they are short-coated. They can be active when they want to be, but are also couch potatoes,” she laughed, as Terrion sat nearby, looking on with wide eyes. “They aren't really good at tricks. They should always be leashed because they run so fast. But they are good with kids.”

Two of the more unusual looking dogs at the event were the Chinese Crested “hairless” dog and its “powderpuff”counterpart. Pat Franklin of Gurnee shared some fun facts about the breed, and about Lee, her male Chinese Crested hairless, in particular.

“They always make you smile and they are always doing something [somewhat naughty],” Franklin said. “You will come home and find things like newspaper chewed up, and they just look at you with happiness, as if to say 'Look what we did for you!'

“One thing people need to know is that the hairless variety of the Chinese Crested is not always hairless,” she added. “They are like men. Some have no hair and others are like bears. You need to be prepared to love them with or without stubble as well as puffed.”

When it comes to the type of family best suited for a Chinese Crested, Franklin said that the breed is good with everyone.

“They are also good with kids as long as the kids are good to them. They love to snuggle and give kisses, and they fit in with just about everybody,” she said.

A few other breeds making an appearance at the affair included the Siberian Husky, Standard Poodle, Belgian Tervuren and the Rottweiler.

“This is the first time that the local kennel clubs have sponsored such an event,” said Cindy Meyer, president of the Blackhawk Kennel Club and one of the organizers of the gathering. “For our first time coming together like this, it is going well.

“We would like to introduce the community to purebred dogs, and give them the opportunity to meet different breeds along with breeders and trainers, as well as a representative from a local veterinarian's office. We hope that this could become an annual event.”

For more information, or to learn more about Meyer's Tails Up Farm, visit meyerspetcare.com/tails-up-farm.

Oct. 30, 2014

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - The Tuesday, Nov. 4 general election ballot will be chock full of issues other than selecting representatives for seven of the 12 Boone County Board seats.

In addition, voters will decide whether to approve a short-term property tax increase to construct a new animal control services building and to change the way Belvidere Community Unit School District 100 board members are elected and appointed.

Approving construction of the new animal building would mean a three-year tax increase of about 70 cents per month for someone with a home assessed at $100,000. But the referendum question doesn't contain such detail and that's irritating some supporters of the project.

"This would cost them virtually nothing," resident Robert Christianson said of county taxpayers.

He said he and others are spending the final days before the election handing out brochures that provide details omitted from the ballot.

"That's their strategy, so the referendum is defeated," he said of some county board members. "I hope I'm wrong."

Here's the wording of the referendum question: "Should the County of Boone be authorized to construct and equip a new Animal Services Building and issue its bonds to the amount of $800,000 for the purpose of paying the costs thereof?" Voters then are asked to check Yes or No.

The $800,000 is the cap for the project, whose estimate for a 3,000-square-foot building is $713,000. It would be built on property owned by the county on the east side of Illinois 76, between Squaw Prairie and Spring Creek roads.

It has been stated many times at committee and county board meetings that a new building is needed. There never has been a county board vote against the project.

Christianson and another supporter, Jane Gordon, said they and others would continue going door-to-door and setting up tables outside local businesses in an attempt to provide voters with complete information about the referendum.

"It's inexcusable that it was written the way it was," Gordon said of the referendum question as it appears on the ballot."

While she believes there are "a lot of people who don't care about animals," she said she thinks the project would be good for the community, "to have something new and positive."

Is there any organized opposition to the project?

Christianson said he thought there was, among seven members of the county board. "Otherwise, this would have been a slam dunk," he said.

He said the county board "is sitting on $23 million (in reserves) that they don't want to talk about. Plenty of that money isn't restricted and can be transferred."

District 100 referendum

The District 100 referendum question reads as follows: "Shall the members of the Board of Education of Belvidere Community Unit School District 100 be elected at large and without restriction by area of residence within the district?"

Currently, four board members must reside in Belvidere Township, including the city of Belvidere, with the remaining three coming from four other townships in the district. However, board members are elected by all voters in the district, not just those in their respective townships.

For that reason Superintendent Michael Houselog, in a memorandum dated Aug. 18, stated there has been discussion in recent years to seek change in that process.

"Changing the structure moving forward would provide a more balanced representation of the overall population of the district, would give the school board greater flexibility when selecting appointments to fill vacant seats on the board and insure that candidates receiving the highest number of votes are elected to the board," he stated further.

The district administration recommended approval of putting the question to referendum.

But the Parents Advocating for Students and Staff organization, known as PASS, believes approval of the referendum "has the potential to eradicate school board representation from smaller, outlying townships and the current, guaranteed three seats would no longer exist."

"PASS is significantly concerned with this potential change," according to information being passed out to community representatives and community members.

"We feel the views and concerns of community members outside the city of Belvidere and Belvidere Township may be quite different as they may relate to other impactful issues such as school start/end times, curriculum programming, school closures and building sites/usage."

The material states further that to pass, the referendum must be approved by a majority of voters in all five townships. Should it be approved, the change would become effective with the April 2015 election, with three of the seven board members being elected to serve two-year terms.

Oct. 29, 2014

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

POPLAR GROVE – Equestrians from throughout the state of Illinois arrived at BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center in Poplar Grove to take part in the equestrian events for the Special Olympics. The equestrian events have been held at BraveHearts for the past three years. This year the event attracted 130 athletes. The athletes competed in equestrian events such as dressage and equitation.

BraveHearts got its start when Marge Tautkus Gunnar was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in Aug. 1993. Through the course of treatment, Gunnar struggled through the emotions of her diagnosis and treatment, she received solace from her Lipizzan stallion named Max.

One day during one of Gunnar’s darkest days, she went to the stable and with tears in her eyes, she hugged Max. By wrapping his neck around her, he hugged her back.

By 1999, Gunnar recovered from ovarian cancer and was volunteering at a therapeutic riding center. Wanting more, Gunnar eventually founded BraveHearts which was incorporated in Oct. 2002.  The program began at the Fantasy Fresian Farm in Harvard. The organization purchased the property in October 2005. In Aug. 2010, BraveHearts expanded by adding a second location through the purchase of the 17 acre Bergmann Center in Poplar Grove. The Poplar Grove facility also included a 55,000 square foot indoor facility.

A 501(c)(3) charity, BraveHearts is a premier accredited center of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International and is one of the largest programs of its kind in the United States.

“We offer retreats and a lot of continuing education programs,” Meggan Hill-McQueeney, president of BraveHearts said. The facilities have an outpatient clinic that specializes in hippotherapy. They also offer services in therapeutic riding,  dressage, equitation, and continuing education opportunities.

 Unlike traditional therapeutic horseback riding, hippotherapy incorporates the horse’s movements into a total care plan for its patients. In addition to helping patients improve balance and core strength, hippotherapy also helps in the development of fine motor skills, cognition, sensory processing, and speech and language pathology. Therapeutic riding provides social, educational and recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

“It is incredible how much a horse can do for so many people. Horses find our holes and they step in and take care of our needs,” Hill-McSweeney said.

At the Special Olympics, athletes competed in dressage, equitation and trail. For the equitation event, athletes walked their horses through the arena and were accompanied by their coaches as they went through the paces with their horses.  In one of the last competitions held on Saturday, Justin Moriarty was declared the winner in the equitation class.

Moriarty riding on a horse named Chica raised his arms in victory when his name was announced as the winner. Moriarty travels from the Chicago area to train at BraveHearts Harvard location. “I like horses. I like riding,” Moriarty said. “They are really neat horses. I like to ride them and pet them.”

One of the success stories out of BraveHearts is Jake McManus. The 2014 Barrington High School graduate is one of the athletes who participated in the Special Olympics on Oct. 25 and 26. McManus began hippotherapy at another facility when he was five years old and has since transferred to BraveHearts.

McManus was selected to represent the United States at the 21015 Special Olympics World Game in Los Angeles. “He is a really neat young man,” Hill-McQueeney said. “He lives and breathes riding a horse.”

McManus began riding a horse at the age of five. “I have known him most of his life. We went from initially giving him hippotherapy which is when a physical, occupational or speech language pathologist works with a child and treats them while they are on the back of the horse. That was one of Jake’s early introductions with horses and he blossomed from there,” Hill-McSweeney said.  “He is one of those individuals that once you set a goal for him he totally can shatter it.”

McManus learned prepositions and math on the back of the horse. “A lot of kids don’t realize that they are doing homework because it is just so much fun,” Hill-McSweeney explained. “We used to roll dice with Jake and have him add the dice. He would walk his horse forward that many steps. We incorporate little things into the riding.”

McManus won two gold medals for trail and dressage at the Illinois State Special Olympics this past weekend.  As he was announced as the winner for dressage, he pumped his fists in victory and the crowd assembled chanted his name. “I like when everyone chants my name when I win,” McManus said.

“It is great to hear everyone chant his name and to see everyone respond so positively to him,” his mom Stacie McManus added.

Jake McManus has a little over a year to prepare for the World Games in Los Angeles. The games will include 7,000 athletes from 70 countries.  “We were thrilled he was selected to be part of Team USA,” Stacie McManus said.  “It is a big deal. We are excited

Hill-McSweeney praised the volunteers and employees who helped at the Special Olympics event and who help throughout the year at the BraveHearts facilities. “We have hundreds of volunteers. “We have a staff  who gives 200% of their time. Our Board of Directors work tirelessly every day,” Hill-McSweeney said. “It is an amazing organization with so people who deeply care about serving the people who step on our farm.”

As much as the patients who receive therapy at BraveHearts, the organization touches the lives and hearts of the volunteers and employees. “They are touched too. They get to see people who are challenged physically, cognitively, emotionally,” Hill-McManus said. They leave fulfilled knowing that they have helped somebody and seeing that BraveHearts makes the impossible possible.”

To learn more about BraveHearts, contact them at 815-943-8226 

Oct. 28, 2014

By Lisa Rodgers

Reporter

BELVIDERE-Over a five year period employees as well as visitors witnessed the transformation of a blank interior wall inside of the Boone County Conservation District's nature center into what is now a mural of the Illinois prairie and Boone County wildlife and plants.  Employee Aarron “Ace” Minson was encouraged by supervisors to conceptualize and implement the mural.

A Natural Areas Technician at the Boone County Conservation District (BCCD), Aarron Minson has been an employee for the past 12 years.  His main role is to implement the ecological restoration of BCCD sites by ensuring that each project site is as florally diverse as possible. This floral diversity provides a foothold for our native wildflowers, grasses and sedges, and has positive ramifications for pollinators and other fauna throughout the food chain.

“From the time I was in first grade, I have enjoyed coming up with original cartoon characters, and thought I was going to be a cartoonist until a year or two out of high school. During that time I had jumped at any art class that was available, most notably those taught by Mr. Troy Yunk and Mr. Kit Scheidenhelm at Belvidere High School, and even started college as an art major. But my experiences in nature, and the resulting desire to steward it, endeared me to pursue a career in conservation,” said Aarron Minson.

Upon first examination of the mural, the wild flower and prairie scene are prominent.  However, as one would stand in an art gallery admiring a piece of art work, one’s eyes begin to focus and the tiniest of details begin to emerge from the mural bringing its viewing into an amazing and enlightening experience.

“The concept is an Illinois prairie scene, with as much native flora and fauna as I could pack in there. This was an endeavor to offer people a sample of the sheer biological diversity found in our state.  I completed the mural in the spring of 2013,” explained Minson. 

“I was reluctant at first, as my background in art is primarily illustration and not painting so much. But their faith in me was very vocal.  The mural was originally designated as a "rainy day" project for me.  My supervisors encouraged me to paint a mural of a prairie scene with many wildflowers.  These were my only guidelines, and I largely had free artistic reign.  I wanted the mural itself to be an ambassador for the Illinois prairie that is now largely lost, but entirely worth saving and bringing back. I tried to incorporate as much as possible of what could have been seen on the historic Illinois prairie, along with what can still be seen today. Much of what I painted was inspired by what I've been privileged to observe first-hand in nature, and some of what I wish I could have seen. I also received inspiration from the work I've observed from local artists such as Troy Yunk, Kit Scheidenhelm and Gary Simon,” continued Minson.

“It's refreshing to be able to look at it without wondering ‘What am I going to do next?’... I'm finished! I'm grateful that I've been able to incorporate my passion for art into a career that allows me a function within the natural world,” expressed Minson.

While viewing the mural you can play “Find Ace’s Face”.  Yes, Ace Minson’s face appears in the mural.  And it is not easy to spot!  To give you a hint, Ace has red hair and a beard.  Good luck finding him! 

For more information, please call (815) 547-7935.  The mural may be viewed Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during normal business hours.  The Boone County Conservation District is located at 603 N. Appleton Road in Belvidere.  www.bccdil.org 

Oct. 26, 2014

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

POPLAR GROVE - Village officials are moving toward hiring a consultant to help them find a new village administrator. But they may have jumped the gun by forwarding resumes to a former Machesney Park executive whom they have not officially approved.

Questions arose during Monday night's village board meeting, resulting in a brief delay in retaining the services of Bob Mullins. The primary stumbling point was the lack of specifics as to the scope of work to be done for $50 an hour, not to exceed a total of $1,500.

Trustee Ron Quimby brought up the need for a contract that would contain those kinds of details.

It had been stated at the Oct. 6 finance committee meeting that Mullins would provide Poplar Grove with the names of five candidates. There were no other details.

Trustee Jeff Goings said he couldn't understand why the village was going to spend money on a regional search, when Village President John Neitzel and Trustee Don Bawden earlier conducted a national search at no charge. Their efforts led to the employment of Mark Lynch, who resigned effective May 31 after the board voted 4-3 to retain him for another year.

"That took us an enormous amount of time," Neitzel recalled. "He (Mullins) has the local expertise, which is important."

Mullins was Machesney Park's administration and finance director for 10 of the 11 years he worked there. He was the first village administrator before retiring in 2011. "He is well respected in the area," Bawden said.

Trustees Owen Costanza and Goings expressed concern that some resumes already had been sent to Mullins. That caused Village Attorney Jim Stevens to say that no longer should be done. "We've got the cart before the horse a little bit," he said.

Rather than have to call a special meeting, the board voted 4-2 with Costanza and Goings dissenting to allow Neitzel to sign a contract with Mullins, once one is received and approved by the attorney.

Belvidere Twp. electric bills to see an increase

BELVIDERE - Belvidere Township residents are among the last in this area to see an increase in their monthly electric bills.

The board of trustees has agreed to remain in the electric aggregation program, renewing the kilowatt use rate at 7.14 cents per hour for the next 36 months. That's an increase of almost 2 cents an hour from the 5.229 that was in effect since the program started Jan. 1, 2013.

Township Supervisor Pat Murphy said under the lower rate, homeowners saved an average of $275 a year, with the township as a whole saving $450,000.

Boone County, the village of Machesney Park and Harlem Township also have approved rates considerably higher than what had been in effect for the past two years.

Karen Herbert, president and CEO of the Institute for 21st Century Energy, said the increase was because of new U.S. Environmental Protection Regulations (EPA).

She said the Obama Administration wants to reduce carbon emissions by 42 percent in 2030. But she added that a study showed more aggressive standards would increase American electric bills by $17 billion and cost 224,000 jobs nationwide. That while reducing global emissions by just 2 percent, far short of the announced goal.

"The president's war on coal will create a significant blow to the economy in exchange for very little environmental benefit," she said.

Information obtained by Boone County Administrator Ken Terrinoni stated the new regulations could cause the closing of 30 percent of the coal-fired electric plants in this country.

Oct. 23, 2014

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - The Capron Rescue Squad District (CRS) has filed a lawsuit against North Boone Fire Protection District 3, saying it violated state law by purchasing an ambulance without asking voters for approval.

Documents on file at the Boone County Courthouse show CRS is asking the court to issue a preliminary injunction against the fire department, to stop it from providing ambulance service on the north side of the county until after the referendum is held.

In addition, CRS is seeking a permanent injunction prohibiting District 3 from "providing ambulance services that do not arise in connection with fire protection duties.

"We want to be sure everyone is following the law," said Owen Costanza, president of the CRS district, as to the reason for the suit.

"We've contacted our lawyer and he's working on it," said Ray Morse, president of the District 3 Board of Trustees.

"It's all about money to them," he said of the rescue squad. "Nowhere (in the suit) was public safety or the well-being of the public mentioned. That was disappointing to me."

Meanwhile, District 3 has assembled a crew for its new ambulance, which soon will be ready for the state inspection, he said.

The suit alleges that District 3 is in violation of 70 ILCS 705/22, which states it must submit to referendum the question of whether to provide ambulance service other than for life-saving and rescue operations, which might arise in connection with fire protection duties of a district. 

It states further that the CRS District "will be irreparably harmed by the operation of an un-authorized ambulance service within the district it serves due to a town-turn in revenue."

"The providing of ambulance service is highly regulated by the Illinois Department of Public Health and if an un-authorized ambulance service is allowed to operate, the IDPH will not be able to conducting proper licensing of the paramedics and EMTs (emergency medical technicians), leading to potential harm to the citizens of Boone County," he states.

The suit was filed by Jim Hursh, attorney for the CRS District.

CRS has been providing ambulance service to a 144-square-mile area of northern Boone County since 1957. The district, from which tax revenue is collected for the service, covers the unincorporated area plus the villages of Capron, Caledonia, Poplar Grove and Timberlane.

CRS currently has three ambulances with stations in downtown Capron and on Poplar Grove Road in Poplar Grove. It plans to build a third station on the south side of Candlewick Lake, off Caledonia Road.

The Fire District 3 station is located at the corner of Illinois 173 and Hill Street in Poplar Grove.

Oct. 22, 2014

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

BELVIDERE – Joe Glickenberger, Tyler Mason, Jerry Rowe and Doug Sims were honored during halftime at the Belvidere Bucs football game on Oct. 17. The group was inducted into the Buc football hall of fame. The group was surrounded by family and friends as they watched the Bucs decisive 46-18 victory over Rockford East.

On hand to bestow the honors on the group were former Belvidere Buc football coaches Verne Pottinger and Mike Hearne. “These four individuals gave their heart and soul to Belvidere football over the years,” Hearne said during the halftime ceremony.

Pottinger recalled Jerry Rowe as being “one of our best fans.”

“There is probably not one man in this town that supported Belvidere football more than Jerry Rowe,” Hearne added. Rowe, who wore #38 on his jersey and is a member of the IOU Club, was one of the founders of Belvidere Junior Tackle program.  Hearne told the crowd that Rowe was the first to help if the team needed anything and went as far as buying shoes for athletes who needed them.

Lifetime season ticket holders and booster club members with his wife Carol, Rowe was honored to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. “I was honored that they would go back that far,” Rowe said. “I didn’t think people would remember.”

Rowe was a three year starter on the high school football team and was a three sport athlete. A graduate of the Class of 1954, Rowe won the Ed Huck award for outstanding senior male athlete while in high school. He was inducted into the National Athletic Scholarship Society and the All Millennium team.  Rowe played offensive end, defensive end, and defensive corner. “Back in those days you played wherever they needed you,” Rowe said.

Rowe was pleased to see Sims, Mason and Glickenberger honored. “It made me feel really good because they all came up through the Belvidere Junior Tackle program,” Rowe said.

Rowe was at the game with his former cheerleader wife Carol and their daughters Diane and Karen and many of their four grandsons and three great grandchildren.

“Some of us were together since third grade,” Glickenberger #31 said of his teammates from the Class of 1981. “We started at the YMCA in flag football and went through the Belvidere system. We all played in it (Belvidere Junior Tackle),” Glickenberger said.

Perhaps inspired by his days at Belvidere Junior Tackle, Glickenberger paid it forward for youths in the northern end of the county.  “He started two different junior tackle programs in North Boone with his own money and is a tribute to their football program like he had people contribute to football here at Belvidere,” Hearne said.

A running back and a member of the 1,000 yard club with 6.9 yards per carry, Glickenberger credited his success to the strong linemen that surrounded him. “Super linemen that I was surrounded by and the blocking running backs and a really strong group,” Glickenberger said. “I was lucky to be there.”

“This guy can turn nothing into something. That’s what he did. It was great to watch him run,” John Lamont said. “Most of the time I was blocking someone and I would see him run by me.”

Hearne recalled a game in which Glickenberger was running towards an almost certain touchdown. “He got to the 10 yard line and it looked like he was going to score and he had one guy to beat. Instead of trying to outrun him he decided to take him on. The kid tried to take him on and tackle him,” Hearne said. “He (Glickenberger) picked him (the defender) up and carried him into the end zone.”

“I always remember what kind of a runner he was,” Pottinger said. He ran with his knees so high that he punished people.”

Although the Bucs won their first conference championship in 1983, they had the potential for the title in the 1980 season had they not gotten out to a rough start. “Our senior year we started off 0-3 because we kept making penalties,” Lamont recalled of Glickenberger’s senior year. “We won the last 7 games. The first three games we had over a hundred and something yards a game in penalties. It just wiped us out.”

Glickenberger was at the game with his wife and girlfriend Maureen and their three children Kayla, Sarah and Danny and a large group of friends. After graduating from high school, Glickenberger played football for Rock Valley College before taking a job at Chrysler in their tool and die shop.

“In 1983 we won our first conference championship,” Pottinger recalled. “We got in the second round of the playoffs.”

A member of the 1983 team was #67, Tyler Mason who was a starter on his college team, Valparaiso University.

“I would really like to dedicate this to  #66 class of 1962 my dad and #67 class of 1991 and my teammates and coaches,” Mason said in honoring his father Larry and his brother Tory.

“He told me his highest honor was being voted team captain his senior year in college,” Hearne said. “That tells you what kind of player he is having that as his highest accomplishment in college.”

After graduation from the Division 2 Valparaiso, Mason was invited to attend the 1988 NFL Scouting Combine.  Valpo’s D-2 status when he was a collegiate athlete “made it more special when I went to the Combine,” he said.

He was invited to attend a free agent tryout with the Pittsburgh Steelers before eventually playing professional football for a year with the London Olympians as an offensive guard and coach.

Mason lives with his wife Tammi in the Milwaukee area.

Doug Sims #40 was a 1,000 yard club for rushing in both his junior and senior years. “That is something that has only been done two times in the history of Belvidere,” Hearne said. “He is the number 13 guy in all-time rushing yards in NIC-10 history.”

“He ran people over. Amazingly he had some very, very good linemen and offensive guards and he was a very good ball player,” Pottinger praised the 1992 graduate.

“I used to knock people down. I enjoyed it, Sims admitted. “I wasn’t fast by any means. If I didn’t have good blocking in front of me I muscled through it anyway.”

Sims brought a football with him today and asked the coaches, the other hall of fame athletes and others to sign the ball. He already had plans

After graduating high school, Sims played football for Rock Valley College and later for College of St. Francis in Joliet. While still in college, Sims took a job at Chrysler. “I thought I would use their tuition assistance to get through college and I am still there 19 years later,” Sims said.

He is married to his wife Dawn and they have two children, Madison and Parker.

“It is a special night. I am glad these guys are having so much fun with each other,” Hearne said. “The football program has always been so special. It is nice for our school and our program. It is a nice honor for those kids and it brings back the memories.”

“I like to come back every year to see all of the people the memories are so good,” Pottinger agreed.

Oct. 21, 2014

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

BELVIDERE - When Lonna Bentley arrived to open the Boone County Historical Museum on Wednesday morning, there was a bus filled with 30 visitors already waiting in the parking lot. Surprised, the museum’s archivist wondered why museum director Mary Hale didn’t her that a tour group was coming through that day.

A member of the group read an Aug. 19 article in the Belvidere Daily Republican about the museum’s upcoming World War I exhibit of war posters and they patiently waited nearly two months until the exhibit’s opening day arrived. Their early arrival signaled that they were not about to wait one minute longer. They were on a mission.

“They were here for three hours. They were ecstatic,” Bentley said. “They loved the posters and then they started to get involved in the museum.”

“They had a ball. They were hysterical,” said Bentley who seemed to have enjoyed the group’s visit to the museum as much as they did.

The group toured the 53 World War I political posters that were from the New Process Electro Corporation. The rare collection of James Cartoons was created as wartime propaganda and reflects the era and attitude of one hundred years ago. As an example a caricature that is dressed like Aladdin represents the Turkish Sultan Mehmed Reshad. Kaiser Wilhelm from Germany is portrayed wearing a Pickelhaube spiked hat.

The posters also reflect a history lesson of sacrifices that were made on both the warfront as well as the home front. In a poster titled “Workless Mondays” Uncle Sam is holding a piece of paper in his hand that says “Garfield closing order” as he points to a blackboard and says “these are the ten Mondays the government is asking you to give up in order that we can catch up with the war requirement.”

Garfield refers to Fuel Administrator Harry Garfield.

Even prior to the war, the country experienced coal shortages and the Federal Fuel Administration was organized to ensure a steady supply of coal for the military, industry and consumers.  Americans were asked not to work each Monday from Jan 21 through Mar. 25, 1918. In the poster, a merchant is seen saying “No blue Monday for me. I’ll make mine a red white and blue Monday by cooperating with Uncle Sam.”

Also referenced in the cartoon is Meatless Mondays.  During the war, 13 million Americans signed a pledge to aid the war effort by going meatless Monday and wheatless Wednesday. The U.S. Food administration urged families to reduce consumption of key staples because “food will win the war.”

In a bit of humor in the cartoon, a forlorn man is seen sitting on the edge of the stage. “Gee whiz! I always did stay home on Mondays to get over the effects from Sunday. Must I now stay home on Tuesday to get over the effects of Monday,” he laments.

A note on the bottom of the poster says “this establishment advocates that you devote your spare Mondays to doing your bit for the boys who are fighting our battles in Europe.”

Remnants of the Fuel Administration still exist when the North America, Europe and other parts of the world spring ahead or fall back for daylight time. This year, daylight savings time will end on Nov. 2.

The cartoons are unabashedly patriotic and do not mince words against the enemy.  “WWI propaganda posters were everywhere.  Other than newspapers, this was the only source of information and it was what the government wanted the public to know.  At that time, war information could take days and even weeks to reach our shores,” Bentley said.

 “Each poster has a different theme but all were meant to feed information on the war and entice patrons to shop at that establishment. Several in this collection focus on the sale of War Savings Stamps and Liberty Bonds,” Bentley said. “The posters are first run and not reproductions and are believed to have hung in JR Balliet's store in Belvidere, Illinois as several of them have his name on the bottom as well as a few handwritten messages.” Visitors to the museum can tour the 53 posters.  A sign next to each poster described the contents and activities of each poster.

The posters are in remarkably good shape considering their age and storage history.  They were recently found in a tube among the museum’s archives. “There had never been a reason to open a tube we had marked WW2 Posters until I was planning the Veterans Exhibit that just concluded.  I was hopeful there was something I could use.  However, when I investigated tube and unrolled the posters, I did not have anything related to WW2, but instead discovered I had WW1 Cartoons,” Bentley said. 

In addition to viewing the posters at the museum, they can be viewed online through the museum’s website at www.bchmuseum.org and clicking on the link for the Rare WWI James Cartoon posters.

Among the first visitors of the exhibit was Alan Roloff from the DeKalb County Forest Preserve. Roloff, himself a veteran, was at the museum to view the log cabin on display. “We are rebuilding a cabin similar to the one in here. We came here to get a few ideas,” Roloff said. “It is in a state of semi-completion. We still need to put in the windows and doors. We just wanted to see how they did it here and to see how they did the stairway. The way they did the stairway was different than what I would have thought it was earlier.”

The log cabin will be part of the Hoppe Heritage Homestead on Rt. 72 in DeKalb. The log cabin is significant because it was built by the father in-law of Isaac Elwood, the barbed wire baron of the United States.

Residents will have several special reasons to visit the collection of posters before the exhibit closes on Nov. 15. The museum will hold its Trash or Treasure event on Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Visitors to the museum can bring an item to be appraised for a $6 donation. Professional appraisers from a broad range of expertise will assess the value of residents’ artifacts. The event is sponsored by financial advisors Eric Dahl and Shawn Rooney from Edward Jones.

We are excited for the public to be able to come in and have professional appraisers for their family heirlooms,” Museum president Don Banks said.

“We are happy with the exposure for the museum and the opportunity to allow people to have professionals look at their artifacts,” board treasurer Dick Stegemann added.

Perhaps it is fitting that the collection of World War I James Cartoon posters is on display now as Nov. 11 is Veterans Day. The holiday was originally called Armistice Day and celebrated the end of World War I.

The holiday celebrates and honors all veterans all veterans either living or dead.  The Veterans Day parade will step off exactly at 9:30 a.m. from Parking Lot 5 by City Hall in Belvidere and will proceed to the State Street Bridge where Gold Star Sisters will cast the wreath upon the Kishwaukee River. Bob Ryder, superintendent of the Veterans Assistance Commission of Boone County will be this year’s speaker.

As for the first group to tour the exhibit, they left the museum to dine at the Steam Plant Restaurant. “One of the guys said that he would be back in five minutes,” Bentley said that the man added that his quick return reflected how much he enjoyed the exhibit.

The Boone County Historical Museum is located at 314 S. State Street in Belvidere.

Lisa Rodgers contributed to this story.

Oct. 19, 2014

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

BELVIDERE – Belvidere School District 100 and the Belvidere Education Association (BEA) reached a tentative agreement on Tuesday, Oct. 14 following a five hour negotiation session with a federal mediator. The settlement was reached after 90 hours of face-to-face negotiations since mid-June. 

The teachers held a membership meeting at the Apollo Banquet Hall on Oct. 15 and voted to ratify the agreement. According to a status update shared on the BEA’s Facebook page, the contract was ratified with a vote of 387-62. The School Board will vote on the contract at its Oct. 20 meeting. A large crowd is expected to attend the Oct. 20 meeting as the School Board is also set to discuss the Career Academy Expo and Vocation Magnet School Recommendations.

Before Tuesday’s negotiating meeting, the teachers held a show of unity by picketing at various locations throughout Belvidere. “Today was an entire demonstration of a show of solidarity across the district. The middle schools were before school. The high schools and grade schools demonstrated after school, some of them meeting at the state street bridge with then we all met up here (at the district office) after that,” Andy Werhane said.

“The teachers are maybe a bit weary but we are united and strong and we feel good about supporting our negotiating team to get a fair contract.”

On Tuesday afternoon, elementary as elementary school teachers picketed on the State Street Bridge in Belvidere, several passing motorists honked their horn in support of the teachers. At least one driver expressed a different sentiment and gave the teachers a one finger salute as he drove past.

Oct. 16, 2014

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

BELVIDERE – The Millenium Mural got a new look on Oct. 12. The original mural was painted in oil 14 years ago by Bill Hueg and was badly fading. Hueg recreated the mural on a lightweight canvas. The new mural was made possible from a bequest from Marjorie Blietz.

The original mural and the new mural were painted with oil pants. “It’s my favorite medium,” said St. Paul, Minn. Muralist Bill Hueg. “We knew it wouldn’t last.”

The new mural was photographed and digitally printed on 12 aluminum composite panels by Jay Allen’s ShawCraft Sign Co. on aluminum composite panels.  This procedure will ensure that the mural may be refreshed again.

“This is a great day in the city and a great day for the city for generations to come,” Belvidere mayor Mike Chamberlain said.

When the Millennium Mural was originally commissioned, the direction was to select the most notable items that represented Boone County in the past 100 years. The images that were selected were the 1967 tornado, the crowning of Judi Ford Nash as Miss America, the Boone County Fair, the Chrysler plant and farming.

The 1967 tornado is represented through the haunting image of John and Kathy Fitch, Connie Jeanblanc, Judy Hage, Linda, Donna, Paul, Ann and Harry Wennmacher huddled as a group as they leave Belvidere High School and make their way towards a waiting ambulance.

To the right of the image of the group are the countless unidentified volunteers who helped clean up in the aftermath of the tornado.  It is appropriate that one of the volunteers is shown wearing his Belvidere Bucs letterman jacket. After the tornado struck on Apr. 21, 1967, members of the Bucs football team quickly organized themselves to use cafeteria tables as makeshift gurneys to transport many of the tornado victims.

In the forefront of the image is the Milky Way Donut Shop which was one of the many businesses and homes that were destroyed by the tornado. Diners dove under the counter and tables for safety when the tornado struck. Reflecting the power and mercy of a tornado, the shop was destroyed and napkin dispensers remained on the counters.

It has been said that the Beatles helped America recover from the depression of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination.  Judi Ford Nash is the Belvidere equivalent of the Beatles.   A 1967 graduate of Belvidere High School, her crowning as Miss America in 1969 helped Belvidere emotionally recover from the aftermath of the tornado and gave the county a new definition.

Nash’s image in the dress she wore when she was crowned Miss America is next to the tornado image in the mural.

To the right of Nash is an image of harness racing at the Boone County Fair when it was held at Spencer Park.

The Chrysler Assembly Plant including images of the water tower and the 1965 Plymouth Fury are the next images depicted in the mural.

The next image shown is the Gallano farm on Newburg Road as farming is the largest industry in Boone County. “Farming is Boone County’s largest industry,” Sherry Lindquist, from the Boone County Arts Council said. “It is the rich farmland that brought settlers here in the 1830s. It is our most valuable asset today. Remember when the KB land sold a few years ago at $8,500 acres. The early homesteaders paid 1.25 an acre. Farming and the spinoff industries dairy, Deans foods the canning industry, General Mills and now the grain farming and agribusiness is Boone County’s largest industry.”

The final image is of Ed Dooley, Bud and John Gallano.  The image of Ed Dooley representing was also patterned after Hugh Funderburg. Funderburg worked as a supervisor at KB Farms. Through his ownership of Belvidere Bank “he virtually saved Belvidere from the Depression when all of the other banks failed,” Lindquist said.

Many of those on the mural attended the rededication ceremony on Oct. 12.  “I was very honored 14 years ago when they wanted to put me on the Millennium Mural,” Nash said. “I am honored to be back.”

“It is always nice to come back here and be nostalgic.”

John Fitch, Donna, Linda and Ann Wennmacher came to participate in the rededication ceremony and recalled that fateful day in which their image was captured by the photographer.

The tornado struck so suddenly that Fitch was unable to make it to safety. His sister Kathy Loy raced into the back of John Hage’s car with several other students. Fitch was outside of his father’s car holding on for dear life as the tornado ripped through the area.

He and the Wennmachers were unaware that they were being photographed. His concern was on his sister who had a large gash in her leg.

“There was way too much going on,” agreed Donna Wennmacher.

“The first time we realized that it had been taken was when we were told it was in the world book,” Ann Wennmacher said.

“The first time I thought it was important was when my daughter came home from the museum and said ‘mom your photo is in the museum,’” Linda Wennmacher added.

Although when many see the image of the group, they feel the passion of the day. The Wennmachers remember the passion of the day along with other odd little personal details that are firmly etched in their memories. Donna’s paisley dress….Linda’s St. James plaid uniform….a pair of eyeglasses….the Hail Mary. Little brother Paul was wearing his favorite Army cap. Paul’s had four stars on it, but one star flew off in the tornado and young Paul was very upset about the missing star.

Donna’s glasses were ripped off of her face during the storm and they landed safely in Elgin. Because she had attended an all-girls school in Rockford, her glasses were labelled with her name. Someone who read their names in the newspaper returned her undamaged glasses to her. Donna was grateful that her poor eyesight prevented her from fully seeing the initial carnage.

“I remember my mom saying the Hail Mary over and over,” Linda Wennmacher recalled.

It was through fortune that the Wennmachers were not on the bus that day.  Typically five of the children would have been on the bus.  “We were the farm kids and the St. James kids on the public school bus. So they always picked on us.” Linda recalled.  Two weeks prior to the tornado, younger brother John was picked on by some of the other children. “We took care of it.”

Taking care of it resulted in the Wennmacher family being kicked off of the bus.

“There would have been five of us on the bus. My dad always said one of us would have been hurt or killed if we had been on that bus,” Donna Wennmacher added.

The Wennmachers credited the bus driver on what would have been their bus for sacrificing his own life in saving many children that day. “The bus driver who was killed had been on a medical leave and wasn’t supposed to be driving the bus that day. They called him in that day and he said ‘I’m not driving So and So is supposed to drive.’ And they told him ‘no he is sick today you have to come in.’ He lost his life,” Linda recalled. “He saved a lot of kids that day.”

During the tornado, Donna and Linda Wennmacher ran into a house and threw themselves on the ground. When the storm ended, the house around them was gone. They saw the woman of the house and a small girl. The girl was wearing nothing but training pants and they surmised that the mom grabbed her napping daughter from her crib and raced down the stairs.

After the Wennmacher girls were reunited with their mother, the little girl’s mother handed her daughter to Ann Wennmacher and wandered through the neighborhood in a daze.

Oct. 15, 2014

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

BELVIDERE – SwedishAmerican Medical Center celebrated its fifth anniversary in Belvidere on Oct 9.

Bill Gorski, president of SwedishAmerican Health System spoke of receiving a phone call from former Belvidere Mayor Fred Brereton. Brereton told him that Northwest Suburban Hospital was struggling financially and it looked like it would be closing its doors.  As an enticement, Brereton dangled the enticing tidbit that Northwest Suburban Hospital held a hospital license.

Undoubtedly, it was one of many phone calls that Brereton made throughout the Chicago suburbs  and city of Rockford. As Brereton was about to give up hope of having quality health care in Belvidere, SwedishAmerican accepted the challenge.

As Gorsky tells the story, in January of 2007, he received the phone call from Brereton expressing the need, in September 2007, the SwedishAmerican board approved the purchase of the facility, in December the purchase was completed, in July of 2008, remodeling began, and in April 2009, the emergency room opened its doors.  

“There were many days that we didn’t think this day would ever come,” Brereton said.  “They make it sound so easy. One hospital went out. They remodeled and moved in. End of story.”

“We went from a community that had two hospitals to one that did not have any.”

Gorski admitted that the road took many twists and turns and thanked Brereton for acknowledging the challenges they faces to open the Belvidere facility. In turn, Brereton thanked Gorski for SwedishAmerican’s dedication to the community.

Mayor Mike Chamberlain echoed his praise and gratitude of SwedishAmerican. “To be able to stand here seven years after someone decided that we were worth taking a chance on is very gratifying,” Chamberlain said. “When everyone else closed their doors and walked away and we had a community that did not have adequate health care, SwedishAmerican took the challenge and chance on us as a community. We are very grateful.”

Daniels praised DawnaMenke, administrator of the medical center.  “She worked tirelessly with boundless energy to make SwedishAmerican of Belvidere what it is today,” Daniels said. “She has done a great job.”

“The reception of the community supporting us has been overwhelming,” Menke said. “When you go out in the community and people are thanking us for being here.”

“We try to get involved in the community.”

“It is a pleasure to be here. We work with a bunch of people who are great, hard-working,” Dr. Ed Sloan added. “The patients are a pleasure to serve.”

Gorski solidified his commitment to Belvidere and Boone County communities by promising to expand services and to continue to partner with the community. “At the end of the day, it has been a wild ride and it has been incredibly fun,” Gorski said.

Oct. 14, 2014

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

BELVIDERE – On Thanksgiving morning surrounded by moving boxes, Lisa Waters and her children woke up for the first time in their new home and cooked a turkey in their new stove. The family of four had rented for years and finally achieved their piece of the American dream of homeownership.

Nearly a year later, Habitat for Humanity of Boone County is offering to help another family achieve the same dream. Habitat for Humanity of Boone County is accepting applications from families to be the next recipient of a Habitat for Humanity home.  Plans are for the new house to be built at 1021 W. Fifth St. in Belvidere. “It is a real nice looking lot. I like it a lot,” attorney Henry Repay from Habitat for Humanity said.

“It is affordable housing to give families a chance to own a new home,” Tammy Zurfluh from Habitat for Humanity explained. “The family is in partnership with Habitat.”

“It is a hands up, not a hand out,” Lisa Waters added. The single mom and Northwest Pallet employee moved into her new home with her three children last November. “I was renting for more than what my mortgage payment is now. It allowed me to put money into a home where we are living in forever.”

Habitat for Humanity will hold two informational meetings on Thursday, Oct. 23 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 25 at the First United Methodist Church, 610 Bonus Ave. in Belvidere. Interested people can attend the sessions to program requirements and process. The group expects to break ground on the new home in April with a move in date by next October.

“They will learn the qualifications requirements,” Zurfluh said of the informational meetings. “We will answer questions on how to fill out the application. They will get a packet to take with them where they can return all of their financial information to us. We need all of the information back by Nov. 7.”

“I put together a letter saying how I take care of my children on my own and I included information on my work history,” Waters said of the application process.  Waters had applied in prior years for the program before finally being accepted as the recipient.

Repay is quick to point out that it is not free housing. “There has to be a need. We are not giving someone a home. They are going to make a mortgage payment,” he said. “What makes it affordable is it is at cost of the house and at no interest.”

“Typically when we qualify a family we estimate the payment to be $550 a month,” Zurfluh added. “When you look at market rents, that frequently is below market rents.”

In order to qualify as a Habitat for Humanity homeowner, Waters had to demonstrate a need for adequate shelter, be willing to partner with Habitat for Humanity, meet minimum income and credit score guidelines, and have been a resident from Boone County for at least one year.

Waters had to pay $700 towards closing and administrative costs and put in 300 hours of sweat equity into the home. The sweat equity can be split among family members. During the construction process, Waters frequently stopped by with her children Juliana, Soraya and Damian. “To complete some of my hours we would do things that the kids could help out with like sweeping up or cleaning up or carrying and moving things,” Waters explained. “They got to be a part of it too.

A core group of five volunteers, led by Art Hyland worked several days a week building the home. On Saturdays, other volunteers, employee groups and church groups arrived to help work on the Waters’ new home. “Saturday is our primary volunteer days,” Repay explained. “Basically anyone can show up. You might have a certain employer who brings a bunch of their staff and come in. We have had Alpine Bank, State Farm, County Bar Association, and Blackhawk Bank.”

Through the process, the family built new relationships in the community from the legions of volunteers who helped construct her home.  Waters describes them as “family” and enjoys when they come to visit. Waters and her children developed a close bond with Hyland who put in over 900 volunteer hours constructing their home. “I got to pick out the roof, the siding, and the shutters. My kids and I went with Art and his wife. We adopted him in as our grandpa,” Waters said.

Waters was deeply affected by the various organizations and church groups that volunteered and described the frequent tears that she shed in appreciation of their efforts during construction. “At our dedication churches made blankets, and those are things that are out in our house every day. Everything reminds me of the whole process and everyone we got to meet.”

In addition to seeking applicants for the 2015 Habitat for Humanity project, the organization needs volunteers and donations. “We are looking for more people to be involved in the organization as far as volunteering to be on committees or to work the house. We need individuals that want to come out once construction starts or if a company wants to send a team out on a Saturday,” Repay said.  “Any construction people who want to donate their time or if they have materials they want to donate or if they have surplus is appreciated.”

“Certainly financial donations will help us get the house built.”

For additional information on Habitat for Humanity of Boone County, visit http://www.boonecoilhfh.com or call (815) 980-6247. Applications for the new Habitat for Humanity home are due on Nov. 7.

Since moving into their new home, the Waters family added a new family member in May. A puppy.  “That was one of the things we could never do before,” Waters said.

Oct. 12, 2014

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

BELVIDERE – For Belvidere’s Marshall Wolfe, the Boone County Conservation District’s (BCCD) Autumn Pioneer Festival is much more than a weekend festival. The conservation district volunteer has already begun planning next year’s festival.

Wolfe has been a participant in the Autumn Pioneer Festival for 26 years and has been the festival’s bourgeoisie for the past 10 years. Although the word is a French word that means the ruling upper class, for the BCCD, it means that Wolfe helps organize and run the Pioneer Festival along with Pam Stock and Mick Johnston from the BCCD. Wolfe serves as a liaison between the festival’s reenactors and the BCCD.

Wolfe is the Belvidere Daily Republican’s Volunteer of the Month because of his dedication and service to the BCCD.

“He is fantastic. He works year round,” Pam Stock, Public Outreach and Special Events manager, said. “

It takes a year to plan the festival. He comes to our steering committee meetings. He works with the reenactors year round.”

“That takes a lot of pressure off of me.”

“I am a volunteer. I try to do as much as I can,” Wolfe added.

Wolfe first became involved in the BCCD in the 1980s. Matt Foster was his coworker at Machine Tool. One day Wolfe noticed Foster swapping out a barrel on a rifle. “I said ‘what are you doing you are supposed to be doing your work.’ He said ‘I am swapping a barrel to make a gun,’” Wolfe recalled the conversation.

“So I served my apprenticeship as a gun smith when I first started.”

From that humble beginning, Wolfe began a lifelong association with the conservation district and the reenactors who bring history to life.

Fifty years ago, Roger Gustafson founded the Boone County Conservation District. It is the first conservation district in the State of Illinois. “Bill Wolf was the first president of the board of directors for the conservation district,” Wolfe recalled. “This year he is the 50th. He has been around for50 years.”

“Roger Gustafson is one of the reasons why I stuck around. He was a great teacher.”

Although the Pioneer Festival is in its 33rd year, the festival’s origins go back 50 years.  “It started as the Butter Babes in 1964 when Roger first started the conservation district,” Wolfe said. The festival was originally held at Spencer Park. “It was a couple of shacks and people making buffalo stew. The original 14. Jack Engleson, Chuck and Carol, Matt and Kathy.”

With a few exceptions, the Pioneer Festival recreates life in the region pre-1830 when the “silver spoons” arrived.  “The ladies of the prairie were here. The farmers were moving in,” Wolfe said. “We say pre-1830s because the French were very prevalent in this area for trading and trapping.”

To recreate a pre-1830s environment, the festival utilizes buildings and trades from the era. “The Murray Cabin, the Newhouse cabin. Those cabins were found right here in Boone County,” Wolfe said of the log cabins that were encased inside of area buildings. “They kept putting siding on them and made them into a barn or a shed.”

Mark Dawson left an endowment to the BCCD. “He said ‘I want a blacksmith shop and we need a school house.’ These buildings are time period appropriate,” Wolfe said.

“They want to see a tin smith, they want to see the lace maker. We have so many volunteers,” Wolfe said.

He praised the many groups that volunteer for the event including the skilled reenactors, demonstrators and exhibitors such as the blacksmiths, tin smiths, lace makers, Girl Scouts, and Coon Creek Casters.

“The reenactors that we have are the crème de la crème. The event is the conservation district but volunteers make the event what it is,” Wolfe said.

Wolfe praised the efforts of Mike Patterson to reach out to area youth and establish an Explorers volunteer program.

The Explorers program will be geared towards students age 15-18 to teach them black smithing, bobbin lacemaking, chair caning, and sewing. “Do you want to make quilts? Do you want a chair cane? Do you want to make your leggings, your clothing? Do what your grandmother and grandfather did?” Wolfe asked.

This year’s Autumn Pioneer Festival attracted between 18,000 to 20,000 people. Because the district does not charge to attend the festival, they cannot use ticket sales to determine attendance. “Where we are concerned it is a family event,” Wolfe said. “If a guy comes with his family and you charge them $5 a piece then he cannot buy the kids a root beer or a doughnut.”

“It has always been this way since Roger did it. The Pioneer Festival is never going to die. It is always going to be a part of Belvidere history. That is what Roger would have wanted.

Oct. 9, 2014

By Tim Kindberg

Guest contributor

When I started my 4-H journey a few years back I wasn’t so sure I wanted to join. With a lot of encouragement from my family I took the dip and joined 4-H. Ten years later I’m kind of sad for my 4-H journey is coming to an end. 4-H has taught me many life skills and has opened up many opportunities I would never have had. It has been an awesome experience that I will cherish throughout my life.

Even though I was away at college, I continued for the ninth consecutive year as a dairy project member. With the help of my parents and twin sisters I was able to continue to raise my few registered animals that I purchased over the past few years. I was born and raised on our family’s Black and White Holstein dairy farm. We never had any registered animals until I told Dad I wanted to expand my herd and buy registered animals. The first animal I bought was a registered Red and White Holstein heifer calf. She now has had two offspring that I continue to raise. I also purchased a registered Brown Swiss heifer that was bred. She had a bull calf that I am raising. I have learned many things from my animals. They have feelings just like people do. If you treat them with respect they will treat you well in return. They can get ticked off at you also. Raising animals is an awesome experience.

My family is proud of my 4-H participation. They were all past 4-Her’s and Mom is still a leader (15 years) today. It seems each year my skills improve and get better and better and this year was no exception. I won 2 big awards this year when I showed at the fair.

4-H has helped me with my career in many ways. When I started this journey I was quiet, shy and did not want to get involved. Since I was strongly encouraged to get up in front of people and do a talk as one of the 4-H requirements my public speaking skills have skyrocketed. I can get up in front of a large crowd and speak, play an instrument and even sing a solo on the Praise Team at our local church. I have also found out that English and Speech classes are getting easier thanks to 4-H for I have developed a lot of self-confidence when I put my public speaking skills to work.

4-H has taught me to be a better leader for I can now teach and encourage others to try new things. I can lead small group discussions or hold an office. I have held many offices throughout my 4-H years such as Sentinel, Vice President and this past year I was club Historian. I had the privilege of construction a scrapbook of all of the projects, events and activities our club has done this past year. It makes you feel good when you can toot your own horn and show others how great 4-H can be. I have also served on many committees such as Fall Food Shower, International night poster display, Refreshments and the best one is Hometown Christmas where we sponsor a needy family. The leadership skills that I have learned in 4-H also help me be able to lead small group discussions and taking on challenges I would never have done a few years back. It has built my confidence.

 Community Service is another important skill I have developed through 4-H. Our club did many things to help others in need this past year. We sorted, packed and delivered food to the local food pantry for the Fall Food Shower. We wrote, labeled and sorted Christmas cards for the Friends of the Troops military mail. We wrapped gifts for the Angel tree for a local organization. We made valentine cards for residents at the Assisted Living facility. We promoted the dairy industry by manning a booth at the annual Dairy Breakfast where we passed out dairy literature, pencils and “Got Milk” tattoos to the children. The best community service project we do every year is Hometown Christmas. We sponsor a needy family from our local community. We buy them a Christmas tree; make ornaments for their tree, purchase lights and a tree skirt. We then go out and buy each member of the family gifts and wrap them. We put together a food basket for the family as well. Finally we have the honor of delivering all of the items to the family. What an awesome feeling you get when you see the priceless expression on the face of a child whose holiday just got better because you helped them and made a difference. Providing Community Service is one of my favorite things to do whether it is for 4-H, school, church or any organization I belong to. I, along with my family members, just can’t say no when it comes to helping others. Hoping someday those people will help me in return if I need it.

In conclusion, over the past 10 years 4-H has helped me to become a more well-rounded individual who has developed many skills that I can use and share with others throughout my life. 4-H has been an awesome experience and I would gladly recommend all youth ages 5-18 to join this great organization.

Oct. 8, 2014

Homecoming season ended in Boone County when Belvidere High School held their homecoming dance on Saturday Oct. 4. For the second time in as many weeks, the Guilford Vikings came to Belvidere to face a homecoming crowd. And for the second time in as many weeks, the Vikings were defeated nearly as decisively as the Minnesota Vikings were by the Green Bay Packers.

Belvidere High School’s homecoming week was packed with activities including the spirit days, powder puff football game, pep rally, paint the dam, parade, homecoming game, and the dance. The senior girls won the powder puff football game and the seniors won the spirit stick.

This year’s homecoming theme was Hollywood through the ages.  A Belvidere twist on the homecoming theme took place during the halftime show at the varsity football game. The marching band added eighth grade band members from Belvidere South Middle School and 30 alumni members from the Belvidere High School Band, including one member from the class of 1967. The high school choir added students from Belvidere South Middle School as well as 40 alumni and sang Bohemian Rhapsody.

Boone County Treasurer Curt Newport was among the alumni participating in the halftime marching band performance. A trumpet player, Newport is no stranger to marching band. He was part of the University of Illinois Fighting Illini Marching Band. He travelled with the band when the Illini faced the UCLA Bruins in the 1984 Rose Bowl. Newport advised the middle school students to continue in the band. He told them that band might not be a lot of fun in junior high, but it gets better in high school and is very enjoyable in college.

Although the group had one opportunity to practice together, they sounded great and performed well in unison. They played Don’t stop me now, Crazy little thing called love, and the school fight song.

On Friday, the high school held its homecoming pep rally. The gym was filled to a stentorian capacity as the students took part in a variety of competitions.

One of the highlights of the homecoming rally was when 20 teachers dressed up in Bucs uniforms and sang the Homecoming Shuffle to the Tune of the Homecoming Shuffle. Special education teacher Eric Samuelson channeled his inner Jim McMahon to the delight of the students. As part of the Homecoming Shuffle, the teachers celebrated each of the football seniors in song.

As much a part of the pep rally games was seeing a more casual side of their teachers. Mr. Saville, who was the Master of Ceremonies, skeeved the students with a demonstration of his double joints.  It is an image that will take a long time to be erased from this reporter’s retinas and memory.

The pep rally included a toilet paper mummy competition.  Male students from each class wrapped a female student in a roll of toilet paper.  Tyler Lass and Mackenzie Hauser won the competition for the seniors. Tyler admitted that he had a little help from the coaches who were standing about five feet away from him. “The coaches behind me were helping me out a little bit telling me which spot to cover up,” Tyler said.

When the senior team was declared to be the winner, the girls from the freshman, sophomore and junior teams emerged from their toilet paper cocoons. Makenzie did not immediately break out of her toilet paper dressing, to the delight of the coaches assembled behind Tyler as they encouraged him to wait in telling Makenzie. “We were seeing how long it would take her to realize that it was over,” Tyler said. At the time of the interview, he did not think that Makenzie realized that she had been part of an impromptu prank. “I was just going along with it.”

Nik Vistina showed his baseball playing prowess during the cheese puff throwing competition. With his face completely covered in shaving cream, Nik swayed to the left and right to catch cheese puffs on his face that were thrown by his friend Amanda Taylor. “She was throwing them and I was maneuvering to catch as many cheese puffs as possible,” Nik said. “It was a little uncomfortable; my eyes were burning.”

Nik had plans to go with a group of friends on Saturday. The group rented a party bus to take them to the homecoming dance at the high school.

Near the end of the pep rally, the classes held a tug-of-war. The freshmen and the sophomores faced off first, with a sophomore victory. In the second competition, a close competition between the juniors and seniors gave the victory to the juniors.

The juniors won the class competition by besting the sophomores.

In another light moment during the pep rally, the teachers faced off against the juniors for the school tug-of-war championship. The teachers stacked the deck when several of the coaches and young male teachers took up the rope.

When it seemed that the school championship would go to the teachers, several members of the football team stormed the gym floor to join the juniors and pull the rope in the students’ favor.

For the homecoming game, heavy coats and blankets were the standard attire as the mercury dropped to 47 degrees as game time and a steady and sustained wind gave a wind chill factor of 36 degrees. If it were February, it might feel balmy. But since it was Oct. 3, it was miserably cold in a game.

Before the game began, each of the homecoming king and queen candidates were escorted by their parents on the track for the coronation. Varsity quarterback Colton Bahling and Leandra Carlyle were announced as homecoming king and queen.

“It is very special to know that a lot of people in this school like me enough to nominate me and vote for me, Leandra said. “Band members aren’t who you would typically think of as homecoming queen.”

Colton and Leandra did not have long to receive hugs and congratulations, almost as soon as they were crowned, they had to remove their crown and sash and go to work.

Leandra had a clarinet to play and Colton had a football game to win.

Oct. 7, 2014

By Tricia Goecks

Editor

BELVIDERE – When the national touring Broadway production of Camelot takes the stage at the Coronado Theater on Oct. 16, Joey Bucci will in the cast as Tom of Warwickshire. Joey is a charismatic fourth grade student at Seth Whitman student in Belvidere.

Joey’s acting career began last year when he was selected to be the Master of Ceremonies at Seth Whitman’s Willy Wonka night. The school participated in the “one book, one school” program in which the entire school read the same book over the course of several weeks. To celebrate the completion of reading Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the third grade class students read poems. Joey was selected to MC the event on Mike TV. He appeared on a TV screen and introduced his classmates as they read their poems.

“As people were coming in, they kept saying ‘who is that kid. Wow, he is not shy at all!’” John Bucci recalled of the other parents’ reaction to seeing his son on Mike TV. “And Mrs. Borswell said ‘yeah, did I pick the right kid or what?’”

“He was chatty and never skipped a beat,” Joey’s mom Amy Bucci said “Everything just flowed so easy and he did very well.”

With his interest in acting ignited, Joey and his parents looked for acting opportunities. Joey was recently cast to play Michael Darling in the Children’s Theater Project/Youth Theater Project of Peter Pan Jr.

“There was dancing, singing and acting,” Joey recalled of the auditions for Peter Pan Jr. “I believe I did acting first and I did good at that. Then we did singing. I did pretty good at that. Dancing….we did a (choreographed) dance.”

Joey auditioned for the role of Hook. Bucci watched his audition and noticed that Joey kept rubbing his chin. Afterwards Joey explained to her that he was stroking his beard.  “I thought wow that was clever. The other boy he tried out with was also very animated,” Bucci recalled. “I thought it was really smart on his part.”

Peter Pan will be performed at the JR Sullivan Theater in Rockford on Nov. 14-16.  The show has three casts and Joey will perform with the red cast on Nov. 14 and the 4 p.m. show on Nov. 15.

When the request came from National Tour of Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot for a boy between the ages of 8 – 13 years old, the call went out to local theater groups and school districts. 

“Children’s Theater Project sent out an e-mail to all of the boys who are in Peter Pan. Because he was having so much fun we thought it might be fun for him just to try and to go to the Coronado,” Bucci explained.

Joey had to provide a head shot and a 50 word biography for the audition. “We said he is very charismatic and loves to make people laugh and smile,” John Bucci recalled.

“I remember his first grade teacher (Sheila Grooms) writing on his report card that his entire class loves to listen to him read, and that is as a first grader, because he is so animated.” Amy Bucci said. “He has always been giving a little extra.”

Thirteen boys from the area tried out for the role. “I can really say that there were a lot of talented kids. Many of them have done professional roles in different roles,” Nolan O’Malley, marking coordinator for the Coronado Performing Arts Center said of the auditions for Tom of Warwickshire. “We did have some experienced kids.”

O’Malley videotaped the boys’ auditions and selected the top five tapes to send to the casting director. “It was a combo of looking the part, having experience and looking comfortable,” O’Malley said of the decision to cast Joey in the Tony Award winning play.

After Joey was selected for the role, he asked his parents if the all of the seats in the theater were going to be filled. “We said they could be,” John Bucci recalled him answering his son. “Are you going to be nervous? He said ‘nope!”

“I want all of the seats packed. I want it to be sold out,” Joey exclaimed.

Joey will appear in one scene in Camelot. His character, Tom of Warwickshire, boldly tells King Arthur that he wants to be a knight in the Round Table. “I came to fight for the Round Table. I am very good with a bow,” Joey rehearsed his lines. “I intend to be a knight of the round table.”

Because Joey will only have the day of the production to rehearse with the cast and learn blocking, he has to have all of his lines memorized and rehearse with his parents. The family has been working with O’Malley to help him prepare for the role.”

The day of he is going to meet the rest of the cast. They are going to get him comfortable and show him what it is like to be in a professionally run play,” O’Malley said. “They will provide some assistance and direction and make him feel comfortable.”

On the day of the interview, John Bucci mentioned that a revised script arrived that day and it included more lines for Joey.

“More, I have more?” Joey asked excitedly.

“It is all yes m’lord,” Bucci replied.

“Awwww!” Joey responded dejectedly.

“It was very surreal the other night when the commercial came on for Camelot and to realize that this is a national play and Joey is going to be in it,” Bucci said.

“I am excited to see him in Camelot,” Amy Bucci added “But also I’m excited just to see Camelot.”

Joey is the second of four children in the Bucci family. He has an older sister Morgan Reis and younger siblings Andrew and Ashley. Sharing his big brother’s charisma, first grader Andrew declared his favorite subject in school to be lunch.

When Joey isn’t on the boards or at school, he is on the mat with the Gymnastics Academy of Rockford (GAR).  He recently made GAR’s pre-team.

Tickets for Camelot can be purchased at the Coronado box office, by visiting ticketmaster.com, or by calling (800) 745-3000.

Oct. 5, 2014

By Lisa Rodgers

Reporter

BELVIDERE- Creative Flooring and C & H Cabinets and Remodeling is located in the former DeWane’s on Logan Ave.  When Darin Luhman did a tile job, that last thing on Luhman’s mind would be a mural. 

“Don “Red” Elliot and my dad Richard were firefighters together.  Red collects things and I saw he had a post card of DeWane’s.  I asked him for a copy and one day he came by just gave it to me. At first I thought I would just hang it on the wall.  Then I thought we are the ‘City of Murals’ and we had this huge bare area of wall over the offices.  How cool would it be to have a mural up there?  I had no idea who to call or how to get it done,” said Darin Luhman.

About a month after completing Elliot’s, Luhman was at the home of Kit Scheidenhelm who is a former Art Teacher at Belvidere High School.  Luhman asked “Do you know anyone who could help me put together a mural for DeWane’s?” Scheidenhelm got in contact with Belvidere North High School Art Teacher Troy Yunk and as they say “the rest is history”.

“The mural project began with a discussion when Darin was laying a tile floor.  I contacted Troy as we have worked on many of the Belvidere Mural projects.  Darin provided photos and I also did research at the Boone County Historical Museum where I found tornado photos.  I found the photo of the two men on the wall at the Steam Plant Restraint,” said Scheidenhelm.   

“The next step was measuring the space.  Troy and his students began putting the images together along with several stock images of cows etc. into full color sketches that were in scale to the space. The final design was projected in pieces onto white kraft paper to size. I put charcoal on the back side of the sheets which turned it into primitive tracing paper.  The designs were traced onto the space with light gray paint used over the trace lines. From that point the project became almost a ‘paint by numbers’ effort based on the color scale design,” explained Scheidenhelm.   

“Whenever I have researched these types of projects, there have always been surprising personal stories. While looking at the photo of the two men at the Steam Plant, a man having coffee knew exactly who they were. My next door neighbor, Barb Blatchford's mother had cooked at the restaurant which Dana Farina's mother had managed.  And I may have had a personal experience traveling from my hometown up to DeWane's with my dad and a neighbor. In talking to Ray DeWane, he informed me that one of the cars in the mural was his, as well as the man pictured in the sales ring,” continued Scheidenhelm. 

“The mural was painted in January of 2013 by me and my students from Belvidere North, Kit Scheidenhelm, and Mike LaScola Assistant Principal at Belvidere North. The goal of the mural was to recreate the way DeWane’s looked back in the 1960s when it was a popular gathering point,” said Yunk, Art Teacher at Belvidere North High School.

“Whenever we do a mural there is a process that we typically go through. First it starts with a hand drawn image and then we enlarge it to fit the size of the mural. We transfer the image onto the wall and then we paint and paint and paint some more,” explained Yunk.

“This project is an important reminder of the county's agricultural heritage and tradition.  The murals Troy and I have partnered on also serve as a way for students to give something back to the community as well as showcasing their artistic ability. The young people who worked on the mural were also musicians, athletes and fine academic students.  One was even a member of the DeWane family,” concluded Scheidenhelm.

“Any time I get a chance to use students on a historical mural like this I try to involve them in the research process and teach them something about the history of Belvidere and Boone County,” added Yunk.

“It was fun watching the kids and my own daughter got to paint on it.  We are very proud of the DeWane Mural as it keeps our local history alive,” expressed Luhman.

The DeWane Mural may be viewed during normal business hours.  For more information please call (815) 547-8453.