China’s Army Is Seen as Tied to Hacking Against U.S. - NYTimes.com

By DAVID E. SANGER, DAVID BARBOZA and NICOLE PERLROTH

Published: February 18, 2013

Obama administration officials say they are planning to tell China’s new leaders in coming weeks that the volume and sophistication of the attacks have become so intense that they threaten the fundamental relationship between Washington and Beijing….

What most worries American investigators is that the latest set of attacks believed coming from Unit 61398 focus not just on stealing information, but obtaining the ability to manipulate American critical infrastructure: the power grids and other utilities. …

“Right now there is no incentive for the Chinese to stop doing this,” said Mr. Rogers, the House intelligence chairman. “If we don’t create a high price, it’s only going to keep accelerating.”

Click on the following to read all of this story: China’s Army Is Seen as Tied to Hacking Against U.S. - NYTimes.com

Underage drinking program in Boone turns mistakes into lessons - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

By Jennifer Wheeler

Offenders have a financial incentive to take the $200 alcohol awareness class, too. Judges were previously hesitant to require offenders to take such costly classes, considering they already face court costs and fines. The Boone County state’s attorney’s office charges minors who are caught possessing or consuming alcohol with a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to a year in jail and $2,500 in fines. Prosecutors charge about 100 minors per year.

Click on the following for more details;  Underage drinking program in Boone turns mistakes into lessons - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Boone County Food Pantry has big spread in local magazine

The March issue of North Boone County Life, the monthly magazine by the publisher of Belvidere Daily Republican has a big spread on the Belvidere/Boone County Pantry.  The free magazine sent to postal customers in northern Boone County, free of cost.

Click on the photocopy to enlarge:

Community Action Programs

 

Community Action Programs

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Small Business Loan Program ~

Serving Boone and Winnebago Counties, the Small Business Loan Program provides low interest rate (3-5%) loans to businesses that will create at least one job for a low-income person for every $20,000 loaned.  Loan Application

Mayor's Youth Advisory Council ~

The Mayor's Youth Advisory Council (MYAC) provides a youth perspective to the Mayor of Rockford and assists the City of Rockford in developing strategies to address youth issues.

Emergency Assistance Programs ~

Serving Boone and Winnebago Counties, the Direct Client Assistance Program assists low-income persons with financial assistance for a variety of issues related to self-sufficiency or emergency needs.  Examples would be a working person who needs car repair to retain their employment or an individual who cannot afford life saving prescriptions.

Neighborhood Network ~

Neighborhood Network supports and provides training and technical assistance to neighborhood associations and neighborhood watch groups.  Neighborhood Network Website

Community Gardens ~

The Community Garden Project provides funding to neighborhood associations to start community gardens in their neighborhoods.  All projects must commit to planting at least one row for the "plant a row for the hungry" program.

LIHEAP ~

Serving Boone and Winnebago Counties, LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) assists eligible income households in paying the high cost of home energy bills.  The assistance amount varies with the household income, size and fuel type.    LIHEAP Information

SWEEP ~

SWEEP (Sharing Work for Excellence Everywhere Program) provides exterior clean-up, repair and support to elderly and disabled homeowners who have difficulty maintaining their property.  This program hires low-income youth and trains them to provide services.  Program operates May through September.

City of Rockford Fair Housing Board ~

The Fair Housing Board assists citizens in reporting fair housing discrimination complaints.  It also provides education and outreach regarding the Fair Housing ordinance.

Education Programs ~

The Scholarship Program provides scholarships (average award $1000) to low-income students who are enrolled/enrolling in an accredited Illinois post secondary school or training program.  Applications are now available for applicants with household income below 125% of the federal poverty level, reside in Winnebago or Boone County, and plan on attending a post secondary accredited school or training program located in Illinois for fall semester 2013.   Scholarship Application 2013

The Boone Tutoring Project works with youth at risk in Boone County to provide them with the skills needed to succeed in high school.  For more information call (815) 987-8049

Page last updated: 2/8/2013 10:43:19 AM

Click on the following to visit this page and gain access to links:  Community Action Programs

Rockford's SWEEP helps elderly, low-income residents with upkeep - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Old Story from 2011—which may be occurring again this summer

The SWEEP program is eligible to low-income residents of Winnebago and Boone counties, though most tend to live in Rockford, said program coordinator Annie Hobson

It’s not only a help to the homeowners, Hobson said. The program employs low-income young people looking for summer work. The workers, who are required to have high school diplomas or GEDs, do field work Monday through Thursday and then receive educational training on Fridays….

Iven Love, 21, who has worked in the program since it was started, is one of four people on the crew this summer.

Rockford's SWEEP helps elderly, low-income residents with upkeep - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star