Tollway Overpass Bridges reopening dates—as of 12-4-2013

Above email is from:  https://www.boarddocs.com/il/boone/Board.nsf/files/9EC93W74D539/$file/Tollway%20Bridge%20Openings%20Dec.%202013_201312121414.pdf

The Belvidere Daily Republican Featured News

 

Canine comforters return from tornado area

Dec. 12, 2013

By Troy A. Bruzewski

Editor

BELVIDERE – A pair of dogs from Belvidere comprise an emergency response unit of their own.

Bekah and Kye – two dogs housed at Emmanuel Lutheran Church – are back home after playing the role of “comfort dogs” in the tornado-ravaged areas of southern Illinois, including Washington. The dogs are part of Lutheran Church Charities – an organization with over 70 dogs it sends nationwide to respond to areas affected by tragedy. Libby Robertson is a dog handler for the cause and is one of the chauffeurs who bring them to their desired locations.

“The dogs fill a void,” she said. “A traumatized person finds it easier to talk to someone about their situation with a dog in the room and maybe even vent to the dog. The best thing about the dogs is that you can tell them anything and they won’t tell anyone.”

The dogs are taken to locations for the benefit of children and adults and the charity has been providing pups from coast-to-coast. Dogs from the charity have not only been to southern Illinois on multiple occasions, but they’ve also been called to: Newtown, Conn.; Oklahoma, California and Texas. Robertson said in some instances, the dogs are permanently housed in the city they visit, as with the Newtown shootings that occurred nearly one year ago today.

“The dogs sent to Newtown, spent so much time out there after the shootings,” she said. “Two dogs were placed out there permanently. They were very important for Newtown – comforting the kids and encouraging them to talk about what they’re feeling.”

Robertson said the dispatched handlers and dogs, team with the local Lutheran church in the area and setup shop.

“Quite often when we respond to a disaster, we work out of a Lutheran church and there you can see how the dogs work, first hand,” she said.

Void of an event out-of-town, the dogs are still playing their role in Belvidere.

“The dogs may be called from the church or the school to have kids read to them, to encourage reading or to help a student with discipline problems, open up to what’s going on,” she said.

Sometimes, there are personal disasters in the area that the dogs are called to.

“We recently got a phone call about a dishwasher fire and both the dogs went there,” she said. “The pastor asked if we’d go there and comfort the kids who were affected,” she said. “Just to offer comfort in a difficult time.”

Kinzinger files for re-election to 3rd term in Congress

Dec. 12, 2013

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., has formally filed his nominating petition to seek a third, two-year term in Congress and he will kickoff his campaign in Poplar Grove, Saturday.

Two other legislators representing Boone County, state Reps. Bob Pritchard, R-Sycamore, and Joe Sosnowski, R-Rockford, previously announced they would be running again. State Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Rockford, has two years remaining in his current term.

Kinzinger submitted petitions signed by 2,378 registered voters in the 16th congressional district, three times the required number.

Kinzinger first was elected in 2010. Redistricting two years later put him in the same district with longtime U.S. Rep. Donald Manzullo, also a Republican, and the two met in the 2012 primary election. While Boone County and surrounding area backed Manzullo, Kinzinger rode a wave of support from the southern portion of the district to win. He then defeated a Democratic opponent in the general election.

The primary election is in March 2014, with the general election in November.

After being elected he opened an office in Belvidere City Hall.

Kinzinger currently serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

At 35, he is one of the youngest members of Congress and has been named one of Time Magazine's 40 under 40 "rising stars in American poltiics.

He continues to serve as a pilot in the Illinois National Guard and has received the Valley Forge Cross for Heroism Air Force Airman's medal for saving a woman's life and subduing her attacker. He also was selected the Southeastern American Red Cross' Hero of the Year and has been awarded the Air Medal six times for service in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

He will begin his campaign for re-election at the Vintage Wings and Wheels’ Christmas party.

No public health problems found at animal control building

Dec. 12, 2013

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - A Boone County Health Department official has inspected the county animal control services building off Appleton Road and found no public health problems.

Bill Hatfield, director of environmental services, said there were some issues with cleanliness but nothing serious enough to condemn the building because of being a danger to people.

He made that report Dec. 5 to the health and human services committee, a standing committee of the county board.

In that report Hatfield stated he found rodent droppings in the dogfood storage room and some puddling of water on the concrete walkway in the pen area after washing occurred.

"No public health violations were found, which would warrant action by the health department on behalf of the public," he stated.

Committee and county board member Marion Thornberry wanted such an inspection to see if the building should be condemned. Hatfield stated he and Thornberry met Nov. 5, with the inspection being conducted Nov. 7.

For a building to be condemned, it would have to be considered a "serious hazard to health," according to provisions of the county code. The building would have to be so damaged, dilapidated, unsanitary, unsafe or vermin infested "that it creates a serious hazard to the health or safety of the occupants or the public," the provision states.

Reasons to condemn

Condemnation also could occur if the building lacks illumination, ventilation or sanitation that are "adequate to protect the health or safety of the occupants or the public."

Finally, the building could be in such a condition that it is dangerous to the health and safety of the occupants or the public.

At the committee meeting Thornberry asked about "things crawling around in the office?" Hatfield replied they were not considered a public health issue.

"What about water quality?" Thornberry asked, referring to the fact employees drink bottled water.

Hatfield answered that water samples were taken and found to be satisfactory.

"If they choose not to drink it, that's their choice," he said.

Committee member Bill Pysson asked when the last water quality test occurred.

"2005, maybe," Hatfield said.

"I think it should be done again," Pysson said.

Animal control staff turned to the need for a new building with supervisor Roger Tresemer saying it wasn't worth doing any more improvements.

"One of my biggest issues is no isolation room," he added. "It's time to build a new building."

"We have outgrown our space," programs coordinator Jacqui Mitzelfelt chipped in.

Committee Chairman Paul Larson said the county is addressing all of that in a new building. He said he didn't see anyone putting up any roadblocks - at least none that he was aware of.

More discussion of both issues is planned for the January committee meeting.

Open house held for expansion of museum, research center

Dec. 11, 2013

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - A dream that was 20 years in the making has become reality with the grand opening for expansion of the Boone County Historical Museum.

A large crowd turned out in chilly weather Friday to join county museum district officials and others for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

This is a 6,000-square-foot addition that connects the museum and adjacent research center, and includes new display space, offices and storage.

The museum opened in 1968. With an eye toward the future the district board purchased buildings along Pleasant Street and tore them down to create open space directly north of the museum. In 2007, the district purchased a bank building next door for use as a research center.

Now those buildings have been joined in a $1.4-million project.

There was significant community support for the expansion, with $500,000 in donations. The district then secured a $950,000 loan to pay the balance.

The museum has a vast collection of artifacts arranged in exhibits that focus on time periods and significant individuals from Boone County's past. There is a complete pioneer log cabin, a walkway down a village street of bygone days and a handful of vehicles

At the research center there are books, newspapers, videos, slides, microfilm, photographs and maps to help a person find out more about the county and its history. There are files on area businesses, industry, agriculture, arts and entertainment, prominent people, crimes, government, events, wars, organizations, military, people, architecture and more.

This larger facility is part of a historically significant area of downtown Belvidere.

A recent addition is the working letter press museum on Locust Avenue. Also last year two portions of the business district were named to the National Register of Historic Places. Five buildings in or around the business core, including one designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, also are on the National Register.

And nearby is the 23-home West Hurlbut Avenue Historic District.

Former Mayor Fred Brereton put together a committee to include the historic element as part of a plan to revitalize the downtown. That effort is continuing under the current mayor, Mike Chamberlain.

Check recent features by clicking on the following:  rvpnews | Belvidere Daily Republican

Boone County Board may vote no confidence in Chairman Bob Walberg - News - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL

 

BELVIDERE — The Boone County Board may deliver a vote of no confidence in Chairman Bob Walberg at its board meeting Wednesday night, according to an email received by the Register Star on Thursday.

Some members have voiced concerns over Walberg’s appointment process, committee assignments and overall leadership style in the past year.

The vote is more symbolic than binding. Boone County State’s Attorney Michelle Courier said it has no legal effect.

Walberg, who has chaired the board for six years, said he tries to place people where they will be the most beneficial to the County Board.

“Many years ago I learned the strengths we feel we have are not (always) what others see in us,” he said.

Jennifer Wheeler: 815-987-1354; jwheeler@rrstar.com; @jenmwheeler

Boone County Board may vote no confidence in Chairman Bob Walberg - News - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL

BoCo Expo is just 50 days away

The Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce is providing you with

a sales and marketing opportunity.

Saturday, February 1, 2014 from 9:00 am-3:00 pm

BoCo Expo

(Boone County Exposition)

Community Building Complex of Boone County

111 W. 1^st Street, Belvidere, Illinois

• This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your business, products and services
• Use as an employment recruitment venue to enhance your workforce
• A valuable “Test Market” or “Straw Poll” for growth potential
• On-Site demonstration and sampling of products

Each space will consist of a 10‘x 7’ area, a draped 8’ high back wall and 3’ high side dividers to separate exhibitors. Each booth will be furnished with (1) 8’ x 30” skirted table and a 7” x 40” Identification Sign.

Exhibitor Fee per display space:

Chamber Member $ 175.00, Non-Chamber Member $ 250.00

Space is limited; please submit application and check to reserve your booth.

Set-up will be 1:00-6:00 pm on Friday, January 31^st.

BoCo Expo will be promoted, advertised and with free admission to the public.

Mail completed form with check payable to: Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce 130 S. State Street, Suite 300, Belvidere, Illinois 61008 Phone: 815-544-4357, Fax: 815-547-7654 Credit Card: __ Visa __ MasterCard Expiration Date: _____/_____ Security Code: ______ Card Number: ________________________________________________________________ Cardholder/Contact: ___________________________________________________________ Business Name: ______________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip: ________________________________________________________________ Phone: ________________e-mail: ________________________________________________ Number of Booths: ____ Need electricity: Y or N Amount enclosed: $_________________

Belvidere Township Meeting: Tuesday December 17 5:oo PM

NEW GRANT TO HELP TRAIN WORKERS FOR JOBS IN MANUFACTURING

 

NEW GRANT TO HELP TRAIN WORKERS FOR JOBS IN MANUFACTURING

The Northern Illinois Workforce Alliance, in partnership with the City of Rockford, has been awarded a $1.2 million dollar grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to provide
accelerated training in manufacturing tailored to the specific needs of area employers.
The Accelerated Training for Illinois Manufacturing (ATIM) grant covers four counties in northern Illinois, Winnebago, Boone, Stephenson and DeKalb Counties, integrating classroom/lab-based and work-based training for 133 participants.
“Manufacturing companies in the northern Illinois region need trained workers as soon as possible,” said Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey. “This program will allow participants to build on the skills they already have to get into the workforce more quickly.”
The grant will target several high-demand areas in manufacturing, including:

• Mechanical Engineering Technicians
• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
• Industrial Machinery Mechanics
• Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic
• Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
• Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• A & P Mechanics
• Assemblers

“Training providers and employers were involved in the application process for this grant,” added Northern Illinois Workforce Alliance Chairman Paul Callighan. “The program will include bridge programs, work experience assignments and internships, as well as on-the-job training contracts.”
According to Illinois DCEO, the three key elements of the program include:

• responding directly to regional demand to fill current manufacturing vacancies and near-term projected job postings through unprecedented levels of employer involvement;
• providing industry-recognized skill training and education along with On-the-Job Training opportunities so employers know trainees are ready for work on day one; and
• better integrating services from multiple programs to get people trained rapidly in the skills employers want and to provide the opportunity to land good paying jobs.

Partners involved in the program include economic development and industry organizations, local community colleges, community-based organizations and numerous employers.
Applications to participate in this program are being accepted on-line. There is a link to the application available at The Workforce Connection website at www.theworkforceconnection.org
Manufacturing employers interested in participating in the program should contact Pamela Fettes at The Workforce Connection. pfettes@theworkforceconnection.org
Media contact: John Strandin, Northern Illinois Workforce Alliance 815-395-6688
jstrandin@theworkforceconnection.org

rvpnews | BDR Public Meetings

 

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11

City/County Coordinating Committee meets 6:30 p.m., County Board Room.

MONDAY, DEC. 16

Belvidere Community Unit School District #100 meets 6 p.m., District Central office.

Belvidere City Council meets 7 p.m., City Council Chambers.

North Boone Board of Education meets 6:30 p.m., 6248 North Boone School Road, Poplar Grove.

TUESDAY, DEC. 17

Belvidere Township Board meets 5 p.m., Township Board Room.

Belvidere-Boone County Regional Planning Commission meeting CANCELLED.

Boone County Regional Planning Commission meeting CANCELLED.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 18

Boone County Board meets 6:45 p.m., County Board Room.

Boone County Conservation District Board meets 5 p.m., BCCD office.

Boone County Historical Museum District Board meets 4 p.m., 311 Whitney Blvd., Belvidere.

THURSDAY, DEC. 19

Community Building Complex Committee meets 5 p.m., Community Building Meeting Room.

MONDAY, DEC. 23

Village of Poplar Grove Administration Committee meets 6:30 p.m., Poplar Grove Village Hall.

MONDAY, DEC. 30

Boone County Board of Health meets at noon, County Health Dept.

Click on the following to check for updates: rvpnews | BDR Public Meetings