The Belvidere Daily Republican Featured News

Truck parking issue returning to county board Nov. 20

Oct. 30, 2013

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BOONE COUNTY - The Boone County Board will be revisiting the question of whether a semi-cab and trailer are allowed to park in an A-1, agriculturally zoned area, along Caledonia Road.

That decision was made at the board's Oct. 16 meeting in a 7-5 vote to reconsider a previous vote to deny the request for a special use permit. State's attorney Michelle Courier said a vote to reconsider would automatically table the issue until the November meeting.

Board members Denny Ellingson, Kenny Freeman, Paul Larson, Chris Berner, Ron Wait, Karl Johnson and Marion Thornberry voted in favor of reconsideration. Opposition came from board Chairman Bob Walberg and members Brad Fidder, Cathy Ward, Craig Schultz and Bill Pysson.

The vote that's being reconsidered was taken at the Sept. 18 meeting and it was 10-1 in favor of denying the request from Mladenko Josipovic. Freeman was the only one to support the applicant and he said he would continue to do so.

Last year the board approved a similar request, also along Caledonia Road. But when that precedent was mentioned, it was stated the Josipovic 5.2-acre property is much closer to homes than the other, smaller tract.

Another concern was the petitioner not being at the September board meeting, which made it seem the request didn't mean much to him.

But he said Oct. 16 that wasn't the case, that as a trucker he was on the job and not at home when the meeting took place.

Neighbor Christina Porto reiterated why she wanted the board to deny the request. And she presented some new information, saying the tractor was parked on the property Oct. 6, 7 and 11, weeks after the special use permit had been denied.

"He's not treating the board with respect," she said of Josipovic.

But he presented a letter from the county saying it would be all right for him to park his truck there until there was a final vote on the matter. It had been determined at the Oct. 2 meeting of the planning, zoning and building committee that the matter would be placed on the Oct. 16 county board agenda.

Wait said he was at the property earlier that day and talked with Josipovic for about 20 minutes. "He said the tractor was in the barn," Wait said. "I didn't see it."

He added that improvements had been made to the driveway on Josipovic's property, making it possible now for him to drive in without blocking any lanes of Caledonia Road.

 

Salvation Army scales back its annual Thanksgiving meal

Oct. 30, 2013

By Bob Balgemann

Reporter

BELVIDERE - For a long time it was an event that many looked forward to each fall.

The Salvation Army put on a Thanksgiving feast in the historic Belvidere Community Building, with upwards of 800 people expected to attend last year.

There will be another holiday meal this year, on Nov. 26, but it won't be as grand as in the past.

Danice Loveridge, who chairs the Boone County Homeless Project task force, said Friday (Oct. 25) this year's meal would be from 4-7 p.m. Nov. 26 at the Salvation Army building on Main Street, and it will be limited to 400 people.

The meal will be free of charge but participants must have a ticket in order to eat. Tickets will be available starting Nov. 6, when the organization has its monthly food distribution at the Main Street location.

Loveridge said 125 families typically are served at each distribution, meaning most if not all of the tickets will be given out that day. Should any remain, she said they would be given to the Belvidere/Boone County Food Pantry in Capron. It has food distributions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Tuesday.

Poplar Grove United Methodist Church, 105 E. Grove St., has stepped up in an attempt to fill part of the void by putting on a special meal from 4-7 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, which is Nov. 28 this year.

She said there would be servings at 4, 5 and 6 p.m., with a maximum of 70 per serving. Tickets also will be required and they will be distributed during the church's weekly meal.

"We're hoping to serve the northern sector of the county," she said.

Seeking volunteers

Poplar Grove church officials are looking for volunteers to work any of the five shifts: 2-4 p.m., 3-5 p.m., 4-6 p.m., 5-7 p.m. and clean-up.

"You are welcome to eat in one group and volunteer in another shift," she said. "Volunteers can be of any age as long as they are accompanied by an adult."

To volunteer, call Loveridge at 815-509-9445.

North Park Church of Christ, 401 N. Main St. in Belvidere, recently held its second monthly community meal. They are offered free of charge from 5 to 6:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at the church.

Church representative Bob Rhodes was at the Oct. 25 homeless task force meeting and said his church possibly might be able to help fill more of the Thanksgiving meal void. Its next meal will be Nov. 20.

North Park had about 40 people at its October meal, while Poplar Grove United Methodist Church has been serving upwards of 60 people each week.

The number would be even higher, Loveridge said, if people had a way to get to the church. The Keen Age Center bus in Belvidere does provide on-demand service, but she said it ends at 3:15 p.m. each day.

"It's a great system," she said of the meal program, "but as of now there is no way to get people there."

 

Belvidere Mayor elected to IML Board of Directors

Oct. 30, 2013

BELVIDERE — The Illinois Municipal League held its 100th Annual Conference. Over 1,500 mayors, council members, and local officials attended the conference recognizing IML’s “Century of Service to Illinois Municipalities.” The IML Conference is the gathering place for education, in-depth working sessions, and learning about new laws and responsibilities for municipalities and municipal officials. It is also where new officers are elected to lead the IML’s 1,124 municipal-membership.

On Saturday, Oct. 19, the IML membership elected 36 Vice Presidents to take a leadership role within the statewide organization.  Belvidere Mayor Mike Chamberlain was elected to serve as one of the Vice Presidents. This is a vital, active Board that carries out the mission of the IML.

The Illinois Municipal League is Illinois’ statewide lobby and education organization whose special interest is the people, so municipalities can have a powerful resource and voice in Springfield. IML’s mission is to keep decision making local.

“I am honored to represent my area in this statewide organization. Interacting with other elected municipal officials in Illinois will allow me to be on the forefront of innovation and positive progress while being a strong voice for my community and the people who elected me.”

About the Illinois Municipal League

The Illinois Municipal League was founded in 1913 and has worked continuously for the benefit of municipalities. The Illinois Municipal League is a not-for-profit, non-political association of 1,124 municipalities in the State of Illinois. The League's mission is to articulate, defend, maintain, and promote the interests and concerns of Illinois communities. The governing board is comprised of chief elected officials of member municipalities.

•          Provides a formal voice for Illinois municipalities in matters involving common interests

•          Promotes competence and integrity in administration of municipal government.

•          Provides municipal officials knowledge and experience to best administer their duties.

•          Provides direct informational mailings such as the Illinois Municipal Review monthly magazine; - Legislative Bulletin published during the General Assembly session; Legal Bulletin published bi-monthly and sent to all municipal attorneys.

•          Provides publications: the Illinois Municipal Handbook, Illinois Municipal Directory, Zoning Handbook.

•          Educates members via conferences, road shows, and other educational meetings.

•          Provides other member services, including the IML Risk Management Association, and staff resources.

•          Member Municipalities Population: 10,716,575

•          IML Members are 96.3 percent of Total Municipal Population

•          IML largest member: Chicago, population: 2,695,598

•          IML smallest member: Wenonah (Montgomery County) population: 37

 

 

COMMUNITY CALENDAR through Nov. 6

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 30

Trick or Treating for all area children at Heritage Woods, 6:30 p.m., 4730 Squaw Prairie Road, Belvidere. Residents will hand out candy to children. Costumes welcomed.

IOU Halloween Parade through Belvidere.

Writer’s Workshop, 9-11 a.m., with Jeff Doty at Keen Age Center, 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere. Call to reserve a space: 815-544-9893.

THURSDAY, OCT. 31

Free mid-day workout, Belvidere Family YMCA, 220 Locust St., Belvidere, 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Workout to Beachbody programs like “Insanity” or “Turbo Jam.” All fitness levels welcome. Call the Y with questions (815) 547-5307.

Halloween Party with Trick or Treating for children, Northwoods Care Centre, 2250 Pearl St., Belvidere; 6:30-8 p.m. Register for bicycle giveaway.

Village of Cherry Valley Trick or Treating 5:30-7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, NOV. 1

Holiday Bazaar and Luncheon, First United Methodist Church, 610 Bonus Avenue, Belvidere. Bake Sale and Bazaar 8 a.m.-1 p.m.; Ham Ball Luncheon with salads, rolls, dessert and drink 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tickets $10. Bazaar features handmade items and crafts, Grandma's Attic featuring collectibles and gently used Christmas items, and Coffee Corner. The church is handicapped accessible. For more information or for luncheon tickets call 815-544-3479.

St. John’s UCC of Belvidere Bazaar and Bake Sale, 401 N. Main St., Belvidere, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Handcrafted items, gifts, baked goods, raffles. Handicapped accessible from the parking lot entrance.

Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos Celebration, 6–7:30pm, Ida Public Library-Sullivan Meeting Room. Day of the Dead with your friends and family. Try traditional foods, listen to music, decorate sugar skulls, and make a skull craft. Fun for the whole family.

SATURDAY, NOV. 2

Veteran’s Remembrance Day, 11 a.m. Cherry Valley Memorial Park (Log Cabin), marching to Baumann Park for the ceremony. Please arrive at 10:45 a.m. and bring United States flag to carry in the parade.

St. John’s UCC of Belvidere Bazaar and Bake Sale, 401 N. Main St., Belvidere, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Handcrafted items, gifts, baked goods, raffles. Handicapped accessible from the parking lot entrance.

Jewels to Jeans V Dinner Dance; social 5:30 p.m., dessert auction 6:30 p.m., dinner 7:15 p.m., Dale Rhode & The Crossroads band at 8 p.m. Tickets $30, available at the Keen Age Center, 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere. Proceeds benefit Boone County Council on Aging.

Kingston United Methodist Turkey Dinner, served 5 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. 121 W. First St., Kingston. $9 adults, $4 children. Complete dinner includes dessert. Carry-outs, gift certificates. (815) 784-2010.

SUNDAY, NOV. 3

Monroe Township Firefighters’ Assoc. all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast, 7-11 a.m. At fire station, 104 West St., Monroe Center. $8 adults, $4 children ages 6-12. Ages 5 and under free.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 6

Veteran’s Coffee, 2:30 p.m. Keen Age Center, 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere. A time for

sharing memories and experiences over some coffee and treats. All veterans from any branch and time of service are welcome. Spouses are also welcome.

 

Trick-or-Treating schedules

Oct. 29, 2013

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 30

IOU Halloween Parade through Belvidere.

Trick or Treating for all area children at Heritage Woods, 6:30 p.m., 4730 Squaw Prairie Road, Belvidere.

THURSDAY, OCT. 31

Belvidere Trick or Treating, 4-8 p.m.

Village of Cherry Valley Trick or Treating, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Village of Poplar Grove Trick-or-Treating 4-7 p.m.

Halloween Party with Trick or Treating for children, Northwoods Care Centre, 2250 Pearl St., Belvidere; 6:30-8 p.m. Register for bicycle giveaway.

Timberlane Trick or Treating 5-8 p.m.

 

Health Department to host “Cover Your Community” event on Affordable Care Act

Oct. 29, 2013

BOONE COUNTY – Learn more about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) this Saturday, Nov. 2 from 10 a.m.-noon at the Ida Public Library, 320 N. State St., Belvidere. The Health Department will be there helping residents get more information about the new health insurance options available through Get Covered Illinois.

This is the largest statewide effort to educate Illinois residents about Get Covered Illinois and the range of health insurance options and community resources that are available to Boone County residents. Specially trained navigators will be on-site to assist and answer questions.

Under the Affordable Care Act, thousands of Illinoisans who were previously unable to get insurance can now get covered. All plans in the marketplace cover recommended preventive services free of charge, include a cap on out-of-pocket costs, have no lifetime or yearly dollar limit on coverage and will not reject anyone on the basis of pre-existing conditions. For more information about the Affordable Care Act, contact the Boone County Health Department at 815-544-2951 or visit www.GetCoveredIllinois.gov.

Check on “new” news from the BDR by clicking on the following:  rvpnews | Belvidere Daily Republican