Local ballots start to take shape as election petition filings begin in Illinois - News - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL

Remember this is only the first day to submit petitions.

By Kevin Haas
Staff writer

Posted Nov. 23, 2015 at 6:14 pm Updated at 8:47 PM

ROCKFORD — Local ballots for the upcoming March primary began to fill up today, the first day for candidates to file their petitions.

Prospective candidates have until 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30, to file paperwork for the March 15 primary contest. Key races in Winnebago County include state's attorney, County Board chairman, coroner and several County Board seats. There are also several state House and Senate contests.

Winnebago County Clerk Margie Mullins will hold a lottery at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30, to determine which candidates get the coveted first position on the ballot. First position on the ballot is typically first-come, first-served, except when candidates running against each other arrive at the county clerk's office at the same time. First position on the ballot is preferred because of the so-called primacy effect, the tendency for voters to choose the first name on a list.

Here's a look at who has filed so far:

U.S. Senator: Andrea Zopp, D; Tammy Duckworth, D; Mark Kirk, R; James T. Marter, R

State reprsentative

67th District: Litesa Wallace, D; Wladimiro Aguirre, D
68th District: John Cabello, R; Tricia Sweeney, D
69th District: Joe Sosnowski, R
89th District: Brian Stewart, R

State senator

34th District: Steve Stadelman, D
35th District: Dave Syverson, R

Boone County

Coroner: Rebecca Wigget, R

Circuit Clerk: Linda Anderson, R; Todd Shattuck, R

State’s Attorney: Michelle Courier, R; Tricia Smith, R

County Board
Six total seats open (two for each of the county's 3 districts).

District 1: W. Fred Genrich, R
District 2: Cathy Ward, R; Bernard O’Malley, R
District 3: Carl Larson, R

— Ben Stanley contributed to this report

 

 

 

Local ballots start to take shape as election petition filings begin in Illinois - News - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL

BCJ: Letters to Editor supporting re-election of M. Courier

 

 

 

Letter: Tricia Smith for Boone County state’s attorney - Opinion - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL

 

We endorse Tricia Smith for Boone County state’s attorney. We have worked closely with both candidates and strongly believe that Tricia Smith is the best person for the office. Her background as a police officer, assistant state’s attorney and private attorney make her qualified to make decisions regarding the proper criminal charges that should be brought forth in a case and then the prosecution of those cases. These qualifications are the most important for the job of state’s attorney.

Additionally, we have personally observed her prepare witnesses and law enforcement officers, we have seen her work with clerk and court staff, and as a result of that preparation, we have seen her win the the courtroom. Tricia is well-prepared and leads by example. She has the respect of employees in the criminal justice and court systems. She will personally handle serious criminal cases and increase the rate of successful prosecutions. Tricia Smith is who the citizens of our county need to be the next Boone County state’s attorney.

— Jim Middleton, head of Boone County probation, 1992-2007; Nora Ohlsen, Boone County circuit clerk, 2004-14; Bill Purvis, Boone County Sheriff’s Department captain, 2005-15; and Duane Wirth, Boone County sheriff, 1978-2014

Letter: Tricia Smith for Boone County state’s attorney - Opinion - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL

Letters to the BCJ Editor: 1. Questioning of SA’s gang policy leads to recommending Smith for States Attorney 2. Return to Belvidere’s traditional Veterans’ Day 3. Views on wind turbines 4. Boone County Board’s Integrity

 

 

Veterans Day

 

Wind Turbines

 

County Board’s Integrity

 

These articles are available on line at:  http://www.boonecountyjournal.com/news/2015/Boone-County-News-10-30-15.pdf#page=1

Letter: I support Michelle Courier - Opinion - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL

As a State Rep. serving multiple counties, I meet numerous state’s attorneys. Michelle Courier is one of the most effective state’s attorneys and Boone County residents benefit. Michelle is hard working, innovative and dedicated to improving public safety. She is a native of the county with an understanding of the needs, expectations and values of its citizens. Michelle has a record of fair treatment and a goal for making the county a better place in which to live and work; she already has the knowledge and experience needed in the office. Join me supporting the re-election of Michelle Courier as Boone County state’s attorney.

— Bob Pritchard, State Rep., R-70th District

Letter: I support Michelle Courier - Opinion - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL

Campaign Financing for Tricia Smith for Boone County State’s Attorney

To review earlier filings and contributions go to:  http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2015/10/campaign-financing-for-tricia-smith-for.html and  http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2015/08/campaign-filings-for-tricia-smith.html

Tricia Smith for Boone County State's Attorney
D-2 Quarterly Report
7/1/2015 to 9/30/2015
This report has 8 itemized Individual Contributions totaling $4,760.00

 

Contributed By
Address
Amount
Description
Vendor Name
Vendor Address

EAGLESON, DENNIS
Occupation: RETIRED
Employer: RETIRED
3905 GREAT REPUBLIC RD
CHERRY VALLEY, IL 61016
$1,000.00
9/3/2015
Individual Contribution

Tricia Smith for Boone County State's Attorney

LAMBRECHT, BRYCE
11865 BANCHARY RD
BELVIDERE, IL 61008
$300.00
9/4/2015
Individual Contribution

Tricia Smith for Boone County State's Attorney

LARSON, KYLE
2502 SPRING CREEK RD
BELVIDERE, IL 61008
$300.00
8/10/2015
Individual Contribution

Tricia Smith for Boone County State's Attorney

LAW OFFICES OF JOHN MAVILLE
600 S. STATE
BELVIDERE, IL 61008
$500.00
9/1/2015
Individual Contribution

Tricia Smith for Boone County State's Attorney

SHOOK, TERRY
507 COMMANDER PL
BELVIDERE, IL 61008
$160.00
9/4/2015
Individual Contribution

Tricia Smith for Boone County State's Attorney

SMITH, SHIRLEY
Occupation: RETIRED
Employer: RETIRED
1009 KRUPKE RD
CALEDONIA, IL 61011
$2,000.00
9/1/2015
Individual Contribution

Tricia Smith for Boone County State's Attorney

STEVENS, JOSEPH
2121 WINDING CREEK DR
BELVIDERE, IL 61008
$250.00
9/4/2015
Individual Contribution

Tricia Smith for Boone County State's Attorney

ZEIEN, PAUL
10828 CALEDONIA RD
BELVIDERE, IL 61008
$250.00
9/4/2015
Individual Contribution

Tricia Smith for Boone County State's Attorney

 

 

The above information is from:  http://www.elections.state.il.us/CampaignDisclosure/D2Quarterly.aspx?id=588797

Campaign Financing disclosure for Michelle Courier

To review earlier filings and contributions go to:  http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2015/08/campaign-filings-for-michelle-courier.html

 

 

Citizens to Elect Michelle Courier
D-2 Quarterly Report
7/1/2015 to 9/30/2015
This report has 21 itemized Individual Contributions totaling $5,402.50

Print this list

Contributed By
Address
Amount
Description
Vendor Name
Vendor Address

Citizens to Re-elect Louis Bianchi
1115 E. Palmer Court
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
$250.00
8/31/2015
Individual Contribution

Citizens to Elect Michelle Courier

Ellsworth, Stanley
20799 Free Church Road
Caledonia, IL 61011
$100.00
8/12/2015
Individual Contribution

Citizens to Elect Michelle Courier

Ellsworth, Stanley
20799 Free Church Road
Caledonia, IL 61011
$50.00
9/19/2015
Individual Contribution

Citizens to Elect Michelle Courier

Ellsworth, Stanley
20799 Free Church Road
Caledonia, IL 61011
$190.00
9/22/2015
Individual Contribution

Citizens to Elect Michelle Courier

hare, john
2846 Karr Road
Belvidere, IL 61008
$105.00
9/22/2015
Individual Contribution

Citizens to Elect Michelle Courier

hare, john
2846 Karr Road
Belvidere, IL 61008
$50.00
9/17/2015
Individual Contribution

Citizens to Elect Michelle Courier

Hunt, Laura
Occupation: website designer
Employer: self
519 E. Lincoln Avenue
Belvidere, IL 61008
$50.00
9/22/2015
Individual Contribution

Citizens to Elect Michelle Courier

I.U.O.E. Local 150
6200 Joliet Road
Countryside, IL 60525-3957
$1,000.00
7/8/2015
Individual Contribution

Citizens to Elect Michelle Courier

Keegan, Dan
Occupation: Sales
Employer: Volvo
8180 Shaw Road
Belvidere, IL 61008
$50.00
9/20/2015
Individual Contribution

Citizens to Elect Michelle Courier

Keegan, Dan
Occupation: Sales
Employer: Volvo
8180 Shaw Road
Belvidere, IL 61008
$462.50
9/22/2015
Individual Contribution

Citizens to Elect Michelle Courier

Kelm, Greg
6042 Dar Mae Lane
Belvidere, IL 61008
$60.00
9/22/2015
Individual Contribution

Citizens to Elect Michelle Courier

Kelm, Greg
6042 Dar Mae Lane
Belvidere, IL 61008
$100.00
8/28/2015
Individual Contribution

Citizens to Elect Michelle Courier

Lindsay, Casey
Occupation: Owner
Employer: Lindsay Auto Parts
400 Rowland Avenue
Marengo, IL 60152
$250.00
9/4/2015
Individual Contribution

Citizens to Elect Michelle Courier

Lindsay, Casey
Occupation: Owner
Employer: Lindsay Auto Parts
400 Rowland Avenue
Marengo, IL 60152
$15.00
9/22/2015
Individual Contribution

Citizens to Elect Michelle Courier

Lindsay, Casey
Occupation: Owner
Employer: Lindsay Auto Parts
400 Rowland Avenue
Marengo, IL 60152
$255.00
9/22/2015
Individual Contribution

Citizens to Elect Michelle Courier

McCurdy Tool & Machining Company
1912 Krupke Road
Caledonia, IL 61011
$500.00
9/11/2015
Individual Contribution

Citizens to Elect Michelle Courier

Neil, Jack
2525 Threeforks Road
Belvidere, IL 61008
$200.00
7/7/2015
Individual Contribution

Citizens to Elect Michelle Courier

Randall, Howard
2873 Townhall Road
Belvidere, IL 61008
$165.00
9/22/2015
Individual Contribution

Citizens to Elect Michelle Courier

Randall, Howard
2873 Townhall Road
Belvidere, IL 61008
$50.00
9/22/2015
Individual Contribution

Citizens to Elect Michelle Courier

Rush Power Systems, LLC
3793 Flora Church Road
Kirkland, IL 60146
$1,000.00
9/23/2015
Individual Contribution

Citizens to Elect Michelle Courier

Yoder, Amos
2304 Stoneridge Close
Rockford, IL 61107
$500.00
8/10/2015
Individual Contribution

Citizens to Elect Michelle Courier

Records 1 to 21 of 21

The above is from:  http://www.elections.state.il.us/CampaignDisclosure/D2Quarterly.aspx?id=586988

Former Rockford police officer seeks clemency in 2012 Boone County DUI crash - News - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL

 

By Jeff Kolkey

Posted Oct. 6, 2015 at 9:43 AM
Updated Oct 6, 2015 at 9:01 PM

BELVIDERE — Former Rockford police officer Daniel Cruz is asking for clemency after he injured three Poplar Grove women and paralyzed another in May 2012 when he rammed their Oldsmobile Bravada off the road while off duty and driving drunk.

Cruz, 41, pleaded guilty and was sentenced in May 2014 by Judge C. Robert Tobin III to eight years in prison for aggravated DUI causing great bodily harm. His projected date of release is February 2021, but his prison term could be cut short if granted clemency by the governor's office.

"I know the wrong I have done, and I vow to continue to make positive choices in my life," Cruz wrote in a clemency petition filed with the Illinois Prisoner Review Board. "Please know I will never drink and drive again, as God (is) my witness. In addition, I would follow any probation or rules placed upon me."

Saying he has made positive changes in his life since the crash, Cruz on Wednesday will argue before the board that releasing him would benefit his sons, ages 7 and 9, who are suffering because of his absence.

A Rockford Police Department officer for 13 years and a U.S. Army veteran, Cruz said that since the crash he has undergone alcohol addiction treatment, obtained advanced degrees, taken parenting classes and served as a model prisoner.

Cruz wrote that he would agree to ankle monitoring or home confinement.

But Boone County State’s Attorney Michelle Courier will travel to Springfield to fight Cruz's request.

Similar arguments were made at his sentencing hearing before Judge Tobin. The judge noted Cruz’s clean criminal record, track record as an outstanding father, military service and years as a police officer before passing sentence.

Cruz was off duty and driving with a blood alcohol content nearly twice the legal limit just after 9 p.m. on May 21, 2012, on Beloit Road.

Four Poplar Grove women had piled into an SUV after attending an informal book club meeting and were headed home. Cruz attempted to pass their Oldsmobile in a no-passing zone near a sharp curve in the area of Townhall Road.

He crashed into the Oldsmobile rather than collide head-on with an oncoming pick-up truck. The Oldsmobile was sent rolling over through a farm field before coming to rest on its tires.

Lynn S. Acker, Sara Cernohous and Kim Hawkinson all suffered injuries. Renowned area golfer Mary “Suzie” Danielson was left paralyzed from the neck down. An autopsy determined that Danielson died in September 2014 of a viral infection that was unrelated to injuries she suffered in the crash.

Tobin found that instead of rendering aid, Cruz tried to leave the crash scene and lied to a firefighter about his involvement in the crash as he tried to flee.

Page 2 of 2 - “You didn’t call 911, you called for a getaway car,” Tobin said at the May 2014 sentencing hearing. “You had two choices: Stick around or flee. You fled.”

Despite his claims to accept responsibility for his actions, "he has spent more time making sure he is viewed as the victim," Courier said.

He blames his work for the Rockford Police Department for his drinking problem, blames the women in the crash for refusing his "military combat lifesaving skills," and law enforcement for not understanding that he was actually trying to help, Courier said.

"Sadly, Mr. Cruz has noted his children are facing difficulties ... what Mr. Cruz needs to understand is that he is solely responsible for those difficulties," Courier said. "Cruz claimed to accept responsibility for what he had done, but he never identified in his petition anything he did was wrong. The state believes Mr. Cruz will only learn how to be held accountable by serving the remainder of his sentence.”

Dorothy Schneider contributed to this report.

Former Rockford police officer seeks clemency in 2012 Boone County DUI crash - News - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL

BCJ: New Judge Named To Hear Plote Case

 

Above is from Boone County Journal, August 21, 2015 edition,  which is available free of cost at merchants across the county and on line at:  http://www.boonecountyjournal.com/news/2015/Boone-County-News-%2008-21-15.pdf

Boone County panel may not have power to change breeding kennel regulations - News - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL

 

By Ben Stanley
Rockford Register Star

Posted Aug. 7, 2015 at 12:00 PM
Updated Aug 7, 2015 at 9:05 PM

BELVIDERE — An ad hoc Boone County committee reviewing changes to its boarding and breeding kennels regulations has hit a snag. Turns out, the county may not have the authority to make changes.

"There’s a lot of things we can’t do, maybe even some of the things that we ordered in special-use permits before really shouldn’t have been," County Board member Denny Ellingson said. "So we’re trying to figure out something that the state can go along with and that we can enact."

The Boarding and Breeding Ordinance Advisory Committee formed to review ordinance changes after accusations of animal cruelty and abuse were leveled at a Caledonia dog breeder in 2014. Some questioned whether county regulations were strong enough to prevent future abuse.

For months, county leaders had considered amendments that would have, among other things, banned stackable dog cages and wire or mesh flooring in kennels. But no changes have been passed since the committee's seven members — a veterinarian, two animal-welfare advocates, two community residents, one breeder and one kennel operator — started meeting in January.

"It was designed to have input from people in the industry who have more knowledge about what local ordinances can be enacted to prevent any abuse to animals," Boone County Administrator Ken Terrinoni said. "But where we have to be careful as a county, if you read these opinions, is that this is really a state issue."

The committee found after reaching out to Assistant Boone County State's Attorney Tony Fioretti that outside of rabies control and overpopulation issues, county governments in Illinois, excluding Cook County, don't have much power to impose their own regulations.

In a memo sent to Terrinoni on April 16, Fioretti wrote that the Department of Agriculture is the "sole regulator" in Illinois and "occupies the field in terms of regulating breeding."

"While the county may still require, on a case-by-case basis, a special-use permit for breeders and kennel operators, the restrictions placed on those special uses have to be reasonable and defensible within the parameters of Illinois law and the Department of Agriculture's regulations," he wrote.

Ben Stanley: 815-987-1369

Boone County panel may not have power to change breeding kennel regulations - News - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL

Boone County prosecutor says County Board chairman wrong to talk to judge - News - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL

 

By Georgette Braun
Rockford Register Star

Posted Jul. 30, 2015 at 3:59 PM
Updated Jul 30, 2015 at 4:53 PM

BELVIDERE — Boone County State's Attorney Michelle Courier told Boone County Board members this week that Chairman Bob Walberg had inappropriately told a judge handling a case against Plote Construction Inc. that he "did not approve of the lawsuit against Plote."

Courier said in a letter posted on the Boone County Community Forum Facebook page that "while there is a pending case, judges are forbidden to have ex parte communications about that case." She said Walberg's actions were "inappropriate." Courier said that Judge Rob Tobin had said in court Tuesday that he told Walberg he couldn't talk about the case and ended the conversation.

Walberg said today that he had called Tobin to talk about politics and the economy as he does sometimes but that his conversation "wasn't anything with the case. ... I didn't realize there was a problem." He said Courier, a Republican who is seeking re-election, is making the situation a political one.

Tobin asked Courier and an attorney for Plote whether they wanted him to withdraw from the case. Courier said in her letter to County Board members that she didn't. Courier could not be reached for further comment. Courier said in the letter that Plote's attorney had asked for a new court date to discuss the offer with Plote. An attorney for Plote could not be immediately reached for comment today.

Hoffman Estates-based Plote operates a quarry at 1050 Ecs Way, Belvidere. Courier had filed a lawsuit against Plote for operating beyond the hours approved by the County Board. She obtained a temporary restraining order that was violated, and she said in the letter that she had filed a motion for sanctions that was set to be heard Tuesday.

Above is from:   Boone County prosecutor says County Board chairman wrong to talk to judge - News - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL

 

TO SEE THE ACTUAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM Judge Tobin and States Attorney Courier GO TO:  http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2015/07/actions-by-chairman-walberg-may-affect.html

Courier and Smith seek Republican nomination for States Attorney

Two women to vie for Boone County State's Attorney seat for first time in county history

By Ben Stanley
Rockford Register Star

Posted Jun. 10, 2015 at 10:48 AM
Updated Jun 10, 2015 at 11:46 AM

BELVIDERE — Two candidates emerged this week in the race for Boone County state's attorney and for the first time in county history, both of them are women. Incumbent Michelle Courier and challenger Tricia Smith, a former County Board member, announced their bids Tuesday for the Republican nod in the November 2016 election.

The Republican primary will be held in March.

Courier is the first woman to be elected state's attorney in Boone County. Her second term in office will end in 2016. She announced her candidacy for re-election Tuesday night at the Belvidere VFW, 1310 W. Lincoln Ave.

Courier emphasized her track record prosecuting gangs and child predators over the past eight years. In 2009, Courier successfully sued the Latin Kings organization and more than 30 known members in Belvidere and Boone County under the Illinois Street Gang Terrorism Omnibus Prevention Act. The lawsuit prohibited gang members from spraying graffiti on public and private property, meeting in public, and possessing guns.

"My priorities have remained the same for the last two terms," Courier said Tuesday. "Making sure we aggressively prosecute drug dealers, child predators … those areas aren’t going to change for the next four years.”

Courier said she also plans to coordinate with the judicial system to expedite prosecution in cases of domestic violence and expand diversionary programs designed to allow certain offenders to avoid criminal charges by attending preventative education classes, paying restitution and performing community service if they are unlikely to become repeat offenders.

Smith is running with the support of former Boone County Sheriff Duane Wirth, and John Maville, who served three terms as Boone County state's attorney from 1968 to 1980.

Smith said on Tuesday that the results of Courier's lawsuit against the Latin Kings have been overstated: "These people ... remain in our community and continue to commit crimes."

"The incumbent state's attorney has chosen to address gang activity in our community by suing alleged gang members for fines," Smith said in a statement released Tuesday. "To combat gang activity, I will emphasize vigorous and effective prosecution of crimes committed in Boone County to send gang members to prison."

In addition to her law degree, Smith also has a master's degree in public administration and a degree in administration of criminal justice. She has served on the Boone County Board, spent nearly six years as a Rockford police officer and has worked as both an assistant state's attorney and a defense attorney.

Smith said she isn't necessarily opposed to expanding diversionary programs.

"Sometimes people do make a one-time mistake," Smith said. "I don't want to overburden our criminal justice system if we can divert people into those other programs, but they have to be effective."

 Above is from:  http://www.rrstar.com/article/20150610/NEWS/150619950#150619950/?Start=2&_suid=143403659308606504728687259658

2016 Primary—just about a year away

The primary for the 2016 election is just a year from now.  Jeb Bush, Wisconsin Governor Walker have all threw their hats in the ring for President.

As far as local elected office, “big offices” in Boone County will undoubtedly be determined by the Republican Primary.  The biggest is County States Attorney.  Other than circuit court judges it garners the highest salary—$166,508 plus $16,114 in paid health insurance.  See  page 2 of: http://www.boonecountyil.org/sites/default/files/images/employee%20compensation%20FY%202014(2).pdf

Here is some campaign literature from 2008 from the current states attorney.  As of yet, no word on whom are running in the primary.  Perhaps a third term for Mrs. Courier?

9-18-2014 UPDATE on Plote CASE

The above is taken from:  http://www.judici.com/courts/cases/case_history.jsp?court=IL004015J&ocl=IL004015J,2014CH170,IL004015JL2014CH170D1 This reference should also update the reader concerning current status.

If you want a history of the case and its background see the August 29, 2014 Boone County Journal; portions of which are shown below.

Status of case against Rockford Blacktop/Wm. Charles regarding flooding near Radcliff/Karr Subdivisions

The court records shown below are from:  http://www.judici.com/courts/cases/case_information.jsp?court=IL004015J&ocl=IL004015J,2013CH120,IL004015JL2013CH120D1

CURRENT STATUS:  Continued until May 9, 2014 status hearing

This case involves the gravel pit owned by William Charles, West of Belvidere.

Some residents believe that Plote as well Rockford Blacktop are causing the water issues here.

 

Click on the photocopy to enlarge: 

 

Lawsuit about Boone County’s junkyard decision dismissed - News - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL

 

By Jennifer Wheeler
Rockford Register Star
Posted Nov. 15, 2013 @ 5:00 pm

BELVIDERE — The lawsuit against Boone County, the former Boone County Board and the former county Zoning Board of Appeals for unjustifiably denying a permit to operate a junkyard was dismissed Friday, court records show.

Steven Pierce sued county leaders in 2011 after they stopped him from turning his recycling operation at 720 U.S. 20 into a junkyard. His attorney, Jim Hursh, said in a 2011 interview that officials never gave Pierce a public health or safety reason explaining why the special use permit was denied.

Judge Brenden Maher said his job was to not second-guess the county board’s vote nor reverse the decision, even if he would have voted to approve the permit. Rather, he was tasked with determining whether the officials established a rational basis for their decision.

Ultimately, Maher said Pierce had not met his burden of proof in showing that the decision was arbitrarily or capriciously made.

“It would not be irrational for individual ZBA, Zoning Committee or County Board members to take Pierce’s history of interactions with the County in connection with zoning issues into account when considering whether to grant his application on the expectation that he would comply with all of the recommended conditions,” Maher added,

Hursh could not be reached Friday for comment on whether his client would appeal the decision.

Boone County State’s Attorney Michelle Courier said she was pleased with the outcome since the county’s board rational ruling will continue to protect residents’ health.

Courier said the junkyard proposal was put forward without “any plan or competent evidence that the junkyard would be safe or best serve Boone County on a property that already had a history of environmental and other county code violations.”

Lawsuit about Boone County’s junkyard decision dismissed - News - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL

Boone County settles with Northwest Pallet over mulch fire - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

By Jennifer Wheeler

Northwest Pallet Supply, which stored the mulch, must pay $4,500 to Boone County for the amount of overtime accrued by Sheriff’s Department deputies during the fire. The business had previously donated $16,000 to the Boone County Fire Protection District No. 2.

Northwest Pallet Supply also agreed to release any right to occupy the property in the future for storing or manufacturing mulch.

“The settlement considers the safety and welfare of the adjacent neighborhood. The property has been cleared of over an estimated 1,100 semi-truck loads of mulch,”

Read the entire story by clicking on the following:  Boone County settles with Northwest Pallet over mulch fire - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Mulch Fire: Hearing set for October 3, 2013

Will the county receive any compensation or reimbursement of costs?

You also can follow the case by clicking on the link:  http://www.judici.com/courts/cases/case_history.jsp?court=IL004015J&ocl=IL004015J,2012CH319,IL004015JL2012CH319D1

The hearing date has been changed numerous times.

Status of Boone County’s Case against Northwest Pallet

The date of the next hearing has apparently been changed again.  It is now October 3, 2012.  SEE BELOW”

Above is from:  http://www.judici.com/courts/cases/case_history.jsp?court=IL004015J&ocl=IL004015J,2012CH319,IL004015JL2012CH319D3

Go to that web address to check on any updates on the mulch case.

First-time, non-violent felony offenders may get a second chance in Boone - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

 

The offender will then appear before a panel of community members. After the group interviews the offender, the panel will recommend conditions that must be met to complete the program. These conditions may include completing community service, obtaining a G.E.D., agreeing to random drug screens, becoming employed and paying restitution to the victim.

Once the conditions are met, the case will be dismissed. If they aren’t, the felony charge will be prosecuted in court.

Read the entire blog posting by clicking on the following:  First-time, non-violent felony offenders may get a second chance in Boone - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star