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LOCAL NEWS

RESIDENTS HAVE ONE MORE WEEK TO APPLY FOR FORGIVABLE HOME IMPROVEMENT LOANS

The HomeForward program, made possible by a $601,000 two-year grant from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), allows Machesney Park residents to give their homes needed repairs and improvements at no additional cost to them. Loans of up to $40,000 are available. The grant will cover the cost of approximately 18 home renovations. To date, 83 residents have submitted pre-application forms.

A lottery drawing will be held at Village Hall Monday, March 15, 6:00 p.m., to select the names of applicants who will advance for further qualification.

HomeForward pays for necessary improvements, such as siding, windows, heating systems, and roofing. It does not fund luxury improvements. Over the past 10 years, the Village has received more than $2.1 million in grants to renovate 64 homes.

NEXT STEPS

Monday, March 15, 6:00 p.m. Lottery Drawing. Names will be drawn from among all applicants.

ComEd offers eligible customers 50 percent credit on outstanding bills

Helping Hand offers $1 million to help customers avoid service suspension due to financial hardship

From March 1-31, up to $1 million will be made available from ComEd’s customer assistance funds. Eligible residential customers who pay 50 percent of their outstanding balance can receive a credit from ComEd for the remaining 50 percent. To be eligible, customers must have received a disconnection notice within the last 120 days and have experienced a financial or medical hardship.

“The Helping Hand program is just that – a one-time opportunity for customers most affected by the economic downturn. This will help those facing special hardships keep the power on and regain the ability to successfully manage their electricity bills,” said Anne Pramaggiore, ComEd president and chief operating officer.

The Helping Hand program reflects ComEd’s ongoing commitment to assist customers who face short- and long-term financial challenges. Last year, ComEd distributed approximately $15.5 million in assistance through its CARE programs to more than 75,000 customers. These programs included Residential Special Hardship Grants and Fresh Start Electric Space Heat Credits. This year, ComEd will distribute more than $10 million in new funds.

ComEd was also a primary supporter of statewide assistance legislation signed into law last year that created a Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP). Introduced by State Senator Kimberly Lightford and State Representative Marlow Colvin, PIPP will help low-income customers by limiting how much they can be charged and will create manageable monthly payment plans.

“At a time when so many individuals are struggling to cope with dire economic circumstances, PIPP will provide relief for the people who need it most,” Lightford said. “The incentives for good payment behavior offered through PIPP will improve the quality of life for many families throughout the state and provide long-term value to Illinois.”

Customers can sign up for ComEd Helping Hand by calling 888-806-CARE (2273) or by attending one of the following five special sign-up assistance fairs:

Humboldt Park (Chicago)	South Austin (Chicago)
Monday, March 1 	Wednesday, March 10
1 p.m. - 6 p.m.		1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Casa Central		South Side Coalition
1335 N. California	5071 W. Congress Parkway

Robbins			Hopkins Park			Ford Heights
Wednesday, March 3 	Tuesday, March 9 		Saturday, March 13
2 p.m. - 6 p.m.		10 a.m. - 2 p.m.		10 a.m. – 2 pm
Robbins Community Cnt	Hopkins Park Village Hall	Ford Heights Village Hall
13800 S. Trumbull Ave.	13080 E. Central Street		1343 Ellis Ave.

The assistance fairs are open to anyone interested in attending and those who do must identify a hardship and bring a disconnection notice, proof of identification for the ComEd customer of record, a current ComEd bill (within 30 days) and payment (check, credit card or debit card).

In addition, ComEd and other local assistance organizations will have representatives on-site to process applications and answer questions about other payment options and assistance programs.

Those wishing to sign up by phone can call 888-806-CARE (2273). They will need to provide a ComEd account number, identify their hardship, and provide a method of payment (check, credit card or debit card).

Machesney Park Shooting

Robby A. Schultz

On Friday February 26, 2010 at approximately 7:55P.M., Winnebago County Sheriff’s Deputies were sent to 528 Liberty Blvd in Machesney Park in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival they found the victim, 46 year old Mike T. Viederis with a single gunshot wound to the upper torso. He was located in the driveway. He was transported to a local hospital with a non-life threatening wound.

The suspect, Robby A. Schultz (male DOB 7-5-71/38yrs old.) was taken into custody at the scene. He lives at 528 Liberty Blvd.

Information developed indicates that Viederis arrived at the residence and he and Schultz became involved in a physical confrontation over a domestic situation. Schultz was armed with a handgun, a round was discharged and Viederis was struck. A weapon was recovered.

The incident was reviewed with the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office and a charge of Reckless Discharge of a Firearm was authorized against Schultz. He was lodged in the Winnebago County Jail.

Boxasauruses Return to RFD for Fifth Annual Dinosaur Display Dedication

Approximately 75 second grade students and their families participated in this project, spearheaded by teacher Cathy Schnader. "From the first day of school this year, children have asked when they would be making a Boxasaurus. It has become a project they look forward to with anticipation. The Chicago Rockford International Airport has graciously supported this home/school project for the past five years,” said Cathy Schnader, Second Grade Teacher at White Swan School. “Bob O'Brien, Carol Moyer, and all the staff at the airport have been extremely helpful, supportive, and enthusiastic about this display of Boxasaurus dinosaurs. Teaming up with the Chicago Rockford International Airport has been a wonderful partnership for White Swan School...and like all great partnerships, five years is worth celebrating!"

The second grade students at White Swan Elementary School will be sharing their display of Boxasaurus dinosaurs with family and friends at the Fifth Annual Celebration of the Boxasaurus dinosaurs.  They have decorated dinosaur T-shirts, learned songs, and they are ready to celebrate and share their Boxasaurus creations with their family and friends at the Chicago Rockford International Airport. Last year approximately 300 people were in attendance.

"The imagination of these children is truly an amazing thing.  To have these kids take an image from a book or an imaginary idea and create a life-like creature is incredible,” said O’Brien.  “I’m glad that we have been able to partner with White Swan School for the past five years as this event is one of the many that allows our terminal to have that home away from home feeling for the passengers that travel through RFD each year," he continued.

The second grade teachers involved in this project: Mrs. Linda Cascio, Ms. Shannan Callahan, and Mrs. Cathy Schnader.

For additional information on this display, contact Cathy Schnader at 815-229-2184.

SALE OF CITY PLAZA BUILDING-555 N. COURT STREET

STATEMENT FROM COUNTY BOARD CHAIRMAN SCOTT CHRISTIANSEN:

Airport Reports January Traffic

Eighth Consecutive Month of Growth

Year over Year Comparison
January 2010 - 15,120
January 2009 - 14,199

International Arrival Gate Use

Winnebago County Appointments

Mr. Rubin is a lifelong Winnebago County resident. As President and CEO of J. Rubin & Co., he brought this family business from approximately five million in sales to fifty-five million dollars annually. He has experience operating multiple service centers in several Midwest states, working with major National companies, and coordinating trucking, rail, and air transportation. He is also a past member of the Rockford Area Transportation Study Committee and the State of Illinois Business and Trade Advisory Committee. Because of his extensive business background and his desire to improve and expand rail transportation, he will be a fine addition to the Airport/Rail Authority.

Board Certified, Dr. Allen Williams specializes in internal medicine at SwedishAmerican Medical Group/Woodside. He received his Doctor of Medicine in 1998 at Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, and completed his Doctor of Internal Medicine in 2001 at Loyola University Medical Center. He is currently President of the Medical Staff, and previously served as First-Vice President of the Medical Staff and Chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine. Dr. Williams is uniquely qualified, and will be an excellent addition to the Winnebago County Board of Health.

MACHESNEY PARK ANNOUNCES HOME IMPROVEMENT GRANTS FOR RESIDENTS

Nearly 3/4 million grant will fund needed home repairs

The grant funds the HomeForward program, which offers residents a forgivable loan to improve their homes. Individual homeowners can receive grants of up to $40,000 each. Details, including the number of individual grants to be awarded, homeowner eligibility, and more will be provided at the announcement.

Since 2000, Machesney Park has received $2.1 million from this program to improve its housing stock.

Rockford AirFest Recruits Local Military Pilots

Several of these military aircraft have been flown in by local residents and natives of the area. From last year’s show, area natives included Capt. Chris Jones, a Freeport native flew in one of the two F-16 fighters from Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, and Guilford High School graduates Lt. Col. Thom Pemberton and Lt. Col. Eric Thorell, who flew in a KC-135 Stratotanker from Grissom AFB in Indiana.

For AirFest 2010, which will be held July 31 – August 1, 2010, the Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) would like to expand the number of local military pilots and crew members participating in AirFest. As a result, AirFest staff is requesting from area residents the contact information of a spouse, family member, friend or neighbor that either flies in the military or is part of a flight crew so they can be invited to participate in AirFest 2010 in a special section of the static displays that will be known as “Home Town Heroes”.

“This is an opportunity to have a reunion with a local family member, friend or neighbor at AirFest and an opportunity for them to showcase the aircraft they operate. We want to honor as many military aviation pilots and crew members as possible and thank them for their service to our Country,” commented AirFest Static Display Coordinator Dave Lindberg.

Please send an e-mail to AirFest Static Display Coordinator Dave Lindberg at dlindberg@flyrfd.com. Please include the name of the individual, which branch of the military they are in, where they are stationed and their e-mail address and/or phone number. All submissions will be invited to participate in AirFest 2010.

AirFest Tickets

New Diversity Officer in Winnebago County Government

Earl’s leadership and dedication has made him an outstanding employee of Winnebago County.  Because of his high standards and professionalism, Earl will do an excellent job in this additional position.

Investigation Regarding Allegations of Mishandling of Funds at Animal Services

All steps are being taken, including a thorough investigation, in resolving this matter as quickly as possible. We appreciate the quick response and cooperation of Winnebago County Sheriff Richard Meyers, States Attorney Joe Bruscato, and Winnebago County Auditor William Crowley in resolving this issue.

CRIME REDUCTION FOR WINNEBAGO COUNTY RESIDENTS

CLICK HERE - Complete Report

Lonely Hearts Looking For Homes

"Pets in this program have simply been overlooked but will make great family companions,” says Donna Apgar, Adoption Coordinator at Winnebago County Animal Services. "We created the program to spotlight them for the community so that people looking to adopt a pet can be aware of the cats and dogs that have been with us the longest and are truly in need of loving homes.”

Lonely Hearts Club pets will also have their adoption fee reduced by $15. Normal adoption fees are $40 for adult cats, $85 for kittens and $110 for dogs. For both cats and dogs, the adoption fee includes a wellness exam, spay or neuter surgery, one year vaccination for distemper and rabies vaccinations, county pet license and microchip. In addition, included for dogs are a heartworm test, parvo booster and kennel cough vaccination.

Pets who are members of The Lonely Hearts Club pet adoption program will have their pictures and biographies posted in a special display case at Animal Services as well as posted on the website’s Lonely Hearts Club page. Red Lonely Hearts Club tags will be placed on their cages to help visitors locate them.

The Winnebago County Animal Services Volunteer Auxiliary is sponsoring the program and covering the difference in the adoption fee. The Volunteer Auxiliary fundraises throughout the year with events such as the Canine Classic Dog Fair, Pizza Ranch Tip Night, a perennial plant sale and other fundraising activities.

If you are considering adopting a Lonely Hearts Club pet or any other cat or dog, please visit Winnebago County Animal Services at 4517 N. Main Street or www.wcasrock.org. Adoption hours are Monday from 11am to 6:30pm; Tuesday through Friday 11am to 4:30pm; and Saturday from 10am to 3:30pm.

Airport Reports Improved December Traffic

Month over Month
December 2009 - 15,520
December 2008 - 13,818

Year over Year
January-December 2009 - 187,987
January-December 2008 - 193,797

2009 had several positive events during it in RFD's history:

March 25, 2009 - Returning on a Flight from Phoenix, Corrine Hendrickson of Janesville, WI becomes the 900,000th passenger to use the airport since air service returned in 2003.

June 2009 - Day Trips return for the second year. All flights sell out within 24 hours of being announced. Destinations include Niagara Falls, Mackinac Island, and Branson, MO

August 14, 2009 - Passenger Steve Hortega of Ottawa, IL becomes the One Millionth Passenger to use RFD since the return of Air Service in 2003. Several hundred airport supporters came out to welcome Mr. Hortega home.

August 22-23, 2009 - Rockford AirFest smashes all previous attendance records as the F-22 Raptor takes to the skies. Over 100,000 people witness the show.

November 7, 2009 - Branson Travel begins a seasonal program offering flights to Branson, Missouri.

"We had a lot of very positive things happen this year," said Zach Sundquist, Air Service Analyst for RFD. "In a year where many airports lost all air service and others lost significant traffic, we remained relatively flat all said and done. Add on to that, we broke the one million passenger mark in August and added service to Branson in November and it is clear there are signs of potential and growth for 2010."

RFD’s Administration and Finance Department Earns Second GFOA Award of 2009

“I am not aware of any other airport that has earned an award such as this in consecutive years, let alone having received it 11 consecutive times,” said Bob O’Brien, Executive Director of RFD. “I want to congratulate Amy Ott and her staff for a job well done.” “This is an entire airport staff award as all departments take part in creating the document as a guide for their respective departments,” said Deputy Director of Finance and Administration Amy Ott. “We look forward to continuing this informative and high level of reporting for many years to come.”

In order to receive such an award RFD’s budget had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are structured to determine how well a governmental body’s budget serves as: a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide, and a communications device. RFD’s budget rated “proficient” in each of these areas as well as the 14 mandatory sub-criteria within each area.

The Government Finance Officers Association is a nonprofit professional association serving over 17,600 government finance professionals throughout North America. The GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program is the only national awards program in governmental budgeting.

Past Editorials

EDITORIAL - Why The Parks Outlook?

EDITORIAL - Civil War In Machesney Park

EDITORIAL - Petition Politics

EDITORIAL - It Was Time For A Change

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

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Loves Park Lions Club

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Loves Park Rotary Club

www.lovesparkrotary.com

Salsa Business Network, Inc.

"Salsa" meets the first Friday of every month at 11:30 am for lunch.

Contact - Gloria Cardenas Cudia at gloriacudia@comcast.net.

“The King and I” to Headline Pec Playhouse Theatre’s 2009 Season

Pec Playhouse Theatre is pleased to announce its 2009 season which kicks off with a hilarious female version of the hit comedy, “The Odd Couple” followed by the annual high school show, “Happily Every Once Upon.” “The King and I,” headlines as the summer musical followed by another hilarious comedy, “Escanaba in Love” the prequel to last season’s sold out comedy “Escanaba in da Moonlight.” Pec Playhouse will wrap up the 2009 season with that perennial Christmas favorite, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Pec Playhouse is actively recruiting directors for the 2009 season. If you are interested please contact the playhouse at 815-239-1210. Escanaba In Love – September 18 – October 4, 2009

This prequel to the outrageously funny “Escanaba in da Moonlight” takes place forty years before the original. Visit the Soady deer camp in the midst of World War II. Meet the love of young Albert Soady Jr’s life, Big Betty Baloo – the woman destined to become the mother of Reuben and Remnar Soady – along with a whole new cast of wacky Yoopers. Escanaba In Love is recommended for mature audiences.

It’s A Wonderful Life – November 20 – December 6, 2009

Based on the popular movie, it’s the saga of George Bailey, the Everyman from the small town of Bedford Falls, whose dreams of escape and adventure have been quashed by family obligation and civic duty, whose guardian angel has to descend on Christmas Eve to save him from despair and to remind him – by showing him what the world would have been like had he never been born – that hi ahs been, after all, a wonderful life.

General Showtimes

Friday and Saturday Shows begin at 8 p.m. Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. – Some shows have special Saturday matinees added.

Tickets:

Call the Pec Playhouse Theatre Box Office at 815-239-1210.

Tickets are $10. $9 for groups of 20 or more.

Location:

Pec Playhouse Theatre is located at 314 Main St. Pecatonica, Il

Many Pec Playhouse Theater productions were sold out in 2007 and 2008. Consider becoming a season subscriber and guaranteeing your seats!

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