In our 25th year publishing The Boone County Journal June ... · 19/06/2020 · Christmas tree and...

In our 25th year publishing The Boone County Journal June 19, 2020 1

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Friday • June 19, 2020 Vol. 25, Issue 8 • No. 1256

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photo of Mobilgas station photo Boone County Historical Museum

New Mobligas building photo by Friz Meinheit

A 1950’s Gas Stationby David Larson

Years ago the gas station was a social place. The owner knew his customers, who would often stay for a moment and exchange conversation with the owner or a regular visitor or two who just sort of hung out there. It was a man’s place and work was often the subject of conversation. Cigars and cigarettes were sold and consumed with pop, coffee, and candy. The enjoyment of reading the local papers was common.

The smaller picture, which you will recognize from last week is the Mobilgas station located at Main Street and Logan Avenue, which today is an auto repair shop called Logan Avenue Mobile operated by Paul Temple. The two men in the photo are Hal Bollman and his partner R.J. Bryhn. Bollman and Bryhn took over the station in the autumn of 1910. It was the second gas station in Belvidere to open in the age of the automobile. The gas station also served rural customers’ fuel needs by hauling a horse-drawn tanker wagon to nearby farms in those early days. Bollman retired at age 74, and lived at 1304 Pearl Street, where he had been living for 44 years since moving from Rockford.

When the Bollman and Bryhn enterprise was retired in 1946, the business was sold to Socony Vacuum Oil (a.k.a. Exxonmobil). Gerald Swail and Hilton Jones leased the station from the corporate behemoth and began their partnership.

Swail and Jones were both experienced in business. Swail had been working at the B&B station for the preceding 21 years and Jones had been an electrician for the local firm Hollenbeck Electric.

By the summer of 1950 Socony Vacuum Oil had removed the quaint, original building and the present building (which is the featured photo this week) was built. Swail and Jones celebrated the occasion with a two-day grand opening, giving each woman who visited the station a rose.

The new station was equipped with two repair door bays, a lift to work on vehicles, and a tire-mounting saddle. This made the gas station into a service station and potentially a much more profitable business.

The partnership offered a retail line of tire chains for sale, something prohibited today, but essential during a hard winter in those days. At Christmas-time, the station became a place to acquire the family Christmas tree and wreath.

Gerry Swail left the business after some time and a local gentleman by the last name of Baily entered into business with Jones. Thus the partnership of Baily and Jones emerged. The gas station expanded again by retailing Mercury outboard motors and pellet guns.

When built, the new Mobligas station was gas-station-state-of-the-art, architecture, and design. It was post-World War II and the country was enjoying the relief of peace, but a new conflict was developing in Korea. The civil rights movement was young and struggling for an end to the violence and suppression of white racism. Today, both of these major treads of 20th century America linger into the 21st Century, although progress has been made.

Illinois GOP Sues GovenorCase asks for “equal treatment” under the law

by Rebecca Anzel Capitol News IllinoisThe Illinois Republican Party wants to be excluded from the state’s social

gathering restrictions, alleging in a federal lawsuit this week that churches and political demonstrations already enjoy such exclusions.

Throughout the year, the party holds a state convention, strategy meet-ings and candidate rallies — all with more than 10 people present. Under Gov. JB Pritzker’s May 29 executive order addressing the continued spread of COVID-19, those in-person gatherings are banned.

Governor to Cancel 2020 State Fairs by Executive Order

Junior Livestock Expo, 4H General Project Show will take place separately

by Jerry Nowicki Capitol News IllinoisState Fairs in Springfield and Du Quoin will be canceled this year by

executive order of the governor due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The state made the announcement Friday afternoon in a news release,

noting the decision “has prompted the Department of Agriculture to offer a safe, creative way to ensure youth exhibitors still get a chance to showcase their hard work.”

That will come in the form of a Junior Livestock Expo in Springfield in September. Illinois exhibitors ages 8-21 can show their animals at that event. The 4-H General Project Show will take place virtually, with premi-ums and ribbons distributed by the ag department, according to the news release. Entry details for the events are forthcoming.

The Du Quoin and Springfield Fairs attracted more than 600,000 visitors combined in 2019 and are scheduled to return in August 2021. Last year, the Springfield Fair set records for the grandstand and near record numbers for attendance.

2 June 19, 2020 The Boone County Journal in its 25th year of publication

r Obituaries r

Publisher/Editor David C. Larson Senior Writer/Editorial Charles Herbst Advertising Bethany Staniec Photography Susan Moran Office Amanda Nelson

David Grimm April 1938 - Dec. 2000 Richelle Kingsbury Aug. 1955 - June 2013

Est. 1996

real journalism for a real democracy

Each week, the Journal seeks to present a variety of voices. Every attempt will be made to print all letters

received with the exception of those that are libelous or obscene. Letters should be signed and include an ID or phone number, so that we can contact the author prior to publication to verify authenticity.

Community leaders are encouraged to submit guest columns consistent with our editorial guidelines for possible inclusion in the Journal.

The opinions expressed in the Journal are those of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Boone County Journal management or ownership.

Boone County License & Title

Stickers - Titles - PlatesWe Are OPEN

Bring: Postcard Bill from the Secretary of State

OrOld Registration Card

OrVin# + Plate # + Expiration Date419 S. State St. Bel

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Lawsuit Continued page 1

$9.3 million is not a bad salary if you can get it ...all it

takes is a little help from your friends...and friends helping

friends.

According to a court filing, the governor carved out an exception for religious institutions, which can hold socially-distanced services of more than 10 people. It also alleges he “declined to enforce” his order against protesters demand-ing an end to systemic racism in the wake of George Floyd’s death.

Floyd was a black man who died when a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for about nine minutes on May 25. Near-daily pro-tests against police brutality have since taken place across the U.S.

“Political parties are for political expression what churches are for religious expression: the corporate manifestation of speech and interac-tion within a community of shared belief,” the Republican Party argued in its lawsuit, filed June 15.

“Yet, unlike churches, political parties are barred from gathering in groups greater than 10 under the governor’s executive order,” it contin-ued. “And unlike protestors against police brutal-ity, they have not been given an exemption based on his sympathy, recognition, and participation.”

Daniel Suhr, an attorney with the Chica-go-based Liberty Justice Center and the party’s representative, said in a press conference Tues-day he is asking a federal judge to agree treating “political party gatherings differently from reli-

gious gatherings” violates the U.S. constitution.And, because “the harm suffered by the Illi-

nois Republican Party is immediate and irrepara-ble” due to how quickly the November election is approaching, Suhr is requesting a judge address this lawsuit quickly. The business of politics, he said, is a “time-bound activity.”

The case applies not just to the Illinois Repub-lican Party, but to all state political parties.

“Gov. Pritzker is ruling Illinois like an un-accountable king where only he gets to decide which violations of his executive order have his blessing,” Tim Schneider, the party chairman, said Tuesday. “The Illinois Republican Party will not sit idly by while the governor of Illinois ap-plies one rule for himself and his political allies and another rule for everyone else. We agree that peaceful protesters have just cause to exercise their first amendment rights, but they aren’t the only ones.”

Suhr added the lawsuit is seeking to uphold “equal treatment” for all political speakers under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. That will make their case more successful than many others challenging aspects of Pritzker’s COVID-19-related restrictions, he said.

Rather than alleging political parties have a constitutionally protected right that must be up-held during the pandemic, the lawsuit is alleging political parties should be treated as churches and protests are under the governor’s order.

“It is not the government’s job under the first amendment to favor one viewpoint over anoth-er,” Suhr said Tuesday. “We’re asking for the same fair treatment not to be based on the content of our speech, but rather to say every group that’s engaging in the public square deserves the same treatment from the government.”

The Will County Republican Central Committee, Schaum-burg Township Re-publican Organization and Northwest Side GOP Club are also parties in the lawsuit. The attorney general’s office, which defends the governor against lawsuits, has not re-sponded to the allega-tions.

Capitol News Il-linois is a nonprof-it, nonpartisan news service covering state government and dis-tributed to more than 400 newspapers state-wide. It is funded pri-marily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCor-mick Foundation.

Brockman, Darlene, 90, Belvidere, June 11Janecek, Irene, 94, Cherry Valley, June 15Robles, Lavonne, 62, Belvidere, June 12


THE BOONE COUNTY JOURNALreal journalism for a real democracy

--In Our Opinion--

Mercy Offered $2 Million by State

In an effort to preserve services for Medicaid patients at one of the area’s three primary medical providers, State Senator Steve Stadelman and Rep. Maurice West, both of Rockford, secured $2 million in funding for Mercyhealth when Illinois lawmakers approved a budget for the new fiscal year that begins July 1.

Javon Bea Hospital is one of nine statewide that are designated to receive $19.8 million from the Illinois Department of Public Health to support care of low-income patients. Gov. JB Pritzker signed the budget legislation last week.

Seven of the hospitals are in Chicago, and one is in the St. Louis metropolitan area. The money is intended to help hospitals with the highest percentage of Medicaid patients and those disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mercyhealth, which operates hospitals on Rockford’s northwest and far northeast sides, drew sharp criticism with its announcement in April that an estimated 66,000 patients receiving Medicaid benefits through four Managed Care Organizations would need to find new doctors amid the pandemic as soon as July 21. Mercy also closed its Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Stadelman and West hope the $2 million in operational assistance gives Mercy an incentive to continue its MCO agreements. The funds are reserved for “hospitals that participate in the state’s Medicaid managed care program,” meaning Mercy would forfeit the money by declining to change its position.

“My desire is to see the most vulnerable in our community enjoy the same continuity of care as those who are more fortunate,” Stadelman said. “We fought for Rockford to be included in this funding with the belief that some extra backing from the state may encourage Mercy to look out for low-income families.”

Added West, “The last thing that Medicaid patients need is the uncertainty and fear of what is going to happen to their healthcare during a pandemic. The fight for more funds to Mercyhealth is to ensure that healthcare remains accessible to everyone in Rockford, no matter what zip code you live in or your level or income.”

Mercy had 90 days to notify patients of its intent to sever its MCO agreements. Three of them end next month; one remains in effect until October.

Stadelman and West also are advocating for an increase in Medicaid managed care reimbursement rates, which they say are vital to providing access to health care for all citizens of the Rockford region.

Both lawmakers also are working with IDPH and UW Health to accommodate Medicaid patients within the SwedishAmerican health network. IDPH has requested Rapid Response Plans from each MCO, which include a communication to patients and plan for integrating them into a health system within 60 miles or 60 minutes of where they live.

Mercy Health Corporation is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization with estimated 2020 revenues of $1.3 billion. According to Mercy Health Corporation’s latest available financial statements, for the year ended June 30, 2017, its President, Javon R. Bea was paid compensation of $9,363,980.00 per year. Illinois State Senator Dave L. Syverson, who represents Boone County, is a member of the organization’s Board of Directors.

The Region 1 Planning Council has prepared a draft of its 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan for the Rockford Region. This includes the urban portion of Boone County.

We find the draft to be well-written and accu-rately researched. It is infinitely better than the 2018 attempt at a Boone County Comprehensive Plan. Although this current document is a very general piece, it lays out 61 goals for improving transportation in this region. A few of these goals merit discussion.

It would be hard to argue with improving the walkability and bikeability of the region by in-creasing the connectivity of sidewalks, walkways, and bikeways. But apparently, the Rockford Pub-lic Library disagrees. Their East Branch at State Street and Mill Road is not only surrounded by a parking lot, but they have raised, landscaped barri-ers on their property, making it difficult for pedes-trians to walk to the library from nearby homes! While the planners’ aspirations are laudable, a buy-in and remedial action by those responsible are what it will take to effect meaningful results.

With a relatively low volume of traffic, one of the blessings of living in Rockford or Belvidere is the absence of serious traffic delays. But sadly, by stringing up too many and often ill-timed traffic signals (particularly in the City of Rockford) this region has manufactured problems that shouldn’t exist. Anyone who has driven on East State Street in Rockford knows exactly what we mean.

As Boone County develops, we do not want to see this sort of congestion here. We find our-selves particularly concerned that millions will be spent “improving” Business 20 between Rockford and Belvidere that will actually lengthen the time it takes to travel that route! Frankly, we can do without such “economic development.”

The Planning Council proposes “developing a regional arterial management program that im-proves the performance of the regional arterial system through a blend of traffic signal improve-ments, advanced traffic signal controls, traffic monitoring and access management.”

Translated to English, that means learning how to time the traffic lights! (And maybe re-move a few?) Here, we would like to make a plug for replacing the “temporary” traffic signal at Bell School Road and Spring Creek Road with a roundabout while there is still the opportuni-ty. Many Boone Countians use this route, and it would speed up their journeys.

Our enviable access to O’Hare Airport, as well as Chicago, Madison and Milwaukee, distinguish-es Belvidere and Rockford from downstate Illi-nois. We are pleased to see this report recognize the importance of these adjacencies and salute the ambition to work with neighboring organizations to coordinate improvements.

In the past decade, Decatur has lost the corpo-rate headquarters of Archer Daniels Midland to Chicago and Peoria has lost Caterpillar’s head-quarters to the Chicago suburbs. Lack of interna-tional airport access has cost these two communi-ties their premier corporate players. State Farm routinely threatens to leave Bloomington in favor of the sunbelt.

For Boone County, access to Interstate 90 is everything. It provides both worldwide access to Boone County and access for Boone Countians to high-paying jobs. It is imperative that traffic from Belvidere and Poplar Grove can reach Inter-state 90 without delay. Choking this access with a traffic-light-studded Genoa Road (or whatever the Street of Six Names is called there) is a prescrip-tion for making our community as inaccessible as Crystal Lake or Woodstock. As we have said be-

fore, rather than thinking of Belvidere and Rock-ford as a discrete metro area, we are part of a string city that stretches from Chicago to Madison. Fast access to Interstate 90 provides us with the mo-bility we need to take advantage of our favorable position. We cannot emphasize this point enough.

This 2050 Plan discusses extending Illinois Route 76 to connect to Interstate 90 at Irene Road. The plan does not identify the alignment of such a route. The rationale for the extension is stated as “economic development.”

This extension, as described, would take Route 76 traffic in a southwesterly direction to meet In-terstate 90. Bear in mind that Interstate 90 runs southeast to O’Hare and north to Wisconsin. We don’t believe there is adequate justification for an expensive, new southwesterly highway. Because Interstate 90 abruptly curves northward just west of Irene Road, existing alternatives from Illinois 76 are shorter and can be used to access westbound Interstate 90 (as well as southbound Interstate 39 and the Rockford Airport).

Instead, we propose extending Illinois 76 to the Interstate 90 entrance at Genoa Road, follow-ing the existing Belvidere Bypass. Limited funds would be better spent by eliminating traffic signals along that route instead of building a new road to the southwest. This would mean faster connec-tions from Illinois 76 to jobs at points east along the Interstate 90 corridor.

Speaking of extending state routes, we have championed the need to extend Illinois Route 120 from Woodstock to Rockford. We believe that it is time to designate a path for that thorough-fare. The 2050 plan raises several concerns along Spring Creek Road, including an interchange at Interstate 90, straightening out the intersection of Spring Creek and Lyford Roads, and connecting Spring Creek and Woodstock Roads. These con-cerns should be addressed in coordinated fashion and consider related issues. With over one million people in Lake and McHenry County, we believe there should be a better, direct connection between Rockford, Woodstock and Waukegan, and that connection should be a state highway. Designat-ing the right-of-way now will facilitate planning and avoid future impediments to creating that cor-ridor.

We are gratified to see attention paid to the need for bus rapid transit. Recent referenda in both Boone and Winnebago Counties have shown overwhelming support for better transit between this area and Chicago. Although it was phrased in terms of Amtrak service, we believe that express bus service will ultimately prove to be more fea-sible and worthwhile. We believe that, with a low cost of living, Rockford and Belvidere have great potential for remote workers as well as the “oc-casional” supercommuter. Providing quick access to these workers’ home bases will improve the viability of such arrangements and increase local economic opportunities for little cost.

One area that was not discussed was wayfind-ing. We would like to see better directional signs where the street network is confusing. For exam-ple, in Downtown Rockford, it would be helpful to have “official” signs indicating at which points motorists should turn to go to Loves Park, Free-port, etc. Another inexpensive improvement would be to standardize the names of through routes. Fairview Avenue, Bienterra Trail, Spring Creek Road, Woodstock Road, Rote Road, and, of course, the infamous Street of Six Names encir-cling Belvidere all come to mind.

We would like to thank the planners for their ef-forts. We hope that some of their good ideas come to fruition.

A Vision with Merit

Counter and Sales PositionBoone County Journal

419 S State St. Bel.815-544-4430ask for David

4 June 19, 2020 The Boone County Journal in its 25th year of publicationFair Continued from page 3

Reforms Continued from page 2






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“The Illinois and Du Quoin State Fairs have been some of my favorite opportunities to cele-brate our agricultural communities and the resi-dents who make Illinois so exceptional,” Gov. JB Pritzker said in a news release. “But it’s because the fairs are such a treasure to so many thousands of people that my administration, like those of our neighboring Midwestern states, must make the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 State Fairs in light of the risk posed by COVID-19. This is the right choice based on guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health and oth-er experts: we have to prioritize keeping our peo-ple safe.”

State Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, took issue with the governor’s unilateral decision to cancel the Fairs by executive order.

“I am tremendously disappointed the governor has canceled the 2020 Illinois State Fair,” Butler said in a statement. “Through state law, the General Assembly has mandated that Illinois shall have state fairs in Springfield and Du Quoin. This decision is yet another one in which the governor has exceeded his authority during the pandemic and will be in violation of state law.”

While Butler said he “fully understands” the health impact of COVID-19, he added “this cancellation is another serious blow to the economy of Central Illinois.”

“Springfield’s economy has been hit especially hard due to the cancellation of most of the General Assembly’s spring session, the shutdown of facilities such as the Bank of Springfield Center and State Fairgrounds, and the closure or work-at-home duties of most state government offices,” he said.

The cancellation of the Springfield Fair is the first since 1942-1945, during which period the fairgrounds were used as a World War II U.S. Army Airforce supply depot, according to a news release. The Springfield Fair was also canceled in 1862 due to the Civil War and was replaced in 1893 by the World’s Columbia Exposition in Chicago.

This year will mark the first time the Du Quoin Fair has been canceled since the state took over the grounds in 1986.

“We’ve said from the very beginning our main concern is the health and safety of those who at-tend our state fairs,” Jerry Costello II, acting di-rector of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, said in a news release. “These aren’t just Fairs; they are economic engines for the Springfield and Du Quoin communities that highlight the best that Illinois has to offer and shine a spotlight on kids around our state. These kids work all year to prepare for their livestock and projects, so we are determined to still provide them an event that

showcases their hard work and persever-ance through a very difficult year.”

Those who have purchased an Illinois State Fair mega pass, admission booklet or parking pass can con-tact the State Fair of-fice at 217-782-6661 or email [email protected].

Illinois remains in Phase 3 of its COVID-19 reopening plan until at least June 26, during which time gatherings of only up to 10 people are al-lowed.

Gatherings of more than 50 people would not be allowed un-til Phase 5, but entry into that phase is not allowed without “Vac-cine, effective and widely available treat-ment, or the elimina-tion of new cases over a sustained period of time through herd im-munity or other fac-tors,” according to the governor’s Restore Il-

linois reopening plan. Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit,

nonpartisan news service covering state government and distributed to more than 400 newspapers statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

Pritzker Signs Vote-by-Mail Expansion

Recent voters, those who changed addresses will receive mail-in application

by Jerry Nowicki Capitol News IllinoisAnyone who cast a ballot in the last three

years or who registered to vote or changed addresses after the March primary will be sent an application to vote by mail after Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill expanding the program Tuesday.

In a news release, Pritzker’s office said the program is aimed at ensuring “safe and active participation in the 2020 general election during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.”

Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1863 and House Bill 2238, which also expands early voting hours at permanent polling places and makes election day a state holiday.

Local election authorities must mail or email the applications to voters who cast a ballot in the 2018 general election, the 2019 consolidated election or the 2020 general primary election, as well as voters who registered or changed addresses after the March primary. Any eligible voter who submits an application by October 1 will receive their ballot by October 6.

“Sending vote-by-mail applications to residents who have participated in recent elections will allow more people to exercise that right from the safety of their own homes and help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities,” Pritzker said in a news release.

The changes were backed by the House Democratic Women’s Caucus and sponsored by Rep. Kelly Burke, D-Evergreen Park, in the House and Sen. Julie Morrison, D-Lake Forest, in the Senate.

“The COVID 19 pandemic has created many challenges, but participation in the November election should not be one of them,” Burke, an assistant majority leader in the House, said in a statement. “Just as we have taken precautions to make shopping, traveling, and other everyday tasks safer, we must also take precautions and make adjustments to ensure everyone can safely exercise their right to vote.”

Republicans, however, have argued that the program is susceptible to fraud.

In Illinois Senate floor debate last month, Republicans raised questions on costs, input from county clerks, the security of collection sites and automatic sending of ballot applications.

Sen. Paul Schimpf, R-Waterloo, argued the bill creates a system with “significant” costs that are unnecessary given that Illinois already allows any citizen to vote by mail. He added it would also place a “significant burden” on local election authorities, whom he also argued have not been able to offer enough input.

The Illinois State Board of Elections filed a fiscal note saying that if the bill’s provisions are fully implemented by every local election authority, it would eat up every dollar of the more than $16.7 million the state will receive from the federal CARES Act for elections.

The legislation also requires the Illinois State Board of Elections to: post an application for a vote by mail ballot on its website; allow a new registrant to apply for a vote-by-mail ballot when completing the online registration; provide notice to election authorities about compliance







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with the new law; and adopt emergency rules to provide reimbursement for expenses related to the 2020 general election incurred as a result of COVID-19 and the new requirements.

The legislation also raises the standard for rejecting a vote-by-mail ballot by requiring local election authorities to appoint a bipartisan panel of three election judges to verify voters’ signatures and the validity of the ballot. Previously, only one election judge made this determination.

Also per the new laws, permanent branch polling places are required to be open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekends and holidays for early voting. Curb-side voting, allowing voters to fill out the ballot outside of the polling place, will also be permitted.

Completed vote-by-mail ballots can be returned at new collection sites, which HB 2238 requires to be locked and opened only by election authorities.

The legislation also requires local election authorities to establish a central voting site where anyone who lives in the jurisdiction can vote, regardless of precinct.

The new laws take effect immediately and only apply to the 2020 general election.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government and distributed to more than 400 newspapers statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

Across1. Subsistence salary (2 wds)11. “God’s Little ___”15. Against U.S. interests16. Julie ___, “Big Brother” host17. Rascality18. Abound19. Elephant’s weight, maybe20. Choppers, so to speak21. Jungle climber22. Regrets24. Kind of approval from federal agency (acronym)25. Appoints summarily26. Gauge28. Transistor radios, shortened30. Strong sexual desire, var. spelling31. Existence32. “... ___ he drove out of sight”33. A fisherman may spin one35. “Buona ___” (Italian greeting)37. Fraternity letters40. Bait42. Gastric woe46. Enumeration follower (2 wds)48. Crackers49. Person serving time50. “Casablanca” pianist52. Cutlass, e.g.53. Contemptuous look54. Trounces56. Away57. ___-friendly

58. British breed of large draft animal (2 wds)60. Double-decker checker61. Device regulating indoor air mositure62. “... or ___!”63. Earthquakes’ origins

Down1. Occurring every five years2. Utilizing a group’s own staff or resources (hyphenated)3. Most conceited4. International Monetary Fund (acronym)5. Remaining after all deductions (var. spelling)6. Deep mental anguish (pl.)7. Entertained, in a way8. Film material9. Cut10. “Star Trek” rank: Abbr.11. Director’s cry12. Inexpensive item13. Come in again14. All together21. Lengthy period of time (2 wds)23. The Amish, e.g.25. Punish, in a way27. Destroy29. Acclivity31. Den denizen34. Bad look36. “Not to mention ...”37. Button-like,

carved figure on kimono sash38. Part of a place setting39. Mesh window insertions41. Very thinly sliced raw fish43. Energy value of food44. Consumer (2 wds)45. Those who repose for a while47. Arise48. Hold back51. Containing trivalent gold54. Trounce55. Climb58. “___ Cried” (1962 Jay and the Americans hit)59. “How ___ Has the Banshee Cried” (Thomas Moore poem)


Real Estate

LEGAL NOTICESForeclosures

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 17TH JUDICIAL CIRCUITBOONE COUNTY, BELVIDERE, ILLINOIS

MIDFIRST BANK PLAINTIFF,-vs- NO. 20 CH 20LEON PATNAUDE A/K/A LEON E. PATNAUDE; MICHELLE PATNAUDE; MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC.; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORDCLAIMANTS; UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS DEFENDANTS

PUBLICATION NOTICEThe requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given you Michelle Patnaude; Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants; Unknown Occupants. Defendants in the above entitled suit, that the said suit has been commenced in the Circuit Court of Boone County, by the said Plaintiff against you and other defendants, praying for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premisesdescribed as follows, to wit:LOT 6 IN BLOCK 12, EXCEPTING THE EASTERLY 3 FEET OF EVEN WIDTH THEREOF, IN THE VILLAGE OF CAPRON, BOONE COUNTY, ILLINOIS ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED 06/11/1862 IN BOOK X OF DEEDS AT PAGE 119. SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF BOONE AND STATE OF ILLINOIS.Commonly known as 225 East Ogden Street, Capron, IL 61012Permanent Index No.: 04-11-134-007 and which said Mortgage was made by Leon Patnaude and Michelle Patnaude Mortgagors, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as Nominee for GSF Mortgage Corporation as Mortgagee, and recorded in the office of the Recorder ofDeeds of Boone County, Illinois, Document No. 05R06751. And for other relief; that summons was duly issued out of the said Court against you as provided by law, and that the suit is now pending. Now therefore, unless you, the said above named defendants, e-file your answer to the Complaint in the said suit or otherwise make your appearance therein, on or before the 30th day after the first publication of this notice which is July 13, 2020. Default may be entered against you at any time after that day and a judgment entered in accordance with the prayer of said Complaint. E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions. To e-file, you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider. Visit https://efile.illinoiscourts.gov/service-providers.htm to learn more and to select a service provider. If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/FAQ/gethelp.asp, or talk with your local circuit clerk’s office.ClerkShapiro Kreisman & Associates, LLCAttorney for Plaintiff2121 Waukegan Road, Suite 301Bannockburn, IL 60015(847) [email protected] IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IF YOUR PERSONAL LIABILITY FOR THIS DEBT HAS BEEN EXTINGUISHED BY A DISCHARGE IN BANKRUPTCY OR BY AN ORDER GRANTING IN REM RELIEF FROM STAY, THIS NOTICE IS PROVIDED SOLELY TO FORECLOSE THE MORTGAGE REMAINING ON YOUR PROPERTY AND IS NOT AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT THE DISCHARGED PERSONAL OBLIGATION.Published In The Boone County Journal June 12, 19, 26

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTEENTHJUDICIAL CIRCUIT

BOONE COUNTY, ILLINOISMIDFIRST BANK Plaintiff,-v.- 19 CH 93MICHAEL J. STOESSER Defendant

NOTICE OF SALEPUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of

Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 10, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 1:00 PM on July 15, 2020, at the NLT Title L.L.C, 530 S. State, Suite 201 (Logan Avenue entrance), Belvidere, IL, 61008, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 528 RIVER DRIVE, BELVIDERE, IL 61008Property Index No. 05-26-455-011The real estate is improved with a single family residence.The judgment amount was $106,501.94.Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close

of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required


BOONE COUNTY, ILLINOISMIDFIRST BANK Plaintiff,-v.- 19 CH 134ANTHONY B. ENOS Defendant

NOTICE OF SALEPUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment

of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 10, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 1:00 PM on July 17, 2020, at the NLT Title L.L.C, 530 S. State, Suite 201 (Logan Avenue entrance), Belvidere, IL, 61008, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 201 SOUTH STATE STREET, POPLAR GROVE, IL 61065

Property Index No. 03-24-282-008The real estate is improved with a single family residence.The judgment amount was $88,737.55.Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the

close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.



If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, The sales clerk, SHAPIRO KREISMAN & ASSOCIATES, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301, Bannockburn, IL, 60015 (847) 291-1717 For information call between the hours of 1pm - 3pm.. Please refer to file number 19-091801.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATIONOne South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312)

236-SALEYou can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for

a 7 day status report of pending sales.SHAPIRO KREISMAN & ASSOCIATES, LLC2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301Bannockburn IL, 60015847-291-1717E-Mail: [email protected] Attorney File No. 19-091801Case Number: 19 CH 134TJSC#: 40-1818NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you

are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Published in The Boone County Journal June 19, 26, July 3


BOONE COUNTY, ILLINOISMIDFIRST BANK Plaintiff,-v.- 19 CH 93MICHAEL J. STOESSER Defendant

NOTICE OF SALEPUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of


BOONE COUNTY, ILLINOISMIDFIRST BANK Plaintiff,-v.- 19 CH 134ANTHONY B. ENOS Defendant

NOTICE OF SALEPUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment

of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 10, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 1:00 PM on July 17, 2020, at the NLT Title L.L.C, 530 S. State, Suite 201 (Logan Avenue entrance), Belvidere, IL, 61008, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

COMMENCING AT A POINT ON RANGE LINE, 410 LINKS NORTH OF THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 24, IN TOWNSHIP 45 NORTH, RANGE 3, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN; RUNNING THENCE NORTH, 90 LINKS; THENCE WEST, 250 LINKS; THENCE SOUTH, 90 LINKS; THENCE EAST 250 LINKS TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING, ALL BEING IN SAID SECTION 24, IN BOONE COUNTY, ILLINOIS. SITUATED IN BOONE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

Commonly known as 201 SOUTH STATE STREET, POPLAR GROVE, IL 61065

Property Index No. 03-24-282-008The real estate is improved with a single family residence.The judgment amount was $88,737.55.Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the

close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.











Published in The Boone County Journal June 19, 26, July 3

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE

THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.







.Published in The Boone County Journal June 19, 26, July 3

Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 10, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 1:00 PM on July 15, 2020, at the NLT Title L.L.C, 530 S. State, Suite 201 (Logan Avenue entrance), Belvidere, IL, 61008, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

LOT TWELVE (12) IN BLOCK TWO (2) OF RIVERVIEW, AS PLATTED AND RECORDED IN THE RECORDER’S OFFICE OF BOONE COUNTY, ILLINOIS, IN BOOK TWO (2) OF PLATS AT PAGE 29; SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF BOONE AND THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.

Commonly known as 528 RIVER DRIVE, BELVIDERE, IL 61008Property Index No. 05-26-455-011The real estate is improved with a single family residence.The judgment amount was $106,501.94.Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close

of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.











.Published in The Boone County Journal June 19, 26, July 3


Assumed NamesPublic Notices

LEGAL NOTICES

A Public Notice is an important tool in assuring an informed citizenry; a conduit of information from the government to the public. Notices are mandated by legislatures to make sure there is a public window into the activities of governments, officers of the court and others holding a public trust. Among the most common types of public notices are: hearings, government budgets, notices of contract bids, foreclosures, probate notices, adoptions, and dissolution of marriages, name changes and assumed business names. There are four key elements to a public notice:

Independent: A public notice is published in a forum independent of the government, typically in a local newspaper.

Archivable: A public notice is archived in a secure and publicly available format.

Accessible: A public notice is capable of being accessed by all segments of society.

Verifiable:The public and the source of the notice can verify the notice was published, usually by an affidavit provided by the publisher.

Enabling an informed citizenry through newspaper public notices helped America to develop participatory democracy where it counts: where money is spent, policy is made and futures charted. Public notices by government and private parties are so tightly woven into the American fabric that many citizens may take them for granted. Located in easily found sections of the newspapers, public notices reach out to interested readers, leading them to opportunities. Voices are expressed on taxation, communities are formed around planned public improvements, and assets are saved from loss to unworthy creditors – all as a result of public notices.

Public Notice Network

STATE OF ILLINOISIN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 17TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

BOONE COUNTYIn the Matter of the Estate of William L. Lockhart, deceasedCase No. 2020 – P – 38

CLAIM NOTICENOTICE is given of the death of William L. Lockhart. Letters of

Office were issued on May 26, 2020 to David Lockhart, 12568 Tweed Drive, Loves Park, Illinois 61111, who is the Independent Executor of the estate. The attorney for the estate is Burkhard Geissler, Geissler Law Office, P.C., 6845 Weaver Rd., Suite 100, Rockford, Illinois 61114.

Claims against the estate must be filed in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court or with the representative, or both, on or before December 10, 2020, which date is not less than 6 months from the date of the first publication of this Notice and any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of any claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it is filed.

E-filing is mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions. To e-file, you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider. Visit https://efile.illinoiscourts.gov/service-providers.htm to learn more and to select a service provider.

Dated: May 28, 2020/s/ David Lockhart Burkhard Geissler ARDC - #0930601Geissler Law Office, P.C.6845 Weaver Rd., #100Rockford, IL 61114(815) [email protected]

Published in the Boone County Journal June 5, 12, 19


COUNTY OF BOONE PROBATE DIVISION

In the Matter of the Estate of THOMAS J. KENNY, Deceased.No. 2020-P-39 CLAIM NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of THOMAS J. KENNY, Belvidere, Illinois. Letters of Office were issued on May 27, 2020 to JACQUELINE HOULE, as Independent Executor whose attorneys are WILLIAMS McCARTHY LLP, 120 W. State St., P.O. Box 219, Rockford, IL 61105.

The estate will be administered without court supervision, unless under Section 28-4 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/28-4) any interested person terminates independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Clerk.

Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Court, Winnebago County Courthouse, Room 108, 400 W. State St., Rockford, IL 61101 or with the representative, or both, on or before December 7, 2020, or within 3 months from the date of mailing or delivery of notice to creditors, if mailing or delivery is required by Section 18-3 of the Probate Act, whichever date is later. Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.

JACQUELINE HOULE Independent Executor

Published in the Boone County Journal June 5, 12, 19


COUNTY OF BOONE PROBATE DIVISION

In the Matter of the Estate of JENNIFER L. VALDEZ, Deceased. No. 2020-P-43

CLAIM NOTICENotice is given of the death of JENNIFER L. VALDEZ, Caledonia,

Illinois. Letters of Office were issued on June 8, 2020 to MICHAEL R. PETERSON, as Independent Administrator whose attorneys are WILLIAMS McCARTHY LLP, 120 W. State St., P.O. Box 219, Rockford, IL 61105.

The estate will be administered without court supervision, unless under Section 28-4 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/28-4) any interested person terminates independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Clerk.

Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Court, Boone County Courthouse, 601 N Main St, Belvidere, IL 61008 or with the representative, or both, on or before December 14, 2020, or within 3 months from the date of mailing or delivery of notice to creditors, if mailing or delivery is required by Section 18-3 of the Probate Act, whichever date is later. Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed. MICHAEL R. PETERSON Independent AdministratorPublished In The Boone County Journal June 12, 19, 26

ROOM FOR RENT: Belvidere: Nice furnished room w/ fridge, near downtown, bus stop, Aldi, Drug & Dollar Stores. No Sec. Deposit. $102/wk. or $430/mo.

Call (815) 544-4466

For SALE: General Steel Pole Building, new, three sided, 22’ W x 70’ L x 20’8” H, Side single slope w/2:12 pitch. One 14’W x 14’H framed opening and one 10’ W x 10’H framed opening with heavy duty doors. Asking $29,000.

Call 815-569-1571 for more information.

Interested in Boone County?

Don’t Miss the News

The Boone County Journal

Online $12.99 a yearIncludes Searchable Archive

www.boonecountyjournal.com

Publisher/Editor David C. Larson Senior Writer Charles Herbst Editorial Charles Herbst Reporter Sofi Zeman Advertising Manager Dena Roethler Photography Susan Moran


Est. 1996






PUBLIC NOTICE: Notice of Intent to enforce mechanic’s lien pursuant to Chapter 770 ICLS 50/3 et seq to: Lisa M. Castillo and Citizens Finance, 2013 Nissan Rogue, VIN: JN8ASSMTXDW518317, for the amount of due and owing $1,700.00. To be sold at a public sale on July 20, 2020 at 10:00 AM, at State Street Auto Rebuilders, 420 Fairview Street, Belvidere, IL 61008, 815-544-7013

Published In The Boone County Journal June 19

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that at 8:00 PM, on June 30, 2020 a PUBLIC HEARING will be held at 19760 Harnish Road for the purpose of considering the proposed budget, levy, and appropriation ordinances of the Manchester Rural Fire Protection District #5.

The proposed budget and ordinances will be on file and conveniently available to public inspection at said hearing.

The financial audit of Fire District #5 will also be APPROVED.Joel NussbaumSecretary of ManchesterRural Fire ProtectionDistrict #5

Published In The Boone County Journal June 19

PUBLIC NOTICEIN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTEENTH JUDICIAL

CIRCUIT, BOONE COUNTY, ILLINOIS, Case No. 2017TX2, Clearleaf Short Alternative Fund LP.

To: Mary E. Nepermann; Occupants of; Washington Mutual Bank; Integrity Investment Fund, LLC; Boone County Clerk; and all other persons/entities UNKNOWN having or claiming any right, interest or title in the following described real estate:

25-44-4 PT SW SW-BEG 165’ N & 264’ E SW COR E 70.45’ N 164.71’ W 69.83’ S TO POB PER 93-11745, Boone County, Illinois.

Permanent Index No. 06-25-300-026On June 4, 2020, Clearleaf Short Alternative Fund LP filed a

Petition for Order of Tax Deed. The object of the plaintiff’s petition is to foreclose on the Tax Sale Certificate No. 2016-00227 for the delinquent taxes on real estate described above which was issued by the Boone County Treasurer on October 26, 2017. The taxes due under the certificate are for the 2016 tax year. The petition asks the court to direct the county clerk to issue a tax deed if the property is not redeemed from the sale on or before October 26, 2020, and that Petitioner, as grantee of tax deed be put in possession of said parcel of real estate. The Petition for Order of Tax Deed will be brought before the Boone County Circuit Court on November 19, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. in Courtroom 4. If you fail to redeem, the court may enter a judgment for the relief demanded in the petition.

Clearleaf Short Alternative Fund LP, PetitionerStuart E. Morgenstern, #6275553Attorney for Petitioner1 W. Laurel StreetPinckneyville, Illinois 62274(618)357-5315

Published In The Boone County Journal June 19, 26, July 3

ASSUMED NAME CERTIFICATE OF INTENTIONState of Illinois County of Boone) ss This is to certify that the

undersigned intend…to conduct and transact a hauling service business in said County and State under the name of A&A Trucking at the following addresses 1538 Maryland Ct. Belvidere, IL 61008 and that the true and real full names of all persons owning, conducting or transacting such business, with the respective residence address of each, are as follows: NAME AND ADDRESS OF RESIDENCE: Antonio Ramos 1538 Maryland Ct. Belvidere, IL 61008 phone 779-300-4967. Signed: Antonio Ramos 6/16/2020 Subscribed and sworn (or affirmed) to before me, this 16th day of June 2020.

Julie A. Stapler, County Clerk, By Giselle R Lenover, DeputyPublished in the Boone County Journal 06/19, 26 July 3

Service Call Special $19.95

815-332-7228

Servicing all makes and

modelsOver

30 years experience


Publisher/Editor David C. Larson Senior Writer Charles Herbst Editorial Charles Herbst Reporter Sofi Zeman Advertising Manager Dena Roethler Photography Susan Moran


Est. 1996






Community NewsAlcoholics Anonymous 12-step groups have

moved their meetings to Zoom - Although there are in-person meetings that continue in the area and they are following the guidelines provided by the Winnebago County Department of Public Health, many of the members of A.A. are choosing to practice safe social distancing by attending meetings online.

A list of Zoom meetings can be found on our websites and members of the community who are struggling with a substance abuse or drinking problem can find help 24/7 by visiting: www.rockfordaa.org and www.district70aa.org or by calling 815-968-0333. Sober members of AA are available to take calls and provide guidance around the clock.

Burpee Museum offers FREE Virtual Reality Field Trips - Thanks to generous community support and donations from foundations and individuals, we are pleased to offer a limited number of virtual field trips at NO COST to school groups this spring! Using the teacher’s choice of a simple web browser, students will enter the “museum” through their home devices. Clicking on the floor, students can “walk” the 360-degree virtual reality environment and click on “hot spots” for additional activities, videos, and more. Burpee will have a live stream with the class to complete a 30-45-minute field trip. Please contact [email protected] for more to reserve your spot while supplies last. For more information see Burpee.org or email [email protected]

Community Building Complex Finance, Rules & Regulations and Building & Grounds Committee Meeting: Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at 11:45 a.m. at The Steam Plant Restaurant.

History’s Mysteries- Mini Camps Beginning Tuesday, July 7th. This year as an alternative to the week-long History’s Mysteries Camp, Midway Village Museum is offering a program in 2020 specifically geared towards grade-school children. Your child will engage in structured fun and learning in a two-hour experience on Tuesday mornings July and August. Your child will learn history concepts geared to their age, while also gaining new friends, developing social skills in a new environment, and take home projects to talk about with you to reinforce the concepts learned during the morning. Ages requirement: Kindergarten through Fifth grade Registration and payment online at https://tinyurl.com/minidaycamp.

Community Building Complex Committee Regular Board Meeting: Thursday July 16, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. in the Community Building Board Room.

Rock House Kids To Hold 2nd Annual Rummage Sale – Rock House Kids, a safe haven for inner-city kids ages 6-18, is being sponsored with a large Rummage Sale by fellow volunteer Cathy Slothower on Friday, June 26 & Saturday, June 27 at 1802 Santa Monica Drive, Rockford, IL 61108 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM both days. 100% of the proceeds will go directly to Rock House Kids.

Governor Signs Budget, Touts Spending of Federal Funds on Child Care

Financial uncertainty still swirls as COVID-19 continues to impact tax revenues

by Jerry Nowicki Capitol News IllinoisGov. JB Pritzker signed a state budget for

fiscal year 2021 Wednesday, but there is no more financial clarity now than there was when lawmakers passed the measure last month.

The $42.9 billion operating budget relies upon borrowing up to $5 billion from the federal government, which would be necessary if Congress does not pass any laws providing extra funding for states amid revenue shortfalls stemming from the novel coronavirus pandemic. The budget includes repayment of $1.6 billion in borrowing to cover shortfalls in the current fiscal year budget due to the pandemic.

According to the May report of the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, or CoGFA, the revenue estimates for the upcoming fiscal year beginning July 1 are $37.6 billion if a graduated income tax constitutional amendment passes. That figure drops to $36.4 billion if voters do not approve the change to Illinois’ tax structure.

If voters approve the graduated income tax amendment in November, the rates — which would shift to charge those earning more than $250,000 annually a higher income tax rate — are estimated to generate about $1.2 billion, according to CoGFA. If the public health crisis had not hit, that number would be $286 million higher.

Sales tax estimates were revised downward from March to May by nearly $1.5 billion, to $7.5 billion total for fiscal year 2021.

In a press release, the governor’s office emphasized that the spending plan “maintains funding for critical programs, such as education, health care and human services.”

Funding will remain level from the current year for K-12 education, community colleges and public universities.

“The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the enormous role government plays in keeping communities safe and providing the tools people need to build better lives,” Pritzker said in a statement Wednesday. “While the pandemic has had a devastating impact on our state revenues, investing in our people will allow the state to rebound and recover from this pandemic as we safely re-open. I will continue to advocate for a national program to support state and local governments to make up the difference in the revenues that fund vital services like hospitals and salaries for teachers and first responders.”

According to the governor’s office, more than $5 billion in federal aid — including funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and

care providers, the governor said at an event in Moline Wednesday.

“And here’s the best part,” Pritzker said at the event. “Because there’s no blueprint for this kind of program, we’re asking providers to tell us how to design the approach that best helps them reopen safely with smaller group sizes, without imposing large tuition increases on families.”

Illinois’ Coronavirus Urgent Remediation Emergency, or CURE, Fund distributes CARES Act dollars, including Business Interruption Grants specifically designed to support businesses that endure lost revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Human Services, is charged with developing the grant program for licensed childcare providers. The Child Care Restoration Grants will be administered by the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, or INCCRRA.

An “Intent to Apply” survey also launched Wednesday to gather information for the development of the grants program, and money is to be released in July. Providers are asked to respond to the survey by 5 p.m. June 19. More information is available at inccrra.org or by clicking here.

Other CARES Act disbursements from the CURE Fund and Local CURE Fund for local governments include: $636 million for small business/child care centers assistance; $458 million for household and community support programs; $830 million for health care providers for pandemic-related stability payments; $250 million to local governments for reimbursements of COVID-19 related costs; and $1.5 billion for state agency COVID-19 related expenses.

The governor’s office also said the budget includes “reductions of operations appropriations of $200 million and another $140 million in transportation funds at the Department of Transportation from the governor’s introduced levels.” Some of those savings is the result of “a continued partial hiring freeze and restricted operations expenditures,” according to the office.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government and distributed to more than 400 newspapers statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

Economic Security, or CARES, Act — will be directed to public health, social services, small businesses, local governments and households, including funding earmarked for c o m m u n i t i e s disproport ionately impacted by COVID-19.

That includes $270 million in CARES Act funding to supporting child

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