Parks Our Town for 2022

OUR TOWN

Machesney Park

Mayor Greg Jury

0% Municipal Property Tax

7 TIF Districts ( 4 conventional, 3 industrial / job recovery)

Enterprise Zone Partnership – In partnership with the State of Illinois – all new construction in Loves Park has its sales tax forgiven for fixed materials.

Business Friendly Development Process – expedited service starting with the conception of your project to its ribbon cutting. From zoning to planning to the final inspection – Loves Park works for business.

Convenient Position in the Heart of the Midwest. Located on the longest interstate in the country, I-90, Loves Park is just 60 minutes to Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD), 75 minutes to Milwaukee Mitchell Airport (MKE), just 50 minutes from Downtown Madison, WI – and 15 minutes from Rockford-Chicago International Airport (RFD) – the fastest growing cargo airport in the world.

Machesney Park

300 Roosevelt Road

Machesney Park, IL 61115

Office: 815-877-5432

Hours: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Meetings are held the first and third Mondays at 6 p.m. at Village Hall

Village Officials

Village President, Steve Johnson

Village Clerk, Robin Snodgrass

Village Treasurer, Deborah L. Alms

Village Administrator, James Richter II

Machesney Park Division –

Winnebago County Sheriff Dept

Non-Emergency… 815-282-2600

Harlem/Roscoe Fire… 815-623-7867

North Park Fire… 815-636-3051

North Park Water… 815-633-5461

Rock River Disposal… 815-965-2489

Machesney Park - Early Settlement dates back to 1830s

The area that is presently known as Machesney Park was first settled when large areas of Northern Illinois were opened for settlement in the early 1830’s, after the end of the Black Hawk War.

When the “township” form of government was first instituted, the majority of what is now known as Machesney Park was located within Harlem Township. The early Dutch settlers chose the name Harlem to remind them of the Netherlands. Early settlers were relatively few in number and farmed large tracts of land.

Residential development began to grow in the early 20th century and started to boom in the 1920’s. During this time, the Harlem Consolidated School District was formed to serve the educational needs of the growing community.

One of the community’s symbols in the early days was the Machesney Airport, founded in 1927 by barnstormer/ aviator Fred Machesney. The airport was located where the Machesney Park Town Center, formerly the Machesney Park Mall, stands today along the original Main St. which is now N. Second Street or IL-251.

The airfield was Rockford’s main airport until the 1950s, when the Greater Rockford Airport opened its doors. In 1928, a famous flight from Rockford to Sweden took off from the airport/field. The attempt failed as the two pilots crashed in Greenland, however, they were safely rescued after an exhausting search.

Machesney Park Village Hall

300 Roosevelt Road

(815) 877-5432 | machesneypark.org

Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Steve Johnson Village President Robin Snodgrass Village Clerk

Mayor Steve Johnson

Field of Honor

Located in Ar thur W. Anderson Peace Park near the Loves Park City Hall, the Field of Honor was conceived by Mr. Anderson as a memorial to honor veterans who served in the five wars of the 20th century. Five vertical columns and eight resin-composite life-sized statues are set before a series of 40 American flags. A small column honors civilian contributions to the war efforts. Christopher Bennett of Keosauqua, Iowa, is the artist. Designed by Gene Horvath with landscape design by John R. Cook & Associates.

It’s maintained by the Rockford Park District and was dedicated Nov. 10, 1995.

N

City of Loves Park from its beginning

The first record of ownership of the land that is now Loves Park shows Widow Strawn as having purchased 470 acres for $1,800. In 1897 she sold 236 acres to Francis and Margaret Weldon who farmed their acreage and used a portion of it for outings of Rockford’s Beefsteak Club.

The Park became known as Love’s Grove after 1901 when Rockford industrialist and civic leader Malcolm Love purchased the 236-acre tract of land along the Rock River from the Weldon Family. Malcolm Love was a civic leader who had

once been an alderman in Rockford. Love’s property served as a gathering place for social events for several of his industrialist friends and became known as Love’s Park. Love’s Park also became a poplar excursion destination for those cruising the Rock River. A railroad soon cut through the area, and population boomed.

Records show that the transition from farmland to residential lots began in 1909 when Love sold a tract, which became Eastwood and Stockburger’s first 95-lot subdivision. But they weren’t thinking in

Loves Park officials

Mayor, Greg Jury 815-654-5030

City Clerk, Robert Burden 815-654-5034

City Treasurer, John Danielson

Greg Jury

Director of Community Development, Steve Thompson 815-654-5033

City of Loves Park 100 Heart Boulevard Loves Park, IL 61111 Office: 815-654-5030, Fax: 815-633-2359

Loves Park Police Department 815-654-5015

Loves Park Dr. Loves Park Police Chief Chuck Lynde

Loves Park Fire Department Non-emergency number 815-654-5049

1535 Windsor Road Chief Jerry Wiltfang

Water Department 815-877-1421

terms of building a city... in fact they laid out large lots suitable for garden plots and chicken houses and called them “chicken farms.” Purchasers of the first lots used them in exactly the manner the developers envisioned.

The 1920’s roared in bringing business and industry including a newspaper and a gas station. The 20’s crept away leaving behind financial problems. An annexation to Rockford was resisted and the non-city took on more and more city attributes.

Again in 1927 and 1939 the community considered annexation to Rockford and again said no. In the early ‘40s other concerns took precedence. But the city was ready for self-government and incorporated as the City of Loves Park in 1947 with 4,500 residents and a municipal government of 8 aldermen and Mayor Homer E. Burton. From 1947-1949, a fire department, police department, and city hall were established with the help of volunteer contributions. The commercial and industrial sector continued to rise throughout this period, and the Parkside Citizen, a biweekly “news sheet,” addressed the new development and city issues.

By that time there was no question that the new city’s name should be Loves Park... the only question was whether or not to use the apostrophe. The voters decided to drop it... and Loves Park it became.

Robert Burden

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday City Council meetings are held each Monday at 6 p.m. at City Hall

Street Department 815-654-5040

Public Works 815-654-5033

The 1950s brought modern growth to Loves Park. The city became a fully functional community, with a variety of amenities including a train station, grocery stores, and food markets, a library, churches, restaurants, and gas stations.

JESSE FOX PHOTO

Town

North Park Fire serving Machesney Park

The North Park Fire Protection District provides fire, rescue, hazard, and emergency medical services to portions of Machesney Park and unincorporated Winnebago County, Illinois.

The District serves approximately 18,000 residents covering 15 square miles of suburban residential, commercial, and light industrial occupancies. The district encompasses approximately two miles of the Rock River along with major thoroughfares such as Interstate 39/90 (the Jane Adams Memorial Tollway) and Illinois Route 251.

The District includes 6,500 households, 200 commercial structures and six public schools. The department responds to an average of 1,500 calls for service each year.

The North Park Fire Department

is comprised of approximately 50 personnel including one full-time fire chief, a part-time administrative assistant, and a combination of part-time and volunteer firefighters. The district is served by three fire stations housing a total of four front-line engines, including one capable of providing urban-wildland interface, one aerial truck, three squads, three command vehicles, one utility vehicle and one boat.

The North Park Fire Department is a member of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System Division 8 along with 23 other area fire departments, providing apparatus and personnel during largescale emergencies.

For any information that has not yet been posted, including FOIA, please contact our administration office by emailing anytime npfd@npfpd.org or by calling 815-636-3051 (MondayThursday 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.).

Joel Hallstrom, Chief Brian Kunce, Deputy Chief Keith McDonald, Deputy Chief Ted Berger, Deputy Chief Kevin Briggs, Deputy Chief

Harlem-Roscoe Fire serving northern Machesney Park

The HarlemRoscoe Fire Protection District boundaries are irregular in shape due to the annexation of some of the district into cities. However, Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District is still one of the largest districts in the county.

The boundaries are Stateline Road to the north, Dorr Road and Old River Road to the west, County Line Road to the east, and Gladys Road in Machesney Park to the south plus the town of Argyle. The department is also under contract to service the western half of Manchester Township

Radio Frequencies

TAC #1 - 155.4375 & 158.8125

Scanner - 155.435

TAC #2 - 153.830

County Fire - 154.370

M.A.B.A.S. - 154.26

Loves Park Fire Department: Serving the city since 1947

As promised during the July 7, 1947, City Council meeting, Mayor Burton and the Police and Fire Committee immediately began organizing the Loves Park Fire Department. Sept. 2, 1947, the Mayor appointed Roy E. York as the first Fire/ Police Chief for the City of Loves Park.

The Loves Park Fire Department originally was organized as an all-volunteer force with 11 charter members.

In 2018, Jerry Wiltfang became Chief of the Loves Park Fire Department and discovered the department was in dire need of change. Several meetings with City Council, the City opted to start full-time staffing and hired its first six full-time paid firefighters.

March of 2019, recognizing the need for enhanced EMS services, the department started its first 24/7 ambulance and in February 2020, started a second. Currently the department operates with 18 full-time line personnel (16 part-time) and six fulltime daily staff (two part-time).

On Sept. 27, 2022, the LPFD announced the opening of a new East side station located at 5180 Rock Valley Parkway, located behind Carlson Ice Arena.

Insurance Ratings

March 1, 2015, HRFDs new protection class went into effect.

For those of you that live in our fire district that has hydrants, our rating improved from a class 5 to a class 3.

For those who live in rural areas of our fire protection district without hydrants, but within 5 miles of our fire station, our rating improved from a class 7 to a class 5.

Mailing address for all three stations: P.O. Box 450 Roscoe IL Fire Station Locations

Station One -10544 Main St. Roscoe, Ill. Station Two - 825 Ralston Road, Machesney Park, Ill.

Station Three - 13974 Willowbrook Road, Roscoe Ill.

Contact Information

EMERGENCY - DIAL 911 Administration - 815-623-7867 Email - hrfdinfo@gmail.com Newsletter - hrfdsdrost@gmail.com

Hours of operation: Administration offices - MondayFriday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This was an existing building that has been remodeled to fit the needs of the Fire Department.

“This location will give the Department a much-needed presence on the East side of Loves Park. It will cut our response time in this area by 1/3,” Chief Wiltfang said.

This project was funded through the Federal American Rescue Plan. Housed at this location will be an ambulance and a Quint.

A building dedication and open house took place Sept. 27.

The City of Loves Park will continue to operate two stations, the one on Rock Valley Parkway and the second at 1527 Windsor Road.

The Grand Avenue station was built in 1947 and was originally the Loves Park City Hall. This station location does not allow for the growth of the department or the ability to house new equipment. Therefore, this location will close as a fire department and be utilized by the City of Loves Park public works.

Jerry Wiltfang

Joel Hallstrom

Fire Chief Shoevlin

Harlem-Roscoe Fire

Loves Park Lions Club

Whenever Loves Park Lions Club gets together, problems

smaller and our communities get better. That’s because

help where help is needed right here in Loves Park and Machesney Park with unmatched integrity and energy.

welcome new members to join in our support of the Center for Sight and Hearing, Diabetes Awareness and other local Lions Club activities.

meet the 1st Wednesday of each month

Noon

Park City Hall, 100 Heart Blvd., Loves Park

Loves Park Police: Ready to protect and serve

The Loves Park Police Department is a full service law enforcement agency, located at 540 Loves Park Dr. The department is made up of 41 sworn law enforcement officers and four civilian support staff.

The men and women of the department provide 24-hour police protection and services to the 23,996 citizens, of the City of Loves Park, and the countless visitors and commuters each day. Loves Park is located in the center of Winnebago County, which is home to over 295,200 residents.

The department is comprised of service areas, which include administration, patrol, investigations, narcotics, FBI violent crimes task force, K-9 Teams, mental health crisis coresponder team, school resource officer, regional crime deterrence, and Crime Stoppers. It is the mission of the police department to enhance the quality of life in our community, for all who live, work, and/or visit.

Chief of Police Mike McCammond leads the police department. Chief McCammond was hired as a patrol officer in June of 1999. He worked in the patrol division and was promoted to sergeant in February of 2012.

In June of 2013, Chief McCammond was transferred to investigations and worked in the detective bureau, until 2014, when he moved to the

LOVES

Loves Park had one more great aspect that brought in residents –the lack of a municipal property tax.

Still true today, the city is known as a great place to live with a substantially low cost-ofliving. Loves Park provides all of the amenities a community needs through the collection of sales tax within the commercial sector. In the 1950s, the Loves Park Toll Bridge, which crossed the Rock River at Riverside Boulevard and linked the city to Rockford, was built as a symbol of the growth

administrative division. Chief McCammond was promoted to Deputy Chief in August of 2014 and worked in both operations and administration, until being promoted to Chief of Police in March of 2022.

In addition, Chief McCammond holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, from Western Illinois University and a Master’s in Public Administration, from Columbia Southern University. He is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy, Session #268, and Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, Session #346.

Deputy Chief Shane Lynch has been with the department since 2000 and was promoted to Deputy Chief in September of 2016. Deputy Chief Lynch previously worked as a patrol officer, detective, and detective sergeant.

Deputy Chief Lynch oversees the operational needs of the department, which include patrol, detective bureau, and special operations. Deputy Chief Lynch is a graduate of St. Francis University and Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @LovesParkPolice or on Twitter @LovesParkPD.

Machesney Park Police: Working to keep you safe

The Village of Machesney Park has contracted its police services to the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Police since 1981. The Chief Policing Officer is Lieutenant Anthony Miceli The Machesney Park Police Division is comprised of 20 patrol officers.

Deputy Chief Anthony Miceli began his career as a corrections officer with the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department in 1997. He was sworn in as a patrol deputy in 2000, promoted to Sergeant in 2006, Lieutenant in 2016 before his promotion to Deputy Chief in 2021. Deputy Chief Miceli worked his way through the ranks and held various assignments within the Sheriff’s Department during his years of service.

Deputy Chief Miceli is currently the commander of the Machesney Park Police division of the Sheriff’s Department. He is in charge of the department’s special operations division which includes river and snow mobile patrols, forest preserve deputies and school resource deputies. Deputy Chief Miceli also runs the range and armory for the Sheriff’s Department.

Deputy Chief Miceli graduated with a Bachelor ’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Illinois State University. He also has an advanced supervisor degree from Northwestern University.

The deputies assigned to the Village perform all the duties that the Winnebago County Sheiff’s Office deputies perform, as well as enforcing Village ordinances.

On a daily basis patrol deputies are assigned to assist school crossing guards at the Village’s grade schools. This initiative is very popular and helps reduce the speed of vehicular traffic and assures the safety of the school age children.

In addition to the grade schools, a patrol deputy assists in the morning in the Harlem High School parking lot and does a “walk through” during on of the lunch periods.

and success of Loves Park. The tolls taken at the bridge provided revenue to pay for the bridge construction over a 40-year period, however, enough toll revenue was accumulated in only 12 years and the bridge construction was paid off early.

Another symbol of the success and prosperity of the Loves Park area was Kiddieland Park that opened in 1950 and closed in 1977. This small amusement park provided fun and entertainment for families, with carnival rides, rides for children and fun for all.

There are a few issues that residents should be aware of. Most car burglaries occur to unlocked vehicles. By simply removing noticeable property from sight and locking your car doors, you will greatly reduce your chances of this happening.

The probability of residential burglaries can be reduced by keeping exterior and interior lights on in your home. With no lights on, it is very apparent that there is nobody home, especially during the early evening hours. To assist in the prevention of residential burglaries, we are encouraging Neighborhood Watch Programs within the Village.

Please call 1-815-319-6500 if you would like to participate in this program.

Deputy Chief Anthony Miceli

Chief Mike Mccammond

Committee preserves memory of Harlem Village

One doesn’t have to look far to find the roots of the Parks area

Harlem Village occupied a tract of land at the northeast corner of Harlem and Forest Hills roads from 1859, when the railroad arrived, until 1937, when the railroad left.

A committee of 14 people, 13 with strong connections to the village, worked hard to be sure that little community isn’t forgotten.

A keystone blue granite monument, about 6-feet-by6-feet in size, has information inscribed on it about Harlem Village and its historical significance to the Parks area. The inscription is flanked on four corners by renderings of the two-room schoolhouse, grain elevator, grocery store and church.

There isn’t much left of the place about 150 people once called home.

In its heyday, Harlem Village, situated on two streets, Henry and Bluff, also had a post office in the grocery store, blacksmith’s shop, town hall and a stagecoach shop. All were built around the village’s only water well.

It grew into a small center of commerce, transportation, education, and worship, serving the surrounding, mostly agricultural, area.

That actually was Harlem Village’s second location. It originally settled a bit further west, at the intersection of Harlem and Alpine roads. It moved east to be on the new railroad line, with a depot built a short distance from the grain elevator.

In those days the Kenosha Rockford Railroad Line traveled from Rockford to Kenosha, Wis., with stops in Harlem Village, Caledonia and Harvard. Twelve trains a day served the village with mail, freight, and passenger service.

Harlem Methodist Church was the worship center though it was located a short distance to the west, next to Harlem Cemetery at the northeast corner of Harlem and Alpine roads, where it can be seen

today.

In addition to three houses that remain on the parcel the only other building original to Harlem Village is town hall, which was moved to Midway Village and Museum Center, on Guilford Road in Rockford. A cooperative effort

The village was annexed by the City of Loves Park in March 1982.

In 2013, Woodward Inc. purchased portions of the property as part of the $200 million project that now covers much of the land on the north side of Harlem Road, bordered

by Forest Hills and Perryville Roads and Zenith Parkway.

Loves Park City Clerk Bob Burden, chairman of the 14-member committee, said Woodward is enthusiastic about the memorial project and is supporting it financially. “They are great partners in this effort,” he said.

Committee member John Nelson, one of 11 former residents of Harlem Village, said the memorial project has been in the works for 40 years.

The village’s name came from Dutch settlers who relocated here from the Harlem

Harlem Methodist Church was the worship center of Harlem Village starting in the mid1850s. Known today as New Wine Harvest Church, the building remains at the northeast corner of Harlem and Alpine roads, next to Harlem Cemetery.

region of New York State, he said.

Another committee member, Patsy Peterson Board, still lives on the property, across from the house in which she was raised. She was baptized in the Methodist church and her uncle owned the grocery store.

In addition, her daughter resides in one of the remaining three houses.

All three are pleased to be part of this effort to preserve the memory of Harlem Village and to have Woodward as a partner.

FILE PHOTO Our Town

HARLEM SCHOOL DISTRICT: Dedicated to academic excellence

The Mission of the Harlem Consolidated School District, as a vital part of the community, is to help diverse learners realize their unlimited potential by providing an educational program dedicated to academic excellence and the development of strong character in a safe and respectful learning environment.

Fast facts about the Harlem School District

The Harlem School District was established in 1910 and serves the City of Loves Park, Machesney Park and southern Roscoe.

District Superintendent is Terrell Yarbrough. Enrollment is 6,566 students and there are 1,126 staff members.

HARLEM SCHOOLS

Harlem Consolidated School District No. 122

8605 N. 2nd St. Machesney Park 815-654-4500

Harlem High School

9229 N. Alpine Road Machesney Park 815-654-4511

Attendance Office 815-654-4560

Athletic Dept. 815-654-4578

Harlem 9th Grade Campus

1102 Evans Ave. Machesney Park 815-654-5484

Harlem Middle School

735 Windsor Road Loves Park 815-654-4510

Loves Park Elementary School 344 Grand Ave. Loves Park 815-654-4501

Machesney Elementary School

8615 N. Second St. Machesney Park 815-654-4509

Maple Elementary School

1405 Maple Ave. Loves Park 815-654-4502

Marquette Elementary School

8500 Victory Lane Machesney Park 815-654-4503

Olson Park School

1414 Minihan Dr. Loves Park 815-654-4504

Parker Early Learning Center

808 Harlem Road Loves Park 815-654-4559

Ralston Elementary School

710 Ralston Road

Machesney Park 815-654-4505

Rock Cut

Elementary School

7944 Forest Hills Road Loves Park 815-654-4506

Windsor Elementary School

935 Windsor Road Loves Park 815-654-4507

PAROCHIAL AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Boylan Central Catholic High School 4000 St. Francis Dr. Rockford 815-877-0531

Concordia Lutheran School

7424 N. Second St. Machesney Park 815-633-6450

Keith School

1 Jacoby Place Rockford 815-399-8823

Lutheran High School

3411 N. Alpine Road Rockford 815-877-9551

North Love

Christian School

5301 E. Riverside Blvd.

Loves Park 815-877-6021

St. Bridget School

604 Clifford Ave. Loves Park 815-633-8255

Harlem High School is home of the Harlem Huskies.

Town

Machesney Park offers retail shopping destinations

Illinois 173 corridor

Located along a 5-mile corridor on Highway 173 between Highway 251 east to the I-90 interchange, the Gateway District is a shopper’s paradise, offering national big box retailers, smaller boutique stores, financial institutions and restaurants.

Apparel stores include: Old Navy, Ross Dress for Less, Kohl’s, TJ Maxx, Rue 21, and Maurices.

Home improvement centers in Machesney Park include: Menard’s, Home Depot, and Lowe’s.

Route 173 is also home to Ulta Beauty, Hobby Lobby, Micheal’s, Target, Office Depot, Kay Jewelers and PetSmart.

Banking can be transacted at Heritage Credit Union, Blackhawk Bank, BMO Harris Bank, Illinois Bank & Trust, Northwest, and LinXus and Rock Valley Credit Union.

Additional retailers and service providers include: ATI Physical Therapy, Verizon Wireless, US Cellular, AT&T, Shopko Optical, U Break I Fix, All About Eyes, Fashion Brow, and Sally Beauty Supply.

Eateries include: Chili’s, Starbucks, Panera Bread, Jimmy John’s, Onyx Bar & Grill, Pizza Hut, Panda Express, Subway, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Jersey Mike’s, Tom & Jerry’s, Potbelly Sandwich Works, McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Arbys, Steak & Shake, KFC, Happy Wok, MOD Pizza, Pig Minds Brewing, Chick-fil-A and more.

Hamilton Center –633 Harlem Road

Located at the southeast corner of Highway 251 (N. 2nd St.) and Harlem Rd., this neighborhood strip center is home to a number of small retailers and restaurants including Alpine Bank, Family Dollar, Legend’s Sports Bar & Grill, Little Caesar’s Pizza and Robin’s Nest Cafe.

North Side Business District

– North Second Street at Forest Hills Road

Tractor Town, Napoli Pizza, Cataclysm Games, Fisher’s Electronics and Obsession Archery.

Rock Cut State Park offers outdoor fun for families

Chiseled out of the state’s far northern region is Rock Cut State Park in Winnebego County. Nearby are other “rocky” landmarks - the mighty Rock River and the place where wagons once forded it, Rockford. It’s an area of rolling plains, interesting history and recreational variety.

Two lakes set off the park’s 3,092 acres. Pierce Lake, with 162 acres, is a retreat for people wanting to fish, ice fish or ice skate. A second 50-acre Olson Lake is especially for swimmers.

Rounding out the park’s recreational options are camping, hiking, horseback trails and cross-country skiing. Whatever the season, you can be sure there’s quite a bit of activity going on at Rock Cut State Park.

Summer hours at the park (April–Oct.) are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; winter hours (NovemberMarch) are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The park’s present

Because water serves as a welcome mat to birds and animals, wildlife watchers to the area won’t be disappointed. Birders report good viewing, with waterfowl being abundant. Deer, fox, muskrat, woodchuck and beaver inhabit Rock Cut State Park as do opossum, raccoon and both gray and fox squirrel.

Over 100 types of wildflowers offer a showy display each spring and summer, while the hardwood trees dazzle you with their reds and golds every fall.

Trails

The trail system at Rock Cut offers opportunities for hiking (40 miles), mountain biking (23 miles), and equestrian (14 miles) and has been completely remarked. Trail users will find updated trail head/information signs at picnic areas and trail access points for trail information and regulations.

Only certain trails are designated for mountain biking and equestrian use and are identified by colored trail markers. Blue trails are for mountain biking and hiking, yellow trails are for equestrian and hiking and red trails are restricted to hiking only.

Trail activities have been divided into “summer and winter” seasons to provide quality seasonal programs. The “summer program” (mountain biking and equestrian) trails are open April 1 – Nov. 30. These regulations for mountain biking and equestrian use will be strictly enforced and violators are subject to fines.

The “winter program” provides for groomed cross-country trails as conditions permit. The groomed trails are best accessed at the Lions Club Picnic Area.

As a courtesy, hikers and snow shoers are asked to use other trails that have not been groomed for skiing. A winter trail guide is being developed to better describe the trails groomed for classical skiing and those groomed for freestyle/skating.

Rock Cut also offers access (at the Pierce Lake spillway) to the Willow Creek Bike Trail and Perryville Path, a paved trail system connecting the local communities of Loves Park and Rockford to Rock Cut State Park.

Camping

For those who want to include an overnight stay in their visit to Rock Cut, the park offers 28 Class A-Premium sites for reservation, 210 Class A-Premium sites and 60 Class B-Premium sites on a first-come first-serve basis.

There is also a primitive cabin available for reservation. It has electricity, but does not have water or plumbing facilities.

Open year round, the campgrounds provide water, electricity, sanitary dump stations, showers, toilets, a boat launch and playground equipment. Only electricity and pit toilets are available in the winter season. Equestrian camping is restricted to a site on Hart Road.

Groups of more than 25 persons need advance permission from the site superintendent before they can enter the park and all campers require a permit from park personnel. Alcohol is prohibited in the campground.

Fishing, boating

One of the park’s most popular activities is fishing. Pierce Lake - named for state Rep. William Pierce, of Rockford, who served in the legislature from 1951-1966, proposed the first land acquisition for the park in 1955.

The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, red-ear sunfish and channel catfish, as well as bullhead, northern pike, muskellunge and walleye. Pierce Lake will allow any size engine on the lake, however, engines over 10 hp can operate at No Wake speed only.

Paddle & Trail Bait Shop is open at Pierce Lake with Canoe, Kayak and boat rentals, they also have various types of bait

available. For more information and prices, call 815-885-4740.

Pierce lake also has docks and two launching ramps available. Olson Lake also offers excellent fishing. Carry on watercraft and electric motors only.

Hunting

The hunting program allows disabled hunters an opportunity to participate in a Department of Natural Resources program for managing the deer herd and turkey populations at Rock Cut State Park.

Swimming

Olson Lake Beach is open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, from noon to 7 p.m.

Entrance fee to the beach at Olson Lake is $5 for anyone over 4 feet, $2.50 for those shorter while children 3 and younger get in free. For additional information visit rockcutstatepark.net.

Picnicking, concession

Knowing that a visit to a state park is more fun when there’s food to be enjoyed, Rock Cut has picnic areas scattered throughout the park. Each is complete with tables, outdoor stoves, and pit toilets. Red Oak and Puri Crest have playgrounds.

Check out the newest addition, Lone Rock Cafe features wireless internet, a variety of food items and drinks including smoothies and blended coffees. They are open May – October from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily. For additional information call 815-885-4740.

Facilities for the disabled

Several features make Rock Cut State Park accessible to the disabled. Two fishing piers are available, including a covered pier at the Lions Club day use area. The area, which is totally accessible for the disabled, features paved walkways, toilets, and a picnic shelter.

The park’s campground area has flush toilets and showers that can be used by disabled visitors. Handicapped parking spaces are located in all of the park’s lots.

Trails

The trail system at Rock Cut offers opportunities for hiking (40 miles), mountain

Rockford Mass Transit provides bus service in Machesney, Loves Park

The Rockford Mass Transit District provides Fixed Route and Paratransit Service to the cities of Rockford and Loves Park and the Village of Machesney Park. The 40 fixed route buses operate over 17 routes Monday thru Saturday, six night routes and five routes on Sundays.

Our Paratransit service is a origin to destination service for persons with disabilities such that their disability limits their ability to ride the fixed route. Information on both of these services can be found on our website or by contacting RMTD at 815-961-9000.

Hours of operation are Monday thru Friday from 5:15 until 11:15 p.m. Four late night shuttles on the #33, #34, #35 and #36 routes run between 11:15 p.m. and 11:45 p.m. to provide transportation to final destinations along fixed route.

Saturday hours are from 6 a.m. until 5:45 p.m., although some Saturday routes run beyond 5:45, please check the individual timetables for verification. Sunday hours are from 9:15 a.m. until 5:15 pm for all routes except the E. State, which runs from 8:15 to 5:15.

The East Side Transfer Center hours are 6 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday and

from 7 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Saturdays. RMTD also operates the Rockford Paratransit service. Rockford Paratransit operates during the same hours as RMTD. Rockford ParaTransit serves the needs of customers, who because of a disability, are unable to use RMTD’s regular fixed route service, and who meet the criteria established by the U.S. Department of Transportation under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Rockford Mass Transit and Rockford ParaTransit does not provide service on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Local RMTD service routes

The Village of Machesney Park is proud to have RMTD services available to local residents! RMTD currently has 2 routes which service areas within the Village, providing local residents with a public transportation connection to areas within the Village of Machesney Park, Loves Park, Rockford, and Belvidere.

Fare Information

All tickets are non-refundable and can be redeemed for rides only. *Any person with a

Medicare Card can qualify for reduced fare service on the RMTD system. Excluding ALL unlimited ride passes. **Any person with a Medicare Card enrolled in the Illinois Benefit Access Program can ride for free. Riders must first obtain the appropriate RMTD photo ID. RMTD ID Cards are $5 per card.RMTD drivers DO NOT carry change.

Senior citizens

Senior citizens 65 and older may ride for free if they have an RMTD photo ID card. The cost for the ID card is $5. Seniors must present proof of age and the $5.00 fee in order to obtain the card.

Student ID cards:

RMTD operators will only accept area middle school and area high school issued ID cards. All students attending other institutions of learning including advanced learning facilities such as Rock Valley College, Judson College or Rasmussen College or alternative education programs, must have an RMTD Student ID card to qualify for the student discounted rate of

Rockford Mass Transit District recently acquired five new hybrid electric buses from Gillig Corporation, which eliminates emissions.

Machesney Park

Calvary Chapel Rockford 1123 Harlem Road 815-847-0228

Central Christian Church located in Harlem High School 100 Huskie Circle 815-206-8612

Concordia

Lutheran Church

7424 N. Second St. 815-633-4983

Evans United Methodist Church 7605 N. Second St. 815-633-4411

GPS Faith Church

11189 Forest Hills Road 779-221-8491

our churches

Harlem United Methodist Church 8401 N. Alpine Road 815-633-1450

First Baptist Church of Machesney Park

718 Harlem Road 815-633-2740

North Park Church of God

7620 Elm St. 815-633-4253

Park City Church

10714 N. Second St. 815-205-4252

Riverside Community Church 6816 N. Second St. 815-877-4444

Loves Park

Bethany

Presbyterian Church

5403 N. 2nd St. 815-877-8001

Firstborn Ministries

8213 N. Alpine Road 815-633-0030

Grace Lutheran Church 343 Grand Ave. 815-633-8075

Journey Church Ministries

7825 Forest Hills Road 815-633-6143

Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church 502 Orth Road 815-885-4884

Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ

5550 Windsor Road 815-282-0110

Rock Valley Bible Church

7721 N. Alpine Road 815-397-3877

St. Bridget Church

600 Clifford Ave. 815-633-8922

Windsor Baptist Church

1115 Windsor Road 815-633-7688

$.75. To obtain an RMTD Student ID card, a student must come to the downtown transfer center and verify his or her enrollment in an educational program by presenting a current class schedule or transcript. The student must also be able to verify that he or she is 20 year of age or younger during the current school year. The cost of an RMTD student ID card is $2.

Cash fares

Adults (12 years & older) $1.50

Children (under 5 must be accompanied by an adult) Free

Children (ages 5 thru 11) $.75

Students ages 20 years and younger $.75

To qualify for the student fare, a student must be able to show a valid schoold ID or valid RMTD photo ID

Disabled Citizens (with valid RMTD photo ID)* $.75

Disabled Citizens enrolled in Illinois Circuit Breaker program**(with valid RMTD photo ID) Free Senior Citizens (age 65 and over with valid RMTD photo ID) Free

Ticket fares

Adult 10-Ride Ticket $15 Student, or Disabled Citizen Ten-Ride Ticket $7.50

7 Day Unlimited Ride Saver Pass $16

30 Day Unlimited Ride Saver Pass $55

(Not transferable. Unlimited Ride passes may only be used by the purchaser.

Valid only on RMTD)

Transfers free

Transfers are good for one hour and should be used on the first bus passing the transfer point.

Transfers are issued anywhere two RMTD bus routes meet or cross over.

Zone fare $.25

Any passenger boarding or alighting in the designated Cherry Valley Zone will be asked to pay the additional Zone Fare. Bus passes not accepted in the Zone Fare.

*Information courtesy of RMTD.org*

Riverside Community Church is located at 6816 n. Second St., Machesney Park, Ill. For more information, call 815-877-4444. SUBMITTED PHOTO Our Town

Reporter reflects on the passing of former Machesney Park Village Clerk

By Bob Balgeman CONTRIBUTOR

I was fortunate enough to be covering Machesney Park government for the Post Journal newspaper during many of Lori Mitchell’s 15 years as village clerk. I got to know her quite well over that time.

She was the consummate professional while having a heart of gold, shown while serving in positions of leadership she achieved among clerks organizations at the regional, and state levels, being active with the Harlemites monthly breakfast group consisting of many Harlem High School graduates or, as a woman of faith, in her lengthy ministry to prison inmates.

Like so many, her life had its ups and downs. Yet she was one of those rare individuals who always managed to have a smile on her face and a positive outlook on life.

Being one of those many staff members who served the public from village hall at 300 Roosevelt Road, she had dealings with the media including newspapers and television stations.

Often, the relationship between government officials and the media can be strained because both deal with the public record.

While Lori was the custodian of a lot of public information, she was cooperative and achieved that balance without lording her authority over those whose job it was to keep the public informed of what was happening at village hall.

Over those years, she provided me with a lot of information, in a timely manner, which helped me write more complete stories about the positive things going on in the village.

Before being elected as village clerk, she served the community for many years as a member of the staff at Harlem School District 122.

Lori was devoted to her family, which included three daughters and various grandchildren, two of them recent graduates of Harlem High School, where they were standout student-athletes during their four years as Huskies.

She and I kept in touch following her decision to retire several years ago and relocate to Arizona, to a condominium that provided a respite from the northern Illinois winters that seem to be worsening with each passing year. She would provide occasional photographs of scenic improvements she made to her winter

get-away and social gatherings with newfound friends out there.

She was the kind of well-rounded individual who people would naturally gravitate to and be made to feel welcome.

She also provided updates on returning to her Machesney Park home, which she

maintained, during the warmer summer months when lots of time was spent with family and longtime friends.

Her passing has left many in Machesney Park and Arizona in a state of sadness, but better off for having known her.

The Machesney Park Village Board mourned the loss of former longtime Village Clerk Lori Mitchell by placing roses at her place in the board room.

SUBMITTED

Jody Deery honored

The City of Loves Park, Illinois is designating Forest Hills Road, between Harlem Road and State Highway 173, the honorary name of Jody Deery Way. The dedication is in memory of Jody M. Deery, owner of the Rockford Speedway since 1959. The placement of the signs – located on Forest Hills and Krasse Drive in Loves Park – were unveiled in late September 2022.

biking (23 miles), and equestrian (14 miles). Trail users will find updated trail head/information signs at picnic areas and trail access points for trail information and regulations. Only certain trails are designated for mountain biking and equestrian use and are identified by color-coded trail markers. Blue trails are for mountain biking and hiking, yellow trails are for equestrian and hiking, and red trails are restricted to hiking only. Rock Cut does not have horse rentals or stables at the site. Lockwood Park, a facility of the Rockford Park District, has trail ride and horse boarding opportunities available at their facility, which is approximately 10 miles from the park.

Trail activities have been divided into “summer and winter” seasons to provide quality seasonal programs. The “summer program” (mountain biking and equestrian) trails are open April 1-November 30. These regulations for mountain biking and equestrian use will be strictly enforced and violators are subject to fines.

The “winter program” provides for groomed cross-country trails as conditions permit. Cross country skis and snowshoes can be rented through the park concession; for hours and information call 815-885-4740. The groomed trails can also be accessed at the Lions Club Picnic Area. As a courtesy, hikers and those hiking with snowshoes are asked to use other trails that have not been groomed for skiing.

Rock Cut also offers access (at the Pierce Lake spillway) to the Willow Creek Bike Trail and Perryville Path, a paved trail system connecting the local communities of Loves Park and Rockford to Rock Cut State Park.

JEFF TABOR PHOTO Our Town

Mercyhealth providing stateof-the-art care in Loves Park

The Javon Bea Hospital–Riverside is conveniently located off of I-90 at Riverside Boulevard in Loves Park, Ill., this state-of-the-art facility has been described as a place of peace and healing.

The 563,000-square-foot hospital and clinic serves as the regional hub for highly specialized care for children and adults. Designed with abundant light, inviting surroundings, and the most advanced technology available today, this 194-bed facility features:

• Highest level emergency/trauma services, including 24/7 adult and pediatric trauma surgeons

• Adult sub-specialty inpatient and outpatient services, including an adult critical care center

• The highest level of neonatal and

pediatric services

• Over 55 pediatric and neonatal doctors in 29 pediatric specialties

• State of Illinois-designated Regional Perinatal Center serving 11 counties in Illinois and 4 counties in Wisconsin

• 52-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (commonly referred to as NICU)

• A Small Baby Unit to care for infants less than 27 weeks’ gestation (one of two in Illinois)

•Level II Pediatric Trauma Center (one of six in Illinois)

• State of Illinois-designated Children’s Hospital (only one located in northern Illinois)

• Pediatric Critical Care Center (1 of 10 in Illinois), including a pediatric intensive care unit

• Advanced operating and surgery suites, including hybrid operating suites that provides physicians with real-time radiographic capabilities while performing surgery all in one surgical suite

• Comprehensive cardiac, vascular, peripheral and neurovascular interventional laboratory

• A rooftop healing garden and interactive play areas.

“Mercyhealth is committed to providing exceptional hospital care no matter where you live throughout southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.

“The unparalleled skills of our multidisciplinary specialists, highly trained nurses and other providers ensure you receive high-quality, compassionate care,” representatives said.

The

our human services

Gigi’s Playhouse

815-654-7529

8801 N. Second St. Machesney Park, Ill. 61115

Programs at GiGi’s Playhouse offer foundational learning opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community.

CHILD ABUSE

Family Peace Center

779-348-7600

315 N. Main St. Rockford, Ill.

The Family Peace Center is a 501c3 multi-agency, multi-disciplinary service center located at 315 N. Main Street in Rockford, Ill. The center provides services to victims of interpersonal violence. Both public and private partner agencies assign staff on a full-time or part-time basis to provide services from one location.

Remedies (formerly known as WAVE) Program

815-962-6102

24-hour crisis line 815-962-6102

Counseling for victims of domestic violence and their children. The program provides legal advocacy, shelter, women and children groups, individual and group counseling.

ADDICTION COUNSELING

Alcoholics Anonymous

815-968-0333

Family Consultation Service

4040 Charles St., Rockford, Ill., 61108

We provide information, brochures, books and meetings are scheduled. Call for more information.

Narcotics Anonymous (24-hour help line) 815-964-5959

Callers placed in contact with a recovering addict who can direct you to local meetings. Meetings are open to anyone who thinks he or she has a problem with drugs. www.rragsna.org

DISABILITY SERVICES

Milestone, Inc.

815-654-6100

4060 McFarland Road

Rockford, Ill.

Provides developmentally disabled adults with living skills and services in residential settings with an in-house training facility.

March of Dimes

815-397-0097

Northern Illinois Division 5411 E. State St., Suite 8 Rockford, Ill.

The Hope: Every birth-A healthy birth. The Urgency: The health of four million babies born each year. Fact: Babies born in 24 other countries have a better chance of living to their first birthday than babies born in the United States.

The Arc of Winnebago, Boone and Ogle Counties

815-965-3455 2820 McFarland Road Rockford, Ill., 61107

A non-profit organization to assist people with developmental disabilities and their families in securing appropriate services to alleviate the stresses and problems related to disabilities, and in attaining the most productive lifestyle possible.

HOSPICE CARE

Northern Illinois Hospice Association

815-398-0500

4215 Newburg Road Rockford, Ill.

Serves patients in terminal illness cases, addressing the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of the patient and family through periods of illness and bereavement. Grief counseling center for anyone who has experienced a death. Medicare certified.

LEGAL ASSISTANCE

Prairie State Legal Services

815-965-2902

303 N. Main St., Suite 600 Rockford

Prairie State Legal Services offers free legal services for low income

persons and those over 60 who have serious civil legal problems and need legal help to solve them. Prairie State focuses on providing legal services to the most vulnerable groups in our society, the poor, the elderly, the physically and mentally disabled as well as other vulnerable people.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Winnebago County Social Services

815-972-1135

416 S. Madison St., Rockford Services include religious teaching, character-building programs for adults and young people, financial assistance and Winnebago County Emergency Food Pantry. Please call for a food pantry appointment.

Community Foundation of Northern Illinois

815-962-2110

Fax 815-962-2116

946 N. Second St. Rockford, Ill.

The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois is a nonprofit, endowed public charity that offers donors of all means a flexible, costeffective way to give back to their community.

Winnebago County Animal Services

4517 N. Main St. Rockford, Ill. 61103 815-319-4100

Animal Services officers investigate animal related complaints and requests for service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in all areas of the County. Services include animal bite reports and rabies control, response to straying, dangerous and nuisance animals, as well as, emergency care for sick and injured animals and animal welfare checks.

Winnebago County

Health Department

815-720-4000

401 Division St. Rockford, Ill.

The Winnebago County Health Department provides services designed to protect, promote and maintain the health of all Winnebago County residents.

Simply The Best!

TLC Living Community in Machesney Park, IL has been awarded the 2022 Best of Senior Living Award by senior living advocacy group A Place for Mom for exemplary assisted living care and support for area senior citizens. This marks the second consecutive year TLC has been named as one of the nation’s top 3% of senior care providers based on reviews from assisted living residents and their families. Opened in March 2020, TLC is home to independent and assisted living apartments located on a six-acre campus near the heart of Machesney Park. Residents have access to 24/7 senior care and support along with restaurant-style dining , fitness center, community gathering spaces, location transportation services, spiritual services and more