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Published by Rock

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2019

our town Roscoe - Rockton

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You shouldn’t You shouldn’t have to leave have your to leave community your community when you when needyou extra need care. extra care. That’s why That’s we built why we TLC. built Here, TLC. you’ll Here, have you’ll your have own your private ownhome private home with assistance with assistance availableavailable as you need as you it. need it. Enjoy the Enjoy park-like the park-like setting of setting our community. of our community. You’ll find You’ll walking find walking paths, outdoor paths, outdoor dining areas dining & indoor areas &and indoor outdoor and outdoor community community spaces. spaces. It feels like It feels home, like because home, because it is home. it is home. 

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Welcome to Roscoe, Illinois - To live here is to love it! Roscoe, Ill. is situated in Northern Winnebago County, just south of the Wisconsin border. We’re a growing community with compelling commitments to cultural, educational, healthy living and environmental values. With excellent schools, a low crime rate and beautiful natural parks, Roscoe is the perfect place for your business, family, and home. If you’re just moving in, please visit us at Roscoe Village Hall, 10631 Main St., or call us at (815) 623-2829. You may also contact us at info@villageofroscoe. com. Whether you contact us in person, by phone, or via email, we are eager to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have regarding the Village of Roscoe and our many services, events and attractions.

Village Hall Hours:

OPEN: Monday – Friday, 8:30am to 5 p.m.

CLOSED: Saturday, Sunday Secretary Of State’s Office: The Department of Motor Vehicles is located inside of Village Hall. OPEN: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CLOSED: Saturday, Sunday, Monday

Quick guide of local phone numbers

Utilities Advanced Disposal (garbage and recycling) 815-874-8431 Charter Spectrum (telephone, cable, TV, internet) 855-479-6984 Comcast (telephone, cable, TV, internet) 800-594-1234 ComEd (electric service) 800-334-7661 Nicor (natural gas) 888-642-6748 North Park Water (water service)

815-633-5461 Rock River Water Reclamation (sewer) 815-387-7400

Other useful phone numbers Roscoe Village Hall 815-623-2829 Roscoe Public Works Dept. 815-877-0746 Roscoe Police Dept – non emergency 815-623-7338 Emergency – Police, Fire or Ambulance 911 Harlem Roscoe Fire Department 815-623-7867 KNIB Keep Northern Illinois

See ROSCOE, Page 11

Rockton: a place that its citizens are proud to call home Rockton is the kind of Village that people fall in love with. A treasure nestled on the northern edge of Winnebago County, it is history, with a future. Whether you come because of the schools, the culture, the countryside, the business opportunities, or just to be a part of its small town charm, Rockton offers a million reasons to stay. Rockton is a true Midwestern village where community and quality of life are values that are revealed in every street and sidewalk. Beginning in the historic downtown shopping center and moving out to its farm-cushioned edge, Rockton is unique--a place that its citizens are proud to call home.

The Village Hall is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Village of Rockton 110 E. Main St. Rockton, IL 61072 Phone 815-624-7600/760, Fax 815-624-0418

Village Board

The Rockton Board of Trustees is the legislative branch of Village Government which creates all Village policy administered by the Village Mayor. The Board of Trustees, along with the Village Mayor, serve as the corporate authorities. Three Trustees are elected by the citizens of Rockton every two years for four year terms. Board members’ terms commence on the first Monday in May following their election. As corporate authorities the Board of Trustees possesses and exercises all legislative powers of the Village, determining

the policies of the Village government through the adoption or approval of ordinances, resolutions, motions, approval of agreements, appropriations and fiscal budgets. Appointments to advisory Boards and Commissions are made by the Village Mayor with the advice and consent of the Board of Trustees. Additionally the Board of Trustees exercises responsible leadership by (1)

ON THE COVER The Church by the side of the Road, Rockton; Dairy Haus Ice Cream in Rockton is a family favorite destination; The Rockton-Roscoe Junior Tackle football teams are cheered on by young ladies on the cheer squad. SUBMITTED PHOTOS Our Town

ROCKTON-ROSCOE OUR TOWN • 2019

critically examining and regularly reviewing Village policies, programs, and operations; (2) assuming the role of community opinion leaders and; (3) generating public support for Village programs and services. The Board meets at 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Meetings are held at the Village Municipal Center, 110 East Main St. Admin & Public Works Committee meetings are held the first and third Mondays of each month. The Budget & Finance Committee meetings are held prior to the Board meeting on the notes Tuesdays.

Macktown history: First settlement in the county On a forested bluff overlooking the Rock and Pecatonica Rivers in Rockton are the remnants of Winnebago County’s earliest settlement. It was founded in the mid-1830’s by Stephen Andrew Mack, Jr., and his wife, Mary Hononegah. Macktown, then known as Pekatonic, represents a time and place of change on the Illinois frontier when the fur trade collided with a progressive world. In prosperous times, Pekatonic boasted of the Mack’s two-story home and store, a furniture store, a school room, a shoemaker’s shop, a tavern, a trading post, fur trapper’s cabins, and other homes belonging to the population of 200-300. A ferry and bridge traversed the Rock River. Following Mack’s death in 1850 and the destruction of the bridge in 1851, the Macktown settlement area failed to thrive. The northern part of the settlement prospered and officially became known as Rockton in 1846 or 1847. The Winnebago County Forest

Preserve District, which owns the land on which Macktown and the trading post once sat, and the Macktown Living History Education Center have undertaken plans to restore Macktown to its 1830 - 1846 historic condition.

Second Sundays are brought to you by Macktown Living history. These Sundays are a family friendly way to present aspects of living on the site; both prehistoric and historic. Reenactors, guest presenters and Macktown volunteers will present a variety of topics including aspects of archaeology, native culture, gardening, farming and fiber arts, to name but a few. 3.5” x 2.5” | Maximum Font Size: 30 pt These Sundays will span the cultures from prehistoric times through 1850. Visitors will be able to participate in many of the activities. The goal of Second Sundays is to help The public understand the history of the area. SUBMITTED PHOTO Our Town The dates for the second Sundays Phyllis Dickenson has been spinning for over 40 years. are as follows: July 14, Aug. 11, She demonstrated her craft in the Education Center at Macktown during The Gathering. Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8

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SERVICE AND SALES OF LAWN TRACTORS AND EQUIPMENT

OUR SCHOOLS

Hononegah School District The Hononegah Nations Kinnikinnick School District 131 Phone: 1-815-623-2837 Fax: 1-815-623-9285 Prairie Hill School District 133 Phone: 1-815-389-3957 Fax: 1-815-389-6107 Rockton School District 140 Phone: 1-815-624-7143 Fax: 1-815-624-4640 Shirland School District 134 Phone: 1-815-629-2000 Fax: 1-815-629-2100

Roscoe schools Kinnikinnick District #131 Located in Roscoe, lll, five miles south of the Wisconsin border in the beautiful hill country found along the Rock River. Four schools (Ledgewood, Stone Creek, Kinnikinnick and Roscoe Middle School) in the district offer personalized instruction to students in small school settings. Phone: 815-623-2827 x6100 Fax: 815-623-9285 Ledgewood School – Grades PK-1 11685 South Gate Road, Roscoe, IL 61073 Phone: 815-623-2837 x2100 Fax: 815-623-1410 Stone Creek School – Grades 2-3 11633 South Gate Road, Roscoe, IL 61073 Phone: 815-623-2837 x3100 Fax: 815-623-3646 Kinnikinnick School – Grades 4-5 5410 Pine Lane, Roscoe, IL 61073 Phone: 815-623-2837 x1100 Fax: 815-623-1797 Roscoe Middle School – Grades 6-8 6121 Elevator, Roscoe, IL 61073 Phone: 815-623-2837 x4200 Fax: 815-623-7604 Hononegah Community High School Dist. #207 Phone: 815-624-2070 Fax: 815-624-5028 Harlem High School District #122 Phone: 815-654-4500 Fax: 815-654-4600

ROCKTON-ROSCOE OUR TOWN • 2019

Hononegah Community High School is a public high school in Rockton, Ill., located between Rockford and the southern border of Wisconsin. The district serves students from the towns of Rockton, Roscoe, Shirland, and parts of South Beloit. The district strives to provide an academically challenging and well-rounded educational experience for student success in college and careers. The high school opened its doors in 1923, and is named after Ho–no–ne–gah, the Native American wife of Stephen Mack, Jr., who is generally credited for founding the town of Rockton. Hononegah High School was built in 1922, and dedicated in February 1923. Additions to the building have taken place in the 1950s, 1971 (metal gym complex), 1981 classroom addition, 1996 (Performing Arts Center and classrooms), 2003 (new entrance, locker rooms, guidance and social studies as well as the information system’s academy), and a new Field House in 2019.

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Harlem-Roscoe Fire:

Rockton Police:

The Harlemprotection class went into Roscoe Fire effect. Protection District * For those of you that (HRFD) boundaries live in our fire district that are irregular in shape has hydrants, our rating due to the annexation improved from a class 5 to of some of the district a class 3. into cities. However, * For those who live Harlem-Roscoe Fire in rural areas of our fire Protection District protection district without is still one of the hydrants, but within 5 miles largest districts in the of our fire station, our rating county. Harlem-Roscoe Fire improved from a class 7 to The boundaries Chief Don Shoevlin a class 5. are Stateline Road Mailing address for all three to the north, Dorr Road and Old stations: PO Box 450 Roscoe IL River Road to the west, County Locations: Line Road to the east, and Gladys * Station One -10544 Main St. Road in Machesney Park to the Roscoe, Ill. south plus the town of Argyle. The * Station Two - 825 Ralston department is also under contract Road, Machesney Park, Ill. to service the western half of * Station Three - 13974 Manchester Township Willowbrook Road, Roscoe Ill. Radio Frequencies Contact: * TAC #1 - 155.4375 & EMERGENCY - DIAL 911 158.8125 Administration - 815-623-7867 * Scanner - 155.435 Email - hrfdinfo@gmail.com * TAC #2 - 153.830 Newsletter - hrfdsdrost@gmail. * County Fire - 154.370 com * M.A.B.A.S. - 154.26 Hours of operation: Insurance Ratings * Administration Offices - 8 a.m. * March 1, 2015, HRFDs new to 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday

The Rockton Police Department takes pride in our mission: “providing a safe community.” This is an exciting time in Rockton with the growth in both residential and retail. As the community expands, services have to keep pace. We have a plan in place for controlled growth so that police services are not left behind. We offer a variety of programs like Neighborhood Watch, Chief Stephen DARE, vacation house checks, Dickson and a Citizens Police Academy. We offer assistance that larger communities cannot as part of our “community policing” philosophy. Each neighborhood has two officers assigned as “beat officers.” These officers are responsible to those residents 24/7 for problems and concerns and they have authority to solve problems and resolve quality of life concerns. I invite you to call or stop by our station. I am always willing to discuss your special concerns or issues. My phone number is 815-624-8881, my email address is: chief@rocktonpolice.org. Thank you for your interest in the Rockton Police Department, we look forward to serving you! Rockton PD • 110 E. Main St. Rockton, IL 61072

Serving Roscoe, Machesney Park Available 24/7

Ready to protect and serve The mission of working with our schools, the Roscoe Police businesses, and citizens Department is to in an effort to address ensure the protection and eliminate any and all of persons and criminal activity, dangers property, maintain to person or property, peaceful order, and or public nuisance. The create a level of Roscoe Police Department safety and service exists to protect and serve which instills its community. pride for all whom To Report a Crime: reside within the Call 911 for a lifecommunity. threatening situation or a The Roscoe Police Chief Jamie Evans crime in progress. Department will Administrative Contact: strive to maintain a workforce, 10595 Main St., Roscoe, Illinois which without bias; will act with 61073 honesty, courage, integrity, and Phone: 815-623-7338 equality towards all. The Roscoe Chief Jamie Evans Police Department is committed to jevans7892@roscoepolice.com

Ready to respond

The Rockton Fire Protection District is located in northern Illinois along the banks of the Rock River. We have one fire station set within a community covering 54 square miles with an approximate population of 21,000 residents. Established in 1947 as a strictly volunteer fire department the district then served 675 residents and responded to fewer than 50 incidents. Today our organization Rockton Fire Chief provides multiple services Kirk Wilson including fire suppression, EMS advanced life support, rescue and extrication, fire prevention and education. Annually, we proudly answer an average of 1150 calls for service. Historically, the area has had strong agricultural roots, but in recent years there has been a large influx of young families

See ROCKTON FIREFIGHTERS, Page 14

ROCKTON-ROSCOE OUR TOWN • 2019

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The History of the North Suburban Library District In 1943, The North Suburban Woman’s Club began discussing the need for a local library. The community supported the new library with donations of money, labor, and materials. On April 15, 1944, the women opened their library at the George May building at 5426 N. Second Street. The budget for the first year of operation was $600, including $28 per month for rent. Roughly 4,000 residents made up the new library, which followed the Harlem School District boundaries.

1945

Many new families moved to the Loves Park and Machesney Park areas after WWII. A referendum was held and the North Suburban Library District became the first district library in the state. By the end of 1945, almost 1,500 people held library cards, and a story hour was established. Edith Van Duzer was the first librarian hired in 1945.

1950s

Circulation of materials went from 600 in 1945 to 27,255 in 1950 and growth continued. The library moved to 515 Loves Park Drive where it shared a building with the Loves Park Post Office. In 1956, the North Park branch located at 7912 N. Second St. was opened in the former Ruth’s Tog Shop. The first children’s Summer Reading Club started. Over 900 children participated.

1960s

By 1960, the circulation had grown to more than 150,000 and the library needed to expand again so the library leased the building at 535 Loves Park Dr. By 1968, space became such a serious problem that the Board of Trustees decided to construct a building on land previously purchased at 6340 N. Second St. In 1969, the new library opened.

1984

North Suburban Library District’s first location on 5426 N. Second St. North Suburban Library District’s opens at 6340 N. Second St. In 1984, Friends of the Library was formed to assist the library and its staff.

1985

During 1985, work began to automate the library’s paper card catalog. An automation consortium grew out of a stand alone computer system at Rockford Public Library,

which was funded with State grant money. Rockford Public Library, North Suburban Library District, Woodstock Public Library and Cherry Valley Public Library District were the founding libraries from which grew what is now the Northern Illinois Consortia. In 1985, a NSLD/Roscoe was opened as a storefront branch at 5540 Elevator Road. This initiative was funded through a State of Illinois Project Plus Grant awarded to NSLD. Later that year a referendum was approved, adding Roscoe Township to the district, thereby doubling the total size of the district.

1987

In 1987, NSLD took out a mortgage to support an addition of nearly 19,000 square feet for the NSLD/Loves Park library, making room for an auditorium, meeting rooms, display cases, and additional space for staff and books. The original section of the building was also renovated, NSLD/Roscoe’s original location.

1990

In 1990, the library acquired land and doubled the size of its parking lot. Library staff member Ann Powell became the sixth Head Librarian in the library district’s history.

1994

In 1994, circulation was well over 398,000, and the library’s collection included almost 139,000 books. The annual budget had reached just under $1 million and served more than 50,000 residents from its two locations.

Project Next Generation computer lab to NSLD/Loves Park. Most of these projects were funded by LSTA grant money from the Office of the Secretary of State. The library budget for 2003-2004 was $1,906,507. Over 556,901 items were checked out in 2003-2004 and more than 353,950 people visited the two libraries that year.

2004-2005

NSLD partnered with the North Boone School District and started a North Boone demonstration library, financed through a LSTA grant through the Illinois State Library, in spring of 2003, which lasted through June of 2005. This attempt to annex five townships in northern Boone County by annexation did not succeed. An operating rate increase referendum failed in March of 2004. Circulation at NSLD/Loves Park and NSLD/ Roscoe increased 1.5% to 556,901 between 2004-2005. NSLD/Roscoe offered wireless Internet access starting Oct. 3, 2005. A wireless network was added to NSLD/Loves Park a few months later. The library also

increased the number of public computers in NSLD/Roscoe to 10. During 2005-2006, circulation at NSLD/Loves Park and NSLD/ Roscoe increased to 590,794. NSLD/Roscoe library’s yearly circulation increased more than 35% and Loves Park’s annual circulation increased over 15%. The number of visitors at both libraries increased 8.2% to 360,681. Overcrowding at NSLD/ Roscoe’s library was a problem. There was a severe shortage of program space and also shelving space for materials.

2005

NSLD refinanced the 1996 building bond saving taxpayers $619,382.

2006-2007

NSLD and seven other libraries made the decision to break ties with the Prairie Area Library System (PALS) and move the management and operations of the Innovative automation system to an independent consortium –Northern Illinois Cooperative

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1996

Eleven years after Roscoe Township was annexed to the Library District, voters approved a $5.3 million bond to build a new library in Roscoe and increase the size of the NSLD/Loves Park facility. A new NSLD/Roscoe library and a remodeled NSLD/ Loves Park library opened in the fall of 1997. The NSLD/Roscoe library totaled 16,000 square feet, while the NSLD/Loves Park library building now totaled 54,000 square feet.

1997-2004

Construction begins on NSLD/ Roscoe’s new location at 5562 Clayton Circle. Between 1997 and 2004, remodeling was the word of the day. The district added a computer lab, moved and remodeled the Anderson Local History Room, and added a

See HISTORY, Page 14

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Rockton, Roscoe offer parks, recreation Rockton is home to many great parks, each offering their own unique atmosphere and recreational activities. With so many wonderful spaces to play, it’s no surprise that families of all ages are moving to Rockton and enjoying the perfect mix of youthful spirit and historic character. Village Green Park, home to Walt Williamson Pool, is just two blocks south of downtown. Kids all summer long enjoy a day at the park, where they enjoy the swimming pool, a playground, picnic area, and open grass spaces to run and play. It’s the perfect village park. Settlers Park, just one block south of downtown, is a beautiful space spanning three city blocks of the Rock River. The park is home to the Rockton River Market, Old Settler’s Days, and many other great festivities throughout the year. Any given day you will find weddings at the gazebo overlooking the river, people enjoying a walk through the park, or a pick-up basketball

SENIOR CARE

game on the court. There is even a baseball diamond to practice your swing. Dogwood Park is the most recent addition to Rockton’s parks. Previously known as Barwood Golf Course, the land has been transformed into a wonderful dog park for your best friends to enjoy. It’s the perfect space to let your dog run free and play. Rockton has two golf courses in the community – Macktown & Redbarn, with two others very close by, Ledges & Atwood Homestead. There are several other golf courses just minutes away, Sugar River Greens in Shirland, Aldeen in Rockford, and numerous other great courses you can play for under $50. Rockton’s public boat ramps provide river access to residents and visitors who enjoy boating and water recreation, such as canoeing and fishing on the Rock, Pecatonica and Sugar Rivers (all abundant with fish). Another water attraction is the Walt Williamson Swimming Pool

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Stateline Youth Athletics Providing the establishment and supervision of an educational, training, and competitive recreational program of youth baseball and softball. Phone: 815-914-1766 Roscoe Rockton Lions Jr. Tackle Football Jr. Tackle football and cheer program for boys and girls 7th thru 8th grade. Phone: 815-623-7810

located in Village Green Park. In addition to its many water and park attractions, Rockton has a newly constructed 18-hole disc golf course and an extensive bike path that welcomes walkers, joggers and bikers. The bike path networks Rockton with neighboring Roscoe and beyond! The Rockton Athletic Fields are home to the Roscoe Rush Professional Football team, and feature multiple baseball games throughout the summer. The athletic fields will feature six baseball diamonds, six soccer fields, a football field, a concession area, a playground, a two-mile walking path and a skate park by the time it is completed. Campers can stake their claims at two county forest preserves. Both Hononegah Forest Preserve (62 campsites) and Sugar River Forest Preserve (100 campsites) have full amenities.

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Stateline Family YMCA The Stateline Family YMCA is a not-for-profit, charitable association dedicated to developing the Spirit, Mind and

Body. Phone: 815-623-5858 Porter Park Disc Golf Course Great nine hole, beginner friendly Disc Golf Course. Porter Park Cabin 6545 Windflower Lane, Roscoe To book the cabin the full rental fee and deposit is required. The rental fee is nonrefundable in the event of cancellation, however the $75 deposit will be refunded within 30 days of cancellation. Roscoe Village Hall accepts checks, cash and credit cards for payment. Alcoholic beverages and smoking is prohibited in the cabin. The cabin has a handicap accessible ramp at the front entrance of the building. The main floor seating area is 22’x32? where you’ll find 12 folding tables and 65 folding chairs that are stacked on rolling racks. You are responsible for the set up and take down of tables and chairs. The cabin has heat in the colder months and air conditioning in the warmer months. There are two bathrooms on the main floor. We ask that you return the key the next business day following your event. Once we’ve received your key and the cabin inspection is clear, your $75 deposit will be mailed to you shortly thereafter. Rental Fees: • Resident of the Village of Roscoe is $175 with a $75 deposit. • Non-resident of the Village of Roscoe is $350 with a $75 deposit.

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Talcott Free Library offers service to Rockton residents Mission Statement

Talcott Free Library is a strong community partner that provides a friendly, safe space for generations young and old to strengthen their knowledge and enrich their lives.

Library History

Library Cards

Residential (Library listed on tax bill) All residents and property owners of Rockton Township are eligible for a library card. * Issued for 3 years * No Charge * Proof of residency * Children 5-15 years – Parents/Guardian must sign off. Non-Residential (No library listed on tax bill) A non-resident library card may be purchased at the “closest public library in the school district in which non-resident has his or her principle residence.” Cards are issued for one year. Cost of card is based on the taxable value of property of primary residence (same structure used for resident card holders). Valid Talcott Library cards may be used at area libraries.

Computer & Printer Use

Public access computers – providing access to the library catalog, the internet, and online databases. Patron will be held

SUBMITTED PHOTO Our Town

The original building was constructed in 1854 as a feed and grain store.

to a time limit on computer use when other patrons are waiting to use the computers. Printing – there is a charge for each page printed from the computer. • Black and white copy – .10 • Colored copy – .50

Loan Periods

DVD’s and ILL’s: $.50 per item per day (Incurred amount of $5.00 or more on patron record will block patron from further transactions.) DVD: $.25 check-out fee Copier and printer charge: $.10 to $.50 per sheet We are a strong community partner that provides a friendly, safe space for generations young and old to strengthen their knowledge and enrich their lives. Please consider supporting your library.

3 Weeks: Books, CD’s, Puzzles, Juvenile Magazines 1 Week: DVD, Regular & YA Magazines 30 Days: Items on Outreach Patron Cards (Schools), Interlibrary loans, Talcott Traveling Tales, Juvenile back pack buddies Hours Monday - Tuesday - 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Library Use Only: Reference, Current Wednesday - 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Magazines, Newspapers, Historical Thursday Materials 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fees Saturday Overdues: All items = $.10 per item per 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. day Sunday - Closed

• Roscoe

(Continued from page 3)

Beautiful Reduce, Reuse, Recycle 815637-1343 Roscoe Post Office 815-623-2500 Secretary of State, DMV (inside Village Hall) 815-623-9063 Stateline Chamber of Commerce 815-623-9065 SMTD Stateline Mass Transit 815-624-7788 North Suburban Public Library 815-623-6266

JULIE – Always call before you dig! 800892-0123 Winnebago County Office 815-319-4444 Roscoe Village Hall 10631 Main St. P.O. Box 283 Roscoe, Ill. 61073 Phone: 815-623-2829 Fax: 815-623-1360

ROCKTON-ROSCOE OUR TOWN • 2019

In 1875, a Public Library Association was organized in Rockton of which each person had to pay to use the collection. 13 years later, in June of 1888, the Honorable Wait A. Talcott donated a building to Rockton Township to be used as a library, providing the town would organize under the laws of Illinois and vote to establish a tax to support the library. The original building was constructed in 1854 as a feed and grain store; Wait’s son William paid for the repair of the building to become a library including a new roof, his brother Thomas donated a nucleus of books, and W. W. Austin installed electric lights. Talcott Free Library was dedicated on Aug. 22, 1889 and named such because the public no longer had to pay to use the collection. For further information on Talcott’s more than 125-year history, please come visit our Local History section.

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ROCKTON-ROSCOE OUR TOWN • 2019

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Valuable service of SMTD still

‘Here to get you there’

By Marianne Mueller

SMTD (Stateline Mass Transit District) bus service has been providing safe, affordable transportation for the past 11 years. SMTD stands firm in the motto, “We’re here to get you there.” Service areas covered by SMTD are Roscoe, Rockton, and South Beloit. To further help those who need a safe, reliable mode of transportation SMTD expands into different towns with a special service for medical needs provided in Rockford, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Beloit and the Town of Beloit. Additionally they go to 173 and Shirland Ave to hook up with RMTD and BTS. Under the direction of SMTD Executive Director Sharon Hecox seven Board members are appointed by local municipalities in Roscoe and Rockton each have two members and South Beloit has three. Each bus is handicap accessible, making it possible for easier transport. “We offer transportation with a smile,” Hecox says. “We have become a very large part of the communities that we serve,” said Hecox. “Our start-up money came from both the communities and organizations who generously gave us seed money. Some were municipalities and others were non-profits.” “Initially when we first started SMTD people would ask, “Will people ride?” “Our ridership has grown from 207 rides in the first month; this past May alone we provided 2,158 rides, which does not include free shuttles for this year’s OSD Festival. In its first year SMTD and the Rockton Lions Club formed a partnership which today equals thousands of shuttle rides during four-day festival. “We started with four busses which were received under a grant with the help of Congressman Don Manzullo,” Hecox shares. “We currently have seven in our fleet and are anticipating the delivery of two Super Medium Duty buses this fall, which were awarded under State of Illinois, Capital Vehicle Procurement Grant; Grant CVP. “Over the years, we have retired buses (salvaged) and have received nine new buses, besides the original four,” Hecox said. “Formerly each of these municipalities contracted with an independent

MARIANNE MUELLER PHOTO Our Town

An SMTD bus was decked out to fit this year’s OSD theme.

contractor to provide transportation for their senior and disabled populations only. With the formation of the Stateline Mass Transit District service was expanded to include anyone in the community,” Hecox said. Also behind launching the SMTD was strong support from RMTD on behalf of what was at that time an unformed SMTD for the benefit of three local communities. “Rockford Mass Transit District has been a mentor and a friend of SMTD. Without their years of shared expertise and knowledge SMTD could not keep the busses rolling,” Hecox said. Another supportive hub of SMTD is the Rockton Township. “The Township has been integral in the success by working with the SMTD through IGA for Executive Director Services,” Hecox said. “They have always believed in the Regional necessity for the transportation in the area. “A lot of people do not know that the Township covers most of Rockton and a good portion of South Beloit Communities in addition to unincorporated areas. Involvement from the very beginning was not only to provide transportation to

unincorporated Township residents but to participate in the Regional need.” With affordable ride pricing seniors can feel comfortable getting where they need to go wether shopping or to a Doctor’s appointment. Young adults can grab a ride to work, or anywhere else they may want to go. Teenagers or middle to grade school age children may be picked up at home and taken to Boys and Girls Clubs, to a swimming pool, to the library or to any number of activities. “These days more kids are not getting their license right at 16 and this provides a safe and reliable transportation option,” said Hecox. “Anyone can be picked up at any specific location. SMTD changes the lives of students and those who cannot get jobs or may have no transportation because of disabilities; some are able to work and to lead productive lives,” Special Education teacher; Vocational Internship Program instructor at Hononegah High School Justin Wieman said. The Vocational Internship Program provides work space experience.

See VALUABLE SERVICE, Page 14

ROCKTON-ROSCOE OUR TOWN • 2019

REPORTER

• Rockton Firefighters having employment outside of the area, making Rockton more of a residential community. Daily staffing at the station is comprised of a combination of part time paid EMT/ Firefighters, EMT/Firefighters from a contracted staffing agency, paid-onpremises personnel and the fire chief. Station staffing is adjusted up or down to appropriate levels depending on time of day, day of week, weather related emergencies and community events presenting increased potential for service calls. Our administrative office is open daily Monday-Friday, staffed by a business office manager. Our primary response area is home

• History

(Continued from page 7)

to several public schools, a number of churches, strip malls, multiple industrial plants, a senior independent living facility, an extended care living facility, group homes for the handicapped, several recreational parks, golf courses, dining establishments, retail stores, and many single and multi-family dwellings. Area schools include Hononegah High School, Stephen Mack Middle School, Whitman Post Elementary School and Rockton Grade School. There are several critical infrastructure exposures within the primary response area. Our community is home to a newly located chemical manufacturer that produces a variety of lubrication products in a facility covering

177 acres with over 360,000 square feet under roof. Within the community are 12 miles of railroad track, with much of the line running through the most densely populated area. Several trains per day traverse this line carrying a wide variety of commodities, industrial products and hazardous materials. Outside the major population center the fire district is mostly rural with much of the land used for livestock and food production making protection against agri-terrorism a priority. In our secondary response area, the fire district provides mutual aid to several agencies in surrounding communities located in both Illinois and Wisconsin.

(Continued from page 9)

(NIC). The NIC libraries included: Cherry Valley Public Library District, Harvard Diggins Library, Ida Public Library, Nippersink Public Library, Talcott Free Public Library District, Woodstock Public Library, Rockford College’s Howard Colman Library and NSLD. Planning for another expansion to NSLD/Roscoe began in 2007.

2007-2009

In 2008, a 6,090 addition to the Children’s Services department at NSLD/Roscoe building was finished bringing the total size of the library to 22,090 square feet. Over 200 children and parents attended the Grand Opening program in Roscoe on Tuesday, June 10, 2008. A number of other improvements were made to the libraries including the expansion of the NSLD/Loves Park parking lot across Burrwood Street in Loves Park, adding 34 more parking spaces. Express Check-Out, a self-check machine, was expanded to include the NSLD/ Roscoe Children’s Services desk in addition to the machine at the circulation desk at both libraries. In 2009, Sandy Aden became Director of NSLD.

ROCKTON-ROSCOE OUR TOWN • 2019

2012

NSLD’s new mission statement is, “With unmatched service, the North Suburban Library District opens the door to learning and entertainment, creating lasting memories for all.” Director, Sandy Aden retired in 2012 after years of service as both the head of the Children’s Department and the Library Director. In September 2012, Mary Petro became Library Director.

2014

NSLD TURNS 70! NSLD celebrated our 70th anniversary by going to the ballot in March to ask taxpayers to allow the library to redirect funds from an

• Valuable service “We have a partnership with Sharon at the SMTD. She does and instruction and answers questions every student gets signed up,” Wieman said. “Once they realize the independence that SMTD offers to be able to travel for work, leisure,

SUBMITTED PHOTO Our Town

The North Suburban Library in Roscoe was expanded in 2008.

expiring building bond to the operating fund. The Library Proposition did not pass. NSLD went back to voters in November, 2014 with a successful outcome. The question passed and renovation on NSLD/Loves Park and improvements to NSLD/Roscoe began in 2015. Funds from the redirection of the expiring bond went to pay for continuous improvements to both library facilities.

2015

Renovations started at NSLD/Loves Park in the spring, 2015. Improvements included: *Updated HVAC electric, plumbing, lighting, and roof. *Updated services desk on the first floor and additional self-checkouts. *More windows were added to improve lighting *New ADA larger bathroom *New furniture *A larger auditorium, new small meeting room, and additional study rooms.

*New teen and local history area. *Addition of a quiet area for reading. *More public computers for public use. *Faster internet service and Wi-Fi were added to both library locations.

2016

Renovation Reveal! A ribbon cutting for the newly renovated NSLD/Loves Park first floor was held on Oct. 15, 2016. The time capsule was also reburied. Renovations continued at NSLD/Roscoe in fall, 2016. Plans for NSLD/Roscoe include an expanded parking lot and updated HVAC. NSLD announced in October 2016 that the North Suburban Woman’s Club gifted their property to the library. It is adjacent to NSLD/Loves Park.

2017

At NSLD/Roscoe, the expanded parking lot and HVAC updates were finished. Friends of NSLD officially dissolved. In April, 2019 NSLD celebrated 75 years in the community.

(Continued from page 13)

and to get out more on their own it makes a huge difference in their lives. Hundreds of students and graduates of the Vocational Internship Program who have made the transition into the work force have used the service every year and it has been life

changing; it is so important to what it does for a culture.” “We feel so fortunate and the cost is amazing and it helps those who are 1821 who have intellectual disabilities,” Wieman adds.

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