Roscoe-Rockton
our town
ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING LLC
2020-21
ROSCOE-ROCKTON OUR TOWN 2020
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10684 Main Street Roscoe, IL 61073 • 815-270-1217
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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.
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. 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 Area residents and visitors will enjoy Committee meetings are held the first and the quaint charm of Rockton during the annual Christmas Walk. third Mondays of each month. The Budget SUBMITTED PHOTO Our Town & Finance Committee meetings are held prior to the Board meeting on the noted corporate authorities. Three Trustees are Village Board elected by the citizens of Rockton every two Tuesdays. The Village Hall is open from 8 a.m. to The Rockton Board of Trustees is the years for four year terms. Board members’ 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. legislative branch of Village Government, terms commence on the first Monday in May Village of Rockton, 110 E. Main St., which creates all Village policy administered following their election. Rockton, IL 61072. Phone 815-624by the Village Mayor. The Board of Trustees, As corporate authorities the Board 7600/760, Fax 815-624-0418 along with the Village Mayor, serve as the of Trustees possesses and exercises
Welcome to Roscoe, Ill. – To live here is to love it
Village Hall Hours: OPEN: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. 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,
800-594-1234 ComEd (electric service) 800-334-7661 Nicor (natural gas) 888-642-6748 North Park Water (water service) 815-633-5461
Other useful phone numbers
The Chicago & North Western Railway Stone Arch Bridge, located east of Roscoe, Illinois. The bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. SUBMITTED PHOTO Our Town
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)
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 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 Winnebago County Office 815-319-4444 Roscoe Village Hall, 10631 Main St., P.O. Box 283, Roscoe, Ill. 61073, Phone: 815623-2829, Fax: 815-623-1360
ON THE COVER, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Natural Land Institute (NLI) named Don Miller as the recipient of the 2020 George and Barbara Fell Award at their Annual Dinner on March 24, 2020. Shown here, Don Miller talks with some young visitors at a Wildflower Weekend at Nygren Wetlands; The Rockton Lions Club planted the downtown planters to beautify the village; Princesses, super heroes and other favorite characters greeted young and young at Heart on Sunday, March 1, 2020. “Once Upon A Dream” in Rockton was a first time event drawing thousands. A total of 16 businesses participated. Shown here, Elaina Knowlton, Brinlee Weber and Kaylee Moss met some of their favorite Princesses outside of Rockton Sanctuary Spa. MARIANNE MUELLER AND SUBMITTED PHOTOS Our Town
ROSCOE-ROCKTON OUR TOWN 2020
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.
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OUR SCHOOLS 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 on April 4, 2017, voters in the Hononegah Community High School District #207 approved a referendum to authorize up to $17.8 million in bonds for a new field house. The field house replaced the dome that collapsed during an ice storm in late 2015.
The 2020 Princess Hononegah is senior Gia Cuppini. SUBMITTED PHOTO Our Town
Prairie Hill School District 133 Phone: 1-815-389-3957 Fax: 1-815-389-6107
The Hononegah Nations
Rockton School District 140 Phone: 1-815-624-7143 Fax: 1-815-624-4640
Kinnikinnick School District 131 Phone: 1-815-623-2837 Fax: 1-815-623-9285
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: 815-623-2166 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, Ill. 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
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.
ROSCOE-ROCKTON OUR TOWN 2020
Hononegah School District
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WELCOME TO
ROCK BAY HARBOR APARTMENTS Independent living for adults 55 years and older If you are 55 years or older and wish for a quiet 1 or 2 bedroom apartment that offers all the comforts of a home along with more opportunities for socializing, look no further than Rock Bay Harbor Apartments. Our beautifully decorated facility offers spacious apartments with plenty of closets and storage.
ROSCOE-ROCKTON OUR TOWN 2020
WE ARE OPEN AND ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!!!
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We offer market rate apartments, as well as several units reserved at reduced rents, should your household income fall within guidelines. This is made possible due to our participation in Wisconsin’s Affordable Housing Program.
For rental information, please call 608-362-1020 or visit sawallproperties.com.
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OUR FIRST RESPONDERS Harlem-Roscoe Fire: Rockton Police:
Serving Roscoe, Machesney Park Available 24/7 The Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District (HRFD) 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 Harlem-Roscoe Fire Locations: Chief Don Shoevlin * Station One -10544 Main St. Roscoe, Ill. * Station Two - 825 Ralston Road, Machesney Park, Ill. * Station Three - 13974 Willowbrook Road, Roscoe Ill. Contact: EMERGENCY - DIAL 911 Administration - 815-623-7867 Email - hrfdinfo@gmail.com Newsletter - hrfdsdrost@gmail.com Hours of operation: * Administration Offices - 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday
Roscoe Police:
to assist community 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, DARE, vacation house checks, and a Citizens Police Academy. We offer assistance that larger communities cannot as part of our Chief Stephen “community policing” philosophy. Dickson 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
The mission of the Roscoe Police Department is to ensure the protection of persons and property, maintain peaceful order, and create a level of safety and service which instills pride for all whom reside within the community. The Roscoe Police Department will strive to maintain a workforce, which without bias; will act with honesty, courage, integrity, and equality towards all. The Roscoe Police Department is committed to working with our schools, businesses, and citizens in an effort to address and eliminate any and Chief Jamie Evans all criminal activity, dangers to person or property, or public nuisance. The Roscoe Police Department exists to protect and serve its community. To Report a Crime: Call 911 for a life-threatening situation or a crime in progress. Administrative Contact: 10595 Main St., Roscoe, Ill., 61073 Phone: 815-623-7338 Chief Jamie Evans
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 provides multiple services including fire suppression, EMS advanced life support, rescue and extrication, fire Rockton Fire Chief prevention and education. Annually, we Kirk Wilson proudly answer an average of 1150 calls
See FIREFIGHTERS, Page 14
ROSCOE-ROCKTON OUR TOWN 2020
Ready to protect and serve Rockton Firefighters: Ready to respond
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Talcott Library patrons adopted 46 total books during the 2019 Adopt A Book program. Betsy Carlson and her family carried on this long time tradition. MARIANNE MUELLER Our Town
Talcott Free Library offers service to Rockton residents 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
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.
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 nonresident 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 to a hour 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
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 Library Use Only: Reference, Current Magazines, Newspapers, Historical
Materials
Fees
Overdues: All items = $.10 per item per day 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.
Hours
Monday - Tuesday - 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday - 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sunday - Closed
ROSCOE-ROCKTON OUR TOWN 2020
Mission Statement
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North Suburban Public Library serves residents of Roscoe
ROSCOE-ROCKTON OUR TOWN 2020
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. 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. Construction began on NSLD/ Roscoe’s new location at 5562 Clayton Circle in 1997. NSLD/Roscoe offered wireless Internet access starting Oct. 3, 2005. 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 percent and Loves Park’s annual circulation increased over 15 percent. The number of visitors at both libraries increased 8.2 percent to 360,681. Overcrowding at NSLD/ Roscoe’s library was a problem. There
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was a severe shortage of program space and also shelving space for materials. NSLD celebrated our 70th anniversary by going to the ballot in March to ask taxpayers to allow the library to redirect funds from an 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. Renovations continued at NSLD/ Roscoe in fall, 2016. Plans for NSLD/ Roscoe included an expanded parking lot and updated HVAC.
NSLD Reopening Updates
How to use curbside service
1. Place a hold on the materials you wish to pick up. 2. NSLD staff will call you to schedule a pick up time. 3. Arrive at the library, walk up to the entrance and show staff your NSLD library card. 4. Take items home to enjoy!
Book drops open for returning materials
All NSLD materials may be returned to outdoor book drops at either library location. NSLD fines will be waived while both libraries are closed. If you do not have a library card or it has expired, you can still try NSLD’s online services. NSLD libraries have new procedures in place to protect patrons and staff. These include: • Library materials are currently being quarantined for 3 days so materials may remain on your account longer than usual, no overdue fines will be charged. • State and local guidelines including social distancing and face mask requirements must be followed while on library grounds. • All library spaces are being cleaned regularly. Thank you for your patience as staff work to safely reopen all library services. Watch NSLD’s Facebook page and website during this period for up-to-date information. For the most current information about hours and opening status, call 815-623-6266.
Nygren Wetlands Preserve in Rockton, Ill. offers annual entertaining family events. Shown here, Family Nature Day. SUBMITTED PHOTO Our Town
OUR CHURCHES Rockton churches St. Peter’s Catholic Church 620 Blackhawk Blvd. South Beloit 815-389-2024 Prince of Peace Church 2336 Freeport Road, Rockton 815-624-2115 http://www. princeofpeacerockton.com/ St. Andrew Lutheran Church 511 W Rockton Road, Rockton 815-624-6051 Rockton United Methodist Church 102 W Chapel St., Rockton 815-624-7591 www.rocktonumc.org
United Church of Christ Old Stone United Church of Christ 101 E Union St., Rockton 815-624-6212 Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rock Valley 329 School St., (Old Stephen Mack School) Voice Mail 815-399-7178 www.uucrv.org
Church Our Savior Lutheran 5506 Reimer Dr., Roscoe 815-624-2138
Hope Evangelical Free Church 5656 Elevator Road, Roscoe 815-623-6545
Cross & Crown Lutheran Church 7404 Elevator Road, Roscoe 815-623-6853
Life Church 5910 Elevator Road, Roscoe 815-623-7625
Roscoe churches
First Congregational Community 10780 3rd St., Roscoe 815-623-2348
Church of the Holy Spirit 5637 Broad St, Roscoe 815-623-6930
Hilltop Ministry Center 8301 Mitchell Road, Roscoe 815-885-4606
New Life Tabernacle 5414 Reimer Dr., Roscoe 815-623-5387 Roscoe United Methodist Church 10816 Main St., Roscoe 815-623-2292
Donation to food pantry
First Congregational Church of Roscoe is located at 10780 Third St., Roscoe, Ill. For information, call 815-623-2348.
Thanks to the communities’ support of the Rockton Police Association Blues and BBQ fundraising event, they were able to make a $500 donation to the Old Stone Church Food Pantry. Pastor Dan accepted the check.
SUBMITTED PHOTO Our Town
SUBMITTED PHOTO Our Town
ROSCOE-ROCKTON OUR TOWN 2020
Church By The Side of The Road 500 S. Blackhawk Blvd., Rockton 815-624-7841 Church of the Nazarene The River Chapel 14053 Nazarene Dr., Rockton 815-624-7418 http://riverchapelnaz.org/home. html
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OUR PARKS
ROSCOE-ROCKTON OUR TOWN 2020
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 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
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SENIOR CARE
• 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
• 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.
Jr. Tackle football and cheer program for boys and girls 7th thru 8th grade. Phone: 815-623-7810
• Stateline Family YMCA
The Stateline Family YMCA is a notfor-profit, charitable association dedicated to developing the Spirit, Mind and Body. Phone: 815-623-5858
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First Congregational Community Church
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Rockton, Roscoe offer parks, recreation
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 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 twomile 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.
An SMTD bus was decked out to fit a past OSD theme. MARIANNE MUELLER Out Town
By Marianne Mueller REPORTER
SMTD (Stateline Mass Transit District) bus service has been providing safe, affordable transportation for the past 12 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 nonprofits.” “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 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
See SMTD, Page 14
ROSCOE-ROCKTON OUR TOWN 2020
Valuable service of SMTD still ‘Here to get you there’
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(Continued from page 13)
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 whether shopping or to a Doctor’s appointment. Young
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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. “We have a partnership with Sharon at the SMTD. She does instruction and answers
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Serving: Shirland • Rockton • Durand • South Beloit
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ROSCOE VFW POST 2955
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 18-21 who have intellectual disabilities,” Wieman adds.
• Firefighters
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for service. Historically, the area has had strong agricultural roots, but in recent years there has been a large influx of young families 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-on-premises 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 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
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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 agriterrorism a priority.
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ROSCOE-ROCKTON OUR TOWN 2020
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questions and every student gets signed up,” Wieman said. “Once they realize the independence that SMTD offers to be able to travel for work, leisure, 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
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“We’re Here To Safely Get You There!”
ahl Reece Heyerd andson) Gr n’s ro ha (S
ROSCOE-ROCKTON OUR TOWN 2020
SMTD is happy to welcome all riders. You are essential to SMTD and we have missed you. SMTD continues to provide safe, affordable transportation you can trust to get you where you need to go...when you are ready to go!
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As we welcome our riders back, we want to remind you that wearing face masks is still required and we are continuing to waive fares until further notice.
Phone: 815.624.7788 Ride Scheduling Info: 877.561.3330 E-Mail: info@smtd.biz Web: www.smtd.biz
“We’re Here To Get You There!” 376022