Policy Coordinator at Region 1 Planning Council. What moves Rockford forward? What holds it back?
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Articles by Isaac Guerrero
Winnebago County referendum campaign undeterred by virus
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Saturday Jul 11, 2020 at 8:07 AM ROCKFORD — Jean Crosby wants your help deciding how Winnebago County should be governed, and all she needs is your signature. If that sounds simple enough, it's not. With a general election less than four months away, politicians, candidates and political activists are facing a vexing challenge to democracy: how to spread their message without spreading a virus.
Appeals court rejects relaxed ballot rules for state constitution change
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Friday Jul 10, 2020 at 2:26 PM SPRINGFIELD — An Illinois group trying to get a constitutional amendment on the Nov. 3 ballot is not entitled to looser regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic, a federal appeals court ruled Wednesday.
Illinois moving into next phase of reopening as COVID-19 numbers continue to fall
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Monday Jun 22, 2020 at 6:05 PM As Winnebago County reopens, businesses that sidestep health guidelines will be publicized ROCKFORD — Winnebago County businesses that do not comply with state public health guidelines may find their names published on the county Health Department's website beginning Friday, when Illinois moves to Phase 4 of reopening from the coronavirus pandemic.
Illinois attorney general accuses plasma collection company of discrimination
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday against one of the largest plasma collection companies in the world, alleging its policies discriminate against people with disabilities. Raoul filed the lawsuit in Chicago against CSL Plasma Inc.
RVC picks Belvidere for high-tech center
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Thursday Jun 18, 2020 at 12:01 AM Jun 18, 2020 at 11:17 PM ROCKFORD — Rock Valley College and leaders of Belvidere Community Unit School District 100 will negotiate terms to develop an Advanced Technology Center in Boone County after college trustees on Thursday chose the Belvidere site over two Rockford sites for a coveted workforce training center.
Mayor McNamara, Rep. West urge RVC to pick Rockford
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Thursday Jun 18, 2020 at 7:55 AM ROCKFORD — Mayor Tom McNamara and state Rep. Maurice West, D-Rockford, are calling on Rock Valley College Trustees to reject a Belvidere School District proposal and instead choose either of two Rockford sites that are contenders for the college's Advanced Technology Center.
Illinois attorney general accuses plasma collection company of discrimination
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Rockford Ministers Fellowship calls for economic, employment, criminal justice reforms
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Tuesday Jun 16, 2020 at 9:10 PM A group of religious leaders will call on elected leaders in Rockford and Winnebago County to adopt economic, employment and criminal justice reforms that they say will help end systemic racism and injustice in the region. The Rockford Ministers Fellowship will convene a news conference at 4 p.m. Wednesday at the District 1 Rockford police station, 1045 W. State St., to discuss its six-point plan.
Fighting blight in Winnebago County: Online auction of orphan parcels generates $410K
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Monday Jun 15, 2020 at 4:51 PM ROCKFORD — Hundreds of thousands of dollars will flow to local governments this fall thanks to Winnebago County's new method of putting tax-delinquent properties into the hands of new owners. The Region 1 Planning Council has overhauled the program with an eye to reducing blight while returning orphan properties to the tax rolls through an online auction.
Change comes from marching in streets - and to the ballot box
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Saturday Jun 6, 2020 at 2:46 PM Ashley D. Williams pulled her face mask below her chin, took a deep breath and hollered a rousing challenge to hundreds of protesters gathered at Haskell Park on Tuesday night: “We're not here for entertainment,” Williams said. “We want change. “The 13th Ward: 12,000 people, but only 400 voted. Where are you all at? Get in the votes and I bet you we tip the scales. All of you 17 and older — are you ready?
Illinois Legislative Black Caucus delivers call to action in Rockford
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Friday Jun 5, 2020 at 6:25 PM ROCKFORD — State Rep. Maurice West brought members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus to town Friday to call for racial unity and to demand an emergency session of the General Assembly to approve social and economic reform legislation.
Hundreds lose jobs at Syncreon, Yanfeng in Belvidere
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Friday Jun 5, 2020 at 1:54 PM BELVIDERE — Syncreon terminated 407 employees and temporarily laid off an additional 47 workers on Monday, according to a mass layoff notice the company filed with the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. Syncreon is a logistics firm that sequences parts for the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Belvidere assembly plant.
Rockford mayor: Airport chief’s scathing text message was ’pathetically stupid’
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Friday Jun 5, 2020 at 9:58 AM ROCKFORD — Mayor Tom McNamara characterized as “pathetically stupid” recent comments by the city airport director to a Winnebago County Board member. Chicago Rockford International Airport director Mike Dunn has been roundly criticized for a blistering text message he sent last month to County Board member Dorothy Redd, D-18.
Social justice group calls for Rockford police chief’s dismissal
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Thursday Jun 4, 2020 at 6:35 PM ROCKFORD — Mayor Tom McNamara on Thursday stopped short of saying he'll call for the resignation of Police Chief Dan O'Shea, but said he rejects O'Shea's statement last month that city police officers "aren't wasting our time trying to save" 16- and 17-year-olds "that are running around shooting each other." McNamara's comments came after members of 100 Strong, a volunteer group that promotes social justice,...
Winnebago County Board member rejects apology from Rockford airport director
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Thursday Jun 4, 2020 at 3:41 PM Dorothy Redd said Mike Dunn’s letter of apology doesn’t seem genuine ROCKFORD — Winnebago County Board member Dorothy Redd has rejected a written apology she got this week from Mike Dunn — weeks after the city's airport director sent her a blistering text message in which he derided her for making “stupid” and “pathetic” statements about what she asserts is a lack of diversity on the airport board.
Winnebago County offers waiver of late fees on 1st installment of property taxes
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Wednesday Jun 3, 2020 at 4:37 PM ROCKFORD — Winnebago County taxpayers who cannot afford to pay the first installment of their 2019 property taxes — which is due June 19 — may be able to avoid late fees and interest charges if they miss the payment deadline, thanks to a program approved by the County Board.
Rockford-area stores close early a day after looting in city
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Kevin Haas Rockford Register Star @kevinmhaas Sunday May 31, 2020 at 4:53 PM ROCKFORD — Walmart evacuated customers and closed its Rockford-area stores early Sunday out of precaution following a downtown protest on Saturday that turned violent and led to rioting and looting at stores throughout the city. The retail box store was among several in the city that closed early as a precaution.
Walmart closes Rockford-area stores early a day after looting in city
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Sunday May 31, 2020 at 4:53 PM ROCKFORD — Walmart evacuated customers and closed its Rockford-area stores early Sunday out of precaution following a downtown protest on Saturday that turned violent and led to rioting and looting at stores throughout the city. An employee at the Walmart Supercenter, 7219 Walton St., said that workers locked and bolted the doors to the store at 3:30 p.m. Sunday after telling customers to evacuate the store.
Dissent goes viral in Loves Park as Illinois small business reopens to uncertain future
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Saturday May 30, 2020 at 8:00 AM Seaver Sisler is angry, but he has a point There is nothing subtle about the sign that Seaver Sisler planted in March in front of his used car lot, Hall of Fame Auto Sales at 4732 N. Second St. in Loves Park. The frustration conveyed in Sisler's sign — “PRITZKER SUCKS THE LIFE OUT OF ILLINOIS SMALL BUSINESS” — still rings potent weeks later.
Rockford airport board chairman: Director’s scathing text doesn’t reflect board’s opinion
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Thursday May 28, 2020 at 5:18 PM Airport commissioners want no part of controversy between airport chief Mike Dunn and Winnebago County Board ROCKFORD — A scathing text message that the city's airport director sent to a Winnebago County Board member was the communication of a private citizen and does not reflect the opinion of the airport board, said Paul Cicero, chairman of the airport board.
Rockford airport board chairman: Director’s scathing text doesn’t reflect board’s opinion
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Thursday May 28, 2020 at 5:18 PM Airport commissioners want no part of controversy between airport chief Mike Dunn and Winnebago County Board ROCKFORD — A scathing text message that the city's airport director sent to a Winnebago County Board member was the communication of a private citizen and does not reflect the opinion of the airport board, said Paul Cicero, chairman of the airport board.
Rockford airport chief’s scorching text message stokes controversy over board nomination
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Wednesday May 27, 2020 at 5:37 PM Winnebago County Board considers rebuke of Mike Dunn for fiery message he sent to board member Dorothy Redd ROCKFORD — The Winnebago County Board meets Thursday to consider a resolution condemning Chicago Rockford International Airport Director Mike Dunn for calling board member Dorothy Redd "pathetic and stupid" in a fiery text message he sent her this month.
Rockford airport chief’s scorching text message stokes controversy over board nomination
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Wednesday May 27, 2020 at 5:37 PM Winnebago County Board considers rebuke of Mike Dunn for firey message he sent to board member Dorothy Redd ROCKFORD — The Winnebago County Board meets Thursday to consider a resolution condemning Chicago Rockford International Airport Director Mike Dunn for calling board member Dorothy Redd “pathetic and stupid” in a fiery text message he sent her this month.
Interim Winnebago County administrator Steve Chapman may stay on through September
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Monday May 25, 2020 at 8:00 AM ROCKFORD — The Winnebago County Board will meet Thursday to consider keeping interim administrator Steve Chapman around a bit longer while the county's search for a permanent day-to-day manager continues. Chapman retired in 2016 after serving as county administrator for 26 years. He went back to work for the county, on a part-time interim basis, in August after the resignation of administrator Carla Paschal.
Rock Valley narrows 21 sites for tech center to 3 finalists
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Thursday May 21, 2020 at 7:24 PM ROCKFORD — Rock Valley College has narrowed 21 potential sites for its proposed Advanced Technology Center to two spots in Rockford and one other in Belvidere, but it will be weeks before a winning location is selected.
Thousands still await COVID-19 test results in Winnebago County
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Thursday May 21, 2020 at 6:04 PM ROCKFORD — Mary Ann Smith, a longtime patron of arts and culture in Rockford, has yet to receive results of the COVID-19 test that she took May 1 at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford. Smith is among 4,055 Winnebago County residents who were still waiting for COVID-19 test results as of Thursday.
Discovery Center, Collins Aerospace keep Rockford families engaged in learning
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Wednesday May 20, 2020 at 4:34 PM ROCKFORD — About 150 families are keeping their kids engaged in learning with weekly STEM at Home activity kits provided by the Discovery Center Museum and Collins Aerospace Systems. Museum employees on Wednesday distributed kits to parents outside the YMCA of Rock River Valley, 200 Y Blvd.
Winnebago County to reopen bars, restaurants, churches starting June 1
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Monday May 18, 2020 at 5:46 PM ROCKFORD — Winnebago County will allow restaurants and bars, child care businesses and youth programs, and churches to reopen June 1, Mayor Tom McNamara and Winnebago County Health Department Administrator Sandra Martell said Monday. The health department will unveil recommendations on May 26 for how those businesses should operate beginning June 1, Martell said.
New grocery planned for northwest Rockford
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Saturday May 9, 2020 at 8:31 AM Jet Foods would fill old Hilander store that’s been vacant for nearly a decade A new grocer plans to fill the anchor spot of a shopping center at North Main Street and Riverside Boulevard that's been empty since Hilander closed in 2012.
More than 1,200 lose jobs during mass layoffs in Winnebago County in April
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Friday May 8, 2020 at 9:56 AM ROCKORD — More than 1,200 people in the region lost their jobs in April as Woodward, Anderson Auto Group and other employers trimmed their workforce amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Machesney Park curtails adminstrator’s role
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Tuesday May 5, 2020 at 12:05 PM Community development director discovered Administrator Tim Savage’s role in proposed cannabis business MACHESNEY PARK — Community Development Director James Richter II is managing the village's day-to-day affairs after trustees on Monday limited the duties of Village Administrator Tim Savage.
Rock Valley College names Beth Young interim president
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Tuesday May 5, 2020 at 1:25 PM Trustees buyout ex-president Doug Jensen’s contract with $51K payout ROCKFORD — Rock Valley College Interim President Beth Young will earn a 25% pay raise while serving in her interim role until a new college president is selected this fall. Young has led the college since former president Doug Jensen resigned April 28.
Rockford’s ATC soap opera is Dysfunction 101
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Saturday May 2, 2020 at 8:01 AM If you thought the saga of the would-be Advanced Technology Center couldn't possibly endure any more confusing and cringeworthy plot twists, well, you were wrong. The ATC is a missing link in the region's higher education toolbox, a dynamic career and technical education training center that, as envisioned, would sustain the region's advanced manufacturing workforce for decades to come.
Protesters demand release of Winnebago County Jail inmates
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Friday May 1, 2020 at 3:19 PM ROCKFORD — About 40 vehicles circled the block around the Winnebago County Justice Center Friday afternoon as part of a demonstration calling on the county's criminal justice authorities to free jail inmates to keep them safe from COVID-19.
RVC board approves former president’s separation terms
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Wednesday Apr 29, 2020 at 12:47 PM ROCKFORD — Rock Valley College will pay former president Doug Jensen through June 30, according to employment separation terms unanimously approved by trustees on Tuesday. The college's chief operating officer, Beth Young, has effectively served as interim president since Jensen accepted an offer March 26 to become president of Bismarck State College in North Dakota.
Driver sues Winnebago County Board Chairman Frank Haney for negligence
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Friday May 1, 2020 at 12:49 PM Michael Condatore seeks more than $50K for personal injuries, medical bills and emotional distress ROCKFORD — Nearly a year after Winnebago County Board Chairman Frank Haney crashed his county vehicle, the driver who struck his SUV is suing Haney and the county for damages.
Winnebago County extends deadline for senior property assessment exemption
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Friday May 1, 2020 at 10:47 AM ROCKFORD — Winnebago County is giving thousands of senior citizens more time to apply for or renew a property assessment exemption. The county mailed more than 10,000 senior exemption renewal notices to Winnebago County households this week.
Machesney Park administrator resigns after role in cannabis business discovered
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Tuesday Apr 28, 2020 at 2:23 PM Tim Savage, First Midwest Group president Sunil Puri, two others apply for craft grower license MACHESNEY PARK — Village Administrator Tim Savage resigned last week after Village President Steve Johnson questioned his role in a proposed cannabis farm with one of the village's most prominent developers.
New leadership on Winnebago County Board? Hope springs eternal
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Saturday Apr 25, 2020 at 3:28 PM Winnebago County is taxing more than 14,000 people who have had no representation on the County Board since March 12, the night David Boomer quit his elected District 4 seat on the board. Boomer is a Republican, which means the District 4 seat he left must be filled by a Republican who lives in the district. That person will represent District 4 until a new board is seated after the November election.
U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos slams Mercyhealth CEO for refusing Medicaid patients in Rockford
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Friday Apr 24, 2020 at 3:57 PM ROCKFORD – U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos slammed Mercyhealth CEO Javon Bea on Friday for "putting profits ahead of people" following the health system’s announcement this week that it will no longer accept insurance from certain Medicaid patients beginning July 21.
U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos slams Mercyhealth CEO for refusing Medicaid patients in Rockford
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Friday Apr 24, 2020 at 3:57 PM ROCKFORD – U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos slammed Mercyhealth CEO Javon Bea on Friday for "putting profits ahead of people" following the health system’s announcement this week that it will no longer accept insurance from certain Medicaid patients beginning July 21.
Hundreds show up for debut of Rockford COVID-19 test center
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Friday Apr 24, 2020 at 1:36 PM ROCKFORD — Hundreds of patients visited the city’s new drive-through COVID-19 testing center Friday at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. The triage, testing and transfer site, 1601 Parkview Ave., is a collaborative effort involving the National Guard, Illinois Department of Public Health, Winnebago County Emergency Operations Center and the UIC Health Sciences Campus-Rockford.
Contact tracing helps Winnebago County track, manage COVID-19
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Saturday Apr 18, 2020 at 1:48 PM Apr 18, 2020 at 1:48 PM What will it take for Americans to emerge from our shelter-in-place existence and ween ourselves from routine social distancing? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is crafting a two-fold plan to do just that.
Transparency, privacy compete in Winnebago County amid a pandemic
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Saturday Apr 11, 2020 at 9:42 AM Apr 11, 2020 at 11:47 AM If you've been following the routine coronavirus news briefings at the Winnebago County Health Department, you may have noticed there's a debate swirling in lockstep with the horrible virus. How should local government juggle the public’s right to information during a public health crisis while not causing a panic and simultaneously protect individuals' right to privacy?
Winnebago County balances transparency, privacy amid pandemic
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Saturday Apr 11, 2020 at 9:42 AM Apr 11, 2020 at 9:42 AM If you've been following the routine coronavirus news briefings at the Winnebago County Health Department, you may have noticed there's a debate swirling in lockstep with the horrible virus. How should local government juggle the public’s right to information during a public health crisis while not causing a panic and simultaneously protect individuals' right to privacy?
David Gill seeks discovery recount after losing Winnebago County state's attorney primary
Isaac Guerrero Rockford Register Star @isaac_rrs Friday Apr 10, 2020 at 5:26 PM Apr 10, 2020 at 5:32 PM John Penney also seeks limited recount after falling short in County Board race ROCKFORD — David Gill has petitioned for a discovery recount in Rockford and Winnebago County after narrowly losing the March 17 Republican primary contest for state's attorney to J. Hanley.
COVID-19 death toll in Winnebago County climbs to 5
Isaac Guerrero Staff writer @isaac_rrs Thursday Apr 9, 2020 at 4:45 PM Apr 9, 2020 at 4:45 PM Health department reports 84 confirmed cases of the respiratory disease ROCKFORD — Eight more people in Winnebago County have tested positive for COVID-19 and two more have died from the disease, bringing the county's total number of cases to 84 and total deaths to five, Health Department Director Sandra Martell said Thursday.
Woodward lays off 425 workers in Loves Park
Isaac Guerrero Staff writer @isaac_rrs Thursday Apr 9, 2020 at 12:49 PM Apr 9, 2020 at 6:06 PM Employees offered paid benefits for 3 months, outplacement services LOVES PARK — Woodward Inc. has laid off about 425 employees, representing 20% of the workforce from its manufacturing centers at 5001 N. Second St. and 5257 Harlem Road.
Woodward lays off 425 workers in Loves Park
Isaac Guerrero Staff writer @isaac_rrs Thursday Apr 9, 2020 at 12:49 PM Apr 9, 2020 at 12:52 PM Employees offered paid benefits for 3 months, outplacement services LOVES PARK — Woodward, Inc. has laid off about 425 employees from its manufacturing centers at 5001 N. Second St. and 5257 Harlem Road.
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