7-25-2023 3:13pm

News Briefs: July 25, 2023

In this news brief: Redevelopment projects in Roscoe, renovations in Rockton's community center, and a south Beloit boy competing in a Mullet Championship.

En Español: Noticias Breves: 25 de Julio,2023.

At their June 2023 meeting, the Roscoe Village board decided to move forward with preliminary plans for a complete reconstruction of Main Street from McDonald Road to Elevator Road, to revive the small-town atmosphere.

Seth Gronewold from Fehr Graham Engineering presented early concept plans, focusing on improving pedestrian accessibility and attracting businesses and families to the downtown area.

The project will begin with infrastructure improvements, including changing parking from diagonal to parallel for safety and efficiency, widening major intersections, and constructing a walking bridge over Kinnikinnick Creek.

Additionally, curbs and gutters will be installed, overhead utility poles removed, and recreational bike paths and sidewalks widened throughout the village.

The total estimated cost of the project is $3,586,675, 80% from grants, with the village applying for funding from various sources, including Congressional funding, transportation grants, and Open Space Acquisition and Development grants.

If approved, the first phase of reconstruction will start from the southern end of Main Street and progress northward in three phases. The village hopes to create an attractive and functional environment for residents and businesses through beautification plans that include new lights, benches, bike racks, and landscaping.

The completion of the project is estimated to take up to five years, depending on the availability of grants and funding. (more)

Rockton Township has been overseeing renovations and improvements at the building formerly known as "The Greater Rockton Centre," now renamed "Rockton Township Center." The initial improvements included a new roof, a rubberized exterior finish, and new sidewalks to improve wheelchair accessibility. This year, plans are set to renovate the restrooms to make them handicap-accessible and ADA-compliant. Further upgrades will include new doors, a prep kitchen, new carpet, and fresh paint.

During a recent event, the center was rented by Talcott Library for a board meeting, where hundreds of protesters gathered to express their opinions on a proposed drag queen event. After that large crowd, the Township Board discussed the event and decided to add a sprinkler and fire alarm system to meet building codes and avoid future capacity issues.

The community center building has a rich history dating back to the 1970s, originally used by the American Legion, then as a community meeting place managed by a group of Rockton residents. It was eventually given to the Township. In the past, the Township had considered options like rebuilding, tearing down the center, or donating it to someone else, but it remains under Township ownership with various plans for its continued use and improvements. (more)

The 2023 USA Mullet Championships are currently underway, and Caleb Grimaldi from South Beloit is among the top competitors. Caleb, a 5th-grade student at Willowbrook Middle School, is a dedicated athlete, actively participating in football for the RRL Junior Indians Football program and baseball for Stateline. He is a passionate fan of the Chicago Bears and dreams of becoming a player for the team when he grows up.

Caleb is putting his mullet hairdo to good use by supporting the "Homes For Wounded Warriors" charity in the USA Mullet Championships, reflecting his strong sense of patriotism. Caleb's mother, Angie Grimaldi, shares that he has a deep appreciation for the American flag and always stands for the National Anthem, even when watching sports on TV at home.

With round 2 closed on May 24, 2023, Caleb qualified for the top 100 in the kids' category. (more)