2-16-2022 3:28pm

News Briefs from Rockton & Roscoe: 2/16/2022

Michael McGinnis Editor

A COVID testing center near Schnuck's opened yesterday, but it's not the same as the previous center. Quality Covid Control LLC processes its own tests within 30 minutes and so far, has no lines. But the last tests are given at 6:45 p.m.

After a legislative panel in Springfield blocked new mask rules, Hononegah's superintendent has announced that masks will be optional for staff as well as students.

Our reporter Marianne Mueller brings us a profile of a Hononegah student who is producing videos and taking photos.

Our student photographer Indigo Sterud took pictures at the last performance of CYT's production of Madagascar Jr.

Village of Roscoe President Mark Szula has filed to run for Illinois House District 90. In his filing document, he didn't list a party affiliation, but he told The Illinoize that he would run as a Republican. That means that in the primary election in June, he will be the opponent of John Cabello. Szula is a Business Representative for The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, while Cabello is a detective at the Rockford Police Department. Obviously we will be saying more about this election in the future.

The Rockton School Board approved the purchase of 360 Chromebooks for $105,960, with the money coming from a State of Illinois Digital Equity Grant. A Chromebook model with an Intel processor is better, but may take 6-7 months to arrive. The school district is prioritizing the 5th graders, who will be using their Chromebooks throughout middle school. For other students, they will have to experiment with the other model, to see how well it performs, since the Intel model is unavailable. The school also decided on new mask-optional policies, which you can read below.