News Briefs 7/30/2024

Illinois 2 (Blackhawk Boulevard) in South Beloit will be closed at the Union Pacific railroad crossing beginning Tuesday July 30, 2024. The closure will allow the railroad to remove and replace its at-grade crossing just south of Turtle Creek. A detour will be marked directing traffic to Illinois 75 (Gardner Street), US 51, and Broad Street in Beloit, Wisconsin. Work is anticipated to be completed Sunday August 4.

50 North's meeting on Tuesday, August 6 will feature Roxann Smith's pictures and memories of her adventure of moving her house down Main Street in Rockton after Macktown Bank bought the land it was located on. Everyone over 50 is invited. There will be refreshments too.

Young people from farthest northern Illinois end up in colleges all over. Abigail Brewer of Rockton just graduated from The University of Tampa with a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health.

This week's Rockton River Market River includes the music of Jon Bon Stamos, which means a 6-piece band that plays high-energy "stolk folk." That is, rock music with a banjo. Cadence Diduch of Freeport, who may be wrestling at the Olympics next time, will be there for photos. Also, food and vendors.

Speaking of high-quality music, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Rockton is looking for a part-time accompanist/ pianist for their 9 a.m. services.

South Beloit is saying goodbye to a landmark (or is it a blight) as they accept sealed bids until August 9, 2024 for the demolition of the abandoned Garden Hotel. We'll be talking to City officials about future plans for the property on 251 and Gardener Street.

Paty Bautista, a life-long resident of South Beloit, is still recovering from a recent fire in her home. Fire experts say everything in it was damaged and poisoned by the smoke. A GoFundMe fund has been established for donations.

Youth from Roscoe United Methodist Church are visiting Ireland for a mission trip and doing a little painting. Follow our story on Facebook for updates.