News Briefs: Aug. 17, 2024
In the news in South Beloit, Roscoe, and Rockton: missing senior, packed meeting, and more
A record crowd showed up to voice their opinions at the public hearing for the approval of the proposed NorthPointe Neighborhood Hospital on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024. Many were employees of Beloit Health System, the owner of NorthPointe, many holding signs in favor of the small hospital with an emergency room. Representatives of OSF and MercyHealth testified that another hospital isn't necessary. The Illinois Health Facilities and Review Board (HFSRB) will make its final decision at its state board meeting on October 29. The crowd packed the Roscoe Township Community Center at Founders Park on Hononegah Road. Roscoe Township Supervisor Bob Nowicki says the Township will be adding more parking there.
Police have been looking for Gilbert E. Wierschke, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease, who wandered from his home on Marblewing Ln. on Monday, August 12, 2024. Anyone with information should contact the Village of Roscoe Police Department at 815-623-7338. In partnership with the Boone County Sheriff's Department and the Illinois Search and Rescue Council (ISARC), additional ground searches are being conducted in the area. His daughter says, "I CANNOT EMPHASIZE THIS ENOUGH: He is used to walking long distances." He once walked home from his job at the Chrysler plan in Belvidere and he used to be an active bowler.
Students at Hononegah Community High School went back to school this week with new rules. One of them requires them to deposit all smartphones with the teacher at the beginning of each class. Student reactions: it's hard to check messages when you only have five minutes to do it (it's hard enough to get to your next class) and it's boring when you've finished your classwork but can't have your phone. Administrators say the no-phone policy will help students focus and succeed in class.
Roscoe Township trustees will be discussing renovation expenses for the Robert Cross House at their rescheduled meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024 at 7 p.m. The Roscoe Township Historical Society is leasing the 1840s brick structure for $1 a year and is raising money to restore it through fundraising events and a memorial brick program. When the Township bought the property, trustees promised not to spend taxpayer money on the restoration, but as the landlord of the building, the Township has some responsibilities. At the meeting, trustees will decide whether the Township should spend $16,565 for replacement windows for the Cross House and garage and $35,000 for masonry repairs for the front of the Cross House and the stoop.
