Rockton-Roscoe News: Saturday, Mar. 15, 2025
Windy weather, high school musical, bus expansion, football lawsuit
It's Saturday, and this is Rockton-Roscoe News - about and for Roscoe, Rockton, and South Beloit.
- Hononegah Community High School's all-school musical, Once Upon a Mattress, continues Saturday and Sunday. This hilarious twist on The Princess and the Pea follows Princess Winnifred the Wise as she faces the ultimate test to win over the scheming Queen Aggravain. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online.
- Since 2008, SMTD has provided on-demand bus service in Roscoe, Rockton, and South Beloit. On July 1, Winnebago County will begin contracting with Reagan Mass Transit District (Reagan MTD) to provide similar services for residents outside the SMTD and Rockford Mass Transit service areas. For example, Harlem, Owen, and Shirland Townships are not part of SMTD, though SMTD provides special service to the shopping corridor along 173. SMTD's Executive Director Sharon Hecox says the new agreement will not impact SMTD's services, but it will be much welcomed by those who have been needing transportation. She says, "It’s a sad day when we have to tell someone, 'Sorry, you are outside the service area and we can’t pick you up.'"
- Yesterday, attorney Kelly Vecchio received the judge's permission to file an extra-long 38 page response to Attorney Julie Bruch's 39 page motion to dismiss Vecchio's civil rights lawsuit against Hononegah. Vecchio filed the suit in October 2024 on behalf of a former football player, known as John Doe. Magistrate Judge Margaret J. Schneider also gave Vecchio permission to file yesterday's response "under seal" because it contains information that would publicly identify the student, though at Hononegah, the identity of the student is already widely known. The lawsuit alleges that Hononegah officials told players that Hononegah had to forfeit the Harlem game because Doe's mother had questioned the eligibility of a player. The IHSA let him to play for the rest of the season, but his parents are also targets of Vecchio's lawsuit, alleging they committed "fraud, fraudulent concealment, civil conspiracy, and breaches of contract" and that they really live in Wisconsin. In response, attorney Julie Bruch says that the Illinois School Code doesn't give Doe the right to sue someone else for violating the code.
Weather
Partly sunny, with a high near 56. Windy, with a southwest wind 25 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 50 mph. A slight chance of rain and snow showers Saturday Night between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m., then a chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. Northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. High winds mean extreme fire danger, and Rockton Fire Chief Kirk Wilson asks that area residents continue to refrain from any open burning on Saturday, March 15.
Weekend events
Musical: Once Upon a Mattress
Mar 14-16, 2025, 7:00 pm, Hononegah Performing Arts Center, 307 Salem St. Rockton IL, 61072
Rockton-Roscoe News Staff
Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner in South Beloit
Sat Mar 15, 2025, 11:00 am, South Beloit Businessmen’s Association, 525 Washington St., South Beloit IL, 61080
Michael McGinnis
Live Music: That 70s Band Chicagoland
Sun Mar 16, 2025, 2 - 5 pm, Louie’s Tap House, 5689 Elevator Rd. Roscoe IL, 61073
Rockton-Roscoe News Staff
What’s happening in the Stateline: Friday, Mar 14 - Friday, Mar 21, 2025
Coming this week: 20 events in Rockton, South Beloit, and Roscoe
Michael McGinnis
In the news
Lester Peterson was a Rockton trustee
A private Celebration of Life luncheon will be held in Rockton, IL.
Michael McGinnis
Shop local at the Roscoe Makers Mercantile on Jun 21
Local vendors and small businesses will gather at Main and Bridge in Roscoe on June 21 for the first-ever Roscoe Makers Mercantile. Shop handmade goods, grab a bite from food trucks, and enjoy the community atmosphere.
Alycia Dioneda Schneedle
Early Voting Begins March 17 in Winnebago County
Starting Monday, you can vote at the Winnebago County Offices, 404 Elm Street, in Rockford.
Rockton-Roscoe News Staff
Death notices for the Stateline: Mar. 10, 2025
We remember those who are no longer with us in Roscoe, South Beloit, and Rockton.
Michael McGinnis
Rockton-Roscoe News Briefs: Monday, Mar. 10, 2025
Shakespeare Day, Quiz Bowl, private eye, today’s events
Michael McGinnis
Analytics Consulting is still analyzing Chemtool claims
The next hearing will be at 1:30 p.m. on May 2, 2025 in Rockford, IL.
Michael McGinnis
Shirland Math Team to publish children’s book on Pi Day
Proceeds from the March 14 sale of “The Pi Day Pirates” will benefit St. Jude’s Research Hospital.
Adam Neblock
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