Rockford Sports News

Rockford Rivet's win in 15-14 in Extra Innings

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 11 Jun 2016 15:31:00 +0000

Rockford's newest baseball team, the Rockford Rivets, beat the Kenosha Kingfish Friday night in exciting fashion 15-14 in ten innings. The Rivets jumped to an early lead, at one time leading the Kingfish 14-3. The Kingfish fought back, steadily scoring runs, scoring two more runs in the ninth inning to tie the game at 14-14. Almost four hours into the game, a 10th inning single drove in the winning run for the Rivets.

I was at this game. It was fun and I encourage you to take your friends and family to a Rivet's baseball game.

Visit the Rockford Rivet's website for more news and to order tickets to an upcoming game.

Thoughts on filling vacancies in political office...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 11 May 2016 23:12:00 +0000

Sorry for the non-sports related post again...

I posted earlier (see copy at bottom of this post) that there is a vacancy in the office of Cherry Valley Township Clerk. Most units of government do the least they can to advertise these types of vacancies because frankly, not too many people are interested in being appointed to these positions. Also, state law doesn't require much notice to the public about filling vacancies. Despite the apparent lack of public interest in these appointed/elected positions, I still feel government officials need to be as upfront and vocal about finding qualified candidates to fill these positions. Unfortunately my blog posts here may be too little, too late, but I tried.

As I prepare for my township meeting tonight, I'm hoping that more than one interested party has come forward to request appointment to the office of Cherry Valley Township Clerk. Even if you're not interested in the position, come down to the meeting. The meeting starts in about 20 minutes, but the township office is just minutes away from most Cherry Valley Township residents.

Our offices at:

Cherry Valley Township
4875 Blackhawk Rd
Rockford, IL 61109

My early post, again!

Vacancy in Cherry Valley Township Clerk position

May 11, 2016 - Notice to Cherry Valley Township residents -

There now exists a vacancy in the office Cherry Valley Township Clerk. This vacancy is to be filled by appointment by the Cherry Valley Township board of trustees. To be eligible to fill the vacancy one must: live in Cherry Valley Township, Illinois, be a registered voter in Winnebago County, Illinois, and must be identified as Republican voter, as you would be filling an elected Republican official's office. Typically party affiliation is determined by your most recent primary voting record (Republican, Democrat, other.)

This vacancy will likely be discussed at the monthly May meeting, tonight, May 11, 2016 at 6:30 PM.

If you are interested in being appointed to this position, please either attend the meeting or contact the township office to express an interest in filling the position.

Cherry Valley Township
4875 Blackhawk Rd
Rockford, IL 61109

Phone: (815) 874-8100
FAX: (815) 874-2110

As sometimes happens with appointments, appointments are filled by other people within that unit of government. In this case, it is possible that a current trustee may be appointed to fill the vacancy in the Clerk office. If that is the case, there then would be a vacancy in Cherry Valley Township Trustee. (There is no such vacancy in trustee now, but if you were ever interested in filling such a vacancy, contact the township office and express an interest.)

Again, the only known vacancy in Cherry Valley Township government at this time is in the office of Township Clerk and this vacancy will be discussed, and might even be voted on, tonight, May 11, 2016 at 6:30 PM at township offices.

Vacancy in Cherry Valley Township Clerk position

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 11 May 2016 15:25:00 +0000

Sorry, this isn't really sports news, but I'd like to help get the word out on it...

May 11, 2016 - Notice to Cherry Valley Township residents -

There now exists a vacancy in the office Cherry Valley Township Clerk. This vacancy is to be filled by appointment by the Cherry Valley Township board of trustees. To be eligible to fill the vacancy one must: live in Cherry Valley Township, Illinois, be a registered voter in Winnebago County, Illinois, and must be identified as Republican voter, as you would be filling an elected Republican official's office. Typically party affiliation is determined by your most recent primary voting record (Republican, Democrat, other.)

This vacancy will likely be discussed at the monthly May meeting, tonight, May 11, 2016 at 6:30 PM.

If you are interested in being appointed to this position, please either attend the meeting or contact the township office to express an interest in filling the position.

Cherry Valley Township
4875 Blackhawk Rd
Rockford, IL 61109

Phone: (815) 874-8100
FAX: (815) 874-2110

As sometimes happens with appointments, appointments are filled by other people within that unit of government. In this case, it is possible that a current trustee may be appointed to fill the vacancy in the Clerk office. If that is the case, there then would be a vacancy in Cherry Valley Township Trustee. (There is no such vacancy in trustee now, but if you were ever interested in filling such a vacancy, contact the township office and express an interest.)

Again, the only known vacancy in Cherry Valley Township government at this time is in the office of Township Clerk and this vacancy will be discussed, and might even be voted on, tonight, May 11, 2016 at 6:30 PM at township offices.

Stop by Der Rathskeller Restaurant tonight!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 02 May 2015 23:45:00 +0000

I passed Der Rathskeller Restaurant while running errands earlier. It looked so inviting. The beer garden is open and it is a wonderful night. Stop by. I wish I could, but I have plans.

Der Rathskeller
1132 Auburn St.
Rockford, IL
815-963-2922
(Near Main and Auburn)

Rockford Newspaper Guild asks you to contact the publisher of the Rockford Register Star, today, Monday, October 27

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 15:30:00 +0000

The following is an email that I received from the Rockford Newspaper Guild...

Friends of Journalism,

On Monday Oct. 27 there’s a national protest against GateHouse Media, the owner of the Rockford Register Star. Employees have gone seven years without raises, and many jobs have been outsourced or eliminated under GateHouse ownership. We are negotiating our first contract.
You will not see pickets outside the Rockford Register Star tomorrow. The Rockford Newspaper Guild has chosen to do virtual picketing through social media. We need your help.

Please visit http://www.transformrrstar.com.

Share a link on your Facebook page and other social media to our site and tell your friends that you support strong, courageous journalism and the local professionals who create it. Encourage them to support it, too. Forward this email to friends, family and coworkers.

At the bottom of our web pages you’ll see links that will allow you to automatically Tweet to company management and community leaders. It’s important that they hear a public outcry about what’s happened to news coverage, news products and thought leadership in our community under GateHouse ownership.

We live in a region that is on the cusp of transformation. We need strong, credible news coverage to foster that transformation.

Please join us.

Thank you.

Max Gersh and Brian Leaf
Co-chairs
Rockford Newspaper Guild

Tell the publisher, Josh Trust, you support the The Rockford Newspaper Guild.
Tell GateHouse VP of Content & Audience David Arkin you support The Rockford Newspaper Guild.
Tell GateHouse Senior VP Brad Dennison you support The Rockford Newspaper Guild.
Tell Rockford Register Star General Manager Paul Gaier you support The Rockford Newspaper Guild.
Tell Transform Rockford Executive Director Mike Schablaske you support The Rockford Newspaper Guild.

12U Rockford Big Dogs travel baseball team tryouts Saturday, Sept 6

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 18:08:00 +0000

12U Rockford Big Dogs travel baseball team tryouts Saturday, Sept 6, 2014

12u Whitledge will host their tryouts on September 6th at 10 am. Tryouts will be at Haws Park in Roscoe, 11588 Cedarbrook Rd.

Call 815-289-3479 with any questions.

For registration and more information, visit:

http://www.hometeamsonline.com/teams/default.asp?u=ROCKFORDBIGDOGS&t=c&s=baseball&p=registration

Please fill out registration form "12u Whitledge"

and

http://www.hometeamsonline.com/teams/?u=rockfordbigdogs&s=baseball&t=c

Senator Stadelman Announces Expanded HoopStars Youth Basketball Tournament

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 17:30:00 +0000

ROCKFORD – Illinois Senator Steve Stadelman is taking his free 3-on-3 youth basketball tournament outdoors and moving the competition to Labor Day in hopes of beginning its transformation to a large, Gus Macker-style event.

Boys and girls in 3^rd through 8^th grades will compete on courts at Davis Park, with the first games tipping off immediately after the Labor Day parade, Stadelman announced at a news conference today. The outdoor location and switch from Saturday of Labor Day weekend to the Monday holiday allows “Senator Stadelman’s HoopStars” to grow in its second year; more than 125 players took part in 2013 on indoor courts at Patriot’s Gateway Center.

“We’re taking HoopStars to the streets in 2014 – not literally, but in the spirit of Gus Macker,” said Stadelman, referring to the popular adult 3-on-3 tournament that took place in the streets of downtown Rockford for many years.

“The tournament’s goal,” he said, “remains the same -- to provide a positive, no-cost activity for our youth, particularly those from low-income families and inner-city neighborhoods. Senator Stadelman’s HoopStars is about the love of the game and kids having a ball.”

Stadelman said the downtown expansion is made possible by new partnerships with the Rockford Park District and Rockford United Labor, which organizes an annual picnic for union members at Davis Park following the Labor Day parade. Families attending the basketball tournament can enjoy live music and kids’ rides at no charge as guests of the labor group. ComEd and Comcast are returning as financial sponsors, and both will operate interactive educational booths during the tournament.

All players will receive free commemorative T-shirts; trophies or medals also will be awarded. Teams of four can register online at: 1) www.senatorstadelmanhoopstars.eventbrite.com; 2) Stadelman’s office in the Zeke Giorgi Center, 200 S. Wyman St., Suite 301, Rockford; or 3) participating community centers. More information is available at www.senatorstadelman.com.

Rockford Youth Qualifies for Irish Dance North American Championships

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 11:45:00 +0000

Note: This news was submitted by a reader and I have not fact-checked it, but I thought it was worth posting...

Although not a common, traditional “sport", Competitive Irish Dancing for boys and girls, is a serious, athletic and tightly regulated activity throughout the world. This weekend the North American Championships are being held in Montreal, Quebec; where a Rockford high school senior, Liam McCormack (Keith Country Day School) will be competing. During St. Patrick's Day activities, he was very popular performing at the Clock Tower celebratory event.

Good luck Liam in Montreal!

North American Irish Dance Championship website.

BMX Midwest Nationals in Rockford June 27-29 June 26, 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 18:45:00 +0000

Rockford BMX will host the 2014 USA BMX Midwest Nationals Friday-Sunday, June 27-29. More than 1,500 pro and amateur racers will compete for national rankings on one of the best motocross tracks in the country...

Read the Rock River Times story at:

http://rockrivertimes.com/2014/06/26/bmx-midwest-nationals-in-rockford-june-27-29/

WXRX is bringing back Wing Ding at Rockford Speedway

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 16:29:00 +0000

WXRX “Real Rock Radio”, along with their partners, is proud to bring back Wing Ding.

Slated as the ”Unofficial Kick-Off To Summer” and “The Loudest Day”, Wing Ding promises to be exactly that. Headlining band, Alice In Chains, has sold more than 14 million albums in the United States, and around 25 million worldwide...

Read the story at: http://rockfordspeedway.com/wxrx-brings-you-the-return-of-wing-ding/

River City Sound at Wild Wild Westmor Lanes, Friday, March 7th

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 03:00:00 +0000

Rockford's award-winning River City Sound Chorus will be performing at Wild Wild Westmor Lanes Bar & Grill, 2407 N. Central Ave., Rockford, IL, Friday, March 7, 2014 beginning at 7 PM. Admission is free.

What: River City Sound at Westmor Lanes

Date: Friday, March 7th

Time: 7 PM

Admission is free.

River City Sound Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, is preparing for their trip to an international competition later this year. So come out and listen to some great music and wish the ladies well on their road to an international victory.

Learn more about River City Sound Chorus at:

http://www.rivercitysound.org

Sorry Folks, No Bowling While the Ladies are Singing!

School closing lists for Monday, January 6, 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 23:05:00 +0000

Visit WREX's and WIFR's comprehensive school and business closing lists for more information on local weather-related closings:

WIRF - http://www.wifr.com/closings

WREX - http://www.wrex.com/category/149449/closings

###

Bears beat Steelers 40-23

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 23 Sep 2013 03:46:00 +0000

The Chicago Bears remained undefeated (3-0) by defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 40-23 tonight. The Bears took a big lead early and then five Steeler turnovers all but sealed Pittsburgh's fate.

Read more about the Chicago Bears at: http://www.chicagobears.com/.

Bears beat Vikings in 31-30 comeback victory

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 15 Sep 2013 20:18:00 +0000

The Chicago Bears defeated the Minnesota Vikings 31-30 this afternoon in a close, come from behind victory. The Bears scored a touchdown and an extra point with ten seconds left in the game, and then recovered the football following an on-side kickoff with three seconds remaining.

Bowling for Barbershop Fundraiser, Friday July 19th

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 17:03:00 +0000

Bowling for Barbershop

Don Carter Lanes 4007 E. State Street. Rockford, IL

Bowling for Barbershop is a peer-to-peer fundraising and awareness campaign for Sweet Adelines International and its chapters worldwide.

During the month of July, potentially more than 23,000 Sweet Adelines International members will be Bowling for Barbershop in bowling centers across the globe, raising funds for Sweet Adelines International's music education programs, membership growth/retention and chapter expenses.

In Rockford, IL, over 50 Sweet Adelines members and friends from River City Sound Chorus will be Bowling for Barbershop and harmonizing on Friday, July 19, 2013, at 6:00 p.m. on the lanes of Don Carter Lanes, 4007 E. State St., Rockford, IL.

Tickets are $40/couple and include three games of bowling and all-you-can eat pizza. There will also be a silent auction, raffle items, and 50/50 drawings.

Donations can also be made on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/River-City-Sound-Chorus/179800882051826.

For more information about this event, contact DeAnna Bredeson at 815.871.4799.

Blackhawks Win the Stanley Cup

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 03:05:00 +0000

June 24 - The Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup finals with a 3-2 victory over the Boston Bruins tonight.

Love Your River Day – Celebrate the Kishwaukee River – June 8th

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 20:00:00 +0000

Love Your River Day – Celebrate the Kishwaukee River – June 8^th

The public is invited to Espenscheid Forest Preserve, on the banks of the Kishwaukee River in Cherry Valley, IL, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday June 8^th for Love Your River Day. The festival will feature a Loot for Litter river clean-up, prize drawings, giveaways, river safety demonstrations, wildlife exhibits, environmental education activities and free four-color Kishwaukee River wildlife posters. Cash prizes will be awarded to individuals collecting the most litter. Admission is free.

Love Your River Day is a kick-off celebration for a summer-long campaign sponsored by Friends of the Kishwaukee River, the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District, and the Illinois Smallmouth Alliance. The purpose of the Love Your River campaign is to raise public awareness of the ecological and recreational value of the Kishwaukee River and to educate and advocate for its protection and safe and respectful use.

The mission of Friends of the Kishwaukee River is to promote and enhance good stewardship of the river and the surrounding lands, encourage safe and responsible recreation, protect its watershed from degradation, and increase the community’s appreciation of its natural beauty.

Friends of the Kishwaukee River partnering organizations: Blackhawk Sierra Club, Four Rivers Environmental Coalition, Illinois Paddling Council, Illinois Smallmouth Alliance, Kishwaukee River Ecosystem Partnership, Natural Land Institute, Rockford Park District, Village of Cherry Valley, Winnebago County Forest Preserve District, Water Trail Keepers.

Contact: Jamie B. Johannsen, Friends of the Kishwaukee River, Publicity Chair

Phone: 815/494-6977

###

Rockford’s Derek Dimke signs three-year deal with New York Jets

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 17:51:00 +0000

Rock River Times Online Staff Report
Rockford native Derek Dimke will compete for the starting kicker position with the New York Jets after signing a three-year deal with the team Thursday, April 11...

Read the entire Rock River Times story at: http://rockrivertimes.com/2013/04/12/rockford%E2%80%99s-derek-dimke-signs-three-year-deal-with-new-york-jets/

I'm a more than a little irked the Foresters won't be playing in town.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 21:02:00 +0000

I liked watching Rockford Forester baseball in town, but I won't be able to do so this summer, and I'm a little irked.

If you haven't heard, Rockford's travelling collegiate baseball team the Rockford Foresters will not be playing any home games in town this season. The Foresters had previously played in Marinelli Field, which despite lighting conditions during one part of the day, is a nice place to see local baseball. Many of the players were from the area, and it was nice to see local talent play locally.

Seems there was a dispute, confusion, or an otherwise bad decision made by the Rockford Park District and the Rockford Foresters not to "play ball!" at Marinelli Field. I can't get comment from Forester management and the public comments made the Park District sound like the "blah, blah, blah" typical of many "official" statements.

Based on some news reports and the vague listing of contact information on the Forester website, it appears Forester management is changing hands, or had some departures. This probably led to a series of "maybe we will return" discussions with the Park District last year. I believe the Park District should have busted a gut to keep the Foresters at Marinelli.

Here's an example of a young business wanting to setup shop and stay in town, and we don't do everything we can to keep them here. I don't understand the logic.

The Foresters are still playing though, travelling the Midwest. Follow the Rockford Foresters on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rockford-Foresters/257662331246 .

Follow local winter storm news on RockfordWeatherNews.com

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 02:36:00 +0000

Follow local news coverage of Tuesday's big snow on RockfordWeatherNews.com!

Local maps, news, school closings and more from our local televsion stations in addition to forecasts from a variety of weather services.

So visit http://www.rockfordweathernews.com.

Baltimore Ravens Win Super Bowl XLVII

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 03:45:00 +0000

The Baltimore Ravens beat the San Francisco 49ers 34-31 in Super Bowl XLVII.

49ers and Ravens advance, Packers' season ends

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 04:46:00 +0000

The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Green Bay Packers 45-31 Saturday night. The 49ers now advance to the NFC Championship game, to be played next Sunday against the winner of tomorrow (Sunday's ) Seattle vs Atlanta matchup.

The Baltimore Ravens also defeated the Denver Broncos 38-35 in double overtime today. The Ravens will play the winner of tomorrow's New England vs Houston game for the AFC Championship next Sunday.

Prep basketball: Smith hopes to lead East back to playoff success

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 19:03:00 +0000

By Matt Nestor
Rock River Times Prep Sports Reporter

As the Rockford East E-Rabs saw their historic turnaround come to an end in DeKalb at the Class 4A Supersectionals, a lot of people focused on the core group of seniors that were leaving.

But coach Roy Sackmaster had a reason to be excited about the following season. Coming back were Austin Young, Jontrell Robinson and a starter in Devion Smith.

While the E-Rabs sit tied for first place, a lot of people are pointing to star transfer Isaiah Box for the success. And while Box has lived up to all the hype, it is Smith and his core of fellow seniors who have been there and done it all before...

Read the Rock River Times article at: http://rockrivertimes.com/2013/01/09/prep-basketball-smith-hopes-to-lead-east-back-to-playoff-success/http://rockrivertimes.com/2013/01/09/prep-basketball-smith-hopes-to-lead-east-back-to-playoff-success/

Phil Emery makes clear: Lovie Smith failed at building the offense - NBC Sports

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 16:58:00 +0000

NBC Sports - Michael David Smith -- "Lovie Smith is a good defensive coach who was never able to build a consistent offense in his nine seasons as head coach of the Bears, and that’s what cost him his job.

That’s what Bears General Manager Phil Emery made clear at his Tuesday morning press conference addressing his decision to fire Smith on Monday..."

Read the press conference coverage at http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/01/01/phil-emery-makes-clear-lovie-smiths-failure-was-building-the-offense/

Vikings advance, Bears go home, Packers lose 2nd seed

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 01:02:00 +0000

The Minnesota Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers 37-34 today in Minnesota, sending the Vikings to the wildcard playoff game next week to face the Packers (again) in Green Bay. The Packers would have had a bye week had they beat their division rival Vikings.

The Chicago Bears beat another division rival the Detroit Lions, but needed the Vikings to lose to advance to the playoffs. The Vikings victory seals the end to the Bears disappointing season.

Rockford Sports News

Rockford Rivet's win in 15-14 in Extra Innings

Thoughts on filling vacancies in political office...

Vacancy in Cherry Valley Township Clerk position

Vacancy in Cherry Valley Township Clerk position

Stop by Der Rathskeller Restaurant tonight!

Rockford Newspaper Guild asks you to contact the publisher of the Rockford Register Star, today, Monday, October 27

12U Rockford Big Dogs travel baseball team tryouts Saturday, Sept 6

Senator Stadelman Announces Expanded HoopStars Youth Basketball Tournament

Rockford Youth Qualifies for Irish Dance North American Championships

BMX Midwest Nationals in Rockford June 27-29 June 26, 2014

WXRX is bringing back Wing Ding at Rockford Speedway

River City Sound at Wild Wild Westmor Lanes, Friday, March 7th

School closing lists for Monday, January 6, 2014

Bears beat Steelers 40-23

Bears beat Vikings in 31-30 comeback victory

Bowling for Barbershop Fundraiser, Friday July 19th

Bowling for Barbershop Don Carter Lanes 4007 E. State Street. Rockford, IL Bowling for Barbershop is a peer-to-peer fundraising and awareness campaign for Sweet Adelines International and its chapters worldwide.

Blackhawks Win the Stanley Cup

Love Your River Day – Celebrate the Kishwaukee River – June 8th

Rockford’s Derek Dimke signs three-year deal with New York Jets

I'm a more than a little irked the Foresters won't be playing in town.

Follow local winter storm news on RockfordWeatherNews.com

Baltimore Ravens Win Super Bowl XLVII

49ers and Ravens advance, Packers' season ends

Prep basketball: Smith hopes to lead East back to playoff success

Phil Emery makes clear: Lovie Smith failed at building the offense - NBC Sports

Vikings advance, Bears go home, Packers lose 2nd seed

Bowling for Barbershop

Don Carter Lanes 4007 E. State Street. Rockford, IL

Bowling for Barbershop is a peer-to-peer fundraising and awareness campaign for Sweet Adelines International and its chapters worldwide.