Machesney Park Town Hall

When: April 2, 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Where: Machesney Park Village Hall (300 Roosevelt Road, Machesney Park)

Click on the flier for more information

Minority Business Expo

When: April 9 from 6 - 7:30pm

Where: Zeke Giorgi Center, Lower Level Auditorium (200 S. Wyman), Rockford

Click on the flier for more information

An abandoned Illinois Railway bridge just south of downtown Rockford will get new life as a bicycle/pedestrian path. The repurposed bridge will connect a planned hotel development with the indoor sports complex set for the former Ingersoll Building, a plan championed by State Senator Steve Stadelman.

"This plan is yet another step in making downtown Rockford a more vibrant place to live and work," said Stadelman, the vice chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. "By adding this important piece of infrastructure, residents and visitors alike will see an immediate benefit."

The cost of the bridge refurbishment is about $925,000 and is funded by the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, a state program that uses federal money for such projects. The bridge also is part of a longer-term plan to further increase bicycle connectivity in the Rockford area. City engineer Matthew Vitner says the bridge also will connect with bicycle paths from the across the river to Davis Park as well as eventually becoming part of the Grand Illinois Trail.

Construction on the bridge is expected to begin this summer and finish by the end of the year.

SPRINGFIELD–State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) advanced legislation through the Illinois Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee today that would make it easier for victims of domestic violence to move into a safe environment. The proposal gives victims up to 60 days to pay their initial deposit on gas, electric and water bills.

Many domestic violence victims are forced to stay in dangerous environments because they don’t have the resources to leave. Under Stadelman’s legislation, the deposits must still be paid, but victims will have more time to prepare their finances so they can move out.

“One of the top reasons domestic violence victims stay in these situations is because they can’t afford to leave. This legislation gives them additional time to get their finances in order to pay for some of their most basic needs, electricity and water. I hope this will encourage more victims to move to a safe environment,” said Stadelman.

The legislation passed committee unanimously, and now heads to the Senate floor for a vote.