Rockford casino 'clears major hurdle' with approval of temporary site: Stadelman

State Senator Steve Stadelman released the following statement after the Illinois Gaming Board voted Friday to approve construction of a temporary casino in Rockford: “Efforts to bring casino gaming to Rockford clears a major hurdle today as a temporary casino could open as soon as this fall. I look forward to the day very soon when people in the Rockford area who enjoy gambling don’t have to travel to another state and instead can spend their entertainment dollars locally.”

Illinois legislators authorized six new casinos statewide in 2019, and Rockford's application is the first to receive preliminary approvals including Friday's action by the Gaming Board to permit a temporary casino to open at the former Giovanni’s Restaurant & Convention Center on Bell School Road, while the permanent Rockford Hard Rock Casino is under construction at the old Clock Tower Resort on East State Street.

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Stadelman hosts second of two Town Hall meetings tonight

State Senator Steve Stadelman invites residents of the 34th District to the second of two Town Hall meetings to discuss the Spring 2021 legislative session and answer other questions concerning state government. The meeting is at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 30, at the Rockford Public Library East Branch, 6685 E. State St., Rockford. Senator Stadelman's earlier Town Hall was June 23 at the Northwest Community Center, 1325 N. Johnston Ave., Rockford.

 
 
Stadelman announces equipment grant for Blackhawk Fire Protection District
Blackhawk Fire Protection District will receive $26,000 in state grant funds to purchase equipment, according to State Senator Steve Stadelman.
 
“I'm happy to see additional funding go toward our fire departments,” Stadelman said. “The men and women who work hard to protect us from fires and other emergencies deserve to have the right tools for the job.”

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal established the Small Equipment Grant Program to help emergency responders purchase small firefighting and ambulance equipment they may otherwise not be able to afford. The $26,000 going to Blackhawk represents the program's maximum award.

Most Illinois fire departments, fire protections districts, township fire departments and stand-alone, nonprofit ambulance service providers were eligible to apply. All fire departments, fire protections districts and township fire department applicants were required to have participated in the National Fire Incident Reporting System for a minimum of two years prior to applying.

Click here for a full list of grants. 
 

 
 

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Steve Stadelman
June 25 at 2:37 PM ·

Congratulations to graduates of the Rockford Public Library's Career Online High School program! Adult learners earn a high school diploma while learing career skills in 10 employment fields. Well done grads!