Don't miss out - subscribe to Rockton-Roscoe News even when your social media didn't show it We remember those who are no longer with us in Roscoe Hudgens was arrested for the 11th time in Chicago on May 1 Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInROCKTON (WIFR) - After more than 1,000 people attended the Rockton May Day Faerie Festival last year The festival included activities like a faerie scavenger hunt Labyrinth themed children’s book on Rockton’s Story Walk through the park Attendees were invited to wear their favorite faerie attire like wings flower crowns and any other faerie-inspired outfits “We all have imagination and we all have an inner-self that we want to express and this gives you a chance to let that shine and to come out and be with other people that are also open to that,” said co-organizer Rachel Bixby The event is free to attend. For more information, visit the festival’s website The individual killed in a vehicle accident Friday afternoon along the 2900 block of DuBois-Rockton Road has been identified Clearfield County Coroner Kim Shaffer-Snyder has identified the individual as Maxwell Wable Clearfield County coroner Kim Shaffer-Snyder has confirmed that her office has been called to the scene of a crash between DuBois and Rockton Emergency officials say the crash was reported Friday afternoon along the 2900 block of DuBois-Rockton Road which reportedly crashed down over an embankment No further details have been provided at this time Stay with 6 News online and on-air for further updates to this developing story Sunday in Roscoe, Rockton, and South Beloit - with news and events from Rockton-Roscoe News Get Rockton-Roscoe News sent to you each morning Don't miss out on the information you need We're the first daily local news outlet focused on farthest northern Illinois in about 190 years You're now reading the Rockton-Roscoe News, where we report online each day about Rockton, Roscoe, and South Beloit Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInAutoplayNews Today's news and events from Roscoe, Rockton, and South Beloit - collected by Rockton-Roscoe News Settlers Park in Rockton will be filled with mystical, mythical, magical fun and new adventures on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Rockton's second annual May Day Faerie Festival Capture the splendor in Settler's Park with family and friends from 10 am until 4 pm with part of the action set for specific times Christopher and Bridgett Holden of Reverent Henna and other supportive friends have come together to blend ideas that lead to imaginative fun we want to continue providing a holistic approach to contributing to a healthy mind and body It is important to get people out in nature through energy and to see the horses and ponies,” c0-organizer Bridgett Holden said “The festival was very well received by the community last year.” The idea for the first Faerie Festival came from the personal experience of one of last year's co-organizers “I used to take my children to the Fairy Festival at Womanspace in Rockford until they stopped having the event,” Lynch said pictures have popped up in Facebook memories Lynch suggested to a couple of friends that Rockton should have a fairy festival Rachel Bixby was one of the first friends to say that she has been ready and waiting to have a fairy festival her entire life and Lynch added her favorite things from past festivals.The ladies then approached Christopher and Bridgett Holden of Reverent Henna to become a vendors They replied that they would actually like to partner on the event They proceeded to design the logo and fliers Faerie Festival guests are invited to the “Walk as One at 1” at the Labyrinth Walk as part of “World Labyrinth Day,” a global event The inspiration for the labyrinth was the one that Womanspace has Rockton school district librarian Kelly Baumgartner is offering a special story to listen to along the Gail Trail A labyrinth-themed children's book will be featured.A labyrinth is a complicated irregular network of passages or paths Labyrinths are designed to foster contemplation and spiritual transformation The labyrinth pattern appears in many ancient cultures throughout the world as well as in the medieval Catholic Church The 11-circuit design found in Chartres Cathedral in France has gained new popularity in the past 30 years and is the model for the labyrinths at Womanspace and Settlers Park Everyone is encouraged to get in the full spirit of the day by wearing their best costume complete with fairyland meditation.Learn how to apply relaxation techniques with Sacred Tree and Inner Prana Yoga led by Amelia Morris and Michelle Taormino watch a colorful and cheerful parade of faeries and sprites (a supernatural spirit a mythical fairy-like creature who lives by the water sometimes even tricksy) as all costumed participants and mini pony unicorns walk through Settlers Park A full schedule of the days action and vendor spotlights can be found on the Rockton May Day Faerie Festival event page There is no charge to come out and to create a day full of memories in a peaceful and tranquil environment Daily home delivery to your inbox from Rockton Rockton Pelican Fest is back with favorite and new experiences Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day and the annual return of the American White Pelicans with other migrating birds to the Rock River region when you attend Rockton Pelican Fest the Village of Rockton and JR Finally Art Studio & Gallery present a day filled with activities and sights sure to delight everyone and environmental booths in downtown Rockton Stroll along the historic streets to visit shops and restaurants Attend presentations held at Talcott Free Library and Village Hall Visit nearby Nygren Wetland Preserve to look for the American White Pelicans “We’re thrilled to bring Rockton Pelican Fest back to the community for the fifth year with favorites returning such as “Hoo” Haven and their live rescue pelican the Whitman Post Elementary School art exhibit the bird card collection at participating locations and several presentations at Rockton Village Hall and the Talcott Free Library,” said Jill Martin-Golden one of the event organizers and business owner of JR Finally Art Studio & Gallery “This year’s event is even more exciting with some new features including more booths – some with food options celebrity entomologist Kevin Wiener from All Bugs Go to Kevin will be giving a program at Village Hall and leading a hike at Nygren Wetland that will be especially delightful for kids.” Nygren Wetland Preserve – Wildlife Overlook (3714 W (arrive at 7:15 a.m.) - Early Bird Hike – Led by birding expert Volunteers will be there to help identify birds and other wildlife that will be seen Drive to the Overlook on your own or Stateline Mass Transit District (SMTD) will provide a free shuttle from downtown Rockton to and from the Wildlife Overlook on an ongoing basis Pick it up in downtown Rockton at the corner of W Guided tours of the preserve start at the Nygren Wetland Wildlife Overlook at:11:00 a.m NLI Trustee and volunteer2:00 p.m.  – Jewels of the Undergrowth – An Arthropod Hike led by Kevin Wiener JR Finally Art Studio & Gallery (210 W Main St.)• See an art exhibit by 3rd-5th graders from Whitman Post Elementary School called “Pop and Parody”.• View art demonstrations throughout the day.• Participate in a make and take craft with handcrafted wooden birds ($10 fee).• Register for a free pelican painting by noted watercolor artist Jean Apgar (through 3:15 p.m.) Stage (in the parking lot of Rockton Food & Spirits - WelcomeAnnouncements throughout the day.2:00 p.m - Bird decorating contest winners announced - Bird Card Collection winners and Pelican Watercolor Drawing Winner announced – “Hoo” Haven - See a live American White Pelican and hear about important the work of this wildlife rehabilitation center.11:45 a.m – “Hoo” Haven – second presentation1:00 p.m – Jewels of the Undergrowth – An Arthropod Program by Kevin Wiener Main St.)12:15 p.m - Peregrine Falcons by Sinnissippi Audubon Society - Paleoart Talk: Hear how live animals like pelicans are used as a reference for reconstructing extinct dinosaurs by Ryan Dewey - See and learn about the birds of Sand Bluff Bird Observatory through the photography of John Longhenry Outdoor Booths (*11 new booths this year)*All Energy Solar Northern Regional Groundwater Protection Planning Committee Sandhill Crane ($500): Northern Regional Groundwater Protection Planning Committee; Great Egret ($250): Downtown Rockton PARTICIPATING BUSINESS SPONSORS ($100): All Energy Solar “Hoo” Haven Wildlife & Education Center For more information about the Rockton Pelican Fest, visit https://rocktonpelicanfest.weebly.com/ and on Facebook search for Rockton Pelican Fest Wednesday's news and events from Roscoe, Rockton, and South Beloit - collected by Rockton-Roscoe News We're the first daily local news outlet for farthest northern Illinois in about 190 years Coming this week: dozens of events in South Beloit Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on local events and things to do The judge will be given a plan to split Holian's payment between local residents and Chemtool Now that payments from the Chemtool settlement have begun arriving electronically, residents and property owners in the Rockton area are likely to get a second payment from a settlement with Holian Insulation At the May 2, 2025 Chemtool hearing attorney Ed Manske told Winnebago County 17th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Stephen Balogh that he had "some overall really good news." Manske represents the residents affected by the disaster He said payments began being issued to class members electronically on Wednesday "I believe all of them went out via mail yesterday [Thursday]." Residents began seeing payments arriving on Thursday via Venmo which allowed some residents to see the money in their bank account Others must transfer their money from the payment services into their bank accounts "We have been getting contacts from people who have questions about their payments and we're dealing with those and will continue to deal with those." attorneys for the Rockton residents attended a mediation with Chemtool and Holian and "we reached a settlement agreement." Since then the attorneys have been meeting with Chemtool on how to split the money from Holian Judge Balogh asked how that would affect the current settlement fund but it "will mean additional monies coming to the class." He said it might take attorney Robert Libman another 3-4 weeks to finalize the agreement Some of the attorneys at the hearing were Joseph Vallort, representing Chemtool, and Annalise Castner With thousands of class members receiving payments this week several commented that their payments were larger than expected Payments vary according to distance non-resident landlords only get money from the other part Homeowners who lived there at the time get money from both parts the highest payments would go to a big family living in their big house less than a mile from Chemtool But a tiny apartment with one renter less than a mile away might get less than a big family living in their big house two miles away Early readers of this story were able to view the livestream of the meeting on YouTube This series of articles has been honored with an award by the Illinois Press Association Buckets n Blooms and Dee Dee’s have officially joined forces on Main Street Rockton and community spirit into one cozy spot in Main Street Rockton Christy Krupa, owner of Buckets n Blooms, has officially joined forces with Dee Dee’s Main Street Coffee & Decor creating a two-in-one destination for Rockton area residents and visitors which had been in the works through several past events and conversations became a reality this spring when Christy moved her floral business into a newly renovated space within the coffee shop After partnering on multiple events that combined coffee and flowers the two business owners realized the pairing was a natural fit “We’d done a bunch of fun events together where people could get flowers and coffee ‘We need to get you downtown,’” said Dee Dee Christy said her first instinct was to jump on the opportunity “I wanted to say yes right away,” she said “But I also knew I needed to talk with my husband and give it some thought.” they transformed a seating and storage area at the back of Dee Dee’s into a charming floral shop People can grab a coffee and pick up flowers The new setup has already been a hit with customers Both Christy and Dee Dee said they’ve noticed increased foot traffic and enthusiastic reactions from visitors who love the convenience and the fresh “Some people didn’t even realize I existed before,” Christy said with a laugh “Now they can get their coffee and immediately stop in for flowers.” and preservation services for those who want to keep their special blooms long after the moment has passed “Everything I do is about helping people connect to the joy flowers can bring,” she said The partnership has opened the door for more than just daily business Christy plans to continue offering floral workshops and private events after store hours with the possibility of expanding into “after-party” style gatherings in the shared space She’ll also have more flexibility to hold larger classes at other venues something that was difficult to manage while running her previous location full-time Both businesses will continue to stay active on Facebook Customers can also look forward to crossover promotions including some creative ideas for Mother’s Day like adding flower accents to seasonal drinks both Christy and Dee Dee are focused on building connections and growing their presence downtown being on Main Street means everything,” Christy said “It makes it easier to collaborate with other businesses and be part of community events Dee Dee’s will celebrate its five-year anniversary on May 10 and both business owners are planning a joint celebration to mark the occasion To stay updated on classes, private events, and special promotions, follow Buckets n Blooms and Dee Dee’s Main Street Coffee & Decor on Facebook junior reporter-in-training for Rockton-Roscoe News She prepared three fun questions for Christy and DeeDee but a microphone mishap cut the recording short One question still made it through: If the shop had a theme song “Definitely the Friends theme song.” (“I’ll Be There for You” by The Rembrandts.) Vayda stops to smell the flowers while chatting with Christy at Buckets n Blooms Tuesday's edition of Rockton-Roscoe News from Roscoe, Rockton, and South Beloit Farthest northern Illinois's first daily local news outlet since 1835 A 30 percent chance of showers after 1 a.m Tuesday's news from Rockton, Roscoe, and South Beloit - sent to more than 2,000 each morning, courtesy of Rockton-Roscoe News Fast home delivery to your inbox without having to look for it Chemtool's claims administrator Analytics Consulting says that settlement payments will start going out on Thursday When residents asked Analytics Consulting for status on Tuesday Checks and electronic payments will be issued May 1 Distribution amounts will not be available to share until the distribution occurs "Analytics sent us the updated allocations yesterday morning the payments will go out this week." But he told one resident "Although the current plan is for Analytics to disburse payment this week and we are in regular contact with them to do what we can to make sure that happens I would not count on it quite yet.  I will let you know once we have confirmation that Analytics has actually sent out the payments." Judge Stephen E. Balogh has said he wanted payments to be sent before Friday's hearing at 1:30 p.m The location of that hearing of the 17th Judicial Circuit Court has changed. It will physically take place Friday, May 2, 2025 in Courtroom 3 of the Boone County Courthouse, 601 N Main St, Belvidere, IL 61008. It will be live streamed and accessible from https://illinois17th.com/live-streaming by selecting “Boone 3” "We ask for observers to be referred to this live stream rather than the zoom link itself." Rumors about imminent payments have been circulating for more than a month Analytics Consulting emailed a class member Monday afternoon "Although we are unable to make any promises Judge Balogh has requested that payments go out to class members with valid claims before the next scheduled court hearing date of May 2nd We do expect at this point that payments will be issued prior to that court date." One silver lining in a long-hovering cloud: Chemtool class members will also get the interest that has been building up while they have waiting for their payments The Settlement Agreement says "The Class and Defendants agree to treat monies held in the Escrow Account as being at all times 'qualified settlement funds' within the meaning of Treas that means Chemtool class members would share the interest That's different from another type of legal bank account Interest on an IOLTA fund benefits the Illinois legal aid fund because it's too small to be significant the interest on the Chemtool fund will be significant Today's news and events from Roscoe, Rockton, and South Beloit - from Rockton-Roscoe News The Village President and Village Clerk are running unopposed for reelection Check out all our candidate profiles in our expanded 2025 Election Guide for Roscoe Three new Rockton trustees will be elected on April 1, 2025, to work with current Rockton Village trustees Dan Baumgartner Arianne Honkamp and Justin York are not running for reelection Rockton Village President John Peterson and Village Clerk Christina Stewart are running unopposed in the upcoming election on April 1 It will be Peterson's second term as Rockton Village President. He served as a trustee from 2009 until he was sworn in on May 4, 2021 as Rockton Village President Stewart was initially appointed in 2014 and ran for election in April of 2015 for an unexpired two year term to finish out the term from the previous village clerk after she left Four candidates are running for three seats on the Rockton Village Board of Trustees: David Bennington decided to run for Village Trustee to play an active role in the community.” I want to have a positive impact on the community and the Village My interest developed when I started having children This interest is to help continue to make Rockton a great place to live and raise a family.” Bennington's vision for the Village is to keep improving the Village and community and expanding community events and amenities I want to bring transparency to the village and drive community involvement and input into Village initiatives and decisions.” Bennington has followed Rockton’s and surrounding towns and governments for years Bennington has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity organized Sleep in Heavenly Peace bed-building events and helped organize United Way golf outings Bennington currently works as a Program Lead at Fairbanks Morse Defense Bennington and his wife have been married for 14 years and have three young children Bennington is an 11 year resident of Rockton This is Bennington's first run for trustee Spencer Cushing's reasons for running start with him having a knack for politics."Growing up my father always talked about our local governing bodies I also want to show my generation and the younger generations that change starts at the local level and their voices will be heard." Cushing's vision for the future of the Village of Rockton: “ Honestly I want our community to be a tourist destination but at the same time I want to keep that small town feel I want to invest in our local businesses and community.” Cushing gives much of his free time helping at The Rockton American Legion in Rockton “I help with whatever I can.” Much of that time is volunteer work including opening the Rockton Legion for Thanksgiving in 2024 Cushing is the chair of the Legion's PR committee and organizing special events in the future Cushing also volunteers his time with Vets Roll “This organization is very dear to me and last year I had the opportunity to take the trip to Washington D.C I now spend as much time as I can helping with fundraisers Cushing and his family like volunteering for the Alpine Kiwanis Brat Days Cushing works for American Calibration out of Fox River Grove He has worked in calibration and meteorology for almost 8 years Paige for five years (going on six in 2025).Together they have three kids: Maiah Bourbon is a German short haired/hound mix and Jaxx is a pitbull/terrier mix Cushing and his wife have been Rockton residents since October of 2023 Both are alumni of Hononegah Community High School “I guess you can say our hearts have always been in Rockton,” Cushing said Sarah Doerflinger decided to run for a seat on the Rockton Village Board because she strongly believes in her community “I believe that the current Trustees do an outstanding job and I know that the three trustees who are exiting office this year are not running for another term We need people in these positions who are committed to having a strong financially healthy and stable foundation for our community I want to be part of maintaining this and improving our community in the future,” Doerflinger said “I have always loved this community and when my husband and I moved here in 2019 I knew I wanted to get involved After attending the 'Meet the Candidates' night in 2021 I knew that being a Trustee was a first step in getting involved that can really make a difference,” Doerflinger said “My vision for the village is to continue building on a thriving community where our residents can enjoy a vibrant downtown I want to see a place where residents can live in a healthy environment and have a sense of safety and community Doerflinger has been a mortgage lender since 2008 when she started working for a small community bank She currently works at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation in Loves Park where she helps people secure financing to buy and to refinance their home loans and am so thankful to be able to change someone's life by building wealth in real estate and coaching people to become homeowners,” Doerflinger said Doerflinger said that she has been blessed with opportunities to volunteer with children and young adults in education with finance and job training Doerflinger was raised in Roscoe and graduated from HCHS in 2000 She has been married to Dan Doerflinger for almost eight years They have lived in Rockton since June of 2019 This is Doerflinger's first run for trustee Jamin Unger ran for trustee two years ago and came up just short of earning a seat After that election I was encouraged and asked to join the Village of Rockton Planning Commission After a short time on the commission I was voted as Vice Chair by my peers During my time on the planning commission I have learned the process of city/village government and have enjoyed every minute of it I feel that my experiences on this commission has pushed me to want to be a part of the village board in a trustee position,” Unger said My family has a history of holding local offices where my great grandfather was the mayor for many years I feel that I have the qualities and expertise that would benefit this community.” Unger has a bachelor’s degree in architectural studies from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) “I worked as an architect for a local architecture firm for 12 years out of school and have been in the construction industry ever since.”He continued “I can bring something to the Village of Rockton that is currently isn't there I have extensive knowledge in both residential and commercial construction and design storm sewer and water projects and complete road reconstruction projects “I will be an advocate and a voice for the people of Rockton by using my knowledge to better communicate upcoming and current projects in the village I believe that construction and public works projects are one of the most important items on a village board monthly agenda due to the fact that these types of projects require a large portion of the budget.” “I have the ability to read and understand drawings and design quickly and would be a voice for the community to help determine if a project is required and or if the scope is in the best interest of the budget and the people Knowing there are many state and federal grants available for a number of different projects it is my vision to do my best to better the community with future infrastructure projects In addition to serving on the planning commission Unger is a member of the Advisory Council for the Northeast Branch YMCA and the current treasurer of the Hononegah Booster Club He has volunteered to be an assistant softball coach for his daughter and a baseball coach for his son and has served as a Salvation Army bell ringer Unger works as a project manager/estimator for Scandroli Construction “I am the proud father of three amazing children My oldest daughter is 20 as of this interview and a junior at the University of Iowa with the intention of becoming a doctor My oldest son is 16 and a junior at HCHS and my youngest son is 11 and in fifth grade at Kinnikinnick School.” Unger has a Siberian husky named Denali - “Nali” for short - and two cats Max and Lenny working on my car and riding my motorcycle I have always enjoyed working outside in the yard and working on projects around the house,” Unger said Unger has lived in the area since 2001 and have lived in Rockton since 2013 “I would like to thank everyone for the opportunity and chance to gain your trust in seeking this position I feel very privileged to live in the Village of Rockton and am excited about the opportunity.” Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedIn(WIFR) - Dozens of Illinois communities are alerting residents after “forever chemicals” were detected in their water systems The Environmental Protection Agency explains PFAS are widely used long-lasting chemicals which break down slowly over time Studies have shown exposure to some PFAS in the environment may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals According to the Illinois EPA The Illinois EPA explains residents are receiving the notifications because of newly enacted groundwater quality standards For North Park Water District customers the current level of PFAS in the drinking water is below the level of concern North Park Water CEO Kelly Saunders says they are taking steps to correct the PFAS issue by shutting down well number two Construction has started on a new well and treatment plant behind Machesney Elementary to ensure the water remains safe elevated levels aren’t necessarily a cause for immediate concern but it is something that you need to pay attention to to address as quickly as practicable because the important part is to eliminate the exposure so that it doesn’t continue to accumulate,” explained Saunders Saunders says the district’s long-term approach to combating the PFAS issue will be the $61 million treatment plant. She adds, North Park Water has also been awarded nearly $20.3 million in grant funding towards the treatment plant another step forward in ensuring the safety of the water A notice posted on the city of Freeport’s website also says the city’s water is safe to drink and that all water delivered to homes and businesses come from PFAS-free wells To monitor the notices sent to Community Water Systems in Illinois by the IEPA, click here Today's news from Roscoe, South Beloit, and Rockton - read by more than 2,000 people each day, courtesy of Rockton-Roscoe News We'll deliver it free to your inbox each morning The first daily local news outlet for farthest northern Illinois in 190 years A new week of news and events from Roscoe, Rockton, and South Beloit - collected by Rockton-Roscoe News You can subscribe to Rockton-Roscoe News for free Today's news and events from Roscoe, South Beloit, and Rockton - from Rockton-Roscoe News Farthest northern Illinois's first daily local news outlet in 190 years ROCKTON — A whimsical event that draws hundreds of people dressed in costumes with wings and flowers is returning to Settlers Park this weekend for a second year The Rockton May Day Faerie Festival is slated for 10 a.m imagination and spring renewal features costumed performers storytelling and other activities meant to spark a fanciful and playful energy “We hope that you feel connected to the Earth and the park and the community,” said Bridgett Holden who organizes the event along with Rachel Bixby “The energy should be magical and spiritual There’s a strong sense of the community when you’re there — everyone is very free-spirited and happy children and dogs donned fairy wings and other colorful costumes There’s even a horse decked out with wings to look like Pegasus from Greek mythology “It’s a place where people find a common ground,” Bixby said it’s really nice that people happy and low-key and engaged.” There’s a drum circle led by local artist and musician David Stocker people will be invited to walk a labyrinth as part of World Labyrinth Day an annual global event that invites people to “walk as one at one.” people walk their labyrinths at one o’clock in the afternoon,” Holden said “So there’s this kind of rolling wave of energy across the Earth as you travel through the time zones.” The organizers say for some it’s a celebration of the spirit of nature and connection to the Earth it’s just a chance to have fun and dress up “It’s a place for people to come together as a community have a connection with nature — it’s a celebration of spring,” Holden said “You felt very connected to the park Info/contact: Go HERE This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas by Kevin Haas Rock River Current is owned and operated in Rockford IL by Mid-West Family Broadcasting-Rockford (Long Nine Today's news from Roscoe, South Beloit, and Rockton - sent to more than 2,000 each morning, courtesy of Rockton-Roscoe News Friday's news and events from Roscoe, South Beloit, and Rockton  - brought to you with love by Rockton-Roscoe News Enjoy an evening of space-themed artwork and snacks Sunday's news from Rockton, Roscoe, and South Beloit - as reported by Rockton-Roscoe News Today's news from Rockton, Roscoe, and South Beloit - as you'd expect from Rockton-Roscoe News 14) offers fun activities for women in Rockton offers a variety of fun alternatives for women and ladies celebrating ladies is the motivating factor behind an upcoming Galentine's Day party in downtown Rockton Ladies are invited to come together on Thursday 13 for three hours of fun starting at 5 p.m Great fun is planned at different locations in Rockton.Shop in unique style at Frosted Farmhouse Hunt for various items or gift cards with the aid of a flashlight Only secondary lighting will be on in the shop Sweet treats and drinks plus amazing booth sales promises pure fun for all Inside of Healing Touch Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine “Jena Biermann Channeling” will be available for healing and Akashic record reading sessions Kathy O'Diereno is offering mini astrology sessions. Free Tao Heart Chakra Healing cards are an extra bonus to look forward to. Rachel Lynch is the owner of Healing Touch. Inside her shop, you can sample a variety of flan, a sweet and delicious Mexican dessert made by Lynch's husband Leo Arce. Inkwell Books and Threads is offering another opportunity for astrology or Tao readings (plus lots of books and clothing) Kiss Glass has created "7 Days of Love" boxes that are exclusive to this event Additionally get 10% off of your total purchase and 20 sparkly free gifts will be given out Dairyhaus is also involved.Find a full listing of the Downtown Rockton Galentines Day activities on the Facebook event page Bring your cameras to capture all of the fun The Rockton Yeti Fest is billed as “a festival where the abominable snow people of Rockton and their friends come out to enjoy a mixture of winter related activities and is a celebration of all things winter and of course it all revolves around yetis.” Normally the elusive yeti is rumored to inhabit the Himalaya mountains the 2025 Yeti Fest promises days of winter fun for everyone Teams that make up “The Legion of Snow Sculptors” are prepared to bring their detailed eye-catching designs to stunning ice sculptures and adding extra style to the overall Yeti Fest Even though the temperatures have been balmy, it won't slow down the skilled hands of Vikings In Black, The Slackers set up by the Rockton Village's Public Works Department will cover any lack of frozen white building materials Doggie Development Academy's High Flying Huskies Sled Dog team will pick up speed on the bike path and grassy sections of Settler's Park with dog sledding on wheels on Friday evening and around every hour on Saturday from 10 a.m guests have a chance to meet and greet the dogs Adults are encouraged to don their best or cutest onesie to wear at a pub crawl on Friday night to be turned in for a chance to win a prize Look for a live yeti in different Rockton locations all four days who will greet young and young at heart. Saturday morning starts off with a one hour dance party with the yeti at the Settler's Park gazebo Young and old are assured a great time while creating great memories of this special time with the yeti After spotting a yeti, write the number of the store in marker in the corresponding space on the sheet, next to the matching yeti. Find at least 15 yetis out of a total of 33 places to potentially visit, and you win a prize. Scavenger hunters have the option of doing the hunt all at once, or they can complete it over the four days of Yeti Fest, during business hours. If a business is closed, please move on to the next one who is open, if you can't see the yeti by peering through the window. Always a proven favorite, the Hot Cocoa Crawl will feature unique flavors made on Saturday Purchase and pick up your commemorative yeti themed tumbler at the Village Hall crawlers stop into the Village Hall to vote on a favorite flavor DeeDee's Main Street Coffee and Decor was last year's winner They are sure to put on their competitive hats in this friendly competition with more than five other locations to visit This year's Hot Cocoa Crawl is generously being sponsored by C.E.S. The Old Stone Church is hosting their 2nd annual bake sale on Saturday 8 until all of the baked goods are sold out The Old Stone Church is at 101 E.Union Street All of the proceeds will be used to support the church toward more upcoming events to be held during the year Local businesses are open and offer yeti specials on eating The latest news from Roscoe, South Beloit, and Rockton  - brought to you by  Rockton-Roscoe News Monday's news from Roscoe, Rockton, and South Beloit - only from Rockton-Roscoe News Daily updates from farthest northern Illinois since 2021 Today's news from Roscoe, Rockton, and South Beloit - only from Rockton-Roscoe News WI to Henry and Emma (White) Dittburner.  Her family moved to Birchwood WI when she was 7 years old after her father sold the farm.  Marie grew up on a dairy farm in Birchwood.  After graduating from Birchwood High School in 1947 she graduated from Beauty School where she worked as a hairdresser for a year.  She was married to Gordon Ross in 1948 and they lived in Rockton Illinois until 1999 and then moved to Rice Lake.  Marie was a member of the Eastern Star First United Methodist Church in Rice Lake and a lifetime member of Rockton Women’s Club.   James (Cheryl) Ross and Scott (Ladell) Ross; 7 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; a special friend Dwane Kamholz; many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband Jamella Nilsen and Shannon Schiellen.   Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 17, 2025 at the United Methodist Church, 103 E Balsam Ave with interment in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Birchwood WI.  Visitation will be held from 10 - 11 a.m 2025 at the United Methodist Church in Birchwood A girl who was hit by a vehicle Friday morning at a Rockton School District bus stop remains in critical condition according to information from the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department The 12-year-old girl was in the 2700 block of Latham Road near Rockton when she was struck by a vehicle about 7 a.m She was taken to a local hospital and then transferred to a hospital in Madison The driver of the vehicle was not injured and stayed on scene The crash remains under investigation and no charges have been filed No further information about what may have caused the crash was released Winnebago County Sheriff's Department deputies are investigating This story was updated to include new information Jeff Kolkey writes about government, economic development and other issues for the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached at  (815) 987-1374, via email at jkolkey@rrstar.com and on X @jeffkolkey A private Celebration of Life luncheon will be held in Rockton Peterson passed away peacefully on the morning of March 7 Born on October 2, 1937 and graduated from Beloit Memorial High School, Lester worked at Gardner for many years, taught Sunday school at the Old Stone Church, and worked as a trustee for the Village of Rockton He is survived by his sister Pat Jensen; sons Peter (Tanya) and John (Rhonda) and daughter Jodell (Steve); grandchildren Paige Gander Chelsea (Darrell); great grandchildren Everly Gander as well as numerous nieces and nephews and extended family A Celebration of Life luncheon will be held privately in Rockton Even though he will be missed greatly by his family and friends Knowing he is wrapped in love's warmth gives the family much comfort at this time His life was evidence of a life well lived and shared in sickness and in health (with heavy dose of humor as needed) A long love for God and family and helping others will be his legacy a single plant in memory of Lester to help our environment Rockton Township will have two candidates for supervisor and six for trustee Local elections are being held on Tuesday April 1 including one for seats in Rockton Township A hearing challenging three candidates cost the township more than $6,800 who is is running for Township Supervisor on a Republican ticket This is Nolan's first time running for election in Rockton Township He is chairman of the Rockton Township Republican Central Committee A Republican caucus meeting selected Nolan incumbent trustees Connie Gleasman and Gene Hermann and first time candidates Michael Lindt and Clifford Jensen Trustee Vicki Ivy and candidate Ricarda Gomes are also running for trustee as independents Also up for reelection are Township Assessor Dana Adams and Highway Commissioner Trent Kehoe no primary is being held for Rockton Township in the upcoming election Voters will choose either Johnson or Nolan as supervisor On December 3, 2024 a special electoral board meeting was held at the Rockton Township offices to review petitions of Ricarda Gomes Township Attorney Doug Henry assisted in running the hearing Generally the Electoral Board is made up of the Supervisor Michael Nolan claimed that neither Johnson or Ivy can now run as independents because they had pulled either a Democratic or Republican ballot in the November election Nolan objected to Gomes’ candidacy because of an error on her paperwork Rockton Township Supervisor Paul Williams said “We had to hold a hearing regarding this matter and it was ruled that they were each allowed to vote the way they chose under the advice of the Township Attorney Doug Henry." That is, all of Nolan's objections were overruled and the candidates will remain on the ballot Nolan also unsuccessfully challenged two candidates for the Hononegah School Board During the regular December meeting of the Township Doug Henry presented a bill for $3,204.50 for legal services rendered for the electoral board meeting Henry gave Township Supervisor Paul Williams a second invoice at the January A FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request resulted in a list of itemized charges for each bill Henry's bills covered phone calls and emails the assembly of the Electoral Board hearing books preparation for the hearings which included rules of procedure for the Electoral Board Township Supervisor Paul Williams initially contacted Henry in late November about Electoral Board issues An office conference was held with attorneys Tom Green and Darron Burke A notice of the hearing and objections were sent to Trustee Johnson The attorneys also looked into whether members of an electoral board are automatically prevented from serving at an objection hearing on petitions they signed They wrote a memorandum addressing Electoral Board members' potential conflict of interest was also taken into account The charges included correspondence with the Circuit Court's Chief Judge's Administrative Assistant and hiring a court reporter for the proceedings “It is very difficult to find a court reporter who is available to attend these hearings.” Henry also reviewed a statute on the permitted time to appeal to the circuit court Henry also reviewed the Circuit Court's website to see if Mr Rockton Township holds regular monthly meetings the second Wednesday of each month It's Saturday, and this is Rockton-Roscoe News - about and for Roscoe, Rockton, and South Beloit. 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