Second Chances Summit provides almost 80 with free legal advice
Stadelman offers life-changing event for 6th year
Volunteer attorneys met one-on-one Friday with 77 people hoping to improve their lives by erasing or concealing old court records at State Senator Steve Stadelman's sixth Second Chances Summit at the Nordlof Center in downtown Rockford.
Northern Illinois University College of Law students also donated their talent and expertise to prepare petitions to expunge or seal eligible criminal records as permitted under Illinois law. A judge ultimately rules on the petitions after they are filed in court.
Stadelman organized the summit for a sixth year to help people who find that their transgressions from many years past can present long-term obstacles to obtaining jobs and providing for their families.
"I run into people on the street who we've helped years ago, and they are always so grateful to have been able to move on with their lives," Stadelman said. "Even though they had paid their debt to society, the record of their past mistake had become a life sentence."
More than 500 people have received free legal help at summits since 2018. According to Stadelman, his office receives regular requests for another summit throughout the year.
Prairie State Legal Services, Rockford Public Library and United Way of the Rock River Valley returned as event partners, and Fisk & Monteleone law firm again provided financial support.
12 local rail crossings to receive state-funded upgrades: Stadelman
Railroad crossings across Rockford region will see safety upgrades thanks to the Illinois Commerce Commission’s Crossing Safety Improvement Program, State Senator Steve Stadelman announced Friday.
“This investment will prevent tragic accidents and strengthen infrastructure in communities across our state," said Stadelman, pointing to a Federal Railroad Administration reported of 34 deaths in 119 collisions at public crossings in Illinois. “Railroad crossings are a part of daily life for many people, and we must can to ensure they are operating safely.”
A five-year ICC plan authorizes $376 million in state funding for grade crossing safety improvements and highway-rail grade-separation projects at 387 locations in Illinois. The plan also designates funding for 21 highway bridges, six pedestrian projects and 336 warning device upgrades.
Locally, a dozen projects are slated for funding:
- Construction of a grade-separated crossing on South Appleton Road in Belvidere is the largest improvement at an estimated cost of $3 million.
- $1.3 million is going toward three pedestrian crossings on 11th Street in Rockford and another on North Horsman Street in Rockford.
- Gates and LED lighting are slated for East Riverside Boulevard in Loves Park and eight rail crossings in Rockford: two locations on 11th Street along with Seminary Street, Peoples Avenue, Brooke Road, Samuelson Road, Blackhawk Road and New Milford School Road.
Baxter Road bridge down to single lane during repair
Repairs to the bridge carrying Baxter Road over Interstate 39 this week, resulting in only one lane being open to traffic.
Workers are replacing the bridge’s expansion joints and installing a deck overlay, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. The $1 million project is scheduled to be completed by July 24. Until then, temporary traffic signals will control access to the single traffic lane.
For updates or to see area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.
In case you missed me on Facebook ...
State Senator Steve Stadelman
March 27 at 5:59 PM
It was my pleasure discuss with Ada Wagner Townsend her interest in politics when she visited Springfield this week with her parents Beth and Zach. Ada serves on student council at Roscoe Middle School and already has signed up to become a member of the Young Progressives when she starts her freshman year at Hononegah High School this fall.
State Senator Steve Stadelman
March 27 at 4:12 PM
As we close another week of the spring legislative session, I wanted to reflect on this week as advocates affected by dementia across my district and Illinois have joined the @alzillinois Day of Action to make their voices heard. I am proud to be a leader in the fight to #ENDALZ as we work together to make our state dementia capable. #AlzILAdvocacy
Learn the latest there is to know about the Rebuild Interstate 39 project through Rockford and Cherry Valley at an open house March 5 at CherryVale Mall.
Representatives with the Illinois Department of Transportation will discuss work that will continue this construction season to reconstruct I-39 between Harrison Avenue and U.S. 20 interchanges.
The project update will take place from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in Suite F-35 (formerly Vision Works) Macy’s and Tilted 10 at the mall, 7200 Harrison Avenue.
No formal presentation will be made, but IDOT representatives will be available to explain the project and construction schedule and to answer questions. Attendees also can view displays, handouts, preliminary reports, maps and aerial photography.
Rebuild I-39 is a $302 million, multiyear reconstruction project between the Harrison Avenue interchange and Blackhawk Road. Work began in 2023 with the reconstruction of the I-39/U.S. 20 interchange, which was completed in 2024. Work in 2024 and 2025 converted the Harrison Avenue/U.S. 20 interchange from a cloverleaf to a diverging diamond interchange.
This spring, work will start to expand I-39 from four to six lanes with an accessory lane between U.S. 20 and Harrison Avenue. Bridge replacements in the corridor will extend into 2028.
