Rockford Hiring for Emergency Rental Assistance Program
What’s Wrong With The Chicago Bulls?
The Bulls were one of the teams to make the biggest splash on NBA trade deadline day as they acquired all-star Nikola Vucevic from the Orlando Magic. The trade was seen as a sign that the Bulls were serious about winning and were taking the next step in bringing back credibility to the organization. Funny thing about all that, since the trade the Bulls are 3-7 and have lost their last 3 in a row. What is the issue you may ask; well it would be hard to pinpoint just one.
The biggest problem seems to be consistent defensive effort. While Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic are both all-stars and prolific offensive players their defense at times can leave a little to be desired. The Bulls have tried to mask that with Daniel Theis, Thaddeus Young, Troy Brown, and others but consistency at the defensive end has eluded the Bulls thus far.
Another issue is turnovers. We all know they will happen but when they happen is almost more important. The Bulls in too many crucial situations have been too careless with the basketball and in the NBA that leads to losses.
The good thing is that these are fixable problems. A dedication to defense and taking care of the basketball isn’t like a broken jump shot or weak handles it can be worked on. Billy Donovan is a great coach and he will get this thing figured out. I know Bulls fans are anxious for a winner and a return to past glory but, as the Philadelphia 76ers have preached, you have to trust the process.
Another Amazon Operation Coming to Rockford
"It is always great to see the reuse of existing buildings in our community. When that building is set to be reused by Amazon, you know we have hit a homerun!” says Mayor McNamara. “Real estate firm Phoenix Investors did an incredible job turning this industrial building into an attractive site that is cost efficient and flexible for user. We’re excited to welcome another Amazon operation to Rockford, along with hundreds of job.”
An estimated 200 people are expected to work at the facility.
Story/Photo credit: City of Rockford
Blackhawks Make Trio of Minor Deals at Trading Deadline
The NHL Trade deadline has come and gone and the Chicago Blackhawks were active in that they made 3 deals, none of which however were earth shattering. The Hawks know exactly where they stand and who they are a young team in the midst of a race for the final playoff spot in the Central division. They are not set to compete for a Stanley Cup this season so selling off any assets to acquire a short term fix would be unwise, instead the Hawks took the opposite approach and flipped some veterans for draft picks and prospects.
The Hawks started the day by trading 4th liner Matthew Highmore to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for 4th liner Adam Gaudette. Highmore had been a healthy scratch for the Hawks as of let whereas Gaudette is just trying to get healthy as he has been caught up in the terrible Coronavirus outbreak within the Canucks organization that has shut the team down for the last 2 weeks.
The Hawks then sent veteran forward Mattias Janmark to the Las Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for a 2nd round pick in the 2021 draft and a 3rd round pick in the 2022 draft. The Hawks would then proceed to trade veteran forward Carl Soderberg to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for a couple of prospects.
The Hawks have gathered some assets this trade deadline. The question now becomes what will they do with them?
Jersey Mike's Makes Generous Donation to The Literacy Council
Throughout the entire month of March, Jersey Mike’s and The Literacy Council joined forces to raise funds for The Literacy Council during Jersey Mike’s 11th Annual Month of Giving. The Literacy Council is extremely excited to announce that the cumulative total of all donations exceeded a previous record. On April 10, Jersey Mike’s presented The Literacy Council with a check totaling $28,494.62 at the Rockford Jersey Mike’s located at 6284 East State Street.
Jersey Mike’s located at 6284 E. State St in Rockford was the #1 fundraising store for the day of giving sales out of 80 stores in the greater Chicagoland area and Machesney Park was 5th.
The Literacy Council is extremely thankful to everyone who participated in The Month of Giving and The Day of Giving, and we’re especially thankful to Jersey Mike’s as this would not be possible without their continued support.
Photo credit: The Literacy Council Facebook page
Ingersoll Machine Tool Expands For Magellan Telescope Project
Story/Photo Credit: I-39 Logistics Corridor
Revitalization of South Main Corridor Continues in Rockford
The upcoming 60-unit residential Water Power Lofts building has easy access to the Chicago Rockford International Airport, as well as Rockford’s downtown entertainment district and Restaurant Row.
Photo: Urban Equity Properties Facebook
Rizzo Contract Negotiations At Stand Still
Rizzo has taken team friendly deals in the past and said he is not sure what the future holds. Rizzo joins SS Javy Baez and 3B Kris Bryant as Cubs players that will begin the 2021 season in the last year of their respective deals and will become unrestricted free agents at season’s end.
Ho-Chunk Nation Casino Receives Governor Approval
Exciting news out of Beloit! Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers confirmed his support and concurrence for the Ho-Chunk Nation’s proposed Beloit project today, paving the way for the Bureau of Indian Affairs to take the land into trust. This is one of the final steps in the approval process.
The $405 million gaming and family entertainment destination is projected to bring an approximate 1,500 permanent jobs and thousands of construction jobs to the site in an economic win for the Nation, the Beloit area, and the State of Wisconsin. The project includes a casino, hotel, convention center, restaurants, and waterpark.
“The City of Beloit remains optimistic and hopeful that we can celebrate a groundbreaking soon. The City of Beloit is committed to working with the Ho-Chunk Nation on this development,” said Beloit City Manager Lori Curtis Luther. “Not only will the Ho-Chunk Nation bring economic development, job growth and entertainment activity to our community, but the Nation will also provide cultural and historical education to our residents. We look forward to welcoming the Ho-Chunk Nation back to their home.”
Tourney Time: Illini vs. Drexel Preview
The Fighting Illini begin the quest for their first National Title in program history Friday against the Drexel Dragons. The Illini have 2 All Americans in 1st team All American guard Ayo Dosunmu and 2nd team All American Center Kofi Cockburn. The dynamic duo leads the Illini but are surrounded by a talented supporting class that includes guards Andre Curbelo and Trent Frazier. The Illini have depth and with Cockburn in the middle present matchup problems for most teams. If the Illini can take care of the basketball and give consistent effort a Final Four appearance is definitely within their reach.
As for their opening round opponents the Drexel Dragons they come into the game with a 12-7 record as winners of the CAA tourney. Drexel is led in scoring and assists by guard Camren Wynter. The 6’2 junior averages 16.8 ppg and 5.3 assts while 42% from beyond the arc. Trent Frazier will most likely draw this matchup defensively for the Illini. Wynter is one of 4 Dragons scoring in double figures. The others include Zach Walton at 10.6 ppg, TJ Bickerstaff at 10.8 ppg, and James Butler at 12.9 ppg. The 6’8 Butler also leads Drexel in rebounding at 9.2rebs. Butler is going to have his hands full trying to guard Kofi Cockburn on the block. The Dragons shoot 37% as a team from three so defensive communication and driving them off the 3 pt line will be key for the Illini’s defense.
Tip off for the Illini and the Dragons is scheduled for 12:15p CT on TBS