Kevin Haas

AJ Davis’ Mural at the Veterans Memorial Circle

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Veteran Memorial Circle Mural
Artist: AJ Davis
CRE8IV 2023

In honor of veterans and active military serving our nation in the Armed Forces.
Located on the wall of the Rockford Billiard Cafe, address: 1436 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61103.

Source: Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Rockford Public Art Trail.” Website Accessed 8/3/2023. https://www.gorockford.com/things-to-do/public-art-trail/

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New Mural On Rockford’s North End Salutes Veterans For ‘Their Bravery And Dedication To Our Nation’

Written by Kevin Haas for Rock River Current. August 3, 2023 at 4:41 pm . Web article accessed 8/4/23. https://www.rockrivercurrent.com/2023/08/03/new-mural-on-rockfords-north-end-salutes-veterans-for-their-bravery-and-dedication-to-our-nation/

ROCKFORD — A new mural at North Main and Auburn streets brings a colorful addition to an intersection dedicated to military veterans.

The public artwork covers the north-facing wall of Rockford Billiard Cafe, 1436 N. Main St., and features an abstract version of the American flag that ties together imagery of an F-35 fighter jet, three blooming poppies and a nondescript military member saluting in uniform.

The salute is given in the direction of Veterans Memorial Circle and the Greenwood Cemetery, the city’s oldest and largest cemetery where more than 500 veterans serving in everything from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War and both World Wars are buried.

“This mural not only serves to beautify this roundabout, it also helps to foster an important identity for the Veterans Memorial Circle,” Winnebago County Board Chairman Joe Chiarelli said. “This mural creates a lasting message that we support our veterans in Winnebago County and we remember the sacrifices of those who served who are no longer with us, many whom are buried nearby in Greenwood Cemetery.”

Chiarelli made those remarks Thursday during a ceremony officially dedicating the mural to local veterans. The dedication included a moment of silence, singing of the national anthem and “America the Beautiful,” and a flag-raising ceremony honoring America’s five military branches. The mural was completed earlier this summer.

 AJ Davis painted this mural in summer 2023 at Veterans Memorial Circle at 1436 N. Main St. in Rockford. It is part of a new Rockford Public Art Trail. (Photo by Ryan Davis Photography/Provided by Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau)

The mural was painted by Denver, Colorado-based artist AJ Davis and paid for by sponsorship from Collins Aerospace, which makes two major systems for the F-35 fighter jet, and money Winnebago County Board member Angie Goral dedicated to the project from federal American Rescue Plan. It is one of 44 murals the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau has curated since 2019 through its CRE8IV: transformational art initiative.

“Poppies symbolize the memory of lost soldiers and are an offering to both remember and celebrate those lost lives,” Davis said in a statement. “The soldier was referenced from a variation of 25 AI-generated faces, prompted to utilize facial features from every race to cultivate an authentic approach to creating a figure that was focused on inclusivity.”

The camouflage and the cap of the military member on the mural are intentionally nondescript to represent all branches of the armed forces.

 Artist AJ Davis stands in front of his mural in June 2023 at North Main and Auburn streets in Rockford. (Photo by Ryan Davis Photography/Provided by Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau)

Veterans Memorial Circle is the name for the roundabout at Auburn and Main streets that stands as a tribute to veterans. It is maintained by a group of volunteers who keep it colorful from spring through fall by planting, watering and maintaining several flower beds.

A commemorative flag was installed at the site to accompany the mural and pay homage to the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.

Dozens of veterans attended the ceremony, and visitors bureau CEO John Groh said this mural is one more way to honor them for their service and sacrifice.

“This project stands as a testament to our collective appreciation for their bravery and dedication to our nation,” he said.

 Marine Corps. veteran Stanley “Curly” Thompson salutes during the National Anthem on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, at a ceremony to dedicate a new mural near Veterans Memorial Circle and North Main and Auburn streets in Rockford. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)

 Jessica Gunn, sergeant first class in the Illinois Army National Guard, salutes during the National Anthem on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, during a dedication ceremony of a new mural paying tribute to veterans at North Main and Auburn streets in Rockford. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)
 AJ Davis paints a mural on June 19, 2023, at North Main and Auburn streets in Rockford. (Photo by Ryan Davis Photography/Provided by Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau)
 A mural by AJ Davis is seen June 21, 2023, at North Main and Auburn streets in Rockford. The mural pays tribute to local veterans. (Photo by Ryan Davis Photography/Provided by Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau)

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at  or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas

Passenger Rail Service To Return To Rockford For First Time Since 1981

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Passenger Rail Service To Return To Rockford For First Time Since 1981. First Trains Expected In Late 2027

Written by Kevin Haas, Rock River Current, July 6, 2023 at 10:25 am Updated: July 6th, 2023 at 11:33 am
 Gov. JB Pritzker announces on Thursday, July 6, 2023, that Metra was selected as the provider for passenger rail service between Chicago and Rockford. The news conference was held near Union Pacific rail tracks above Davis Park. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)

ROCKFORD — Passenger rail service is set to return to the city for the first time in more than 40 years.

Gov. JB Pritzker visited Davis Park in downtown on Thursday to announce a partnership between the Illinois Department of Transportation and Metra to connect passenger rail between Chicago and Rockford. The first trains are expected to start running in late 2027 with expected stops in Huntley and Belvidere.

“This will be a game-changer for Rockford and Belvidere,” said state Sen. Steve Stadelman, a Democrat from Loves Park. “Restoring passenger rail service to Chicago has been one of my priorities and will spur economic development across northern Illinois.”

The project is funded through $275 million the state’s Rebuild Illinois capital program.

Passenger rail service through the Black Hawk route was discontinued in Rockford in 1981, and bringing the service back has been years in the making. Feasibility studies were conducted by IDOT and potential operators Metra and Amtrak starting in 2007. Gov. Pat Quinn announced $223 million in funding for the project in 2014, but it was put on hold a year later when Gov. Bruce Rauner took office.

“With this new service, we’re connecting more communities and creating greater opportunities for people across the stateline region,” Pritzker said. “From the hundreds of construction and engineering jobs created by our planned rail improvements to the increased economic growth that comes with heightened connectivity, all the way to the long-lasting reduction in pollution and traffic congestion that will stem from more efficient rail alternatives to driving, the new Rockford Intercity Passenger Rail service will have positive impacts that will strengthen northern Illinois for years to come.”

 Illinois state Sen. Steve Stadelman speaks Thursday, July 6, 2023, about new passenger rail service being brought from Chicago to Rockford by late 2027. He’s flanked by Gov. JB Pritzker and Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara at a news conference in Davis Park. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)

Mayor Tom McNamara said passenger rail will improve the quality of life in Rockford and help attract more visitors and residents to the city. He said it will also be another transformational project for downtown and southwest Rockford along with the Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront Hotel, the Davis Park renovations, the Water Power Lofts, 301 S. Main St. lofts and the Barber-Colman redevelopment, which goes before City Council on Monday.

“There is transformation happening everywhere right now and it’s happening in front of our eyes,” McNamara said. “Passenger rail service will certainly make sure that this transformation, specifically in southwest Rockford, but all of Rockford, is on the fast track.”

The project also includes improved grade crossings, upgraded bridges and double-tracking at various locations. Stations also will be built near tracks along downtown Rockford as well as in Huntley and Belvidere.

Travel time is anticipated to be less than two hours between the two cities, with two round trips per day planned.

The boarding locations in Chicago and Rockford, as well as a fare structure and schedule, are still to be determined.

 Illinois state Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Rockford, talks about passenger rail returning to Rockford on Thursday, July 6, 2023, during a news conference in Davis Park. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)

The next step for the project involves reaching operations and maintenance deals between IDOT, Metra and Union Pacific, which owns the rail lines moving through Rockford. There are also engineering studies to determine the scope of track improvements needed to support increasing speeds from the peak of 40 mph for existing freight operations to 79 mph for passenger rail service between Elgin and Rockford.

“This is a major step for Illinois, bringing back the two largest regions of Illinois through passenger rail,” Metra CEO and Executive Director Jim Derwinski said. “It’s a major step for Metra as well, for us to journey outside our normal six-county region, but I would argue this is something we’re well-prepared to do.

“We’re created to serve communities, to connect communities, to bring people to the things that they love and the places they want to go. This is exactly what we’re going to do here in Rockford.”

To reach Rockford, a connection ultimately will have to be built between Metra and the Union Pacific tracks in Elgin.

“The residents of this area deserve another mode of transportation between Chicago and the Rockford area with stops in between,” Union Pacific President and CEO Lance Fritz said. “It also allows freight operations to continue to this area, connecting consumers and markets to the world.”

State Rep. Dave Vella, D-Loves Park, said the project provides hope for the region’s progress. He said it’s time for people to start being optimistic about projects they once thought could never happen.

“We heard forever and ever we weren’t going to get to see a casino; we got the casino. We heard forever that weren’t going to get a train; we’re getting a train,” Vella said. “I’m done hearing from people that Rockford’s not going to get what we deserve, because we’re getting what we deserve.”

Access this online article here: https://www.rockrivercurrent.com/2023/07/06/passenger-rail-service-to-return-to-rockford-for-first-time-since-1981-first-trains-expected-in-late-2027/

Rail Q & A: Answers To 12 Key Questions About Passenger Rail Between Rockford And Chicago

Written by Kevin Haas, Rock River Current, July 6, 2023 at 12:32 pm.
Metra passenger rail in Rockford A Metra train sits on tracks spanning the Rock River near Davis Park on Thursday, July 6, 2023, for an announcement about passenger rail returning to Rockford for the first time since 1981. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)

ROCKFORD — Passenger rail service is returning to Rockford for the first time since the Black Hawk route ceased operations in 1981.

Gov. JB Pritzker and other state officials visited the city Thursday to announce the return of rail. While some details are not yet know, we did learn more about how rail will connect between Chicago and Rockford.

Read the full story here: Passenger rail to return to Rockford for the first time since 1981

Here are 12 key questions about the service:

When will the first trains start running?

The first trains are expected to start running in late 2027, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Who is the service provider?

Metra was selected by IDOT, which was also considering Amtrak.

Metra already has commuter rail serving the city of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs via the Union Pacific Railroad, BNSF Railway and other rail lines.

“They realized that Metra already has a regional rail service in Chicagoland,” state Sen. Steve Stadelman said of IDOT’s decision. “It already goes to Elgin, and extending out to Rockford will hopefully be a relatively efficient lift.

“It just taps into the Chicagoland public transit system already, so it seems to make more sense logistically.”

How long will the trip to Chicago take?

The estimated travel time between Rockford and Chicago is 95 minutes, according to  Jim Derwinski, CEO and executive director of Metra.

“It needs to be car competitive,” Stadelman said. “If people can take the train into Chicago for the same or less time than it takes you to drive and at a competitive price point, people will use that service.

“Again, it has to be car competitive, and all signs are that it will be.”

Where will the Rockford station be?

The precise location hasn’t been determined, but it will be in downtown, Stadelman said.

The original plan was for the station to be located next to the Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront Hotel, but that’s not likely anymore.

“They’re looking a little further west on the (Union Pacific) tracks maybe a block or two that way,” Stadelman said during an interview in Davis Park. “It will be downtown. It will be on Main Street, just not quite sure where.”

How much will tickets cost?

That’s unclear at this time.

“That we have not got into yet,” Derwinski said. “As the operator we’re going to be working with the Illinois Department of Transportation to figure out what that price point will be.”

What will the schedule be?

The exact schedule has not been determined, but there will be two round trips seven days per week, Derwinski said.

“The current base proposal is two trains in and out seven days a week,” he said.

Where will be the stops be?

There will be stops along the route from Rockford to Chicago in Huntley and Belvidere. The exact locations hasn’t been determined.

Derwinski said Metra is working with IDOT and the communities along the line to determine the location of stops and stations.

Will there be an additional tax to bring train here?

No, Pritzker said.

“The whole idea here is that in the Rebuild Illinois capital plan, that those dollars, which come from everybody that’s here but also all across the state, is helping to pay for Rockford and the development here,” Pritzker said. “There’s no plan for any tax on people who are boarding the trains here.”

How is it paid for?

The project is funded through $275 million from the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program.

“The state will be funding IDOT and Union Pacific to upgrade those tracks,” Stadelman said. “I got those dollars in the capital plan four years ago, that’s the money that will generate the improvements on the tracks.”

Who owns the tracks?

The track from Elgin to Chicago is owned by Metra, and the track Elgin to Rockford is owned by Union Pacific, which operates freight on the rail now.

“There will be a trackage agreement to operate on their property,” Derwinski said.

What improvements need to be made for the tracks?

Engineering studies will soon be conducted to determine the scope of track improvements needed. As it stands now, the rail cannot support speeds of up to 80 mph needed for passenger service.

Among the improvements are grade crossings, upgraded bridges and double-tracking at various locations.

“The list goes on and on and on,” Derwinski said.

How can I keep updated on the progress?

A website, chicagotorockfordrail.org, provides an overview of the project. You can sign up for status updates that will come in the coming months.

Access this online article here: https://www.rockrivercurrent.com/2023/07/06/rail-q-a-answers-to-12-key-questions-about-passenger-rail-between-rockford-and-chicago/?fbclid=PAAaZ_jO_dlgbUsEx37lm5BPpnLy9LeYmLf5sgSnC6qXbT79qMJ-SMuBZ3GR8_aem_AY2PbeoXjJCDmodyB-hVAeMXtVLrZiFDxBwogUIgWEirSVrgVuu63UlCLP8WZZ54His

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at  or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas

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