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🌱 Rockton’s police chief retires; here’s who’s leading the department now

Rockton, Illinois Patch AM: a 4 min read

Cheers Rockton! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Rockton’s police chief retires; here’s who’s leading the department now
  • Five years later, how is Rockton still feeling the Chemtool blast?
  • Rockton and Stateline communities remember neighbors who recently passed away

Also on today's calendar: Live Music - Paul Bronson.

Today's riddle: What do sweet potatoes wear to bed? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Sunshine; breezy, less humid, with a high of 82 and low of 60 degrees.
  • Saturday: A stray afternoon t-shower, temps: high: 83, low: 57.
  • Sunday: Windy and not as warm, with a high of 72 and low of 51 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Rockton Police Chief retiring after 31 years of dedicated service (roscoenews.com) — Rockton’s longtime Police Chief Kirk Hollinger has retired after 31 years in law enforcement, including the last four leading Rockton PD and expanding its staff and training. Deputy Chief Justin Jobst is stepping in as interim chief while village leaders and officers praise Hollinger’s community relationships and focus on school safety. He plans to spend retirement on family projects and golf.
   

2. Rockton community reflects on five years since Chemtool explosion (wrex.com) — Rockton residents are marking five years since the Chemtool explosion that forced mass evacuations and left a major employer and tax source idle. Locals and Mayor John Peterson recall the emergency response, ongoing environmental concerns, and millions in settlements, with another $5.5 million distribution expected later this year. Many still push for accountability and a positive reuse of the site.
   

3. Death notices for the Stateline: June 10, 2026 Copy (roscoenews.com) — Families around Rockton, Roscoe, South Beloit, and nearby towns are mourning several recent losses, including 93-year-old Rockton resident Diane Kathleen Busker. The notice thanks each person for their role in the community and invites local families to submit birth, wedding, and funeral announcements at no charge for future listings.
   

4. Rockford readies for second Ironman 70.3 (rockrivercurrent.com) — This weekend’s Ironman 70.3 in Rockford will send athletes on a 56-mile bike route through rural Winnebago County and Rockton, bringing visitors, road closures, and economic activity to the region. More than 2,200 competitors, including 11 from Rockton, will tackle the swim, bike, and run courses, with organizers encouraging residents to line the route and cheer from safe viewing spots.
   

📸 Around Rockton

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Rockton

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★ Featured events ★

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Other local events
    Friday June 19
  • Juneteenth Day
    Hononegah CHD 207 Rockton, IL 61072
    • Thursday July 2
  • Live Music - Paul Bronson →
    Hidden Creek Estates, 13276 White School Rd, Roscoe
    5:30 pm

📣 Rockton Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • The Home Depot, Inc. posted a job opening for Customer Service/Sales in Machesney Park. Apply here.
  • Buona Beef, Inc. posted a job opening for Porter in Loves Park. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Rockton here.

Ok Rockton! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Yammies! (Thank you Lynda S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

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Stay in the loop with what's happening in Rockton

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

Stay in the loop with what's happening in Rockton

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.