Rockford Daybook: McGraw congressional campaign, New Milford park, Sorensen town hall
Retired Judge Joe McGraw to launch congressional campaign
Retired 17th Circuit Court Judge Joe McGraw will hold a campaign kick-off event Oct. 11 to announce his plans to run for Congress.
The event will be held at 5:30 p.m. at Franchesco's Ristorante, 7128 Spring Creek Road, in Rockford.
The event is advertised on eventbrite as "Judge Joe McGraw for Congress Campaign Kick-Off. ... Join us for an epic campaign kick-off as we rally behind Judge Joe McGraw as he takes on a bid for U.S. Congress."
McGraw lives in the Illinois' 17th Congressional District, a seat currently held by Democrat Eric Sorensen.
McGraw, a Republican, was appointed to the bench as a circuit judge in January 2002. He was elected to the position in November 2002.
He served as chief judge from 2012 to 2017 and retired in July.
New Milford Park renovation plans
The Village of New Milford and the Rockford Park District will host a news conference at 2 p.m. Thursday to announce upcoming improvements to Upper Park.
A new name for Upper Park also will be revealed. The news conference will take place at 2984 Morris Drive, New Milford.
Funding for the improvements is coming from grants secured by Illinois state Rep. Maurice West.
U.S. Rep Eric Sorensen hosts town hall
U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen will host a town hall Thursday night with residents of Illinois’ 17th congressional district.
The town hall will be hosted by phone. A recording will be available afterward. To participate, constituents can call 833-380-0743. The event will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Constituents also can ask to receive a call to join by filling out the following form at least one hour before the state of the event.
The town hall will feature special guest, Luis Rivas, Jr., president of the Illinois States Association of Letter Carriers.
Topics include the looming threat of a government shutdown, the upcoming Farm Bill, infrastructure investments coming to the region and Sorensen's ongoing work to lower costs for working families.
Natural land preserve open houses
The Natural Land Institute board of trustees and staff will host open houses at two preserves owned by the non-profit land trust.
The first open house will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday at Lind-McGeachie Preserve, 6100 Fitzgerald Road, Rockford. Ongoing guided walks will be provided and guests may explore on their own. Moderate level hiking. Parking on site and on the street.
The second open house will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lost Flora Fen on Raccoon Creek, 5565 Yale Bridge Road, Rockton. Ongoing guided walks and wagon rides will be available and guests may explore on their own. Easy hiking. Parking on site.
Snacks and beverages will be provided. Registration is requested. To register, visit naturalland.org, call 815-964-6666, or email info@naturalland.org.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford Daybook: McGraw congressional campaign, Sorensen town hall
