ROCKFORD

SwedishAmerican to build West Side clinic

SwedishAmerican has announced plans to expand its healthcare services to a ‘historically underserved” area with the construction of a new medical office building on Rockford’s west side.

Dr. Bill Gorski, SwedishAmerican president and CEO, said contracts have been signed to purchase properties for a clinic at 815 Marchesano Drive. The cost is estimated at $4.1 million.

The clinic, to be located on a 1.25 acre site, will feature primary care, obstetrics, lab and imaging services. The site, near Providence Baptist Church and the new Rockford Fire Department Station 3, will include up to six medical practices.

“This new medical clinic is a vital addition to the neighborhood and the community,” said Venita Hervey, fifth ward alderman. “I am excited that SwedishAmerican decided to invest here to help meet a critical need for better access to quality healthcare in a historically under-served area of our city. I believe the clinic will reach all of Southwest Rockford.”

Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey says he applauds SwedishAmerican for this outstanding investment in Rockford’s Southwest side, saying this facility will help meet primary care and obstetrics needs in our community.

“This also is another great example of high quality public infrastructure providing the physical foundation for private sector investment,” said Morrissey, noting the City’s recent investments with the State of Illinois to rebuild South Main Street and Marchesano Drive and rebuild Fire Station 3.

It is expected that it will take approximately 90 days to close on the real estate transaction. Construction of the clinic is expected to start this summer with expanded patient services beginning in 2018.

ROCKFORD

RU mourns deaths of two Saudi students

Rockford University was notified that two international students, Mohammed Mufti and Amjad Balkhair, were found dead in their off-campus Rockford apartment on March 18. Both men are from Saudi Arabia and were enrolled in their first year of studies at the university.

Police and the Winnebago County Coroner are investigating, but no criminal activity is suspected. 

“We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of these two young men, and express our condolences and prayers to the families of Mohammed and Amjad,” said Rockford University President Eric Fulcomer. “It is a tragic loss that is not easy to understand and affects the entire campus, particularly our international students who face unique circumstances in studying far away from their homes and families. A dedicated team is working closely with our students and broader campus community to offer help and resources to all who need assistance during this difficult time.”

The Winnebago County Coroner has released a preliminary statement that says according to the Rockford Fire Department, carbon monoxide (CO) levels were elevated in the garage.  Both men were found in the garage along with their car.

ROCKFORD

‘Frosty Fridays’ public skating runs through April

It’s great to skate indoors at the coolest place in town, no matter what the weather is like outdoors!

The Rockford Park District’s Frosty Fridays discounted indoor public ice skating sessions will continue through April 28, running from 8-10 p.m. at Carlson Ice Arena, 4150 N. Perryville Rd., Loves Park.

Admission fee is $5 per person including skate rental; ages 2 and younger are admitted free (no discount coupons accepted).

ROCKFORD

Bazsali will spend 50th season coaching Guilford

Longtime Rockford Lutheran coach Bruce Bazsali will mark his 50th season serving as Guilford High School’s head football coach in 2017.

“We’re looking forward to the excitement and energy Coach Bazsali will bring to the program,” said Mat Parker, Director of Athletics, Activities and Program Development. “It’s all part of our vision as a district to be the first choice for all families.”

Bazsali announced his resignation in December after eight years at Lutheran and a 53-24 record – Bazsali is the school’s winningest football coach.

Two Lutheran coaches – Tim Sughroue and Jeff Luedke – plan to join Bazsali at Guilford. Sughroue spent the 2016 season with Rockford Lutheran as an assistant coach under Bazsali.

He was head coach at Hononegah High School for 10 years with a 73-32 record and eight straight playoff appearances. Luedke is a 1970 Guilford grad and member of Guilford’s Hall of Fame. He has coached at Lutheran since 2000. The appointments are pending Rockford School Board approval.

Bazsali  succeeds former head coach Mel Gilfillan, who resigned after the most recent season.

–Winnebago County News Briefs–