It began on the return trip from the County Board meeting, where we lost a very important vote. Our clean air and water, our real estate values, the safety of our children, and our quality of life were all at risk. A small group of us began talking about our next steps, and we knew there wasn't much time.

It was our belief that we had to organize, find an attorney, file suit against NISC (and Winnebago County), and we had to get it done within 30 days.

From a very intensive month of meetings and paperwork, Rockton Strong was formed. Since then, we've filed suit on behalf of nearly 20 petitioners, we've obtained injunctive relief to stop any construction, and we are moving forward in the discovery phase of the lawsuit.

We've become a broader-based community organization. We've attended dozens of governmental meetings, advocated for candidates who support our community, and have supported worthwhile referenda to improve the Rockton area.

We've gone from being frustrated by what seemed to be a lack of support, to being humbled by both your support and generosity. It's been a long journey, and promises to be much longer.

We've had failures, and we've had successes. We've learned from our failures, and we've celebrated our successes. We've come to realize something we've always known. Rockton is an amazing community, and it's important that we all work to keep it that way.

Rockton Strong was born on July 11, 2018 and becomes one year old today.

Thank-you everyone! We are all Rockton Strong.