Our lawsuit against Northern Illinois Services Corporation and Winnebago County continues. At our August status hearing, we learned that ASA Sara Hohe, who had been defending Winnebago County in the lawsuit, was on medical leave. Those of you who attended any of the two ZBA hearings probably remember her. We extend our get well wishes to Ms. Hohe. At the August hearing, ASA Paul Carpenter was assigned. Mr. Carpenter is currently the Democratic candidate for State's Attorney. In late September, Mr. Carpenter left the employment of the State's Attorney office. Therefore, the case was reassigned yet again.

In a nutshell, nothing has happened regarding the lawsuit, and things will be on hold until the newly assigned ASA gets up to speed on the lawsuit.

Clearly, in this world of COVID-19, everything, including our court system is moving at a snail's pace. It is likely most of our lives have been affected; certainly ours have.

Our next court date is November 18 at 9am. Nothing new is expected at that hearing, we will have a new state's attorney-elect, and an attorney who is likely not yet ready to proceed.

Please remember: We are now drawing to the end of 2020 (thank God!). We have now successfully fought off the asphalt plant for 2 1/2 years, and it is likely we will easily reach the 3 year mark before anything of significance happens. And with the passing of every day, it is MORE likely the plant will never be built. In the year of 2020, we should look at this as a victory!

So, for now, stay as safe, happy, healthy, as you can. We are Rockton Strong.