Community Corner

🌱 How will Harlem High’s new phone lockers change your student’s day?

Coming up on the Machesney Park Patch calendar: Sleigh Bar: A Holiday Pop-Up Experience

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Thursday December 11th Patch AM
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Hi there, Machesney Park! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How will Harlem High’s new phone lockers change your student’s day?
  • Are hydrants near your Machesney Park home buried under snow?
  • Why Machesney Park’s state rep is blasting Illinois’ new migrant law

Also on today's calendar: AN EVENING with KEVIN GORDON and 2 more events.

Find out what's happening in Machesney Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Machesney Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Very cold, with a high of 22 and low of 11 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Friday: Cloudy, flurries; very cold, temps: high: 24, low: -1.
  • Saturday: Frigid with snow and flurries, with a high of 3 and low of -9 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Harlem High School plans phone lockers for students as parents worry for change (wifr.com) — Families in Machesney Park’s Harlem School District will see a major change when Harlem High School requires students to lock up their phones in classroom lockers starting January 6, 2026. Supporters say the move will boost focus and cut distractions, while several local parents worry about emergency communication, costs amid a district deficit, and whether responsible students are being unfairly restricted.
   

• Fire department asks residents to clear snow from fire hydrants: here's why (mystateline.com) — Fire officials are asking residents, including those in Machesney Park, to keep nearby fire hydrants shoveled out so firefighters can reach water quickly during winter emergencies. Harlem-Roscoe’s fire chief explains that even a minute’s delay can matter, while a Machesney Park resident describes how he regularly clears a three-foot space around his neighborhood hydrant to help first responders.
   

• WATCH: State rep: ICE enforcement on streets wouldn't happen if IL cooperated (blackchronicle.com) — A state immigration clash with Washington now includes comments from State Rep. John Cabello, whose district includes Machesney Park, criticizing Illinois’ expanded sanctuary policies. Cabello argues the governor should cooperate with federal immigration authorities and says tougher street-level ICE enforcement is a consequence of the state refusing to honor detainers for certain criminal suspects.
   

📸 Around Machesney Park

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Machesney Park

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • O'Reilly Auto Parts posted a job opening for Merchandiser/Stocker - Hub in Machesney Park. Apply here.
  • Old Navy, Inc. posted a job opening for Seasonal Retail Sales Associate - Machesney Crossing in Machesney Park. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Machesney Park here.

🗞 Nearby News

Loves Park

  • FOIA request sent to City of Loves Park regarding new or amended contracts on December 9, 2025 (rockfordsun.com)
  • New Illinois law requires public libraries to carry Narcan (mystateline.com)

Roscoe

Rockton

Ok Machesney Park! 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: I could get canned for this!
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