(Rockford, IL) – Winnebago County Board Chairman Scott H. Christiansen has signed a “Proclamation of Winnebago County Disaster Emergency” stating that a disaster emergency exists in Winnebago County due to the flooding along the Rock River. On Saturday, January 19, 2008 flooding began along the Rock River in the Village of Machesney Park, the unincorporated areas of Winnebago County, and the City of Rockford. On Friday, January 25, 2008, Mayor Linda Vaughn, Village of Machesney Park requested the proclamation be initiated by the Chairman. Attached is a copy of the proclamation which was sent to Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) in Springfield and Dixon, IL earlier today.