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Chief Judge John Lowry thanks Winnebago County Board, cites courthouse fire response and PSB family courts project
Summary
Chief Judge John Lowry — whose term ends Dec. 31 — addressed the county board on Nov. 25 to express gratitude for cooperation on court operations, the courthouse fire response and development of a PSB family courts project repurposing county facilities.
Chief Judge John Lowry addressed the Winnebago County Board during the Nov. 25 public‑participation portion of the meeting to thank board members and county staff ahead of the end of his term on Dec. 31.
"My term as chief judge will end December 31 this year," Lowry said, expressing appreciation for the board’s leadership and for daily briefings the court received on county matters. He specifically praised Chairman Pat Thompson’s role after the courthouse fire on Nov. 22 and credited county support for keeping court operations running through the disruption.
Lowry also referenced the court’s implementation of procedural changes after the PFA took effect on Sept. 23 and the county’s assistance with detention‑center flooding and compliance matters involving the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice. He noted two symposiums on human trafficking (2023 and 2025) and described the PSB family courts project — a repurposing of a county building that will provide integrated domestic violence assistance and five courtrooms — as a "win" for the county, the courts and citizens.
Lowry closed by thanking named staff (including Tom Jaquay and Debbie Jarvis) and offering his blessings to the board and county residents. The remarks were a public expression of gratitude and contained historical highlights from his four‑year term rather than new policy proposals. The board took no formal action during the address.
