Cedarville, IL Local News and More

Illinois State Police investigate death following Stephenson County pursuit

The Illinois State Police are investigating the death of a 36-year-old man who sustained fatal injuries following a vehicle pursuit initiated by the Stephenson County Sheriff's Office on Saturday night.

Stephenson County, IL · 2d

MyStateline.com WTVO WQRF

Freeport father wins $1 million Illinois Lottery jackpot

An anonymous father from Freeport, Illinois, won a $1 million top prize on a $50 Millionaire Club instant lottery ticket purchased at a local Cub Foods.

Freeport, IL · 22h

MyStateline.com WTVO WQRF

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Crossbow fired at vehicle after hit-and-run crash in Ogle County, deputies say

Andrew Heidenreich, a 22-year-old Ogle County man, was arrested after allegedly striking a mailbox, pursuing a witness, and firing a crossbow into their vehicle.

Ogle County, IL · 3h

The Journal Standard

Stephenson County Fair board adds four new members

The Stephenson County Fair Association has added four members to its board while seeking a nominee to fill another opening. Mary Wernicke of Lena, Jodi Colberg of Freeport, Garrett Handsaker of Pearl City and Kenzie Holste of Ridott are joining the board for the 2026-27 term, according to a community announcement. Wernicke was appointed by the Greater Freeport Partnership, while Holste was appointed by the Farm Bureau. Colberg and Handsaker will serve as at-large members. The association also has a one-year board term available. Anyone interested in joining the board can contact a board member to learn more about receiving a nomination. Who is serving on the Stephenson County Fair board The returning officers are Gary Mielke of Ridott, president; Wendell DeVries of Freeport, vice president; Conor DeZell of Pearl City, treasurer; and Carla Meyer of Baileyville, secretary. Other returning members are: Victoria Hansen of Freeport, Farm Bureau appointed Susie Dvorak of Freeport, Home Community Education appointed Becky Thomas of Pearl City, Home Community Education appointed Ethan Trampel of Rock City, 4-H appointed Denise Hayunga of Freeport, 4-H appointed Brittani DeVries of Freeport, FFA appointed Ann DeZell of Lena, FFA appointed Brooke Keltner of Lena, Greater Freeport Partnership appointed Abby

Stephenson County, IL · 1d

MyStateline.com WTVO WQRF

partner publisher · 5.8K followers

Cellphone use led to deadly Rockford car crash involving 21-year-old: police

Logan Miller, 21, was charged with aggravated use of a communication device following a fatal July crash near the Rockford airport that killed pedestrian David Johnstone.

Rockford, IL · 18h

We Are Illinois

Rockford’s East State Street Is Getting 3 New Restaurants

From Chicago-style gyros to rotary sushi, three new eateries are on the way. Here’s what we know so far.

MyStateline.com WTVO WQRF

partner publisher · 5.8K followers

Former Oregon foundry building fire was intentionally set, police say

The Oregon Police Department is asking for the community's help after an industrial building caught fire Friday.

Oregon, IL · 1d

We Are Illinois

Portillo's Announces Closures, But What About Rockford?

Portillo's is closing several underperforming restaurants outside Chicagoland. Here's what we know about the Rockford location.

partner publisher · 2.2K followers

The Journal Standard

Freeport graduation rates rise as attendance grows

Freeport School District 145's four-year graduation rate has climbed nearly 13 percentage points since 2023 as attendance and reading measures also show improvement. The district's graduation rate reached 83.5% in 2026, up from 70.7% in 2023, according to a community announcement. The figures come from the 2026 Illinois Report Card. Graduation rates have increased each year since 2023, reaching 75.1% in 2024 and 80% in 2025 before rising to 83.5% this year. "These numbers belong to our students, our families and our staff," Superintendent Anna Alvarado said. "Three years ago, nearly three out of ten of our seniors weren't graduating on time. Now more of our kids are walking across the stage, and they're coming to school more often and reading better along the way. I'm proud of that work. I also want to be honest about where we aren't yet. Math hasn't moved the way it needs to, and that's where we're putting our attention this year." Graduation rates improve among student groups Graduation rates increased among the student groups highlighted by the district. The rate for Black students rose from 54.4% in 2023 to 80.6% this year. The rate among low-income students increased from 60.1% to 79.8%, while

Freeport, IL · 1d

racinecountyeye.com

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Mount Pleasant man charged with hit-and-run after pedestrian struck on Ohio Street in Racine

RACINE, Wis. — A 35-year-old Mount Pleasant man is charged with felony hit-and-run after a pedestrian was struck by a minivan while crossing Ohio Street near Byrd Avenue in Racine early Nov. 4, according to a criminal complaint filed Nov. 5 in Racine County Circuit Court. Jorge J. Govea...

Racine, WI · 22h

97ZOK

Pecatonica Elementary Teacher Makes Kids Feel Loved at School

A Pecatonica mom says kindergarten teacher Amanda Benney helped her daughter thrive while easing her family's first-day worries.

Pecatonica, IL · 2d

WROK 1440 AM / 96.1 FM

partner publisher · 37.3K followers

Rockford Store Left Baffled After Man Buys 50 Atari Games

Why would someone buy every copy of a nearly 50-year-old Atari game? A Rockford shopper did exactly that at Disc Replay.

publisher · 12.2K followers

Country Herald

Rockford, IL Shooting Report Leads to 4 Weapons Charges

Rockford police recovered a loaded firearm and ammunition after responding to a late-night shots-fired report.

Rockford, IL · 19h

allamericanatlas.com

5 Best Italian Restaurants in Rockford, Illinois that Will Make You Feel Like You’re in Rome

Rockford, Illinois — a city where the Rock River carves a silver ribbon through neighborhoods stitched with memory and hope, where red-brick factories stand shoulder to shoulder with art deco theaters, and the air is alive with the laughter of families, the hum of old engines, and the scent of something soulful simmering on the stove. Here, the city’s heart beats in a patchwork of cultures — Swedish, Italian, Mexican, Black, and new arrivals from every corner — all gathering at tables that feel like home.

MyStateline.com WTVO WQRF

‘Bad to the Bone’ legend George Thorogood to bring blues rock to Rockford

"Bad to the Bone" singer George Thorogood is bringing his legendary blues rock sound to Rockford's Hard Rock Live in March 2027.

Rockford, IL · 2d

northernpublicradio.org

Juvenile bobcat struck by car in Ogle County is expected to make a full recovery

Last week, an Oregon homeowner discovered a barely 17-pound, semi-conscious female bobcat laying in her front yard. The juvenile bobcat, estimated to have been born earlier this spring or late last year, was struck by car crossing nearby Route 64. The homeowner contacted a local wildlife trapper, who brought the...

Ogle County, IL · 19h

MyStateline.com WTVO WQRF

Case dismissed against Rockford mom who shot son’s attacker at gas station

A Winnebago County judge dismissed charges against a Rockford mother who shot an assailant during an attack on her son at a gas station in March.

hoodline.com

Rockford Man Gets 10 Years After Pleading Guilty to Assaulting Sleeping Child

A Rockford man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to predatory criminal sexual assault involving a child, closing out a case that began when the young victim kicked her attacker and ran to tell her mother what happened. Whitney Watkins, 32, will serve at least 85 percent of that sentence before facing mandatory supervision that could last anywhere from three years to the rest of his life.