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Freeport students promote positivity through Chalk the Walk initiative
FREEPORT, Ill. (WIFR) - Sixth graders in Freeport honor National Prevention Week with “Positive Possibilities” messages. On Wednesday, dozens of students were called outside to chalk cheerful notes on the Carl Sandburg Middle School sidewalks, 1717 W. Eby Street. The FHN event is designed to spread awareness on...
Machesney Park woman drowns at Lake Summerset
STEPHENSON COUNTY, Ill. (WIFR) - A 58-year-old woman drowned Sunday at Lake Summerset, according to Stephenson County officials. Tracy Hunter of Machesney Park was reportedly swimming the afternoon of May 12 when authorities were called to Beach 2 of the gated community for a report of a drowning. She died at the scene.
Dead man found floating in Rock River on Sunday
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Authorities are working to identify the body of a man who was pulled from the Rock River on Sunday night. According to Winnebago County Coroner Jennifer Muraski, a fisherman spotted the body floating in the river around 5:39 p.m. just north of US Bypass 20. The Rockford Fire Department was able […]
Looking for something to do in the Freeport area this weekend? Here are 12 upcoming events
Grand River Hall rooftop opening What: The Grand River Hall rooftop patio opens for the season this weekend. Grab a treat from Union Dairy and bring it to the rooftop or enjoy a cocktail on the rooftop with friends. Follow the signs to the elevator, take the stairs to the roof, and enjoy a view downtown Freeport. ...
Families in Stephenson and Jo Daviess counties get free diapers
FREEPORT, Ill. (WIFR) - As a way to help struggling parents in Stephenson and Jo Daviess counties, FHN hosted its annual ‘No Child Wet Behind’ diaper drive. On Tuesday at the Countryside Sit ‘N Sleep, 1024 N. Riverside Drive, Freeport, parents were given a free bundle of diapers for each child in their household along with baby care items like wipes, wash and lotion. Parents were also able to get breastfeeding support and information about postpartum depression.
New breakfast and brunch restaurant opening soon in the Rockford area
A new breakfast and brunch restaurant called Egg One Five Brunch Bar is coming this summer to Pecatonica. The restaurant will be new to the community, but not the co-owner. Ryan Stedman, who owned The 3rd Street Station in Pecatonica before selling it in July, is starting the business venture for two reasons.
Freeport college shows off renovations to childhood development classroom
FREEPORT, Ill. (WIFR) - Highland Community College faculty give a tour of a renovated classroom for the school’s early childhood education program. The school says its early childhood education program had the most substantial enrollment growth out of all of its programs at 115%. The classroom space was remodeled...
Freeport mother grateful for son’s health on Mother’s Day
FREEPORT, Ill. (WTVO) — A mother in Freeport has a new perspective on life after months of worry and uncertainty over the health of her first child. Samantha Hughes can hold her 6-week-old son, Houston, with joy in her eyes this Mother’s Day. “I love being his mom and watching him grow,” said Hughes. “He’s […]
One of Freeport’s best commits to McKendree University
FREEPORT, Ill. (WIFR) - The standout pass catcher is heading to McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois to play wide receiver. Anyone who’s caught a Freeport basketball or football game over the past four years could tell Dedric Macon was a problem in either sport he was playing. He was...
$847K police training center coming to downtown Rockford
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office has secured $847,000 for a new police training facility, to be located in downtown Rockford. Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin (D) and U.S. Rep. Eric Sorenson (D-17th) were in Rockford on Monday to announce the new funding. The state-of-the-art equipment and training center will be located on […]
Highland College’s teacher shortage solution in jeopardy as pandemic relief funding ends
FREEPORT, Ill. (WTVO) — Teachers are in high demand due to a nationwide shortage. A 2024 survey from the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools found that 90% of schools reported having a “serious” or “very serious” shortage of teachers. An Illinois Educator Shortage Survey revealed the shortages due to multiple factors, including unrealistic expectations on […]
Brodhead pitcher Ava Risum earns national award
Brodhead junior pitcher Ava Risum has been named a MaxPreps/National Fastpitch Coaches Association Player of the Week for games played April 22-28. Risum posted a 3-0 record, tossed a no-hitter and two one-hit shutouts. She struck out 34, walked two and surrendered two hits over 17 innings of work. Risum no-hit Edgerton with 12 strikeouts and one walk in a five-inning win. She held Evansville (five innings) and Beloit Turner...
13-year-old girl accused of stealing SUV, leading Freeport Police on pursuit
FREEPORT, Ill. (WTVO) — A 13-year-old girl has been arrested after speeding away from police and later crashing in a stolen car, authorities said. According to the Freeport Police Department, officers were called to the 800 block of S. Ottawa Avenue on Friday morning, for a report that a blue GMC Terrain had been stolen […]
Back to back Rock Valley Conference Softball Champions
The Brodhead Cardinals captured their second consecutive Rock Valley Conference softball championship. The Brodhead Cardinals captured their second consecutive Rock Valley Conference softball championship with a blowout victory over the Evansville Blue Devils, last week. The conference championship run began all the way back at the start of the season,...
PREP BASEBALL: South Beloit knocked out of playoffs in loss to Lena-Winslow
LENA, Ill. — The South Beloit baseball team looked ready to play the part of spoiler againstLena-Winslow after it took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning inWednesday’s IHSA 1A regional semifinal. But the Panthers showed why they’re seeded No. 2 and they responded with two runs in the bottom half and later poured on 13 runs in the fourth to knock the No. 10 SoBos out of the postseason with a 16-1 victory in four innings. ...
Illinois students pay tribute to fallen service members as part of Grateful Nation Project
DURAND, Ill. (WTVO) — Students in Durand are learning of the lives of fallen U.S. soldiers as part of a nationwide initiative called the Grateful Nation Project. In the weeks leading up to Memorial Day, the Grateful Nation Projects delivers a “Hero Card” featuring one fallen service member’s image, basic information, and a part of […]
Freeport students ride their tractors to the last day of school
FREEPORT, Ill. (WTVO) — Some Freeport high school seniors rode their tractors or lawnmowers to class on May 10th. The Future Famers of America (FFA) encouraged students to drive their tractors and mowers over to Blackhawk Elementary where the younger kids could check them out. The seniors also talked with the younger students about FFA, […]
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