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MyStateline.com WTVO WQRF

partner publisher · 73.7K followers
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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 · 19h

MyStateline.com WTVO WQRF

partner publisher · 73.7K followers
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Davis Junction woman hospitalized after colliding with semi-truck in Ogle County

A 36-year-old Davis Junction woman was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries after crashing into a semi-truck in Ogle County, Ill., due to failing to reduce speed.

Ogle County, IL · 20h

We Are Illinois

partner publisher · 5.8K followers
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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.

Rockford, IL · 13h

MyStateline.com WTVO WQRF

partner publisher · 73.7K followers
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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

We Are Illinois

partner publisher · 5.8K followers

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.

Rockford, IL · 1h

The Journal Standard

partner publisher · 2.2K followers

Sidewalks in Freeport tell story of poor maintenance | Letter

Three months ago we were on vacation visiting Freeport, my old home town and the only thing we were impressed with was seeing our old friends. It’s seemed that the town’s name Freeport was still living up to its name, a Free Port as those who have little, have been welcomed to stay. As I walked about town, which was mostly the west side where we lived, it was readily obvious that properties were not at all being well maintained by their owners. If only I could display in this letter some of the sad pictures I took on those walks. I understand in yesterday’s, today’s, and the future world, nearly everything is about money. Whether it’s a person or a city. The minor but unsightly issue I saw and am referring to here is property maintenance. In most cases it takes money, but in some instances it only takes some care. Specifically my reference here is regarding sidewalk maintenance, or lack there of. Green sidewalks are easy to find with the grass vegetation grown out from side to side. Generally, that occurs from compromised/cracked walks that have had no edging or other maintenance by anyone for years. How can

Freeport, IL · 2d

MyStateline.com WTVO WQRF

partner publisher · 73.7K followers

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.

Rockford, IL · 1d

hoodline.com

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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.

Rockford, IL · 18h

MyStateline.com WTVO WQRF

partner publisher · 73.7K followers

Emergency crews respond to crash at West State and Avon in Rockford

Emergency crews responded to a car crash at the intersection of West State Street and Avon Street in Rockford on Saturday evening.

Rockford, IL · 2d

MyStateline.com WTVO WQRF

partner publisher · 73.7K followers

When our local football teams will take the field this coming weekend in the IHSA and I8FA playoffs

Here is a look at when and where our local high school football team be competing in the playoffs this Saturday, November 14.

Rockford, IL · 1d

We Are Illinois

partner publisher · 5.8K followers

Rockford, Bundle Up: Freezing Temps Settle In for 5 Days

Rain Wednesday, then temps crash. Lows hit 24 Friday and 23 Saturday. Here’s your day-by-day Rockford forecast.

Rockford, IL · 14h

takingthekids.com

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Turkey Dinners Come Family-Style With Every Side Refilled At This Illinois Restaurant

Cinnamon rolls the size of a dinner plate are a real thing in northern Illinois. One of them can feed about three people, which makes sharing less of a kindness and more of a requirement. The same dining room serves thin Swedish pancakes with lingonberries, Swedish meatballs, and cardamom rolls....

Rockford, IL · 2d

MyStateline.com WTVO WQRF

partner publisher · 73.7K followers

‘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 · 1d

The Journal Standard

partner publisher · 2.2K followers

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 · 9h

Rockford Register Star

partner publisher · 11.4K followers

Winnebago County K-9 Quatro dies after medical issue

K-9 Quatro, a 7-year-old police dog who served with the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office since 2021, has died following a medical complication. Quatro died Oct. 31, according to a community announcement from the sheriff’s office. He worked alongside his handler, Deputy Joseph Caravello. The sheriff’s office described Quatro as a trusted partner who assisted deputies in the field, helped protect the community and provided additional protection to law enforcement personnel. Quatro was also remembered for his loyalty, courage and dedication to his work, according to the announcement. The sheriff’s office said Quatro’s death is particularly difficult for Caravello because of the bond they developed while working together. “Our thoughts are especially with Deputy Caravello during this difficult time, as we recognize the special bond they shared,” the sheriff’s office wrote. Quatro served with the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office for about five years. “Rest easy Quatro, you will be deeply missed but never forgotten,” the sheriff’s office wrote. This story was produced by reporter Nida Tazeen, NTazeen@usatodayco.com , with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct . This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star:

Winnebago County, IL · 1d

rockrivercurrent.com

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Northern Illinois Food Bank, VanVleet family to distribute 1,700 turkey meals

ROCKFORD — Northern Illinois Food Bank and the VanVleet Family Foundation will partner this weekend to give out 1,700 holiday meal boxes and turkeys to families in the area. The free distribution will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Neighborhood Market, 1397 Sandy Hollow Road. The meal kits and turkeys will be distributed in a drive-thru model and available on a first-come, first-served basis. No identification or registration is required.

Rockford, IL · 20h

97ZOK

partner publisher · 51.9K followers

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 · 1d

Rockford Register Star

partner publisher · 11.4K followers

Stockton, Byron, Rochelle win, charge into football state quarters

Stockton took control and turned a close football playoff game into blowout real fast on Saturday, Nov. 7. And two other Rockford-area teams, Byron and Rochelle, followed suit in other classes as well. More Rockford-area football: Harlem is only NIC-10 football team to win on busy playoff Friday Harlem made it into the 6A state quarters with a win on Friday night, and then three more from the area joined the Huskies on Saturday. Stockton eliminated local rival Forreston, 36-16, on Nov. 7 to advance in 1A, one week after sending another NUIC rival, Lena-Winslow, home for the offseason. "We don't care who it is," Stockton head coach Sean Downey said Saturday, shortly after his teams' 36-16 victory. "This team just goes out there and plays. And they keep playing better and better." Stockton (10-1) has now won 10 in a row after dropping its opener to El Paso-Gridley, which is undefeated and still alive in the 2A playoffs. And now it gets yet another NUIC foe, Fulton, which upended Sterling Newman 28-24 on Saturday, and will host Stockton in the 1A quarterfinals next Saturday, Nov. 14. Morgan Haas rushed for 179 yards and finished it all off with a

Rockford, IL · 2d