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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.
Union pushes for worker protection at Thomson Prison
Thomson Federal Prison remains on lockdown more than three weeks after the facility reported guns and cell phones getting inside the prison. Union leaders continue to lobby for changes that protect for workers who are sexually assaulted and harassed by inmates. A state law in Illinois prompted an inmate to plead guilty to exposing himself to a woman who’s a corrections officer. Inmate Fred Smith was sentenced to an additional 364 days in prison, the most allowed under the Illinois law.
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.
Looking for something to do in the Freeport area this weekend? Here are 12 upcoming events
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.
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.
Scales Mound, Ill., resident arrested after standoff in Jo Daviess County
A 28-year-old Scales Mound, Ill., resident was taken into custody Saturday after a standoff with law enforcement, a news release says. Shortly after 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jo Daviess County Deputies learned that Jesse J. Jones, a wanted felon, was at an address on West Blackjack Road in rural Hanover, Ill., the release says.
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...
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...
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 […]
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 […]
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. ...
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