Winnebago, IL Local News and More

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.

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.

MyStateline.com WTVO WQRF

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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 · 1d

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

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 · 8h

rockrivercurrent.com

Winnebago County to create rules for developing data centers in unincorporated areas

ROCKFORD — Winnebago County may create new rules that restrict data center developments to certain industrial areas and give the County Board additional oversight on approving the facilities. The proposed regulations would only apply to unincorporated portions of the county, which the County Board governs. Cities such as Rockford...

Winnebago County, IL · 1d

MyStateline.com WTVO WQRF

Rockford Police plan to drop ShotSpotter after nearly a decade

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The Rockford Police Department plans to stop using ShotSpotter next year, cutting a gunfire-detection system that city leaders defended as a valuable public-safety tool as recently as 2024. The department removed $300,000 for the ShotSpotter renewal from its proposed 2027 budget as Rockford works to close a projected $5.88 million General […]

Rockford, IL · 13h

MyStateline.com WTVO WQRF

Three Rockford teens arrested after reported stolen vehicle found, police say

Three teens were arrested Saturday night after a vehicle was reported stolen, according to the Rockford Police Department.

rockrivercurrent.com

Toad Hall, Beach Boys envision vintage shopping destination on Broadway in Rockford

ROCKFORD — A locally owned vintage toy and pop-culture collectibles shop has shifted into a larger space on Broadway, a move business owners hope will reenergize their vision for creating a vintage shopping destination. Beach Boys Toys has moved across the street to 2020 Broadway, where it fills the...

Rockford, IL · 18h

KWQC

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Stockton advances to State Volleyball

ROCKFORD, Illinois (KWQC) - The Stockton volleyball team advanced to State for the third year in a row. Watch highlights in the video player.

Stockton, IL · 1d

KFIL Radio

Put These Rockford Events on Your Calendar This Month

Need plans this month? Check out these upcoming Rockford-area events.

Rockford, IL · 12h

rockrivercurrent.com

Team Fire takes home the title in 2nd annual Rockford Hero Rumble

ROCKFORD — Firefighters won an annual bragging rights boxing competition with police on Saturday, taking home the traveling Rockford Hero Rumble trophy for a second consecutive year. Team Fire won three bouts to two for Team Police, which were part of a dozen matchups on Saturday at Hard Rock...

Rockford, IL · 2d

MyStateline.com WTVO WQRF

Blue Öyster Cult and Uriah Heep will bring On Tour Forever to Rockford

Rock band Blue Oyster Cult is scheduled to perform at Rockford's Coronado Performing Arts Center on March 5 with support from Uriah Heep.

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Rockford Register Star

CherryVale Mall holiday season begins with Santa

CherryVale Mall will kick off its Christmas season Nov. 13 with Santa's arrival, an indoor parade and holiday activities for families. Santa will arrive at 6 p.m., according to a community announcement. The indoor parade will begin on the lower level near the food court before Santa heads to his workshop in center court to hear visitors' Christmas wishes. “Holiday traditions hold a special place in our community, and many of those traditions start right here at CherryVale Mall,” Marketing Manager Susan Angelin said. “Whether it’s visiting Santa, writing a Dear Santa letter, or finding the perfect gift, we’re proud to be part of the memories our community creates year after year.” Santa photos and holiday activities Santa will welcome visitors through Dec. 24 at his Home for the Holidays. Visiting Santa is free, while photo packages will be available for purchase. Reservations are encouraged through the mall's online platform, according to the announcement. Santa will be available from noon to 3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. most days. His remaining hours are noon to 3 p.m. and 3:30-6 p.m. on the other day of his weekly schedule. The announcement also lists several additional holiday activities: Santa's $3,000 Stocking Giveaway A

Rockford, IL · 21h

Rockford Register Star

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Rockford family aims to feed 500 families this Thanksgiving

A Rockford family-led Thanksgiving meal drive is aiming to provide meals to 500 local families after starting with 75 meals last year. Stout Family Gives is partnering with Fozzy’s Bar & Grill for the Thanksgiving Meal Drive, according to a community announcement. The effort is asking community members to help expand the program after its inaugural drive in 2025. The first drive provided 75 meals to 13 local families. Additional meals went to staff at Swedes. Members of the Stout family sponsored most of the meals, while Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, Rockford United General Baptist Ministries and community members also supported the effort. Organizers plan to expand the experience beyond Thanksgiving dinner this year. The effort is expected to include desserts, drinks, family activities, encouragement and resources, with the goal of creating an experience centered on dignity, gratitude and connection. Sponsorship opportunities are available for local businesses and community members who want to join in the effort. For sponsorship, volunteer or media inquiries, contact Stout Family Gives at stoutfamilygives@gmail.com or (608) 313-4388. 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

Rockford, IL · 20h

sevenlakes.news

Wind Chills Drop Into the Teens for Rockford, Chicago, and Moline Friday Morning as Mild 60s Give Way to Sharp Late-Week Cold

CHICAGO, Ill. — A sharp blast of cold air is set to sweep across Illinois later this week, and it will bring the coldest feel of the season so far. By Friday morning, November 13, wind chills could fall into the teens across northern Illinois, including Rockford, Moline, and the Chicago area. The rest of the state, from Peoria to Paducah, is expected to feel like the 20s. Before the cold arrives, residents will get to enjoy mild temperatures in the 60s today and Tuesday.

Chicago, IL · 2d

rockrivercurrent.com

Rockford panel rejects plans for substance use treatment facility on South Mulford

ROCKFORD — Aldermen on the City Council’s Code and Regulation Committee have rejected a proposal to turn a former nursing home on South Mulford Road into a substance abuse treatment facility. The panel’s 4-0 vote means the measure moves forward to the full City Council next week with...

wmtv15news.com

New records detail Sun Prairie superintendent’s licensing dispute as DPI reviews Rockford experience

SUN PRAIRIE , Wis. (WMTV) - Wisconsin education officials say they are talking with Rockford Public Schools about the work Sun Prairie Superintendent Dr. Antoine Reed performed in Illinois as they consider his options for a Wisconsin license. The Department of Public Instruction told 15 Investigates it expects Reed to...

rockrivercurrent.com