Byron
GOVERNMENT
Byron, Freeport clean up debris after severe storms
FREEPORT, Ill. (WTVO) — Communities in Freeport and Byron are cleaning up debris from last night’s severe storms all along Route 2. There have also been reports of damage along Route 72 from Davis Junction to Rockford. In Freeport, parts of roads had to be closed due to downed trees and power lines. Officials are […]
Byron unveils new mural called ‘Remain in Light’
The mural, called “Remain in Light,” is painted on the front of the city hall building at 232 W. Second Street. The artist of the mural, Brett Whitacre, says, “I just love the feel that it gives when you stand in front of it or drive by. I know how it resonates on a community, this kind of attention to detail and this addition of color. It just feels good. It feels good and positive. Who couldn’t use a bunch of color around them?”
Trees uprooted, roofs torn off in Rockford neighborhoods hit hard by storm
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Tonya Prine heard a loud bang on the back of her house as a tree, uprooted in Monday night’s storms, fell against her house. “I thought, ‘I probably lost my porch,'” she recalled. She did, it turned out. Her neighbors lost their roof. Prine said she was in the basement with […]
Severe storms bring tornadoes to northern Illinois
The National Weather Service has been busy conducting damage surveys across northern Illinois following severe storms that moved through Sunday and Monday evening. While additional surveys will continue in the days to follow, they did confirm that 4 tornadoes touched down in northern Illinois between Sunday and Monday. Sunday: An...
Flooding creates sinkholes at UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital in Rockford
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Ambulances at UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital in Rockford are being directed to a different entrance after sinkholes developed near the hospital. UW Health says patient care is not impacted as a result of the sinkholes. It’s believed the sinkholes developed due to recent flooding in the area.
Officials say roads still flooded: ‘Turn around. Don’t drown’
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - City officials remind people to stay cautious of flooded roads caused by Saturday’s storm. City officials posted around 9 a.m. Sunday that the roads have not been completely cleared. They ask people to avoid all flooded areas. Rockford police posted on X, formerly known as...
Rockford moves to place historic Illinois National Guard Armory up for sale
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A Rockford City Council advisory committee has approved a plan to put the historic Illinois National Guard Armory up for sale. Built in 1934, The Armory, at 605 S. Main Street, served as the headquarters for the Illinois National Guard for 60 years, and became a music venue in the 1970s, […]
Charles Street businesses hit hard by Rockford flash floods
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) – Thunderstorms and flash flooding kept parts of Rockford under water over the weekend. Some Charles Street businesses along the Keith Creek corridor were hit especially hard and are now assessing the damages. “A lot of fixtures from the building are completely destroyed,” said Michelle Johns, who has operated Tarot by Michelle […]
The buzz around Main Street Roscoe is getting louder
Residents of Roscoe and surrounding communities have been hearing a lot about changes and improvements coming to the Village. Incorporated in 1965, the Village of Roscoe is now home to almost 11,000 residents. But while nearby Rockford has successfully re-invented itself and become a destination for events and celebrations, Roscoe has pretty much remained the same.
Rockford announces plans for garbage collection after flooding
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - For people impacted by recent flooding, the city of Rockford says homeowners can put flood waste out before normal collection during the weeks of July 15 and July 22. The waste will be collected on normal garbage pick-up days. The city says residents should fill up...
Alderman: Vacant Rockford armory building hurts neighborhood, city
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) – A Rockford alderman hopes someone will redevelop one of the city’s vacant national landmarks. “It’s getting more damaged,” said 11th Ward Ald. Isidro Barrios of the Illinois National Guard Armory Building at 605 N. Main St. Barrios said the 70,000 square-foot building is becoming an eyesore, bringing down property values while […]
Officials say ‘nearly all roads’ clear after flash flood
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - City officials announces that the water from the weekend’s flash flood has almost entirely receded. City officials posted online around 11 a.m. Sunday that nearly all roads are open, but people should avoid any standing water on roadways if they see it. Rockford police posted...
Soldiers from U.S. Army camp in Kuwait send thanks to 95.3 The Bull, Rockford for care packages
ROCKFORD — Soldiers stationed at a U.S. Army camp shared their thanks with Rockford and listeners of 95.3 The Bull for the Shoeboxes for Soldiers care packages that arrived this week. More than 300 care packages are being delivered to deployed troops around the world thanks to the Shoeboxes...
Cherry Valley to pick up fallen branches from storms
CHERRY VALLEY, Ill. (WIFR) - Following multiple days of severe weather, the Village of Cherry Valley says its Public Works Department will start picking up fallen tree branches. Pick-up begins at 8 a.m. Wednesday, July 17 and continues through 3:30 p.m. Thursday, July 18. City officials say the service is...
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