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Lane reduction at Rockford roundabout creates new problems, community members say
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - After a lane-reduction at the roundabout at N. Main and Auburn streets, some people in Rockford believe more can be done to improve traffic. In early June, the City of Rockford and the Illinois Department of Transportation temporarily changed the roundabout from two-lanes, down to one; in an effort to prevent car accidents.
Stephenson County Fair is back, showcasing the best of the community
People from across northwestern Illinois are flocking to Stephenson County this week to celebrate the 170th anniversary of the county's beloved fair. Since its founding in 1854, the Stephenson County Fair has proven itself to be a great way to bring the community together. “We have generations upon generations of families that have been...
Rockford Fire department battle garage fire on city’s east side
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Firefighters race to extinguish a garage fire on Rockford’s east side Saturday. Just after 9:30 a.m., Rockford firefighters responded to the 1100 block of 23rd Street after receiving a call for a “fully involved garage fire.”. No injuries are known at this time. This...
3 stateline communities receive funding to replace lead service lines
ILLINOIS (WIFR) - Communities in Winnebago, Ogle and Jo Daviess counties will receive hundreds of thousands of dollars to replace lead service lines. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency announced a total of $43,159,886 for 17 cities and villages to improve their water infrastructure. Stateline communities receiving funding:. The Village of...
Rockford unemployment rate rises slightly as jobs decrease
ILLINOIS (WIFR) - New unemployment numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security show the unemployment rate increasing in all of Illinois’ 14 metropolitan areas. Since June 2023, the Rockford-area unemployment rate increased by .5 percent from 6.2 to 6.7 percent. Data...
Tinker Swiss Cottage to close for flooring renovations
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum will be closed July 26-28 for flooring renovations. The museum, located at 411 Kent St., is a Victorian home built by Robert Tinker. The Tinker family lived there from 1865 until 1942. The museum has about 98% of the family’s original belongings and artifacts and offers tours of the home to educate others about what life was like in early Rockford.
Rockford NICU babies cheer on Team USA for the 2024 Summer Olympics
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - In honor of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, staff at Javon Bea Hospital on Riverside dressed up some of the strongest and tiniest champs. The babies celebrated Team USA by dressing up for their own version of the opening ceremony.
Rockford networking event highlights positive updates in the area
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Have you heard the good news? Dozens of leaders listen in and report on positive updates to come to the Rockford area. The Update event is a 30-minute networking session followed by three 20-minute updates by area officials. The event aspires to keep area residents engaged, network and walk away with new positive information on Rockford.
NLI Conveys Land to IDNR
Rockford, IL – The Natural Land Institute (NLI) has announced the sale of one of their preserves in Carroll County to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Located next to Mississippi Palisades State Park in Savanna, White Wood Ridge Preserve was purchased in December 2021 by NLI with a grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation to protect and hold it until the IDNR was able to purchase it. This is one of the strategic roles NLI has played in its 66 year history of land protection and preservation. NLI is sometimes able to purchase land faster than a government agency or other land conservation organization can, then hold it until the other entity is ready to receive it.
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