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3 Absolutely Horrifying Things About Rockford That People Should Know About
Rockford's an amazing town and that's something I will say with my chest. But I need to be honest when I say there is a scary side I've experienced. As we gear up for fall and spooky season, I've talked a lot with my friends about random things that scare us. That got me thinking about things in the area that genuinely horrify me.
Illinois Town Dubbed ‘Worst Drivers’ In America, 1 City in Top 12
Be cautious when driving through this Illinois town because it has some of the worst drivers in America. When we thought Illinois couldn't make anymore embarrassing lists, think again. We've been named one of the worst states to call home, for middle class families, and most likely to fall for scams. We can't catch a break!
‘Carefree’ Winnebago County Fair Queen focused on fun over fashion
ROCKFORD — This year’s Winnebago County Fair queen put personality over pageantry and fun over fashion. Elizabeth Taylor said her dress was borrowed from a friend and came from the famously ultra-cheap company Shein. She didn’t even get her nails done. But the 21-year-old nursing student, who...
Driving With A Dog In Your Lap In Illinois: Is It Legal Or Not?
I began thinking about this question a couple of days back when I saw around a half dozen people driving around Rockford with dogs of varying sizes sitting, standing, even walking around in the lap of the person behind the wheel. The state of Illinois is currently running a series...
4 of the Biggest Eyesores You’ll See in The Rockford Area
Eyesores are everywhere, and sometimes it's really annoying to have to run into them every single day. In Rockford, we have many beautiful spots to be proud of; like Anderson Japanese Gardens, The Coronado, beautiful hiking trails and much more. However, there are still a few things that I have...
Jehovah’s Witnesses convention will draw thousands to downtown Rockford over 2 weekends
ROCKFORD — Thousands of Jehovah’s Witnesses are filling downtown today for the start of a three-day convention focused on good news and spiritual education. This is the first of two weekends the “Declare the Good News” convention will take over the BMO Center. The same program is presented in Spanish over three days next weekend as well.
The new I-39 ramp is set to open soon
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The Illinois Department of Transportation announced traffic from westbound U.S. 20 to southbound Interstate 39 will be relocated to a new ramp starting the evening of August 14th. The ramp is part of the $98.8 million project to rebuild the I-39/U.S. 20 interchange in Rockford. The new ramp will have one […]
Four of America’s Five Best School Districts Are in Illinois
The kids are getting back to school in Illinois, and it got me thinking about the finest districts. Like, what school districts are better than others?. When I hopped on Niche to check out the best school districts in America and see how Illinois compares to the rest of the country, I was taken aback by the high rankings.
Montel Technologies selected to help wire Winnebago Co. Jail’s new security system
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Winnebago County looks to upgrade security systems in major city buildings, and it’s starting point is the jail. Winnebago County Jail opened in 2007, and the security system has not been updated since. Deputies say the communication is poor between inmates and staff, to the point where it’s unsafe. “It’s very […]
Rockford opens Restaurant Relief Grant for its second round
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - State grants secured by State Representative, Maurice West and managed by the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors bureau are being awarded to restaurants that are still struggling with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Restaurant Relief Grant allows restaurants some help coping with the aftermath...
5 Reasons Why Rockford Is Illinois’ Best City
Sometimes Rockford gets a bad rap but I believe it's a good place to live and I've got the reasons to back it up. It's "815 Week" and as we're getting ready to celebrate "815 Day," I had a friend ask me, "Why does Rockford celebrate 815 Day?" He wasn't being nasty about it. The guy was actually curious and didn't quite get it. After I thought about it, I decided that's a really good question.
Rockford officials divided over plan to build 29 studio apartments in former nursing home
A vacant building at 310 Arnold Ave. in Rockford might be converted into 29 units of affordable housing — but the project still needs approval from the Rockford City Council. So far, city officials have given the proposal mixed reviews. The council's Code and Regulation Committee on Monday voted to reverse an earlier Rockford...
Illinois hospital president to retire
Paula Carynski, MSN, RN, president of Rockford, Ill.-based OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center, will retire Jan. 31. Ms. Carynski has been with the hospital for 39 years and has held the leadership role for 11 years, according to an Aug. 13 news release from Peoria, Ill.-based OSF HealthCare. Prior...
Interview: Garden Hotel’s demolition marks new beginning for South Beloit
Short on time? Read our quick report on what's next for the Garden Hotel property. As the long-awaited demolition of the dilapidated Garden Hotel in South Beloit nears, City Administrator Sonya Hoppes sheds light on the challenges and meticulous planning behind the decision. In an exclusive interview, Hoppes discusses the city's efforts to hold the property owners accountable for the $8.8 million in fines and the importance of reclaiming the site for the community's future. The following conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
Rockford’s Household Hazardous Waste facility to relocate
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - The place where people in Rockford can drop off their household hazardous waste will temporarily close as it prepares to relocate. The current facility at 3333 Kishwaukee Street will close on September 2, with the new facility set to open in early October at Four Rivers Sanitation Authority, 3315 Kishwaukee Street.
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