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Illinois Teacher Goes Viral Asking Parents Not To Bring Kid’s Birthday Cupcakes
One teacher in Illinois has a back-to-school ask of parents. Ann Brackemyer, a kindergarten teacher in Morrison, is going viral as kiddos are going back to school with what she says is an "unpopular opinion". Parents love to bring cupcakes to school on the kid's birthday for the class. It's...
Illinois GOP Leader McCombie to Discuss Policy Agenda at SIU
Illinois House Republican leader Tony McCombie will speak at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute on September 9. McCombie, who became the first woman to lead Illinois House Republicans in January 2023, will share her party's policy agenda and her views on the issues that will shape the November general elections. With Democrats holding a significant 78 to 40 supermajority in the Illinois House, McCombie's leadership is focused on narrowing that gap in the upcoming elections.
Oregon seniors want to leave a lasting legacy
OREGON, Ill. (WIFR) - The Oregon Hawks go into the 2024 season after the school’s best performance in eight years. In 2023, the Hawks went 5-4 in the Big Northern Conference and got their first look at what playoff football is like. Head coach Broc Kundert returns for his third season and a bunch of starters return to the line for their senior year.
The Late-August 1990 Tornado Disaster
A review of the deadly Planfield Tornado by the National Weather Service Between 3:15 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. CDT on August 28th, 1990, a violent F5 tornado ripped through Kendall and Will counties taking the lives of 29 people and injuring 350. The tornado left a 16.4 mile-long damage path which ranged from 600 yards […]
Durand holds off Winnebago in girls high school volleyball
WINNEBAGO, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF) — The high school volleyball season is in full swing. Most teams are opening up with non-conference matches. Tuesday night Winnebago of the Big Northern Conference hosted Durand of the NUIC. Durand won a tight two-set battle 25-21, 25-18. To view the highlights, watch the media player above.
Stateline residents reminded to register to vote, know polling locations
(WIFR) - As the countdown to the November presidential election winds down, the Winnebago County Clerk’s office refreshes area residents on how and when to register to vote, as well as where to cast their ballot. In July alone, experts say U.S. citizens witnessed several historical events and the...
A smashing good time: Hard Rock Casino Rockford opens with signature 'guitar smash'
Two dozen Rockford-area civic leaders, Hard Rock executives and Seminole Tribe of Florida leaders — owners of Hard Rock International — lifted guitars high above their heads and smashed them to pieces Thursday to celebrate the opening of Hard Rock Casino Rockford. Pyrotechnics showered the 1,600-seat Hard Rock Live stage in sparks as the invite-only crowd cheered. ...
Hononegah opens season with three-set thriller against Rockford Boylan
ROCKTON — As junior Lili Fox recounted the events of Hononegah's season opening game against NIC-10 foe Rockford Boylan, her croaky voice was little more than a whisper. The intense amount of cheering that comes from smashing the winning spike of a three-set victory will do that to you. "It felt great to contribute to my team and help us run through the finish line," Fox said with a smile. ...
Hononegah's Purple and Gold Festival kicks off fall sports
Hononegah Community High School kicked off all of their fall sports seasons with the 30th annual Purple and Gold Festival on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. The event featured DairyHaus’s brand-new Purple & Gold ice cream, MadDog gourmet Cookies, Purple & Gold slushees, and a prime concessions selection from Main Street Meat Co. - all compliments of the Booster Club. Everyone’s favorite Spirit Shack also made its return for the 24-25 season. Additional contributions were made by the HFB Gridiron and Glitz & Go LLC.
Rockford social justice group to host concert, gambling addiction resource fair as casino opens
ROCKFORD — Rockford Urban Ministries will host a free community concert and gambling addiction resource fair on Thursday to provide an alternative to the opening of Hard Rock Casino Rockford. The event goes from noon to 1 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at The Schreiner...
West Middle School welcomes students, new principal back to school
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Staff await a flock of students back to the West Middle School early Wednesday morning. As K-12 schools across the Rockford Public School 205 district start the new school year, West Middle School holds a special opening day for its students. This first day is special for West students, families and Principal Tatierra Bivens. It’s her first year as the building principal at WMS.
Rockford could buy, demolish six more homes along flood-prone Keith Creek
Rockford officials are seeking more than $1.5 million in state funds to purchase six properties along the Keith Creek Corridor. The Rockford City Council’s planning and development committee voted Monday to recommend applying for a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Flood Hazard Mitigation Program, which would cover the cost of acquiring and demolishing the properties. ...
Police: 2 suspects in a shooting incident blame each other for taking the shot
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Police arrested Christopher Draeger, 23, and Paul Schnoor, 19, for allegedly being involved in shooting a victim in the thigh. On August 25th, around 3:26 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 3300 block of Sun Valley Terrace for a shooting victim. The man injured told officials Draeger was his ex-roommate. Draeger […]
Rockford's Linda Abronski leaves a legacy of inspiration and remarkable performances
One of the brightest stars of Rockford theater has died. Linda Abronski was a founding member of Artists' Ensemble Theater in 2004 and graced the stage for decades before with New American Theater. Abronski died August 17 shortly after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer. She starred in countless stage productions...
Parents scramble after Rockford Public Schools reduce preschool transportation
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - The backpack of Alicia Purvis’ three-year-old son was ready to go for his first day of preschool. All the mom needed was a missing bus schedule from Rockford Public Schools. “And for some reason, I didn’t get his bus info,” says Purvis. “And I called...
Record-setting Illinois Lottery Fast Play jackpot-winner sold at suburban gas station
A suburban Illinois Lottery player is not just a lot richer, but is also a history-maker after winning one of the largest-ever Fast Play jackpots in the game’s history. According to Illinois Lottery officials, the winning ticket worth nearly $1.7 million was sold at a gas station in suburban Alsip earlier this week.
Operation targets largest pharmacy burglary ring in DEA history
ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - A sweeping operation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration targeted pharmacy burglaries and the illegal sale of addictive prescription medications. The ring targeted independent pharmacies in 31 states, including Missouri, Illinois and Kansas in the DEA St. Louis Division region. The 21-month investigation...
State officials celebrate new Illinois DCFS region/field office
MARION, Ill. (KBSI) – State officials are represetatives from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services held a ribbon cutting Thursday for the new Illinois DCFS region/field office in Marion. The Illinois DCFS was joined by Illinois State Senator Dale Fowler, Mayor Mike Absher, Marion’s former Director of...
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