Winnebago County News

ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- There's not much time left when it comes to Rockford's budget deadline. The city hoped to pass the financial plan last week but delayed the decision until today's meeting. Read the full story at: http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/City_of_Rockford_Expected_to_Vote_on_2011_Budget_112496209.html

ROCKFORD (WREX) - Five people were hurt in a two vehicle accident in the 4700 block of South Main Sunday. Read the full story at: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=13743915

ROCKFORD (WREX) - Tickets are on sale now for an autograph session with Chicago Bears Linebacker Brian Urlacher. Read the full story at: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=13744099

Members of the local steelworkers chapter cast their ballots on their last contract offer from Titan Tire and they voted it down. Read the full story at: http://mystateline.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=217466

ROCKFORD (WREX) - Rockford declares snow emergency as of 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve. See the full story at: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=13739302

UNDATED (WREX/PRESS RELEASE) - The Illinois Tollway Authority is activating its Zero Weather Road Patrols for the blast of bitter cold weather. Please read the full story at: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=13664477

The Salvation Army's Chicago area division says donations through its Red Kettle Campaign are down 13 percent over last year. Please read the full story at: http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/Salvation_Army_Donations_Down_111798204.html

ROCKFORD (WREX) – Too much snow does not just mean problems for drivers, it could mean a big bill for the city of Rockford when it already has money troubles.  Please read and see the story at:  http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=13658698

The Associated Press: The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for much of central and north-central Illinois. Please read the full story at: http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/Blizzard_Warning__111737644.html .

ILLINOIS (WREX)- The Illinois Department of Transportation spent several years deciding the best route to open an Amtrak line that connects Chicago, Rockford and Dubuque. Please read the full story at: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=13655074

Grammy Award nominee Sarah Siskind will close out a full weekend of music when she takes the stage at Kryptonite Bar Sunday, Dec. 12. Please read the full story at: http://rockrivertimes.com/2010/12/10/grammy-nominee-sarah-siskind-at-kryptonite-sunday-dec-12/

ROCKFORD (WREX) - Traffic hit a snag after a chain of accidents where it seemed everything that could go wrong did. Please see the full story at: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=13618016 .

A special Library of Congress traveling exhibition—mounted in a customized 18-wheel truck–will visit Rockford in December. Please read the full story at: http://rockrivertimes.com/2010/12/04/library-of-congress-exhibit-rolls-into-rockford-dec-7-8/

Rockford - They brought us Friday Night Flix during the summer. Now, they're bringing us ice in the winter. Please read the full story at: http://mystateline.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=212287 .

ROCKFORD (WREX) - Layoffs for Rockford city workers could come just in time for the holidays. It may seem cruel, but some aldermen see no other option. Please visit WREX for the full story: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=13585325 .

The identity of the Boylan Titans' defense all year was turnovers. So, it was fitting that Boylan rode six Marmion turnovers on their way to their first state championship ever by a final of 48-19 in the IHSA Class 6A final Saturday, Nov. 27. Read the full story at: http://rockrivertimes.com/2010/11/27/boylan-wins-first-state-championship/

Lena-Winslow High School won the class 1A football championship with its 47-14 victory over defending champion Tuscola today. Great game and congratulations! Other games of local interest Friday... Sterling Newman just started its game at 1 PM. Stillman Valley is scheduled to start at 4 PM.

The IHSA State Football Championship games get started on Friday at 10:00 a.m. when Lena-Winslow takes on Tuscola in the 1A title game. Please see and read the story at WREX: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=13549456 .

Illinois fire prevention experts are warning residents of the dangers of turkey fryers. Please visit WIFR for the full story:  http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/Fire_Experts_Warn_About_Dangers_of_Turkey_Fryers_110597589.html .

The Rockford Board of Education voted 5-2 Tuesday, Nov. 23, in favor of zoning–changing where elementary students will attend school for the 2011-2012 academic year. Please visit The Rock River Times for the full story:  http://rockrivertimes.com/2010/11/24/school-board-votes-for-zoning-delays-talks-on-honors-class-cuts/ .

Local drivers are seeing lower gas prices than a week ago, prompting some to fill up before the Thanksgiving weekend. Read the full story at The Rock River Times: http://rockrivertimes.com/2010/11/22/gas-prices-come-down-before-thanksgiving-weekend/

Tornado touches down near Rockford Read the story at The Rock River Times: http://rockrivertimes.com/2010/11/22/tornado-reportedly-touches-down-near-rockford/

ROCKFORD (WREX) - Chicago Rockford International Airport now has a new way to attract travelers: service to... Please see the full story at: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=13540885

I offer my condolences to the families of Bill Doll, Ray Grebas, and Guy Stubblefield. I may not have known you well, but you all made a positive impact on my life the short time I knew you, and I thank you for that. Bill Doll http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/rrstar/obituary.aspx?n=william-doll&pid=146668911 Ray Grebas http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/rrstar/obituary.aspx?n=raymond-grebas&pid=146668912 Guy Stubblefield http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/rrstar/obituary.aspx?n=edward-stubblefield&pid=146548417 Respectfully, Paul Gorski

Public funds used for Nicholas Conservatory? By Stuart R. Wahlin http://www.rockfordepitaph.com/

Rockford, Illinois-The RiverHawks future has been cloudy this offseason while the Northern League has been... Please see and read the story at: http://mystateline.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=210246 .

Time is dwindling.... and Rockford city leaders have yet to figure a way out of the budget hole. The City faces a five and a half million dollar deficit and... Read the full story and see video at: http://mystateline.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=209926

ROCKFORD (WREX) - After one season in the Northern League, the Rockford RiverHawks leave for the Golden League. Read the full story at: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=13495797

New captain plans to lead IceHogs by example The Rockford IceHogs finally have their captain... Read the full story at: http://www.rrstar.com/sports/x426772197/New-captain-plans-to-lead-IceHogs-by-example .

Attorney General warns of phony prize sweepstakes CHICAGO—Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is warning consumers of a rash of unsolicited phone calls to Illinois consumers claiming they have won a new car in a sweepstakes sponsored by The Oprah Winfrey Show and Reader's Digest . Read the full story at: http://rockrivertimes.com/2010/11/12/attorney-general-warns-of-phony-prize-sweepstakes/

Park District considers tax levy increase, reviews 2011 priority areas The Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners received the 2010 tax levy recommendation for consideration prior to the publishing of the 2010 Notice of Proposed Property Tax Increase in December. Read the full story at: http://rockrivertimes.com/2010/11/12/park-district-considers-tax-levy-increase-reviews-2011-priority-areas/

Veterans honored in Loves Park ROCKFORD (WREX) - The Rockford Park District Foundation holds a special tribute to area war veterans. Please visit: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=13472331 to read and view the story.

EPA Checking Belvidere Site  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has secured a Belvidere site in regards to environmental threats at the site.... Please the WNTA web site for the entire story: http://www.wnta.com/Channels/LocalNews/story.aspx?ID=1309265 .

Auburn students hold fund-raiser to benefit MAYA's House Nov. 12 Tickets for dinner-and-dance fund-raiser at Giovanni's will be available at the door By Susan Johnson Copy Editor Hannah Mesa and Cassidy Gerczak, two Auburn High School students, will hold a fund-raiser to benefit MAYA's House, a daycare for homeless children, Friday, Nov. 12. Please visit:  http://rockrivertimes.com/2010/11/10/auburn-students-hold-fund-raiser-to-benefit-maya 's-house-nov-12/ for the entire story.

Sheffield responds to 'Rumor Tuesday' at Nov. 9 Board of Education meeting By Joe McGehee Staff Writer Rockford Public School District 205 Superintendent Dr. LaVonne M. Sheffield forwent her usual sports update during her comments at the Nov. 9 Rockford Board of Education meeting to address what she views as "rumors and misinformation" ... Please visit  http://rockrivertimes.com/2010/11/10/sheffield-responds-to- 'rumor-tuesday'-at-nov-9-board-of-education-meeting/ for the entire story.

$2.2 Million Coming to Keith Creek, Residents React Federal Authorities announce more than $2.2 million to come to Keith Creek. Please visit: http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/22_Million_Coming_to_Keith_Creek_Residents_React_106833813.html for the full story.

Rockford - The city is getting more than $2 million for flood mitigation thanks to the federal government. Please visit: http://mystateline.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=208297 for the full story.

Rockford police in search of information regarding Nov. 4 homicide From press release At 8:15 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 4, Rockford police officers responded to 3809 Sage Drive, Apartment A, regarding a person lying outside the building possibly shot. Please visit: http://rockrivertimes.com/2010/11/05/rockford-police-in-search-of-information-regarding-nov-4-homicide/ to read the full story.

State Bans Energy Drink College campuses across the nation are banning a popular Chicago based energy drink because it is known to land students in the hospital. Now an entire state is making the drink illegal. Please visit: http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/State_Bans_Energy_Drink_106806538.html for the full story.

2011 Golden Apple teacher nominees announced Please visit the full article at:  http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=13438829

Boone and Winnebago Counties Offer Warming Centers The City of Rockford Human Services Department announces the warming center list for the 2010- 2011 winter season for Winnebago and Boone Counties. Please see the full article at:  http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/Boone_and_Winnebago_Counties_Offer_Warming_Centers_106644378.html

IPA, TRRT file suit against District 205, LaVonne Sheffield By Joe McGehee Staff Writer The Illinois Press Association, The Rock River Times (TRRT) and TRRT Staff Writer Joe McGehee are plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed Nov. 3 against Rockford Public School District 205... See full the full article at:  http://rockrivertimes.com/2010/11/03/ipa-trrt-file-suit-against-district-205-lavonne-sheffield/

WREX offers a series of news broadcasts on state and local elections... http://www.wrex.com/Global/category.asp?C=134512 ###

WIFR Offers its Stateline Trick-Or-Treating Hours list... http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/Stateline_Trick-or-Treating_Hours_106142848.html ###

The Rock River Times endorsements for Winnebago County Board... http://rockrivertimes.com/2010/10/30/winnebago-county-board-endorsements/ ###

The Rock River Times Political Endorsements... http://rockrivertimes.com/2010/10/27/our-endorsements/comment-page-1/#comment-1410 ###

from Phil Pash's Great Outdoors  (Phil has been writing about outdoors since the late 1970s). Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2010 (Vol. 6, No. 18) Legislation Introduced To Stop Federal Ban on Lead in Recreational Fishing Tackle --The sportfishing community is thanking Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) for introducing S.3850... Please visit: http://www.philpash.com/?p=outdoors for the full story. ###

Preliminary plans for two-way traffic on Church and Main streets to be presented at Oct. 20 open house An open house to present preliminary plans for conversion of Church Street and Main Street from one-way traffic to two-way traffic will be from 3 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 20, at the Rockford Metropolitan Agency for Planning (RMAP) office at 313 N. Main St., Rockford. Please visit: http://rockrivertimes.com/2010/10/15/preliminary-plans-for-two-way-traffic-on-church-and-main-streets-to-be-presented-at-oct-20-open-house/ for the full story. ###

From the Rock River Times... IceHogs offer packed schedule of promotions ###

Waterkeeper News: USEPA finds IEPA in serious noncompliance Please visit: http://rockrivertimes.com/2010/10/06/waterkeeper-news-usepa-finds-iepa-in-serious-noncompliance/ for the full story. ###

Attorney Gen. Lisa Madigan Comes to Rockford to Pay Respect for Sheriff Meyers The Winnebago Sheriff wins annual "Person of the Year" award. Please visit: http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/Attorney_Gen_Lisa_Madigan_Comes_to_rockford_to_Pay_Respect_for_Sheriff_Meyers_104372173.html to see the full story. ###

From The Rock River Times Greater Rockford Italian American Association (GRIAA) announces new and expanded... ###

NIU Shows Off New Broadband Network A faster, cheaper broadband network is being installed in northwestern Illinois, and today local leaders had a chance to see it in action. Please visit: http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/104305309.html for the full story and video. ###

Back to the 50's Concert Presented by Rockford Barbershop Chorus, with host Riley O'Neil Saturday, October 30th, 2010 Please visit: http://www.rockfordbarbershopchorus.com/ for more information. ###

Candidate forum Oct. 5 at Christ UMC From press release A candidate forum for state representative and state senatorial offices will be from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 5, at Christ United Methodist Church, Highcrest and Alpine roads. Moderator will be Steve Stadelman of WTVO... Please read the full press release at: http://rockrivertimes.com/2010/09/29/candidate-forum-oct-5-at-christ-umc/ ###

Voter Registration Deadline With less than a month until Novermber's Election, have you registered to vote yet? Please visit: http://mystateline.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=200295 to see the full story. ###

Guest Column: Should you get the flu vaccine? By Brenda Neumann, R.N. Pneumonia and influenza are the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S. The best way to prevent the flu is by having a flu vaccine... Please read the full story at: http://rockrivertimes.com/2010/09/29/guest-column-should-you-get-the-flu-vaccine/ ###

To the Editor: County to raise property taxes Why on earth would the Winnebago County Board vote to raise county property taxes?  Please visit: http://rockrivertimes.com/2010/09/29/to-the-editor-county-to-raise-property-taxes/ for the full letter to the editor. ###

Poll: Quinn gains ground on Brady A new poll shows that Gov. Pat Quinn has gained some ground on his Republican challenger Bill Brady. Please visit: http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/104142754.html for the full story. ###

PRESS RELEASE – Rockford, IL The Rockford Lithuanian Club invites you to its weekly Friday Night Fish Frys. Visit  http://lithuanianclub.blogspot.com  for a listing of weekly specials. What: Friday Night Fish Frys Date: Most Fridays (exceptions for holidays) Time: 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM Where: Rockford Lithuanian Club, 716 Indiana Ave, Rockford, IL Visit  http://lithuanianclub.blogspot.com  for details. ###

PRESS RELEASE - Rockford, IL The Women's Auxiliary of the SM and SF Club announces its annual Turkey Dinner, Saturday, November 6, 2010. What: SM and SF Club Turkey Dinner Date: Saturday, November 6, 2010 Time: 4 PM to 7 PM Where: SMSF Club, 1010 Sandy Hollow Road, Rockford, IL, (815) 399-9471 Cost: $8 per adult, $4 children (3-10 years old) ###

PRESS RELEASE – Rockford, IL The Rockford Harmony Club, in conjunction with Gotham City Band, announces a sock hop dance to benefit Milestone, Inc. (Milestone, Inc. offers programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities.) What: Wheels and Chrome 50's and 60's Sock Hop Dance Date: Saturday, October 9, 2010 Time: 11 AM to 4 PM Where: The Rockford Harmony Club, 1104 15th Ave, Rockford, IL There will be live music, raffles, food and drink. All proceeds go to Milestone, Inc. ###

PRESS RELEASE – Rockford, IL The Lyran Club Ladies Auxiliary announces its monthly Swedish Pancake Breakfast, Sunday, September 26th. What: Swedish Pancake Breakfast Date: Sunday, September 26, 2010 (and usually the fourth Sunday of the month) Time: 9 AM to Noon Where: The Lyran Club, 1115 4th Ave, Rockford, IL  Cost: $5 per adult, $3 per child under 10 years of age. Breakfast includes all the Swedish Pancakes you can eat. Along with lingonberries, 2 sausage, orange juice, milk and coffee. New item! French Toast. ###

This site, Winnebago County News , is a labor of love. (It is also a work in progress.) My goal is to promote our local weekly print newspapers, and radio and television media in Winnebago County. Why? I grew up delivering a wide-variety of daily and weekly newspapers.  I had newsprint on my hands every day going to grade school. In college I wrote for the college newspaper, and I helped revive our old college radio station. Later, I became a professional copywriter, and eventually came to support the technology used in the print and web publishing industries. I eventually plan to post abstracts, one or two-line extracts, of local weekly newspaper articles to promote the weekly newspapers that do not have a web presence. I will need some volunteer help with that. This site is designed to point you to local weekly newspapers and other news and event listing sources. If you find a news source like  The Rock River Times  through this site, read that pap