Winnebago County News

WINNEBAGO COUNTY - Three former South Beloit public employees, two who were in leadership positions, are facing criminal charges, Winnebago County State's Attorney Joe Bruscato announced... READ THE STORY: http://rockrivertimes.com/2011/04/29/former-south-beloit-mayor-police-chief-and-officer-face-multiple-charges-related-to-arrest-video/

Winnebago Buy Local's mission is to support and cultivate local independent businesses focused on transforming our local economy toward green jobs, sustainable industries, and practices and buying local first... VISIT: http://winnebagobuylocal.com/

Rock House Kids Pancake Breakfast  May 14, 2011 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. North Suburban Woman's Club, 6320 N. 2nd Street, Loves Park, IL Cost is $6 for ages 13-Adult, $4 6-12 years-old and kids under 5 eat for free. 815-962-5067 VISIT: http://www.wifr.com/community/events/120969184.html

COMMENTARY - I've said it before—I can't imagine making love to a man. To me, that is not appealing. I'm biologically wired to be attracted to the female form, and I am happy being a heterosexual. So, I can't imagine how a man can physically love another man unless their biology and chemistry are different... READ THE COMMENTARY: http://rockrivertimes.com/2011/04/27/left-justified-approval-of-civil-unions/comment-page-1/#comment-2753

ROCKFORD - It promised friendly greetings for its customers. "I go to the bank often enough that I'm like one of the family now" says C.B Nelson, Harris Bank customer. It also promised a strong connection with the local community... SEE THE STORY: http://mystateline.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=248207

The Rockford Area Venues and Entertainment Authority or RAVE says it's seen major signs of progress over the past year, and has even bigger plans for the months ahead. Monster trucks, concerts, and of course hockey games filled Rockford's Metrocentre the past year, all adding up to a very profitable year... READ THE STORY: http://mystateline.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=248397

ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- About 65 percent of Rockford's African-American population lives on the West Side of the river, that's why our local YWCA is taking action. The group participated in a nationwide observance "Stand Against Racism". About 70 other YWCA associations joined in. The YWCA's racial justice coordinator also spoke as well as a woman who experienced racism first-hand. YWCA leaders say simply talking about racism won't make it go away... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/YWCA_Takes_Their_Stand_Against_Racism_121007234.html

Rockford (WREX) -  Students get a hands-on lesson to celebrate Arbor Day. Kids from Cathedral Baptist School planted a tree at Klehm Arboretum... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14544127

ROCKFORD (ROCK RIVER TIMES) - As promised, Mayor Larry Morrissey (I) has issued an Elgin pregnancy services firm a pass to park its mobile ultrasound vehicle on Rockford streets for the next seven Fridays... READ THE STORY: http://rockrivertimes.com/2011/04/28/mayor-grants-ultrasound-bus-7-time-parking-pass/

ROCKFORD (WREX) - An acting superintendent for Rockford School District 205 is named during a special school board meeting Friday evening.  Dr. Theresa Kallstrom from Kennedy Middle School was chosen. But she only has the position until an interim superintendent can be chosen. "I think it's an exciting opportunity.  I think I'm going to be able to learn a lot.  I think I'll be able to make a difference," says Dr. Kallstrom... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14539516

ROCKFORD (ROCKFORD SCANNER) - Report: Around 3:30 am today, Rockford Police and Fire were dispatched to the 3200 block of 11th street at the Marathon Gas Station... READ THE REPORT: http://rockfordscanner.com/?p=954

ROCKTON — Children swarmed around the Macktown Forest Preserve Friday and watched history come alive before their eyes. Students from the area were able to see people dressed in clothing of the 1800s, sitting outside tents and teepees, and explaining how the people of the Rockton area survived in the wilderness as the community first took shape. "You may get a sense of the way it was before you were born — of the people who helped make this nation what it is today," Alan Harrison, who was portraying Stephen Mack, told a crowd of students Friday at the Gathering at Macktown... READ THE STORY: http://www.beloitdailynews.com/articles/2011/04/30/news/local_news/news3002.txt

ROCKFORD (WREX) -  Anderson Toyota and Lexus announces a big move. It'll start construction soon on two new dealerships at Perryville and Riverside... READ THE STORY: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14536595

ROCKFORD (WREX) -  A husband and wife, both business leaders, announce the marriage of their two companies. iRent Real Estate Group and Rockford Data Management moved into a new location together at 1444 Myott Avenue in Rockford. READ THE STORY: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14536710

ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- East High School's Principal is resigning from District 205 after nine years with the district. Erab principal Todd France says he's accepted a job to be principal at Pecatonica high school... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/East_High_Schools_Principal_is_resigning_from_District_205_120912174.html

ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- We're now nearing the final phase to widen the creek. Before that happens, city leaders heard residents opinions about what to do with three acres of future green space including an urban garden. "I think a lot of people - you see our city market is growing and doing a lot of that kind of thing. I think we could do something for our kids. There's room for that too," one resident said... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/Keith_Creek_Flood_Project_Update_120932569.html

FREEPORT (WIFR) -- According to a Stateline Health Department it's not a head scratcher to think that there may be a lot more arm and leg scratching this summer due to an increased mosquito population... READ THE STORY: http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/Stateline_Expecting_Larger_Mosquito_Population_This_Summer.html

CHICAGO (HUD) -- U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today awarded more than $7.3 million to 29 new homeless programs in Illinois... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/74_Million_in_Grants_for_29_Homeless_Programs_120912864.html

THE PECATONICA DOWNTOWN TALES UPDATE FOR THIS WEEK IS NOW POSTED. Downtown Tales , April 29, 2011. Do not forget 9/11/2001, PHONE 239-2733, , E-mail us at rabinning@yahoo.com ,  www.pecatonica.net The Downtown Tales are printed courtesy of , US BANK Pecatonica Branch 815-239-1131 READ DOWNTOWN TALES AT: http://www.webspawner.com/users/rabinningyahoocom/

The Janesville Wal-Mart is evacuated after a bomb threat. Someone made several 9-1-1 calls this afternoon threatening acts of violence including bombing the building... SEE THE STORY: http://mystateline.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=248127

ROMEOVILLE, IL (NWS) -- It has been more than 20 years since the Chicago area has seen a violent tornado, however, the vivid images of death and destruction coming in from the southeast U.S. should serve as a reminder to Chicagoans of devastating effects of a direct hit from a violent tornado. The last violent tornado to strike the area was August 28, 1990, when an EF-5 tornado leveled portions of Plainfield and the southwest suburbs of Chicago. The long period of time that has elapsed since this tornado has led to many Chicagoans developing a sense of complacency, however, the recent rash of violent tornadoes striking major metropolitan areas should serve as a wake-up call and result in a greater sense of urgency to ensure preparedness for a tornado... READ THE STORY: http://www.wifr.com/weather/headlines/DEVASTATING_TORNADO_OUTBREAK_SERVES_AS_REMINDER_OF_IMPORTANCE_OF_PREPAREDNESS_120936179.html

ROCKFORD - The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW), Rockford Section, will present "A Tribute to African American Women: Past & Present: from 4 to 7 p.m., Saturday, April 30, at Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St., Rockford... READ THE STORY: http://rockrivertimes.com/2011/04/27/tribute-to-african-american-women-set-for-april-30/

WNIJ Radio is having an open house from 3 to 7 PM as part of anniversary celebration. READ MORE ABOUT IT HERE: http://www.wnij.org/j20evt.php

ROCKFORD (WREX) - Can you imagine a line of preschoolers walking down the hall looking like giant letters of the alphabet? This is how one teacher makes each minute of the day a learning experience for her students... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14528524

ROCKFORD (ROCK RIVER TIMES) - With three incoming members officially seated, the new school board began conducting business at the Tuesday, April 26 meeting of the Rockford Board of Education... READ THE STORY: http://rockrivertimes.com/2011/04/27/schools-new-district-205-board-seated-interim-superintendent-to-be-named-friday/

CHERRY VALLEY - Cherry Valley residents will have to think twice before dumping anything down a storm sewer. That's because a local Boy Scout has stuck reminders on the face of the drains... SEE THE STORY: http://mystateline.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=248087

Thinking about Mother's Day presents? Rose N' Buds, a spring boutique, will be held from 4-9 p.m., Friday, April 29, at Cliffbreakers Conference Center, 700 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford. High-quality artisans and vendors will offer jewelry, stained glass ornaments, May baskets, garden accessories, stylish baskets, bags, totes, handcrafted soaps, knit, woven items, hand-beaded pins, Fair Trade items, artisan chocolates, candles , free chair massages and much more... READ THE STORY: http://rockrivertimes.com/2011/04/27/april-29-rose-n%e2%80%99-buds-benefits-crusader-community-health/

The Illinois Associated Press Broadcasters Association recently announced winners in the 2010 Journalism Excellence Contest. WNIJ (89.5-FM) reporter Susan Stephens claimed three honors this year in the Downstate Radio division... READ THE STORY: http://rockrivertimes.com/2011/04/27/people-in-our-times-wnij-news-reporter-wins-three-ap-awards/

ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- Nearly 700 students attended a special assembly today to remember their classmate murdered less than two weeks ago... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/Kennedy_Middle_School_Remembers_Fallen_Student_120819334.html

ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- Thirty-two people were killed in construction zones in Illinois last year. And with construction season here, that's why Rockford police are sending their final warning to local drivers... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/Drivers_Warned_in_Rockford_Construction_Zone_120814359.html

DEKALB, Ill.—Public radio station 89.5-WNIJ invites listeners, supporters and friends to an Open House, from 3-7 p.m., Thursday, April 28, at the Broadcast Center, 801 N. First St., DeKalb. An official cake-cutting ceremony is planned for 4 p.m... READ THE STORY: http://rockrivertimes.com/2011/04/27/wnij-hosts-open-house-april-28-in-dekalb/

ROCKFORD (WREX) - Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka warns the state is on pace to finish the fiscal year $8 billion in debt. According to the comptroller's office $4.5 billion of that money is owed to schools, hospitals, and social service agencies... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14528590

ROCKFORD (WREX) - 13 News has obtained a list of the candidates who have applied to be the next superintendent in Rockford School District 205. SEE AND READ THE STORY: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14526061

FROM THE NATURAL LAND INSTITUTE - Join us at Howard D. Colman Dells for this Thursday's Wildflower Walkabout Natural Land Institute Stewardship Director Greg Keilback will lead this hike of moderate difficulty this Thursday, April 28. Owned and managed by NLI, this 55-acre nature preserve is located along Hall Creek, southwest of Rockford. One of the attractive features of this preserve is a series of cliffs known as the dells. Many unique plants restricted to limestone and dolomite outcrops are found here, as well as some northern relict plants. The floral display in the upland woods is one of the best in Winnebago County. Aldo Leopold and Paul Riis conducted some early deer studies in this preserve in the mid 1930's. The walk will begin at 6:00 p.m. Drive south on Meridian Road, turn right (west) on McGregor Road, turn right (north) on Weldon Road, drive almost a mile and park along Weldon Road. Please call NLI at 815/964-6666 if you have any questions.

ROCKFORD - A new Rockford School Board is in place and is already making some big decisions... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14520584

ROCKFORD (WREX) - A former Rockford police chief gives the Rockford Park District Police Department a blueprint for the future... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14520896

ROCKFORD (WREX) - The City of Rockford turns down a concession proposal offered recently by its firefighters union. SEE THE STORY: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14519352

ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- Two federal aviation administration employees have been put on administrative leave at Rockford's Air Traffic Control Tower... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/Two_Administration_Employees_Put_on_Leave_at_RFD_120733389.html

ROCKFORD (WREX) - The Winnebago County Health Department shows off a major consolidation project... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14520338

Workers for a Honeywell uranium conversion facility in Metropolis, Illinois have been locked out of the plant for 10 months. The workers are represented by the United Steelworkers who took the struggle of the 228 Illinois workers to the Honeywell shareholders meeting in Morristown, New Jersey... READ THE STORY: http://www.laborradio.org/Channels/story.aspx?ID=1407658

ROCKFORD (WNTA) - The Rockford Police Department is looking for some help from the Rockford City Council when it comes to drivers trying to escape police when they are being pulled over... READ THE STORY AND LISTEN TO WNTA: http://www.wnta.com/Channels/LocalNews/story.aspx?ID=1407720

A Rockford man was arrested Tuesday in an early morning beating death of another man on the city's west side... READ THE STORY: http://rockrivertimes.com/2011/04/26/crime-man-arrested-in-early-morning-beating-death/

ROCK RIVER TRAIL INITIATIVE - INVITATION AND AGENDA  Second Annual Meet the Neighbors Conference Re-Discovering the Rock River: An explanation, inventory, assessment, and declaration of the Rock River Trail Thursday, April 28, 2011, 9 AM to 5 PM, Clock Tower Resort and Conference Center and CoCo Key Water Resort 7801 E. State St., Rockford, IL - RSVP to admin@rockrivertrail.com or 815-964-9767. AGENDA 9:00 AM Welcome by Rock River Trail Founder Frank Schier 9:05 AM Native American Awareness Committee Ceremony by Terry "Standing Buffalo" Reynolds and Dennis "White Bear" Dillard 9:10 AM Morning Session Opening Remarks by Burpee Natural History Museum's Executive Director Dr. Alan Brown 9:25 AM Meeting the Neighbors: "A Round of Self Introductions" 9:45 AM Frank Schier "The Rock River Trail Initiative's Achievements" 10:00 AM Presentation by United Sportsmen's Youth Foundation's Rock Hollow Chapter Committeeman Todd ...

ROCKFORD (ROCK RIVER TIMES) - A local teacher filed a federal lawsuit against Rockford Public School District 205 and Superintendent Dr. LaVonne M. Sheffield Monday, April 25... READ THE STORY: http://rockrivertimes.com/2011/04/25/teacher-files-lawsuit-against-district-205-lavonne-sheffield/

ROCKFORD (WREX) - Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens is working with other local organizations to restore a Native Illinois Prairie Meadow at the founding site of Rockford... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14514469

The heavy rainfall that fell overnight continues to lift north this morning as low pressure moves into northwest Illinois... SEE THE STORY: http://firstwarnweatherteam.blogspot.com/2011/04/rainfall-totals-nearing-inch-or-better.html

ROCKFORD - Rockford Aldermen vote against renewing a parking permit for TLC Pregnancy Services. Rockford City Council voted along party lines not to issue it in an 8 to 6 vote. That does not technically mean the mayor's administration can't still issue a permit on its own... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14512463

Rockford-It won't be long before Rockford's Airfest takes off, but the show can't go on without hundreds of volunteers... SEE THE STORY: http://mystateline.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=247217

UNDATED (WREX) - Anyone who receives a Tollway violation notice that they don't agree with can head online to fight the case... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14507361

BYRON (WREX) - The refueling and upgrades to Unit 1 at Exelon Nuclear's Byron Generating Station have been completed... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14507406

ROCKFORD (WREX) - The second of three public forums to gather input and answer questions about the district's latest plan to scale back high school sports to save money will be held tonight... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14507146

ROCKFORD (WREX) - We are more than excited to announce the beginning of Project: Tornado today! Each day, Meteorologist Eric Sorensen, Cyndi Khalbaum, and myself will go to area schools and talk about the importance of severe weather safety... READ THE ARTICLE: http://addins.wrex.com/blogs/weather/2011/04/project-tornado-begins-today

ROCKFORD (ROCK RIVER TIMES) - The Rockford Board of Education is accepting applications to fill the board vacancy left by outgoing Sub District-E member Bob Evans, who resigned last week... http://rockrivertimes.com/2011/04/23/rockford-school-board-now-accepting-applications-for-sub-district-e-seat/

ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- Rockford's school district remains in turmoil after several top leaders have resigned while the search for a new superintendent continues... READ THE STORY: http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/Illinois_Supt_Talks_About_District_205_Vacancy_120580299.html

ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- It happened around 6:30 pm near the intersection of Kent and Winnebago Streets where police say there were two groups of people by the Booker Washington Center... READ THE STORY: http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/Man_Shot_CeaseFire_Office_Hit_by_Gunfire_120579729.html

CALEDONIA (WIFR) -- Contractors are hammering away at a new township hall for Caledonia. It was destroyed last fall when an EF-2 tornado left it's mark on the town of two hundred... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/Caledonia_Continues_to_Rebuild_Six_Months_Later_120580074.html

MYSTATELINE.COM - One local church has finally crafted a building to fit their needs, it just happens to be an old bar... SEE THE STORY: http://mystateline.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=247157

The active weather pattern of late will continue through the week.  The week starts with a quasi-stationary front stretching from the Texas panhandle northeast across Oklahoma, southern Missouri, the extreme southern tip of Illinois, and on up the Ohio River into Pennsylvania... READ THE ARTICLE: http://firstwarnweatherteam.blogspot.com/2011/04/unsettled-week.html

ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- A national group advocating for better teacher performance is hoping more state lawmakers are on board to reform... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/Education_Reform_Efforts_Move_Forward_in_Illinois_120579844.html

Check this out!  So far, April 2011 consisted of mostly cloudy to cloudy skies and temperatures in the 50s. Our coldest temperture was 38° and our warmest was 84°... READ THE ARTICLE: http://addins.wrex.com/blogs/weather/2011/04/april-2011-so-far

As the Rockford Board of Education must now search for a new superintendent, District 205 Chief Communications Officer Mark Bonne has resigned... READ THE COMMENTARY: http://rockrivertimes.com/2011/04/20/schools-mark-bonne-resigns-in-midst-of-district-205-chaos/comment-page-1/#comment-2715

ROCKFORD (WREX) - Starting tomorrow, Kishwaukee Road will close at the bridge going across the Kishwaukee River... READ THE STORY: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14504744

ROCFORD (ROCK RIVER TIMES) - INVITATION AND AGENDA ROCK RIVER TRAIL INITIATIVE, Second Annual Meet the Neighbors Conference. Re-Discovering the Rock River: An explanation, inventory, assessment, and declaration of the Rock River Trail, Thursday, April 28, 2011, 9 to 5pm... READ THE ARTICLE: http://rockrivertimes.com/2011/04/23/agenda-set-for-thursday-april-28-rock-river-trail-conference/

BELOIT (WREX) - Beloit College comes together for one of its own living in Bahrain. It's been almost two weeks since a former Beloit College student Zainab al-Khawaja's family was imprisoned... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14500870

ROCKFORD (WREX) - Rockford firefighters spend part of their night trying to save a house on the city's east side... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14500937

ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- CAP4Kids is a collaborative effort to link parents and social services with vital medical information in Winnebago and Boone counties... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/CAPS4Kids_Helping_Local_Children_in_Poverty_120512714.html

Two people are shot at the ShowPlace 16 Movie Complex in Rockford tonight. At about 10:30p.m., shots rang out in the south parking lot of the theater... SEE THE STORY: http://mystateline.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=247077

We have yet to hear from Bob Evans himself, but even school board members speaking publicly are at a loss of words... SEE THE STORY AT: http://mystateline.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=247037

WINNEBAGO COUNTY - Stateline residents will soon be driving in circles. Both the City of Rockford and Winnebago County are embracing a new way to move traffic... http://mystateline.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=246877

FREEPORT (WREX) - Freeport's ability to not only weather the tough economy, but to do well enough to add preschool programs at every elementary school makes it a standout district... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14494392

On Good Friday, April 22, JT's Bourbon Street Grille, 1407 N. Main St., will celebrate its five-year anniversary... READ THE STORY: http://rockrivertimes.com/2011/04/20/jt%e2%80%99s-bourbon-street-grille-celebrates-five-years-april-22/

WNIJ NEWS (WNIJ) - NIU survey aims to inform students about eating healthy when dining out. WNIJ's Mike Moen has more: © Copyright 2011, wnij... LISTEN TO THE STORY: http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wnij/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1792569

ROCKFORD (ROCK RIVER TIMES) - Bob Evans, who was re-elected to the Rockford Board of Education April 5, has resigned... READ THE STORY: http://rockrivertimes.com/2011/04/21/bob-evans-resigns-from-rockford-board-of-education/

Earlier this week, it looked as though a severe weather outbreak would reach the Stateline. It now appears that it will stay to our south... SEE THE STORY: http://firstwarnweatherteam.blogspot.com/2011/04/severe-weather-stays-south-again.html

ROCKFORD, Ill. (AP) - The opening of a new six-story federal courthouse in Rockford has been delayed until mid-September... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14489584

ROCKFORD (WREX)- Inmate numbers climb at the Winnebago County Jail... http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14487159

The Illinois Attorney General ended a six-month investigation of Jo Daviess County mega-dairy this week by citing the operation with five violations... READ THE STORY: http://rockrivertimes.com/2011/04/21/area-mega-dairy-cited-for-pollution-permit-violation/

Rockford, Ill. – Paddle and Trail will operate Rock River Rentals in partnership with Rockford Park District in the old Anderson Building at Sinnissippi Park... READ THE STORY: http://rockrivertimes.com/2011/04/20/paddle-and-trail-to-operate-rock-river-rentals-at-sinnissippi-park-event-to-launch-season-friday-april-22/

Rockford-A mobile ultra sound vehicle will be able to park outside Rockford's abortion clinic for at least one more day... SEE THE STORY: http://mystateline.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=246647

ROCKFORD - Uncontrollable tears and tight hugs that only dull the pain, all outside this home where the unthinkable happened three days ago... SEE THE STORY: http://mystateline.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=246617

Rockford eighth graders help re-plant one of Illinois' State Parks... SEE THE STORY: http://mystateline.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=246587

ROCKFORD - A memorial fund has been established to benefit the family of Natasha Cleary... READ THE STORY: http://rockrivertimes.com/2011/04/20/memorial-fund-established-for-slain-mother-and-sons/

In Wisconsin recall petitions have now been turned in for three of the eight Republican state senators targeted for voting to gut collective bargaining for public workers... READ AND LISTEN TO THE STORY AT: http://www.laborradio.org/Channels/story.aspx?ID=1404923

ROCKFORD - Rockford Superintendent of school's Dr. LaVonne Sheffield is spending her last few days as leader of District 205, but as it turns out she won't be going to lead theCleveland School District either... SEE THE STORY: http://mystateline.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=246337

Rockford MetroCentre - The Scoop CIRQUE DU SOLEIL PRESENTS DRALION, MAY 4 - 8 at the ROCKFORD METROCENTRE Thrilling more than 8 million people worldwide since the show premiered in 1999, Dralion is the fusion of ancient Chinese circus traditions and the avant-garde style of Cirque du Soleil. In Fall 2010, Dralion will embark on a new journey, performing the same captivating production, but now in arenas throughout North America, giving more people the opportunity to enjoy a Cirque du Soleil show in their own town. Experience a world without limitations when Cirque du Soleil presents Dralion at the Rockford MetroCentre in just 2 weeks! Awesome rates available for groups of 15 or more! Call the MetroCentre Group Sales Department at 815-847-6399 for more information. Or if your family isn't quite big enough for a group discount you can still save up to $44 by purchasing a Family 4-Pack* online at www.metrocentre.com , by phone at (815) 968-5222 or in person at...

Caritas, an auxiliary of Catholic Charities, is a group of people dedicated to helping make the lives of foster families better, regardless of religious affiliation. The Caritas annual luncheon and fashion show fund-raiser will be held Wednesday, April 27, at Giovanni's, 610 N. Bell School Road in Rockford... READ THE STORY: http://rockrivertimes.com/2011/04/20/caritas-luncheon-fashion-show-fund-raiser-april-27/

ROCKFORD (WREX) -  Students and staff at the school, where one of the boys killed over the weekend used to go, try to keep his memory alive... READ THE STORY: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14478211

ROCKFORD (WNTA) - Outgoing Rockford Schools Superintendent LaVonne Sheffield is no longer in the running for the Chief Executive Officer's job in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.. READ THE STORY AND LISTEN TO WNTA: http://www.wnta.com/Channels/LocalNews/story.aspx?ID=1405046

ROCKFORD (ROCK RIVER TIMES) - Although there is no regular meeting of the Rockford Board of Education tonight (April 19), the Finance and Operations Committee is scheduled to receive budget updates... READ THE STORY: http://rockrivertimes.com/2011/04/19/schools-committee-to-hear-more-budget-talks-sports-program-forums-begin-at-east-high/

WINNEBAGO COUNTY (WNTA) - The Winnebago County Coroner's office say the three people who were found following a house fire on Rockford's northwest side were dead before the fire started... SEE THE STORY AND LISTEN TO WNTA: http://www.wnta.com/Channels/LocalNews/story.aspx?ID=1404315

FOX Hit 'Chicago Code' uses Rockford Auburn High School Band in Monday's episode... SEE THE STORY: http://mystateline.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=246266

Rockford-A Rock Valley College student becomes the school's first national scholar... SEE THE STORY: http://mystateline.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=246267

The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois will award more than $15,000 in grants to seven youth-inspired and youth-driven projects in the Rockford area... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14472483

ROCKFORD (ROCK RIVER TIMES) - Whether an Elgin-based mobile ultrasound unit should be given a new parking permit to occupy several spots was the main topic of discussion Monday at the April 18 meeting of the Rockford City Council... READ THE STORY AT: http://rockrivertimes.com/2011/04/18/aldermen-delay-vote-on-parking-permit-for-mobile-ultrasound-vehicle/

ROCKFORD (WREX) - Community action agencies will rally together against proposed funding cuts in the federal budget... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14472288

From The Natural Land Institute... Upcoming Wildflower Walkabout Bloodroot in bloom at Pecatonica River Forest Preserve at our 2010 Wildflower Walkabout.  On Wednesday, April 20 we will meet at Pecatonica River Forest Preserve at 6:00 p.m. Dave Kostka of Angelic Organics Learning Center will take us on a tour of the Pecatonica River Forest Preserve which includes creekside and river edge floodplain forest, several old field meadows, gorges and upland forest sites. Within its 55-acre Nature Preserve lies an oxbow lake with a minimally disturbed mesic forest with several species of unique flora. Hiking will be easy to moderate. Please call 815/964-6666 for information about these walks.

ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- Police are also searching for two robbery suspects accused of driving around Rockford's west side with a gun out the window... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/Rockford_Police_Searching_for_Two_Robbery_Suspects_120071164.html

Drivers aren't seeing much relief at gas pumps in the Rockford area... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14465140

ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- A decision could also be made today on whether Rockford's supports an ultra sound van to sit outside the city's abortion clinic... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/Ultrasound_Vans_Permit_Decision_Could_Come_Tonight_120079589.html

The Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department welcomes seven new firefighters to its staff... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14466763

ROCKFORD (WREX)- Two kids and an adult are found dead after the Rockford Fire Department puts out a house fire... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14462573

ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- A local teen is shot to death outside of Rockford's newest charter school... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/Teen_Shot_To_Death_Outside_Rockford_Charter_School_120026239.html

ROCKFORD (WREX)- Friends and family of a Rockford woman put on a celebration to mark a 106th birthday... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14463578

ROCKFORD -- Time is quickly running out to finish your taxes... SEE THE STORY:  http://mystateline.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=245817

ROCKFORD - Party goers can stay out a little later on Sundays, new rules for selling alcohol inRockford take effect... SEE THE STORY: http://mystateline.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=245807

While not local news, important tornado safety information that we can all use... GREEN BAY, WI - 'Self-awareness,' weather radios can help keep people safe' At least a dozen tornadoes tore through Wisconsin communities during last Sunday's severe-weather outbreak, according to the National Weather Service. The twisters, including one in Kaukauna, toppled trees, tore down power lines and ripped roofs off schools, businesses and homes as residents hunkered in basements... READ THE STORY AT: http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20110417/GPG0101/104170674/Don-t-rely-just-tornado-sirens-experts-say?odyssey=mod|lateststories

ROCKFORD - The Rock Valley College Adult Education Department is launching a new program called GED to Careers... READ THE STORY: http://rockrivertimes.com/2011/04/13/rock-valley-college-launches-new-ged-to-careers-program/

COMMENTARY -  Along with HOMES, I have serious environmental concerns about CAFOs, particularly with Wisconsin's new permitting process and water quality in the Rock River watershed. Our readers might also remember a column by Tom Boswell in our March 9-15, 2011, issue, expressing concerns about an impending factory farm in eastern Rock County, affecting Turtle Creek, a very high-quality tributary to the Rock River... READ THE ARTICLE: http://rockrivertimes.com/2011/04/13/western-mega-dairy-model%e2%80%99s-dangers/

FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE - THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A BAND OF MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOW TO DEVELOP TONIGHT ACROSS NORTHERN ILLINOIS... MAINLY NORTH OF INTERSTATE 80. THE PRECIPITATION WILL LIKELY BEGIN AS RAIN THIS EVENING. HOWEVER...COLDER AIR MAY CHANGE THE RAIN TO SNOW LATER THIS EVENING. IF THIS BAND OF SNOW DEVELOPS TONIGHT...THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INCH OR TWO OF ACCUMULATIONS...ESPECIALLY ON GRASSY SURFACES. DUE TO THE FACT THAT TEMPERATURES WILL BE MARGINAL...THERE IS A GOOD AMOUNT OF UNCERTAINTY ON HOW MUCH OF THE PRECIPITATION WILL FALL AS SNOW...AND MORE IMPORTANTLY HOW MUCH IF ANY WILL ACCUMULATE ON THE WARM GROUND. IN SPITE OF THIS...DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF SOME HEAVY SNOW...SOME SLUSHY ACCUMULATION IS POSSIBLE. SEE THE WEATHER ALERT HERE: http://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=ILZ003&warncounty=ILC201&firewxzone=ILZ003&local_place1=Rockford IL&product1=Hazardous Weather Outlook

MACHESNEY PARK (WREX)- Racing fans flock to see Danica Patrick's new Indy Racing League Car up close... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14461107

ROCKFORD (WREX)- Sunday afternoon, expect some traffic delays through downtown Rockford. A few streets will close for the 26th Annual OSF Heritage Run... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14461018

Rockford (WREX) – Within minutes and blocks of each other last night, the Rockford Fire Department had to knock down two unrelated fires with the same culprit behind it, spontaneous combustion... READ THE STORY: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14460876

ROCHELLE (WIFR) -- The Rochelle community comes together to support a teen severely hurt after being knocked off a bridge... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/Rochelle_Teen_Knocked_Off_Bridge_Making_Recovery_119987969.html

ROCKFORD (WIFR) --  4/16/2011 - A Local college is going "green" today. Rock Valley College hosted Earth Day 2011. This year's theme was "A Billion Acts of Green" to promote pledging to live and act green-minded at home and at work. There were over 50 vendors there, and free trees! SEE THE STORY: http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/Rock_Valley_College_Hosts_Earth_Day_2011_119983594.html

COMMENTARY - I am a District 205 graduate and retired teacher. This year, several of my friends have decided to retire after 30-plus years of dedication to the children, parents and community. Since we had not yet heard anything regarding the annual retirement dinner, I made a telephone call to the Human Resources Department... READ THE COMMENTARY - http://rockrivertimes.com/2011/04/13/to-the-editor-no-respect-for-retired-teachers-from-district-205/comment-page-1/#comment-2661

Rockford - The airport has begun a nationwide search to find a new leader... SEE THE STORY: http://mystateline.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=245747

ROCKFORD - Rockford School Communications Officer Mark Bonne has resigned... SEE THE STORY: http://mystateline.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=245757

Just before her 9th birthday, Julia Dayton's Mom realized something wasn't right... SEE THE STORY: http://mystateline.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=245767

ROCKFORD (WREX) -  Two Rockford homes catch fire in similar ways and both were being remodeled... SEE THE STORY: http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=14458181

ROCKFORD - As the main low pulls through northeast Illinois this morning, it's bringing down enough cold air to keep the snow falling on the backside... SEE THE STORY: http://firstwarnweatherteam.blogspot.com/2011/04/saturday-morning-weather.html

WNIJ NEWS (WNIJ) - A half-dozen Northern Illinois residents are gathering information about their incomes with the hope of winning a grant to fix up their homes. These Machesney Park homeowners were selected in a village raffle to apply for government assistance. WNIJ's Christopher Hosken has more: © Copyright 2011, wnij LISTEN TO THE STORY: http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wnij/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1789590