Navigating Permits and Ordinances for Backyard Greenhouse Construction
A local resident in the unincorporated part of Winnebago county is seeking advice on the necessity of a permit for building a small greenhouse in their backyard. The resident has already researched the county ordinances relating to height and setback requirements but is uncertain whether a permit is required for such...
Why Reverse Parking Is Safer for Illinois Drivers
If you've ever watched someone perfectly back into a parking spot on the first try and though, "show off...," you're not alone.
Salamone’s Cherry Valley: Family, Flavor and Heart at the Table
Steam curls from a skillet as white wine hisses into butter and lemon. Capers leap across the pan. Voices overlap – laughter, a few playful shouts – and hands move as quickly as the conversation. It’s the beautiful bedlam of a true Italian kitchen, where food and family share the same heartbeat.
Wisconsin Couple Found Dead in Illinois Car Ruled Murder-Suicide Days Before First Anniversary
HARVARD, ILLINOIS — The deaths of a Wisconsin couple found in a parked vehicle in northern Illinois last month have been officially ruled a murder-suicide, according to investigators with the Harvard Police Department and McHenry County Coroner’s Office. Police identified the deceased as Rachel Dumovich, 29, and...
Two Rockford Teens Charged in Gas Station Robbery
Two Rockford teens were arrested and charged after allegedly robbing a Mobil gas station on East State Street early Sunday morning.
On the market: 4-bedroom home in Freeport sits on 5 acres.
Address: 4567 W. Stephenson St., Freeport Property description: This custom-designed modern farmhouse on five acres built in 2021 has four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. It has 3,956 square feet of finished living space across three levels. Each bedroom has its own walk-in closet. There is a finished lower level, a gas...
Styx and Loverboy concert among 15 events this weekend in the Freeport area
The weekend brings the Fever River Railroad fall open house and a concert by Styx and Loverboy, along with fundraisers, live music and more to the Freeport area. 815 Shorts What: The fourth annual 815HORTS Film Festival has expanded to include five dedicated short film screening blocks, the Illinois Film Office’s...
Three hospitalized in Cherry Valley crash
CHERRY VALLEY, Ill. (WIFR) - Cherry Valley Police confirm to WIFR three women were taken to the hospital after a crash Friday evening. It’s not known how badly they were injured. A sedan and SUV crashed at the intersection of S. Mulford and Baxter roads just after 6:30 p.m....
Rockford’s proposed 2026 budget promises no increase in property taxes
Rockford’s Finance and Personnel Committee has approved the city’s proposed 2026 budget on Monday, touting no increase in property taxes for the 13th consecutive year and a $2 million reduction in the General Fund.
Mother to Spend Decades in Prison After Admitting to Killing her 7 Year-Old
OGLE COUNTY, Ill. (WOWO) — An Ogle County mother will spend more than three decades in prison after admitting to killing her 7-year-old son nearly four years ago. Prosecutors say 38-year-old Sarah Safranek pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the death of her son, Nathaniel Burton, who was suffocated inside their...
