South Beloit Public Library set for major $526K interior glow-up
For the first time in nearly 40 years, the South Beloit Public Library is getting a floor-to-ceiling makeover. On January 12, 2026, the Library Board greenlit a $526,500 bid from Scandroli to modernize the facility, marking the end of a decades-long wait for interior improvements. The road to renovation hasn't...
Senior Center Switch Up: nonprofit restarts project plans day after Rockford approved $300K
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Jeffrey Barnes offers his remorse for the last few days. “I’m here to admit my mistake,” declared the Northwestern Illinois Area Agency on Aging’s executive director. Less than two days before speaking with WIFR, the nonprofit leader watched Rockford City Council on Monday...
Slight chance for sleet and freezing rain tonight
Mostly cloudy with south southwest winds 10 - 15 mph gusting as high as 20 mph. Highs in the low 30’s. Down to 28 tonight with a chance of freezing rain and sleet. Little to no ice accumulation expected. Mostly cloudy and breezy tomorrow with highs in the middle 30’s. Clear on Friday night as we drop down to 6 with a...
Byron rolls Lutheran 64-49, on a six game win streak
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Byron took down Lutheran 64-49 Tuesday night. The Tigers have been on a roll as they’ve now won their last six games. The win moves Byron’s record up to 18-4 and it maintains pole position in the conference with an undefeated 5-0 record. Next up for Byron is Dixon on Friday.
YMCA of Rock River Valley takes over management of Harlem Community Center
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - The YMCA of Rock River Valley and the Harlem Community Center (HCC) announced a partnership with the intention to merge the two non-profits. As of Feb. 1, the YMCA of Rock River Valley has taken over the management responsibilities of the HCC. The two organizations say...
Keith Country Day School freshmen will perform at Carnegie Hall
Two Keith Country Day School freshmen are preparing to take the stage at one of the most prestigious performance venues in the world.
Fire in Belvidere destroys semi-truck
Rockford museum unveils ‘We Voted’ exhibit in honor of Black History Month. Ethnic Heritage Museum unveils ‘We Voted’ exhibit in honor of Black History Month. Just after 1 p.m., Feb. 1, firefighters went out to the scene of a fire in the 1000 block of N. 9th Street, according to Rochelle Police Department.
Parolee caught with stolen handgun during Ogle County traffic stop gets 8-year sentence
A Chicago man has been sentenced to 8 years in prison on weapons charges after Illinois State Troopers caught him with a stolen semi-automatic during an Ogle County traffic stop.
Gustafson’s Furniture in Rockford responds to closure rumors
The owners of Gustafson's Furniture and Mattress in Rockford are responding to rumors circulating online that the business has closed its doors after 98 years.
Culinary students compete in pasta dish challenge in Rockford
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Culinary students from area high schools gathered at the Forest Hills Country Club today for the ninth annual Future Top Chef Culinary Skills Competition. Teams of student chefs were tasked with creating a pasta dish as part of the professional skills challenge. The Career Education...

















