Rockford council member faces felony DUI charges
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - A Rockford council member faces felony charges after a drunk driving arrest last month, according to court records. Mark Bonne, 63, is charged with two counts of aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol. The charges were filed in Winnebago Court on Feb. 20, 2026. The...
Rockford man accused of stealing a car and fleeing from officers
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - A man was arrested on Sunday after a vehicle theft and chase with officers, according to Rockford Police Department. Brandon Sweetman, 39, is charged with motor vehicle theft, possession of a stolen vehicle, aggravated fleeing, resisting arrest and no driver’s license. Around 2:30 p.m., Feb....
Rockford BBB Issues A Warning About Spring Break Travel Scams
With travel plans bubbling up this spring, it’s essential to keep an eye out for those sneaky scams lurking behind enticing vacation offers.
Rockford considers extending property tax rebate and fee waivers to boost housing
The City of Rockford is considering a three-year property tax rebate and a full waiver of building and water connection fees to spur new housing in the city.
Trial dates set in poisoning of women
JANESVILLE — A unified pretrial and trial schedule was set for Paul Dustin VanDuyne Jr. and Andrea Lynn Whitaker, the two defendants charged in a Dane and Rock county poisoning and stalking conspiracy last April. Both defendants appeared in custody Thursday before the Rock County Circuit Court. VanDuyne was...
2 charged with child neglect in Beloit after self-inflicted shooting, police say
BELOIT, Wis. (WIFR) - Two people face several charges on Wednesday after police say someone shot themself in a Beloit home. Carlos A. Lavariega, 23, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm, three counts of child neglect and a probation violation. Chelsey M. Sheltrown, 21, is charged with...
FIRST ALERT: Wind Advisories until 4 PM
A few snow showers this morning that could possible add up to a half an inch. Temperatures will remain in the low 30’s the rest of the day. Strong west winds 20 - 30 mph with gusts as high as 45 mph are likely through the 5 o’clock hour. Down to the low 20’s tonight with northwest winds 15 - 25 mph making it feel...
Roscoe-based Forest City Gear invests in state-of-the-art machinery
Forest City Gear has invested in a new machine to enhance its manufacturing capabilities. The company acquired a DMG MORI CTX Beta 450 TC, according to a community announcement. The new equipment will allow Forest City Gear to perform multiple machining operations in a single setup, reducing the need for multiple...
Social security disruption leaves Rockford woman ‘financially dead’
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Tina Johnson’s faucet fell silent February 18. Without her social security benefits, she expects her phone to follow as other utilities may soon turn off amid mounting deadlines and outstanding balances. Beside gallons of jugs and hills of paperwork in the dining room, the 61-year-old...
Judge hands down 57-year prison term for Beloit child molester
A Beloit child molester has been sentenced to 57 years in prison after abusing two underage girls.
