Coming up on WIFR: Family of Machesney Park man killed in shooting speaks out
After a deadly shooting in Rockford, the family of Tristyn August started a GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses and replace the car their son died in.
Gunman charged in Rockford shooting; drugs and weapons found at suspect’s home
Wanya Reginald Stone, 25, was arrested for attempted first-degree murder, aggravated discharge of a firearm, possession with intent to deliver cannabis, aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, criminal damage to property, and possession of ammunition without a Firearm Owners Identification card after he opened fire
3:30PM Update: Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued
A tornado warning and severe thunderstorm warning have been issued for Rock County until 3:30 and 3:45. Storm spotters have reported seeing a funnel cloud. Hail up to an inch is also a threat. The storm, however, is moving southeast and slowly at 25mph, but rotation still has the potential of reaching our area.
Ax-wielding woman charged after argument over cell phone along Ice Age Trail
JANESVILLE – A Janesville woman was arrested near the Ice Age National Scenic Trail on the city's west side June 19 after she took a swing at an acquaintance with an ax because she didn't want them to borrow her cell phone. According to a criminal complaint, Angela Marie Adams, 49, picked up the ax in anger after an un
Stephenson County Farm Bureau building is for sale
The Stephenson County Farm Bureau building in Freeport is for sale, but the organization is not closing. The decision to sell the building at 210 W. Spring St. was made by the Board of Directors, who determined it would be best for the bureau to have a smaller office space, according to the Stephenson County Farm Bure
Downtown walk-through highlights recent improvements in Freeport
Members of the Greater Freeport Partnership recently conducted a downtown walk-through to identify areas for improvement and success. According to an update from Main Street Manager Katie Gentz, the group spent an hour walking through the downtown area, noting both pros and cons. Storefront activation One of the main t
Freeport landmark DeMeester’s Greenhouse up for auction
DeMeester’s Greenhouse & Appleland Orchard in Freeport is set to go up for auction July 18, signaling the end of an era for the 94-year-old business. The business, located at 1706 S. Baileyville Road, has been up for sale for the past four years. The decision was made to auction it, according to the DeMeester's Faceboo
A quiet night, followed by showers and storms Wednesday
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - A chilly start to the day, gave way to comfortable conditions during the afternoon. However, our weather will become a bit unsettled by Wednesday with a storm system approaching from the north and west. Tonight, not as cool with winds staying light from the southeast as clouds begin to increase
Rockford has a new strategy to spur homebuilding on vacant lots
ROCKFORD — The city is developing a new strategy that’s designed to make it easier for homebuilders to expedite construction on vacant lots. The goal is to address the city’s need for more housing while filling residential lots that were left vacant after blighted properties were demolished.
New “Blessing Box” at Machesney Park school offers food, hygiene items
MACHESNEY PARK, Ill. (WIFR) - A “Blessing Box” outside Summit Academy provides nonperishable food and hygiene products for students, families and community members. The box is installed outside Summit Academy at 1102 Evans Ave. in Machesney Park. It is available 24 hours a day for anyone facing food insecurity or other

















