Belvidere dealership expands south with new acquisition
BELVIDERE, Ill. (WIFR) - A Belvidere auto dealer grows its presence throughout the Land of Lincoln with the acquisition of a new dealership in LaSalle County. Hamblock Dealer Group, owner of Hamblock Ford, is the new owner of a Chevrolet GMC dealership in Ottawa. Joe Hamblock, owner of Hamblock Dealer...
5 Cars for Rockford Practical Buyers vs 5 That Rack Up Repairs
Choosing the right car is never just about looks or horsepower. For practical buyers in Rockford, the stakes are even higher, as daily driving, weather conditions, and repair costs all play a crucial role in deciding which vehicle is worth investing in. Every year, thousands of residents in Rockford evaluate their...
Rockford Man on Pretrial Release Arrested After Police Seize Meth, Cocaine, and Firearms
Rockford, Illinois – A Rockford man already on pretrial release was taken into custody Wednesday after police say a narcotics investigation led to the discovery of illegal drugs and multiple firearms inside a residence on the city’s west side. Rockford Police confirmed that Joseph Krispin, 28, was arrested...
Fifth-offense drunk driver sentenced in high-speed chase
JANESVILLE — A driver who led deputies on a high-speed chase while intoxicated in the early morning hours of New Years Day 2025 has been sentenced to seven years in prison and three years of extended supervision. At about 2:30 a.m. Jan. 1, Brieske fled from deputies in his truck in Jefferson County at 100 miles per...
Rockford man sentenced to over a decade for cocaine trafficking crime
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - A man has been sentenced after pleading guilty in connection to a 2020 drug trafficking operation in Rockford. Dec. 18, Cornell Finley, 48, was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison for intentionally possessing cocaine with intent to distribute and possessing two handguns in furtherance of a...
More than 200 students graduate from Goodwill program in Rockford
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois celebrates dozens of students Thursday at a graduation ceremony in Rockford. The organization says more than 225 students received certificates for completing their GEDs and other specialized programs including forklift operation, CDL training, medical...
Vasa Fitness to open new location in Rockford
Vasa Fitness is opening its 9th Illinois location in Rockford on Dec. 20th, 2025.
Slidematic Precision Components cuts the ribbon on $7.9 million expansion
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Slidematic Precision Components marks the opening of its expanded facility Thursday, December 18, celebrating a $7.9 million investment in Rockford. The family-owned manufacturing business has operated in the community since 2004 and now employs more than 200 people at the Samuelson campus....
3 Rockford kids accused of burglary at tobacco shop on Mulberry Street
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - A call about a burglary at a tobacco shop Tuesday leads to the arrest of three boys from Rockford, according to police. The boys, ages 11, 13, and 14, each face the following charges:. Burglary. Criminal damage to property. Possession of burglary tools. Resisting arrest. Shortly...
Alignment Rockford’s early childhood data is community data | Opinion
Our region has reduced vulnerabilities in the language and cognitive development domain, according to the Early Development Instrument (EDI). As a community, can we argue that our collective efforts around literacy are not only improving outcomes for school-aged students, but for our youngest learners as well? The...
