The Rockford Historical Society held their annual banquet and presentation at Midway Village Museum Sunday night.

Rockford was chosen by the federal government for an army infantry training camp as the U.S. entered World War I back in 1917. Tens of thousands of recruits trained there.

It had a large economic and social impact on the city, contributing to its growth. Six thousand African American soldiers arrived at Camp Grant, forever changing the demographics of the community.

Camp Grant was on the land where the Chicago Rockford International Airport is now.

One museum director said that this is a story that has not been told in a significant way.

"Camp Grant is really an important story in Rockford's history and it has not been told in an extensive way. That's what we intend to do here at Midway Village," said Patrick O’Keefe, executive director of Midway Village. "That's what our business is, telling the Rockford history to our community members, as well as collecting archives."

The museum is continuing to look for artifacts and stories related to Camp Grant. The exhibit will become part of Midway Village's permanent exhibit space.

It happened in the 600 block of Central Avenue just before 7 p.m. Sunday. Crews arrived to find heavy smoke coming from a bedroom window.

The damage was contained to the bedroom. The fire was controlled quickly.

Crews had a very fast response time since trucks were on the way back from another fire.

The woman was the sole occupant of the house. She was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. The fire remains under investigation.

Many joined the church for the feast of meatless pasta, since it takes place during lent, omelets, vegetables and Italian pastries.

The tradition came to America through Italian immigrants. The altars would originally be created by families in homes, but it became a community event as people adopted a busier, more modern lifestyle.

Churches now carry on the tradition, placing breads, cakes and cookies in symbolic shapes on the altar, which is then blessed by a priest.

The altar symbolizes the beginning of spring and renewal.

"It's very, very heartwarming, because many of us grew up with this, and you just are so happy that people are still interested to come out," said chairperson Joan Gullow. "We haven't had it for two years because of COVID. We had a carry-out only last year, so it's wonderful to get back to having a full-fledged altar."

Gullow added that she is happy that members of younger generations came out, and that it is important to teach them about this tradition so it does not become a lost event.

Rockton and Roscoe's police and fire departments will take part in a "Battle of the Badges" blood drive, all to benefit the Rock River Valley Blood Center.

The departments invite others in the community to go out and donate blood. Residents can go to the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Station or the Rockton Fire Station from 12-6 p.m. to donate.

The village or city that receives the most donations will get bragging rights, but everyone will help to save lives.

Mayor Tom McNamara has named his choice. He selected Isidro Barrios as the interim 11th Ward alderman.

Barrios has a background as a construction union laborer and foreman. He also worked as an instructor at the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters.

City council will consider Barrios' appointment at Monday's meeting. Aldermen have 30 days to vote.

Barrios would replace Tuffy Quinonez, who died last month after having a stroke.

He had served on the council since 2017.

It will close the stretch between Mill Road and Armer Drive starting on Monday. There will be two alternative routes.

The first will be Harrison Avenue, Mulford Road and Linden Road, while the second will be Harrison and Mill Road.

The whole project, which will expand the bridge and the portion of I-39 underneath, should be finished by December 1.

It happened at Alpine Road and E. State Street around 2 p.m. Parts of the road were still open, but traffic was blocked in two lanes.

One car was left on its side.

The crash blocked those traveling east on State Street and going North on Alpine Road. There was no word on if there were any injuries or what caused the pileup at the time of this writing.

THIS STORY IS DEVELOPING...

Alex Banta, 31, of Quincy, was convicted back in April 2022 for Conspiracy to Deprive Civil Rights, Deprivation of Civil Rights, Obstruction of an Investigation, Falsification of Documents and Misleading Conduct, according to NBC News.

Testimony revealed that Banta, along with co-defendants Willie Hedden and Todd Sheffler, handcuffed 65-year-old Larry Earvin and the Western Illinois Correctional Center and escorted him to the segregation unit vestibule. There are no security cameras in that location.

The guards proceeded to throw him so that his head banged into a wall before kicking, punching and stopping on him. The killing blow came when Banta jumped and landed on Earvin's abdomen with both knees, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Bass.

Earvin suffered 15 broken ribs and abdominal injuries in the May 17, 2018 beating. He later died on June 26.

Banta faces life in prison, but U.S. District Judge Sue Myerscough sentenced him to 15 years for the civil rights charges and five years for the other counts, which will run consecutively.

“You were one of the younger officers caught up in the culture at Western of ‘see no evil’ and ‘snitches get stitches,’ which you learned from your superiors, but it in no way excuses your conduct,” Myerscough said. “The governor has replaced the warden and implemented other reforms, so hopefully this culture has changed already.”

Banta said before his sentencing that he regretted his action and the pain that he caused Earvin's family.

“What type of person does it take to assault a 65-year-old man who’s handcuffed behind his back?” remarked Earvin’s brother Willie Earvin Jr., 74, who testified for the prosecution. “I’m a Vietnam veteran and we weren’t allowed to do that to prisoners.”

Banta said that he was instructed from the very begin to look away from indiscretions.

“On my first day, during orientation, Internal Affairs (officers) asked the supervisory staff to leave and then started to tell us, ‘Forget what you learned at the academy. We do things differently here,’” Banta said. “’Things will happen that you might need to ignore. If things happen with an inmate, aim for the body and not the face.’”

Runners laced up their sneakers for the annual "Shamrock Beer Run" on Saturday, and it is safe to say that folks did not let the cold keep them from running for a great cause.

There was over 600 runners, 200 more runners than last year. They were making dreams come true for sick young adults across the country.

"It's just such a treat to see all these people out here supporting these young adults fighting cancer and their families," said Joe Thompson, Nik's Wish recipient and Alabama Angel.

Thompson said that he came all the way from Huntsville, Alabama to help celebrate St. Patrick's Day weekend at the 7th Annual "Shamrock 5K Beer Run." Nik's Wish is for young adults aged 18-24 who are fighting cancer across the nation.

"Making it possible to do what we do, right," Thompson said. "I mean, that's how you make the magic happen."

Thompson was diagnosed with DIPG last year, a form of brain cancer. His wish is to go to the Kentucky Derby in May. He said that he was happy to meet some of the people that made his wish possible.

"Just to have that sense of relief for a moment, to feel like we are getting away from cancer," Thompson said.

Kelli Ritschell Boehle, founder of The Nikolas Ritschell Foundation, said that they have made over 300 precious moments of joy nationwide.

"That is what we want for our cancer patients when we take them on a wish," Boehle said. "We want them to be silly, we want them to be happy, we want them to have a good time. So, you know, what this is fantastic, just what it means to get a Nik's Wish is right here, right now to create some fun memories with people you love."

Runners not only ran for a good cause, but got a medal and a St. Patrick's Day party. There was a silent auction, music, games, 50-foot shillelagh stick and, of course, beer to warm up.

Thompson said he hopes that he can help others get their wish too.

"I think it is really important so we can get the funding we need to grant the wishing, and the wishes, what we do with that, it is able to help these young kids, not only the young adults like me, but the families," he said.

Nik's Wish Foundation is always accepting donations or volunteers.

They are once again state champions.

Auburn defeated Barrington 430-390 in the 2A championship match Saturday afternoon in Normal.

The Knights also defeated Dunlap, Illinois Math and Science Academy of Aurora and Hinsdale Central.

Auburn has an impressive streak of finishing in the final four at state for the past 20 years. They came in first in 2008 and 2015.

The Facebook group called "Rockford Made It" partnered with the Midway Village Museum for an event that shares the history of the city's breweries and bottlers.

Artifacts from the collections department at the museum were on display. The purpose of the "Rockford Made It" group is to show people the city's past and to give them a sense of pride.

A group admin said that he wants people to understand that things made in Rockford have changed the world.

"It's kind of rewarding, because you see that people care about the history of our town," said Gary Patton. "And that's kind of our goal, is to create pride in our city and to understand our past better. To know who we were and what a great city we've been."

Patton said that he looks forward to see what Rockford's younger generations create that will make a difference.

While the drug might now be legal in the state, there are still limits on how much a person can possess at one time.

With that being said, some residents might be wondering if they can still go to jail for marijuana in the state if they have too much.

Illinois residents can own up to 30 grams of marijuana flower at a time, according to Norml. The penalties for owning more than this depends on the amount, as well as the number of offenses.

Having between 30-100 grams for a first offense is considered a misdemeanor and can lead to a year of jail time. If a person is caught doing it again, it becomes a felony, which can result in up to three years of jail time.

Having 100-500 grams results in the same penalty as a second offense of the amount mentioned above.

The more the amount goes up from here, the more the penalty goes up as well. For example, having more than 5,000 grams in one's possession could lead to 15 years behind bars.

While marijuana is now recreationally legal in the state, it can only be purchased from a licensed dispensary. If a person decides to sell weed by themselves, they can face major penalities.

For example, selling or trafficking more than 5,000 grams of marijuana in the state can lead to 30 years of incarceration and a $200,000 fine.

There is also a limit on the number of plants that Illinois residents can cultivate for their own use. Medical patients in the state can have up to five of their own plants without facing any penalties. If a non-medical patient has five plants for their own use, they will not face any jail time, but there is a $200 fine.

However, the more plants, the higher the penalty. Having more than five is a felony in the state. Having up to 20 plants can lead to a 3-year sentence, while having up to 50 can lead to a 5-year sentence.

Having more than 200 plants can land a person behind bars for 15 years.

The bill, which was introduced in January by Representative Kam Buckner, "provides that a person may drive a motor vehicle if in possession of a digitized driver's license."

It also says that residents will not get a ticket if they are pulled over without a physical driver's license, as long as they have a digital one.

Buckner said that at least a dozen states already have already tested or launched this practice, according to WGN.

“Pull up their phone and have all their information right there,” Buckner said. “(I) embraced this idea that Illinois can come once again to the 21st century and our ability to use technological tools at our disposable to make things easier.”

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias supports the idea, but as a companion to a physical license.

“(The) goal is to modernize the Secretary of State’s office in a manner that allows for an infusion of new technology to better serve customers,” Giannoulias said.

"The film and television industry is taking of all across Illinois, it's becoming a world wide industry leader in entertainment," said Jason Beghe, star of of the television series Chicago P.D.

"We are super excited about the expenditure increase it's really going to help grow things in the state even more," said Jerry LaBuy, Academic Chair of Mass Communications at Rock Valley College.

"We've gone from 470 million dollars to almost 700 million dollars of production spend in Illinois year over year and that's huge, that's huge growth," said Peter Hawley the Director of the Illinois Film Office.

One of the biggest reasons for the big strides is the focus on securing the film industry pipeline.

"Film infrastructure in Illinois is sound stages and crew based especially entry level crew base and so when I was hired for the job I started this program about getting entry level crew into the industry," Hawley said.

The Illinois Film Office has teamed with colleges across the state including Rock Valley College which has already opened numerous opportunities.

"This program that the state provides for us through the grant funding allows us to expand upon that. We can train students who maybe can't afford the college credit or they don't have the time in the day to do a full college course load. So they can come once or twice a week and take our film and tv set class and just get some basics about how to run and work on a set," LaBuy said.

Hawley said that Illinois is now in the top ten states in the film industry.

"The Governor and I both want by the end of 20-24 for us to be Illinois to be a billion dollar a year industry in film production," Hawley said.

In Rockford, Don Crawford took his family to an annual dinner at Murphy's Pub and Grill, at 510 S Perryville Road, for the fifth year in a row.

"Basically, we're here for an annual event for our family that has been a tradition for probably fifty-some years now, and it started with my grandmother who was 100 percent Irish," he said.

Crawford said the money is well spent.

"I get an opportunity to see some cousins and relatives that I don't really get to see a whole lot through the whole entire year, so this is kinda important," he said.

Cassidy Campbell, who was also dining at Murphy's, said she loves Irish culture, including the decorations, corned beef and cabbage, and the entertainment.

"It's not every day you get to see bag pipes and tap dancers and all the Irish jigs, so I think that's going to be really cool," she said.

Murphy's staff said that even with inflation, the celebration would be worth the investment.

Manager Maja Wares said, "Last year, St. Patrick's Day landed on a Thursday, so knowing it was on a Friday this year, we already got extra prepared and ordered more. On top of that, with the prices of everything going up, we definitely spent more this year, all in good fun."

Crawford said he was just happy to be able to keep the tradition alive.

"This is kind of awesome. It is really great to see this and [see] so many people celebrating the same thing that we are," he said.

According to the National Retail Federation, each person spends between $43 and $84 on St. Patrick's Day.

Wabongo Leadership Council and the VanVleet Family Foundation hosted a press conference on Friday to announce the inititative, at the Guysie Jenkins Resource Center on Clifton Avenue.

The money will go toward Wabongo's annual college tour, which will take students on a tour of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) such as Alabama A&M University, Stillman College, Talladega College, and Tuskegee University.

The goal of the program is to interest students in higher education and provide "cultural and historical enrichment opportunities."

Joshua Patterson, president of the Wabongo Leadership Council, said, "We are very intentional about grouping them into small groups, so that way, when we're on the tour we do large group activities, but we also break them into small groups and that's when they are with their small group coaches that are focused on their career goals."

This will be Wabongo's 6th college tour, which will begin next week.

It will only cost each student $575.

According to the Rockford Police Department, officers were called to the area of 11th Street and 6th Avenue around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 14th, 2022.

Turner, 20, was found at the scene. He was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

He had a criminal past and had been listed as a wanted fugitive for Aggravated Domestic Battery in August 2021.

Investigators identified Denham as the suspect and issued a warrant for his arrest.

He was arrested in Lehigh Acres, Florida, on March 16th, 2023.

Denham is currently being held in the Lee County Jail in Fort Myers, Florida, on charges of First Degree Murder, awaiting extradition back to Winnebago County.

The Rockford Fire Department responded to the structure fire in the 1500 block around noon and brought the fire under control.

Officials said heavy smoke and fire were found coming from the rear of the building, but all the occupants were able to evacuate safely.

Firefighters did rescue several pets from neighboring units.

"Our units went door to door in the units to make sure everybody was clear and out of it," said District Chief Trent Brass. "And through our process of going through the apartments, we discovered six cats and one snake that were removed from the building and given back to their owners."

Officials said the cause of the fire is still under investigation. The building was condemned.

In 2019, Whippler was convicted of criminal sexual abuse of a Roscoe victim under the age of 13 and served 180 days in prison — which included 70 days he had already spent behind bars prior to his sentencing.

At the time, Whippler's attorney, Elder Granger II, defended his client, saying, “You have circumstances where someone is low risk, they have no prior record, they’re not likely to (become a repeat offender) in the future. So, then probation is a good sentence.”

However, according to the arrest documents, agents with the Illinois State Police and the Attorney General's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force raided an apartment, in the 4900 block of Linden Road, around 6:10 a.m. on Thursday morning.

Police said Whippler's cellphone contained multiple images of children under the age of 13 engaged in explicit sexual acts.

In an interview with investigators, Whippler admitted to possessing child pornography in the past but "adamantly denied finding sexual gratification from them," according to the police report.

He was taken into custody and booked into the Winnebago County Jail on two counts of Child Pornography.

House Bill 1533, filed by Rep. Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora), would fine owners $500 to $2,500 if they have their cats declawed.

The bill would allow declawing for medical reasons.

One veterinarian said cats have traditionally been declawed to prevent them from tearing up their furniture and scratching. .

The measure passed in a 67-38 vote, and now heads to the Senate. 

According to authorities, he stole $5,930 from the Midland States Bank, at 1700 N. Alpine Road, on April 7th 2021, and $4,408 from Midland States Bank, at 600 S. State Street, on May 3rd, 2021.

Evidence used at trial showed that Phillips entered each bank, handed the teller a deposit slip, and then announced a robbery and demanded money. In Belvidere, Phillips threatened the teller, saying “Don’t make me come over the counter,” after the teller did not give him as much money as he demanded.

Phillips’ residence was searched three days after the Rockford robbery and law enforcement found $5,090 hidden in a sock, which were identified as belonging to the bank.

Authorities said Phillips committed the robberies while he was on supervised release from a prior conviction for robbing two Rockford banks in 2017.

He was convicted in a jury trial in November 2022.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation's report said more than half of cannabis sales in counties bordering Wisconsin were made by out-of-state residents.

Wisconsin residents are estimated to have spent $121 million on weed in Illinois in 2022.

Recreational marijuana is not legal in Wisconsin, but it is in each of its surrounding states. In total, thirty-seven U.S. states currently have some form of marijuana legalization.

"It should upset every Wisconsinite that our hard earned tax dollars are going across the border to Illinois. This is revenue that could be going toward Wisconsin’s public schools, transportation infrastructure, and public safety," Senate Minority Leader Melissa Asgard (D-Madison) said in a statement, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "Instead, Illinois is reaping the benefits of Republican obstructionism and their prohibitionist stance on marijuana legalization."

Gov. Tony Evers is proposing legalizing marijuana sales, but according to WISN, state Republicans say it won't happen.

"If we're going to do medical marijuana, it has nothing to do with generating taxes for the state and it has nothing to do with creating a new industry," said Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos. "We do not need to become like Illinois or Michigan where anywhere you go, there's the stench of marijuana."

Illinois made $462 million in tax revenue from marijuana sales in 2022.

Police said deputies were conducting a welfare check Thursday afternoon at a home on S. Greenview Avenue.

A suspect was found in the back yard of the home; he pointed a BB gun at the deputy and fired.

The deputy was treated at the hospital and later released.

The unidentified suspect is in jail, authorities said.

According to the City, "Barrios was a construction union laborer and foreman, as well as a superintendent and estimator for Mohawk Contracting Co. For 16 years, he was an instructor for the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters Apprentice and Training Program. Barrios also served on the Winnebago County Board from 2009-2012. In addition, he assisted in organizing last year’s 11th Ward parade and often hosts public meetings in the ward."

“Due to the loss of my good friend Tuffy, I would be honored to serve as his replacement,” Barrios said. “I look forward to serving the citizens of the 11th Ward. I believe the future is in our hands and that all residents must continue to strive for the best.”

“Tuffy was a proud veteran, successful businessman and dedicated community servant. He was also a strong advocate for small businesses and the revitalization of the Broadway business district,” said Mayor Tom McNamara. “Isidro cares deeply about Rockford and I know he will continue to support small businesses and be a voice for 11th Ward residents.”

Barrios' appointment will be considered by the City Council on Monday, March 20th. Alderman will have 30 days to vote.

"We have to do things first, for a health check: blood pressure, temperature, pulse, all that stuff," said Chief Operating Officer Heidi Ognibene.

Donors can now have their cholesterol checked, too.

"Cholesterol levels don't matter to the recipient, so this is strictly just for donors," Ognibene said.

The blood center will be able to check cholesterol levels through blood donation.

When it's done, donors can get the test results through the donor portal.

Ognibene hopes it will encourage more people to become blood donors.

"Accidents happen, trauma happens, things happen to people, so we want to be ready when the time arises," she said. "We are just hoping this will be another way that people will come in and donate and we can be ready."

The American Heart Association recommends adults 20-years-old and older check their cholesterol every four to six years, or more often if they're at risk of heart disease.

The IDPH is using $29.6 million in funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, provided by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

The state said it will target school districts that serve lower-income communities, and counties with elevated air pollution counts.

"There is nothing more important to me than keeping Illinoisans safe and healthy—especially when it comes to our youth," said Governor JB Pritzker. "We know that our children need to stay healthy and study in classrooms that are well-ventilated in order to thrive and succeed. Thanks to this $30 million investment, schoolchildren will experience cleaner air—preventing illness and absenteeism, while improving our children's ability to think and learn."

IDPH is launching an enrollment process in coordination with ISBE through which schools can submit orders for portable HEPA air purifiers. The administrators of eligible school districts will be contacted directly with information about how many purifiers that their districts are eligible to receive. The portable air purifiers will be delivered to school districts in the coming months. Schools will generally be eligible for one small air filter unit for each 20 students in a school, with a limited number of larger units for districts with more than 1,000 students.

According to police, officers were called to a home in the 1800 block of Green Street around 1:50 a.m., where residents reported a man was trying to break into the residence.

The man and woman residents of the home said the suspect attempted to force the door open, but they were able to block it. The suspect then broke a window and then struck the resident with a piece of lumber, police reported.

The male resident then retrieved a kitchen knife and stabbed the suspect in the neck, authorities said.

The suspect fled the scene and collapsed in the street.

Police officers arrived and began life-saving measures, but the suspect died.

The coroner later identified the suspect at Troyle Aube, 44.

Police did not say whether charges would be filed in the case.

According to Janesville Police, a school resource officer was notified of the threat made by a 14-year-old student at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

The police officer and school administration isolated the student and searched the teen's backpack and locker, but found no weapons.

A search warrant was obtained for the student's home, police said, where investigators found four firearms.

Police said a number of witnesses had alerted school administrators that they had heard the student make the threats.

The teen is behind held at the Rock County Youth Services Center, police said.

The investigation is ongoing.

According to a press release, the facility "will house over 20 dedicated customer suites with multiformat machines for the assembly and packaging of vials, pre-filled syringes, auto-injectors, and pen-cartridge combinations. This machinery can be used for the glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists (GLP-1) class of drugs prescribed to treat diabetes and obesity, as well as those needed for oncology treatment and autoimmune diseases."

“We see the tremendous impact that we can make with patients with this investment,” said Salim Haffar, CEO of PCI Pharma Services. “The need for injectable drug-delivery device combination product capacity and expertise is critical, and we are responding with a world-class facility to address the future demands of our global clients so they can focus on developing therapies to improve the lives of patients with serious chronic conditions.”

The Rockford facility is expected to create 250 jobs over the next two years. It is expected to be open in summer 2024.

PCI Pharma currently occupies space at 4545 Assembly Drive.

Rockford is the largest of PCI’s 30 locations across the U.S., European, and Asia Pacific regions.

They are actually a normal response to an injury where a blood vessel gets broken. A person will continue to bleed if it does not clot, causing a hemorrhage.

The problem is that they can cause a heart attack if it occurs for the wrong reason.

"Either you really got into a movie marathon or you're on a plane to Hawaii or something like that, or a long car ride," said Dr. Mark Meeker, physician and vice president of community medicine at OSF Healthcare. "Some people get in the car and they drive for hours, they don't take a break to go for a small walk."

Blood clots result in about 100,000 deaths each year. Blood is always flowing through the body, but Meeker said that there could be a bigger problem if something changes that flow.

"If you think about if you mix cocoa and milk, and you stir it, it all dissolves. If you just dump it in there, it clumps up, so if our blood isn't flowing, it can tend to clump or clot," Meeker said. "If a blood clot breaks off and goes to my heart or lungs, that's called a pulmonary embolus. That's very serious and can be life threatening."

There are signs to look out for, which vary depending on where the clot is located and what it is affecting.

"Big swollen leg with discomfort, the discoloration is not normal," Meeker said. "If you have one leg swollen and not the other and you've either had recent surgery or a recent illness, or you are sitting for a long period of time unusually."

Some risk factors include smoking or taking birth control pills, but Meeker warned that this is a problem that can happen to anyone.

"Maintain a healthy weight, stay hydrated, and don't get dehydrated," he said. "Don't sit for unusually prolonged periods of time. You want to be up and moving around, because movement is what gets the circulation that veins in the legs need to stay active and not clot."

It would be beneficial for residents who have a family history of stroke or heart attacks to get checked for genetic risk factors.

A three-year project will get underway on the Kennedy Expressway on Monday. IDOT will do repairs on every bridge structure between the Junction and Ohio Street during the first phase.

They will start closing the two left-hand lanes of the inbound Kennedy next week. The express lanes will stay open to inbound traffic around the clock.

IDOT officials said that drivers can expect delays and that now is the time for them to start preparing for changes in their commute.

"We're recommending people look at alternatives, such as the CTA and Metra," said Jon Schumacher, bureau chief of construction for IDOT District One.

"That's much easier said than it is done," added driver Kyle Dunn. "I can't just bring my bag of tools on the bus or the train and go to my next job."

Transit officials said that message boards with information on which lanes are open and estimated travel times will be put in place.

There will be course changes, rule changes, new tournaments on the horizon and more. However, the favorite addition to Aldeen Golf Club for many might just be a new four-legged friend with a big job.

"Get 'em excited as soon as the snow melts to be able to get out here and play some golf," said Jessica Steinberg, operations director for the Rockford Park District.

The park district held a reception on Wednesday to reveal the changes coming to Aldeen.

"Golf is a huge asset to the Rockford community," Steinberg said. "The Rockford Park District has four golf courses, and every single one of them is really critical to this community to provide recreational outlets."

Portions of the course will look a little different and some rule changes are being made, but that is not all.

"I mean, my favorite announcement is about the Master's Cup and the St. Jude Charity, because the last 15 years we've raised $25,000 for St. Jude," said Karl Schmitt, president of Aldeen Men's Golf Association.

Thirty-one events in total will be held throughout the year. Another big announcement was an addition to the staff; Ben.

"Well, Ben is such a great asset here at Aldeen Golf Club, cause he is able to keep the course clean and free of geese so our golfers can really enjoy our time here," Steinberg said.

Ben's title is "Goose Dog."

The last bit of big news is the unveiling of the "Golf Performance Academy."

"Lots of opportunities for lessons and camps, and anybody from 3-years-old all the way through adulthood is welcome and so excited to have them try golf for the first time or come back and really hoe in on their skills," Steinberg said.

Aldeen Golf Club was ranked 38th in the country on Golf Advisor back in 2019. More information can be found on the club's website.

Sue Kanthak has spent her adult life meeting the needs of those who are less fortunate. Her focus for the past 15 years with Jeremiah Development has been on the residents of Rockford's Coronado-Haskell neighborhood.

Her desire to give back took shape when she was just a teenager. Kanthak's days are now filled with meeting the needs of pretty much everyone she sees.

Her compassion formed at an early age when she learned that she was expecting a child at the age of 16.

"I had a lot of support in school in the 70's, when pregnant girls didn't stay in school," Kanthak said. "I had a school that was very supportive and I had a family that was there, and their whole goal was to help me get through college."

Kanthak went on to work with MELD, a non-profit designed to help young families in need. She also helped the school district start their "Homeless Program," helping students meet the needs that many take for granted.

"If they need tickets to prom, or if the parents, sometimes they would need help buying school pictures because you can't afford school pictures if you don't have housing, and just the little things that families get," she said.

Kanthak reached out to the Community Action Agency when residents need their neighborhood brightened up, literally, purchasing over 125 solar motion detected lights.

"At one point, the city was removing streetlights and the neighborhood was affected by that, so the neighbors approached us because it was dark at night," Kanthak said.

She also worked to make a set of computers available, in part to help those looking for a job.

"People have come in and looked for jobs, and they have been able to apply for jobs online and they have been able to apply for SNAP benefits," Kanthak said.

Kanthak cites a piece of advice her mother gave her years ago.

"'Always leave the world a little bit better, whatever corner you're in,' and she would tell me, 'if you go visit people, tidy up a bit and make it a little nicer when you left,'" she said.

Kanthak recently stepped back from day-today operations at Jeremiah Development, but she will assist them in securing grants and donations.

She credits her husband, kids and grandkids for being her rock, and said that she will never stop looking out for the neighborhood she loves.

Sportsbooks are expecting record numbers of bets in Illinois during the tournament. While residents cannot bet on Illinois or Northwestern, them being in the tournament should boost betting numbers.

Sports gambling is already a big business in Illinois, with $1 billion in bets places in January alone.

"It's just the growing popularity of sports wagering," said Dave Briggs of PlayIllinois. "Some of those numbers are national. I know in Illinois they bet somewhere close to $290 million just on the March Madness tournament here, so we expect that to be a little bit higher this year just because it's become more prevalent…part of peoples' lives."

Both Illinois and Northwestern begin playing on Thursday.

This comes after the insurance company was fined $600,000 by the state, but both Republican and Democrats said that is far from enough.

The company was fined last week for violating the "Network and Transparency Act." The state released a report on their investigation into Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois when they announced the fine.

That report laid out all of the problems the state found with their network, but Senator Steve McClure said that the fine on its own is not enough.

He is calling for public hearings so patients have the chance to voice their issues with the company.

The state is figuring out what the best way to handle it is, but Democrats are on board with the idea.

"That's another reason why there should be public hearings, because members of the public need to come and bring all the problems that they've been bringing all of their individual senators and representatives and put those out in public," McClure said.

"Now we're investigating, you know, the day one investigation ends, we start another one to see if they're following all the rules," Representative Sue Scherer added.

Senate Democrat Doris Turner said she has plenty of questions as well. She said that "we have to put the uncertainty and lack of transparency behind us and find a way for all parties involved and the public to have a better understanding of what's going on."

On trial is Michael McClain, a longtime confidante to Mike Madigan, former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, ex-City Club president Jay Doherty and ComEd lobbyist John Hooker.

They all face charges of conspiring with outside consultants to influence and reward then Speaker of the Illinois House, Madigan.

Prosecutors said in opening statements that ComEd poured $1.3 million in payments to Madigan's people and put a Madigan-backed person on the ComEd board in exchange for different legislations between 2011-2019.

The defense estimates that their opening statement will take three hours.

Witnesses will be likely be called to the stand beginning on Thursday.

A warrant was issued in December 2019 for Wimbush’s arrest, on two counts Drug-Induced Homicide and two counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

Anderson-Hamilton, Jr, 25, was found dead in the 1400 block of 12th Avenue on May 5th, 2017.

On Wednesday, Wimbush was found not guilty of Drug Induced Homicide, and the other charges were thrown out.

On Wednesday, they got to see what the 96-year-old theater looked like at a special, free performance of The Peking Acrobats, as part of the theater's "Reach for the Stars" student outreach project.

The Peking Acrobats is a show designed to create the atmosphere of a Chinese Carnival. The show is on its 33rd North American tour.

Over 5,000 4th, 5th, and 6th-grade students will experience the performance during multiple matinee shows.

The students said they thought the fantasy-land atmosphere of the Coronado was better than they had imagined.

Beth Howard, executive director of Friends of the Coronado, said the theater wants all children to experience the cultural arts.

"Not all kids have the advantages, whether logistically, financially, whatever it is, to see cultural arts," she said.

Howard said she hopes Wednesday's experience will enrich their lives so they continue to be lovers of the arts.

"It's about community pride. It's about exposure to the cultural arts. It's about the experience in their education," she said.

The students said they were thrilled with the performance and can't wait to come back.

Tickets for Wednesday night's performance at 6:30 p.m. are free to the public.

But how many are you allowed to have in a year?

The number of garage sales allowed is controlled by each Illinois city.

In Chicago, for instance, a residence can only have two garage sales per calendar year, with a third only if the resident is moving. A permit is needed to hold a garage sale in Chicago.

According to the City of Rockford, residents are allowed to have up to two garage sales per year. They can last up to three consecutive days in a row.

Hold more garage sales than that, and you could be in violation of a city ordinance and be subject to a fine.

However, you don't need to obtain a permit in Rockford to have a garage sale.

Garage sale signs are required to be no larger than 2x2 feet, and can only be posted on private property for no more than 4 days in any six-month period, and they must be removed the day after the sale, otherwise, you could be fined.

Check with your local city or village ordinances to find out what is and is not permitted in your neighborhood.

According to a news release, the caller identifies himself as Deputy Sam Billings with the Rock County Sheriff's Office Fraud Department and asks the victim to check their accounts to make sure there is no fraudulent activity.

Police said they have also received reports of a caller claiming to be Deputy Hall with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, telling the victim they have failed to appear for jury duty in Columbia County after warrants were issued in Rock County.

Both of the calls are scams, police said Wednesday.

Anyone receiving calls of this nature should report it to the Rock County Communication Center by dialing (608) 757-2244, police said.

This means that people can really only do it in a private residence, such as their own home or someone else's. However, can the cops be called if a neighbor is seen smoking weed?

While it might be legal at the state level, homeowner's associations might have a different opinion, according to Harris Bricken Law. They cannot ban marijuana smoking in a person's home if it is legal, but they can get involved in certain states if it is becoming a nuisance for others.

Most HOA rules address using marijuana in common areas. This includes when the smell of the smoke wafts from the neighbor's yard into these common areas, or into another person's space. Even if it is legal, the HOA might try to ban it these instances since it is affecting others.

There are certain instances when a person has the right to file a complaint, according to DoNotPay.

These include, as mentioned above, if the smoke is reaching another person's property. Complaints can also be filed if a child is being exposed to the smoke or if the group smoking the marijuana might be involved in illegal activities.

It is recommended that residents talk to their neighbors first before taking legal action. If legal action is required, the residents must make sure that they can provide evidence before contacting the police.

Drivers might be wondering, however, if they can get in legal trouble if a police officer sees them with those lights on.

While it is not illegal to drive with interior lights on, according to Tom Fowler Law, parents had the right idea when they said to not have them on, as it can lead to a different violation.

Careless or distracted driving is still considered illegal, and driving with interior lights on can lead to the vehicle's driver, or other drivers, becoming distracted. This can cause accidents.

Interior lights will generally reflect off of the windshield when it is dark out. This reduces the visibility for the driver, meaning they will not be able to see and react to circumstances as quickly as if they had their lights off.

In addition, most of the time when a driver turns their interior lights on, it is because they are looking for something in their car. Doing this takes the driver's eyes off the road, making it distracted driving. If a police officer sees the driver doing this, they can be ticketed.

It is recommended that drivers should find a safe place to pull over if they need to turn their interior lights on. This will allow them to safely look for anything they might need to without running the risk of getting a citation for distracted driving.

Residents should check local ordinances before they turn their interior lights on while driving, as different cities and municipalities might have their own laws on the matter.

Rodgers made his comments Wednesday during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on YouTube and Sirius XM. The 39-year-old Rodgers said he believes the Packers want to move on and make 2020 first-round pick Jordan Love their starting quarterback.

“At this point, as I sit here, I think since Friday I’ve made it clear that my intention was to play and my intention was to play for the New York Jets,” Rodgers said. “I haven’t been holding anything up at this point. It’s been compensation the Packers are trying to get for me, kind of digging their heels in.”

Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy has acknowledged the team granted the Jets permission to talk to Rodgers. The Jets sent a contingent that reportedly included owner Woody Johnson, coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas to Rodgers’ home in Southern California last week.

Illinois State Troopers were called to a shooting at 87th Street around 5 a.m. on Wednesday that shut traffic until 7:50 a.m. ABC 7 reported that a shooting victim walked into a police station and said they'd been involved in a shooting incident at that location.

On Tuesday, Illinois State Police said that in 2022, road rage was reported in approximately 40% of Chicago area expressway shootings handled by ISP.  This is up from 12% in 2021.  Already in 2023, road rage has been reported in at least nine Chicago area expressway shootings.

ISP released the following advice:

Watch for the following signs of road rage, aggressive driving:

• Following too closely or tailgating
• Improper or erratic lane changing
• Illegally driving on the shoulder of the road (emergency lane), in a ditch/median, or on sidewalk
• Passing where prohibited
• Operating the vehicle in an erratic, reckless, careless, or negligent manner or suddenly changing speeds
• Failure to yield right of way
• Failure to obey traffic laws, signs, and devices
• Failure to yield to emergency personnel and construction zone speed limits
• Failure to signal
• Driving too fast for conditions or in excess of posted speed limit
• Racing
• Making an improper turn

According to a AAA Foundation study, when drivers explained why they became violent, the reasons were often trivial such as the other driver wouldn’t let them pass or they kept tailgating.

The following are tips on how to avoid being the victim of road rage, an aggressive driver:

• If you are in the left lane and someone wants to pass, move to your right and allow them to pass.
• When merging, make sure you have plenty of room and use your turn signal.
• If someone cuts you off, slow down and give them room to merge into your lane.
• If a speeding driver is tailgating you, safely change lanes when able.
• Making gestures might anger the other driver; create distance and avoid confrontation.
• If another driver is acting angry, don’t make eye contact.
• Call the police if you believe a driver is following you or harassing you.

If you are the victim of road rage, call 911 and/or go to the nearest police department to report it. 

Each year, more than 50 homemade rafts float down the heart of Rockford from the Auburn Street bridge to Prairie Street Brewing Company.

The racecourse is 1.65 miles in length and will take place Sunday, August 20, 2023 (rain date is Sunday, August 27) from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

New to this year’s race is the “Release the Quackin’” where participants can launch a rubber duck toward a target in the middle of the Rock River for a chance to win prizes.

The race has helped to raise donations to support local efforts for the Fourth of July celebration, Rockford Ski Broncs, Rock River Trail Initiative and other area non-profits and charities. In the four previous years, the event was widely attended and collectively generated $20,000+ in proceeds to benefit these charities.

Participants can begin registering for the 2023 race on the website at www.rratfr.com. The registration deadline is August 14, 2023. The entry fee for rafts (with hulls or without hulls) is $100 per team (up to 10 crew members).

Race day schedule of events includes:

• 10:00 a.m.: Check-in starts (all categories)
• 12:00 p.m.: Race begins at the Auburn Street bridge
• 12:00 p.m.--3:00 p.m.: Release the Quackin’ on the dock at Prairie Street Brewing Company
• 4:00 p.m.: Awards ceremony at Prairie Street Brewhouse
• 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.: After-party at Prairie Street Brewing Company featuring local band Dirty Fishnet Stockings

Approximately 16% of all Illinois residents use food assistance programs like SNAP, the 6th highest in the nation, The Center Square reports.

Last year, the federal government paid $5.6 billion in SNAP benefits to Illinois.

Rep. Sue Scherer (D-Decatur) submitted House Resolution 75 to the House Adoption and Child Welfare Committee on Tuesday.

“We’re losing a lot of foster parents because of the fact that they can’t get SNAP benefits unless they qualify, not counting these children that they take on,” she said.

However, Rep. Steven Reick (R-Woodstock) argued that even millionaires would qualify to receive the benefits, if the federal government agreed to the plan.

“I think that giving it an open-ended qualification or eligibility, regardless of income, I think is a bridge too far,” Reick said. 

Auburn High School's team is ready to go. They had practice on Tuesday as they try to continue their more than 20-year streak of top four state finishes.

The Knights recently won the regional and sectional tournaments.

"We are always trying to outperform how we did last year," said team captain Sinecio Morales.

"State last year, we got third, and we have a pretty good history," added team member Alex.

Auburn has dominated the field since becoming a team in 2002, placing in the top four of state every year during that stretch.

Morales said a little secret to their success is something that has nothing to do with answering questions or knowledge of the game.

"The whole-time playing quiz bowl is more enjoyable if you actually like the people that you're doing it with," Morales said. "So, being able to make friends with each other, to collaborate on bonus parts or to talk about things that you are interested in just because they will be interested as well. Like, there's a bunch of different aspects to it that having a friendship there makes it a lot better."

"First of all, it is a lot of fun, I've met some of my best friends doing this," Alex added. "I started in 6th grade, so these people, I've known them for like seven years."

Many have been teammates since their time at Marshall Middle School. They have made a name for themselves at school so far, and are now looking to do it at the state level.

"And they'll say, 'Oh, what's quiz bowl?' cause some people don't know what it is," Morales said. "Or, the hoodie says 'Scholastic Bowl,' so they'll say, 'What's Scholastic Bowl?' and I'll tell them what it is and they say, 'Oh, that sounds kind of fun, I could never do that though. I'm not smart enough.' And I'm like, 'Well, the big thing about it is you don't really have to be smart enough to do it, you join because you want to learn things.'"

You can also check out the Auburn Knights in action a little closer to home. They made it to the "Elite 8" in our "Bergstrom Stateline Quiz Bowl."

Crews were called to a farm on Belvidere Road, where the farmers needed help getting a horse back on its feet. The horse had slipped in mud and gotten stuck in a cement trough.

Firefighters first tried to use air bags and ropes to no avail. A neighbor's skid steer was eventually brought in to help.

The equipment was used to remove the cement from underneath the horse, Billy. He was eventually able to get up and walk around, and even eat.

Firefighters said that Billy approached them and shook his head before they left, as if to say thank you.

Investigators said that someone in a green and yellow vest, and with documents with the City of Dixon logo, approached a homeowner on S. Galena Avenue Monday afternoon. They asked them to look at something in the back yard.

Police said that another suspect entered the home and took several items during that time.

Officials said that nearby security cameras spotted the crew of five, who were driving a black Ford Edge.

The City of Dixon said that employees will only arrive to residents' homes in a vehicle that is clearly marked. They will also wear clearly marked uniforms and will not be carrying a two-way radio.

Any information about this case should be given to the Dixon Police Department, (815) 288-4411.

City council members approved a motion on Tuesday night to continue work on the project. This is actually Phase Two of the project.

Phase One was a public restroom that was funded by a public-private partnership, where local banks contributed funds to buy the building.

"Now you'll be able to come and have a greenspace where you can come, grab something to eat, go sit outside, enjoy the weather," said Melanie Cozzi, commissioner of public property for the City of Oregon. "You can bike downtown. You'll have a place to park your bike there and access the community."

The Sarah Phelps Community Plaza has been a long time in the making. City council members approved forgoing a second bid process at Tuesday's meeting.

The project will instead be awarded to a qualified contractor.

"I think that this offers a lot of extra greenspace where people can gather, where they're not just sitting on a bench on the side of the road," Cozzi said.

A drive-up bank moved down the block six years ago, making the space avaliable.

"We didn't have a lot of money to do too much with it at the time, so we added a family restroom, so that if someone shopping downtown or they're in Oregon, they have a place to stop," said Oregon Mayor Ken Williams.

The city will now renovate both the inside and outside. The interior will have a community space with a counter, sink and stove.

"So, if the Lions are doing a pork chop luncheon, they can use that space. If any of our citizens wanted to use it for, like, a block party and have it there instead, they can utilize the space. It's for their use, and they can sign up for it, use it anytime they want," Williams said. "It'll be a real eyecatcher as they go by and see that it's a neat spot to sit and relax."

The name honors Sarah Phelps, who was the wife of the city's founder. Community members wanted to recognize her with this space.

"We didn't have any place like that beforehand, so this gives us an opportunity to have people congregate outside," Cozzi said. "We have such a beautiful downtown already, so this just gives us an extra bonus for people to come and enjoy."

The plaza is located at 5th and Washington Streets, anchoring the end of the city's business district.