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Following its decades-long tradition of providing citizens with information that helps them be an informed electorate, the League of Women Voters of Freeport and the NAACP Freeport Chapter are co-hosting a Candidate Meet and Greet on Tuesday, January 23 at 6 p.m. at the Freeport Public Library. This year’s program is being co-sponsored by NAACP Freeport Branch #30399. Candidates in local races in the March 19 Illinois Primary Election have been invited to introduce themselves at a January 23 event that leaves time for attendees to mingle, e...
The only thing worthy of note at the final Stephenson County Board meeting of 2023 was the Chairman’s Report and read by Scott Helms. So, we asked for a copy of it, and release it below: As I sit here tonight, providing the final Chairman’s report for 2023, It would be very easy to lament on what we were not able to complete. Instead, I wish to acknowledge the positive changes that we, as a board, were able to accomplish. I want to thank you, my fellow board members for coming together on a great many issues, opportunities, and priorities for...
As the calendar turned over to 2024, we once again look back at the stories that stood out from the year that was – 2023. #10 – Queen Of Hearts For years, the biggest possible life changing windfall people thought about was the Power Ball or Mega Millions, but the new fund raiser that made a lucky few a whole lot of money – not to mention a ton of money for the non-profits who sponsored them – was the Queen of Hearts raffle. How big has it gotten? Well, the one at Little John's Tap surpass...
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Illinois State Director Betsy Dirksen Londrigan today announced four Housing Preservation Grants that will improve infrastructure, housing, and economic conditions for underserved rural Illinois communities. “These housing preservation investments help single families, and the elderly remain in their homes”, Dirksen Londrigan said. “One of President Biden’s key initiatives is to empower rural communities, and this program is one way Rural Development can help”, she continues. “These gr...
The holidays are a time for caring and sharing, which is why the Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation to spread the word about the dangers of impaired driving with a “Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High. Get a DUI.” enforcement campaign. From Dec. 15 through Jan. 2, law enforcement across Illinois will show zero tolerance for alcohol- and drug-impaired driving to keep our roads safe and help ensure a happy holiday season. “If you’ll be celebrating with festive drink...
The Stephanie Broshous embezzlement trial that was scheduled for a potential plea deal on Friday, December 15th got pushed back yet again as the defense asked for a continuance. “There’s still one more thing we’re trying to work out,” said Assistant State’s Attorney, Christine Awender. The next hearing is now scheduled for Friday, January 26th at 9:00 am....
While the Speech season opened throughout Illinois back in November, most area teams don’t begin competition until December due to football and participation in other Fall activities. And while some kicked off at the DeKalb Corn Classic on December 2nd, the bigger competition for Northwest Illinois was held December 9th at the Rochelle Invitational. The larger schools dominated the overall team scores, with the only thing worthy of note being that Freeport – a traditional power – was not in th...
SSM Health Monroe Eye Care team members know that quality sight truly improves community members' lives. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to receive eye care items they need – including eyeglasses – due to cost or other factors. To help make a difference, Eye Care team members presented the Monroe Lions Club with 175 pairs of used eyeglasses on November 21. The frames were collected during a special three-week drive, and an additional 200 pairs of eyeglasses collected during COVID-19 wer...
The Northwest Illinois Daily Drawing (a cooperative fundraiser) November winners. The Daily Drawing is a drawing for 366 daily cash prizes from October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024 to those donating for a ticket. Over $21,000 is paid out to ticket holders during the drawing year. Cash prizes vary between $50 and $250. A ticket may win multiple times as each ticket remains in the drawing each day for the entire year, no matter how often it may be drawn. Sponsoring organizations from Jo Daviess, Carroll & Stephenson County include: Caring C...
Christmas came early this year for the Scales Mound High School Trap Team, when State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) surprised the students and coaches on December 5 with a $500 scholarship to help support the program. The scholarship was made available by the Illinois Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus. "The Illinois Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus works to protect and advance policies that promote hunting, fishing, trapping, and wildlife management. As a member, this year I was able to...
Attention Veterans! The American Legion Fickbohm-Hissem Post 193, Galena, meets the 3rd Tuesday each month. Time: 1200 lunch followed by the meeting. Place: VFW Club, 2nd floor, 100 South Main Street, Galena, IL. Next meetings are December 19, January 16 and February 20. All Veterans are welcome to join us! For more information about our American Legion meetings or about membership, please contact Commander Jerry Howard (815-990-4641). Royal Scots Holiday Concert Join the Royal Scots and Chamber Singers for an evening of seasonal music from...
There were few expectations when sitting down to cover the Stephenson County Board Thursday night. The meeting was the big fight over ARPS funds – the extra millions of dollars the County had been given that needed to be distributed. And while the vast majority of the money was already "claimed," there was still a million dollars sitting in the Highway Fund that everyone had their eyes on. And, with no other major business to attend to, the "fun" was expected to start right out of the gate. T...
In a heartwarming display of community support, Rise Real Estate successfully donated 15 Blessing Baskets filled with Thanksgiving meals and additional goodies to local families in need. With the help of generous community members and the dedication of our school guidance counselors, we were able to make this Thanksgiving a truly special and memorable one for those less fortunate. The initiative, led by Rise Real Estate, aimed to provide Thanksgiving meals with all the fixings, along with gift...
Stephenson County Sheriff's Office K9 Ralf will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Ralf's vest is sponsored by Lambert Ezell Durham Architecture, LLC of Florence, AL and will be embroidered with the sentiment "This gift of protection provided by LED Architecture". Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission...
Personal Injury Accident On Monday, November 20, 2023, the Jo Daviess County 911 Center received multiple reports of a single vehicle accident with unknown injuries. Upon arrival, Deputies learned a vehicle traveling westbound on HWY 20 just west of W. Mitchell Rd., was driven by Luz Perez-Cross, 46 of Galena. Luz was negotiating a curve on HWY 20 when she lost control of her vehicle due to wet pavement. The vehicle then left the roadway, overturned, and struck a tree before coming to a rest. Luz and her passenger, Dorian Velazquez-Perez, 22...
Gather your friends for an afternoon of decorating fun as the University of Illinois Extension hosts “Hort for the Holidays – Jo Daviess County Edition”. This program is being held on Wednesday, December 20 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 Vine St. Elizabeth, IL 61028. There will be a $30 charge to attend, and attendees will leave with two projects to take home with them. Pre-registration is required by December 13 to attend. To register or for more information visit us online at go.illinois.edu/jsw or ca...
Juliet Moderow is a recent recipient of the National Audubon Society William Dutcher Award. She attended the National Audubon Leadership Conference held in Estes Park, Colorado from Nov. 2-5, where she accepted the award. Moderow is a Biology instructor at Highland Community College, and is active with the local Northwest Audubon Society. She has been a board member in different capacities over the past 10 years ranging from Education chair, Publicity, Vice President, and President for two...
As we kick-off our Red Kettle Season- first and foremost we need BELL RINGERS! Please consider signing up at www.RegisterToRing.com Every single time we have a ringer at a kettle, the donations skyrocket. Those dollars go straight back into our community to purchase food for pantries and lunches, hygiene items that are such a luxury to most and toys for so many children for Christmas! TOYS TOYS TOYS Toys are such a huge need again and we are asking for your help. The number of parents that are...
On Saturday, December 2, Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) is partnering with the Friends Forever Humane Society in Freeport for a Pet Rescue Fair. Visitors at the event will be able to interact with pets available for adoption and enjoy half-price adoptions for cats. "People searching for the perfect pet do not need to look any further than their local animal shelter," said Chesney. "Rescued pets are so grateful when they are adopted. They make wonderful companions." Senator Chesney's Pet Res...
The Stephenson County Board held their regular meeting last Wednesday, which was really a pre-curser for the main meeting which will take place on November 30th when the 2024 budget must be passed. So, while the normal routine is to keep things tight to the vest in terms of items on the budget they want to cut, trim or change until the meeting on the 30th. Because on the 30th, the looming deadline will force them to pass a budget, so that doesn’t give any opposition, to any position, any time to...
Fatal Traffic Crash On November 13th, 2023, atr approximately 6:12 pm, Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office personnel responded to the area of E. Angle Rd and N. Afolkey Rd in rural Dakota for a report of a two-vehicle traffic crash with injuries. The results of the preliminary investigation indicate that a silver 2011 Ford Fiesta driven by Wendy Williams, 55 of Lena, was traveling northbound on N. Afolkey Rod when it crossed the center of the roadway and collided head-on with a southbound black 2005 Honda Pilot. Wendy Williams was the sole occup...
House Minority Leader Tony McCombie recently held a successful law enforcement luncheon in her 89th District, which brought together area lawmakers and local Sheriffs, Chiefs and State police to discuss the issues they face in Illinois. The event drew 75 participants for the discussion-based event, which focused on the larger issue of public safety. Leader McCombie, gave an update to the group about legislative issues that will impact law enforcement and encouraged the participants to reach out...
The Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation (JDCF) invites you to join our book club, Conservation Conversation, for a free series of Zoom discussions starting January 10, 2024. To honor JDCF's mission statement, and in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, our reading and discussion will focus on land, water, and the Driftless Area. 1. "Land: How the Hunger for Ownership Shaped the Modern World," by Simon Winchester, January 10 & 24...
Good Shepherd Lutheran – Lena All are invited on November 26th, 2023 to Good Shepherd, 118 E. Mason St. Lena, IL, for Sunday worship service at 9:30am. You may join service in-person or via Facebook Live. The reading will be from Matthew 25:31-46. Jesus compares himself to a king who moves among his subjects to see how he is treated: what is done for the least of those who belong to his family is truly done for him. Chime practice will be at 10:45am, and choir practice will be at 11:00am. All the services will be recorded and be available on c...
The scheduled trial of Stephanie Broshous was scheduled to take place on Thursday at 1:30, but we received notice early that morning that trying to race back to Freeport from Camp Randall would not be necessary. “Dan, Stephanie Broshous trial has been continued to 12-15-23 at 9:00 am for potential plea.” So, we’ll keep you posted....