Economy Page Layout


	Hiring Picking Up in Belvidere 1 Comment Last Updated: 5:36 PM 02/07/12 - Less than a week after Chrysler announces plans to bring more than 1,800 jobs to the Belvidere plant, local suppliers are also starting to ramp up hiring. (Full Story)
	RMH Thrift Store Closed Due to Fire 1 Comment Last Updated: 2:07 PM 02/07/12 - The Rockford Memorial Hospital Thrift Shop, located at 2830 Glenwood Avenue in Rockford, is closed until further notice. (Full Story)
	Stateline Housing Sales up over Jan. 2011 4 Comments Last Updated: 10:51 PM 02/06/12 - The Stateline housing market is proving the economy is heading in a positive direction. (Full Story)
	Fixing Up the Southwest Side 5 Comments Last Updated: 5:40 PM 02/06/12 - Rockford's southwest side may look entirely different in the next two decades thanks to a new plan to improve the South Main corridor. (Full Story)
More Headlines

Illinois to get $1 Billion in Multi-State Mortgage Settlement
Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office says Illinois is expected to get $1 billion in a multi-state settlement with the nation's five largest bank mortgage servicers.
UPDATE: RVC Union to Vote Friday to Authorize Possible Strike
Rock Valley College teachers will vote on Friday whether to give it's union the permission to strike.
NRC Investigation Possible Design Problem at Byron Nuclear Plant
The Byron nuclear plant is back up and running after a reactor lost power and shut down last week.
Burglaries Up in Rockford
Empty and foreclosed homes have become a target for some other crimes in the Stateline.
Dist. 205 Gifted Program Expansion Proposal
District 205 is looking into ways to expand its gifted program.

Huskies Storm Back to Beat Miami
Trailing by as many as 10 points in the second half, the Northern Illinois men’s basketball team used a 21-8 run to close the game to earn a 62-59 victory over Miami University on Wednesday night at the NIU Convocation Center.
NIU Hires Dunbar
Mike Dunbar, a 35-year college coaching veteran whose résumé includes extensive experience as a head coach and offensive coordinator at every level of football, has joined the Northern Illinois University football program as offensive coordinator, NIU head coach Dave Doeren announced Wednesday.
Boozer scores 18 as Bulls rout Hornets 90-67
Carlos Boozer scored 18 points and the Chicago Bulls won their fourth straight game while nearly holding New Orleans to a franchise low in points during a 90-67 rout Wednesday night.
Delfino scores 25 as Bucks beat Raptors
Feeling comfortable in his former home, Carlos Delfino gave the Milwaukee Bucks a rare road win.
Big Ten exploring 4-team playoff
Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis says his peers in the Big Ten are comfortable exploring the possibility of a four-team playoff for the national championship.

Upcoming Weekend Shows Potential of Being Winter's Coldest
After one more mild day Thursday, significant changes for the colder are in store beginning Friday!
Mild Pattern Showing Signs of Ending Temporarily
Winter's not over yet, a significant chill appears likely late this week.
Friday Marks 13th Straight Above Normal, Trend Has Staying Power
Despite the clouds and fog, Rockford recorded yet another day above normal!
The Business Loss of a Mild Winter
It’s no secret the first two months of winter have been mild, but some businesses are suffering due to our lack of snow.
Winter 2011-12 Among Top 5 Warmest Thus Far, Trend Continues into Feb.
Recently concluded January in the top 10% of warmest ever, December-January period in top 5%, and a surprising stat regarding January snowfall!

Freeport Superintendent Search Down to 2, Finalists Meet School Board
Two finalists are getting the chance to meet leaders in the Freeport School District before the school board picks a new superintendent.
Proposal to Redevelop Historical District in Oregon
A proposed re-development plan could change the face of the historical district in Downtown Oregon.
Beloit Casino Debate
The saga continues on whether or not Beloit residents want a casino.
7-Year Old Hero Saves Family from House Fire
Thanks to some quick work by a pint sized protector, an Oregon family of five remains a family of five.
Freeport Fire Department Receives Federal Grant
The Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded the City of Freeport a $53,000 Homeland Security Grant.