Zoe Chipalla

Machesney Park celebrated an important milestone Wednesday - its 40th anniversary of becoming an official village. Village leaders and business owners reflect on the community’s history and shares hopes for the future.

Ridgeway-Hagerman said many people think employers stopped drug testing when cannabis use became legal in the state. Matt Giebel owns Express Employment Professionals. He said employers have to drug test... it's important to limit a company’s liabilities in case of an accident.

One member of the community warms the hands and the hearts of crossing guards standing in the bitter, cold weather.

The Virtual Arts Fair will take place in March in an effort to honor Youth Art Month, and it will feature projects students create throughout the school year.

Oltmanns said the board is expected to vote in March on granting qualified immunity to its deputies. The efforts began after the state passed a police reform bill last June. Originally, the bill made officers liable for violating someone’s civil rights, but that provision was scrapped before it was sent to Governor JB Pritzker. Although, discussions continue.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, nearly a quarter of a million vehicles were stolen between 2017 and 2019. Police said in many of those cases, the car was left unlocked with the keys inside.

Despite subfreezing temperatures and a wind chill warning people still emerge from the warmth of their homes.

Art teachers challenged students to research Black pioneers and highlight them through an original piece of artwork and a term paper that showcases their impact.

The book is called “African American Legacies of Rockford” and it features voices like Veneta Hervey, Ann Thompson-Kelly and Pearl Hawks. It even highlights the Colored Soldiers Club. Higgins said the book came out just in time for Black History Month.

Public Health Administrators say the arrival of the new strain is more transmissible, and now is not the time to let your guard down.

Checking your oil, your tires and your battery are preventative steps to avoid getting stranded or breaking down in frigid weather.

The National Institute of Drug Abuse reveals that the number of teens abusing over-the-counter medicine is growing.

City of Rockford Homeless Program Director, Angie Walker, said exposure to the elements kills people staying outside, and constantly looks for services to help.

The Rockford Icehogs will drop the puck on this season at 6 p.m. Friday night, but Thomas said the 2021 hockey season will look much different.

The Rockford Park District announced the winner of the 2021 annual Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition Saturday afternoon.

As vaccine distribution begins to reach the community, information on how to register and receive the shot are getting lost in translation. Although, the Winnebago County Health Department breaks down the process step-by-step to avoid feelings of frustration and confusion.

Boone County health leaders try to ease concerns over high COVID-19 positivity rates as the rest of the state line sees a drop in their rates.

Boone County Public Health Administrator, Dr. Amanda Mehl, said it’s important to understand that Phase 4 has lighter COVID-19 restrictions. The region (Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside, Winnebago) moved there after reporting a positivity rate between 6.5% and 8% for 3 consecutive days.

The event took place Saturday morning in front of the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Sculpture, only drawing in a fraction of the usual turnout. Lead organizer, Mary McNamara Bernsten, said changes brought on by the pandemic only promote a stronger message of inclusivity.

U.S. Department of Treasury awards more than 8 million dollars to Winnebago County, intended for local renters and landlords struggling to make ends meet due to COVID-19.

Kamala Harris is the first Black woman and the first South Asian American to hold the position.

Stateline officers gather in Belvidere to honor Loki, who was tragically killed in a car accident.

The current City Clerk has held the position for the last 24 years, but one city leader says he’s better fit for the role.

Tourism and travel experts say anticipation is growing for a vaccine so stateliners can plan vacations again.

Rioters could face a number of other charges, DeRango said, including trespassing, damage to federal property and even murder. But rioters aren’t the only group who could face legal repercussions.

More than 350 shots were administered to healthcare workers and staff plans to continue vaccinations through January 9. The second rollout of vaccinations comes just 21 days after the first round, and in that time, Surgeon-in-Chief, Dr. James Cole, said staff who were vaccinated experienced virtually no symptoms.

J. Hanley discusses series of shootings, creating challenges as he adjusts into his new role.

Come February, city leaders will being construction on a new apartment complex and library among other development efforts.

The death is marked as the first homicide of the new year, just about one week after mass shooting.

Members of the community bid farewell to what they say has been a crazy year, and share higher hopes for 2021

Following mass shooting in Rockford, people turn to their faith for healing.

Rockford mass shooting prompts experts to draw awareness to combat-related, mental stress.

Tragedy washes over the community of Rockford, after a mass shooting leaves 3 people dead and 3 people injured in Rockford over the weekend.

Animals can bring smiles to the faces of most people, but they also can be a source of comfort for those who battle depression and feelings of loneliness.

Pregnancies and deliveries are trending upward at Freeport Memorial Hospital.

Area alcohol retailers see booming rate in sales

High radon levels pose a threat to health and safety.

Local restaurant owner said he’s moving south to re-launch his business.

The program launched two weeks ago, and to date, they’ve handed out about 2,800 restaurant quality meals.

There will be new leadership at the Harlem School District after this school year, as a new superintendent will take over in 2021.

One state line family is left with grief as death rates surge and Christmas inches closer.

A RECENT REPORT FROM THE NATIONAL NURSES UNITED UNION .. SHOWS FILIPINO NURSES MAKE UP FOUR-PERCENT OF THE NURSING POPULATION NATIONWIDE ... BUT ACCOUNT FOR NEARLY A *THIRD OF THE NURSES WHO'VE DIED FROM COVID-19 IN THE U-S.

Experts fear the lack of business could force many hotels or hotel groups to go up for sale in 2021.

Child and family service agencies struggle during pandemic

City increases 22% on LGBTQ+ inclusion policies, laws and services

Funeral homes struggle to accommodate storage and services amid high fatality volume.

YWCA receives statewide grant to implement racial and cultural training for Winnebago and Boone County law enforcement agencies.

Safety protocols limit gatherings to 10 people in the lodge’s banquet rooms.

Instructors find creative ways to engage students online.

Local retailers prepare for a very different holiday shopping season.