We don't write papers, we build scrapbooks
We don't write papers, we build scrapbooks
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I apologize for the rather crude headline, but … there is simply no other way to accurately say it. Let us take in some brief – very brief – history. About a month ago, if you will remember, we reported on how Fehr Graham had obtained a windfall for the City of Freeport. No less than $14 MILLION dollars in grants for use on their various infrastructure projects. These were grants – meaning they were free money – the City would not have to pay them back. So, the immediate thought was – the Cou...
Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) filled a meeting room at the Stephenson County Farm Bureau Building on Wednesday when he held a town hall-style meeting with local constituents. Co-hosting the event with Chesney was Stephenson County Board Chairman Scott Helms. "This was our fifth in a series of seven Community Connections events throughout the 45th Senate District, and the crowd in Freeport was our best yet," said Chesney. "I provided a brief Springfield update and then we spent about an hou...
The 11th annual Pearl City Boulevard Bash took place on Saturday, August 24, 2024. It was a day full of activities for all ages including a parade, kid's activities, car show, 3 on 3 Tournament, Alumni Baseball and Softball Games, pulled pork lunch and live music. Twelve teams faced off in this year's Pitmasters competition, competing in beef eye roast, whole chicken, pork belly, and this year's mystery category, party ribs. The winners of this year's competition were: • Best in Show: R...
Freeport residents and invested community members are invited to share their input on the next City budget as City of Freeport staff prepare the City’s budget for fiscal year (FY) 2025. The public is invited to attend a public input meeting at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, in the Council Chambers at City Hall at 314 W. Stephenson Street. City Manager Rob Boyer and Finance Department staff will provide general information on the budget process before meeting attendees will be able to share their thoughts on what they would like to see f...
The Lena Lions Club announces this year's Fall Festival Parade Marshall is our very own Leo the Lion! (Usually worn by Lion Terry Jordan). The parade will step off at noon on Saturday, September 7th. This year the Lena Lions have been celebrating their 75th anniversary and have chosen the parade theme, "Lena Lions – Diamond Jubilee"! In the past the Parade Marshall has been a community member or Lion that has made a difference in our town/club! This year we wish to celebrate Lena Lions and h...
Library districts are receiving grant funding to help ensure all residents have access to quality resources and programming, Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias announced. Libraries throughout the 45th Senate District, serving over 128,000 people, are receiving a combined $243,649 in grants. "Libraries throughout the state must have the resources and financial support they need to provide high-quality materials and programming to Illinois residents," Giannoulias sai...
The journey through grief can be difficult. Many people find it comforting to face grief with others experiencing similar challenges. Join SSM Health at Home for “Walking Through Grief,” an education and support group providing resources and encouragement for people grieving the death of a loved one. Walking Through Grief is a six-week grief support group open to those ages 18+ who have experienced the death of someone special. Sessions will be held on Wednesdays from 10:00-11:30 am from September 11 to October 16 at Monroe Engraving, 1005 30t...
The Greater Freeport Partnership was honored as a co-recipient of the Matthew Marvin Community Impact Award at the Foundation for Northwest Illinois Gala on August 17. The Partnership's achievements in promoting collaborative economic development initiatives in Stephenson County were noted as deserving of the honor. The Foundation hosted the Celebration Gala in honor of their 50th anniversary and to showcase their strategic work in economic development with nearly 130 guests in attendance. "The...
Some people have thought that my coverage of the Freeport City Council has been incredibly harsh. And while I would counter that it has been incredibly accurate – some of them are simply incredibly stupid – Councilman Rachel Simmons proved at the recent Committee of the Whole meeting that she has the potential to be a good elected official. Stacey and Simmons wanted to renew the Pretzel City Skills Enhancement Program. Basically, the program provided local youth a chance to work with a con...
On July 27, 2024, Stephenson County 4-H members participated in the Master Showmanship Contest, at the Stephenson County Fairgrounds, which was coordinated by the Stephenson County Farm Bureau and Stephenson County 4-H. We had (9) 4-H members between the ages of 14-18 (based on their 4-H age) compete showing swine, sheep, and beef in their respective show rings. The members included: Owen Gunderson, Dausyn Heslop, Brynn Lamm, Kyla Lamm, Brea Musser, Nevaeh Scheffner, Cole Weber, Aaliyah...
Names: Laverne and Shirley Age: 3 years old Breed: Beagles Gender: Females About Us: Hi there! We're Laverne and Shirley, two inseparable beagle sisters who were found together as strays. We're 3 years old and ready to find our forever home-hopefully together, since we're the best of friends! Personality: Typical Beagles: We're curious, playful, and love to sniff out new adventures. If you're looking for two loyal companions who will fill your days with fun and affection, we're your girls!...
At Freeport's Committee of the Whole meeting last week, Police Chief Shenberger made a special presentation to a couple of officers that was more than worthy of merit. "I, Chief Shenberger, was made aware of an incident that was reported to the Police Department and was investigated by Sergeant Joshua Leverton and Detective Justin Holden wherein Sergeant Leverton and Detective Holden went beyond the requirements of their normal duty for the good of the community. Upon review of the incident, I...
Every factory in America is familiar with OSHA – the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration. They are the ones who set the rules in regard to wearing a hard hat, and everything else tied to the safety of a factory and its employees. But when it came to fire departments, OSHA hadn't changed their standards since 1980 ... until now. New Changes are being planned for OSHA's Fire Brigade Standard, and while many make perfect sense, the problem is that – as far as fire departments are...
Alaina Dinderman of the Orangeville FFA chapter has been named a national finalist this year for the Dairy Production Entrepreneurship Agricultural Proficiency Award. Only four FFA members nationwide are selected as national finalists in each agricultural proficiency award area. She will be honored at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN being held October 23-26. Agricultural Proficiency Awards honor FFA members who, through supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs), have developed s...
You would think that as Freeport City Council meetings progress, some of the weaker Council members would begin to improve – you know, finally understand how Roberts Rules of Order work, or maybe realize where they are clueless and begin to at least try to not come across as completely clueless … I mean, that doesn’t seem like an unreasonable request. Well, think again. Believe it or not, Larry Sanders was not the worst offender this time. Yes, he still asked a couple of stupid questions … for...
Accident With Injuries On 07/27/24 at approximately 5:25 pm, Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the intersection of E. Stagecoach Trail and N. Canyon Park Rd., for a two vehicle accident with injuries. Upon arrival it was discovered Rebecca A. Nelson, 86 of Mineral Point, was traveling north on N. Canyon Park Rd. Rebecca Nelson stopped at the stop sign at the intersection and then continued north crossing E. Stagecoach Rd. Rebecca did not see a motorcycle driven by Daniel Hicks, 53 of Apple River, traveling east on E. S...
Name: Jane Age: 3 1/2 years old Breed: Coonhound Gender: Spayed Female About Me: Hi there! I'm Jane, a spirited and friendly 3 1/2-year-old Coonhound. I've been at the shelter for 181 days, and I'm eagerly waiting to find my forever family. Personality: Dog and Kid Friendly: I absolutely adore playing with other dogs and I'm great with kids. Whether it's a playdate in the park or a cozy cuddle session at home, I'm always ready to join in the fun! Loyal and Loving: I'm a loyal companion who...
On July 24, 2024, at approximately 6:29 p.m., deputies assigned to the Stephenson County Sheriff's Office Crime Suppression Unit (CSU), were attempting to stop a vehicle with multiple occupants in the area of State Ave. and Frank St. in Freeport for a stop sign violation, when a passenger, Dwan Jackson (age 25 of Freeport), exited and began fleeing on foot. During the ensuing foot pursuit, Dwan Jackson was observed reaching for a firearm that was concealed on his person and a Taser device was...
In many ways, covering the Stephenson County Board was a refreshing break from the idiocy found at Freeport City Council meetings. But, admittedly, in many ways the County Board still has its’ own issues to deal with as agendas – that aren’t hidden very well at all – repeatedly come to the surface. Case in point, Bill Hadley and Jim Hart got back on their, “We need to do an RFP for an Insurance Broker,” soapbox again. Now, when you hear them speak, on the surface, it sounds credible – after all...
Accident With Injuries At about 3:32 pm on July 12th, the Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office dispatch center received a 911 report of a single vehicle crash with injuries at 604 North Blackjack Road in rural Galena. Investigating officers learned that a vehicle driven by Dylan G. Dupree, 28 of Galena, was traveling south on Blackjack Road in a vehicle occupied by four passengers. A construction truck and trailer had pulled out of 604 North Blackjack Road as Dupree was approaching the area. Due to Dupree’s speed at the time of the crash, Dup...
Meet Maya! Age: 8 months old Gender: Female Breed: Pit Mix Background: County Stray About Me: Hi there! I'm Maya, an 8-month-old pit mix with a heart full of love and a playful spirit. I was found as a stray, but now I'm looking for my forever home where I can share my sweetness and joy. Appearance: I'm a striking beauty with a white coat adorned with tan and black spots. My unique look turns heads wherever I go! Personality: Friendly and Sweet: I'm known for my friendly nature and sweet disposi...
Anyone who has been following the Freeport City Council knows – they have some serious issues. At the last Committee of the Whole meeting, the ordinance they had been "discussing" for two months came up once again. Specifically, the Police Department was having a serious issue with people who would be caught driving on a suspended license for the third time in a month, that they were powerless to stop. As a remedy, the proposal was made to allow the Police Department to impound a vehicle that wa...
State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) is seeking input from residents of the 45th Senate District at a town hall-style meeting he is hosting in Savanna on Wednesday, July 31. The event will be co-hosted by Savanna Mayor Val Gunnarsson. “I have been hosting Community Connections meetings throughout my legislative district, and I am very much looking forward to talking with those who live in and around Savanna,” said Chesney. “Their opinions and ideas are valuable and help ensure I am representing the priorities of those who send me to Sprin...
There is a big difference between the national political races we follow on television, and the small town elected officials we put into office. As one politician put it, "There are no Republicans or Democrats on a Village Board. It's all public service, permits, road repairs and putting on festivals." But, as we all know, and many of you are following with our coverage of the Freeport City Council – there are good Village Governments, and bad ones as well. The one point I have found apparent i...
Junior exhibitors take top honors at the 2024 National Junior Shorthorn Show and Youth Conference in Timonium, MD. Overall, a total of 782 animals were entered and 372 junior exhibitors traveled across the nation from 29 states to compete for the National Champion top honors from June 15 - June 22. Judging the Purebred Shorthorn Prospect, Market Steer and Bred and Owned show was Taylor Frank. In the prospect division, Frank selected Dry Jim L1 LL to be Grand Champion Shorthorn Prospect Steer, as well as Grand Champion Bred and Owned Shorthorn...
