Freepod

FSD Cuts Bus Routes Due to Budget DeficitFreeport Beef-a-Roo Is Only Location Still Operating After Mass LayoffsYMCA Purchases New FacilityTickets on Sale for Freedom on the RocksGFP Selected for Illinois Economic Development Pilot ProgramAudition Call for Winneshiek TheaterStephenson County Sheriff's Office Arrests Two Women on Drug ChargesDrug Search in Jo Daviess County Yields 3 ArrestsMount Carroll Holding Fundraiser for Police K-9 ProgramLake Carroll Fest ReturnsPritzker Signs AI Regulation BillIllinois High School Students Could Swap Technical Education for Foreign LanguageFarm Bankruptcies Continue to Rise in IllinoisGerman Valley DaysLWV of Jo Daviess County Hosting Forum on Data Centers23rd Annual Lincoln-Douglas 5K

Freeport is Pretzel City USA. But why can't you buy a pretzel in Freeport?That riddle is over now as Freeport Pretzel Company has launched. Proprietors Alex Lavoilette and Dylan Shipley spoke to Freepod host Tim Connors about what brought the Freeport Pretzel Company to fruition and what they plan on rolling out in the future.

Freeport City Council Meeeting Devolves into ChaosStephenson County Gets Disaster Proclamation from StateTree Removal Underway with Mixed Response from CommunityKrape Park South Entrance Improvement UnderwayNew Study Highlights HCC's Economic Impact on RegionSRC Expanding Services to Jo Daviess County Thanks to FNWILUnited Way Announces More than $250,000 in Local GrantsCanyon Camp Celebrates 90 YearsSpecial Interview with Congressman Eric SorensenU of I Extension Programs in Carroll CountyStephenson County Fair is Coming SoonTutty Baker Weekend Festivities

The Stephenson County Fair is one of the longest running county fairs in the state of Illinois. And this year's event is fast approaching.Freepod host Alan Wenzel speaks with Kate Boyer, Executive Manager of the Stephenson County Fair, about new offerings, old favorites, and some returning events for the 2026 Stephenson County Fair.

Electronic Recycling Event Brings in More than 20,000 Pounds of WasteKuberski Named President Emeritus of Highland Community CollegePearl City Names New SuperintendentFreeport Art Museum Previews Façade Improvement Grant ProjectNorthwest Illinois Safe Streets Plan Moving ForwardArea Farmers Optimistic After June Rainfall3 Injured in Grand Detour Bridge CrashIllinois Route 2 Roadwork Underway in Ogle CountyCyberbullying Now Includes AI ImagesNew Laws Regarding Renewing Driver's Licenses for Elderly DriversRegenerative Ag Gets New Focus in IllinoisMusic on Chicago This WeekendWhere to See Fireworks LocallyThe Science Behind Fireworks at SRCThe Importance of Protein and Physical Activity in Aging Event in Galena100 Women Who Care Lunch & Learn at SRCRodeo Returns at Stephenson County Fair

Freeport is full of talent. And one of the biggest names in town is Blackcat Manor.Freepod host Tim Connors speaks with Kris Valkema, lead singer of Blackcat Manor, about the journey he's taken to national recognition in the music world.

FPD Launches Safety CampaignLand Bank Transforms Formerly Blighted PropertyStephenson County Unemployment Rates Dropped in AprilVolunteers Needed for Prairie StewardshipAg Olympics Registration Coming DueEgg Prices Create Shock for FarmersJune is Dairy MonthPec Playhouse to Break Ground on New TheaterFormer Mine Near Galena Cited as Health RiskJo Daviess Conservation Foundation Receives State PraiseMajor Resurfacing Project Underway in Carroll CountyIllinois Libraries to Expand Database AccessISBE Focuses on Improving Math EducationPritzker Signs $56B Budget24th Annual Gran Fonda Bike Ride Against CancerFreeport Concert Band to Hold Patriotic ConcertAmerican Son Performance at WinneshiekTutty Fest to Honor Veterans

In its 64 years of serving northwest Illinois, Highland Community College has only ever had 9 people serve as President. But next month, that number goes to 10.Alan Wenzel spoke with outgoing President Chris Kuberski, incoming President Dr. Jamal Scott, and Chair of the Board of Trustees Doug Block about the legacy Chris leaves behind, the future envisioned by Jamal, and the hopes and needs of the community Highland serves.

Neighborhood Watch Meetings Moving to Central LocationFreeport Fire Requests an Increase in Ambulance FeeCarroll County Deputies Honored for BraveryDeMeester's Greenhouse to Go Up For AuctionMajor Bridge Construction on US-20 Heading to IowaNIBNA Releases Crane Count NumbersHighland Releases Dean's List for Spring 2026Stephenson County Fair Books Available NowCFNIL Grants Opening SoonSmall Food Pantries Get Access to a New GrantCarroll County Continues to Shine in AgricultureIllinois Ranks 7th In EducationMusic on Debate Square Schedule for Summer 2026Sick Summer Motorsports Making a Stop in FreeportFirst Ever Quad and Side-by-Side Racing at Stephenson County FairgroundsFood with Friends DinnerLittle Ninjas Program at Krape Park

The St. Vincent de Paul charity is probably best known for its second-hand stores across the country. Even though the charity does not have a storefront in Freeport, it is still doing good in our community.Freepod host Becky Connors speaks with Barb Eberle of the Freeport St. Vincent de Paul to learn more about what services the charity offers to all of Stephenson county.

Sorenson Seeks $4M in Federal Funding for Albertus AirportDeininger Floral Receives Façade Improvement GrantFHS Student Garden Program ExpandsFreeport Art Contest LaunchesNight Sky Events with Firebaugh ObservatorySign Up For Pickleball at Krape ParkDakota Softball Wins State ChampionshipGalena Named Runner-Up for Best Small Town in the MidwestHanover Fire Department Receives State GrantIllinois Schools Get Moderate Raise in FundingIllinois Legislature Aims to Reduce Social Media Marketing to ChildrenPritzker Vows to Sign School Cellphone BanFood Fight Against Cancer at the Wagner HouseFreeport Find Fest is Fast ApproachingUnited Way Day of ActionYouth Bicycle Safety DayUnplug IllinoisTutty Baker 5K

The world of antiques has a lot to offer for people from all walks of life. Freepod host Tim Connors spoke to John Grider of Mac & Cheese Antiques in Stockton, Illinois about the current state of antiques and the broader appeal of these shops.

Freeport City Council Fails to Censure AlderwomanSmall Business Administration Makes Diaster Loans AvailableLWPC Girls Track and Field Finishes Season on Top Honoring a Former HCC Athletic DirectorFACC/UIC Offering No Insurance Street MedicineHighlighting a Façade Improvement Grant WinnerMosquito Abatement Begins in FreeportMusic on Chicago ReturnsUW of Ogle County Brings Back Summer Eats Meal ProgramJo Daviess County Shares Record for Largest Spring Turkey HarvestIllinois Senate Passes AI Accountability BillVaccination Rates for Illinois Students Increases SlightlyDick Durbin Gives Farewell AddressYouth Conference at King Community CampusYouth Tennis Program BeginsCulinary Herbs 101 at U of I ExtensionMusic on the Patio at Park HillsCamp RAMP

Parkview Home in Freeport is preparing to celebrate 100 years of service to our community.Freepod host Becky Connors spoke with Ferol Labash and Kourtney Kraft about the history of the long-term care facility and their plans for their centennial celebration.

Aquin Academy Announces ClosureFreeport Man Charged with Intent to Deliver FentanylHCC Nursing Program Gets ReaccreditationShawnee-Hancock Viaduct is OpenRAMP Offering Free Communication Devices for Area ResidentsGalena & US Grant Museum Gets Major GiftJo Daviess County Transitioning to New Emergency Notification SystemStellantis Prepares to Reopen Belvidere PlantRFD Adds New DestinationsLegislature Approves Amendments to College Campus Press ActConsumer Advocacy Groups Challenge Proposed Nicor Rate HikeState Lawmakers Consider Ban on Glock PistolsTimber Lake Playhouse Opens Their Season with GodspellPreserving Practice: Jams and Jellies at U of I ExtensionPancake Breakfast at Albertus AirportFreeport Library Kicks Off Summer Reading ProgramMusic Under the Stars Concert Series Preparing for Season

Freeport has long prided itself as Pretzel City, USA. But, as it turns out, we're not the only community celebrating the twisted treat.Freepod host Tim Connors traveled to Lititz, Pennsylvania to speak with former mayor Tim Snyder. The two Tims worked together to forge a sister city agreement based on both towns' storied histories with the pretzel. Connors and Snyder talk about parallels between the two towns, as well as how this relationship can benefit both moving forward.

Lena Man Sentenced to 150 Years in Prison for Exploiting ChildrenComEd Rate Spike AnnouncedFPD Announces "Click It or Ticket" CrackdownOgle County Sheriff Releases Distracted Driving Enforcement NumbersSeaga Manufacturing Acquires Micromarket CompanyFSD Names New PrincipalsStephenson County Fair Looking for Junior VolunteersYIELD Program Has Extra Trees AvailablePecatonica High School Wins Voter Registration AwardJDCF Welcomes New CEO/PresidentJo Daviess County to Hold Public Hearing on Zoning AmendmentsCuts to SNAP Harming Small Grocery StoresState Lawmakers Debate AI RegulationLawmakers Question Education Funding ProcessMemorial Day Parade and Program in CedarvilleAARP Offers Smart Driving ProgramPark District Music & Movement Program for Kids

If you've driven through Lena in the last few years, you likely saw the fighter jet sitting outside of Lena Brewing Company. Now, that jet is being placed in its permanent home.Freepod host Alan Wenzel spoke with Bing Wells about the upcoming dedication event taking place in Lena. Bing Wells is a life-long resident of Lena and is a retired 30 year employee of the Illinois State Police. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and helped prepare the aircraft carrier based F-4 Phantom Jets for sorties during the war. He was a member of the F-4 Memorial Committee that brought the jet to Lena.

FSD Leaders Respond to DOJ InvestigationHighland Commencement This WeekendTownship Giving Boys & Girls Club Computer UpgradesGFP Launches 'Simply Stephenson County' BrandingWinners Chosen for Downtown Façade GrantsLindo Theatre Gets Major UpgradeCity Prepares for Demeter Drive Water Main ProjectCity of Freeport Receives Recognition for Water QualityComposting Supplies Available at Farmer's MarketEssay Contest Open to Area StudentsText-to-911 Now Available Throughout Carroll CountyConstruction Begins on Ogle County Memorial PlazaIllinois Farm Bureaus & FFA Chapters Raise Money for Hunger ReliefDurbin Will Not Back Farm BillIllinois Has 6th Highest Gas Prices in CountryMay is Bike MonthCop on a Rooftop Returns

Freeport is known for its beautiful and well-maintained parks. A big reason for that reputation is due to the continual improvements made by the Freeport Park District.Freepod host Becky Connors spoke to Freeport Park District Executive Director Bruce Cubberley about improvements planned for the city's parks, as well as some summer activities for local youth.

REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOLS UNDER INVESTIGATION BY FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICECOLUMBIA COLLEGE OFFERING DISCOUNT FOR HCC ALUMNIHCC HORTICULTURE SELLING SEEDLINGSSTOCKTON FARMERS WIN CONSERVATION AWARDFREEPORT ANNOUNCES ELECTRONIC RECYCLING EVENTFREEPORT REFRESH IS UNDERWAYINVASIVE SPECIES OF TICK FOUND IN NORTHERN ILLINOISMAJOR INTERSECTION BEGINS ROAD WORKNEW FOUR-WAY STOPS BEING INSTALLEDMAJOR BRIDGE WORK IN JO DAVIESS COUNTYFNWIL OPENING OFFICE IN GALENASTATE LOOKING FOR DROUGHT SOLUTIONSNUCLEAR SUBSIDIES BECOME FINANCIAL RELIEF FOR CONSUMERSPINT NIGHT FOR FREEPORT CONCERT BANDROYAL SCOTS PRESENTS VINYL MASTERS6TH ANNUAL WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAYPRETZEL CITY WINEFEST THROWS IT BACK TO THE 80SFHS PRESENTS PETER PAN GOES WRONG

In a relatively short amount of time, the Lena Brewing Company has become a premiere destination for the people of northwest Illinois. From live music to trivia to just enjoying a good brew, LBC has won a place among the best of northwest Illinois.Freepod host Tim Connors sat down with new owner Katie Quittschreiber to talk about what her plans are for the taproom, as well as what it's like going from employee to owner.

Storm Recovery ResourcesLarge Repaving Effort Underway in Krape ParkHighland Names New Head Coach for Men's BasketballGennings Dunker Drafted by Pittsburgh SteelersCitywide Garage Sale AnnouncedFAM Art Camps Open RegistrationAstronomy Beginners Course Being Offered at Firebaugh ObservatoryHow to Tickproof Your Yard Without ChemicalsTake the Breakfast Localvore Challenge150,000 Illinois Households Set to Lose Federal Food AssistanceSchool Cell Phone Ban Looks LikelyHCC Hosts Spring Instrumental ConcertCost of Living with Climate Change Series Final LectureVoices to Host Mother's Day Flower SaleAlan and Ed's Film ClubGetting the Scoop on Dietary GuidelinesMercy FHN Hosting Striking Success for Children Event

Scott Stich has played a significant role in the music community of northwest Illinois for decades. But as with all good things, that time is winding down. Scott will conduct his final concert as conductor of the Highland Community College Wind Ensemble on May 1st.Scott speaks with Freepod host Becky Connors about his journey in music education and his plans for retirement.

Severe Weather Devastates the AreaOgle County Residents Express Concerns Over Proposed Data CentersFormer Holiday Inn Gets DemolishedSellers Gives Blistering Annual Township AddressLead Artist Named for United We Create ProjectUnited Way Creates Searchable Early Childhood Resource ListFHS Journalism Program Sends 10 Events to State CompetitionYoung Leaders Finish Major Efforts in Stephenson and Carroll CountyWarren Library Wins Carnegie GiftHanover Man Killed in One Car Rollover CrashFather and Son Killed in Train v. Truck Collision Near SavannaStephenson County Farmer's Market Announces Temporary New HomeStephenson County Restaurant Week BeginsDecoding the Driftless Screening at LibraryCreative Container Garden Program Offered

Whether it's his role with Bocker Automotive Group, Beef-a-Roo, or the Greater Freeport Partnership, Delbert Bunker shows every day that he is a Pretzel through and through.Delbert talks with Freepod host Tim Connors about the rebounding used car business, the local fast food staple, and what makes him proud to be from Pretzel City.

HCC Names New PresidentMarijuana Dispensary Gets the Green LightGFP Receives Rural Development GrantFHS Has 20 Illinois State ScholarsStockton Man Indicted on Federal Drug ChargesElizabeth Man Pleads Guilty to Child Sex CrimesAutomatic Draft Registration Could Begin in DecemberAg Visa Program Eases Labor ShortagesState Ed Officials Request Public School BudgetHCC Hosts Express RegistrationNational Library Week Activities at Freeport Public LibraryFreeport Park District Offers Let's Play Registration EventCelebrate Arbor Day with the Park DistrictPretzel Fest & Polka FestJoin the Great Pretzel Bite50/50 Raffle for Downtown Flower Planting

Freeport swore in a new police chief in January. Chief Jacquelyn Frausto comes to Freeport after a long career with the Chicago Police Department and her impact is already being felt in the Pretzel City.Freepod host Alan Wenzel spoke to Chief Frausto about her life story, as well as her vision and philosophy for leading the Freeport Police Department.

FSD Board Unanimously Approves RIFsDeininger Floral is Re-OpeningCity Employees Trained on UV Water DisinfectionFPD to Start Cracking Down on Distracted DrivingCity of Freeport Having Ribbon Cutting for New EV Charging StationInterview with Stephenson County Animal Control Officer Kristin LoueSeverson Dells Gets a Name ChangeNatural Land Institute Secures Large Prairie Area for RestorationVOICES Book Nook Half Price SaleState Business Leaders Asking for More Child Care FundingPritzker Wants Year Round E-15 GasolineHighland Hosts 53rd Annual High School Juried Art ExhibitStephenson County Clean UpFreeport's Community Clean Up DayStephenson County 4H Hosts Super Saturday

The Freeport Public Library has a new director!Freepod host Becky Connors speaks with Emily Schaub about her first impressions and ultimate goals for the Freeport Public Library.

Updates on FSD Reductions in ForceFreeport PD Works with DHS, FBI, and IRS For Local OperationJCWIFI Withdraws Zoning AppealMunicipal Parking Lot Closed for ConstructionShawnee/Hancock Viaduct Construction ResumesCivil Constructors Wins Nearly $12M Contract for RoadworkRoute 20 West of Stockton To Close for RepairsJo Daviess County Gets a New SheriffArea Ticks Test Positive for New VirusGalena Library Offers Free SeedsSchool Cell Phone Ban and Social Media Regulations Advance in State LegislatureCommunity Colleges Could Soon Offer Baccelaureate ProgramsCost of Living with Climate Change PresentationShowtime 46 OpensUnited Way Celebrity Dinner

The city of Freeport has undertaken some large projects in the last year. And even more are on the horizon.Freepod host Alan Wenzel speaks with Freeport City Manager Rob Boyer and Randi Kohlbauer, Environmental & Regulatory Compliance Officer for the city, about major infrastructure projects both underway and coming soon.

JCWIFI to Host Townhall About Proposed TowerCity Prepares to Take Demolish Vacant Downtown BuildingDillan Vancil Wins GOP House PrimaryHCC Signs Transfer Agreement with ISUFreeport Student Garden is Now Taking OrdersPollinator Seeds for Sale by Stephenson County Farm BureauPaint the Port T-Shirt Contest for KidsReminder About Dropping Off Woody DebrisCarroll and Ogle County Among State Leaders in Wheat ProductionIHDA Asks for Feedback on Housing NeedsProposed Bill Would Require High Schools to Offer Voter RegistrationPritzker Calls for Higher Numbers of Postsecondary DegreesState and Local Lawmakers Examine Rules for Data CentersBoyer Colloquium AnnouncedPolkafest Tickets On Sale Now

Freeport is home to a lot of Chicago Cubs fans. And two of the biggest sat down to talk about a gem of the Freeport area: Little Cubs Field.Freepod host Tim Connors speaks with Denny Garkey, the man behind Little Cubs Field, about the history of the park and the potential that lies unlocked in this beautiful, one of a kind landmark here in the Pretzel City.

Freeport RIFPickleball Courts Renovations and LightsSteven and Kam Meet the GovernorAcademic Interventions – ACTAcademic Interventions – GradesJournalism Minnesota Field TripDylan Colberg Star FarmerKeondre Jackson VisitTreyden Diduch Champion1000-point AthletesGirls Soccer F/S TeamBoys TennisGirls Track ReturnersShowtime UpdateProbation Presentation

Northwest Illinois has a plethora of service organizations for our community to both serve and find help.Freepod host Alan Wenzel speaks with Lions Club District Governor Marcia Meyers about the upcoming Service Carnival the Lions are putting together to help inform the community and recruit for those organizations working to help our neighbors.

FSD Announces Reduction in ForceCity Announces New Road Plans for 2026Freeport Names New Fire MarshalGroundbreaking for New Well and Water Treatment FacilityDeininger Floral Closes Its DoorsShannon Woman Implicated in Human Trafficking OperationSSM Health Monroe Names New PresidentWarren Elementary Receives Blue Ribbon AwardFarm Bill Advances in US HousePolice Agencies to Step Up Safety Campaign for St. Patrick'sCertified Food Production Manager Training OfferedNIBNA BanquetCost of Living With Climate ChangeGatsby GalaDay of Racial Healing

Our region is full of outstanding educators. But most of them do not get the recognition they deserve. For Susan Bookless, an English teacher at Galena High School, getting honored by the state of Illinois is flattering, but far from the reason she continues to teach.Freepod host Tim Connors sat down with Susan to talk about what it's like to teach in northwest Illinois and Susan's recent honor of being given an Award of Special Recognition by the Illinois State Board of Education.

HCC Raising TuitionHCC Juried Art Exhibit Winners AnnouncedFreeport Art Museum Looking for ArtistsKrape Park Art Walk Seeking ArtistsBoys & Girls Club Receives State GrantFreeport Fire Department Upgrading Protective GearSSM Monroe Named Top Community HospitalGalena Student Heading to National Spelling BeeSRC Expands Programming to GalenaSoybean Farmers Face Challenges Amid Trade WarsIllinois Joins WHOHarvey Set to Open at WinneshiekYMCA Holding Silent AuctionFoundation for Northwest Illinois Offering ScholarshipsConserving Land and Legacy ProgramStephenson County Farm Bureau Hosting Fun RunBetter Balance & Strength for Older Adults Returns

Highland Community College is in a period of transition. President Chris Kuberski is set to retire in June and the college is in the early stages of building a new athletics and learning center on campus.Freepod host Alan Wenzel spoke to Kuberski about the progress that has been made on the new facility so far, as well as what the future looks like for this undertaking.

Diocese Considering Closing Aquin AcademyDemolition Bid Approved for Old Holiday InnFreeport Awarded Enrollment in Downtown Revitalization ProgramStephenson County Sheriff's Office Gives Out AwardsCity Completes Leaf CleanupStephenson County Home Show Looking for VendorsTessa Janecke Wins GoldOregon Teacher Receives HonorsFriends of the Pecatonica River Looking for New Board MembersPritzker Announces New State BudgetIllinois Schools Challenged by School Psychologist ShortageJoys of Gardening Program Through U of I ExtensionHCC Chamber Ensemble ConcertSRC Launches Science Series for Older AdultsUnited Way of Ogle County Hosting Adult PromKiwanis Club Pancake Day is Here

You'd be hard-pressed to find someone in Freeport who hasn't been to the Wagner House. Whether it be for a special event or dinner and drinks, the Wagner House has become a stalwart institution for downtown Freeport.Tim Connors spoke to owner operator Bill Green about how the Wagner House started and what they are looking forward to as they continue serving the Freeport community.

Freeport Could Get Its First Marjiuana DispensaryFreeport Library Names New Executive DirectorTop Cop and Top Firefighter Awarded by City of FreeportFPD Reveals Key Figures for 2025Applications Open for Downtown Façade Improvement GrantsGFP Names a New ChairYMCA Receives Grant for Free CPR TrainingFEMA Rejects Illinois Requests for Disaster ReliefIllinois Early Childhood Education Programs Face ChallengesAndrew Chesney Introduces Bill to Define Transgender Identity as Mental IllnessEarly Voting in Illinois BeginsLeague of Women Voters Hosting a Meet the Candidates EventSRC Hosting "Professional Women, Firsts"Adventures in the Big Sky Read AloudSavanna Farm Represented During Super Bowl

For new or expecting parents, the questions and challenges that are faced seem to be never-ending. But for those in Jo Daviess and Stephenson County, the Regional Office of Education 8 have a program that can help.Alan Wenzel spoke to Beth Johnson and Marci White from ROE 8 about the Family Enrichment program and what it offers for families in our community.

Freeport Fire Department Promotes New LeadershipCity Gives Awards to Employees for Life Saving ActsCity of Freeport to Address Fire Hydrant UpdatesOSHA Presents Award to City of FreeportPretzel City Area Transit Seeking Input on Fixed RoutesGFP Gives Out Annual AwardsBlack History Month at FHSPat Norman Named Jane Addams Legacy Award WinnerSam Schaible Named New President of Foundation for Northwest IllinoisUnited Way Opens Funding Applications for 2026-2027 CycleIowa Considers Push for Jo Daviess County to Join the Hawkeye StateIllinois Sees Worst Flu Season in YearsLocal Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Combat Medical MisinformationSpeaker Series: The Health Impacts of Climate ChangeSRC Hosts Free NASA PresentationArctic Ale and Art Walk Readies for Another Year

The small town barbershop is more than just a place to get your haircut. Since the 1950s, barbershops have been social institutions. And James Rivas of Pretzel City Barbershop is hoping to keep that tradition alive in downtown Freeport.Tim Connors chats with James about how the Pretzel City Barbershop is connecting Freeport's cherished past with its promising future.

Residential Fire on Clark StreetPearl City Co-Op and Stephenson Service Company Shareholders Approve MergerNew YMCA to Feature Field House and Aquatic CenterCity Waiving Late Fees for Some ResidentsROE 8 Gets a New Regional SuperintendentPolo Superintendent Receives Statewide HonorsByron Man Convicted of Murder & ArsonLocal Dairy Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with State and Foreign DignitariesPartial Offset for Medicaid Cuts to Rural Communities AnnouncedComEd Seeks $15B Grid Plan ApprovalElectrical Transmission Line to Illinois Clears Legal HurdleNew Data Centers Could Lead to Ballooning Electricity Costs in IllinoisCity of Freeport Holding Graphic Design ContestFebruary Lunch & Learn on “The Rise and Fall of the Western as an Art Form and Moral Messenger in the U.S.”Lectures in American History at the Freeport Public LibraryFHS Speech Team to Put on Performance Open to the PublicHCC Announces Auditions for Summerset

Global climate change has been a controversial area of discussion in our community for decades. But a new speaker series at the Freeport Public Library aims to educate us all on the significant and real impacts of climate change on the northwest Illinois region.Alan Wenzel sat down with Dr. Jack Hermann, Clinical Associate Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois, to talk about global climate change and the speaker series currently underway.

Pecatonica School Board Votes Not to Retain Teacher Over Pronoun UseLena-Winslow Staff Member Charged with ObscenityFreeport Schools Welcomes New HR LeaderHCC announces Dean’s ListArea man named President of Illinois Association of Agricultural FairsFreeport Animal Shelter Holding a Fundraiser to Expand ServicesStephenson County Farm Bureau Holding Freezer Meal FundraiserIllinois Plans to Withhold $500M in SpendingIllinois Medicaid Faces Looming Funding CrisisAmerican Red Cross Calls for Donors Amid Severe ShortageOSF HealthCare Names New PresidentSorensen Announces $33M for Water and Sewer UpgradesNew Illinois Law Seals Non-Violent Convictions After 3 YearsGreater Freeport Partnership Announces Annual Dinner & AwardsSenior Resource Center to Host Outreach in Jo Daviess County in FebruaryDolly Parton’s Imagination Library Comes to Northwest IllinoisTake Part in the 42nd Annual Bald Eagle Watch

If you've been to an event in downtown Freeport, then you've seen Lance Ferguson. Whether he is hosting as the owner operator of Davis & Company, or volunteering, Lance is a constant presence in his community.Freepod host Tim Connors speaks with Lance about running an entertainment business in Freeport, as well as the importance of volunteerism in Freeport.