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Digital News Reporting (WIFR)
Rockford approves Hard Rock Casino proposal for submission to the Illinois Gaming Board
McHenry woman identified as victim of 1999 cold case murder in Wisconsin, suspect behind bars
Rockford approves Hard Rock Casino proposal for submission to the Illinois Gaming Board
September 30, 2019
The city of Rockford staff will recommend certification of the Hard Rock International casino proposal to the Illinois Gaming Board, per mayor Tom McNamara.
McNamara reviewed casino proposals from Hard Rock, Rock River West Casino Group, and Forest City Casino. All three applicants presented more details on their proposals at a public hearing last week.
"Hard Rock has the strongest and most complete proposal. It’s financial structure is credible. The Hard Rock proposal includes realistic and sustainable minimum gambling tax guarantees, along with additional revenue from payments to offset impacts to the city."
Hard Rock's plan calls for a casino off of I-90 where the Iconic Rockford Clock Tower Resort once stood.
Related Coverage:
Rockford submits Hard Rock Casino proposal to Illinois Gaming Board
Rockford casino applicants make their cases at public hearing
Two Rockford officers arrested, charged with criminal sexual assault in the same week
McHenry woman identified as victim of 1999 cold case murder in Wisconsin, suspect behind bars
Rockford approves Hard Rock Casino proposal for submission to the Illinois Gaming Board
October 24, 2019
Eric Thurmond, a former Rockford Police ROCK House officer, has been charged with criminal sexual assault.
Thurmond is the second Rockford officer charged with criminal sexual assault over the last two days.
Daniel Basile, a 19-year veteran of the Rockford Police Department, was also charged for criminal sexual assault on Wednesday.
The charges were announced by Rockford Police Chief Dan O'Shea and Winnebago County State's Attorney Marilyn Hite Ross in two separate news conferences.
"You never want any problems in our police department, but when we're given them, we investigate them and handle them just like any other case," says O'Shea.
Related Coverage:
Two officers indicted for criminal sexual assault charges
Rockford officer, a 19-year veteran, accused of criminal sexual assault
McHenry woman identified as victim of 1999 cold case murder in Wisconsin, suspect behind bars
McHenry woman identified as victim of 1999 cold case murder in Wisconsin, suspect behind bars
McHenry woman identified as victim of 1999 cold case murder in Wisconsin, suspect behind bars
November 8, 2019
A woman born and raised in McHenry, Illinois, was identified as the victim of a 1999 cold case murder in Racine County, Wisconsin.
Peggy Lynn Johnson was 23 years old at the time of her death, according to Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling.
Johnson's body was found in July 21, 1999, along a Racine County road in the town of Raymond.
The Racine County Sheriff's Office pursued thousands of leads over the past 20 years to identify Johnson. She was previously referred to as "Jane Doe" while the case was under investigation.
According to a criminal complaint, Johnson sustained trauma and had been sexually assaulted. She was malnourished, had road rash across her torso and suffered a broken ribs and nose.
Linda La Roche, 64, of Cape Coral, Florida, was arrested Tuesday in connection to the death. She was charged with first-degree intentional homicide and hiding a corpse.
Long-Term Local Coverage (WIFR)
McHenry County Sheriff's Deputy shot, killed while serving warrant at Rockford hotel
McHenry County Sheriff's Deputy shot, killed while serving warrant at Rockford hotel
McHenry County Sheriff's Deputy shot, killed while serving warrant at Rockford hotel
March 7, 2019
Jacob Keltner, a McHenry County Sheriff’s deputy working with U.S. Marshals, died Thursday while serving a warrant.
The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office says Keltner was shot and killed while serving a warrant with U.S. Marshals at a Rockford hotel.
According to the criminal complaint, Keltner was outside the hotel and shot while task force officers were executing the warrant.
Floyd E. Brown, accused for the death of Keltner, has been charged with first-degree murder. He was taken into custody after an hours-long standoff on I-55 near Lincoln.
Related Coverage:
Loved ones, officers remember deputy Keltner in emotional funeral
Floyd Brown faces murder charges in 75-count indictment
Illinois State Police Trooper struck, killed from highway crash in Stephenson County
McHenry County Sheriff's Deputy shot, killed while serving warrant at Rockford hotel
McHenry County Sheriff's Deputy shot, killed while serving warrant at Rockford hotel
March 28, 2019
Illinois State Police identified Brooke Jones-Story as the trooper who died Thursday in a crash on U.S. 20 in Stephenson County.
Jones-Story is the second ISP trooper killed from Scott's Law violations.
ISP says the 34-year-old trooper was investigating a commercial vehicle shortly after noon when another semi-trailer struck her, causing two vehicles to be engulfed in flames.
ISP Acting Director Brendan Kelly says a semi driver fatally hit Jones-Story. The driver is cited for improper lane usage and violating Scott's Law.
Related Coverage:
Memorial created in memory of Brooke Jones-Story
Man arrested for crash that killed ISP Trooper Brooke Jones-Story
Rockford mother searches for answers after son found dead in rural Winnebago County
McHenry County Sheriff's Deputy shot, killed while serving warrant at Rockford hotel
Rockford mother searches for answers after son found dead in rural Winnebago County
December 14, 2018
Robin Long searches for answers after her son Jamie Stephens was found dead one day after his 31st birthday in rural Winnebago County.
Jamie's body was found Monday on the side of Knapp Road near Edwards Apple Orchard West. According to coroner reports, he died from multiple gunshot wounds.
Jamie and Robin were face-to-face for the last time on Wednesday, Dec. 5. Long says her son went missing two days later, shortly before his birthday.
"His birthday was Sunday and he never showed up for the plans," Long recalls. "He wanted to cut down a Christmas tree and have lunch."
Related Coverage:
Man found dead in rural Winnebago County, suffered gunshots
Website Features (WIFR)
19 in '19: A Look At Some of Illinois' New Laws
More than 250 new laws will take effect Tuesday in Illinois as the new year arrives. We pulled 19 new laws in 2019 for a closer look:
1. Rear-Facing Car Seats (HB 4377): Any child under the age of 2 will be required to sit in a rear-facing car seat. Children more than 40-inches tall or who weigh more than 40 pounds are exempt.
2. Waiting Period On Weapons (SB 3256): A 72-hour waiting period goes into effect on all firearm purchases. Previously, Illinois mandated a 72-hour waiting period for handguns.
Digital Sports Reporting (WIFR)
NBA champion Fred VanVleet becomes Rockford's basketball ambassador
IceHogs season ticket holders help loyal fan replace stolen iPad for the holidays
IceHogs season ticket holders help loyal fan replace stolen iPad for the holidays
June 29, 2019
Fred VanVleet takes on the role of Rockford's basketball ambassador as the city's only NBA champion.
VanVleet won an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors on June 13. He has become the voice for the Forest City, and he is ready to speak up for his hometown.
"It's a huge blessing, it's a huge honor and it means a lot to me," said VanVleet.
VanVleet never asked to be in the spotlight. He never asked to be given all the love the city of Rockford has shown him time and time again.
"I got a lot of family and friends here, they fill me in," VanVleet said. "They make me super proud to not only be from the city, but to be doing what I'm doing. To have the city behind me, and have that support, is special."
IceHogs season ticket holders help loyal fan replace stolen iPad for the holidays
IceHogs season ticket holders help loyal fan replace stolen iPad for the holidays
IceHogs season ticket holders help loyal fan replace stolen iPad for the holidays
December 17, 2018
The Rockford IceHogs embraced the season of giving for one of their most loyal fans over the weekend.
The team partnered up with season ticket holders to surprise Derrick Carter, another season ticket holder and a fan known as "Hurricane Hog." Carter was given an iPad just in time for the holidays after his device was stolen at an IceHogs game a few weeks ago.
A close friend learned Carter was planning to skip out on Harlem Globetrotters event at BMO Harris Bank Center in order to save money to replace his stolen iPad.
That's when fellow season ticket holders and the IceHogs stepped up to raise more than $350 to surprise Carter with an iPad, an Apple gift card and a personalized letter from the team at Sunday's game.
IceHogs surprise children in hospitals with stuffed animals from Teddy Bear Toss
IceHogs season ticket holders help loyal fan replace stolen iPad for the holidays
IceHogs surprise children in hospitals with stuffed animals from Teddy Bear Toss
December 10, 2018
The Rockford IceHogs surprised several of their youngest fans Monday afternoon just in time for the holiday season.
IceHogs players visited Mercyhealth and SwedishAmerican Hospitals on Monday, giving out stuffed animals collected during the team's Teddy Bear Toss earlier this month.
The IceHogs collected 3,373 stuffed animals for children in hospitals and charities helping with research of pediatric cancer.
"It's so much fun to see the kids and how happy they get, especially in these circumstances," said goaltender Anton Forsberg. "It really is fun to do something for them. It's also really fun to put a smile on their faces."