Stephenson County News

Gov. Quinn took office nearly 10 months ago saying he'd "fumigate state government" in the wake of his predecessor, Rod Blagojevich, being booted from office.

The Stephenson County Sheriff's Department is now being told to cut its budget to 2005 levels.

Expressing concerns about the tax commissioner's employee numbers, the Thomas County Commission chairman, vice chairman and another board member voted against approving the county manager's recommended 2010 budget for the agency.

It comes as some area hospitals see record numbers of patients with flu-like symptoms.

A Freeport man was re-sentenced to 18 months in prison for violating his probation on a drug charge.

It all began with County Board Chairman John Blum, questioning the accountability of some sheriff operations.

The Kishwaukee College Horticulture Department has received a special request: Design the landscaping around the Jane Addams Homestead in Cedarville, located near Freeport.

So far that containment strategy seems to be working. The head of the Winnebago County Health Department told 23News today he's surprised to report that schools are not reporting an unusually high number of kids sick with flu.

Organizers say an ongoing research project to determine exactly how many people are buried at the Poor Farm Cemetery outside Freeport will provide officials with a valuable historical record of the site.

"We will be unable to adequately serve the people of Stephenson county with the service and protection they deserve," Sheriff Snyders said.

Stephenson County is facing a 1.7 million dollar deficit right now for its 2009-2010 budget, and the county's asking the sheriff's office to help balance the bottom line by slashing nearly 800,000 dollars from it's budget.

During a search warrant at homes on Beaver Ave. and Elk St. in Freeport yesterday, authorities seized three grams of crack cocaine, more than 30 grams of marijuana, packaging materials and cash.

Authorities say a human foot discovered in the Pecatonica River two months ago has been identified as belonging to 46-year-old Stanley Driver, a Freeport man who has been missing since Dec.

When those involved with "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" traveled to Lena, Ill., to build one organic farmer's dream home, they knew they needed workers.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency , in partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources , will host a flood risk information open house for residents of Stephenson County Thursday, Sept.

Acciona Energy recently dedicated its fifth wind park in the US, the 100.5 MW EcoGrove facility, in the state of Illinois.

"See the cement trucks come in, the towers come in and the towers erected. It was just phenomenal," Lena Resident Michael Thill said.

At approximately 1:00 p.m. today the college was informed by the Stephenson County Sheriff's department of a report that an individual had been observed with fire arms in the trunk of a vehicle in a college parking lot.

Two people were seriously injured when a pick up truck collided with a Jeep. It happened around 9:00 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of Rock City & Montague Roads.

Most responsible people agree that underage drinking parties threaten the safety of teens and young adults.