May 7, 2026

Freepod Interview: Ferol Labash & Kourtney Kraft of Parkview Home

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.

May 28, 2026

1. Aquin Academy Announces Closure 2. Freeport Man Charged with Intent to Deliver Fentanyl 3. HCC Nursing Program Gets Reaccreditation 4. Shawnee-Hancock Viaduct is Open 5. RAMP Offering Free Communication Devices for Area Residents 6. Galena & US Grant Museum Gets Major Gift 7. Jo Daviess County Transitioning to New Emergency Notification System 8. Stellantis Prepares to Reopen Belvidere Plant 9. RFD Adds New Destinations 10. Legislature Approves Amendments to College Campus Press Act 11. Consumer Advocacy Groups Challenge Proposed Nicor Rate Hike 12. State Lawmakers Consider Ban on Glock Pistols 13. Timber Lake Playhouse Opens Their Season with Godspell 14. Preserving Practice: Jams and Jellies at U of I Extension 15. Pancake Breakfast at Albertus Airport 16. Freeport Library Kicks Off Summer Reading Program 17. Music Under the Stars Concert Series Preparing for Season

Freepod Interview: Tim Snyder of Lititz, Pennsylvania

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.

May 21, 2026

1. Lena Man Sentenced to 150 Years in Prison for Exploiting Children 2. ComEd Rate Spike Announced 3. FPD Announces "Click It or Ticket" Crackdown 4. Ogle County Sheriff Releases Distracted Driving Enforcement Numbers 5. Seaga Manufacturing Acquires Micromarket Company 6. FSD Names New Principals 7. Stephenson County Fair Looking for Junior Volunteers 8. YIELD Program Has Extra Trees Available 9. Pecatonica High School Wins Voter Registration Award 10. JDCF Welcomes New CEO/President 11. Jo Daviess County to Hold Public Hearing on Zoning Amendments 12. Cuts to SNAP Harming Small Grocery Stores 13. State Lawmakers Debate AI Regulation 14. Lawmakers Question Education Funding Process 15. Memorial Day Parade and Program in Cedarville 16. AARP Offers Smart Driving Program 17. Park District Music & Movement Program for Kids

Freepod Interview: Bing Wells

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.