Freepod

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.

May 14, 2026

1. FSD Leaders Respond to DOJ Investigation 2. Highland Commencement This Weekend 3. Township Giving Boys & Girls Club Computer Upgrades 4. GFP Launches 'Simply Stephenson County' Branding 5. Winners Chosen for Downtown Façade Grants 6. Lindo Theatre Gets Major Upgrade 7. City Prepares for Demeter Drive Water Main Project 8. City of Freeport Receives Recognition for Water Quality 9. Composting Supplies Available at Farmer's Market 10. Essay Contest Open to Area Students 11. Text-to-911 Now Available Throughout Carroll County 12. Construction Begins on Ogle County Memorial Plaza 13. Illinois Farm Bureaus & FFA Chapters Raise Money for Hunger Relief 14. Durbin Will Not Back Farm Bill 15. Illinois Has 6th Highest Gas Prices in Country 16. May is Bike Month 17. Cop on a Rooftop Returns

Freepod Interview: Bruce Cubberley of the Freeport Park District

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.

May 7, 2026

1. REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOLS UNDER INVESTIGATION BY FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 2. COLUMBIA COLLEGE OFFERING DISCOUNT FOR HCC ALUMNI 3. HCC HORTICULTURE SELLING SEEDLINGS 4. STOCKTON FARMERS WIN CONSERVATION AWARD 5. FREEPORT ANNOUNCES ELECTRONIC RECYCLING EVENT 6. FREEPORT REFRESH IS UNDERWAY 7. INVASIVE SPECIES OF TICK FOUND IN NORTHERN ILLINOIS 8. MAJOR INTERSECTION BEGINS ROAD WORK 9. NEW FOUR-WAY STOPS BEING INSTALLED 10. MAJOR BRIDGE WORK IN JO DAVIESS COUNTY 11. FNWIL OPENING OFFICE IN GALENA 12. STATE LOOKING FOR DROUGHT SOLUTIONS 13. NUCLEAR SUBSIDIES BECOME FINANCIAL RELIEF FOR CONSUMERS 14. PINT NIGHT FOR FREEPORT CONCERT BAND 15. ROYAL SCOTS PRESENTS VINYL MASTERS 16. 6TH ANNUAL WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY 17. PRETZEL CITY WINEFEST THROWS IT BACK TO THE 80S 18. FHS PRESENTS PETER PAN GOES WRONG