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 AREA
Northwest Illinois was rocked by several severe weather events in the past week, including a confirmed tornado touchdown in Lena.
The first major storm front came through Wednesday, April 15, and did significant damage in Carroll, Jo Daviess, and Stephenson counties. In downtown Freeport, Royal Oaks Antiques had a large overhang ripped off the front of its building by high winds and torrential rain.
Then, Friday, April 17, a confirmed EF-2 tornado devastated Lena. Photos and videos immediately circulated on social media showing damage to homes, businesses, and roadways. Stephenson County Sheriff Steve Stovall held a news conference that evening to dispel rumors of fatalities. Stovall said that while there was considerable damage throughout Lena, there were no fatalities or serious injuries reported.
Stovall said access to the village of Lena was "strictly restricted" to allow first responders from across northwest Illinois to work unimpeded in cleaning up and checking on residents' safety.
Even as crews worked to clean up after the tornado, multiple roadways were closed due to flooding.
Though the weather cleared after Friday's storm, the impacts of the event are likely to have lasting effects on the community.
OGLE COUNTY RESIDENTS EXPRESS CONCERNS OVER PROPOSED DATA CENTERS
Concerns over potential data centers are growing in Ogle County.
Residents gathered at the old courthouse in Oregon to voice worries about possible future development, even though officials say no projects are currently planned.
Key concerns include water use, environmental impact, and land use, with some residents pointing to issues seen in other communities.
County leaders say they are working to better understand the issue and may form a subcommittee to develop policies if proposals move forward.
Last year, more than 500 acres near the Byron power plant were rezoned from agricultural to industrial use, raising questions about future development.
Officials say their goal is to protect public health while ensuring fair and reasonable zoning decisions moving forward.
FORMER HOLIDAY INN GETS DEMOLISHED
The former Holiday Inn on Business 20 is set to have the last of its structure torn down this week.
The project, handled by Alber & Sons Earthworks, has moved quickly since being approved by the city Feb. 17.
The building has been condemned since 2017, but legal disputes over ownership delayed demolition.
Ultimately, the city convinced a judge that the building was a threat to public health and safety due to a large number of reported trespassers.
The land is still owned by a private entity, but the city is seeking ownership through the courts. No word yet on what the city intends to do with the land if the lawsuit is successful.
SELLERS GIVES BLISTERING ANNUAL TOWNSHIP ADDRESS
Freeport Township Supervisor Patrick Sellers delivered his annual address this week, highlighting both progress and ongoing concerns in Freeport Township.
Sellers said township services remain strong and financially stable but warned of growing issues, including crime, drugs, and deteriorating neighborhoods.
He criticized what he called a lack of action from leadership and urged the community to confront problems more directly.
Sellers also called for greater accountability and public involvement, saying real change depends on residents demanding action from elected officials.
He closed by emphasizing that the future of the community rests in the hands of its people.
LEAD ARTIST NAMED FOR UNITED WE CREATE PROJECT
The Freeport Art Museum has announced a major step forward in its "United We Create" project.
Ben Swords, a lifelong Freeport resident and educator, has been selected as lead artist for the community mural initiative.
The project will celebrate America's 250th anniversary, bringing together local youth and residents to help design and create a mural at the Arts Plaza.
Organizers say the effort will highlight shared stories and community pride through public art.
More information on the project is available here: https://www.freeportartmuseum.com/united-we-create.
UNITED WAY CREATES SEARCHABLE EARLY CHILDHOOD RESOURCE LIST
A new tool aimed at helping families and childcare providers is now available in northwest Illinois.
Through a grant from Birth to Five Illinois, local partners have launched a searchable online early childhood resource list.
The project, supported by regional Early Childhood Consortium members, is designed to connect parents and providers with services in one convenient place.
Organizers say the list is still growing and are asking for public feedback to improve it and identify missing resources.
More information is available here: uwniearlychildhood10664.softr.app.
FHS JOURNALISM PROGRAM SENDS 10 EVENTS TO STATE COMPETITION
Ten students from Freeport High School's journalism program are headed to statewide competition.
In just their third year of competition, FHS journalism students had an outstanding showing at the IHSA sectional competition this past weekend. Competing in events including editorial cartooning, headline writing, and yearbook theme development, 10 students from Jena Kleindl's classes placed first, second, or third to qualify for state.
Kleindl, a former journalist, said opportunities like this are important for students regardless of career path.
"It is super important for our students to be developing communication skills. Critical thinking skills, and journalism is kind of a one stop shop for them to really be successful in almost any career that they have, and many of them are passionate about it and committed to it, kind of based on what we can see with our sectionals results," she said.
To hear their work, listen to the March 19 episode of Freepod, which was entirely written and delivered by these students.
YOUNG LEADERS FINISH MAJOR EFFORTS IN STEPHENSON AND CARROLL COUNTY
Young leaders in northwest Illinois are making a big impact in their communities.
The Carroll County Farm Bureau Young Leaders recently wrapped up their "Harvest for All" grain drive, raising $28,000 for local food pantries with support from area farmers and businesses.
Meanwhile, the Stephenson County Farm Bureau Young Leaders donated $11,000 to the county's Agriculture in the Classroom program.
Those funds were raised during the annual Bruce Johnson Farm-to-Farm 5K and 10K run in late March, which brought out more than 200 participants.
Organizers say both efforts highlight the impact young people are making in agriculture and their communities.
Adults ages 18 to 35 interested in getting involved are encouraged to join their local Young Leaders program.
WARREN LIBRARY WINS CARNEGIE GIFT
A local library is celebrating a major gift tied to a historic milestone.
The Carnegie Corporation of New York has awarded a $10,000 grant to the library in honor of America's 250th anniversary.
The foundation, established by Andrew Carnegie, is recognizing the lasting impact of Carnegie libraries across the country.
Carnegie funded more than 1,600 public libraries nationwide in the late 1800s and early 1900s, including this one, built in 1911.
Today, only a fraction of those original libraries remain in operation, making this site a point of local pride.
Library officials say the funding will help preserve the historic building and continue serving the community.
HANOVER MAN KILLED IN ONE CAR ROLLOVER CRASH
A fatal crash in Jo Daviess County has claimed the life of a 21-year-old man.
Authorities say Jordan Havens of Hanover died last week following a rollover crash near Elizabeth.
According to the sheriff's office, the pickup truck left the roadway after hitting loose gravel, went airborne, and flipped multiple times.
Havens, a passenger, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver, 18-year-old Dayan Havens, was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and has been cited for failure to reduce speed.
The crash remains under investigation by the sheriff's office and Illinois State Police.
FATHER AND SON KILLED IN TRAIN V. TRUCK COLLISION NEAR SAVANNA
Authorities have released the names of two men killed in a train crash last week in Carroll County.
Twenty-one-year-old Connor Sandrock and his father, 50-year-old Benjamin Sandrock, both of rural Lyndon, died after their pickup truck was struck by a southbound train near Savanna.
Investigators say the truck was pulling a boat and trailer across a private railroad crossing near Route 84 when the collision occurred.
Multiple emergency agencies from Illinois and Iowa responded.
The crash remains under investigation.
STEPHENSON COUNTY FARMER'S MARKET ANNOUNCES TEMPORARY NEW HOME
The Stephenson County Farmers Market is preparing for a new season with a temporary change in location.
Due to construction at the downtown municipal lot, the market will relocate a few blocks away for the start of the season.
Vendors will set up in a parking lot at the corner of Exchange and State, with additional parking nearby.
Opening day is set for Saturday, May 9, with market hours from 8 a.m. to noon.
Organizers say the move is temporary and thank Castor Home Health for providing the space.
They also promise a season full of new vendors and programs.
STEPHENSON COUNTY RESTAURANT WEEK BEGINS
The Greater Freeport Partnership is bringing back a popular local event.
Stephenson County Restaurant Week returns April 24 through May 2, inviting residents and visitors to explore featured dishes from restaurants across the area.
With more than 80 dining options in Freeport and throughout the county, organizers say it is a chance to support local businesses.
Participants can also enter to win $100 in Partnership Cash by posting meal photos using the hashtag "StephCoEats."
A winner will be selected May 6.
Dine-in, carry-out, and delivery options will be available, and a full restaurant guide can be found here: greaterfreeport.com/restaurantweek.
Organizers encourage everyone to step out of their routine and discover new local favorites.
DECODING THE DRIFTLESS SCREENING AT LIBRARY
The Northwest Illinois Trails Foundation is inviting the public to explore the region's landscape.
A screening of Decoding the Driftless will take place Monday, April 27, at the Freeport Public Library at 6:30 p.m.
The documentary explores the geology, wildlife, and history of the Driftless Region.
The film will be presented by Nancy Breed of Sustainable Driftless.
The screening is free and open to the public.
CREATIVE CONTAINER GARDEN PROGRAM OFFERED
Gardeners in northwest Illinois are invited to get inspired this spring.
The University of Illinois Extension will host "Creative Container Gardens" Thursday, April 30, at 1:30 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office in Elizabeth.
Program coordinator Nikki Keltner will share tips on designing container gardens.
The session is part of the Spring Break Gardening Series.
Pre-registration is encouraged.
IN CLOSING…
As we wrap up this week's show, we'd like to remind you to listen to this past week's interview. Freepod host Tim Connors spoke with Delbert Bunker about vehicle maintenance and Freeport Beef-A-Roo.
This coming Tuesday, Becky Connors will speak with Scott Stich, retiring conductor of the Highland Community College Wind Ensemble after 28 years. His final concert will be Friday, May 1. The interview will be available Tuesday, April 28 at noon.
We thank our community liaisons, WNIJ in DeKalb, and the Highland Community College Mass Communication Department.
As always, like us on Facebook, subscribe, and share. To support local news, visit freepod.org.
This has been Freepod. Thank you for listening.
Copy Edited by Eryn Lent