CITY COUNCIL UPDATE
More discontent is emerging from a recent Freeport City Council meeting. On Monday, July 20, the council held its regularly scheduled meeting with several contentious items on the agenda.
The first was a resolution introduced by 6th Ward Alderman Greg Shadle and 2nd Ward Alderwoman Linda Johnson. The resolution called for the censure of 3rd Ward Alderwoman Rachel Simmons and 7th Ward Alderman Larry Sanders, accusing the two of violating council rules of decorum during the July 6 meeting.
Shadle spoke with us before the meeting and said the resolution was prompted by the actions at the July 6 meeting, but also by what he described as a larger pattern of behavior.
"Well, obviously it was because of the actions on the July 6 meeting. But prior to that, these council members have been on the board, on the council, for three years plus, and this has been kind of a standard operation of these two particular — and several others, actually — where they do not follow Robert's Rules of Order and there's a total lack of decorum. It creates a hostile environment at the meeting, and it hinders us getting our work done on the council because we're backpedaling and having to reestablish order that should just be followed."
During the meeting, the resolution was approved by a 5-3 vote.
Also during the July 20 meeting, Public Works Director Darin Stykel presented a memo notifying the council that he was directing public works employees to immediately end contact with citizens once interactions become abusive, intimidating or threatening. Stykel said that type of behavior will no longer be tolerated.
City Manager Rob Boyer said the changes are necessary because of the frequency of abuse directed toward city employees and the impact it has on morale and employee retention.
"They take a lot of punishment from residents who have some kind of an ax to grind. There are emotionally unregulated individuals who think that they can intimidate people into doing something other than what they're there to do. So we're standing up for our folks as well, because it's the right thing to do. And I will say, this is certainly not the first time this has happened.
I mean, we've had circumstances where people run the, they run the barricades at street reconstructions. I've had an employee hit by a side view mirror as people run through the intersection because they're angry, or they're upset that they're being inconvenienced by, you know, what is basically necessary work. But that certainly isn't the only thing that's ever happened.
But, we have many occasions of this, and it's really time we put this into an ordinance and create some kind of a, a standard so that if this happens again, you know, there'll be some recourse."
Stykel also noted that public works will no longer follow up on iWorks submissions that do not include personally identifying information, such as a name or email address.
CITY OF FREEPORT GETS NEW SALT SHED
The City of Freeport is investing in winter preparedness with the installation of a new salt storage shed at the Public Works Yard.
City officials say the previous structure had become unsafe and was at risk of collapsing, prompting its replacement. The new facility will protect thousands of tons of road salt purchased each year for snow and ice control, helping preserve the city's investment while improving safety for Public Works employees.
Proper salt storage also helps prevent moisture damage and keeps materials ready for use during winter storms.
City leaders say the project is part of an ongoing effort to modernize municipal facilities and improve the infrastructure that supports essential public services year-round.
TRAFFIC CONTROL ADDED ON GALENA AVENUE
Drivers in Freeport should expect delays on Galena Avenue as a road improvement project gets underway.
Eastbound traffic has been reduced from two lanes to one between Park Boulevard and Illinois Route 26, with additional traffic control extending from Illinois 26 to Clark Street.
Contractor Kelsey Excavating is beginning storm sewer and sidewalk improvements, with work expected to continue through July, weather permitting.
The city announced that work on the south side of Galena Avenue was completed July 21, and construction will now shift to the north side while traffic remains open through changing lane patterns.
City officials are asking motorists to slow down, watch for workers and equipment, and allow extra travel time through the construction zone.
FIREFIGHTERS MAKE ADJUSTMENTS FOR WORKING IN EXTREME HEAT
As northwest Illinois endures another stretch of dangerous summer heat, the Freeport Fire Department is taking extra steps to protect firefighters responding to emergencies.
Lieutenant Ernest Stabenow III says crews begin monitoring for heat stress as soon as a call comes in by checking firefighters’ temperatures, keeping them out of direct sunlight when possible and stocking engines with cold water, ice packs and cooling supplies.
Firefighter and EMT Hewitt Dameier says crews rotate in and out of active duty, remove heavy gear during breaks and call for additional personnel when needed to prevent heat-related illness.
The precautions come as the National Weather Service warns that heat index values near 100 degrees can quickly increase the risk of heat exhaustion for both first responders and the public.
GIVE YOUR INPUT ON A CITY LAND ACQUISITION PROPOSAL
The City of Freeport is asking residents to help shape the future of downtown.
City officials have launched a public survey as they prepare an application for an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development, or OSLAD, grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The grant program helps communities fund parks, trails, public gathering spaces and other outdoor recreation projects.
Residents are encouraged to share what they like about downtown, what they would like to see improved and ideas for future public spaces.
City leaders say the feedback will help strengthen Freeport's grant application and guide ongoing downtown revitalization efforts.
The survey is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CoFSurvey26?utm.
STOCKTON ATHLETE NAMED MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
A standout athlete from northwest Illinois is earning recognition from sports fans across the region.
Stockton High School's Eli Larson has been voted the 2025-26 Rockford-area Male Athlete of the Year in the Rockford Register Star's fan poll, receiving more than 26% of the vote. Larson finished ahead of Harlem's Braxton Fausett in a field of standout athletes from across the Rockford area.
Larson capped an outstanding year by winning the IHSA Class 1A state wrestling championship at 175 pounds after finishing as the state runner-up the previous season.
He has also excelled in football and qualified for national wrestling competition, making him one of northwest Illinois' premier multi-sport athletes.
FORMER CARROLL COUNTY DEPUTY'S CRIMINAL CASE MOVES FORWARD
The criminal case against a former Carroll County sheriff's deputy accused in the death of a Mount Carroll teenager continues to move forward.
An Ogle County judge has denied a defense request seeking more detailed information about the charges filed against Matthew Herpstreith, clearing the way for the case to proceed toward trial.
Herpstreith has pleaded not guilty to charges including reckless homicide, reckless conduct and obstructing justice in connection with the July 2024 death of 18-year-old Jackson Kradle.
Kradle was found along Illinois Route 78 north of Mount Carroll and was later determined to have died from injuries consistent with a vehicle-pedestrian crash. The Illinois State Police led the investigation, and prosecutors say the case remains on track, with trial proceedings expected to begin later this year.
As with all criminal cases, Herpstreith is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
JO DAVIESS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE MOURNS LOSS OF K-9
The Jo Daviess County Sheriff's Office is remembering one of its most trusted partners. K-9 Sam died July 10 at the age of 9 after battling cancer.
Sam served alongside Sgt. Nathan Furlong since 2018, completing hundreds of deployments that included narcotics investigations, searches for missing and wanted people, and other high-risk law enforcement operations.
Beyond the job, Sam became a familiar face at school career days, community demonstrations and public events throughout northwest Illinois.
Sheriff Klaus Kretschmer called Sam "a loyal partner, a dedicated protector and a valued member of our law enforcement family," adding, "Your watch is over. We will take it from here."
OGLE COUNTY FAIR NEEDS VOLUNTEERS
The countdown is on to the Ogle County Fair, and organizers are looking for volunteers to help make this year's event a success.
The fair runs July 29 through Aug. 2 at the Ogle County Fairgrounds in Oregon. Volunteers are needed to assist with admissions, exhibits, events and other fair operations throughout the week.
Fair officials say volunteers play a vital role in welcoming thousands of visitors each year and helping keep one of Ogle County's longest-running traditions running smoothly.
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact the Ogle County Fair Association through its website or Facebook page.
CYCLOSPORIASIS INFORMATION
Illinois health officials are reporting a sharp increase in cases of cyclosporiasis, a foodborne illness caused by a microscopic parasite often linked to contaminated fresh produce.
The Illinois Department of Public Health has confirmed 240 cases this year, with 21 people hospitalized. Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more than 1,600 cases have been reported across 34 states as investigators work to identify the source.
Symptoms include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and fatigue. Most people recover within one to two weeks.
Health officials recommend thoroughly washing fresh fruits and vegetables, refrigerating produce promptly and contacting a health care provider if symptoms develop.
They also encourage anyone diagnosed with the illness to cooperate with public health investigators to help identify the source of the outbreak.
FUNDING FOR PROJECTS THAT IMPROVE FISH HABITAT AND FARMS
Conservation groups across northern Illinois are encouraging farmers, landowners and local organizations to apply for funding that can improve both farmland and fish habitat.
The Fishers & Farmers Partnership is accepting grant proposals through Sept. 10, with awards ranging from $15,000 to $100,000. The partnership supports projects throughout the Upper Mississippi River watershed, including northwest Illinois, that improve soil health, water quality and stream habitat.
Coordinator Heidi Keuler says healthy fish habitat starts upstream with healthy soil. She says planting deep-rooted prairie species and improving soil health benefits rivers while strengthening farms for future generations.
Organizers say they are especially interested in grassroots projects and are available to help applicants develop proposals.
DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH STORY TIME
Disability Pride Month will be celebrated in Freeport with a special family event at the Freeport Public Library.
RAMP Disability Resources and Services will host a free pop-up story time Friday, July 24, at 10 a.m., featuring two children's books that highlight disability, inclusion and acceptance, followed by a coloring activity for young participants.
The event is open to families with preschool- and elementary-age children.
RAMP, which serves people with disabilities across northern Illinois, says Disability Pride Month recognizes the history, achievements and contributions of people with disabilities while promoting accessibility and inclusion in every community.
Registration is not required, and the program will be held in the library's meeting room.
FAMILY FUN NIGHT AT THE FREEPORT ART MUSEUM
The Freeport Art Museum is inviting families to help create a lasting piece of community history.
A free Family Fun Night will be held Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 4 to 6 p.m. Participants of all ages can create artwork that may become part of a new public mural celebrating America's 250th anniversary.
Lead artist Ben Swords will be on hand to discuss the project and its vision, and all art supplies will be provided.
Organizers ask families to RSVP by July 31 to help ensure enough materials are available. The mural project is supported through grants from the Illinois Arts Council and The Foundation for Northwest Illinois.
NIBNA SUMMER BLOOMS FIELD TRIP
Nature lovers have an opportunity to explore one of northwest Illinois' rarest natural treasures later this month.
The Northwest Illinois Bird and Nature Alliance is hosting "Summer Blooms on the Freeport Prairie" Friday, July 31, from 9 to 10 a.m. Participants will discover native wildflowers in bloom at the Freeport Prairie Illinois Nature Preserve, considered the last remaining remnant of the original Shannon Prairie.
The preserve has been protected by the Jane Addamsland Park Foundation for nearly 50 years and was dedicated as an Illinois Nature Preserve in 1977. The guided walk begins at the preserve's new parking area off Meadows Drive.
Organizers recommend bringing water, insect repellent and sturdy footwear for the steep, uneven terrain.
ART WALK CALL FOR ARTISTS
Artists, crafters and art lovers are invited to be part of a new community tradition in Freeport.
The Freeport Park District is accepting vendor applications for the Krape Park Art Walk, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The free, family-friendly event will feature regional artists, live music, food vendors and handcrafted works in one of Illinois' most scenic parks.
Organizers expect thousands of visitors and are encouraging artists working in painting, photography, jewelry, pottery, fiber arts, glass, woodworking and other handmade media to apply by July 31.
Visitors can also enjoy Krape Park' s paddleboats, miniature golf, historic carousel and walking trails during the event.
OGLE COUNTY FAIR
The countdown is on for one of northwest Illinois' biggest summer traditions.
The 173rd Ogle County Fair returns to the fairgrounds in Oregon Wednesday, July 29, through Sunday, Aug. 2. Fairgoers can enjoy five days of carnival rides, livestock shows, 4-H exhibits, live music, fair food and grandstand entertainment.
The fairgrounds are located at 1440 N. Limekiln Road in Oregon. Grandstand events begin Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m., with additional motorsports and entertainment scheduled throughout the week.
Admission is $10 per day, while children 4 and younger get in free. Five-day passes are also available. Organizers encourage visitors to purchase tickets in advance online.
Whether cheering on local 4-H members, enjoying the midway or taking in nightly grandstand events, the Ogle County Fair offers something for every member of the family.
For a complete schedule and tickets, visit https://oglecountyfair.com/.
JO DAVIESS COUNTY FAIR
One of Illinois' longest-running traditions returns later this month as the Jo Daviess County Fair comes to Warren Thursday, July 30, through Sunday, Aug. 2.
Known as the longest continuously running county fair in Illinois, this year's event will feature four days of livestock shows, 4-H exhibits, carnival rides, family entertainment and grandstand events.
Highlights include the Fair Queen Pageant at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, the Demolition Derby at 7 p.m. Friday and the Badger State Tractor Pull at 7 p.m. Saturday. The midway will also feature unlimited ride wristbands Thursday night from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Daily admission begins at $5 on Thursday, with discounted season passes also available.
For a complete schedule of events and ticket information, visit jodaviesscountyfair.org.
IN CLOSING…
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Copy Edited by Eryn Lent