Afternoon News Update: Thursday March 5

Gov. Bruce Rauner will be visiting both Freeport and Rockford as part of his 'Plan to Empower Illinois Taxpayers' tour. He will speak in Freeport at 3pm and at the Praire Street Brewhouse in Rockford at 4:30.
A Rockford man who has helped distribute thousands of Memorial Day flags for decades will have some young assistants this year. Boys and Girls Club members will take part in handing out and setting up U.S. flags for the May holiday. Eighty-eight-year-old Lee Hartsfield welcomes the kids' help. He says they will continue his efforts when he's no longer able to do so.
Rockford's Mayor Larry Morrissey will deliver his 10th annual State of the City address at 6 p.m. tonight. The speech will take place at the Nordlof Center in Downtown Rockford. The mayor's main focus will be on Rockford's sustainability. He will touch on economic development partnerships and the redevelopment of the downtown.
The new sheriff in Winnebago County says he needs thousands of dollars to make the county safer. Sheriff Gary Caruana proposed his $717,000 public safety plan to the county's public safety committee last night. The sheriff says he wants to focus on three issues: the Winnebago County 911 Center, forming a Tactical Unit and more officer training. Right now there are 18 employees at the staffing center.
State Rep. John Cabello recently introduced a bill to have the death penalty reinstated in Illinois. The last execution in the state was in 1999. Former Governor George Ryan put a moratorium on executions. Then in 2011, the death penalty was formally abolished. Cabello wants to revisit the idea and understand how they officials can deal with crime rates.
Illinois officials are reminding hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts to renew their state licenses. The new license year begins April 1 for hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation. Officials say a combination one for fishing, hunting and sportsman is being offered for 2015 through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Rockford Airfest is boasting a new twist to it's annual "Run the Runway" race. This year, stateliners will be able to run alongside some of the Airfest performers. Participants can choose between a 5K or 1 mile run and there's also a fun run for the kids. The event takes place on June 5^th and all proceeds go toward Winnebago County CASA, and United Way of Rock River Valley.
The owner of a local Rockford bar is out of jail after being arrested for a marijuana operation. 46-year-old Greg Kowalski, former owner of Fatty McGee’s bar on East State St., bonded out of jail yesterday morning. Officials say he paid $10,000 in cash to do so. Court documents show he faces two felony counts for allegedly growing, packaging, and delivering marijuana from the basement of his closed bar.

Categories: Articles