Winnebago County

The "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign began on August 21st, and area cops say they'll be keeping a close eye on the roads all the way through Labor Day Weekend.

I've long been a fan of dedicated men and women who run and staff Winnebago County Animal Services (WCAS), and their latest offering/promotion is one of the many reasons why.

It's not your imagination. You actually are paying more for a gallon of gas today than you did last month, and almost 25 cents more than you did last year at this time. And yes, the rise in prices is continuing.

Mother Nature has been in foul mood this summer, and with the recent (and upcoming) weather conditions, it appears that Rockford area boat owners are taking it on the chin again.

This summer, Mother Nature has been treating this area pretty much the same way a baby treats a diaper--heavy saturation with dangerous floating debris. This weekend, however, it looks like we're getting a break.

And by these guys, I mean ticks. Warmer weather is here and Winnebago County is already seeing an increased number in Lyme Disease cases over last year's numbers.

Our longtime friend, Ken Decoster, joins the WROK Morning Show every Tuesday after the 8:30am news to share the latest from both the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office and Crimestoppers. One of our topics this morning was the results of the weekend's "saturation patrols" of high crime areas.

Today is St. Patrick's Day. And, since St. Patrick's Day falls on a Friday, chances are many people will make this St. Patrick's Weekend. Since St. Patrick's Day/Weekend is second only to New Year's Eve as a drinking holiday, some will choose poorly and get behind the wheel after a lot of green beer.

Here in Winnebago County we don't keep up with the Kardashians, but we do keep up with the Cunninghams, Zimmermans, and Whiteheads. The list is out of the most common last names of residents of Winnebago County.

It's that magical time of year once again when refiners make the switch over to "summer-blend" gasoline--and raise their prices.