Afternoon News Update: February 12

A Cherry Valley man has died after a head on crash on US 20. 51-year-old Jeffery Whiting died overnight after following serious injuries he sustained in Tuesday evening's crash. It happened shortly after 9pm at Elgin Street and US 20 in Cherry Valley. The other victim remains injured and the cause of the crash has not yet been determined.
Police have made an arrest in a Rockford shooting. 51-year-old Charles Baisten has been accused of shooting a 44-year-old male victim Tuesday night in the 400 block of Salter. The victim is suffering from life threatening injuries after being hit in the leg and back. If he dies, Baisten will be charged with murder, along with aggravated battery of a firearm.
Here’s the latest on shooting at Rockford's North Towne Mall. Officials say 58-year-old Frederick Williams shot at his ex-wife’s boyfriend Tuesday morning, while she was opening up the Jackson Hewitt Tax Service. The bullet didn’t go all the way though due to the heavy coat he was wearing. Williams then fled the scene, but police were able to arrest him at his home. His bond is currently set at $500,000.
Illinois is trying to make it very clear that all hand-held cellphone use is now illegal. Motorists can only use speakerphones or headsets that feature voice-activated or one-digit dialing. Authorities are using posters, radio and TV ads, mailing inserts, and roadway message boards as a reminder. The law went into effect on January 1.
Illinois lawmakers are considering amending the state's new concealed carry legislation. However, the chief sponsor of the of the law says it’s too early to start making changes. The state hasn’t issued any permits yet, but some of the proposals would make it easier to get a permit, limit training hours, and would expand the list of locations where people would be allowed to carry weapons.
Beginning Thursday the inside northbound lane of North Mulford Rd will be closed due to underground telephone repair. Officials will have traffic control in place, but urge you to use another route. The work is expected to be completed by the end of the workday Friday, weather permitting.

Categories: News