Afternoon News Update: February 28

The name of a Rockford woman who was killed in a fire has been released. Officials report that 58-year-old Jill DuPree died in the blaze on the city's east side. The incident happened Thursday evening in the 400 block of Gramercy Court. The coroner says she was burned beyond recognition. Her cause of death is still pending.
Potholes in the Stateline area are becoming a huge concern. That’s why county crews have been braving all elements to get them filled. Officials say the potholes are among the worst they have ever seen.
An alleged Craigslist armed robber has been arrested. 22-year-old Trivell Smith faces two accounts each of aggravated robbery and theft. Police say victims would post items for sale on the website with Smith posing as the buyer. When meeting in person, he would then rob them. Smith is currently being held on a $13,000 bond and is due to appear in court on March 31.
The FBI has released its list on violent crime in US cities and Rockford ranks near the top. The list ranked the most dangerous cities with a population under 200,000. The Forest City came in at #3. Like most cities on the list though, violent crime actually dropped within the last year.
Illinois State Police say the agency is preparing to issue the state's first concealed carry permits. Gun owners began applying for the permits in January with more than 46,000 applications being put in. Police currently receive about 400 a day. Once the paperwork is accepted, the license is good for five years. The owner then has to reapply and take an additional three hours of training. Illinois is the last state in the nation to allow people to carry concealed guns.
A recent audit determines that Rockford has one of the worst funded municipal pension systems in the state. The Illinois Policy Institute states the Forest City has more governmental retirees collecting benefits than active public employees. They say this forces Rockford tax payers to pick up the tab. Residents pay three times more toward city pensions, with each household being liable for almost $4,000. Pension costs also consume a third of the city’s general fund property taxes. According to the report, this puts taxpayers at risk of owing more to an unsustainable system.
Several local fire departments are getting some much needed life-saving equipment. Governor Pat Quinn and the State Fire Marshall announced that $4 million will go towards 193 fire departments across the state. Belvidere and Harlem-Roscoe are some of the Stateline ones receiving the grant. The money will be used to buy items such as protective clothing, breathing apparatus and safety equipment.
Everyone in the Stateline area wants to see the winner take all game tonight between Boylan and Auburn. Officials say though, if you don’t have a ticket, don’t show up. The two teams will square off tonight at Auburn in front of a sold out crowd to determine the NIC 10 Conference Champion.

Categories: News