Afternoon News Update: March 3

Three people have been rushed to the hospital including two kids after a rollover accident this morning. The incident happened around 8:30am in Sycamore at Plank Road and North Grove Road. Police say 31-year-old Teresa Henneberg of Woodale lost control of her SUV after hitting a patch of ice. The conditions of the three people are unknown at this time.
A truck driver who’s accused of killing an Illinois Tollway worker and injuring a state trooper in a crash has pleaded not guilty. Officials say 46-year-old Renato Velasquez entered the plea today in a DuPage County Courtroom. Velasquez faces multiple felony charges, including driving while fatigued and falsifying truck driving logs. The Interstate 88 crash killed worker Vincent Petrella and critically injured Trooper Douglas Balder who is still in intensive care. The incident happened near Aurora back in late January.
An elderly woman who wandered away from her northern Illinois home has been found dead in the snow. Officials say the women’s body was found Saturday near Huntley along a roadside by a passing driver. Police say she died from exposure to the cold and may have had dementia. The women’s identity has not been confirmed yet.
Icy conditions and snow piles will delay trash pick-up for some Rockford residents. Rock River Disposal says freeze and thaw cycles have made many alleys inaccessible for their trucks. As a result, trash pick-up will be delayed for those residents throughout the week. Citizens are advised to place their trash at the curve until conditions change.
Today marks the start of early voting for the March 18th primary. In addition to the Republican contest for U.S. Senate and the race for governor, there are scores of contested races for Congress and the state Legislature. The last day to vote early is March 15th.
Don’t forget, you can hear the Republican Candidates for Governor, debate live from Champaign. Coverage begins at 7pm right here on WROK or on simulcast at the same time though our news partner WQRF/FOX 39.
Tornado sirens across Illinois are preparing to sound as part of a statewide emergency preparedness drill. The National Weather Service says the drill will take place Tuesday morning in every Illinois County. March is Severe Weather Preparedness Month throughout the state.
Temperatures continue to plummet in Rockford, but there is one thing on the rise, gas prices. They rose 13 cents in the past week, settling at $3.63/gallon. According to GasBuddy.com, Rockford drivers are spending nearly 20 cents more than the rest of the nation. They also believe it’s only going to get worse. Gas prices were 35 cents lower at this time last month.

Categories: News