Afternoon News Update: Monday December 29
- Emergency personnel in Rock County were put to the test early this afternoon, when a car went over a guard rail and into Turtle Creek. Authorities say it happened where White Avenue becomes Milwaukee Road, which is directly over Turtle Creek. Officials don't have a cause for the accident just yet, but the driver may have been unconscious.Rescuers were able to get the man out of the vehicle alive, but are not sure if the man is still unconscious. He was immediately taken to a local hospital.
- A new law beginning Jan. 1 in Illinois will treat e-cigarettes more like regular tobacco cigarettes. The law requires the electronic cigarettes to be sold behind the counter in an age-restricted area or in a sealed display case.
Several businesses are already in compliance. - A combined funeral service was held in Rockford today for four people gunned down at a home more than a week ago. Police have made no arrests in the killings of a woman, her boyfriend and her two young sons, ages six and four.
- Governor Pat Quinn has signed a plan that lets people charged with some minor traffic offenses pay penalties without a court appearance. Quinn says the legislation helps reduce the burden on drivers and the court system by cutting the number of "unnecessary minor cases." The law takes effect next month.
- The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will celebrate 10 years in 2015 with activities and events. The celebration falls during the year that also marks the 150th anniversaries of Lincoln's assassination and the Civil War's end.
- The Rockton Police Department is back to full staffing with the addition of two new officers. They will begin patrol duties shortly after the New Year. Officers Michael Reiman and Michael Heaton were sworn in last week.
- Parents and guardians will face bigger consequences starting next year for allowing underage drinking to occur under a new law. Adults can be fined up to $2,000 if they allow those under 21 to drink in vehicles, trailers, campers or boats under their ownership or control. If death occurs as a result, parents or guardians can be charged with a felony.
- The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office is offering free rides home on New Year’s Eve for the 34th year. Deputies will provide a free ride home for anyone who calls. The program helps to keep drunk drivers off the road. The rides on Dec. 31st will begin at 11pm and conclude at 4am.
- Gas prices continue to drop to historic lows in the Stateline. According to GasBuddy.com, gas prices dropped 10 cents in the past week and is now cheaper compared to the rest of the nation. Since June, gas prices in Illinois have dropped $1.60/g. Still, experts predict prices will continue to fall.
- A fight broke out at a Rockford night club this weekend. The brawl happened at Las Palmas Night Club on Main Street after the establishment reached capacity. Officers say dozens of people involved in the fight, fled the scene. A woman who was at the bar was transported to Rockford Memorial Hospital after she was allegedly struck in the head with a beer bottle. No arrests were made at the bar.
More From WROK 1440 AM / 96.1 FM
