Afternoon News Update: Wednesday October 15

The Belvidere Teachers Union and School board have reached a tentative contract agreement. The teachers union will meet later today to vote on whether or not to accept it. This comes just a day after Belvidere teachers were afternoon picketing, while the school district sent out word to parents warning them of a possible strike.
Rockford officials claim taxpayers are subsidizing two of its citywide waste collection programs and they want nearby municipalities to help cover the costs. The city administrator says dealing with household hazardous and electronic waste is a regional issue that should also be addressed by other communities, not just Rockford.
Rockford Police are investigating an armed robbery attempt that resulted in the shooting of a man in the leg at a home. It happened at around 4:30pm yesterday afternoon. Police say a group of people were at a social gathering in the 2200 block of 10th St. when an armed man entered and tried rob them. A 20-year-old man was wounded in the leg. But the wound is not life-threatening.
A Rockford child is in the hospital after being hit by a car. It happened this morning at Walker School. Police say a parent dropped off her two children, ages seven and 10, across the street from the school. A vehicle then struck the seven-year old while she was crossing the street and dragged her a short distance. The child was transported to the hospital with a leg or foot injury. The other driver wasn't cited.
A groundbreaking ceremony is planned tomorrow for a $43 million jet repair facility at Rockford International Airport even as officials continue sorting out how to pay for the project. The state of Illinois has committed $15 million for construction and airport officials are looking for $10 million in federal funds.
Illinois health officials are launching a hotline later this week to answer the public's questions about Ebola. The director of the state's public health department says he wants to reassure residents after news that a second Dallas hospital employee has tested positive for Ebola.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says nagging wet weather continues to hinder harvesting in Illinois. As of Sunday, just 35 percent of the corn crop has been cut, short of the pace of the previous five years. The USDA also says just 29 percent of Illinois' soybean crop is in.
Governor Pat Quinn got an annual flu shot in part to help remind Illinois residents about the importance of an annual vaccination. The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends that everyone six months of age and older get a flu vaccination every year.
Authorities say a Huntley man has been arrested after investigators found about $43,000 in drugs in his home and an automobile he was driving. Troy Grimes was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Officials say the arrest came after an investigation by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office.

Categories: Local News, News