Freepod

A podcast bringing you the latest news from Freeport, Illinois.

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Avg 18 min
English

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#143
Yesterday · 18 min
October 8, 2026
Stephenson County Sheriff Launches Autism Friendly Program City of Freeport Gets Credit Rating Upgraded GFP Receives State Tourism Marketing Grant Freeport Mayor Seeking Individuals for Planning Commission Albertus Airport Receives State Honors Freeport Native Retires from United States Marine Band Freeport Hostage Taker Sentenced to More than 15 Years in Prison Community Raises Concerns Over BNSF Bridge in Carroll County East Dubuque Housing Development Gets Closer to Construction Berning Acres Opens Agritourism Venture New Report Claims Data Centers Could Create 120,000 Jobs in Illinois HCC Students to Give Free Performance Accessible Bird & Nature Event at Krape Park RAMP Hosting Breaking Barriers Luncheon Wine & Witches Returns Remembering Ed Finch
Tuesday · 19 min
Freepod Investigates - ALPR/Flock Cameras
They’re watching thousands of vehicles travel Northwest Illinois every day — but are automatic license plate readers an essential crime-fighting tool or a growing threat to privacy? In this special investigative report, Freepod News Director Jim Yeager examines the expanding use of ALPRs, often called Flock cameras, and how law enforcement uses the information they collect. Stephenson County Sheriff Steve Stovall explains how the technology has helped local investigations, while privacy expert Dorothea Salo raises concerns about surveillance, data access, and potential abuse. With communities across Illinois taking very different approaches to the technology, we explore the question at the center of the controversy: Where should we draw the line between public safety and personal privacy?
#142
October 1 · 17 min
October 1, 2026
Freeport's 2027 Budget Raises Questions About Spending and Transparency GFP and City of Freeport Disagree Over Funding FSD to Host "Talk Show" for Open Dialogue with Community Freeport Public Library Features Display by First Kid Librarian Pearl City Couple Receives 4-H Recognition Freeport Photo Contest Winner Announced Downtown Sculpture Walk Updated Sterling Deactivates All Flock Cameras JJ & Freddie's Moving to Lake Carroll Illinois Closing Visitor Information Centers Pritzker Creates AI Cabinet Teen Dance & Glow Bingo with Park District Oakdale Fall Festival Autumn Leaf Run Oktoberfest in Galena Bats of Illinois
September 29 · 14 min
Freepod Interview - Tina Cannova and Carla Donaldson of Two Friends Art Studio
Downtown Freeport has a new destination for creativity! Freepod host Tim Connors sits down with Tina Cannova and Carla Donaldson, the owners of the newly opened Two Friends Art Studio. They discuss the inspiration behind their new venture, their passion for art, and their vision for bringing people together through creativity. Get to know the two friends behind the studio and learn more about this exciting addition to downtown Freeport.
#141
September 24 · 17 min
September 24, 2026
Freeport Debates What to Do with Stray Cat Colonies Jo Daviess Zoning Change Fails to Pass Rochelle Considering Program to Buy and Rehabilitate Vacant Downtown Buildings Mount Carroll Planning Downtown Sidewalk Improvements Jo Daviess County Seeks Public Input on Future Senior Services Ogle County Adopts Policy on Artificial Intelligence CFNIL Seeking Nominees for Excalibur Excelsior Awards Midterm Election Ballots Released Recycling Event In Mt. Carroll Stockton Volleyball Starting the Season Red Hot Pritzker Administration Warns of Possible Public Health Insurance Loss Freeport Park District Announces Play and Pause for Youth Scarecrow Decorating Contest Kiwanis Pretzel Day is Coming Freeport Community Concert
September 22 · 16 min
Freepod Interview - Jazmin Wingert, Stephenson County Clerk
Elections are a central component of a functional democracy. But those elections can only happen with the guiding hand of civil servants and volunteers. Freepod host Alan Wenzel sat down with Jazmin Wingert, Stephenson County Clerk, to talk about the processes involved in the upcoming November election.
#140
September 17 · 20 min
September 17, 2026
2 Dead, 1 Injured in Car versus Cow Crash Controversial Nomination to Freeport Public Library Board Gets Voted Down Six More Floodway Properties Slotted for Demolition Stephenson County Faces Expensive Problem with Aging Snowplow Fleet Public Input Requested on Freeport City Budget City of Freeport Seeks Input on Safe Routes to School Freeport Art Museum Unveils Semiquicentennial Mural Stephenson County Tourism Sees a Rise in 2025 Lifelong Learning Class at HCC in October Freeport Public Library Hosting Lego League School Bus Overturns Near Stockton Illinois Putting $26M into Grocery-Access Programs Medical-Aid-In-Dying Law Takes Effect Backroad Raceway Returns at Stephenson County Fairgrounds LWV Hosting Candidate Forum Pretzel City Brewfest Returns
September 15 · 19 min
Freepod Interview - Pretzel City Brewfest
The Pretzel City Brewfest has been going strong for several years now, bringing in visitors from all over. But the group behind the event aren't resting on their laurels. Freepod host Tim Connors spoke with Katie Gentz and Nicole Haas from the Greater Freeport Partnership, about some big changes coming to the annual event on September 26.
#139
September 10 · 18 min
September 10, 2026
Polo School Board Member Dies in Golf-Cart Crash FHS Celebrates 100 Years Elizabeth Woman Named to Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame Jo Daviess County Dedicates 911 Center to Honor Longtime Chairman Savanna Army Depot Environmental Cleanup Remains Active Free Kidney Screening Offered at the Y Pool and Pickleball are Back at the Y HCC Youth Choir Readies for First Rehearsal Student Work on Display at HCC Gallery Freeport Park District Hosts Lego Competition Jo-Carroll Recycling Event IFT Asks for Social Media Settlement Money to Go Towards Schools Diesel Prices Hit A New Record High Freeport Fire Hosting 25th Anniversary Ceremony for 9/11 Lena Fall Festival Returns SRC Brings Back Better Balance & Strength for Older Adults Meet Remarkable Women of World War I Constitution Day Presentation at HCC Library
September 8 · 9 min
Freepod Interview - Jeff Modica of Albertus Airport
Albertus Airport just outside of Freeport is undergoing some major improvements to help provide a more positive first impression for visitors arriving through the air. Freepod host Alan Wenzel spoke to Jeff Modica, manager of Albertus Airport, about the history of the airport, what services they offer, and what the new changes should bring to the area.
#138
September 3 · 19 min
September 3, 2026
West Nile Virus Confirmed in Carroll County Jo Daviess Zoning Amendments Sent Back to County Board A New Downtown Pocket Park is Gaining Traction Park to Clark Roadwork Underway Jo Daviess Approves Consolidating Public Housing with Winnebago County Freeport Park District Announces Upcoming Bus Trips Apple Orchard Season is Here Early Ben Zobrist Day is Here Pritzker Signs New Law Governing E-Bikes Illinois Gets More Than $1B for Broadband Expansion Cast Iron Chef in Elizabeth Jane Addams Birthday Celebration SRC Holding Medicare Basics Class Labor Day Train Rides History of Labor Day Dolly Parton's Impact on Northwest Illinois
September 1 · 16 min
Freepod Interview - FHS Centennial Celebration
As so many people have noted, the Freeport High School building is a unique and beautiful building, especially for a school building. And as the building celebrates its 100th anniversary, a special celebration is being planned for current students, alumni, and community members to come learn more about the history of this special building. Freepod host Tim Connors spoke with Principal Sarah Hasken and Social Studies chair Whitney Eberle about what the committee has planned for the event on September 12.
#137
August 27 · 18 min
August 27, 2026
Stephenson County Considers Moratorium on Data Centers City of Freeport Approves Ordinance Aimed to Protecting City Workers Rental Rates in Freeport on the Rise Carroll County Considers Paratransit Grant Rochelle High School Gets Green Light for New Fieldhouse Trial Date Set in Jackson Kradle Case Major Road Work Underway North of Galena GFP Receives Renewed Status New Mural Set for Unveiling FNWIL Seeking Input on Life in the Region Data Centers Become Key Focus in Governor's Race VOICES Prepares for Annual Mum Sale Willy Wonka Auditions at FHS FAM Hosting Homeschool Art Classes Panel Presentation on Farming Through the Years NIBNA Hosts Presentation on Chimney Swifts
August 25 · 16 min
Freepod Interview - Mark Mannino of NWIL Air Show
Five years ago, Mark Mannino put on the first Northwest Illinois Air Show as a way of blending his passions for history and aircrafts along with his desire to have a family friendly event for the community. Freepod host Alan Wenzel met up with Mark to talk about what this year's show has in store on September 19th.
#136
August 20 · 22 min
August 20, 2026
City Council Votes to Not Renew Agreement with GFP Freeport PD to Increase Enforcement During Labor Day Weekend Bridge Work on Route 75/Stephenson St. City Photo Contest is Underway New Sculptures Coming to Downtown HCC Trustee Named President of State Association Public Hearing Set for Zoning Changes in Jo Daviess County Timber Lake Playhouse Needs Donations Regional Corn Producers Are Facing Growing Challenges Illinois Surpasses 200 Tornadoes in Record-Breaking Year Pearl City Boulevard Bash Paint the Port Eats & Beats Stephenson County Historical Museum Ice Cream Social Galena's 200th Birthday
August 18 · 16 min
Freepod Interview - Andy Fruth of Kiwanis Club of Freeport
There is no shortage of opportunities to serve the community. And one organization that has been serving Freeport for more than 100 years would love to have you join. Freepod host Tim Connors spoke with Andy Fruth, president of the Kiwanis Club of Freeport, about what that group is doing in and for the Pretzel City, as well as what it means to have "Pretzel Pride."
#135
August 13 · 21 min
August 13, 2026
Stockton Receives State Grant for 180-Acre Industrial Park Ogle County Phasing Out Emergency Sirens Jo Daviess County Water Testing Indicates Elevated PFAS Levels Carroll County Sheriff Looking for Help in Identifying Vehicle Burglars Anytime Fitness Announces Its Closing DeMeester's Announces New Ownership MercyHealth to Give Away Diapers Virginia Ames Named HCC Foundation Lifetime Achievement Winner HCC Recognizes All-Academic Athletes World Series MVP Coming to Little Cubs Field Ogle County May Take Control of Part of Lorado Taft Field Campus IL Offers Temporary Reduction on Sales Tax Trump Administration Denied Access to Illinois Voter Data RAMP River Run Hope WINS Hosting a Car Wash A Day at the Racetrack Park District Hosts Crafternoon & Explore Program for Youth
August 11 · 26 min
Freepod Interview - Amera Striegel of Stephenson County Farmer's Market
There are few delights in the midwest quite like a good farmer's market. And here in Freeport we have a gem in the Stephenson County Farmer's Market. Freepod News Director Jim Yeager spoke with Amera Striegel, manager of the Stephenson County Farmer's Market, about big changes at the market and what kind of benefits exist for our community when they visit the downtown market.
#134
August 6 · 17 min
August 6, 2026
Debate Over Northern Illinois Enterprise Zone Freeport Announces Schedule for Neighborhood Watch Replacement Two Stephenson County Murder Trials Conclude in Convictions Orangeville Man Arrested on Major Narcotics Charges Jo Daviess Man Arrested for Multiple Breaks Ins School Registration Continues Paityn London Commits to DePaul Basketball Freeport Freedom Finishes Incredible Season Freeport Art Museum Opens Two New Exhibits CUB Testimony Accuses ComEd of More Than $1B in Questionable Spending Biodiesel Set to Become Bigger Player in Illinois Economy Pritzker Signs Landmark Bill Aimed at Curbing Youth Social Media Usage Lincoln-Douglas 5K This Weekend Hope WINS Backpack Bash Cover Crop Program Coming to Lena This Week's Programs at Senior Resource Center SCHD Offering Free School Physicals
August 4 · 15 min
Freepod Interview: Linsey McDanel of Hope WINS
For families in the Freeport area struggling to find healthy connections with their children, a local organization exists specifically to help children find and build relationships. Freepod host Alan Wenzel spoke with Linsey McDanel, founder & leader of Hope WINS, about the origins of her organization and the important work they are doing in our community.

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