Freepod

Freepod

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

Episodes

October 29, 2026 • 13 mins
  1. Stephenson County Board Challenges GFP on Tourism Spending Figures
  2. Stephenson County Votes to Hold Property Tax Levy Even
  3. Freeport School District Holding Public Hearing on Tax Levy
  4. City of Freeport Announces Project Updates
  5. South Street Repaving Delayed
  6. Leaf Pickup Begins November 2
  7. Jo Daviess County Considering Nearly $460,000 in Bridge Repairs
  8. Rochelle to Consider Revised Data Center Agreement
  9. College Fair at HCC
  10. Farmer's Market Movi...
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On November 3, the people get to vote for who they want to represent them in the halls of government, from the local level to the national. One such candidate is Paul Nolley, the Democratic Party's nominee for Illinois's 16th District in the US House of Representatives.

Freepod host Alan Wenzel spoke to Nolley about his campaign and what he views as the most important issues facing the people of the district.

*Freepod did reach out t...

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October 22, 2026 • 18 mins
  1. Freeport Police Respond to Rumors of Weapon at Middle School
  2. Jo Daviess County Board Establishes Policy on Large-Scale Data Centers
  3. FNWIL Announces Creation of Rural Vitality Coalition
  4. Freeport Art Museum Offers Grants for Local Artists
  5. Luecke's Celebrates 105 Years
  6. Pat Norman Honored by Illinois Boys & Girls Club
  7. Nicor Gas Rate Lawsuit Settlement Approved
  8. Music at the Museum in Savanna
  9. HCC Fall Instrumental Music Concert
  10. Rochelle F...
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So much work has already been done on downtown Freeport in the past few years. But thanks to a new program the city of Freeport qualified for, even more growth is on the horizon.

Freepod host Tim Connors spoke with Katie Gentz and Leslie Mastroianni from the Greater Freeport Partnership about Recast, a program that teaches local leaders about the skills and opportunities to help communities thrive.

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October 15, 2026 • 19 mins
  1. Old Union School Gets Approved for Demolition
  2. East Dubuque Man Charged Following Investigation into Child Sexual Abuse Materials
  3. Judge Rejects Defense Requests in Jackson Kradle Case
  4. Molly's Announces Closure
  5. Curb Leaf Pick Up Reminder
  6. Freeport Park District Announces Parents' Night Out and Parent & Me Tea
  7. Amity's Attic Turns 30
  8. Federal Government Rejects Illinois Disaster Relief
  9. Pritzker Declares Diesel Disaster in Illinois
  10. Google ...
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October 13, 2026 • 34 mins

Dr. Ed Finch was a giant in the Freeport community. A lifelong educator, both in formal and informal settings, Dr. Finch had a mind and passion for history. From his days at Freeport High School to his time with the Stephenson County Historical Society, Dr. Finch's wit and wisdom touched so many lives in our community.

Freepod hosts, Tim & Becky Connors and Alan Wenzel, all long-time friends of Dr. Finch, talk about the legacy o...

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October 8, 2026 • 18 mins
  1. Stephenson County Sheriff Launches Autism Friendly Program
  2. City of Freeport Gets Credit Rating Upgraded
  3. GFP Receives State Tourism Marketing Grant
  4. Freeport Mayor Seeking Individuals for Planning Commission
  5. Albertus Airport Receives State Honors
  6. Freeport Native Retires from United States Marine Band
  7. Freeport Hostage Taker Sentenced to More than 15 Years in Prison
  8. Community Raises Concerns Over BNSF Bridge in Carroll County
  9. East Dubuque ...
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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 explain...

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October 1, 2026 • 17 mins
  1. Freeport's 2027 Budget Raises Questions About Spending and Transparency
  2. GFP and City of Freeport Disagree Over Funding
  3. FSD to Host "Talk Show" for Open Dialogue with Community
  4. Freeport Public Library Features Display by First Kid Librarian
  5. Pearl City Couple Receives 4-H Recognition
  6. Freeport Photo Contest Winner Announced
  7. Downtown Sculpture Walk Updated
  8. Sterling Deactivates All Flock Cameras
  9. JJ & Freddie's Moving to Lake Carroll
  10. Illi...
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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 Free...

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September 24, 2026 • 17 mins
  1. Freeport Debates What to Do with Stray Cat Colonies
  2. Jo Daviess Zoning Change Fails to Pass
  3. Rochelle Considering Program to Buy and Rehabilitate Vacant Downtown Buildings
  4. Mount Carroll Planning Downtown Sidewalk Improvements
  5. Jo Daviess County Seeks Public Input on Future Senior Services
  6. Ogle County Adopts Policy on Artificial Intelligence
  7. CFNIL Seeking Nominees for Excalibur Excelsior Awards
  8. Midterm Election Ballots Released
  9. Recycling E...
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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.

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September 17, 2026 • 20 mins
  1. 2 Dead, 1 Injured in Car versus Cow Crash
  2. Controversial Nomination to Freeport Public Library Board Gets Voted Down
  3. Six More Floodway Properties Slotted for Demolition
  4. Stephenson County Faces Expensive Problem with Aging Snowplow Fleet
  5. Public Input Requested on Freeport City Budget
  6. City of Freeport Seeks Input on Safe Routes to School
  7. Freeport Art Museum Unveils Semiquicentennial Mural
  8. Stephenson County Tourism Sees a Rise in 2025
  9. Life...
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September 15, 2026 • 19 mins

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.

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September 10, 2026 • 18 mins
  1. Polo School Board Member Dies in Golf-Cart Crash
  2. FHS Celebrates 100 Years
  3. Elizabeth Woman Named to Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame
  4. Jo Daviess County Dedicates 911 Center to Honor Longtime Chairman
  5. Savanna Army Depot Environmental Cleanup Remains Active
  6. Free Kidney Screening Offered at the Y
  7. Pool and Pickleball are Back at the Y
  8. HCC Youth Choir Readies for First Rehearsal
  9. Student Work on Display at HCC Gallery
  10. Freeport Park District Hosts Lego...
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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.

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September 3, 2026 • 19 mins
  1. West Nile Virus Confirmed in Carroll County
  2. Jo Daviess Zoning Amendments Sent Back to County Board
  3. A New Downtown Pocket Park is Gaining Traction
  4. Park to Clark Roadwork Underway
  5. Jo Daviess Approves Consolidating Public Housing with Winnebago County
  6. Freeport Park District Announces Upcoming Bus Trips
  7. Apple Orchard Season is Here Early
  8. Ben Zobrist Day is Here
  9. Pritzker Signs New Law Governing E-Bikes
  10. Illinois Gets More Than $1B for Broadba...
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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 Eb...

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August 27, 2026 • 18 mins
  1. Stephenson County Considers Moratorium on Data Centers
  2. City of Freeport Approves Ordinance Aimed to Protecting City Workers
  3. Rental Rates in Freeport on the Rise
  4. Carroll County Considers Paratransit Grant
  5. Rochelle High School Gets Green Light for New Fieldhouse
  6. Trial Date Set in Jackson Kradle Case
  7. Major Road Work Underway North of Galena
  8. GFP Receives Renewed Status
  9. New Mural Set for Unveiling
  10. FNWIL Seeking Input on Life in the Region
  11. Dat...
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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.

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