Freepod

Freepod

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

Episodes

July 23, 2026 21 mins
  1. City Council Update
  2. City of Freeport Gets New Salt Shed
  3. Traffic Control Added on Galena Avenue
  4. Firefighters Make Adjustments for Working in Extreme Heat
  5. Give Your Input on a City Land Acquisition Proposal
  6. Stockton Athlete Named Male Athlete of the Year
  7. Former Carroll County Deputy's Criminal Case Moves Forward
  8. Jo Daviess County Sheriff's Office Mourns Loss of K-9
  9. Ogle County Fair Needs Volunteers
  10. Cyclosporiasis Information
  11. Funding for Pr...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Agriculture is such a vital element of our community, and one small dairy in Freeport is doing its part to change the way we all look at dairy operations.

Freepod host Alan Wenzel sat down with the family behind Deerland Dairy to talk about the origins of their operation, as well as how they are doing things a little differently by utilizing a "cow to kitchen" approach to their dairy operations.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
July 16, 2026 16 mins
  1. FSD Cuts Bus Routes Due to Budget Deficit
  2. Freeport Beef-a-Roo Is Only Location Still Operating After Mass Layoffs
  3. YMCA Purchases New Facility
  4. Tickets on Sale for Freedom on the Rocks
  5. GFP Selected for Illinois Economic Development Pilot Program
  6. Audition Call for Winneshiek Theater
  7. Stephenson County Sheriff's Office Arrests Two Women on Drug Charges
  8. Drug Search in Jo Daviess County Yields 3 Arrests
  9. Mount Carroll Holding Fundraiser for Po...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Freeport is Pretzel City USA. But why can't you buy a pretzel in Freeport?

That riddle is over now as Freeport Pretzel Company has launched. Proprietors Alex Lavoilette and Dylan Shipley spoke to Freepod host Tim Connors about what brought the Freeport Pretzel Company to fruition and what they plan on rolling out in the future.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
July 9, 2026 25 mins
  1. Freeport City Council Meeeting Devolves into Chaos
  2. Stephenson County Gets Disaster Proclamation from State
  3. Tree Removal Underway with Mixed Response from Community
  4. Krape Park South Entrance Improvement Underway
  5. New Study Highlights HCC's Economic Impact on Region
  6. SRC Expanding Services to Jo Daviess County Thanks to FNWIL
  7. United Way Announces More than $250,000 in Local Grants
  8. Canyon Camp Celebrates 90 Years
  9. Special Interview with Cong...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

The Stephenson County Fair is one of the longest running county fairs in the state of Illinois. And this year's event is fast approaching.

Freepod host Alan Wenzel speaks with Kate Boyer, Executive Manager of the Stephenson County Fair, about new offerings, old favorites, and some returning events for the 2026 Stephenson County Fair.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
July 2, 2026 19 mins
  1. Electronic Recycling Event Brings in More than 20,000 Pounds of Waste
  2. Kuberski Named President Emeritus of Highland Community College
  3. Pearl City Names New Superintendent
  4. Freeport Art Museum Previews Façade Improvement Grant Project
  5. Northwest Illinois Safe Streets Plan Moving Forward
  6. Area Farmers Optimistic After June Rainfall
  7. 3 Injured in Grand Detour Bridge Crash
  8. Illinois Route 2 Roadwork Underway in Ogle County
  9. Cyberbullying Now Incl...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Freeport is full of talent. And one of the biggest names in town is Blackcat Manor.

Freepod host Tim Connors speaks with Kris Valkema, lead singer of Blackcat Manor, about the journey he's taken to national recognition in the music world.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
June 25, 2026 22 mins
  1. FPD Launches Safety Campaign
  2. Land Bank Transforms Formerly Blighted Property
  3. Stephenson County Unemployment Rates Dropped in April
  4. Volunteers Needed for Prairie Stewardship
  5. Ag Olympics Registration Coming Due
  6. Egg Prices Create Shock for Farmers
  7. June is Dairy Month
  8. Pec Playhouse to Break Ground on New Theater
  9. Former Mine Near Galena Cited as Health Risk
  10. Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation Receives State Praise
  11. Major Resurfacing Project Und...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In its 64 years of serving northwest Illinois, Highland Community College has only ever had 9 people serve as President. But next month, that number goes to 10.

Alan Wenzel spoke with outgoing President Chris Kuberski, incoming President Dr. Jamal Scott, and Chair of the Board of Trustees Doug Block about the legacy Chris leaves behind, the future envisioned by Jamal, and the hopes and needs of the community Highland serves.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
June 18, 2026 23 mins
  1. Neighborhood Watch Meetings Moving to Central Location
  2. Freeport Fire Requests an Increase in Ambulance Fee
  3. Carroll County Deputies Honored for Bravery
  4. DeMeester's Greenhouse to Go Up For Auction
  5. Major Bridge Construction on US-20 Heading to Iowa
  6. NIBNA Releases Crane Count Numbers
  7. Highland Releases Dean's List for Spring 2026
  8. Stephenson County Fair Books Available Now
  9. CFNIL Grants Opening Soon
  10. Small Food Pantries Get Access to a New Gran...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

The St. Vincent de Paul charity is probably best known for its second-hand stores across the country. Even though the charity does not have a storefront in Freeport, it is still doing good in our community.

Freepod host Becky Connors speaks with Barb Eberle of the Freeport St. Vincent de Paul to learn more about what services the charity offers to all of Stephenson county.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
June 11, 2026 19 mins
  1. Sorenson Seeks $4M in Federal Funding for Albertus Airport
  2. Deininger Floral Receives Façade Improvement Grant
  3. FHS Student Garden Program Expands
  4. Freeport Art Contest Launches
  5. Night Sky Events with Firebaugh Observatory
  6. Sign Up For Pickleball at Krape Park
  7. Dakota Softball Wins State Championship
  8. Galena Named Runner-Up for Best Small Town in the Midwest
  9. Hanover Fire Department Receives State Grant
  10. Illinois Schools Get Moderate Raise in Fu...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

The world of antiques has a lot to offer for people from all walks of life. Freepod host Tim Connors spoke to John Grider of Mac & Cheese Antiques in Stockton, Illinois about the current state of antiques and the broader appeal of these shops.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
June 4, 2026 21 mins
  1. Freeport City Council Fails to Censure Alderwoman
  2. Small Business Administration Makes Diaster Loans Available
  3. LWPC Girls Track and Field Finishes Season on Top
  4. Honoring a Former HCC Athletic Director
  5. FACC/UIC Offering No Insurance Street Medicine
  6. Highlighting a Façade Improvement Grant Winner
  7. Mosquito Abatement Begins in Freeport
  8. Music on Chicago Returns
  9. UW of Ogle County Brings Back Summer Eats Meal Program
  10. Jo Daviess County Shares Re...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Parkview Home in Freeport is preparing to celebrate 100 years of service to our community.

Freepod host Becky Connors spoke with Ferol Labash and Kourtney Kraft about the history of the long-term care facility and their plans for their centennial celebration.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
May 28, 2026 22 mins
  1. Aquin Academy Announces Closure
  2. Freeport Man Charged with Intent to Deliver Fentanyl
  3. HCC Nursing Program Gets Reaccreditation
  4. Shawnee-Hancock Viaduct is Open
  5. RAMP Offering Free Communication Devices for Area Residents
  6. Galena & US Grant Museum Gets Major Gift
  7. Jo Daviess County Transitioning to New Emergency Notification System
  8. Stellantis Prepares to Reopen Belvidere Plant
  9. RFD Adds New Destinations
  10. Legislature Approves Amendments to C...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Freeport has long prided itself as Pretzel City, USA. But, as it turns out, we're not the only community celebrating the twisted treat.

Freepod host Tim Connors traveled to Lititz, Pennsylvania to speak with former mayor Tim Snyder. The two Tims worked together to forge a sister city agreement based on both towns' storied histories with the pretzel. Connors and Snyder talk about parallels between the two towns, as well as how this r...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
May 21, 2026 21 mins
  1. Lena Man Sentenced to 150 Years in Prison for Exploiting Children
  2. ComEd Rate Spike Announced
  3. FPD Announces "Click It or Ticket" Crackdown
  4. Ogle County Sheriff Releases Distracted Driving Enforcement Numbers
  5. Seaga Manufacturing Acquires Micromarket Company
  6. FSD Names New Principals
  7. Stephenson County Fair Looking for Junior Volunteers
  8. YIELD Program Has Extra Trees Available
  9. Pecatonica High School Wins Voter Registration Award
  10. JDCF Welcomes ...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
May 19, 2026 23 mins

If you've driven through Lena in the last few years, you likely saw the fighter jet sitting outside of Lena Brewing Company. Now, that jet is being placed in its permanent home.

Freepod host Alan Wenzel spoke with Bing Wells about the upcoming dedication event taking place in Lena. Bing Wells is a life-long resident of Lena and is a retired 30 year employee of the Illinois State Police. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    Hey Jonas! The official Jonas Brothers podcast. Hosted by Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas. It’s the Jonas Brothers you know... musicians, actors, and well, yes, brothers. Now, they’re sharing another side of themselves in the playful, intimate, and irreverent way only they can. Spend time with the Jonas Brothers here and stay a little bit longer for deep conversations like never before.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    Betrayal Weekly

    Betrayal Weekly is back for a new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. If you would like to share your story, you can reach out to the Betrayal Team by emailing them at betrayalpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.

    The Bobby Bones Show

    Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.

  • Help
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • AdChoicesAd Choices