NTA FM Local News

Woman pistol whipped

Ken Decoster — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:08:00 GMT

Rockford Police say a woman was pistol whipped early this morning at the 1700 block of 111th Street. The victim tells police she was standing outside of her apartment when two or three white male suspects approached her. One suspect pulled a gun and pointed it at the woman. A struggle ensued and the suspect struck the woman on her forehead with the gun. The woman suffered minor injuries. The suspects drove off. The victim says she doesn't know her attackers and has no idea why they approached her. The supect with the gun is described as a white male in his 20's, 5'4, and 130 pounds. He was dressed in all black clothing.

Reclaiming First passes Illinois House

Ken Decoster — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:28:00 GMT

Reclaiming First clears another legislative hurdle. The Illinois House of Representatives Thursday approved legislation which gives Winnebago County officials the authority to increase the local hotel room tax by two percentage points. Proceeds from the higher hotel tax would go towards upgrading Sportscores One and Two and converting the Ingersoll Building in Downtown Rockford into an amateur sports facility.State Representative Joe Sosnowski says the legislation will help the local economy by bringing participants and their families to the region which will increase the amount of money spent at local restaurants and other area busineses.

Rockford man sentenced to prison for involuntary manslaughter

Ken Decoster — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:52:00 GMT

A Rockford man convicted of involuntary manslaughter earlier this year is being sentenced to five years in prison. Prosecutors say 60 year old Raymond Gitchell fatally stabbed 47 year old Terry Johnson at Gitchell's house at the 1800 block of South Fourth Street in December of 2011. Prosecutors say the two men had been arguing. Gitchell was also sentenced to one year of mandatory supervised release.

Motorcyclist killed in hit and run crash on 11th Street

Ken Decoster — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:12:00 GMT

A hit-and-run crash on Rockford's southeast side Wednesday night has turned fatal. Police say a motorcycle heading south at the 3200 block of 11th Street was hit by a northbound Sport Utility Vehicle that apparently turned in front of the motorcycle. The cyclist, 46 year old Scott Zwiefelhofer of Rockford , was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. Police this morning found the hit and run vehicle described as a white 2002 GMC Envoy with front end damage. Police say the vehicle was found abandoned near the intersection of Sewell Street and Alton Avenue. So far...no arrests in this incident.

Two businesses robbed at gunpoint

Ken Decoster — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:16:00 GMT

Rockford Police investigate a pair of armed robberies to local businesses. Police say a man with a gun robbed Dollar General, 3214 Auburn Street, at approximately 8:40 Tuesday night. The suspect was given some cash and then fled the store on foot. The suspect is described as a black man in his mid 30's. Police say he was wearing jeans, black shoes, a dark colored shirt, and a blue baseball cap. Police say a man robbed Road Ranger, 5330 East State Street, shortly before 4:30 this morning. Police say the suspect was given some cash and fled on foot, The suspect is described as a 30 year old black male with a thin build. He was wearing a dark colored hoodie. No one was hurt during either robbery.

Phone scam

Ken Decoster — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:11:00 GMT

Rockford Police report a phone scam. Police say individuals are receiving text messages on their mobile phones indicating their credit card account has been compromised. Police say the text instructs the targeted individuals to contact their credit card company or bank at a phone number provided in the text message. Police say when individuals contact that number purported to be for their bank or credit card company...they receive an automated message asking them to enter their credit card number to stop the fraudulent activity on the account. Police say once the victim enters his or her credit card number...it allows the suspect (s) access to use the account to make unauthorized purchases.

Janesville man sentenced to life in prison

Ken Decoster — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:57:00 GMT

A double murder on Rockford's southeast side three years ago results in a life sentence for the convicted killer. 29 year old Alexander Castillo of Janesville was sentenced to life behind bars for fatally shooting 34 year old Michael Clark and Clark's 29 year old wife, Christa, inside the couple's home at 2108 21st Street in May of 2010. Castillo was also sentenced to 51 years in prison for home invasion. Prosecutors say Castillo was acquainted with his victims.

Real estate tax bills in the mail

Ken Decoster — Mon, 13 May 2013 11:16:00 GMT

Attention Winnebago County property owners: 2012 real estate tax bills are in the mail. The first installment of the bills is due June 14th. The second installment is due September 6th. Tax payments can be made online by accessing the Winnebago County Treasurers Office website, through the mail, at most banks and credit unions, or in person at the Treasurers Office at 404 Elm Street. Delinquent taxpayers face a penalty of 1.5 percent/ per month.

Shots fired 1400 Ashland Avenue

Ken Decoster — Mon, 13 May 2013 11:13:00 GMT

A Rockford man is arrested for a pair of weapons violations. Police responded to reports of shots fired Sunday night at the 1400 block of Ashland Avenue. Police say the house at 1403 Ashland was hit by several bullets. No one inside was injured. Police say 21 year old Darius Dawson told authorities someone fired several shots at the house while Dawson was inside. Dawson says he walked outside and fired one shot towards the suspect. Dawson is charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and not having a valid Firearm Owners ID card. Police say two guns were recovered from the house.

Bustos and Kinzinger in Rockford

Ken Decoster — Fri, 10 May 2013 11:19:00 GMT

Two Northern Illinois Congressmen visit Rockford today. 16th District Republican Adam Kinzinger will tour the RMTD Transfer Station on Lyford Road at 10:30 this morning. Transit District officials say they'll update the Congressman on how federal funds have directly impacted the Rockford region. 17th District Democrat Cheri Bustos will visit the Chicago/Rockford International Airport this morning. Congresswoman Bustos and RFD Executive Director Mike Dunn will discus the airport's importance to the region's economy.