Deborah Roberts has made her impact in the world with her successful journalism career but her new book, ‘Lessons Learned and Cherished The Teacher Who Changed My Life’ reflects on the teachers that made the biggest impact on her life. She starts off by sharing that the teacher who inspired her to write the book was her sixth grade English teacher Ms. Dorothy Hearty. Deborah describes her as a tough taskmaster who was very demanding. She says that she has such fond memories of her and how she had so much faith in her and believed that Deborah was a smart girl. As a journalist, Deborah was acutely aware that there is a morale crisis in teaching and that teachers are leaving the profession in record numbers. That is why she believes that now is a perfect time to highlight teachers and share our stories on how much they mean to us. One of Deborah’s favorite things about hearing people’s stories is that their favorite teachers aren’t always the nice and fuzzy ones but also the more strict and difficult teachers. Overall, Deborah hopes that her book inspires others to praise the teachers in their lives as well as donate to local organizations to help teachers.

For the 20th year the Angel of Hope vigil honors children lost in the community. Families and loved ones came out to honor their sons and daughters who passed away.

The Lee County Sheriff's Office received a report of a vehicle involved in the location of the hit-and-run, prompting the vehicle to be impounded and the owner to be questioned.

Student drivers in Rockford Public School's Driver Education program are getting a chance to learn about driving and fueling electric vehicles, thanks to a grant from ComEd.

The Winnebago County Animal Shelter is sounding the "Code Red" after maxing out capacity at its kennel.

Charity organizations give away free coats in Rockford

South Beloit Fire Department hosts blood drive

Families who lost children in 2023 will gather Friday night in downtown Rockford for a candlelight vigil in their memory.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has brought charges against Juan Reyes, 52, for falsifying training certificates required to obtain a concealed carry license.

Hard Rock donates canceled casino cards to Wesley Willows poker club

One person was hospitalized in critical condition on Tuesday after being hit by a car in Rockford.

The Rockford Police Department is investigating after an adult male with gunshot wounds was located.

Mercyhealth has given out 6 scholarships to help those pursuing a career in Emergency Medical Services. The scholarship will help pay for paramedic and EMT courses in full.