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Chamber of Commerce Halloween Spook-Tacular Lincoln Mall 2009
Whole Body Studio and Spa Teams with United Way of Northwestern Illinois for National Yoga Day USA Saturday January 23, 2010 from 9-10 am. Details Click Here
2009: What a Year!  An Editorial View from founder Keith Bardell
It all started in late 2007. The idea of having the local news and events documented online. There were many questions and many ideas. Figuring out where to go from there, having an idea, to making it a reality, was a journey in itself. They say that if you have a plan, you are half-way there. So, the decision was made to make a plan. To make the plan workable, it had to be meticulously thought out and written down. I made the decision to go back to college in order to accomplish this. Exploring all of the options available began to make a fuzzy picture look a little more clear. Much research was done to compile a 30 page business plan, and an additional marketing plan. Research and reality can be two different things, so I set out on foot to talk to as many local business owners about their wants and needs for advertising. As all of the paperwork began to take shape, it was time to put up a website. The original name for SeeFreeNews.com was The Launchpad Independent. Even I didn’t like it. After an extensive search, I purchased the name SeeFreeNews.com. It wasn’t long before another site on the internet popped up using my name. They also claimed to be an online newspaper, but were using my name. After many emails back and forth to microsoft, they confirmed that I had, indeed, secured the name prior to the other company using it. After many failed attempts to get them to stop using my name, I convinced their hosting company to remove their site due to copyright infringement. I had won my first legal battle to use the name SeeFreeNews.com. Knowing how lucky I was to get such a memorable name, I wasn’t about to give it up. During my time at the college, I also witnessed the opening, and quick closing of The Focus. I had gone in once to talk to Dan Stevens about possibly working together, since he had no website, and I had no printed newspaper. I guess he didn’t think it was a good idea. We followed the Focus in school. We had information about exactly how much money they had to start it up, and predicted that it would fold in four months. We were pretty close. I was sorry to see it close, since I really had no interest in doing negative news and the daily docket type things. This helped me decide to stick to a niche market of doing "the happy news and local events." The website was secured using a small starter website, which we have now outgrown. At first, I struck a deal with a national advertising company to use national ads on my site, and secured Voxant "The Newsroom," newsfeeds for news video. I purchased a small video recorder and some other equipment, and set out around Freeport to start taking pictures and video of our community. After doing several stories, and deciding on a basic format for the website, I decided to seek out local advertisers. What followed turned my world upside down, quickly. The ad spaces filled up so quickly, I was able to remove all of the national ads from the site. They had become a headache anyway with their constant changes in terms and ad "looks." During this time, couple of other local news sites popped up, and quickly faded away. Having a business online is more than just having a website. Anyone can have a pretty website put up, but if you don’t have the basic building blocks of a business in place, you will fail. Now at the end of 2009, it is time for me to start really investing in the business. This includes a new website using new software that will run faster. Our hit count is extraordinary. The ABC television show, Extreme Makeover Home Edition, came to town, and helped put SeeFreeNews.com on the map, literally overnight. I am looking forward to 2010. I believe early on in 2010, SeeFreeNews.com will grow to out-pace all other news sites in this area. I don’t want to divulge all of the new and exciting changes coming up, just now, but rest assured, all things will be in place when we do our comprehensive marketing campaign in late January and February. Thank you to all of the viewers, and advertisers, contributors, and supporters of SeeFreeNews.com. There will be more local news reporting, and even some entertainment specials, on the site, and 2010 will be the year for SeeFreeNews.com.
Archive:  The Official Door Knock Held September 9th
Lena Illinois- Detour is the word. Route 20 is the place. From now until September 18th Rt. 20, west of Lena, will be closed for some repairs. Repairs to a home. The Stott family of Lena were officially chosen today by the hit ABC television show, Extreme Makeover Home Edition, as the family in this area to receive a new home. Starting early this morning, phone lines burned up, emails flowed, and the excitement grew from everyone in the community. Who would it be? The family got the "door-knock," around 9 am. They were informed in full "TV," style that they would be whisked away to Disneyland and spend the week in San Fransisco while their old home is demolished, and a new one built in it’s place. The media was treated cordially throughout the day to meet the family, television cast and crew, and tour the grounds. Only media, some volunteers, workers and crew were allowed on the site today. "I am overwhelmed," said Kay Guthrie, Joey Stott’s mother. "Things like this just don’t happen to people like us." The parents of Joey Stott paid a surprise visit from Poplar Grove, unannounced, to be with their daughter on her dream day. Kay Guthrie received a phone call from Joey the night before in which Joey told her she didn’t think their family had been chosen. "Mom, it can’t be us," said Stott to her mother. "Well, hello!" Said Kay Guthrie today as she looked around at all of the commotion. Rick Hasken, of Hasken Construction, the general contractor of the project, said he had only had about an hours worth of sleep the night before after meeting with the other contractors and crew members. The home is expected to be built in 106 hours with a completion date of September 17th. Exclusive SeeFreeNews.com Video and Photos: click here
Does Not for Profit mean Not for Revenue? Freeport Illinois- The second in a series of NICNE Leadership Café luncheons was held at the Parkview home in Freeport today to discuss making not for profits, profitable. Several local not for profit agencies gathered on Tuesday July 13 to learn about bringing a for-profit venture into their existing not for profit businesses. The guest speaker was Dr. Jeff Fahrenwald, Director, the MBA at Rock ford College. Questions were raised about how a for-profit part of a business may affect a not for profit’s tax status. Dr. Fahrenwald explained that as long as the business venture being added to the existing business carries the same theme and that if the revenue is put back into the business, that the business continues with it’s same status. With the economy of the country squeezing not for profit agencies for dollars, they are turning to entrepreneurship. Many options were discussed and ideas offered by the speaker. The theme is similar to the startup of any new business beginning with the idea, business plan, financing and implementation. Dr. Fahrenwald also stressed how important it is that the people involved with the new business have at least some experience in that field. For more info contact: JFahrenwald@Rockford.edu
 4-H Public Speaking and Demonstration Winners
Stephenson County 4-H’ers began their quest for 2009 State Fair honors with a Public Presentation and Demonstration Contest on Tuesday, June 30. Mollie Miller of Pearl Valley Rangers 4-H Club received the Champion for Public Presentations and was the trophy winner. Sarah Wilhelms of the Rainbow Rangers 4-H Club received the Reserve Champion in Public Presentations. Chad Wilhelms of the Rainbow Rangers was the trophy winner in General Demonstration. The three winners were also chosen as State Fair delegates. Photo Gallery
 New Thinking for Your Business in a New Economy
Freeport Illinois- Many business owners are questioning their thinking about how to market their business in this new economy. There is a company in Freeport that helps businesses make the most of their resources and market their businesses effectively. The company is M45 Marketing Services. They are a full service agency. Their client base includes a broad spectrum of different business types from agriculture to tourism, and even non-profits. If a business owner is unsure of what steps to take or what direction to go in it may be time to call on professionals. M45 is a company that can guide the business owner or actually do the advertising and marketing as well as research and development and even the web design and ebusiness strategy. The internet is fast becoming what businesses use to communicate with their employees and customers. Business owners have one great resource that they may not be effectively using, and that is their own employees. It is important to make sure the company communicates effectively with employees because they may be the ones talking about your company the most. "No matter how big or small your business is your ambassadors are your employees," said M45 co-founder Marilyn Smit. Business owners must have a plan to be successful and often call on M45 to help them to plan their next steps in business. "We do online research and ask the right questions," said Smit. Businesses may not realize the true cost of doing research themselves if not done efficiently. If you own a business, whether small or large, you may want to explore the benefits to hiring a marketing company. For more info on M45 CLICK HERE
4-H House of Cans Stephenson County 4-H’ers donated non-perishable foods and hygiene items to the 4-H House of Cans at the Stephenson County Fair. A total of 777 items were donated. Items collected benefitted the Freeport Area Church Cooperative, and the Le-Win, Pearl City, and German Valley Food Pantries. 4-H clubs competed to accumulate points based on the size and usefulness of their donations. Lena Live Wires won in the large club category, 25 members and up. Winner in the small club category was the Rainbow Rangers 4-H Club. Both clubs receive free pizza from Pizza Hut for a club pizza party.
Fiber Optic Project Connecting Northern Illinois for Healthcare, Economic Development
– Internet connectivity in northwest Illinois took a step forward today with the announcement of the TriLightNET Fiber Connectivity Project, connecting points across northern Illinois through high-speed fiber optic cable.
“The TriRivers project is a major strategic initiative in which SwedishAmerican and FHN have partnered to develop and deliver high- speed broadband healthcare applications not only between our two organizations but eventually connecting providers throughout northern Illinois. This project is becoming a national example of how to construct meaningful electronic healthcare networks through partnering and cost sharing of infrastructure and staff to gain efficiencies and improve quality of care.”
Bill Gorski, MD
President and CEO, SwedishAmerican
Health System
By providing high-speed, reliable and cost-effective broadband access to organizations, schools, governments and other businesses, the TriLightNET fiber connectivity project can serve as a communications gateway opening all of northwest Illinois to economic development. “The project will enable patients across northwest Illinois to benefit from the high-tech care available in metropolitan areas. Ultimately our goal is that an FHN physician in Savanna, for example, be able to consult in real-time with a SwedishAmerican or FHN specialist without traveling. Already, FHN physicians in Freeport are able to collaborate with SwedishAmerican physicians using the network. The instantaneous data and image sharing will make it possible to care for patients close to their home.”
Mike Perry, MD
President and CEO, FHN
The seeds for the TriLightNET project were sown with the 2004 creation of TriRivers Health Partners – a jointly owned health information technology organization created by FHN and SwedishAmerican Health System. As the partners worked to link the IT capabilities of their organizations, it became clear that the best way to establish the high-speed, high-reliability connection they needed was to invest in and own the network themselves.
TriLightNET TeleHealth Communications, the company established to purchase and maintain that network, is wholly and equally owned by FHN and SwedishAmerican Health System. TriLightNET controls a 200-plus-mile fiber network through a strategic affiliation with Northern Illinois University.
“The original purpose of the TriLightNET project was simply to link FHN and SwedishAmerican,” said Phil Wasson, vice president and CIO of TriRivers Health Partners. “Owning the network, however, has given us the ability to help so many other organizations – from enhancing educational opportunities for students across northern Illinois to partnering with regional development organizations to drive economic development.” For more information on the TriLightNET project, its partners and benefits, visit our new micro-site accessible through www.tririvers.org.
How to Get Great Garage sale and flea market deals. Why does everyone but you get great deals at the garage sales and flea markets? There are some tips and tricks to getting the good prices. Before you arrive at the sale, decide why you are there in the first place. If you are looking for a specific item that you saw advertised, arrive early. If you are just wanting great deals, take your time and enjoy the sales, and don’t make impulse buys. It is important to remember to carefully look over each item as the item might be damaged in some way making worth less than the seller is asking, or completely worthless if the item is broken enough to be unuseable. Here are some tips to get the best price at the sales: 1. It has been proven that there are psychological factors in price dealing. To get the best deal, hold the item you wish to purchase in your hand while discussing price. The seller views this as you already assuming ownership of the item, and knows that they are going to get money momentarily, and instantly the seller will drop dramatically in their asking price. 2. If you are looking for a specific item that was advertised, be prepared to arrive early and know that the seller may be less willing to take a low offer early in the day. You may have to wait until later that day to go back to get a better deal on an unsold item, or go back the next day if the sale is for multiple days. 3. Know your market! You can google most items to find out whether what you are looking at is a genuine antique or a cheap Chinese knock-off. For example, genuine antique cast iron toys will have a smoother look and feel to the surface, and more sharply defined features. Most people think that the better looking one is more modern, but the process for making toys years ago was actually more precise, and today’s process is sloppy with inferior refining methods. 4. If going to a flea market, take a bag with you. Fill the bag with anything, even crumpled paper, when you exit your vehicle. Hold the item you wish to haggle over in your hand, as mentioned above, and start the dealing. Having a bag in your hand is very important psychologically for the seller. In the sellers mind, this says, "this person is actually spending money at this flea market, and not just looking." You will then find the seller quick to jump on your cash offer. 5. Most importantly, set a budget. Know what you intend to spend BEFORE you get to the sale to avoid spending too much. 6. Don’t jump out of your car and run anxiously up to the sale. Take a slow leisurely walk as if you couldn’t care less to be there, and really don’t need to purchase anything. If the seller sees the anxious buyer, you won’t get the best price. The seller then sees you as someone rushing in to spend all that you have to spend. They will be happy to empty your wallet. 7. Don’t be an early bird. A seller will become irritated with you if they are interrupted while setting up, and may not sell you anything. 8. Go back at the end of the sale to pick up even better deals. A seller that is tired, hot, and been through rain showers, would rather take $1 for that big dresser, rather than drag it back into their home. Good luck to all of you. Send us your great bargain stories for publication, or list your upcoming sale on this site.
 Local Artist Hosts History of Purses Show and Upcoming History of Hats Showing Freeport- Mary Traum got an unexpected surprise when she won the top prize for having the most keys in her purse, 17 to be exact. The History of Purses was hosted by local artist, and former school teacher, Linda Hoch-Auman at the Immanual Lutheran Church on Saturday May 16. Prizes were given out for having unusual items in ones purse and other things, like having the longest purse strap. "I didn't study art until college," explained Hoch-Auman. "I have now even painted in nail polish." Hoch-Auman uses many different mediums and styles to showcase different items. Coming back into fashion are mens purses. Her home is filled with her renderings and will be on display at the History of Hats show. The show will be at her home at 528 E. Illinois St. in Freeport Sunday May 31 from 2-4 pm. Mary Traum(left) Linda M. Hoch-Auman(right) "Walk a Mile in My Shoes" Krape Park Walk for Victims of Domestic Violence Held April 25th National Crime victim's Rights week is April 26-May2. To kick off the week long event, many local agencies joined forces to host the walk in Krape Park to highlight awareness. Tables were set up for agencies such as Contact of Stephenson County, and the Assault and Abuse Services of Stephenson County and the New Horizons Counseling Center. All of the agencies work together to provide assistance to victims of abuse. "We provide referrals to other agencies for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and even elder abuse," said Frances Anthon, director of the Assault and Abuse Services Agency. The adults and children walked to show their support, and afterward, the kids were treated to a magic show. For more information, call 815-232-7200 or for emergeny assistance, call Contact at 815-233-4357. Tables set up for the different agencies kids treated to a magic show New Horizons Counseling Center *You are asked to show your support by joining the "Hands Around the Courthouse," to be held on May 1 in Freeport. Keynote speaker will be Rep. Jim Sacia. Time: 12:00 to 12:45.
The Lincoln Mall Hosts the Relay For Life Rt to left: Jody Smith, Fawn Gray, Colleen Fenn Coordinator Carol Kauffman Touch a Truck event for the kids The American Cancer Society promoted it's Relay For Life at the Freeport Lincoln Mall April 25. There were 22 teams out of 48 represented at the mall. This is the prelude to the upcoming Relay For Life event that will be held on Friday, June 19 at 5 p.m. The Relay For Life is a 12 hour event that mobilizes communities accross America in celebration of cancer survivors. Relay teams consist of 15 people that will have at least one member on the track at all times from dusk until dawn for 12 hours. Today the first 100 kids were treated to a free snow cone, courtesy of The Garden Deli, located in the Lincoln Mall. For just $1 the kids were allowed to touch the trucks. "We are really thankful for the City's cooperation," said Carol Kauffman who worked directly with the city in order to provide the vehicles at the event.
Discover the Outdoors at Oakdale Nature Preserve Just outside of Freeport on Bailyville Road is the Oakdale Nature Preserve. Saturday April 25th was the day to "Discover the Outdoors." Oakdale was celebrating Earth Day in a very unique way. Over 50 families, adults and children, came together for the outdoor event. For the reptile lovers, Dan Nedrelo brought live snakes that are native to the midwest for show at the park. The Freeport Park District even encourages families to visit regularly, and start a seasonal diary of your walks in the park. What’s that bird? What’s that plant?   
"The woods become your playground," said Jennifer Nowicki the outdoor education coordinator. There are 133 wooded acres to explore. The food that was served consisted mostly of locally grown foods. Children helped recreate birds nests, and everyone was encouraged to bring their work gloves to lend a hand with some service work with an outdoor project. For Oakdale info, call 815-235-6114.
The Garden Deli Dairy Dreem is open! Local business owners Ann and Kerry Rippy have re-located the Garden Deli Dairy Dream to the Lincoln mall at 1261 W. Galena Ave. in Freeport. Their new space is larger and even offers arcade games for the kids. They offer over 19 deli sandwiches, and 20 flavors of hand-dipped ice cream. Open seven days a week.  Be sure to tell them that SeeFreeNews.com, the Freeport area's newest newspaper, sent you! Summer: 11am to 9pm Winter : 11am to 8 pm
HCC’s “Highland Chronicle” Wins State Awards FREEPORT— Staff members of Highland Community College’s student newspaper, “The Highland Chronicle,” earned five Excellence Awards from the Illinois Community College Journalism Association last month. The ICCJA is the official not-for-profit educational organization of 22 community colleges that promotes and supports community college journalism in the State of Illinois. The Chronicle won recognition in the categories of Computer Graphics, Advertising Design, Website Design, Arts Coverage, and Sports News.  Marques Webster, who serves as Editor, Lead Designer and Web Designer, earned the most awards with a First Place for Computer Graphics, Second Place for Advertising Design, and Third Place for his work on the Highland Chronicle Website. Cody Cutter received Honorable Mention in sports coverage for his story, “Young But Determined: Highland Volleyball Sets Eyes On Conference Title,” and Jordan Underhill brought in an Honorable Mention in the Arts category for his story entitled “New Classics,” an analysis of modern-day classical composers. “I’m glad we entered this competition, said Sam Tucibat, the Chronicle’s Faculty Advisor. “I knew this group had exceptional talent, and these awards confirm that. Our newspaper went up against some of the finest in the state, and our students have proven they rank with the best.” Tucibat had special praise for Cody Cutter, Copy Editor, who spent many hours choosing clips and preparing submission forms for the contest. Judges for this year’s competition were staff members of the Eastern Illinois University Journalism Department, the Decatur Herald & Review, The Springfield State Journal Register, the Times of Northwest Indiana and the Robinson Daily News. The Highland Chronicle staff left to right, front row: Cody Cutter, Marques Webster, Jordan Underhill. Back row: Keith Bardell (Associate Editor of the Highland Chronicle and Owner/Publisher www.SeeFreeNews.com) Sherry Fransen, Amy Stukenberg, Megan Kennedy, Haley Puffenbarger, Rebecca Paul, Amanda Leitzen, Sam Tucibat. | |
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