Freeport City Manager Rob Boyer delivered the annual State of the City presentation at the Stephenson County Farm Bureau. The meeting room was packed with approximately 75 attendees, including Mayor Jodi Miller, City Council members Parker, Shadle, Klemm, Sellers, and Stacy, as well as senior city staff: Police Chief Shenberger, Finance Director Richter, Communications Director Bridge, and Public Works Director Stykel.

Across the country and here in Illinois, concerns about PFAS — or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — are growing louder. These persistent "forever chemicals" are showing up in water supplies, raising questions about health risks, regulation, and even how we fight fires.

Ordinance 204.01, passed as part of Freeport’s municipal code, states that the city council, mayor, and other appointed officials have all the powers provided to municipalities under the Illinois Constitution and the Illinois Municipal Code. In effect, it ties Freeport’s authority directly to the powers granted by the State of Illinois.

In the complex workings of local government, few roles are as misunderstood — yet as crucial — as that of the City Attorney. As watchdogs of legality and defenders of due process, City Attorneys play a pivotal part in ensuring our city government functions within the bounds of the law, while serving the best interests of the public. So, what exactly does a City Attorney do? Who do they answer to? And how should they interact with the mayor, city council, and city staff?

When Freeport adopted Robert’s Rules of Order as its official meeting procedure, it took a strong step toward transparent and accountable local government. These tried-and-true guidelines were intended to serve as a roadmap—ensuring that every council meeting was orderly, fair, and productive. But like any roadmap, it only works if you follow it.

The tradition of opening Monday night City Council meetings with a public prayer is under growing scrutiny, as residents across the city raise concerns about its appropriateness in a government setting. What started as a routine invocation has become a lightning rod for debate about inclusivity, constitutional boundaries, and the sincerity of leadership.

A growing divide has emerged in Freeport as the city considers changing a local ordinance that requires senior-level city staff—including department directors and the chiefs of police and fire—to live within the city limits. The proposal to amend the rule has not only split the city council but has also ignited passionate responses from community members.

TIF districts work by freezing the amount of property tax revenue received by local taxing bodies—such as schools, parks, and the county—at pre-TIF levels. Any increase in property tax revenue is diverted into a TIF fund, intended to support development projects within the district. Businesses still pay full property taxes, but the “new” tax money goes to the TIF account instead of public services.

More than $10.1 million has been funneled into the Lamm Rd. TIF since its creation, according to the FY 2023 report. Yet critics argue that the community hasn’t seen the promised job growth—or a clear return on this investment.

Ever wonder how the City of Freeport spends your tax dollars? Curious about a recent city council decision, police activity, or a new construction project in your neighborhood? Thanks to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), every resident of Freeport has the legal right to access public records and get answers.

In a town where every penny counts, property taxes are a key factor in maintaining the health of our community. And for Freeport, a troubling pattern has emerged regarding the property taxes of local businessman and investor Brian Stewart, whose company Stewart Centre LLC has owned several key properties in the city, including the landmark Stewart Centre.

The City Manager’s contract explicitly requires that the City Council review and evaluate his performance on or before the last council meeting in April each year. This year, that meeting is scheduled for April 21, 2025. However, for nearly a decade, Mayor Miller has failed to fulfill this obligation, raising questions about transparency and accountability in the city’s leadership.

In a move that has left many residents shocked and disheartened, the Freeport City Council voted 6 to 2 on Monday, April 7, to approve Mayor Jodi Miller’s appointment of Dustin Wilkinson to the city’s Planning Commission — despite Wilkinson’s criminal history, which includes felony convictions for methamphetamine trafficking, drug possession, and drug paraphernalia.

Exactly one week after securing a third term as Mayor of Freeport, Jodi Miller made a controversial move that has left local political circles buzzing. In an unexpected email sent to Joshua T. Atkinson on April 8, 2025, the Mayor informed him that his services to the city’s Planning Commission would no longer be required, effectively ending his role on the commission just days after her re-election victory.

The April 7th city council meeting marked a pivotal moment in Freeport’s political landscape, as tensions ran high with the first meeting following the projected reelection of Mayor Jodi Miller. The night was marked by impassioned debates, prolonged arguments, and a city hall chamber filled with concerned residents determined to continue their fight for Freeport’s future. Even moments marked by applause.

A wave of energy surged through this quiet town today as over 300 passionate protesters gathered at the local courthouse for a nationwide demonstration calling for a united stand against policies perceived to undermine civil liberties. The April 5, 2025 'Hands Off' protest brought together citizens from all walks of life, transforming the normally tranquil streets of Freeport into a hub of spirited activism and community engagement.

Freeport residents are gearing up for a significant City Council meeting on Monday, April 7, 2025, marking the first council gathering following Mayor Jodi Miller’s re-election on April 1. With numerous important items on the agenda, the upcoming meeting is expected to be a busy and contentious one.

Questions are mounting regarding the future of labor negotiations under Mayor Jodi Miller’s leadership. Despite winning her third term in office, Miller's administration, alongside City Manager Rob Boyer, has been under fire for its handling of union talks over the past three months. AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees), representing city workers, finds itself at a critical crossroads as negotiations continue to stall and tensions rise.

Throughout his campaign, Atkinson’s message resonated with voters who were frustrated by perceived corruption and a lack of transparency at City Hall. His platform called for more openness in governmental decisions and a commitment to serving the people of Freeport, rather than corporate interests or special deals.

Alderwoman at Large Joy Sellers may be the most important figure in Freeport. Since taking office in 2023, Sellers, a Democrat, has faced increasing scrutiny from her constituents.