Blake Dietz

1 week ago | mystateline.com | Blake Dietz

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford is gearing up to host the IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon this weekend, with local businesses offering special deals and spectators excited to cheer on the competitors. From the welcome signs on the sidewalk to the special offers on display in storefront windows, the Forest City is all in on this weekend’s triathlon. Dave Pedersen, the owner of Maze Books, 406 E State Street, says he is excited for the thousands of participants and spectators coming to Rockford this weekend.

1 week ago | mystateline.com | Blake Dietz

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Dustin Meier, a graduate of Hononegah High School, has helped set up dozens of IRONMAN competitions over the years, and now he’s working on Rockford’s inaugural triathlon. Preparation for the event takes days of setup and hundreds of hands. Meier graduated from Hononegah in 2009 and now lives in Colorado. In the intervening years, he has worked on IRONMAN events around the country. “I’ve gotten to see all 50 states multiple times, setting these events up.

1 week ago | mystateline.com | Blake Dietz

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The first-ever IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon to take place in Rockford is only days away, and competitors are preparing for the demanding challenge. 23-year-old Noah Anderson, of Belvidere, began training for the competition almost one year ago. “I typically train here on this path, right?” he said, standing on the Rock River Recreation Path. “Two times a week.

1 week ago | mystateline.com | Blake Dietz

Firefighters were called to a residence in the 5000 block of Tipple Road around 2:00 p.m. for reports of an active fire in the home’s attached garage. Smoke could be seen coming from the home, and the garage appeared to have suffered significant damage. Crews from Byron, Rockford, and Blackhawk/New Milford were among those working to combat the fire. No information on injuries or damage was given. The cause of the blaze is has yet to be determined.

1 week ago | mystateline.com | Blake Dietz

The fire occurred at a residence in the 1200 block of W. Locust Street, within the Bel-Bo Mobile Home Park. According to the Belvidere Fire Department, officials were called at 1:56 p.m. for reports of an exterior cooking fire that had spread to the home. Upon arrivals, firefighters found heavy smoke coming from the home. Crews were able to control the blaze within 10 minutes. Department reports indicate damage was limited to the building and there were no injuries. Damage is estimated to be $50,000.