Dillon Valencia

Multimedia Journalist at WREX-TV (Rockford, IL)

Featured in: Favicon

wrex.com

wthitv.com Favicon

abc17news.com Favicon

localnews8.com Favicon

kion546.com + 4 more

Articles

Goodwill can help you recycle your electronics and keep the earth green

18 hours ago | wrex.com | Dillon Valencia

ROCKFORD, Ill. — Remember that old computer collecting dust in the basement? You're not alone. For many, outdated electronics and unused items are tucked away in garages and attics, forgotten and wasting space. But Goodwill’s recent recycling event offered a solution — and a reminder to act now for the planet’s sake. “It's time to get everybody doing the right thing," said Charles Milgrim, a Rockford resident.
Behind the Pinwheels: The fight against child abuse and the rise of online exploitation

21 hours ago | wrex.com | Dillon Valencia

DIXON, Ill. —Child abuse continues to be a growing crisis, not only in the Stateline area but across the entire country. New Child Abuse StatisticsNew data released by the CDC reveals at least one in seven children experience abuse and neglect each year in the U.S.. The statistics for sexual abuse, one in four girls and one in 20 boys experience child sexual abuse. Meanwhile, a staggering 90 percent of child sexual abuse is done by someone the child knows.
Numerous green energy employers hold Rockford job fair for jobseekers

6 days ago | wrex.com | Dillon Valencia

ROCKFORD, Ill. — Jobseekers eager to learn more about green energy gathered at a local event where numerous employers came together in a one-stop shop to help residents explore the growing clean energy sector and what it means for large manufacturers in the Stateline area. Among the event's key participants was Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois, which is currently offering a clean energy program aimed at expanding access to green careers.
Rockford Mayor prepares for business address following reelection

6 days ago | wrex.com | Dillon Valencia

ROCKFORD, Ill. — Just over two weeks after securing reelection for a third term, Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara is preparing to deliver a business address to local leaders and entrepreneurs. The event, hosted by the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce, will serve as an opportunity for the mayor to highlight recent successes in the local business community while outlining future goals for the region as he enters his third term in office.
Winnebago Veterans Assistance Commission denied funding for second time

2 weeks ago | wrex.com | Dillon Valencia

ROCKFORD, Ill. — The Veterans Assistance Commission of Winnebago County (VAC) and the Winnebago County Board remain locked in a legal battle that continues to affect essential services for local veterans. This dates back to September 2024, when the VAC says the County left them facing a $500,000 shortfall, citing a denied budget request for the 2025 fiscal year. According to the VAC, this shortfall has already impacted services that many veterans in the community depend on.
Local fire department disappointed as voters reject ambulance tax amid rising calls

2 weeks ago | wrex.com | Dillon Valencia

The tax initiative, which Deputy Chief Brian Kunce emphasized was vital to the district's operations, was intended to support the purchase and staffing of a second ambulance for the department, something officials say is urgently needed as emergency call volume continues to climb. "This is not something that we're just pulling out of the air and trying to come up with something. This is a need, not a want," said Kunce.
New Rockford group home soon to support residents with serious mental illness

2 weeks ago | wrex.com | Dillon Valencia

ROCKFORD, Ill. — A major step forward was taken for mental health care in Winnebago County as officials broke ground on a new housing center designed to assist community members struggling with serious mental illness. This project is made possible all thanks to the Winnebago County Mental Health Sales Tax, a half-cent sales tax that voters chose to renew during the November elections for another five years.
Aaron's Transforms Machesney Park Teen Center with $20,000 Makeover

2 weeks ago | wrex.com | Dillon Valencia

MACHESNEY PARK, Ill. — Aaron's, the well-known rent-to-own furniture company, has made a major impact on teens by transforming a teen center at the Boys and Girls Club of Rockford in Machesney Park. The transformation, which was a surprise for the teens who use the space, included exciting new features such as arcade games, a snack bar, a 3D printer, virtual reality goggles, multiple video game consoles, axe throwing play set, a new bass guitar, and so much more.
Jodi Miller shares priorities ahead of new term as Freeport Mayor

2 weeks ago | wrex.com | Dillon Valencia

FREEPORT, Ill. — Jodi Miller wins the race for a third term as Mayor of Freeport. She wins against her opponent Joshua Atkinson. She’s lived in Stephenson County her whole life and has spent the past 20 years in the City of Freeport. Miller says she's lucky to live close to her three children and six grandchildren.
Steve Johnson shares goals ahead new term as Machesney Park Mayor

2 weeks ago | wrex.com | Dillon Valencia

MACHENSEY PARK, Ill. — Mayor Steve Johnson has been re-elected to serve a third term as Mayor of Machesney Park. Mayor Johnson tells 13 WREX he is excited and overwhelmed by the support of his community, gaining more than 75 percent of the vote on Tuesday. He says his top priorities this term are to continue investing in infrastructure and bringing in more retail and restaurants, including three new sit-down restaurants in the works.