Dakota Fire Protection District

05/30/2026

Congratulations to the Dakota Indians!

Brynlee Sickles’s Clutch Hitting Propels Dakota Varsity Indians To Victory Over Fulton Varsity Steamers

Brynlee Sickles drove in four runs on one hit to lead Dakota Varsity Indians past Fulton Varsity Steamers 8-2 on Friday. In the second inning, Sickles homered to left field, scoring three runs.

A ground out by Wrenn Coffey put Fulton Varsity Steamers on the board in the bottom of the first.

A single by Autumn Kinney extended the Dakota Varsity Indians lead to 4-1 in the top of the third inning.

AJ Howarth earned the win for Dakota Varsity Indians. The starter gave up six hits and two runs (one earned) over seven innings, striking out three and walking none. Jessa Read took the loss for Fulton Varsity Steamers. The starting pitcher went seven innings, giving up eight runs (six earned) on nine hits, striking out five and walking two.

Howarth, Kinney, and Finley Banks each collected two hits for Dakota Varsity Indians.

Coffey and Brooklyn Vogel were tough to handle back-to-back in the lineup, as each drove in one run for Fulton Varsity Steamers. Leadoff hitter Belle Curley led Fulton Varsity Steamers with two hits in four at bats.

05/12/2026

We appreciate the collaboration of the surrounding fire departments and resources through MABAS. We were able to get this fire knocked down in minutes, but it could have been very different. Thank you to Rock City Fire Protection District, Freeport Rural Fire Department, Cedarville Fire Protection District &Tri-District Emergency Ambulance Service. Please do not leave any type of fires unattended.

Yesterday, FRFD responded to a mutual aid request to assist Dakota Fire Protection District with a structure fire.

Upon arrival, Dakota Fire crews had the bulk of the fire knocked down and successfully saved two classic cars from being lost.

FRFD remained on scene for a short time to assist if needed before Dakota Fire struck out the box alarm.

Great job Dakota Fire!

05/07/2026

Road Closure Update

Illinois Route 75 North between E Brick School Rd and E Winneshiek Rd is now back open.

05/06/2026

For Immediate Release
May 6, 2026

FATAL TRAFFIC CRASH INVESTIGATION

On May 6, 2026, at approximately 11:52 a.m., personnel from the Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of IL Route 75 approximately one-half mile east of E. Winneshiek Road in rural Stephenson County for a report of a two-vehicle traffic crash. Upon arrival, deputies located a deceased adult male.

Preliminary investigation indicates that a semi-truck was traveling eastbound on IL Route 75 when it was involved in a head-on collision with a black sedan traveling westbound. Based on witness statements and evidence observed at the scene, investigators believe the black sedan may have crossed into the eastbound lane of travel prior to the crash.

The driver of the semi-truck, a 57-year-old male, was transported by Tri-District Ambulance to Mercyhealth Hospital-Freeport with non-life-threatening injuries.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office would like to acknowledge the assistance provided by the Dakota Fire Protection District, Tri-District Ambulance Service, Stephenson County Coroner’s Office, Illinois State Police Troop 1, and the Illinois State Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit.

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05/06/2026

Illinois Route 75 North between Brick School Rd and E Winneshiek Rd is closed due to an accident. Please find an alternate route of travel. We will advise when it is back open. Thank you for your cooperation.

05/04/2026

Happy International Firefighters' Day! May the Fourth be with you.

Cartoon by Sam Wallace