Stephenson County Emergency Management Agency

04/27/2026

🚨 UPDATE: MARC EVENT DATE CHANGE – LENA 🚨

Please note that the Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) event for residents impacted by the recent storms has been rescheduled.

📍 Location: Lena Community Center
497 Lions Dr., Lena, IL
🗓 NEW Date: Thursday, April 30
⏰ Time: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM

(Previously scheduled for April 27)

This event remains a one-stop resource for those affected, offering access to:
• Social services & senior support
• Mental health resources
• Insurance assistance
• SNAP benefit replacement information
• Scam awareness
• Cleanup assistance
• Emergency supplies (totes, trash bags, gloves, and more)

The American Red Cross, along with local, state, and nonprofit partners, will be on-site to help residents take the next steps toward recovery.

If you or someone you know has been impacted, we strongly encourage you to attend and take advantage of these resources.

For more information: 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit https://www.redcross.org/

04/27/2026

04/27/2026

In the face of an unexpected and devastating tornado, our community was tested in ways we could never have anticipated. What could have been a moment defined only by loss instead became a powerful reminder of the strength, unity, and compassion that define us.

Our village of around 3,000 people nearly doubled in size with the arrival of volunteers—and we are deeply grateful for every one of you. During the tornado and its aftermath, everyones generosity, resilience, and willingness to step in made a truly meaningful difference in a difficult time. Because of your efforts, our community was able to respond, begin recovering, and take the first steps toward rebuilding with strength and hope. Thank you for your compassion and dedication—you truly embody the spirit of our community.

Village President, Steve Buss

04/24/2026

Here are our Key Messages for Monday (4/27).

04/22/2026

Thank you in advance for assisting us in obtaining your assessment of the property damage caused by last weeks storms.

04/06/2026

𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 - 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟕

Hello Freeport School District Families,

We have been notified of a city-wide boil order caused by a major water main break. Because our schools rely on safe water access throughout the day, especially for food preparation and student services, we are unable to operate safely under current conditions. In consultation with our local health department, we have made the decision to close FSD schools on Tuesday, April 7th.

This is not an e-learning day. School is canceled, and the day will be made up.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this unexpected situation.

Thank you.

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Hola familias del Distrito Escolar de Freeport,

Por causa de una rotura importante de la tubería principal de agua, nos han notificado de una orden de ebullición en toda la ciudad. Como nuestras escuelas dependen del acceso seguro al agua durante todo el día, especialmente para la preparación de alimentos y los servicios estudiantiles, no podemos operar de forma segura en las condiciones actuales. En consulta con nuestro departamento local de salud, hemos tomado la decisión de cerrar las escuelas del Distrito Escolar de Freeport el martes 7 de abril.

Este no es un día de aprendizaje remoto en línea. La escuela se cancela y el día se recuperará.

Agradecemos su paciencia y comprensión mientras navegamos ante esta situación inesperada.

Gracias.