June 5th, 2008
Since Tuesday, we’ve run stories, videos, photos and more each day as part of our 180 Degrees series. The focus this time is crime. We started with an overview on Tuesday. Then we shared Tina Miller’s story about losing her son to a heroin overdose about a year ago. Today, we told you about Karl Fort, who police say was responsible for bringing crack to Rockford.
These pieces are resonating with you. Page traffic on this package has been high. More than 12,000 page views on 180 Degrees content since Tuesday. We’ve garnered 20,000 page views since the project debuted in early May. Catch up and join the cause.
May 6th, 2008
We met this afternoon to talk about the 180 Degrees campaign. We’re looking at five areas that are essential to this community’s way of life: Crime, education, local economy, government and culture/our sense of place. We kicked off the project last week online and have been posting your comments as we get them. We’re now focusing on crime.
Crime affects us all. Some directly. Some indirectly. Though the crime rate remains high, it has declined in Rockford and across the nation. Still, the perception in Rockford is that crime has spread to formerly safe neighborhoods. We would like to know what role crime has played in your life. How has crime affected you?
Write a brief essay, 500 words or less, and tell us what you think. Feel free to send photos, letters or anything else explains your situation. Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the items returned.
Write to us at the Rockford Register Star, Rockford Crime, 99 E. State St., Rockford, IL 61104. Or e-mail us at onlinenews@rrstar.com. Please put Rockford Crime in the subject line. Also, include your full name, address and telephone number in case we have any questions. All submissions may be edited for length, accuracy and clarity and may be published or distributed in print or electronic forms.
May 2nd, 2008
We officially introduced our campaign this morning on rrstar.com. And the response (based on page views) has been strong.
The highlights for me are the video stories produced by videographer Alan Leon. There’s this one about retired police officer Sherri Glover, who was shot in her squad car while she filled out reports. And this one featuring Rockford residents Amy Hill and Willie Ashford, who have watched their west-side neighborhood deteriorate. You’ll also find links to videos of the key staffers behind this effort here.
In Sunday’s paper, look for our print coverage in the Opinions section.
