NW Illinois News

FOIA Request to Stephenson County regarding vendor payment registers on November 10, 2025.

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Stephenson County by NW Illinois News on November 10, 2025. The request seeks access to vendor payment registers maintained by the county for the period from January 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025. Specifically, the requested records should include the names of vendors paid by the county, dates and amounts of payments, and descriptions of goods or services purchased.

The requester has emphasized that this request pertains only to existing records and does not require the creation of new documents. Furthermore, a preference for receiving these records in electronic format was expressed. As a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive news coverage on local governmental affairs, NW Illinois News asserts that access to such public records is vital for transparency and accountability in government operations.

The requester also mentioned their affiliation with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that supports media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through FOIA and Sunshine Laws. More information about this coalition can be found on their website.

In related educational statistics within Stephenson County, it is noted that during the 2022-23 school year, there was an average student-to-teacher ratio of 13-to-1 across its schools. This involved a total enrollment of 5,630 students and employment of 443 full-time faculty members.

Our team will continue to keep you updated as we gather and report news related to this request and other matters of public interest. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification regarding this matter.