Winnebago County to close early on Fridays

ROCKFORD -- Officials of Winnebago County say starting Oct. 2, and continuing every Friday for about a year, some county offices will close two hours early to save money.

Winnebago County Board Chairman Scott Christiansen said Wednesday closing time for the circuit court clerk and state's attorney offices, and a handful of others, will be 3 p.m. Currently, the offices close at 5 p.m.

The action comes as county department heads struggle to trim expenses while continuing to provide services and avoid layoffs.