Good morning, Rockford.

Rodney Beese, 67, was arrested on March 27th after allegedly robbing a Rockford Starbucks for $10 on March 19th by indicating he had a firearm—he faces charges of aggravated robbery and is on federal probation for a 2021 bank robbery.

Winnebago County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Dustin Laws, 39, on meth delivery charges after a tip led them to his gray Dodge Ram near a Phillips 66 station on December 9—his truck was impounded and he admitted selling Xanax pills with the meth—and he is now in jail.

Rockford police responded just before 12:30 a.m. March 29 near the 4100 block of Laramie Dr to reports of car burglaries and found a running stolen car, burglary tools, and two teens, with a 17-year-old charged with burglary to a motor vehicle and possession of a stolen vehicle and a 16-year-old charged with possession of a stolen vehicle remaining in custody — the 17-year-old was released to a parent.

Cheap Trick Day marked its 18th anniversary on April 1 after lawmakers passed a bill in 2007 to honor the local band.

Cheap Trick formed in 1973, was added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016, and still plays shows worldwide — state Senator Dave Syverson said the band continues to leave its mark on music.

At Welsh Elementary School, a student newspaper called The Bulldog Beat lets fourth and fifth graders learn journalism skills under retired teacher Paula Coulahan while the class meets Tuesday through Thursday to produce four issues this year — local schools have also shown interest in starting similar projects — with paid advertisers helping cover printing costs.

Polls for the Consolidated Election opened at 6 a.m. today at 89 sites in Rockford and 94 sites in Winnebago County — nearly 200 early ballots dropped off Tuesday morning have boosted voter turnout to about 8%.

Contested local races include positions for Rockford and Belvidere mayor as well as school board and township offices.

In yesterday's election held on April 1, three incumbent mayors won reelection—Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara secured a third term with 78% of the vote while Belvidere Mayor Clint Morris and Machesney Park Mayor Steve Johnson also prevailed.

Other races produced mixed results with wins in school board and Rock Valley College trustee contests, a single City Council contest, and a narrow defeat for a North Park Fire Protection District tax increase.

Nick Dittmeier & the Sawdusters Live Performance

7-10:30 p.m. — The Music Box — Free entry — Experience the progressive roots rock sound of one of the Midwest's most hard-touring bands.

Air Supply Live Concert

7 PM – 1 AM — Hard Rock Casino Rockford — Tickets available — Experience the legendary sounds of Air Supply at this unforgettable live performance.

Easter Egg-Streme Egg Hunt

7-9 p.m. — The YMCA of Rock River Valley - Northeast Family YMCA — Free entry — Celebrate Easter with egg hunts, crafts, and a photo with the Easter bunny.

Egg Hunt at Camp Winnebago

1-4 p.m. — Camp Winnebago Branch YMCA — Free entry — Enjoy a fun-filled Easter Egg Hunt with games, crafts, and thousands of eggs filled with sweets and prizes.

34th Annual RAMI Awards

7-10:30 p.m. — Hard Rock Casino Rockford — Ticket info not specified — Celebrate the achievements of the Rockford music community during this annual awards night.

Screw City Car Show

10 AM – 2 PM — Screw City Tavern — Free entry — Celebrate spring with tacos, music, and a showcase of cars, trucks, and bikes.

Bergstrom Corporate Headquarters Tour

5:30-8 p.m. — Bergstrom Inc — Free entry — Explore the heart of Bergstrom operations since 1971 and network with industry peers.

Steve Trevino at Coronado Theatre

8:00–9:30 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — Ticket prices starting at $38 — Experience a night of laughter with comedian Steve Trevino.