Good morning, Rockford.

Poetically Yours features northern Illinois poets with this week’s spotlight on Tricia Alexander—a Performing and Healing Artist blending poetry and music.

The site presents her poem Assyrian II: Grandpa’s Garden which celebrates family, nature and her lifelong passion for creative expression.

South Beloit Community Unit School District 320 enrolled 873 students in the 2024-25 school year – ranking it 412th in Illinois, according to the Illinois State Board of Education.

Keith Country Day School’s six-member team won the Scholastic Bowl state title on March 21 — they were recognized by state Rep. Dave Vella on April 10 — and will soon compete in national events in Chicago and Atlanta.

The Rockford Education Association signed a tentative contract with Rockford Public Schools in February but promptly filed grievances and an unfair labor practices complaint over classroom size language — the district uses a different standard for overage pay that could affect teacher compensation — and the matter now awaits arbitration.

Rockford residents can get free tree seedlings at the Winnebago County Clerk’s Office starting 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 22 when applying for vital records at 404 Elm Street, Room 104 — seedlings donated by the County Soil and Water Conservation District come with care tips and are available while supplies last.

Technicians in Winnebago County have restored 65 of 79 tornado sirens following months of repairs as residents remain worried after an EF-0 tornado struck Ogle County last Thursday — urging preparedness for future storms.

Aldeen Golf Club will open on Friday, April 17 after a $2 million renovation refreshed its bunkers with fresh white sand—giving golfers a revamped challenge on one of Rockford’s toughest courses.

The National Collegiate Table Tennis Championships began on April 10 and will end on April 12 at the Sports Factory, where over 250 athletes from 50+ colleges compete in singles, doubles, and team events.

The three-day tournament is set to boost the local economy by $467,401.

Los Huracanes Del Norte Live Concert

7-10 p.m. — Hard Rock Casino Rockford — Ticket prices vary — Experience the lively sounds of Los Huracanes Del Norte in a vibrant setting.

Rockford Handmade Market - Spring 2026

11 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Prairie Street Brewing Co. — Free entry — Experience a vibrant showcase of local creativity and craftsmanship in the spring market.

Lonely Teenage Cassette Release Show

8-10 p.m. — The Music Box — $15.08 — Experience an ambient/drone night with the local duo Lonely Teenage and special guests.

Mother's Day Garden Celebration

12-3 p.m. — Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden — General admission required — Celebrate Mother's Day with floral arrangements, live music, and delicious food in a beautiful garden setting.