Good morning, Rockford.

Blain’s Farm & Fleet will celebrate its 70th anniversary during the weekend of May 2 and 3 at Rockford-area stores by offering special deals on tools, automotive supplies, clothing and more.

The event features giveaways for the first 100 customers and hands-on activities like DIY trail mix stations and tool demos — marking seven decades of service.

Stephen Boddie, 35, was arrested Monday on charges of First Degree Murder and Aggravated Battery—after a two‐month run as a fugitive following a house party shooting on February 6th that killed 19‐year‐old Dejuante Poe in Rockford.

On Sunday, Rockford police stopped a car in the 3100 block of N.

Rockton and arrested two people after finding a loaded handgun and over 21 grams of cannabis—Jose DeLaRosa Marquez, 20, faces charges of Aggravated Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, No Valid Firearm Owner's Identification and traffic offenses while Alexis Guzman Marquez, 19, is charged with Possession of Cannabis.

Rockford’s Riverfront Museum Park now hosts the Impressionist: Immersive Exhibition, a 45-minute show that brings paintings by Van Gogh, Monet and others to life with digital animation.

The exhibit—created through a partnership between the Rockford Art Museum and the Discovery Center—runs until May 11.

A coalition of municipal leaders led by Loves Park Mayor Greg Jury and Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara is pushing to restore powers that were removed from the Winnebago County Board chairman in 2017.

They plan a news conference to call for the authority to hire, fire and manage county staff—powers they say are essential for effective county governance.

Illinois Department of Corrections data shows that 503 offenders were released on parole in Winnebago County in 2024 (460 men, 43 women, median age 38), with the youngest being a 19-year-old man convicted for a weapons-related crime and the oldest a 76-year-old man convicted for an alcohol-related crime.

Illinois lawmakers introduced the Family Farm Preservation Act to raise the farm estate tax threshold from $4 million to $6 million — an effort to help family farmers keep their land amid rising costs.

Bipartisan support is growing as most local elected officials back the bills that ease the tax burden on the 96% of state farms that are family-owned.

Hard Rock Casino Rockford will host its first boxing event on April 19 at 6 p.m. with the World Boxing Association bringing a Heavyweight Championship bout between Deontae Pettigrew and Rochard Lartey to a nearly sold out crowd—doors open at 5 p.m. and all attendees must be 21 or older.

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.

Fresh Finds Spring Market

12-5 p.m. — Rockford Wholesalers — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful day of shopping local with handmade goods and fresh finds.

Open Mosque Day

4:30-6:30 p.m. — 1110 Arthur Ave — Free entry — Explore the beauty of the mosque and connect with the local Muslim community.

Mother's Day Brunch

10 AM – 2 PM — The Standard — $35 per person — Celebrate with a delightful brunch and unlimited mimosas in honor of Mom.

Prairie Street Golden Apple Give Back Day

Rockford City Tin participant, Prairie Street Brewhouse, is giving back! Golden Apple will receive 20% of the receipts for purchases from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, May 14. Join us on the dock (or inside) at 200 Prairie St., Rockford, for some great food and drinks!