Good morning, Rockford.

The Baby Bank marked a milestone on Monday when it gave away its one millionth diaper to local families at Brooke Road United Methodist Church.

The Belvidere-based nonprofit has been supporting northern Illinois families with diaper supplies since 2018.

Rockford Area Salvation Army has served residents for over 100 years by offering food, housing, and case management support through programs like Pathway of Hope + it will open a new Hope Center later this year to further expand services in Winnebago County.

Preservationists are racing to save the 163-year-old Briggs Mansion (a potential Underground Railroad site) from demolition planned in May by SwedishAmerican Hospital, which bought the property for expansion.

Menards stores in Rockford and nearby towns are collecting pet supplies from April 1 to May 31 to support the local humane group.

Donors drop off items in the Pet & Wildlife Department at participating locations.

DISH Network has kept WIFR off its service for over a month after extending coverage during big events like NFL playoffs, as Gray Media says it rejected DISH’s proposals and added stricter terms; viewers can still access WIFR on other providers.

UIC Rockford is offering a free STEM camp from June 22 to June 26 at its campus and an eight-week paid Summer Science Internship from June 15 to August 7 for high school students seeking biomedical research + career experience.

Applications for both programs are due April 17.

Two Gifted Academy at Thurgood Marshall Middle School sixth-graders won the Cal Ripken Senior STEM Super Bowl Engineering and 3D Printing Challenge for their interactive stage design, which featured wired lighting and 3D-printed figures.

Their teacher said they are now awaiting the prize — details remain undisclosed.

Dr. Antoine Reed — a Rockford official from RPS 205 — is one of three finalists considered to lead Sun Prairie Area School District.

The school board will choose a candidate by Thursday and the new superintendent will start on July 1.

Residents can attend a free talk on rewilding and ecological stewardship led by educator Jessie Crow Mermel on April 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Nature at the Confluence in South Beloit; the event begins with a mindfulness walk at 6 p.m. +Bring water+ and +wear comfortable shoes+.

Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois and Dell Technologies will host a free computer recycling event on Wednesday, April 22 from noon to 3 p.m. at Goodwill’s Perryville store (3068 McFarland Road, across from Woodman’s) to help residents safely dispose of unwanted electronics and reduce waste.

The City of Rockford Historic Preservation Commission met Tuesday, April 14 to approve March 10 meeting minutes — review certificates for work at 304 South Second Street and 1010 Ridgewood Road — and discuss enforcing historic guidelines at Briggs Mansion and 415 May Street.

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.

The Wizard of Oz

6 PM — Rockford Woman's Club — Cost not specified — Experience a captivating retelling of the beloved classic as you journey down the yellow brick road.