Good morning, Rockford.

The fourth annual Alfalfa Fest was held in Caledonia Saturday as every ticket raised funds for Farmers Rising’s programs — including summer camps and a farm incubator for new farmers — and the event brought the community together around local food.

Pickles the Pelican was rescued from the Rock River by Hoo Haven volunteers and Steve Lucas from Rock River Enterprise (who helped coordinate the effort) after he was injured by fishing line and a fish bone; he is now recovering at the wildlife center.

Rockford nonprofit Hope for Haitians built 860 homes over 25 years and provided clean water, education, and training to support nearly 5,000 people in Haiti.

The organization is now building 26 new homes and raising funds for 20 more in a new community development area.

Curran’s Orchard opened for its fall season on Saturday — families can explore a straw maze, corn tunnel, and animal corral daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. until November.

Kinnikinnick Community Consolidated School District 131 administrators earned an average of $122,171 in 2025, ranking 280th highest and 1.2% below the state average (reported at $123,642) according to the Illinois State Board of Education.

The district enrolled 1,668 students in 2024-25.

Today, Beats and Burn Fest brought high-energy workouts, a live DJ, and vendor booths to Ingersoll Centennial Park.

Coach Niema Murdock said the event aimed to merge fitness & music to promote community wellness for all skill levels.