Good morning, Rockford.

Stumpy’s Pub celebrated 15 years with Stumpyfest—featuring a dog trick contest, pet adoptions, and raffles with proceeds benefiting PAWS of Winnebago County.

On Saturday, One Table brought local diners together in Rockford to support the YWCA Northwestern Illinois and fund programs in reading, math, and childcare for over 13,500 families (YWCA CEO Kris Machajewski noted grants rarely cover full needs).

Emcee Maggie Polsean hosted the event.

The Davis Park skate park opened Saturday to honor local activist Alicia Neubauer, whose work brought community together before her death in 2020.

Her family & city skaters celebrated this tribute as downtown redevelopment plans begin.

Four bands performed at the 17th Crossroads Blues Festival in Rockford on Saturday at Lyran Park with proceeds supporting the Blues in the Schools program (which has served over 132,000 students) and founder Steve Jones said the packed crowd marked the best turnout in years.

Hard Rock Casino Rockford earned national recognition when it ranked 18th in ticket sales by Pollstar, marking two years at its permanent location and hosting major acts — a sign of its growing appeal.

On Saturday, Aug. 29, hundreds visited the Discovery Center Museum where the building transformed into Gabby’s Dollhouse MEOWseum featuring scavenger hunts, crafts, seed planting and a dance party - the event will continue until Sep.

6 at 711 N. Main St.

According to the Illinois State Board of Education, South Beloit Community Unit School District 320 administrators earned an average salary of $106,514 in 2025, ranking them 321st statewide and 13.9% below the state average (a 7.8% increase from 2024).

Medicaid spending on Ambulance and Other Transport Services in Loves Park rose to $421,408 in 2024—a 2% increase from last year—based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

This category was the third-largest by Medicaid payments and was concentrated in ZIP code 61111.