Good morning, Rockford.

A barn fire on Genoa Road in Belvidere caused a complete loss of a barn and resulted in cattle fatalities—one firefighter sustained minor injuries Friday morning.

A new Amazon delivery station opened on September 12 at 5266 Baxter Road in Cherry Valley to support local businesses and speed up package deliveries from Beloit to DeKalb and nearby areas — the facility employs 70 associates and 100 drivers and plans to grow to 200 associates and over 400 drivers while delivering up to 100,000 packages a day as it hires more workers.

Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford was named Illinois’ Most Beautiful Garden by HGTV on September 12 at 11:39 a.m. The 12-acre site began as a backyard project by John and Linda Anderson in 1978 + features koi-filled ponds, stones and streams that reflect seasonal beauty.

Styx and Loverboy will perform classic hits at the BMO Center at 7:30 p.m. Friday, November 14.

Tickets went on sale September 12 at 10 a.m. — limited parking is available across the street with free street parking on a first-come-first-served basis.

The Mosaic Film Festival returns to Rockford this weekend at the Nordloff Center—screenings began Friday at 11 a.m. and continue with over 70 films from documentaries, narratives, animation, music videos, and experimental genres.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed an executive order on Friday forming a statewide vaccine access initiative—ensuring that families have access to essential vaccines as federal guidelines shift.

The order directs the Illinois Department of Public Health to strengthen school vaccination programs and coordinate with local providers against illnesses including COVID-19, flu and measles.

Traffic shifts are underway on northbound I-39 at the Kishwaukee River Bridge to allow repair work that shifts one northbound lane to the southbound side and reduces southbound lanes to one; the changes will last until September 19.

Drivers should expect delays until complete repairs finish in early spring—officials plan to lift the weight limit and reopen the Baxter Road ramp when the work is done.

Residents in a Rockford neighborhood oppose a proposed car wash at the intersection of North Main and Auburn Street because the area is zoned for homes only — the Rockford Zoning Board of Appeals is set to hold a meeting Tuesday to let residents voice their concerns.

Rockford officials canceled the Fiestas Patrias event in Levings Park and the 11th Ward Parade and Festival because of safety concerns amid ICE operations in Chicago—organizers said the precaution helps protect volunteers and attendees.

They added that the celebrations may resume when conditions improve.

Rockford homeowners learned that property taxes for 2024 on a home with a $150,000 assessed value were divided among local agencies—the public school district received $2,395.61 while city services, parks, county, community college, library, sanitation, township, forest preserve, road, and airport authorities received smaller portions for a total of $4,738.38. The second installment was due on Sept. 5.

An article lists 25 famous bars in Illinois, from Chicago dives to Rockford’s Mary’s Place—one of the city’s oldest spots known for live music.

The guide shows a mix of college bars and historic venues that highlight the state’s unique drinking culture.

Glow in the Garden

6-9 p.m. — Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens — Cost varies — Celebrate the end of summer with family activities, lanterns, and fun runs.

Rockford Symphony Orchestra Opening Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant rhythms of Rimsky-Korsakov and Tchaikovsky performed by the RSO and guest guitarist Daniel Bolshoy.

Trail Mix Off-Road Duathlon and Mountain Bike Race

2-8 p.m. — Atwood Park Trail System — Registration required — Compete in duathlon and mountain bike races while enjoying food and drinks from local vendors.

Lola Blu & the Boys Live Performance

8 PM – 12 AM — Grand Avenue Pub — Check local listings for ticket details — Experience Lola Blu's captivating blend of country and southern rock at this lively pub venue.

Rock River Valley Video Game Convention

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Riverview Inn & Suites — Ticket prices vary — Experience a day of gaming fun at the Rockford area's premier video game convention.