Good morning, Rockford.

Former radio personality Steve Shannon joined the Rockford Park District as its community engagement specialist, tasked with developing outreach strategies and coordinating events to improve quality of life.

He spent over 30 years with 97ZOK and now returns to his community roots.

The YMCA of Rock River Valley and Harlem Community Center will merge effective Oct.

1 to combine resources for families and community programs; a ribbon-cutting is scheduled at Harlem Community Center at 10 a.m. Oct. 22 — naming partners and future plans will be announced.

The Beloit Ho-Chunk casino will open its doors on Friday, Oct.

23, featuring 1,300 slot machines + table games along with several dining and entertainment venues. A hotel and convention center will join the complex in fall to create about 1,500 jobs.

Rock Valley College is offering free citizenship classes in Rockford (Main Campus, Room 2108 at 3301 N.

Mulford Road) and in Belvidere (Belvidere High School, 1500 East Ave.) to help eligible permanent residents prepare for naturalization; preregistration is required by calling 815-921-2274.

Rock Valley College held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Sept.

23 at its Mulford Road campus to unveil three new turf athletic fields for softball, baseball and soccer. The $4.4 million project was mostly funded by federal money (over $3 million) and is expected to improve athletic practices.

Former 97ZOK host Steve Shannon has been named the new Community Engagement Specialist for Rockford Park District + he left radio earlier this year after a 31-year career to focus on strengthening community ties through storytelling.

Sattva Yoga Spa at 1615 North Alpine Road offers stress relief with yoga classes and community gatherings.

Owner Ally Ubiparipovic said the Sattva School of Yoga (Student classes are held Sundays 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. until Dec. 6) welcomes everyone seeking to ease fall stress.

OSF Healthcare in Rockford advised mothers with severe postpartum depression symptoms to contact their OB provider immediately if anxiety or intrusive thoughts disrupt daily routines.

The guidance helps ensure moms receive prompt help beyond typical baby blues.

Winnebago County Health Department urges residents to avoid wildlife contact and follow prevention tips to lower the risk of rabies exposure.

The guidelines, which cover safe bat removal and pet vaccinations, are available through Winnebago County Animal Services (815-319-4100) and emphasize immediate treatment if bites occur.

Rockford was ranked first by AirDNA for short-term rental investment potential among 17 smaller markets today, with average home values above $300,000 and an estimated 14% yield.

The report credits rising demand from sports tournaments and traveling healthcare workers for the ranking.

The Rockford IceHogs started training camp Wednesday morning at the BMO Center to assemble their roster for the season, with a home preseason game scheduled next Monday at 11 a.m. - the regular season opener is set for Saturday, Oct.

3.