Good morning, Rockford.

Shelter Care Ministries, a local nonprofit that helps people with mental illness and homelessness, will celebrate 40 years with a fundraiser at Rockford Country Club next week.

The group began as an outreach of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in 1981 and now runs housing programs and a 37-year-old drop-in center—its Jubilee Center provides daytime services and social activities.

The YMCA of Rock River Valley is hosting a Community Breakfast tomorrow at the Radisson Hotel — Conference Center located at 200 S.

Bell School Road from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. to support accessibility efforts during Double Your Impact Week with donations matched up to $50,000.

Pearson Plumbing and Heating announced Tuesday that it had acquired Atlas Plumbing+ the move will expand its plumbing, heating, cooling and pest control services in Rockford while ensuring Atlas Plumbing customers receive continued support from Pearson’s team during the transition.

Greyhound started a new daily route from Chicago to Denver that stops in Rockford — the service began on September 28 and offers locals an affordable long-distance bus option.

Comedian Martin Lawrence — known for his famous film and TV roles — will bring his special stand-up show to Hard Rock Live at Rockford’s Hard Rock Casino on Friday, January 23.

Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets go on sale Oct 3 with a local presale on Oct 2 for those 21 and older.

Winnebago County’s taxable property value reached a record high this year (up 10% to $7.99 billion) while assessment appeals dropped to a 36-year low of 504 challenges (the fewest since 1989).

Illinois archery deer season opens today with new rules on antler limits and season dates by IDNR.

In some counties hunters may only take antlered deer in October while others allow hunting until January—IDNR also reminds hunters to use tree stands safely.

Rockford officials and the Illinois Department of Transportation met Sept.

30 at Forest City Church to review input for the phase one of a $55 million project aimed at improving South Alpine Road's poor condition and adding pedestrian and bicycle access — additional public meetings will update residents on engineering and environmental studies.

Mercyhealth announced on Sept.

30 that it would acquire the financially struggling FHN system in Freeport pending approval from the Illinois Health Facilities Planning and Review Board. Mercyhealth will invest $100 million over the next five years to upgrade equipment and expand services at the 120-year-old facility.

Rockford resident Karen Alunni, 76, turned her battle with cancer and a near-fatal bee sting reaction — treated with an experimental drug that saved her life — into a mission of community support by volunteering to help others facing health challenges.

Local golfers are enjoying unseasonably warm weather as they play on several well-kept courses while summer crowds have thinned.

Greenskeepers are treating fairways and greens for winter protection—most courses will close by late October.

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.

Broadway And Beyond

7:30-9 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — $35-85 — Experience Broadway hits with star Ben Crawford in an unforgettable evening.

An Evening with Miles & Kelly

7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Music Box — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of music, stories, and improvisation from Miles Nielsen & Kelly Steward.

Herbie Hancock Performance

7-10 p.m. — Rockford Casino — Ticket prices vary — Experience jazz legend Herbie Hancock in an evening of musical mastery.

Rockford Poké Fest

10 a.m.-6 p.m. — Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront — $5 Adult Admission — Celebrate Pokémon with family-friendly activities and fun for all ages.

Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Tribute

7-10 p.m. — Rockford Casino — Tickets required — Experience the powerful tribute to Led Zeppelin with Jason Bonham at the Rockford Casino.

Halloween Night with Taboo Blah Blah

8-11 p.m. — The Music Box — Check website for tickets — Enjoy an evening of rhythmic sounds and heartfelt songwriting with local band Taboo Blah Blah.