Good morning, Rockford.

Skateland Rocks is marking National Roller Skating Month in October by offering free skating lessons + themed events including discounted admissions and Halloween sessions as part of the Rolling Through the Generations campaign.

Lucha Cantina, a longtime local restaurant that served Mexican inspired cuisine for over 13 years, will close permanently at the end of business on Sunday, Oct.

4 at 1641 N. Alpine Road + the owners will contact guests with pending event details.

Operators Robert Grottke and Alex Edwards have secured four former Beef-A-Roo sites in Rockford; Lexus Drive + Roscoe will be prioritized to reopen before year’s end while the team plans to hire hundreds and revive classic menu items.

Rusty Taco Rockford closed effective immediately on Oct.

2 after a year in business. The Texas-based restaurant, which opened in Aug. 2025 as the state’s only location, thanked the community for their support.

Sydni Stoffregen and Alyssa Kelly showcase new exhibits at the Discovery Center Museum as part of the Try This segment.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Admission is $12 per person; members and children one and under enter free.)

Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens won a $618,663 grant from the National Park Service to preserve its historic building at 411 Kent St. on the southwest side — the funds will refurbish key features and stabilize the limestone bluff.

OSF HealthCare's Dr. Tyler Fitch said AI can offer useful health insights but needs detailed input to avoid incomplete advice (as he noted with his daughter's case) and should not replace a doctor's evaluation.

He urged patients to confirm AI suggestions with professionals, especially in emergencies.

RSV season has begun and UW Health Kids pediatrician Dr. Jillian Kaskavage warns that babies under 6 months face high risk for serious lung infections.

Parents are advised to discuss immunization and preventive care with their child's provider.

Construction began on Crusader Women's Health in Rockford, and the facility will open to patients in early summer 2027.

The project aims to boost local health care (offering dedicated services for women) in our community.