Good morning, Rockford.

Walter Wells celebrated his 104th birthday on Saturday when family gathered at Soul Dance Connection (run by his loved ones) to honor his milestone and share memories.

During its 40th year, the Rockford Crop Hunger Walk raised over $1 million with additional community donations on Sunday.

Proceeds support meals for locals and help fund food security programs through the Greater Rockford Pantry Coalition.

Rockford farmers are enjoying a strong pumpkin harvest this fall, with Curran’s Orchard reporting pumpkins weighing up to 60 pounds (a record for the season) and Thyme and Again Farm benefiting from optimal weather, though rising costs and an apple crop loss add challenges.

The 2nd City Chorus held its annual Magic To Do show at Loves Park City Hall on Sunday afternoon—manager David Mauri said the mixed group has been performing locally since 1996 and welcomes singers of all levels.

On Oct. 15 the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office unveiled a regional training center upgrade at the county justice center; improvements include a scenario-based simulator and a wellness area with sauna+ice bath+red light therapy funded partly by a nearly $847,000 federal grant to serve over 1,000 officers.