815BLOG

City plans to demolish blighted, nearly 130-year-old school in Rockford

April 11, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The city plans to raze a nearly 130-year-old school that building officials...

G's Maid Service puts focus on giving back near its new home in west Rockford

April 7, 2023 @ 6:41 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A new cleaning business on the city’s west side aims to inspire...

From Davis Park to Times Theater, $1.4M in state funds supports Rockford tourism...

April 7, 2023 @ 3:32 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The state is sending $1.4 million here to support five projects designed...

Hard Rock Casino Rockford construction goes vertical with first steel beams

April 7, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The first steel beams went up on the future Hard Rock Casino...

Podcast: Rockford mayor on tornado recovery, election results and more

April 7, 2023 @ 6:00 am

Mayor Tom McNamara joins Steve Summers on This Week in The Stateline to talk about recovery from the EF-1 tornado that hit Rockford, the...

Podcast: Rockford mayor on tornado recovery, ...

Rock River Current Podcasts

An unexpected phone call gave way to thousands in 'forgotten money' for 93-year-...

April 6, 2023 @ 2:53 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — It started with a phone call that seemed too good to...

Rockford-area Realtors group offers $25K in grants to help provide relief after ...

April 6, 2023 @ 1:02 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The NorthWest Illinois Alliance of Realtors is making $25,000 in grants available...

Close-knit farming community rallies to help Rockford-area family after tornado

April 6, 2023 @ 10:12 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app CHERRY VALLEY — A tornado delivered the worst, but in the aftermath it brought...

Injured Rockford-born peregrine falcon to become part of Hoo Haven's education p...

April 6, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app DURAND — A young peregrine falcon rescued by Hoo Haven after suffering an injury...

National Weather Service confirms EF-1 tornado struck Rockford on Friday

April 5, 2023 @ 8:56 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The National Weather Service has now confirmed that an EF-1 tornado struck...

Hard Rock Casino Rockford debuts blackjack and other live table games

April 5, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Hard Rock Casino Rockford debuts blackjack and other live table games today,...

Perryville Road bridge replacement sets the stage for wider Interstate 39 in Roc...

April 4, 2023 @ 3:08 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app CHERRY VALLEY — Work is underway to replace the Perryville Road bridge over Interstate...

Easter 2023: Hop over to egg hunts in the Stateline this weekend

April 4, 2023 @ 1:20 pm

By Chelsea Meyer Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Ahead of Easter, egg hunts are popping up all over the Stateline. Including...

As cleanup continues, Rockford region braces for another round of severe weather

April 4, 2023 @ 8:42 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The city is bracing itself for another round of severe storms in...

Boone County firefighter responded to The Apollo, then returned to devastation a...

April 4, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app POPLAR GROVE — Less than a year into his service as a volunteer firefighter,...

Rockford IceHogs to auction off special Screw City jerseys to benefit local char...

April 3, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Rockford IceHogs players will give you the shirt off their back this...

National Weather Service confirms 12 tornadoes, including in Belvidere and Mache...

April 2, 2023 @ 11:46 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app BELVIDERE — The National Weather Service has confirmed 12 tornadoes moved through northern Illinois...

Damage surveying, cleanup continues after powerful storm rips through Rockford r...

April 1, 2023 @ 10:23 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Damage assessment and cleanup work is ongoing after a powerful storm ripped...

Auburn High School celebrates Scholastic Bowl state championship as team prepare...

March 31, 2023 @ 6:22 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Auburn High School’s state-championship winning Scholastic Bowl team got the chance to...

Hurricane Harbor Rockford now hiring for all summer positions

March 31, 2023 @ 11:06 am

From news release Rock River Current Get our mobile app CHERRY VALLEY — Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Rockford is hiring for all positions for...

Bergstrom in Rockford to host hiring event as it seeks experienced fabricators

March 31, 2023 @ 10:39 am

From news release Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Bergstrom will host a hiring event Wednesday as it looks to fill...

Annual Puri Cup soccer tournament to bring thousands to the Rockford region

March 30, 2023 @ 12:46 pm

From news release Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — An estimated 4,000 visitors will come to the region on two...

Rockford Park District honors 2 women who broke barriers, made 'the world a bett...

March 30, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Two women who broke barriers in what were once male-dominated professions and...

Rockford-area nurse's new business aims to bring high-end beauty services closer...

March 30, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app OREGON — A Rockford-area nurse has opened a new business designed to deliver high-end...

Alvarez Mexican Restaurant in Cherry Valley closes after 28 years in business

March 29, 2023 @ 12:00 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Alvarez Mexican Restaurant has closed its doors after 28 years in business. The...

Freeport Police Chief Matthew Summers to retire next month

March 29, 2023 @ 10:48 am

From news release Rock River Current Get our mobile app FREEPORT — Freeport Police Chief Matthew Summers will retire next month after 28 years...

10 things to do this weekend in the Rockford area

March 29, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Looking for stuff to do this weekend in the Rockford area? There’s...

Youth hockey scholarship honors the life and legacy of former Rockford coach Eri...

March 28, 2023 @ 7:12 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A new youth hockey scholarship will honor the life and legacy of...

Forward for Fun, which helped launch new events across Rockford, returns in 2023

March 28, 2023 @ 10:41 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A program that helped create block parties, neighborhood celebrations, food festivals and...

New ownership to revive former Josef's Steakhouse & Oyster Bar in Rockford i...

March 28, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — New ownership plans to revive the former Josef’s Steakhouse & Oyster Bar...

Rebuild starts April 3 on 'one of the worst roads in the entire city' of Rockfor...

March 27, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Construction begins next week to overhaul a roughly half-mile stretch of Charles...

Podcast: What to know about the return of the Rock River Anything That Floats Ra...

March 25, 2023 @ 6:00 am

Katy Chadwick, who is part of the organizing committee that puts on the Rock River Anything That Floats Race, talks with Steve Summers and...

Podcast: What to know about the return of the...

Rock River Current Podcasts

Rockford Family Eye Care to end operations inside Crusader Community Health in R...

March 24, 2023 @ 1:04 pm

From news release Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Rockford Family Eye Care will end its practice inside Crusader Community Health,...

Podcast: Rockford mayor discusses fountain upgrades, Charles Street construction...

March 24, 2023 @ 6:00 am

Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara joins Steve Summers on This Week in the Stateline to recap a slew of recent news, from plans to upgrade...

Podcast: Rockford mayor discusses fountain up...

Rock River Current Podcasts

New Creole soul food restaurant Ambiance aims to be a go-to spot in downtown Roc...

March 24, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A new restaurant born out of a food truck and catering business...

From butterflies to a 90s dance party, here are 10 things to do in the Rockford ...

March 23, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Are you ready to turn time back to the 1990s? Or maybe...

Rockton musical artist Danielle Juhre signs songwriting deal with Grammy-winning...

March 22, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKTON — Singer and songwriter Danielle Juhre has signed a deal that sets the...

Beloit-based Blackhawk Bank acquired by First Mid Bank & Trust

March 21, 2023 @ 2:50 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app BELOIT, Wis. — Blackhawk Bank, which has served the region for more than 140...

RVC President Howard Spearman recognized by Honor Society for support of student...

March 21, 2023 @ 12:47 pm

From news release Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Rock Valley College President Howard Spearman will be honored by the Phi...

Rockford brothers' company Phateez breaks the mold for sunglasses

March 21, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Brothers Josh and Jacob Montoya may not have literally broken the mold...

Report: 'A League of Their Own' to return for second and final season on Amazon ...

March 20, 2023 @ 2:11 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — “A League of Their Own,” the Amazon Prime Video series that put...

Fred VanVleet Family Foundation donates $35K to allow youth to tour historically...

March 17, 2023 @ 1:03 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — When the Wabongo Leadership Council accepted a $35,000 donation Friday from the...

Camera Craft, Rockford's last locally owned camera store, will close in April

March 17, 2023 @ 8:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Camera Craft, the last independently owned camera store in the region, will...

Parks Chamber leader to retire next month, successor named lead it 'into the fut...

March 17, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — Tonya Lamia will retire next month as the leader of the...

World-renowned architect Jeanne Gang to design future Women's Baseball Center in...

March 17, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — World-renowned architect and Belvidere native Jeanne Gang will design the future International...

Shear Determination: Barber moving to Rockford wants to help more women break in...

March 16, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — First things first, let’s get Elena Martinez’s title straight: She’s a barber,...

Charcuterie, pinchos and caviar: Social has reopened in downtown Rockford with a...

March 15, 2023 @ 1:25 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A downtown bar and restaurant has reopened with a new concept inspired...

Back in the paddle: Rock River Anything That Floats Race returns to Rockford

March 15, 2023 @ 8:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Calling all do-it-yourself sailors, mariners and boaters: The Rock River Anything That...

Roxy Carmichael plans to move this summer to Edgebrook in Rockford

March 15, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Locally owned fashion retailer Roxy Carmichael plans to leave the shop it has...

Hard Rock gifts $2K to African-American Resource Center at Booker in Rockford

March 14, 2023 @ 4:43 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Rockford Casino: A Hard Rock Opening Act and its customers donated $2,000...

Millennium Fountain in Rockford was never designed for people to play in. That's...

March 14, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Millennium Fountain in the city’s downtown is a popular spot to beat...

Life-changing Rockford baseball program featured in national Dick's Sporting Goo...

March 13, 2023 @ 4:38 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A new commercial from Dick’s Sporting Goods sets out to highlight how...

See The Peking Acrobats for free this week at the Coronado in Rockford

March 13, 2023 @ 12:43 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The Coronado Performing Arts Center will open its doors free of charge...

Podcast: Loves Park Mayor Greg Jury talks Rockford Speedway future, economic dev...

March 13, 2023 @ 10:05 am

Loves Park Mayor Greg Jury joined Steve Summers on This Week in the Stateline to talk about the future of the Rockford Speedway site,...

Podcast: Loves Park Mayor Greg Jury talks Roc...

Rock River Current Podcasts

Rockford Roasting Co. to close its original shop, consolidate 'all of our passio...

March 10, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Rockford Roasting Co. plans to close its original roasting facility and brew...

Sector 815 brings laser tag back to former Laser Quest in Rockford

March 10, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Laser tag has returned to a building where the live-action game was...

'27 phenomenal years': Crimson Ridge in Rockford clears final inventory, closes ...

March 9, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Over roughly two decades as a customer, Judy Lindberg said Crimson Ridge‘s...

This Rockford violinist was born deaf, here's how 'music became her voice'

March 8, 2023 @ 4:32 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Sarah Pearl Anderson’s first violin was gifted to her as a tool...

Thousands expected at BMO Center in Rockford this weekend for kids state wrestli...

March 8, 2023 @ 11:30 am

Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation will bring hundreds of wrestlers and thousands of spectators downtown...

11 things to do in the Rockford area on St. Patrick's Day weekend

March 8, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Looking for things to do this St. Patrick’s Day weekend? We’ve got...

Customers dig for deals at new bin shopping store in Rockford

March 8, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — On a recent Thursday inside the city’s newest discount store, customers hunting...

YWCA's Women of Achievement Awards honor inspirational leaders and difference-ma...

March 6, 2023 @ 4:06 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app CHERRY VALLEY — The YWCA Northwestern Illinois on Monday honored seven women for their...

Podcast: Here are the details on this year's St. Patrick's Day Parade

March 4, 2023 @ 6:00 am

Danny McDade from the Irish Marching Society talks about this year’s parade and its efforts to dye the Rock River in honor of Saint...

Podcast: Here are the details on this year's ...

Rock River Current Podcasts

Podcast: Mayor Tom McNamara on This Week in the Stateline

March 3, 2023 @ 6:00 am

Mayor Tom McNamara joins Steve Summers on This Week in the Stateline to talk the legacy of Alderman Tuffy Quinonez, who died Monday at...

Podcast: Mayor Tom McNamara on This Week in t...

Rock River Current Podcasts

Harlem Veteran Project's latest film explores what it means to be a woman in the...

March 3, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app MACHESNEY PARK — When U.S. Marine veteran Melody Brocato started attending meetings for veterans...

Dari Fair, a summertime tradition in Rockford since the 1960s, is for sale

March 2, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Dari Fair, an ice cream shop that’s been a summertime tradition on...

Riverfront luxury lofts coming to Beloit, future tenants can pre-lease now

March 1, 2023 @ 3:47 pm

Rock River Current Get our mobile app BELOIT, Wis. — Hendricks Commercial Properties announced Wednesday that it is pre-leasing for future tenants of its...

Machesney Park to use $500K state grant to acquire and demolish flood-prone prop...

March 1, 2023 @ 3:03 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app MACHESNEY PARK— The village was awarded a $506,150 state grant on Wednesday to continue...

Irish Rose Saloon announces indefinite closure due to family illness

March 1, 2023 @ 8:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The Irish Rose Saloon, a staple for fine dining in downtown for...

Synchronized swimming, polar plunge, roller derby and more: 14 things to do in t...

March 1, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — This week is a real rager in the Rockford region. The Rockford...

Rockford Guilford High School Valkyries ready to put on a show nearly 60 years i...

February 28, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Nearly 30 years ago Katie Pozzi performed for the Valkyries for the...

Chocoholic Frolic posts another year of sold-out sweets to benefit The Arc of Wi...

February 24, 2023 @ 5:25 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app CHERRY VALLEY — Cravings for chocolate treats were satisfied this week at a sweet...

New car wash opens in Loves Park, offers free washes this weekend

February 24, 2023 @ 12:07 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — The city’s street crews have already poured out nearly 2,700 tons...

YMCA in Rockford launches new strategy to support boys and young men of color

February 23, 2023 @ 9:00 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The YMCA of Rock River Valley is joining a national movement to...

Vote early, get free coffee at Inzombia in Rockford

February 23, 2023 @ 12:09 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — If you cast your vote early in the April election, you can...