815BLOG

Podcast: Irish Marching Society to host The Fitzgeralds in Rockford this weekend

August 21, 2023 @ 10:01 am

Danny McDade, president of the Irish Marching Society, joins Steve Summers and Ryan Sartori on This Week in the Stateline to talk about a...

Podcast: Irish Marching Society to host The F...

Rock River Current Podcasts

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Natural Land Institute seeks volunteers for annual seed harvest

August 21, 2023 @ 9:33 am

Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKTON — The Natural Land Institute is looking for volunteers to help collect seeds from native prairie...

From Barbie boats to pirate ships, Rock River Anything That Floats Race brings s...

August 20, 2023 @ 8:25 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Three years ago Tim West had the materials ready for a pirate...

New barber college on Broadway in Rockford aims to give students a chance to rea...

August 18, 2023 @ 11:51 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Scherri Matlock-Kelly’s new school is designed to do more than build the...

3 business and development groups merge to form Greater Rockford Chamber of Comm...

August 18, 2023 @ 10:27 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Three area business and development groups will merge under one board of...

Podcast: Mayor Tom McNamara talks about busy City Council agenda

August 18, 2023 @ 6:00 am

Mayor Tom McNamara joins Steve Summers on This Week in the Stateline to talk about a busy night ahead for the Rockford City Council...

Podcast: Mayor Tom McNamara talks about busy ...

Rock River Current Podcasts

Largest 2-year college women's volleyball tournament in the U.S. returns to Rock...

August 17, 2023 @ 3:58 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The largest two-year college women’s volleyball tournament in the country returns to...

Jefferson High School senior wins Winnebago County Fair queen pageant

August 17, 2023 @ 1:06 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app PECATONICA — Fallon Perry had twice finished as a runner up while competing in...

Meet Orville: Summerfield Zoo's newest additional carries the signature scent of...

August 16, 2023 @ 2:05 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app BELVIDERE — Summerfield Zoo has a new addition to its cast of critters that...

Milestone Inc. marks 50-year milestone with time capsule. Here's what people wil...

August 16, 2023 @ 1:19 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — When a future generation of leadership at Milestone Inc. unearths a...

Talent show finale, fair and floating: Here are 8 quick picks for things to do i...

August 16, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — This week you can watch makeshift rafts float down the Rock River,...

Boone County Fair sets new attendance record, topping the previous high mark fro...

August 15, 2023 @ 5:18 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app BELVIDERE — The Boone County Fair set a new attendance record this year, topping...

Rockford Day kicks off citywide celebration with acts of kindness and other ways...

August 15, 2023 @ 10:46 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — You may catch Mayor Tom McNamara handing out water to thirsty people...

Winnebago County Fair begins its 5-day run Wednesday. Here's your quick guide to...

August 15, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app PECATONICA — The Winnebago County Fair kicks off its five-day run on Wednesday, so...

What is there to do on 815 Day in Rockford? Here are 8 ways to shop and celebrat...

August 14, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The city will celebrate its unofficial holiday on Tuesday with a variety...

'They put on a heck of a show': Rockford Boxing Classic draws hundreds to downto...

August 12, 2023 @ 11:21 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Local boxers Gavin Bernal and Julian Lugo both have amateur title belts...

Leader of Rockford area economic development agency to step down at the end of t...

August 11, 2023 @ 2:03 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — The leader of an organization that works to attract and retain business in...

Check out the Perseids meteor shower at Severson Dells Nature Center this weeken...

August 11, 2023 @ 10:44 am

By Chelsea Meyer B103 Rockford Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Get ready to wish on a shooting star and check out the most...

Rockford Boxing Classic gives high-ranking local amateurs a chance to put on a s...

August 10, 2023 @ 3:58 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Gavin Bernal has had the chance to test his skills against some...

Kindness Project aims to spur 'a wave of kindness' across Rockford on 815 Day

August 10, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Kim Knutson has a vision to create one day where people across...

Take a swing at glow mini putt this weekend at Aldeen Practice Centre

August 10, 2023 @ 5:55 am

By Chelsea Meyer B103 Rockford Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — This Saturday, as the sun sets and darkness falls, the practice center at...

Beloit restaurant serves up drinks to quench your thirst for hit movies 'Barbie'...

August 10, 2023 @ 5:50 am

By Chelsea Meyer B103 Rockford Get our mobile app BELOIT, WIS. — Come on Barbie, let’s go party at truk’t in Beloit. With the...

Beloit on a budget: 5 wallet-friendly date night ideas

August 9, 2023 @ 11:33 am

By Chelsea Meyer B103 Rockford Get our mobile app BELOIT, WIS. — Looking to spend quality time with your partner without overspending? Beloit, Wisconsin,...

Beloit on a budget: 5 wallet-friendly date night ideas

August 9, 2023 @ 11:33 am

By Chelsea Meyer B103 Rockford Get our mobile app BELOIT, WIS. — Looking to spend quality time with your partner without overspending? Beloit, Wisconsin,...

Homebuilding never recovered after the Great Recession. Here's Rockford's latest...

August 9, 2023 @ 1:20 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A new round of tax breaks may be offered in an attempt...

A crown today. A white coat one day. Boone County Fair Queen envisions a future ...

August 9, 2023 @ 12:21 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app BELVIDERE — This year’s Boone County Fair Queen envisions a future when it won’t...

Rockford Attorney Erik Karl Jacobs to serve as next 17th Judicial Circuit judge

August 8, 2023 @ 6:09 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Erik Karl Jacobs, an attorney with more than 30 years experience in...

'A bold move for Phantom Regiment': Rockford-based drum and bugle corps names ne...

August 8, 2023 @ 12:04 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Phantom Regiment has named a new chief executive who brings a wealth...

Fundraising effort underway as need increases at Rockford food pantries

August 7, 2023 @ 12:23 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A fundraising effort is underway to support nine local food pantries as...

Fundraising effort underway as need increases at Rockford food pantries

August 7, 2023 @ 12:23 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A fundraising effort is underway to support nine local food pantries as...

Ferragosto celebration at Lino's to feature 6 hours of live music to benefit 6 R...

August 6, 2023 @ 2:13 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A new celebration this summer will feature six hours of live music...

'Heart of the River': New mural honors Ski Broncs, aims to spark joy in Loves Pa...

August 4, 2023 @ 12:03 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — A new mural filled with custom colors aims to spark joy...

The GOAT Pub and Grill aims to create a new neighborhood gathering place on Rock...

August 4, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Helen Karakoudas Special to the Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Another new business is transforming the North End Commons...

New mural on Rockford's North End salutes veterans for 'their bravery and dedica...

August 3, 2023 @ 4:41 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A new mural at North Main and Auburn streets brings a colorful...

'Thank you for the amazing memories': Vintage 501 in downtown Rockford to close ...

August 3, 2023 @ 12:36 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Vintage 501, a downtown burger restaurant that operated at the corner of...

Rockford-area home sale prices hit new record, topping $198K average for the fir...

August 3, 2023 @ 11:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Karl Gasbarra can remember a time when Realtors scoffed at the idea...

Cycling marathon brings competitors from 20 countries to scenic Rockford-area ro...

August 2, 2023 @ 7:29 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — About 200 cyclists from 20 different countries will test their endurance in...

New concert venue coming to Levings Park, a home for Rockford's talent for nearl...

August 2, 2023 @ 2:31 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Elbert Jordan thought back Wednesday to the first stage that young people...

Breakdance battles, bike rides, cultural festivals and more: 25 things to do in ...

August 2, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — You have no excuse for boredom this week in the Rockford region....

Hoo Haven in Durand seeks volunteers to aid in animal rescue efforts

August 2, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Chelsea Meyer B103 Rockford Get our mobile app DURAND — Animal rescue centers play a crucial role in preserving and rehabilitating wildlife. Every...

Colorful corner store SRM Prints celebrates grand opening in downtown Rockford

August 1, 2023 @ 3:24 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — An artist owned and operated stationery goods and gift shop has opened...

Fair season is underway: Here's your 2023 guide to fairs in the Stateline and be...

August 1, 2023 @ 1:49 pm

Ava Mendoza, 14, left, and Nani Laeman, 14, ride the Cliff Hanger on Aug. 9, 2022, at the Boone County Fair. (Photo by Kevin...

Rockford may honorarily rename roadway in front of Auburn High School after Fred...

August 1, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A roadway that runs past Auburn High School could soon bear the...

Rockford explores new open container social district in downtown

August 1, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The city is exploring the creation of a new social district that...

Photos: Rhythm of the Heart Music Festival in Loves Park

July 31, 2023 @ 11:39 am

Photos by Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — Hundreds of people attended the first Rhythm of the Heart...

Former Radio City Rockette opens new school of dance in Rockford

July 31, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A former precision dancer with the legendary Radio City Rockettes has opened...

You have about 2 weeks left to register your raft for the Rock River Anything Th...

July 30, 2023 @ 6:00 am

The Rock River Anything That Floats Raft Race is about three weeks away, and you have until Aug. 14 to register your homemade raft...

You have about 2 weeks left to register your ...

Rock River Current Podcasts

Podcast: McNamara talks about Metra, Barber-Colman and other big news from the p...

July 29, 2023 @ 6:00 am

Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara joins Steve Summers on This Week in the Stateline to catch up on news from the past few weeks, including...

Podcast: McNamara talks about Metra, Barber-C...

Rock River Current Podcasts

'We're in the mix': Local leaders say Stellantis CEO's comments show promise for...

July 28, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app BELVIDERE — Local lawmakers and the leader of an economic development agency say comments...

Hard Rock gets state clearance to add sports betting in Rockford

July 27, 2023 @ 6:02 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — You’ll soon be able to place your bets on sporting events at...

Rockford Public Schools will use new AI weapons detection system starting this s...

July 27, 2023 @ 3:30 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A new weapons detection system that utilizes artificial intelligence will be installed...

New UW Health clinics will exclusively serve Rockford Public Schools employees a...

July 27, 2023 @ 12:00 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — UW Health has opened two new primary care clinics dedicated exclusively to...

Donations keep Rockford nonprofit afloat after it was at risk of losing the spac...

July 27, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A grassroots nonprofit that was at risk of losing the space where...

Guest review: Moon Dog Theatre's 'Red' adds to Rockford's arts renaissance

July 26, 2023 @ 10:34 am

By Ron Clewer Guest opinion Get our mobile app As an art supporter, it is great to see the renaissance of the arts in...

Dirty Dough is ready to bring its gooey stuffed cookies to Rockford for the firs...

July 26, 2023 @ 6:30 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A national franchise that specializes in super thick, soft and gooey stuffed...

Mushroom business grows from Machesney Park to farmers markets and restaurants a...

July 26, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app MACHESNEY PARK — Bill Springer didn’t set out to start a business when he...

Theater, music, shopping and more: Here are 21 chances for fun in the Rockford a...

July 26, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — This week has plenty of things to do for fans of live...

Northwest Community Center in Rockford names new executive director

July 25, 2023 @ 10:15 am

From news release Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Northwest Community Center has named Nichol Fricks as its new executive director....

Love Your Mental blends art, entertainment and self-care with 2nd annual Rockfor...

July 25, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Lesly Martinez doesn’t think talking about your mental health has to be...

Mushroom business grows from Machesney Park to farmers markets and restaurants a...

July 25, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app MACHESNEY PARK — Bill Springer didn’t set out to start a business when he...

Block party at Beyer Stadium to precede USA Baseball Women’s National Team gam...

July 24, 2023 @ 12:25 pm

From news release Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The USA Baseball Women’s National Team is coming to play in Rockford...

Alpine Kiwanis Brat Days in Rockford has a nice ring to it

July 21, 2023 @ 1:38 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The hum of a procession of cars rolling through the Alpine Kiwanis...

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2 Rockford nonprofits receive $100K to support programs for women and minority e...

July 21, 2023 @ 9:56 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A foundation created by Nicor Gas has awarded a combined $200,000 to...

Robotics competition brings teams from across the Midwest to Rockford in the nam...

July 20, 2023 @ 4:18 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Some of the Midwest’s most talented young technological minds will showcase their...

New Mexican restaurant to take over former Los Portales space in downtown Rockfo...

July 20, 2023 @ 9:33 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A new restaurant taking over the former Los Portales space on the...

New Rockford Public Art Trail rewards you for visiting murals, sculptures and mo...

July 19, 2023 @ 6:29 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A new program run through your mobile phone rewards you for exploring...

$300k building renovation helps Rockford youth learn trades while improving thei...

July 19, 2023 @ 3:24 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A nonprofit that helps young people better their lives has renovated the...

Collins Aerospace in Rockford is helping power astronauts' return to the moon

July 18, 2023 @ 6:09 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Workers at Collins Aerospace in Rockford have a hand in a complex...

'We've got to keep going to get this done': Here's what happens next on Barber-C...

July 18, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — City Council’s vote on Monday in favor of redeveloping the Barber-Colman factory...

Circle of Wellness prepares to expand with new vocational school in Loves Park

July 17, 2023 @ 3:37 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — Circle of Wellness is preparing to expand with a new vocational...

Bargain shopping store to move into former Bed Bath & Beyond

July 17, 2023 @ 9:59 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A bargain shopping business is set to take over the former Bed...

New Rockford restaurant aims to elevate the city's ramen scene

July 17, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Scott Souvannasane wants to elevate the city’s ramen scene, and he’s starting...

Phantom Regiment, new conductor Keri McCourt, prepare for annual show that stray...

July 15, 2023 @ 1:30 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The sound of drums and horns reverberates through neighborhoods surrounding Boylan Catholic...

Virtual drag event draws prayers and protests as supporters show pride at separa...

July 14, 2023 @ 10:19 pm

By Helen Karakoudas Special to the Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKTON — About two blocks separated a potluck and drag show...

Activists push for Rockford City Council to reconsider Barber-Colman vote as dea...

July 14, 2023 @ 3:31 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A grassroots group of historic preservationists and advocates for southwest Rockford are...