Local

Machesney Park to temporarily relocate Village Hall during renovations

September 27, 2023 @ 9:47 am

From news release Rock River Current Get our mobile app MACHESNEY PARK — The village will temporarily relocate its municipal offices to 9942 N....

Visitor spending hits record-breaking total in Winnebago County, new data shows

September 25, 2023 @ 12:41 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Visitor spending in Rockford and Winnebago County reached a record-breaking total of...

Rockford mom named CNN Hero for creating wish-granting charity for young adults ...

September 22, 2023 @ 3:59 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A Rockford mom who has created a legacy of generosity in honor...

Rockford's next historic makeover: New plans for former Watch Factory, city's fi...

September 22, 2023 @ 5:55 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A historic factory where timepieces were once made and the city’s first...

Downtown Rockford YMCA to build 9,000-square-foot addition for more exercise spa...

September 19, 2023 @ 1:15 pm

Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The YMCA of Rock River Valley is expanding the SwedishAmerican Riverfront facility, adding more than...

Rockford City Council approves downtown social district, new BYOB rules at hooka...

September 18, 2023 @ 6:51 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — City Council members on Monday approved plans for a pilot program for...

Rebecca Epperson, founder and CEO of Chartwell, named Rockford Chamber's Citizen...

September 18, 2023 @ 6:05 pm

Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Rebecca Epperson, the founder and CEO of the marketing firm Chartwell Agency, has been named the Rockford...

Lindberg Pumpkin Patch, a fall tradition for more than 4 decades, has reopened f...

September 14, 2023 @ 2:34 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app CALEDONIA — Each fall at the Pumpkin Patch, Ellen Herbig and her sister would...

UAW releases video calling for 'Justice for Belvidere' as auto strike looms

September 8, 2023 @ 3:22 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app BELVIDERE — The United Auto Workers have released a new video demanding “Justice for...

New Brooke Road Community Center to serve as a hub for neighborhood needs in sou...

September 8, 2023 @ 12:37 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Brooke Road United Methodist Church didn’t so much create a community center...

A whitewater course in downtown Rockford? The idea is still floating around two ...

September 8, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — On a chalkboard-style sign near the back exit of Rocktown Adventures, a...

'It is a crisis': United Way launches campaign to improve Winnebago County's low...

September 7, 2023 @ 1:20 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — United Way of Rock River Valley has partnered with more than 30...

Rockford City Council approves 3-year property tax rebate for new home construct...

September 6, 2023 @ 5:55 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — City Council members have approved a three-year property tax rebate program that’s...

Rockford City Council delays decision on hookah lounges, downtown social distric...

September 6, 2023 @ 5:15 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — City Council has delayed a decision on whether to allow patrons to...

U.S. Small Business Administration leader visits Rockford to meet with local ent...

August 31, 2023 @ 11:08 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The head of the U.S. Small Business Administration stopped in Rockford on...

Real estate investment trust acquires land under Hard Rock Casino Rockford, ente...

August 30, 2023 @ 10:29 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A publicly traded real estate investment trust has acquired the land where...

Rockford IceHogs and Chicago Blackhawks award $20K to Think Big, a resource for ...

August 29, 2023 @ 12:59 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The Rockford IceHogs Community Fund and the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation on Tuesday...

Proposal for downtown social district, BYOB at hookah lounges advance to Rockfor...

August 28, 2023 @ 8:21 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — City Council members on Monday moved forward plans to create a downtown...

Survey seeks input to help shape the future of tourism in the Rockford region

August 24, 2023 @ 3:49 pm

By Steve Summers and Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — What are the first three words that come to...

Travel Channel show brings celebrities to Rockford for scares at Tinker Swiss Co...

August 24, 2023 @ 1:43 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A Travel Channel show that brings Jack Osbourne and his celebrity friends...

Winnebago County Sheriff's Office warns of scam caller claiming you have a warra...

August 23, 2023 @ 4:36 pm

From news release Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents of a new phone...

Amazon cancels 'A League of Their Own,' ending the series centered on the Rockfo...

August 22, 2023 @ 4:57 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — “A League of Their Own” won’t get its second and final season...

Hero Climb to raise funds for Greg Lindmark Foundation, which has seen increased...

August 22, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — This summer, Margie Lindmark saw fresh evidence of the need for the...

City Council approves deal to redevelop former Coke building in downtown Rockfor...

August 21, 2023 @ 6:53 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — City Council members on Monday approved a deal that paves the way...

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

New life coming to former bottling plant in downtown Rockford

August 18, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The family that owns the former Coca-Cola bottling plant in downtown Rockford...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

$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...

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...

After 'shell shock,' the push continues for a path forward on the Barber-Colman ...

July 14, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Gary Anderson said he got a phone call Tuesday morning that halted...

Hard Rock Casino Rockford marks key construction milestone on path to 2024 openi...

July 12, 2023 @ 1:32 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Hard Rock Casino Rockford celebrated a milestone on its path to opening...

Former Elliot Golf Course to be farmland, but it's an interim step 'to prepare t...

July 12, 2023 @ 10:22 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app CHERRY VALLEY — Portions of the former Elliot Golf Course will turn to farmland...

Get ready to see this new inflatable hockey rink 'all over Rockford'

July 11, 2023 @ 12:22 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — An inflatable outdoor hockey rink made its first of many stops this...

'It's going to be really dynamic': Belvidere primed for new downtown train stati...

July 10, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app BELVIDERE — When the first Metra trains roll through Belvidere in about four years,...

Tears, prayers as south Rockford prepares for historic vote on Barber-Colman fac...

July 6, 2023 @ 9:32 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — There was a moment Thursday outside the beaten down Barber-Colman factory where...

Rail Q & A: Answers to 12 key questions about passenger rail between Rockford an...

July 6, 2023 @ 12:32 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Passenger rail service is returning to Rockford for the first time since...

Passenger rail service to return to Rockford for first time since 1981. First tr...

July 6, 2023 @ 10:25 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Passenger rail service is set to return to the city for the...

Citywide prayer planned for Barber-Colman redevelopment project in Rockford

July 5, 2023 @ 9:22 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A citywide prayer meeting intended to unify people around the potential Barber-Colman...

Photos: Rockford Fourth of July fireworks show

July 4, 2023 @ 11:46 pm

Photos by Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A 30-minute fireworks display blasted above downtown Rockford on Tuesday as...

After a year with record crashes, nonprofit turns focus from beauty to safety at...

July 4, 2023 @ 12:32 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A nonprofit that has worked to beautify the roundabout at North Main...

Owen Carter picked to serve as next Rockford Park District board member

July 3, 2023 @ 12:43 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The Rockford Park District board of commissioners has selected Owen Carter to...

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Natural Land Institute names new executive director

June 30, 2023 @ 12:32 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The Natural Land Institute has named Alan Branhagen as its next executive...

Basketball courts outside west Rockford elementary school to get new surface and...

June 30, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Plans are in motion to give students and neighborhood kids who play...

New path with lights, fitness stations being built at Harmon Park in Rockford

June 29, 2023 @ 12:07 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A neighborhood park on the city’s south side will soon have new...

Retired journalist Wally Haas tapped to lead Transform Rockford

June 29, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Ken DeCoster Special to the Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Retired journalist Wally Haas has been selected to lead...