Loves Park

The last Sonic Drive-In in the Rockford area has closed

November 9, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — The last remaining Sonic Drive-In in the Rockford area has closed. The...

New Loves Park business with diecast cars, toys and other collectibles readies f...

October 27, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK— Ray Smith spent two decades in the auto industry, doing everything from selling...

Rockford-area gum factory officially has new ownership

October 26, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — The 67-year-old factory where some of the nation’s most recognizable gum brands...

Rockford-area gum factory officially has new ownership

October 26, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — The 67-year-old factory where some of the nation’s most recognizable gum brands...

New owners take over Ritchie's Smokin' BBQ in Machesney Park, add new menu optio...

October 19, 2023 @ 5:03 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app MACHESNEY PARK — New ownership has taken over Ritchie’s Smokin’ BBQ, 7828 N. Second...

New soup shop inside Dairy Depot in Loves Park aims to spread love through food

October 19, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — There’s an addictive quality to the hearty, made-from-scratch soups that Julie...

Rockford Community Bank to expand with second location as it eyes a possible thi...

September 18, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app MACHESNEY PARK — Rockford Community Bank is preparing to build its second branch, an...

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...

'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...

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...

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...

Loves Park builds off last year's birthday bash with Rhythm of the Heart music f...

July 11, 2023 @ 12:50 pm

By Kevin Haas and Steve Summers Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — A music festival that started last summer as...

Podcast: Loves Park Mayor Greg Jury talks about Rhythm of the Heart Festival

July 11, 2023 @ 12:16 pm

Loves Park Mayor Greg Jury joined Steve Summers on This Week in the Stateline to talk about the Rhythm of the Heart Festival, which...

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

Rock River Current Podcasts

A new dual-brand restaurant is coming to Riverside Boulevard in Loves Park

June 19, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — The next development happening in the East Riverside Boulevard corridor will...

Loves Park Fire Department is changing who dispatches its 911 calls. Here's why

June 14, 2023 @ 10:27 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — The Loves Park Fire Department will soon change who dispatches its...

Lino's Restaurant's 'summer shack' adds new way to enjoy its shipping container ...

June 6, 2023 @ 6:05 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — A new addition to the restaurant Lino’s opened inside a shipping...

Local couple's refurbished appliance store, Afrodita White Goods, relocates to L...

June 5, 2023 @ 5:55 am

By Helen Karakoudas Special to the Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — Another new business is coming to the North...

After losing everything in a fire, CD Source is set to open in a new space in Lo...

May 31, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — Before he decided to rebuild both his business and his extensive...

Former Crimson Ridge employees now run Flowers on River Park, a new business in ...

May 31, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — A new flower shop along North Second Street will have familiar...

Rockford Speedway incentive package could be worth millions with successful deve...

May 4, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — City Council members have approved a pay-as-you-go incentive package that could...

New ownership plans to turn Victory Sports Complex into indoor pickleball destin...

May 3, 2023 @ 1:00 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — New ownership has taken over the Victory Sports Complex with plans...

'An investment for our future': Harlem High School breaks ground on career and t...

April 17, 2023 @ 11:34 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app MACHESNEY PARK — Harlem High School broke ground on Monday on an expansion designed...

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...

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...

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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...

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...

Tropical Smoothie Cafe plans to expand across Rockford region, offer career grow...

February 22, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Tropical Smoothie Cafe plans to open its first restaurant in the city...

New parking lot designed to give aging veterans easier access to Korean War Memo...

February 21, 2023 @ 3:30 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — A partnership between the city of Loves Park and the Rockford...

How Rockford Speedway hopes to preserve its history after the racetrack is gone

February 9, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — The Deery family wants to make sure a part of the...

Why now? Behind the Rockford Speedway's decision to make this its final season

February 8, 2023 @ 3:47 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — Years ago, Tom Deery recalls, people would talk about going “up...

Rockford Speedway says this season will be its last, ending 76 years of racing h...

February 8, 2023 @ 8:34 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — The Rockford Speedway said Wednesday that this upcoming season would be...

Mondelez agrees to sell gum business, including Loves Park plant, to maker of Me...

December 19, 2022 @ 12:33 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — Mondelēz International has agreed to sell its developed-market gum business, including...

Mondelez agrees to sell gum business, including Loves Park plant, to maker of Me...

December 19, 2022 @ 12:33 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — Mondelēz International has agreed to sell its developed-market gum business, including...

Harlem High School grad returns home to open own optometry practice

December 13, 2022 @ 5:38 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — Dr. Jennifer Dungan says the birth of her older son was...

Lino's expands into Loves Park with unique curbside restaurant

November 21, 2022 @ 5:26 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — The look of Lino’s second location is a departure from the...

Schnucks recalls ground beef at Loves Park store

November 20, 2022 @ 7:59 pm

Rock River Current Get our newsletter Editor’s note: This story has been updated from its original version to correct the day the meat was...

Birth to Five early education initiative opens headquarters in Loves Park

November 18, 2022 @ 1:26 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — An effort is underway in Boone and Winnebago counties to study...

'Exciting festivities': Loves Park and Machesney Park prepare for 25th annual ho...

November 14, 2022 @ 11:00 am

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our newsletter LOVES PARK — Loves Park and Machesney Park plan to kick off holiday festivities this...

Baked Wings 'beyond thrilled' with response to first day in Loves Park

November 9, 2022 @ 6:30 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter LOVES PARK — Baked Wings quietly opened its doors Monday without trying to make a...

Winnebago County adds new early voting center in Loves Park

October 21, 2022 @ 10:13 am

From news release Rock River Current Get our newsletter LOVES PARK — The Winnebago County Clerk’s Office will add a new early voting site...

Mayor Greg Jury touts Loves Park's work to help businesses in State of the Parks...

October 19, 2022 @ 8:59 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — For proof that Loves Park puts its focus on growing its...

'Celebrate different milestones': New event space to fill former Rent-A-Center i...

October 18, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — An event-hosting business is moving to the Meadow Mart Shopping Center...

Carrying on restaurant history: Mi Placita Mexico Clasico opens in former Maid-R...

October 5, 2022 @ 11:44 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — Kevin Mata has a rich restaurant history to live up to....

Honorary road name change pays tribute to Jody Deery's legacy in Loves Park

September 27, 2022 @ 4:42 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter LOVES PARK — Jody Deery, the late matriarch of the Rockford Speedway who helped the...

Loves Park's newest fire station debuts with promise to reduce response times, i...

September 27, 2022 @ 12:35 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter LOVES PARK — The Loves Park Fire Department has moved into its newest facility, which...

'They're never praised enough': Stretch of Alpine Road renamed to honor veterans

September 26, 2022 @ 3:08 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — The city with a heart has taken another measure to show...

'Big contributors to the community': Shosies Cyclery in Loves Park set to close

September 16, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — Shosies Cyclery is set to close at the end of the...

Another fast-food addition is coming to Loves Park's growing restaurant corridor

September 16, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — The city’s corridor of restaurants off the interstate already has coffee,...

New Mexican restaurant to fill former Riverside Family Restaurant in Loves Park

September 15, 2022 @ 5:45 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — A new restaurant coming to Riverside Boulevard wants to serve you...

Natural light and Napoli's pizza: New Loves Park slot spot has a different feel

September 1, 2022 @ 1:03 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — Pam Manning watched the progress being made on renovations to the...

A new food truck in Loves Park combines award-winning BBQ with THC

August 31, 2022 @ 1:35 pm

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — Little Nick’s BBQ is bringing you food on the go with...

'There's going to be lots of Baked Wings': New Loves Park restaurant has big exp...

August 19, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — A business that was born out of the pandemic as a...

'There's going to be lots of Baked Wings': New Loves Park restaurant has big exp...

August 19, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — A business that was born out of the pandemic as a...

Tom & Jerry's to open fourth Rockford-area restaurant, first in Loves Park

August 17, 2022 @ 8:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — Tom & Jerry’s is bringing its gyros, Italian beef sandwiches, Angus...

Loves Park Shell station rolls gas under $4 per gallon to celebrate grand openin...

July 19, 2022 @ 1:50 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter LOVES PARK — Alexis Traylor drove past a gas station on Riverside Boulevard selling fuel...

Loves Park declares it Harlem bowlers week in honor of the national champions

June 27, 2022 @ 7:27 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter LOVES PARK — First, Harlem High School’s boys and girls bowling teams earned a pair...

More than 4,000 visitors expected to attend national wrestling championship in L...

June 6, 2022 @ 2:20 pm

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our newsletter LOVES PARK — USA Wrestling will host a national youth championship here this week, bringing...

ROTD Crafter's Corner celebrates grand opening of its new location in Loves Park

June 1, 2022 @ 1:37 pm

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our newsletter LOVES PARK — A husband and wife team has brought their full-service print and vinyl...

State Rep. Joe Sosnowski to deliver state of the state Wednesday

May 17, 2022 @ 11:12 am

Rock River Current Get our newsletter LOVES PARK — State Rep. Joe Sosnowski will give his take on the state of Illinois on Wednesday...

'Pioneering' Loves Park dart company named Small Business Exporter of the Year

May 6, 2022 @ 12:00 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter LOVES PARK — An innovative Loves Park company that has darted its products from here...

'After 75 years, it worked out pretty well': Loves Park marks milestone

May 3, 2022 @ 5:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter LOVES PARK — The decision for Loves Park to become a city of its own...

How the groundUP stores went from a simple sticker to a multifaceted maintenance...

April 29, 2022 @ 12:26 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter MACHESNEY PARK— It started with a sticker. It was 2006 and Sam Furman, who had...

Northwest Bank is still serving Rockford 50 years after 'a leap of faith'

April 22, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — It may seem like an unlikely group of investors to start a bank....

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Due to weather, Rockford's St. Patrick's Day Parade Postponed

March 10, 2022 @ 11:43 am

By Chelsea Meyer Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — After two years of cancelations due to the pandemic, we’ll have to wait...

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Due to weather, Rockford's St. Patrick's Day Parade postponed to March 19

March 10, 2022 @ 11:43 am

By Chelsea Meyer Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — After two years of cancellations due to the pandemic, we’ll have to wait...

Volcano Falls Adventure Park in Loves Park is open for the season

March 4, 2022 @ 10:53 am

By Matt Hall Rock River Current Get our newsletter LOVES PARK — One of the sure signs that spring is here in the Stateline...

Aldi has an opening date for its new Loves Park store

March 3, 2022 @ 6:05 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter LOVES PARK — Aldi has set a grand opening date for its newest store at...

Loves Park approves purchase of former body shop for fire station

March 1, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter LOVES PARK — City Council members on Monday approved purchasing a former body shop that...

The Parks Chamber's newest series connects government and business leaders

January 18, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter LOVES PARK — When the coronavirus pandemic took hold in spring 2020 – leading to...

Shorewood Park fixes to 'breathe new life' into Loves Park Ski Broncs shows

January 7, 2022 @ 1:37 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter LOVES PARK — A summer night’s rain can be a soothing sound to help you...

Here's a peek inside The Content Factory, a new selfie museum in Loves Park

December 3, 2021 @ 6:15 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter LOVES PARK — The Content Factory, the area’s first full-time selfie museum and content creative...