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Rockford Man Already Jailed In Murder Case Now Charged In 2022 Killing

A Rockford man already sitting in the Winnebago County Jail on a separate murder charge is now facing a second first-degree murder count, this one tied to the 2022 shooting death of a 56-year-old woman inside her own home. Mario Perkins, 37, is accused of killing Tracy Morell, who was shot in the 3500 block of Green Dale Drive more than four years ago.

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Rockford Register Star

Check out the complete playoff football schedule for Rockford-area teams

It's on to the next round for nine Rockford-area football teams, all with an eye on the top prize: an IHSA state football championship. One of the Rockford area's defending state champions, Lena-Winslow, bowed out last week, which was the second week of the new IHSA playoff format, but it was called the first round. The other Rockford-area defending state champ, Byron, kept chugging right along. More Rockford-area sports: Big Byron, Forreston wins key Rockford-area football playoff roundup And four NIC-10 teams stayed alive through two rounds of action, while three NUIC teams kept it going, but Byron was the only Big Northern Conference squad still kicking. And Rochelle, which was 3-4 at one point this season, is one win away from the state quarterfinals. As we get set for the next round, here is a quick look at all the second-round matchups, including each team's seeds, records, where the game will be played, and when. Class 1A #7 Forreston (8-2) at #2 Stockton (9-1), 1 p.m. Saturday Class 2A #8 Peotone (8-2) at #17 Eastland/Pearl City (6-5), 2:30 p.m. Saturday Class 3A #2 Byron (10-0) at #23 Pontiac (5-6), 1 p.m. Saturday Class 4A #14 Rochelle (7-4) at #22

rockrivercurrent.com

More votes filter in for close race between Syverson, Mertens

ROCKFORD — Candidates for 35th District state Senate continue to watch results filter in as they wait to learn the final outcome of a close contest that’s separated by less than a percentage point. Democratic Party challenger Sarah Mertens, a Crystal Lake educator and martial arts instructor, said...

Rockford, IL · 8h

MyStateline.com WTVO WQRF

Machesney Park man gets nine-year sentence for fatal 2025 Rockford hit-and-run

A Machesney Park man was sentenced to nine years in prison for the January 2025 hit-and-run death of Michelle Jones in Rockford.

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Chicago woman sentenced after reporting fake shooting through 20+ emergency calls

A Chicago woman was sentenced to jail and probation after being found guilty of making more than 20 false 911 calls to report a non-existent shooting in Rochelle.

Rochelle, IL · 23h

MyStateline.com WTVO WQRF

Rockford natives launch $5.7 million memory care community in Cherry Valley

Palmstone Memory Care, founded by longtime business partners Greg Vass and Michael Kromm, is under construction at 1918 S. Bell School Road.

Cherry Valley, IL · 22h

rockrivercurrent.com

Brightpoint adopts new name to reflect family resource center model in Rockford

ROCKFORD — A nonprofit that provides emergency child care and other services has changed its name to reflect its new approach to connecting families to the resources they need. Brightpoint Family Resource Center, 424 Seventh St. in Midtown, is no longer using Rockford crisis nursery in its name. The...

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Q985

Big 2027 Shows Announced for Rockford That You May Have Missed

Rockford’s 2027 entertainment calendar now includes Jim Gaffigan, Wynonna Judd, Tesla, Sammy Kershaw and Ron White at Hard Rock Live and the Coronado Theatre.

Rockford, IL · 16h

97ZOK

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Rockford Teacher of the Week Gets Unexpected Nomination From Nevada

Our Rockford Teacher of the Week nomination form made its way to Nevada, leading to a special honorary recognition.

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Gary Caruana wins re-election as Winnebago County sheriff

Incumbent Sheriff Gary Caruana defeated independent candidate Dominick Barcellona to win the race for Winnebago County sheriff, Eyewitness News projects.

Winnebago County, IL · 2d

rockrivercurrent.com

Here’s the full card for the Rockford Hero Rumble with 6 new bouts

ROCKFORD — Rockford Hero Rumble announced six additional bouts for this Saturday’s boxing showcase featuring first responders in the ring. The event now includes seven bouts with police, firefighters or other first responders and six matchups where amateur fighters from Rockford Patriots Boxing Club take on opponents from around the region.

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97ZOK

Looking for Love in Rockford? This Dating Event Might Be for You

Rockford singles have a new opportunity to meet someone at a December speed dating event coming to Big Timber.

rockrivercurrent.com

Results: Rockford area state House and state Senate races

ROCKFORD — Incumbents were positioned to hold their seats in area state House and state Senate races, according to unofficial results Tuesday night. Here’s a look at the contested races in the Rockford area. State Rep. Maurice West was uncontested. Results are unofficial for two weeks, during which...

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Belvidere North fullback Zavian McElroy is crushing in the playoffs

Football players try to turn up their games another notch in the playoffs. Belvidere North senior fullback Zavian McElroy has certainly done that the last two weeks.

Belvidere, IL · 1d

aroundptown.com

Along the Rock: Serenity Hospice and Home – Misconceptions About Hospice Care & Supporting Sauk Valley Families

Hospice care is often misunderstood, with many people associating it exclusively with the final days of someone's life. However, Serenity Hospice and Home is working to change that perception by providing compassionate care, education, and support for patients and families throughout the end-of-life journey and beyond. On this episode of...

Oregon, IL · 22h

rockrivercurrent.com

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First Midwest Group building new multitenant site at Machesney Crossings

MACHESNEY PARK — First Midwest Group is developing a new multitenant commercial building at the corner of Illinois 251 and Illinois 173. The 14,000-square-foot building will stand in front of Old Navy, TJ Maxx, Five Below and other businesses in Machesney Crossings, a retail development built in 2005. The...

Rockford, IL · 8h

Rockford Register Star

Anderson Japanese Gardens sets final fall dates

Anderson Japanese Gardens and Fresco at the Gardens will end regular-season operations after Nov. 8, giving visitors a few more days to see the garden's fall scenery before the winter break. The garden will remain open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily through Nov. 8, according to a community announcement. Fresco will also serve its final breakfast and lunch of the season Nov. 8. Visitors can walk the garden's paths and see its waterfalls and autumn landscape before the seasonal closure. “Fall at Anderson Japanese Gardens is truly magical,” said David Anderson, a founding family member of Anderson Japanese Gardens. “It’s a time when the Garden glows with color, the air feels crisp and calm, and every corner offers something beautiful to see. We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy this last week before we close for the season.” Illuminated at Anderson Gardens begins Dec. 3 The garden will reopen for Illuminated at Anderson Gardens from Dec. 3 through Jan. 3. The winter event features colorful uplighting and thousands of lights throughout the trees and landscape, according to the announcement. Woodfire Pizza and a rotating selection of food trucks will be available each night, along with indoor dining

Rockford, IL · 11h

sevenlakes.news

Late First Freeze Drops Lows to 30 to 32 Degrees Across Rockford, Elgin, and Joliet Friday Night While Chicago Lakefront Stays Milder

CHICAGO — Friday night is expected to bring the first freeze of the season to most of the Chicago area. Temperatures will likely fall to 30 to 32 degrees across much of northern Illinois by Saturday morning, November 7. Areas right near Lake Michigan should stay a few degrees warmer. This first freeze is arriving very late in the season.

Chicago, IL · 1d

MyStateline.com WTVO WQRF

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Rockford Public Schools considers maxing out property tax levy for 2026

Rockford Public Schools is considering a 2026 property tax levy at the state-allowed maximum, which officials project will lower the overall tax rate due to rising property values despite potentially increasing individual tax bills.

Rockford, IL · 5h

Rockford Register Star

Maurice West draws top spot on 2027 Rockford mayoral ballot

ROCKFORD, IL — Maurice West will appear first on the Democratic ballot for Rockford mayor after winning a Nov. 4 lottery drawing Wednesday against fellow candidate Mary McNamara Bernsten. The Rockford Board of Election Commissioners held the drawing at its office because West and McNamara Bernsten were both in line to file their petitions of candidacy at 8 a.m. on the first day of filing, Oct. 19, said Jorge Paredes, the board’s executive director. “It was only two of them that showed up at 8 a.m. on the first day of filing,” Paredes said. When candidates file at the same time, the board must conduct a draw to decide who's name is listed first on the ballot. Coins marked 1 and 2 were placed in a hat, and each candidate drew one to determine the first and second spots. Paredes said the board is allowed to choose its own lottery method, and the Rockford office has used this simple coin draw in the past. West: 'I was ready' The result applies to the Feb. 23, 2027, Democratic primary, which will feature four candidates: West, McNamara Bernsten, Gabrielle Torina and Dan Lewandowski. West and McNamara Bernsten will hold the top two