Pecatonica, IL Local News and More

Rockford’s Plume named one of Illinois’ 50 best restaurants in statewide ranking

he "50 Best Restaurants in Illinois — 2026 Edition" list published by Travel With Me, a Chicago social media platform with about 1 million followers on Facebook alone.

rockrivercurrent.com

partner publisher · 2.2K followers

Taste the Town | Get Thanksgiving ready with Kauffman’s Country Store in Beloit

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and if you’re starting to plan your holiday menu there’s one local stop you’ll want to add to your shopping list: Kauffman’s Country Store in Beloit, Wisconsin. Kauffman’s, 9550 W. State Road 81, is celebrating 29 years in business. Founded...

Beloit, WI · 11h

The Journal Standard

Stephenson County Fair board adds four new members

The Stephenson County Fair Association has added four members to its board while seeking a nominee to fill another opening. Mary Wernicke of Lena, Jodi Colberg of Freeport, Garrett Handsaker of Pearl City and Kenzie Holste of Ridott are joining the board for the 2026-27 term, according to a community announcement. Wernicke was appointed by the Greater Freeport Partnership, while Holste was appointed by the Farm Bureau. Colberg and Handsaker will serve as at-large members. The association also has a one-year board term available. Anyone interested in joining the board can contact a board member to learn more about receiving a nomination. Who is serving on the Stephenson County Fair board The returning officers are Gary Mielke of Ridott, president; Wendell DeVries of Freeport, vice president; Conor DeZell of Pearl City, treasurer; and Carla Meyer of Baileyville, secretary. Other returning members are: Victoria Hansen of Freeport, Farm Bureau appointed Susie Dvorak of Freeport, Home Community Education appointed Becky Thomas of Pearl City, Home Community Education appointed Ethan Trampel of Rock City, 4-H appointed Denise Hayunga of Freeport, 4-H appointed Brittani DeVries of Freeport, FFA appointed Ann DeZell of Lena, FFA appointed Brooke Keltner of Lena, Greater Freeport Partnership appointed Abby

Stephenson County, IL · 2d

rockrivercurrent.com

2026 Excalibur and Excelsior award finalists announced

ROCKFORD — The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois announced on Wednesday the finalists for this year’s Excalibur and Excelsior awards, a 55-year tradition that recognizes people and organizations for their service to the region. The finalists for the Excalibur Award, which recognizes an individual who exemplifies excellence in...

MyStateline.com WTVO WQRF

Rockford Jefferson’s Janardie Turner will be taking his talents to Madison

Track and Field standouts as talented as Janardie Turner is don't come around often. That's why the Wisconsin Badgers want him, and that's where Turner wants to be.

allamericanatlas.com

5 Best Italian Restaurants in Rockford, Illinois that Will Make You Feel Like You’re in Rome

Rockford, Illinois — a city where the Rock River carves a silver ribbon through neighborhoods stitched with memory and hope, where red-brick factories stand shoulder to shoulder with art deco theaters, and the air is alive with the laughter of families, the hum of old engines, and the scent of something soulful simmering on the stove. Here, the city’s heart beats in a patchwork of cultures — Swedish, Italian, Mexican, Black, and new arrivals from every corner — all gathering at tables that feel like home.

Rockford, IL · 2d

MyStateline.com WTVO WQRF

YMCA of Rock River Valley names two new executive directors

The YMCA of Rock River Valley has appointed Kerek Jenkins and Antonio Ramirez Jr. as new executive directors to lead its branches and early learning programs.

roscoenews.com

Roscoe Community Market - Indoor Edition

ROSCOE COMMUNITY MARKET – WINTER EDITION. The Roscoe Community Market isn’t ending when the temperatures drop — we’re moving INDOORS!. Join us at the Roscoe Township Community Center on Hononegah Road for our Winter Edition and continue supporting the incredible small businesses, makers, artisans, and vendors in our community all winter long.

Roscoe, IL · 1d

rockrivercurrent.com

partner publisher · 14.4K followers

River District Association to revive First Fridays in downtown Rockford

ROCKFORD — The River District Association is reviving a monthly event designed to draw people to shop and dine downtown. Participating businesses will offer special pop-up experiences, activities and other events on the first Friday of each month to encourage people to take part of downtown’s nightlife. The options will change each month, ranging from dining to live entertainment, art and other activities.

Rockford, IL · 16h

967 The Eagle

Three Magical Christmas Light Displays to See in Rockford

From Sinnissippi Park to Anderson Japanese Gardens, discover three Rockford holiday light displays worth visiting this Christmas.

rockrivercurrent.com

Free furnace from Pearson felt like ‘divine intervention’ for Rockford-area veteran

ROCKFORD — An Air Force veteran who was one of two local military members to win a free furnace from Pearson Plumbing, Heating & Pest Control said the gift was much-needed with winter approaching. Chantyl Outzen of Machesney Park will be able to replace her aging and unreliable furnace...

KWQC

Stockton advances to State Volleyball

ROCKFORD, Illinois (KWQC) - The Stockton volleyball team advanced to State for the third year in a row. Watch highlights in the video player.

Stockton, IL · 2d

MyStateline.com WTVO WQRF

Byron and IC Catholic could be headed for another epic playoff battle

It has felt like the football teams at Byron and IC Catholic have been on a collision course all season. Well, that collision will happen this Saturday afternoon in Byron in the IHSA Class 3A playoff quarterfinals. These are the top two ranked teams in the state in 3A.

Byron, IL · 22h

MyStateline.com WTVO WQRF

Northern Illinois Hospice Day of Giving aims to raise $20,000

The Northern Illinois Hospice Foundation will host its annual Day of Giving to raise $20,000 for patient care and support programs.

rockrivercurrent.com

The new Cheezy’s at Victory is more than grilled cheese. Here’s what’s different in Loves Park

LOVES PARK — The new Cheezy’s at Victory represents an expansion of the local brand beyond the hearty grilled cheese sandwiches served up on its food truck. Owners Josh Wilson and Dustin DiBenedetto, who just wrapped up their fourth food truck season with Cheezy’s Grilled Cheese, cut the ribbon on Wednesday on their second physical location. It’s on the second floor inside Victory Pickleball, 7003 N. Alpine Road. They also continue to operate Cheezy’s Grilled Cheese inside BJ’s Place at at 2842 11th St. on Rockford’s south side.

Loves Park, IL · 16h

MyStateline.com WTVO WQRF

Rockford firefighters union say emergency services in jeapordy as new contract talks stall

The union has been working without a contract since late 2024, with negotiations beginning in late 2025, but those discussions have failed to produce an agreement.

statelinesportsnetwork.net

Eleven Years Later, Rockford Still Plays for Pat: Remembering Volleyball Coach Pat Meinert

Eleven years ago today — November 12, 2015 — Rockford lost its volleyball evangelist. Pat Meinert died that day after a long battle with cancer, closing a coaching career that spanned 40 years and touched just about every corner of the sport in the Rockford area. She was inducted into the Rock Valley College Athletics Hall of Fame that same year.

Rockford, IL · 14h

northernpublicradio.org