Seward, IL Events and More

Save A Lot in west Rockford kicks off annual holiday hunger relief initiative

ROCKFORD — Save A Lot on Thursday kicked off an annual holiday hunger relief initiative to support local families dealing with food insecurity. The grocery store, 1701 W. State St., kicked off its Bags for a Brighter Holiday campaign with 13th Ward Alderman Tamir Bell and two nonprofits that will benefit from this year’s drive: the Rock River Valley Food Pantry and the Boys & Girls Club of Rockford – Stenstrom Unit.

Rockford, IL · 17h

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 · 3d

northernpublicradio.org

Juvenile bobcat struck by car in Ogle County is expected to make a full recovery

Last week, an Oregon homeowner discovered a barely 17-pound, semi-conscious female bobcat laying in her front yard. The juvenile bobcat, estimated to have been born earlier this spring or late last year, was struck by car crossing nearby Route 64. The homeowner contacted a local wildlife trapper, who brought the...

Ogle County, IL · 2d

everafterinthewoods.com

8 Remote Illinois Steakhouses That Outshine Any Big-City Chain

A steakhouse in Illinois has been serving steaks since 1937, and it still plays piano music at the bar. That alone made me grin. The more I read, the better it got. One spot lets you pick your own steak and grill it yourself over charcoal. Another sits in a...

Oregon, IL · 5d

MyStateline.com WTVO WQRF

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.

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.

partner publisher · 45.6K followers

We Are Rockford

Rockford Store Left Baffled After Man Buys 50 Atari Games

Why would someone buy every copy of a nearly 50-year-old Atari game? A Rockford shopper did exactly that at Disc Replay.

Rockford, IL · 2d

northernpublicradio.org

Oregon military veteran uses art to cope with the effects of combat exposure

An Oregon, Illinois military veteran and welder is sharing how art is helping him recover from the impact of combat. David Waters is a combat infantry veteran of Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan. He also served in New Orleans for Hurricane Katrina. Those experiences have caused what he calls “moral” injuries.

Oregon, IL · 1d

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 · 1d

northernpublicradio.org

Freeport News: Illinois releases its latest report cards, Freeport School District faces budget crisis and credit downgrade and Carroll County voters reject school bond referendum

ILLINOIS SCHOOL REPORT CARDS REVEAL MIXED RESULTS ACROSS NORTHWEST ILLINOIS. Illinois' latest school report cards show significant differences in academic performance across northwest Illinois, with some schools earning the state's highest designation while others face substantial challenges. The new ratings range from Exemplary to Comprehensive. Jo Daviess County posted particularly...

Freeport, IL · 19h

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...

rockrivercurrent.com

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 · 19h

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.

partner publisher · 17.1K followers

KFIL Radio

Put These Rockford Events on Your Calendar This Month

Need plans this month? Check out these upcoming Rockford-area events.

Rockford, IL · 2d

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.

northernpublicradio.org

Perspective: Don't let them do it

I was in Port Washington, Wisconsin, last week, and just a few miles north of that small town, I saw a frightening scene: a roaring jumble of heavy trucks, and cranes, blue tarp surrounding miles of fencing, harsh lights, security guards at the entrance gates, and a broken-up, dirty road that was closed to all traffic but those heavy trucks.

Port Washington, WI · 23h

takemetotn.com

partner publisher · 11.4K followers

7 Illinois Restaurants Where Dinner Comes With A Show The Kids Won’t Stop Talking About

Dinner with no fork sounds like a kid’s wildest dream, and at one Illinois spot, it’s actually the rule. You eat a four-course meal with your hands while knights joust a few feet away. That alone would be enough for me. But this list goes further, with servers...

Rock Island, IL · 2d

Rockford Register Star

CherryVale Mall holiday season begins with Santa

CherryVale Mall will kick off its Christmas season Nov. 13 with Santa's arrival, an indoor parade and holiday activities for families. Santa will arrive at 6 p.m., according to a community announcement. The indoor parade will begin on the lower level near the food court before Santa heads to his workshop in center court to hear visitors' Christmas wishes. “Holiday traditions hold a special place in our community, and many of those traditions start right here at CherryVale Mall,” Marketing Manager Susan Angelin said. “Whether it’s visiting Santa, writing a Dear Santa letter, or finding the perfect gift, we’re proud to be part of the memories our community creates year after year.” Santa photos and holiday activities Santa will welcome visitors through Dec. 24 at his Home for the Holidays. Visiting Santa is free, while photo packages will be available for purchase. Reservations are encouraged through the mall's online platform, according to the announcement. Santa will be available from noon to 3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. most days. His remaining hours are noon to 3 p.m. and 3:30-6 p.m. on the other day of his weekly schedule. The announcement also lists several additional holiday activities: Santa's $3,000 Stocking Giveaway A

Rockford, IL · 3d

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.