Former Rockford cadet joins inaugural Army Junior ROTC Hall of Fame
A former Rockford West High School JROTC cadet was inducted into the inaugural Army Junior ROTC Hall of Fame nearly five decades after beginning a career that would take him around the world. Retired Army Col. John Gessner, now of Sparta, Wisconsin, was one of three people honored Oct. 22 at U.S. Army Cadet Command headquarters at Fort Knox, Kentucky, according to a community announcement. The inaugural ceremony recognized Gessner for his military service, mentorship and contributions to youth d
Rockford teenager arrested after shots fired investigation, police say
A Rockford teenager was arrested Monday night following a shooting, according to the Rockford Police Department.
Rockford List Prices Rise While More Homes Become Available
Rockford sellers priced homes higher while inventory grew, giving buyers more choices than the national trend suggested.
Cellphone use led to deadly Rockford car crash involving 21-year-old: police
Logan Miller, 21, was charged with aggravated use of a communication device following a fatal July crash near the Rockford airport that killed pedestrian David Johnstone.
Rockford kills proposed tax hike, but ‘budget patch’ leaves future cuts looming
Rockford aldermen rejected a proposed $1.73 million property tax increase for the 2027 budget, choosing instead to use approximately $2 million in one-time American Rescue Plan Act surplus funds to balance the city's finances.
Beloit’s Home Run Holiday Lights Is Returning With a Festive New Addition
Christmas lovers, get ready! Beloit's Home Run Holiday Lights is returning with dazzling displays and a new market featuring local artisans, crafters and specialty vendors.
Portillo’s Announces Closures, But What About Rockford?
Portillo's is closing several underperforming restaurants outside Chicagoland. Here's what we know about the Rockford location.
Toad Hall, Beach Boys envision vintage shopping destination on Broadway in Rockford
ROCKFORD — A locally owned vintage toy and pop-culture collectibles shop has shifted into a larger space on Broadway, a move business owners hope will reenergize their vision for creating a vintage shopping destination. Beach Boys Toys has moved across the street to 2020 Broadway, where it fills the...
Beloit’s Holiday Light Show Adds a New Christmas Market
More than a million Christmas lights, holiday activities and a brand-new shopping market are coming to Beloit, Wisconsin, as Home Run Holiday Lights returns to ABC Supply Stadium for the 2026 holiday season!
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.

















