Behind Sour Cotton Candy

When you hear The Salvation Army, your mind probably jumps straight to the thrift stores — racks of clothing, shelves of household treasures, and those iconic red kettles during the holidays. But recently, I had the chance to meet with Michelle and Chiara and take a deeper look at the other side of The Salvation Army Rock County — the one making a major difference in the lives of local families every single day.The Salvation Army’s mission is rooted in service — to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. And here in Rock County, they’re living that mission in a big way.At their core, The Salvation Army Rock County offers a huge range of social services that go way beyond what most people realize. They provide emergency shelter for those facing cold nights with nowhere to go, financial assistance to help families stay afloat during tough times, and food programs that make sure nobody has to go hungry. Their community pantries in Janesville and Beloit are open multiple days a week, and they even offer free community meals — making sure everyone has a seat at the table.But it doesn’t stop there.When disaster strikes, The Salvation Army’s Disaster Services Team is ready to jump into action — bringing food, clothing, faith, and emotional support to those affected by floods, fires, or storms. Their rapid response efforts aren’t just about immediate needs; they’re about healing the mind, body, and soul.One of the coolest things I learned is about their Life Hack Classes — monthly sessions designed to empower people with practical life skills. From protecting yourself against scams, to learning the ins and outs of renting a home successfully, to managing finances — these classes are tailored to what the community needs most at any given time.They even host the Rent Smart Series, helping participants build a positive rental history and better relationships with landlords. These aren’t just classes — they’re life-changing opportunities that build confidence and open doors.The Salvation Army Rock County also offers church services, Bible study groups, and men’s and women’s ministries. Their open gym nights provide safe spaces for kids and families to connect, have fun, and stay active. And for families with children under 18, programs like Pathway of Hope help guide them toward stability by connecting them with resources and long-term support.At every turn, it’s clear: they’re not just providing a service — they’re building community, offering hope, and walking alongside people in their toughest moments.If you’d like to get involved, find support, or just learn more about everything The Salvation Army Rock County is doing, check out their website at RockCountySA.org or visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/RockCountySA.Huge thank you again to Michelle and  Chiara for showing me around and sharing the heart behind the mission! This is exactly the kind of good happening right here in our community — and it deserves to be celebrated. ❤️

Historic Attractions Opens for the Season – Here's What You Can Expect!The wait is over—Historic Attractions is officially open for the season, and it's packed with exciting new additions and longtime favorites that make it a must-visit destination for history buffs, pop culture fans, and car lovers alike!One of the biggest highlights this year is the expansion of the Marilyn Monroe and Buddy Holly exhibits. Visitors can dive even deeper into the lives of these cultural icons with newly added personal items, rare photographs, and memorabilia that tell their stories like never before. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering their legacies for the first time, the updated displays offer a fresh and fascinating glimpse into the golden age of American entertainment.But that's just the beginning of what Historic Attractions has to offer. With over 80,000 square feet of exhibits, there’s something for everyone to explore:Hall of Presidents: Walk through American history and see artifacts connected to past and present U.S. presidents.NASA Space Exhibit: Travel beyond Earth with a fascinating look at space exploration history, from Apollo missions to modern discoveries.Gangster Land: Step back in time and explore the lives of infamous figures like John Dillinger and Bonnie & Clyde.Super Heroes: See legendary movie cars up close, including the Batmobile, the DeLorean from Back to the Future, and the Ecto-1 from Ghostbusters.Egyptian Movie Exhibit: View authentic props from the classic movie Cleopatra, starring Elizabeth Taylor.A Journey Through Time: Marvel at an incredible collection of antique clocks, vintage pianos, and historic instruments.War Room Exhibit: Discover powerful artifacts and stories from World War I and beyond.Each exhibit is carefully curated to bring history to life, offering a hands-on, unforgettable experience that visitors of all ages will enjoy. Whether you’re into presidents, pop icons, superheroes, or historic vehicles, there’s a story waiting for you around every corner.🎟️ Tickets are available online now, so don’t miss your chance to be among the first to experience all the new updates and timeless favorites at Historic Attractions. Grab your tickets, bring your family and friends, and get ready to step into history!

If you’re looking for a place where history truly comes to life, Macktown Living History should be at the top of your list. I recently had the chance to explore this incredible site, and let me tell you — it’s like stepping straight into the past!Located right where the Pecatonica and Rock Rivers meet, Macktown is actually the first settlement in what’s now Winnebago County. People have been living on this land for over 8,000 years, and when you visit, you can really feel that deep connection to history. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and packed with stories waiting to be discovered.Macktown Living History isn’t just a museum you walk through — it’s an experience. Lucy, one of the amazing volunteers, gave me a tour and shared so much about the site. Everything here is kept alive by volunteers who are passionate about preserving and teaching our local history.You can explore original buildings like the 1839 Stephen Mack Home and the 1846 Whitman Trading Post. There’s even a rebuilt Stevens Shop, which once housed the first schoolhouse in the entire county! The area is part of the National Register of Historic Places, and it even includes traces of prehistoric cultures dating back thousands of years. It's truly humbling to walk the same paths that generations before us once did.Throughout the year, Macktown hosts family-friendly special events that bring history to life with reenactments, hands-on activities, and interactive educational programs. It’s a perfect place to take your kids, go on a casual walk, or just soak up some local history in a beautiful outdoor setting. The grounds are open during regular Macktown Forest Preserve hours, and tours can be booked by appointment if you want to dive deeper into the stories.And here's something I think is so important to know — Macktown Living History relies entirely on donations and volunteers. All the work you see, from the preservation of buildings to the educational programs, is fueled by community members who love this place and believe in its mission. If you’re looking for a way to give back or get involved, consider signing up to volunteer or making a donation. Every little bit helps keep this culturally significant site alive for future generations.Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a unique way to spend the day, Macktown Living History is a spot you’ll want to visit — and revisit. Learn more, get involved, or plan your trip by visiting macktownlivinghistory.com.P.S. Huge thanks to Lucy and all the volunteers for keeping the spirit of Macktown alive — it’s truly a gift to our community!

It’s not easy finding a breakfast spot where the whole family feels comfortable, especially with little kids in tow. But this weekend, we found a gem that hit all the right notes: Stateline Cafe in South Beloit.If you’re local, you might remember this place as Jane’s Cafe. In July 2023, it reopened with a new name and new ownership, but with the same cozy vibes. The new owner? A longtime server who loved connecting with people so much, she decided to buy the place herself. And you can feel that passion the second you walk in.We kicked off our morning with some freshly brewed coffee—smooth, rich, and just what you need on a weekend morning. The kids were happy right away, coloring at the table while we looked over the menu. Pro tip: If you’ve got little ones, ask about the Mickey Mouse-shaped pancakes. Ours came topped with chocolate chips and whipped cream, and our girls were in heaven.My wife ordered the French toast, golden and buttery with just the right crisp on the outside. I went with the traditional two-egg breakfast, and the standout item? The sausage. These were not your average little links—they were large, full of flavor, and perfectly cooked. (Undercooked pork is a no-go in our house, so this was a big deal.)Everything is made from scratch here—even the shredded hashbrowns. It’s the kind of homemade quality that’s getting harder to find, and you can taste the difference.After breakfast, we let the girls take a shot at the claw machine near the front. We didn’t win, but the excitement made for the perfect ending to our meal.What stood out the most, besides the food, was the service. Our server was kind, attentive, and so good with our kids. You can tell this is a family-run bbusinessdaughter of the former owner still works here, which just adds to the heartwarming feel of the place.Stateline Cafe serves breakfast and lunch with some dinner options and rotating monthly specials. Locals rave about “The Southern”—a dish with sausage gravy poured over hashbrowns and biscuits. We’ll be back to try that next time.They’re only closed on Mondays, so you’ve got six other days to swing by and see for yourself. Whether you’re a regular or trying it for the first time, Stateline Cafe is the kind of place that makes you feel like part of the family.

You ever walk into a place and instantly feel like you belong there? That’s what happened when I stopped by Dita’s Westside Pub & Grill in Beloit.It was a Friday night, so of course I had to check out their Fish Fry—which I’d been hearing people rave about for a while now. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The place was already packed, the bar was alive, and the band—Bill and Jim’s Most Excellent—was tearing it up with some live rock and roll. It had that small-town bar energy where everyone’s just there to have a good time, and I was here for it.I got a chance to slip into the kitchen and watch them fry up the fish, and that behind-the-scenes look made me appreciate it even more. Crispy, golden, fresh outta the fryer—and yeah, it tasted just as amazing as it looked. Perfectly seasoned and cooked just right. I paired it with a drink that Sara, one of the owners, made herself—and it was on point. You can tell they take pride in what they do.Dita’s is owned by Eddie and Sara Fadilovski, and they’re the real deal. Eddie’s originally from Macedonia and came to the U.S. when he was 19. They moved to Beloit in 2002 and opened Dita’s Family Restaurant. Since then, they’ve been doing what they love—feeding people and creating a welcoming spot for the community.They’ve recently remodeled the place, added a drive-up window for easy pickup, and even offer delivery Tuesday through Sunday. And it’s not just about dinner—Dita’s is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, serving up homestyle meals and homemade soups that hit the spot no matter what time of day you stop by.Whether you’re a regular or checking it out for the first time, Dita’s makes you feel like part of the family. Great food, good music, full bar, and friendly faces—what more can you ask for?If you haven’t been yet, make some time to stop in. Grab some fish on a Friday, enjoy a drink, catch some live music… and thank me later.

If you love the thrill of finding a great deal—and let’s be honest, who doesn’t—then you need to make your way over to Meme’s Upscale Consignment in Beloit.Meme’s is more than just a consignment shop. It’s a thoughtfully curated fashion destination that brings you everything from luxury brands to everyday essentials—all without the luxury price tag.A Story of Serendipity and StyleOwner Karalyn has a special connection to the shop. Years before she took the reins, she was a regular shopper and consignor herself. She knew the ins and outs of the store and always appreciated its ability to offer quality fashion at great prices.In 2021, while working on launching her own online resale business, Karalyn discovered that Meme’s—her longtime favorite consignment store—was for sale. The store, originally opened in 2009, was at risk of closing. That’s when she made a bold decision: to buy the store and keep its legacy alive.Since then, Karalyn has continued to build on the store’s strong foundation, bringing her own fresh perspective and passion for fashion deals to the community.Style for Every BudgetWhat sets Meme’s apart? It’s Karalyn’s commitment to meeting every price point. Whether you’re looking for a designer handbag or an affordable blouse for work, there’s something for everyone.The shop carries gently-used clothing and accessories from well-known brands like:GucciSaint John’sDiane von FurstenbergLululemonMichael KorsCoachYou’ll find a wide range of items—casualwear, formal dresses, athletic gear, business attire, wedding and prom dresses, shoes, bags, and more. Every item is carefully inspected to ensure it’s flaw-free and in excellent condition.Deals That Keep Getting BetterOne of the most exciting parts about shopping at Meme’s is their daily discount tag system, which offers 15% to 75% off items—every single day.And if that’s not enough, the first Saturday of every month is Customer Appreciation Day, where shoppers can take an additional 25% off their purchase—even on already discounted items! It’s a rare chance to double-dip on deals, and it’s something Meme’s fans look forward to each month.Don’t forget to sign up for their loyalty program, which offers even more perks for frequent shoppers.New Arrivals DailyMeme’s is always evolving, with new items coming in and going out daily. So whether you're shopping for a special occasion or just updating your wardrobe, it's worth checking back often—you never know what hidden gems you’ll find.Meme’s Upscale Consignment is a shining example of what makes the Stateline area so special—local passion, community connection, and a whole lot of style. Whether you're a first-time shopper or a longtime fan, you’ll always find something to love at Meme’s.Go on, treat yourself—you’ve earned it.

Tucked right in the heart of the Stateline area, American Bell Screen Printing has become a go-to name for custom apparel, embroidery, signage, and more. Whether you're rocking a hoodie at a Friday night football game or wearing a custom tee for your local business, there's a good chance it came from this shop.What makes American Bell special isn't just the high-quality work—it’s the story behind it.Seventeen years ago, owner Venessa stepped into an opportunity that would change her life and leave a lasting impact on the community. The original owners of the business were stepping away—one of them taking on a new role as the local fire chief—and they needed someone who could carry on the vision. Venessa, looking for a new adventure, decided to take the leap.She wasn’t just stepping into a business—she was stepping into a chance to serve, create, and connect. And she’s been doing just that ever since.Locally Owned, Community-FocusedAmerican Bell is proudly locally owned, and that local pride shows in everything they do. They’ve built strong, lasting partnerships with area schools, churches, sports teams, and businesses. No matter the size of the job—from a bulk order for a high school basketball team to a one-off custom tee—they give every project the same attention to detail.And unlike many print shops that outsource their work, American Bell handles everything in-house. That means faster turnaround times, better quality control, and a personal touch you just don’t get with big-box or online-only companies.Services That Go Beyond the BasicsAmerican Bell offers a wide range of services to meet almost any need. Their specialties include:Screen Printing – Perfect for custom tees, hoodies, uniforms, and more.Embroidery – Ideal for polos, hats, jackets, and professional wear.Signs & Decals – Great for promoting your business, event, or team.Custom Apparel – Whether it’s a one-time event or a full merch line, they’ve got you covered.And for those who want to show off their hometown pride, their in-store collection of 815 gear is a must-see. It's more than just clothing—it’s a way to represent and celebrate the Stateline.Hononegah Spirit Wear On-HandAre you a fan of Hononegah High School? American Bell carries a great selection of Hononegah spirit wear that’s always in stock. Whether you’re a student, parent, or alumni, you’ll find something to help you show your school pride in style.Easy to Work With, Always Here to HelpOne of the things customers love most about American Bell is how easy it is to get started. You can give them a call, stop by the shop, or bring in your own ideas—they’re flexible, friendly, and ready to make your vision come to life.So whether you're outfitting a team, promoting a business, or just looking for that perfect custom piece, American Bell is the place to go. With heart, hustle, and a whole lot of talent, they’ve made their mark—and they’re just getting started.

One of my favorite things about exploring the Stateline area is stumbling upon places that feel like they were made with heart, and Elements Nursery & Gift Shop is precisely that kind of place.When I walked through the doors, I could tell immediately that this wasn’t your average garden shop. It was cozy, creative, and full of thoughtful details that made me want to slow down and take everything in. I had the chance to meet Christa, the owner, and hearing her story made the experience even more special.Christa comes from a background in display design—so it’s no surprise that everything in her shop looks like it belongs in a magazine spread. But it’s not just about aesthetics. Her passion for gardening, flowers, and creating unique, meaningful pieces is what truly drives her. She told me that she always wanted to bring together things you don’t see everywhere—to create a space where people can find something special for their homes or gardens.When the opportunity came to open a storefront, she took that leap. And now, Elements is a beautiful reflection of everything she loves: nature, creativity, and community.So What Can You Find at Elements?Honestly...a little bit of everything—and it’s all done with intention. If you’re looking to start your garden for the season, Christa has you covered with hanging baskets, flats of flowers, seasonal blooms like mums in the fall, and even vegetables that are already started. It's a great spot for both seasoned gardeners and total beginners who just want to add a little color to their porch or backyard.Beyond plants, the shop is filled with unique yard décor, curated house decorations, and gifts that range from elegant to adorable. Think Wisconsin and Beloit-themed treasures, gifts for kids, and even sweet treats like chocolate-covered strawberries and gourmet chocolates.Need to pick up a gift last-minute? Christa also offers gift wrapping with every purchase, and let me tell you—it’s not the basic stuff. Her wrapping is beautiful and looks like you spent hours on it (even if you grabbed it on your lunch break!).Don’t Skip the PatioOne of my favorite parts of visiting Elements was walking through the outdoor patio. During the spring and summer months, this area becomes a flower-filled garden that lets you see everything in its natural setting. It’s the perfect place to gather ideas and get inspired for your garden. It’s like walking through a mini outdoor showroom that shows you exactly how things will look once they’re planted at home.More Than a Shop—It’s an ExperienceWhat makes Elements Nursery & Gift Shop so special is that it’s more than just a place to shop—it’s a space that’s filled with passion, purpose, and personality. Christa has poured her heart into every inch of it, and you can feel that as you explore.Whether you're looking to refresh your outdoor space, pick up a thoughtful gift, or just want a peaceful little spot to browse and be inspired, Elements is worth the visit.I’m so glad I got to meet Christa and see firsthand what she’s built. If you’re in the Stateline area, add this spot to your must-visit list. You’re gonna love it.

When it comes to celebrating life’s special moments, the atmosphere matters just as much as the occasion itself. That’s exactly why Intimate Affairs By Tarina has quickly become one of Beloit’s most beloved event spaces.Tarina’s journey into event planning began in 2007 when she planned her own wedding. She didn’t just coordinate the details—she fell in love with the entire process. From color schemes and centerpieces to seating arrangements and creating a flow that felt meaningful, it sparked something in her. What started as a personal project turned into a passion and then into a thriving business that continues to grow today.Fast forward to April—Intimate Affairs By Tarina just celebrated three years at its downtown Beloit location. But the mission has always remained the same: to create unforgettable, elegant, and intimate moments for every client.Tarina offers a wide range of services including event planning and coordination, event styling, catering, and consulting. Whether you're envisioning a romantic wedding, a joyful baby shower, a milestone birthday, or even a professional business seminar, she has a package that fits.What truly sets her apart is her eye for decor and her heart for people. Tarina’s favorite part? Watching someone’s vision come to life and seeing the joy on their face when they walk into the space she’s transformed. That emotional connection fuels everything she does.The venue itself can host up to 150 guests, with ample parking and a convenient downtown location. It’s the perfect setting for anniversaries, receptions, family reunions, memorials, business meetings, live entertainment, and more. Clients have the option to fully customize their experience or choose one of the “Just Show Up” packages, where Tarina and her team handle all the setup and styling so you can simply arrive and enjoy.As a family-owned and operated business, there's a deep level of care and dedication in everything they do. Tarina is hands-on, heart-first, and all about creating a welcoming, stylish, and stress-free space for your next celebration.Her motto says it all: "If it's intimate & elegant... I got you!"If you're looking for a space that feels personal, stylish, and full of love—Intimate Affairs By Tarina might just be your perfect match.