Bridal shower flower backdrop!

Here’s something beautiful happening in Beloit for Earth Day that I wanted to share—because it’s more than just an event, it’s a celebration of learning, community, and the planet we all call home.On Saturday, April 26th, from 1 to 2pm, the Beloit Public Library is hosting a special Earth Day Celebration & Community Festival. It’s part of a bigger movement called Badgerland Learning Days, which brings together organizations from all over Rock County to create hands-on, joyful learning experiences for families.This isn’t just your average Earth Day event. It's a drop-in style afternoon filled with creativity, discovery, and connection. Families can explore interactive booths, meet local organizations doing good work, and get a taste of everything from gardening and science to art, storytelling, and even cuddles from therapy dogs. And just before the festival officially kicks off, from 12 to 1:30pm, complimentary food will be served—thanks to the generous support of Dwelling Angels.What I love most about this event is how it blends fun with purpose. It reminds us that learning doesn’t have to feel like school—it can be music, crafts, nature walks, or simply hearing a story about why the Earth matters. And when communities come together like this to create space for kids and families to explore, ask questions, and get inspired, that’s something worth celebrating.If you're free that day, it's absolutely worth stopping by—even just for a little bit. It's free, it’s local, and it’s full of heart. And if you’re curious about other events happening this week as part of Badgerland Learning Days, there are over 120 free and low-cost opportunities across the region. You can check out the full lineup at www.remakelearningdays.org/badgerland.Hope to see some of you out enjoying the sunshine and all the creative ways our community is coming together to celebrate Earth Day this year. 💚🌎

Here’s something beautiful happening in Beloit for Earth Day that I wanted to share—because it’s more than just an event, it’s a celebration of learning, community, and the planet we all call home.On Saturday, April 26th, from 1 to 2pm, the Beloit Public Library is hosting a special Earth Day Celebration & Community Festival. It’s part of a bigger movement called Badgerland Learning Days, which brings together organizations from all over Rock County to create hands-on, joyful learning experiences for families.This isn’t just your average Earth Day event. It's a drop-in style afternoon filled with creativity, discovery, and connection. Families can explore interactive booths, meet local organizations doing good work, and get a taste of everything from gardening and science to art, storytelling, and even cuddles from therapy dogs. And just before the festival officially kicks off, from 12 to 1:30pm, complimentary food will be served—thanks to the generous support of Dwelling Angels.What I love most about this event is how it blends fun with purpose. It reminds us that learning doesn’t have to feel like school—it can be music, crafts, nature walks, or simply hearing a story about why the Earth matters. And when communities come together like this to create space for kids and families to explore, ask questions, and get inspired, that’s something worth celebrating.If you're free that day, it's absolutely worth stopping by—even just for a little bit. It's free, it’s local, and it’s full of heart. And if you’re curious about other events happening this week as part of Badgerland Learning Days, there are over 120 free and low-cost opportunities across the region. You can check out the full lineup at www.remakelearningdays.org/badgerland.Hope to see some of you out enjoying the sunshine and all the creative ways our community is coming together to celebrate Earth Day this year. 💚🌎

Vote for Your Favorite Barbershop & Salon in the Stateline Beloit Area! Whether you’re looking for a fresh fade, a bold new style, or a relaxing beauty treatment, the Stateline community has some incredible spots to choose from. Tag your go-to place and let us know which barbershop or salon you trust the most to keep you looking sharp. It’s all about who YOU choose—let’s see which local gem takes the crown!

If you’re a book lover on the hunt for amazing deals, mark your calendars for the Friends at Beloit Library (FABL) semi-annual warehouse book sale, happening April 10-12 at the Beloit Public Library (605 Eclipse Boulevard). This is your chance to stock up on thousands of books, all at unbeatable prices! Whether you’re a fan of fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, or even media, this sale has something for everyone.Sale DetailsThursday, April 10: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.Friday, April 11: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.Saturday, April 12: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.Prices You Can’t BeatHardcover books: $0.50 eachPaperback books: $0.25 eachMedia (DVDs, CDs, etc.): $0.25 eachChildren’s books: $0.25 eachAnd if you’re looking to really stock up, Saturday is “Bag Day”, where you can fill a paper grocery bag with as many books as you can and get it all for just $1.00! Bags will be provided, so come ready to load up.Why You Should AttendNot only does this sale offer a treasure trove of used books, but the proceeds go toward supporting projects and special programs at the Beloit Public Library. FABL is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization, and their fundraising efforts directly impact the library’s programs for both adults and children. For the 2025 fiscal year, FABL has generously approved a $23,940 donation to the library, helping to fund even more educational and cultural initiatives in our community.Got Books to Donate?If you have books to part with, FABL is always accepting clean, gently used donations to add to their inventory. It’s a great way to clear out your shelves and support the library at the same time.So, if you’re looking for some great books at a fraction of the cost, this sale is a must-visit. I’ll definitely be there—how about you? Come find your next favorite read and support the Beloit Public Library while you’re at it!Don’t miss it!

This past Saturday, Beloit Memorial High School had the incredible honor of welcoming back one of its own—Jim Caldwell, a Stateline native who has built an impressive career in the NFL. Caldwell, who once roamed the halls of Beloit Memorial as a standout athlete, returned home to share his experiences, wisdom, and love for the community that shaped him.The event, titled One-On-One: A Conversation with Coach Jim Caldwell, was hosted at Beloit Memorial and presented by the Jim and Cheryl Caldwell Foundation. It was a special opportunity for attendees to hear directly from Caldwell about his journey from a high school athlete in Beloit to an NFL coach with multiple Super Bowl rings.Caldwell’s resume speaks for itself—he’s been a head coach for both the Detroit Lions and Indianapolis Colts and has held key coaching roles with several other teams. He’s currently serving as a senior assistant for the Carolina Panthers, continuing his legacy of leadership and excellence in the league.During his time at Beloit Memorial, Caldwell made his mark as a talented defensive back and kick returner for the school’s undefeated 1972 football team. He also played a crucial role as a guard on the 1973 state championship basketball team. His achievements as a student-athlete were just the beginning of a career that would take him to the highest levels of professional football.At the event, Caldwell took the stage in the school’s theater, answering questions from a host before speaking directly to the audience. His message was one of perseverance, hard work, and the importance of giving back to the community.A huge thank you to Beloit Memorial High School and the School District of Beloit for helping make this event possible. Supporting free, positive news and celebrating local success stories like Caldwell’s is what keeps our community strong!

The Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF) is gearing up for its 20th anniversary, and they’re looking for volunteers to help make this milestone year unforgettable! Whether someone is a film lover, a community supporter, or just looking for a fun way to get involved, volunteering at BIFF is a great opportunity to be part of something special.Each year, BIFF brings incredible independent films, filmmakers, and audiences together for a celebration of storytelling and creativity. But none of it happens without the amazing volunteers who help run the show! From assisting with screenings to greeting guests and supporting festival operations, there’s a role for everyone.How to Get InvolvedBIFF is hosting several volunteer sign-up and training sessions at Irontek (635 Third St., Beloit, WI):📅 Tuesday, March 11 | ⏰ 5:00–6:00 PM 📅 Saturday, March 15 | ⏰ 10:00–11:00 AM 📅 Thursday, March 20 | ⏰ 5:00–6:00 PMVolunteer spots are first-come, first-served, so early sign-up is encouraged! Those interested can register online here: https://beloitfilmfest.org/volunteers/For those who can’t make an in-person session but still want to help, BIFF has options! Anyone interested can reach out to Lindsay Mitchell at Lindsay@beloitfilmfest.org to learn more.BIFF 2025 runs from March 28 – April 6, 2025, and it’s shaping up to be one of the best festivals yet. Volunteering is a fantastic way to experience the excitement firsthand, meet filmmakers, and contribute to a beloved community event.For more details about the festival, visit www.beloitfilmfest.org.

Hey Stateline friends, I’ve got some exciting news to share about the Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF)! The festival is gearing up for its 20th anniversary in 2025, and they’ve just announced that Diane Hendricks will be the Honorary Chairperson for this special milestone event.If you’re from the area, you probably know Diane as a powerhouse businesswoman behind ABC Supply, Hendricks Commercial Properties, and Geronimo Hospitality. But did you know she’s also a Hollywood film producer? She’s worked on films like The Stoning of Soraya M., American Carol, and Snowmen.Diane and her late husband, Ken Hendricks, have been huge supporters of BIFF since the very beginning. Whether through financial backing, industry insight, or just their unwavering belief in the festival, they’ve helped shape it into the incredible event it is today.Greg Gerard, BIFF’s Executive Director, put it perfectly: “BIFF would not be celebrating 20 years without the generous and steadfast support of Diane Hendricks. Her passion for film, storytelling, and community has been a guiding force in our journey.”BIFF 2025 is shaping up to be something really special, with guest appearances, special screenings, and a look back at the festival’s incredible history. Diane shared how honored she is to take on this role, following in the footsteps of past Honorary Chairpersons like Robert Lee Morris, David Zucker, and Stephanie Klett."Stories shape our lives," she said. "Film allows us to understand our history, our culture, and the experiences of others. The arts are such an important part of a thriving community, and we are blessed to bring this art form to Beloit."Mark your calendars—BIFF 2025 runs from March 28 to April 6, 2025. It’s going to be a celebration of independent film, creativity, and community like no other. Stay tuned for more updates, and check out www.beloitfilmfest.org for the full lineup when it’s released!Who else is excited for BIFF’s 20th anniversary? Let me know in the comments! 🎬🍿4o

We want to know—where's your favorite place to grab a drink in the Stateline area? Cast your vote for the best bar in Rockton, Roscoe, South Beloit, or Beloit, and let us know where you like to unwind! Your opinion matters, so vote now and help highlight the top spots in our community!

There’s nothing quite like biting into a perfectly cooked burger, especially when you’re craving something juicy, flavorful, and downright delicious. The other day, I stopped by Lucy’s #7 in historic downtown Beloit to see what all the hype was about with their new smash burgers. Spoiler alert: I was not disappointed!Now, if you’ve been to Lucy’s before, you probably remember their stuffed burgers—thick patties filled with melted cheese and other tasty surprises. They were good, no doubt. But for me? The smash burgers take the crown.I went with the mac and cheese smash burger, and let me tell you—it was massive! Two smashed beef patties stacked on a fresh roll, loaded with creamy mac and cheese, and served with a pickle spear and a side of pub fries. The burger was juicy, steaming hot, and packed with flavor. Every bite had that crispy edge from the smashed patties, which added a nice texture contrast to the gooey mac and cheese.Speaking of the fries—wow. Perfectly cooked with a crispy, crunchy exterior and soft, fluffy inside. I know some people might judge me for this, but I like my fries with a splash of vinegar. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.To wash it all down, I ordered a Ninja Dust IPA from One Barrel Brewing Co. It’s a fruity, juicy IPA that paired perfectly with the burger. Refreshing, hoppy, and smooth—it hit the spot.And I can’t forget to mention the service. My server (I wish I caught her name—shorter, brown hair, super friendly) was attentive and checked in throughout the meal to make sure everything was just right. You can tell the staff at Lucy’s #7 takes pride in delivering a great experience.Price-wise, the burgers are pretty reasonable, especially considering the portion size and quality. Most range from $12 to $15, and that includes a side of fries. Overall, it’s a solid deal for a hearty meal.So, where do you stand in the burger debate—smash burgers or stuffed burgers? Personally, the crispy edges, juicy patties, and bold flavors of the smash burgers won me over. But hey, no judgment if you’re still team stuffed burger!If you haven’t tried Lucy’s #7 smash burgers yet, do yourself a favor and head to downtown Beloit. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

Prom Party Weekend Alert!Mark your calendars for an unforgettable weekend from February 14th to 16th! Join Stateline PROM HQ Always & Forever Formal Wear for their spectacular Prom Party Weekend! Whether you're searching for the perfect prom dress, a stunning pageant gown, or just want to enjoy exclusive deals, this is the event you won’t want to miss.🌟 What’s Happening?Browse an incredible selection of prom and pageant dresses.Score exclusive deals and discounts on formal wear.Enter for a chance to win a FREE dress giveaway!📍 Location: Stateline PROM HQ Always & Forever Formal Wear📅 Dates: February 14-16, 2024Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to find your dream dress and celebrate in style. See you there! 💃✨