Irontek: My Three Years of Growth, Connection, and Community

Halloween fun is right around the corner, and the Stateline area is packed with family friendly Trunk or Treat events. These gatherings are a safe and exciting way for kids to dress up, collect candy, and enjoy community activities. Here are some of the upcoming spots to check out in Beloit, South Beloit, Rockton, and Roscoe!Porter Park – Roscoe6545 Windflower Ln.Saturday, October 18 | 3 pm – 6 pm | FreeThis event offers more than candy. Kids can explore public trucks, meet local police and fire, and enjoy food trucks while trunk or treating.Boo Bash at Wicked Elite – Roscoe5512 Elevator Rd.Saturday, October 18 | 6 pm – 8 pm | FreeA festive evening with candy, food trucks, and Halloween fun for the whole family.First Student Rockton – Rockton720 N. BlackhawkSaturday, October 25 | 11 am – 1 pm | FreeThis one brings an extra dose of fun with games, a haunted bus, a bouncy house, and hot dog lunches available for purchase.First Baptist Church of Beloit – Beloit617 Public Ave.Saturday, October 25 | 12 pm – 2 pm | FreeTrunk or Treating, games, and activities will be waiting for families downtown Beloit.Salvation Army Rock County – Beloit628 Broad St.Thursday, October 30 | 5 pm – 7 pm | FreeCelebrate with Trunk or Treat in the lot and stay for a fall festival filled with pumpkin decorating, games, food trucks, and entertainment.With so many choices, families across the Stateline have plenty of opportunities to get into the Halloween spirit. Whether you’re looking for candy, games, or a little extra fall fun, these events are a great way to celebrate together.

In the heart of the Stateline area, The Beloit Mattress Company has been quietly shaping the way people sleep — and doing it with a commitment to quality, community, and craftsmanship that spans generations.Founded in 1929, this family-owned business has grown into a fifth-generation legacy, handcrafting high-quality mattresses right in Beloit, Wisconsin, and Rockford, Illinois. From humble beginnings during the Great Depression, the company has blended traditional bed-making techniques with modern innovations to ensure every mattress provides comfort and support that lasts.Today, Ryan Poppie, President and Chief Bedmaker, carries on that family legacy. Every mattress leaving their shop is handcrafted with care, precision, and attention to detail — a reflection of the values that have kept the company thriving for nearly a century.The Beloit Mattress Company offers a variety of products to fit any need. Custom-sized mattresses cater to unique spaces like RVs, boats, and semi-trucks. Their latex and organic mattresses bring natural comfort to every bedroom. Adjustable bases, bedding accessories, and the flagship Heirloom collection round out an offering designed to make sleep a luxury, not a compromise.But it’s not just about products. The Beloit Mattress Company has a deep connection to the community it serves. From supporting local initiatives to encouraging community engagement, the company’s roots run as deep in giving back as they do in mattress craftsmanship.For anyone looking to upgrade their sleep, the Beloit Mattress Company is more than a store — it’s a local institution. Visiting one of their showrooms or shopping for a custom mattress is an experience steeped in quality and care.Stateline Buzz is proud to thank The Beloit Mattress Company for their support. Their dedication to excellence and community helps keep our area informed and positive — one restful night at a time.

Right in the heart of downtown Rockton, at 208 W. Main Street, you’ll find Kiss Glass! A shop that brings together creativity, quality, and community in one place.Kiss Glass isn’t your traditional head shop. Their shelves are stocked with a wide range of products, from glassware, apparel, and novelty items to accessories and hemp products. They keep things fresh and fun with giveaways, contests, and an active presence on Instagram (@kissglass420). For customers, it’s not just shopping, it’s an experience.But what really sets Kiss Glass apart are the owners. They’re as friendly and approachable as they come, down-to-earth people who care about the community they call home. The atmosphere they’ve built reflects their personality, warm, welcoming, and built on quality. It’s the kind of place where customers quickly become part of the family.Kiss Glass also supports the broader Stateline in ways that go beyond business. Their partnership helps make it possible for Stateline Buzz to continue producing free, positive videos that showcase our community. That kind of support is invaluable and speaks to how much they believe in uplifting the area they serve.With a mix of top-notch products and genuine people behind the counter, Kiss Glass has become a staple in Rockton. For those who haven’t visited yet, their doors are open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Step inside and you’ll see firsthand why quality and community go hand in hand here.Kiss Glass isn’t just a store — it’s a positive force in the Stateline.

ROSCOE, ILLINOIS — Shoppers in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin are getting ready for one of the most popular small business shopping events in the Midwest. The fall edition of the Vintage Shop Hop takes place Friday and Saturday, October 3 and 4, 2025.The event is a self-guided road trip that connects vintage lovers with hundreds of locally owned shops. This year, 294 stores in 146 towns are participating, ranging from antique malls and boutiques to consignment shops, barn sales, and home décor stores. Inside those shops are items from more than 9,400 small businesses.Founder Ann Campos launched the event twelve years ago to help shop owners boost sales and connect with new customers. Since then, the event has grown from 180 stores to nearly 300, with thousands of shoppers traveling the two-state region each spring and fall.Campos says the trend of “cluttercore” decorating is adding to the excitement. Shoppers can find embroidered fabrics, patterns, wallpaper, and nostalgic items that bring character to their homes. Many participating stores are located in historic or unique buildings, such as barns, churches, banks, and old gas stations, making the shopping trip a memorable experience.Planning the trip is simple thanks to an interactive Google Map and a master shop list, available year-round at vintageshophop.blogspot.com. The event is also active on Facebook at facebook.com/VintageShopHopEvent.Campos notes that the Vintage Shop Hop is the largest event of its kind in the Midwest. “It’s a fabulous feeling to know that my event can impact so many small businesses in just two days,” she said.Do you want me to make this more like a newspaper-style report (neutral, third person throughout) or more like a blog/newsletter style (a little warmer, inviting readers directly to join in)?

If you are searching for comfort food that hits the spot, The Firehouse Pub is the place to be. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and great pub fare, the fried chicken here truly stands out as one of the best in the Stateline.The chicken comes out hot, juicy, and packed with flavor. The skin is thick and flaky, offering that perfect crunch with every bite, while the seasoning keeps you wanting more. It is the kind of fried chicken that balances taste and texture so well, you find yourself planning the next visit before you even finish.One of the nice things is the flexibility of portions. You can order a four-piece meal or even just one wing if you are in the mood for something lighter. Whether you are stopping in for dinner with friends or grabbing a quick bite, The Firehouse Pub makes it easy to enjoy.With its great food and welcoming vibe, The Firehouse Pub has established a reputation as a go-to spot for locals. If fried chicken is your comfort food of choice, this stop in Roscoe will not disappoint.

The Village of Rockton was honored with the Chaddick Institute at DePaul University’s inaugural River Public Engagement Award on September 3, 2025, during a ceremony at the Rockton River Market. This prestigious award recognizes Rockton’s exceptional efforts in utilizing its riverfront to create a more vibrant and engaged community.Joseph Schwieterman, Ph.D., a professor at DePaul, presented the award to Mayor John Peterson, praising the village’s initiatives to enhance its historic charm and provide residents with year-round activities. "The Village’s adept initiatives activating its riverfront add to its historic charm and give residents year-round activities that enhance community life," Schwieterman stated.The award highlights the collaborative efforts among municipal staff and local stakeholders in creating events that unite the community. Professor Tijana Tufek-Memisevic, who conducted a fact-finding visit earlier in the year, emphasized this coordination as a key factor in Rockton’s success. Tufek-Memisevic was part of the team that helped present the award.The DePaul committee specifically recognized Rockton's flagship event, Old Settlers Days, which attracts over 30,000 visitors to the Rock River shoreline each summer. Other popular events like Yeti Fest, featuring snow sculptures and winter activities, and the Fairy Festival, a springtime celebration created by local wellness practitioners, further highlight the village’s diverse community offerings.In addition to these events, Rockton has adapted to changing wildlife migration patterns by introducing Pelican Fest, a nature-focused festival that includes birding hikes and educational programs. The event is supported by collaborations with the Natural Land Institute and university-led science outreach initiatives.Looking to the future, Rockton is working on transforming a five-acre brownfield site south of Hawick Street into a dynamic mixed-use development. While still in the early planning stages, this project aims to expand the village’s engagement with the river and enhance its recreational and commercial spaces.Despite not having the resources of larger communities, Rockton has been praised for its sustained planning and environmental stewardship. Schwieterman commended the village for its continued commitment to these efforts, noting that it serves as a model for communities of all sizes.This award marks an important milestone for Rockton as it continues to invest in its riverfront and community activities, fostering a stronger, more connected village for all.

We are sharing some big news from the Beloit Public Library Foundation. Discovery PLAYce, a new early childhood learning space planned inside the library, just received a $1 million grant from the Hendricks Family Foundation. Stateline Buzz is not involved with this project or the campaign. We are passing along the update and asking how you feel about it. According to the foundation, the gift is set up to help both the buildout and the programming. It pledges the final $500,000 needed for exhibits as a community challenge, and it also includes $100,000 a year for five years to support programs once the space opens. With this donation, the capital campaign has moved past 60 percent of its $4.15 million goal. The release notes about $2.675 million raised so far. Discovery PLAYce is planned as a 6,000 square foot interactive learning area for children ages 0 to 6 and their caregivers. The design calls for learning stations inspired by Beloit’s landscape, an expanded picture book collection, and resources to help caregivers feel confident leading play and learning at home. Exhibits are being designed by Luci Creative, with learning evaluation support from Belmark Associates. The project is in its quiet fundraising phase now and is preparing to launch a public campaign that aims to involve people from across Beloit, including an effort called 100 Extraordinary Women. Construction on the exhibits is slated to start in spring 2026 and wrap up in fall 2026. What do you think?Will this kind of library space help with early learning and school readiness in our community?What programs or features would you want to see for kids and caregivers?Are there ways to make sure families across Beloit can use and enjoy it?If you have concerns, what should the project team keep in mind?If you want more details or are interested in how to support the project, the library has information on its site.

If you love shopping local and uncovering hidden gems, Truly Treasured Gift n Thrift Inc in Rockton is the place to be. This shop blends thrift, consignment, and boutique charm to create a shopping experience that feels both practical and exciting.At the heart of Truly Treasured is its consignment program. Community members can bring in gently used clothing, accessories, and select home items. When those items sell, consignors earn a share of the price while the store keeps Rockton closets and homes refreshed. This approach helps reduce waste, supports families, and ensures shoppers always find something new.On the main floor, racks are filled with women’s apparel in a wide range of styles and sizes. Whether you are looking for business casual, weekend wear, or something a little more formal, you will find options that fit both your taste and your budget. The shop also carries handbags, shoes, and accessories, making it easy to put together complete looks.Shoppers who head downstairs are rewarded with even more. The basement section features men’s clothing in good condition along with quirky man cave items. From casual staples to fun conversation pieces, it is a section that adds variety and personality to every visit.Beyond clothing, Truly Treasured Gift n Thrift is also a go-to spot for gifts. The jewelry cases are filled with affordable yet stylish options, while the home section includes Rockton themed decor and unique finds for every room. Whether you are searching for a present, a keepsake, or a small item to brighten your home, you are likely to find it here.Why Truly Treasured stands outFresh inventory through consignment keeps the store excitingInclusive sizes make fashion accessible for every shopperA dedicated basement section for men’s clothing and man cave favoritesLocally inspired gifts and home decor with Rockton prideJewelry and accessories to complete your outfit or gift giving needsTruly Treasured Gift n Thrift Inc is more than a store — it is a local resource that brings style, sustainability, and community together under one roof. If you are in Rockton, stop in and see what treasures you can find. Visit them online at shoptrulytreasured dot com or follow on Facebook for the latest arrivals.

Downtown Beloit’s food scene is about to get a fresh new flavor. Poke Green, a Hawaiian-Asian fusion restaurant known for its customizable poke bowls, is opening its first Wisconsin location right on State Street.The concept started in Rockford in late 2023, quickly winning fans for its made-to-order bowls featuring sushi-grade salmon and tuna, locally sourced produce, and bold flavors — all prepared in under five minutes. After adding a second Rockford location this fall, Beloit will be home to the chain’s third spot.Poke Green will move into one of the newly renovated retail spaces at 311 and 317 State Street, a project led by Hendricks Commercial Properties. The first floors are being transformed into multiple storefronts, while the upper levels have already been converted into loft-style apartments that filled up fast.There’s no exact opening date yet, but construction is on track for the space to be ready for build-out in August, with an opening expected before the end of the year.Downtown Beloit has been gaining momentum with new shops, restaurants, and events — and Poke Green’s fresh, colorful bowls will be a welcome addition for anyone craving something quick, healthy, and full of flavor.

What’s your favorite place for a night out in the Stateline area?Looking for the top spots to enjoy an evening out around Beloit, Rockton, and Roscoe? Whether you’re into lively pubs with live music, casual dining with great atmosphere, historic theaters hosting performances, or even outdoor adventures under the stars, the Stateline offers a variety of options for a memorable night. From vibrant downtown hangouts to cozy local taverns and scenic natural spots perfect for evening activities, residents and visitors have plenty of choices for dining, drinks, entertainment, and unique experiences. Vote now to help us find the favorite places where people love to spend their nights out in the Stateline region.