Mayor Tom McNamara joined Steve Summers on This Week in the Stateline to talk about everything from the economic impact of arts in the community to his own family's hunt for a Christmas tree.

He also discusses some upcoming initiatives in partnership with Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity and the Rockford Park District.

Listen to the full interview below.

Laura Gibbs Green, communications manager for the Rockford Park District, joins Steve Summers on This Week in the Stateline to talk about the upcoming Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition Jan. 26-29.

There will be 11 teams competing this year, as well as 11 teams in the high school division.

Last year, roughly 59,000 people drove through Sinnissippi Park to see the sculptures last year, Gibbs Green said.

"When you start to see those snow blocks form at Sinnissippi Park, it's like big wood blocks of snow, basically, then you know that things are looking pretty good," Gibbs Green said.

Listen to the full interview below.

[caption id="attachment_176912" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] The Poplar Grove Aviation Education Association and the Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum are taking applications for their annual scholarship program. (Photo via Canva)[/caption]

By Steve Summers and Kevin Haas

Rock River Current

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POPLAR GROVE — Students who want to pursue careers in aviation or automotive industries can now apply for scholarships up to $2,500.

Judi Zangs, executive director of the Poplar Grove Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum, joined Steve Summers on This Week in the Stateline to talk about the annual scholarship program.

The program is a partnership between the Poplar Grove Aviation Education Association and the Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum. Last year, seven scholarships totaling $11,000 were distributed.

"We've had recipients that have gone on to careers in the maintenance field with major airlines, we've got some that are airline pilots today," Zangs said.

Related: Collins Aerospace in Rockford to upgrade B-52 bomber's electric power generation system

Applications must be received by March 31, and the awards will be announced in April with an award ceremony held June 12.

This year, the organizations hope to give out five to 10 scholarships of $1,500 to $2,500.

To apply for the scholarship, go here.

Listen to the full interview below.