I am a lifelong northern Illinois resident, I grew up in Schaumburg, attended and graduated from Northern Illinois University. My outdoor hobbies include, snowmobiling, motorcycling on my Harley, side-by-side (ATVing) riding up north in Wisconsin. My Indoor hobbies include music collecting, CDs and vinyl. I have one of the most awesome collections of music on vinyl ranging from classic county, oldies, classic rock, pop, hair bands and more. I love classic TV series. Shows like ‘Lost in Space’, ‘I Dream of Jeannie’ 'Seinfeld’ ‘Family Guy’ and ‘Hogan’s Heroes’ always have a spot in my DVD player. I own every season of all of them. My two favorite movies of all time are 'Office Space' and 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High.'
Mark Charvat
Illinois’ Insane Candy Tax Will Make Your Head Spin
Did you know that if you purchase a Twix bar you pay a 1% sales tax in Illinois, but if buy a Snickers bar, you will pay an Illinois sales tax rate of 6.25% (8.25 % in Rockford).
Rockford Area Culver’s Suddenly Removes Pretzel Bites From Its Menu
Last year, Rockford and Stateline residents were shocked when Culver's suddenly stopped offering its fried chicken, now another Culver's fan favorite has suddenly disappeared.
Gas In Belvidere Is About To Get More Expensive
Belvidere's status as a the place to purchase the cheapest gas in the Stateline may soon go out the door.
Rockford Politician Introduces Legislation to Kick Chicago Out of Illinois
Chicago may get kicked out of Illinois, if a Rockford legislator gets his way.
Rockford Now Has a New Ginormous American Flag
As you travel one of Rockford's busiest roads, you will now notice a giant American Flag waving at you as you drive along the east side of town. However, is it a traffic distraction?
The Top 5 Best Attended County Fairs In Illinois
The Stateline can brag as four of the best attended Illinois county fairs are in here in Northern Illinois.
The Top 5 Weirdest Popular Baby Names in Illinois For 2018
The most popular baby names for 2018 have been released and some are just plain 'weird.'
Here’s Where You Can Still Find KFC All You Can Eat Buffets In Illinois and Wisconsin
Did you know that KFC all you can eat buffets still exist in illinois and Wisconsin? Here's where to find them.
Wrigley Field Park Will Host Curling Classes
If you ever wanted learn how to 'curl,' grab your granite stone and a broom, and get ready to slide on the ice.
Closed For Good, Take A Look Inside Of This Northern Illinois Abandoned Mall
Thousands of shoppers used to walk these mall sidewalks, now, the place is abandoned, as just about every store in the mall has left. Take a look inside the now abandoned mall.