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Wednesday, March 4th, 2026

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Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 4th of March.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • Rockford Restaurant Week from Jan. 28 to Feb. 8 set records with 82 restaurants and 2,000 votes per category as GoRockford announced winners: 27 Aluna, award-winning Harvey Wallbangers, Cheezy’s Grilled Cheeses, Crave Kitchen and Cocktails, and Franchesco’s Ristorante - next year it will run from Jan. 28 to Feb. 7.  WIFR
  • Rockford Lions and the Center for Sight & Hearing will host a Spring Cleaning Clear-Out on Saturday, Mar. 21 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Center for Sight & Hearing in Rockford to collect old vision and hearing equipment for repair, recycling & repurposing, with pick-up assistance available.  Rockford Register Star

BUSINESS NEWS

  • Dozens of business owners and professionals gathered in Machesney Park for an inaugural awards gala hosted by the Stateline Chamber of Commerce. The chamber honored 24 winners out of over 100 nominees — recognizing those who strengthen the region.  WIFR
  • Tad More Tailoring, a woman-owned tailoring business, became Rockford’s first Certified B Corp on Tuesday, Mar. 3 at 11:57 a.m. and held a press conference to highlight its commitment to sustainability and job creation through its new nonprofit institute.  Rockford Register Star
  • Illinois Manufacturers’ Association launched its 7th annual Makers Madness competition to celebrate manufacturing innovation and craftsmanship across the state. Nominations are open from Feb. 16 through March 8 at makersmadnessil.com + past winners include products from Rockford.  Rockford Sun

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Rockford Public Schools board reviewed a Tuesday proposal to award a three-year, $58,853,000 contract to Zūm Services, a California firm that may outsource routes and raised concerns among bus drivers + union reps about job risks. The board will vote on the proposal Tuesday, Mar. 24 + seek fewer cancellations.  WIFR

ENVIRONMENT NEWS

  • The Natural Land Institute will host its annual dinner on March 19 at the Radisson Conference Center in Rockford. The event features a silent auction, dinner, and guest speaker Joe Duff (Operation Migration co-founder) plus the George and Barbara Fell Award to conservation leader Steve Barg; reservations close March 12.  Rockford Register Star

HEALTH NEWS

  • Valley Springs Artesian Gold recalled more than 600,000 water bottles after an FDA report found insanitary production conditions. Consumers in Illinois and Wisconsin are advised to stop using the affected natural, infant, and dog water products immediately.  Rockford Register Star
  • The MERIT team from U of I College of Medicine Rockford will join the Family Peace Center at 214 N. Church St when renovations finish in spring or summer 2027 to offer exams for suspected abuse cases. Officials say the move will integrate services for children & families.  Rock River Current

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • Charlie Berens Comedy Show

    5-8 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with Emmy-winning comedian and author Charlie Berens.

    Sat, 3/7/26

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  • Fireside Music with Rockford Symphony Orchestra

    11:30 AM – 1:30 PM — Anderson Japanese Gardens — Free entry — Enjoy a cozy atmosphere with live music from Rockford’s premier youth choir while savoring light lunches and pastries.

    Sat, 3/14/26

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  • 52nd Annual Rockford RV, Camping, & Travel Show

    2-4 p.m. — Indoor Sports Center — $8 adults, children free — Explore RVs, camping gear, and enjoy live entertainment with unique contests.

    Fri, 3/20/26

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  • Rock River Valley Model Train Show

    10 AM – 5 PM — Harlem High School — $5 admission, kids 12 and under free — Explore vast displays of model trains and supplies while enjoying hourly door prizes.

    Sat, 3/21/26

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  • Melodies at the Museum

    4:00 – 5:30 PM — Rockford Art Museum — $45 — Experience a blend of chamber music and art with insights from RSO musicians and a community reception.

    Sun, 3/22/26

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  • A Night of Cheap Trick Songs

    7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Music Box — From $22.17 — Celebrate the sounds of Rockford's Hall of Fame band with MILES NIELSEN & KELLY covering their classics.

    Tue, 3/24/26

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  • Jesse & Joy Concert

    7-10 p.m. — Hard Rock Casino Rockford — Ticket prices vary — Experience the beautiful melodies of Jesse & Joy during their El Despecho Tour.

    Thu, 3/26/26

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  • Rockford IceHogs vs. Iowa Wild Hockey Game

    6:30-10:30 p.m. — BMO Center — Free food included — Enjoy an exciting AHL matchup and learn about sports chiropractic while cheering for the IceHogs.

    Sat, 3/28/26

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REAL ESTATE

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No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

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No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

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