Daily
Rockford
Thursday, March 12th, 2026
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 12th of March.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Rockford Limo Company (formerly known as Rockford Rides) welcomes a new era as owner Amy Kliven takes over the local shuttle service. The company uses its base in Machesney Park to offer airport transfers, wedding shuttles and business travel around town. WIFR
- ➤ Cherry Valley's former Sweet Basil Cafe will be demolished this spring after an EPA asbestos inspection to clear the way for a new Club Car Wash, explained Village Administrator Jim Claeyssen, with demolition set to begin mid-April and construction expected to last about 10 months. Rock River Current
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The 50th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade will march downtown Saturday followed by a celebration at Prairie Street Brewing Co — organized by the Irish Marching Society to mark five decades of festive community spirit. Northern Public Radio
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Today, Rockford restaurants receive a final boost of $427,631 through the Restaurant Relief Grant Program, growing total aid to $1.4M for 53 local eateries facing pandemic challenges. The funds help cover rising unemployment insurance costs + support stable operations. Rockford Register Star
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Auburn High School introduced its Lean On Me program today, pairing at-risk students with staff mentors to reduce chronic absenteeism in the wake of a Morgan Freeman film inspiration. Early results show improved attendance and student engagement (with 85 participants so far), and plans are in place to expand the effort into other RPS high schools. WIFR
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ OSF Saint Anthony hosted an event with a giant inflatable colon in its lobby yesterday to raise awareness about colon cancer and encourage those 45 and older to get screened. Rockford Gastroenterology Associates led the initiative at (401 Roxbury Rd). WIFR
- ➤ Winnebago County has awarded up to $1.6M to local groups to expand mental health services for underserved residents over the next two years—funded by a half-cent sales tax. The funds will support treatment, case management, and outreach as managed by the County Community Mental Health Board. Rockford Register Star
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Illinois Housing Development Authority’s Access Home program will offer up to $15,000 as a zero-percent interest second mortgage for down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible first-time home buyers — over 160 approved lenders are participating. WIFR
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Rockford
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