Daily
Rockford
Friday, March 13th, 2026
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 13th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Rockford community members will honor Ashley and Tilly Russell at the second annual memorial blood drive on Wednesday, Mar. 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at UW Heart Health Hospital (1350 Charles St.). Donors will receive a Culver’s voucher. WIFR
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Yesterday, two outage workers were taken to local hospitals as a precaution after being exposed to trace amounts of a (non-radiological) chemical at Byron Clean Energy Center, marking the second incident since March 10 while specialized teams work to ensure the area is safe before work resumes. WIFR
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A Beloit dancer, Christy Munch, will host The Rockford DanceMakers Festival featuring 10 choreographers and a special guest from Winifred Haun & Dancers with over 40 dancers at the Rockford Public Library Nordlof Center on Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21. Northern Public Radio
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Rockford Public Schools announced it will lay off 110 central office and non-classroom employees to close a projected $15 million deficit. The decision will help maintain student support and allow the district to fill open teaching slots as it restructures. Rockford Register Star
- ➤ The Harlem School District will close Maple and Olson Park elementary schools this spring as a 10% enrollment drop and a $3 million budget deficit force consolidations. Administrators say the move will help manage staffing costs and rising expenses over the past decade. Northern Public Radio
- ➤ Rock Valley College held its Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday, March 10 to review enrollment, finance and operations updates as well as policy changes. The next board meeting is set for March 24 and the committee will reconvene on April 14 at the Educational Resource Center. Rockford Sun
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Potholes form in Rockford as temperatures freeze + thaw daily, and road crews patch them while meteorologists explain how drivers can avoid vehicle damage. Watch WIFR’s Shelter From the Storm for weather tips on keeping roads safe. WIFR
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Data from Realtor.com shows that home prices in Winnebago County rose in December; the median sold for $210,000, up 14.2% from November and 23.9% higher than December last year. Sales of single-family homes and condos reflected mixed trends, with overall recorded sales rising by 6.9%. Rockford Register Star
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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.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The only true failure is abandoning your principles.
~ Ryan Holiday
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