Daily
Rockford
Friday, March 14th, 2025
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Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 14th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The 49th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place in downtown Rockford on Saturday, March 15 at 3 p.m., featuring a festive route that ends at Water St. and is followed by an afterparty called Paddy Fest (with Irish folk music, food, and a $10 fee for adults). Northern Public Radio
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ QDOBA Mexican Eats is returning to Rockford with plans to open three new locations run by franchise operator Roaring Forks LLC (which operates 60 restaurants nationwide). The expansion is part of the company’s strategy to open 33 new sites across the U.S. after previously having two locations in the area. WTVO
- ➤ Raising Cane’s will open its new fast-food restaurant at 6445 E. State Street next month, with doors set to open as early as April 15 and new jobs planned for the area — replacing Stone Eagle Tavern, which closed in early 2024. WIFR
- ➤ Nominations for the 2025 Hospitality Hero Awards are open until April 27 for Winnebago County workers who enhance local tourism by providing great service, and winners in five categories will be honored with a plaque, gift card and Rockford-themed basket during National Travel and Tourism Week from May 4—10. WIFR
- ➤ A new nonprofit thrift store, Carpenter’s Corner Alpine, opens Friday at Alpine Village on S. Alpine Road in Rockford. The 18,000-square-foot shop holds over 30,000 donated items and uses proceeds to fund services for people facing homelessness (with plans to expand its donations intake). Rock River Current
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Former Winnebago County Sheriff Dick Meyers, a U.S. Navy veteran who served nearly 50 years including 17 as sheriff, died Thursday—his steady leadership left a lasting impact on local law enforcement. Rockford Register Star
- ➤ USDA has cancelled two programs that would have given more than $1 billion to help schools and food banks buy local food—about $41 million in Illinois was expected from these funds. The programs, created under the last administration, are ending as food costs rise and support for healthy meals is at risk. Northern Public Radio
- ➤ The Veteran’s Assistance Commission suspended two aid programs on March 12 at the Winnebago County Health Department due to a funding shortfall—affecting 40-50 veterans and their families who now lack help for rent, utilities, or emergency housing. The commission met to discuss a supplementary budget to address the gap in support. WIFR
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ OSF HealthCare St. Anthony Medical Center opened its renovated cardiac catheterization lab on March 13 — a blessing ceremony marked the launch. The updated lab can perform nearly all heart procedures in one room so patients spend less time on the table and recover faster. WIFR
SHOP NEWS
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Rockford.
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Rockford IceHogs vs. Grand Rapids Griffins Match
The Rockford IceHogs face off against the Grand Rapids Griffins at the BMO Center in an exciting hockey matchup.
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Duhawk Day Celebration 2025
Community members will gather at Baker Street Burgers to celebrate Duhawk Day and support local alumni.
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Enchanted Fae Ball
7 PM - 12 AM | The Standard | Ticketed event | Experience a magical night of dance, performances, and craft cocktails under shimmering lights.
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An Evening with Jessica Willis Fisher
Experience an intimate live performance by Jessica Willis Fisher at The Music Box in Rockford.
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Teacher Appreciation Night
The Rockford IceHogs and the Golden Apple Foundation are partnering for Teacher Appreciation Night at the IceHogs game on Friday, March 28, for the IceHogs 7 p.m. game against the Manitoba Moose! At the game on March 28, there will be additional ways you can support Golden Apple. All proceeds that night from the IceHogs 50/50 raffle and Spin-to-Win game will be donated to Golden Apple to aid in its mission to celebrate and support educational excellence in our community. March 28 is also a $2 beer and soft drink night at the IceHogs!
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Midwest Holistic Health Fair - Rockford, IL
The Midwest's premier Holistic Health Fair offers attendees a chance to connect with vendors, sample products, and learn about holistic health and wellness practices.
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Nick Dittmeier & the Sawdusters Live Performance
7-10:30 p.m. — The Music Box — Free entry — Experience the progressive roots rock sound of one of the Midwest's most hard-touring bands.
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Air Supply Live Concert
7 PM – 1 AM — Hard Rock Casino Rockford — Tickets available — Experience the legendary sounds of Air Supply at this unforgettable live performance.
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Easter Egg-Streme Egg Hunt
7-9 p.m. — The YMCA of Rock River Valley - Northeast Family YMCA — Free entry — Celebrate Easter with egg hunts, crafts, and a photo with the Easter bunny.
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Egg Hunt at Camp Winnebago
1-4 p.m. — Camp Winnebago Branch YMCA — Free entry — Enjoy a fun-filled Easter Egg Hunt with games, crafts, and thousands of eggs filled with sweets and prizes.
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