Daily
Rockford
Sunday, March 16th, 2025
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Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 16th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Lisa’s Little Rescue held its inaugural Animal Rescue Expo on Saturday to benefit Kibble Korner, a nonprofit pet food pantry that helps low-income families care for their pets. More than 100 vendors offered pet supplies and resources—one vendor traveled nearly four hours to attend. WIFR
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Many Rockford residents experienced damage from high winds during an overnight storm on March 15th, 2025—crews are repairing fallen poles and clearing road closures as some properties sustained serious damage. WIFR
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ JC’s BBQ held a ribbon cutting at 3 p.m. on March 15 at 4333 W. State Street on the west side, where menu items (catfish, BBQ fries, polish sausages, and jerk chicken) were previewed. Owner Joe Tate said the restaurant aims to add bold flavors and warm hospitality to the area. WIFR
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ PaddyFest Food and Music Festival returned to Loves Park with Irish music and traditional fare catered by Pinnon’s—live acts included The Tooles, Emerald Wind and the City of Rockford Pipe Band. WIFR
- ➤ On Saturday, March 15, 2025, the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade moved through Midtown and downtown Rockford, drawing hundreds to watch the festivities. The parade followed a route—Seventh, State, and Madison Streets—and featured local groups and city officials celebrating the day. Rock River Current
- ➤ The Music Academy celebrates its 40th anniversary with a violin competition featuring eight well-known city figures including Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd, RVC President Howard Spearman and Vic Rivera from La Onda. The event honors three board members who died—raising funds for academy scholarships. WIFR
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ More than 500 Rockford area students competed in the Regional Science Olympiad at Rock Valley College on Saturday—taking part in events like experimental design, environmental chemistry and coding. Winners will advance to the state competition at the University of Illinois next month—with selected teams moving on to face tougher challenges. WIFR
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Illinois lawmakers introduced a bill to raise penalties for fleeing police by changing a first offense from a class 4 felony to a class 2 felony and a second offense from a class 3 felony to a class 1 felony— the measure was first read on January 9 by Representative Jackie Haas and is now under review in the House Rules Committee. WTVO
- ➤ A WalletHub study shows Illinois has the highest taxes in the nation — taxes are 51.8% above the US average with nearly 8% real estate tax placing it at the bottom among states. Illinois lawmakers are now discussing bills that would allow mental illness to serve as a defense in some police cases, add rules for homeschooling, and set tougher penalties for harming service dogs. Rockford Sun
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Rockford Rescue Mission’s Hope Clinic began using a new X-ray machine on March 14 to let dentists diagnose dental issues and perform extractions and fillings onsite at 715 W. State Street—this device, funded by community donations, expands care for patients in the Life Recovery Program. WIFR
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Rockford.
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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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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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