Daily
Rockford
Tuesday, March 18th, 2025
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Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 18th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Winnebago County Animal Services started its Lucky Dog, Lucky You event on Monday, March 17, offering reduced-fee dog adoptions at $50 at its shelter on 4517 N. Main Street in Rockford. Each adoption includes a wellness exam, spay/neuter, microchip, and vaccines (adopters must be 18+ with an approved application) to help cut the shelter’s nearly 100-dog capacity. WIFR
- ➤ Yesterday, local leaders including mayor Tom McNamara, state representatives Joe Sosnowski, Dave Vella and Maurice West plus Rockford IceHogs mascot Hammy joined Lifescape Community Services’ Meals on Wheels program for its End the Wait campaign, delivering meals between 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. to seniors who rely on daily hot meals and face-to-face contact. WIFR
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ At 3:15 a.m. Monday, the Rockford Fire Department responded to a house fire in the 1700 block of South 4th Street that forced seven residents to jump from a second-story window to escape heavy flames—one resident suffered a minor injury, a dog was rescued, and all 10 occupants were displaced with about $14,000 in damage. WIFR
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Rockford police arrested 28-year-old Martavian Cross-Poe after a traffic stop near Auburn Street and Kilburn Avenue turned violent over the weekend when he resisted arrest and officers recovered a loaded handgun along with suspected cocaine; he faces charges including firearm possession by a repeat felony offender, armed violence, drug possession with intent to deliver, unlawful use of a weapon by a felon and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon with a court appearance set for April 22. WIFR
- ➤ Rockford police shared over a dozen photos on Monday of suspects believed to be involved in retail theft from several stores, including Carter’s, Marshall’s, Meijer, Schnuck’s, and Target—locals who recognize any suspect are urged to contact police. WIFR
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Rockford Public Schools students met with lawmakers at the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council’s 5th annual legislative luncheon and asked about school funding and mental health supports. Lawmakers and a school board member said the discussion helped students practice public speaking — a key skill for their future. WIFR
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Voters in Winnebago County and Rockford can now vote early or apply for vote by mail for the upcoming April 1 election—Rockford residents may vote Monday through Friday from March 17 until March 31 while vote-by-mail requests must be received by March 27. WIFR
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Five years after the first COVID-19 case and over 2,000 local deaths, Rockford-area health leaders say the pandemic tested community resilience and left lingering vaccine hesitancy—while normal activity returns on city sidewalks. Dr. Sandra Martell and Dr. Joyce Johnson stress that ongoing collaboration remains key to protecting the community. WIFR
SHOP NEWS
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SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Today, March Madness began as millions fill out brackets and engage in sports betting—raising concerns about problem gambling among experts like Anita Pindiur at Way Back Inn. National Problem Gambling Awareness Month urges moderation and resource support as gambling grows more accessible. WTVO
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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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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Help others achieve their dreams and you will achieve yours.
~ Les Brown
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