Daily
Rockford
Friday, March 20th, 2026
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of March.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A water main broke in front of Harlem Middle School on Windsor Road in Loves Park at 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, causing one-lane traffic (drivers were advised to take an alternate route) as crews worked to repair the damage. WIFR
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Rockford DanceMakers Festival debuts today at the Nordlof Center with original works by ten professional choreographers; the event runs today and tomorrow with shows beginning at 7 p.m. today and 6 p.m. tomorrow and a Q&A following Friday's show. WIFR
- ➤ On Wednesday, officials of the Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition corrected a scoring error after reviewing the tallies and declared Cave People from Space the first-place winners in the State Division at Sinnissippi Park. They pledged improved tallying procedures for future contests. WIFR
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Black and Jones announced the inaugural skilled trades scholarships for four high school graduates who will study automotive, welding, or aviation at accredited trade schools. The winners — chosen from graduating seniors in Boone, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago counties — include students from Stillman Valley, Belvidere North, and Hononegah high schools. Rockford Register Star
- ➤ Heather Baker — a survivor of a 2018 heart attack and CPR training advocate — of Dorothy Simon Elementary is honored as the Golden Apple Outstanding Principal for boosting morale and reading skills; she will receive $1,000 and join the April 24 banquet at the Tebala Event Center. Rockford Register Star
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ South Beloit Fire Department retook ambulance services from the Town of Beloit on March 11 ahead of the October 1 deadline+ new chief Brian Kunce plans to take engine control by April 1 and boost staffing while the team works to improve response times. WIFR
- ➤ After weather delays, Rockford's $14M Auburn Street reconstruction starts Monday, March 23 along Central Ave to Avon St & Horsman St to Main Street, with crews working on south lanes until July & switching to north lanes from August to September as part of the city's $385M Capital Improvement Program. WIFR
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Mercyhealth's MD-1 Emergency Response Program vehicles (the first in the area) will soon carry blood to provide on-scene transfusions in Rockford, a step expected to reduce trauma deaths. The initiative enhances emergency care by integrating advanced support with fire and EMS teams. WIFR
- ➤ OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center is expanding its Paws for Healing initiative — a volunteer program using therapy dogs to comfort patients, families and staff. Interested handlers must audition on Apr. 25 in Rockford and meet specific canine and handler requirements. WIFR
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Rockford will host IHSA Boys Soccer State Finals for three years at Swanson Stadium at Guilford High School. The tournament will feature 12 top teams from across the state each November and is expected to generate nearly $900,000 in spending — boosting the city’s status as a sports tourism hub. Go Rockford
- ➤ Forest Preserves of Winnebago County will launch its first youth golf league for children ages 6 to 13 at Atwood Homestead Golf Course with practices starting in late May and match dates planned through July, culminating in a year-end tournament. Registration is open through May 25 at $300 per player. Rockford Register Star
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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
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