Saturday, May 3rd, 2025

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Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 3rd of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Rockford Rescue Mission received a $10,000 grant from Woodward and 200 pillows from Meijer that allowed them to buy 64 new mattresses and extra bed linens to serve nearly 130 people each night—staff said the old mattresses were over 10 years old. WTVO
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Drivers are asked to avoid northbound I-39 near Baxter Road after a crash where a semi-truck hit a van, killing one person and injuring another—traffic backups extend for several miles while crews investigate. WIFR
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Diane Tope’s Great Hang-Ups in Rockford faced three floods, a hard economy and a global pandemic over 37 years — it started as a bridal shop on May 1 and now brings high-end women’s clothing and strong ties with local customers. WTVO
- ➤ Lino’s new indoor marketplace at 8400 E. Riverside Blvd in Loves Park will open this summer with 15 local vendors in shipping container shops—its preview Mother’s Day Market will run May 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The facility also includes a sit-down restaurant that opened in March and a drive-thru Meg’s Daily Grind to offer a unique shopping and dining experience. Rock River Current
- ➤ Prairie Farms Dairy and Hiland Dairy Foods partnered with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation to support childhood cancer research through lemonade sales that began April 29. They pledged at least $100,000—underscoring their support for employees and customers—and customers can look for special ALSF labels on the products. WIFR
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A Rockford couple leads Soar Radio which started in 2014 and became the first internet gospel station tracked by Nielsen—now their platform includes an annual awards show and a new podcast called Doin’ It All while next year’s ceremony in Chicago will honor Fred Hammond and Donnie McClurkin. Northern Public Radio
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced a new state-backed student loan option for Illinois students without a cosigner—offering fixed annual rates from 7.99% to 9.49% for students at public or private not-for-profit colleges. The Funding U Illinois No-Cosigner Loan, part of the Student Empowerment Fund, aims to help those who have exhausted their grants and scholarships. WTVO
- ➤ The City of Rockford Public Works began emergency storm inlet repairs on Auburn Street's eastbound curb lane near Pierpont Avenue—drivers are urged to use alternate routes as repairs continue. The work is expected to be complete Tuesday, May 6. WIFR
- ➤ The Rockford Police Department swore in 10 new officers and promoted a sergeant during a ceremony at Rockford University’s Burpee Center on May 2. New patrol officer Tyler Givens said he worked hard to reach his dream—Traffic Investigator Andrew Harper, promoted to sergeant, has served with the department since 2007. WTVO
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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Open Mosque Day
4:30-6:30 p.m. — 1110 Arthur Ave — Free entry — Explore the beauty of the mosque and connect with the local Muslim community.
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Mother's Day Brunch
10 AM – 2 PM — The Standard — $35 per person — Celebrate with a delightful brunch and unlimited mimosas in honor of Mom.
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Prairie Street Golden Apple Give Back Day
Rockford City Tin participant, Prairie Street Brewhouse, is giving back! Golden Apple will receive 20% of the receipts for purchases from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, May 14. Join us on the dock (or inside) at 200 Prairie St., Rockford, for some great food and drinks!
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Lola Blu Solo Sunday Funday
2-8 p.m. — Louie's Tap House — Free entry — Experience the soulful sounds of rising country star Lola Blu with her captivating voice live on stage.
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Info Session on the Impact of Property Tax Sales
Join us for an important community event focused on property tax sales and how they impact Rockford residents. This is a FREE event open to the public—everyone is welcome! 📍 Location: Crusader Community Health Clinic | 📅 Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 | ⏰ Time: 5:30 PM | 📍 Address: 1200 W State St, Rockford, IL 61102
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8th Annual Miracle Mile Car Show
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Don Carter Lanes — Entry fee $20, spectators free — Celebrate automotive passion with a showcase of cool rides and live music.
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On-Site Tour at Grand Victorian
9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Grand Victorian of Rockford — Free entry — Explore award-winning senior living activities and dining options in a welcoming environment.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Rockford.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A friendship founded on business is better than a business founded on friendship.
~ John D. Rockefeller
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