Daily
Rockford
Tuesday, May 13th, 2025
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Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 13th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Winnebago County Animal Services said on Monday that it received over 60 cats in one week and many of these new arrivals are kittens in urgent need of canned kitten food. Donations can be dropped off at 4517 N. Main Street in Rockford—monetary contributions are also accepted online. WIFR
- ➤ NBA champion and Rockford native Fred VanVleet will headline the 3rd annual Diamonds Storytelling Gala at Hard Rock Live on June 12, where Nicole Briscoe will emcee an on-stage Q&A and proceeds will support the Founders Commission + a donation to the VanVleet Family Foundation for youth programs. WTVO
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A 40-year-old motorcyclist died Saturday near the entrance of Rock Cut State Park when he lost control of his Harley-Davidson on West Lane Road at 6:15 p.m. — police said the crash remains under investigation. WTVO
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Rockford mom Innette Zackery held an impromptu balloon release along S. Winnebago and Montague streets to honor her son Shaquille Zackery (whose unsolved murder on October 23, 2013 has left the case cold) on what would have been his 30th birthday on May 12, and she said the event helps keep his memory alive. WIFR
- ➤ The family of Ethan Austin—a 19-year-old shot outside Broadway Food and Liquor on May 9th who later died at the hospital—created a GoFundMe fundraiser to help cover funeral costs and support his young son and pregnant girlfriend. WIFR
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Winnebago Community Unit School District 323 reported that 63% of its students did not meet the ELA standards during the 2023-24 school year—this marks a 1.8% drop in the failure rate from the previous year. Rockford Sun
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ State Rep. Maurice West introduced House Bill 1179 to offer a $250 tax credit for donors who give blood four or more times a year—he held a news conference at Rock River Valley Blood Center on May 12 to promote the measure. Supporters say the bill could boost donations needed by local hospitals while potentially costing the state up to $8 million as lawmakers work on balancing the budget by May 31. Rock River Current
- ➤ Since May 12, crews have closed the southbound lanes on Madison Street between State and Market to repair roads and water mains, and drivers face detours while work continues until the end of October — city workers have planned repairs for safety. Workers are also resurfacing nearly 5 miles of U.S. 20 and fixing Mulford, Linden, Elmwood, and widening Kishwaukee Streets with lane closures set to ease from the end of May to June 13 and finish by July. WTVO
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ County and health officials announced Monday at the Discovery Center Museum a new program called Winning Start Winnebago that will offer free nurse visits and resources for newborn care as part of a state initiative—Governor JB Pritzker’s Birth Equity Initiative awarded a $300,000 grant. The Winnebago County Health Department will begin home visits in the summer and families who attended the launch received free museum access from 3 to 5 p.m. 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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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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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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5/14 Free Chicken Strips to first 1000 customers
We wanted to do something fun with our new product. Mark your calendars for this Wednesday, May 14th, from 2 PM to 5 PM to get our NEW McCrispy Chicken Strips- 💯 FREE! No purchase required!📍 ONLY @ the Bucciferro Family McDonald’s, located at 314 N Mulford, Rockford, IL.
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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.
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Timber Pointe Party Band Performance
6:30-9:30 p.m. — Timber Pointe Golf Club — Check event page for ticket info — High energy party band covering a wide variety of music from the 70’s to today’s hits.
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Rockford.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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