Good morning, Rockford.

Live music acts have been announced for Rockford's 61st Fourth of July Celebration of Freedom on July 4th, with DJ Roland Stone at 4:30 p.m., That 70's Band at 5:00 p.m., On The Rocks and Mr. Ed at 7:00 p.m.—fireworks will launch from the Jefferson Street Bridge—amid a $12 million renovation at Davis Park.

Rockford authorities sentenced 42-year-old Charles Jones to 48 years in prison for eight counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child after police responded to a hospital report on November 14, with his consecutive sentences followed by three years of mandatory supervised release+ the punishment came after his conviction.

Local teachers are invited to join a free Paddle and Learn Watershed Workshop from July 14 to 18 that starts with a mandatory kayak certification class at Rotary Park in Sycamore+ organized sessions at the Natural Resource Education Center in Genoa and a final paddle on the Rock River in Rockford. The workshop offers free kayak rentals, meals, snacks and materials while granting 26.5 Professional Development Hours to the 15 participants who register online.

Illinois lawmakers set new rules to take effect on July 1st that will raise gas taxes, ban small plastic bottles in large hotels, change sales tax on leases, and require state workers to learn how to use Narcan.

The gas tax will rise from 45 cents to 48.3 cents per gallon — diesel will rise from 54 to 55 cents per gallon and hotels with 50 or more rooms must comply with the plastic ban.

Rockford Fire Chief Michele Pankow was named the first female State Fire Marshal for Illinois pending Senate confirmation and will begin her new duties in mid-July.

Governor JB Pritzker praised her 32 years of service (from firefighter to chief) and said her experience will strengthen state fire safety.

Cherry Valley Fire Protection District named Kyle Hill as Fire Chief and Rich Trapp as Deputy Chief following Fire Chief Joe Corl's planned retirement after 7 years of service.

Hill and Trapp assumed their roles on June 2, and a formal swearing-in ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. on June 10 at Carlson Hall+4919 Blackhawk Road in Rockford.

Portillo's Golden Apple Give Back Day

Golden Apple Foundation will receive 20% of the receipts for purchases from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, at 6090 E. State St., Rockford. Join us for some great food and drinks! Order online or in-app for pickup using code PORTILLOS36 before checkout in the “Coupon Code” field or let the cashier know when ordering at the restaurant. Valid on drive-thru, pickup, kiosk and in-restaurant orders!

Rockford Job Fair

10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Rockford — Free entry — Connect face-to-face with several employers hiring in the Rockford area.

Lifescape 4th of July Classic Run/Walk

7:00–11:00 a.m. — Riverview Ice House — Registration required — Celebrate Independence Day with a classic run/walk through downtown Rockford.