Good morning, Rockford.

Jean Lythgoe, who began working at Rockford Public Library in 1965, is retiring today after 60 years of service and is known for her deep knowledge of local history plus her role in preserving community records, including the creation of a climate-controlled vault.

Colleagues honored her with a challenge coin from Mayor Tom McNamara during a celebration in the Local History Room.

The BBB warns Rockford residents about increased scams in summer that use fake vacation listings, non-existent tickets, and fraudulent utility calls — ComEd advises verifying credentials and never sending cash or personal information to unknown contacts.

Rockford Police arrested Tyvionne Horton, 25, on June 18 after surveillance footage showed him allegedly shooting at a man sitting in a car near Vinny’s Pizza on May 13 at around 9 p.m. on the 4100 block of Newburg Road—officers later found a handgun in his vehicle and charged him with two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm at an occupied vehicle.

AAA says 4.2 million people in Illinois will travel from June 28 to July 6 for the July 4 holiday — 104,000 more than last year, and it advises buying travel insurance to help cover unexpected issues.

Rockford Public School District 205 named BWP and Associates to lead the search for a new superintendent after Ehren Jarrett announced in March he would step down—he will remain until his contract ends on June 30, 2026—and the firm will soon schedule sessions for community input.

Local officials in Rockford and nearby communities will propose to keep the 1% grocery tax after the state ends its collection on Jan.

1, 2026 — the tax currently funds vital services with cities like Machesney Park and Loves Park expecting up to $250,000 and $600,000 respectively. Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara warned that losing the tax could cut city funding by $6 to $8 million, with a decision set for discussion on Monday.

Veterinarians in Rockford advise pet owners to keep their dogs off hot pavement and provide plenty of cool water during the heatwave — heat stroke can occur quickly.

Local animal experts also recommend walking pets on grass to prevent burns from hot surfaces.

Rockford officials say roads will close tomorrow for the IRONMAN 70.3 race and for ongoing construction—drivers are urged to slow down, stay alert, and keep phones charged to navigate safely.

Paul Wappel from the Illinois DOT and AAA's Molly Hart offer tips to help motorists avoid delays during the busy event.

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.

Screw City Duathlon and Multi-Sports Event

8 AM — Peak Sports Club — Register by July 8, 2024 — Participate in a thrilling duathlon, team duathlon, or 2-mile run/walk in a community-focused event.