Good morning, Rockford.

Central Terrace Co-Op in southwest Rockford will use a $930,000 state grant to fix wiring, replace windows, and repair a maintenance garage in its 150 affordable housing units.

The local firm Kee Solutions will finish the work by November—15 workers are set to complete the repairs while future grants will be sought for more updates.

Rockford’s Fourth of July fireworks show used a new launch point from the Jefferson Street bridge, which gave spectators a higher elevation for ground effects and better riverbank views.

The 30-minute event on July 4th, 2024 was funded by donations & sponsorships as the civic committee adjusted the display amid reduced funding.

Just before 10 a.m. on June 24, a truck and its trailer rolled over in a ditch near 116 on I-39 South in Rockford—two people in a nearby car were taken to a hospital with minor injuries while crews from New Milford fire and Blackhawk responded as the blocked left lane slowed traffic.

Nine years ago, Megan Wells died in a boating crash on the Rock River in Oregon — her grieving family marks the anniversary by gathering to throw flowers, listen to 'Don't Stop Believing,' and release butterflies on her birthday.

Chester Weger—known as the Starved Rock Killer—died at 86 on June 22 in Clay County, Missouri after serving nearly 60 years for the 1961 murder of Lillian Oetting.

Rockford Police arrested parolee Levar Wright, 35, on June 22 at 10 a.m. at a residence on the 1900 block of Auburn Street after he strangled a pregnant woman during a domestic dispute, and he now faces charges including aggravated battery, aggravated domestic battery for strangulation, domestic battery that caused bodily harm, and resisting an officer + he had been previously convicted of domestic battery in 2023.

The City of Rockford approved a framework to reduce food insecurity by partnering with local non-profits and farmers—focusing on access to healthy, affordable food—and City Council will vote on the plan June 30th.

Aldermen approved two housing proposals for east Rockford that could add over 200 new homes + one backed by Fred VanVleet will create 180 market-rate rental units while another from Welcome Home Residency Inc. will build 24 owner-occupied luxury condos; the City Council will vote on these measures next Monday.

Molina Healthcare of Illinois launched a two-day mobile health center offering free preventive care—including annual physicals, well-baby exams and blood pressure screenings—on June 24 at the YMCA on Y Boulevard and continues today at Lifescape, 1330 S.

Alpine Rd. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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.