Good morning, Rockford.

Alpine Kiwanis will sell exclusive Johnsonville brats and hot dogs meant for the canceled Brat Days event — canceled after a severe flash flood hit Rockford — on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Blain’s Farm Fleet parking lot at 7300 E Riverside Blvd.

Brat Days was cancelled because of severe weather damage.

Alpine Kiwanis will sell leftover food—including brats, hot dogs, chips, cookies, and veggie BBQ—on July 18th and 19th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Blain's Farm and Fleet parking lot to support local non-profits.

Nominations are now open for Rockford’s inaugural Made for Rockford Impact Award to honor an entrepreneur, artist or community connector who has brought bold, fresh ideas to our area.

Nominees must have moved to Rockford in the last 5 years and are evaluated on their leadership and service—submissions are due by July 21 and the winner will be announced on August 14 at the Chamber’s annual dinner at Hard Rock Casino Rockford.

Waldom Electronics cut the ribbon yesterday at 10 a.m. July 15 at its headquarters on Morgan Street in Rockford to launch a new solar panel system that includes 760 single-axis tracking panels.

The system is expected to offset more than 7,000 tons of CO2 over 20 years and allow the company to power its facilities entirely with in-house energy.

One of three men accused of severely beating a victim at the former Bigfoot Lounge on Alpine Road was sentenced to 5 years in prison on Monday, July 7 after pleading guilty to aggravated battery as the victim suffered severe head injuries.

Hononegah Community High School District 207 will vote tonight to offer Dr. Ehren Jarrett—current superintendent of Rockford Public Schools and former Hononegah teacher—the role of new superintendent.

Michael Dugan will retire at the end of the 2025-2026 school year and will work with Jarrett to ensure a smooth transition.

Mercyhealth has joined the Orange Bracelet Initiative in Rockford by giving new mothers an orange bracelet that reads 'post-birth alert' to help staff quickly identify and treat postpartum complications—at Javon Bea Hospital–Riverside and other Mercyhealth locations.

Staff report that the program, which asks moms to wear the bracelet for six to twelve weeks, has already improved emergency response for new moms.

A 12-year-old hockey player in Rockford competes for both the Junior Ice Hogs and the Hockey Club despite being born without a left arm above the elbow — he learned a special way to hold his stick when he began skating at age 2.

His determination helps him play at a high level and enjoy the game.

Rockford Park District broke ground on Tuesday, July 15—Project Home Base is a new adaptive baseball facility at Darryl F.

Lindberg Park in Loves Park that will serve Buddy Baseball and All Stars Baseball. The nearly $2.25 million project, funded by donations, state funds and capital funds, will feature accessible baseball diamonds and a multiuse field and is expected to be complete next year.

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.

Japanese Summer Festival

Experience Japanese culture — July 26-27 — Anderson Japanese Gardens — Admission details not specified — Enjoy live performances, martial arts, crafts, and delicious cuisine in a serene garden setting.

Greater Rockford Classic

Fri-Sun, Aug 1-3 — Aldeen Golf Club — Registration Fee Required — Compete in a nearly century-old tournament with 54 holes of stroke play open to players aged 14 and older.

Maxwell Concert

7-10 p.m. — Hard Rock Live - Rockford — Tickets from $86 — Experience a night of soulful melodies with Maxwell at Hard Rock Casino.

Dockside Live featuring Tristan Sheedloe

6-9 p.m. — Prairie Street Brewing Co. — Free entry — Enjoy original tunes and 90s grunge covers while relaxing by the riverfront.

Lola Blu & the Boys Concert

7 PM – 1 AM — Winnebago County Fairgrounds — Tickets available — Experience the captivating blend of country and southern rock with rising star Lola Blu.