Thursday, July 17th, 2025

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Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 17th of July.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ After last Thursday’s storms damaged Don Anderson's home, local companies Titan Exteriors & Elite Gutters donated a new roof and gutters to help him since he relies on social security and lacks insurance. Contributions from a GoFundMe campaign will support further repairs to restore his home. WIFR
- ➤ The YMCA of Rock River Valley took over management of the Belvidere Family YMCA effective July 7 to address declining membership. Cherie Dollinger stays on as the on-site leader and members can use facilities at both locations—an effort designed to improve programs and put fresh ideas into service. Rock River Current
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Rockford Police arrested five individuals after investigating three armed robberies from December 28 to February 6 where victims were held at gunpoint and had phones and money stolen—officers located the suspects on the 1200 block of 6th Avenue and recovered loaded firearms and cannabis linking them to charges including armed robbery, conspiracy, and illegal possession of a firearm. WTVO
- ➤ Rockford police arrested Francisco Bustamante, 42, on July 16 after he was accused of attacking a woman in the 900 block of North Main Street when she shouted "help me" — he is charged with domestic battery, resisting an officer, violating an order of protection and unlawful restraint. WTVO
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Rockford Symphony Orchestra said its 92nd season will begin with a performance on September 20 at the Coronado Theatre. The season includes multiple series—such as a five-concert Masterwork Series, Midland Pops Series, Chamber Series and holiday shows—and tickets are available through the orchestra's website or box office at 815-965-0049. WIFR
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Harlem School District faces a $6.4 million revenue drop and will leave 36 positions unfilled while keeping special education programs at Windsor Elementary intact—Superintendent Terrell Yarbrough said this review of staffing is needed to protect current jobs amid state and federal funding cuts. WIFR
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Winnebago County Clerk Lori Gummow announced on Wednesday that she is seeking re-election in 2026—petition circulation will begin on August 5th. She has served as Clerk since 2018 and updated voting procedures as election laws changed, and the General Election will take place on November 3rd. WTVO
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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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RAMP River Run Half Marathon
11 AM — Downtown Rockford — Registration fee required — A spirited half marathon encouraging competition and community fun to cap off the summer.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What labels me, negates me.
~ Soren Kirkegaard
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