Good morning, Rockford.

Winnebago Park District announced that registration is open for its fall soccer season.

Community members can sign up online or call the district at 301 N. Church St. for more details.

Olson Funeral & Cremation Services is opening its new Three Oaks Chapel & Legacy Life Celebration Center today at 1100 N.

Lyford Road with a noon flagpole dedication and an open house from 2 to 6 p.m. The former New Life Lutheran Church now offers memorial and community event spaces.

Rockford artist Jesse T.

Leach will take on a 72-hour no sleep live painting challenge at Souljah Wellness (412 E. State St.) from 8 a.m. Friday, July 31 to 8 a.m. Monday, Aug. 3; he plans to livestream the event to engage local art lovers.

Midway Village Museum announced summer events celebrating Rockford history, featuring Prohibition-era reenactments on July 18 and historical tours throughout July and August—visitors can also view its rare American Chestnut tree at the museum.

ICON Studio opened Friday with a ribbon cutting ceremony, offering musicians, photographers and filmmakers in Rockford a creative space for music, workshops and more.

Owner Yash Musabji said the facility (built after months of renovations) gives local talent access to creative resources without needing to leave town.

Winnebago County school districts reported a 35.2% chronic truancy rate for the 2024-25 school year, with Rockford School District 205 at 44.6%—the highest in the county.

About 15,365 students were marked truant while dropout rates fell to 4.6%, according to the state board.

As temperatures rise, UW Health recommends residents drink about 64 ounces of water daily—using flavored or plain water—and carefully wash produce amid the cyclosporiasis outbreak to help everyone stay safe during the summer heat.

Rockford Police ended Rockford Fire’s two-year win streak at the 13th annual Battle of the Badges blood drive, tallying 211 votes to 196 at RRVBC locations throughout Rockford.

Record donations reached 407 despite 95-degree heat and smoky air (the friendly competition united community members with every vote).

Rockford Christian announced Friday that Chris Daleo is the new head coach for the boys basketball team + will begin his duties immediately as the school prepares for its upcoming winter season.

Girls of Summer: AAGPBL and A League of Their Own Cast Q&A

12-2 p.m. — Midway Village Museum — Free admission — Hear personal stories from legendary AAGPBL players and cast members from A League of Their Own during this engaging Q&A session.

A Rockford Evening with Hollywood: Players from A League of Their Own

5-8:30 p.m. — Rockford Woman's Club — Paid entry — Celebrate baseball history and Hollywood with AAGPBL players and cast members in a fun-filled evening.

All White Affair Rockford

4-9 p.m. — Burpee Museum of Natural History — Enjoy an evening with live R&B from ANN MARIE at this elegant summer affair.