Friday, July 25th, 2025

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Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 25th of July.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Think Big Food Court will launch its weekly pop-up tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Think Big Accelerator at Provenzano Center, 1311 N. Main St — the event, postponed from July 19 due to weather, offers local food vendors a free space to share their products until August 30. WIFR
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Winnebago County Deputies arrested 24-year-old Zachary Payton on July 23 near the 6700 block of Country Lane for allegedly strangling a man during a domestic dispute; after fleeing to a residence on Clover Crest Lane and engaging in a struggle, Payton later forced his way back in—deputies reported visible injuries on the victim and multiple charges against him. WTVO
- ➤ Rockford police arrested 32-year-old Jermey Barfield after stopping his speeding Infiniti SUV near Main Street and Chestnut when officers smelled raw cannabis— a search of his vehicle found a pistol, additional cannabis and a scale, and he now faces charges for weapon possession as a felon, cannabis manufacturing and delivery, and traffic violations. WTVO
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Four high school robotics teams are set to compete against 29 teams from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Wisconsin on Saturday at Rock Valley College from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.—students will play multiple three-on-three matches—with each game beginning with a 15-second autonomous period before driver control takes over. WTVO
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Winnebago County Juvenile Detention Center will expand its mental health services with nearly $2 million from county boards—officials said new therapy spaces, offices and classrooms will be detailed in plans discussed next week. WTVO
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ In June, homes on the west side broke the $200,000 mark for the first time ever with a three-month average sale price of $226,786, and Mayor Tom McNamara said the growth is driven by an increasing population and new investments—like a library and a $96 million infrastructure plan. Local realtors noted that rising property values are attracting more young families seeking affordable starter homes. WIFR
- ➤ The developer of Colman Yards plans to restart work on the former Barber-Colman complex on South Main and Loomis by combining Phase 1A and 1B to catch up on delays. They are working with contractors—who have filed nearly $6 million in liens—to clear disputes before construction resumes. Rock River Current
SHOP NEWS
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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.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.
~ Greek Proverb
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