Daily
Rockford
Wednesday, July 30th, 2025
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Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 30th of July.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ State Senator David L. Syverson attended the Rhythm of the Heart Music Festival in Loves Park on Saturday and said the event showed community strength—he thanked local organizers for their work. On Sunday he joined the North Boone District 3 Firefighter’s Association Chicken BBQ Fundraiser that served over 2,000 pounds of chicken—raising funds to support local firefighters. Rockford Sun
- ➤ The Village of Machesney Park launched a Back-to-School Shopping Contest that runs through August 15 to support local businesses. Families who spend at least $25 and submit a receipt can enter to win Visa gift cards with winners announced on August 18—first prize is $200. WIFR
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Rockford Police arrested 33-year-old Mershon Wilkes after he shot himself and another man near Montague Road on July 27 at 9 p.m. — he admitted he tried to kill himself after the shooting and now faces charges of aggravated battery and unlawful possession of a weapon. WTVO
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A Rockford group celebrated 10 years of preserving Mexican dance traditions at Levings Park on Saturday + founder Liz Hernandez said the group grew from 15 to 60 dancers while teaching students about their heritage. Local sponsors supported the event as participants performed traditional dances and received scholarships, showing a deep commitment to their culture. Northern Public Radio
- ➤ Rockford's veteran WIFR news and sportscaster Andy Gannon is honored with a bobblehead from the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame, with pre-orders that began on July 29th for $30 plus an $8 flat shipping fee. His final newscast is set for Friday, Aug 1st after more than 42 years on the anchor desk. WIFR
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Nine Rockford students earned solar energy certifications from Zion West on Monday—attending a job fair immediately to put their skills to work. The course taught students how to install and sell solar systems while focusing on clean energy expansion under Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. WTVO
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Rockford Sun filed a FOIA request on July 29 with the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department to obtain a PDF copy of the recruit application form used by the agency—seeking a fee waiver under Illinois FOIA law. Rockford Sun
- ➤ Swanson Road will be closed to thru traffic for a pipe culvert replacement that will start on August 4th and is expected to finish by August 8th (weather-dependent). Local traffic will have maintained access within the work limits. Winnebago County
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
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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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Dinner on the Dock with Random AF
5-10 p.m. — Prairie Street Brewing Co. — Varied food and drink costs — Enjoy high-energy covers from the vibrant band Random AF while dining on the riverfront.
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