Good morning, Rockford.

Rockford communities will observe memorial events through Aug.

15 to honor local military service members who died in the Vietnam War. Tributes include commemorations for names like Steve Donald Lee (d. Aug. 14, 1968) and Larry Dale McGhee (d. Aug. 10, 1969) as per National Archives records.

On Sunday, Aug. 8, community members gathered at Winnebago High School (200 E McNair Rd) for the fourth Joe Rice Memorial Car Show, which honored the late graduate’s love for cars + raised funds for a scholarship for a local senior pursuing a hands-on career.

The 28th annual Honor the Mounds Gathering took place Saturday at Beattie Park, where Native American drumming, dancing and traditions celebrated culture and showcased local history (a rare site with three mound types).

The Native American Awareness Committee seeks new members to help continue the event.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded nearly $8.9 million for site readiness projects in Winnebago and Boone counties today.

Belvidere received $5 million for water main extension near Stellantis while Rockford got $3,679,551 for water and sewer upgrades for a 316-acre site near the airport.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library mailed its 5 millionth free book to an Illinois child today, marking a milestone for the literacy initiative that sends monthly age-appropriate books to enrolled children.

The program is serving 111,000 families in 95 counties — with plans to expand coverage through local and state partnerships.

Rockford Acquisition Company, LLC received an FDA citation in Q2 after an inspection found its quality management system not documented and maintained correctly (the firm is expected to take voluntary corrective action).