Daily
Rockford
Monday, August 11th, 2025
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Rockford.
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 11th of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Former WIFR meteorologist Mark Henderson has launched his Weather Hub on Facebook to give daily local forecasts in a relaxed style—he now has more than 22,000 followers and 100,000 views per day. He formed Henderson Weather Consulting LLC in early July and is taking on sponsors as he continues to serve our community while searching for a full-time job. Rock River Current
- ➤ The Joe Rice Memorial Car Show celebrated its third annual event on Sunday, Aug. 10 — uniting organ donor recipients with a Winnebago family while funding a scholarship for high school seniors studying trades. Organizer Leslie Hopp said the event honors Joe Rice’s legacy and keeps his generous spirit alive. WIFR
- ➤ The Winnebago County Fair will run from Aug. 13 to Aug. 17 with gates opening at 11 a.m. on Aug. 13 and 14 and at 10 a.m. on Aug. 15, 16, and 17 while special offers include free admission for children 8 and under and discounted rates for veterans and seniors on Aug. 13. Key attractions include the Fair Queen and Junior Miss Pageant at 6 p.m. on Aug. 13 and a demolition derby at 2 p.m. on Aug. 17—other events feature truck races, tractor pulls, and rodeo performances. Rockford Register Star
- ➤ Rockford Barbell hosted its annual Cars & Coffee fundraiser for kids at Byron’s Sweatbean Cafe and Bakery—proceeds will support its free after-school programs for local students. Although rain on Sunday canceled the car show—child-friendly activities like face painting, a bounce house and an obstacle course enlivened the event. WIFR
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Hard Rock Casino Rockford nears its three millionth guest milestone since opening in November 2021 and is celebrating with a Unity Rewards giveaway that runs nightly at 10 p.m. from Aug. 8 to Aug. 29, where one guest will win 1 million points + 20 others will each win 100,000 points. Rockford Register Star
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ The BBB warned that pet adoption scams using fake online listings and AI videos are rising and can put victims at risk — they advise residents to check business profiles and verify pets in person or via video call before paying. WIFR
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Gov. JB Pritzker signed a law that will require annual mental health screenings for students in grades three through 12 starting in the 2027 to 2028 school year. Critics claim the mandate may lead to false positives—parents can opt their children out of the tests. WTVO
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Illinois Department of Transportation will begin bridge repairs on westbound U.S. 20 near Rockford on Aug. 12 — drivers will face a one-lane reduction until mid-October. Rockford Register Star
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
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.
Stay Connected Anywhere with This Powerful Portable Charger
Never worry about dead batteries or missed calls again. This high-capacity, portable power bank is a game-changer for anyone who relies on their devices throughout the day. With the ability to charge up to five devices at once, it’s perfect for families, professionals, and travelers alike.
Its compact design makes it easy to carry, while its powerful output ensures your phone, tablet, earbuds, and more stay fully charged no matter where you are. Say goodbye to low-battery anxiety and hello to uninterrupted productivity.
Whether you’re commuting, on vacation, or working remotely, this charger is your ultimate power solution. Stay connected, stay powered, and never miss a moment.
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Rockford.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Rockford
Welcome to the Daily Rockford, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Rockford, Illinois community. If you like the Daily Rockford, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Rockford.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Rockford and across Illinois. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Rockford
A free Rockford community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailyrockford.com/sitemap