Daily
Rockford
Tuesday, August 12th, 2025
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 12th of August.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Robert Taylor, 29, with a past armed robbery conviction, was arrested Saturday night at 7:50 p.m. on Auburn Street in Rockford when officers found cannabis and a loaded handgun in his car—he faces charges for unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, possessing cannabis, and lacking proper firearm identification. WTVO
- ➤ Rockford police charged two 17-year-olds and a 21-year-old after investigating an armed robbery on the west side at the 300 block of Cameron Avenue at 11:15 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, when officers found the teens with stolen items—one teen faces additional charges while the 21-year-old is set for a detainment hearing on Aug. 11. WIFR
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Local fall festivals will bring craft beer tastings, art fairs and parades to Rockford—events spread throughout the season including the St. Stanislaus Polish Fest on Aug. 17, the Screw City Beer Festival on Sept. 6, and the Cider N’ Cinnamon Arts & Crafts Fair on Oct. 4–5. Highlights offer a chance for the community to enjoy family-friendly and cultural experiences. WTVO
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Monday, a City Council committee approved contracts for $15.6 million to rebuild Davis Park in downtown with a concert stage, concession stand, restrooms, multiuse paths, skate park and playground—some aldermen voiced concerns over the project's size and cost. The final vote is set for Aug. 18, and work is planned to finish in time for next year’s Ironman 70.3. Rock River Current
- ➤ U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will hold an in-person recruiting event in Rockford at Tough Mudder Chicago on August 23 and 24 at Chicago Rockford International Airport at 6313 Beltline Road—applicants must meet age requirements and pass medical, drug, and fitness screenings. The agency is offering a bonus of up to $50,000 with benefits such as student loan forgiveness to help fill key positions. WTVO
- ➤ Mark McInnis of Argyll Properties asked City Council to delay the demolition of the unsafe historic Elks Lodge at 210 W. Jefferson St while he plans to auction the property on Sept. 15—17 in hopes of finding a buyer to restore it; demolition bids will be opened on Aug. 14 and a court hearing is set for Aug. 28. Rock River Current
- ➤ A judge ruled that the City of Rockford will not pay $29.5 million in damages to Mercyhealth for flooding damage at its Rockton Avenue campus in 2018. Mayor Tom McNamara said the decision supports the city’s work on maintaining its storm drain and sewer systems—reinforcing confidence in local public works. WTVO
- ➤ Recruiters from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection will attend Rockford’s Tough Mudder event at Rockford International Airport on Aug. 23 and 24 to seek job applicants. The agency’s recruitment is set to be its second in-person event in Illinois — part of a drive to fill critical law enforcement roles. WIFR
- ➤ Jamie Getchius, a former alderman and U.S. Navy veteran, was chosen by the Rockford Public Library board as its new president. He will work with the newly named executive director Tony Cortez to meet community needs. Rock River Current
- ➤ Since August 11, crews from Rockford Public Works closed the northbound curb lane on S. Alpine Road between Alpine Park and Brendenwood Terrace to repair a stormwater inlet—drivers are asked to take alternate routes. Repairs are expected to finish by August 13 if the weather holds. WIFR
-
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.
-
Ginuwine Concert
7-10 PM — Hard Rock Live - Rockford — Tickets from $316 — Experience a night of R&B hits with Ginuwine live in concert.
-
Dockside Live featuring Honey Cellar
6-9 p.m. — Prairie Street Brewing Co. — Free entry — Unwind with live folk rock sounds and scenic riverfront views.
-
Dinner on the Dock featuring Flannel Daze
5-10 p.m. — Prairie Street Brewing Co. — Food and drinks available — Enjoy live 90s rock and grunge hits while dining riverside in a lively atmosphere.
-
Cruise Night 2025
5-8 p.m. — Historic Attractions — Free entry — Experience cool cars and groovy music along with delicious food at this fun-filled community event.
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.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The master has failed more times than the beginner has even tried.
~ Stephen McCranie
About 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