Daily
Rockford
Thursday, August 14th, 2025
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 14th of August.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A new, free six-hour chartered bus tour will spotlight Rockford’s culture and history for 815 Day on Aug. 15—stopping at local museums, eateries and historic sites. Organizers said they plan to launch five additional tours next year. Rockford Register Star
- ➤ Khloe Wiegers, a 20-year-old student at Western Illinois University and aspiring lawyer, was crowned Winnebago County Fair queen on Aug. 13 and earned the title of Miss Congeniality in Pecatonica. Pageant director Kim Mathieu ended her 37-year tenure with this final contest—leaving a lasting impact on the community. Rock River Current
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Mayor McNamara will kick off Rockford Day on Friday, August 15 at 8:15 a.m. at the Rockford Public Library (215 N. Wyman Street) with a news conference that starts a day of interactive activities such as a postcard coloring session and a scavenger hunt. City of Rockford
- ➤ The city of Rockford finished resurfacing a stretch of W. Riverside Boulevard between Central Avenue and Packard Parkway and Rockton Avenue to Latham Street, easing travel for nearly 80,000 daily vehicles. Three projects on Alpine, Mulford and Spring Creek roads are underway and will be completed by Labor Day — a response to nearly 500 pothole repair requests in 2024. WIFR
- ➤ On August 13, 2025, the Rockford Park District celebrated the 50th anniversary of its iconic ‘Sun Singer’ logo by honoring creator Eugene Holmberg and his daughters with banners at the Webbs-Norman Center and special lighting of the Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens — the design has been a local symbol since 1975. WTVO
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Mercyhealth agreed to pay $1M+ reinstate employees penalized for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine on religious grounds after an EEOC investigation found its policy violated employee rights, and the settlement requires the healthcare system to review its policies and train staff on religious accommodations. Rockford Register Star
- ➤ Breast cancer survivor Shelley Herlihy shared her inspiring story at Rockford’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk kickoff, stressing the need for early detection and the support of her two sons—she hopes her journey will lead to better treatment options. The walk will be held October 4. WTVO
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Randy Rogers, a longtime Rockford runner, has run every day for 40 years and holds the record for the longest running streak in Illinois—he began his streak in 1985 or 1986 as a New Year’s resolution and overcame injuries to complete 13 marathons while inspiring others to start their own routines. WTVO
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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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Ginuwine Concert
7-10 PM — Hard Rock Live - Rockford — Tickets from $316 — Experience a night of R&B hits with Ginuwine live in concert.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Greenwich Village Art Fair
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Rockford Art Museum — Free entry — Explore local art, enjoy live music, and engage in children's activities at this vibrant outdoor fair.
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