Good morning, Rockford.

Stillman Valley Fire Protection District Chief Chad Hoefle said that rising 911 calls and fewer volunteer firefighters have prompted his team to invest in retention and training—launching an internship program with local high school students to prepare the next generation of fire responders.

The 14th annual Warbirds and Classics event is set for Sept.5 at 3215 Harrison Road with pilots holding AMA membership flying radio-controlled warbirds from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sept.6 scheduled as a rain date while the public may attend free.

Buffalo Wild Wings Go will open at 3035 11th St. in south Rockford in mid-September for takeout+delivery and seating.

Franchise owner Naishil Patel said the new venue will let residents enjoy wings closer to home.

Food trucks in Rockford have grown rapidly as permits increased from 23 in 2019 to 96 in 2025.

Golden Fusion, known for its 40+ varieties of egg rolls, and other vendors are building local brands while supporting each other to succeed.

Rockford Public Schools bus drivers will work under a new three-year contract approved Tuesday night by the board to support competitive wages and ease recruitment challenges—officials said the agreement will address student transport concerns as the school year begins.

Rockford Public Schools Superintendent Larry Huff will host a community conversation tomorrow at Guilford High School where he will present his vision and invite students, families + staff to share questions and ideas.

Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara says funding is in progress for the 815 Hunger Luncheon, building on last year’s $82,000 donation for local pantries, and he announced plans to form a Regional Tourism Improvement District that will assess hotels 2% to attract sports tourism.

Public Works will repair the signal mast arm at the intersection of East State and North Second streets today from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. as the westbound lane and southbound turn lane close, so drivers are advised to use an alternate route.

Rockford Public Library appointed Stephanie Nissen to its Board of Trustees today and had welcomed her during a July meeting.

She brings over 16 years of experience from local public and academic libraries to help expand services and community partnerships.

Realtor.com data shows that in May the median home sale price in Winnebago County rose 13% — from $193,500 to $218,750 — with single-family homes up nearly 18% to $230,000 and recorded sales down almost 20% from last year.

Plans to transform the vacant former Kmart at 5909 E.

State St. into a global food hall are on-hold because of financing issues, and developers with Councilman Mark Bonne are exploring new purchase options.

GoRockford and Rockford Park District are hosting the NJCAA All in Volleyball Opening Weekend Tournament at Sports Factory on Aug.

20 — 23; 89 teams from 17 states will compete using a match-play format, filling an estimated 1,875 hotel rooms as visitors boost local sports tourism.

Dan Palmer from Roscoe won the Race for a Place to Call Home 10K on Aug.

15—finishing in 38:53.96—and Jessica Chavez was the fastest female at 39:16.63.