Good morning, Rockford.

North Park Fire Chief Brian Kunce is still working while fighting stage four colorectal cancer that he learned about on his birthday after a kidney stone removal—he is getting chemotherapy treatment that doctors say may help him recover.

A fundraiser for his family will be held at the Loves Park VFW on October 11 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Community Life Center of Rockford was approved for a $50,000 grant in FY2024 from the state budget to help improve community services—lawmakers introduced the DOGE Act in 2025 that may add more oversight for nonprofits receiving taxpayer dollars.

Two Rockford roommates lost their home Monday evening when an air conditioning unit is believed to have sparked a fire at their Oak Street home—one roommate smelled smoke and saw flames—and officials urged residents to check their units for warning signs.

Thomas Dugger, a 55-year-old man from Whiteside County, was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison in Rockford on Aug.

20 for selling over 50 grams of methamphetamine—he pleaded guilty earlier this year to distributing the drug.

A new Illinois law requires school districts to post yearly reports on funds and services for homeless students and will take effect January 1.

The law passed unanimously and was signed in August by the governor — a move that local groups like Carpenter’s Place say will help Rockford families — as it meets federal standards.

U.S. News and World Report reviewed over 24,000 public high schools and named Hononegah Community High School and Stillman Valley High School among the best in Illinois.

Hononegah in Rockton climbed from 59th to 44th rank—and Stillman Valley in the Rochelle metro area is set to boost state test scores and college readiness.

Winnebago County Jail earned a perfect 100% score on its annual state inspection — a sign of its strong safety standards and operational quality.

Sheriff Gary Caruana credited the jail staff for their dedication and highlighted recent upgrades like enhanced mental health services and new security measures.

Edwards Apple Orchard West — located at 8218 Cemetery Rd in Winnebago — welcomes families for apple picking, tractor rides and a petting farm while offering cider donuts, caramel apples and new apple cider brats available starting Sept.

5. The orchard operates daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. until Nov. 30.

Zumper data shows Rockford apartment rental prices increased 12% from last year's median of $983 to a typical listing of $1,099 in July — one-bedroom prices increased 17% while two-bedroom prices rose 11%.

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.

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.

Glow in the Garden

6-9 p.m. — Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens — Cost varies — Celebrate the end of summer with family activities, lanterns, and fun runs.

Rockford Symphony Orchestra Opening Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant rhythms of Rimsky-Korsakov and Tchaikovsky performed by the RSO and guest guitarist Daniel Bolshoy.