Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of September.
Good morning, Rockford.
🏘️ Community
Mayor McNamara and the Hunger Luncheon Committee met recently to plan a fundraiser that will fight hunger in the community.
The luncheon will be held at Veterans Memorial Hall on October 29 at 11:30 a.m. — UW Health will match donations to strengthen food pantry support.
Unseasonably warm weather has extended the growing season in Rockford, letting local farmers harvest summer crops like tomatoes, peppers, and zucchinis well into September.
Vendors at Edgebrook Farmers Market report that the extra heat has kept pollinators active — helping boost sales of fresh produce before the fall equinox.
💼 Business
City Center Market, a new grocery store, opened in downtown Rockford on September 17th to fight the local food desert by offering fresh produce, frozen foods, dairy, and pantry items while keeping the Downtown Discount Drugs pharmacy in operation.
The Patel family spent years planning the store and invested $1.5 million in renovations with a $165,491 grant—local officials say it will boost downtown growth and support a future mobile grocery program.
🎓 Education
8th graders at Barbour K-8 earn college credits from a language immersion program — about half earn 12 credit hours while the rest earn six — after studying English and Spanish from kindergarten through 8th grade.
Principal Julio Lopez said he plans to expand the program by adding Pre-K so students can start learning earlier.
Students at Maria Montessori at Marsh sang Peace Like a River in the hallways—promoting unity and hope as they marked activities leading to International Day of Peace on Sept.
21.
🏛️ Government
Traffic remains affected on N.
Winnebago Street as crews repair the northwest corner of the W. State Street intersection. The southbound curb lane closed during business hours on September 17 and will reopen after repairs finish on September 23 — drivers are advised to use an alternate route.
🏥 Health
OSF HealthCare opens a drive-up flu shot clinic today at OSF Medical Group Primary Care on 698 Featherstone Road for patients age 18 and older.
The clinic will run every Thursday and Friday from 8:20 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. until October 31—appointments are available on MyChart or by calling 815-399-4404.
🏈 Sports
Hitz Boxing will return to the Hard Rock Live (7801 E.
State Street) on October 3 as doors open at 5 p.m. and fights start at 6 p.m. Rockford's own Seth Swinehart will face undefeated Lukas Moldenhauer, and tickets will start at $70.
🎉 Rockford Events
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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.
Trail Mix Off-Road Duathlon and Mountain Bike Race
2-8 p.m. — Atwood Park Trail System — Registration required — Compete in duathlon and mountain bike races while enjoying food and drinks from local vendors.
Lola Blu & the Boys Live Performance
8 PM – 12 AM — Grand Avenue Pub — Check local listings for ticket details — Experience Lola Blu's captivating blend of country and southern rock at this lively pub venue.
Rock River Valley Video Game Convention
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Riverview Inn & Suites — Ticket prices vary — Experience a day of gaming fun at the Rockford area's premier video game convention.
Broadway And Beyond
7:30-9 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — $35-85 — Experience Broadway hits with star Ben Crawford in an unforgettable evening.
🏠 Rockford Real Estate
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💼 Rockford Job Board
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📣 Rockford Announcements
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