Daily
Rockford
Saturday, September 20th, 2025
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 20th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On September 19, Rockford-area veterans, families, and community members gathered at a Candlelight Remembrance Ceremony to mark National POW/MIA Recognition Day—organized by Vietnam2Now—to honor missing Vietnam War servicemen and reaffirm their commitment to American heroes. The event read aloud the names of those still unreturned and united the community in remembrance. WIFR
- ➤ The Veterans Drop-In Center at 1539 S. Fourth St. closed temporarily after its executive director resigned and will restructure staffing while no reopening date has been set—updates will be posted on Facebook. Rock River Current
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Tahini’s, a Canadian Mediterranean fusion chain, opened its first U.S. restaurant in Loves Park at 1521 E. Riverside Blvd.—a shopping center anchored by Starbucks near the corner of Forest Hills Road and East Riverside. Franchisee Minesh Patel, who runs the restaurant with his wife Vaishu, said people are enjoying the food as the restaurant is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. WTVO
- ➤ Rockford’s shuttered KFC on 11th Street was sold to Navi Partners who plan to renovate it into a Buffalo Wild Wings Go by submitting permits soon—owners aim for a November opening. The team purchased the property on June 30 for $365,000 and will bring a fast-food option to the southern part of the city. Rock River Current
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Students and staff at Maria Montessori at Marsh in Rockford formed a giant peace sign near the soccer fields last Friday (to share hope and unity) as part of a week of peace activities. The school will continue to observe the celebration with more events (Act Now for a Peaceful World) on Sept. 21. WIFR
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Winnebago County Highway Department said road work on Forest Hills Road will begin on September 22 between River Lane/Pepper Drive and Pleasant Valley Boulevard and finish by October 3 as lanes are reconfigured; drivers are told to consider other routes + use extreme caution in the work zone. Winnebago County
- ➤ Illinois lawmakers are debating an energy bill that would ease nuclear power rules and add a cost to support battery storage, with a vote expected in a fall veto session though some plan to delay parts to next spring. Advocates say the plan aims to lower electric costs while critics worry about extra charges—lawmakers will hold another hearing in early October. WIFR
- ➤ Winnebago County officials approved over $100,000 to fix more than 70 aging tornado sirens that are vital for public safety — repairs will be completed in time for next tornado season. WTVO
- ➤ The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office is holding an online auction from Sept. 19 to Sept. 28 that offers 150 lots of unclaimed property including a 14-karat yellow gold Omega watch — collectible sports cards, coins, and jewelry. Prospective bidders must register on HiBid to join, and all proceeds will be held for rightful owners. Rockford Register Star
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A Rockford mother has launched a GoFundMe to help pay for her 10-year-old daughter Scarlett's life-changing treatment with the repurposed drug RAVICTI—after doctors discovered a rare GABRA1 gene mutation when she was two. Extra funds raised will be donated to support ongoing research through the GABA-A Alliance. WIFR
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ In Winnebago County, the median home listed for $248,888 in August stayed the same as last month but was 31.7% higher than a year ago — homes were on the market for about 38 days compared to 60 days nationally. In Rockford, median home prices dropped to $250,000 as local listings show larger homes and a higher price per square foot. Rockford Register Star
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Rockford is set to host the 2026 USA Ultimate Division I College Championships from May 22 to May 25 at Mercyhealth Sportscore Two, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd—an event that will draw 40 teams including 1,200 athletes, coaches and fans and is expected to inject $750,000 into the local economy. WTVO
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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