Sunday, September 21st, 2025
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 21st of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A group led by Barbara Wright and Pastors Melvin and Sheila Brown plans to transform the former Mercyhealth hospital on Rockton Avenue into a hub for health services, affordable housing and community resources. Early repairs of $80,000 and scheduled town halls signal that the project—expected to take two to five years—will engage local partners to serve everyone on the West Side. WIFR
- ➤ Pastors Melvin and Sheila Brown unveiled a plan yesterday to transform the former Javon Bea Hospital into the Unity in the Community Development Center with affordable housing, accessible health care, and business spaces on Rockford’s west side. The project will seek community support—through future town hall meetings and leasing opportunities—to fund renovations and shape its evolving plan. Rock River Current
- ➤ A Burr Oak tree was planted at Midway Village Museum on September 20 at 10 a.m. by the Sons of the American Revolution Liberty Tree Program to honor 250 years of independence—its plaque reads 'Recognizing the 250th Anniversary of American Independence.' WIFR
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ In Rockford, Pig Minds Brewing Company hosted its 14th annual Oktoberfest with authentic German dancers and a stein holding contest drawing local fans (providing a taste of traditional celebration). Owner Brian Endl said the event has grown each year (reflecting increasing community support). WIFR
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The only real test of intelligence is if you get what you want out of life.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Rockford
Welcome to the Daily Rockford, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Rockford, Illinois community. If you like the Daily Rockford, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Rockford.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Rockford and across Illinois. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Rockford
A free Rockford community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.

© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailyrockford.com/sitemap