Good morning, Rockford.

Community partners in Rockford united to honor late Jilleena Bailey’s final wish by helping find a host family for her two daughters after she entered hospice care for stage-four breast cancer.

Help from Hope Church and Safe Families for Children allowed the girls to stay near their schools and friends.

Chicago Bears legend Jim McMahon returned Monday to Forest Hills Country Club for a charity golf outing supporting Folds of Honor.

He greeted fans, took photos, and spent time with his grandchildren — despite a shoulder issue that kept him from playing as he readied a November procedure.

After the fatal I-39 crash where Ashley Rieffer and her daughter Violet died, the family launched a fundraiser to help cover expenses and will host a benefit event at American Legion (1011 S.

Alpine Road) on Oct. 9 from 2 to 7 p.m. Two siblings are in the hospital.

Volunteers will gather native prairie seeds at Nygren Wetland Preserve in Rockton on Sept.

26 from 9 a.m. to noon to restore local habitats; registration must be completed by Sept. 25 (tools, free parking, and refreshments will be provided).

Anderson Japanese Gardens is waiving photography fees for fall portrait sessions.

The garden hosts four special sessions from Sept. 23 to Oct. 14, 3 to 6 p.m., where visitors may bring their photographer— paying only regular admission and following guidelines to keep the grounds safe.

Students celebrated International Day of Peace at Maria Montessori-at-Marsh — holding a parade, chalk art display and band performance that formed a giant human peace symbol — a tradition that has promoted a calm, positive start to the school year for nearly 10 years.

Jeanne Walton, a longtime 4-H volunteer in Winnebago County, was inducted into the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame on Sept.

21 for 46 years of service mentoring local youth. Her work with clubs like Tri River Tryers helped local children learn teamwork & leadership.

Boylan Catholic High School hosted its first homecoming parade this morning as alumni, parents, and students gathered at the school parking lot to launch a new tradition.

The clear skies after a brief morning rain helped bring the community together around the school neighborhood.

Rock Valley College celebrated 50 employees for service milestones and workplace awards during its annual Professional Development Day on Sept.

8, highlighting its Caring Campus initiative; top honors were presented as Rookie of the Year + Employee of the Year + Leader of the Year.

Rockford City Council approved local landmark status for the Otis Eddy house at 2520 N.

Main St. The 150-year-old Gothic Revival home on the North End is now protected from demolition and major changes as part of its historical preservation.

Illinois has reported 22 measles cases so far this year, compared to 14 last year, as health officials warn that vaccination rates in nine counties have fallen below the 95% needed to prevent outbreaks.