Good morning, Rockford.

The Rockford Fire Department invites residents to join an open house at Fire Station 6 on Saturday, Oct.

3 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for tours, safety tips, Junior Firefighter activities & a visit from Sparky the Fire Dog.

Bonnell Industries celebrated the ribbon cutting of its 100,000-sqft manufacturing facility in Dixon on Wednesday, showcasing new equipment and hosting a free lunch for employees to boost local jobs and the regional economy.

Sydni and Alyssa explored the Botanical Curiosities exhibit at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens that features carnivorous plants and exotic species and runs until Oct.

18. The conservatory will also host Día de los Muertos events from Oct. 23 to Nov. 8.

Rockford students will begin a year long community news project this fall after a summer workshop taught by educator Ellen Austin and library assistant director (Anne O’Keefe), giving them hands on experience in reporting local stories.

Rockford’s 2026 Pedestrian Safety Task Force Action Plan reviews six dangerous roadways for pedestrians (video available) and explains ongoing measures to improve safety across the city.

UW Health rescheduled its free Kids Safety Fair to Oct.

3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the clinic parking lot, 1415 E. State St. where families will enjoy inflatables, a climbing wall and safety tips from health experts & hands-on safety activities.

Leaders gathered at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford on Sept.

30 to address rural health workforce shortages and plan new training programs. The symposium brought together national, state, and regional experts to share collaborative solutions + connect local and statewide efforts.