Daily
Rockford
Friday, October 3rd, 2025
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 3rd of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The 94-year-old pilot Lewis Moon called Cottonwood Airport a ‘west side jewel’ as he recalled its 1945 opening, revival by local stockholders, and its ongoing role as a safe, friendly place for small planes and flight training—he hopes more people will use it in the future. WIFR
- ➤ Rockford officials say Fire Prevention Week is focusing on safe lithium-ion battery charger use and heightened brush fire risks due to dry weather—Mike Schnaper from the fire department advised residents to use device-specific chargers and unplug when fully charged. An open house is scheduled for Saturday, October 11th at Trainer Road to offer additional fire safety tips for preventing cooking and open-burning incidents. WTVO
- ➤ ETM Brighter Days Foundation and Lowe’s employees renovated a home for a local veteran on Wednesday at 510 Acorn Street in Rockford—supporting underserved groups like veterans and those reentering the community from incarceration. Founder Valerie Tippitt said the project is the first of many planned restorations to provide needed support. WIFR
- ➤ The YMCA of Rock River Valley held its annual Community Breakfast Thursday morning at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center to raise funds that support safe space programs for all—teens and seniors alike, with a private donor matching gifts up to $50,000 as organizers work toward a year-end goal of $1.3 million. WIFR
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Chicago pizza chain Lou Malnati’s was named America’s favorite pizza chain by Yelp on Oct 2 after reviews of over 25 chains showed customers liked it the best—its Rockford restaurant at 6240 Mulford Village Drive also reflected that praise. The chain has over 50 years of history making its signature deep dish pizza—made with a buttery crust, cheese, and chunky tomato sauce—and now has more than 70 locations. WTVO
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ At Hillman Elementary, students decorated classroom doors and held a lively Hispanic Heritage Month assembly on Oct. 2 with live mariachi music, Latin dances, and a surprise dance by Principal Rj Kuligowski—an event meant to honor diverse traditions. WIFR
- ➤ Rockford’s art scene faces uncertainty because a government shutdown may cut federal funding for programs supported by the Rockford Area Arts Council. Executive director Mary McNamera Bernsten said the council is negotiating to protect a $1.54 million EPA award—urging the community to attend art events today and Oct. 4. WIFR
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The City of Rockford will receive $17M to replace its aging 15th Avenue Bridge from the Rebuild Illinois program—selected as the largest award among 1,900 proposals to improve safety and support emergency response. WTVO
- ➤ On Oct. 2, Bridges to Prosperity Northern Illinois unveiled the Winnebago County Upward Mobility Action Plan at Midway Village Museum to boost affordable housing, education and financial security. The plan will form groups to increase housing and offer help to local families, and leaders like Mayor Tom McNamara said it can break the cycle of poverty—focusing on urgent needs. Rock River Current
- ➤ Judge Maher was chosen to serve as the chief judge of the 17th Judicial Circuit and will begin his term on January 1—he was unanimously selected by his colleagues and will oversee court administration—working with stakeholders to ensure fair and efficient operations. WIFR
- ➤ Chicago Rockford International Airport was named Primary Airport of the Year by the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Division of Aeronautics on Sept. 29 at a public airports association fall conference in Galena—an award that honors its safety record, customer service and strong IDOT partnership. The airport had record travel growth in 2024 and will expand services with American Airlines to support local jobs. WIFR
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Rockford residents, local leaders and state lawmakers met yesterday at the Singer Mental Health Center to discuss mental health issues and the difficulty of accessing consistent care — state Senator Steve Stadelman said state funds have been reserved to demolish the building and prepare it for future redevelopment. WIFR
- ➤ Runners and walkers will join the Itch to Run 5K today at 6540 Garrett Lane from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to raise awareness about eczema during National Eczema Awareness Month — event founder Darius Jakavickas created it to share his experience, offer cash prizes to the top finishers, and give every participant a free t-shirt. WIFR
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Today, Curran’s Orchard in Rockford is busy making apple cider by washing, sorting, and pressing apples into fresh juice without additives—Patrick Riofredo explained each step as a highlight of harvest season. Visitors will soon enjoy the freshly squeezed cider made from a full year of careful preparation. WTVO
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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.
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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.
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