Daily
Rockford
Saturday, October 4th, 2025
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 4th of October.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Midwest Aerospace Conference, themed 'The Future of Aerospace Manufacturing,' will be held from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. October 23 at Embassy Suites on S. Main Street in Rockford. The event will feature keynote presentations, expert sessions and panels covering automation and innovation—boosting efficiency and growth for manufacturers. WIFR
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The 'Bruised' art exhibit at 317 Art Collaborative in Rockford explores domestic violence through the personal artworks of local artists — the exhibit, curated by Ingrid Hyde, offers a platform for healing and discussion — and runs now through October 20th. WTVO
- ➤ Rockford Art Scene started Friday, turning the city into an open gallery across 39 venues and offering free local art for everyone—featuring paintings, sculptures and photographs. It continues today from 4 to 9 p.m. with displays at multiple locations. WTVO
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Rockford Public Library has launched a Spanish-language track called Momentos Modelados for its Storytime Training Program to help families learn engaging story times using the American Library Association’s Every Child Ready to Read framework. The free, librarian-led sessions run at the Montague Branch every first Thursday from 11:15 a.m. to noon, at the Mobile Library on Brooke Road Community Center every other Tuesday — while the Main Library continues its English sessions on the first Tuesday. WIFR
- ➤ Students gathered outside Immanuel Lutheran School as it switched from electric to solar power Friday morning—made possible by Greenlink Energy Solutions—and the new panels will generate 112% of the school’s energy needs on sunny days while extra power supports local ministries, said Senior Pastor Braun Campbell. WIFR
- ➤ About 2,000 teachers, social workers, and staff have worked without a new contract since June 30 as their union talks with Rockford Public Schools officials. REA President Claudia Marshall said no strike is planned and the union will meet on Oct. 19 at Guilford High School to decide on the deal—she aims to ensure more funding reaches classrooms. WIFR
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Rockford officials began a $15.5 million renovation of Davis Park on Oct. 3 to transform the underused seven acre park into a community hub with a covered stage, universally designed playground, skatepark, and public art displays—aimed at boosting recreation and economic development. The renovations are expected to be complete by May 22 so the park can host events such as IRONMAN 70.3 on June 14. Rockford Register Star
- ➤ Rockford officials confirmed that SNAP, Medicaid, and other health and human services programs will keep running despite the federal shutdown. The city said federal reimbursement for current grants is still available — ensuring that benefits like WIC, Child Care Assistance, and TANF cash benefits are issued as usual. WTVO
- ➤ Rockford’s abandoned Singer Mental Health Center at 4402 North Main Street is set to be demolished for redevelopment after a community discussion on mental health and allocation of state funds — city officials said the site may be repurposed for housing following years of vandalism since its closure in 2012. WTVO
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Updated flu vaccines for the 2025 to 2026 season are now available at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations worldwide, where patients can get walk-in or scheduled shots. The CDC recommends that everyone older than six months get vaccinated to lower the risk of serious flu complications. WIFR
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Miss Carly’s sold the former Pho Hien Buddist Temple space at 1125 Fifth Ave on Sept. 19 for $90,000 to David Mowery—its future use remains unclear. The charity is set to sell the adjacent Ellida Lodge building and parking lots before the end of the month to repay a trust loan, and the buyer will be named when the sale is final. Rock River Current
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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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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Help others achieve their dreams and you will achieve yours.
~ Les Brown
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