Daily
Rockford
Tuesday, October 14th, 2025
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 14th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A list of Halloween trick-or-treat times was released showing that Rockford and 23 nearby communities will celebrate on October 31 — times range from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. depending on the town. WTVO
- ➤ Yesterday, Rockford police hosted a Halloween event at the Irving Avenue Strong House that featured a mini haunted house, free food, candy, and games—organizers included the Salvation Army and Community Healing Center. This was the third year the event was held and offered a safe, fun setting for families. WTVO
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Rockford’s aerospace industry is booming as major companies like Collins Aerospace, Woodward, and GE drive expansion—local colleges are training skilled workers and the Midwest Aerospace Conference is set for October 23 at Embassy Suites to discuss industry growth. WTVO
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Rockford officials are accepting nominations for a new poet laureate and a youth poet laureate as current poet laureate Lydia Kozlowski moves out of the city. Nominations remain open through Nov. 14th — applications must be submitted by Dec. 5th — to select candidates for these roles. Northern Public Radio
- ➤ Haunted attractions open for thrill seekers in Rockford and nearby towns as Halloween nears—these events include haunted houses and paranormal tours with themed effects, varied hours and ticket options. Visitors can experience events such as the Twisted Crypt Haunted House, Hoppers Haunted House and Rockford’s Most Haunted Tour this fall. WTVO
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford welcomed new members to its Integrated Family Medicine Residency Program—aiming to keep local medical talent. The program, launched in 2023, gives extra training and financial help to fill the shortage of family doctors in Rockford. WTVO
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Spring Creek Road Bridge in Rockford will close on Oct. 16 at 7 a.m. for tollway repairs, and drivers will be directed onto detour routes via Lyford Road, Rote Road, and Bell School Road while I-90 lanes are adjusted until the work ends at the close of October—repair crews will fix concrete, structure, and bridge deck elements to extend the roadway's life. Rockford Register Star
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Mary Augustian of Mercy Health Cherry Valley warned that hand, foot, and mouth disease is spreading in Rockford as many children in daycares show fever and painful blisters on their hands, feet, and mouth. First Step Day Care Center reported almost every child in one room was affected in July + administrators urge parents to keep sick children home and call their pediatrician. WTVO
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Mercyhealth announced that Pastor Melvin Brown and his wife Shelia Brown are taking over the former hospital on Rockton Avenue for Kingdom Authority International Ministries in a deal of $1 even though the property is valued at about $12.5 million. Mercyhealth will lease the emergency and inpatient areas from the new owners — covering part of the facility's utilities. WIFR
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Thousands gathered along the Rock River in Rockford on Sunday for the annual Head of the Rock Regatta, a 3.2-mile race where high school, college, and adult rowers competed from Martin Park to the YMCA. US Rowing licensed referees oversaw the race and the YMCA, which hosts its own rowing crew, offers local residents a way to join rowing activities. WTVO
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Broadway And Beyond
7:30-9 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — $35-85 — Experience Broadway hits with star Ben Crawford in an unforgettable evening.
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An Evening with Miles & Kelly
7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Music Box — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of music, stories, and improvisation from Miles Nielsen & Kelly Steward.
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Herbie Hancock Performance
7-10 p.m. — Rockford Casino — Ticket prices vary — Experience jazz legend Herbie Hancock in an evening of musical mastery.
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Rockford Poké Fest
10 a.m.-6 p.m. — Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront — $5 Adult Admission — Celebrate Pokémon with family-friendly activities and fun for all ages.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Success is never owned; it is only rented—and the rent is due every day.
~ Rory Vaden
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