Daily
Rockford
Friday, October 17th, 2025
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Pastors Melvin and Shelia Brown bought Mercyhealth’s former hospital for $1 in August and plan to turn the 708,749 sq ft building into a community center offering health care, fitness and education—despite a record of 88 substantiated DCFS violations from their previous daycare. They will host a town hall at noon on November 1—seeking community input on funding and support for the project. WIFR
- ➤ Blain’s Farm & Fleet will open its annual Toyland event on Saturday, Oct. 18, offering families an early start on holiday shopping with a colorful display of toys, scratch-off discount cards + a free limited-edition toy truck for the first 100 customers, and trick-or-treating from 3 to 5 p.m. The event aims to give back to the community by making the holiday season special for every child. WIFR
- ➤ Community members gathered on October 16 to support the Barbara Olson Center of Hope's annual Harvestfest fundraiser, which raised funds to improve programs and update facilities for people with developmental disabilities—helping the nonprofit manage rising expenses. WIFR
- ➤ Rockford Park District is asking dog lovers to volunteer for its Canine Corners dog parks to help keep them fun and welcoming—volunteers will support cleanup days, special events and general park maintenance at Elliot, Olson and Searls parks. WIFR
- ➤ A Rockford activist distributed over 100 No ICE Access flyers to local businesses on the south side to urge them to push back against federal ICE enforcement—Tyler Krieter said he will send out more flyers this weekend to educate owners on their Fourth Amendment rights. WTVO
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Party Like a Rockstar Balloon Bar opened its doors Thursday in Roscoe and offers custom balloon designs for birthdays, weddings, and other events. Owner Sarah Doyle Hillabolt hopes the local community will support the new shop at 10514 Main St. WIFR
- ➤ Rockford's Bergstrom Inc. recently celebrated 75 years in business as it produces nearly 40,000 bus heaters each year to keep school buses warm. Director Toby Tuckley said the 450-strong team uses advanced process controls in a 192,000 square foot facility to build heaters that keep children safe during cold weather. WTVO
- ➤ Rockford officials will review a proposal on Oct 21 to allow a two-lane drive-thru Dutch Bros Coffee shop at 7131 E State Street. If approved, construction will begin early next year and the store will open by summer, offering a range of coffee and snack items. WIFR
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Students at Whitehead Elementary School celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month on Oct. 16 with an assembly featuring Mexican folk dance and a salsa lesson led by teachers and a local dance group — the event highlighted the school's rich bilingual and Hispanic student community. Rockford Register Star
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Crews began concrete, structural and bridge deck repairs on the Spring Creek Road bridge over I-90 on Oct. 16 and drivers must use detours via Lyford Road, Rote Road and Bell School Road — the work will continue through the end of the month. WIFR
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center is asking the community to name its new cleaning robot by sending email submissions from October 16 to October 22 and then voting on the top five names until October 29 — the winning name will be announced on October 30 and the submitter will receive an OSF gift basket. WIFR
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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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Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Tribute
7-10 p.m. — Rockford Casino — Tickets required — Experience the powerful tribute to Led Zeppelin with Jason Bonham at the Rockford Casino.
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Halloween Night with Taboo Blah Blah
8-11 p.m. — The Music Box — Check website for tickets — Enjoy an evening of rhythmic sounds and heartfelt songwriting with local band Taboo Blah Blah.
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An Evening with Long-Shot
8-10:30 p.m. — The Music Box — Ticket information not provided — Enjoy an evening of music with Rockford's own twin brothers and their band Long-Shot.
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X Bar Bingo Night at Chewy’s
7-9 p.m. — Chewy’s Sports Bar & Grill — Bring your own markers — Enjoy a fun-filled evening of bingo with prizes and delightful dinner specials.
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Ninja Kidz Live
6-7:30 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the excitement of the Ninja Kidz Live show in Rockford's historic theatre.
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2025 Annual Diwali Night Celebration
5-9 p.m. — Harlem High School — $15-$35 — Celebrate Diwali with dinner, dancing, performances, and cultural festivities.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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