Daily
Rockford
Wednesday, November 12th, 2025
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 12th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The second-largest Vietnam Veterans Memorial in the U.S. is located outside Midway Village Museum and was started by veteran Sergeant Nick Parnello, who launched the project in 1984 and dedicated it on Memorial Day 2005. The site—developed over two decades—serves as a place for veterans to honor their service. WTVO
- ➤ Santa will arrive at CherryVale Mall on November 14 and will be available for photos and visits until December 24 at a workshop near Macy’s. The mall is hosting holiday events—such as pet photos, a Nice List Giveaway, and a North Pole Mailroom Writing Station—for visitors. Rockford Register Star
- ➤ Volunteers are needed to guide large balloons through downtown Rockford during the Stroll on State parade on Saturday, Nov. 29—participants must be 18 or older, check in by noon, and help hold the rope until the balloons deflate around 3:30 p.m. Groups are encouraged to sign up together to assist with the event. WIFR
- ➤ Students at Ellis Elementary got 500 new winter coats on Tuesday, Nov. 11 from a local family partnering with nonprofit Operation Warm — Connie McClain and her relatives raised $10,000 for the giveaway. The cozy coats help more than 450 students, most from low-income households, get set for winter — letting them focus on learning rather than the cold. Rock River Current
- ➤ A capital campaign called Project Restore and Reimagine was launched this fall to raise $250K for renovating the historic Jefferson-Horton American Legion Post 340 on Rockford’s Southside—an effort led by Post Commander Ray Richmond that will seek grants, donors and partnerships to honor its 86-year legacy. WTVO
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Hussain Abdulhafedh owns alMOKA, a Yemeni-themed coffee house in Perryville Commons at 753 Highgrove Place that offers unique pastries & desserts along with a distinct coffee blend and tea for late-night customers, filling a local cultural gap. WTVO
- ➤ Hard Rock Casino Rockford is hiring part-time and flexible employees for the holiday season and will host a Dealer School Hiring Event on Nov. 19 at Hard Rock Live for table games dealer roles. Most jobs require applicants to be at least 21 and offer competitive pay, flexible scheduling, and tuition reimbursement after one year of full-time service — providing extra cash opportunities for a variety of job seekers. WIFR
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ J.R. Sullivan will return his Hometown Holiday show to Rockford at the RPL Nordlof Center (118 N. Main St.) with performances on Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 13 at 3 p.m. The show blends holiday and popular music, comedy and storytelling and revives a cherished local tradition. Rockford Register Star
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Rockford University dining services improved when Fresh Ideas took over food services three years ago and student approval rose from 52% to over 92.7%. Faculty, staff — and the public — now enjoy a better meal experience with more variety and quality. WTVO
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Veterans Day on November 11 was observed as Rockford Public Schools closed and government offices such as the DMV and postal service did not operate due to the holiday. Local restaurants offered free meals and discounts to veterans and active-duty military—marking special recognition for those who served. WTVO
- ➤ The Rockford Park District approved funding to repair Keith Creek after a summer storm eroded its bank near Alpine Hills Adventure Park. The work will begin this winter (following storm damage) and is expected to complete by July with costs rising (from $90,000 to over $200,000). WTVO
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Molina Healthcare is running a free laundry program through November for Rockford students and seniors, with students needing to register by 3 p.m. to use three 5 Alarm Coin Laundry sites (3939 W. Riverside Blvd., 3110 S. Alpine Road, 290 N. Mulford Road) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays while seniors can use the service each Wednesday from 7 a.m. to noon without registering. Rockford Register Star
- ➤ OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center’s Patricia D. Pepe Center for Cancer Care has served our area for 30 years and will celebrate its anniversary on November 18th at 4:30 p.m. at 5666 E. State St., and the center is noted for its role in early detection as seen when 36-year-old Amanda Wlezen received genetic testing that led to a prompt MRI and treatment plan. WIFR
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Beyond the Scoreboard: A Night of Champions
6-9 p.m. — Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront — $12 individual, $50 family of five — Celebrate mental health awareness in sports with MLB champion Ben Zobrist and local leaders.
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An Evening with Nathan Graham & Noah Guthrie
7-10:30 p.m. — The Music Box — $20.11 — Experience soulful melodies blending South Side Blues with Nashville Americana.
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An Evening with The Cold Stares
7:30-10:00 p.m. — The Music Box — Starting at $15.08 — Experience the fierce, blistering live show of The Cold Stares, a duo with nearly a decade of world touring.
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Babyface Concert
7-10 p.m. — Rockford Casino — Tickets available — Experience a night of soulful music with the legendary Babyface.
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2025 NorthPointe Wellness Turkey Trot
2:30-4:00 p.m. — 5605 E Rockton Rd, Roscoe, IL — Registration fee may apply — Participate in a fun-filled annual Turkey Trot event promoting health and community spirit.
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Dasher Dash 5K Run/Walk
12 – 4 PM — Beattie Park — Entry fee applies — Celebrate the holiday season with a festive run in downtown Rockford.
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An Intimate Evening with David Foster & Katharine McPhee
7-10 p.m. — Rockford Casino — Ticket information unavailable — Enjoy a night of musical brilliance with renowned composer David Foster and soprano Katharine McPhee.
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The Nutcracker by Rockford Dance Company
6-7:30 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — $35-67 — Experience the magic of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince in this beloved holiday ballet featuring local talent.
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Riverview Inn & Suites Winter Wonderland
11 AM - 5 PM — Riverview Inn & Suites — $10/person at the door — Experience holiday cheer with Santa photos, crafts, and live music.
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NLI’s Holiday Open House
4-7 p.m. — Natural Land Institute — Free entry — Celebrate the holidays with cider, snacks, and mingling at NLI's festive headquarters.
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