🌱 Patch AM: Will Rockford’s casino cash help small shops fill empty storefronts?

Good morning Rockford! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• Will Rockford's casino cash help small shops fill empty storefronts?
• Rockford YWCA wins one of Illinois' biggest literacy grants
• Rockford's AJ Storr chooses UNLV—see how his journey adds up

Also on today's calendar: ICONIC REUNION - Music of Neil Diamond, Roy Orbison, Patsy Cline, John Denver, and MORE and 8 more events.

Today's riddle: What do evil hens lay? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Wednesday: Clouds yielding to sun, with a high of 81 and low of 59 degrees.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny and nice, temps: high: 80, low: 60.
• Friday: An afternoon t-storm or two, with a high of 80 and low of 64 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• City leaders debate Rockford small businesses reimbursement program amid budget concerns (mystateline.com) — Rockford officials are weighing whether to launch the 'Spaces to Places' program, which would use casino funds to reimburse deposits and rent for small businesses filling vacant storefronts. Supporters want a scaled-back pilot to ease startup costs, while critics argue it's an inappropriate subsidy for landlords and question if businesses can survive after aid ends. A final vote is expected next month.
   

• Rockford YWCA lands state grant for literacy (rrstar.com) — Rockford's YWCA Northwestern Illinois is receiving a $105,000 state grant to strengthen its adult literacy programs serving local families. Funded through state and federal dollars, the award is among the largest in Illinois and supports instruction in reading, writing, math, and English skills. Local leaders say the investment will expand educational opportunities for area adults.
   

• Rockford native AJ Storr on the move again commits to UNLV for his fifth season of college basketball (mystateline.com) — Rockford native and former Rockford Lutheran student AJ Storr has committed to UNLV for his fifth college basketball season under the NCAA's new "5 for 5" eligibility rule. The high-scoring guard, who played last year at Ole Miss, has already made stops at St. John's, Wisconsin, Kansas and several elite prep programs. His journey continues from Rockford roots to another major stage.
   

📸 Around Rockford

Subscribe

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Rockford

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Thursday August 20
• Mechanical Board Meeting →
  Rockford, IL Calendar, 425 E. State Street 1st Floor, Rockford
  7:30 am
• Police Pension Board Meeting →
  Rockford, IL Calendar, 425 E. State Street 2nd Floor, Rockford
  8:00 am
• Preschool Storytime
  East Branch East - Children's Area
  10:15 am
• East Branch Book Discussion Group
  East Branch East - Friends of RPL Community Room
  2:00 pm
• A Conversation with Dr. Huff
  Fairview Early Childhood Center 5620 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, IL 61114, USA
  4:30 pm
• RYSL Fall Outdoor
  Atwood Center Mercyhealth Sportscore Two
  5:00 pm
• Civilian Oversight Board Meeting →
  Rockford, IL Calendar, 425 E. State Street 2nd Floor, Rockford
  5:30 pm
Friday August 21
• RPD Men & Coed Soccer Leagues
  Atwood Center Indoor Sports Center
  5:30 pm
Saturday August 22
• ICONIC REUNION - Music of Neil Diamond, Roy Orbison, Patsy Cline, John Denver, and MORE →
  Concerts On The Creek at 4500 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, IL
  7:00 pm
Sunday August 23
• Woodsong Summer Concert - RESPECT! A Tribute to the Queen of Soul →
  Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S Main St, Rockford
  6:00 pm
Sunday September 6
• Woodsong Summer Concert - Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute →
  Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S Main St, Rockford
  6:00 pm

📣 Rockford Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Wednesday August 19
• Hand Sewing with Mai
  Cherry Valley Public Library District 755 East State Street, Cherry Valley, IL, 61016, US
  5:00 pm
• Seed Saving 101: Learn How to Save Seeds at Home
  Cherry Valley Public Library District 755 East State Street, Cherry Valley, IL, 61016, US
  6:00 pm
• League Joe Slowpitch Draft League
  Atwood Center Mercyhealth Sportscore One
  6:00 pm
• RPD Women's Soccer League
  Atwood Center Mercyhealth Sportscore Two
  6:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Rockford PatchAM possible:

• Mike's Mowing & More Inc — (815) 721-4464

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• I want to give a shout out to Quilts of Valor, a nation-wide group with a Winnebago-Boone counties chapter.
  Yesterday I was honored to receive a quilt. These are given out to military veterans. They are handmade and are beautiful. Fifteen veterans received… (Nextdoor Quail Run)
• Does anyone have a cat that has diabetes?
  I am looking for an internal medicine veterinarian that can help and that understands the disease. I seem to be having difficulty finding a clinic… (Nextdoor Highcrest)

• Hydraulic Technologies, Inc. posted a job opening for Material Handler / Warehouse Clerk in Rockford. Apply here.
• Meijer, Inc. posted a job opening for Truck Unloading Lead - Full Time in Rockford. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Rockford here.

🗞 Nearby News

Loves Park

• Matus and McLarty to represent Team USA at gymnastics world championships in China (mystateline.com)

Winnebago

• A brief storm threat gives way to comfortable August weather (mystateline.com)
• Three armed men arrested in Rockford Police traffic stop (mystateline.com)
• Winnebago County Coroner identifies female inmate who died (bluewaterhealthyliving.com)

Roscoe

• 13 lawyers with active licenses in cities within Winnebago County as of July (rockfordsun.com)

Ok Rockford! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Deviled eggs (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

• Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
• Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
• List items for sale or services offered

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook