Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Who’s already running to become Rockford’s next mayor in 2027?
Make time for Woodsong Summer Concert - Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute on the Rockford Patch calendar
Hello again Rockford! We're bringing you the latest town highlights. Don't miss out, keep going! ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- Who's already running to become Rockford's next mayor in 2027?
- What changes as Rockford Rescue Mission welcomes its new CEO?
- How will Rockford use its share of new workforce training funds?
Also on today's calendar: Woodsong Summer Concert - Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Where do math teachers go on vacation? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
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Find a T-Mobile store near Rockford. 
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, a stray t-storm, with a high of 85 and low of 63 degrees.
- Sunday: Periods of sun; less humid, temps: high: 81, low: 60.
- Monday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 82 and low of 60 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Here's who wants to be Rockford's next mayor (wifr.com) — Rockford residents now know the first three candidates vying to replace outgoing Mayor Tom McNamara, including State Rep. Maurice West, Council Member Gabrielle Torina, and former candidate Derrick Kunz. The story outlines their backgrounds, key priorities, and the 2027 primary and consolidated election dates, plus notes that acting mayor Janessa Neal does not plan to run. 
2. Brad Hopkins named CEO of Rockford Rescue Mission (mystateline.com) — Rockford's Rescue Mission has a new leader, with longtime rescue-mission professional Brad Hopkins stepping in as CEO following the 44-year tenure of Sherry Pitney. Local readers learn about Hopkins' ministry background, the board's confidence in his faith-driven approach, and assurances that the mission's core commitment to serving people in need in Rockford remains unchanged.
3. Nearly $2 million allocated to boost local workforce training in the Stateline (mystateline.com) — Rockford residents could see new job-training opportunities as the Stateline region receives nearly $2 million for workforce development, including almost $520,000 earmarked for the City of Rockford. Additional funding will support programs at the YMCA of Northwestern Illinois and Comprehensive Community Solutions, all aimed at helping residents facing barriers to steady employment.
4. Rockford area's Week 3 top performers kick in after Harlem routs Auburn (rrstar.com) — High school football fans around Rockford get a quick look at Week 3's standout performances, highlighted by Harlem's 51-0 rout of Auburn on Thursday night. The piece spotlights key players' stats and reminds readers they can follow more Rockford-area prep coverage and newsletters from the Rockford Register Star's sports desk.
📸 Around Rockford
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!
- Labor Day Nations Cup
Atwood Center Mercyhealth Sportscore Two - Hispanic Soccer League
Atwood Center Mercyhealth Sportscore One
9:00 am - Woodsong Summer Concert - Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute →
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S Main St, Rockford
6:00 pm - Labor Day - No School
Wm Nashold Early Childhood Center Rockford, IL 61109 - Board of Fire & Police Commissioners Meeting →
Rockford, IL Calendar, 204 First Street, Rockford
11:00 am - Mobile Library Stop--Bloom Elementary School
East Branch East -
3:00 pm - Girls Tennis vs Jefferson HS
Rockford East High School 1304 26th St, Rockford, IL 61108, USA
4:00 pm - IYSA B License Course
Atwood Center Indoor Sports Center
4:30 pm - Girls Volleyball (Fr, JV & Var) vs Jefferson HS
Rockford East High School Rockford, IL 61108
5:00 pm - City Council Meeting →
Rockford, IL Calendar, 425 E. State Street 2nd Floor, Rockford
5:30 pm - Traffic Commission Meeting →
Rockford, IL Calendar, 425 E. State Street 2nd Floor, Rockford
5:30 pm - Historic Preservation Commission Meeting →
Rockford, IL Calendar, 425 E. State Street 2nd Floor, Rockford
5:30 pm
Sunday September 6
Monday September 7
Tuesday September 8
Wednesday September 9
📣 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!
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:
- Beegoshop — 8154468485
- 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
- Update: Pet Reunited
Melo, a dog who went missing in Rockford, IL, has been safely reunited with their family after 13 hours, 0 minutes. Message from Owner: "My dog Melo… (Nextdoor North End Square)
- MyJobsCorner posted a job opening for Inventory Taker Jobs: Hiring Immediately! Full Time / Part Time - $18-$36/Hr in Rockford. Apply here.
- Walmart posted a job opening for Janitorial Associate in Rockford. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Rockford here.
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: Times Square (Thank you Jean K. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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