Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why Rockford just became the nation’s hottest housing market

You won't want to miss Drop-In Recreation on the Rockford Patch calendar

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Sunday September 13th Patch AM
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Good day Rockford! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Rockford just became the nation's hottest housing market
  • How Rockford's 9/11 memorial keeps first responders' legacy alive today
  • Rockford University lost—but one Regent still broke a big record

Also on today's calendar: Bridge of Hope Bereavement Care Group - Rockford and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why are crows so alert and curious? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: An afternoon shower or two, with a high of 71 and low of 46 degrees.
  • Monday: Rather cloudy, temps: high: 70, low: 64.
  • Tuesday: Showers and a heavier t-storm, with a high of 77 and low of 58 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Affordable Midwest Commuter Towns Dominate the Hottest Markets List in August (lmtonline.com) — Rockford just ranked No. 1 on Realtor.com's August 2026 hottest housing markets list, thanks to strong buyer demand and relatively affordable home prices. Local agents say new jobs, a growing arts scene, and attractions like the Hard Rock Casino are drawing newcomers, while limited inventory and new construction are reshaping options for current and prospective residents.
   

• Winnebago County remembers 9/11 heroes at dedicated emergency responders memorial (mystateline.com) — Rockford residents and first responders gathered at the Winnebago County 9-11 Emergency Responders Memorial to honor those who served and died during and after the Sept. 11 attacks. Standing beside a preserved World Trade Center steel beam, speakers including Rockford Fire Chief Rebecca Tyo emphasized the duty to carry forward fallen responders' legacy through daily service to the community.
   

• Elmhurst spoils Rockford University's home opener (mystateline.com) — Rockford fans saw the Regents drop their home opener to Elmhurst 28–14 in Rockford, but not without some standout performances. Rockford University's Napoleon Williams set a single-game receptions record with 15 catches, while quarterbacks Ben Parker and Ryan Vasavilbaso combined for over 275 passing yards as the team fell to 0–2 heading into conference play.
   

📸 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

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📣 Rockford Shout Outs!

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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:

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • EDIT: She has been returned home!!!
    :) I found a cat, beautiful little girl , very friendly but a bit skiddish. If you know owners or anybody searching, please message me. I do not… (Nextdoor North End Square)
  • I have a sweet little cat coming by to have something to eat.
    Been stopping since at least spring. I think a female. Very light in color with light beige around face and tail. Winter is coming. If this sounds… (Nextdoor Alpine Ridge)
  • Olive Garden posted a job opening for Server in Rockford. Apply here.
  • Cracker Barrel Old Country Store posted a job opening for Cook in Rockford. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Rockford here.

🗞 Nearby News

Loves Park

  • Which former Rockford Metro area high school athletes will be active on Saturday, Sept. 12? (rockfordsun.com)

Machesney Park

  • North Park firefighters honored for saving life at Machesney Park construction site (mystateline.com)
  • North Park interim chief denies rumors of station shutdown during family outing (mystateline.com)
  • Harlem roars back with 20-point fourth quarter to stun Hononegah 27-26 (gazettextra.com)

Winnebago

  • Winnebago County sees lowest price for diesel gas at $5.27 in week ending Sept. 5 (rockfordsun.com)
  • Rockford leaders reflect on tragedy, unity on 25-year anniversary of 9/11 attacks (rockrivercurrent.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: They start each day with a cup of caw-fee. (Thank you Curt K. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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