Community Corner

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

And on the Rockford Patch calendar - ICONIC REUNION - Music of Neil Diamond, Roy Orbison, Patsy Cline, John Denver, and MORE

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Wednesday August 19th Patch AM
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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

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!

📣 Rockford Shout Outs!

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🗓 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.

 

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💬 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

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!

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