Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Will you bring your questions to meet Rockford’s new superintendent?

You won't want to miss Jimmy Failla on the Rockford Patch calendar

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Thursday August 20th Patch AM
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Hello Rockford! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Will you bring your questions to meet Rockford's new superintendent?
  • How a license plate camera helped Rockford police track a hit-and-run
  • How much more will Rockford drivers pay at the Belvidere toll?

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: Why do fish live in salt water? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Mostly sunny and less humid, with a high of 81 and low of 59 degrees.
  • Friday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., temps: high: 82, low: 62.
  • Saturday: A p.m. t-storm in spots, with a high of 81 and low of 58 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Rockford schools chief Larry Huff hosts community talk (rrstar.com) — Rockford families can meet new Superintendent Larry Huff and discuss district priorities at a community conversation Thursday, Aug. 20, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Guilford High School. You'll hear Huff's vision for Rockford Public Schools, ask questions, and share concerns directly with district leadership.
   

2. Rockford police use Flock camera to make hit-and-run arrest (rrstar.com) — Rockford police used a Flock license plate reader to identify and arrest a local man after a hit-and-run that seriously injured a 15-year-old girl near Auburn and Bluefield on Aug. 18. Officers say the teen was hospitalized with multiple injuries, and the suspect now faces several charges. Residents with information can contact Rockford Police or submit anonymous tips by text.
   

3. Local drivers in shock over Illinois tollway rate hike (mystateline.com) — Rockford-area drivers face a sharp toll increase at the Belvidere I-90 plaza starting Jan. 1, 2027, with I-PASS rates jumping from $1.50 to $2.40. The hike is part of a $26.5 billion Illinois Tollway plan to rebuild roads and bridges, which officials say is needed to maintain the system without tax funding.
   

4. Broadway businesses identify signage and permit hurdles during Rockford workshop (mystateline.com) — Rockford business owners along the Broadway corridor met with city staff this week to air frustrations over signage rules, permits, and other hurdles hurting their storefronts. Participants also raised concerns about safety, cleanliness, and finding skilled workers. The city is asking more Broadway businesses to share feedback so it can fine-tune support programs and a future business association.
   

5. Vintage RC planes take flight at Rockford event (rrstar.com) — Rock Valley RC Flyers will host their free Warbirds and Classics show in Rockford on Sept. 5, with a Sept. 6 rain date, at 3215 Harrison Road. Spectators can watch vintage and military-style radio-controlled aircraft fly all day, while pilots from across the Midwest show off turbine, gas, and electric models. Boy Scout Troop 32 will sell food and drinks on-site.
   

📸 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!

★ Featured events ★

    Saturday August 22
  • Jimmy Failla →
    Coronado Theatre, 314 N Main St, Rockford
    7:30 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 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

    Thursday August 20
  • Senior Moments
    Cherry Valley Public Library District 755 East State Street, Cherry Valley, IL, 61016, US
    10:30 am
  • RYSL Fall Outdoor
    Atwood Center Mercyhealth Sportscore Two
    5:00 pm
  • Scoops & Stories @ Cattle & Cream
    Cherry Valley Public Library District 105 Cherry St., Cherry Valley, IL, 61016, US
    6:30 pm
  • Bull Bar Bingo at Baseball Tap →
    Baseball Tap Bar & Grill, 202 Walnut St, Cherry Valley
    7:00 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:

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Comcast Launches Xfinity Shield, Redefining Intelligent Home Protection —Teddy Bailey Read on Patch
  • Here's some pictures from my garden the last 3-4 pictures are from last year, but everything is blooming morning glory are blooming our sunflower and roses are coming along ❤️ drop down comments below from your garden!
    here in about another year we will have Candy Crisp and golden delicious apples that I planted last year in April and they are doing very well so I… (Nextdoor Jackson Oaks)
  • This is probably the coolest "pet project" we've done on the farm ...
    follow the progression from July 6th ... they were put in a couple wks before that ... but pics started then ... the loofah in the pics start on Aug… (Nextdoor Southwest Rockford)
  • Planet Fitness, Inc. posted a job opening for Future Opening: Overnight Custodian in Rockford. Apply here.
  • ServiceMaster posted a job opening for Commercial Cleaner Rockford 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: Pepper makes them sneeze (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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