Local

Provided ROCKFORD, IL – Rock House Kids, a safe haven for inner-city kids ages 6-18, is the recipient of a grant from Club Blue in Rockford. Club Blue announced 8 local charities that work with children will benefit from their Covid-19 Relief Fund. Rock House Kids Executive Director, Deanna “Dee” Lacny said, “We are so thankful for the many years of continuous support from Club Blue. They have blessed many children’s lives, and continue to bless their lives by providing the necessary funding…

From Sarah Bursley McNamara Rockford Art Museum Rockford Art Museum will reopen Monday, July 6, with new health and safety protocols in place – and free admission through the end of the year. RAM is located inside the Riverfront Museum Park building at 711 North Main Street in downtown Rockford, Illinois, across the hall from Discovery Center Museum and next door to Burpee Museum of Natural History. Shortly after closing its doors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the museum was able…

By Jim Hagerty Reporter ROCKFORD - A local nonprofit that helps at-risk youth announced the winners of its grocery giveaway. I Am Kid Culture called on area youth to submit short videos about how to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic for its #Food4TheHood contest. Five kids submitted videos and received $75 worth of groceries and $75 worth of I Am Kid Culture merchandise. The winners are Zaniah Gray, Zabrina Gray, Isaiah Baker and Anthony Holliman. "Kids made 10- and 20-second…

Staff Report ROCKFORD - The City of Rockford, in collaboration with the River District  Association, will be closing sections of downtown streets this weekend to allow for more outdoor restaurant seating. Starting at 3 p.m., Friday, June 12, the 200, 300, 400 and 500 blocks of East State Street, the bridge on State Street, and Madison Street between East State and Market streets will be closed to traffic. At 8 a.m., Saturday, the State Street Bridge and Madison Street will open back up.…

Staff Report ROCKFORD - The Rockford Park District's summer cay camps will open this month. Beginning June 22, Nature Quest summer camp will be open for youth ages 5-12. Based at Alpine Hills Adventure Park, the camp provides an introductory experience with a different theme and nature and environment related activity each week, along with traditional camp activities including archery, crafts, hiking, games, and tie-dyeing. Live animal demonstrations and special guests are also…

By Jim Hagerty Reporter ROCKFORD - Removing officers from the Rockford streets would certainly bring change. But, contrary to an array of cries to disband police departments across the country, a group of local activists wants something else. Nearly 30 protesters who rallied at Davis Park Monday say it's time for Rockford to reallocate funds the police department spends on armaments and big salaries towards proactive community programs. "There is so much money and equipment that's being…

By Jim Hagerty Reporter ROCKFORD - Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara, on Monday, announced that he is taking the first step to outfit city police officers with body cameras. "I signed the Mayoral Pledge from the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance to review, engage, report and reform common-sense limits on police use of force with feedback from the community, McNamara said. "I hear the concerns of our residents and want to take steps to ensure justice and equity for all in our community. I urge all…

Staff Report ROCKFORD - Due to the health risks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and per the guidelines from the Winnebago County Health Department and state and local governments, the 2020 SwedishAmerican State Street Mile has been canceled. The State Street Mile would have celebrated its 36th year this summer. The mile-long race is held every August in downtown Rockford and brings families and individuals of all ages together for fun and fitness. The race also gives away $2,250…

Staff Report BELVIDERE - The 2020 Boone County Fair has been canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. Organizers voted Saturday to not hold this year's event for the safety of fairgoers, staff, vendors exhibitors, sponsors, suppliers, volunteers, and the community. "The Boone County Fair Board has been closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic data along with local, state, and federal health officials," President Lyle Lee said in a release. "Although some restrictions have been…

Staff Report CHERRY VALLEY, Ill. - Macy’s announced Monday that its CherryVale Mall location has reopened in Phase 3 of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's Restore Illinois plan. Following the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as well as state and local guidance, Macy’s opened Monday and will operate 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with in-store shopping and contact-free curbside pick-up. "We are ready to welcome our customers back to Macy’s Cherryvale,” Chief of Stores Officer Marc Mastronardi said. "We’re …

Staff Report ROCKFORD - Rockford's Riverfront Museum Park will receive state funding to improve its facility. Funding will come from a bill passed last week by the Illinois General Assembly, marking $13.3 million for the  Illinois Arts Council and  $50 million for the Arts Alliance Capital Coalition that will fuel 36 projects dedicated to permanent improvement in cultural infrastructure across the state. Rockford’s Riverfront Museum Park is among the 36 coalition members set to receive…

By Jim Hagerty Reporter ROCKFORD - Peaceful, yet boisterous protests became destructive Saturday as more than a thousand demonstrators converged on Rockford Police District 1 headquarters. The events began just before 4 p.m., at Haskell Park, where a crowd of a few dozen quickly became several hundred within the hour. Some held signs honoring George Floyd that bore phrases like "I can't breathe" and "Say his name," while the Black Lives Matter slogan was even better represented.…

By Jim Hagerty Reporter MACHESENY PARK - Three people were found dead inside an apartment building  in the 1100 block of Minns Drive Wednesday. Winnebago County deputies arrived at the scene just after 4 p.m., and discovered the bodies. How the people died has not been reported, however, Chief Deputy Rick Ciganek told reporters at the scene that a preliminary investigation indicated that there is not a threat to the community. "We believe what happened was contained in the apartment,"…

By Jim Hagerty Reporter ROCKFORD - The Winnebago County Health Department, on Wednesday, released guidelines for bars, restaurants and churches as they enter Phase 3 of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's "Restore Illinois" plan. Starting Friday, bars and restaurants are permitted to offer outdoor dining and drinking after more than two months of carryout only. Tables must be six fee apart; those who are not seated must wear face coverings and practice proper social distancing, the health…

Staff Report LOVES PARK - A Rockford-area mission to Russia and the former Soviet Union today announced its on-the-ground church task force has distributed more than 500,000 meals to desperate families as Russia’s coronavirus infections hit a new high. The Slavic Gospel Association, 6151 Commonwealth Drive, Loves Park, partners with a grassroots network of  6,350 evangelical churches across the former Soviet Union to support orphans, widows, and families in need. It’s reached a critical…