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Kirkland Lions Club sets up extended Fourth of July festivities
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - On Wednesday, the Kirkland Lions Club begins its four-day festival celebrating American independence. As the early morning weather progressed, the Lions Club began festival setup and accommodations for inclement weather. Wednesday festivities will begin at 4 p.m., featuring carnival fun, flea market deals, pork chop sandwiches and more.
Travel Alert: Streets in Rockford Closing for 4th of July Festivities
Several major streets in and around downtown Rockford will be closed well before the 4th of July Fireworks show on Thursday night, with some closed beginning right after sunrise. According to a press release from the City of Rockford, events begin at 7 am Thursday (7/4) with the Lifescape 4th...
Looking for something to do this weekend in the Rockford area? Here are 14 upcoming events
What: Experience the music and pageantry of competitive marching bands with the annual Show of Shows and live performances from drum and bugle corps from across the Midwest, including Rockford's own Phantom Regiment. Where: Boylan Central Catholic High School, 4000 St. Francis Drive, Rockford. Cost: $25. Need a break? Play...
Illinois’ Operation Fallen Flags Properly Retires U.S. Flags
The members of "Operation Fallen Flag" with the help of the "Glory Truck" assist Rockford, Illinois area residents in properly retiring their American flags. Operation Fallen Flags And The Glory Truck In Illinois. I will go out of my way to support certain types of benefits. Right there around the...
Rockford Symphony Orchestra performs Star Spangled Banner Spectacular
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Patriotic sounds and songs returned to Rock Valley College’s Starlight Theatre with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra’s (RSO) annual performance. The night celebrated America’s “greatest” composers, including pieces from John Williams and Stephen Sondheim. Appearances from State Representative Maurice West and vocalist Bethany Thomas also arrived with the spectacle.
Rockford animal experts advise against bringing pets to see fireworks
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - With Independence Day celebrations happening, local animal experts urge dog owners to not bring their furry friends to the fireworks show, even if that means you have to stay home too. Thousands of people are dazzled by the series of booms and bursts that illuminate the...
Downtown businesses look forward to the July 4th rush
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Downtown businesses are excited for the crowds that come from celebrating the 4th of July. “I think there’s nothing worse than when you go out to do something and everything’s closed up,” said Maze Books Owner Dave Pederson. “So as a business owner, it makes sense to be here when the […]
Behind the scenes of Rockford’s Fourth of July fireworks
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Team members were hard at work gearing up for their biggest show of the year, but before they can display it, months of preparation and design took place. Mike Zuzock, a designer from Melrose Pyrotechnics, said the work begins with an idea for the show. He receives the music that will […]
New name, same mission at Three Fires Council, Scouting America
For more than 100 years, Scouting America programs have instilled in youth the values found in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Today, these values are just as relevant in helping youth grow to their full potential as they were in 1910. Scouting helps youth develop academic skills, self-confidence, ethics, leadership skills, and citizenship skills that influence their adult lives.
Democratic leaders are concerned about President Joe Biden’s campaign
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - On Wednesday afternoon, the nation went into a panic after an inside source of the President shared he is thinking about the possibility of dropping out of the presidential race. After his performance at the first presidential debate of the year, the internet was taken by...
Meaghan B Murphy shares her ultimate summer fun guide
Rockford, Ill. (WTVO) — Summer is all about having fun in the sun and to help us maximize our fun, author of ‘Your Fully Charged Life’ Meaghan B Murphy is sharing her ultimate summer fun guide. She shares how our families can safely stream this summer with...
Wicked movie coming earlier than expected
Rockford, Ill. (WTVO) — Kicking things off tonight, The Wicked movie announced that we will be able to see it sooner than we thought!. The film was originally set to premiere on November 27, but now it is officially moving to Friday, November 22. Wicked Part Two is also expected to premiere on November 26, 2025.
Rockford’s Alpine-Kiwanis Brat Days Are Coming Soon
Years ago, a friend from out of town visiting Rockford during Alpine Kiwanis Brat Days asked me this question: "So, Rockford's idea of a good time is hanging around a parking lot and eating bratwursts during the heat of the summer? Really?" Yes, I pointed out, that really is our...
Adult, child hit by vehicle while riding a scooter in Rockford
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford Police said a child and an adult were hit by a vehicle while riding a scooter in the 2800 block of 11th Street. Their injuries are unknown at this time and both were transported to a local hospital. Officials ask drivers to find an alternative route while they investigate. This […]
Heavily armed Rockford man accused of shooting employee inside of KFC
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford Police arrested Daniel Baker, 33, for allegedly shooting a KFC employee. Police said they recovered a handgun, an AR-15 and a bulletproof vest. On July 3rd, police responded to the KFC in the 1500 block of Kilburn Avenue for reports of a shooting victim. Upon arrival, officers were told a […]
Hard Rock Casino Rockford holds hiring event
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Hard Rock Casino Rockford is hiring cooks, servers and chefs for the six restaurants inside the new casino before it opens in August. Hard Rock is also offering a $1,000 sign-on bonus for cooks, chefs and kitchen workers with $500 paid upon hire and $500 after 90 days on the job.
Man Wanted for Theft and Burglary at Hospitals in Rockford
Last week, the Rockford PD released photos of a suspect who was seen on security cameras when an apparent burglary took place on Friday, June 21 at UW Health Swedish American Hospital located in the 200 block of 9th Street. The same suspect is also believed to be the same...
Rockford man invades woman’s home, threatens her with a gun, victim tells police
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford Police arrested Nijir Rahn, 18, for allegedly invading a woman’s house and threatening her with a firearm. On June 16th, around 2:20 a.m., police responded to the 1300 block of Evelyn Street for a call of an emergency involving a man. When officials arrived, they saw the victim’s gray 2014 […]
Police: Man flees officials after being found driving a stolen vehicle
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Police arrested Jontaivyn Allen, 19, for allegedly feeling officers after being found driving a stolen vehicle. On July 2nd, SCOPE officers saw a stolen gray Lincoln MKZ at a Shell Gas Station on Harrison Avenue. Authorities said they attempted a traffic stop, but the car fled the scene. Officials relocated the […]
Police looking for two Rockford men after fatal shooting on Haskell Avenue
Two suspects are wanted in connection with a June homicide in Rockford. Eric Townsend Sr., 51, and Timothy Chatman, 42, both of Rockford, have been charged with first-degree murder after a shooting in the 1000 block of Haskell Avenue on June 26. Rockford police said the shooting happened just after...
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