Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Which Rockford bars and restaurants just sought new liquor or gaming?
Spotted on the Rockford calendar: The Thankful Path - A Winter Light Experience at Klehm Arboretum
Hey hey Rockford! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- Which Rockford bars and restaurants just sought new liquor or gaming?
- How will Rockford bars handle the risks of to-go cocktails?
- Which Rockford-area hoops teams are suddenly shaking up conference races?
Also on today's calendar: The Thankful Path - A Winter Light Experience at Klehm Arboretum and 7 more events.
Find out what's happening in Rockfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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Find out what's happening in Rockfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Thursday: Morning rain; cloudy, windy, with a high of 43 and low of 12 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
- Friday: Breezy and colder, temps: high: 25, low: 20.
- Saturday: Breezy with variable clouds, with a high of 41 and low of 20 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. City of Rockford Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board met Dec. 16 (rockfordsun.com) — Rockford’s Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board just reviewed several license requests, including a new special-event space on 5th Avenue, a restaurant on West Riverside, and added video gaming at Olympic Tavern on North Main. These proposals affect how and where alcohol and gaming are offered in Wards 11 and 12, and will matter to nearby neighbors, patrons, and business owners. 
2. Do the benefits outweigh the risks? Rockford considers controversial liquor law (mystateline.com) — Rockford bars and restaurants are weighing how Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s extension of to-go alcohol sales could boost business while raising concerns about drunk driving and overserving. Local workers at spots like Mulligan’s and Prairie Street Brewery describe both the revenue potential and the responsibility of keeping customers safe as Illinois’ takeout liquor rules continue.
3. Key stretch in boys hoops for 'parity' filled NIC-10, BNC, NUIC is here (rrstar.com) — Rockford-area hoops fans are in for a wild early-season stretch, with surprising contenders like Belvidere surging in the NIC-10 and traditional powers such as Auburn, Hononegah, and Guilford trading blows. Across the Big Northern and NUIC, Byron, Dakota, Winnebago, and Lutheran are all shaping a parity-filled race that could keep Rockford-area standings in flux heading into the holidays.
4. Guns, drugs seized during traffic stop in Rockford (wifr.com) — Rockford police say a late-night traffic stop near 18th Street and 9th Avenue led to the seizure of two loaded handguns and suspected crack cocaine. Two 19-year-olds, including one Rockford resident, were arrested and taken to Winnebago County Jail, with a court date set for February 4, 2026.
5. Local vet advises on winter pet safety and holiday precautions (wrex.com) — A Rockford veterinarian is urging pet owners to protect animals from sidewalk salt, extreme cold, and common holiday hazards like chocolate, brittle bones, and tinsel. She recommends booties, quick supervised potty breaks, cleared paths for small pets, and careful toy and gift choices so Rockford families keep their pets safe and healthy through winter and the holidays.
📸 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!
- Golf Driving Range
Indoor Sports Center , 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. , Loves Park
10:00 am - Winter Development Soccer League
Indoor Sports Center , 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. , Loves Park
5:00 pm - The Thankful Path - A Winter Light Experience at Klehm Arboretum
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden , 2715 S Main St , Rockford
5:00 pm - RPD Men & Coed Soccer Leagues
Indoor Sports Center , 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. , Loves Park
5:00 pm - International Soccer League
Indoor Sports Center , 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. , Loves Park
7:00 am - IYSA ODP Soccer Training
Indoor Sports Center , 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. , Loves Park
8:00 am - The Thankful Path - A Winter Light Experience at Klehm Arboretum
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden , 2715 S Main St , Rockford
5:00 pm - Winter Development Soccer League
Indoor Sports Center , 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. , Loves Park
8:00 pm - Hispanic Soccer League
Indoor Sports Center , 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. , Loves Park
8:00 am - IYSA ODP Soccer Training
Indoor Sports Center , 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. , Loves Park
8:00 am
Friday December 19
Saturday December 20
Sunday December 21
📣 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
- Drop-in Softball
Indoor Sports Center , 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. , Loves Park
10:00 am - Golf Driving Range
Indoor Sports Center , 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. , Loves Park
10:00 am - Senior Moments
Cherry Valley Public Library District , 755 E State St , Cherry Valley
10:30 am - RYSL Fall Indoor Session
Indoor Sports Center , 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. , Loves Park
5:00 pm
Thursday December 18
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Rockford PatchAM possible:
- Mike’s Mowing & More Inc — (815) 721-4464
Property Maintenance, Tree Removal, & Landscaping
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- FOUND CAT ALERT!
is this your pet? Pet was found on December 08, 2025 near Liberty dr and Richmond st. Rockford, Illinois Male NOT fixed. Very vocal! Very friendly! … (Nextdoor Central Park) - Found kitten.
White with some orange spots. Super friendly. Found Lockwood Dr. and Blackhawk Rd. Please message me (Nextdoor Rivergrove)
- RPS 205 Board votes this evening to name Dr. Larry Huff as the district's new superintendent. Read more on the 205 VIBE:...... (X: RPS205)
- Rockford Police officers conducted an abandoned vehicle detail and ticketed/tagged 149 vehicles yesterday. See an abandoned vehicle in your... (X: RockfordPD)
- Valvoline posted a job opening for Assistant Service Center Manager in Rockford. Apply here.
- Amazon.com, Inc. posted a job opening for Transportation Operations Manager 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: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
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