Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Will Rockford teachers strike over pay and benefits this winter?

Also check out Fireside Yoga Flow — RealBeautifulYOU on the Rockford Patch calendar

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Saturday December 27th Patch AM
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Cheers Rockford! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Will Rockford teachers strike over pay and benefits this winter?
  • What nitrogen strategy is working for a Rockford no-till corn grower?
  • Which Rockford-area teams came up big in Friday’s holiday tournaments?

Also on today's calendar: Pokemon League Challenge and 5 more events.

Find out what's happening in Rockfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: How many sheep does it take to make a sweater? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Rockfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Saturday: Cloudy, with a high of 47 and low of 44 degrees.
  • Sunday: Rain; breezy in the afternoon, temps: high: 51, low: 13. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Monday: Flurries, mainly early, with a high of 20 and low of 10 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Rockford Public Schools teachers fight for raises as concerns surround new superintendent's salary (wifr.com) — Rockford Public Schools teachers are working without a contract and say rising living costs and a proposed $285,000 salary for incoming superintendent Larry Huff highlight how far their pay lags behind. Union leaders cite unresolved issues over retiree health insurance, special education caseloads, and salaries, and warn that while a strike is a last resort, they’ll “do whatever” is needed for a fair deal.
   

2. No-Tillers Share Ideas on Best Ways to Apply Nitrogen (no-tillfarmer.com) — A Rockford farmer is among several no-tillers worldwide sharing practical tips on how to get more value from nitrogen applications in corn. His approach—fall anhydrous with N Serve, 32% UAN after planting, and starter fertilizer—offers local growers ideas to compare with other split-application and microbial strategies discussed by peers in different climates.
   

3. Rockford area basketball scores from Friday, December 26, 2025 (mystateline.com) — High school basketball fans can catch up on a full slate of Friday’s Rockford-area boys and girls scores, including Rockford Lutheran, Rockford Christian, East, Guilford, Auburn and more. The roundup also highlights strong tournament showings and standout individual performances from several local teams.
   

4. Supreme Court Weighs Illinois Transit Gun Ban (hoodline.com) — A federal appeals panel recently reversed a Rockford-based judge and upheld Illinois’ ban on concealed guns on public transit, and now the U.S. Supreme Court is deciding whether to take the case. If the justices step in, their ruling could reshape where licensed gun owners may carry on Metra and other systems statewide, while leaving the Seventh Circuit’s decision in place if they decline review.
   

📸 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 ★

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events
    Sunday December 28
  • Stateline Fastpitch Softball Tournament
    Indoor Sports Center , 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. , Loves Park
  • Hispanic Soccer League
    Indoor Sports Center , 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. , Loves Park
    8:00 am
  • Pokemon League Challenge
    Cataclysm Tabletop Gaming , 8289 Burden Rd Suite SE , Machesney Park
    10:00 am
    • Monday December 29
  • Raptors 3v3 Tournament
    Indoor Sports Center , 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. , Loves Park
    8:00 am
  • Golf Driving Range
    Indoor Sports Center , 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. , Loves Park
    10:00 am
    • Tuesday December 30
  • Big Cat Goalkeeping Clinic
    Indoor Sports Center , 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. , Loves Park
    9:00 am
  • Golf Driving Range
    Indoor Sports Center , 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. , Loves Park
    10:00 am

📣 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

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:

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • **Found!
    ****Lost dogs!!!!!Merry Christmas. Our two golden retrievers, Ozzy and Zoey have decided to share some cheer and left the yard. Both are friendly and… (Nextdoor Sierra Heights)
  • Coffee, Cheese Danish, pigs in a blanket, 2 elves and the boys.
    Yup a good morning. Merry Christmas ND neighbors! (Nextdoor Cherry North)
  • Amberwood Care Centre posted a job opening for Recreational Services Aide in Rockford. Apply here.
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Baker and Packager Associate 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 have no idea. I didn’t even know sheep could knit.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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