Latest news with #Rockfordians
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Federal budget cuts threaten essential programs in Rockford, mayor says
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara emphasized concerns regarding how federal budget cuts will affect the city at Monday's 'State of the City' address. The annual address was given in City Council chambers, where McNamara said, 'Federal funding pauses, shifts in priorities, and changes in grant programs will not only impact our local government, but it will impact our nonprofits, our businesses, and many, many residents who rely on those funds.' 'So let me be clear. If the federal government does cut programs such as Headstart, LIHEAP and housing programs, the city simply cannot cover. The costs in our community will suffer. our residents, Rockfordians will suffer,' he added. McNamara said the city continues to see growth in several areas, including population, housing, and property values. 'Property values have grown by more than 50%, and they are at our city's highest point in our history. And at the same time, property values are up. Our property tax rate is the lowest it's been since 1984. We are actually we are the only major taxing body in Winnebago County that has actually reduced its property tax levy over the last ten years. Heck, even the is taking note of our work,' said McNamara. Violent crime is , he said. 'Violent crime is down. And, 're making tremendous progress in our juvenile crime. In just the last two years, we've reduced the number of juveniles being arrested by 21%,' McNamara said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Mow your lawn or City of Rockford could fine you this much
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Mowing season is well underway, which means many Rockford residents already have cut their lawns a few times. Officials say most residents stay on top of mowing. Others, however, do not. That is why officials are reminding the public about the city's lawn ordinance, which specifies just how tall Rockfordians are allowed to let their grass grow. 'In the city of Rockford, your lawn can only be 8 inches long,' said Jessie Anderson, senior neighborhood stabilization officer with the city. 'If you have a property with no structure that's over one acre, then it's 10 inches.' Those who aren't in compliance with the ordinance will receive a written notice first, giving them five business days to mow. If they don't reply after that, a city contractor will come out and mow, which can come with a hefty price tag for homeowners. 'We have a $135 admin fee,' Anderson said. 'And then it varies on the size of the lot or length. It can be anywhere from $30 to $100 on top of the admin fee.' There are exceptions to the 8- and 10-inch rules. Those choosing to participate in 'No Mow May,' an initiative to protect pollinators like bees by allowing grass to grow longer during May, are temporarily exempt. 'You just have to have a sign saying you are being a part of [No Mow May],' Anderson said. Residents are also permitted to use their yards to grow prairie grass, wild flowers and other plants that grow taller than 8 and 10 inches as long as they submit a plan to the city. 'As long as there's no weeds in it, it's acceptable,' Anderson said. Beyond aesthetics, the ordinance aims to keep pests such as mice and snakes out of residential areas. Those who are fined by the city have 30 days to pay. If payment isn't received after 30 days, officials will take further steps. 'If you have an active water bill, we'll just put in on your water bill,' Anderson said. 'If it's a vacant lot, we can put a lien on the property.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Rock River ‘Anything That Floats' race sunk for good, organizers announce
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Organizers announced on Wednesday that the annual Rock River Anything That Floats race has been permanently canceled. 'It sailed, it sank – and it sailed again,' organizers said in a press release. 'We're proud to have done our work to carry forward a cherished Rockford tradition, even if this latest voyage now draws to a close. Maybe a new crew of river-loving Rockfordians will dream up what comes next. We hope someone will.' The event, which was started in 1976 and then revived in 2017, was canceled in 2024 due to a '.' According to organizers, 'In recent years, however, it became increasingly difficult for the race's volunteer steering committee to secure the sponsorship and participation support necessary to keep the event afloat.' The annual race featured homemade rafts in the 1.65-mile race down the river, with a grand finish at Prairie Street Brewhouse. 'With floating tiki bars, dragons, outhouses, Viking ships, FRAGILE leg lamps and every other imaginable vessel cobbled together in backyards and garages of local teams, the race brought together engineers and amateurs, businesses and families, old friends and new,' organizers said. The race has helped to raise donations to support local efforts for the Fourth of July celebration, Rockford Ski Broncs, Rock River Trail Initiative, and other area non-profits and charities. Organizers said the will remain live for a short time, so past participants and spectators can retrieve photos of past events. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Rockfordians kick off St. Patrick's Day early with parade and celebrations
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — It is just two days away from St. Patrick's Day, but that did not stop Rockfordians from celebrating a little early on Saturday. The Irish Marching Society led the parade through downtown Rockford and stopped at Prairie Street Brewing Company to continue the celebration. Windy weather did not stop paradegoers from enjoying the festivities. People from all around the stateline came to celebrate. 'We're from Oregon which is about 30 minutes away from Rockford, and we made the trip to enjoy all of the festivities of Rockford and just loved to see the downtown be revitalized and everyone enjoying it, just a great experience,' said the Knobloch family. The family was just one of many who continued the celebration at Prairie Street Brewing. The event included live music, a kid's area and games at Prairie Street across multiple floors of the brewery. The pub's manager said he was happy to provide paradegoers with food and drinks after the parade. 'We're right downtown, we've got the best spot right by the river, and we definitely anywhere from people stopping out for some drinks to hosting private events here, we definitely are a spot to come congregate together as a community,' said Robert Sanner. 'Our goal for today was to throw the biggest party possible and make it as accommodating as possible that way people with families could come through people as individuals could come through and definitely could come through with their friends,' Sanner explained. Sanner said St. Patrick's Day is one of their busiest times of the year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rise in home value has not stopped buyers from moving to Rockford
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Home values have continued to rise in the area and that has not stopped people from moving to Rockford. Realtors said despite the rise in housing equity in the Rockford area, renters and homebuyers are still coming to the city and surrounding area because of affordable prices. Housing Statistics showed that Rockford area homes have gained almost $24,000 in equity in 2024, according to . 'Supply has been low for years, which drives up the price of housing,' said local realtor Ann Brady. 'I have worked with several people in the last year moving from the suburbs because housing is so much more reasonably priced here.' Supply may be catching up to demand, but new listings in January were up 49% from last January. The largest increase in new listings since tracking began. 'Everything is more expensive,' said rental property owner Cesar Meza 'If I wanted to buy more property, I wouldn't be able to at this moment because of the combination of the higher prices and the interest rates.' Meza said rent prices have exploded as well. 'When I first got into the first multifamily, which was a duplex that was two bedrooms, one bath. I believe average rents were about $600,' said Meza. 'Now average rents are anywhere between $850 and $1050 for two bedrooms, one bath.' For Meza, it is about providing housing to Rockfordians or anyone who wants to come to Rockford. 'What I am seeing is that we are at a point where we are getting resistance on the rents. Like, this is why I want to stay on the low end,' Meza said. Realtors said they see prices beginning to level off in 2025 as interest rates plateau and supply continues to catch up. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
