Greetings, City of Rockford Residents!

The past few weeks have been amazing in downtown Rockford. I was excited to join a large group for the annual Mitchell’s Run, although “running” might be a generous description of my participation! And last weekend, I enjoyed a relaxing Labor Day weekend in town, including a meal along the riverbank in Garden Club Park.

One of the greatest compliments I get is when family and friends want to meet us downtown. When you think about everything we have to offer, from the Farmers’ Market and our great restaurants to the boutiques, parks, the riverfront, and, of course, an impressive selection of ice cream, it’s easy to see why people enjoy spending time here.

I’m also continually reminded that what makes Rockford special goes well beyond the places we can visit. It’s the people and organizations that are willing to give their time, energy, and resources to make our community better. The Lions and Rotary Clubs continue to generously support projects, both financially and through countless hours of volunteer work. The Garden Club continues to add beauty to our parks for everyone to enjoy. The Rockford Area Community Foundation has its fingerprints on just about every park and improvement in downtown Rockford, and many projects beyond downtown, through its generous support of our community.

And speaking of community investments, we are getting very close to an exciting milestone. Over the next couple of months, we expect to wrap up our biggest legacy project yet: the renovation and expansion of the Krause Memorial Library. The new library will be more than twice the size it was just a year ago, and the project remains on schedule and below budget. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back through the doors soon and seeing the community enjoy this space for many years to come.

As always, I hope you enjoy this issue of our quarterly newsletter. We enjoy sharing what’s happening in the City and look forward to keeping you informed about the projects, events, and people that make our community such a great place to live.

Thad Beard

City Manager

Krause Memorial Library Grand Opening Set for November 21

A new chapter is about to begin for Krause Memorial Library! The City of Rockford is excited to announce the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the newly renovated and expanded library on Saturday, November 21, 2026.

The project has transformed the library into a larger, more modern space designed to better serve Rockford residents for years to come. The expanded facility offers more room for reading, learning, gathering, and community programs while preserving the welcoming spirit that has made the library an important part of Rockford.



The community is invited to join us for the ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration. More details, including the event time and activities, will be announced soon.

After years of planning, fundraising, and construction, we can’t wait to open the doors and welcome the community into this exciting new space!

Dam Condition & Feasibility Study

As home and business owners know, inspections, maintenance and repair are facts of ownership. This is true for all aspects of the city owned infrastructure, including the dam on the Rogue River. It is the centerpiece of our scenic community, the site for great fishing as well as family and visitors’ photos. 

During the most recent inspection by EGLE, as well as third-party inspections, the dam was reported to be in ‘Fair Condition’, an accurate assessment for its age. No dam safety deficiencies were noted under normal load conditions.

Spillway and hydraulic capacity, as well as structural integrity, are evaluated at all inspections. It was noted that spillway capacity is less than required because two gates are not fully operational, and the archaic gate operation is a safety concern for City staff and relies on outdated practices. It was recommended that a Dam Condition/Feasibility Study be conducted to evaluate the integrity of the dam in the areas that cannot be seen from a typical inspection.

Given recent dam breaches across the state, City staff, with approval from City Council, have approved a proposal from Spicer Group to take a closer look at how the dam is holding up in areas that are not currently visible.

That assessment is taking place this fall and will include:

• Topographic, drone and boundary surveys
• Hydraulic modeling
• Structural inspection and assessment (Concrete core sampling, inspection, structural sounding and detailed visual inspection with divers to see portions of the dam that are continuously underwater)
• Environmental review
• Analysis and report of findings

The core purpose of this study is to evaluate dam safety, hydraulic capacity, structural condition and compliance with EGLE requirements. We anticipate that some significant improvements, repairs, and preventive maintenance will be recommended. The inspection and report will provide valuable baseline information as to the hidden condition of this 138-year-old landmark.



As you walk through town and notice the workers near the dam, please be assured that the City takes the dam’s safety seriously. Our dedication to preserving this historic structure is our priority, and we are fortunate to have it as a central feature of our community.

50th Annual Harvest Festival

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce is getting ready to celebrate the 50th Annual Harvest Fest, taking place Friday, September 25, through Sunday, September 27, 2026.

This longtime Rockford tradition brings a weekend of family-friendly activities, food, entertainment and fall fun throughout downtown and Memorial Park.

Community Cabin & Memorial Park will be the place to go for family activities, including a corn maze, face painting, balloon animals, vintage baseball, Make & Take Scarecrows and more. Visitors can also browse local crafters, shop the KDL Book Sale, and enjoy ceramic painting in the park.

Downtown Rockford will feature the popular Classic Car Show, along with the Rockford Area Museum Grandma’s Attic Sale, Lions Beer Tent, Chili Cook-Off, Rotary Chicken Dinners, Rockford Department of Public Safety Firehouse Open House, and other fun fall activities at businesses throughout downtown.

Rockford Ace Hardware will once again host the Antique Tractor Show, with a kids tractor pull on Saturday for young festival-goers looking to put their strength to the test.

For 50 years, Harvest Fest has been a favorite Rockford tradition, bringing residents and visitors together to enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of fall. We look forward to celebrating this milestone with the community!

Future Voter Election Returns for the November Election

After a great response to our Future Voter Election in August, we’re bringing it back for the November election!

Families are invited to bring children ages 17 and under with them during Early Voting (October 24–November 1) to participate in this fun, educational activity.

Children can complete a simple “ballot” and vote for their favorite playground equipment: Slide, Swings, Monkey Bars, Merry-Go-Round, or Spring Rocker. Ballots will be collected in a separate drop box and counted after the election.

Please note: The Future Voter Election is not part of the official election and will not affect the official election results.



Fall Leaf Collection

Fall is just around the corner, which means it won’t be long before the City’s annual leaf collection begins. The Leaf Vacuum typically operates from mid-October through late November, or until the first accumulating snowfall, weather permitting. Exact dates will be announced through the City’s social media and the news section of our website.

Leaf collection takes time, as the vacuum works its way through all five zones of the City. It may take a couple of weeks to make a complete pass, and rain, snow, equipment maintenance, and other necessary repairs can occasionally cause delays. Raking early and frequently helps keep the process moving smoothly.

If you’re using the Leaf Vacuum, please rake your leaves into the parkway grass directly next to the curb, not into the street. Leaves should be placed in neat rows along the curb and pulled back from intersection corners. Vehicles should also be moved so the equipment can safely reach the leaves.

Please keep sticks, brush, vines, rocks, root balls, and other debris out of leaf piles. These materials can cause serious damage to the equipment.

The City’s GPS leaf collection map, which was introduced last year, will be available again this fall. The map will show where the Leaf Vacuum has recently traveled, and help residents see which areas are still ahead.

Consider Bagging Your Leaves

While the Leaf Vacuum is available, bagging leaves is still strongly encouraged. Bagged leaves are picked up on your regular yard waste collection day and are not subject to the same weather and equipment-related delays that can affect the Leaf Vacuum. From mid-October through November, there is no limit on the number of bags used for leaves. Bags must be biodegradable paper bags and weigh no more than 30 pounds each.

Whether you choose to rake your leaves for the Leaf Vacuum or bag them for collection, starting early and keeping leaves free of debris will help make fall cleanup easier for everyone.



For more information, visit the City’s Yard Waste Program webpage.

Seasonal Parking Reminder

A reminder that overnight parking is prohibited on all public streets in the City of Rockford from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m., November 15 through April 1.

This seasonal restriction helps keep streets clear for snow removal during the early morning hours. The parking restriction remains in effect throughout these dates regardless of whether snowfall has occurred. Please make arrangements to park vehicles off public streets during this time.

Thank you for helping our crews keep Rockford’s streets safe and accessible throughout the winter.

Fall Safety Tips for E-Bikes & Electric Scooters

As the weather cools and daylight hours become shorter, many residents continue to enjoy electric bicycles (e-bikes) and electric scooters for commuting, recreation, and getting around town. These devices are convenient and fun, but they also require riders to follow the rules of the road and take extra precautions, especially during the fall months.

Follow the Rules of the Road

Electric scooters and e-bikes are not toys. Riders should operate them responsibly and understand that they may be subject to many of the same traffic rules as bicycles and other roadway users.

Remember to:

• Obey all traffic signs and signals.
• Ride in the proper direction of traffic when required.
• Yield to pedestrians.
• Use hand signals when turning when appropriate.
• Keep both hands available to control your bike or scooter whenever possible.
• Do not ride while impaired by alcohol, marijuana, or other substances.
• Avoid using a cell phone or other device while riding.
• Never carry more passengers than the device is designed to carry.

Wear a Helmet

A properly fitted helmet is one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of serious injury in a crash. We strongly encourage every rider, regardless of age, to wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet every time they ride.

Parents should also make sure children understand how to safely operate an e-bike or scooter and are familiar with the rules before allowing them to ride independently.

Fall Riding Requires Extra Caution

Fall brings unique hazards for riders. Leaves, rain, wet pavement, and reduced daylight can make riding more difficult and increase stopping distances.

Before heading out:

• Check your brakes, tires, lights, and reflectors.
• Use a white headlight in front and a red light or reflector in the rear when required.
• Wear bright or reflective clothing, particularly during dawn, dusk, and nighttime riding.
• Slow down on wet pavement, leaves, gravel, and other slippery surfaces.
• Be especially cautious around parked vehicles and intersections.
• Watch for pedestrians, especially in downtown areas and on shared-use trails.

Share the Trail

Our community's trails and sidewalks are enjoyed by walkers, runners, bicyclists, families, and other users. Be courteous and predictable.

Slow down when approaching pedestrians, give an audible warning before passing, and provide plenty of space. Remember that pedestrians generally have the right-of-way in areas where bicycles and pedestrians share the same path.

Be Smart About Charging

E-bike and scooter batteries should also be treated responsibly. Use the charger supplied or recommended by the manufacturer, inspect batteries and charging equipment for damage, and avoid charging a battery that is swollen, damaged, or unusually hot.

Never leave a charging battery unattended for extended periods, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for charging and storage.

Safety First

E-bikes and electric scooters are a great way to enjoy our community and get where you're going. By slowing down, staying visible, wearing a helmet, following traffic laws, and respecting other trail and roadway users, we can help keep everyone safe.



Enjoy the ride—and have a safe fall!

Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips

Halloween is a fun time for families and neighbors to get out and enjoy the evening together. A few simple precautions can help make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable night.

For trick-or-treaters:

• Be visible. Choose light-colored costumes when possible and add reflective tape or glow sticks. Carry a flashlight or wear a light.
• Watch for traffic. Use sidewalks and crosswalks whenever available, look both ways before crossing the street, and avoid walking between parked cars.
• Choose costumes carefully. Make sure costumes fit properly and don’t drag on the ground or obstruct vision.
• Stay together. Younger children should be accompanied by an adult, and older children should have a planned route and check-in time.
• Check treats. Wait until you get home to enjoy your candy and have an adult check treats before eating them.

For drivers:

Slow down and stay especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Expect more pedestrians than usual, including children who may be distracted or difficult to see.

For homeowners:

If you’re welcoming trick-or-treaters, keep walkways and steps clear, turn on exterior lights, and secure pets that may become frightened or overly excited by the activity.



Most importantly, have fun, look out for your neighbors, and help make Halloween a safe night for everyone!