News

Sunil Puri, founder and owner of First Midwest Group, who transformed the landscape of his community through visionary real estate development and philanthropy, died peacefully on Sunday, March 8, 2026. He was 65.   Born on October 3, 1960, in...

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current   ROCKFORD — State Rep. Maurice West presented a House resolution on Thursday to developer and philanthropist Sunil Puri for his decades of contributions to the city.   West handed Puri the honor at the...

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current   ROCKFORD — A Rockford-based real estate developer has been cleared to expand its condominium development, building five ranch-style duplexes along Alpine Road near Guilford Road.   The development adds on to...

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current   ROCKFORD — Northern Illinois Food Bank on Wednesday celebrated the grand opening of its new Rockford Neighborhood Market featuring weekly free grocery shopping and 24/7 pickup from refrigerated storage...

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current   ROCKFORD — Developer and philanthropist Sunil Puri was honored with a key to the city on Saturday at an event that celebrated his company’s four decades in business and recognized how his work has reshaped...

By Anna Sieg Published: Apr. 8, 2025 at 8:36 AM CDT   LOVES PARK, Ill. (WIFR) - The Puri Champions Cup, hosted in Rockford since 2012, is expected to bring 308 teams and more than 7,000 attendees.   A video with previous coverage is...

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current   ROCKFORD — QuikTrip has opened its newest gas station and truck stop in the city. The city’s second QuikTrip, 1555 Sandy Hollow Road, also features a QT Kitchen offering an array of food options from...

October 2nd 2024, we officially opened The Puri Family Dog Park in Stillman Valley, Illinois   This spacious dog park has been built for the community to have a space take the leash off and run!  The park is located on the corner of Milwaukee...

By WIFR Newsroom Published: Oct. 12, 2022 at 2:14 PM CDT   BELVIDERE, Ill. (WIFR) - Belvidere held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday as the city welcomes a brand-new storage facility.   Mayor Clinton Morris and state representatives...

Rockford, IL - First Midwest Group redevelops historic building on Rockford's south side, creating the opportunity to retain a local, family-owned business.   ROCKFORD, DEVELOPMENT, VIKING   The property, located at 711 Harrison Avenue in...