Daily
Rockford
Thursday, January 15th, 2026
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 15th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Severson Dells Nature Center will host a free open house on Jan. 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 8786 Montague Road, featuring hands-on activities, Adventure Backpacks, cocoa, and anniversary stickers to mark 50 years of nature education. Rockford Register Star
- ➤ On Tuesday night, firefighters rescued Odin—a chipped dog stranded near South Beloit at the corner of Shirland Avenue and Frederick Street—and transferred him to Winnebago County Animal Control for reunion with his family. WIFR
- ➤ City Hall displays four AIDS Memorial Quilt panels from Jan. 12 to Jan. 23 with special viewing hours on Jan. 17 and Jan. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The exhibit—created by the Kaleidoscope Employee Resource Group and the National AIDS Memorial Quilt—promotes HIV awareness and honors those lost. Rockford Register Star
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Barbecue restaurant Smokey Bones closed its Rockford location at 6690 E. State Street after parent company Twin Hospitality Group closed the underperforming site (one of 15 identified in September 2025). Customers can visit the company website to find their nearest active location in Springfield. WIFR
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Harlem School District leaders narrowed consolidation options after a lengthy meeting last Wednesday and plan to present two final plans on Jan. 20, with both including Maple and Olson Park elementary school closures. The meeting runs from 6-8 p.m. at the Administration Center (8605 N. 2nd Street in Machesney Park). WIFR
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Susan Nelson – Soprano Performance
7:30-10:00 p.m. — Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the powerful and sensitive performances of soprano Susan Nelson as she celebrates women composers.
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Ernie Hendrickson Band Tribute to The Grateful Dead
8-10 p.m. — The Music Box — Ticket info available — Join Ernie Hendrickson Band for a nostalgic tribute to The Grateful Dead.
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AHL All Star Classic
1-9 p.m. — BMO Center — Ticket prices vary — Cheer on top hockey players as they showcase their skills at this all-star event.
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Galentine's Pop-Up
4-8 p.m. — Rockford City Market — Free entry — Celebrate friendship with themed drinks and local vendors for a fun Galentine's get-together.
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Valentine's Day Ski-Plane Fly-In
5 PM — Midtown District — Free entry — Enjoy a winter cookout with lots of fun and ski planes at Cottonwood Airport.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.
~ Franklin D. Roosevelt
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