Daily
Rockford
Monday, February 16th, 2026
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 16th of February.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Visitors can see the updated exhibit Traveling While Black: Visiting Rockford in the Era of The Green Book at Midway Village Museum — highlighting how local black-owned businesses filled service gaps before the Civil Rights Act — until Feb. 28. WIFR
- ➤ Rockford Park District offers In Full Bloom: Orchid Display at the Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, featuring orchids on clocks, cars, boats, and skis. Visitors can view the display during normal hours Tuesday-Sunday through March 15, with children 2 and younger admitted free and other visitors paying an admission fee. WIFR
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ High school students will learn about engineering careers at the Engineering the Future event at Rock Valley College — 3301 N. Mulford Road on Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will include a career expo, panel discussion, one-on-one employer meetings, guided tours, and lunch, with registration required. Rockford Register Star
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Bald eagles (once endangered) now winter in northern Illinois, as a nesting pair was seen at McHenry Dam in Moraine Hills State Park on Feb. 7; conservation groups hosted eagle watching (highlighting nature's comeback) and expect eaglets to hatch in March and April. Northern Public Radio
- ➤ University of Illinois Extension educator Peggy Anesi will lead a free program on coyotes at the Boone County Conservation District — 603 Appleton Road — on Saturday, Mar. 21 at 9 a.m. The session will explain how coyotes form family groups and adapt to neighborhood life. Rockford Register Star
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Starting Tuesday, Feb. 17, crews will repair water service on the 1200 block of Seminary Street, closing it at Baker Street for southbound traffic & offering limited local access. Expected work lasts one to three business days, so drivers should seek alternate routes. WIFR
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Real estate experts reported that Rockford's housing market increased in 2025, with home values rising nearly $15,000 and homes selling in about three weeks. New listings jumped almost 2% and lower interest rates are expected to boost buying power next year — showing consistent record performance. WIFR
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Coaches gathered yesterday for a youth clinic at Winnebago Middle School as Crossroads Community Church teamed with the local park district to boost coaching skills. USA certified coach Rich Sparling (with 40 years experience) led the session that focused on developing players' athletic and life skills. WIFR
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Dexter Patterson Meet & Greet and Book Signing
3-7 p.m. — RPL Nordlof Center — Free for general admission; VIP tickets available — Celebrate Black History Month with author Dexter Patterson sharing his passion for birding and signing his new book.
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An Evening with Laid Back Country Picker
7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Music Box — Cost not specified — A unique concert blending country rock with a powerful duo performance.
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An Evening with Freedy Johnston
8:00 – 10:00 p.m. — The Music Box — From $18.85 — Enjoy the poignant storytelling of acclaimed songwriter Freedy Johnston as he performs live.
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La Fe Norteña Concert
8 PM — Apollo Activity Center — $40.00 + Fees — Enjoy a night of vibrant Norteno music featuring La Fe Norteña and more.
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Charlie Berens Comedy Show
5-8 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with Emmy-winning comedian and author Charlie Berens.
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Fireside Music with Rockford Symphony Orchestra
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM — Anderson Japanese Gardens — Free entry — Enjoy a cozy atmosphere with live music from Rockford’s premier youth choir while savoring light lunches and pastries.
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
The world is changed by people who get up early.
~ Reid Hoffman
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