Daily
Rockford
Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Rockford community members and local officials mourn Reverend Jesse Jackson, who passed away Tuesday in Chicago at 84; arrangements for celebration of life services will be announced by his Rainbow PUSH Coalition. WIFR
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Gustafson's Furniture & Mattress in Rockford closed its doors again on Feb. 17 after briefly reopening for a restructuring aimed at addressing retirements. The store remains closed until further notice. Rockford Register Star
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ YWCA Northwestern Illinois is hosting the Women of Achievement Awards from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Monday, March 2 at Hard Rock Casino Rockford to celebrate local women and girls during Women’s History Month and feature keynote award-winning anchor Linsey Davis; ticket prices range from $135-$2,500. WIFR
- ➤ Rockford’s Sinnissippi Park hosted the 40th annual Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition on Feb. 14. Despite warm weather, adult and high school teams competed and won awards with creative designs (including a founding father sculpture and a guardian theme). Northern Public Radio
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Rock Valley College announced the Male Teacher Pathway Program today to support men exploring a career in teaching. The initiative offers advising and mentorship to help students transfer into four-year teacher preparation programs (contact Siaw for details). Rockford Register Star
- ➤ High school students learned about building trades and apprenticeship options at a three-day career expo organized by Project First Rate. Today they can attend sessions from 10 a.m. to noon and 1:15 to 3:15 p.m. at the Northern Illinois Electrical Apprenticeship and Training Center (619 Southrock Drive). WIFR
- ➤ Voters in Winnebago, Lee, and Ogle counties plus Rockford will vote on March 17 on a referendum asking if Illinois should join a federal program that provides student resources from public tax dollars, including support for private religious schools. WIFR
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Forest Preserves of Winnebago County announced they acquired 88 acres along the Sugar River in Shirland for the Paula Swanson Forest Preserve in honor of a longtime local birdwatcher (the county's 45th preserve). The land is open for walk-ins, and a dedication is planned for summer. WIFR
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Yesterday, the developer relaunched the $400M Colman Yards project with Rockford-based Ringland-Johnson Construction to rehab five historic buildings. Phase 1B will bring about 150 multifamily units and over 70,000 sqft of commercial space, with subcontractor bids closing this fall. WIFR
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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.
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52nd Annual Rockford RV, Camping, & Travel Show
2-4 p.m. — Indoor Sports Center — $8 adults, children free — Explore RVs, camping gear, and enjoy live entertainment with unique contests.
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
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Rockford
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