Saturday, February 28th, 2026
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 28th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Christ UMC moved Sunday services to Temple Beth-El Synagogue (1203 Comanche Drive) for worship at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on March 1 after an organ fire caused about $100,000 in damage. After service, congregants will join a 20-minute prayer walk in the church parking lot (4509 Highcrest Road). WIFR
- ➤ The 45th annual Rockford Home Show is underway at Mercyhealth Sportscore Two in Loves Park with over 200 vendors offering remodeling, landscaping, design services, expert talks, raffles, & family activities. It runs today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. WIFR
- ➤ After three years without a full-time veterinarian, Winnebago County Animal Services will hire one in June following a renewed agreement with Shelter Vet On-the-Go, which has provided care on limited days since April 2024; the new vet will boost in-house surgeries + reduce out-of-state transports. WIFR
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ New student correspondents from Whiteside Area Career Center's CEO program have begun launching their own businesses on Teachers' Lounge Radio Show on WNIJ, where local education stories and classroom reports are shared. The show strengthens community ties in Rockford. Northern Public Radio
- ➤ Missy Middleton, a theater teacher at Roscoe Middle School, retires after 35 years with her final production of 'Matilda Junior' on Mar. 6, 7, and 8 at various times, with tickets costing $5. Former student Cassidy Eddy will take over the director role next school year. WIFR
- ➤ Winnebago School District has installed 18 cameras on its buses to record drivers illegally passing when stops are extended — the system captured 10-12 incidents in the past 6 weeks, and screenshots are sent to police for follow-up. The technology was partly funded by a grant covering half of the $20,000 cost. WIFR
- ➤ Winnebago High School installed a Perry Weather system to alert students and staff of lightning and thunder dangers. The system sounds a long siren plus flashes a strobe light when conditions are dangerous and signals an all clear with three short sirens when it is safe to resume outdoor activities. WIFR
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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.
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Rock River Valley Model Train Show
10 AM – 5 PM — Harlem High School — $5 admission, kids 12 and under free — Explore vast displays of model trains and supplies while enjoying hourly door prizes.
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Melodies at the Museum
4:00 – 5:30 PM — Rockford Art Museum — $45 — Experience a blend of chamber music and art with insights from RSO musicians and a community reception.
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A Night of Cheap Trick Songs
7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Music Box — From $22.17 — Celebrate the sounds of Rockford's Hall of Fame band with MILES NIELSEN & KELLY covering their classics.
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Jesse & Joy Concert
7-10 p.m. — Hard Rock Casino Rockford — Ticket prices vary — Experience the beautiful melodies of Jesse & Joy during their El Despecho Tour.
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Rockford IceHogs vs. Iowa Wild Hockey Game
6:30-10:30 p.m. — BMO Center — Free food included — Enjoy an exciting AHL matchup and learn about sports chiropractic while cheering for the IceHogs.
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
Focus is saying no to good ideas.
~ Sam Altman
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