Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of December.
Good morning, Rockford.
🏘️ Community
The National Stuttering Association will launch a Rockford chapter to offer free programs for kids 7-17 who stutter; its first meeting is set from noon to 3 p.m. Jan.
3 (at Carlson Ice Arena in Loves Park) as a service project by the Rockford Christian Key Club (RC Key Club).
Rockford Rescue Mission will serve a free Christmas banquet on Dec.
24 from noon to 1 p.m. at 715 W. State St, prepared by staff and volunteers with community donations to mark this special holiday tradition.
Alpine Kiwanis Club began delivering winter items, including warm clothing and stuffed animals, to children at Booker Washington Center and other local centers on Wednesday and will continue through Friday, Dec.
19. Club president Roxanne Vanderheyden said the donations have been collected over two months to help the community.
🎭 Culture
The Rockford Symphony Orchestra will perform its annual Holiday Pops concert led by Pops Conductor Kevin Stites at the Coronado Theatre on Saturday, Dec.
20 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 21 at 3:00 p.m. and will feature youth choirs & a special appearance by Mayor Tom McNamara.
🎓 Education
Rockford Public Schools plans to hire Dr. Larry Huff as the new superintendent pending board approval.
He will replace Dr. Ehren Jarrett, who led the district for 13 years, and start his role in July 2026.
Nearly 2,000 teachers and staff at Rockford Public Schools have worked without a contract for four months as talks with the Rockford Education Association persist.
Mediation begins today to tackle key issues of salary, retirement, and workload amid concerns of losing educators.
🏛️ Government
South Beloit council approved Scott Fisher as the new fire chief to relaunch the fire department formerly managed by the Town of Beloit.
He will be sworn in Jan. 5 and plans to boost staffing with new hiring mixes + training local recruits.
🎉 Rockford Events
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Holiday Pops - Rockford Symphony Orchestra
3:00 – 4:30 PM — Coronado Theatre — $35-85 — A festive performance featuring nearly 200 community performers, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.
Sleigh Bar: A Holiday Pop-Up Experience
4-11 p.m. — Rockford City Market — Cost info not provided — Sip on festive cocktails and soak in the Christmas decor for a fun holiday season celebration.
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