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Hi Rockford, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Fire department reboot after a chief’s resignation, snow sculptors vying for a state title, a paranormal tour, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Rebuilding local emergency response: South Beloit restarted the fire department plans after Chief Scott Fisher resigned in January, with Town of Beloit covering calls until October 1 as officials focus on staffing the station — see what’s planned next.
Prestigious honors announced: Several Ogle County students were named among Rockford University’s fall 2025 Distinguished Scholars, recognizing academic excellence. Honorees earned at least a 3.5 GPA and met program requirements — get all the details.
Key public works and fiscal updates: Peoria County’s committee approved seven resolutions in January, while the board approved a $249,000 budget amendment and the committee recommended Rockford’s William Charles Construction for a $1,344,063.60 road contract — get all the details.
Health experts share prevention guidance: UW Health said respiratory illness reached very high levels in Illinois after season’s first pediatric flu death, and Rockford families are urged to get vaccinated and practice basic prevention — see expert prevention advice.
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your IRA or portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: Insurance prices drop all the time, but you’ll only know if you check. I assumed my rate was fine until I compared options and realized I was leaving real money on the table. It took a minute to check and instantly showed better offers for where I live. If it’s been more than a few months, you should probably run this comparison tool here.
One pet emergency can easily cost $7,000+ but pet insurance helps ease the financial and emotional burden. It’s something I wish I’d had after spending $10k on last-minute surgery for my cat (her name is Miss Stache). I learned my lesson and signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
A century-spanning hockey tribute: Rockford IceHogs will celebrate the AHL’s 90th and the Blackhawks’ 100th season with a retro logo and jerseys. The design features Hammy in a Steamboat Willie style. Throwbacks will be worn at the BMO Center against the Milwaukee Admirals on February 14 and 15. Get all the details.
Emerging athlete in spotlight: Big cheers for Machesney Park’s Jiharia Young. The local girls flag football standout was chosen to represent the Chicago Bears and Invisalign in San Francisco during Super Bowl LX festivities. She’ll join skills events, tournament play, and player appearances. Young also stars in track and basketball and earned all-state honors. See what she’ll be doing.
Treasure hunt with purpose: Whether you’re after a quirky lamp, sturdy dishware, or a new-to-you jacket, Rockford Rescue Mission Thrift Store delivers steady treasures, and every purchase fuels local recovery programs. Aisle wandering often pays off, and something unexpectedly perfect might find you.
Sushi night, sorted: Whether you’re plotting a cozy night in or a treat-yourself Tuesday, I Luv Sushi delivers classic nigiri, playful signature rolls, and shareable platters (yes, The Rockford Platter is real). Fresh, consistent bites and easy online ordering make weeknights feel special with minimal effort.
A smart way to save on big purchases: When costs hit the tens of thousands, credit card and personal loan interest racks up fast. A HELOC lets you tap into your home’s equity as a flexible line of credit at a lower rate… all without refinancing your mortgage. I’ve been looking into this myself, and Figure’s HELOC stood out for its 100% online application, no in-person appraisal, and quick access to cash.
Your neighbors are Googling you:It’s an uncomfortable thought, but people search names all the time — employers, new friends, other parents at school pickup. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up on the first page, it can shape how people see you before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so the first impression you make actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s not your name, you can help a friend or family member with that too.
Get clarity on financial decisions: Managing retirement, taxes, and investments alone can feel overwhelming, especially during big life transitions. Financial advisors provide holistic guidance, help reduce risk, and keep emotions away from costly decisions. I found a tool called Unbiased that matches you with the right financial advisor based on your personal situation so you can get a second opinion… it never hurts.
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📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🎙 Rat Pack Night @ Tad’s on the Rock | Friday (2/6) at 6:00 PM – Rat Pack Night is back with crooners, swing standards, and the kind of dancing you feel tomorrow. Stroll in like you own the joint, or do the grown-up thing and reserve a table at 815-654-3500, martinis encouraged, comfortable heels, and smug nostalgia, too.
🎹 Dueling Pianos @ Mercyhealth Sportscore Two | Friday (2/6) at 6:00 PM – Dueling pianos are taking over Fozzy’s Skybox with an all-request, sing-along showdown benefiting Mercyhealth’s MD-1 emergency response team. You get your favorite guilty-pleasure hits, they get funding for the folks who bring the ER curbside, everyone goes home happy. Tickets are $75.
👻 Paranormal Tour & Gallery Reading @ Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens | Friday (2/6) at 7:00 PM – Bring your curiosity, and head to Tinker Swiss Cottage for a gallery reading followed by a paranormal tour. Psychic Medium DeEtte debuts, taking questions and passing messages from the other side. Then Larry Eissler III brings gadgets for a polite chat with the Tinkers.
🛒 Bizarre Bazaar @ Cataclysm Games | Saturday (2/7) at 10:00 AM – Spring cleaning for nerds calls for Bizarre Bazaar, where your dusty board games, half-painted minis, and lonely TCG binder become store credit and someone else’s project. Stake a table, wheel and deal, and leave with a new army, a clearer shelf, and no buyer’s remorse.
🌌 Journey Through the Solar System @ Rockford Public Library | Saturday (2/7) at 10:00 AM – Trade the playground for stargazing at the YS planetarium, where Space Case Sarah leads a witty tour of our solar system. Kid friendly, adult approved, and the first 15 families snag a signed Bali and Zorg Explore the Moon!, which beats another plastic trinket.
❄ Snowshoeing Excursion @ Kieselburg County Forest Preserve | Saturday (2/7) at 1:00 PM – Layer up and stomp around Kieselburg Forest Preserve with Rocktown Adventures, a snowshoe hike that makes winter feel less like penance. They teach the basics, you get fresh air, bragging rights, and a better mood. Only 24 spots, so register and bring your ticket.
🎨 Kids Create – Love Tree @ Womanspace of Rockford, Illinois | Saturday (2/7) at 1:00 PM – Hand your Picassos to Womanspace Rockford for a one hour Kids Create session about a love tree, nature, and recycled materials. Ages 6 to 12, 7 and up can fly solo, younger need a sidekick. You get sixty minutes, they get art.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Rockford report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 32°F – Low: 26°F – Precip: 50%
Scattered snow showers before noon. Cloudy, with a high near 32. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible. Later: A chance of snow showers between midnight and 3am, then a chance of snow showers and a chance of sleet and a slight chance of freezing rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. West wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
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Tomorrow – High: 38°F – Low: 8°F – Precip: 19%
A slight chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. Northwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 8.
This house is wild
Updated for comfort and entertaining, this home features an open plan with an expansive breakfast bar. Spa touches include a jetted tub, tiled walk-in shower, and generous closets. The finished walk-out basement adds a wet bar, kitchenette, and backyard access. Upgrades include new flooring, barn doors, and central air. Outside, a fenced three-quarter-acre yard and a heated 5-car garage await.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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