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Rockton-Roscoe News: Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026

Death notices, South Beloit Fire contract, new forest preserve, what our editors think about at night

Rockton-Roscoe News Staff Community Calendar

Rockton-Roscoe News Staff, Community Calendar

— 4 min read
Rockton-Roscoe News: Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026
Inspecting the Paula Swanson Forest Preserve on the Sugar River near Shirland, IL.

Information from the Rockton-Roscoe News - news only about Rockton, Roscoe, South Beloit, and Shirland. Today's newsletter includes a subscriber-only editorial, in which Associate Editor Alycia Dioneda Schneedle shares why we do what we do.

Death notices for the far Stateline: Feb. 17, 2026
We remember those who are no longer with us in Rockton, Roscoe, and South Beloit.
Rockton-Roscoe NewsMichael McGinnis
Details behind the South Beloit contract with Metro Paramedic Services
A three-year contract, 1.4 million dollar contract will provide one fire chief and three staff per 24-hour shift. Opportunities for paid on-call firefighters to follow.
Rockton-Roscoe NewsAdam Neblock
Editorial: We knew this was coming
When a story touches politics, we brace for the comments. We told you what happened. The reaction became its own story.
Rockton-Roscoe NewsAlycia Dioneda Schneedle
  • The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County has acquired a new forest preserve, located off W. Winslow Road in Shirland, IL along the Sugar River. Paula Swanson Forest Preserve is the 45th forest preserve and is open to walk-in traffic only. Marked trails will be added later. An official opening is expected to be celebrated this summer. Its wetland and river frontage habitats are home to a variety of waterfowl, songbird, amphibian, and reptile species.

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Today’s events

50 North, Senior Activity Event: Soup’s On!
Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 1-3 pm, Rockton Township Community Center at 302 Main St., Rockton IL 61072
Rockton-Roscoe NewsDiana LaForge
What Rockton officials will be discussing in the weeks ahead
Rockton leaders have a busy stretch ahead, with multiple meetings scheduled to address redevelopment plans, budget changes, and a proposed multi-use path along Old River Road.
Rockton-Roscoe NewsAlycia Dioneda Schneedle
Here’s what’s on the agenda for Roscoe trustees this week
The Roscoe Village Board of Trustees will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17 at Village Hall, 10631 Main St. A Committee of the Whole meeting is scheduled immediately following the board meeting.
Rockton-Roscoe NewsAlycia Dioneda Schneedle
Check the latest forecast from Rockton weatherman Mark Henderson.

In case you missed it

Lunch detentions follow Hononegah student walkout
Days after a student walkout at Hononegah High School, questions continue to surface regarding disciplinary actions, and communication to families.
Rockton-Roscoe NewsHarold Bone
South Beloit City Council to meet Monday
Annexation, equipment purchases, and a deputy clerk hire are among the items on Monday’s South Beloit City Council agenda.
Rockton-Roscoe NewsAlycia Dioneda Schneedle
Hononegah rolls in Monday night playoff game against Jefferson, 78–47
Early and often the Indians caused turnovers and got buckets against its NIC 10 foe
Rockton-Roscoe NewsHarold Bone

Focused solely on Rockton, Roscoe and South Beloit, at the Rockton-Roscoe News we've published more than six thousand stories and events since 2021, with swift, free home delivery to your email box. Our work were read more than a million times last year.

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