Tom Collins

Tom Collins

Reporter

Tom Collins holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Rutgers University and a master's in journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He began reporting in La Salle in May 1996 and has been with Shaw Media since September 2019.

Latest from Tom Collins

2 held in Streator drug sting that recovered cocaine, multiple firearms, $50,000 of stolen items

Police seized more than 200 grams of cocaine, multiple firearms and stolen goods worth more than $50,000. A trio of men are accused of overseeing the year-long criminal enterprise.

By Tom Collins●

4 charged in Mendota for underage alcohol sales

Employees at four Mendota businesses were cited Tuesday for illegal sale of alcohol to underage persons following a joint investigation by the Mendota Police Department and Illinois State Police.

By Tom Collins●

4 charged in drug, theft ring in Streator

Four Streator men were charged Tuesday with the seldom-filed felony of criminal drug conspiracy. Streator police said other suspects in a drug and theft ring would be charged, as well.

By Tom Collins●

Oglesby to discuss restructured government? Finley calls out mayor for advancing petition for change

A petition is circulating to restructure Oglesby government. The Oglesby City Council might task the Planning Commission with studying that proposal. It won't happen without a fight.

By Tom Collins●

Elections results official: Jensen to return as La Salle County Board chairman

Republicans officially maintained control of the La Salle County Board after final election results were released Tuesday.

By Tom Collins●

Here is who filed to run for city councils across La Salle, Bureau counties

The April 2025 ballot is starting to take shape in the Illinois Valley. Here is who filed in La Salle, Mendota, Oglesby, Peru, Princeton, Spring Valley, Streator and Utica.

By Derek Barichello, Bill Freskos, Tom Collins and Maribeth M. Wilson●

Mendota acquires vacant downtown building

The City of Mendota is acquiring a vacant downtown building at 601 Eighth St.

By Tom Collins●

Illinois Valley Democrats to meet, host holiday party Dec. 18

Illinois Valley Democrats will not meet in November because of the Thanksgiving holiday.

By Tom Collins●

Utica retail plaza on a timeline to open in May

Utica Mayor David Stewart confirmed Thursday construction of the Market on Mill, the village’s outdoor retail plaza, should be completed by mid-December.

By Tom Collins●

Ottawa woman pleads guilty of lying in home invasion

The last charged suspect in the armed Ottawa home invasion, during which shots were fired, has pleaded guilty to a felony.

By Tom Collins●

Ottawa man loses appeal in child sexual assault

An Ottawa man serving 18 years for sexually assaulting a child struck out with an appeals court Thursday.

By Tom Collins●

Ottawa completes installation of FLOCK cameras in city parks

Ottawa Police announced Friday the completion of camera installation at city parks, ensuring prompt response times when trouble ensues.

By Tom Collins●

Utica’s tax base grew $4.4 million, Village Board to review its options

Utica’s tax base grew by more than $4.4 million. That gives the Utica Village Board a few choices: bring in extra money, grant tax relief or a little of both.

By Tom Collins●

Judge orders man Streator police call ‘Clyde’ to stay locked up this time

A judge was thinking about giving Nicholas Huber more of a shot at pre-trial release. A call from La Salle County Jail may have changed the judge’s mind.

By Tom Collins●

Oglesby American Legion to host Nov. 21 steak fry

Oglesby American Legion, 410 Clark St., will host its monthly steak fry 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21.

By Tom Collins●