Reddick Public Library in Ottawa has scheduled several events for the week of Jan. 1, including movie screenings, escape rooms and club meetings.

Catch up on the week’s top Illinois Valley news in minutes for Dec. 14-20. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

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Santa Claus took time out of his busy schedule to parade through Utica on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025. The Utica Fire Protection District has been hosting Santa since December 1941 and is one of the oldest Santa parades in the Illinois Valley.

Janel Cabadas, a lifelong Oswego resident, becomes the new Earthmover Credit Union CEO on Jan. 1

Senior Watchdog, a Medicare and retirement planning company, has moved to a new location at 910 Shooting Park Road in Peru.

State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, who represents the 76th House District covering parts of DeKalb, La Salle and Bureau counties, is hosting the event.

Patricia Glade turns leftover bread into donations for Illinois Valley Community College’s food pantry through her program “Crumbs for a Cause,” according to an IVCC news release.

Ottawa Township High School will induct Dr. Richard “Dick” Martin into its Hall of Fame in 2026.

The Bureau County Farm Bureau will be closed Dec. 23-26 for the Christmas holiday.