The Putnam County Public Library District will host several programs and events in July.

The Voluntary Action Center of Northern Illinois recently announced the appointment of Rick Burchell as the organization’s next executive director.

Ottawa Pride Fest is Saturday, June 13 in downtown Ottawa.

Annie from Shaw Local Radio interviewed Meredith Donahue of Puntnam County Community Theater for their production of Aladdin Jr. The production is this weekend

The Putnam County baseball program has qualified for state in every full decade since the school opened. The 2026 Panthers play North Clay in Friday's semifinals in the school's seventh state appearance.

The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, issued Tornado Watch 308 at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, affecting 20 Illinois counties until 11 p.m.

The University of Illinois Extension will offer a free monthly Lunch N Learn Series for adults from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays July 8, Aug. 5, Sept. 9, Oct. 7, Nov. 11 and Dec. 9 at Nell’s Woodland, 2000 Alexis Ave., Ottawa.

The Second Story Teen Center in Princeton will celebrate one year in its new building with a event next week.

Audrey Carver of Minneapolis is painting a large 56x25-foot Audubon Mural Project on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 on the side of Jens Jungle store located at 707 Jefferson Street in Mendota. The drawing depicts threatened bird species and illustrates the ecology of Lake Kakusha’s habitats, capturing the diversity and interconnectedness of Illinois ecosystems. The city of Mendota will hold Painted Wings and Wild Things: A Celebration of Art, Nature & Place on Sunday, June 14 to unveil the mural. A second mural will begin this week on Illinois Avenue.