Catch up on the week’s top Illinois Valley news in minutes for Dec. 21-27. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

Two Mendota High School students have been selected for state music honors, and a third received community recognition.

Legislation establishing continuing education credits for pesticide license renewals was recently signed into law.

Work at a new research farm dedicated to advancing the Illinois Soybean Association’s farmer-focused efforts was featured at a media event.

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Stage 212 hosted its annual event, “New Year, New Friends: A Children’s New Year’s Eve" at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, at the theater, 700 First St., La Salle. Hosted by Elphaba and Glinda, “New Year, New Friends” featured characters from “Frozen,” “Paw Patrol” and more.

The following property transfers were recently recorded at the Bureau County Recorder of Deeds’ office in the Bureau County Courthouse.

The Mendota Community Unit School District board approved its final 2025 tax levy of $7,101,208 following a public hearing Dec. 15.

The following marriage licenses were recently recorded at the Bureau County Courthouse.

Established in 1936 by Sylvio “Rip” and Emma Gualandri, the establishment in Ladd has been serving chicken, crispies, pickles, fried appetizers, beer and liquor for 89 years.