Special Olympics supporters hopes to rake in $35,000 after dozens of bathers took part in a Saturday polar plunge in Mendota.

Mayor Robert Hasty of Ottawa joined a group of Illinois River mayors and Corn Belt Ports members in Peoria this week to officially launch the Illinois River Cities and Towns Initiative.

Local quilter, Gary Riss, has one of his quilts at the current QuiltCon Quilt Show.

The Illinois Valley Community College Board of Trustees recently approved tenure for five faculty members and commended the talented group of instructors who engage students in their respective fields of art, agriculture, chemistry, criminal justice and nursing. 

Tobias Burkey and Kealey Rick were selected as the senior students of the Month by Ottawa Sunrise Rotary. 

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Hundreds dove into Lake Mendota for the 8th Annual Polar Plunge on February 22, 2025 in Mendota. Funds for the event support Special Olympics.

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Students from Trinity Catholic Academy in La Salle, Peru Catholic School and Holy Family School in Oglesby came together for an All Schools Mass on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 in La Salle. The Most Reverend Bishop Louis Tylka, Bishop of Peoria announced a new name for the three schools calling it Carlo Acutis. Last year, the Catholic Diocese of Peoria announced the consolidation of the three schools.

Candidates for the Illinois Valley Community College Board of Trustees will participate in a public forum at noon Wednesday, March 5, in the Dr. Mary Margaret Weeg Cultural Centre. 

When Rebecca Peura and Paige Sons wanted to advance in their dental health care careers, they chose Illinois Valley Community College to propel them forward.