Sycamore defeated Ottawa 2-0 on Thursday, May 5, 2026 at Peck Park in Ottawa.

Peru firefighters were dispatched at 2:10 p.m. to a fire that broke out at a home in the 1900 block of Main Street, near the junction of Market, Main and Schuyler streets.

The Starved Rock Foundation, along with local photographers, businesses, and community members, presented a check representing the total funds raised to support preservation efforts at Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at the Starved Rock Visitors Center. A total of 533 caldndars were sold, and $16,228 was raised. The Miller Group Charitable Trust was this year’s presenting sponsor, which price-matched every calendar sold. Launched in 2020, this grassroots fundraiser has become a powerful way for the community to give back to two of Illinois' most treasured parks. We’d be honored to have your coverage of this meaningful moment.

Fire departments from Ottawa, Utica, Tonica, and Oglesby gathered for a rope rescue training on Saturday, May 2, 2026 in Wildcat Canyon at Starved Rock State Park. Firefighters train at the park each spring for real-life rescues. Wildcat Canyon has cliffs that are over 100 feet high, and it creates a real-life scenario environment for rescuers to practice.

In a protest advocating for workers' wages and the protection of the First Amendment, residents came to Washington Park in Ottawa. The protest was part of a nationwide movement, with Illinois Valley Indivisible organizing the event at Washington Park.

Dachshunds raced during the Doxie Derby on Saturday, May 2, 2026 next to the La Salle County Historical Society in Utica. The event was part of the Sip 'in' Snip Festival. Around a dozen dogs participated in the races. Proceeds from the event benefited Just Animals Shelter in Mazon.

Ottawa defeated Seneca 2-1 on Friday, May 1, 2026 at Seneca High School. Ottawa's Teagan Darif hit two solo home runs to give the Lady Pirates the victory.

Ottawa shut out L-P 10-0 on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at the L-P Athletic Complex in La Salle. The Pirates raised the Illinois River Rivalry trophy after knocking off the Cavaliers.

The Utica Knights of Columbus dontated $2,500 to the Illinois Valley Food Pantry on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 in Peru.