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Crews remove the sidewalk at the corner of Jefferson and Main Street on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025 in Mendota. The City of Mendota is reconstructing sidewalks to comply with ADA accessibility. The project includes 2,100 square feet of sidewalk, 184 feet of curb and gutter, asphalt patching and other miscellaneous improvements.

Illinois Valley Community College recognized three retired professionals with emeritus status during the Tuesday, Oct. 21, Board of Trustees meeting.

The suspect in the Streator City Park shooting will stand trial Feb. 2.

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Dozens of longtime customers, friends and families gathered at The Rootbeer Stand in Oglesby on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, to say thank you to Sam's Pizza owner Sammy Leone during a meet and greet organized to celebrate his retirement.

The Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Vintage Vines hosted a ribbon-cutting on Thursday, Oct. 23 to celebrate the continued growth of downtown Spring Valley.

The Oglesby Elks will hold their inaugural “Sip and Shop” event on Saturday, Nov. 8.

Mort’s Pub set a new fundraising record by raising $17,000 for the Illinois Veterans Home in La Salle during its annual golf outing, surpassing last year’s $14,000 donation.

In the fall, natural areas often become dumping spots for yard waste, pumpkins, straw, and other organic decorations. Many think that a thrown-away pumpkin will break down and disappear. Not exactly.

Catch up on the week’s top Illinois Valley news in minutes for Oct. 19-25. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you