Shaw Local

News   •   Sports   •   Obituaries   •   eNewspaper   •   The Scene

Local News | NewsTribune

When Halloween is over, remember to recycle your pumpkins

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.

By Jenna Braasch, University of Illinois Extension

Photos: Peru's Illinois Valley Auto Group hosts Trunk or Treat

Peru's Illinois Valley Auto Group hosts Trunk or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, with games and trick-or-treating.

By MaKade Rios ●

Halloween safety: Avoid fire hazards with decorations, choose safe costumes

Each year from 2017 to 2019, an estimated average of 9,200 fires were reported to fire departments in the U.S. over a three-day period around Halloween, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

By Judy Harvey●

Your guide to the March 2026 primary in the Illinois Valley

March 17 marks the 2026 primary, where La Salle, Bureau and Putnam county voters can pull a Democratic or Republican ballot to pick who appears on the ballot come November. All voters, partisan or not, can weigh in on referendum questions.

By Emily K. Coleman●

Teen falls 30 feet at Matthiessen State Park

A 16-year-old was taken to OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in Peru after falling about 30 feet on Friday at Matthiessen State Park, Illinois Conservation Police Sgt. Phil Wire said.

By Maribeth M. Wilson●

Photos: Utica and Oglesby firefighters called for rescue at Matthiessen State Park

Utica and Oglesby firefighters and paramedics were called to Matthiessen State Park for a 16-year old male who fell approximately 30 feet in the area of Cedar Point overlook on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 in Oglesby. Utica and Oglesby Fire and EMS responded to the park just before 1p.m. The victim from Elmhurst, fell down part of an embankment near the Cedar Point area in the park. Rescuers transported him to the Matthiessen shelter using a six-wheeler and then transferred him by ambulance to OSF St. Elizabeth Peru. The patient suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

By Scott Anderson●