Twenty-nine Earth Day projects were completed on as part of the United Way of Kankakee & Iroquois Counties’ annual Day of Action on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

With trash bags and grabbers in hand, volunteers set out on 29 Earth Day projects on Wednesday as part of the United Way of Kankakee & Iroquois Counties annual Day of Action.

OSF HealthCare Saint Katharine Medical Center is teeing up a new tradition that brings together fun, fellowship and philanthropy with the inaugural OSF Saint Katharine Golf Outing on July 9 at Timber Creek Golf Course in Dixon.

Two Oswego favorite spring events will be coming back this weekend to Prairie Point Community Park.

Bloom Lockport and the Lockport Township Park District are the latest Will County community organizations to launch a community garden initiative, designed to help residents grow their own produce.

The fourth annual Dement Town Music Fest will take place May 30 along Dixon's Depot Avenue, bringing a full day of live music, food, art and community to help kick off the summer season.

Non-hazardous bulk waste such as furniture, dried paint, tires (a maximum of four per residence), used motor oil, appliances, brushes, metal, tin, car batteries, bikes and electronics will be accepted.

The farmers market will be open from 7-11 a.m. every Wednesday and Saturday from May through October.

United Way of Lee County invites community members, partners, and supporters to attend its upcoming Campaign Celebration Luncheon taking place at noon Tuesday, May 12, at the Post House Ballroom in Dixon.

Veteran reporter Bob Okon was honored by Northern Illinois University as the recipient of the school’s Illinois Journalist of the Year award

The Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce has announced that Friday, May 15, to Sunday, May 17, will be the dates for the annual Rock Falls/Sterling spring community garage sales.

Tickets are now on sale for IVT’s spring show “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.”

Having trouble meeting new people and growing business connections? Get help at an April 22 speed networking session for Rock Falls businesses.

The Whiteside Forum will host Jessica Tosh on Sunday, April 26, to address the topic of homelessness. Tosh serves as a corps officer at the Salvation Army Sterling-Rock Falls Corps Community Center.

Dixon Public Works Director Matt Heckman received the Dixon Citizen of the Year Award Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Best of Dixon Awards.

The Northwest Illinois Film Office is proud to announce the return of its signature event, the sixth annual Northwest Illinois Film Festival: Shorts‑A‑Palooza 2026.

The event is happening from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday at the church, located at 409 Center Parkway in Yorkville.

Food Truck Mondays, a monthly event featuring regional food trucks in downtown Amboy, kicks off from 4-8 p.m. Monday in the Depot Museum parking lot in downtown Amboy.

The flexible Healthy Endeavors for Kids curriculum, available in English and Spanish, requires no clinical background to deliver, making it accessible for teachers, youth leaders and community staff, Endeavor said.

Performing Arts Guild will present "Paint Your Wagon" from April 17-19 and 24-26 at the Allure of Pinecrest Grove Community Theatre in Mt. Morris. Friday and Saturday show times will be 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Under Illinois law, citizens aged 55 and older may qualify for a multi-year auto insurance discount by completing the course.

Morrison Community Hospital has announced that Dr. David Powers joined the hospital April 1.

On April 19, St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church in Joliet will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its broadcast ministry

The winner of the inaugural Joliet Chamber Premier Raffle will win two monthly prizes.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. The annual gathering honors children whose lives are impacted by abuse and neglect. It also celebrates the CASA Kendall advocates

Sterling Main Street is excited to kick off a season of engines, entertainment and community connection with the Sterling Main Street Car Show on Sunday, May 3, at the Sterling Marketplace in the city’s downtown.

The Sons of The American Legion breakfast consists of biscuits and gravy, pancakes, scrambled eggs, potatoes, bacon, sausage, tomato juice, orange juice, milk, coffee, and an omelet station.

This 60-minute program is designed to help parents better understand teen driving risks and learn practical strategies to support and guide new drivers.

Guest speaker will be Eileen Detra, who teaches fitness classes, Silver Fit and Sit to be Fit, at Prophetstown Park District.

The Friends of the Lanark Public Library and the St. Wendelin Altar & Rosary Society will be hosting guest speaker and quilter Deb Lindahl and her “Stitching Together Memories” presentation at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 6.

The community with the greatest percentage of its population pleding to conserve water will receive a trophy at a future board meeting.

Restaurants that want to survive in 2026 need plenty of “creativity and adaptability,” according to the National Restaurant Association.

Residents can place household refuse, bulk items (i.e., chairs, couches, and mattresses), and white goods (i.e., refrigerators, washers, dryers, and water heaters) at the curb on their regular pickup day.

FACE (Fulton Association for Community Enrichment) has announced the 2026 grant application season will begin April 15 and extend to a May 31 deadline.

Signs may contain names or short messages only. Addresses, phone numbers, or political ads are strictly prohibited, the village of Montgomery said.

What brings joy to people? Whether it’s cozying up with a new story, learning a new skill, gathering with community or something else, the public can find joy at the Odell Public Library in Morrison.

The event remains free and open to the public.The event will take place from noon to 1 p.m. outside the Timbers of Shorewood main entrance, 1100 N. River Road in Shorewood.

“This incredible outpouring of support truly reflects the strength and compassion of our community,” said Deb Condotti, President/CEO of Easterseals Joliet Region.

Family, friends and city officials were among those at a ceremony to honor Duenez, who died a year ago during an Army training mission in Lithuania.

The public is invited to the event, which includes a memorial sign for Sgt. Duenez, who died a year ago in an Army training mission.

Discover Dixon is announcing the launch of its 2026 Downtown Banner Program, inspired by the upcoming America 250 celebration. The banners feature a bold red, white, and blue design that honors the nation’s history.

Youths ages 14 to 18 can register for the 4-H ServSafe Manager Certification Course. The course teaches food safety principles, proper food handling and sanitation, food-borne illness prevention and leadership in food service environments.

The City of Crest Hill is hosting a community Easter Egg hunt for families on Saturday.

The community-wide event is designed to bring together alumni, families, friends, and local organizations for a morning of teamwork, exploration, and school pride – all while raising funds to support educational field trips for Sterling students.

Help local charities by donating items to Yorkville Congregational UCC's spring rummage sale on April 17-18.

Powell set storing records in high school and at Illinois State University and came back home to make a difference in his community.

The award is presented by the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Community

Galloway is an officer known nationally and internationally as a presenter and award-winning expert in substance abuse prevention, education and enforcement.

The Illinois Housing Development Authority Access Home program provides eligible homebuyers with up to $15,000 for assistance on a 30-year, fixed rate mortgage on existing homes and new construction.

Woodlawn Arts Academy is proud to exhibit artwork from talented students and staff from all over the Sauk Valley area and is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 student-teacher art exhibit.