La Salle County

Nicolaus Phillips says police had no business questioning him about an Ottawa shooting death without a lawyer present. Prosecutors say it’s a moot point because Phillips waived his rights. Who is correct? A La Salle County judge will settle that Friday, May 16.

The Starved Rock Country Community Foundation recently played a role in the 38th Annual Teen Showcase at Illinois Valley Community College.

La Salle County authorities have named the La Salle man killed when his electric bicycle was struck by a vehicle Friday on May Road in Peru.

The buds on the trees, the layers of greens, the sprouting of spring flowers – the sense of renewal in nature is a powerful metaphor for the rejuvenation in our lives.

Seneca head boys basketball coach Russ Witte announced late last week he'll be retiring from coaching to spend more time with his family.

The La Salle County Board wants to regulate wind and solar farms and has asked Springfield to tear up an existing law that limits its authority to do so.

With the TBM Avenger Reunion 10th anniversary show a little more than a month away, the organization is gearing up for an unforgettable event, to ensure everything runs smoothy Peru City Council purchased liability insurance, among approving other expenses.

Peru police are investigating a fatal crash reported at 10:58 p.m. Thursday in the 1200 block of May Road in the city’s north end.

Longtime Seneca head boys basketball coach Russ Witte announced Thursday he'll be retiring from coaching after recording 284 wins at Seneca and over 300 in his career.

A Somonauk 19-year-old was sentenced this week to 25 years and three months in prison after pleading guilty to kidnapping in connection to the repeated sexual assault of a minor, court records show.

An Earlville man pleaded guilty to gun and drug charges Thursday and faces up to 15 years in prison when he’s sentenced July 25.

Illinois State Police still is seeking information on suspects who laid roofing nails on emergency turnarounds on Interstate 80; but the agency said in a Thursday update there have been no new occurrences.

Let’s take a moment to celebrate all the individuals who put their names on the ballot - those who took the leap of faith to run for office, regardless of the outcome.

A La Salle County grand jury has indicted a La Salle woman for allegedly fracturing her baby’s leg and a Streator woman for firing shots during a neighborhood dispute.

Last Tuesday we lost Val Kilmer, a vastly underrated actor, who chiseled into our memories some great characters. Kilmer was only 65.

The La Salle County Genealogy Guild will host a free program at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at 115 W. Glover St., Ottawa.

The Peru City Council denied a petition Monday to redevelop a portion of the Peru Mall site for a proposed Starbucks, after the site was deemed “unbuildable.”

An Ottawa man awaits a detention hearing after discharging a pistol while children were present – and despite a felony record that precluded him from possessing a weapon.

The Mendota City Council voted unanimously Monday to install Jason Martin as head of the police department.

Easter is Sunday, April 20. In the weeks prior to the holiday, there are several Easter egg hunts and opportunities to meet the Easter bunny throughout La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties. Here is a list of upcoming events.

Gov. JB Pritzker wants to keep cell phones out of classrooms and wants policies implemented. Superintendents in the Illinois Valley say they’re already there.

The La Salle County Health Department is joining communities across the U.S. in recognizing National Public Health Week from April 7-13.

Hands off my healthcare. Hands off Social Security. Off Greenland. Off Medicare. The national parks. Disease research. Those were among the signs flashed Saturday in a protest against government overreach.

Ottawa Mayor Robb Hasty issued a lengthy statement Saturday in response to the latest news surrounding OSF’s plans for health care services in Ottawa, including what he sees are the next steps.

Illinois State Police troopers spent the pre-dawn hours Saturday picking up nails – possibly strewn intentionally – from the turnarounds on Interstate 80 in La Salle and Bureau counties.

Do you love spending time outdoors? Do you enjoy sharing your passion for the natural world with those around you? Would you like to help others connect with nature? If you answered yes, then you should consider becoming a U of I Extension Master Naturalist volunteer.

Arukah Institute of Healing has announced the acquisition of two new buildings to expand and enhance mental health and substance use services throughout the region.

La Salle County Clerk Jennifer Ebner reminded voters who cast provisional ballots on April 1 that they have until close of business Tuesday, April 8 to supply their identification

A Spring Valley man pleaded guilty to firing gunshots in La Salle – nobody was injured in the 2021 incident – and was sentenced to 18 months in prison.

A La Salle woman was released from custody Friday after a judge warned her she could face up to 30 years if convicted of fracturing her baby’s leg.

St. Bede Abbey and Academy announced the results of its annual St. Benedict’s Day of Giving, held March 21. The campaign raised $264,000 from 494 donors.

State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, is collaborating with Safe Journeys, a local nonprofit that specializes in sexual assault and domestic violence support, to host a Safety Planning event from 1 to 3 p.m. April 11, at Briel’s Ottawa district office.

The OSF HealthCare Foundation is accepting applications for loan assistance from residents of La Salle County who are pursuing a career in a patient health-related field.

Schools in La Salle, Putnam and Marshall counties recently held their annual spelling bees.

Here’s a look at how candidates across the Illinois Valley reacted to Tuesday’s unofficial election results.

I was cleaning celery the other day and thought about my mom.

According to unofficial results, Ken Kolowski held a 1,679 votes to 561 votes lead over Doug Bernabei with all precincts counted for Peru mayor. This is prior to early voting totals.

Voters this week in La Salle and Bureau counties determined who will make the important decisions regarding their communities, schools, townships, fire departments, parks and libraries. See the results here.

Here is a list of stories from our Tuesday, April 1, 2025, election coverage.

Mendota voters swept Mayor David Boelk back into office Tuesday – and if Tuesday’s results hold, with no changes to the City Council.

Polls have closed across the Illinois Valley. Here are five spotlight races we’ll be following.

Voter turnout was solid, if not spectacular, in La Salle-Peru thanks to contested mayoral races. Outside L-P, however, foot traffic at the polls was spotty, at best.

This spring, La Salle and Bureau county voters get to decide who will make the important decisions regarding their communities, schools, townships, fire departments, parks and libraries.

Chester Weger still is set for what attorneys termed a "mini-trial" – a chance to prove he didn’t commit the Starved Rock murders – but Weger’s judge set limits on what evidence can be disclosed before trial.

A La Salle man who was shot and killed by a law enforcement officer after police said he pointed a handgun at authorities during a standoff was identified Monday.

The La Salle County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday a crackdown on distracted driving.

With the price of eggs rising, a Bureau County woman has taken upon herself to give people an option to obtain their eggs from home — by starting Chickens for Rent.

A large police presence responded in the 600 block of Chartres Street in La Salle near La Salle-Peru High School.

The federal government cut funding to health agencies that could lead to service reductions, such as free vaccines. But an official at the La Salle County Health Department said Thursday it’s too soon to know the impact.

La Salle County CASA, an organization dedicated to ensuring every child, who has experienced abuse and neglect in the La Salle County Court system, has their voice heard, announced the appointment of Alexandria Wamhoff as its new executive director.