Illinois Valley - Shaw Local

Kewanee got three extra outs with the help of two Princeton errors and a dropped third strike in the second inning, hitting the ball out of the infield just once and scoring four runs to take a 6-1 lead. Kewanee tacked on four more runs in the sixth in an eventual 10-5 win.

The Arts of Starved Rock Country Fund distributed $13,931.47 in grants to 11 arts and cultural organizations this spring, supporting everything from summer theater camps to art therapy programs for brain injury survivors.

Five graduating seniors from Bureau County high schools who have enlisted in the military were recognized this May during commencement activities and presented with financial support to help cover the cost of required military gear.

The George A. Hunter Memorial Fund has awarded its first annual grant to Oglesby Washington Junior High School’s library.

Central Bank Illinois is bringing back its summer concert series at the Central Bank Pavilion, 218 North State Street, with 13 free shows running May 30 through September 26.

Putnam County High School has recognized its top 10 students of the 2025-2026 school year based on academic achievement.

Streator Township High School has named 10 students as May Students of the Month.

The River Bend Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry will distribute food on Saturday, May 30, at the Bureau County Fairgrounds.

McKinley Elementary School in Ottawa announced its May Champions of the Charter students.

The University of Illinois Extension will explore Illinois’s prehistoric past through Mazon Creek fossils on June 25.

The University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists will offer a beginner yoga class outdoors on June 20 at Matthiessen State Park.

Emersyn Ledergerber and Emily Wright are the 2026 recipients of the Edith I. Boyd scholarships at Bureau Valley High School.

One of the staples of Memorial Day weekend in the Illinois Valley is the opening of public pools, providing residents with an opportunity to cool off and relax as school comes to a close.

Catch up on the week’s top Illinois Valley news in minutes for May 17-23. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

The Streator library is hosting a week of activities for kids and families June 1–6.

The Illinois Valley Parkinson’s Support Group will meet Monday, June 1, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the North Utica Fire Station.

The University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists are inviting the community to listen to bats.

Stage 212 in La Salle will offer “Theater Basics” and “Audition Boot Camp” children’s theater summer camps from Monday, June 8, through Friday, June 12.

Sandwich's Sunny Weber and Somonauk's Alexis Punslan earned repeat titles on Saturday at the IHSA girls track and field state championships. Plus, more results from around the Times area.

Mendota junior Mariyah Elam won the 2A high jump title, St. Bede's Lily Bosnich and Henry-Midland's Daniella Bumber each won multiple medals and more results in Saturday's NewsTribune roundup.

The Princeton girls soccer team saw its best season in years end with a 4-0 loss to Alleman in Saturday’s 1A regional finals at Bryant Field. Their 17 wins this season has put the Tigresses back on the map as a team to be reckoned with and created excitement in the community.

Ava Balestri hit a bases-clearing in the sixth inning to help the St. Bede softball team rally to beat Prairie Central 5-3 to claim its fifth straight regional title.

The Ottawa girls soccer team scored three times in overtime to record a crazy 9-6 victory over Orion/Sherrard Untied in Saturday's Class 2A Orion Regional championship match. The title is the first in program history for the Pirates.

Illinois Valley Community College recently announced the establishment of the Starved Rock Historical and Educational Foundation’s first scholarship.

Stage 212 will hold auditions for its 2026 off-season production of the musical comedy “Firebringer” at 6 p.m. Friday, May 29, and at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 30.