Illinois Valley - Shaw Local

The City of Mendota is sending a letter of intent to the Illinois Valley YMCA to transfer operations of the Mendota YMCA branch to the City, following the IV YMCA’s announcement of its decision to stop funding, operating and managing the Mendota branch, starting this fall.

The Ottawa softball team - behind two home runs from winning pitcher Kennedy Kane - topped Rochelle on Wednesday while the Seneca baseball/softball teams rolled to wins, and the Ottawa girls soccer team set a program record for wins. Plus, more results from around the Times area.

The La Salle-Peru baseball team lost a conference game, plus more results in Wednesday's NewsTribune roundup.

Graduate student Kiri Kumagawa recently visited the Hegeler Carus Mansion in La Salle to view its rare modern Japanese paintings.

A La Salle County grand Jury convened Tuesday and returned the following indictments.

A Friday drug raid in Peru yielded 3 ounces of purported cocaine plus a Class X drug charge for the occupant.

Years of community effort in Streator will culminate later this month with the grand opening of Logan’s Oasis Playground at Marilla Park later this month.

Over the weekend at Blackstone Park in Mendota, some teenagers were seen messing around on the basketball courts, with one climbing up a picnic table from the pavilion to get up and sit on the rim of the basketball hoop.

A La Salle County man was picked up on a warrant and will be remanded to Iowa to face a charge of sex abuse.

Ottawa's Adam Swanson continues to surge, Streator and Serena pitching staffs have been solid, and Marquette to face a pair of solid opponents on Saturday in The Times Baseball Notebook.

The IHSA released its 2026 softball postseason schedules Wednesday. Here are the paths awaiting teams from across the Illinois Valley, including Seneca, Princeton, Ottawa, La Salle-Peru, Streator, St. Bede, Marquette and more.

The Streator City Council will meet Wednesday night to continue the discussion of updating city laws regarding non-highway vehicles.

Putnam County High School sophomore Lydia Schaper was recently awarded “3-D Art Best of Show” at the annual IVCC Student Art Show held from Monday, April 13, through Friday, April 24.

For many in Streator, the arrival of the brown UPS truck often meant more than just their package being delivered- it meant seeing a familiar and friendly face. For almost half a century, that face belonged to Spring Valley native Jim Bezely.

The meal is free and open to the public. There are dine-in or carryout options available.

The information will assist the health department in selecting community health priorities to focus on for five years. The survey lasts 10 to 15 minutes and is anonymous.

The Hegeler Carus Mansion will host a Gala: Biergarten & Steampunk Fashion Show fundraiser to commemorate the 150th anniversary of its completion from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, in the Grove at the Mansion.

The Ottawa baseball team split a pair of games with Sycamore on Tuesday, while Somonauk and Serena both won to share the Little Ten Conference title. Plus, more results from around the Times area.

Henry-Midland's Daniella Bumber won four events at the Tri-County Conference Meet, Mendota baseball beat Bureau Valley and more in Tuesday's NewsTribune roundup.

The Newman Comets strive to do three things well every time they step onto the ball diamond - hit, pitch and play good defense. They did all three enroute to a 9-1 win at Princeton in a Three Rivers East tussle at Prather Field.

Sycamore senior pitcher Bella Jacobs, despite a blister on the thumb of her pitching hand, fired a four-hit shutout with 11 strikeouts against Ottawa at Peck Park on Tuesday to help the Spartans clinch the outright Interstate 8 Conference championship.

The Putnam County Public Library District is pleased to announce three free, educational programs taking place in May at the Condit Branch, open to the public at no cost.

The Putnam County Public Library District announced Monday a series of free, educational programs taking place throughout May at the Granville branch.

Peru police are getting a new patrol officer and his last name will be familiar to city residents. Aidan DeGroot is the son of Sgt. Scott DeGroot and nephew of recently retired Sgt. Ed DeGroot.

The Putnam County Public Library District announced Monday a series of free educational programs taking place throughout May at the McNabb branch.