Illinois Valley - Shaw Local

The Covered Bridge Quilters Guild will hold its monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 7 at the New Hope Church of the Nazarene, Princeton.

The city of La Salle is amending its process for certifying non-highway motor vehicles by removing the stipulation that the vehicles must be certified by an ASE-certified mechanic.

How many TBM Avengers will fly into the May 15-16 show? City officials hope for 10 but think there will be 20,000 visitors -- along with a big revenue boost for the city.

Liberty Village of Streator has been named the Streator Chamber of Commerce’s Member of the Month for April 2026.

The Putnam County Public Library District’s Condit branch will host a Docs & Dialogue screening of “I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story,” at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 7.

Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of La Salle-Bureau-Putnam Counties Jessica Brayfield said that Habitat for Humanity is hoping to break ground in May and looking to have the project completed by the end of August or beginning of September.

The Sunrise Rotary Club of Ottawa recognized two students as May Students of the Month.

Princeton Public Library raised $700 during its “Library Giving Day” fundraiser on Tuesday, April 4.

The Putnam County softball team topped Dwight, the Mendota softball team won big and more in Wednesday's NewsTribune roundup.

Ottawa fell behind by four runs early but got its bats going in the fifth inning en route to a 10-7 victory over La Salle-Peru on Wednesday.

Call it twin telepathy if you will, but Braden Curran knew his brother, Jack, was going to come through for the Hall Red Devils. And Jack delivered, bringing in his twin with a walk-off single to left field to lift the Red Devils to an 8-7 win over IVC.

Eastin McBroom pitched another gem for Newark baseball, Ottawa baseball made it 2 for 2 against its archrival this season, and Earlville softball outslugged Newark, plus more in The Times Wednesday Roundup.

The Marquette softball team suffered its first Tri-County Conference loss in extra innings to St. Bede on Tuesday, while Serena blanked Somonauk/Leland in a battle of teams previously unbeaten in Little Ten Conference play. Plus more results from around the Times area.

Shaw Local Radio’s Day Jones interviews Derek Barichello, the director of the Streator Area CEO Program, and Julianna Chavez, Colin Cunningham, and Abigail Galvan, three students in the program

The Putnam County Public Library District’s Granville branch will host “Hidden History of the First Ladies” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 6.

The 26th Annual Kid’s Free Fishing Expo will take place from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 9 at Baker Lake in Peru.

The Putnam County Public Library District’s McNabb branch will hold a free screening of “Miles, Morale, and Memories: Bob Hope and World War II” at 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 6.

Here’s a look at Bureau County baseball leaders for the 2026 season, including players from Bureau Valley, Hall, Princeton and St. Bede

Officer Jessiel Moreno successfully completed his academy and field training, and is now ready for solo patrol.

This gathering will be more than a farmers market, it will be a homecoming to celebrate local makers, local artists, shared memories and the remarkable legacy of a place that served generations.

Ottawa Noon Rotary donated $1,500 to the Ottawa YMCA’s Annual Giving Campaign, helping to expand access to vital programs and services that strengthen the local community.

The Putnam County Public Library District’s Granville branch will hold a free screening of “The Grocery List Show” at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 5.

“Illinois Archaeology: The Deep Roots of the Prairie State,” a travelling exhibit from the Illinois State Archaeological Survey, wil be displayed in May at Princeton Public Library.

The workshop introduces participants to the square-foot gardening approach and guides them step-by-step in developing a personalized garden plan.

Here’s a look at the top Bureau County boys track & field athletes representing ALO, Bureau Valley, Hall, Princeton and St. Bede as of April 29, 2026