Illinois Valley - Shaw Local

Putnam County Public Library District’s Condit branch announces early July programs.

Putnam County Public Library District’s McNabb branch announces early July programs

Wednesday brought high winds clocked at more than 50 mph and La Salle Speedway and Event Center certainly felt it. Damage to the facility forced owners to cancel its July 2 events.

An Ottawa man charged in an April 18 shooting at an Ottawa tavern (the victim survived) waived his right to a speedy trial Friday and will be tried later this summer.

Catch up on the week’s top Illinois Valley news in minutes for June 21-27. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

Illinois Valley communities are launching fireworks displays this summer, with shows running from late June through early August.

When you’re helping someone, don’t think about the task or if you can do it correctly. It’s not about how much you can or cannot do.

We are proud to present the 2026 Times All-Area Softball Team, filled with standouts from Newark, Serena, Somonauk/Leland, Earlville, Streator, Sandwich, Ottawa, Fieldcrest, WFC, Marquette and Class 2A state runner-up Seneca.

Congratulations to the 2026 Times Softball Player of the Year, Seneca all-state pitcher/hitter Hayden Pfeifer.

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock is proud to announce the grand opening of the newly rebuilt units, marking the completion of a remarkable journey that began after a devastating fire impacted the resort homes in May 2022.

The following marriage licenses were recently recorded at the Bureau County Courthouse:

A second mural in downtown Mendota is now complete.

The following property transfers were recently recorded at the Bureau County Recorder of Deeds’ office in the Bureau County Courthouse:

More than 6,000 miles from their hometown, Japanese twin brothers Yamato and Takeru Onozaki have reunited in the Illinois Valley this summer to take the next step in their baseball careers together with the Pistol Shrimp.

The following property transfers were recently recorded at the Bureau County Recorder of Deeds’ office in the Bureau County Courthouse:

Local historian David Reed will give a presentation on the history during the Cherry Mine Disaster this Saturday.

La Salle County Sheriff’s Office announced plans for Independence Day traffic enforcement with a focus on impaired and unbuckled drivers. The safety campaign runs through July 6.

Hanson, who has served as athletic director since 2023, begins the new role July 1.

Marilla Park in Streator was closed temporarily today due to flooding from storms on Wednesday evening.

La Salle’s first-ever National Night Out is scheduled for 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026 at Hegeler Park. Admission is free.

The L-P Board of Education formally accepted a $500,000 donation from Eureka Savings Bank during a Board Meeting on Wednesday night.

OSF HealthCare, in collaboration with Mendota Area Senior Services and the Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging, is holding a free eight-week program in Streator to help adults reduce their fear of falling and stay active.

Qualifiers and coaches from L-P’s Boys, Girls and Special Olympics Track and Field teams were recognized by the Board of Education at its meeting Wednesday night.

Runners and walkers will lace up their shoes for a meaningful cause on Saturday, June 28, as the 6th annual Run Today for Tomorrow 5K returns to the Ottawa riverfront, 234 Albin Stevens Dr.

Fire damage was limited to the attached garage and above attic, and the walls connected to the main house, however water and smoke damage extended further into the home.