Shows / Illinois Valley - Shaw Local

Illinois Valley - Shaw Local
La Salle County and Bureau County local news, information and more from the Illinois Valley, part of the Shaw Local News Network. Visit us at: https://www.shawlocal.com/illinois-valley/
Episodes
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalPrinceton Park District promotes Frank Bollinger to superintendent of parks
Princeton Park District has promoted Richard F. “Frank” Bollinger from Park Maintenance Coordinator to Superintendent of Parks, effective immediately.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalStreator approves demolition of three vacant homes
The Streator City Council approved the demolition of three vacant homes during its meeting Wednesday night as part of Streator’s ongoing effort to remove…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalUI Extension opens Master Gardener training to local gardeners
University of Illinois Extension is recruiting volunteers for a hybrid program combining online coursework and in-person instruction starting in September.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalSpring Valley completes first tree inventory
Spring Valley has completed its first comprehensive inventory of trees on public land, a step city officials say will guide decisions about protecting and…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalFree lunch Saturday at Streator’s Park Place
The meal is free and open to the public. There are dine-in or carryout options available.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalSweet Corn Fest opens Thursday with carnival rides
Windy City Amusements is setting up rides for children, adults and daredevils alike that will be available all four days of the festival.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalHabitat for Humanity nearing completion of Mendota home build
The three-bed, two-bath home at 1205 Jefferson St. is expected to be ready for occupancy by the end of August or beginning of September.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalGranville library to host traveling light pollution exhibit
The Granville branch of the Putnam County Public Library District is hosting a traveling pop-up exhibit from Dark Sky International, a global nonprofit that…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalPark Presbyterian Church installs free micro food pantry in Streator
Park Presbyterian Church in Streator has added a new free micro food pantry to help locals who need it.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalLa Salle-Peru’s Aavery Hill places 5th in discus at AAU Junior Olympics
Incoming La Salle-Peru junior Aavery Hill placed fifth and incoming Princeton junior Landen Hoffman finished ninth in the 15-16 year old discus at the AAU…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalOSF in Mendota hosting blood drive Friday
ImpactLife will host a blood drive from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, April 3, at OSF Saint Paul Medical Center in Mendota, according to a news release.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalNothing is holding back Seneca’s Noah Odum
Seneca senior Noah Odum, who was born with spina bifida, isn't letting anything stop him from what he wants to do despite being in a wheelchair. Odum is a…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalMendota approves tax incentive deal for Jimmy John’s development
Monday night’s agreement and Tuesday’s official close on the deal is aligned with Riewaldt Inc.’s timeline of having the location finished and operational by…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalPutnam Co. libraries host Aug. 18 virtual tour of US founding
The Putnam County Public Library District will host educators from the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18 for a live…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalIllinois Valley Cursillo meets Saturday, Aug. 8 in Marseilles
Illinois Valley Cursillo will hold an evening of food and fellowship Saturday, Aug. 8 in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Marseilles.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalStrouss Park playground rebuild finally moving forward after repeated delays
Following Sweet Corn Fest this weekend, a crew from Cunningham Recreation will work to finish the playground, with a target project duration of two weeks.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalMendota council votes to leave regional dispatch, pay $418,000 exit fee
The City of Mendota’s emergency dispatch services will move from the jurisdiction of Illinois Valley Regional Dispatch to the La Salle County Sheriff’s office.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalIVCC launches 24/7 mental health support through Uwill partnership
Illinois Valley Community College has partnered with Uwill Mental Health and Wellness to provide round-the-clock mental health support to students.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalIllinois Valley Senior League’s World Series run ends
The Illinois Valley Senior League baseball team’s World Series run ended Tuesday with an 11-1, five inning loss to South Carolina District 1.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalPutnam County Library August events draw history buffs
The Putnam County Library is hosting two history-focused programs this week.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalLa Salle County marriage licenses: July 20- 31, 2026
Here is the list of couples who applied for La Salle County marriage licenses from July 20 through July 31, 2026.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalLa Salle officials say report found no public health concerns after battery fire last week
Air and water monitoring conducted during last week’s fire at Batteries & Things found no significant public health concerns, La Salle officials during the La…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalNathan Tolley named new fire chief of Mendota Fire Department
“This is a great department with great people and obviously great leadership,” Tolley said. “I’ve got big shoes to fill. I can’t say enough good things about…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalWaltham Elementary to vote Aug. 11 on referendum
The Waltham Elementary school board will decide Aug. 11 whether to ask voters to fund a $7.5 million expansion. Based on Monday’s discussion, it looks as if…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalStreator Fest organizers expecting record crowds as festival returns this week
Coming off a year of record attendance, Streator Fest organizers are expecting another big year as the four-day festival returns on Thursday.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalTown & Country Services donates $10,000 air conditioning system to La Salle VFW post
When the air conditioning system at the post failed after over 50 years of use, Town & Country Services of Tonica stepped in and donated a new system worth…
Illinois Valley - Shaw Local79th Annual Sweet Corn Fest slated for this weekend
The 79th Annual Sweet Corn Fest in downtown Mendota has a packed schedule in 2026, set to attract tens of thousands of visitors and provide entertainment…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalGranville man pleads guilty to April bank robbery trial
The suspect in the April 6 holdup of Granville National Bank has pleaded guilty. David Ragazincky will be sentenced Nov. 17 in Peoria.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalOttawa seeks public input on skate park redevelopment
The City of Ottawa is inviting residents and skate park users to weigh in on plans to redevelop the city’s skate park at 322 West Jefferson Street.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalStreator woman charged with aggravated arson
A Streator woman was ordered held Monday after she allegedly set fire to her own residence. Attorneys said in open court that mental health issues may be in…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalRepublican gubernatorial candidate Bailey coming to Mendota Sweet Corn Fest
The La Salle County Republican Central Committee invites residents throughout La Salle County and neighboring communities to attend the celebration, meet…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalSweet Corn Fest T-shirts and tanks available for purchase
Youth sizes are $15 and range from extra small to youth large. Adult sizes are $20 and range from small to 5x extra large.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalPistol Shrimp finish season 15-39, Prospect League playoffs underway
The Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp finished the season 15-39. The Prospect League playoffs are in the conference championship round.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalIVCC generates $142.7 million in regional economic impact
Illinois Valley Community College added $142.7 million in income to the Illinois Valley economy during fiscal year 2023-24, supporting 1,949 regional jobs —…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalField turf replacement and track resurfacing at Jeff Prusator Athletic Complex Stadium
The $1.4 million project at Jeff Prusator Athletic Complex Stadium is expected to start Monday, Aug. 3, and be completed by Saturday, Aug. 22.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalMusical performers and venues for Sweet Corn Fest announced
First State Bank will be sponsoring musical entertainment all festival long at the First State Stage and the First State Bank Hospitality Tent in downtown…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalRayce Bosnich wins two titles over weekend at DePue Boat Races
Rayce Bosnich, who has family in DePue, won two titles over the weekend at the Lake DePue PRO National Championship Boat Races.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalMendota City Council to tackle dispatch withdrawal, Jimmy John’s deal
City officials will hold a public hearing on proposed lead service line replacement projects, and they are scheduled to vote on a resolution authorizing…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalOttawa Scarecrow Festival ends after 40 years
A nonprofit, Ottawa-based Humankind Initiative, will take over the competition and expand it throughout La Salle County.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalMendota Fire Chief Dennis Rutishauser expected to step down
After 48 years of service, Mendota Fire Chief Dennis Rutishauser is expected to step down from his position as chief on Monday, Aug. 3.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalSmall Dog Candle Co. closes Ottawa storefront
Small Dog Candle Co. & Market will be closing its doors but not its candle sales.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalFinal Phaze Dance Troupe to perform in 79th Annual Sweet Corn Fest Grand Parade
Final Phaze is known for their fast-paced hip-hop dance moves and their skit routines that show off their dancing talents.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalHistoric 1914 Central Life building in downtown Ottawa for sale
The 1914 Central Life building in downtown Ottawa is for sale.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalIllinois Valley Symphony Orchestra launches 77th season under new music director
Benjamin Klemme takes the podium as the new music director of the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra, launching the ensemble’s 77th season with five concerts…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalLa Salle County crop report: Week of July 20-26
La Salle County farmers reported dry conditions this week with little relief in sight, though subsoil moisture from early July rains is helping crops through a…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalOpen Space Art Gallery expanding in downtown Ottawa
After eight years on Madison Street, Open Space Art Gallery & Studios is expanding to a new location while remaining at its current location as well.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalSpirit Halloween returns to Peru Mall
After a year’s absence from the Peru Mall, Spirit Halloween is returning.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalTwenty new nurses graduate from IVCC program
Twenty new licensed practical nurses graduated from Illinois Valley Community College on Thursday, July 2, completing a one-year program that prepares them to…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalBanda Perla Bonita, Sangre Alterada to perform at 79th Annual Sweet Corn Fest
The groups will perform from 8:30 p.m. to midnight on Friday, Aug. 7, at the festival’s beer gardens.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalGolden Knights Drill Team participating in Sweet Corn Fest Grand Parade
The Golden Knights perform drills and dance moves to pop, hip hop and techno music
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalListen: Illinois Valley’s 5 most-read stories this week, July 26-Aug. 1
Catch up on the week’s top Illinois Valley news in minutes for July 26-Aug.1. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalSpirit Matters: Finding hope when all seems hopeless
I was born with a heart that sees wonder all around me. But even that is a muscle that needs exercise, especially in a time of so much negativity and…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalMusical entertainment to accompany Mendota Sweet Corn Fest Queen Pageant
The Mendota High School Jazz Choir and Marching Band will provide pre-pageant and intermission entertainment for visitors at the pageant.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalCarnival is back for Mendota’s 79th Annual Sweet Corn Festival
A pair of special promotions, the Mega Pass and Unlimited Ride armband, are available to help reduce the cost for frequent riders.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalMidland States Bank donates $7,500 to brain injury support program
The Illinois Valley Brain Injury Clubhouse announced a $7,500 contribution from Midland States Bank to the a non-profit organization’s Education, Health and…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalLa Salle fire destroys Batteries + Things building
There were no injuries. The cause of the fire is underdetermined at this time. The building and its contents were a total loss.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalLearn about the region’s soccer tradition Aug. 29 in Utica
Soccer historian Chuck Carlson will discuss Illinois Valley soccer teams and their connections to international soccer at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29 at the La…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalIllinois Valley loses 9-0 in Senior League World Series opener
The Illinois Valley Senior League baseball team opened the World Series with a 9-0 loss to Vine-Ingle (Macon, Ga.) on Saturday morning.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalPaperwork: Tucked into the pages of this book was a ticket for some time travel
Cain discovers a 1944 Chicago streetcar ticket in a used book inscribed by a young woman, then tracks down her great-niece to reunite the time capsule with…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalSpring Valley’s Joseph Perez repeats at DePue Boat Races
Spring Valley's Joseph Perez won the 125cc Runabout for the second year in a row at the Lake DePue PRO National Championship Boat Races.