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 LocalCuban refugee in La Salle publishes children’s book
She came to the United States as a 12-year-old refugee from Cuba. Maria Balestri has written a children's book about her 'scary' journey to the USA in 1962.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalOttawa library events set for August
The Reddick Public Library District in Ottawa will host several events and programs in August
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalAden Lamps Foundation Golf Outing Set for Sept. 26
The Aden Lamps Foundation will host its annual golf outing fundraiser to support its mission at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Spring Creek Golf Course, 286…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalHegeler Carus Mansion extends 150th Anniversary tours
The Hegeler Carus Mansion in La Salle will continue to offer a new tour experience to celebrate its 150th anniversary in August and September.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalLearn about funky foods Tuesday at the Granville library
“Green Goddess, Watergate, and More: Funky Foods of the 1970s” is a free program offered at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4 at the Granville library.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalIllinois Valley PADS shelters resume 24-hour service
Illinois Valley Public Action to Deliver Shelter announced Friday that 24-hour services will resume at its Ottawa and Peru shelters.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalRadium Records opening downtown Ottawa
A brick-and-mortar location is planned at 217 W. Main St., the former Tino’s Shoe Repair.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalChicago woman pleads guilty to sexually assaulting Streator teenager
A Chicago woman is headed to prison after pleading guilty Friday to sexually assaulting a teenage girl in Streator.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalFinal Princeton Community Band concert of the summer
The concert will feature vocal soloist Susan Nelson, who will be singing “As Time Goes By” and “I’ll Be Seeing You.” The band will perform selections including…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalPeru Public Library offers free homebound delivery service
Peru Public Library announced Thursday a homebound delivery and retrieval service.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalLeland man gets 3 years for setting own house on fire
A Leland man is going to prison for setting fire to his own house. Gregory Wormley might not be in custody very long, however.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalHometown National Bank adds $10,000 to IVCC’s Ag Forward campaign
A kitchenette in Illinois Valley Community College’s new Dr. Alfred E. Wisgoski Agricultural Education Center will be named in honor of Hometown National Bank…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalSBA urges Streator tornado victims to seek disaster loans before recovery center closes
With the local disaster recovery center set to close this week, the U.S. Small Business Administration is urging Streator residents and businesses affected by…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalLa Salle provides housing rehabilitation grant update
With seven homes left to complete in this Housing Rehabilitation Grant cycle, Bedei said that he anticipates being ready to apply for another ten-home…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalAdvanced Drainage Systems sponsors face painters at Mendota Sweet Corn Festival
Advanced Drainage Systems will be helping the 79th Annual Mendota Sweet Corn Festival by being a sponsor of the Wild Style design face painters.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalThings happen for a reason
Kevin Hieronymus writes: I’ve done a lot of reflecting as my time here at the BCR has been winding down this past month. I keep coming back to the words of the…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalMendota seeks creative cooks for 2026 Sweet Corn Festival contest
The grand prize winner will receive $250 in Mendota Gift Certificates, which can be used for services or merchandise in over 50 Mendota businesses. Winners in…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalIllinois Valley opens Senior League World Series on Saturday morning
The Illinois Valley Senior League baseball team opens the World Series at 8 a.m. Saturday against Southeast Region winner Vine-Ingle out of Macon, Ga. All…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalPrinceton Junior Woman’s Club Baby Contest kicks off with first entries for 2026
Princeton Junior Woman’s Club Baby Contest has received its first six entries for 2026.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalIVCC reports enrollment gains, budget challenges as fall semester nears
Illinois Valley Community College is seeing more students enroll, but fewer credit hours as the fall semester approaches, President Dr. Tracy Morris told the…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalPrinceton High School inducts Dr. Greg Tester into Hall of Fame
Princeton High School recently selected Greg Tester, M.D., as the latest member of its Academic and Career Hall of Fame.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalSweet Corn Queen Pageant candidate series: Laylie Denault
Laylie Denault will represent the Knights of Columbus in the 2026 Sweet Corn Festival Queen Pageant.
- Illinois Valley - Shaw Local
Sweet Corn Queen Pageant candidate series: Sydney Tolley
Sydney Tolley will represent the Mendota Fire Department at the 79th Annual Sweet Corn Queen Pageant.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalPlan your summer shopping excursion to Starved Rock Country
Explore 12 can’t-miss boutiques
- Illinois Valley - Shaw Local
Plan your summer shopping excursion to Starved Rock Country
Explore 12 can’t-miss boutiques
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalOttawa implementing new emergency alert system
If you live in Ottawa and you’re tired of getting alerts about water main breaks on the other side of town, then help is on the way. Ottawa has a new system…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalMotorcyclist killed in Tuesday crash in DePue
A DePue motorcyclist was killed in a Tuesday motorcycle accident, the Bureau County Coroner’s Office said in a Wednesday press release.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalLostant man charged with violating sex offender registry
A Lostant man is accused of violating the sex offender registry.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalTwo charged with felonies for misusing police lights
Here’s a tip for all you would-be police impersonators: If you conduct a fake traffic stop, then don’t post it on social media. Two men were charged after…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalOttawa 10-Year-Old All-Stars split twin bill to close out state run
The Ottawa 10-Year-Old All-Stars saw their Little League tournament season come to an end Tuesday with a win and a loss in the Illinois State Tournament.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalPrinceton’s Bella Clevenger reconnects with chemo buddy Jax Hoffer
Princeton's Bella Clevenger and Jax Hoffer of Muncie, Ind. met as children during chemo treatments for leukemia in Indianapolis. Bella was almost 3, Jax, not…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalFour classes added to schedule for Lake DePue PRO National Championship Boat Races
Boat racing fans will have even more races to watch this weekend as four new classes were added to the Lake DePue PRO National Championship Boat Races, which…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalManlius Sportsman’s Club shrimp boil set for Aug. 8
The Manlius Sportsman’s Club will host a shrimp boil from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8. A $15 donation is requested.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalNew Prouty Gym video display will enhance Princeton fans’ game day experience
Thanks to a new video display board funded by the Princeton Public Schools Foundation, Tiger fans will be able access digital programs and rosters, schedules…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalWhat the federal voter database dispute means for Illinois Valley voters
As a federal voter database dispute continues, a local election official explains what voter information is collected and protected.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalLa Salle County grand jury: Tuesday, July 28, 2026
A La Salle County grand jury convened Tuesday and returned the following indictments.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalRudy’s Liquors celebrates 120 years in La Salle
To celebrate the anniversary, Rudy’s will be doing giveaways during the months of August and September, and will announce events planned for the fall.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalBureau County Sports Hall of Fame Honor Roll, Aug. 4, 2025
A Who's Who of the BCR's Bureau County Sports Hall of Fame members since 1995
- Illinois Valley - Shaw Local
Ottawa 11-Year-Old All-Stars fall in Illinois Elite Eight
The District 20 champion Ottawa 11-Year-Old All-Stars saw their Little League tournament season come to an end Tuesday with an 8-7 loss to the Moline All-Stars.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalMorris Hospital to build $17.2M medical office building in Ottawa
The two-story facility, approved by the hospital’s board July 27, will sit on the east side of Columbus Street just north of Norris Drive. Construction is…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalU of I Extension offers free guide for new farmland owners
The program features topics such as setting fair cash rent, how to determine farmland values, conservation programs and practices and different rental…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalU of I Extension teaches kids about native bees, pollinators
The University of Illinois Extension will hold a free program for children to learn about native bees and insect pollinators from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug…
- Illinois Valley - Shaw Local
Putnam County library explores 1970s food trends in free program
The program will also explore the cultural moments and culinary curiosities that defined the decade. The program will be led by author and librarian Amy…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalMendota Sweet Corn Festival draws sponsors, visitors for 79th year
The Sweet Corn Festival billboard on Illinois Route 251 heading south was sponsored by West Side Family Dentistry.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalEvidence-Based Funding: a decade with Illinois Valley schools
In the Illinois Valley, the model has provided a more stable and consistent revenue flow from the state, providing a bedrock for districts, while leaving some…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalIllinois recognizes gambling addiction, allowing new treatment options
From Capitol News Illinois: Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill Friday that officially recognizes gambling disorder as an addiction in Illinois
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalWyaton Hills Ladies Day Golf, July 28
The Play of the Day for Tuesday’s Wyaton Hills Ladies Day Golf was “Odd Holes.” Janice Campbell was first at 25, Karen Towns second at 26 and Lana Whitmore and…
Illinois Valley - Shaw Local‘Potential is unlimited’ for La Salle Minor League softball
La Salle Minor League softball coach Bill Pyszka said the future potential is "unlimited" for his young team after it placed second at state.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalStarved Rock Bandits 18U win USSSA Great Lakes National championship
The Starved Rock Bandits 18U softball team went 8-1 and won the championship of the USSSA Great Lakes National Tournament in Peoria. Team members are from…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalSports Editor Kevin Hieronymus reflects on his 40 for 40 moments at the BCR
With the finish line in sight, longtime BCR Sports Editor Kevin Hieronymus offers up a list of 40 for 40 moments representing his 40 years covering Bureau…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalPeru council votes to widen Shooting Park Road west of Parkside
Drive along Shooting Park Road in Peru past the middle school and the road gets narrow. Too narrow. The city means to widen it.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalPutnam County Historical Society opens doors for free annual open house
The Putnam County Historical Society will hold its annual free open house for residents to explore the society’s building from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalU of I Extension offers free nature walks at Illini State Park
The University of Illinois Extension will offer free monthly guided nature walks for community members from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturdays, Aug. 15, Sept. 12, and Oct…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalEngle Lane Theatre in Streator receives $1,750 arts grant for upcoming play
The Community Players of Streator’s Engle Lane Theatre has received a $1,750 grant from the Arts of Starved Rock Country Fund to support its upcoming…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalJean Fox of Wyanet attends an All-American Girls Professional Baseball League reunion
Jean Fox of Wyanet recently attended an All-American Girls Professional Baseball League reunion in Rockford. She played for the Rockford Peaches in 1952 and…
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalElijah House wins Brady Street Sprints: BCR notebook
Former BCR Runner of the Year Elijah House won the MercyOne Genesis Brady Street Sprints with a time of 1:00.19.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalPutnam County’s Anniston Judd qualifies for AAU Junior Olympics in 4 events: NewsTribune sports briefs
Putnam County freshman to be Anniston Judd advanced to the AAU Junior Olympics in four events.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalPistol Shrimp entering last week of season: Pistol Shrimp weekly recap
The Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp have four games left in the season. The Shrimp's season finale is Aug. 1 at home.
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalMendota to open production of ‘Mary Poppins’ on Friday
Mendota Education Foundation will return to the stage this week with its rendition of Disney’s and Cameron Mackintosh’s “Mary Poppins.”
Illinois Valley - Shaw LocalStreator man faces up to 30 years for automatic weapon
A Streator man was scheduled for trial Monday for converting a gun into an automatic weapon. William Harris decided not to test his luck with a jury.