Illinois Valley residents are invited to take part in the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Sept. 6, at Jordan Block in downtown Ottawa.

La Cocina De Irene in downtown Spring Valley will soon close its doors. 

The Spring Valley location is among the oldest, if not the oldest, store in Tastee-Freez’s history. The building was constructed in 1949 and served as a pilot store.

Revenue from the storage facility may help fund a $1.5 million extension of Centennial Drive, improving access to the site. While no construction timeline has been announced, this approval marks a key step forward for development in north Ottawa.

The Ottawa City Council approved demolition and asbestos abatement at the former Illinois Valley PADS homeless shelter during their meeting on Tuesday night, clearing the way for construction of a new facility funded by a $2 million state grant.

Mike Lock and Justin Forbes are opening the card store at 1801 4th St.

The Tenth Annual Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference will be held Oct. 9-11 ahead of the 100th anniversary year of the historic Route 66 in 2026. It will be open to the public.

The Sumthins will perform at Ottawa's Washington Square Park on Saturday night.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 5 and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6 to Sunday, Sept. 7.