The City of Mendota held a Color Fun Run 5K on Sunday, April 25, 2026 at Lake Mendota. All proceeds from the event will help with youth and family activities hosted by Live Well Mendota and Next Gen Leaders.

Hundreds gathered for a tribute to Ron Moore, the former longtime owner of the Root Beer Stand on Saturday, April 25, 2026 in Oglesby. Moore passed away on Wednesday. A root beer shot and moment of silence was held for Moore during the event. The restaurant also held its first Kick-Off Car Cruise of the season. Donations from the cruise helped fund the Kids Hot Rod Camp held June 15-19 at "The Rock" Walnut Community Bible Church in Walnut. The camp is open to kids ages 12-17.

St. Bede defeated Serena 2-0 on Friday, April 24, 2026 at St. Bede Academy.

Six mayors from Spring Valley, Utica, Ottawa, Peru, La Salle and Oglesby spoke at the 2026 Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce State of the Cities Luncheon on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Grand Bear Lodge at Starved Rock in Utica.

Marquette defeated Henry-Senachwine 13-2 on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at June Cross Field in Ottawa.

The River Valley Players will perform Steel Magnolias April 30 – May 3. Steel Magnolias is a perfect mix of humor and heart, following six women as they navigate life, love, and loss together.

Firefighters responded to the scene of a house fire in the 800 block of North Mercer Street on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 in Princeton.

Uptown Grill hosted their 27th Annual Spaghetti Supper to support the Lighted Way Children’s Development Center in La Salle.

Emergency crews responded to Coogee Chemical Facility for a magnesium industrial fire on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 in Ottawa. Two victims with burns were transported to OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa. One of those victims is in critical condition.