The Starved Rock Foundation, along with local photographers, businesses, and community members, presented a check representing the total funds raised to support preservation efforts at Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at the Starved Rock Visitors Center. A total of 533 caldndars were sold, and $16,228 was raised. The Miller Group Charitable Trust was this year’s presenting sponsor, which price-matched every calendar sold. Launched in 2020, this grassroots fundraiser has become a powerful way for the community to give back to two of Illinois' most treasured parks. We’d be honored to have your coverage of this meaningful moment.

Fire departments from Ottawa, Utica, Tonica, and Oglesby gathered for a rope rescue training on Saturday, May 2, 2026 in Wildcat Canyon at Starved Rock State Park. Firefighters train at the park each spring for real-life rescues. Wildcat Canyon has cliffs that are over 100 feet high, and it creates a real-life scenario environment for rescuers to practice.

Dachshunds raced during the Doxie Derby on Saturday, May 2, 2026 next to the La Salle County Historical Society in Utica. The event was part of the Sip 'in' Snip Festival. Around a dozen dogs participated in the races. Proceeds from the event benefited Just Animals Shelter in Mazon.

Protesters gathered for the Workers Over Billionaires rally on Friday, May 1, 2026 at Rotary Park in Princeton.

Ottawa shut out L-P 10-0 on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at the L-P Athletic Complex in La Salle. The Pirates raised the Illinois River Rivalry trophy after knocking off the Cavaliers.

Construction is underway at the Princeton Fire Department to add new sleeping quarters adjacent to the fire trucks, creating more space and improving efficiency for crew members. The expansion comes after space concerns were raised to the Princeton City Council last June, marking the first major update to the station since 1978, with completion expected by early fall.

The Utica Knights of Columbus dontated $2,500 to the Illinois Valley Food Pantry on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 in Peru.

The LaSalle-Peru softball team traveled to Sycamore Thursday to take on the Spartans in a rainy Interstate 8 Conference matchup.

Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce held its annual block party on Wednesday, April 29, 2029 at the Illinois Valley Regional Airport in Peru. The party is part of the chambers' business after-hours events, showcasing businesses, products, and services in a casual environment to gain awareness, network, and grow the client base. Businesses can also hold a before or after-hours event.