Crews begin to demolish a home located in the 800 block of Bucklin Street on Thursday, May 7, 2026 in La Salle. The home was destroyed by a fire on Jan. 23. Firefighters worked together to battle the blaze in subzero temperatures.

Recipients of the 40 Under Forty awards and the Cornerstone awards were honored during the Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce Champions of Change Awards banquet on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at the Westclox Event Center in Peru.

Firefighters were called to the 500 block of West Erie Street for a structure fire on Monday, May 4, 2026 in Spring Valley. The fire happened shortly before 10:45p.m. A Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) call was dispatched for additional fire departments from Eastern Bureau County, Peru, Utica, Oglesby and La Salle.

Peru firefighters were dispatched at 2:10 p.m. to a fire that broke out at a home in the 1900 block of Main Street, near the junction of Market, Main and Schuyler streets.

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.