Princeton defeated Hall 67-65 on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026 at Princeton High School. Princeton's Jackson Mason hit the game-winning jump shot to lead the Tigers to victory.

An aerial view of the Dr. Alfred E. Wisgoski Agricultural Education Center on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, at Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby. The new facility is expected to redefine IVCC’s agriculture program, equipping the college to train and upskill agricultural workers, support the development of new technologies and promote sustainable practices. Approximately $1.6 million has been pledged toward the agricultural center, and IVCC plans to launch a community donation program later this spring. The 10,250-square-foot building is slated for occupancy in 2027. The project is supported by a $3.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Economic Development Administration, a $240,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and a $1 million gift from the Wisgoski family.

Crews are making significant progress on the La Salle-Peru Township High School’s new Agriculture Center on the southeast corner of Sixth and Creve Coeur streets in La Salle. The $8 million agriculture center is expected to be mostly complete by mid-May.

Mendota defeated Putnam County on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026 at Mendota High School.

Heavy smoke filled Interstate 180 about a half-mile south of the Illinois Route 26 and Interstate 180 intersection on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026 near Princeton. A Mutual Aid Box Alarm (MABAS) was dispatched around 12:30p.m. Fire departments from Bureau, Ladd, Wyanet, Princeton, Hennepin and others assisted with the brush fire. Firefighters had to use ATV's to access areas along the Hennepin Canal.

L-P defeated Morris 48-38 on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 in Sellette Gymnasium at L-P High School.

Morris played L-P on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 in Sellette Gymnasium at L-P High School.

Firefighters responded to a garage fire in the 1900 block of Shooting Park Road on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 in Peru. La Salle, Peru, Utica, Oglesby and Spring Valley fire departments were dispatched around 12:15p.m. to the fire. Two occupants were evacuated safely.

Filmmaker and entrepreneur Matthew Klein of Oglesby is a rising star in the Illinois Valley film scene. Known for his popular documentaries, Klein, vice president of the Starved Rock Foundation and founder of Reel Creative, continues to pursue his passion for storytelling.