NewsTribune

The Peru Police Department may begin the search for a part-time social worker, if the committee and Peru City Council approve the proposal.

The Putnam County Public Library District will host a movie matinee film screening of the documentary, “Rachel Carson,” at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 8.

St. Bede Abbey and Academy announced the results of its annual St. Benedict’s Day of Giving, held March 21. The campaign raised $264,000 from 494 donors.

Because of outstanding ticket requests, Stage 212 in La Salle has added a performance of its spring production, “The Miracle Worker,” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 10.

The Mendota girls soccer team beat Princeton, the Putnam County baseball and softball teams earned conference wins and more baseball, softball, tennis and track and field results in Thursday's NewsTribune roundup.

Gavin Kallis threw five scoreless innings, and the L-P offense scored five runs in the first inning in a 9-0 win over Mendota on Thursday.

Edward Jones, 425 First St., Suite 2, La Salle is hosting a special open house 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, April 11, to meet its new team.

Norberg Memorial Home - Depression is a common disorder that affects many people.

The Illinois Valley Animal Rescue will host its annual Building Care & Fund Auction from 4 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, at Grand Bear Lodge in Utica.

Illinois Valley Flute Ensemble and Bloomington-Normal Flute Club will present their Route Flute 66 concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, at Zion United Church of Christ, 1521 Sixth St., Peru; 3 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at the Prairie Arts Center, Princeton, and at 4 p.m. Sunday,

A number of neighboring departments assisted the La Salle Fire Department in extinguishing a duplex fire on Tuesday on U.S 6 across from the golf course.

Biology instructor Donald Leynaud was recently selected by colleagues as the winner of Illinois Valley Community College’s 2025 Outstanding Part-Time Faculty Award. 

Nursing instructor Samantha Whiteaker of Arlington received IVCC’s 2025 Stephen Charry Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence. 

Sarah Goetz of Peru is the winner of Illinois Valley Community College’s Connie Dzierzynski Skerston Memorial Award for Support Staff Distinguished Service. 

Construction resumed Tuesday on U.S. 6 through the cities of La Salle and Peru, the Illinois Department of Transportation said in a Tuesday news release.

The St. Bede, Hall, Princeton, Bureau Valley and Amboy co-op girls track and field teams competed in the Rosenberry Invite on Wednesday.

Here’s a look at how candidates across the Illinois Valley reacted to Tuesday’s unofficial election results.

Day Jones interviews Larry Kelsey from Stage 212 about the upcoming production of "The Miracle Worker" starting April 4

Emergency crews are on scene at French Canyon at Starved Rock State Park to rescue three people who reportedly fell. Shaw Local News Network will continue to update the story.

According to unofficial results, Ken Kolowski held a 1,679 votes to 561 votes lead over Doug Bernabei with all precincts counted for Peru mayor. This is prior to early voting totals.

Incumbent La Salle Mayor Jeff Grove maintains a strong lead Tuesday night, according to unofficial election results.

Voters this week in La Salle and Bureau counties determined who will make the important decisions regarding their communities, schools, townships, fire departments, parks and libraries. See the results here.

Illinois Valley Community College Board of Trustees candidates William Hunt and Lynda Marlene Moshage received 10,000-plus votes apiece across the eight-county race.

The portable classrooms at Waltham Elementary may stick around for a while. Tuesday, Utica-area voters rejected building a $10 million annex.

Oglesby voters shot down a referendum proposing a restructured government. Just over 70% of voters opposed the city manager concept.

Here is a list of stories from our Tuesday, April 1, 2025, election coverage.

James “Jamey” Mertel is in position to succeed Dave Bartley as Peru’s city clerk.

Three incumbents and a former council member hold leads after all precincts counted Tuesday for La Salle City Council.

Mendota voters swept Mayor David Boelk back into office Tuesday – and if Tuesday’s results hold, with no changes to the City Council.

The St. Bede baseball team beat Midland, Bureau Valley's Logan Philhower threw a no-hitter and more baseball, softball, track and field and soccer results in Tuesday's NewsTribune roundup.

OSF HealthCare announced the expansion of OSF Medical Group – General Surgery to Peru, enhancing access to specialized surgical care for Illinois Valley residents, the hospital said.

Prospective students can Explore IVCC at the spring open house on Tuesday, April 8, where they will meet potential classmates, tour the campus and learn more about the college’s programs and resources.  

This spring, La Salle and Bureau county voters get to decide who will make the important decisions regarding their communities, schools, townships, fire departments, parks and libraries.

Chester Weger still is set for what attorneys termed a "mini-trial" – a chance to prove he didn’t commit the Starved Rock murders – but Weger’s judge set limits on what evidence can be disclosed before trial.

A La Salle man who was shot and killed by a law enforcement officer after police said he pointed a handgun at authorities during a standoff was identified Monday.

The La Salle County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday a crackdown on distracted driving.

The Henry-Senachwine softball team beat Hall, the Earlville baseball team earned its first win of the season and more baseball and softball results in Monday's NewsTribune roundup.

The Mendota girls soccer team started slow but played strong in the second half to beat La Salle-Peru 5-2 on Monday.

Oglesby American Legion will host its monthly taco night from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 9.

With the price of eggs rising, a Bureau County woman has taken upon herself to give people an option to obtain their eggs from home — by starting Chickens for Rent.

A look at the best boys basketball players in the NewsTribune area for the 2024-25 season.

Noah LaPorte was destined for stardom in basketball the moment he picked it up. He went from an understudy role as a sophomore starter on Princeton’s 2022-23 No. 1-ranked sectional finalist to the leading role on two more Sweet 16 teams.

Johnathon Stunkel was voted NewsTribune Athlete of the Week after helping Putnam County to a 3-0 start with strong pitching and hitting.

A large police presence responded in the 600 block of Chartres Street in La Salle near La Salle-Peru High School.

The federal government cut funding to health agencies that could lead to service reductions, such as free vaccines. But an official at the La Salle County Health Department said Thursday it’s too soon to know the impact.

A wall of a garage at 149 Gooding St. in downtown La Salle collapsed Sunday afternoon.

Putnam County Junior High School announced its honor roll for the third quarter of the 2024-2025 school year.

Illinois Valley Cursillo will host an evening of food and fellowship Saturday, April 12, at St. Hyacinth Catholic Church, 927 10th St., La Salle.

Here is the list of couples who applied for La Salle County marriage licenses from Feb. 17 through March 14, 2025.

A look at the final girls basketball statistical leaders in the NewsTribune area for the 2024-25 season.