Ottawa

Three new solar farms have changed the landscape around the Illinois Valley. Check out photos from the new farms located in the City of Oglesby, City of Ottawa and north of Ottawa on Illinois Route 23.

Six members of the Ottawa Fire Department have graduated from the paramedic program at Illinois Valley Community College

Central Intermediate School in Ottawa announced its Champions of the Charter for April.

OSF HealthCare has announced a public hearing as Ottawa officials and residents continue to voice concerns over the proposed move of services to Peru

Ottawa has launched a new digital registration program for short-term rentals in partnership with Deckard Technologies, aiming to improve compliance and oversight as vacation rental listings continue to grow across the city

Check out these northern Illinois restaurants known for their burgers. From McHenry County to the Illinois Valley and everywhere in between, we've got you covered with a variety of places to try during National Burger Month.

Reddick Public Library will host a virtual conversation Tuesday, May 13, with Matthew Desmond, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City, among other events this week.

Jefferson Elementary School in Ottawa announced its Champions of the Charter for April.

The Starved Rock Country Community Foundation recently awarded a $1,000 community grant for the third annual “Rumblin on the River Showdown,” an elite livestock exhibition for youth ages 5 to 21.

The 11th annual Starved Rock Country Marathon was held on Saturday, May 10, 2025 downtown Ottawa and Starved Rock State Park. Runners could enter the marathon, half-marathon or 5K race.

Covering May 11 through May 17, here's a schedule of high school sporting events in the Ottawa/Streator/Seneca area for the coming week.

OSF HealthCare St. Elizabeth Medical Center announced Karla Martinez-Santoyo, a patient care tech from the medical/surgical inpatient unit, recently received the Sunflower Award.

The free events feature shopping, kids activities, food and drink specials and more in downtown Ottawa.

More than 75 students compete in Cultural Interpretation Contest at La Salle-Peru High School.

There were cheers and rejoicing at Catholic schools across the Illinois Valley when an American, Robert Prevost, became Pope Leo XIV.

Read the transcript from our latest podcast: State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, talks with Shaw Local reporter Bill Freskos about rural healthcare access, the state of local hospitals and more

State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, talks with Shaw Local reporter Bill Freskos about rural healthcare access, the state of local hospitals and her objectives in the Illinois General Assembly

More than 150 people attended a town hall meeting Thursday night at Streator High School to discuss recent violence in the community and solutions moving forward, including a pair of high school seniors who asked questions about safety.

The Illinois State Police is requesting the public’s help investigating a Monday crash that resulted in the death of a Joliet woman.

The Ottawa City Council tabled a decision on a proposed solar farm on the south side of Ottawa following public concerns ranging from residential safety to local labor use.

A Streator man on probation for arson – he had set fire to the New Brite Spot in Ottawa in 2023 – has been arrested on a new felony. John F. Smith will be held in La Salle County Jail.

The Ottawa Police Department honored officers for their years of service Tuesday as part of the city’s recognition of National Police Week, from May 11–17.

Teaching dual credit courses for Illinois Valley Community College puts Vince Brolley back in high school, where he feels right at home.  

At Shepherd Middle School in Ottawa, the band class is more than just an extracurricular activity – it’s a place for students to grow, connect and express themselves. Leading the charge is Martin Czernicki, the school’s band director.

At a young age Ellen Gross, then Ellen Goetz, already knew her answer to the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

Samantha Munks, a SOAR (Students Obtaining Achievement and Responsibility) high school teacher in Peru, pushes her students to be their best by inspiring them to dream and supporting them by meeting them at their level.

A free kids fishing expo in Peru, vendors market in Sheffield, the Starved Rock Country marathon, a folk artist in Princeton and an art exhibit in Peru are among the activities this weekend in the Illinois Valley.

The American Legion in Ottawa has announced the winners of the 2025 Department of Illinois Americanism Essay Contest, which invited students to consider on the topic, “What Is My Favorite National Memorial or Monument?”

A group of Ottawa first responders were recognized Tuesday for their lifesaving efforts after a man collapsed from cardiac arrest on March 31.

A Streator man was indicted Tuesday for a Class X weapons charge.

Stage 212 has been raising funds to revamp its auditorium and they’re more than halfway toward its goal. Now, the La Salle theater company will use direct appeals to reach the finish line.

HumanKIND Initiative, the nonprofit behind Ottawa’s annual Family Pride Festival, has purchased a 5.7-acre property on the city’s south side to serve as a community center offering year-round programs and support for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies.

The Starved Rock Country Community Foundation recently made a $5,000 grant to the Naplate Volunteer Park Board for sensory playground equipment at Vittone Park.

The Dr. Joseph J. Hohner Scholarship Committee announced the funding of $56,000 worth of student scholarships for the 2025-2026 school year.

Ottawa Friendship House received a visit from the Marseilles Knights of Columbus to deliver donation of $626.25 raised during its annual Tootsie Roll Drive.

A total of 167 school staff members were recognized May 1 at the 37th Annual Excellence in Education Awards Ceremony for La Salle, Marshall and Putnam counties.

The La Salle County Retired Teachers Association conducted its spring meeting on April 28 at Stage 212 in La Salle.

Reddick Public Library in Ottawa will be distributing a free sample of culinary grade dried chamomile flowers along with recipes in its monthly kit.

Covering May 4 through May 10, 2025, here's a schedule of high school sporting events in the Ottawa/Streator area for the coming week.

A collective of nature enthusiasts, conservation educators and woodland guides came together Saturday at Nell’s Woodland in Ottawa to celebrate Earth Day.

The Market on Mill, Utica's long-dreamed-of outdoor shopping plaza, opened for business Saturday.

The Midwest Morel Fest celebrated morels with a hunt, guided hike and a morel market Saturday in Ottawa.

Two Spring Valley men have pleaded guilty to a felony charge stemming from a non-fatal stabbing in La Salle. A third suspect’s case is on hold while he addresses charges in another county.

Small Memories Meadery and Winery officially joined the local business community on Friday afternoon with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Music Suite 408 flute ensembles, under the direction of Natalie Lindig, Becky Weiler and Sue Gillio will present the 32nd annual Spring Flute Fling at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 4, at the Zion United Church of Christ, Peru.

Alex Mata, 33, was sworn in as the newest officer with the Ottawa Police Department on Friday at City Hall.

Ottawa turned an inning-ending double play to escape a jam in the sixth inning and rode the momentum to a 10-run seventh in a 14-3 win over La Salle-Peru on Wednesday.

Alec Novotney threw a one-hitter to lead Marquette to a 2-0 win over Putnam County on Friday.

An Ottawa woman pleaded guilty Friday to trying to break into an ATM in La Salle, and to shoplifting at the Peru Walmart, and was placed on reporting probation.

An Ottawa man who allegedly fired a gun through his floor – and through his neighbor’s ceiling – was ordered detained until his jury trial, now set for July 14.