Rainbow flags and apparel filled the parks and streets of downtown Ottawa on Saturday as folks showed up from all over the Illinois Valley for Family Pride Fest.

Thousands of people filled downtown Ottawa on Saturday for the Family Pride Festival's fifth annual parade and celebration. Organizers estimated attendance at roughly 22,500 people, a significant increase from previous years. The festival featured rainbow flags, vendor booths, and activities throughout the day, drawing attendees from across the Illinois Valley and beyond.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs through July 19.

Attendees can operate ham radios to connect with as many radio stations as possible. Ham radio exams are set for 10 a.m. Saturday, June 27.

Thousands of Illinois Valley residents reported power outages as of Thursday afternoon following severe thunderstorms on Wednesday night.

The University of Illinois Extension will offer a free monthly Lunch N Learn Series for adults from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays July 8, Aug. 5, Sept. 9, Oct. 7, Nov. 11 and Dec. 9 at Nell’s Woodland, 2000 Alexis Ave., Ottawa.

Crowds larger than the population of Ottawa itself are expected to fill downtown this weekend as organizers prepare for the fifth annual Ottawa Family Pride Festival and Parade on Saturday.

For every cake sold, $1 will be donated to North Central Area Transit.

Ottawa Center for the Arts uses repurposed churches, each rich in history, that are now invigorated with activity.

Illinois Valley Community College will host an Express Registration for new students from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, at the college’s Ottawa Center, 321 W. Main St., Ottawa.

Grand Ridge Grade School announced its honor and high honor rolls for the fourth quarter of the 2025-26 school year.

As November nears, the Republican hopeful for Illinois Lieutenant Governor, Aaron Del Mar made a stop Thursday in La Salle County.

The Starved Rock Country Community Foundation will partner with the Illinois Arts Council to offer a creative project grant workshop to local artists and organizations at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 10.

Illinois Valley Community College will begin its summer schedule in mid-June.

Catch up on the week’s top Illinois Valley news in minutes for May 31-June 6. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

As Shaw Media reflects on its rich history, looking back at our extensive archives offers a direct window into the moments that reshaped the world. The historic front pages from June 7, 1944 – the day after the Allied landings in Normandy

Shaw Local newspapers received a combined 45 awards in contest categories that included general excellence, photography, news writing, opinion writing and design.

Seventeen awards were handed out to teams and individuals during the 2026 Shaw Media Illinois Valley Sports Hall of Fame on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at the Auditorium Ballroom in La Salle.

The Illinois Arts Council and the Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum will sponsor a concert and program about the Underground Railroad next week.

Seneca and IC Catholic play a thrilling game in the 2A softball state semifinal Thursday in Peoria. Seneca took the win 8-6 and will advance to the finals on Saturday.

Here is the list of couples who applied for La Salle County marriage licenses from May 14, 2026, through May 31, 2026.

Longtime physical therapist at OSF HealthCare Saint Paul Medical Center in Mendota Jared Wise was recognized for the compassionate care and encouragement he provides to patients recovering from injuries and surgeries.

As Shaw Media celebrates its 175th anniversary, we are looking back at front pages from June 3 across different decades

Tangled Roots Brewing Company, which has businesses in Ottawa and Lockport, is exploring the potential sale of the business, the ownership team said in a Tuesday news release.

After a slower start this spring, Illinois Valley farmers say this year’s growing season is beginning to catch up as the summer months are here. With that, rising fertilizer and fuel costs are changing the way farmers are handling their busy season this year.

The event takes place in the parking lot at 814 Columbus St. and is hosted by the city of Ottawa in partnership with Midwest Computer Recycling Inc. The drive-thru is open to the public.

Catch up on the week’s top Illinois Valley news in minutes for May 24-30. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

A single-family home in Ottawa that sold for $370,000 nears the top of the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in La Salle County in the past week.

As Shaw Media celebrates its 175th anniversary, we looked back at four front pages from May 30

Mediacom Communications recently named Marquette Academy High School senior Serenity Guzman as the recipient of its World Class Scholarship Program.

A trial for a prominent attorney in Will County charged with domestic battery of a child has been rescheduled to Sept. 15 and prosecutors have contended an out-of-state witness is needed for the case.

The Ottawa Area Farmers and Makers Market is set to debut this weekend for the summer, hosting a variety of local vendors with a grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony planned on Saturday morning in downtown Ottawa.

The new restaurant brings waterfront dining, live music and coastal cuisine to the Illinois Valley area.

The $500 scholarship honors the legacy of late Ottawa police officer Brian Sember, who passed away in 2022.

La Salle County will close E 24th Road starting Monday, June 1, for culvert replacement work expected to take two months.

Marquette Academy held its Class of 2026 commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 24, 2026 inside St. Columba Church in Ottawa.

The faculty, staff and administration of Ottawa Township High School and members of the OTHS Board of Education honored 293 graduating seniors from the class of 2026 during commencement ceremonies held on Friday, May 22 in Kingman Gymnasium.

As Shaw Media celebrates its 175th anniversary, we looked back at four front pages from May 26. These archives serve as a time capsule, capturing everything from historic infrastructure projects to local public school shifts and global postwar conflicts

Pedalpalooza, a family-friendly cycling event and chance to ride and learn about the 500-mile Grand Illinois Trail, is coming to McHenry County May 30.

Thirteen eighth-grade students from St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School in Streator were honored this month for their academic achievements and service to the school community.

The Arts of Starved Rock Country Fund distributed $13,931.47 in grants to 11 arts and cultural organizations this spring, supporting everything from summer theater camps to art therapy programs for brain injury survivors.

Ottawa residents gathered downtown Monday, May 25, to observe Memorial Day with a parade featuring the Ottawa High School and Sheppard Middle School bands, American Legion Post 33 and vintage military vehicles. The parade drew families and community members who lined the streets to pay respects and celebrate the holiday.

Streator Township High School has named 10 students as May Students of the Month.

McKinley Elementary School in Ottawa announced its May Champions of the Charter students.

Catch up on the week’s top Illinois Valley news in minutes for May 17-23. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

The Streator library is hosting a week of activities for kids and families June 1–6.

The University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists are inviting the community to listen to bats.

Ottawa Township High School held its annual commencement ceremony in Kingman Gymnasium on Friday, May 22, 2025 at Ottawa High School.

The open house features DAR speakers. Coffee, cake and water will be served.

Ottawa Township High School recognized 64 seniors in the graduating class of 2026 for their awarded scholarships at its 2026 Honors Night event on Wednesday, May 6.