Four pitchers combined on a two-hit shutout to lead the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp to a season-opening 3-0 victory over Clinton LumberKings on Tuesday in Clinton.

The Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp hope to contend for a postseason berth in 2026. This summer's roster includes several local players, 10 recent high school graduates and several Big Ten players.

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

A Mendota woman was recognized for nearly four decades of service at OSF HealthCare as part of National Health Care Week.

A nurse at OSF HealthCare Saint Paul Medical Center in Mendota was recognized for providing compassionate care during a patient’s final moments.

At age 56, he’s the oldest patrol officer at the Peru Police Department. Now, Bill Sommer a sergeant with no plans to retire any time soon.

Workplace violence against nurses is rising – and hospitals are scrambling to respond, according to northern Illinois healthcare workers and hospital leadership.

Caught any fish lately at Baker Lake? Have you noticed the bluegills and sunfish are smaller than in years past? There are complex problems in the lake. The City of Peru means to fix them.

The University of Illinois Extension will hold a Grilling and Summertime Salads program series for residents to learn about ideas and practical tips for healthy summer meals.

Catch up on the week’s top Illinois Valley news in minutes for May 10-16. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

A single-family home in Earlville that sold for $485,000 tops the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in La Salle County during the past week

The 11th annual TBM Reunion and Air Show continued on Saturday with a Veterans parade and full air show full of vintage World War II aircrafts.

The 11th annual TBM Reunion and Air Show provided a night air show, fireworks, a large selection of World War II aircraft, a Veterans parade, Skydive Chicago jumpers, and much more at the Illinois Valley Airport in Peru. The TBM Avenger Reunion is an award-winning aviation event that frequently ranks as one of the best air shows in North America.

The La Salle-Peru High School Class of 2026 held its 128th annual commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at Howard Fellows Stadium.

The La Salle County 4–H will hold a Little Roots Gardening Program for children to learn about plants, pollinators and nature from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, at Hy-Vee, 1651 Midtown Road, Peru.

The City of Peru will flush hydrants beginning Monday, May 11 through Friday, May 22. Flushing will occur on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

Catch up on the week’s top Illinois Valley news in minutes for May 3-9. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

Watch for asphalt crews later this spring at Shooting Park Road and Peoria Street in Peru.

New research and Illinois doctors point to obesity, diabetes and smoking as key drivers behind a troubling rise in heart disease among younger adults

Peru police are getting a new patrol officer and his last name will be familiar to city residents. Aidan DeGroot is the son of Sgt. Scott DeGroot and nephew of recently retired Sgt. Ed DeGroot.

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.

Peru firefighters responded to a house fire Monday afternoon near the intersection of Market, Main and Schuyler streets in Peru.

The menu offers beef brisket, chicken & waffles, pulled pork and southern classics like fried okra.

How many TBM Avengers will fly into the May 15-16 show? City officials hope for 10 but think there will be 20,000 visitors -- along with a big revenue boost for the city.

Cities and counties have discussed moratoriums and restrictions on data centers or simply saying no. In Peru, city officials signaled they’re willing to listen.

Peru officials are grateful no one was hurt when an aged (and likely diseased) tree fell Sunday at Centennial Park. They want to make sure another doesn’t abruptly fall.

No one was hurt early Sunday evening when a tree fell abruptly at Centennial Park in Peru, but it damaged a brick outhouse and brought down a power line.

Six mayors from Spring Valley, Utica, Ottawa, Peru, La Salle and Oglesby spoke at the 2026 Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce State of the Cities Luncheon on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Grand Bear Lodge at Starved Rock in Utica.

The projects across the 14th Congressional District, which would come under federal Community Project Funding initiative, range from protecting clean drinking water to strengthening access to quality health care in rural communities to public transit systems.

Mendota YMCA Director Steve Donnell said Wednesday that the branch is not closing, but moving towards separating from the Illinois Valley YMCA based in Peru.

The TBM Avenger and Salute to Veterans event returns to Peru on May 15-16.

If you’re a trucker hauling a messy or hazardous load, better make sure it’s secured. The City of Peru will now impose fines and costs for any transport that results in a cleanup.

He was the voice of the news for generations of listeners in the Illinois Valley. Now, Joe Hogan is retired from his last assignment to the City of Peru.

The Illinois Valley Herb Guild will hold its annual Garden Faire plant sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 9, in the St. Bede Academy gymnasium, 24 W. U.S. Highway 6, St. Bede Lane, Peru.

Local physicians say loneliness, anxiety, and lifestyle shifts are contributing to long-term health risks for millennials

A tornado warning was issued at 7:45 p.m. Friday for Bureau and Putnam counties, though officials in both had no immediate confirmation of a touchdown. A rotating cloud may have set off the alert.

The new walking path at Baker Lake has been completed, and the park officially reopened to the public. Construction on the project began last October and included the repaving of a 10-foot-wide concrete path, along with additional secondary paths. The improvements connect the new parking lot near Lighted Way to existing parking areas, the playground and the shelter on the west side of the lake. The new main path is also two feet wider than the previous trail, providing more space for walkers and visitors. With the project now finished, the park is once again fully open for public use.

Doctors in northern Illinois say young adults often appear healthy but are increasingly impacted by overdoses, chronic disease, and stress-driven health issues

A $6,200 donation from the Utica Fireside White Sox CLub is helping improve emergency care training in La Salle and Bureau counties.

The skate park at the Illinois Valley YMCA is closed. It might stay closed unless local cities can chip in with the upkeep.

America’s favorite teacher could be teaching in the science wing of La Salle-Peru High School.

Nurses from across OSF HealthCare gathered for the organization’s inaugural Nurses Day in Springfield, meeting with lawmakers to advocate for policies affecting patient care.

The Illinois Valley YMCA will hold a free Healthy Kids Day for families beginning at noon on Saturday, April 18.

Ashley Zborowski, a registered nurse with OSF Home Health, was named the March 2026 DAISY Award recipient.

The Peru Historical Society holds meeting the last Tuesday of each month inside Peru City Hall at 6:30p.m. Anyone can attend the meetings, which revolve around Peru history.

The Peru City Council unanimously approved an ordinance Monday governing e-bikes and other low-speed devices – and the police issued a warning that riders had better obey the new rules.

At Home Care caregivers are allowed to bring their clients to the At Home Care office in Peru, where they can play games, socialize, and do puzzles.

OSF HealthCare has announced new surgeon Brendan Marr, MD, will join its general surgery team at OSF Medical Group – General Surgery, 920 West Street in Peru, as well as the OSF Center for Health, 111 Spring Street in Streator.

A keen-eyed motorist may have saved a Peru church from fire early Easter Sunday.

Crews are beginning to place bricks on the exterior of the La Salle-Peru Township High School’s new Agriculture Center, located on the southeast corner of Sixth and Creve Coeur streets in La Salle. The $8 million agriculture center is taking shape and is expected to be completed by the start of the 2026-2027 school year.