Walnut 5K Run/Walk for ALS set for Saturday, July 4

Rate cuts eased our property taxes (a little)

Every year, a city in the Illinois Valley gets a gold star for giving residents a break on their property taxes. This year, the winner is Streator. Many other cities did cut rates, however, even if you owe the county more than in 2025.

Where to find cooling centers as heat advisory grips Illinois Valley

The Illinois Valley is under a heat advisory through late Wednesday, July 1, with feels-like temperatures of 105 degrees. Shaw Local is providing a list of cooling centers throughout the region.

Peru police announce parking restrictions for July 3 fireworks

The Peru Police Department announced the temporary parking restrictions for the July 3 fireworks display. These temporary restrictions are in addition to the regular restrictions that are already posted.

The show is a go in Peru

Despite flooding on the Illinois River, Peru Mayor Ken Kolowski said Monday, June 29, 2026, that Independence Day fireworks will proceed as planned.

Red wigs, wild muumuus: Utica’s Mrs. Roper Romp grows into a summer must-do

If you were in Utica on Saturday, then you might have spotted lots of red, curly hair and some eye-popping clothes. (And that’s not eye-popping in a good way.)