High gas prices, big crowds drive traffic at Illinois Valley parks

Free CPR class planned in Mendota

Illinois Valley residents will have the opportunity to learn basic lifesaving skills during a free CPR class later this month.

Psych exam pending in rural DePue police shooting

The suspect in the Mother’s Day police shooting in rural DePue – a 3-year-old was struck and killed by gunfire – will undergo a psychological exam. Anthony Rodriguez’s trial was postponed pending an evaluation.

Two kids rescued from Bureau Creek in Princeton on Tuesday

Two children were rescued from Bureau Creek on Tuesday after strong currents carried them downstream while they were swimming, according to the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office.

2026 Times All-Area Girls Soccer Team

We are proud to present the 2026 Times All-Area Girls Soccer Team, filled with standouts from Ottawa, Streator, Serena, Earlville, Somonauk, Leland and Sandwich.

The 2026 Times Girls Soccer Player of the Year: Ottawa’s Georgia Kirkpatrick

Ottawa's Georgia Kirkpatrick scored 32 goals and recorded a team-best 23 assists. Her efforts helped Ottawa finish the season at 17-5, a program record for wins, and capture the Class 1A Orion Regional title, the program’s first postseason championship.