Star Union Spirits’ tasting room is temporarily closed as owners assess their space following a fire Jan. 20 in the Westclox building.

The shop, currently at 225 Backbone Road, will move to 902 N. Main St., the former location of Sean Philip Bridals, which closed in March 2025.

Spring Valley Ford will consolidate with Schimmer Ford in Peru and Mendota Ford, following nearly 17 years of operation, Owner and President Jeff Schimmer announced.

While Brian and Teresa Faber visited a candy store in Galena, they browsed the chocolates and other sweets, but also noticed the atmosphere of the store.

Babs Brew is breaking ground on a new building at its Peru location on 4th Street.

The Treehouses at Starved Rock is a 26-acre retreat carved into Starved Rock’s border. There are two treehouses available for short stays and two more under construction, with availability beginning in February.

After closing in 2024, Sam and Serena Witz reestablished the Serena Cafe on Wednesday, March 5.

“It’s very exciting to have more retail invest in the city of Peru,” Mayor Ken Kolowski said when the store opened. “Our goal is to continue to create more retail and more jobs for our community.”

The Illinois Valley welcomed a few new coffee businesses this year.