The Marseilles Food Pantry saw a record turnout during its annual tuna drive this weekend, as a local boy turned a birthday tradition into his biggest success yet.

Habitat for Humanity acquired the vacant lot at 1205 Jefferson St. following a bid to the Mendota City Council that was announced earlier this month.

Ryan Jagers has been selected as the male Elks Teen of the Year nominee by the Mendota Elks Lodge.

In a protest advocating for workers' wages and the protection of the First Amendment, residents came to Washington Park in Ottawa. The protest was part of a nationwide movement, with Illinois Valley Indivisible organizing the event at Washington Park.

Letter carriers across Streator will collect non-perishable food donations on Saturday, May 9 as part of the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, an annual effort to combat food insecurity in communities nationwide.

Catch up on the week’s top Illinois Valley news in minutes for April 26-May 2. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

The Illinois Valley Community College Foundation recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with a dinner and auction Friday, March 27.

The Ladd Public Library will hold a program featuring Cody Wells, aka The Lego Man of NYC, for community members ages five and older from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at the Ladd Community Center, 303 S. Central Ave.

The Walnut Public Library District will partner with The Shed and Petals By Peyton to offer a bookworm floral workshop for residents at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, at The Shed, 134 S. Main St., Walnut.