The 2026 competition marks the 40th time OTHS has placed in the top three in its class in the 54-year history of the IHSA Music Sweepstakes.

The Dolores J. and Wilbur M. Anderson Joint Trust successor trustee, Sandra Woest and Sally Beebe, announced the launch of the Anderson-Woest Scholarship.

The Friends of Extension and 4-H will hold a cash raffle fundraiser for community members to support the University of Illinois Extension – Bureau County and 4-H and Youth Development Program.

Tones Cones and Scoops R Us, 523 W. Main St., Ottawa, has opened for the season, serving ice cream.

Fajitas Mexican restaurant has opened in a new location.

The village of Mark will hold its Spring Clean Up Days from Wednesday, May 13, through Tuesday, May 19.

The Ladd Public Library will host a free “Paws to Read with Hobo” program for children from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 6.

The city of Ottawa has revoked the liquor license for the Zeller Inn following a series of violations spanning more than a year, city officials announced on Monday.

Scott Anderson and MaKade Rios were already pleased. Their nature photos were selected for the annual Starved Rock & Matthiessen calendar.