After winning an uncontested election in November, state Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) said he will retire prior to being seated for his next term Jan. 10.

The children at Jefferson Elementary School in Ottawa see Bob McGrath’s face on the side of their school building every morning, depicting the colorful world of Sesame Street.

Republican Gary Small is new vice chairman of the La Salle County Board and Republican Arratta Znaniecki will chair the committee on appointments.