The Arts of Starved Rock Country Fund will award grants totaling $12,575 to eight organizations for nine projects in 2026, according to the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation.

Education is expected to be a focus in Streator in 2026.

Catch up on the week’s top Illinois Valley news in minutes for Dec. 28-Jan. 3 Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

Ottawa is expected to spend the new year grappling with the long-term impact of OSF Healthcare’s decision to build a new regional care model and their decision to withdraw plans for a new hospital in Ottawa.

Gallery

The 7th annual Starved Rock Photo Show was held on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 at the Starved Rock Visitors Center. A total of 86 entries were submitted. The show is in memory of Tom Williams who was a photographer, volunteer and first judge of the show. Katherine Buckley of Oglesby, won best of show of her jumping spider on a zinnia plant.

The Ottawa City Council will hold its first meeting of the year at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, at City Hall, 301 West Madison Street.

Illinois Valley Community College will offer real estate broker and home inspector training courses starting in January through its Continuing Education Center.

As La Salle County begins a new calendar year, a theme is emerging among the murder suspects: So far, nobody has pleaded guilty. Three were convicted in 2025 at trial and Joe Navarro anticipates having to bring the remaining suspects to trial.

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.