Dunlap defeated Ottawa 2-1 in the Class 3A Sectional semifinals on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at the La Salle-Peru Athletic Complex in La Salle.

Ottawa residents gathered downtown Monday, May 25, to observe Memorial Day with a parade featuring the Ottawa High School and Sheppard Middle School bands, American Legion Post 33 and vintage military vehicles. The parade drew families and community members who lined the streets to pay respects and celebrate the holiday.

Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent held his Offensive Skills Camp on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at St Bede Academy in Peru. The camp was limited to 100 kids and open to boys and girls in grades 6-12. The camp teaches quarterback play, passing, receiving, footwork, agility, and game awareness.

Serena High School held its Class of 2026 commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at Serena High School.

Overcast and high 60s made for ideal conditions for IHSA's girls state track and field championships on Saturday in Charleston.

Ottawa Township High School held its annual commencement ceremony in Kingman Gymnasium on Friday, May 22, 2025 at Ottawa High School.

Serena defeated Marquette 2-1 to win the Class 1A Regional title on Friday, May 22, 2026 at Serena High School.

Teams and individuals from Morris, Ottawa, and Princeton all competed in the Class 1A boys tennis Sectional meet on Friday, May 22, 2026 at the La Salle-Peru Township High School Athletic Complex in La Salle.

Representatives from descendant Tribal Nations gathered with the University of Illinois and the Prairie Research Institute to share knowledge and explore conservation efforts tied to the Illinois River region on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at the Starved Rock Marina. Programs featured discussions from malacologists, wildlife biologists, archaeologists, botanists and plant ecologists focusing on freshwater mussels, local ecology and non-invasive research methods that help preserve Illinois natural and cultural history. Programs were held at the Starved Rock Marina and Halfway House along Dee Bennett Road. Freshwater mussels have long been important to many Tribal Nations as sources of food, tools, and materials. They also play a key ecological role as indicators of water quality and overall ecosystem health.