An aerial view of the Dr. Alfred E. Wisgoski Agricultural Education Center on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, at Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby. The new facility is expected to redefine IVCC’s agriculture program, equipping the college to train and upskill agricultural workers, support the development of new technologies and promote sustainable practices. Approximately $1.6 million has been pledged toward the agricultural center, and IVCC plans to launch a community donation program later this spring. The 10,250-square-foot building is slated for occupancy in 2027. The project is supported by a $3.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Economic Development Administration, a $240,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and a $1 million gift from the Wisgoski family.

Streator defeated Seneca 54-52 on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026 at Seneca High School.

Ottawa outlasted Bradley-Bourbonnais for a 55-44 victory during the Boilermakers' final home game of the regular season on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026.

Herscher defeated Streator 35-31 on Monday, Feb. 3, 2026 in Pops Dale Gymnasium at Streator High School. Check out photos from the game by Tom Sistak.

Filmmaker and entrepreneur Matthew Klein of Oglesby is a rising star in the Illinois Valley film scene. Known for his popular documentaries, Klein, vice president of the Starved Rock Foundation and founder of Reel Creative, continues to pursue his passion for storytelling.

For the first time since the 1990's, Donkey Basketball returned to Seneca. The Seneca FFA hosted the event on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 at the (old Seneca High School) West Campus in Seneca. Check out photos from the event by MaKade Rios.

Illinois Valley residents shared their predictions for Super Bowl Sunday. Who ya got, the Seahawks or the Patriots?

L-P defeated Ottawa 55-37 on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026 in Kingman Gymnasium at Ottawa High School.

The Hinckley-Big Rock boys basketball team took on Newark Friday in the third place game at the Little 10 Conference tournament at Somonauk High School.