When Walmart opened its first store in Peru on Tuesday, April 1, 1986, it marked a major retail milestone for the Illinois Valley. Check out photos from when the store originally opened and the grand-opening ads.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources conducted a controlled burn on Monday, March 30, 2026, across from Deer Park Golf Club near Oglesby and Starved Rock State Park. Approximately 300 acres of prairie were burned during the planned burnoff. The burning of the prairie helps maintain a healthy grassland and prevents invasive plants.

Over 100 people gathered for a No Kings rally on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Washington Park in Ottawa.

L-P defeated Streator 7-1 on Friday, March 27, 2026 at the L-P Athletic Complex in La Salle.

The Utica Knights of Columbus Father Maquette Council donated $2,600 to four local charities in the Illinois Valley on Thursday, March 18, 2026 at the Utica Village Hall. The organizations were Horizon House, Lighted Way, Special Olympics and Starve Rock Regional Center. The Knights of Columbus also donated $200 to the Utica Police and Fire Departments. The money was raised through The Knights of Columbus Intellectual Disabilities Fund Drive, commonly known as the Tootsie Roll Drive, last October. The fund drive supports local programs for people with special needs.

Marquette defeated Newark 21-1 on Monday, March 23, 2026 at Newark High School.

Crews are moving materials in place on the site of a future Chipotle Mexican Grill on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 in Ottawa. The Ottawa City Council approved the project last June, and the construction has been ramping up this month. It is located on Etna Road next to Thorntons.

Fifteen shavees went bald for the 19th annual Illinois Valley Emergency Services Annual St. Baldrick's Event on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at Senica's Oak Ridge in La Salle. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation funds worldwide research to develop safer, more effective treatments for children with cancer.

The Masters Walley Circuit began its 2026 season on Friday, March 20, at the Spring Valley Boat Club. A total of 95 teams were registered for the tournament. The circuit has been running since 1984. Anglers from across the country compete for a chance at winning over $86,000 of cash and prizes. Weigh-ins begin at 3:30 p.m. at the Spring Valley Boat Club during the two-day tournament.