Peru firefighters responded to a house fire Monday afternoon near the intersection of Market, Main and Schuyler streets in Peru.

The Illinois Valley's girls soccer clubs – La Salle-Peru, Ottawa, Streator, DePue-Hall, Mendota, Princeton and the Serena and HBR co-ops – have learned their postseason paths, with regionals opening May 15.

The city of Mendota is starting its spring clean-up for residents’ yard waste on May 5.

Habitat for Humanity acquired the vacant lot at 1205 Jefferson St. following a bid to the Mendota City Council that was announced earlier this month.

The I.F. Doug Stonier and Ella Stonier Educational Trust provides scholarships to college students for the school year commencing in August.

The Illinois Valley Community College Foundation recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with a dinner and auction Friday, March 27.

As Market on Mill in Utica officially opened up for the summer this weekend, a group of local elementary school children put their entrepreneurship skills to the test on Saturday morning at the Lemonade Day Youth Market.

Dachshunds raced during the Doxie Derby on Saturday, May 2, 2026 next to the La Salle County Historical Society in Utica. The event was part of the Sip 'in' Snip Festival. Around a dozen dogs participated in the races. Proceeds from the event benefited Just Animals Shelter in Mazon.

PCJH Scholastic Bowl team wins regional at home on Wednesday, April 29. The Pumas advance to the sectional, hosted by Flanagan Grade School at 4 p.m. on Monday, May 4 with the winner to advance to state on Friday, May 8 in Peoria.