Utica is boosting its hotel-motel tax for the first time in more than 40 years – and plans to crack down on venue operators who don’t pay that tax on time.

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La Salle and Peru first responders work at the scene of an overturned semi truck on the westbound Interstate 80 in La Salle on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. Emergency crews responded to the crash to assist with recovery and traffic management.

The L-P co-op boys swimming team won 10 of 11 events against Peoria Notre Dame, plus more results in Thursday's NewsTribune roundup.

The Ottawa boys wrestling team topped La Salle-Peru 45-33, while the Cavaliers girls squad defeated the host Pirates 36-31 at Kingman Gym on Thursday night.

The 10th Judicial Circuit of Illinois said long time public defender Roger Clayton Bolin, of Buda, died on Jan. 1 at the age of 71.

Mendota Chamber of Commerce having Valentine's Baby Contest.

Illinois Valley Community College will host two information sessions for prospective nursing students in January and February 2026.

A Master Naturalist volunteer will present “Scales & Tails: Reptiles of the Prairie State” from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 5 at the Utica Public Library.

Thursday’s warm up is due to a low-pressure weather system pulled in from the Gulf region, National Weather Service spokesperson Brett Borchadt said.