The La Salle County Emergency Management Agency has cancelled the severe weather spotter training scheduled for Tuesday, March 10 at Illinois Valley Community College.

A small fire erupted Sunday night at the Root Beer Stand in Oglesby; but the owner said she put it out with a fire extinguisher and Oglesby firefighters weren’t summoned.

With softball season kicking off this week in Illinois, here are five storylines to watch in the NewsTribune-area this spring.

The Utica Business Association held its annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration & Parade on Saturday, March 7. Parade goers marched through downtown Utica. The day's events also included bagpipers, family activities and music.

Registration begins soon for the “Chasing Spring Hike” at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25 at Starved Rock State Park.

The Starved Rock Art Show Award Ceremony and Reception for 2026 took place Saturday at the Starved Rock Visitor Center.

During National School Social Work Week, school social workers in La Salle, Bureau and Putnam Counties were recognized through a variety of activities and initiatives designed to celebrate their contributions and raise awareness of their impact.

The Putnam County seventh-grade volleyball team defeated Oglesby Washington 25-23, 15-25, 25-20 to capture their own 2A regional championship on March 5. The Pumas (15-9) will play Kewanee Wethersfield at 6 p.m. Monday in the Seneca Sectional.

The Starved Rock Country Community Foundation welcomed supporters to its annual A Country Night for a Cause gala, which blends the foundation’s mission with celebrations.