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IVAC highlights accomplishments, gives awards at annual dinner

The Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce used its annual dinner on Wednesday night to recap a year of growth and preview key projects coming in 2026, along with honoring three contributors to the region.

By Bill Freskos●

Photos: Carriage rides offer magical tour through Celebration of Lights in La Salle.

Experience the magic of the season with a cozy carriage ride through the Celebration of Lights in La Salle. Carriage rides are offered in November and December at Rotary Park. The last ride is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 11. Prices are $25 per person or $200 for the entire wagon up to a dozen people. The carriage rides are organized by the Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce. For more information visit https://www.ivaced.org/carriage-rides.

By Scott Anderson●

Utica to cut its tax rate – but not much

Utica’s tax base grew 7%, giving village officials a chance to cut rates or boost revenue. Tuesday, they did a little of both.

By Tom Collins●

Hawthorne Inn celebrates renovation with ribbon cutting

Hawthorne Inn Assisted Living in Peru celebrated the completion of its newly remodeled and expanded suites with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Dec. 3.

By Shaw Local News Network●

Utica’s Market on Mill enjoyed strong summer

The Market on Mill, Utica's outdoor retail plaza, is considered a big hit. New data from the Illinois Department of Revenue suggest the plaza helped Utica to record summer sales totals.

By Tom Collins●