L-P defeated Dixon 62-53 during the Class 3A Regional semifinal game on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 in Sellette Gymnasium at L-P High School.

Students from JFK School, Putnam County Junior High, La Salle-Peru Township High School, LaMoille School, Ottawa High School and DePue, attended the 20th annual Edible Car Contest on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby. IVCC's Edible Car Contest always coincides with National Engineering Week.

Peru Police K-9 Haven turns 2! Haven celebrated her birthday by eating a dog cake and having students sing "Happy Birthday" on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 at Students Obtaining Achievement and Responsibility (SOAR) School in Peru. K-9 Haven brings comfort, joy, and smiles to many in Peru and elsewhere.

The City of Mendota could soon host a community solar project on a 30-35-acre parcel on the city’s northeast side. The parcel is located on the northeast side of town between the railroad tracks and N 4350th Rd.

During the February 16th Mendota City Council meeting, the difficult decision to close the Mendota Public Pool for the 2026 season. The City of Mendota is closing the pool due to major construction and repairs needed for the pool to be safe and operational. The construction cost is estimated at $1 million, which is less than the $6.7 million estimated for a new pool. The City of Mendota will offer alternative summer opportunities through partnerships with the Mendota YMCA, Graves-Hume Public Library and more.

Mendota and Troy Grove fire departments responded to the mechanic building at ADM Milling and Rail Terminal on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 in Mendota. Firefighters responded to a report of an explosion in the wash bay area. The incident happened shortly before 9:30a.m. No injuries were reported.

Rockridge defeated Hall 68-58 in the Class 2A Regional quarterfinal game on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026 at Hall High School.

St. Bede defeated Putnam County 59-45 during the Class 1A Regional quarterfinal game on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026 at St. Bede Academy.

Crews are building the exterior for a new Jersey Mike's Subs location on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026 in Princeton. The business is located at the corner of Illinois Route 26 and Backbone Road. The restaurant is expected to open in late spring.