Illinois Valley Community College’s agriculture program recently received a $25,000 grant from Compeer Financial’s Agriculture and Rural Initiative for equipment, technology, student engagement and retention.

Those looking to find employment will have another option to check out when the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Business Employment Skills Team Inc. hosts their drive-thru job fair.

On Saturday, Oct. 23, at 7:30 p.m. Festival 56 will present The Manhattan Dolls “Rockin’ with The Dolls.” This performance will surely take you back to the 50s and 60s with songs like “Stop in the Name of Love,” “Then He Kissed Me,” any many other heartfelt favorites.

Student honorees representing La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties will perform and present their work at the North Central Illinois ARTworks fifth annual Mad Hatter Ball from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19 at the Auditorium Ballroom in La Salle.

The Independent Community Bankers of America announced community banker Kim McKee, president/CEO of North Central Bank, Hennepin, was elected to the ICBA Federal Delegate Board. ICBA is the nation’s voice for community banks.

All activities will take place at the University of Illinois Extension office, 509 Front St., Henry. This is open to all youth ages 8-18. Membership in 4-H is not a requirement to participate.

The Federation club is hosting a Halloween event for all Cloverbuds (youth ages 5-7) on Oct. 30.

On Saturday, Oct. 23, Putnam County Rotarians will join in the observance of the day by sharing “End Polio Now” balloons and information from 9 to 10 a.m. at each of Putnam County’s three local banks.