The Illinois Housing Development Authority Access Home program provides eligible homebuyers with up to $15,000 for assistance on a 30-year, fixed rate mortgage on existing homes and new construction.

Woodlawn Arts Academy is proud to exhibit artwork from talented students and staff from all over the Sauk Valley area and is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 student-teacher art exhibit.

From local businesses and schools to neighbors near and far, the community has rallied to support those impacted by the EF-3 intensity tornado and severe storms that occurred on March 10, 2026.

Registration is from now through May 15 and can be completed in person, by mail or online at villageoflyndon.org at a cost of $10 per vehicle.

Support has poured in to Aroma Township from across Kankakee County and beyond following the March 10 tornado. That support is anchored by a little community bar in the heart of Aroma Park called the Fun Hub.

The 44th Sublette Antique Tractor and Toy Show was in full swing on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

In addition to serving 100% Colombian specialty coffee, Sumercé Coffee in Crest Hill sells signature drinks and traditional Colombian baked goods.

St. Patrick's Day is almost here and that means the bagpipers will soon be be turning up in downtown Plainfield.

Residents of Aroma Township and Kankakee began picking up the pieces this week following the EF-3 tornado that hit Kankakee County on the evening of Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs recognized these leaders in their fields for their accomplishments and service to community.

The Maple Syrup Magic event is returning to the Will County Forest Preserve District on March with new entertainment and activities for attending families.

Spring came early to Dixon with the success of Blooming Fusion 2026 at The Next Picture Show Community Fine Arts Center.

The YWCA Women of Achievement Luncheon will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16, at the Elks Club in Dixon.

At the annual State of the County presentation, the message was plain and it was simple: Kankakee County people control Kankakee County's future.

The college is inviting community members, through an online survey, to share feedback on its 2027–2030 strategic directions.

Silver Cross occupies approximately half the offices under a long-term lease.

Donors may access the telethon in person and through the Easterseals Joliet Region website. Service areas include Will, Grundy, Kendall, Kankakee, Ford and Iroquois counties.

Proceeds from the event go to fund small grants to local agencies that support Zonta’s mission to build a better world for women and girls.

Mr. and Ms. J is a longstanding tradition of selecting two high school seniors who best represent the ideal students of Joliet Central Campus.

Yorkville Public Library is open Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Curbside service is available.

Sterling Main Street has announced the launch of its 2026 annual Partnership Campaign, inviting businesses and individuals to invest in the continued growth and vibrancy of downtown Sterling.

Every certified Health Department has a three-to-five-year Community Health Improvement Plan, which outlines how the Health Department and community will address top health priorities.

Will County residents Tessa Quinlan of Mokena and Jen Ivey of Lockport have been helping families with special needs loved ones connect with qualified caregivers for the past eight years through Facebook.

Millbrook United Methodist Church will hosts its annual all-you-can-eat country breakfast and homemade bakery.

Yorkville Public Library Hour is open Monday through Saturday, Curbside service is available for those who prefer not to enter the library. The library will be closed on Feb. 16.

The Polo Area Community Theatre is gearing up for its rendition of Agatha Christie’s “A Murder is Announced.” The play will be performed Feb. 13, 14 and 20 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 15 and 21 at 2 p.m. at the theater at 117 N. Franklin Ave. in Polo.

The Education Committee at the Windmill Cultural Center will feature Yudith Goodwin at its Wild Winter Wednesday program Feb. 25.

Shorewood HUGS annual chocolate ball supports the grassroots nonprofit's HUGS & Wishes program. to date, Shorewood HUGS has fulfilled more than 1,400 wishes.

Looking for a good book? You now have plenty of options in Will and Grundy counties.

Prophetstown Proud is excited to announce its 2026 events schedule: mark your calendars, save the dates and see you in downtown Prophetstown this year.

Upcoming February events in Tampico include Senior Games, the Tampico Royal Neighbors of America Chapter 1570 meal and the Tampico Area Historical Society's monthly meeting.

Judy Easley, president of the Joliet Branch of the the NAACP, was bestowed with the Michael Austin Clark Community Leader Award by Joliet Township High School District 204.

Catch up on the Sauk Valley's news and sports for the week of Jan. 30 to Feb. 6, 2026.

The C.W. Avery Family YMCA – located at 15120 Wallin Drive in Plainfield – first opened its doors on Feb. 4, 2006.

Anyone who donates to Will County Habitat for Humanity by Friday and shines a light may enter the drawing for a chance to win the famous lights.

Artists within a 35-mile radius of Dixon or who are permanent residents of Lee, Ogle, Whiteside, Carroll, Stevenson or Jo Daviess counties and who are at least 16 years of age are eligible to enter.

The presentation will be led by DEA Special Agent Greg Czaczkowski, who will discuss current drug and substance use issues impacting the community, with information tailored to both parents and teens.

A summertime block party-style event is coming to downtown Sterling on July 25. Sterling Street Fest will be a one-day, afternoon-to-evening event featuring live bands, food and activities.

The Next Picture Show is now accepting submissions for Blooming Fusion, a juried exhibition celebrating artistic interpretations of flowers, plants, and gardens. The exhibition will be on view Feb. 18 through March 28 at The Next Picture Show.

Plainfield East High School teacher and soccer coach Lisa Simon was honored this month as a National Mentor of the Month for her work doing community service with her students.

Wellspring United Methodist Church in Oswego will celebrate its fifth anniversary in February.

This support will go directly toward car repairs for Grundy County residents who rely on their vehicles to get to work and are SNAP or Medicaid recipients.

Members of the Illinois Youth and Family Services agency gathered in sub-zero wind chills to hold a rally for peace and stop to gun violence on Richards Street in Joliet on Monday. Jan. 26, 2026. The rally came the day after a woman and 4-year-old boy were shot to death at a Joliet home.

The 2026 season is designed to support local businesses, encourage city-wide engagement and celebrate all that Dixon has to offer, according to a news release.

United Way of Lee County is inviting the community to start the new year with creativity and self-care at its upcoming Color Me Happy Workshop on Feb. 5 at the Post House Ballroom in Dixon.

The Kendall County Health Department will share the results of a recent community health improvement survey at its Community Health Summit Breakfast on Jan. 29. Registration for the event is full.

“The Herald Angels campaign has been in existence for nearly 30 years, and we are proud that we set another record in 2025,” Steve Vanisko, publisher of The Herald-News.

Joliet Fire Department crews found smoke and flames showing from a detached residential garage on Tuesday afternoon.

The plan establishes a decade-long blueprint to ensure the growing population of older Illinoisans “can live dignified, engaged, productive, and meaningful lives at every stage of life,” the Illinois Department of Aging said.

The longtime owner of Terrace Inn Lounge in Joliet closed the bar at the end of 2025 to spend more time with his family.