A buyer is still being sought for Bizzy Bee Activity & Learning Center in Streator. 

Ottawa artist Jeremy Johnson worked on the bowling-themed mural for a few hours a day for about a month.

This is the last week to get your ice cream favorites at a few small businesses across the Illinois Valley.

“After 11 wonderful years with Christine Pellegrini, we are excited to welcome Jenny Peters as the new owner,” read the announcement on the business’s social media account.

La Cocina De Irene in downtown Spring Valley will soon close its doors. 

The Spring Valley location is among the oldest, if not the oldest, store in Tastee-Freez’s history. The building was constructed in 1949 and served as a pilot store.

Mike Lock and Justin Forbes are opening the card store at 1801 4th St.

Nikki Tonioni, owner of Flower Bar, purchased Valley Flowers in 2024.

After 15 years, Diane Kinzer announced her plans to retire at the end of October. 

The Thirsty Mule, a nod to the mules that pulled the boats through the I&M Canal, will open at 541 1st St., the location of the former Social Kitchen that closed in 2019.

Stephanie and Dave Stacy took ownership of Garden’s Gate in 2009.

Johnsons Carpet Shoppe in Princeton is adding furniture to its inventory.

Marseilles' longtime pharmacy is closing its doors.

Clarks Run Antiques and Wine is opening a 1,500-square-foot event center at 215 N. Division St., Utica.

Baked & Brewed is now open at 723 S. Clark St., Utica.

After a rough season, Donnie Appleseed Orchard in La Salle has closed up shop early.

Iniga Pizzeria Napoletana was set to open a second location in Dekalb, but is instead moving to Dekalb and closing its Ottawa location, 215 W. Jefferson St.

Uncle Chuck’s offers four styles of crust and four sauces, including vodka, pesto, fresh tomato and a signature sauce.

After 75 years, WJ Stone Ace Hardware in Streator has received a new name and owners.

Five Below is a chain of specialty discount stores that prices most of its products at $5 or less, with a smaller assortment of products priced up to $25

Adventure-E-bike LLC recently found a new home in Streator at 409 E. Main St. 

The butcher shop at 218 Railroad Ave., Wyanet, will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday or until they sell out, according to a post on the business’s Facebook page.

Bizzy Bee Activity & Learning Center in Streator is for sale.

The Starved Rock Regional Center for Therapy and Child Development recently opened a second location at 1304 Gemini Circle, Suite 2, in Ottawa.

Life Balance Counseling and Wellness began operating at a new office this week at 2218 Marquette Road, Peru. 

Derek Kessinger opened a State Farm agency at 445 W. Walnut St., Oglesby, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Goldwater Care in Spring Valley recently cut the ribbon at its location at 1300 N. Greenwood St., Spring Valley.

The New Chalet in Ottawa will be changing hands.

Renovations are underway at Debo Ace Hardware in Peru.

Kaley Dilley and Anna Weygand had wanted to open a little shop in Ottawa since they were kids — and this year, the opportunity came.

Heartland by Hand announced that its downtown Ottawa gift shop is closing and its framing services will be relocating.

Misfits opened the bar portion of its business over the Fourth of July weekend.

Valentino’s opened at 104 W. Main St., the former JJ’s Pub in Ottawa.

Starved Rock Entertainment, 201 Donaldson St., Utica, announced the closure of the business later this month.

The store, located inside Main Street Market, 317 E. Main St., Streator, on the second floor, will hold its last day Saturday, June 28.

Michlig Energy, Ltd. announced a new location in Peru at 6350 Meridian Road.

AFNA announced the launch of a new production line at its Toluca facility, adding more than 80 new jobs and bringing the plant’s total workforce to over 350.

Uptown Grill is celebrating 40 years of business in downtown La Salle this month.

Two Streatorites reopened the West Side Cafe, 101 Armory Court, this week. Jeff and Ginger Walter opened the cafe Monday after it closed less than a year ago.

Monsignor James Kruse has left the Magi Baby Closet and been reassigned from his post at St. Louis Parish in Princeton.

The menu at Rivers Edge in Marseilles is Italian inspired with popular menu items including firecracker shrimp and their Brussels sprouts appetizer, the owners said.

NSG Group recently announced its newest photovoltaic solar array at Pilkington, its Ottawa facility, which will supply about 3.9 gigawatt hours of renewable electricity annually.

Stubbz Galley, located in the South Shore Boat Club, 2380 Water St., Peru was opened May 1, 2025, and offers a full menu for lunch and dinner.

Ladd Lanes, 212 S. Main St. in Ladd, announces its summer hours.

Sam’s Pizza is hosting a block party Sunday to celebrate 50 years.

Lois’ Kitchen farmstand is open for the season. She’ll have pies, breads, cookies, jams, jellies and pickles, among other items.

Gold Rice Authentic Thai Food has found a new location, but it’s not yet open.

Horizon House of Illinois Valley Inc. marked the culmination of the Horizon House United Future Building Project with an Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Shay’s Hair Studio opens in Peru

Fawcett’s Pharmacy recently announced new hours for Saturday.