NewsTribune

Courtney Perkins remains convicted for a shot fired in a Streator drug bust, but his prison time was shaved by eight years due to sentencing errors.

There is no cost to attend, but cash donations will be accepted.

In his first year as head coach at his alma mater, Nick Sterling is bringing the Hall football team back to the basics.

The fourth annual SUMMERTUBAFEST is set for 4:30 p.m. Sunday, July 27, at Centennial Park in Peru.

For over three decades, the nonprofit has raised funds and provided volunteer support for projects to enhance visitor experiences and preserve the park’s natural and cultural resources, the release said.

A La Salle County jury deliberated about two hours Thursday and convicted Malcolm Whitfield, 31, of Streator (also listed in DeKalb) of eight felonies led by first-degree murder for the 2023 shooting that injured two others.

A Bryon man accused of setting fire to the Kentucky Fried Chicken in La Salle was granted pre-trial release Thursday while he awaits trial for arson.

Teamsters Local 179 President Chris Richter said some ground was gained during the most recent bargaining session with Republic Services on Wednesday, but major sticking points remain - especially health care, pensions and wages.

Forty-six of the area's top golfers will compete for the title in the Illinois Valley Men's Golf Championship on Saturday and Sunday. More than 160 golfers total are playing.

The program is free and open to the public as part of Vacation Bible School. Light refreshments will be served.  

Businesses for sale or rent will display information and some will be open for viewing during the event.

The Peru Police Department is one step closer to beginning the search for a part-time social worker, thanks in part to a grant from the La Salle County State’s Attorney’s Office.

The Dickinson House in Oglesby will host an ice cream social and band concert Thursday, July 31.

Three years after an arson investigation was opened at the Kentucky Fried Chicken in La Salle, authorities have charged a former employee of the store.

The University of Illinois Extension will offer a hands-on food preservation workshop, “Make & Take Canning Class: Fill Your Pantry,” from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 9, in the Illinois Valley Community College Culinary Kitchen, 815 N. Orlando Smith Road.

Surf Internet - Telehealth is reshaping how people in rural communities access care, turning once-isolated homes into connected hubs for doctors’ visits, mental health check-ins, and chronic condition management.

Here is the list of couples who applied for La Salle County marriage licenses from June 17 through July 15, 2025.

The Village of North Utica has canceled meetings of the committee of the whole and of the Planning Commission, both previously set for Thursday, July 24.

The City of La Salle will be making several sidewalks ADA-compliant, thanks in part to a state grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation.

A forensic autopsy conducted Tuesday indicated Ronald H. Burkart, 71, died from carbon monoxide intoxication due to smoke and soot inhalation from the fire, Ploch said in the release.

Five days after Shaquita Kelly was shot and killed, Malcolm Whitfield sat for a police interview and admitted being at a fight in Streator – but said he wasn’t the instigator and he wasn’t carrying any gun.

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

Race director Paul Bosnich Jr. said the field for the Lake DePue Pro National Championships “is one of our biggest in a while” with 180-185 boats.

Maitri Path to Wellness - Choosing the right recovery program is a crucial step in overcoming a Substance Use Disorder (SUD).

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

The committee believes the city could fund it with a 20-year bond. However, during Monday’s committee of the whole, some aldermen weren’t convinced.

A man in his 70's was found dead Monday after a fire destroyed a one-story home in an unincorporated neighborhood near La Salle, prompting a multi-agency response and an investigation by the Illinois State Fire Marshal.

The New Chalet in Ottawa will be changing hands.

The exhibit features a historic bedroom set donated by the Ford family of Tonica and a period rug donated by Tim Anderson.

A one-story home caught fire at about 10 a.m. Monday morning in an unincorporated neighborhood near La Salle, prompting a multi-agency response and an investigation by the Illinois State Fire Marshal.

A Streator man charged with shooting three people, killing one, turned down an offer by La Salle County prosecutors. Instead, Malcolm Whitfield plans to argue self-defense.

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.

The Board also approved a tentative budget, which includes $42.7 million in revenues and $46.9 million in expenditures, and scheduled a public hearing for August 19.

The Illinois Valley Parkinson’s Support Group will hold its monthly meeting from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4, at the Utica fire station on Route 178 just south of Casey’s.

All 16 wines from August Hill Winery and Illinois Sparkling Co. earned medals at the 2025 Illinois State Fair Wine Competition, August Hill said in a news release.

First-year St. Bede football coach Jack Brady is making some changes to the Bruins offensive scheme this season.

Sidney A. Schiltz, age 42, of Sheridan and Melissa Vissman, age 31, of Ottawa, were discovered cause of death will be withheld at this time pending further forensic testing and court proceedings, Ploch said.

Now in its 23rd year, the free, week-long camp welcomed a new class of sixth-grade students from across the Illinois Valley—bringing the total number of graduates since 2001 to 652, according to a news release.

Burbank, the Illinois state champion, beat Iowa state champion Southeast Polk twice Thursday to win the Senior League Baseball Central Region Tournament for the fourth time in a row.

Two bodies were found burned from a residential fire in Sheridan, but prosecutors disclosed Friday both were shot. Two eyewitnesses told police it was Ronald Martin Jr. who pulled the trigger.

Seats are still available for the 2025 class, which takes place July 28 to August 1, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Information and an application form are available through ivcc.edu/readysetgo/.

Debo Ace Hardware - Summer is the perfect time to give your outdoor space a facelift, and nothing transforms a backyard like a fresh coat of paint or a rich, durable stain.

A look at the top games to watch in the NewsTribune/BCR area for the 2025 football season.

The plan will provide a proactive approach to marketing efforts and cohesive marketing tools as the Mansion expands its reach, drawing more tourists to the area and inspiring more visitors to experience the Mansion firsthand.

A Marseilles man faces up to 12 years in prison when he’s sentenced for setting fire to his brother’s house – and while his brother was trapped inside.

The Sheridan man charged with murder in connection with two bodies found in a burning home Thursday morning in rural Sheridan is in custody, according to the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office.

A Sheridan man has been charged with murder following the day-long investigation into the discovery of two bodies in rural Sheridan – but the suspect is not yet in custody.

A driver was charged Tuesday for a crash that killed a Princeton man on Thanksgiving weekend near Ottawa. He was using a handheld cell phone, prosecutors allege.

Kent P. Koehler, of La Salle, was charged with Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin (more than 400g but less than 900g), a Class X Felony.