SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Agriculture released final harvest numbers from the 2020 hemp growing season. Hemp farmers reported 2,734 acres planted, with 1,278,000 pounds of flower, 39,000 pounds of seed, 8,500 pounds of grain and 48,000 pounds of fiber harvested. In the last ...Read more
SPRINGFIELD – Area libraries and schools have been awarded CARES Act Grants from Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White. Libraries could apply for grants to help purchase cleaning and PPE supplies to offset costs during the pandemic. Mendota, Princeton, Spring Valley ...Read more
EFFINGHAM – State Senator Darren Bailey announced on Monday that he will be seeking the Republican nomination for Governor. The downstate farmer from Xenia was elected to the state legislature in 2018 and represents the 55th district. In April of 2020, Bailey sued Governor J.B. Pritzker to ...Read more
OTTAWA – An Ottawa woman is facing battery and deadly weapon charges after an investigation into an alleged stabbing Monday morning. The Ottawa Police Department say they were called to the 2100 block of Somerset Drive where they found a male victim with apparent stab wounds. Authorities ...Read more
OGLESBY – Illinois Valley Community College’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee announced five students have been selected as winners in the 2021 Honoring His Legacy: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Writing Contest. The annual contest invites all IVCC ...Read more
MENDOTA – Weeks of heavy snow accumulating on a gas station canopy led to its collapse Monday in Mendota. The Mendota Fire Department was called around 2:30 PM to the station near I-39 and US Route 34 after a portion of the structure had fallen onto a truck parked at a gas pump. The ...Read more
PERU – A rash of car burglaries is being investigated by the Peru Police Department. In a release on Monday, authorities say that the southwest section of town has seen an increase of unlocked cars being entered with items taken. The Peru Police say that around 2 AM on Monday they were ...Read more
PERU – Those needing assistance with filing taxes can receive help at the Peru Library on Thursday. The annual AARP tax preparation event with Tax-Aide volunteers will be a one day event this year, and handled differently than in years past. Participants will leave their tax paperwork with ...Read more
STREATOR – The Sandy Ford Bridge carrying County Highway 5 over the Vermillion River will be closed for a few days while crews remove trees. The LaSalle County Highway Department announced that beginning Monday at 6 AM through at least Friday at 4 PM the bridge will be closed. Unlike ...Read more
OGLESBY – A scholarship for students planning to teach in the fine arts has been established in memory of Christine Jordan Kalil. The $1,000 annual award will support students pursuing teaching careers in art, music, theatre or other fine arts. Demonstrated financial need and a minimum 3.0 ...Read more
