Local Headlines

STERLING – Illinois Rail Safety Week begins Sunday and runs through September 29th. Area law enforcement will be promoting rail safety awareness and education to prevent injuries and fatalities. Additional enforcement of laws associated with crossings and railroad property will take place

OGLESBY – The Illinois Valley Community College agriculture program, in partnership with University of Illinois Extension, will conduct an ag research field day at the research plot along the west side of Orlando Smith Road from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26. The field day, which will

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Failed efforts to authenticate Abraham Lincoln’s ownership of a stovepipe hat were kept secret for years by the nonprofit group that owns the hat. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation sought national museum experts’ review in 2013 and an FBI

PEORIA, Ill. (AP) — Crops are maturing more quickly in Illinois this year compared to 2017, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The agency’s most recent Illinois Crop Progress and Condition report estimates that 75 percent of the corn crop was mature by

SPRING VALLEY – Hall High School’s Stadium could be getting wiring upgrades in the future. Superintendant Jesse Brandt told the school board Wednesday that wiring, lighting and sound system upgrades will eventually have to happen. The suggestions were made after they experienced an

OTTAWA  – Septembers dry spell is turning out to be a positive turn of events for LaSalle County farmers.   According to LaSalle County’s Farm Bureau President David Isermann, the excellent weather conditions have made it easier for farmers to harvest the corn crop. He says mother

DEKALB, Ill. (AP) — Northern Illinois University’s board of trustees has chosen a woman as president for the first time since the school opened its doors in 1899. In a news release, the DeKalb university says that Dr. Lisa C. Freeman is the 13th president. Freeman has been serving as

ILLINOIS – As the American Red Cross responds to Hurricane Florence, providing food, shelter and comfort to those affected, individuals outside the affected areas are urged to help by giving blood or platelets to care for patients in the storm’s path and across the country. People can

OTTAWA – Another bird that was collected, a dead blue jay, has tested positive for West Nile Virus. According to the LaSalle County Health Department, the bird was collected in Marseilles and tested on Wednesday. The first human death attributed to the virus this year in Illinois occurred