Local Headlines

OTTAWA – The LaSalle County Health Department is now scheduling all COVID-19 tests online. Anyone needing a COVID-19 test must schedule their test online. The new online scheduling system will alleviate the wait time for one of the three tests they have available. Visit

MARK – No injuries were reported after a fire at a residence in Putnam County Sunday night. Around 9:30 PM the Granville Hennepin Fire Protection District were called to the 100 Block of Via Cavour in Mark after a resident called saying they could smell something buring in their home. The

    PERU – If you’re thinking of picking up a coffee this morning before work, Peru PADS Shelter could use some morning brew as well. Executive Director Carol Alcorn says the Peru and Ottawa PADS Shelters are currently consolidated in Peru due to a lack of staffing. Alcorn

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Emergency Management Agency is urging residents to take time in the coming weeks to test their home for radon as part of Radon Action Month. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Radon

OGLESBY – Illinois Valley Community College is moving its tuition payment deadline to next Wednesday to allow students more time to financially prepare for the spring semester. Spring students who are enrolled in at least six credit hours through April 7 are also eligible for Higher

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police Firearms Services Bureau has announced the option for customers to receive correspondence regarding their FOID cards and Conceal Carry Licenses from the ISP by email and/or text message instead of the mail. Holders should set up an online account at

SPRINGFIELD – The state of Illinois will be offering a new way to track your COVID-19 vaccinations on your mobile devices. They have announced that the newly launched system, Vax Verify, will include use of the new SMART™ Health Card. The card allows users to download a QR code, which

CARBON HILL – The Grundy County Coroner’s Office is investigating a fire that claimed the life of a Carbon Hill woman. The Coal City Fire Protection District responded to a reported structure fire in the 900 block of Judson Street, shortly after 9 a.m. on Friday. Firefighters arrived and

OTTAWA – The Illinois Department of Public Health announced over 200,000 new COVID-19 infections in the last week and an additional 444 deaths. In numbers totaled since December 31, of 2021, the state saw a dramatic climb in new cases and a rise in those hospitalized battling the disease.