Local Headlines

MENDOTA – The 72nd Annual Mendota Sweet Corn Festival kicks off today with a “Special Afternoon for Special Kids”, a private event for children with special needs and their families to enjoy the carnival from 3:30-5:30 PM. Prior registration will be required through the Mendota

OTTAWA – Ottawa’s fire department received new equipment that’s said to improve a cardiac arrest victims chances of survival outside a hospital. James Less, Comissioner of Public Safety, announced the department secured seven  automatic external defibrillators through the federal

OTTAWA – Plans were finalized and approved for Thornton Park improvements. On Tuesday night, the city council approved the master plan for the park that would include upgrades like a splash pad and pickle ball courts. The city is applying for an Open Space Land Acquisition and Development

WASHINGTON  –  A nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System is scheduled for Wednesday around 1:20PM.  The Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission will perform the test, which will be similar to the ones that radio stations are required to

  PRINCETON – The community gathered for a night of fun, education, and entertainment at the National Night Out in Princeton Tuesday night.  The Princeton Police Department and the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office were on hand along with other community organizations to promote

  MENDOTA – Mendota’s city council voted against raising the age for the purchase and use of tobacco products. A 3-3 split lead Mayor David Boelk to vote and determine whether the amendment would pass. Boelk said of course, he votes no. The ordinance would have raised the age

MENDOTA – Mendota is implementing burn restrictions due to dry weather. According Fire Chief Dennis Rutishauser, the city will place a restricted burn status at the city burn pit. Rutishauser says it is not a district burn ban. Fire chiefs in the area as well as conservation police are

  PEORIA  – The City of Princeton voted at its August 5th meeting in favor of Perry Memorial Hospital formally beginning a process to consider a variety of partnership options with OSF HealthCare. Perry Memorial Hospital has been an independent affiliate of OSF HealthCare since 2007,

OTTAWA  – OSF HealthCare donated $1,225 to Streator Township High School athletic programs. This donation is a result of the sports physical fundraiser that took place at Streator Township High School on May 23. “Our partnership with Streator High School has brought our community closer

PRINCETON – A train carrying sand derailed Monday in Bureau County, tumbling ten cars onto their sides. No injuries were reported at the scene just west of Zearing. Crews from BNSF were assessing the damage and there was no word on how long repairs to the rails would take. Exclusive video