Local Headlines

PERU – An early Thursday morning home fire heavily damaged a home in Peru.  According to Peru Fire Chief Jeff King, they were called to the 1600 Block of 5th Street after a resident reported a fire in his kitchen.  When responders arrived, they found fire coming out of the back of the

STREATOR – Streator Township High School’s district will be getting more funding due to a higher property tax base. At Tuesday night’s board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Matt Seaton reported that projections of a 4% increase in property tax value has remained. According to Dr.

OTTAWA – Workers involved in the coal tar cleanup at the former Central School site in Ottawa are preparing for heavy duty work in the new year.  The site that was once home to a former gas plant in the 50s is now under the responsibility of Nicor Gas and Com Ed. Spokeswoman Jennifer Golz

  STREATOR – Winners have been announced in the 2019 Streator Holiday Lighting Contest. The contest hosted by the Streator Chamber of Commerce, had five categories: most creative, most eccentric, most religious, business display and best overall. The most creative holiday lighting

OTTAWA – Ottawa City Council’s levy for 2020 will increase 9.5% over the amount extended last year. City Treasurer Don Harris explained that they city is asking for around $6.8 million this year, up around $595,000 from last year. Harris stated that for homeowners, that would be an

STREATOR – Streator Township High School  will be welcoming their first foreign exchange student after winter break. As part of a program with Foreign Services China Group, the high school will be hosting senior Yang Ruoheng for the semester. Superintendent Dr. Matt Seaton says she will

SPRING VALLEY – Spring Valley will allow recreational marijuana dispensaries to operate in the city, come January. Andrew Martinez, a business owner, attended the Monday meeting and is moving forward with his plans after hearing the news. Martinez wants to build a social club where patrons

LASALLE – A trap, neuter and rescue program wants to help the city of LaSalle with their stray cat dilemma. Earlier this month, Mayor Jeff Grove voiced his concern regarding stray cats in the area. On Monday night, The Safe House Animal Rescue League out of Dalzell says they’re

  DEKALB – An Aurora woman faces multiple charges in connection to a shooting that left one person dead. 28-year-old Vanity Garcia is charged with concealment of a homicidal death and aggravated fleeing to elude after a deadly shooting and high speed police chase on Sunday night.

MORRISON – A Rock Falls woman has been arrested and charged with murder after a man was found deceased from an apparent stabbing in rural Whiteside County on Sunday morning. According to the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office, they were called to the 22000 block of Brooks Road after 1