Local Headlines

MENDOTA – A generous donation of children’s crafts and activities have been given to the city of Mendota to help spread joy this Christmas. The Mendota Police Department will be giving away gifts at a special drive-thru event Saturday starting at 10 AM behind the Police Department. The

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the federal REAL ID deadline an additional two years to May 7th, 2025. With this extension, current standard Illinois driver’s licenses or ID cards will continue to

Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock defeated Republican challenger Herschel Walker in a Georgia runoff election Tuesday, ensuring Democrats an outright majority in the Senate for the rest of President Joe Biden’s term. With Warnock’s victory, Democrats will have a 51-49 Senate majority, gaining

On Tuesday, a New York jury found the Trump Organization guilty of all charges in a 15-year tax fraud scheme that prosecutors alleged was orchestrated by top executives at the company. Jurors deliberated for just over a day before returning the guilty verdicts on a total of 17 counts, including

  CHICAGO – The Moon and Mars will engage in a dance this evening across the sky across much of north America. The Moon will pass in front of the planet Mars starting around 9:09 PM until 10:06 PM CST. Mars will be bright in the sky, as it currently is at the point in its orbit where

BLOOMINGTON- Republican Illinois State Senator Jason Barickman has announced he will be retiring at the end of his term in January. The Bloomington area politician has served in state government for twelve years. The 53rd Senate District seat will be filled after the inauguration of the 103rd

  OTTAWA – The city of Ottawa is shooting its shot again at a grant to demolish the old YMCA building. Last year the city applied for a Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant and was not awarded so officials are trying again for the $2.1 million grant that would assist in the buyout and

  LOSTANT – The Village of Lostant is warning its residents about reports of coyotes in town. In a social media post, village officials say they’ve received several reports of coyotes seen in town this week. Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant while out and about with

OGLESBY – A new internet provider could be coming to Oglesby that is capable of faster speeds than currently available. SURF Air Wireless LLC made a brief presentation Monday night at the Oglesby City Council Meeting. The LaPorte, Indiana company already has an agreement with the community of

MENDOTA – The City of Mendota has sold municipally owned property and purchased another Monday night. The City Council voted to sell 1017 Main Street for $105,000, a property that was previously bought by the city with TIF money last year. The city also chose to purchase a business property at