Perez has devoted himself to his family, co-workers and community in an exemplary fashion, though most may be familiar with his work as a coach.

Raikes traces his commitment to service back to his childhood in Marseilles, because he had role models who instilled the importance of putting community before self.

With a background in accounting and an appreciation for small business, Hall is the volunteer treasurer for A Servant’s Heart, a role she said suits her on several levels.

Applebee is retiring after 34 years at Seneca High School. In her final year, former students and colleagues are reflecting on how she transformed literature into lived experience – and created a classroom where every student felt safe to be themselves.

Mendota junior Mariyah Elam and Morris senior Ava Conley both put together strong efforts, qualifying for the state finals in three events in Wednesday’s IHSA Class 2A Mendota Girls Track and Field Sectional.

The IHSA has released its 2026 baseball postseason schedules. Here are the paths awaiting teams from across the Illinois Valley, including Seneca, Princeton, Ottawa, La Salle-Peru, Streator, St. Bede, Marquette and more.

Daniella Bumber won the 100, 200 and 400 and ran on one of two winning relays to lead Henry-Midland to a second-place finish in the Class 1A Farmington Sectional, plus more in Wednesday's NewsTribune roundup.

The Woodland/Flanagan-Cornell softball team earned its first win of the season in its final regular-season game, Ottawa softball won a wild 19-18 decision, and Sandwich and Newark baseball both lost close ones. That and more in The Times Wednesday Roundup.

Rodriguez is charged with three counts of aggravated unlawful restraint, aggravated assault and two counts of domestic battery. He faces up to five years if convicted of aggravated unlawful restraint, the most serious of his counts.

Ottawa's Adam Swanson blasted a leadoff solo homer to center to tie the game 1-1, then retook the mound and shut out Rochelle for the final four innings as the Pirates kept their Interstate 8 Conference baseball title hopes alive with an 11-1 win Wednesday.