The Ottawa softball team, led by three hits and three RBIs by Piper Lewis, defeated host Sterling on Wednesday, while Serena and Somonauk/Leland also earned softball wins. Plus, more results from around the Times area.

The Marquette baseball team scored three times in the first inning and used solid pitching performances from Alec Novotney and Griffin Dobberstein in a 3-0 victory over Eureka at Masinelli Field on a cold and windy Wednesday afternoon. The Crusaders are now 8-0 on the year.

La Salle-Peru sophomore Marion Persich is the NewsTribune Boys Basketball Player of the Year after leading the area in scoring and helping L-P to its third straight regional title.

A look at the best boys basketball players in the NewsTribune area for the 2025-26 season.

The “Love Our Community” grant program’s goal is to award $10,000 annually to local nonprofits in appreciation of the resources and time they provide to the community, subject to funds permitting.

The First United Methodist Church in Ottawa will hold its 21st annual spaghetti lunch and supper on Thursday, April 23.

Illinois Valley Community College student Danica Scoma recently was recognized for academic accomplishment, leadership and campus and community service by the Phi Theta Kappa honor society.

The St. Bede baseball and LaSalle-Peru softball teams are making spring flings this week to warmer climates down south. The Bruins are playing in Tennessee while the L-P girls are enjoying the sun in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Here's boys track & field previews for Amboy co-op, Bureau Valley, DePue, Hall, Princeton, Putnam County and St. Bede

When Walmart opened its first store in Peru on Tuesday, April 1, 1986, it marked a major retail milestone for the Illinois Valley.