Through the Illinois Valley Public Action to Deliver Shelter non-profit organization, these walkers were among almost 10,000 across North America who participated to show their support for homeless populations.

Outdoor dining in Utica has been a big hit, but Utica village officials say there are costs to the village and business owners must pay their fair share.

Catch up on the week’s top Illinois Valley news in minutes for Feb. 22-28. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

The Putnam County Public Library District invites the public to a free screening of “Triangle Fire” on Wednesday, March 11, at 5 p.m. at the McNabb Branch.

If you rooted for the USA Hockey teams in the Olympics (wasn’t everyone?), then you also cheered on a La Salle native and St. Bede graduate who serves as Chief Medical Officer for USA Hockey.

Illinois Valley Community College will be closed to the public on Friday, March 6, to allow employees to participate in professional development sessions. There will be no classes that day.

The Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra will present “Romantic Imaginations” at 3 p.m. on March 8 at Ottawa Township High School.

The Putnam County Public Library District’s Granville Branch invites the public to attend a free screening of “Her War, Her Story: Women of World War II” on Tuesday, March 10, at 1 p.m.

Ottawa's Juliana Thrush advanced to the state championship match at 235 pounds, the best result for anyone in the Illinois Valley.

Fire on Fifth Pizza will host a free Writers at Westclox author fair from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 14.