Putnam County defeated Wethersfield 38-33 to capture the IESA 2A 8th grade regional championship on Thursday, Jan. 29 in Kewanee. The Pumas (21-3) will return to Wethersfield to meet Serena (19-6) for the sectional championship at 6 p.m. Monday

BVHS, BV North and Wyanet Elementary received a Commendable designation from the State

Cody Calkins, an American country music singer-songwriter from Streator, is playing from 7-10 p.m. on Friday, Feb 6 at R’s All In in Earlville. Calkins plays cover songs from the 1990’s to now with some original songs included throughout his shows.

The Mendota Historical Society will be holding its first virtual program at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Mar 14. Genealogist and historian Peg Kapustiak will be giving a talk entitled “Food of My Forefathers: The Cultural Context of Traditional and Ethnic Foods”.

Real Estate news: A 1,314-square-foot single-family residence, built in 1999, has changed hands. The lot of the property covers an area of 13,068 square feet.

Streator Home Savings Bank has been named the January 2026 Member of the Month for the Streator Chamber of Commerce.

Illinois Valley Cutest Pet Contest

In Thursday’s 43-35 victory at Henry, Lili McClain became the fifth St. Bede girl to score 1,000 career points. The St. Bede senior finished the night with 28 points and now has 1,022 career points.

Motorists will be unable to travel westbound on Madison Street between La Salle Street and Clinton Street in Ottawa from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday due to a road closure.

The Graves-Hume Public Library, 1401 W. Main St., Mendota, will host several events and programs in February.