Statewide unemployment rate continues to drop

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced that the unemployment rate fell 0.1 percentage point to 4.4 percent based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state’s unemployment rate was

IVCC board gives final approval of 2023 budget

  OGLESBY – The Illinois Valley Community College board gave final approval to a $37.5 million budget for fiscal 2023. The budget shows an 8 percent increase in revenue over 2022, due to the $4.1 million in

Senator Duckworth to visit Marquis Energy

HENNEPIN – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth is scheduled to visit Marquis Energy Thursday to tour the ethanol facility and its new Sustainable Aviation Fuel facility in partnership with LanzaJet.  Joining the Senator on the tour will be U.S.

Future Ottawa amphitheater to attract thousands

  OTTAWA – Ottawa’s Mayor says the $3 million grant awarded to the city to build an outdoor amphitheater came as a pleasant surprise. Mayor Dan Aussem predicts a year of planning the riverfront amphitheater/pavilion that could

IVCC president announces retirement plans

OGLESBY – The longtime president of Illinois Valley Community College has announced plans to retire next year. Dr. Jerry Corcoran, IVCC president since 2008, will end his tenure on July 1st, 2023. Former Seneca School Supt. Jim

Mendota welcomes new part-time police officer

MENDOTA – The Mendota Police Department on Monday swore in a new part-time police officer who will be working with the department and the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotics Team. Jeremiah Martin of Yorkville took the oath from