Shaw Local

Heavy afternoon rains Saturday flooded Illinois Valley streets and had city officials watching forecasts to see whether Independence Day fireworks shows would go on. Peru Aldermen Rick O’Sadnick spotted two vehicles partially submerged at Peru Mall. O’Sadnick speculated that zero-visibility conditions precluded the drivers from gauging the depth of the standing water. Zero visibility is being blamed for two cars swamped and stranded Saturday, July 4, 2026, during afternoon heavy rains.

The residential property located at 6 Cambridge Court in Cary was sold on June 16, for $450,000, or $120 per square foot. The home, built in 1988, has an interior space of 3,762 square feet. This two-story house has three bedrooms and four bathrooms. The property is equipped with forced air heating with air conditioning. The property is situated on a lot spanning 9,533 square feet.

Zane Jackson. Robert Storm, Jeanne Storm and Evelyn Tejeda wait for Hebron’s Independence Day Parade to begin on Saturday, July 4, 2026, They were celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary and the village's 190th Anniversary during the parade. (Gregory Shaver/Gregory Shaver Shaw Media )

Runners begin the annual Arukah Freedom 5k Color Run on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at Soldiers and Sailors Park in Princeton. The event benefits the WORTH Program, that promotes mental health and substance abuse awareness for teens in rural communities. (Scott Anderson) Scott Anderson Over 15 years covering news, sports and events in the Illinois Valley. Support my work with a digital subscription.

Manteno fireworks - July 3, 2026 Lightning illuminates the clouds during the fireworks at the Manteno Sportsmen's Club on July 3, 2026, as thunderstorms pass to the north. (Tiffany Blanchette) Kankakee CountyMantenoFireworksStormsFourth of July Tiffany Blanchette Tiffany Blanchette has been a photojournalist with the Daily Journal since 2014 and Photo Editor since 2018. She has won awards for her work from the Illinois Press Association and the National Press Photographers Association.

The single-family home located at 3649 Bailey Street in Plano was sold on June 9, for $410,000, or $141 per square foot. The home, built in 2005, has an interior space of 2,904 square feet. This two-story house has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The property is equipped with forced air heating with air conditioning and a cooling system. Additionally, the building includes access to an attached garage for two cars. The lot of the property covers an area of 12,021 square feet.

A single-family residence has changed hands. The house at 1168 Meadow Path in Manteno was sold on June 16. The purchase price was $400,000. The property occupies a lot of 12,150 square feet. Other homes in Manteno have recently changed hands nearby: · In June, a single-family residence at 996 Meadow Path sold for $471,500. · A single-family residence at 1212 Southcreek Drive, sold in May, for $350,000. · At 1102 Brian Drive, in October 2025, a single-family residence was sold for $385,000.

Oswego resident Valerie Anderson is the winner of the Oswego250 Logo Contest. (Art provided by the village of Oswego) By Eric Schelkopf With thunderstorms set to arrive in the area later this afternoon, the start time of the Oswego250 Celebration has been pushed back from 3:30 to 7 p.m. “Current forecasts indicate there is a chance for thunderstorms and other inclement weather during the event,” states a Facebook post.

Audience members hold signs at the Lee County Board meeting Thursday, June 25, 2026, sharing their thoughts on data centers. (Alex T. Paschal)

A single-family home located at 671 Sheffield Circle in Sugar Grove has a new owner since June 9. The 4,008-square-foot home, built in 2005, was sold for $870,000, or $217 per square foot. This two-story house has four bedrooms and five bathrooms. Inside, there is a fireplace. The property is equipped with central A/C. Additionally, the building has access to an attached garage for three cars. The property’s lot measures 14,532 square feet.