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Canyon tours, boat rides highlight Starved Rock State Park this summer

1 day ago | shawlocal.com | Aimee Barrows

Exploring Starved Rock‘s canyons and trails on your own is always an option, but a guided tour from Starved Rock Lodge offers a unique opportunity to delve deeper into its natural wonders and the captivating tales of this state park. From scenic trolley rides and invigorating hikes to leisurely river cruises, there’s a tour designed for every adventurer. Experience Starved Rock’s majestic beauty and hidden gems with these guided tours that are scheduled throughout the summer.
Search for Kankakee River mussels begins

1 day ago | shawlocal.com | Lee Provost

KANKAKEE – Finding muscles along the main boating area of the Kankakee River is normally not a problem. Shirtless young men are most often not difficult to find. However, the search for an entirely different kind of muscle – this one known as mussels, the kind which live under the flowing river water – are now being pursued. The search for the endangered mussels is being headed by GZA GeoEnvironmental, a Norwood, Maine-based company which operates an office in Oak Brook.
$1.2M investment into Limestone’s Hawkins Park complete

1 day ago | shawlocal.com | Lee Provost

LIMESTONE – On a steamy, 95-plus-degree-day, Limestone Park District board member Mark Messerle approached Hawkins Park. The finishing touches on a $1.23 million upgrade had just been completed. The only thing awaiting the full opening of the park along Tower Road was waiting for the concrete apron to the 127-space asphalt parking lot to fully cure. As he approached a pair of fellow park board members, Messerle couldn’t pass up the moment. A joke was in order.
State Sen. Arellano hosts town hall Tuesday recapping spring legislative session

2 days ago | shawlocal.com | Payton Felix

DIXON – About 25 people attended state Sen. Li Arellano’s legislative session recap town hall Tuesday, June 24, at The Dixon: Historic Theatre. During the event, the former Dixon mayor talked about highlights of the spring session, which concluded June 1, and answered questions from the audience ranging from the use of taxpayer dollars and regulating chemtrails to an assault weapons ban and a potential service tax. State Sen.
Keller’s Farmstand in Plainfield now permanently closed

2 days ago | shawlocal.com | Eric Schelkopf

Following the announcement on Monday that Keller’s Farmstand in Plainfield is now permanently closed, work began on Wednesday on razing the barn that housed the farm stand. A 153-acre housing development consisting of 322 single-family houses and 83 townhouses is being built at the corner of Lockport Street and Wallin Drive in Plainfield. Work on the development, aptly named Keller Farm, began in 2024. The development also includes two parks, walking trails and a nine-acre commercial development.
Bradley promotes 2 department leaders

2 days ago | shawlocal.com | Lee Provost

BRADLEY – There are changes at the top of two key departments within the administration in the village of Bradley. At Monday’s Bradley Village Board meeting, Matt Castilla, 52, a 16-year village building department employee, and Jeff Meeker, 51, a two-year department of public works staffer, were promoted to the top positions within the departments. Meeker replaces Scott Williams, who retired earlier this month.
The Bike Rack Oswego announces it will close its doors in July

2 days ago | shawlocal.com | Eric Schelkopf

Citing a lack of staff, The Bike Rack Oswego has announced it will close its doors July 15. “Since opening two years ago, we have faced challenges in finding enough staff to operate this location,” the owners of The Bike Rack Oswego said in a Facebook post. “We have made the difficult decision to close our Oswego location as of July 15. We have appreciated your support and friendship and our commitment to providing you with the best service continues at our St. Charles location.
McHenry’s Fiesta Days to feature Music Fest, Cask & Barrel Night, arts weekend and much more

2 days ago | shawlocal.com | Aimee Barrows

McHenry’s signature summer spectacular, Fiesta Days, will bring 11 days of music, entertainment, food and more from July 10-20. One of the region’s most anticipated events of the summer, Fiesta Days opens with Cask & Barrel Night on July 10, followed by Music Fest Weekend July 11-13, fireworks, a carnival, an art show and much more. Cask & Barrel Night: 6-10 p.m. Thursday, July 10 at Petersen ParkKick off Fiesta Days with an evening of beer and spirit tasting.
Dixon council OKs $1.4M for street work. Is your road on the list?

3 days ago | shawlocal.com | Payton Felix

DIXON – The Dixon City Council has approved two contracts related to its $1.4 million fiscal 2026 street resurfacing project. The scope of the project being completed by Helm Civil Construction includes 11 roads, seven alleys and brick work on the crosswalks throughout the downtown area, with construction to begin in late July or early August. The entire cost of the project is about $65,000 under the amount the city budgeted and will be paid using motor fuel tax and infrastructure funds.
Dixon country artist to sing national anthem at Cubs game: ‘It’s bigger than a bucket list thing’

3 days ago | shawlocal.com | Payton Felix

DIXON – A Dixon native says singing the national anthem July 2 at Wrigley Field will be one of the most special days of her life. Gina Venier has been building her career as a Nashville-based alternative country music artist for the past 15 years. The die-hard Chicago Cubs fan will perform her acoustic version of the national anthem at Wrigley Field on July 2 during the Cubs vs.