Community Corner
🌱 How close is Tree of Hope to lighting all 1,500 bulbs?
And on the Ottawa Patch calendar - Ottawa Chris Kringle Market
Coffee in hand, Ottawa? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How close is Tree of Hope to lighting all 1,500 bulbs?
📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Ottawa? Post it to Ottawa photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️
Find out what's happening in Ottawafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
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Find out what's happening in Ottawafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Tuesday: Freezing fog in the morning, with a high of 36 and low of 28 degrees.
- Wednesday: Freezing fog in the morning, temps: high: 36, low: 32.
- Thursday: Morning rain; cloudy, windy, with a high of 45 and low of 13 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
📰 News we're reading
• Horizon House Tree of Hope campaign seeks $75K goal (shawlocal.com) — An Ottawa Township High School graduate who grew up in Ottawa is leading Horizon House’s 2025 Tree of Hope campaign, which is close to its $75,000 goal. The Peru-based nonprofit, serving people with disabilities across the Illinois Valley, is adding a light to its outdoor tree for every $50 donated and is encouraging residents to help fund key support and employment programs. 
📸 Around Ottawa
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Ottawa
★ Featured events ★
- Ottawa Chris Kringle Market
Washington Square Park, 101 E Lafayette St, Ottawa
4:00 pm
Friday December 19
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- 5/6 BB @ Bureau Valley
Bureau Valley School District 340 , 9068 County Rd 2125 N , Manlius
4:30 pm - 7/8 BB Conference Tournament @ Wallace
Wallace Grade School , 1463 N 33rd Rd , Ottawa
4:30 pm
Thursday December 18
📣 Ottawa Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Team A Cheers
Wallace Elem School Ottawa, IL 61350
4:30 pm - 5/6 BB Home vs. Peru Parkside
Wallace Grade School , 1463 N 33rd Rd , Ottawa
4:30 pm - OES Board Meeting
Ottawa Esd 141 Ottawa, IL 61350
6:00 pm - MES 1st Grade Music Concert @ CIS
Ottawa Esd 141 Ottawa, IL 61350
6:00 pm - Peer Jury Meeting
City of Ottawa , 301 W Madison St , Ottawa
6:30 pm - MES 2nd Grade Music Concert @ CIS
Ottawa Esd 141 Ottawa, IL 61350
7:00 pm - 7/8 BB Conference Tournament @ Wallace
Wallace Grade School , 1463 N 33rd Rd , Ottawa
4:30 pm - 5/6 BB @ Bureau Valley
Bureau Valley School District 340 , 9068 County Rd 2125 N , Manlius
4:30 pm - Half Day - 11:30 Dismissal
Ottawa Esd 141 Ottawa, IL 61350
Tuesday December 16
Wednesday December 17
Thursday December 18
Friday December 19
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- “You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.
” James 5:8 NIV (Nextdoor Gentleman Rd)
- Domino's Pizza posted a job opening for Assistant Manager (02814) - 200 East Norris in Ottawa. Apply here.
- Pizza Hut posted a job opening for Team Member in Ottawa. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Ottawa here.
🗞 Nearby News
Seneca
- Delegates vote for change of leadership at Illinois Farm Bureau Annual Meeting (agrinews-pubs.com)
Oglesby
- Jan. 3 ceremony set for Starved Rock photo contest winners (shawlocal.com)
Ok Ottawa! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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