Events

Due to a pipe burst at the library, we unfortunately have to reschedule our Jurassic January Family Fun Day to Saturday, February 21st.

Join us as we embark on a new adventure as the library transforms into Jurassic Park with the help of our dinosaur friends! Learn some cool facts about all of the dinosaurs as you play games, do crafts, and participate in fun dino themed activities. Dino Wrangler Maddie can’t wait to see you there to have a dino-mite time!

Richland Township Volunteer Frie Department Smoked Meats Dinner, February 21 from 5p - 8p (Eastern) at the firehousse in Earl Park.  A freewill donation dinner includes your choice of beef, chicken, or pork, along with various sides and desserts.  A Silent Auction will be held during the event as well.  All proceeds will go towards updating equipment.   

Our semi-annual Red Cross Blood Drive is being held at St. Mary's Parish Hall, 308 St. Charles St., in Beaverville, IL on Monday, February 23, 2026 from 1PM- 6PM.  Please be sure to bring a photo ID or your blood donor card or 2 other forms of ID. We will be having a drawing for 5 certificates from local businesses for anyone participating, regardless of your eligibility to donate that day.  Also the American Red Cross is rewarding a $20 e-gift card to your choice of merchant.  Please contact Michele Webster at 815-383-7483 or Diane Arseneau at 815-435-2249 to schedule an appointment or go to RedCrossBlood.org.  Thank you!

Join Jeanne Brown for Baby Book Club at the Watseka Public Library! No library card required!

PK & K Round-Up and Open House for 2026-2027

Come, learn about St. Paul's of Woodworth!

On Friday, February 27th at 9:30am, Mr. Cole will dive into exciting stories, complete with an engaging craft!  The theme is "Mail & Letters". See you there!

Please join us for our Sheldon EMS Breakfast Fundraiser and help support a great cause!

? Saturday, February 28

⏰ 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM

? Sheldon Fire Department

119 4th Street, Sheldon, IL

Enjoy a delicious breakfast including biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee, and juice. This is a free will donation event, and all proceeds will benefit Sheldon EMS as we work toward purchasing a LUCAS CPR device to better serve our community.

The heats going to be turned up in Benton County on Saturday, February 28, from 5:00–7:00 PM, as eight highly competitive teams face off in the 2026 Chili Cook-Off—a flavorful evening of food, fun, and heartfelt community support.

Guests can purchase a People’s Choice tasting spoon for just $5 and sample the chilies while casting votes for their favorite. Attendees are encouraged to bring tips for their favorite teams. All proceeds benefit the Mary T. Klinker Veteran Center – Restoring Hope, supporting veterans and their families in Boswell, Indiana.

There will be a limited menu and cash bar throughout the evening.

The night will honor remarkable service and legacy. The event will celebrate a lifetime of service and the retirement of MTK Founder Jim Logsdon, a Purple Heart veteran whose dedication has impacted countless lives. Additionally, the legacy of the late Dr. Tom Hilderbrandt, White County Veteran Service Officer, will be honored with the presentation of the 2025 “Get ’Er Done” Achievement Plaque to his wife and son.

Awards will be announced at 6:00 PM.

This promises to be more than a cook-off—it will be a night of community, remembrance, gratitude, and great chili.

Event Details:
? Benton County Golf Course
? Saturday, February 28, 2026
⏰ 5:00–7:00 PM
? People’s Choice Tasting Spoon: $5
? Awards at 6:00 PM

In celebration of America's 250th birthday, Terry Lynch will be presenting "George Washington, The Battle for Independence" 1:30pm at the Old Courthouse Museum.

Screenings for children ages birth to 4 on Thursday, March 5th at the Donovan Elementary School from 8:30-10:30 am.