Moss and Ink local

In the heart of Streator, Illinois, a group of creative minds is breathing new life into our small town’s reputation. Streator Mysteries, a local collective founded in 2017 by the enigmatic “Mr. E,” has become a beloved fixture, captivating residents with their unique blend of storytelling, satire, and community engagement. From drone footage of local events to their latest venture—a graphic novel releasing this week—Streator Mysteries is proving that small towns can harbor big imagination.

The group began with a simple yet ambitious goal. “The idea was to be useful, as well as comedic and entertaining,” says Mr. E, the mastermind behind the operation. Frustrated by Streator’s negative reputation in neighboring towns, he launched Streator Mysteries as a “parody news website to make Streator a more interesting place.” What started as a playful experiment has grown into a multifaceted creative outlet, producing everything from creepy videos to satirical articles, contests, giveaways, and now, a graphic novel.

One of their early successes was a creepy-pasta tale that hooked the community, paving the way for their popular “The S-Files” video series, a play on the ever-popular X-Files. These videos, inspired by local lore, imagination, and murmurs around town, often feature real-world Streator locations. “The truth is much, much stranger than fiction!” the team quips. Their work, like the viral “A Haunting in Streator,” blends emotional storytelling with eerie vibes, resonating deeply with locals.

Over time, they’ve upped the ante, investing in drones to capture stunning footage of events like the 2025 Streator Fest, Pluto Fest, Food Truck Fest, and last weekend’s Downtown Trick or Treating Event. All their videos are available on their YouTube channel ( HERE ).

This week marks a new chapter for the group with the release of their first graphic novel. The characters, while inspired by the likeness of real Streator locals, have entirely fictional personalities crafted by the team. “If the comic does well,” they tease, “other new and unrelated stories are in the works for potential future publications.” It’s a bold step into a new medium, showcasing their willingness to experiment and evolve.

Behind the scenes, Streator Mysteries is a labor of love. Mr. E not only generates the group’s ideas but also funds their projects, from video production to giveaways, out of his own pocket. With costs ranging from $300 to $500 per video—plus software, equipment, and subscriptions—the operation is far from profitable. Yet, the team, composed of skilled local problem-solvers, remains committed to their mission: uplifting the community. “We just hope to touch people’s hearts with our stories,” they say, “and together we can all make Streator the kind of place everyone can be proud of!”

Their work isn’t without challenges. Finding unique filming locations can be tricky—and sometimes risky. One local resident they approached for a shoot turned out to have a murder conviction from years prior. Despite such hurdles, the group presses on, fueled by community support. While Streator’s citizens have been “VERY” supportive, the team notes that “we have not been well received by the institutions of the town.” Still, they hold out hope for future collaborations with the library, schools, or even the police station to create more impactful content.

Currently, Streator Mysteries is juggling multiple projects, including a carefully handled documentary about a solved local murder case. This project, they emphasize, isn’t about gaining followers or attention but about helping “close old wounds for the family.” With other ideas in the queue—more graphic novels, deeper dives into “S-File” videos, or new ventures altogether—the team is still deciding where to focus next.

Though some of their stories have faced skepticism, the overall reception in Streator is overwhelmingly positive. Their blend of satire, mystery, and heartfelt storytelling has struck a chord, encouraging residents to see their town through a new lens. “Whether it’s creepy videos, satire articles, drone footage, contests, giveaways, or graphic novels,” the team says, “the team at Streator Mysteries is proud of the work we have done, as well as the chance to create something special for our community!”

For those intrigued by Streator Mysteries, the group is always open to new members. “We’re always happy to expand the Streator Mysteries family,” they say, though don’t expect a secret handshake or codeword—just a passion for creativity and community. So, next time you’re out and about in Streator, keep your eyes peeled. As Streator Mysteries reminds us, you might just spot something odd, cool, or downright mysterious right in our own backyard.

Comic Book: Looking to get your hands on one? Limited quantities will be available soon! We will update with a link as soon as they are available for puchase.

Find them HERE on Facebook

Want weekly case updates, a list of local news, events and more? Subscribe to our weekly free Newsletter HERE

-Willow Moss