Author: princetonmays

A Planned Parenthood health center in Ottawa will close in March due to financial challenges and rising healthcare costs. The closure is part of a larger realignment by Planned Parenthood of Illinois. (Bill Freskos)
La Salle County officials expressed concern and surprise over the plan to close Planned Parenthood’s Ottawa location in March, but they announced that they are working to help people affected by the loss of services in the region.
Planned Parenthood of Illinois announced that it will close four health centers in March, including locations in Ottawa, Decatur, Bloomington and Englewood in Chicago.
The Ottawa location provided services including abortion medication (not in-clinic), a variety of birth control options, emergency contraception, HIV services, pregnancy testing and planning, STD testing and treatment, consultations, vaccines and general wellness care.
The La Salle County Health Department reassured the community that it would continue to support those in need of reproductive health services.
“We were surprised to hear about the unfortunate loss of services in our community,” said Jenny Barrie, public information officer at the La Salle County Health Department.
The health department offers patients sexually transmitted infection testing, pregnancy testing and consultations. Barrie said the department also would assist with referrals to other health care providers and clinics in the region.
“While we are not a full-scale clinic, we offer similar services and are working to connect clients with area providers for additional care if needed,” Barrie said.
State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, called the closure a setback for health care access in the Illinois Valley.
In a statement, Briel acknowledged the expanded mail-order services from Planned Parenthood but emphasized the overall effect of reduced health care options in rural areas.
“The closure of the Ottawa facility is a setback for overall health care in our community,” Briel said. “Illinois Valley communities have seen a number of critical health care providers close or reduce services.”
In response, Briel recently introduced the Rural Hospital Task Force Act to address recent closures and other challenges facing rural health care, including low patient volume, high fixed costs and a reliance on public payers.
If the bill is passed, a task force will be established to investigate the current state of rural hospitals while potentially providing legislative action to prevent further closures.
For now, Planned Parenthood announced that patients from the closed locations will be welcomed at 13 other Planned Parenthood health centers across the state, with expanded availability at the Champaign, Peoria, Springfield and Roseland centers.
Planned Parenthood also is planning to increase access to virtual care through telehealth appointments and the PPDirect app.
Patients using the app will be able to complete a health questionnaire reviewed by a Planned Parenthood medical professional. Those who qualify will receive medication by mail or be scheduled for an in-person appointment at one of the group’s locations that remain open.
The health department is located at 717 E. Etna Road, Ottawa. Go to lasallecountyil.gov/219/Health-Department or call 815-433-3366 for more information.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Three people are being rescued Tuesday, April 1, 2025, after a reported fall at French Canyon in Starved Rock State Park. (Scott Anderson)
Emergency crews rescued a family who fell Tuesday at French Canyon in Starved Rock State Park.
About 5:57 p.m., emergency responders were called to Starved Rock after a 7-year-old child with special needs accidentally fell almost 30 feet onto the sandstone floor of the French Canyon, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police Sgt. Phil Wire said.
The child’s 37-year-old mother, from Tinley Park, tried to rescue him but fell as well, suffering serious injuries in the process.
The father then tried to reach both his partner and child but also slipped, suffering minor injuries.
The father refused medical treatment at the scene, but the mother and child both were flown to OSF St. Francis in Peoria.
Wire said that both the mother and son suffered injuries that were not life-threatening. They were conscious and alert at the time of the rescue. The child suffered injuries to his arm, while the mothers exact injuries have not been disclosed.
Assistance from the following agencies were provided at the scene: Oglesby fire, Ottawa fire, Princeton fire, Streator fire, Marseilles fire, Wallace fire, Mendota fire, the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office, Utica police and fire, Illinois State Police, Illinois Conservation Police and OSF Flight. The MABAS Division 25 provided scene assistance for the family.
Firefighters lift an individual out of French Canyon who fell 20 to 30 feet on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Starved Rock State Park. The activated Mutual Aid Box Alarm System prompted rope and rescuers as far as Marseilles and Princeton. (Scott Anderson)
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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FILE – “I Voted” stickers rest on a ballot machine at a voting site in Ottawa. (Scott Anderson)
Voters in La Salle and Bureau counties this election determined who will make the important decisions regarding their communities, schools, townships, fire departments, parks and libraries.
Tuesday marked the last day mail-in ballots had to arrive at county clerk’s offices and still be counted. Provisional ballots also had to be addressed by that time.
Henry and Marshall counties had not updated their online election results as of Thursday morning, meaning the following races could see their totals still change: Wenona mayor and alderperson, Annawan mayor and trustee, Putnam County School District 535 school board, Wethersfield School District 230 school board, Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico School District, Black Hawk College Board of Trustees and Illinois Valley Community College Board of Trustees.
Totals for all counties will be made official next week after they are canvassed.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Tyler D. Skerett (Photo provided by the La Salle County Sheriff)
A Streator man has been charged with murder in the Easter Sunday shooting that killed a teen and injured two others, both of whom were discharged from a hospital.
Tyler D. Skerett, 30, was charged late Wednesday morning with first-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder, as well as four felony firearm charges.
La Salle County prosecutors have not yet disclosed his full sentencing range and whether Skerett faces extended or consecutive prison sentences if convicted. However, the controlling charge is murder, which carries a mandatory prison sentence of 20 to 60 years.
Skerett was not in custody as of noon Wednesday.
Details still are emerging; but the shooting investigation was elevated into a homicide investigation after a 17-year-old died from his injuries. Two others were injured but subsequently discharged, Streator police confirmed Tuesday.
According to newly released court files, Skerett is accused of firing a 10 mm handgun, killing the teen (the deceased was listed only by his initials) and striking two adults, one in the hand and one in the arm.
The fatal injuries were suffered at 5:51 p.m. Sunday at Main and Sterling streets. Streator police observed evidence that confirmed multiple shots were fired in this area. Two vehicles were identified as being involved.
Anyone with information on Skerett should call the Streator police at 815-672-3111.
This is a developing story and will be updated.

Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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A tree goes up in flames Friday, March 14, 2025, at Green River State Wildlife Area in Harmon as a wild fire rips across the park. (Alex T. Paschal)
Firefighter crews were on scene Friday at the Illinois Wildlife Game Preserve for 8 hours, with an estimated 600 acres burned and an estimation of more 40,000 gallons of water used before extinguishing a brush fire.
The investigation is ongoing, said Walnut Fire Chief Robert Miller in a news release. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources said the prescribed burn that was happening east of this location the prior day had no correlation with the brush fire.
The Walnut Fire Department was called to the game preserve for the report of a brush fire. Crews noticed large amounts of smoke coming from that area and mutual aid was requested. Upon arrival, crews were faced with towering flames – some as tall as 15 feet – throughout the entire preserve, Miller said.
Fighting the fire with high winds, Miller called to the fifth alarm, and had outside resources called in with tractors and discs to maintain a fire break. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources also arrived with resources and began assisting with extinguishment measures, Miller said.
Walnut engines and a tender were redirected from the preserve to assist Ohio for a structure fire for about an hour and a half, then returned to the preserve.
The following departments responded with assistance: Ohio, Manlius, Tampico, La Moille, Yorktown, Sublette, Rock Falls, Amboy, Dixon Rural, Wyanet, Prophetstown, CGH EMS, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois Conservation Police and the IDNR.
“We would also like to thank all outside resources for coming to our aid to help with brush trucks that were stuck, or creating fire breaks in neighboring areas to prevent further fire spread,” Miller said. “Thank you to Dawn and Doug Hanabarger for their donation of pizza, water and Gatorade to the crews towards the end of the call, and to Casey’s General Store in Walnut for their donation of water.”
Harmon firefighters respond to a wildfire Friday, March 14, 2025, at Green River State Wildlife Area south of the town. Strong winds made fighting the fire much more difficult and dangerous. Departments from Ohio, Tampico and Wyanet were also seen fighting the blaze. Though the area is sparsely populated, some local residents were evacuated from the area. (Alex T. Paschal)
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The Prairie Arts Council will host the Route “Flute” 66 concert at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at the Prairie Arts Center in Princeton. (Shaw Local News Network file photo)
The Prairie Arts Council will host the Route “Flute” 66 concert at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at the Prairie Arts Center in Princeton.
The concert is free to the public, but a free-will donation will be taken. Described as “a musical cross-country trip following Route 66 from Chicago to California,” it will feature performances by the Illinois Valley Flute Ensemble and the Bloomington-Normal Flute Club.
The Illinois Valley Flute Ensemble, established in 1991 and directed by Sue Gillio, is a premier performance group in central Illinois. With a membership of 20 to 25 players, the group maintains an active performance schedule and has appeared at notable events such as the Chicago Flute Club Festivals in 2001 and 2009, as well as at the Epiphany Center of the Arts in Chicago in 2023. The ensemble was honored to perform as one of three invited groups at the 37th annual Principals Association Conference at the Peoria Civic Center in 2008. The Illinois Valley Flute Ensemble also sponsors the annual Flute Day each February and hosts the Summer Flute Retreat every June.
The Bloomington-Normal Flute Club, founded in 2023 and directed by Rachel Bailey, is a dynamic and growing group that performs extensively in the Bloomington-Normal area. The ensemble is comprised primarily of adult flutists and aims to create an inclusive, welcoming environment for flutists of all experience levels. Rachel Bailey, a former student of Sue Gillio and an alumna of the Illinois Valley Flute Ensemble, is a flute performer and instructor at the Music Shoppe in Normal.
The two ensembles previously collaborated on the program “Inspired by Starved Rock” in 2024. This special concert is an opportunity to enjoy the talents of these two esteemed flute ensembles as they embark on a musical journey across the country.
The Prairie Arts Center is located at 24 Park Ave. E. Founded in 1995, the Prairie Arts Council is dedicated to strengthening and supporting participation in the arts across North Central Illinois. Since its formation, it has sponsored hundreds of concerts, programs, exhibitions, productions and classes for individuals of all ages and abilities. Programming is funded in part through grants from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and The Closet.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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An aerial view of the fall colors over Eagle Cliff above the Illinois River on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023 at Starved Rock State Park. This photo taken with permission through Starved Rock State Park. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources confirmed it’s a possibility the park could be renamed as discussions should take place. (Scott Anderson)
Would the state of Illinois rename Starved Rock State Park? The Illinois Department of Natural Resources said it’s a possibility.
Shaw Local News Network was told Tuesday of a tourist-centered meeting in which it was suggested Starved Rock could be renamed on the same grounds that have led sports teams to abandon mascots that are offensive to Native Americans.
No local sources confirmed any details of the report. But when the IDNR was reached for comment, the agency issued a statement acknowledging that park names could be reconsidered, including Starved Rock.
“The state of Illinois has a responsibility to listen to concerns and recommendations from Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities that have current and ancestral ties to Illinois,” the agency said in a statement issued Friday afternoon. “They have repeatedly told us the names of some of our state parks and sites are harmful to their ancestors’ remembrance and perpetuate false narratives to the public. Starved Rock is one example of many.
“At the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, we believe place names have power. In the future, the state, in consultation with Tribal leaders and Illinois residents, will explore more appropriate names for some of our parks and sites.
“This serves multiple purposes. Place names will better reflect sites’ natural attributes and histories rather than the painful and often inaccurate colonial narratives they currently represent. These efforts will take time to happen, but we want to start having these conversations.”
Several businesses and government entities in and around Starved Rock declined to comment or did not respond before press time Friday. Local lawmakers said the agency’s intention previously had not been disclosed to them.
State Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, said she had not been apprised of the possibility of a name change. More concerning, she said, is that Starved Rock has a laundry list of urgent infrastructure needs, “and this is what they decide to work on?”
“While I understand the desire to develop dialogue regarding subjects such as this, I have some concerns about the potential unintended consequences that this proposal could present,” said Rezin, Illinois Senate deputy minority leader. “The name ‘Starved Rock’ has national recognition and has become an integral part of the local community’s identity. A hasty name change could result in a potentially devastating impact on the local economy and the park’s surrounding communities.”
State Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, said he wanted to learn more but called Friday’s report “upsetting.”
“I understand this could merely be a conversation at this point, but our area has branded itself as Starved Rock Country, and changing the name without public input and consideration from the local residents, businesses and other interests would be unjust,” Yednock said. “The name Starved Rock has a shared history and sense of pride for Illinois Valley residents for well over 100 years. I expect there will be more input and information going forward if this is a real consideration.”
According to the park’s website, Starved Rock “derives its name from a Native American legend.”
“In the 1760s, Chief Pontiac of the Ottawa tribe was attending a tribal council meeting,” according to the website. “At this council of the Illinois and the Pottawatomie, an Illinois-Peoria brave stabbed Chief Pontiac.
“Vengeance arose in Pontiac’s followers. A great battle started. The Illinois, fearing death, took refuge on the great rock. After many days, the remaining Illinois died of starvation, giving this historic park its name – Starved Rock.”
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The Illinois Secretary of State is upgrading its Princeton DMV facility to a “One-Stop-Shop” design, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced Wednesday. (Denise Unland)
The Illinois Secretary of State is upgrading its Princeton DMV facility to a “one-stop shop” design, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced Wednesday.
The DMV will temporarily close from July 8 to 30 while renovations take place. During that time, a temporary pop-up location will service customers at 400 N. Main St., Princeton.
As part of the secretary of state’s ongoing modernization efforts, the new DMV experience will save customers considerable time and several steps by offering both vehicle and driver services at a single-service counter, the secretary of state’s office said.
“Since taking office, I have made it a top priority to provide exceptional customer service and reduce lines and wait times,” Giannoulias said. “Our Princeton facility will be among the first to get this makeover that will give it a modern feel while employing new technology to create efficiencies.”
Driver services and vehicle services employees at “one-stop shop” DMVs are now cross-trained to provide both services. The office also redesigned customer service counters and signage to create a more logical flow.
At a single-service counter, customers will be able obtain the following services:
• apply for a REAL ID or a new driver’s license or state ID card
• renew a driver’s license, state ID or temporary visitor driver’s license
• register or renew their vehicle registration and obtain vehicle stickers
• order a new license plate
• join the Illinois Organ and Tissue Donor Registry
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The Illinois Valley Food and Deli in La Salle closed permanently Wednesday, according to a store announcement. (Scott Anderson)
The Illinois Valley Food and Deli in La Salle closed permanently Wednesday, according to a store announcement.
“We want to thank everyone for their continued patronage and support,” store management said Wednesday. “Thank you to all the staff for all of your hard work.”
Co-owner Nizar Tharani did not respond to requests for comment. He purchased the business with his partners Pankaj Chaudhari and Nilesh Chaudhari, each of the Naperville area, and they had experience previously running restaurants and convenience stores.
The store closed in February 2024 and reopened Aug. 19 under new ownership. Since purchasing the store, the owners have invested in a new roof, made structural improvements and replaced refrigeration units.
The Times / NewsTribune / Bureau County Republican is committed to keeping readers up to date with business happenings in the area. Much of our reporting relies on what we see and hear, but we’re also reaching out to readers for tips on business items. If you have a tip to share for Eyes on Enterprise, email newsroom@mywebtimes.com.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Reid Orwig, Princeton High School (Photo provided)
Reid Orwig, the son of JD and Shelley Orwig, has been selected as the Class of 2022 Princeton High School Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award winner.
This award is sponsored by the Princeton-Illinois Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
This DAR Good Citizen Award is presented to a senior based on qualities of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism to an outstanding degree. Orwig was selected for this honor by the faculty and his classmates.
“I am thrilled that I was chosen to receive this award,” Reid said. “I am so blessed that I was even considered for this prestigious award. It is a great honor to win an award that so many amazing people before me have earned.”
Throughout high school, Orwig has been involved in 4-H, soccer and tennis teams, Spanish club, band, Interact club, FUMC youth group and Year one mentoring. He has been selected as a National Honor Society member, named captain of the soccer team, homecoming king, and received multiple sportsmanship awards throughout high school.
He has volunteered in a variety of Princeton High School capacities, church and community organizations to earn over 24 hours of community service. His future plans include attending a four-year university and majoring in Anthropology.
SAR Outstanding Citizen Award winner
Katie Bates, Princeton High School (Photo provided)
Katie Bates, the daughter of Joe and Jody Bates, has been selected as the Class of 2022 Princeton High School Sons of the American Revolution Outstanding Citizen Award winner.
This award is sponsored by the Captain Zeally Moss-Illinois Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.
The SAR Outstanding Citizen Award is presented to a student in recognition of high ideals of character and citizenship. Bates was selected for this honor by the faculty and her classmates. She is “grateful to receive this award and represent Princeton High School.”
Throughout high school, Bates has been involved in school/club volleyball, school/travel softball, concert choir, Star Spangled Singers, Spanish Club, Young Life and the Main Street Dance Academy. She has earned the honors her freshman year of second team all-conference volleyball, first-team all-conference softball, academic excellence; her sophomore year, second team all-conference volleyball, academic excellence; her junior year, first team all-conference volleyball, first team all-conference softball, Scholastic Achievement Award, First Class Award, Keith Schultz Memorial Award, 2021 BCR Softball Player of the Year.
She has volunteered in various organizations, including the concession stand at multiple Princeton High extracurricular activities, Bureau County Fair and helping coach the Logan Junior High softball team. Her future plans include attending St. Ambrose University.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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