Author: princetonmays

A Planned Parenthood health center in Ottawa is scheduled to close in March because of financial challenges and rising healthcare costs. The closure is part of a larger realignment by Planned Parenthood of Illinois. (Bill Freskos)
Planned Parenthood of Illinois will close four health centers in March, including the location in Ottawa.
The closures will affect other locations in Decatur, Bloomington and Englewood in Chicago. None of these locations provided procedural abortion care.
According to Planned Parenthood, Ottawa’s location offered birth control, emergency contraception, pregnancy testing and planning, vaccines, consultation for sexual and reproductive health care concerns, HIV services and other services.
According to a news release, the closures are because of financial challenges and rising health care costs. The organization also will downsize its administrative staff and offer displaced health center staff comparable positions or opportunities to transition to telehealth.
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.
Also, Planned Parenthood will increase access to virtual care through telehealth appointments and the PPDirect app.
“Patient care is and will always be our No. 1 priority,” said Tonya Tucker, interim president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Illinois. “However, rising care costs and lower reimbursement rates from insurers are jeopardizing our sustainability. We are making these difficult decisions today to ensure we can continue providing care in the future.”
According to the release, the closures are part of an effort to ensure the organization’s long-term sustainability after the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022.
Since 2022, Illinois has seen a 47% rise in overall abortion care patients, with almost a quarter of those coming from other states.
As part of its efforts to expand access to those affected by the closure, Planned Parenthood will begin offering services through the PPDirect app in February.
Patients using the app will be able to complete a health questionnaire reviewed by a planned parenthood medical professional.
Patients who qualify then will receive medication abortion pills by mail or be scheduled for an in-person appointment.
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An aerial view of the Flags of Freedom on Thursday, March 6, 2025 near the intersection of Interstate 80 and Route 26 in Princeton.
The Flags of Freedom Committee chairman Rod Johnson was in the Walls 102 studio to talk about the Flags of Freedom 20th Anniversary celebration coming up April 5 in Princeton.
Like what you hear? Be sure to listen to Walls 102 online.
You can also download episodes on Apple Podcasts or on Spotify.
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The larger building at the La Salle County Farm Bureau property, located off Route 23, is now vacant and up for sale as part of a proposed subdivision. (Bill Freskos)
The Ottawa Plan Commission recommended approval for the preliminary and final plat of a minor subdivision at the La Salle County Farm Bureau property, located off Route 23 in Ottawa.
David Isermann, president of the La Salle County Farm Bureau, presented the proposal to the commission, explaining that the agency is looking to subdivide the property, selling one of the two buildings while retaining the remaining land.
Isermann said the Farm Bureau uses the smaller building as its office, while the larger building, previously occupied by multiple tenants, is now vacant and for sale.
He said the subdivision would separate the larger building from the rest of the property, which will remain under Farm Bureau ownership.
He also emphasized the property has frontage and access from Route 23, allowing the split to proceed without the need for any variances.
Although the property is within city limits, it lacks water and sewer services. Isermann told commissioners the absence of utilities has limited development but added that future infrastructure improvements could make the property more appealing to buyers
Isermann said he’s under a confidentiality agreement and couldn’t share details about the property’s plans or any interested buyers.
The commission approved the proposal and it will now be presented to the Ottawa City Council for final approval during their next meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, at Ottawa City Hall.
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Cori Cunningham’s work on the Valdez City Cemetery began as a data entry project, converting paper records to a digital format. She will explain the use of a metal detector to find pins and using GPS to locate the exact position of each grave plot. (Photo provided by Tracy Wright)
The Bureau County Genealogical Society March program will be on the use of GPS in cemeteries and cemetery records.
After growing up in Sheffield, Cori Cunningham attended Eastern Illinois University, taught in Paris, Illinois, and then moved to Valdez, Alaska, where she taught school.
Cunningham’s work on the Valdez City Cemetery began as a data entry project, converting paper records to a digital format. She will explain the use of a metal detector to find pins and using GPS to locate the exact position of each grave plot. The original data entry project lasted three summers plotting gravesites. Cunningham moved back to Illinois in 2020, settled in Princeton and works at the Princeton Public Library.
Cunningham’s program will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 27, at 629 S. Main St., Princeton. BCGS will host its annual meeting immediately prior and everyone is welcome to attend. If you have any question, contact BCGS at 815-879-3133. The BCGS is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and the first Saturday of each month.
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The Regional Office of Education honored schools within the district. Here the administrative team poses for a photo with the Lighted Way in La Salle. (Photo provided by Zack Shaw)
A total of 162 school staff members were recognized Thursday at the 36th annual Excellence in Education Awards Ceremony.
“I am honored to be celebrating with this year’s Excellence in Education recipients,” said Christopher Dvorak, regional superintendent of schools for the Regional Office of Education 35. “This event provides recognition and gratitude to those that work in our schools, making a positive impact for students. As we celebrate education, thank you to everyone that helps make a difference in a student’s life.”
The event was held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Ottawa and included a dinner by Stone Jug Barbecue in Peru and music entertainment by Steve Sharp.
The following school staff members were recognized: Leland Community Unit 1, Whitney Hart, educator award; Mandy Hawk, educator award; Tom Grzanich, support staff award; Serena Community Unit 2, Raquel Phelps, educator award; Colleen Connell, educator award; Chad Mahler, educator award; David Bobee, educator award; Heidi Dettloff, support staff award; Dean Derango, retiring educator award; Henry-Senachwine CUSD 5, Izabelle Schoepke, educator award; Karyn Bickerman, educator award; Sasha Stillwell, support staff award; Ann Lindstrom, retiring educator award; Mary Jo Klein, board service award; Earlville Community Unit 9, Molly Bredeson, educator award; Jim Farrell, educator award; Brandon Skolek, educator award; Sam Russell, support staff award; Streator Township High School 40, Ethan Koncor, educator award; Gwen Heimerdinger, educator award; Sue Grabowski, support staff award; Doug Harris, retiring educator award; Dave Marvin, retiring educator award; Dan Harcharik, retiring support staff award; Kathy Harcharik, retiring support staff award; Streator Elementary School 44, David Haub, educator award; Allison Tutt, educator award; Shellee Tyne, educator award; Karen R. Smith, support staff award; Nancy Grako, retiring educator award; Colleen Heinz, retiring educator award; Pamela S. Mamer, retiring educator award; Jan Urbance, retiring educator award; Allen-Otter Creek Elementary School 65, Anita Daily, educator award; Sherri Leroy, support staff award, Sheri Bergeson, board service award; Tonica Elementary School 79, Heather Arbet, educator award; Jeff Yunker, support staff award; Chuck Schneider, retiring educator award; Deer Park Elementary School 82, Sabrije Fejzoski, educator award; Maria Hufnagel, support staff award; Grand Ridge Elementary School 95, Robert Kodura, educator award; Samantha Carlson, educator award; Larry Lin, support staff award; Susan Kluzek, retiring educator award; La Salle-Peru Township High School 120, Kelly Liebhart, educator award; Lori Turczyn, educator award; Natalie Verucchi, educator award; Scott Leonard, support staff award; John Beatty, retiring educator award; Meg Kowalczyk, retiring educator award, Dwayne Mentgen, retiring educator award; Pam Engels, retiring support staff award; Cheryl Wilson, retiring support staff award; La Salle Elementary School 122, Julie Crowther, educator award; Madyson Hiester, educator award; Abby Schenck, educator award; Melissa Silfies, support staff award; Cathleen Doyle, retiring educator award; Karla Konieczki, retiring educator award; Becky Tieman, retiring support staff; Lighted Way, April Selvig, support staff award; Peru Elementary School 124, Kris Criss, educator award; Katie Meyer, educator award; Sally Etzenbach, educator award; Jessica Beem, support staff award; Tammy Carey, retiring educator award, Judy Hubbard, retiring support staff award; Oglesby Elementary School 125, Esmeralda Harris, educator award; Lindsey Olszewski, educator award; Kim Crook, support staff award; Ottawa Township High School 140, Krystal Johnson, educator award, Doug Shumway, educator award, Tyler Wargo, educator award; Janet Pearson, support staff award; Kevin Leonhart, retiring educator award; Doug Hearn, retiring educator award; Michael Cooper, retiring educator award, Kristy Winchester, retiring educator award; Ottawa Elementary School 141, Patricia Mezel, educator award; Erica Heth, educator award; Jean Sirek, educator award; Tracy Rimmele, educator award; Mary Stevenson, educator award; Nancy Stevenson, support staff award; Mary Lindig, retiring educator award, Robert Lowe, retiring educator award; Tracy Rimmele, retiring educator award; Jamie Terry, retiring educator award; Terrie Giacomini, retiring support staff award; Seneca Township High School 160, J. Jace Walsh, educator award; Rebecca Liberatore, educator award; Christopher Jackson, support staff award; Mike Applebee, retiring educator award; Sherry Neimann, retiring support staff award; Seneca Elementary School 170, Tiffany Hughes, educator award, Cory Yandell, educator award; Melissa Decker, educator award; John Vaughn, support staff award; Elizabeth Avila. suppoty staff award; Tiffany Hughes, retiring educator award; Wallace Elementary School 195, Heather Dilley, educator award; TJ Ericson, educator award; Jill Bessett, support staff award; Richard Mangold, board service award; Mendota Township High School District 280, Nicole Cromwell, educator award; Brenda Carbajal, educator award; Elizabeth Zinke, educator award; Wesley Sims, support staff award; Shawn LeRette, retiring educator award; George Bauer, retiring educator award; Jim Strouss, board service; Jim Lauer, board service; Mendota Elementary School 289, Rachel Sabin, educator award; Allison Buettner, educator award; Lauren Reuter, educator award; Maureen Hanson, support staff award; Patricia Siembab, support staff award; Putnam County CUSD 535, Michelle Edens, educator award; Marlea Smaga, educator award; Kristin Erickson, educator award, Meagan Lule, educator award; Jeffrey Rundle, support staff award; Valerie Peterson, retiring educator award; Annette Davis, retiring educator award; BMP Special Education Cooperative, Carolyn Jones, educator award; La Salle, Marshall, Putnam Regional Office of Education/ROE 35 Academy, Grant Myers, educator award, Hannah DeBernardi, support staff award, Sara Koziol, support staff award; Caleb Wilson, support staff award; L.E.A.S.E./Circuit Breaker School, Sue Kubera, educator award; Mike Grenda, educator award; Lindsay Waldron, support staff award; Colleen Stefan, support staff award; Sue May, retiring educator award; Vicki Johnson, retiring educator award, Steve Thrush, retiring support staff; Jacob Faltin-Medina, posthumously award; SRAVTE/Area Career Center, Robbyn Partain, educator award; Katie Shevokas, support staff award, Dwayne Mentgen, retiring educator award; Holy Cross, Sarah Motter, educator award; Dee Barr, support staff award; Therese Thomas, retiring support staff; Lostant Community Unit 425, Holli Rapp, educator award; Joanna Gilkerson, support staff award; Jacob Faltin-Medina, posthumously award, RuthAnn Brizgis; posthumously award, Rutland Elementary School 230, Alaina Weatherford, educator award; Shelley Drake, support staff award; Laura Parks, retiring educator award; Miller Community Consolidated 210, Linda Coleman, educator award; Jamie Morales, support staff award; Michele Armstrong, retiring support staff award; Dimmick Consolidated School 175, Joel Foster, educator award; Carrie Fanti, support staff award; Lisa Petersen, retiring educator award; Waltham Elementary School 185, Ray Bailey, educator award, Rachel Kinzer, educator award; Tiffany Lewis, support staff award; and Kathy Schultz, retiring educator award.
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Martin Makransky (Photo provided by Martin Makransky)
Name: Martin Makransky
What office are you seeking? Princeton City Council
Age:
Occupation and employer: I proudly served in the United States Air Force for 21 years before transitioning to my current role as a teacher and the head coach of cross country and track & field at St. Bede Academy.
For the past four years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a councilman for the city of Princeton.
Education: I hold a Bachelor’s in Education from Illinois State University and a Bachelor’s in Information Systems Management from Park University. I am also a graduate of Illinois Valley Community College and Princeton High School.
Community involvement: As a long-time member of St. Louis Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, I am deeply committed to serving my community. I have been involved in many local initiatives, including the Flags of Freedom Committee, Habitat for Humanity, and the revitalization of Veteran’s Park. I’ve also been a member of the steering committee for the Homestead Festival and have volunteered for Festival 56, where my family and I have hosted festival guests for 18 years.
Family: Tracy and I are proud parents of four children and grandparents to three wonderful grandchildren.
I am running for reelection because I find great satisfaction in making a positive, direct impact on our community. Over the past four years, I’ve strived to be a voice for the people, listening to their concerns, and finding balanced solutions to local issues. My focus has always been to advocate for policies that protect residents financially while ensuring that our community continues to grow and thrive.
Looking ahead, my vision for Princeton is a community where everyone feels heard and valued. I want to encourage greater engagement in council meetings, fostering an open dialogue where residents can share their ideas and concerns. I’m committed to supporting small businesses, promoting tourism, and continuing to make Princeton a great place to live, work and visit.
We’ve made significant strides in economic development, and we must continue to promote small business incentives, invest in our infrastructure, and enhance our community’s strengths. Our public schools, chamber of commerce, and tourism programs are vital assets that deserve continued support. I also believe it’s important to focus on local jobs by highlighting vocational programs and community colleges that align with the demands of our workforce.
Our city services, including our top-tier fire and police departments, hospital, and public works, are essential to the quality of life in Princeton. I’m proud that we own our electric department and have maintained control of our garbage and recycling services—this local control allows us to serve residents efficiently and responsibly.
One of the things I am most proud of during my time on the council is the creation of a warming center for homeless individuals. Princeton is a caring community, and I believe we can continue to help those in need, not just temporarily, but through long-term solutions. If this issue grows, we will explore more permanent options.
Supporting local nonprofits is also a priority for me. We’ve built strong partnerships with organizations that support public health, mental health, youth services, and housing. These partnerships improve the quality of life for all residents.
Finally, Princeton’s reputation as a welcoming and vibrant community must be maintained. I’m committed to preserving our historic charm while promoting our local assets—our library, theaters, and local events. As I always say, there’s something for everyone in Princeton.
I’m proud of the progress we’ve made, and I’m excited for the future. I ask for your support to continue working together to make Princeton an even better place to call home

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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Veteran Gregory Zerfas holds a Quilt of Valor as Betty Baznik (left) and Shirley Steele (right) drape the quilt over him during the Quilt of Valor ceremony on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Moose Lodge in Princeton. In 2003, quilter Catherine Roberts started the movement that became Quilts of Valor when her son was deployed in Iraq. Since that time, more than 401,361 have been awarded. The local group Illinois Valley Quilts of Valor awarded 189 quilts in 2024 and has given more than 1,000 quilts since its start in April 2017. Two veterans were absent. (Scott Anderson)
Over 15 years covering news, sports and events in the Illinois Valley. Support my work with a digital subscription.
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CItizenship ideals at Logan Junior High School emphasize both curriculum and extracurricular activities. Attitudes and behaviors that reflect a concern for others, participation in school functions, responsible leadership and willingness to serve, and mental and physical courage are the guidelines in selecting. Citizenship Awards at Logan Junior High School for the third quarter of the 2023-2024 school year are (front row, from left) Gabriel Glover, Jaxson Munson, Raymond Donahue and Addie Odell; (middle row) Michael Jones, Maycie Munson and Ailyn Cano; and (back row) Trevyn Munson, Bryce Cochran, Lenora Hopkins and Grace Nesbitt. (Photo provided)
The following students were selected to receive Citizenship Awards at Logan Junior High School in Princeton for the third quarter of the 2023-24 school year.
Fifth grade: Jaxson Munson, Maycie Munson, Addie Odell, Raymond Donahue, Gabriel Glover
Sixth grade: Michael Jones, Ailyn Cano
Seventh grade: Lenora Hopkins, Bryce Cochran
Eighth grade: Grace Nesbitt, Trevyn Munson
CItizenship ideals at Logan Junior High School emphasize both curriculum and extracurricular activities. Attitudes and behaviors that reflect a concern for others, participation in school functions, responsible leadership and willingness to serve and mental and physical courage are the guidelines in selecting.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Starting Tuesday, Dec. 31, all employees, patients and visitors will be required to wear masks at all OSF hospital locations, OSF said on its Facebook page Monday. (Scott Anderson)
Starting Tuesday, Dec. 31, all employees, patients and visitors will be required to wear masks at all OSF hospital locations, OSF said on its Facebook page Monday.
The hospital said the requirement is because of the widespread respiratory illnesses in the community; including COVID-19, influenza and RSV.
The hospital said it also will be allowing two visitors, 18 and older, per patient at this time.
OSF has hospitals and emergency rooms in Ottawa, Streator, Mendota, Peru and Princeton.
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(From left) Princeton Fire Department team members Allysen Jacobsen, Eli Van Autreve, Bureau County History Center curator Jessica Gray, Bryan Berlin and Frank Filippi. Members visited to see the portrait of Wright Seaman as well as the original book of meeting minutes for the department. Seaman was the first Fire Chief in Princeton but was killed during the Civil War’s Battle of Shiloh. (Photo provided by Lex Poppens)
The Bureau County History Center hosted members of the Princeton Fire Department on Feb. 20.
Fire Chief Scott Etheridge and fire department members visited to see the portrait of Wright Seaman as well as the original book of meeting minutes for the department. Seaman was the first fire chief in Princeton but was killed during the Civil War’s Battle of Shiloh.
The portraits exhibit opened March 1 and will run until July 26.
Princeton Fire Chief Scott Etheridge (left) and Bureau County History Center curator Jessica Gray visit to see the portrait of Wright Seaman as well as the original book of meeting minutes for the department. Seaman was the first Fire Chief in Princeton but was killed during the Civil War’s Battle of Shiloh. (Photo provided by Lex Poppens)
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