Author: princetonmays

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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Princeton DAR honors Brad Oeder for his continued work honoring Veterans (Photo provided by Stephanie Foes)
Princeton Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution held its February meeting where Terry Mecklenburg, a member of the Pierre Menard DAR Chapter, held a presentation.
The presentation illuminated how individuals can contribute their time to activities and causes that support veterans. Mecklenburg is her chapter’s Service for Veterans’ Committee Chairman, a former Illinois State Chair for Service for veterans and a veteran herself.
Following the presentation, the group took the time to honor Brad Oeder as the DAR State of Illinois Outstanding Veteran Volunteer Award recipient. He will be honored at the DAR State Conference in Bloomington in April
Oeder was given a certificate and eagle pin for offering his time and service to multiple Veteran organizations including the VFW, American Legion, AMVETS, schools, Illinois Veterans’ Home and numerous nursing homes.
Oeder has also been instrumental in maintaining the four Flags of Freedom that stand at each corner of the Interstate 80 access ramps in Princeton.
Oeder continuously speaks to schools, organizations and individuals in the count and surrounding area on the importance of honoring and assisting veterans at home, in nursing homes and in streets and homeless shelters.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The wait may be over for Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen in Peru. (Katie Finlon)
The wait may be over for Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen in Peru.
Economic Development Director Bob Vickrey said during Monday’s Finance Committee the restaurant should be open by the end of the month with no guarantees.
In May 2023, the city approved the $300,000 purchase agreement with AbyPeru, Inc. at the formal municipal property located at 1839 and 1841 May Road for the new Popeyes. Construction crews broke ground in June 2023.
Director of Engineering and Zoning Eric Carls said final occupancy inspection is on Dec. 3.
Mayor Ken Kolowski said he is excited for the opening.
“This will be great for us locally,” he said. “But also more people getting off the interstate and visiting the city of Peru.”
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is a national chain restaurant, known for its fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits. The nearest locations are in Yorkville, DeKalb, Joliet, Bloomington and Peoria.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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A man police said “helped himself to 16 sandwiches” Monday at a Streator gas station showed up at the police station Tuesday and admitted taking the sandwiches, the authorities said. (Tom Sistak)
A man police said “helped himself to 16 sandwiches” Monday at a Streator gas station showed up at the police station Tuesday and admitted taking the sandwiches, the authorities said.
“We are now waiting to hear from the gas station where this theft occurred to determine if they desire to formally press charges against this young man,” the Streator Police Department said in a news release. “Thank you to those who called in, identifying this subject.”
The damage for his theft was $49.39, police said. A surveillance video at the gas station captured the man’s photo, which Streator police shared on its Facebook page.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The Easter bunny signals when to begin the 2023 Easter egg hunt at the Jordan block in Ottawa. The event returns Saturday, March 30, to the Jordan block. (Tom Sistak for Shaw Media)
Here are five things to do this weekend:
1. Easter egg hunts: If you missed the first round of egg hunts, there’s more opportunities Saturday to collect prizes and visit with the Easter bunny. Egg hunts are scheduled 10 a.m. at the park in Buda, at Hopkins Park in Granville and at the Community Building in Neponset; 10:30 a.m. at Soldiers and Sailors Park in Princeton; 11 a.m. at Tiskilwa East Park and Carey Memorial Park in Utica; 1 p.m. at the Bureau County Fairgrounds in Princeton, Wyanet Memorial Park and at United Methodist Church, 2259 U.S. 52, Serena; 2 p.m. at New Hope Church, 30 N. Sixth St., Princeton; and Ottawa will host Hurray for Spring Egg Hunt and Scavenger Hunt 1 to 3 p.m. at the Jordan block. There will be free treats and crafts along with the hunt. The traditional egg hunt begins at 1:45 p.m. for ages 1 to 4 and 2:30 p.m. for ages 5 to 8. The scavenger hunt begins at 1 and it is for ages 9 and older. Check-in is at 610 Court St.
2. STEAM Irish Quartet: The Princeton Theater Group/Festival 56 will present the STEAM Irish Quartet at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in a performance at the Grace Theater, 316 S. Main St. Tickets cost $25 and are available online at festival56.com, by contacting the box office at boxoffice@festival56.com or by leaving a message at 815-879-5656. They also will be available at the door.
3. Adult Easter Egg Hunt: Egg hunts aren’t for kids only. The tasting room at August Hill Winery, 106 Mill St., Utica, will host for an adult Easter egg hunt. Find an egg and take it to an AHW associate to claim a prize. Each egg will have something special, the business said. One egg per customer. Participants must be 21 or older. For more information, go to https://augusthillwinery.com/event/adult-egg-hunt/.
4. Steve Mobley Benefit: Help a Marine veteran and Peru store manager, Mobley, of Princeton, who is fighting cancer. He was born in the Ottawa/Serena area. His family and friends are hosting a benefit event 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Senica’s Oak Ridge in La Salle. Cost is $25. Several items donated by the community will be raffled or auctioned at the event. Go to “Steve Mobley Benefit” on Facebook for more information.
5. Jon Rian in concert: The singer-songwriter will perform 7 p.m. Saturday at the Barrel Society, 930 N. Main St., Princeton. The singer’s 2023 “Midwest Boy” album charted as the No. 2 alternative country LP for seven weeks. Rian will be joined by his AM drinker bandmate BC Carter on guitar. Go to https://www.facebook.com/barrelsociety/ for more information.
Would you like your event highlighted in this weekly feature? The first step is submitting your events to the Illinois Valley’s community calendar at shawlocal.com/illinois-valley/local-events.
The annual Easter egg hunt set Saturday in Utica features hard boiled, dyed eggs. The Utica Fire Department has hard boiling the eggs for their hunts since the 1970s. (Scott Anderson)
Shaw Local News Network provides local news throughout northern Illinois
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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A crash occurred Tuesday, June 6, 2024, on U.S. 6 east of La Salle near the entrance to Senicas Oak Ridge golf course. La Salle police, fire and EMS were at the scene. Traffic was reduced to one lane for a short time during the crash cleanup. (Scott Anderson)
Traffic was reduced to one lane Thursday afternoon on U.S. 6 near Senica’s Oak Ridge Golf Club in La Salle as emergency crews cleared a two-vehicle traffic crash.
One person was taken to a hospital with a minor injury. The crash occurred about 1:40 p.m. Thursday. La Salle police, fire and EMS responded to the scene.
• Shaw Local News Network may update the story with more information as a report is made available.
Traffic was reduced to one lane Thursday afternoon on U.S. 6 near Senica’s Oak Ridge Golf Club in La Salle as emergency crews cleared a two-vehicle traffic crash. (Scott Anderson)
Traffic was reduced to one lane Thursday afternoon on U.S. 6 near Senica’s Oak Ridge Golf Club in La Salle as emergency crews cleared a two-vehicle traffic crash. (Scott Anderson)
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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