Author: princetonmays

My Fave Nurse 2025
DO YOU KNOW AN OUTSTANDING NURSE?
Calling all readers! Now through March 17, nominate your favorite nurse in the local area! Once all nominations have been submitted, a panel of Shaw Media staff and sponsors will choose 10 finalists. The winner will be determined by a public vote held from March 18-March 25. The winning nurse will receive a $300 gift certificate and will be featured in the paper!
NOMINATE HERE.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Title sponsor:
Liberty Village – Peru
Supporting sponsors:
Sullivan Foods – Mendota
Maze Lumber
ADM Grain
Bureau County Health Department
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Princeton Logan’s Collyns Etheridge makes a pass in Monday’s Class 3A 8th grade sectional finals at Pannebaker Gym. The Lions fell in three sets to Morris Saratoga. (Mike Vaughn)
The Princeton Logan eighth-grade volleyball team won the first set of Monday’s IESA Class 3A eighth-grade volleyball championship 25-15 at Pannebaker Gym, inching toward a trip to State. Visiting Morris Saratoga, however, rallied to take the match 25-19, 25-21.
The Princeton Logan seventh-grade team advanced to state, falling to Staunton 25-9, 25-21 in the 3A quarterfinals on Friday at Warrensburg-Latham High School. The Lions finished 21-4.
Princeton Logan’s Kolbi Lawson makes a block in Monday’s Class 3A 8th grade sectional finals at Pannebaker Gym. The Lions fell in three sets to Morris Saratoga. (Mike Vaughn)
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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New Ottawa Police Chief Mike Cheatham (front, right) is congratulated Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, by outgoing Chief Brent Roalson at the Ottawa City Council meeting. Also pictured are (from left) Commissioner Marla Pearson, Mayor Robb Hasty, Commissioner Wayne Eichelkraut and Commissioner Tom Ganiere. (Charlie Ellerbrock)
Ottawa Police Capt. Mike Cheatham will be the next Ottawa police chief.
Cheatham will assume his new role on Jan. 1, succeeding Chief Brent Roalson, who will retire after more than 28 years of service, the city of Ottawa said in a news release.
“Roalson’s leadership and commitment to the Ottawa community have been invaluable, and we extend our deepest gratitude for his service,” the joint release from Mayor Robb Hasty and Commissioner Tom Ganiere said. “We wish him all the best as he embarks on this next chapter of his life.”
Cheatham, who has been a part of Roalson’s police administration since 2018, will be sworn in as police chief during the Ottawa City Council meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, at Ottawa City Hall, 301 W. Madison St.
“I’d like to thank the City Council for the opportunity and the trust in being their selection to the office of Chief of Police for the City of Ottawa,” Cheatham said Tuesday. “I am both humbled and honored to received their selection through the process. It’s a tremendous honor to serve the people of the community and the dedicated men and women of not only the Ottawa Police Department, but also Ottawa Central Dispatch.
“Tonight, I would like to congratulate Chief Roalson on a long, dedicated 28-year law enforcement career. He’s done a tremendous job. I think it’s every chief’s desire to leave the organization a better place than when he took over, and he has definitely done that.”
Roalson, who took over as chief in September 2012, said his time in the post has “been a blessing,” being given the opportunity to “work with so many good council members and the quality staff. They’ve done a great job.”
“I know that I’m turning things over to good hands,” Roalson said. “I have every faith in Mike’s ability and he’s going to be a great leader.”
Roalson said there is possibility he could return to the city administration, that he is a part of several law enforcement groups and boards that he does not intend to step away from, but added that he “doesn’t ice fish.”
Ottawa Police Capt. Mike Cheatham will be the next Ottawa police chief. (Tom Sistak)
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Woodland High School in rural Streator released its honor roll for the first semester of the 2024-2025 school year. (Derek Barichello)
Woodland High School in rural Streator released its honor roll for the first semester of the 2024-2025 school year.
Kaydee Bliss, Sydney Ewing, Myleigh Muhlstadt, Alan Rodriguez, Madelyn Starkey, Jaedon Wulzen
Lydia Chapman, Maia Hanafin, Aubrey LaValle, Isabella Moore, Brezdyn Simons
Kolton Highland, Jaylei Leininger, Hailey Ruff, Justice Weidert, Layna Wilcoxen
Connor Decker, Aubrey DeMoss, Ella Derossett, Connor Dodge, Adalynn Lopez, Landon Muhlstadt, Malayna Pitte, Nicholas Plesko, Aydan Radke, Zandar Radke, Claire Sass, Samuel Schmitz, AV Weidert, Aidan Zeilman
Richard Benton, Nathan Berry, Jillian Clift, Addison Drysdale, Brayden Matsko, Liam Moxley, Elijah Quaintance, Travis Tyler, Tyler Whalen
Marley Adams, Emma Childers, Colin Cunningham, Elly Jenkins, Ali Lefler, Grace Longmire, Gracie Milligan, Trevor Miskell, Emma Palaschak, Caragan Puckett, Charles Reeland, John “Jack” Starkey, Piper Steinquist, Ella Venturi
Tucker Berry, Cole Bradbury, Lilly Brinkmeyer, Brian DeLara, Zane Drysdale, Hadley Lowe, Trayton Majercin, Ryan Powers, Nolan Price, Kyle Tangman, Ellie Vickers, Sydney Wright
Dekin Childers, Olivia Chismarick,, Gabriella Milligan, Eric Miramontes, Quentin Porter, Mollie Rose, Adam Westerhold, Jadyn Yuhas
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Princeton Police Chief Tom Kammerer recognized volunteer Tammi Lanxon on Monday, March 17, 2025, for her service during the Princeton City Council meeting. Lanxon was not in attendance, but Kammerer said he would make sure she received her recognition. (Derek Barichello)
Volunteer Tammi Lanxon worked day and night to make sure the warming center in Princeton was staffed and operational.
Monday, Princeton Police Chief Tom Kammerer recognized her for her service during the Princeton City Council meeting. Lanxon was not in attendance, but Kammerer said he would make sure she received her recognition.
The Princeton Ministerial Association, Tri-County Opportunities Council, Arukah Institute of Healing, Kammerer and Mayor Ray Mabry were instrumental in developing a volunteer-led warming center this past winter to protect those who are unhoused.
Between Jan. 8 and March 9, 51 community volunteers worked shifts from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., seven days a week, in order to provide a safe space for those who had nowhere to sleep overnight, Kammerer said.
Arukah provided the space, policies and training for the warming center. Its Living Room served as an interim warming area until the overnight warming center opened.
Guests were able to eat, shower, do laundry and socialize while they waited for the center to open at 8 p.m. They were in the presence of professionals with lived-experience who could guide them to resources if appropriate. The Ministerial Association led the effort to recruit volunteers and coordinate the scheduling of the shifts. The Tri-County Opportunities Council also provided volunteers and resources for those who are unhoused. Mabry was a frequent volunteer who often assisted guests after his shift ended.
Through this community effort, Kammerer said 14 individuals were kept warm and safe through the coldest winter months.
“I want to recognize one individual who coordinated the scheduling, cleaning and data collection for the warming center,” Kammerer told the council referring to Lanxon.
Lanxon developed an online registration system for volunteers to sign up for overnight shifts. She and her husband Mitch also covered many of the shifts. Lanxon was on perpetual stand-by for the entire time the warming center was open, covering shifts if someone had to call off sick, Kammerer said.
“She made sure the center was clean, orderly and open every night,” the police chief said. “The positive outcomes the warming center produced would not have been possible without Tammi’s efforts.
Kammerer thanked Lanxon for her efforts, as well as the community organizations that got the warming center off the ground.
“The efforts of these volunteers had an immeasurable impact on some of our most vulnerable community members,” Kammerer said. “Without judgment, they gave of their time to provide a safe space for those in need.”
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The Princeton-Illinois Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution held its Youth Luncheon on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Ye Olde Underground Inn. (Photo provided by Nancy Gartner)
The Princeton-Illinois Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution held its Youth Luncheon on Friday, March 7, at Ye Olde Underground Inn.
The Youth Luncheon celebrates the winners of the American History Essay Contests, and the Good Citizen Seniors from Bureau County High schools.
Collin Dever of Logan Junior High was Chapter winner of the American History Essay Contest with his essay on the Edenton Tea Party held by the women of Edenton S.C. in 1774. Fifty-one women in Edenton burned their tea and refused to by any goods from England.
Maximus Gibson of Princeton Christian Academy was the chapter winner for his submission to the Patriots of the American Revolution essay on Roger Sherman. Gibson is the Illinois Society National Daughters of the American Revolution state winner. He and his family will join chapter members at the State Conference Youth Luncheon in Bloomington on May 31.
The Good Citizens program recognizes young people who exhibit the qualities of good citizenship in their homes, schools and communities. It is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship in our communities. Senior students are chosen by their high school faculty and peers for their qualities of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism.
Each school’s DAR Good Citizen receives a DAR Good Citizens pin, certificate and wallet recognition card. The student is then eligible, if they wish, to enter the DAR Good Citizens Scholarship Contest.
This year’s Good Citizen recipients are Nathan Lynn Siri of Bureau Valley High School, Makaila Rose Gonzalez of Ohio Community High School, Ashland Rae Hansen of Hall High School, Phillip Joseph Gray of St. Bede Academy, Lizbeth Magallanes of DePue High School, Sadie Lorraine Quest of La Moille High School and Grace Madeline Eggers of Princeton High School and Princeton-Illinois chapter Daughters of the American Revolution chapter winner.
Any woman 18 and older may join the Daughters of the American Revolution by documenting her lineage to a man or woman who aided the cause of American Independence through military, civil or patriotic service. To find a local chapter, visit dar.org/membership
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The Streator Police Department is seeking the community’s assistance with a shooting they said resulted in property damage at about 9:25 p.m. Friday in the 300 block of South Sterling Street. (Tom Sistak)
The Streator Police Department is seeking the community’s assistance with a shooting they said resulted in property damage at about 9:25 p.m. Friday in the 300 block of South Sterling Street.
Police said it is alleged two individuals on foot fired several rounds at a victim as he was entering his vehicle. No description of the suspects has been provided to the Streator Police Department.
Police are asking anyone who lives in this vicinity to check their home surveillance or ring cameras between 9 and 10 p.m. for anyone on foot or anything that appears suspicious.
If anyone has any information regarding this incident contact the Streator Police Department at 815-844-0911.
This is an ongoing investigation and more information will be released as it becomes available, police said.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Early voting will not be taking place in the basement of the La Salle County Governmental Complex, 707 E. Etna Road, Ottawa. (Scott Anderson)
Early voting will not be taking place in the basement of the La Salle County Governmental Complex, 707 E. Etna Road, Ottawa.
Instead, early voting will take place in the Emergency Management Agency building, which is located at the back of the parking lot and addressed as 711 E. Etna Road, Ottawa. The days and hours of early voting will not change and can be found at www.lasallecountyil.gov.
Early voting begins from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, beginning Thursday, Sept. 26, to Monday, Nov. 4.
There are some exceptions and additional opportunities: Early voting is available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 14; from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 12, 19 and 26; from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, Oct. 28 to Nov. 1; from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2; from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3; and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Princeton’s Kelsea Klingenberg swaps the ball to third to drive in the winning run against Rock Falls in May 2024 in a Class 2A regional softball semifinal. She is one of five returning first-team all-conference players returning for the Tigresses. (Alex T. Paschal)
Jhavon Hayes handed out the Princeton softball uniforms for picture day last week. And then she took them all back.
In the preseason, no one’s earned the jersey quite yet, she said.
“I gave jerseys out for pictures and I asked for them all back. So even our seniors who are going to be on varsity, they need to earn their jersey, too,” Hayes said. “There’s rumors going around who’s doing what. Until I say it, it’s not a thing.
“I fully expect all my returners to contribute like they have the past two years and my freshmen to be able to contribute when they get the call to be up on varsity, whenever that may be. I expect just about all of them to get that call, whether it’s in a pinch running role, or actually having a role.”
The Tigresses have made great strides under Hayes, going 7-17 in her first season as head coach and flipping the numbers last year, going 17-8 and playing for a regional championship. They aim to take it another step this year.
“I’ve already told the girls we’re not going to get complacent. We learned a lot Year 1. We applied our knowledge Year 2 and Year 3 they know what to expect and we can build off last season’s success,” Hayes said. “First they said, ‘Yeah, ‘we’re going to win State.’ (I said), ‘Let’s bring it down a little.‘ We’re going to get farther than last season. That’s our goal. These seniors are pretty determined.”
Kelsea Klingenberg
Even though the uniforms have not been handed out for keeps, Hayes knows she has a stock of talent to stay on the rise.
There are five returning First-Team Three Rivers East All-Conference players back in camp. Senior outfielder Kelsea Klingenberg, a Parkland College signee who led the area with a .489 average, junior Keely Lawson, a slugging shortstop who batted .400 with six home runs and 39 RBIs, and sophomore slugger/pitcher Avah Oertel, who batted .357 with six homers and 35 RBIs and went 8-6 with a 3.42 ERA in the circle, were chosen unanimously.
Junior third baseman Makayla Hecht (.481, 31 steals, 36 runs), who creates havoc on the bases, and sophomore Kiyrra Morris (.372), who “provides a consistent bat,” were also named to the first team while junior pitcher Reese Reviglio (9-2, 2.16) was named to the second team.
Senior first baseman Ellie Harp (.392) and classmate Sam Woolley (18 RBI), a Judson University recruit, are also returning starters along with juniors Izzy Gibson (6 HR, 17 RBIs) at catcher, Caroline Keutzer (.346), a slap-hitting outfielder, and Sylvie Rutledge at second base. Senior Neveah Briddick (P/SS) also returns.
Hayes said it’s nice to bring in a freshmen class that reached the IESA level at Logan Junior High and expects them to be able to contribute.
“It’s definitely a learning curve right now, because I move quick. And they‘re trying to get on our level and move at our pace,” Hayes said. “It may not be right at the beginning. I’m not sure, but I do expect just about all of them to be able contribute in some way, shape or form.
“Just with the little time we’ve gotten on the field, I want to put them in more competitive situations this week, so they can earn that varsity level if they are going to get moved up. I think they’re some kids who have done and some kids I expect more out of.”
Hayes said they have enough players to play JV games depending on how their opponents’ numbers shape up.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The city of Mendota announced it has been approved by the National Endowment for the Arts for $25,000 for two new murals to add to its community art. (Charlie Ellerbrock)
The city of Mendota announced it has been approved by the National Endowment for the Arts for $25,000.
The Grants for Arts Projects award will support the creation of two new murals along with a poetry sidewalk project all in downtown Mendota. A poetry sidewalk allows the city to put text onto the surface of a sidewalk, showcasing literature.
Mendota was one of 1,127 Grants for Arts Projects awarded nationwide in 2025 totaling more than $31.8 million.
“The NEA is proud to continue our nearly 60 years of supporting the efforts of organizations and artists that help to shape our country’s vibrant arts sector and communities of all types across our nation,” said NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, Ph.D.
Survey results from the Community Heart and Soul project conducted by Reimagine Mendota indicated that residents desire more artwork and color throughout downtown. In response to this request, the Mendota City Council announced in the fall of 2024 the establishment of a Mendota Arts Commission, along with dedicated funding for the initiative. Applications for the Commission were recently accepted, and the members will be appointed within the next month.
“This initiative presents another great opportunity to bring life and color to our downtown,” Mayor Dave Boelk said. “By establishing the Mendota Arts Commission, we demonstrate our commitment to the arts while harnessing our residents’ passions to further develop and manage public art in our community.”
For more information on other projects included in the NEA’s grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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