Author: princetonmays

​Join author Tamara Gaumond on an exploration of Door County, including insights and travel tips, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, at the Princeton Public Library, 698 E. Peru St.  (Shaw File photo)
​Join author Tamara Gaumond on an exploration of Door County, including insights and travel tips, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24, at the Princeton Public Library, 698 E. Peru St.
With pristine beaches, natural wonders, robust art and theater scenes, all-season sporting opportunities, breweries and wineries, and activities for children, Door County offers something for everyone, according to the Princeton Library.
Gaumond co-authored “100 Things To Do in Door County Before You Die” with Jean O’Brien Gibbons. In addition to this book, they also wrote “100 Things To Do in Rockford Before You Die”​ in 2019. Gaumond also shares her journey to become an author and writer, the path to publication for this book and inspiration individuals exploring their own creative endeavors. Gaumond will have copies of books for purchase at this event.
For more information, call 815-875-1331 or go to princetonpl.org. Programs at the Princeton Public Library are free and open to all.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The Peru municipal pool committee meetings will not be open to the public — for now. (Shaw Local News Network)
The Peru municipal pool committee meetings will not be open to the public — for now.
Chairman Rick O’Sadnick updated Monday the Peru City Council, explaining the committee had met twice briefly, once as an introduction and the second time reviewing past reports.
Afterward, Alderman Tom Payton asked if the meetings were open to the public.
“Not at this time,” O’Sadnick said. “You know down the road we’re probably going to open them up, but just as we get started, we’re not trying to hide anything obviously but we’re trying to get to know each other first and get a direction to where we want to go.”
In December, O’Sadnick told Shaw Local News Network “Once we get started, all open pool committee meetings will be publicized and all will be encouraged to attend and make their voices and suggestions heard.”
City Clerk Dave Bartley said in response to an online public comment questioning the legality of the committee that the committee doesn’t violate the Open Meetings Act.
“It’s worth noting that the two aldermen serving on the committee does not violate the Open Meetings Act,” he said. “There isn’t a requirement for that. It’s commonly used within the city … it’s a tool that’s used in the city from time to time when there’s planning or organization and getting public input from various projects.”
Mayor Ken Kolowski announced Nov. 25 he had chosen O’Sadnick, Alderman Andy Moreno, Parks and Recreation Director Adam Thorson and referendum originator Sherry Mayszak to be a part of the committee. Peru resident Christine Mitchell, who is the former manager of the Spring Valley swimming pool, was added to the panel in December.
An advisory referendum passed in November, asking residents if the city should construct and operate a municipal swimming pool funded by the use of the hotel/motel tax.
The pool committee will focus on cost, location and design by looking at construction of a municipal pool from the ground up.
O’Sadnick said the committee isn’t starting from scratch as a lot of work has been done since the old pool has been taken out; including work back in 2020 and 2021 seeking bids and feasibility studies.
“So, it’s only been a couple of years,” he said. “So that’s kind of what we’ve been doing so far — reviewing past reports, existing data, reaching out to those same firms asking them to pull those files and please update them.”
O’Sadnick said the meetings have been productive and the committee will keep ”plugging along,” but nothing has been decided.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The Oglesby Holy Family seventh grade volleyball team qualified for the IESA Class 1A state tournament. The Crusaders defeated Cornell 25-17, 25-23 in the sectional championship. Holy Family (20-1) plays Normal Epiphany (20-3) in the quarterfinals at 4:30 p.m. Friday at Clinton Junior High. Pictured, front row (from left) Chloe Short, Raegan Entwistle, Sadie Sticka, Creek Williams and Lovelyn Beck. Back row: Assistant Molly Kasperski, oach- Michelle Olson, Sierra Biagioni, Kaitlynn Olson, Eva Postula, Elyse Grubich, Marley Bird, Callie Hanson and assistant Christina Hanson. (Photo provided by Mimi Borio)
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Streator has named lifelong Streator resident Dean Chalkey as its new community development director. Chalkey will focus on revitalizing the city’s economic development and supporting capital improvement projects. (Shaw Local News Network file photo)
Streator officials have appointed Dean Chalkey as its new community development director.
Chalkey, a lifelong Streator resident, will begin his new role on Monday, Feb. 10.
According to a news release, Chalkey has more than 30 years of experience in the civil engineering consulting industry, will be responsible for revitalizing the city’s economic development initiatives, especially following the recent closure of the Owens-Illinois facility, which resulted in the loss of about 150 jobs.
His duties also will include overseeing the city’s zoning and community planning programs and working with property owners to promote Streator’s vacant and underutilized properties.
He will assist City Engineer Jeremy Palm with capital improvement projects, streamlining the city’s engineering services and reducing the need for outsourcing.
Chalkey most recently worked with a civil engineering firm serving clients across North Central Illinois. He has held senior positions, including principal/vice president, division manager and senior project manager. He has been a member of the Streator Plan Commission.
His experience includes working on large infrastructure projects, subdivisions, hotel and retail developments, as well as industrial and warehouse expansions across several counties, including La Salle, Livingston and Bureau.
Chalkey lives in Streator with his wife, two daughters, and their two French bulldogs, Walter and Eddie.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The Ottawa Police Department wished Sgt. Brenden Donahue a happy and safe retirement Friday. (Scott Anderson)
The Ottawa Police Department wished Sgt. Brenden Donahue a happy and safe retirement Friday.
Donahue signed off for one last time to dispatch Friday surrounded by family, friends and co-workers who greeted him with applause.
“It has been an honor to serve the citizens of this fine community for all these years and to lead such a dedicated group of individuals,” Donahue said.
He said he was humbled and wished his colleagues continued safety.
Donahue spent 13 years as the school resource officer with Ottawa Elementary School District 141 before being promoted to corporal in October 2016 and now a sergeant. He educated students through Ottawa’s DARE program.
After he announced his retirement, a dispatcher said Donahue was a reliable presence on the street and set a standard of professionalism for the police department to strive to achieve.
Donahue’s Badge No. 7 was “10-42,” ending his tour of duty, dispatch said in conclusion.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Morgan Nelson (left) from Marquette Academy and Aric Threadgill of Ottawa High School were recognized for their accomplishments by the Ottawa Sunrise Rotary. (Photo provided by Jane Goetz)
Two seniors were recognized by Ottawa Sunrise Rotary for their many accomplishments and career goals.
Aric Threadgill from Ottawa High School plans on majoring in engineering and attending the University of Illinois.
Morgan Nelson from Marquette Academy will be attending Illinois Valley Community College to become an early childhood teacher.
The Sunrise Rotary Club selects two students each month from October through April. In May, two of those students will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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In this Feb. 8, 2009 file photo, Trace Adkins arrives at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. ((AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, file))
Country music star Trace Adkins is coming to Princeton in August.
Adkins has been booked to perform in the annual country concert at the Bureau County Fairgrounds. He will be joined by Brushville.
The concert featuring Trace Adkins with special guest Brushville will be 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, at the Bureau County Fair in Princeton. Online ticket sales begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14. All tickets will be sold online at www.bureaucountyfair.com. The 170th Bureau County Fair will be Aug. 20-24.
In Adkins’ storied career in country music, he has sold more than 11 million albums, charted 40 singles on Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart, earned numerous awards, multiple Grammy nominations and garnered more than 2 billion streams.
A Grand Ole Opry member for two decades, the Louisiana native is known for his dynamic baritone, fiery live performance and roles as an actor in film and TV. Since his 1996 breakout debut “Dreamin’ Out Loud,” he delivered smashes, such as “Every Light In The House,” which hit Top 5 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and No. 1 “This Ain’t (No Thinkin’ Thing).”
Adkins has pioneered a mix of classic Country minded traditionalism and adventurous, good-natured showmanship, breaking open new avenues in modern country through fun-filled hits like “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” and “Hillbilly Bone” with Blake Shelton.
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of his debut with 2021’s release “The Way I Wanna Go” (Verge Records), the 25-song album has been applauded by Billboard as “a creative tour de force that serves up the lyrical and stylistic diversity that would make his hero [Ronnie] Milsap proud,” with Rolling Stone calling it “lighthearted club-ready fun…,” and People praising it as “packed to the hilt with hits.” From traditional balladry to clever country party anthems, the Mickey Jack Cones and Derek George produced project features special guests Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Melissa Etheridge, Pitbull, Snoop Dogg, Stevie Wonder on harmonica and more. Adkins is on tour playing headline shows spanning coast to coast throughout the year.
Visit www.traceadkins.com to learn more.
Bloomington-Normal may not be the first place you imagine when you think of upbeat, rockin’ country music. Think again.
Brushville brings down the house with sold-out shows all across the country. This four-piece is in your face while showcasing their passion and talent. CMT called Brushville “explosive.” When thinking of their music, the network said, “think matches and gasoline” Brushville includes bass guitarist Marc Broomby, drummer Derek Spring, lead guitarist/fiddle player Kirk Ellis and rhythm guitarist/lead vocalist Dustin Reynolds. Their four-part harmony and tight musicianship add to the aesthetic of the heartfelt songs. Even though they are known for their live performance, their first album in 2014 made waves in the industry. One week after release, the self-titled album “Brushville” rose to No. 1 on the Billboard Heatseeker chart and No. 22 on the iTunes Top Country Albums chart. Vince Hoffard of the Southern called them, “one of the best new bands in the industry.” The album was produced by multiple Grammy-winning, platinum producer Kyle Lehning. Lehning is credited with producing for legendary Randy Travis and Dan Seals. “Baby’s Got Her Boots On,” the first single of the album was co-written by Tyler Farr. Nashville songwriting veterans Rhett Akins and Ben Hayslip co-wrote the second single, “Dangerous.” They are known for songs by Blake Shelton and Jason Aldean.
In March 2018, “Girl in a Trucker Hat” single was released to excited crowds and national radio play. That summer, Brushville released their second album, “Taking You Higher” to rave reviews from critics and audiences. Recorded at Eclipse Studio in Bloomington with Grammy-nominated producer Erik Nelson, “Taking You Higher” is a blend of modern country and good old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll. The album keeps the upbeat rockin’ country sound that made the band electric from the beginning.
For information, visit brushville.com.
A beach ball is thrown into the crowd during the Brushville concert at the Marshall-Putnam Fair on Thursday, July 14, 2022 in Henry. (Scott Anderson)
Derek Barichello is the news editor for The Times in Ottawa and NewsTribune in La Salle, part of Shaw Local News Network, covering La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties. He covers local and breaking news in the areas of government, education, business and crime and courts, among others.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The following marriage licenses were recorded Dec. 2, 2024, through Jan. 11, 2025, at the Bureau County Courthouse. (Shaw Media file photo)
The following marriage licenses were recorded Dec. 2, 2024, through Jan. 11, 2025, at the Bureau County Courthouse:

Sean Michael Hurless of Spring Valley and Elizabeth Joy Adamson of Princeton.
Elise Lauryn Hobbs of Washington, Illinois, and Reuben Lee Roberts of Gridley.
John Mark Tiethoff of Spring Valley and Mary Jane Brandt of Spring Valley.
Kaylee Ann Kalisak of La Moille and Calvin Michael Nickel of La Moille.
Mercedes Alyssa Heinrich of Princeton and Lance Douglas Stowe of Tiskilwa.
Tasha Marie Roalson of Washington, Illinois, and Christopher Sean Noel of Washington, Illinois.
Jessica Emily Godinez of DePue and Jesus Daniel Gil Arias of DePue.
Juana Rodriguez-Torales of Spring Valley and Juan Manuel Arana-Salinas of Spring Valley.
Mandy Lynn Owens of Princeton and Jeremy David Smith of Princeton.
Nathaniel Michael Beyer of La Crosse, Wisconsin, and Mia Kay Elizabeth Newman of La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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To incentivize early registration, Marseilles Elementary School will hold two gift card drawings for families who complete the registration process. (Shaw File Photo)
Marseilles Elementary School will begin accepting registrations for the 2025-2026 school year starting Thursday, March 13.
Registration can be completed online through TeacherEase, available via both the app and web browser.
To incentivize early registration, the school will hold two gift card drawings for families who complete the registration process.
The first drawing will be held on Monday, March 17, and the second on Tuesday, April 1.
For additional information or any questions, parents can contact the Marseilles Elementary main office at 815-554-4338.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Princeton senior ace Jordan Reinhardt went 2-3 with a 3.54 ERA while leading all area batters with a .508 clip. (Mike Vaughn)
Many of the Princeton boys have seen much success during the school year from the football field to the basketball court and wrestling mats.
Between them, seniors Jordan Reinhardt, Noah LaPorte, Luke Smith, Will Lott, Ace Christiansen and Jace Stuckey and junior Ryan Jagers took part in either a trip to the quarterfinals in football, a third straight trip to the sectional final in basketball or made a repeat appearance to the state wrestling tournament, or a combination of two accomplishments.
They hope to carry that success over to the ball diamond this spring.
“The success in the other sports is great and we are really hoping to bring that to baseball,” Reinhardt said. “We really want to get over the hump and win a regional this year. We have a senior-loaded team so we are hoping we can bring a lot of leadership to the young guys and make them a lot better this year.
“We are a fun group of kids and go together very well so that also helps a lot.”
The Tigers went 9-13 last year, 3-7 in the Three Rivers Conference East Division, falling to eventual regional champ Rockridge 1-0 in the semifinals on their home field.
Coach Wick Warren, who starts his eighth season at the Tigers helm, expects his seven seniors to carry a significant load. Nolan Kloepping will play infield and outfield, Christiansen returns behind the plate while LaPorte patrols center field, both for their fourth varsity season, Stuckey will play first and outfield with Reinhardt and Lott in the infield.
Reinhardt led the area with a .508 batting average while Christiansen batted .412 and Lott .338, both in the top 10.
“Jordan, Ace, William and Nolan were our leading hitters last season and I expect big things at the plate from all four this season,” Warren said. “I expect Noah to be the leading defensive centerfielder in the area and to contribute in a big way offensively. Jace has looked very good in preseason hitting work.”
The Tiger pitching staff will be led by seniors Reinhardt (2-2, 3.54) and Lott (3-0, 3.88) and junior southpaw Tyler Forristall (3.88). Warren describes Lott as “our most competitive pitcher who battles every time out,” and looks for Reinhardt and Forristall to be among the best pitchers in the area.
Other contributions will come from sophomore Braden Shaw and Jagers, who were injured last year but looking very good in the preseason, Warren said, and seniors Stuckey, LaPorte and Smith.
Jagers will also see time at the hot corner at third, while junior Stihl Brokaw and freshmen Jack Oester will also play the infield.
The Tigers are slated to start the season at home on March 20 vs. Sterling, the start of a front-loaded nonconference slate against the likes of 3A schools Dixon, Rock Falls, La Salle-Peru and Rochelle. They will also have a Three Rivers crossover with Mercer County, a stretch that will provide a good tune up for their Three Rivers East opener vs. Newman on April 7.
“We face a good, tough schedule, but we have a very experienced team and we expect to be competitive with all our opponents,” Warren said. “Playing high school baseball in the Midwest is always a challenge facing the talented teams in the area as well as the ever changing weather, but PHS is ready for a very good year.”
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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