Author: princetonmays

An individual was taken to the hospital with injuries following a single-vehicle crash Sunday morning south of Ottawa. (Photo provided)
An individual was taken to the hospital with injuries following a single-vehicle crash Sunday morning south of Ottawa.
Bailey Flatness, 24, of Ottawa was the driver of the vehicle involved in the crash at 5:43 a.m. Sunday in the area of North 2401st and North 2450th roads in Ottawa Township, the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.
Flatness was cited on complaints of failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, failure to wear a seatbelt and operating an uninsured motor vehicle, deputies said.
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Davijion Robinson (Photo provided by the Illinois Department of Corrections)
A former Kewanee man will continue serving 50 years for a 2020 murder in Princeton. Davijion Robinson struck out recently with an appeals court.
Robinson, 24, had argued in Bureau County Circuit Court he acted in self-defense when he shot and killed Caleb Conrath on July 1, 2020, in a drug deal gone bad.
At a bench trial, Judge James Andreoni rejected self-defense and convicted Robinson of first-degree murder and of shooting a woman who survived.
Robinson thought Andreoni got it wrong and asked the 3rd District Appellate Court for relief. But in a unanimous ruling issued Thursday, the justices upheld Andreoni’s ruling and said the evidence was sufficient to convict Robinson of murder.
At trial, Robinson testified Conrath drew his gun and told Robinson to give him everything he had in his pocket. When Robinson refused, Conrath pulled the trigger but the gun apparently jammed. Robinson said he then pulled out his own gun and began shooting.
The judge declined to make a finding as to whether Conrath possessed a gun. Instead, Andreoni ruled even if Conrath did possess a gun it was unreasonable to believe he posed a threat to Robinson after Conrath had been shot in the forearm, hand and leg.
Robinson’s argument was further undermined by recorded calls he placed from Bureau County Jail. He was taped saying, “It’s cool, it’s my fault,” “I did it,” and “I did the crime so I gotta do the time.” (He also fled and evaded the police for 13 months.)
Nevertheless, Robinson appealed and argued the evidence was insufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt he did not act in self-defense.
The appellate court didn’t buy it. Justice Linda Davenport ruled the evidence showed Conrath was not the initial aggressor and Robinson was in no imminent danger.
“The only evidence presented to show Caleb possessed a gun was (Robinson’s) testimony,” Davenport wrote. “No guns or ammunition other than the casings and live round from (Robinson’s) 9-mm were located. The wound on Caleb’s right hand, which (Robinson) testified Caleb was holding a gun with, was not consistent with holding an object. Forensic evidence established that the wound was consistent with someone who had their hands up while standing in front of their shooter.”
Robinson is scheduled for parole in 2071, when he would be 70 years of age.
Bureau County State’s Attorney Tom Briddick issued a statement on the appellate court’s ruling.
“The affirming of these convictions will continue to bring justice to victims Caleb Conrath and Tasha Hilmes,” Briddick said. “The Bureau County State’s Attorney’s Office felt the evidence clearly supported these convictions.”
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The Illinois Department of Transportation announced northbound Interstate 39 between the Route 17/Wenona (exit 35) and Route 18/Streator (exit 41) will close at 7 a.m. Monday, Dec. 9. This file photo shows previous road work on Interstate 39 between Lostant and Tonica. (Scott Anderson)
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced northbound Interstate 39 between the Route 17/Wenona (exit 35) and Route 18/Streator (exit 41) will close at 7 a.m. Monday, Dec. 9.
The closure is necessary for emergency pavement patching and is expected to last until the following morning. A detour utilizing Route 251 will be posted.
Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment, the Illinois Department of Transportation said.
For IDOT District 4 updates, follow on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict4 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com and www.gettingaroundpeoria.com.
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A view of Big Lots on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, at the corner of 38th Street and Route 251 in Peru. Big Lots reached a deal Friday to keep hundreds of its stores open but it is unclear how it will affect the Peru store. (Scott Anderson)
Big Lots reached a deal Friday to keep hundreds of its stores open but it is unclear how it will affect the Peru store.
Big Lots Account Associate Jillian Choy said in an email that the company was unable to provide any additional details about the Peru store at this time.
The company said in a Friday news release it has agreed to a sale transaction with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners LLC (Gordon Brothers Retail Partners) that enables the transfer of Big Lots assets.
“We are pleased to reach this strategic agreement with Big Lots and partner with Variety Wholesalers to achieve a path forward that allows Big Lots to continue to serve customers with extreme bargains and an outstanding shopping experience,” Rick Edwards, Gordon Brothers Retail Partners’ head of North America Retail said in the release.
Big Lots Inc., which filed for bankruptcy in September, announced Dec. 19 that it would no longer be able to complete its previously announced asset purchase agreement with Nexus Capital Management and was preparing to move forward with going-out-of-business sales at all remaining Big Lots stores.
Variety Wholesalers, according to the news release, owns more than 400 retail stores in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic United States and intends to acquire between 200 and 400 Big Lots stores, which it plans to operate under the Big Lots brand moving forward, and up to two distribution centers.
“Variety Wholesalers may employ Big Lots associates at the acquired stores and distribution centers, as well as certain corporate associates needed to support the go-forward footprint,” the company said in the release.
Bruce Thorn, Big Lots’ president and CEO, said in the release that the strategic sale to Gordon Brothers and the transfer to Variety Wholesalers is a favorable and significant achievement for Big Lots that reflects the tireless work and collective effort of the team.
“This sale agreement and transfer present the strongest opportunity to preserve jobs, maximize value for the estate and ensure continuity of the Big Lots brand,” he said. “We are grateful to our associates nationwide for their grit and resilience throughout this process.”
Lisa Seigies, Variety Wholesalers’ president and CEO, said they are excited to partner with Gordon Brothers to provide a path forward for the Big Lots brand and hundreds of its stores.
“We look forward to working with members of the Big Lots team to realize the exciting opportunities ahead,” she said in the news release.
The agreement is subject to approval by the Bankruptcy Court and other customary closing conditions.
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The Kuhar family established a scholarship in memory of their parents, William and Eleanor, to support aspiring nurses. Pictured with IVCC President Dr. Tracy Morris are Kristie (Kuhar) Hunter and Bob Kuhar. (Photo provided by Peggy Schneider)
The Kuhar family has established a $20,000 scholarship to support Illinois Valley Community College nursing students in memory of their parents.
Robert J. Kuhar, Kristie A. Hunter, Kenneth J. Kuhar and William F. Kuhar established the scholarship as a tribute to their parents William and Eleanor Kuhar, who deeply valued the medical services in the Illinois Valley, IVCC said in a Monday news release. The Kuhars recognized the critical role of nursing in the community and the importance of supporting future nurses in obtaining their education, according to the release.
The family recognized many capable people too often are deterred from pursuing a degree in nursing because of the financial commitment required. The family members said they are pleased to support aspiring nurses in achieving their goals.
William and Eleanore’s appreciation for the nursing program stems from the experience of their granddaughter. Sarah Tudaj, daughter of Kristie Hunter, graduated from the IVCC nursing program in 2000.
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The following column was written by former BCR Sports Editor Dick Volker and was published in the International Coca-Cola Collectors magazine in Sept. 2022:
I enjoy Coca-Cola. Quite a few every day. Having been employed in sales management with the fountain sales department for over 40 years it is only natural that we have a four-drink fountain dispenser in out kitchen.
My life, Loretta, has created a Coke museum in our kitchen using many pieces of advertising of the past, many trays, a 2,000 piece Coke puzzle framed and hanging on the wall along with other ladies of the past who enticed people to purchase Coca-Cola.
Yes, we have vintage bottles and a myriad of advertising collected over my 40 years working the Chicago and downstate Illinois Areas. We certainly do have an urn as was first used to dispense the syrup.
But my most prized momento is a picture of Dick Portillo’s famous Dog House. In this trailer, which I call a ‘grab-joint’ is where Portillo launched his chain of 36 Portillo’s restaurants, plus other entities and three years ago sold out to Warren Buffet’s Berkshire-Hathaway organization which is rapidly expanding Portillo’s across America and recently went public on the stock market.
I was the first Coca-Cola representative to meet with Dick Portillo and finalize the deal for him to sell Coke products. Of course a modular Coca-Cola sign went across the top of the trailer advertising his hot dogs.
He was always loyal to our company and each time he opened another store in the Chicago area he would call me and say, “We’re going to be ready for equipment at another location I’m opening.”
Out small museum has been documented on television and many newspaper stories as well as having some of out items on display in an art gallery.
I have created a history of Coca-Cola dating back to its beginning as a syrup concocted by Dr. John Pemberton as a remedy for baby colic.
This history includes the creation of fountain Coke, franchise bottling, the various bottles created through the years, advertising, competitors in the early years, substitution, how Coke went international and my responsibilities with the company.
For the past seven years I have been marketing myself to present this history to retirement homes, public libraries, historical societies, park districts and chambers of commerce for a stipend.
Many retirement homes and libraries are looking for someone with a unique story to entertain their residents and patrons. My story is educational, nostalgia-filled, fun-filled and enjoyable to people of all ages.
I work the Chicago suburbs and north-central Illinois as well as going into the Davenport and Iowa City, Iowa markets.
After one program a man came up to me and thanked me for a fine presentation. He introduced himself and immediately I recognized the name. He owns 36 Burger King Restaurants. I had never met him before but saw his name across many invoices.
Another time a lady came up after the program and introduced herself. She was the widow of a famous Chicago White Sox pitcher.
I enjoy giving these presentations. They keep my mind working and I never know who I will run into.
Just remember, things go better with Coca-Cola. God bless you.
Dick Volker – Princeton
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Bureau Valley vs. Princeton
The players are signed up and coaches lined up for the inaugural Bureau Valley-Princeton Alumni Basketball Game hosted by each school’s booster clubs Sunday, Dec. 22 at the Storm Cellar.
The lineup of players comes with some unique ties to each school’s history and tradition.
There will be fathers and sons with Princeton’s Gary “Poke” Clark and Zach Clark and Steve and Southern Foster, and brothers with Princeton’s Scott and Ryan DeVore.
There will be two superintendents, Bureau Valley’s Jason Stabler, a 1995 Western graduate, and Princeton Elementary’s J.D. Orwig, a 1993 Wyanet grad, a school board president, Bureau Valley’s Justin Yepsen, a key player on the Storm’s first state team in 1999-00, a head coach, Jason Marquis (2004), a former player, and a booster club president, Bureau Valley’s Josh Egan from the first graduating class in 1996.
Bureau Valley head boys basketball coach Jason Marquis coaches his team during the Colmone Classic tournament on Monday, Dec. 5, 2022 at Hall High School in Spring Valley. (Scott Anderson)
There will be two players from the first Bureau Valley teams in 1995-96, Melissa (Milby) Jackson and Drew Kager.
There will be four members of the Storm’s 2018-19 Elite Eight team reuniting, Kale Barnett, Tyler Gustafson, Noah Johnson and Noah Simon, a foreign exchange student from Germany.
And there will be five parents of BV or PHS graduates.
The oldest players will be the venerable baller Don Smucker, a 1971 Tiskilwa graduate for the men, and Sarah (Kiser) Scruggs, a 1997 PHS graduate, for the women.
The teams will be coached by former Storm skipper Brad Bickett and PHS varsity assistant Tim Smith.
The game was schemed by both booster clubs to help supplement the loss of the school’s annual basketball games, which was a major fundraiser night for both schools, since they are no longer scheduled to play for the foreseeable future.
“I am totally excited to see this game take place. I can only hope we play a game that keeps the legacy of local rivals but has that element of fun and a good time running through it,” said PHS Booster Club president Amber Wise, a BV graduate.
The doors will open at 3 p.m. with tip-off at 3:30 p.m.
The men’s 40 and older division will take the floor first. They will be followed by the women in the second quarter, the men’s 21 and older in the third quarter and a mixed division in the fourth quarter.
There will also be a free throw contest after the first quarter, a 3-point contest after the third quarter with alumni cheer/dance performing school fight songs at halftime.
PHS: Kyle Arnett (2010), Zach Clark (2010), Ryan DeVore (2006), Jacob Fisher (2012), Southern Foster (2012), Brandon Nyman (2004), Max Taylor (2022). Honorary – Michael Camp.
BV: Kale Barnett (2019), Hunter Clemme (2013), Jeremy Culver (2010), Michael Grieve (2006), Corey Gruber (BV assistant coach), Tyler Gustafson (2019), Zach Jacobson (2008), Jonah Johnson (2021), Noah Johnson (2019), Will McEhlinney (2007), Luke Moon (2021), Matt Morman (2007), Dallas Munson (2005), Kole Price (2008), Noah Simon (2019).
PHS: Gary “Poke” Clark (1983), Scott DeVore (2002), Ben Rapp (1998), Justin Smith (2004), Don Smucker (Tiskilwa 1971), Josh Taylor (1999). PHS parents – Steve Foster, Matt Ross, Blake Jacobs and Jared Shaw.
BV: Adam Franklin (2004), Josh Egan (1996), Jess Entas (Walnut 1995), Drew Krager (1996), Jason Marquis (2004), Paul McMahon (Manlius, 1979), J.D. Orwig (Wyanet 1993), Jason Stabler (Western 1995), Todd VonHolten (Walnut, 1986), Matt Wiggim (1998), Justin Yepsen (2000). Parent – Scott Stoller.
PHS: Sara Grieff (2018), Kelly Morris (1999), Jamie Munson (2005), Anna Murray (2018), Katie Sayler (1999), Sarah Scruggs (1997), Kelly VanDenBusche (2019), Abby Vladika (2005).
BV: Paige Andersen (2005), Saige Barnett (2020), Jill (Lyons) Barmes (1999), Samantha Bohm (2020), Courtney Hoagland (2018), Melissa (Milby) Jackson (1996), Jessica Judd (1999), Addison Moreland (2018), Breelyn (McMahon) Siefert (2006), Savannah (Wall) Sisk (2017), Natalie Swanson (2012).
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The Princeton and IMSA basketball teams hold a moment of silence for David Camp, the brother of Princeton coach Jason Smith, before their game Saturday in Sherrard. Camp was killed in a Nov. 29 auto accident. (Photo provided by Tim Smith)
Princeton coach Jason Smith called a timeout from the Tiger bench Saturday to attend the visitation and celebration of life for his brother, Dave Camp, who was tragically killed in a Nov. 29 auto accident.
He debated where he should be Saturday, with his basketball family or his own family.
“I called my brother Kelly for some advice. I said I know that I should be at the visitation. I know what (Dave) would want me to do. He would want me to be at the game coaching,” Smith said. “The question was, what do I need to do? It came down to practicing what I preach with the boys where we preach family first. I’d be a hypocrite if I didn’t attend the visitation.”
At the request of an Illinois Math and Science Academy assistant coach, a moment of silence was held for the Camp and Smith families prior to their game Saturday at Sherrard. The Tigers then went out and defeated IMSA for fifth place in the Hutchins Holiday Classic, led by acting head coach Tim Smith (no relation) and Bryson Smith, Jason Smith’s son, both of whom are Tiger head coaches.
The win was Tim Smith’s first as a varsity head coach since his days at LaMoille in the mid-90s.
PHS senior Noah LaPorte said the Tigers dedicated the game to their coach and his brother.
“It meant everything knowing he had to be gone for his brother. I feel that gave all of us an extra boost coming into the game,” he said. “His brother was one of our biggest supporters so for us to get that dub (win) was amazing. It was for him and his family.”
The team made it back in time to attend the visitation to further support their head coach.
LaPorte had a whirlwind day to suit up for the Tigers’ game on Friday. He saw doctors at Northwestern University in the morning in Evanston to be cleared by doctors there to play from an ankle injury and made it back in time to catch the bus to Sherrard.
“It was a crazy day,” said LaPorte, who will play football for Northwestern next year. “Got to Evanston around 10, left about 11:15 and made it back for the bus right at 1:15. And we got the [win] later that day.”
LaPorte, who missed five games recovering from a Dec. 7 ankle injury playing in the Colmone Classic at Hall, scored 17 points in the Tigers’ 65-38 win over Geneseo and then came back with 25 on Saturday.
Bureau Valley junior Kadyn Haage had the hot hand for the Storm Friday, sinking a single-game, school record seven 3-pointers in a 62-57 loss to Hall in the Warkins Memorial Classic in Prophetstown.
She eclipsed the record of six shared by all-time leading scorer Saige Barnett, the Storm volleyball coach, and Jess Judd, now a Storm assistant basketball coach.
Hall junior Braden Curran was named to the all-tournament team at the Shipyard Showdown at Seneca. He was also named to the all-tournament team in Hall’s Colmone Classic.
Hall players left their mark at Seneca with Wyatt West finishing with the second-most 3-pointers made with 12 while Greyson Bickett (90.0%) and Curran (86.7%) ranked among the top three free throw shooters.
Princeton’s Asa Gartin earned the “Heart and Hustle” Award for the Tigers game in Saturday’s third-place game at Sherrard and teammate Luke Smith picked up the same honors for Friday’s game against Geneseo.
St. Bede’s Ashlyn Ehm and Lili McClain were named to the first-team all-tournament team in the Lady Bruins Christmas Classic along with Annawan’s Bella VanOpdorp. St. Bede’s Savannah Bray, Annawan’s Paige Sierens and PC’s Maggie Spratt were named to the second team.
There were eight tournaments sites with area teams involved over the weekend. Here’s a rundown of the list of champions:
Lady Bruins Christmas Classic: St. Bede won its own tournament for the first time since 2010, defeating Fieldcrest 44-36
Amboy Holiday Girls Tournament: Marquette won the 3-way tiebreaker for first over Amboy and Newman.
Warkins Memorial Classic (girls): The Wethersfield and Monmouth-Roseville girls will meet Monday for the title at Prophetstown.
LaMoille Holiday Classic (boys): Galva defeated Lowpoint-Washburn 67-55 at the Lions’ Den.
Shipyard Showdown (boys): No. 2 Lexington beat No. 1 and host Irish in inaugural tournament at Seneca 52-44.
Hutchins Holiday Classic (boys): Sherrard won its own tourney title in its second year, defeating East Dubuque 51-39.
Plano Christmas Classic (boys): Kaneland lived up to top billing, beats No. 6 Yorkville Christian 91-85.
Princeville Holiday Tournament (boys): Top-seeded Brimfield won title over the Princes 52-47.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Residents asked the Marseilles City Council on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, about Timber Edge development and water concerns. (Derek Barichello)
Flaring tempers and raised voices by spectators and commissioners alike marked the Marseilles City Council meeting Thursday, virtually all of it stemming from the public comment portion of the agenda over two specific issues.
Foremost was the fate of the deteriorating Timber Edge housing development on the city’s northeast side, and the lack of conveyable information about it drew the ire of several speakers from the standing room-only crowd.
Catherine McMickens, who at the last council meeting asked for an ordinance prohibiting the tearing down of homes there until they’d all been sold, demanded to know why Constellation Energy was buying up properties with empty, boarded-up homes, and what those purchases are leading to.
City Engineer Mike Etscheid informed her that it is not Constellation making the purchases, but instead is Trust 4495 based in Joliet, in the name of George Barr. Etscheid said Barr’s attorney called him Thursday afternoon in regard to the city ordinance for registering vacant buildings, that it didn’t make sense to register them because they’re going to be torn down as soon as the power is completely disconnected from those homes.
He added the trust also is buying up properties adjacent to the development that are currently not within Marseilles city limits.
“The delay is because it’s Commonwealth Edison territory, and they require 30 days notice,” Etscheid said. “The homes are boarded up, so no one can squat in them and delay the process any further.”
Mayor Jim Hollenbeck said there had been a meeting with a public relations person from Constellation, but that was to appease the energy company’s desire to know the fate of the area, not any secret deal.
Hollenbeck said he has no knowledge of any plans other than through rumor, but he admitted he wouldn’t mind seeing the portion that is not currently within city limits annexed soon, in case a windfall development does land there in the near future.
Scott Damnjanovic said during the discussion that there already were annexation agreements on file.
“That’s news to me,” Hollenbeck said. “I’m being 100% sincere when I say I don’t know what they’re doing out there. I’ve heard a lot of speculation, that there’s going to be a hydrogen plant, a data center and several other things. That could possibly be a really great thing for the city. … We’d like answers, too, but we just don’t know.”
The other issue drawing several comments was recent concern over the city’s water, which Hollenbeck said were “unfounded.”
A news release issued by the city recently read that “in response to community concerns, the city emphasizes that its water treatment processes adhere to strict Illinois Environmental Protection Agency regulations. Daily and weekly tests are performed by IEPA-certified city water operators to ensure ongoing water safety. Additionally, the IEPA has recently tested city water samples, confirming their safety according to IEPA standards.
“Residents are advised to exercise caution when using in-home water-testing kits that are not approved by the IEPA, as these can yield false or inaccurate results. … For those interested in obtaining IEPA-approved testing kits, contact the IEPA directly at 217-782-3397.”
It added the latest IEPA testing is expected to be available by Jan. 15.
Hollenbeck said an IEPA supervisor would be in Marseilles on Jan. 6 to shadow the test process to make sure all is well and that the water is being properly examined.
The mayor said Marseilles does have areas that have dead-end water mains that need to be flushed often, perhaps even once a week. However, he is looking into getting a hydrant that would automatically flush those mains on a regular schedule.
“Anywhere there’s a dead-end main, you’re going to get rusty water now and then,” he said, “but the water is safe to drink. I drink it. We all can.”
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Brad Groleau (right) checks on Newman’s Briar Ivey during a blood time out at the 61st annual Lyle King wrestling tournament on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2024 at Princeton High School. Groleau is a 2013 grad of St. Bede Academy and was a two-time Bureau County Republican Baseball Player of the Year and played at McKendree University. Groleau is now a Minor League Athletic Trainer for the Kansas City Royals. (Scott Anderson)
Brad Groleau continues to work his way up the ladder in the Kansas City Royals’ organization entering his seventh season as an athletic trainer.
On the way to his next stop, he’s making a layover in Princeton during the offseason.
Groleau, a former three-sport standout at St. Bede (Class of 2013), is working for Princeton High School this winter as an athletic trainer. He’s working home basketball games and wrestling matches on a per diem basis.
You could say he’s giving the Tigers the Royal treatment.
“It’s been great being able to help and provide some coverage for the athletes during my offseason and getting to know [athletic director] Jeff [Ohlson] and the coaches,” he said.
Well experienced in treating ballplayers’ sprains and strains, Groleau quickly became adept at stopping bloody nose during the PIT wrestling tournament last weekend.
“That was a fast-paced environment which I really enjoyed,” he said.
Ohlson said Groleau has been a great fit for PHS.
“Brad does a great job for us. He has been outstanding working with our kids. It has been a win-win for both of us,” he said. “We have been very fortunate to have some great athletic trainers working with our kids over the last 10 years, and Brad has continued that on.”
Ohlson and wrestling coach Steve Amy don’t want to give him up just yet.
“We would love to keep him around, but MLB season will be calling at the end of the month,” Ohlson said.
“He’s been great. Too bad he’s got to go back to the Royals,” Amy said.
Groleau, 30, will leave at the end of the month to report to Surprise, Arizona, where the Royals share a spring training complex with the Texas Rangers. He’ll primarily be working in the minor league camp but will fill in on rotation on the big league side.
At the end of spring training, he’ll return to Springdale, Arkansas, for his second season with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.
“I spent two years in the Quad Cities in High A, which was a really good experience. Now at the Double-A level, there’s really good baseball there, as well,” he said. “It’s been really enjoyable. Arkansas is a great state.”
He enjoys his travels around the Texas League with stops in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Springfield, Missouri; Wichita, Kansas; and the other side of the division in Texas, traveling as far as Corpus Christi this year.
“I’m really pleased with all the stadiums in the Texas League, like our stadium in Arkansas,” he said. “It’s a top-notch facility. They maintain the facility really well. It’s been a great joy to work there.”
Groleau started as an intern with the Royals in Omaha in 2017 and 2018 and was brought on full time in 2019. He’s seen his share of the Royals players he’s worked with now up in the big leagues, most notably second baseman Michael Massey, a University of lllinois product, first baseman Vinny Pasquantino, infielder Maikel Garcia and pitcher Angel Zurpa.
“I had those guys with me my first full-time job with the Royals in rookie ball. It’s pretty cool to see them go from rookie ball up to the big leagues,” Groleau said.
A standout on the diamond at St. Bede as a two-time Bureau County Republican Player of the Year and at McKendree University, Groleau especially relates to the players he works with and has his own experiences to share.
“That’s the best thing about this job: You form some great relationships,” he said. “I’ve shared some of my past experiences just playing ball, and some of the guys will look up my old stats and make jokes about certain things. It’s always fun to bring up.”
Just like the players, Groleau said you want to work your way up with an eye on the big leagues one day.
“I want to continue to work my way up in any type of role with the organization,” he said. “I always tell myself, too, to just stay present and be in the moment. I’m really looking forward to another year in Double A and working in Arkansas. It should be a great year.”
• Kevin Hieronymus has been the BCR Sports Editor since 1986. Contact him at khieronymus@bcrnews.com.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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