Author: princetonmays

The public will have an opportunity to hear information on potential train station locations for the proposed new passenger rail service between Peoria and Chicago. Four meetings will be conducted with North Central Council of Governments in coordination with La Salle, Morris, Utica, Ottawa and Peru. (Derek Barichello)
The public will have an opportunity to hear information on potential train station locations for a proposed new passenger rail service between Peoria and Chicago.
Four meetings will be conducted with the North Central Council of Governments in coordination with La Salle, Morris, Utica, Ottawa and Peru.
Events will be in an open house format, allowing the public to come and go during the event. The same materials will be available at all events for the public to attend whichever is the most convenient for them.
Exhibits will be on display, and consultant team members will be available to answer questions. All materials will be made available on the NCICG website after the events are complete.
The events are planned:
The study was funded through a grant received from the Illinois Department of Transportation through the State Planning and Research program.
Residents and businesses can learn more about this project by visiting the NCICG website at ncicg.org or by following NCICG on Facebook or LinkedIn. Additional information regarding the overall Peoria to Chicago passenger rail initiative can be found on the city of Peoria’s website at peoriagov.org.
The city of Peoria recently was selected for the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification and Development Program.
The train route, although not officially approved, still is about a decade away from being in operation, officials have said. The proposed route begins in Peoria and runs through La Salle-Peru, Utica, Ottawa, Morris and Joliet before ending at Chicago’s Union Station.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The 2024 Hall High School homecoming king and queen candidates are (back from left) Kaylee Lauck, Jacob Diaz, Chloe Hicks, Izzaq Zrust, Anthony Reeser, Ashland Hansen, Jack Jablonski, Kendell Gerbitz, Wyatt West and Haley Campbell (front, from left) Morgan Hoscheid, Mark Cissell, Emily Rodriguez, Ryan Bosi, Aviana Konczak, Ilan Bardot, Ellie Brooks, Revin Essl, Jayde Lewis, Kennedy Wozniak, Ben Heerdt (Not Pictured) (Photo provided by Kelli Curran)
The 2024 Spring Valley Hall High School class attendants and king/queen candidates have been announced.
Freshman attendants are Joey Dergance, Sophie Simpson and Cam Pellegrini; sophomore attendants are Bobby Rios and Kassy Lopez; junior attendants are Natalia Zamora and Jacob Mongan; and senior attendants are Riley Nelson, Bella Templeton and Javi Serrano.
Homecoming king and queen candidates are Kaylee Lauck, Jacob Diaz, Chloe Hicks, Izzaq Zrust, Anthony Reeser, Ashland Hansen, Jack Jablonski, Kendell Gerbitz, Wyatt West, Haley Campbell, Morgan Hoscheid, Mark Cissell, Emily Rodriguez, Ryan Bosi, Aviana Konczak, Ilan Bardot, Ellie Brooks, Revin Essl, Jayde Lewis, Kennedy Wozniak and Ben Heerdt.
The 2024 homecoming class attendants for Hall High School are freshman attendants Joey Dergance, Sophie Simpson and Cam Pellegrini; sophomore attendants Bobby Rios and Kassy Lopez; junior attendants Natalia Zamora and Jacob Mongan; and senior attendants Riley Nelson, Bella Templeton and Javi Serrano (not pictured). (Photo provided by Kelli Curran)
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The Streator Police Department will host a Cops 4 Kids Drawdown and Dart Tournament from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at the Oakley Avenue Klub (Knights of Columbus Hall), 806 Oakley Ave. (Photo Provided by Streator Police Department)
The Streator Police Department will host a Cops 4 Kids Drawdown and Dart Tournament from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at the Oakley Avenue Klub (Knights of Columbus Hall), 806 Oakley Ave.
Tickets for the drawdown are $10 each and provide entry into the raffle, which includes a chance to win one of five cash prizes, with a top prize of $1,500.
A dart tournament also will be conducted, managed by IDEAL Amusements.
Participants must purchase a Cops 4 Kids raffle ticket and pay an additional $10 buy-in for the dart tournament. Proceeds from the event will support local children by funding a shopping trip during the Christmas season.
Tickets are available at the Streator Police Records Department, 204 S Bloomington St., and officers also will have tickets for sale.
For more information or to request tickets, follow Streator Police Department Facebook page or contact Officer Trevor Sember at t.sember@streatorpolice.org.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The Reddick Library District Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Laura Youngstrum as the next director of the library district. (Photo provided by Lisa Katrein)
The Reddick Library District Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Laura Youngstrum as the next director of the Ottawa-area library district.
She will be taking over following the resignation of Molly DeBernardi, who has served as library director since September 2017.
Youngstrum started her career at Reddick library in 2006 as a part-time page/shelver and remained on in a variety of roles while completing her high school and undergraduate education. After earning a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2015, Youngstrum accepted a position as adult services librarian at the Berlin Public Library in Berlin, Wisconsin. She quickly was promoted and served as library director for nearly two years before returning to Reddick in 2018 to assume the full-time role of adult services librarian.
Youngstrum is bringing impressive credentials, strong vision and valuable experience to her role as director, all of which are a testament to her dedication to the library profession and commitment to public service, the library district said in a news release.
The board thanked DeBernardi for her years of service and congratulated and welcomed Youngstrum.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The Mendota Police Department and Mendota High School have received multiple reports of a threat to the safety of the school over the past few days, the police department said in a community message Wednesday morning. (Scott Anderson)
The Mendota Police Department and Mendota High School have received multiple reports of a threat to the safety of the school over the past few days, the police department said in a community message Wednesday morning.
Police and school officials are investigating these reports, which so far have been unfounded, police said. Most of the information came from social media or rumored messages between students, police said.
“Making or sharing threats, regardless of intent, can result in severe consequences, including legal action,” police said in the message. “The authorities take all threats seriously and will thoroughly investigate each one to hold those responsible accountable.”
This is an ongoing investigation, and anyone with information should call the Mendota Police Department at 815-539-9331 or contact school resource officer Chad Hochstatter at Mendota High School.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Dani Holland accepts the first place award Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, on behalf of Annie Vinyard for Best PSA Local Charity/Cause for the “Nuttin’ But Net” kids event at the 2024 Illinois Broadcasters Association Silver Dome Awards in Normal. (Shaw Local News Network)
Shaw Local Radio was recognized Tuesday with four 2024 Illinois Broadcasters Association Silver Dome Awards, including taking home the top prize for Best Radio PSA.
Annie Vinyard won a first-place award for Best PSA Local Charity/Cause for the “Nuttin’ But Net” kids event.
Dani Holland received a second-place award for Best Radio Station Self-Promotion at WALS and third place for Best Local Radio Newscast.
Zane Trumann was awarded third place for Best Sportscaster for his Morning Sports Update.
The 2024 Illinois Broadcasters Association Silver Dome Award winners were announced Tuesday at the IBA’s annual meeting in Normal. The IBA Silver Dome Awards recognize the best in broadcasting each year.
Annie Vinyard won a first-place award for Best PSA Local Charity/Cause for the “Nuttin’ But Net” kids event. (Shaw Local News Network)
Dani Holland received a second-place award for Best Radio Station Self-Promotion at WALS and third place for Best Local Radio Newscast. (Shaw Local News Network)
Zane Trumann was awarded third place for Best Sportscaster for his Morning Sports Update. (Shaw Local News Network)
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The Bureau County Housing Authority and the Illinois Housing Development Authority is alerting households of an online scam pretending to be IHDA or a similar housing entity (Scott Anderson)
The Bureau County Housing Authority and the Illinois Housing Development Authority is alerting households of an online scam pretending to be IHDA or a similar housing entity
The scam is presented as a flyer posted on Facebook announcing the opening of a waitlist for specific properties as part of the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. The scam encourages residents to provide their information through a fraudulent link or to visit the IHDA office in person. This is not an IHDA program. IHDA has not created an advertisement for Section 8 housing, and it does not endorse any such solicitation.
A false Facebook page has also been created imitating IHDA. If individuals use Facebook for housing information, verify you are interacting with the agency’s official page by identifying the blue checkmark next to the IHDA name. Individuals who are unsure may access IHDA’s Facebook page by visiting www.ihda.org and clicking on the Facebook icon on the website homepage to be connected.
IHDA is asking those who are seeking public housing to be on the lookout for any suspicious websites or social media posts and to report any unusual interactions to the proper authorities. If individuals paid a fee or gave personal information to one of these fraudulent sites, file a police report and also file reports with the Illinois Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division and the Federal Trade Commission.
Those seeking assistance through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program are asked to remember the following information:
Contact your local public housing authority to see if they are accepting applications for Section 8 housing, or how to apply for a waiting list.
Housing authorities do not charge fees to join a waiting list.
Never give your Social Security Number, credit card number or other personal information out on a website you find through an online search.
Contact a HUD-approved housing counseling agency to see what local assistance may be available.
Search for an affordable housing unit near you though the ILHousingSearch.org website.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Princeton’s Casey Etheridge runs behind blocks from teammates Anthony Vujanov and Common Green in Saturday’s game in Chicago. The Tigers won 34-16. (Mike Vaughn)
Montini faces Princeton in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Class 3A IHSA football playoffs. Friday Night Drive editor Kevin Hieronymus will have live updates, scores and news from the game.
Montini vs. Princeton kickoff: 1 p.m. Saturday
Where: Bryant Field
Montini-Princeton preview
About the Broncos: Montini held on for a 14-13 win over No. 1 Byron when senior linebacker Jaxon Lane stopped the Tigers short of the goal line going for a game-winning 2-point conversion. That win avenged a 26-20 loss to Byron in the 2023 semifinals and snapped the Tigers’ 24-game winning streak. Jeremiah Peterson rushed for 110 yards on 17 carries and both touchdowns for Montini, and sophomore quarterback Izzy Abrams ran for 50 yards while completing 10-of-13 passes for 56 yards. … Montini has a playoff tradition as rich as any program in the state with 34 appearances, 73 playoff wins, 18 quarterfinal berths, six state championships and three runner-up finishes. The Broncos are 12-5 in quarterfinal play, 2-0 against Bureau County teams, including a 48-34 win over Hall in 1993.
About the Tigers: Quarterfinal weekends are becoming common occurrences for Princeton Tiger football, which makes its fifth straight appearance. However, the Tigers have lost their last three quarterfinals, including last year’s defeat to Montini. Princeton has geared up for a rematch with the Broncos since that defeat. … Casey Etheridge rushed for 217 yards and three touchdowns with a receiving TD in last week’s 34-16 win over Chicago King on the South Side of Chicago. Noah LaPorte also scored on a TD reception from QB Will Lott. The Tigers’ defense also stepped up with timely plays, including sacks by linebackers Common Green and Arthur Burden and DL Cade Odell. … The Tigers are 3-3 at home in quarterfinal play with wins over Alleman in 1989 (27-14), Rochester in 2002 (48-21) and Paxton-Buckley-Loda in 2019 (38-12) and losses to IC Catholic in 2015 (37-12) and 2022 (27-20) and Montini in 2023 (27-9). In 2021, the Tigers lost to IC Catholic (31-17) on the road. … Playoff history: Appearances – 15. Consecutive – 6; Record – 22-14. Farthest advancement – 3A runner-up (1989).
Next: The winner will face Saturday’s winner of No. 2 Wilmington (11-0) at No. 3 Du-Pec (10-1) quarterfinal in next week’s semifinals. Princeton would travel to either Wilmington or Du-Pec and Montini would host in either matchup.
Friday Night Drive pick: Montini
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Sheridan Correctional Center employees hold signs saying “Safety matters, say ‘no’ to drug smuggling, say ‘no’ to assaults on staff,” during a picket protest on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, outside the Sheridan Correctional Center. (Scott Anderson)
The Sheridan Correctional Center was one of two dozen prisons across Illinois from which workers picketed Thursday outside their facilities to advocate for enhanced worker safety and increased staffing.
The “Safety Matters” statewide picket included union members from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31, who are demanding that the Illinois Department of Corrections address statewide staffing shortages, offender substance abuse and worker safety issues.
“AFSCME members should not have to face violent assaults, illegal drugs and chronic staff shortages as common occurrences when just doing their jobs,” Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch said in a news release. “We demand that leadership of the Department of Corrections step up and do more to make this essential work safer.”
Local 817 chapter President Eric McCubbin said these problems at Dixon’s prison, for example, have been ongoing for several years, with no real help from the Illinois DOC. He told Shaw Local on Thursday that the biggest problem should be the easiest to solve – cutting down on illegal substances coming in to the prison.
State Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, sent a letter to IDOC and issued the following statement on the ongoing exposure incidents, emphasizing the need for immediate action to protect Illinois’ correctional officers and residents.
“In recent weeks, we have seen far too many reports of potential exposures to harmful substances for this administration to continue to sit by and do nothing to protect its staff and residents,” Rezin said. “It is time for department officials to take these incidents seriously and implement meaningful protocols to protect the well-being of their staff and individuals within the state’s care. Until those protocols are fully in place, I stand with those who believe that the processing of nonlegal mail should be temporarily suspended.”
Shaw Local reached out to IDOC for comment and received the following response in an email: “The Illinois Department of Corrections recognizes the difficult and challenging situations our facility staff face every day in their efforts to keep our state safe. We deeply value and appreciate the dedication and sacrifices of our front-line employees.
“Ensuring the safety of our staff, individuals in custody and everyone entering our facilities remains our top priority. While we are actively exploring options to enhance safety, measures are in place to address potential risks associated with mail handling. IDOC has a suspicious substance emergency procedure in place, which outlines the steps to be taken if a suspicious substance is discovered. Additionally, we have intensified mail-screening protocols, encouraged the use of personal protective equipment and deployed tactical units to conduct targeted facility searches.
“We are working closely with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois State Police and medical experts to identify the cause of recent incidents and determine long-term solutions. These efforts are focused on improving safety while ensuring individuals in custody maintain essential communications and family connections. We remain committed to working with all stakeholders, including our labor partners, to ensure a safe and secure working environment for our staff.”
Sheridan Correctional Center employees hold signs demanding more safety measures Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, during an informational picket outside the Sheridan Correctional Center. (Scott Anderson)
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The Ottawa Fire Department recently hired six new firefighters who were sworn-in Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024. The new firefighters are Maxwell Biesack, Joe Ellena, James McGuire, Conner Sherwood, Reid Smith and Kevin Stewart. (Photo provided by Ottawa Fire Department)
The Ottawa Fire Department recently hired six new firefighters who were sworn-in Tuesday.
The new firefighters are Maxwell Biesack, Joe Ellena, James McGuire, Conner Sherwood, Reid Smith and Kevin Stewart.
Five of the six along with four more recently hired firefighters will be attending the University of Illinois Fire Academy beginning next week, according to the Ottawa Fire Department.
This past summer, the Ottawa Fire Department was awarded a $731,849 federal grant to hire more staff in response to the closure of Spring Valley and Peru hospitals.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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