Author: princetonmays

Here are the La Salle County marriage licenses for July 1 through July 12, 2024. (Shaw Media file photo)
Here are the La Salle County marriage licenses for July 1 to 12.
Alexander Ray Rummery of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, and Lisaura Guzman of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Richard John Novotney of Streator and Cindy Lou Miller of Streator
Robert Kris Poundstone Jr. of Ottawa and Julia Lee Birch of Ottawa
Anthony Carmen Formella of Ottawa and Dawn Marie Pokosa of Ottawa
Tristan James Trammel of Ottawa and Ashlee Brooke Schmitt of Ottawa
Brock Darrow Martin of Ottawa and Candace Lee Rutledge of Ottawa
Aaron James Hanko of Vinton, Virginia, and Jill Elizabeth Bottarini of Ottawa
Nicholas Allan Treest of Streator and Addisson Marie Sennott of Streator
Jarrid Michael Wagner of Salem, Wisconsin, and Amy Elizabeth Bennett of Salem, Wisconsin
Adam John Brown of Streator and Madyson Reigh Ferris of Streator
Michael C. Williams of Marseilles and Ashley Lee Waldrop of Marseilles
Michael Andrew Kuster of Ransom and Tammy Elizabeth Stevenson of Ransom
Tanner Aaron Boaz of Ottawa and Taylor Jo Zippay-Darif of Ottawa
Derrick James Snyder of Mendota and Nicole Marie McCann of Mendota
Garett Levi Severson of Dwight and Lexia Nicole Tyrrell of Dwight
Jacob Luke Code of Bradford and Megan Ann Beutke of Bradford
Rafael Lima of Chicago and Tracy Cruz of Chicago
Jason John Krug of Ottawa and Stacy Ann Wade of Ottawa
David Michael Shaw of Spring Valley and Diane Marie Reddin of Spring Valley
Damion Joseph Nambo of Streator and Alexis Jean Ramon of Streator
Francisco Ramirez Cuatlatl of Ottawa and Andrea Perez Meyo of Ottawa
Elijah Edward Howard of Seneca and Gillian Renee Culbreth of Seneca
Collin Robert Stark of Lacon and Gina Marie Anderson of Utica
Peter Andrew Gosiewski of Seattle and Chelsea Jeane Rowe of Seattle
Guillermo Alonso Martinez Hernandez of La Salle and Laura Mondragon Castro of La Salle
Timothy Paul Adams of Seneca and Felecia May Holman of Seneca
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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A La Salle County grand jury convened Monday and returned the following indictments.
A La Salle County grand jury convened Monday and returned the following indictments:
Ryan A. Fleming, 37, Streator, criminal damage to governmental property
Steven D. Bottoms, 41, Streator, unlawful delivery of methamphetamine
Kayla R. Terry, 33, Streator, unlawful delivery of methamphetamine
Ignacio T. Payan, 40, La Salle, unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver
Cole R. Wozniak, 22, Spring Valley, financial institution fraud, forgery
Felicity P. Pelton, 32, Gilman, forgery
Samantha P. Ortega, 32, Ottawa, aggravated battery
Larry Reed, 27, Chicago, unlawful use of a credit card, theft
Markita L. Jones, 35, Aledo, unlawful contribution to the delinquency of a juvenile, retail theft
Shalay B. Perry, 29, Moline, unlawful contribution to the delinquency of a juvenile, retail theft
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Here's a list of award-winning brunches in the Illinois Valley.
Got a news tip? Email ntnewsroom@shawmedia.com
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Streator Police have identified a 39-year-old homeless male as the suspect in a Dec. 18 burglary at a local tavern. Charges are pending review. (Derek Barichello)
Streator police have identified a suspect in a burglary that occurred early on the morning of Dec. 18 at a local tavern.
The suspect, a 39-year-old man known to the department, was viewed on security footage during the break-in, which occurred about 6 a.m., Streator police said.
Police said the man forcibly entered the tavern through the rear door and stole a bag of coins, as well as a collector’s ring.
Officers encountered the suspect twice over the weekend but were unable to take action until his probation officer returns to work, police said. Police have not identified the suspect by name.
Streator police are awaiting approval for felony burglary charges from the La Salle County State’s Attorney’s Office, which has requested to review all related reports and video footage before proceeding.
The suspect remains at large, and authorities are continuing to investigate the case. Police said they will keep the public informed as the situation develops.
Anyone with information about the burglary can call Streator police at 815-672-3111.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Two new members of the Ottawa Police Department were officially sworn in Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. Daniel Rodriguez and Sofian Riahi took the oath to become Ottawa police officers. (Photo provided by Ottawa Police Department)
Two new members of the Ottawa Police Department were officially sworn in Friday.
Daniel Rodriguez and Sofian Riahi took the oath to become Ottawa police officers. For the next 16 weeks, they will be attending the police academy and start their journey with OPD.
Two new members of the Ottawa Police Department were officially sworn in Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. Daniel Rodriguez and Sofian Riahi took the oath to become Ottawa police officers. (Photo provided by Ottawa Police Department)
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The University of Illinois Extension invites youth to join 4-H for a hybrid junk journaling workshop to spark creativity and self-expression.
This interactive hybrid workshop will guide youth through the art of junk journaling, where they turn everyday materials into one-of-a-kind journals. Participants will explore techniques such as collage, layering, doodling and upcycling as they craft unique pages that reflect their interests, dreams and stories.
Along the way, they’ll learn how to repurpose materials, experiment with different layouts and use art as a tool for self-reflection. Whether adding photos, ticket stubs, favorite quotes or mini sketches, this workshop invites youth to turn scraps into treasures while connecting with others in a fun and supportive environment.
Junk Journaling will take place from 2 to 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17, at the University of Illinois Extension, 815 Thompson St., Princeton. Supplies are provided, and the event is free to attend. Registration is required at go.illinois.edu/junkjournal.
To request an accommodation to participate, contact Shasta Hladovcak at shlad@illinois.edu or 217-244-5812. Early requests are encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.
To learn more about 4-H opportunities, call the University of Illinois Extension or email Hladovcak.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The La Salle County Health Department is encouraging residents to test the radon level in their home. (Photo provided by Steve Cole)
The La Salle County Health Department is encouraging residents to test the radon level in their homes.
Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally in most soil. As radon travels through the soil, it can move through small spaces in a foundation easily and enter a building, where it becomes trapped and accumulates in the air.
Radon has no taste, smell or color. Testing is the only way to find out if there is a dangerous level of radon in a home. The best time to test for radon is during cold temperatures when windows and doors are closed.
Most radon exposures occur in the home. When people breathe in radon, it damages the lungs, which can cause lung cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking. Radon can be found throughout Illinois, and levels can vary from one home to another, even in the same neighborhood. It’s estimated that more than 1,160 people in Illinois develop radon-related lung cancer each year, according to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.
The Environmental Protection Agency has established the radon action level at 4 picocuries per liter of air (4 pCi/L). At or above this level, it is recommended that corrective measures be taken to reduce indoor radon levels, according to the health department. Radon mitigation is the only effective way to reduce levels and decrease the risk of lung cancer, the health department said. The most common radon reduction system involves the installation of a vent pipe and fan, which draws air from underneath a building and displaces it outside. The cost of a system varies depending on the reduction method chosen and building size. Radon is a preventable health threat through testing and mitigation.
According to a study conducted by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, 45% of homes tested for radon in Illinois had levels at or above the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L. Per the IEMA Public Radon Dashboard, the average radon measurement in La Salle County is 7 pCi/L.
“Testing for radon is the only way to know if your family is at risk,” said Jennie Osborn, director of environmental health at the La Salle County Health Department. “I encourage all homeowners in La Salle County to pick up a free radon test kit so they know their home’s level.”
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends home tests for radon every two years.
In 2024, the La Salle County Health Department gave out 202 test kits. Overall, 140 of those test kits have been submitted for analysis, for a 70% usage rate. A total of 110 have produced valid results, with 53 having a result above 4 pCi/L. The average result of the kits analyzed in 2024 is 6.56 pCi/L.
The La Salle County Health Department, through a grant from the IEMA, has free radon test kits available to residents of La Salle County. Test kits can be picked up at the health department during regular business hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 717 E. Etna Road in Ottawa. A staff member will assist with instructions on using the test kit, as well as provide information regarding radon, radon measurement and radon mitigation. Additionally, should radon test results show a high level of radon in the home, the health department can provide a list of licensed radon measurement professionals and licensed radon mitigation professionals for follow-up.
Call the La Salle County Health Department at 815-433- 3366 for more information on radon test kits.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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PHS senior Dawson Lambert, the 2024 Illinois State arm wrestling champion, is No. 1 ranked in the teen division at 154 pounds. (Photo provided by Dawson Lambert)
When you think of strong kids at Princeton High School, one quickly thinks of football players like Cade Odell, Rhett Pearson and Noah LaPorte and recent grads Bennett Williams and Payne Miller.
You can add PHS senior Dawson Lambert to that list. He’s sneaky strong.
The PHS senior cross country and track runner is the No. 1 ranked arm wrestling champion in the state in the teen division for 154 pounds, crowned the 2024 championship.
He’s so fast that some of the kids at PHS and competitors at state that have challenged him don’t even know what hit them.
“It’s crazy the technique and practice that actually goes into it. Size and appearance you wouldn’t think anything of it but that’s not the case,” said LaPorte, a 6-foot-6 senior heading to Northwestern University to play football.
After taking a challenge in the choral room, Odell said Lambert “is very good and surprised me.”
“Couple of people have said, ‘Wow, you’re really fast.’ Some have said, ‘I want a rematch,’ and usually I do and I let them go and I just hold them,” Lambert said.
The first tournament Lambert entered was the Illinois state championships in 2023 “just trying to see how I’d do. I wrestled four people and got first place.”
“But that was just teen’s division, for 18 and under,” he added. “There’s amateur and pros where you got to be ranked top 20 in the state. I got first place and said, ‘Hmm, ‘I’m going to do all 3.’
“Last year I got first place in all divisions for 154 pounds and under. That’s when they ranked me No. 1.”
Lambert, 17, was taught the arm-wrestling trade by his father, Jarrod, who was an undefeated champion in his day.
“He did it up until he was like 23 years old and he never lost,” Lambert said. “First he got me into working out and then once when I got pretty strong, he said, ‘You should start arm wrestling’ and always telling me stories.
“He would always tell me, ‘Go fast,’ because that’s what my dad did. He went fast. Said to just train your wrist really strong.”
Father may know best but the son is too much for him these days.
“He’s nowhere near as good as he was but I beat him now,” Dawson said with a smile.
Lambert said it’s all about technique and training your wrists.
“I just know what I’m doing,” he said. “I always tell people the best training for arm wrestling, is arm wrestling. There’s so many workouts you can do. Lot of movements in arm wrestling and training your wrists. I’m really good at going really fast so I train my fast-twitch muscles. That’s just what I do.”
Lambert, who made $600 at the state competition, has put his talents to good use, challenging workers at Los Ranchitos for free food. Needless to say, he has been since cut off that deal.
While he rests his wrist and elbow from last week’s state competition, Lawson plans to compete in a team state championship and would like to try national events down the road. He said his dad cautions him not to over do it.
“He doesn’t want me to wrestle too much because your elbow starts hurting and you’ve got to get surgery,” he said. “My elbow doesn’t hurt yet. I don’t want to take it that far. But until my elbow starts hurting, I want to keep going.”
Lambert would like to go into the Air Force after graduation and pursue his dream job one day to become a natural resource officer.
“I’m always outdoors fishing and stuff,” he said.
Kevin Hieronymus has been the BCR Sports Editor since 1986. Contact him at khieronymus@bcrnews.com
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The Diaz and Galarza family recently opened Di-Ga Tacos Bar and Grill at 124 W. St. Paul Street in Spring Valley. (Photo provided by Penny Volkert)
The Diaz and Galarza family recently opened Di-Ga Tacos Bar and Grill at 124 W. St. Paul St. in Spring Valley.
At the heart of their establishment stands Chino, whose culinary passion was nurtured by his single mother, instilling in him the skills to care for his younger siblings through cooking, the business said in a Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce news release. His American dream found fruition in Di-Ga Tacos Bar and Grill, a place where he shares his favorite Mexican dishes.
Joined by Edgar, who shares Chino’s love for karaoke, and Juana, the trio said it welcomes all their customers with warmth and enthusiasm. Their menu features food from tacos to enchiladas and burritos. The restaurant is open from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays with extended hours to 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Starting Tuesday, Dec. 31, all employees, patients and visitors will be required to wear masks at all OSF hospital locations, OSF said on its Facebook page Monday. (Scott Anderson)
Starting Tuesday, Dec. 31, all employees, patients and visitors will be required to wear masks at all OSF hospital locations, OSF said on its Facebook page Monday.
The hospital said the requirement is because of the widespread respiratory illnesses in the community; including COVID-19, influenza and RSV.
The hospital said it also will be allowing two visitors, 18 and older, per patient at this time.
OSF has hospitals and emergency rooms in Ottawa, Streator, Mendota, Peru and Princeton.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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