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Reddick Public Library District in Ottawa announced the schedule of events for the first week of September.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
The Arts of Starved Rock Country Fund (ASRC) grant period is underway for art projects happening in the first six months of 2026, according to a Starved Rock Country Community Foundation news release. (Jayce Eustice)
The Arts of Starved Rock Country Fund grant period is underway for art projects happening in the first six months of 2026, according to a Starved Rock Country Community Foundation news release.
Any nonprofit, school, library or community group supporting the arts or arts programs is eligible to apply.
The application period for programs happening between Jan. 1 and June 30 ends Sept. 15. Grant announcements will be made in early October.
This past spring, grants were awarded to Community Players of Streator, NCI Artworks of Peru, Somonauk Public Library, Stage 212 of La Salle, Ottawa Concert Association, Princeton Theater Group, Mendota Museum and Historical Society, and Ladd Public Library.
“In addition to grants, we provide education, networking and online support to artists and arts organizations across Starved Rock Country,” ASRC Administrator René Parks Wendinger said in a news release. “We work closely with artists and arts organizations to make their projects happen.”
The program is supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. ASRC is a component fund of the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation.
For information, contact Parks Wendinger at rene@srccf.org. For an application, visit srccf.org/artgrant/#grant-information.
Maribeth M. Wilson has been a reporter with Shaw Media for two years, one of those as news editor at the Morris Herald-News. She became a part of the NewsTribune staff in 2023.
Gateway Services will celebrate 55 years of service with a community open house on Wednesday, Aug. 27, from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at its main office, 406 S. Gosse Blvd. (Shaw Local News Network)
Gateway Services in Princeton will celebrate 55 years of service with a community open house on Wednesday, Aug. 27, from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at its main office, 406 S. Gosse Blvd.
The event is open to the public, with additional parking available in the gravel lot at Beck’s.
Guests are invited to tour the facility, explore the newly remodeled Ollila Learning Center, meet members of the Gateway team, and enjoy light refreshments.
The celebration will begin at 3 p.m. with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce, honoring the Ollila Learning Center. The space is named in memory of Bill and Barb Ollila, longtime Gateway supporters. Bill served as a vocational coordinator, while Barb was involved with the Faith-in-Action grant and later served on the Gateway to the Future Foundation board.
“The Ollilas were dedicated to a lifetime of learning and overcoming obstacles,” CEO Tracy Wright said in a news release. “It seems fitting that we remember them and their final gift with our newly remodeled classroom area. They were truly a remarkable couple and will never be forgotten.”
The event also serves as an opportunity to thank the community for more than five decades of support.
RSVPs are appreciated by Aug. 25 by contacting Cari at 815-875-4548 ext. 221 or emailing twright@gateway-services.org. Walk-ins are welcome.
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Princeton senior Kathy Maciczak sends the ball past El Paso-Gridley’s Eliza Meiss in last year’s Class 2A Regional semifinals. The Tigresses aim to build off last year’s close call against EPG and create their own postseason success. (Scott Anderson)
Princeton came so, so close to knocking off El Paso-Gridley in the Class 2A Fieldcrest Regional semifinals.
The Tigresses held two game points in the first set and led 13-7 in the second before EPG rallied for a 27-25, 25-21 victory. EPG took the regional championship over Eureka and went on to place fourth in the Class 2A State tournament, leaving the Tigresses a feeling of what could have been.
Veteran coach Andy Puck, who enters his 24th season at the Tigresses helm, said he hasn’t brought that moment to this year’s team, but will when needed.
“I’ll save that for may be times when we’re down. ‘Hey this is a fourth-place team at state that we really pushed last year,’” he said. “Truth be told, we probably played them better than anybody postseason. Couple points go here or there and we go three (games) with them, anything’s possible.
“And they run the table. They win the Bureau Valley Sectional, they’re super (sectional) and they’re finishing fourth at state. And it very, very easily good have been us.”
Makayla Hecht, a senior setter and co-captain, has extremely high hopes for this season.
“Our team has a lot of talent, especially since we are returning quite a few seniors,” she said. “Having this experience on a varsity team will help with our confidence and aggressiveness on the court. We have been working hard this offseason with workouts and games to get ready for this season.”
Senior co-captain Camryn Driscoll, a defensive specalist, said the Tigresses have gained momentum in the summer.
“Our summer league games and open gyms have felt different in a good way. We are bringing an energy this year that I’m super excited to be apart of,” she said. “I feel like everyone has gotten stronger since last year and I can’t wait for the games to start. We have junior front and back row talent coming in and we have four senior hitters and setter coming back.
“Our senior class has been playing together for a long time and I’m so excited to make this last season a memorable one.”
There are six seniors returning with a taste of wanting more. Four of them have started since their sophomore season, including Hecht, Driscoll, and hitters Keighley Davis (MH) and Caroline Keutzer (OH/OPP).
They are joined by classmates Kathy Maciczak (MH) and Keely Lawson (OH/OPP) along with junior captain Ava Kyle, who was up last year to play a key defensive role.
Puck said all the girls have shown much improvement, especially Lawson and Keutzer.
“They’ve deserved to play six rotations,” he said. “A lot of times you never know they’re front row if they can carry the load play six rotations to be a primary receiver, passer and also be able to serve. Both middles, Keighley and Kathy, have really solidified things and created expectations amongst themselves.”
Puck said it’s fun to watch Lawson and Keutzer compete in practice “because they really push each other. I always say, ‘make each other better,’ and that’s what they’re doing.”
Davis and Keutzer earned first-team BCR honors, Hecht and Maciczak received second-team BCR honors and Lawson and Driscoll earned honorable mention.
“We’ve got a lot experience. Definitely going to be very exciting,” Puck said. “We had a real good summer league up at Sterling. Camp was super smooth. Talking to the coaches, freshman, sophomores, varsity, I feel like we’re away ahead where we were last year. It’s kind of here we go again and it’s a fun thing to get through.”
Junior newcomers are Danika Burden (MH/OPP), Bella Clevenger (DS), Maegen Du Prez (OH), Madie Gibson (DS), Kiyrra Morris (DS), Olivia Sandoval (DS) and Josie Sierens (OH/OPP). Sophomore Addi Parry will dress varsity as the back-up setter as will freshman Kolbi Lawson (OH/OPP).
To take the next step, Hecht said, “we will have to push ourselves and each other to reach higher goals.”
Puck said all the other five teams across the conference will be much improved with defending champ Erie-Prophetstown the team to beat once again.
Princeton seeks its first regional championship since 2021.
The Tigresses will open the season on Tuesday, Aug. 26 at L-P.
Kevin has been sports editor of the BCR since 1986 and is Sports Editor of Putnam County Record. Was previously sports editor of the St. Louis Daily News and a contributor for the St. Louis Cardinals magazine. He is a 2021 inductee into the IBCA Hall of Fame (Media) and a 2023 inductee into the Illinois Valley Hall of Fame as "Distinguished Media"
The Streator Public Library is offering a week full of free events and activities for all ages from Tuesday, Sept. 2, through Saturday, Sept. 6, including storytimes, crafts, games, S.T.E.M. activities and Harry Potter-themed fun.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce (Provided)
The Princeton Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of its Costume Contest held on Oct. 22.
Ages 0-4:
1st Place – Revi and Ridge Fritz
Revi and Ridge Fritz (Photo provided by PCC)
2nd Place – Westin Petersen
2nd Place – Westin Petersen (Photo provided by PCC)
3rd Place – Olivia Sledgister
3rd Place – Olivia Sledgister (Photo provided by PCC)
Ages 5-8
1st Place – Wyatt Quanstrom
1st Place – Wyatt Quanstrom (Photo provided by PCC)
2nd Place – Hazel Schnaiter
2nd Place – Hazel Schnaiter (Photo Provided by PCC)
3rd Place – Sophie Sledgister
3rd Place – Sophie Sledgister (Photo Provided by PCC)
Ages 9-12
1st Place – Samuel Biccochi
1st Place – Samuel Biccochi (Photo provided by PCC)
2nd Place – Paisley Brewster
2nd Place – Paisley Brewster (Photo provided by PCC)
3rd Place – Travis Johnson
3rd Place – Travis Johnson (Photo provided by PCC)
Favorite Group Costume
Ella, Allex and Nicholas Johnson
Ella, Allex and Nicholas Johnson (Photo provided by PCC)
Shaw Local News Network provides local news throughout northern Illinois
All area veterans, their families and Princeton American Legion Auxiliary members are invited to a complimentary picnic 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at City County Park Shelter, Princeton. (BCR photo)
All area veterans, their families and Princeton American Legion Auxiliary members are invited to a complimentary picnic 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at City County Park Shelter, Princeton.
Lunch will be served at noon.
Shaw Local News Network provides local news throughout northern Illinois
The Ottawa City Council will meet for their regular meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday to vote on agenda items tied to development and the city’s annual Festival of Lights plans.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
The La Salle City Council will meet Monday, Aug. 18, to consider special event permits, police hires and a redevelopment agreement involving downtown property.
Got a news tip? Email ntnewsroom@shawmedia.com
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Festival 56 in Princeton announced its 2024 season will kick off Sunday, June 23. (Derek Barichello)
Festival 56 in Princeton announced its 2024 season will kick off Sunday, June 23.
“Shakespeare’s R&J” will kick off the season at Soldiers and Sailors Park. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. June 23, June 26, June 30, July 7, July 14, July 21 and July 24. Admission is free. This show is sponsored by Ollie’s and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
The classic tale will be presented in a dynamic adaptation by Joe Calacro. This production will push the boundaries of what Shakespeare in the Park has been in years past. This reimagined adaption sees the play through the eyes of high school boarding students rehearsing the script together while discovering Shakespeare and themselves.
“It has the story of love and loss but in a totally different way,” said Jim Brigman, director. “Think ‘Dead Poets Society’ or ‘The Breakfast Club.’ Misfits who come together to do something amazing.”
Next, the Grace Theater, 316 S. Main St. in Princeton, will feature the musical “Best in Show.” Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. June 27-29, July 3 and July 5 and 2 p.m. June 30 and July 6-7. This production is sponsored by the Langhenry, Gillen, Lundquist, and Johnson law firm.
“See Monsters of the Deep” is set for 2 p.m. June 29 and 7:30 p.m. July 2 and July 6. This production is co-sponsored by Bureau Valley Vision Care and Princeton Pharmacy.
The musical comedy “Urinetown” will have performances at 7:30 p.m. July 12 and July 16-19 at Grace Theater. There also will be shows at 2 p.m. July 13-14 and July 20-21. This show is funded with a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
The 2024 season will close with the musical “Grease” with performances at 7:30 p.m. July 25-26, July 30 and Aug. 1-2. Matinees are set for July 27-28, July 31 and Aug. 3-4.
There also will be cabarets featuring the talent of the cast at 7:30 p.m. June 22 and 10 p.m. July 5, July 19, July 26 and Aug. 2.
Festival 56 is made possible with support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Illinois Arts Council.
Call 815-879-5656 to purchase your tickets or go to www.festival56.com.
Shaw Local News Network provides local news throughout northern Illinois