Author: princetonmays

Luis Y. Urena was arrested May 29, 2025, in Springfield, Missouri, in connection with a May 25 shooting in Streator that left a woman seriously injured. He faces charges of home invasion and aggravated battery with a firearm.
A Streator man has been charged in connection with a shooting that seriously injured a woman Sunday morning.
Luis Y. Urena, 21, was picked up Wednesday in Springfield, Missouri, by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, according to a news release from the Streator Police Department.
He is charged with home invasion and aggravated battery with a firearm, both Class X felonies, and is awaiting extradition to La Salle County for a detention hearing, according to the release.
At 4:05 a.m. Sunday, May 25, Streator police responded to a report of a shooting at a home in the 500 block of South Illinois Street. Officers arrived to find a woman inside with a life-threatening gunshot wound. She was initially taken to OSF Streator and later transferred to another facility for further treatment.
Investigators identified Urena as a person of interest in the case, according to the release.
On Thursday morning, members of the Streator Police Department, La Salle County Sheriff’s Office and La Salle County State’s Attorney’s Office traveled to Missouri to interview Urena, Streator Police Chief John Franklin said.
“He’ll go to court there in Missouri and then be extradited to La Salle County,” Franklin said.
In a statement, the Streator Police Department noted strong public cooperation during the investigation.
The investigation was aided by multiple agencies, including the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Unit, Peoria Police Department and TRIDENT drug task force.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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FILE – After 34 years of providing eye care to patients, Dr. Donald Marion has retired. (H. Rick Bamman)
After 34 years of providing eye care to patients, Dr. Donald Marion has retired.
His office at 2 Park Ave. W., Princeton, has closed.
Marion will miss talking and joking with his patients and felt it was a privilege to serve his patients all these years, according to a statement from his office.
The Times / NewsTribune / Bureau County Republican is committed to keeping readers up to date with business happenings in the area. Much of our reporting relies on what we see and hear, but we’re also reaching out to readers for tips on business items. If you have a tip to share for Eyes on Enterprise, email newsroom@mywebtimes.com.
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(From left) 4th Ward Alderman Jim Lukosus, 3rd Ward Alderman Mike Sapienza, City Clerk James “Jamey” Mertel, Mayor Ken Kolowski, 2nd Ward Alderman Jason Edgcomb and 1st Ward Alderman Bob Tieman were all sworn in Monday, April 21, 2025, at the Peru City Council meeting. (Maribeth Wilson)
Peru’s new city clerk, a former alderman, said he is looking forward to working with the city’s citizens and businesses over the next four years.
James “Jamey” Mertel was sworn in during Monday’s Peru City Council meeting. He succeeds Dave Barley, who announced he would not be seeking reelection last year. Bartley has served as city clerk since 2009.
Mertel, a lifelong Peru resident, served as alderman for eight years, was a former president of Peru Girls Softball and is a member of the Peru Board of Fire and Police Commissioners.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve as city clerk,” he said.
The city also swore in Mayor Ken Kolowski as well as four aldermen Bob Tieman, Jason Edgcomb, Mike Sapienza and Jim Lukosus. Edgcomb was the lone alderman who was contested in the April 1 election.
Kolowski said he was honored for all the support he’s received and is excited for the next four years. Kolowski was contested by Doug Bernabei.
“I’ve learned so much from my team the last four years and I know we can do better,” he said. “So, we’re going to keep moving forward and continue what we’re doing but also keep getting better.”
Former City Clerk Dave Bartley swears in new City Clerk James “Jamey” Mertel on Monday, April 21, 2025, during the Peru City Council meeting. Bartley announced last year he would not be seeking reelection. Bartley has served as city clerk since 2009. (Maribeth Wilson)
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There were 32 campers in the elementary session (grades 3-5) of the 2025 Princeton Tigresses Volleyball Camp. (Photo provided)
The 2025 Princeton Tigresses Volleyball Camp drew a total of 144 campers last week, including 65 in the junior high session, 47 in the high school session and 32 in the elementary camp for grades 3-5.
There were 65 campers in the junior high session of the 2025 Princeton Tigresses Volleyball Camp. (Photo provided)
There were 47 campers in the high school session of the 2025 Princeton Tigresses Volleyball Camp. (Photo provided)
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Illinois Valley Public Action to Deliver Shelter will temporarily relocate to the old Ottawa YMCA on Jackson St. while construction finishes on their new facility. (Derek Barichello)
Illinois Valley Public Action to Deliver Shelter, or Illinois Valley PADS, is temporarily moving its Ottawa operations to the former YMCA building on Jackson Street while construction begins on a new shelter facility.
Illinois Valley PADS expects to operate out of the YMCA building for between 14 months and two years while the new shelter is built.
Construction may begin as soon as this fall on the new facility, Illinois Valley PADS Executive Director Carol Alcorn said.
The organization plans to use the second floor of the former YMCA, which includes space for overnight accommodations, a kitchen and showers.
Planned renovations include roof repairs; installation of a kitchen; the creation of designated sleeping areas; and updates to electrical systems and heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
The total cost for the renovations is estimated at $80,000, according to a news release.
“This temporary relocation allows us to continue serving those in need without interruption,” Alcorn said. “We are grateful to the city of Ottawa and the community for supporting this next step.”
The Ottawa City Council approved the move during its meeting last week after a positive recommendation from the Plan Commission.
The lease has been signed, and renovation work will begin soon.
The work will not affect operations at the Peru shelter, which is open for day and overnight services Aug. 1 through May 31 and day services only in June and July.
Alcorn thanked the boards of both the YMCA and Illinois Valley PADS for their efforts in making the agreement possible.
“With your help, we can cross the finish line,” Alcorn said. “Together, we are building more than a shelter – we are building hope.”
For more information or to make a donation, visit the organization’s website or call 815-224-3047.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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OSF HealthCare was granted a 12-month deferral for two projects affecting Ottawa’s healthcare system at a meeting with Illinois’ Health Facilities and Services Review Board on Tuesday in Bolingbrook. (Scott Anderson)
OSF HealthCare was granted a 12-month deferral for two projects affecting Ottawa’s health care system at a meeting with Illinois’ Health Facilities and Services Review Board on Tuesday in Bolingbrook.
The two projects under review were:
OSF’s request for the deferral comes after a previously granted six-month delay that ended this month.
OSF said the additional time will be used to continue discussions with local officials, implement components of the regional model of health care and assess plans going forward.
A year ago, OSF HealthCare proposed building a new $120 million hospital across Route 6 from the existing OSF St. Elizabeth facility. A proposed reduction in the number of surgical beds and elimination of intensive care unit services from the hospital’s initial plan drew criticism from residents and some local governments over the past year.
Despite the request, eight members of Citizens for Healthcare in Ottawa attended the meeting to give presentations voicing their opposition to the deferral.
CHO has advocated for more community involvement in the planning process, urging OSF to prioritize local input.
CHO representative Colleen Burns explained her issue with OSF’s process during the meeting.
“It’s sort of a head scratcher to why these plans were formulated to begin with – and without input from the local advisory committee put in place when OSF acquired the hospital in 2012,” Burns said. “What this feels like is a big corporate move that’s putting profits over patients.”
Although the decision did not go CHO’s way, board members encouraged OSF to engage more actively with the Ottawa community, including monthly meetings to work toward a resolution.
Ottawa city and OSF officials have talked about the future of the hospital in private meetings. OSF was open to adding eight more medical/surgical beds – four of those being intermediate care beds – and a second procedure room to its initial plans, but Ottawa officials believe the modification still comes up short of meeting the local demand.
Additionally, the state panel asked OSF to provide regular updates on the progress of the projects throughout the 12-month deferral period.
CHO member Margaret “Peg” Reagan said that board members praised the passion demonstrated by CHO members, with several saying they were impressed by the informed presentations made by the group.
“We weren’t happy with the board’s decision, but we were glad to hear that they’re demanding more from OSF going forward,” Reagan said. “Our job certainly isn’t done yet, and we will continue to advocate for a health care system that serves everyone in Ottawa.”
OSF issued a statement to Shaw Media after the meeting: “OSF HealthCare has requested and received a 12-month deferral of the certificate of need review for the replacement hospital project in Ottawa. OSF remains committed to working with local officials to refine the regional health care delivery plan and will continue to engage with stakeholders to ensure the community’s needs are met. We will continue to meet with city of Ottawa representatives and our OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center Community Advisory Committee and will provide updates as the situation progresses.”
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
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Handy Foods, 604 W. Main St., Ottawa, has opened its hoop house for the spring.  (Candace H. Johnson for Shaw Local)
Handy Foods, 604 W. Main St., Ottawa, has opened its hoop house for the spring.
The hoop house, which is across Fillmore Street from the grocery store, has annuals, vegetables, hanging baskets, potted flowers and other items.
Hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
The Times / NewsTribune / Bureau County Republican is committed to keeping readers up to date with business happenings in the area. Much of our reporting relies on what we see and hear, but we’re also reaching out to readers for tips on business items. If you have a tip to share for Eyes on Enterprise, email newsroom@mywebtimes.com.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
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A semi truck left the roadway and ended up in the median of Interstate 80 going eastbound near mile marker 74 on Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Peru. Illinois State Police and Illinois Department of Transportation were called to the scene just after noon on Thursday. (Scott Anderson)
Crews are working to remove a semi from the median at mile marker 74 on Interstate 80 near Peru.
As a result, the eastbound lane is shut down in the construction zone.
Traffic is being diverted temporarily on Interstate 80 eastbound at mile marker 70, which is the Plank Road exit in Peru. The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police are handling the operations at the scene.
A semi truck left the roadway and ended up in the median of Interstate 80 going eastbound near mile marker 74 on Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Peru. Illinois State Police and Illinois Department of Transportation were called to the scene just after noon on Thursday. (Scott Anderson)
A semi truck left the roadway and ended up in the median of Interstate 80 going eastbound near mile marker 74 on Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Peru. Illinois State Police and Illinois Department of Transportation were called to the scene just after noon on Thursday. (Scott Anderson)
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A large crowd filled Soldiers and Sailors Park for Sunday’s Princeton Community Band’s concert during a previous summer. (Kevin Hieronymus)
Bureau County is gearing up for a summer packed with excitement! From lively community festivals to outdoor adventures and farmers markets, there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the season.
Whether you’re a longtime resident or planning a visit, get ready to fill your calendar with fun.
Saturdays, May-October
Princeton Farmers Market — Soldiers & Sailors Park, Princeton; find fresh produce, seasonal items and handmade items and local vendors; 8:30 a.m.-noon; Facebook
Wednesdays, June to August
Walnut Farmers Market — Liberty Square on Main Street, Walnut; featuring fresh produce and handmade items in the weekly market; 5-7 p.m.; Facebook
Mondays, June 9-Sept. 15
Ladd Farmers Market — War Memorial Park, 301 S. Main Ave., Ladd; featuring produce, local products and food trucks; 4-6 p.m.; bureaucounty-il.gov
Through August
Festival 56 summer theatre festival — Grace Performing Arts Center, 316 S. Main St., Princeton; this season “Cabarets” (June 20-Aug 3); “Hairspray” (June 27-July 5); “Carrie: The Musical” (July 11-20); “The Little Mermaid” (July 25-Aug.3); “The Polycule: A Comedy of Manners” (July 11-20) “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (July 6-30) will be presented in Soldiers & Sailors Park as a free show, see website for show times; festival56.com or 815-879-5656
The Grace Theater, home of Festival 56 in Princeton (Derek Barichello)
May 24-25
RD 6 Sunset Ridge MX — Sunset Ridge MX race track, 24558 1100 East St., Walnut; motocross racing; see website for schedule; atvmotocross.com and Facebook
May 26
Tiskilwa Memorial Day — East Park; ceremony, speaker and patriotic events 11 a.m.; tiskilwahistory.org and Facebook
May 31
Paws on Park Avenue — Greenfield Retirement Home, 508 Park Ave., Princeton; pre-register to bring four-legged friends for a parade at 10:30 a.m. and meet pet-friendly vendors and local animal organizations; 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Facebook
Music in the Park — War Memorial Park, 301 S. Main Ave.; Ladd; bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy music by Steve Sharp; 6-9 p.m. villageofladd.com
June 1
Princeton Community Band — Soldiers & Sailors Park,; bring chairs and enjoy live music from volunteer community band; 6-9 p.m.; Facebook
June 5-7
Spring Valley City Wide Garage Sales — Spring Valley; see website for details; bureaucounty-il.gov/events
June 6
Music in the Park: Rays Rockets — War Memorial Park, 301 S. Main St., Ladd; 6-9 p.m.; bureaucounty-il.gov/events
Museum on Main: Jazz Concert with John Cooper — Tiskilwa Historical Society, 110 E. Main St., Tiskilwa; visit the museum galleries after the concert; 7-8 p.m.; tiskilwahistory.org/events
June 7
All Truck Show — Psycho Silo Saloon, 8811 US. Hwy 6 and Route 40, Langley; truck show to support Christmas for Kids; 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; thepsychosilo.com/events
The Princeton Mile — Apollo Theater to Rotary Park; 10 a.m.; princetontourism.org
ShrimpFest & Brew Hullabaloo — Rotary Park, 13593 Bicentennial Drive, Princeton; includes craft beer, family activities and fried shrimp boats; 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; princetonshrimpfest.com
June 8
Spring Valley Historical Association Car Cruise — downtown Spring Valley, 100-200 West Saint Paul St., Spring Valley; 12-3 p.m.; springvalleyil.us
June 11
Music on Main — Liberty Square, Walnut; featuring live music outdoors; performance by Mr. Grimm & His Bad Luck 6-9 p.m. Facebook
June 13
Open House & Hosta Walk — Hornbaker Garden, 22937 1140 N. Ave., Princeton; discounts on hostas and refreshments and door prizes available while you shop in the garden center; 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; hornbakergardens.com
June 13-14
More In Bureau County Rummage Sale — Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton; find deals and treasures in the two-day sale; 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; princetontourism.org and bureaucountyfair.com
June 13-15
Buffalo Days — Lamoille; food, beer garden, live music, Bags Tournament, carnival, tractor show, craft and vendor fair, petting zoo, a parade and more; lamoillebuffalodays.org
June 14
Homestead Festival Lawn — Owen Lovejoy Homestead 905 E. Peru St., Princeton; entertainment and festivities; 5-7 p.m.; princetontourism.org/event
June 15
Lake DePue Father’s Day Car Show — DePue, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; awards for best in show; bureaucounty-il.gov
Princeton Community Band Concert — Soldiers & Sailors Park, Princeton; bring chairs to enjoy concert; refreshments available to purchase; 6 p.m.; bureaucounty-il.gov
June 19-22
Spring Valley SummerFest Carnival — Spring Valley; rides, entertainment and food; $30 for daily armbands for unlimited rides; 6-10 p.m. Thursday, Friday and 1-5 p.m. and 6-10 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday; bureaucounty-il.gov/events
June 20
Down on Main Street Concert: Mae Estes — Main Street, Princeton; featuring live music, food and a fun atmosphere; 6 p.m.; bureaucounty-il.gov
June 21
Z Tour Bike Ride — Zearing Park, Princeton; join fellow cyclists for a day of biking with routes starting at 11 miles through 102 miles and support the Zearing Child Enrichment Center in Princeton; advance registration online; select a route; ztour.org
Beef & Ag Festival — Soldiers & Sailors Park, Princeton; featuring live music, food and more; 12-9 p.m.; princetonchamber-il.com and bureaucounty-il.gov/events
June 25
Music on Main — Liberty Square, Walnut; featuring The Wise Guys performing outdoors; 6-9 p.m. Facebook
Princeton Community Band Patriotic Concert — Soldiers & Sailors Park, Princeton; bring chairs to enjoy concert; refreshments available to purchase; 6 p.m.; Facebook
June 26-28
Sheffield Summerfest — Sheffield; includes carnival, food, parade, live music and more; bureaucounty-il.gov
July 2
Walnut Public Library’s 3rd annual Children’s Business Fair — Liberty Square, Walnut; young entrepreneurs will share their hardworking crafts, baked goods and more; 5-7 p.m.; walnutpubliclibrary.org
Music on Main — Liberty Square, Walnut; featuring Paul Franklin performing music outdoors; 6-9 p.m. Facebook
July 4
Fourth of July Celebration — Zearing Park; includes food, music and fireworks; bureaucounty-il.gov/events/princetons-4th-of-july-celebration
July 4-6
Walnut Days Celebration — Parade, inflatables, Little Miss Independence pageant, 5K run/walk, bags and softball tournaments, soap box derby, car and truck show, fireworks on July 6; walnutdays.com
July 6
Princeton Community Band Concert — Soldiers & Sailors Park, Princeton; bring chairs to enjoy concert; refreshments available to purchase; 6 p.m.; Facebook
July 10
Wyanet Summer Festival — Wyanet; live entertainment, craft and vendor show, rides and food; bureaucounty-il.gov
July 10-12
Bureau County 4-H Fair — Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton; displays of 4-H projects and a livestock and horse show; web.extension.illinois.edu, bureaucounty-il.gov
July 12
Sheffield Tractor Pull — Psycho Silo Saloon, Route 6 and Route 40, Langley; 11 a.m.; Facebook
July 16
Music on Main — Liberty Square, Walnut; A Leg and a Thigh in outdoor performance; 6-9 p.m. Facebook
July 18
Down on Main Street Concert: Dave Matthews Tribute Band — Main Street, Princeton; featuring live music, food and a fun atmosphere; 6 p.m.; bureaucounty-il.gov
July 19
Big Truck Show — Route 89/Main Avenue, Ladd; Convoy Against Cancer Big Truck Show, proceeds to benefit American Cancer Society; prizes for vehicles; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
July 20
Princeton Community Band Concert — Soldiers & Sailors Park, Princeton; bring chairs to enjoy concert; refreshments available to purchase; 6 p.m.; Facebook
July 21
Buda Fun Day — Stewart Park, Buda; parade at 11 a.m., activities for families including food trucks, petting zoo, bags tournament and more; bureaucounty-il.gov
July 27
Princeton Community Band Concert — Soldiers & Sailors Park, Princeton; bring chairs to enjoy concert; refreshments available to purchase; 6 p.m.; Facebook
July 30
Music on Main — Liberty Square, Walnut; featuring Liberty Square Talent Show; 6-9 p.m. Facebook
July 31-Aug. 2
Pow Wow Days — Tiskilwa; features a parade, 5K run, beer garden, food stands and historical tours; powwowdays.com
Aug. 3
Charity Car Show — Sheffield, 300 block of Church Street; car show to support Sheffield Food Pantry; prizes, awards and attendees can bring a donation and enter a raffle; 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; bureaucounty-il.gov
Aug. 5
Princeton National Night Out — Zearing Park, Princeton; Princeton Police Department hosts the community event; 5-8 p.m.; bureaucounty-il.gov
Aug. 8
Down on Main Street Concert: Billy Joel and Elton John Tribute — Main Street, Princeton; featuring live music, food and a fun atmosphere; 6 p.m.; bureaucounty-il.gov
Sept. 4
Down on Main Street Concert: Electric Avenue: The 80’s MTV Experience — Main Street, Princeton; featuring live music, food and a fun atmosphere; 6 p.m.; bureaucounty-il.gov
Sept. 4-7
Homestead Festival — Princeton; multi-day festival includes a parade, 5K run/walk, class reunions, car show, BBQ contest, music and food; homesteadfestival.com
Sept. 5
Music in the Park : Wise Guys— War Memorial Park, 301 S. Main Ave.; Ladd; bring blankets and lawn chairs; 6-9 p.m. villageofladd.com
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Gold Rice Authentic Tai Food has found a new location in Princeton, but it’s not yet open. (Scott Anderson)
Gold Rice Authentic Thai Food has found a new location, but it’s not yet open.
The food truck’s new location is 1220 Vernon St., Princeton.
A small structure is under construction. The truck will soon reopen with a limited menu featuring ready-to-eat items and appetizers.
“I’ll keep you updated and let you know the exact reopening date — hopefully by next week!” read a post on the business’ Facebook page. “Thank you so much for your patience and continued support.”
The food truck announced a temporary closure in March.
• The Times / NewsTribune / Bureau County Republican is committed to keeping readers up to date with business happenings in the area. Much of our reporting relies on what we see and hear, but we’re also reaching out to readers for tips on business items. If you have a tip to share for Eyes on Enterprise, email newsroom@mywebtimes.com.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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