Author: princetonmays

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
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
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)
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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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
Shaw Local News Network provides local news throughout northern Illinois
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
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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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The Ottawa Police Department wished Sgt. Brenden Donahue a happy and safe retirement Friday. (Scott Anderson)
The Ottawa Police Department wished Sgt. Brenden Donahue a happy and safe retirement Friday.
Donahue signed off for one last time to dispatch Friday surrounded by family, friends and co-workers who greeted him with applause.
“It has been an honor to serve the citizens of this fine community for all these years and to lead such a dedicated group of individuals,” Donahue said.
He said he was humbled and wished his colleagues continued safety.
Donahue spent 13 years as the school resource officer with Ottawa Elementary School District 141 before being promoted to corporal in October 2016 and now a sergeant. He educated students through Ottawa’s DARE program.
After he announced his retirement, a dispatcher said Donahue was a reliable presence on the street and set a standard of professionalism for the police department to strive to achieve.
Donahue’s Badge No. 7 was “10-42,” ending his tour of duty, dispatch said in conclusion.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The police inquiry was launched at 7:38 a.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 1107 E. Elm St., where Streator police officers found an unresponsive woman pronounced dead at the scene. Streator police sent for Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services to process the scene. (Scott Anderson)
Authorities have identified the woman found dead Tuesday in a Streator residence; and a Streator man is charged with killing her.
In a Thursday news release, the La Salle County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Jessica M. Balma, 37, of Streator. Minutes later, the La Salle County Circuit Clerk’s Office showed a Joshua R. Casey, 38, charged with murder and concealment of a homicidal death.
Murder is punishable by 20 to 60 years in prison with no possibility of probation. Concealment of a homicidal death is a Class 3 felony carrying two to five years.
Casey was not, as of 5:15 p.m., in county custody; but authorities anticipated he would be brought in Friday to La Salle County Circuit Court for a detention hearing. La Salle County State’s Attorney Joe Navarro said a news conference would be held Friday following Casey’s appearance.
Cash bonds were abolished by the SAFE-T Act; but to date no person charged with murder in La Salle County has been granted pretrial release.
Details still are emerging. The police inquiry was launched at 7:38 a.m. Tuesday at 1107 E. Elm St., where Streator police officers found an unresponsive woman pronounced dead at the scene. Streator police sent for Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services to process the scene. A forensic autopsy was conducted Wednesday.
Authorities subsequently searched that property as well as 1425 E. Hickory St., which turned out to be Casey’s listed address. This is a developing story and will be updated.
Joshua R. Casey (Photo provided by La )
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Members of Illinois Valley Indivisible participated in a Hands Off! march in April at Washington Square in Ottawa. Another rally focused on women, children and education is planned for Saturday. (Tom Sistak For Shaw Media)
Illinois Valley Indivisible will hold a rally with other local organizations for “women, children and public education” Saturday in downtown Ottawa.
The organizations are part of a network aimed at fighting the Trump administration, arguing that America’s democracy is under threat from fascism.
“In a little over 100 days, women, children and education have come under attack,” Heidi Henry, president of Illinois Valley Indivisible, said in a news release.
Other protests and rallies are planned across the country, following a series of events tied to May Day on May 1. Illinois Valley Indivisible also held a Hands Off! march in April.
Participants in the Ottawa rally will meet at Bold and Curvy Boutique, 211 W. Madison St. Those looking to make a sign at the event should arrive at 10 a.m. Materials will be available inside Bold and Curvy.
Protesters will then march from the store to Washington Square Park starting at 11 a.m. Once at the park, the group will gather along La Salle Street with signs, listen to protest music and hear speeches from invited speakers.
Speeches will take place at noon, followed by the rally group singing “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.”
“Our rights are under attack, and we will not go back,” Andrea Sugg, owner of Bold and Curvy and a rally organizer, said in a news release. “Bring your signs, bring your cowbells or bells, bring your drums, bring your voice. Bring your determination to protect our women, our children and our public education.”
Indivisible organizations that will be joining Illinois Valley on May 17 include Kendall County, Tri-County, Grundy-La Salle County and Pontiac.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Ian Morris and Landon Hulsing
Princeton senior Ian Morris and Bureau Valley senior Landon Hulsing claimed state championships in the discus at Saturday’s IHSA state track and field meet in Charleston.
Morris won the 2A title with a toss of 53.58 meters, while Hulsing won the 1A crown with a throw of 57.19 meters.
Princeton freshman Landen Hoffman was second in the 2A discus at 52.39 and La Salle-Peru senior Richie Santiago was fifth at 50.09.
Princeton senior Cade Odell placed fourth in the 2A shot put with a toss of 16.06 meters.
Putnam County junior Alex Rodriguez also contributed to the area’s strong showing in the throws with a seventh-place finish in the 1A discus (49.75) and ninth-place finish in the shot put (15.81).
St. Bede senior Greyson Marincic ran a personal record 14.79 seconds to place second in the 1A 110-meter hurdles.
Fieldcrest’s Michael Beckett finished ninth in the 1A triple jump (13.15).
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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