Author: princetonmays

Dozens of high school and college artists displayed their works at the annual Illinois Valley Community College Art Show April 7-18. Ribbons were awarded for best works, and high school seniors and college students could earn scholarships or tuition waivers. (Photo provided by Peggy Schneider)
La Salle–Peru and Serena high school students took home blue ribbons from the Illinois Valley Community College Art Show, which completed its two-week display of college and high school artwork on April 18.
The April 11 awards reception drew a “fantastic turnout” of both high school and IVCC students with their friends and family, mentors and teachers, said art instructor Shannon Slaight.
More than ribbons were at stake. Students could receive scholarships or tuition waivers to the IVCC art program.
Madison Brooker’s “Bottle Study” got the popular nod. The Serena High student’s color pencil rendering was named the People’s Choice.
Jasmine Arce of L-P High School was awarded a full-year tuition waiver to IVCC. The tuition waiver is awarded to a high school senior who displays strong work.
L-P High School’s Jay McConnell received a Best in 2-D blue ribbon for a work in ink, and Kaylee Stoner received a Best in 3-D blue ribbon for her work in clay.
College student Danica Scoma was awarded the Gerrard Fine Arts Scholarship. Scoma submitted a variety of pieces and an essay for consideration for the scholarship. Her portfolio included a sculpture titled “Are You Listening?” that also received the Best in 3-D (College) award.
IVCC’s Kimberly Beebee received the blue ribbon for Best in 2-D (College) for her drawing in pastels of “The Farm That Time Forgot.”
College students Courtney Bailey and Chloe Bruce received Special Collections Art Department Purchasing Awards for Bailey’s “Reflections” and Bruce’s “A View from the Roundabout.” Special Collections pieces are purchased by the department to be part of a permanent display here at IVCC.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Three people were injured, one critically, following a multi-vehicle crash Tuesday on Route 71 near Hank’s Farm restaurant in Ottawa. The crash pulled away some first responders tending to a fire.
Three people were injured, one critically, in a multivehicle crash Tuesday on Route 71 near Hank’s Farm restaurant in Ottawa. The crash pulled away some first responders tending to a residential fire.
At 5:08 p.m. Tuesday, while actively working a structure fire at 1617 Sycamore St., some Ottawa fire crews were diverted to the Route 71 crash, which involved a car fire and a trapped driver. Mutual aid was sought for both responses.
Ottawa firefighters arrived at the crash scene at 5:12 p.m. to find bystanders had already helped the trapped driver escape from the burning vehicle.
It was determined that three vehicles were involved in the crash, with two having collided head-on. One of the vehicles had moderate fire in the engine compartment, which was quickly extinguished by responding crews. A medical helicopter initially was requested to the scene. However, because of wind conditions and a delayed estimated time of arrival, it was redirected to meet ambulance crews at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa.
Three individuals were taken to the hospital. An additional person was evaluated at the scene but declined further medical treatment or transport.
Route 71 remained closed for several hours to allow for an investigation by the Ottawa Police Department.
Ottawa first responders were assisted by Illinois State Police, the Wallace Fire Department and the Marseilles Area Ambulance Service.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The Ottawa City Council held a special meeting Tuesday at City Hall, where commissioners approved a two-year consulting agreement with Retail Strategies to help attract new retail and commercial development. (Derek Barichello)
The Ottawa City Council approved a two-year consulting services agreement with Retail Strategies, a firm that works with cities nationwide to attract new commercial and retail businesses.
Mayor Robb Hasty said the move is part of the city’s ongoing effort to grow its retail base and better market Ottawa’s strengths to national and regional businesses.
“Everyone jokes about wanting a Chick-fil-A or a Popeyes, but this is one of the ways you actually go about making those things happen.”
The city previously partnered with a different consulting firm over the past three years, but Hasty said both city officials and residents were underwhelmed by the results.
“We think the community probably wasn’t too satisfied with them either,” Hasty said. “We’ve had a lot of good conversations with Retail Strategies. They’ve worked with companies we’ve had good luck with in the past, so we’re giving them a two-year opportunity.”
Hasty said Retail Strategies will act as a representative for the city, pitching Ottawa to potential retailers and highlighting local amenities, demographics and development opportunities.
“It’s the kind of work that can help attract anything from department stores and restaurants to big-box retailers,” he said. “Everyone jokes about wanting a Chick-fil-A or a Popeyes, but this is one of the ways you actually go about making those things happen.”
Retail Strategies also has connections with other firms already working on planning and development in Ottawa, which Hasty said will help streamline communication and goals across projects.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The Hennepin Park District is having three sessions of Red Cross Swimming Lessons this summer. (Shaw Local News Network)
The Hennepin Park District is having three sessions of Red Cross Swimming Lessons this summer.
Each session will be two weeks long. There will be six levels of swimming ability.
Level 1 is the beginning class and participants have to be 5 years old by Sept. 1 and at least 42 inches tall to join this class. The morning sessions will run 40-minute classes Monday through Friday. The night session will run 50-minute classes Monday through Thursday.
The first session is from June 16 to June 27. The times are from 9 to 9:40 a.m., 9:50 to 10:30 a.m. and 10:40 to 11:20 a.m.
The second session is from July 7 to 18. The times are from 9 to 9:40 a.m., 9:50 to 10:30 a.m. and 10:40 to 11:20 a.m.
The third is the night session, from July 21 to 31. The times are from 5 to 5:50 p.m., 6 to 6:50 p.m.
Registration for these sessions will start 3:30 p.m. Thursday, May 8. Come in person to register at the Hennepin Pool, 326 S. Milan St. The cost of the lessons is $35 a child. Hennepin and Hennepin Township residents are free. Standard and Magnolia residents will pay $17.50 a session. The Hennepin Pool accepts cash or check.
Session Capacities will be limited to 24 students per time slot. Sign up for a second session beginning three days before the start date of the session.
For information, contact the Hennepin Pool at 815-925-7319 or hennepinparkdistrict@mchsi.com.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The La Salle mayoral race is among the spotlight races we’re watching on Election Night. (Scott Anderson)
Polls have closed across the Illinois Valley.
Soon results will flow in from the La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties clerks on the city, township, referenda and school board races in the region.
Here are five spotlight races we’ll be following.
Incumbents Ken Kolowski in Peru and Jeff Grove in La Salle are facing challenges. Kolowski is challenged by former police chief Doug Bernabei. Grove is opposed by Jamie Hicks, who has been outspoken against the city; Gary Hammers, a businessman; and Tyler Thompson, a newcomer to city politics.
Peru’s mayoral race has grown contentious over the past weekend on social media among the candidates’ followers, including a last-day mailer in support of Kolowski.
The La Salle race has been characterized by three candidates advocating for change, with the mayor talking about progress.
Additionally, there are contested mayoral races in Spring Valley, Mendota and Earlville.
Oglesby residents voted whether to adopt the city manager form of government, transitioning from the commission form of government now in place. Supporters have said the city manager form of government will bring more professionalism to the city and opponents have talked about the expense of the position, as well as debating the transparency of the movement.
The Waltham School District voted in December to adopt a resolution seeking $9.96 million for a building addition to ease the Utica school’s space constraints. The proposed solution is an addition of 22,000 square feet that would include a new preschool wing, a junior high wing, a multipurpose room and more parking. The dollar figure might not be an easy sell come Tuesday. According to a Shaw Local projection to give a tax bill example, Utica Mayor David Stewart, who last year paid Waltham $1,636 (total tax bill: $4,246) faces an 11% jump to $1,814.
William Hunt, Lynda Marlene Moshage and Todd Volker ran for two open seats on the Illinois Valley Community College Board. Moshage and Hunt decided to run together as a team, with their goals aligning.
Streator City Council members Matt McMullen and David “Moose” Conner decided not to run for election, meaning the City Council would gain two new members. Scott Scheurer, Daniel Danko, Christopher Thomas, Tanya Zehr Pearce and Justin Skinner are on the ballot. Skinner has since removed himself from the race.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Esther Tracy, a Bureau County Genealogy Society volunteer, will present “Virgil Fox and the Community He Loved” at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 25. (Photo provided by Carol Mc Gee)
Esther Tracy, a Bureau County Genealogy Society volunteer, will present “Virgil Fox and the Community He Loved” at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 25.
Tracy was a teacher in Bureau County for 39 years and a former president of BCGS. For five years the speaker did local research on Fox to fulfill the requests from a New Jersey gentleman whose life had been greatly touched from the moment he first heard Fox in a concert that he attended when he was only a child. He later became an organist himself.
Fox, a musical prodigy, warmly announced Princeton as his hometown in organ concerts across the United States and abroad. This presentation will discuss his Bureau County roots, but most importantly it will walk the audience through the life that Fox experienced while growing up in the community. In that respect anyone who has historical interest in the early 1900s in this area would likely learn some details that would be of interest, especially if they also had ancestors living here at that time. Learn about the schools he attended, the musicians who taught him, his Boy Scout experiences, the homes his family lived in, and more.
Throughout the program the speaker will insert useful research tips.
The public is invited to attend this free presentation. The genealogical society is located at 629 S. Main St., Princeton. They are open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and the first Saturday of each month. For information, call 815-879-3133.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Voters fill out their ballots on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at the La Salle VFW. (Scott Anderson)
Here is a list of stories from our Tuesday, April 1, 2025, election coverage in La Salle and Bureau counties.
[ La Salle and Bureau county April 2025 unofficial election results ]
[ La Salle Mayor Jeff Grove holds sizable lead with all precincts counted ]
[ ‘Getting reelected is special,’ Ken Kolowski defeats Doug Bernabei for Peru mayor ]
[ Daniel Danko, Scott Scheuer ahead to garner Streator City Council seats ]
[ No city manager for Oglesby, voters say in tally from Tuesday ]
[ Malooley-Thompson, Kelley lead in Spring Valley mayor, alderman races ]
[ Hunt, Moshage hold leads for 2 IVCC board seats ]
[ Mertel in position to win Peru city clerk race with all precincts counted ]
[ Incumbents, former council member hold leads for seats on La Salle City Council ]
[ Waltham school referendum headed to defeat ]
[ David Boelk on his way to retain Mendota mayor seat ]
[ Saletzki ahead to gain seat on Princeton City Council ]
[ La Salle County election roundup: Grand Ridge, Earlville, Wenona, Leland, Ransom, Tonica contested races ]
[ Ohio voters say no to deactivating high school ]
Future voter Ryan Klimick looks around the polling place while his grandma Jane Knafelc votes on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Christ Family Four Square Church in La Salle. (Scott Anderson)
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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La Salle Police Officer Ray Gatza (center) was promoted to sergeant on Monday, April 28, 2025. (Photo provided by Chief Mike Smudzinski)
La Salle Police Department promoted Officer Ray Gatza on Monday.
Gatza, who was promoted to sergeant, has been on the department for about 13 years.
He took on an administrative role 18 months ago and has been doing a “phenomenal job” getting body cameras, squad car cameras, obtaining grants to pay for it, as well as taking over the scheduling.
“He does a lot of the things I was trying to take on, but couldn’t dream of doing it anymore because it’s out of my range,” Chief Mike Smudzinski said.
Smudzinski said he opted to promote Gatza because he does a great job and has a strong work ethic, comes in early and stays late.
“He’s going to be a part of this department for a long time,” he said. “The city is lucky to have him.”
Gatza is also one of the officers spearheading the new reporting system with Illinois Valley Regional Dispatch, Smudzinski said.
Alderman Jordan Crane said he has seen Gatza come up through the ranks with hardwork and leadership.
“That’s something I like to see with all city workers,” he said. “Just start young and keep climbing and don’t stop.”
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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If his lead holds, Don Saletzki will be joining the Princeton City Council. (Photo provided by Don Saletzki)
If his lead holds, Don Saletzki will be joining the Princeton City Council.
Saletzki garnered 471 votes in unofficial totals Tuesday compared to 425 for Michael McCall and 403 for Martin Makransky with two seats open.
McCall and Makransky currently sit on the City Council.
Saletzki was born and raised in Princeton. He worked as a research and development manager at Flight Manufacturing Corp. and has organized the Homestead Festival car show since 2001.
“I would like to focus on several blighted properties, look at all aspects for a possible resolution and ideally have a positive outcome for one that is historic,” Saletzki said. “With a good understanding of the ADA I have a desire to ensure we are meeting the needs of these individuals with future projects.”
McCall and Makransky have been Princeton council members for the past four years.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The Milk Moustache in downtown Princeton is for sale. The business will remain open while a buyer is sought. (Shaw Local News Network)
The Milk Moustache in downtown Princeton is for sale.
About 11 years ago, Mindy Fritz opened juniper & mae and about a year later opened The Milk Moustache. The women’s clothing store has since closed, but the children’s store remains and Fritz is looking for someone to carry on the business.
“I have put a lot of love, sweat and tears into these buildings and running a small business, but it’s time for me to move on to my next chapter,” Fritz posted to the business’ social media Monday. “This is a decision I have contemplated for a couple of years and I look forward to seeing someone else utilize this space for their dreams.
“I loved creating these shops and being a part of Princeton’s Main Street community. The flexibility it has offered my family and I has been priceless. I was able to bring my children to work when needed, close early for sporting events, have the freedom to travel, obtain financial flexibility and set hours that work for my family.”
Fritz said ideally the buyer would be interested in the business and the two buildings the business is located at 944 N. Main St. The pair are connected inside by an opening, but could be separated back into two retail units. An apartment unit is above each building.
The buildings are listed for $350,000.
The Milk Moustache will remain open while a buyer is sought.
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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