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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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Maximilian Claahsen, of Marseilles, smiles as he collects cans of tuna for his birthday drive on Sunday, April 27, 2025. The cans will be donated to the Marseilles Food Pantry, which is also operated by Max’s mother Carolyn Claahsen, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 200 Broadway St. (Maribeth Wilson)
It’s the simple things in life that bring the most joy — for Maximilian Claahsen, of Marseilles, it’s stacking tuna cans.
Stacking cans has become more than a fun activity for him, it’s also a way to help people in his community.
In celebration of his seventh birthday, Max asked his family, friends and community members to donate cans of tuna, that he could stack prior to handing them over to the Marseilles Food Pantry to be given to patrons.
This isn’t the first time, he’s utilized his birthday as a donation drive. For his fourth birthday, the first drive, he received 76 cans and last year drew a record number with a total of 1,144 cans.
This year, the drive received 553 cans of tuna on Sunday at the Marseilles Food Pantry, which also is operated by Max’s mother Carolyn Claahsen, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 200 Broadway St.
Claahsen said Max has been stacking since he was 2 years old. They began the drive on his fourth birthday and last year he asked if they could do the tuna drive again — marking this year the third year they have collected for the pantry.
“We do the tuna for the drive because it’s what [Max] has always stacked,” she said. “He used to even make houses and stuff.”
Prior to the drive, cans of tuna was an item the pantry was purchasing every week. Now, the drive stocks up the pantry for a while.
The largest donation was brought in by Marseilles Mayor Jim Hollenbeck, who dropped off 100 cans.
Max said collecting cans of tuna makes him happy and he enjoys being able to help the people in his community.
“It’s so that we have enough tuna that we don’t run out,” he said. “It’s nice to help people.”
The Marseilles Food Pantry is open from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. the first and third Tuesday’s of the month at 200 Broadway St. in Marseilles.
Tami Perryman, pastor of Community of Christ Church, drops off cans of tuna to Maximilian Claahsen on Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Marseilles. (Maribeth Wilson)
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Don Saletzki (Photo provided by Don Saletzki)
Name: Don Saletzki
What office are you seeking?: Princeton City Council
Age: 62
Occupation and employer: Research and development manager, Flight Manufacturing Corp.
Education: Princeton High School, IVCC
Community Involvement: Organizer of the Homestead Festival car show since 2001
Family: Married with two adult children
I was born and raised in Princeton. As a native I have gained a great knowledge of our town and its rich history. My grandfather was a downtown Spurgeons manager. Our families roots and devotion to the town run deep, I want to be a part of Princeton’s continued success.
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. With a good understanding of the ADA I have a desire to ensure we are meeting the needs of these individuals with future projects.
Our location and proximity to the interstate yield us an advantage as does a municipal power plant. We need to give consideration to the feasibility of future development in the interstate area. Short term we need to heavily promote city owned lots that are shovel ready with utilities in the Tech park. We need to identify available buildings and businesses that would be attractive for Immedient occupancy, and promote based on what is uniquely different in Princeton that sets us apart from other locations.
We are fortunate for a town this size we have a municipal power plant, a city staffed line crew that in any weather can usually get you power back on line in under 30 minutes. Well staffed and equipped police, fire, ambulance, street crews and an up-to-date water plant.
I applaud the volunteers of the warming center. It is complex, the solution is to get to the heart of the root cause of homelessness, be it mental instability or addictions the nonprofits as well as Arukah have staff and resources to get help to those individuals that truly want positive change. The city should not be involved in some type of low barrier housing solution that would only enable continuing behavior.
Many nonprofits have grant writers on staff that secure state and federal funding this of course is dependent on the type of nonprofit we are referring to. The city should not play a large role, it would be case by case, but keep in mind this is money that comes at the expense of city services. We are elected as representatives of the taxpayers, we should be good stewards of their money
Tourism and chamber have both done well at promoting Princeton favorably. Many of us go to a town for the first time and our first impression is what sticks with us. We must always be sure we are conveying a positive look, we have aspects after daylight that could be improved with lighting to look more inviting, this is easily rectified. We must look at things as if it was our first time as this is how new visitors see it.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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A wall of a garage at 149 Gooding St. in downtown La Salle collapsed Sunday afternoon. (Scott Anderson)
A wall of a garage at 149 Gooding St. in downtown La Salle collapsed Sunday afternoon.
La Salle Fire Chief Jeff Janick said no one was injured, but there was some vehicular damage from the collapse.
The area, which is behind the building, is cordoned. The building still has its three other walls in place. It’s unclear what led to the building’s collapse, Janick said.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — A man was seriously injured Monday evening while performing vehicle maintenance when a second vehicle crashed into the rear of his vehicle, according to a Davenport Police Department news release.
Around 4:49 p.m., Davenport Police and Fire, Rock Island Police and Fire and Rock Island Arsenal Ambulance responded to the Centennial Bridge to a report of a personal injury crash.
The early investigations revealed that a vehicle had become disabled on the bridge due to mechanical issues while traveling on the Illinois-bound lanes. The male driver was attempting to perform maintenance in front of his vehicle when it was struck from behind by another vehicle.
The man was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the second vehicle, an adult male, sustained minor injuries.
The Centennial Bridge was closed for around an hour and has since reopened. The incident remains under investigation.
An accident on the Centennial Bridge, connecting Davenport and Rock Island, led to a complete closure of both lanes of traffic and the pedestrian bridge, according to Quad City Fire Wire. 
The closure started around 5:30 p.m. Monday night. News 8 was informed by a viewer around 6:16 p.m. that the entrance to the bridge was closed on the Rock Island side. 
News 8 has reached out to the Davenport and Rock Island police departments for more information but has yet to hear back. 
Around the same time as the closure Monday evening, the Illinois-bound side of the I-74 bridge was backed up almost all the way to the Locust Street ramp as people tried to exit onto River Drive in Moline, according to a News 8 employee. A photo of that backup can be found below from News 8’s BridgePointe camera. 
News 8 will update this news story as more information is made available. Download our app and subscribe to our YouTube channel for updates.  
Watch more news, weather and sports on News 8’s YouTube channel

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