Category: Uncategorized

Members of the Streator 12-Year-Old All-Stars pose with their District 20 championship banner at Washington Park in Peru. (Scott Anderson)
At Sterling on Monday, the Streator 12-Year-Old All-Stars saw their Little League postseason come to an end with a 13-1, six-inning loss to the Elmhurst 12-Year-Old All-Stars.
Streator went undefeated on its way to capturing the District 20 championship banner and 3-0 in pool play at the Illinois Major Division State Tournament before falling in Monday’s elimination quarterfinals. Little League no longer fields sectional tournaments at the 12-year-old level in Illinois, with district champions advancing directly to state.
Marshall Volkman had a single and an RBI for the Streator 12s on Tuesday in support of starting pitcher Ben Mascote (4 1/3 IP, 5 ER, 3 K). Streator, the No. 3 seed after pool play, finished with eight players having one single apiece, but could manage just the one run in the fifth inning after falling behind Elmhurst, the No. 6 seed, 10-0.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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DePue students Colten Rivers and Rosie Caracheo play steelpans with the NIU Steelband on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 at DePue School. The school district was one of the recipients the Arts of Starved Rock Country Fund grant. (Scott Anderson)
The 2025 Arts of Starved Rock Country Fund grant period is underway for art projects.
Grants are available to any nonprofit, school, library or community group supporting the arts or arts programs.
The application period runs through May 1, with grant announcements made in late May.
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council through federal funds provided by the National Endowment for the Arts.
In 2024, grants were awarded to Hegeler Carus Foundation of La Salle, Community Players of Streator, Prairie Arts Council of Princeton, DePue School District, Poco a Poco of Streator and NCI Artworks of Peru.
“Aside from grants, we provide education, networking and online support across Starved Rock Country,” said ASRC administrator René Parks Wendinger. “We work with artists and organizations to make their creative projects happen.”
For information, contact Parks Wendinger at rene@srccf.org. For an application, visit the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation website at srccf.org/artgrant/#grant-information.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The winners of the Nov. 5 elections in La Salle County were sworn in during a ceremony Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in the county’s downtown courthouse. From left are Greg Vaccaro, circuit clerk; Karen Friestad Miller, recorder; Circuit Judge Todd L. Martin; Stephanie Jo Thompson, auditor; Joe Navarro, state’s attorney; and Rich Ploch, coroner. (Photo provided by Sophie Thompson)
The winners of the Nov. 5 elections in La Salle County were sworn in during a ceremony Wednesday in the county’s downtown courthouse.
Pictured are Greg Vaccaro (from left), circuit clerk; Karen Friestad Miller, recorder; Circuit Judge Todd L. Martin; Stephanie Jo Thompson, auditor; Joe Navarro, state’s attorney; and Rich Ploch, coroner.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Derek R. Hornick (Photo provided by La Salle County Jail)
Derek Hornick cut a deal Friday that didn’t end all his legal troubles – he still faces up to 30 years in prison related to drug charges – but the deal at least got him out of the La Salle County Jail. He lasted four days.
Hornick, 46, of Streator, was back Wednesday in La Salle County Circuit Court for a detention hearing. Although he still faces a Class X felony charge related to cocaine – the trial date is March 24 – attorneys had worked out a misdemeanor plea Friday that let him go home while awaiting his drug trial, provided he stay out of trouble.
He didn’t. On Tuesday morning, Streator police officers said they retrieved brass knuckles during an incident in the 700 block of North Bloomington Street. Hornick was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, a Class 3 felony carrying two to five years in prison, plus misdemeanor resisting a peace officer.
This time, Hornick is staying put. Judge Michael C. Jansz declined to cut Hornick loose again, noting that four days elapsed between his release and his latest brush with the law.
At Wednesday’s detention hearing, prosecutor Ryan Cantlin spelled out Hornick’s recent history in failing to comply with the terms of release.
Hornick was fitted with an ankle bracelet Oct. 28, along with orders to have no contact with the victim in a domestic violence case. Despite the warnings, two violations were reported Oct. 30 and Nov. 8 when the GPS device placed him at a restricted address.
On Nov. 9, Hornick was picked up on a warrant. While being taken to the La Salle County Jail, Hornick incurred a charge of escape for jumping out of a moving squad car. Ottawa police ordered him to stop and then Tased him. He was charged with felony meth possession after an ensuing search yielded 7 grams.
He was subsequently accused of the Class X felony possession charge for having at least 15 grams of cocaine, which was seized Aug. 27.
Public Defender Ryan Hamer said the facts presented suggest a drug problem, but Hornick is serious about drug rehabilitation. He proposed sanctions rather than jail, noting that home confinement would address any concerns about public safety.
The judge quickly ruled out pretrial release even under more restrictive terms.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Dani Holland, morning host and program director for WALLS 102, with Amy Sheppard. (Shaw Local News Network)
In 2019, Amy Sheppard began exploring country music. She said, “I’m a huge fan of country music. We grew up listening to a lot of country music. In fact, I was hearing that music when I was learning how to song write so I’ve always had a lot of country influences”.
In the interview she talks about how she got into the industry and promotes her new music. Listen to the Walls 102 interview with country music artist Amy Sheppard on the Walls 102 Shaw Local Radio podcast.
Like what you hear? Be sure to listen to Walls 102 online.
You can also download episodes on Apple Podcasts or on Spotify.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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A Walnut home was a total loss Monday from fire after the chimney collapsed through the roof into the home, taking out the first floor. (Photo provided by Walnut Fire Department)
A Walnut home is a total loss after a Monday fire during which the chimney collapsed through the roof into the home, taking out the first floor.
Firefighters from several departments responded. All firefighters were accounted for, and no one was injured, Walnut Fire Chief Robert Miller said. The residents were home at the time of the fire and escaped safely.
The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal concluded that the fire was accidental and started in the chimney before spreading to the attic area.
Ohio, Manlius and Tampico fire departments were called about 5:45 p.m. Firefighters arrived to a two-story home with flames coming from the chimney and smoke coming from the home.
Initial crews began extinguishing flames inside the home, but firefighters called for a mayday after the collapse and increasing severity of the fire.
Because of the increasing size of the fire and the extremely cold temperatures, Miller upgraded the fire to a fifth alarm.
Manlius, Yorktown, Tampico, Ohio, Princeton, Amboy, Sublette, Wyanet, Dixon Rural, Sterling, Rock Falls, Prophetstown, Mendota, CGH EMS, Arlington, Buda, La Moille, Bureau and Malden crews responded, as well as the American Red Cross, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, BuEComm and ComEd.
The Bureau County Emergency Management Agency deployed its warming trailer because of the cold temperatures. All departments and crews were at the scene for five hours.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Princeton Public Library extended its gratitude to the Friends of the Princeton Public Library for the donation of two additional tables for the Matson Meeting Room. (Shaw File photo)
Princeton Public Library extended its gratitude to the Friends of the Princeton Public Library for the donation of two additional tables for the Matson Meeting Room.
These mobile, portable tables seamlessly nest with the library’s existing tables, requiring minimal storage space while maximizing the functionality.
With this addition, the Matson Meeting Room can now comfortably accommodate up to 20 people, enhancing its ability to serve local businesses, nonprofit organizations and community groups.
Located next to the café, the conference room offers a space equipped with free Wi-Fi and an audiovisual system.
The Friends of the Princeton Public Library help extend the library’s tax-based budget.
For details about the Matson Meeting Room or the Friends of the Princeton Public Library, visit princetonpl.org.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Ottawa Elementary School District will host a Truth in Taxation hearing during its next school board meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 17, to discuss a proposed increase in the district’s levy. (Tom Sistak)
Ottawa Elementary School District will host a Truth in Taxation hearing during its next school board meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 17, to discuss a proposed increase in the district’s levy.
A truth in taxation hearing is required when a district proposes a tax levy increase of more than 5%. The tentative tax levy increase is proposed at 14% more than last year’s amount, which is necessary to ensure the district receives the full benefit from growing property values, Superintendent Michelle Lee said.
During the monthly school board meeting Nov. 19, Lee said the district’s equalized assessed value – or property tax pool – is expected to increase by about 10% this year, and the tax levy will reflect this change. Lee said the district is looking to collect the revenue allowed by the increased EAV, without raising the rate for taxpayers.
“The levy is set to ensure we capture all of the EAV, but we’re not asking to increase the tax rate,” she said. “Actually, it may even go down a little bit but not enough to really matter.”
The hearing will be during the district’s next board meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 17, and gives the public an opportunity to comment before the levy is finalized.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Marseilles Elementary School announced its honor roll for the second quarter of the 2024-2025 school year. (Photo provided by Marseilles Elementary School)
Marseilles Elementary School announced its honor roll for the second quarter of the 2024-25 school year.
Dario Andersen, Zachary Byone, Ava Gordon, Natalie Hartman, Reason Jackson, Austin Julian, Lincoln Leslie, Isabella Manfredini, Kaylea Smith
Jensen Balnis, Marina Berkland, Liam Bodine, Jadan Budach, Chelsea Butler, Joseph Charnas, Madeline Classon, Noah Davis, Kamron Flores, Olivia Harvala, Owen Jacobs, Kaylee Jerde, Kynzlee Jerde, Quinn Lauer, Kathy Lopez, Abigail Melland, Lainey-Rae Morris, Willow Murley, Dakota Nelson, Edwin Reyes, Sophia Ruoz, Payton Wallace, Finnley Wren
Jessica Basem, Wesley Byone, Krystina Camacho, Sebastian Sanchez, Aidan Witalka
Natalie Basem, Tesla Debias, SummerWind Kochan, Emma Vicich, Aurora Wallace
Elizabeth Arnold, Joseph Brown, Xavier Bumgarner, Desmond Burress, Lane Gabehart, Vanessa Laitila, Connor Medina, Sophera Polier, Esmerelda Remington
Aaliyah Burnley, Grayson Edwin, Raymond Fico, Juliette Geisser, Hudson Haw, Cameron Lampson, Aiden Marabotti, Carter Stafford, Fionna Wallace, Jaxon Wantroba, Olivia Witalka
Avery Barnes-Underwood, Olivia Clements, Savanna Daugherty, Veronica Donnelly, Noah Espada, Liam Grooms, Brayden Hoskins, Quincy Jackson, Madden McCann, Kennedy Pierson, Russell Putnam, Zachary Robinson, Lilith Underwood
McKenzie Kimmey, Noel Ledesma
none
Killian Berkland, Kayden Bitzel, Kailey Garcia, Gracie Grooms, Mariah Kochan, Joseph Molina Ulmenstine, Anthony Perez-Garcia, Brooklyn Powell
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The La Salle County Recorder’s Office is warning residents about a scam involving fake postcards claiming to be official notices regarding mortgages. (Shaw Local News )
The La Salle County Recorder’s Office is warning residents about a scam involving fake postcards claiming to be official notices regarding mortgages.
The postcards, labeled “Important Notice: Immediate Response Needed,” request individuals to call a phone number and provide information about their mortgage or documents recorded in their name.
These notices are not affiliated with the LaSalle County Recorder’s Office.
In response, the recorder’s office reminds the public that it offers a free and secure property fraud alert service. The service provides real-time monitoring and notification of any documents recorded in a person’s name, helping protect against potential fraud.
For more information or to sign up for the property fraud alert service, residents can call the La Salle County Recorder’s Office at 815-434-8226 or visit the office’s website and click on the Property Fraud Alert System link.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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