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Curt Bedei, economic development director for La Salle, provided the ribbon and the scissors and Jodi Mahoney, CEO of North Central Behavioral Health Systems did the honors for the ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, to open the Hygienic Institute Building for North Central Behavioral Health. Present were Bill Zens, executive director and Penny Volkert of Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce; Jay McCrackin executive director Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce, and representatives from the Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce. Additionally in attendance were NCBHS board members Barb Lindquist, Sue Jobst, Steve Maliski and Mary Jo Barry, and NCBHS staff. (Photo provided by Sally Aderton)
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was conducted for the opening of The Hygienic Institute building in La Salle for the North Central Behavioral Health Systems.
The facility is focused on the Behavioral Health Urgent Care Clinic, as an alternative to Emergency Room visits. The clinic will be open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday on a walk-in basis.
The model of care concept that is available at this location is intended to provide seamless and fast access to services for individuals experiencing an elevated level of distress. Additional services available at the Hygienic Institute location include individual therapy, group therapy, case management, psychiatry and medication management. The goal is to provide a comprehensive wrap-around approach to assist those seeking help. If needing services contact at 815-224-1610 or in-person at 2970 Chartres St., La Salle.
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Farmers and grocery shop owners in La Salle County are bracing for the impact the U.S. faces of a potential trade war from recently imposed federal tariffs.
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Princeton Class 3A senior all-stater Noah LaPorte signs to play for the Northwestern Wildcats Wednesday afternoon at Prouty Gym. He was joined by his signing by his grandfather, Bob LaPorte, Jr.,, his mother, Kristin Wright, his father, Bob LaPorte, and his brother, Luke. (Kevin Hieronymus)
Noah LaPorte has changed his stripes on the football field from the Princeton Tigers to the Northwestern University Wildcats.
The Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Class 3A All-Stater from Princeton signed to play Big Ten football for the Wildcats in front of a gathering of family, friends, coaches and teammates Wednesday afternoon at Prouty Gym.
Northwestern was the first school to make an offer to LaPorte on April 20, and he committed to the Wildcats exactly a month later.
“It’s kind of an unreal feeling. Finally, I put the pen to the paper, and now I’m going to be a part of that team. I’m looking forward to it and excited to get to work with my teammates,” LaPorte said.
A two-way, unanimous all-conference player for the Tigers, the 6-foot-6 LaPorte will focus on offense, playing tight end for the Wildcats.
“Plan on bulking up and everything. I don’t have any doubt they can do that for me,” he said.
Princeton coach Ryan Pearson is excited to see LaPorte have the opportunity to play at the highest level.
“Anytime you can get a kid, get the opportunity to play Big Ten football and get his education paid for and play the game he loves, you really can’t ask for anything more than that,” he said.
“He has the entire package. You have the physical attributes. He’s 6-foot-6, athletic, but it’s the character that truly sets him apart from a lot of other kids. He’s going to be a great student academically. You don’t have to worry about him character-wise. Just a great teammate and then a great leader. Most importantly, what a great example for all our kids coming up in our program to watch him go and play at the highest level, that’s pretty awesome.”
LaPorte made his first big splash for the Tigers as a sophomore, setting a single-game school record with 206 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
As a senior, LaPorte made 30 receptions for 450 yards and five TDs. On defense, he had 44 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss, two blocked punts and two fumble recoveries.
LaPorte is the second Princeton player and third from Bureau County to sign with a Big Ten school in two years, following former teammate Teegan Davis (Iowa) and Hall’s Mac Resetich (Illinois) in 2022. He is the fourth Tiger to go on to the NCAA Division I ranks during that time, including 2024 grads Payne Miller (Western Illinois) and Bennett Williams (Air Force).
He also received an offer from Michigan State, among other schools, including Kansas, and made multiple trips to Illinois.
LaPorte appreciated all the support from the many well-wishers who attended his signing.
“It’s an unreal feeling having all these friends and family care about me, coming out supporting, watching me sign,” he said. “I’m glad I had the support from them.”
LaPorte plans to study something business-related at Northwestern, saying, “I’m good with numbers.”
Northwestern is hoping he can help it turn those numbers into wins the next four years.
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Dig Doug’s in Streator reopened after a recent burglary. (Derek Barichello)
Dig Doug’s BBQ in Streator recently reopened its doors after a break-in that left the restaurant’s front door shattered and cash stolen.
The burglary occurred on the morning of Dec. 29, before owner Doug Allen arrived at his restaurant to find the damage.
“As soon as I turned into the parking lot and my headlights hit the front door, I saw it was gone. Glass everywhere,” Allen said.
Although Allen initially investigated the scene before calling the police, he was able to confirm money was stolen during the break-in.
“I probably shouldn’t have gone in there before I called the police, but I had to see what happened,” he said.
Despite the emotional toll of the incident, Allen and co-owner, Joi Ruffin, were able to reopen quickly.
The break-in took place on a Sunday, Dig Doug’s last day of operation for the week, and the restaurant was closed for repairs during its normally scheduled Monday-to-Wednesday closure.
The owners had to board up the door, repair the damage and address the impact on their security systems.
“We’ve been here for seven years, and we’ve had some vandalism, but this is the first time we’ve been burglarized,” Allen said. “I mean, I just felt sick to my stomach when I first saw it.”
The break-in left an emotional mark on the business, with Ruffin explaining how things feel different moving forward.
“Every time the door opened after it happened, you’re jumping. It’s changed the way we think. We used to leave the door between the kitchen and the lobby open because we trusted our customers. Now, it feels different,” Ruffin said.
The restaurant received support from the Streator community, rallying to help cover repair costs and allowing a quick turnaround.
Tonya Olson, a local friend, organized a fundraiser, while several other local businesses donated money.
“People in Streator really stepped up when we needed it the most and we can’t thank them enough,” Allen said. “It made it possible for us to reopen as quickly as we did and keep going.”
While the burglary has been a setback, the two emphasized they’re determined to stay open while doing their best to prevent these situations in the future.
Since the break-in, the co-owners have updated their security, including a new camera system while putting stricter protocols in place to avoid another.
“We’re doing things differently now. We’ve thought about everything, from how we secure the money to making sure our staff is well prepared in case of another emergency,” Allen said.
While an arrest in connection with the break-in has not officially been made, the Streator Police Department recently announced they have identified a suspect.
The man they identified as a suspect was arrested Jan. 7 in Pontiac on another charge. Streator police said there was an arrest warrant for the Dec. 18 burglary of a tavern.
Regardless, Allen and Ruffin expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received and plan to continue serving customers with the same passion as before.
“It’s going to take more than this to shut Dig Doug’s down,” Allen said, noting that their resilience has only made the staff and business stronger.
“We’re just thankful for everyone in the community who’s supported us through all this,” Ruffin said. “It was a tough situation, but we’re back.”
The front door of Dig Doug’s BBQ was shattered during a burglary on Dec. 29. The restaurant has since reopened. (Photo Provided By Doug Allen)
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Steffanie Van Laarhoven, the chairperson for the Horizon House’s 2024 Tree of Hope campaign, and Horizon House CEO Michelle Rich pause before the tree lit for the first time Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, near the offices on Plank Road in Peru. The campaign, which lights a bulb on the tree for every $50 in donations received in December, is nearing its goal of 1,200 bulbs or $60,000 to fund Horizon House’s Personal Support Worker, Community Employment and Community Day Service programs. Through the lighting of the tree on Friday, there are a total of 925 bulbs lit and $46,251.45 raised, so there is still work to be done. Anyone interested in lighting a bulb with any size donation can contact Horizon House, 4140 Progress Blvd., Peru, IL 61354 or call 815-223-4488. (Charlie Ellerbrock)
Steffanie Van Laarhoven, the chairperson for the Horizon House’s 2024 Tree of Hope campaign, and Horizon House CEO Michelle Rich lit the Tree of Hope for the first time Friday near the offices on Plank Road in Peru.
The campaign, which lights a bulb on the tree for every $50 in donations received in December, is nearing its goal of 1,200 bulbs or $60,000 to fund Horizon House’s Personal Support Worker, Community Employment and Community Day Service programs.
Through the lighting of the tree on Friday, there are a total of 925 bulbs lit and $46,251 raised, so there is still work to be done. Anyone interested in lighting a bulb with any size donation can contact Horizon House, 4140 Progress Blvd., Peru, IL 61354 or call 815-223-4488.
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The UPS Customer Center is closing effective Friday, Nov. 15, at the Peru location at 2989 U.S. 6. (Stephanie Jaquins for Shaw Local)
The UPS Customer Center is closing effective Friday, Nov. 15, at the Peru location at 2989 U.S. 6.
“We are closing select UPS Customer Centers to better align with our customers’ preferences for more convenient and easily accessible drop-off options,” said Karen Tomaszewski, UPS spokesperson.
UPS will continue to deliver customer service through UPS Drop Boxes, 10,000 full-service retail shopping locations, such at The UPS Store and Staples, as well as UPS Authorized Shipping Outlets and Providers to shop packages. If customers simply need to pickup or drop off packages, UPS has a network of more than 20,000 UPS Access Point locations. Access Point locations are available at independent merchants such as local delis, pharmacies, dry cleaners, and florists, as well as national partners such as The UPS Store, Michael’s and CVS.
Locally, at Staples, 4350 Mahoney Drive, Peru, customers can create a new shipment, drop off and receive packaging and shipping supplies. At Debo Ace Hardware, 1713 Fourth St., Peru, customers can create a new shipment, drop off and pickup.
There also is a UPS Store in Ottawa at 2740 Columbus St., Suite 300.
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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Deputy Police Chief Robert Wood (left) speaks Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, as Police Chief John Franklin looks on at a special Streator meeting. (Bill Freskos)
More than 100 Streator residents gathered Tuesday at City Hall for a public meeting to discuss the concerns about and potential solutions to the recent surge in gun violence in the area.
Since the beginning of October, Streator police have responded to at least five separate calls of shots fired, most resulting in property damage and one injury – including gunfire reports Saturday, Oct. 5; Sunday, Oct. 6; and Thursday.
Streator Police Chief John Franklin and Deputy Chief Robert Wood attended the meeting and told residents that a majority of the shootings likely are linked to drug trafficking problems in the area.
“I think it’s clear that we have some underlying issues with drugs here in Streator and with that comes the violence that we’ve experienced recently,” Franklin said. “We’re aware of that and taking the necessary steps.”
Franklin commended the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotics Team, the region’s drug task force, for its recent search warrant activity in Streator to address drug trafficking.
“Tri-DENT has executed a whole lot of search warrants here. We’ve probably seen more in the past year than in the last 10 years,” Franklin said. “They’ve knocked down a lot of doors recently and put criminals on notice that it’s not business as usual for them here in Streator.”
Franklin said that a contributing factor in the ongoing problems is the lack of surveillance in certain neighborhoods after a shooting occurs. He said the police have been working to address this by installing eight Flock cameras around town, with plans to add three more within the next year.
Flock cameras typically are made by Flock Safety, an American manufacturer and operator of automated license place recognition technology, video surveillance and gunfire detection systems. Its cameras monitor and photograph the rear ends of passing vehicles, and then use artificial intelligence technology to read license plates and other distinguishing marks. The information then is sent to a central network that compares the results with others throughout the U.S.
Another issue mentioned by Deputy Chief Robert Wood was the SAFE-T Act and its impact on the way that the police and state’s attorney’s office operate.
The SAFE-T Act, enacted in late 2022, looked to reform Illinois’ criminal justice system by eliminating cash bail and changing how certain charges are handled.
“One good thing that our state’s attorney’s office has done for us in these gun charges is that they are detaining people,” Wood said. “We face a lot of difficulties with the SAFE-T Act. For a lot of you, you might not understand what the laws are, but there’s essentially no more bond for some people. If there is a citation, they’re released back on the streets. They reoffend, then they go see a judge, and it’s up to a judge whether they are released or not.”
“It’s a battle we’re all fighting, something we’re all still getting used to. But like I said, our state’s attorney’s office is doing everything they can to make sure these people are detained and stay behind bars pending trial.”
Streator resident and former Neighborhood Watch leader Toni Pettit emphasized the importance of the Neighborhood Watch program, explaining that in these violent times, Streator could benefit from that volunteer service once again.
“We had an active Neighborhood Watch in Streator for many years, and it worked because people volunteered their time,” Pettit said. “The problem today is that people aren’t willing to do that anymore, and as a result, the Neighborhood Watch doesn’t exist in Streator because community involvement for it has fizzled to zero.”
The idea of reviving the Neighborhood Watch resonated not only with the community members at the meeting but also with city officials, including Franklin and Mayor Tara Bedei.
“We have work to do, if there are groups here that would be interested in creating a Neighborhood Watch. I’ll have a sign in sheet here or if you want to reach out to City Hall after, let’s start to look at getting that back together because it could really make a difference,” Bedei said.
Several city and county officials attended the meeting, including representatives from the La Salle County State’s Attorney’s Office.
La Salle County Assistant State’s Attorney Jason Goode spoke about the recent violence in Streator, sharing his personal connection as a lifelong resident.
“In my past life, I was a youth baseball coach and had the opportunity to coach many kids from Streator. There was a certain toughness and pride you could see in them about their town that I always noticed and respected,” Goode said. “That’s why we’re here tonight. We realize how proud you are of this city. You’re all shoulder to shoulder in this room because you care, and we want to show you that we care. We believe in this town; it is worth saving, and that’s what we’re going to do.”
Bedei said the city plans to have another town hall meeting in the next few months to address further concerns and continue the conversation.
Streator residents can register their home security cameras at https://ci.streator.il.us/ to assist police. The registration page includes information on the program.
Deputy Police Chief Robert Wood (left) speaks Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, as Police Chief John Franklin looks on at a special Streator meeting. (Bill Freskos)
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Princeton Tigers logo
At Princeton: The Tigers swept their home opener at Prouty Gym on Tuesday, defeating Putnam County-Hall 78-6 and Mercer County 77-6.
Brayden Bickett (106), Jacob Paul (113), Allister Swanson (120), Kaydin Gibson (126), Corbin Brown, Dominic Lewis (150), Andrew Giaquinto (157), Casey Etheridge (165) and Cade Odell (285) all won twice by fall.
Ian Morris defeated Mercer County on a tech fall and PCH by fall while Kane Dauber (132) and Ace Christiansen (144) won by fall and a forfeit.
Mercer County defeated PC-Hall.
At Ottawa: St. Bede defeated Kankakee 48-24 while falling to the host Pirates 60-23.
Double winners for the Bruins were Logan Pineda (165), Grady Gillan (215) and Max Moreno (132). Michael Benge (113) won by fall over Ottawa and by forfeit vs. Kankakee. Brax Kim (157) won by fall against Kankakee.
Hinckley-Big Rock 64, LaMoille 33: The Royals overpower the Lions in Little Ten action at Dean Madsen Gymnasium in LaMoille. Brayden Klein led the Lions with 10 points and Tyler Billhorn added eight points.
Princeton 56, Rock Falls 24: The Tigresses jumped out to 17-7 first-quarter lead and never looked back on the way a road win over former NCIC rival Rock Falls.
Keighley Davis poured in 21 points for PHS while Paige Jesse and Camryn Driscoll added eight each and freshman Avaya Koning and Payton Brandt added six each.
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Princeton Class 3A senior all-stater Noah LaPorte signs to play for the Northwestern Wildcats Wednesday afternoon at Prouty Gym. He was joined by his signing by his grandfather, Bob LaPorte, Jr.,, his mother, Kristin Wright, his father, Bob LaPorte, and his brother, Luke. (Kevin Hieronymus)
Noah LaPorte has changed his stripes on the football field from the Princeton Tigers to the Northwestern University Wildcats.
The Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Class 3A All-Stater from Princeton signed to play Big Ten football for the Wildcats in front of a gathering of family, friends, coaches and teammates Wednesday afternoon at Prouty Gym.
Northwestern was the first school to make an offer to LaPorte on April 20, and he committed to the Wildcats exactly a month later.
“It’s kind of an unreal feeling. Finally, I put the pen to the paper, and now I’m going to be a part of that team. I’m looking forward to it and excited to get to work with my teammates,” LaPorte said.
A two-way, unanimous all-conference player for the Tigers, the 6-foot-6 LaPorte will focus on offense, playing tight end for the Wildcats.
“Plan on bulking up and everything. I don’t have any doubt they can do that for me,” he said.
Princeton coach Ryan Pearson is excited to see LaPorte have the opportunity to play at the highest level.
“Anytime you can get a kid, get the opportunity to play Big Ten football and get his education paid for and play the game he loves, you really can’t ask for anything more than that,” he said.
“He has the entire package. You have the physical attributes. He’s 6-foot-6, athletic, but it’s the character that truly sets him apart from a lot of other kids. He’s going to be a great student academically. You don’t have to worry about him character-wise. Just a great teammate and then a great leader. Most importantly, what a great example for all our kids coming up in our program to watch him go and play at the highest level, that’s pretty awesome.”
LaPorte made his first big splash for the Tigers as a sophomore, setting a single-game school record with 206 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
As a senior, LaPorte made 30 receptions for 450 yards and five TDs. On defense, he had 44 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss, two blocked punts and two fumble recoveries.
LaPorte is the second Princeton player and third from Bureau County to sign with a Big Ten school in two years, following former teammate Teegan Davis (Iowa) and Hall’s Mac Resetich (Illinois) in 2022. He is the fourth Tiger to go on to the NCAA Division I ranks during that time, including 2024 grads Payne Miller (Western Illinois) and Bennett Williams (Air Force).
He also received an offer from Michigan State, among other schools, including Kansas, and made multiple trips to Illinois.
LaPorte appreciated all the support from the many well-wishers who attended his signing.
“It’s an unreal feeling having all these friends and family care about me, coming out supporting, watching me sign,” he said. “I’m glad I had the support from them.”
LaPorte plans to study something business-related at Northwestern, saying, “I’m good with numbers.”
Northwestern is hoping he can help it turn those numbers into wins the next four years.
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Princeton’s Reese Reviglio and Hall’s Natalia Zamora force a jumpball during the Princeton Holiday Girls Basketball Tournament on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 at Princeton High School. (Scott Anderson)
PRINCETON – Rivals Princeton and Hall played a classic finals game in the Princeton Holiday Girls Basketball Tournament on Saturday night at Prouty Gym.
The Red Devils rallied from a 16-point halftime deficit to force overtime with two last-second free throws only to have the Tigresses prevailing 60-53.
Fans couldn’t have asked for much more. The only thing the game didn’t provide was a champion.
Princeton’s win created a three-way tie in the Gold Pool with the Tigresses, Red Devils and Midland, who all finished 1-1.
Midland, which beat Princeton 50-47 on Thursday but lost to Hall 48-40 on Friday, claimed the tiebreaker by virtue of its 74% free-throw shooting. Princeton claimed second and Hall third.
“What a great atmosphere and just a great position to be in. On the last night of this tournament to have us and Hall playing each other, and then it goes to overtime,” Princeton coach Tiffany Gonigam said. “The tale of two halves to even be in that position. There’s just no better feeling than two good teams and all the battles over the years. Just a classic.”
Princeton’s Olivia Mattingly eyes the hoop as Hall’s Charlie Pellegrini during the Princeton Holiday Girls Basketball Tournament on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 at Princeton High School. (Scott Anderson)
The Tigresses (3-1) held the Red Devils scoreless 7-0 in the overtime session with early baskets by Keighley Davis and Olivia Mattingly and free throws Avaya Koning (2-4) and Makayla Hecht (1-2).
“We knew we had to put the pressure down (in overtime) and play good defense and be smart on offense,” Davis said.
Moving forward, Davis said, “We need to come out even better and stronger.”
Davis finished with 18 points, Mattingly had 15, and freshman Payton Brandt added 13.
Princeton started the second quarter on a 13-0 run, including two baskets in the post by Brandt and a 3-pointer by Paige Jesse, on the way to a 35-19 halftime lead.
Junior hot shot guard Charlie Pellegrini wouldn’t let Hall lose, leading the Lady Devils on a furious second-half comeback, scoring 18 of her game-high 21 points, making five 3s on the night.
Her 3-pointer and layup capped a 13-0 third-quarter run to help draw the Red Devils within 41-34 at quarter’s end. Pellegrini knocked down three treys in the fourth quarter, the last hoop tying the game at 51 with 1:10 left in regulation.
Davis and Mattingly each made 1-of-2 free throws in the final minute to put the Tigresses ahead 53-51.
Hall sophomore Caroline Morris was fouled with two seconds left and calmly swished a pair from the charity stripe to send the game into OT.
Hall’s Charlie Pellegrini reacts with teammate Caroline Morris after sinking a three-point basket against Princeton during the Princeton Holiday Girls Basketball Tournament on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 at Princeton High School. (Scott Anderson)
“I told the girls I’m proud of the way they played,” Hall coach TJ Orlandi said. “Down 16 at half after playing a terrible first half compared to how we played the first three nights here. We just didn’t look ready to play, a step slow. Maybe playing back-to-back nights, long week, I don’t know.
“It was like in the second half we found another gear, had a little pride, I think. Put on press, had some success with that. The girls were active. Obviously, we wanted to win, but I think we can take a lot from this game and this week moving forward.”
Pellegrini was backed by Morris with 10 points and Natalia Zamora and Ava Delphi with eight each.
While disappointed to lose out by the tiebreaker, both Gonigam and Davis praised Midland for its performance.
“Hats off to Midland, because it wasn’t even close. Hall and Princeton were both in the 50s, and they were over 70%,” Gonigam said, referring to the team’s free-throw percentages. “Great job by them. They had a fantastic tournament. They’ve have a nice young team. It was fun these last couple days watching those top teams go at.”
“Midland played a good game. They had a good tournament. Well-deserved,” Davis said.
A fire alarm halted play in the first minute of the game. After Pellegrini hit a “logo 3″ to draw the Red Devils within 18-16 at the end of the first quarter, it was Princeton, who caught fire, starting the second quarter on a 13-0 run.
Brandt scored three hoops, Davis had two and Paige Jesse hit a 3-pointer from the top of the key to send the Tigresses to a 35-19 halftime lead.
• Tournament notes: Hall’s Pellegrini and Ella Sterling and Princeton’s Davis and Camryn Driscoll were named to the all-tournament team. Neither Sterling nor Driscoll played Saturday, out with injuries. The prognosis is good for both. Also named to the all-tournament were Kaitlyn Anderson of Henry, Maggie Spratt of Putnam County, Riana Foster of IVC and Emma Franks, Jordyn Pyles and Anna McGlasson of Midland.
Hall’s Ava Delphi shoots a jump shot over Princeton’s Olivia Mattingly during the Princeton Holiday Girls Basketball Tournament on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 at Princeton High School. (Scott Anderson)
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