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Documents show the city of Marseilles and Mayor Jim Hollenbeck reached a confidential agreement to pay a city official $15,000 in exchange for dropping a discrimination complaint. (Michelle Turner)
Documents show that the city of Marseilles and Mayor Jim Hollenbeck reached a confidential agreement to pay a city official $15,000 in exchange for dropping a discrimination complaint.
The employee filed a “charge of discrimination” with the Illinois Department of Human Rights and the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against the city and Hollenbeck, according to the May 31, 2023, agreement received by Shaw Local through a Freedom of Information Act request.
The document specified that $10,000 would be made payable in two separate checks to City Clerk Lesley Hart and her attorneys by the city’s insurer, then $5,000 would be made payable to Hart and her attorneys by Hollenbeck no less than 30 days after the agreement. The document said once Hart received payment, she would dismiss her charge with the IDHR and EEOC.
A mediation was held May 31, 2023, which resulted in the confidential agreement, according to the document. Each party denies wrongdoing or liability in a desire to amicably resolve the pending charges, according to the document.
Hart and Hollenbeck also agreed to “strict confidentiality” and nondisparagement, meaning either side will not be derogatory to one another moving forward.
The document includes only Hart and Hollenbeck’s names and no other elected or city officials.
An investigation summary report also was conducted in October 2022 pertaining to examining whether the mayor was creating a hostile work environment, “as a result of his interaction with a number of the employees of the city of Marseilles.” The complaint, according to the investigation, was based largely on employee reports of “repeated outbursts by the mayor.”
That report recommended that the city notify its liability insurance carrier, also saying “something needs to be done immediately to stop the mayor from putting Marseilles in peril.” The investigation suggested Hollenbeck curb his outbursts, perhaps take training to do so, and not be allowed to give direct orders, requests or any other city business directly to certain employees. The recommendation said the mayor’s behavior could lead to future litigation and suggested the council investigate the process of equitably removing a mayor from office should he become noncompliant.
Reached for comment, Hollenbeck said in a statement that the matter was not brought up or discussed at public meetings because city employee records are confidential.
“I do not ever want our community members to feel the city is hiding anything from them,” Hollenbeck wrote. “In this case and regarding all personnel issues (past, present and future), the parties involved were and are bound by confidentiality. This guideline is followed by public organizations like our city and all other municipalities in the state, as well as by private business.
“My serious concern now is there are individuals within the city who are blatantly violating legal confidentiality requirements, essentially telling our employees their personal information will not be protected, and many have expressed deep anxieties about this. Now, the city must consider taking legal action against this total disregard of the law to ensure it doesn’t happen to any other of our valued employees.”
Marseilles commissioners Melissa Small and Jim Buckingham declined to comment, saying they will follow corporation counsel’s advice to refer all matters regarding FOIA requests to its legal representation. Commissioner Bobby Kaminski did not respond to inquiries. Hart did not comment when asked through her attorney.
Commissioner Mike Scheib said he is “ashamed” and “heartbroken” over the matter.
“The actions that led to the payouts were morally reprehensible, the city’s inaction in response was morally reprehensible, and I am actively ashamed of the mayor and the council,” Scheib said. “I’m mad at a wicked system, I’m mad at a coverup, I’m mad at sexual harassment, I’m mad about the mayor lying about it on the radio, I’m mad at those who now know about this and are still defending him. I am actively ashamed of the council.
“This is inexcusable. Really? In 2024, this is how we act?”
Scheib, who was elected in April 2023 to the council, also said he was not made aware of the agreement until “well over a year later” and only learned of it through reluctant city channels, that he “was not made aware by any member of the City Council or the mayor” or city residents.
He added that he withheld any public comment because Morris attorney Randolph Gordon, who represents both Hollenbeck and Hart, threatened to sue the city and him personally for disclosing the “contents of items contained in personnel [files] and covered by a [nondisclosure agreement].”
“Initially when I was asked what should be done, I suggested that all three documents should be released but with names redacted,” Scheib said. “Had they done that, it would have saved the taxpayers of Marseilles $23,000 (in legal fees dealing with FOIA requests). They chose not to listen to me.”
Hollenbeck said in his statement that the previous city attorney had informed the council of the situation, and he had “learned the reason this confidential information has been made public is due to one of them sharing background on it with your news organization.”
Scott Damnjanovic, who has commented at city meetings, brought the mayor’s behavior to the public’s attention during a Marseilles City Council meeting over the summer. Damnjanovic shared a document pertaining to the October 2022 investigation of Hollenbeck during that meeting, and Shaw Local filed a Freedom of Information Act request for that investigation and any related documents that followed as a result, receiving the agreement between the city and Hollenbeck.
Hollenbeck believes that the agreement should not be public information, despite it involving an elected official and an expenditure of city funds.
“Personnel issues are always confidential, not just in this specific case,” Hollenbeck said. “Our employees and any personnel issues deserve privacy as dictated by our laws.”
News editor Derek Barichello contributed to this report.
Documents show the city of Marseilles and Mayor Jim Hollenbeck reached a confidential agreement to pay a city official $15,000 in exchange for dropping a discrimination complaint. (Scott Anderson)
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Henry-Senachwine seniors Kaitlyn Anderson (left) and Lauren Harbison carry the Class 1A St. Bede Regional plaque after defeating St. Bede for the title. Anderson and Harbison are first-team NewsTribune All Area after leading the Mallards to 30 wins and a sectional final appearance. (Scott Anderson)
A look at the top volleyball players in the NewsTribune area for the 2024 season.
Kaitlyn Anderson
Kaitlyn Anderson, sr., MH, Henry-Senachwine: Anderson was one of the best all-around players in the area. She tied for sixth in the area in kills (2.7 per set), tied for third in blocks (0.6) and was 10th in digs (3.8). She led the Mallards to a school-record 30 wins and their first regional title since 2010. Anderson was named first-team All-Tri-County Conference and Illinois Volleyball Coaches Association Class 1A All-State second team.
Ava Currie
Ava Currie, sr., MH, La Salle-Peru: The 2024 NewsTribune Girls Volleyball Player of the Year was a force at the net offensively and defensively. She was eighth in the area in kills at 2.6 per set with a 47.4 kill percentage and a 0.353 hitting percentage. Currie led the area in blocks at 1.3 per set. She helped L-P to its first conference title since 2019. She was named first-team All-Interstate 8 Conference.
Laylie Denault
Laylie Denault, jr., OH, Mendota: Denault was among the area’s top offensive threats as she finished atop the leaderboard in kills per set at 3.9. She was unanimously voted All-Three Rivers Conference East Division.
Aubrey Duttlinger
Audrey Duttlinger, so., OH, La Salle-Peru: There was no sophomore slump for the hard-swinging Duttlinger. She finished second in the area in kills at 3.5 per set. Duttlinger, who also averaged 0.5 blocks per set, helped the Cavaliers to 28 wins and an Interstate 8 Conference title. She was named first-team all-conference.
Henry-Senachwine senior Lauren Harbison (Brian Hoxsey)
Lauren Harbison, sr., S, Henry-Senachwine: Harbison was the driving force for the Mallards, who set a school record with 30 wins, won their first regional since 2014 and advanced to a sectional final. Harbison led the area in kills (8.1 per set), tied for ninth in aces (0.5) and averaged 3.1 digs per set. She was voted first-team All-Tri-County Conference and Illinois Volleyball Coaches Association Class 1A All-State second team.
Ellie Harp
Ellie Harp, sr., OH, Princeton: Harp was a strong senior leader as she helped the Tigers to 20 wins. She averaged 3.3 points and 2.1 kills per set. Harp was a unanimous All-Three Rivers Conference East Division selection.
Myah Richardson
Myah Richardson, fr., OH/S, Putnam County: Richardson made a splash in her first varsity season. She ranked second in the area in digs (4.5 per set) and aces (0.8) and finished third in kills (3). She was named second-team All-Tri-County Conference.
Kaitlyn Coutts, so., OH, Hall
Ashlyn Ehm, sr., OH, St. Bede
Libby Endress, so., S, Bureau Valley
Kelsey Frederick, jr., MH, La Salle-Peru
Macy Gochanour, jr., S, Fieldcrest
Bailey Miller, jr., OH, Earlville
Harper Schrock, sr., OH, Henry-Senachwine
Kinley Canady, sr., OH, Bureau Valley; Keighley Davis, jr., MH, Princeton; Taylor Frawley, jr., L, Henry-Senachwine; Morgan Hoscheid, sr., S, Hall; Emma Jereb, so., S, La Salle-Peru; Caroline Keutzer, jr., OH, Princeton; Sadie Koehler, sr., S, St. Bede; Pru Mangan, jr., L, Fieldcrest; Kennedy Wozniak, sr., OH, Hall
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Nicolaus J. Phillips, 25, of Spring Valley was scheduled for trial Monday for first-degree murder. He faces up to 85 years if convicted in the 2023 shooting death of Eric Clements of Ottawa.
An Ottawa murder trial has been postponed until the spring.
Nicolaus J. Phillips, 25, of Spring Valley was scheduled to go to trial Monday on first-degree murder charges. He faces up to 85 years in prison if convicted in the 2023 shooting death of Eric Clements of Ottawa.
At an unscheduled hearing Tuesday in La Salle County Circuit Court, however, the trial was moved on a defense motion. Phillips will next appear Feb. 27 for a motion hearing and, depending on the outcome of the hearing, stand trial May 5.
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Those interested in becoming vendors at the Farmers’ Market in Princeton are invited to a meeting at noon on Friday, Feb. 21, at the Prouty Building, 435 S. Main St. (Shaw File Photo)
Those interested in becoming vendors at the farmers market in Princeton are invited to a meeting at noon Friday, Feb. 21, at the Prouty building, 435 S. Main St.
At this meeting, organizers will give information about what vendors need to know to prepare for the upcoming farmers market sales season.
Those interested in selling at the Princeton farmers market are encouraged to attend this meeting. For information about the Princeton farmers market, call the Princeton Chamber of Commerce at 815-875-2616.

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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Girls Soccer | Bureau County Republican – Shaw Local  Kankakee Daily Journal
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Sugardemon Speciality Bakery is opening New Year’s Day in La Salle. (Stephanie Jaquins for Shaw Local)
Sugardemon Speciality Bakery is opening New Year’s Day in La Salle.
Owner Sohpia Antle announced the opening of a storefront at 502 First St. in the summer. The building has been under renovation.
She operated a home-based bakery, Soph’s Kitchen, for about two years in La Salle. She began by bringing in baked goods to work to share with coworkers.
She specializes in cheesecake. Last year, BASH in Ottawa featured her caramel apple cheesecake as a special in November and December. Sugardemon also will have cakes, cookies, cupcakes, pies and other desserts available whole or by the slice. Large orders for parties and other events will be accepted.
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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The Princeton High School Junior Varsity Scholastic Bowl team went undefeated, securing victories in all eight of their matches. Pictured are Aiden Robinson, Trevyn Munson, Hanna Claiborne and Rockne Berlinski. (Photo provided by Brody Anderson)
The Princeton High School Junior Varsity Scholastic Bowl team went undefeated, securing victories in all eight of their matches.
The team achieved perfect sweeps at both the conference meet in Prophetstown on Feb. 3, and at the Kaneland Tournament on Feb. 8, where the team emerged as outright champions. This week, the Tigers defeated Orion, Erie-Prophetstown, Buffalo Grove, Byron, Kaneland, Streator and Moline.
JV Coach Wendy Fredrickson said she was proud of the team’s achievements, highlighting their hard work and determination.
“This team has shown incredible dedication, and their success reflects the effort they put in every day,” Fredrickson said. “It’s been amazing to watch them grow and compete at such a high level.”
With one JV event remaining — a conference meet at Sherrard where Princeton will face Sherrard and Rockridge —the team stands at a 37-13 record, currently ranking second in the conference.
Meanwhile, the Princeton varsity team also is enjoying a strong season, holding a 54-15 record. The team will compete at the Streator Rotary Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 15, before hosting the 2A Masonic Sectional the following weekend.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Schools in and around La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties have announced closures and e-learning days ahead of a predicted snowstorm Wednesday. (Scott Anderson)
Schools in and around La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties have announced closures and e-learning days ahead of a predicted snowstorm Wednesday.
Grand Ridge Grade School
Peru Elementary
Marquette Academy (both campuses, extracurriculars canceled)
Marseilles Elementary
Milton Pope Elementary
Ottawa Elementary
(Serena) Unit 2 School District, includes Sheridan, Harding grade schools
Streator High School (extracurriculars cancelled)
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Woodland’s Malayna Pitte (3) rises to attack as Serena’s Paisley Twait (23) and Kendall Whiteaker (17) rise to block during a 2023 match at the Warrior Dome in rural Streator. (Tom Sistak For Shaw Media)
Here is a team-by-team look across The Times area at our 2024 girls volleyball teams.
Coach: Jenn Crum (8th season)
Last season’s record: 27-10-1 overall, 5-5 Interstate 8
Top returning players: Shae Mason, DS, sr.; Skylar Dorsey, S, sr.; Ayla Dorsey, MH, sr.; Ainsley Leonard, RS, sr.; Addison Duggan, MH, sr.; Ana Zeglis, DS, sr.; Ella Damron, OH/RS, sr.; Ella Schmitz, OH.DS, sr.
Top newcomers: Bell Markey, MH, jr.; Jordyn Allen, S, jr.; Kendall Biba, DS, so.; Mary Stisser, OH, jr.; Kerrigan Cooney, RS, jr.; Emma Molina, OH/MH, jr.
Worth noting: The Pirates captured their program’s first regional championship since 1995, back in the days of the two-class system. While four Times All-Area Team seniors from that team are gone to graduation including the 2023 Times Girls Volleyball Player of the Year, Cheyenne Joachim, four regular starters – Skylar Dorsey (2023 All-Area honorable mention), Duggan, Damron and Ayla Dorsey – return. The Dorseys are third-year starters, Duggan led Ottawa in blocks and hitting percentage last fall, and Leonard is back after missing her junior year due to injury. Biba will contend for the libero spot, in recent years a strength of Pirates teams. Coach Crum cites experience, discipline, overall volleyball IQ, team cohesion and a majority of her roster playing volleyball year-round as definite strengths. “We are hoping to repeat as regional champions and hope to contend for a conference champ[ionship],” she said. Ottawa hosts its annual Ottawa Invitational on Aug. 31 after opening the season in Kingman Gym against Dunlap (Tuesday) and Streator (Thursday).
Coach: Julie Gabehart (7th season)
Last season’s record: 23-10-2 overall, 8-6 Illinois Central Eight
Top returning players: Mya Zavada, MB, sr.; Emma Rambo, S, sr.; Sonia Proksa, OH, sr.
Top newcomers: Aubrey Jacobs, S, jr.; Sophie Snow, MB, so.; Maiya Lansford, DS, jr.
Worth noting: The Bulldogs in 2023 recorded their first winning season since 2016 and tied the 1981 squad’s record for most single-season wins. DS Rilee Talty and OH Sophia Pence are both big losses to graduation, but last fall’s depth, standout players like Zavada (led team in blocks and hitting efficiency), Proksa (first in kills, second in aces last year) and Times All-Area first-teamer and all-state honorable mention Rambo (school-record 649 assists) and what looks to be some instant contributors joining have Streator hoping for another great season. A diverse, balanced attack and good blocking should be calling cards of a team hoping to break the 23-win plateau. The key, according to Gabehart? “Consistency, decrease unforced errors, aggressive serving to force opponents out of system and continue to push each other every day in practice.” Streator’s opening week includes regional road rivalry games at Woodland (Monday), Dwight (Tuesday) and Ottawa (Thursday) before the Ottawa Invitational (Saturday).
Coach: Amy Garland (2nd season)
Last season’s record: 7-26 overall, 2-11 Kishwaukee River
Top returning players: Londyn Scott, MB, sr.; Jessica Ramey, S, so.; Jordan Bauer, OH, sr.; Brooklyn Marks, DS, sr.; Kayden Cornelis, MB, jr.;
Top newcomer: Alayla Harris, MB/RS, so.
Worth noting: Five returning starters – highlighted by Scott, a 2023 all-conference performer who put down 41 stuff blocks, Marks at libero after a 276-dig season and Bauer who fell just short of triple-digit kills and digs last season – have the Indians hopeful last fall’s experience gained will blossom into this fall’s success. The addition of Harris, an athletic 6-footer who can play multiple positions at the net, only encourages the optimism. “We are looking to be more competitive in our dynamic conference this year. …” Garland said. “We had a year of growth and experience, and we are returning all but two starters from the 2023 season. In order to reach our goals, we need to be more consistent in serve-receive and work on spreading out the offense more.”
Coach: Mindy McConnaughhay (15th season)
Last season’s record: 30-7 overall, 7-2 Tri-County
Top returning players: Avery Durdan, MB/OPP, sr.; Makayla Backos, OH, sr.; Kealey Rick, S, sr.; Lilia Muffler, OPPm sr.; Payton Anderson, OPP, sr.
Top newcomers: Emily Ryan-Adair, DS, so.; Kinley Rick, OH, fr.; Kelsey Cuchra, MB, so.; Ava Offerman, OPP, jr.; Hunter Hopkins, S, so.
Worth noting: The Crusaders – gunning for their seventh consecutive winning season, third straight 30-win campaign and third consecutive Class 1A regional title – look strong enough to do all three despite some heavy losses to graduation. That’s due to a roster that lost all five of the team’s Times All-Area picks from a year ago, but is still brimming with multi-sport, dedicated student-athletes. Leading the way will be Durdan (96 kills, 18 blocks in 2023), Kealey Rick (321 assists, 42 aces) and Backos (102 kills, 127 digs, 52 aces), all fourth-year varsity players who also excelled in Marquette’s balanced philosophy, one that will carry over to 2024. “Communication and confidence,” McConnaughhay said we are a young team, so developing trust and chemistry is a key factor for our success. We saw a ton of growth this summer and they know that developing a strong team connection is huge. They are very driven and want to win. I am excited to see where this season goes.
Coach: Michelle Pitte (5th season)
Last season’s record: 23-9 overall, 8-1 Tri-County
Top returning players: Ella Derossett, S/RS, sr.; Malayna Pitte, M, sr.; Grace Longmire, M, so.
Worth noting: The Warriors played through major injuries last season with a next-girl-up mentality and recorded not only another winning season, but a Tri-County Conference championship. Woodland will aim to utilize that philosophy again with a lot of young – “VERY young,” as Coach Pitte phrases it – pieces fit around the squad’s three proven leaders. Malayna Pitte (2023 Times All-Area second team), multi-sport star Derossett and Longmire (All-Area honorable mention as a freshman) provide a nice core for a team that will be finding itself on the floor with expectations to be at its best as the season winds down. “Our main goal this year is to learn from every game,” coach Pitte said. “When we win, we win with an understanding of how hard we worked in the gym. When we lose, we take that not as a loss, but a lesson. We are trying to make sure the girls look at each game with this understanding: How can we improve every game? In order to reach these goals, it will take all of us working as one, supporting each other, whether it be on the floor, on the bench, wherever.”
Coach: Noah Champene (7th season)
Last season’s record: 24-11 overall, 7-2 Tri-County
Top returning players: Lainie Olson, S, sr.; Tessa Krull, MH, jr.; Audrey McNabb, OH, sr.; Alyssa Zellers, DS, sr.
Top newcomers: Brooklyn Sheedy, OH, fr.; Franki Meyers, MH, so.; Graysen Provance, RS, so.; Emma Mino, DS, so.
Worth noting: Four starters – Olson (All-TCC, Times All-Area honorable mention), McNabb (All-TCC), Krull and Zellers (All-TCC) – are back for the Fighting Irish. “I think our strength will be experience,” Champene said.”I think the girls have a good handle on the expectations and a solid understanding of how we do things. We expect to steadily improve throughout the season and hopefully be in a position to compete for a conference and regional title.” Replacing the 241 kills and 31 stuff blocks put down by graduated Times All-Area first-teamer Faith Baker will be key to winning points, then sets, then matches. “It’s going to take a team effort,” Champene said. “We need to stay focused each day for the next couple of months. We need to come to practice every day ready to put in the work and put in the effort to get better.”
Earlville’s Bailey Miller returns a serve from Somonauk at Earlville High School last season. (Scott Anderson)
Coach: Albana Smith (1st season)
Last season’s record: 6-23 overall, 1-11 Heart of Illinois
Top returning players: Kora Edens, OH, jr.; Cameran Corrigan, S, sr.; Marley Highland, MH, jr.; Kaylee Delheimer, S, jr.; Emme Wallace, OH, jr.
Top newcomer: Abbi Armstrong, MH, fr.
Worth noting: Smith, a 2005 graduate of Flanagan High School, takes over the program from Joe Estes looking to bounce back from a rare down year. The return of Edens, Corrigan and Highland provides a nice start on the attack side of things, and the addition of Armstrong has been a big one in the middle as both a finisher and a blocker. It’s the returners, however, that have Smith optimistic despite the Falcons’ always-challenging schedule. “We have more juniors, seven, this season who have varsity experience that will be returning and playing a key role this season along with two seniors. This will allow us to utilize many players who have varsity experience. Our goals this season are to become more consistent with our skills and develop more endurance during games to sustain level of play throughout the match. We have enough skilled athletes to improve from last season, and we know the potential is there to be more successful this season.”
Coach: Cathy Sanders (13th season)
Last season’s record: 29-8 overall, 9-3 Heart of Illinois
Top returning players: Pru Mangan, DS, jr.; Macy Gochanour, S, jr.
Top newcomers: Keara Barisch, OH, sr.; Lyla Armstrong, OH, sr.; Lilly Baker, MH, sr.
Worth noting: Sanders cites “energy and coachability” as strengths of her Knights as they strive to capture a third consecutive Class 2A regional championship plaque and fourth over Sanders’ two tenures as head coach. To do so, Fieldcrest will have to compensate for the graduation of Times All-Area performers Kaylin Rients and the all-everything Allie Wiesenhofer, whose departure takes over 300 kills and 300 digs from last season’s stat sheet with her. Multi-sport stars Gochanour and Mangan will step into leading roles for the Knights, who don’t open their season until Aug. 31 in the Hall Early Bird Invitational.
Coach: PJ McKinney (3rd season)
Last season’s record: 33-5 overall, 10-0 Little Ten
Top returning players: Addison Ness, RS, sr.; Elle Norquist, DS, sr.; Adrianna Larson, OH, sr.
Top newcomers: Riley Carlson, fr.; Taylor Jeffers, so.; Olivia Smith, sr.; Addi Long, sr.
Worth noting: The Norsemen lost nine seniors including a pair of Times All-Area and IVCA All-State selections – namely Lauren Ulrich and Kiara Wesseh – to Pomp and Circumstance, but with returners like hitters Larson and Ness and libero Norquist and the program Newark has built, there’s no reason to expect a huge drop-off. “We have a great group of girls this year who are looking forward to playing with and for each other,” McKinney said. “The seniors are excited to lead. We only have a few girls with varsity game experience … but the others are very talented and are ready to compete at the varsity level. I have a lot of trust in this group and am looking forward to seeing this group jell together as the season progresses. We expect to be at the top of the Little Ten Conference, competing in real tough tournaments [and] hopefully making a successful run in the 1A postseason tournament.” Newark has claimed regional titles each of the past six postseasons and hasn’t suffered a losing campaign since the 1990s.
Coach: Jennifer Shugrue (2nd season)
Last season’s record: 11-16-1 overall, 7-3 Little Ten
Top returning players: RayElle Brennan, DS, sr.; Maddie Glade, RS, sr.; Macy Mahler, S, sr.; Lanee Cole, DS, sr.; Kendall Whiteaker, MB, jr.; Nikki Walsh, RS, sr.; Hailee Turner, RS, sr.; Jenna Setchell, MB/OH, sr.; Hannah McNelis, SD, sr.
Top newcomers: Aubrey Duffy, OH, jr.; Anna Hjerpe, OH, so. Lucy Kelley, MB, jr.; Rebekah Shugrue, S, jr.; Cassie Walsh, MB, jr.; Trinity Weber, DS, jr.
Worth noting: That’s a lot of names listed as “top players” for this fall’s Huskers, and there’s a reason for that, according to Shugrue. “With solid returners and a very strong group joining in, we’ve got a lot of volleyball knowledge and strength,” she said. “Our back-row defense made up of RayElle, Hannah, Lanee and Trinity is quick and accurate, and they’re working very well together. Offensively, we have Macy returning to set, joined by Rebekah in the setting position and a couple of powerhouse hitters, Aubrey and Anna, so I’m anticipating a more dynamic offense. Smart hitters like Jenna, Kendall and Maddie, combined with flex players like Nikki, Hailee, Lucy and Cassie contribute to a very versatile team.” Taking the next step after a good season where “we didn’t finish where we wanted to,” per Shugrue, is the goal, and she feels she has the deep roster and across-the-board talent to get there.
Coach: Tonya Scherer (24th season)
Last season’s record: 26-11 overall, 8-2 Little Ten
Top returning player: Bailey Miller, OH, jr.
Top newcomers: Audrey Scherer, S/OPP, fr.; Jessie Miller, MH, jr.; Adie Scherer, MH, so.; Liz Vasquez, DS, so.; Jacey Helgesen, OH, so.; Payton Actis, S, so.
Worth noting: After graduating seven seniors from last fall’s 26-win club including Times All-Area selections Nevaeh Sansone and Brooklyn Guelde, the Red Raiders will have mostly new faces in the varsity lineup outside of Miller, who’s converting from opposite to the outside. Coach Scherer says it’s a fun, balanced, enthusiastic group. “We will be very young this year,” the 24th-year coach said. “Our goal/expectation will be to gain experience and continue to grow as a team. We always strive to be in the top part of the conference and have a winning season. With practice, preparation, and experience comes confidence.” Jelling quickly and settling into roles will be the key to another winning season.
Coach: Christy Pruski (2nd season)
Last season’s record: 13-12 overall, 5-5 Little Ten
Top returning players: Aubrey Chiavario, MH, jr.; Abby Hohmann, MH, jr.
Top newcomers: Bella Rolf, OH, so.; Ady Werner, OH, so.
Worth noting: This season’s Bobcats will be young and defensive-minded, according to Pruski. “My goal for them is to grow in their understanding of the game,” Pruski said. “The more they understand ‘why’ they are doing what is asked of them, the more independent they become on the court, and true leaders emerge. A more tangible goal would be to maintain the conference and overall record from 2023, but hopefully beat it.” Chiavario put down 96 kills and 25 blocks in 2023, adding 24 aces. Hohmann came up for varsity full-time in-season. Pruski expects the Bobcats to learn the varsity game together and rely on defense to win rallies.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Nick Fox, CL Enterprises vice president of Construction and Development, holds the door open for others at the entrance of the former Maytag building Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, on the corner of First and Joliet streets in downtown La Salle. CL Enterprises and La Salle officials met together for an inspection of the Maytag and Kaskaskia buildings. (Scott Anderson)
The city of La Salle has completed inspections at two CL Real Estate Development properties, building inspector Dennis Hocking said in an email.
The former Kaskaskia Hotel and Maytag building was toured Wednesday by Hocking, special counsel Sheryl Churney, city engineer Brian Brown, Fire Chief Jerry Janick and representatives from CL Real Estate.
“CL Real Estate fully cooperated with the inspections of both properties,” Hocking said in the email. “City representatives gathered data and will be preparing reports for the City Council.”
Hocking didn’t say when the reports would be presented to the council, just that it would be done in a timely manner.
CL Real Estate did not respond to requests for comment from Shaw Local.
La Salle inspected the buildings in summer 2022.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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