Category: Uncategorized

Beth Findley Smith (R-Somonauk) resigned Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, in a letter to Chairman Don Jensen (R-Deer Park). (Photo provided by Beth Findley Smith)
A member of the La Salle County Board has resigned after moving out of her district, and she will participate in one final board meeting Jan. 9.
Beth Findley Smith, R-Somonauk, resigned Friday in a letter to Chairman Don Jensen, R-Deer Park.
“Serving the people of District 4 has been both a privilege and an honor,” Findley Smith wrote. “During my time on the board, I have deeply valued the opportunity to advocate for property rights, lower taxes and infrastructure improvements – issues that I believe to be vital to the well-being of our county.
“I have greatly enjoyed my role as a public servant and am proud of the work we have accomplished together. While I am stepping away from this position, I hope to continue serving my fellow citizens in the future in different capacities.”
Findley Smith recently stood for reelection and defeated newcomer Christine Valenta 1,363-768 in the Nov. 5 election.
Jensen said he has 60 days to replace Findley Smith. Although he hasn’t yet started the process, he will proceed to have it done as soon as possible.
“I would like to thank Beth for her service to the county and her constituents during her tenure here,” he said.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Kristin Mangrich (Photo provided)
Kristin Mangrich of Streator Woodland Elementary School was one of six school administrators recently recognized by the Corn Belt Region of the Illinois Principals Association.
She was named as the Elementary Principal of the Year. Mangrich, the former Kristin Bickett, is a Malden native.
Criteria for Principal of the Year winners include: demonstrating a positive impact on education and advocacy for children; ensuring the school climate is positive and reflects high staff and student morale; demonstrating creativity and imagination in bringing about positive change; and, involving the community in the life of the school and using community resources for students.
Region winners are chosen from the 21 regional areas of the Illinois Principals Association. From these elite administrators, a state winner is chosen by a committee composed of IPA past presidents.
The Corn Belt region of the Illinois Principals Association includes school administrators throughout Livingston, McClean, Ford and Iroquois counties. The Illinois Principals Association is a leadership organization which serves educational leaders throughout the state of Illinois and whose mission is to develop, support and advocate for innovative educational leaders.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The Princeton FFA Alumni will host a pork chop and pork burger stand at the upcoming Princeton-Hall basketball game on Friday, Feb. 14. (Scott Anderson)
The Princeton FFA Alumni will host a pork chop and pork burger stand at the upcoming Princeton-Hall basketball game on Friday, Feb. 14.
The stand will be open from 5:30 p.m. until the end of the game or until supplies run out. The fundraising event will be set up in the cafeteria of the Princeton High School.
Proceeds from the evening’s sales will go toward senior student scholarships to be used by Princeton FFA members. Food supplies are limited.

Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Here are the La Salle County marriage licenses for April 1 to 12, 2024. (Shaw Media file photo)
Here are the La Salle County marriage licenses for April 1 to 12, 2024.
Froilan Ramon Gracia Guzman of La Salle and Yenifer Melisa Calix Farret of La Salle
Tanner Austin Swartz of Ottawa and Alexis Marie Sodaro of Ottawa
Cole Richard Johns of Oglesby and Kendra Reyne Arjes of Oglesby
Mit Bipinkumar Patel of Canton, Mich. and Bhoomi Rajendra Patel of La Salle
Jordan Louis Kiley of Cedar Point and Danielle Darlene Missel of Cedar Point
Eric Nihyun Chung of Bourbonnais and Julia Ann Hancock of Bourbonnais
Jacob John Plochocki of La Salle and Alyssa Leanne Marcum of Peru
Coleman David Mauch of Mendota and Molly Anne Torman of Mendota
Timothy John Cole of Marseilles and Elizabeth Ann Zemann of Marseilles
Luis William Velasco Pillo of La Salle and Janneth Amparo Villarreal Quenguan of La Salle
Ryan Anthony Koons of Marseilles and Heidi Lin Chapman of Marseilles
Steven Michael Tordai of Earlville and Mackenzie Van Harris of Earlville
Peter James Vignali of Sheridan and Morgan Bryann Olesen of Ottawa
Liam Wayne Bogle of Mendota and Giuseppina Piccolo of Spring Valley
Alec Daniel Townsend of Naperville and Jennifer Lynn Prokop of Mokena
Nolan Paul Baumbach of Aurora and Rena Ann Jones of Aurora
Nathan Gilbert Lawrence Klema of La Salle and Brooke Marie Reutner of La Salle
Andrew Timothy Dresen of Ottawa and Kylie Anne Keeney of Ottawa
Tristan James Hout of Ottawa and Nicole Renee Oelschlager of Ottawa
Mack Joseph Colt of Bondurant, Iowa and Amber Nicole Schiffbauer of Bondurant, Iowa
Kristopher Michael Brown of Hanover Park and Jasmine Estela Cotts of Aurora
Pietro Joseph Mautino of Ottawa and Emily Ann Kurtz of Ottawa
Conor Eugene Shukstor of Mendota and Avery Judith Barrett of Mendota
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Princeton’s Casey Etheridge runs behind blocks from teammates Anthony Vujanov and Common Green in Saturday’s game in Chicago. The Tigers won 34-16. (Mike Vaughn)
Montini faces Princeton in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Class 3A IHSA football playoffs. Friday Night Drive editor Kevin Hieronymus will have live updates, scores and news from the game.
Montini vs. Princeton kickoff: 1 p.m. Saturday
Where: Bryant Field
Montini-Princeton preview
About the Broncos: Montini held on for a 14-13 win over No. 1 Byron when senior linebacker Jaxon Lane stopped the Tigers short of the goal line going for a game-winning 2-point conversion. That win avenged a 26-20 loss to Byron in the 2023 semifinals and snapped the Tigers’ 24-game winning streak. Jeremiah Peterson rushed for 110 yards on 17 carries and both touchdowns for Montini, and sophomore quarterback Izzy Abrams ran for 50 yards while completing 10-of-13 passes for 56 yards. … Montini has a playoff tradition as rich as any program in the state with 34 appearances, 73 playoff wins, 18 quarterfinal berths, six state championships and three runner-up finishes. The Broncos are 12-5 in quarterfinal play, 2-0 against Bureau County teams, including a 48-34 win over Hall in 1993.
About the Tigers: Quarterfinal weekends are becoming common occurrences for Princeton Tiger football, which makes its fifth straight appearance. However, the Tigers have lost their last three quarterfinals, including last year’s defeat to Montini. Princeton has geared up for a rematch with the Broncos since that defeat. … Casey Etheridge rushed for 217 yards and three touchdowns with a receiving TD in last week’s 34-16 win over Chicago King on the South Side of Chicago. Noah LaPorte also scored on a TD reception from QB Will Lott. The Tigers’ defense also stepped up with timely plays, including sacks by linebackers Common Green and Arthur Burden and DL Cade Odell. … The Tigers are 3-3 at home in quarterfinal play with wins over Alleman in 1989 (27-14), Rochester in 2002 (48-21) and Paxton-Buckley-Loda in 2019 (38-12) and losses to IC Catholic in 2015 (37-12) and 2022 (27-20) and Montini in 2023 (27-9). In 2021, the Tigers lost to IC Catholic (31-17) on the road. … Playoff history: Appearances – 15. Consecutive – 6; Record – 22-14. Farthest advancement – 3A runner-up (1989).
Next: The winner will face Saturday’s winner of No. 2 Wilmington (11-0) at No. 3 Du-Pec (10-1) quarterfinal in next week’s semifinals. Princeton would travel to either Wilmington or Du-Pec and Montini would host in either matchup.
Friday Night Drive pick: Montini
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Advanced Auto Parts, 220 E. Norris Drive, Ottawa, is shutting down shop. (Stephanie Jaquins for Shaw Local)
Advanced Auto Parts, 220 E. Norris Drive, Ottawa, is shutting down shop.
In November, the car parts retailer announced it was closing more than 700 of its 5,000 stores. The company said the closures are part of its “strategic plan to improve business performance.”
The 6,000-square-foot facility opened in Ottawa in 2012.
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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The Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on Sept. 8 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Beetz Me. (Photo provided by Ashley Oliver)
The Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting Sept. 8 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Beetz Me.
Beetz Me offers a variety of services including professional gift wrapping, wine bar experiences, sip and paint classes, gifts, decor and more.
For information on Beetz Me, visit 952 N. Main St. or call 815-879-7777.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The Illinois Department of Corrections will participate in at least 20 hiring events open to the public in various locations throughout March and April for anyone interested in learning about the agency’s career opportunities, including sessions in Ottawa and Pontiac. (Derek Barichello – dbarichello@shawmedia.com)
The Illinois Department of Corrections will participate in at least 20 hiring events open to the public in various locations throughout March and April for anyone interested in learning about the agency’s career opportunities. Events include sessions in Ottawa and Pontiac.
Prospective applicants can attend any event to learn about the process. IDOC recruiters will be on hand to answer questions and help individuals apply on the spot.
IDOC is seeking correctional officers, nurses, wardens, office associates, social workers and more to join its team. The state of Illinois offers competitive wages; health, vision, and dental insurance; vacation, sick, and personal days; wellness program; upward mobility program; deferred compensation plan; and a retirement plan. There are job opportunities at more than 30 IDOC locations.
For questions, email idocjobs@illinois.gov.
2 to 5 p.m. April 24: Livingston County Workforce Services Spring Job Fair, at Pontiac Parks & Recreation Center, 900 N. Elm, Pontiac.
10 a.m. to noon April 26: IDES Work for the State of Illinois Workshop, at Illinois Department of Employment Security, 1550 First Ave, Ottawa.
Prospective applicants can stay up to date on additions by following IDOC on social media.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Antique train rides Sunday, June 9, 2024, provided by Iowa Interstate Railroad will benefit the Sheffield Fire Department and Sheffield Historical Society. (Photo provided by Jan Rodgers)
Antique train rides are coming Sunday, June 9, to Sheffield.
It has been more than 10 years since Sheffield has held this event. The event is cosponsored by the Sheffield Fire Department and the Sheffield Historical Society as a fundraiser. Iowa Interstate Railroad refurbishes and maintains steam engines, diesel engines and antique parlor cars for the purpose of teaming up with volunteer fire departments to help raise funds supporting them.
This year, 1920s refurbished parlor cars will provide a comfortable ride, pulled by diesel engines built in 1970 in Chicago. Steam engines owned by IAIS have been pulled for major overhauls and are not available until 2027. Five vintage passenger train cars from the 1920s era (originally built for the Pennsylvania Railroad and rebuilt after World War II) are equipped with modern restroom facilities. Heat and air conditioning are not available on these rides. Passengers need to be able to board with some assistance from volunteers if needed, however, these trains are not Americans with Disabilities Act compatible.
The train will board on the north side of the tracks at the Main Street crossing in Sheffield and will travel to just east of Geneseo city limits. All rides are about 40 miles roundtrip and take approximately 45 minutes. Guests are asked to arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of departure to find parking, pick up tickets (will call) and board the train. A food stand will be available sponsored by the Sheffield Fire Department.
Tickets are still available, but limited. The noon ride is sold out. There are tickets left for the 9 a.m. ride, and a limited number of tickets left for the 10:30 a.m. ride. Tickets may be purchased ($15 per person, children 2 and younger are free riding on an adult lap) by phone using a credit card. The Sheffield Fire Department phone number is 815-454-2212 (leave a message and someone will return the call). Also, the Sheffield Historical Society is selling tickets by phone at 815-454-2850, and it also opens 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 325 S. Washington St. This is the last week to buy tickets. Go to Sheffield Fire Department and Sheffield Illinois Museum Event page on Facebook for more information.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Ottawa police announced parking restrictions for the Independence Day fireworks show. (Photo provided by Ottawa Police Department)
Ottawa‘s Independence Day fireworks will be held this year at sunset Thursday, July 4. They will be launched from the levee at Ottawa High School.
The high school is allowing attendees to view the fireworks from the bleachers, but the east student lot is closed because of construction.
As a result, the high school will not be able to accommodate parking for viewers, as was historically allowed. An additional parking lot that can accommodate up to 300 vehicles has been established on the west end of the old Central School property just east of the YMCA. Those wishing to use this parking area can do so after 6 p.m. July 4 and can access it from Albin Stevens Drive, where an officer working the event will direct cars. Those wishing to view the fireworks from the high school should use the riverwalk to East Main Street.
At the conclusion of the event, the vehicles will be directed out of this lot to West Main Street. Be prepared for traffic congestion at the conclusion of the event.
People seeking to view the fireworks south of the river should be aware that no parking is allowed on Route 71 near Allen Park, and those use Allen Park for viewing need to park legally inside the park. Also, there will be no parking allowed on East Prospect Street or Catherine Street directly above Allen Park to allow for emergency vehicles to access this area if needed.
As a reminder, residents should be aware that those using illegal fireworks within Ottawa will be cited, and the fireworks will be seized by law enforcement.

Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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