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A La Salle County grand jury convened Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024, and returned the following indictments.
A La Salle County grand jury convened Tuesday and returned the following indictments:
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
The rainbow-colored house at 1617 La Salle St. in Ottawa is listed for sale. (Derek Barichello)
There’s a new residential listing near downtown Ottawa. You can’t miss it.
It’s a one-story ranch that’s white – and also pink, green, blue, orange and yellow, among other colors. Each row of siding was painted a different color to catch the attention of the city of Ottawa.
The house at 1617 La Salle St. was purchased in 2017 by Mike Carretto, of Carretto & Associates, who works at the building just north of the property, according to a 2018 Times article. He planned to demolish the house to expand his lot. The city informed his contractor that he would be required to dig up La Salle Street to disconnect the water line at the water main in the middle of the street and terminate the sewer line at the property line.
Carretto didn’t want to pay the extra cost to dig up the street, and city officials declined to have him demolish the house first and disconnect the lines on their own the next time La Salle Street was under construction. He thought the city would concede in order to have the vacant building demolished, but when they didn’t, he started to paint the house in an effort to get their attention, as well as the attention of his neighbors. He painted it little by little.
The city of Ottawa said at the time it’s the city’s policy to have the line disconnected before demolishing a home and that homeowners are responsible for their own lines to the water main. Future construction could also lead to water main issues, which is why the city requires termination of lines.
In 2018, Carretto said passersby appreciated the technicolor home. Many people stopped to take photos to share on social media.
Currently, the home’s front window is covered with the phrase, “God is love, have courage & be kind.”
The listing calls the house infamous, as most in Ottawa are familiar with the home. It’s listed for $50,000 by George Shanley of Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group.
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.
The rainbow-colored house at 1617 La Salle St. in Ottawa is listed for sale. (Derek Barichello)
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Tom Daley and Ken Stopa, of the Oglesby Knights of Columbus, presented Principal Nathan Boudreau with a check for $1,500 with the proceeds generated from the fish fry. (Photo provided by Sheri Harlow)
Oglesby Knights of Columbus recently hosted a fish fry during Catholic School’s Week for Holy Family School.
Tom Daley and Ken Stopa, of the Oglesby Knights of Columbus, presented Principal Nathan Boudreau with a check for $1,500 with the proceeds generated from the fish fry.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
The Community Food Basket in Ottawa announced the purchase of a new, 10,500 square foot facility, at 725 Fulton St. (Maribeth Wilson)
The Community Food Basket in Ottawa announced the purchase of a new, 10,500 square foot facility, at 725 Fulton St.
The new location is located just west of downtown and will allow the organization to continue their mission of feeding those in need, the Community Food Basket said in a news release.
“I, along with the Community Food Basket’s Board of Directors, have been diligently searching for a new home for our organization over the last year,” said Executive Director, Marissa Vicich on Wednesday. “It was important to us that the new location keeps us in the downtown area and near to our clients who regularly walk and bike to see us. This milestone of building ownership is a testament to the support of our community for the work we have been doing for our neighbors over the last 25-plus years. We could not do it without the individuals, organizations and local governments that have put their trust in us to provide excellent services.”
Food pantry officials had said the organization had outgrown at 519 W. Madison St. of about 8,800 square feet that it leases. After 24 years at that location, it was informed recently the lease would not be renewed and it would have to move by the end of April 2024. The non-profit food distribution entity received a grant of $500,000 from La Salle County through the American Rescue Plan Act, enough to fund a move to a new facility. Vicich had initially said the food basket would ideally need 9,000 to 10,000 square feet, meaning its new facility will meet that goal.
The number of people the Food Basket serves is growing. In October of 2023 alone, it provided food and household supplies to 1,160 families, not only a high for the year but a new record.
For more information about receiving goods, income requirements, donating and volunteering at the Food Basket, go to its website at ottawafoodbasket.org.
The Community Food Basket in Ottawa announced the purchase of a new, 10,500 square foot facility, at 725 Fulton St. (Maribeth Wilson)
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Princeton Tigers logo
Princeton 69, Kewanee 60: The Tigers overcame a 34-29 halftime deficit by outscoring the Boilermakers 40-26 in the second half for the Three Rivers East win.
Noah LaPorte (22) and Jordan Reinhardt (20) combined for 42 points, making 16 of 28 free throws. Jayden Fulkerson added nine points.
Colson Welgat led Kewanee with 22 points and Catrelle Reed added 17.
The Riveters won the JV prelim 55-40. Jack Oester had 11 points and Stihl Brokaw 10 for the Kittens.
Bureau Valley 62, Princeville 51: The Storm picked up the Lincoln Trail Conference win on the road Friday.
Erie-Prophetstown 51, Hall 45: The Panthers snuck away with a Three Rivers East win over the host Red Devils in Spring Valley.
The Red Demons won the JV game 52-41.
Earlville 68, LaMoille 46: Brayden Klein led the Lions with 18 points while Tyler Billhorn had 16 points and 10 rebounds in a Little Ten Conference loss at Earlville.
Tri-County Conference Tournament: No. 1 Seneca edged No. 6 Marquette 39-36 for the championship at Putnam County’s RM Germano Gymnasium.
In other tournament action, No. 2 Roanoke-Benson defeated No. 5 Lowpoint-Washburn 49-47 for third place while No. 4 Dwight downed No. 3 Woodland 56-45 for the consolation crown.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Sixty-eight members of the La Salle-Peru High School Class of 2024 were inducted into the L-P Honor Society. (Photo provided by Matt Baker)
Sixty-eight members of the La Salle–Peru High School Class of 2024 were inducted into the L-P Honor Society.
To be eligible for honor recognition a student must have a grade-point average of 3.5 or better, have participated in at least two L-P sports and/or activities in both their junior and senior years, and possess the qualities of scholarship, service to school and community, leadership and character.
Those entered into the L-P Honor Society for 2024 are: Christine Aashita, Kaylee Abens, Seth Adams, Anthony Ambler, Aiden Anderson, Alex Anderson, Isabelle Andrews, Beatriz Arce, Kailey Archer, Isabella Argubright, Faith Arkins, Landon Arthur, Ayden Barajas, Abigail Beard, Andrew Bollis, Brendan Boudreau, Elisheva Bruins, Nicholas Butler, Devyn Castelli, Sarah Daugherty, Anya De La Luz Mozo, Addie Duttlinger, Hailey Dzik, Tanner Egbert, Coral Garcia, Galyleah Garcia, Jasmine Garman, Nolan Glynn, Clara Guglielmetti, Makenzie Hamilton, Nathaniel Hansen, Aidan Harmon, Carl Hicks, Samantha Hicks, Bridgit Hoskins, Jack Jereb, Elisabeth Kamke, Emily Kmetz, Lauren Kolczaski, Colin Krug, Ava Lambert, Adam Lane, Jacob Maier, Nora Maier, Will McLaughlin, Will Mertes, Grace Miller, Gabrielle Mosley, Neil Olivero, Sophia Pantoja, Natalie Perra, Konel Poisson, Eleanor Radtke, Ella Raef, Vance Redlich, Kaylie Reese, Kevin Rynke, Jaxon Schneider, Danica Scoma, Adrian Silva, Katherine Sowers, Brock Terzick, Caitlin Traub, Addison Urbanski, Nolan VanDuzer, Zoey VonDrehle, Olivia Weber and Zachary Znaniecki.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
The Princeton Veterans will be hosting its huge garage sale from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, at the American Legion Post 125, 1549 W. Peru St., Princeton. (Derek Barichello)
The Princeton Veterans will be hosting its huge garage sale from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, at the American Legion Post 125, 1549 W. Peru St., Princeton.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
The cast of “Tarzan” acts out a scene during a rehearsal on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, at Stage 212 in La Salle. (Scott Anderson)
Daniel ‘Day’ Jones of Q Hit Music WSTQ interviews Stage 212 on the upcoming production of “Tarzan” for Shaw Local Radio. The show started January 31 and runs through February 9.
Like what you hear? Be sure to check out the Q Hit Music Shaw Local Radio website here.
Listen to this interview on Spotify here.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Eli Washkowiak fires his disc from the tee box Sunday, March 3, 2024, at the new disc golf course at Rotary Park in La Salle. (Derek Barichello)
The Illinois Valley has a new disc golf course.
The 18-basket course, named The Quarry, opened Friday to the public at Rotary Park in La Salle. A grand opening is expected to be scheduled in the next few weeks.
A map of the course and details of course play are on a display at Rotary Park, as well as information at each hole for players to follow. The course is free. Players must bring their own discs.
Go to facebook.com/cityoflasalle for information on the course.
Jeremy Washkowiak fires his disc from the tee box Sunday, March 3, 2024, at the new disc golf course at Rotary Park in La Salle. (Derek Barichello)
The Washkowiak family plays a round Sunday, March 3, 2024, of disc golf on the new course at Rotary Park in La Salle. (Derek Barichello)
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
It’s not happening tomorrow – it will take time – but the Catholic schools of Oglesby, La Salle and Peru will be unified. (Scott Anderson)
It’s not happening tomorrow – it will take time – but the Catholic schools of Oglesby, La Salle and Peru will be unified.
Friday, pastors of the respective parishes met first with their teaching staffs and spelled out the plan to be executed over the next few months. Over the weekend, they told their parishioners: There soon will be one school (with three buildings) with a new name, new colors and mascot and, potentially, a new building.
“It’s becoming one school system,” said the Rev. Father Gary Blake, who heads the Peru Catholic School.
“We will be a new school in the fall,” said the Rev. Father Paul Carlson, pastor of Holy Family Parish in Oglesby. “It has moved very fast.”
So, what changes are forthcoming? The clergy said teachers will be retained. All three campuses will remain in use – for now. A feasibility study will, however, explore the future of the campuses.
Deb Myers, principal of Trinity Catholic Academy, said she’s described the process to her mildly-surprised faculty – the teachers knew something was up – as the three schools will be “unified, not merged or consolidated.”
Myers further noted the unifying approach will mean more offerings both in the classroom and in extracurricular activities.
“It’s all about sustaining the quality of Catholic education in the Illinois Valley for generations to come,” Myers said.
The process has taken about a year. In early 2024, the priests and principals huddled together for open-ended discussions on how to stay afloat financially. Later, they expanded the net to include secular authorities who agreed that Catholic schools, and school choice, benefit the community as a whole.
The problems driving this are anything but new. Demographics and societal changes that were decades in the making have increased the burden on parochial schools. Households are getting smaller. Fewer families are attending church and, by extension, fewer sending their children to Catholic school.
“The Catholic school model is broke,” said Rich Koehler, Peru Catholic principal, “that model being the church supports the school and the nuns provide the free labor.
“That’s totally, totally gone.”
All of which has sent education costs soaring. All three Catholic schools are operating at a deficit and have been for the past two years.
Meanwhile, facilities are aging and keeping the lights burning is growing more costly. It doesn’t help that school districts nationwide, public and parochial, are dealing with a shortage of educators.
Educators and clergy have seen it all coming and know it won’t get any better.
“It’s just the right time to address this,” Carlson said.
“We wanted to be proactive to get in front of this and work with parishioners, parents and teachers to present a solution to these things,” Blake said, “rather than have the diocese make changes.
“Traditionally, the diocese would look into the need, make the decision and give it to you. Here, the school districts and parishes are taking the lead and that is giving people more ownership in this.”
That is not to say the bishop’s office has been out of the loop. Local clergy have kept Louis Tylka, bishop of Peoria Diocese, abreast of the issues. He has given his OK for how to address them.
“The bishop has been supportive,” Myers said, “very supportive.”
Though announcements were made at the weekend Masses but resources are available for parents who want to learn more. Queries may be directed to Caholicschoolsconsortium.org
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network