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Mendota officials recently hired three employees to implement development strategies and grant initiatives. The team will focus on projects designed to enhance the local economy, improve quality of life and create positive youth opportunities, according to a news release from the city. (Scott Anderson)
Mendota officials recently hired three employees to implement development strategies and grant initiatives. The team will focus on projects designed to enhance the local economy, improve quality of life and create positive youth opportunities, according to a news release from the city.
The three employees are Project Director Annie Short, Project Coordinator Maria J. Arteaga and Grant Manager Alexandria (Ali) Braboy.
Short, a Mendota native, recently moved back to the city after working in Wisconsin for the past 20 years. Short is a Western Illinois University graduate, and she brings work experience in community organizing, strategic planning, nonprofit leadership and drug prevention initiatives.
Arteaga, a longtime Mendota resident, graduated from Mendota High school and attended Illinois Valley Community College for two years. She has experience as a paraprofessional, coaching youth soccer and helping in the community. She is bilingual, which allows her to navigate and connect with different cultures and communities.
Braboy is an Illinois Valley native who graduated from IVCC and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She has worked in journalism, grant writing and community planning.
Mayor David Boelk expressed enthusiasm for the work the trio will perform for the city.
“The city is proud of this investment to improve the quality of life for residents,” Boelk said.
Short, Arteaga and Braboy will work on the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration Partnership for Success Grant. Mendota was awarded the $1.875 million grant in late 2023, which includes funds for schools, organizations and staff to implement substance use prevention programming and create more positive youth activities over the next five years.
In addition to the efforts required by the grant, the new employees will support city staff with infrastructure development and community revitalization efforts. Mendota officials believe the work is crucial for the city’s future after two downtown fires in 2022, according to the news release.
For more information about the city’s work, visit www.mendota.il.us.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The Livingston County Sheriff’s office reported Tuesday numerous people were taken into custody for various offenses following a reported “shots fired” incident in the 1400 Block of South Cleveland Street in South Streator.
The Livingston County Sheriff’s office reported Tuesday numerous people were taken into custody for various offenses following a reported “shots fired” incident in the 1400 Block of South Cleveland Street in South Streator.
Streator Police responded along with the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, according to the sheriff’s office.
“This is an isolated case and there is no threat to the public,” the sheriff’s office saidd in its news release.
The shooting still is being investigated. Shaw Local News Network will update the story as more details are released.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Princeton’s Ace Christiansen tries to get past Rockridge’s Landon Bull. The Tigers won 27-18. (Photo provided by John Morris)
Princeton faces Kewanee in Week 4 of the 2024 IHSA football season. Friday Night Drive editor Kevin Hieronymus will have live updates, scores and news from the game.
Princeton vs. Kewanee kickoff: 7 p.m.
Where: Kewanee High School
Princeton-Kewanee preview
About the Tigers: After scoring 55 points through the first two weeks, Princeton exploded for 59 in last week’s win over Sherrard. … The Tigers have allowed 32 points through three games. … Common Green recorded a safety and blocked a punt in last week’s win over Sherrard. … QB Will Lott got the passing game going in Week 3, completing 4 of 5 passes for 77 yards and three TDs. … Casey Etheridge and Ace Christiansen each ran for a TD last week. … Entering the 126th meeting with Kewanee, Princeton leads the all-time series 64-57-4. The Tigers have won four of the past five meetings, including a 37-14 victory last season.
About the Boilermakers: Kewanee’s two losses have come by a combined 10 points. The Boilermakers lost 13-6 to Erie-Prophetstown in Week 1 and 24-21 to Monmouth-Roseville last week. Kewanee beat Riverdale 27-18 in Week 2. … Last week, the Boilermakers led 21-17 at halftime, but the Titans scored in the fourth quarter to pull out the win. … Alex Duarte ran for a pair of TDs against Mon-Rose, while QB Colson Welgat tossed a 32-yard TD pass to Ben Taylor with 59 seconds left in the first half. … Kewanee allowed 363 rushing yards last week.
FND pick: Princeton
Join us at 9:30 p.m. for Live with Friday Night Drive
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Emily Hansen (Photo provided by Darrell Hoemann)
The University of Illinois Extension announced the addition of Emily Hansen as a commercial agriculture educator serving Bureau, La Salle, Marshall and Putnam counties.
Hansen joined the team in November 2023 and has already targeted farmers and landowners.
Hansen graduated with her master’s degree in biological sciences in the behavior, ecology, evolution and systematics sequence from Illinois State University. During her time at ISU, Emily engaged in research exploring the influence of cover crops on soil microbial communities. She comes from a farming family, having farmed in the Grundy County area for five generations. Her areas of expertise include soil health, plant-microbe interactions, cover crops and sustainable production practices.
“I am excited to join the extension team in Bureau, La Salle, Marshall and Putnam counties,” Hansen said. “My first year on the job has been great and I look forward to bringing new and innovative programs to our community.”
In her role, Emily develops and delivers research-based programs to growers, collaborates with community partners and extends University resources to address a wide range of agricultural topics.
In 2024 she brought the Farmland Owners Conference to Illinois Valley Community College, hosted a roundtable discussion about cover crops, started an agriculture-focused blog; Field Notes, and organized the IVCC Ag + Extension Fall Field Day.
To learn more about upcoming events visit go.illinois.edu/BLMPAg.
Hansee is available to help answer questions related to row crop production and can be reached at the Illinois Extension office housed at Illinois Valley Community College, Room C223, 815 N. Orlando Smith Road in Oglesby or by calling 815-224-0896. Her email address is emhansen@illinois.edu.
The University of Illinois Extension announced the addition of Emily Hansen as a commercial agriculture educator serving Bureau, La Salle, Marshall and Putnam counties. (Photo provided by Karina Delgado)

Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
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Kaitlyn Pettyjohn owns and operates her own dairy goat herd where she breeds her goats, exhibits them at local shows and continues to improve her genetic base. She will be using her grant to continue to expand her SAE project. (Photo provided by Riley Hintzsche)
Two Streator FFA members were awarded at the end of December a $1,000 grant from the National FFA Organization thanks to two industry sponsors: Rabo Agrifinance and EDP Renewable North America.
FFA members Kaitlyn Pettyjohn and Kinslee Sweeden were each presented with grants.
These grants are designed to help FFA members create or expand Supervised Agricultural Experience projects, a requirement that all FFA members must complete. An SAE requires FFA members to create and operate an agriculture-related business, work at an agriculture-related business or conduct an agricultural research experience. Upon completion, FFA members must submit a comprehensive report regarding their career development experience.
For this grant, Pettyjohn and Sweeden had to provide a background of their SAE projects, describe their short and longterm goals, develop a budget, discuss the impacts their SAE has on themselves and outlines how the FFA has affected their life. Pettyjohn and Sweeden are two of the 22 students selected from Illinois to receive an SAE grant. They were selected from a pool of 1,238 applicants nation wide.
Pettyjohn and Sweedens SAE projects are under the advisement of their ag teachers, parents and community members. Their SAE projects allow them to develop, obtain and identify real life skills that they can give back to their community.
Pettyjohn owns and operates her own dairy goat herd where she breeds her goats, exhibits them at local shows and continues to improve her genetic base. She will be using her grant to continue to expand her SAE project.
Sweeden has always loved flowers and with her grant, she will be starting her own flower farm this summer. She will grow, market and sell flowers on her farm and at farmers markets. Her grant will be used to start her flower farm within the next six months.
Kinslee Sweeden has always loved flowers and with her grant, she will be starting her own flower farm this summer. She will grow, market, and sell flowers on her farm and at farmers markets. Her grant will be used to start her flower farm within the next 6 months. (Photo provided by Riley Hintzsche)
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Streator Police have identified a 39-year-old homeless male as the suspect in a Dec. 18 burglary at a local tavern. Charges are pending review. (Derek Barichello)
Streator police have identified a suspect in a burglary that occurred early on the morning of Dec. 18 at a local tavern.
The suspect, a 39-year-old man known to the department, was viewed on security footage during the break-in, which occurred about 6 a.m., Streator police said.
Police said the man forcibly entered the tavern through the rear door and stole a bag of coins, as well as a collector’s ring.
Officers encountered the suspect twice over the weekend but were unable to take action until his probation officer returns to work, police said. Police have not identified the suspect by name.
Streator police are awaiting approval for felony burglary charges from the La Salle County State’s Attorney’s Office, which has requested to review all related reports and video footage before proceeding.
The suspect remains at large, and authorities are continuing to investigate the case. Police said they will keep the public informed as the situation develops.
Anyone with information about the burglary can call Streator police at 815-672-3111.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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To enter, send a high-resolution color photo of the baby to the email. Photos cannot be cropped or altered and professional photographs will not be accepted. (Photo provided by Gail Jagers)
Here are the current entries for the Princeton Junior Woman’s Club’s 2023 Baby Contest.
Tristyn Mecum – 20 month old daughter of Brittney and Chris Mecum of Princeton. (Photo provided by Gail Jagers)
The PJWC is accepting entries that are sent to princetonjuniors@gmail.com by midnight Wednesday, Aug. 9.
Entrants must be Bureau County residents younger than 24 months as of Sept. 8. The message must also include the child’s name, sex, birthdate, age, parent names, parent addresses and two valid contact phone numbers.
More information regarding voting and prizes can be found here.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Join Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator Susan Glassman in partnership with Bureau, Marshall-Putnam, and La Salle County farm bureaus for their Heart Healthy Soups, Stews & Slow Cookers Class. (Scott Anderson)
Chase away the winter chills with a bowl of soup.
Soup nourishes, comforts, hydrates and might even keep the sniffles away. Soups are healthy, easy on the wallet, quick and fill up a person with fewer calories.
Learn to heighten the flavor with homemade garnishes and how to make a soup bar. Join University of Illinois Extension nutrition and wellness educator Susan Glassman in partnership with the Bureau, Marshall–Putnam and La Salle county farm bureaus for their Heart Healthy Soups, Stews & Slow Cookers class.
Learn how to create a soup bar and taste a sample of a delicious homemade slow cooker soup and take-home recipes. Get new ideas for family meals, and make your next pot of soup something super special to serve.
This class is sponsored in part by the Illinois Farm Bureau Consumer Grant. Seating is limited. Call your local farm bureau office to register:
For reasonable accommodations to participate or for information, call Glassman at 815-224-0894. Extension offices are located in Princeton, Ottawa and Henry as well as in Oglesby on the Illinois Valley Community College campus.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Explore the beloved treat of chocolate. (Daily Journal/Tiffany Blanchette)
Explore the beloved treat of chocolate.
Many chocolates are considered indulgent, but some can offer health benefits when consumed mindfully.
Get the scoop on the science behind different types of chocolate and taste the difference. Join the University of Illinois Extension’s Susan Glassman, a nutrition and wellness educator, and learn how chocolate can be part of a healthy lifestyle. Take home a recipe and resources, and enjoy dark chocolate hot cocoa in class.
The Health Benefits of Chocolate will be offered in February at the following locations:
To register, call 815-224-0894. For accommodations to participate, email Glassman at susang@illinois.edu. Early requests are encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Two new members of the Ottawa Police Department were officially sworn in Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. Daniel Rodriguez and Sofian Riahi took the oath to become Ottawa police officers. (Photo provided by Ottawa Police Department)
Two new members of the Ottawa Police Department were officially sworn in Friday.
Daniel Rodriguez and Sofian Riahi took the oath to become Ottawa police officers. For the next 16 weeks, they will be attending the police academy and start their journey with OPD.
Two new members of the Ottawa Police Department were officially sworn in Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. Daniel Rodriguez and Sofian Riahi took the oath to become Ottawa police officers. (Photo provided by Ottawa Police Department)
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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