Category: Uncategorized

The Cora J. Pope Trust and the Ottawa YMCA announced a new collaboration aimed at helping seniors. Pictured are Cora J. Pope Trust Board members (from left) Jim Keely, board attorney; Karen Trafton, Gordon Page, Erin Stuedemann, Spencer Lawrence, Ralph Wolter, Claudia Rogers, treasurer; Gayle Schmitt, the Rev. Pastor John Walter of First Presbyterian Church; and the Rev. James Friesen of First Presbyterian Church of Morris. (Derek Barichello)
The Cora J. Pope Trust and the Ottawa YMCA announced a new collaboration aimed at helping seniors.
The Ottawa YMCA, 411 Canal St., now will serve as an application site for the Cora J. Pope Trust Senior Grant Fund, providing a convenient and accessible location for seniors to apply for essential financial support.
The Cora J. Pope Trust Senior Grant Fund is a nonprofit organization established under the Presbyterian Church, continuing the legacy of Cora J. Pope, who dedicated her life to supporting senior women in Ottawa. The fund provides grants of up to $2,500 per calendar year to help seniors live independently with dignity and comfort. These grants may be used for home repairs, medical needs, assisted living expenses and moving support, among other items.
Beginning immediately, the Ottawa YMCA will assist seniors with the application process, offering a welcoming and inclusive space where individuals and couples aged 55 and older can apply for the grant. The Cora J. Pope Trust Board of Directors and the Synod of Lincoln Trails will continue to oversee the grant program, ensuring it upholds Cora J. Pope’s long-standing mission of caring for the community’s elders.
Grant opportunities include:
The Cora J. Pope Trust has been dedicated to providing senior support since its inception, offering grants and services that allows seniors to live with dignity, according to a join news release from the trust and YMCA. The trust reflects her vision, which sustained an active ministry for women through her endowment for more than 75 years.
“We are excited to join forces with the Cora J. Pope Trust in continuing Cora’s legacy of care and support,” said Joseph Capece, Ottawa YMCA director in a news release. “This collaboration not only enhances our mission of social responsibility but also allows us to make a direct and meaningful impact in the lives of seniors.”
Applications for the Cora J. Pope Trust Grant Fund are available at the end of the main hallway at the Ottawa YMCA, or online at https://www.corajpope.org/apply and can be mailed to the Cora J. Pope Trust Senior Grant Fund at 114 E. Jefferson St., c/o First Presbyterian Church, Ottawa, IL 61350. For more information, contact 815-681-8936 or email corajpopeprgadm@yahoo.com.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

source

The following cases were considered Friday by the Bureau County Grand Jury. (Shaw Local News Network)
The following cases were considered Friday by the Bureau County Grand Jury.
Jesse S. Woodruff, 32, Friendship, New York, was indicted for the Class X felony offense of unlawful possession with intent to deliver cannabis. He is accused of possessing with the intent to deliver more than 5,000 grams (about 11 pounds) of a substance containing cannabis. An Illinois State Police trooper testified before the grand jury. The defendant is currently on pretrial release.
Robert T. Lucas, Jr., 59, of Princeton, was indicted for the Class X felony offense of unlawful possession with intent to deliver controlled substance (cocaine) and the Class 2 felony offense of unlawful possession of weapon by a felon. He is accused of having in his possession, more than 400 grams but less than 900 grams of a substance containing cocaine with the intent to deliver. He is further accused of being in possession of a firearm at the time he was a convicted felon. An Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotics Team task force agent testified before the grand jury. This defendant is in custody of the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office following a detention hearing.
Andrew L. Martinez, 37, of La Salle, was indicted for the Class 4 felony offense of violation of an order of protection. He is accused of committing an act prohibited by an active order of protection of which the defendant was served. The defendant has a prior conviction for violation of an order of protection in La Salle County. A deputy from the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office testified before the grand jury. This defendant is in custody of the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office following a detention hearing.
These indictments were presented to the grand jury by Bureau County State’s Attorney Thomas Briddick, and First Assistant State’s Attorney Daniel Anderson. The indictments were returned before Judge James A. Andreoni. There was one suppressed case.
These indictments are only accusations against the defendants. They are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

source

Carle Health hosted a celebratory open house event Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, in Spring Valley, where residents and local leaders met with doctors and staff, toured the facility and learned about how it will bring exceptional healthcare to the community. Lead providers Mario Cote, MD, and Thaw Tun, MD, helped cut the ribbon as the clinic begins seeing patients this week. (Photo provided by Harry Croton)
Carle Health now is offering access to healthcare in the Illinois Valley as the healthcare system opens two new internal medicine clinics in the area.
Carle Health Spring Valley began seeing patients Sept. 9 and Carle Health Henry will begin seeing patients on Sept. 30.
“Our care teams and providers know these communities and patients and are thrilled to be able to continue serving their health needs at our two new clinics,” said Jay Collier, Carle Health Greater Peoria vice president of Clinic Operations. “High-quality healthcare you can depend on is so important and it’s our privilege to be a part of creating better health outcomes for families across the region.”
Carle Health hosted a celebratory open house event in Spring Valley this past Friday, where residents and local leaders met with doctors and staff, toured the facility and learned about how it will bring exceptional healthcare to the community. Lead providers Mario Cote, MD, and Thaw Tun, MD, helped cut the ribbon Friday as the clinic begins seeing patients this week.
These new clinics in Spring Valley and Henry will offer decades of experience and specialized expertise to patients, Carle said in a news release. Cote and Tun previously practiced in both communities prior to temporary relocations in Lacon and Chillicothe while Carle Health finalized the new facilities.
“Both of these facilities are staffed with talented and experienced physicians, nurses and administrators committed to those they serve who will bring patients the best possible care experience,” said Marcellus Austin, director of Clinic Operations for Carle Health Greater Peoria. “We look forward to advancing the health needs of the families who call these areas home.”
Those who would like to schedule an appointment at Carle Health Spring Valley can call their office at 779-323-8150.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

source

The ice rink at Alexander Park in Princeton opens Tuesday. (Scott Anderson)
The ice rink at Alexander Park in Princeton opens Tuesday.
Ice skates will be available for rental for $5 at the Bureau County Metro Center, 837 Park Ave. W., although skates must be returned to the facility before closing time. Call at 815-872-0840 or stop in for any questions or skate rentals.
Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday. There is no hockey and skates must be worn at all times on the ice.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

source

A restoration hearing has been set for Jan. 24 in a Bureau County murder case that has been continued for more than two years because the charged is undergoing mental health treatment and examinations. (Scott Anderson)
A restoration hearing has been set for Jan. 24 in a Bureau County murder case that has been continued for more than two years because the man charged is undergoing mental health treatment and examinations.
Matthew J. Pairadee, 33, was in court Monday for a status hearing. Last March, a jury found he was unfit to stand trial. Dr. Jean Clore and Dr. Terry Killian also determined he was unfit to stand trial.
On Feb. 16, the state requested a discharge hearing — because of Pairadee’s mental fitness.
Judge James Andreoni said on Nov. 12 the Illinois Department of Human Services 90-day report determined Pairadee had been restored to fitness and a restoration hearing needed to be set before a trial date could be set.
Andreoni asked Bureau County State’s Attorney Daniel Anderson and Public Defender Bradley Popurella if they planned on calling any witnesses for the restoration hearing or if they planned on utilizing statements; both said they planned to use statements.
Popurella also is awaiting another physician’s opinion, so another status hearing has been set for Dec. 30 ahead of the restoration hearing.
Popurella also requested the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office provide pencils and papers, so Pairadee is able to aid in his own defense.
Andreoni said he didn’t run the jail and asked Popurella to reach out to the sheriff with the request first and if there was any issue than to come back to court with a motion.
Pairadee is accused of fatally shooting 69-year-old Jerome Lauer, also of Ohio, Illinois, in October 2022, after entering a home allegedly and taking a 10-month-old child.
He faces a minimum of 45 years in prison and a maximum of natural life for the murder charges with a firearm enhancement. The home invasion, a Class X felony, will carry a minimum of 21 years and maximum of 45 years with a firearm enhancement.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

source

The following students were selected by the Seneca High School teachers and staff as the November 2024 Students of the Month.
Got a news tip? Email ntnewsroom@shawmedia.com
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

source

The sun sets over the ice rink on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, at Washington Park in Peru. The skating rink is no open for the winter season. (Scott Anderson)
Illinois Valley residents have been enjoying the winter activities offered at Washington Park in Peru this season, and that enjoyment may expand as soon as November.
The Peru City Council approved Monday a $1,070,499 contract with SKI Sealcoating & Maintenance to install new chiller units for the ice rink.
Parks and Recreation Director Adam Thorson said once the chiller units are installed the rink can be open whenever the temperature is 50 degrees or cooler.
“The goal is November,” he said, suggesting around Thanksgiving time.
With the new chiller unit, temperature will no longer be a concern. Thorson said he believes the lead time on a chiller unit is about 40 weeks, which will put the city at mid- January.
“Overall it’s going to be a very attractive area in Peru.”
Thorson said the rink has only been open around 20 days this year, but noted it has been packed for skating and hockey during that time. The city was able to set up the rink at the end of November as the forecast was in the high 20s.
Last year, the rink never opened. In 2022, the rink was open for seven days because of the weather.
Thorson said he wanted to touch on how big of an attraction and hit the ice rink will be once it’s completed as well as Washington Park itself as whole.
“To have ice from November through March, more than likely, that’s the bigger part of the project obviously and then the bocce ball court and the exercise equipment and just making it accessible to everybody for full usage.”
“So, overall it’s going to be a very attractive area in Peru,” Thorson said.
At the end of January, the city announced it was awarded a $600,000 Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Grant, a program administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, to make improvements around the Washington Park ice rink and make it available to the public despite weather conditions.
The city will match the grants with a 50/50 contribution.
Mayor Ken Kolowski said once completed Washington Park will be a year-round gathering spot for everyone to enjoy.
“I think this is a great addition to our community,” he said. “Just to see kids out like this and next year Adam’s already thinking there’ll be theme nights, there’ll be all kinds of things we can go over there.”
Alderman Tom Payton said he agreed and was really excited and happy for how the Washington Park improvements were turning out.
“Just to let you know this million dollars comes from hotel/motel, so we’re not affecting any other projects — this has been planned for … that is what that fund is for to take care of things like this. So, looking forward to great things in that park.”
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

source

Spring Valley and Standard firefighters responded to a water rescue along the boat ramp on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, at the Spring Valley Boat Club in Spring Valley. (Scott Anderson)
A man found Thursday in the Illinois River near Spring Valley after a passerby saw him jump from the ledge of the Route 89 bridge died after arriving to the hospital.
The man was taken by ambulance to OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Peru after rescuers in boats discovered him from the water. Putnam County Sheriff Josh Boedigheimer said resuscitation efforts were in progress when the victim was taken by ambulance destined for the hospital. Boedigheimer said the man died shortly after his arrival at OSF.
The sheriff said at 5:11 p.m. Thursday a passerby saw the man get out of his vehicle and jump from the ledge of the bridge. The act appeared to be intentional, Boedigheimer said.
First responders from at least seven police, EMS and rescue teams assembled at the Spring Valley Boat Club during the rescue.
The death remains under investigation and the La Salle County Coroner’s Office is expected to release any further information.
Dozens of first responders respond for a water rescue along the boat ramp on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, at the Spring Valley Boat Club. (Scott Anderson)
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

source

Streator police reported Tuesday a citation was issued to a woman after a donation box was reported stolen from the library. (Bill Freskos)
Streator police reported Tuesday that a citation was issued to a woman after a donation box was reported stolen from the library.
Karis A. Maple was cited on a complaint of theft, released and given a court date in early February. She also was banned from the library at the request of management.
Maple returned to the library, where she was identified by officers. Police said she was read her rights and admitted to taking the donation box. The box was recovered from Maple’s possession and showed pry marks on the bottom, indicating it had been tampered with even though a key was needed to open it, police said.
Streator police said Maple told them it was already in that condition when she took it and explained that she believed the donation box was intended for people to give and to take.
She also told officers that a library employee informed her of this, but no staff member at the library could confirm that, Streator police said.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

source

Todd Volker of Ottawa announced Wednesday his candidacy for election to the Illinois Valley Community College board of trustees. (Photo provided by Habitat for Humanity)
Todd Volker of Ottawa announced Wednesday his candidacy for election to the Illinois Valley Community College board of trustees.
Volker is economic development director for Kendall County. Before this, he served as executive director of Habitat for Humanity of La Salle-Bureau-Putnam Counties and Volker has a record of community service across the Illinois Valley. He serves as a commissioner on the Ottawa Plan Commission.
He is running in the April 1, 2025 consolidated election.
“I want to help Illinois Valley Community College thrive and I’m running because my experience in business, government and nonprofit management will be valuable to the board. IVCC is one of our area’s major– major! — assets,” Volker said, “and it is an important pillar of our area’s economic vitality. The education should be available to everyone.”
“I’m running to represent our shared Illinois Valley interests in keeping IVCC strong. This is a challenging time for enrollments across all Illinois educational institutions. We want IVCC to continue its leadership and continue its positive impacts in the community. It offers so much value to all age groups in the community.”
Volker said he has a “tight connection” to the college, having taken IVCC classes while still a student at Princeton High School.
“They started me on my way. I’ve also taught several part-time classes at IVCC as an adult – giving back to the school. Illinois Valley Community College can be a truly transformative place. We have to work to keep IVCC open and available to everyone in the community.”
“I’ve seen in my own work how strong community college programs connect young people to good-paying jobs that can provide a good living and a good future here in the Illinois Valley area.”
He is the son of Richard and Loretta Volker of Princeton, husband to Linda Volker and father of Leo Volker. Todd Volker is a graduate of Princeton High School, Knox College and the University of Illinois.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

source