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The Streator High School Marching Bulldogs finished first place Saturday in Class 1A at the Geneseo Maple Leaf Classic. (Photo provided by Streator High School)
The Streator High School Marching Bulldogs finished first place Saturday in Class 1A at the Geneseo Maple Leaf Classic.
The Marching Bulldogs took home Best Guard, Best Percussion and Best Music captions. The band also scored higher than its previous competition in Pontiac.
The band will return to competition in two weeks.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Streator officials will host a meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, at City Hall, 204 S. Bloomington St., to discuss recent gun violence. Streator Police Chief John Franklin will be available to speak on the incidents and address concerns, and residents are encouraged to attend. (Shaw Local News Network file photo)
Streator officials have scheduled a special meeting for Tuesday, Oct. 15, to address recent gun violence in the community.
Since the beginning of October, Streator police have responded to at least five separate calls of shots fired, most resulting in property damage and one injury, including gunfire reports Saturday, Oct. 5; Sunday, Oct. 6; and Thursday.
The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Streator City Hall, 204 S. Bloomington St., and Mayor Tara Bedei encourages concerned residents to attend.
Streator Police Chief John Franklin said he and Deputy Chief Robert Wood will be present at the meeting to discuss details of the recent shootings and potential connections between some of the incidents.
“We encourage our residents: If you hear something or see something, please say something.”
Franklin said the police department has been actively collaborating with the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotics Team, the region’s drug task force, to step up search warrant activity in Streator as part of efforts to address drug trafficking and the related violence.
“We do appreciate what Tri-DENT has done here,” Franklin said of the drug task force, in which Streator is a participating member. “We’ve had a lot of pickup in search warrant activity here in Streater over the past year.”
Franklin also emphasized the importance of community involvement, urging residents to report incidents promptly and to keep an eye on their surroundings.
“At times, people don’t call us for hours after they hear shots fired,” Franklin said. “We encourage our residents: If you hear something or see something, please say something.”
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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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

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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

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Holy Cross School in Mendota announced its fourth quarter honor roll for the 2023-24 school year. (Scott Anderson)
Holy Cross School in Mendota announced its fourth-quarter honor roll for the 2023-24 school year.
Charlee Dankenbring, Komen Denault, Hayley Diaz, Corbin Doll, Karson Doyle, Bear Fitzpatrick, Giselle Gonzalez, Leah Henkel, Shea Kreiser, Kaylee MacDonald, Abby Magallanes, Gaby Martinez, Kamilah Preciado, Maddox Rosales, Elsie Soliman, Ross Sondgeroth and Cole Tillman
Rafael Arteaga, Claire Atherton, Raegan Atherton, Eva Beetz, Joseph Cackley, Abby Delao, Elesea Denk, Cal Doyle, Quinn Eddy, Liam Jones, Catherine Moench, Kyla Muhlstadt and Yulissia Quintana
Emme Beetz, Leo Engels, Cale Full, Linda MacDonald, Lillee Monterastelli, Camden Pawlowski, Ellye Reppin and Molly Wilson
Nicole Cervantes, Eliana Escatel, Samantha Escatel, Henry Happ, Nolan Henkel, Paul Hochstatter, Ming Xi Huang, Sofia Lemus, Brooklyn Mauch, Armani Quintana, Brooklyn Shakespeare, Ally Tillman and Jaxson Zimmerlein
Diego Diaz, Ashlynn Rickels and Leah Schwemlein
Will Aughenbaugh
Blake Cyrocki
Mason Atherton and Brady Aughenbaugh
Carissa Doll
None
Sydney Beetz, Callie Martin, Keegan Mauch and Karissa Weber
Olivia Huang, Liam Stewart and Addison Trillet
Scarlett Abel, Karter Cassidy, Ty Faber, Weston Faber, Nora Mann, Carter Peterson, Evelyn Regan, Aaron Reyes, Brady Schwemlein, Weston Schwingle and Blakely Sondgeroth
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Carnival mega passes for the upcoming Streator Fest are on sale for $60. ( Tom Sistak For Shaw Media )
Carnival mega passes for the upcoming Streator Fest are on sale for $60.
These passes can be redeemed at the carnival’s tent for a mega wristband, which allows individuals to ride for the entirety of the four-day festival scheduled Aug. 1-4 at Northpoint Plaza. Buying the mega pass in advance is a savings of $10. Individual tickets or wristbands can be purchased at the event.
Fantasy Amusements of Arlington Heights will bring back its carnival with more than 20 rides for the second year in a row to the festival. Children need to be at least 36 inches tall to ride most rides. Height requirements are enforced for children’s safety. Go to Fantasyamusements.com for more information on the carnival.
Carnival mega passes are available at Ace Hardware (cash or card), 404-408 E. Main St.; B&R Grocery (cash only) 1123 N. Otter Creek St. or 1212 S. Bloomington St.; Lori’s Mailbox and Parcel (cash or card), 1215 N. Bloomington St.; Shaw Appliance (cash only), 127 S. Vermillion St.; SOCU (cash and card for members), 120 E. Northpoint Dr. or 912 N. Shabbona St.; Streator Community Credit Union (cash only), 302 N. Park St.; Streator Home Savings Bank (cash only), 132 S. Monroe St.; or go to streatorfest.com.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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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

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A man was found Thursday in the Illinois River near Spring Valley after a passerby saw him jump from the ledge of the Route 89 bridge, however, the man’s condition remains uncertain, officials said.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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emergency lights (Stock image)
Michael Sebastian, 35, of Peru, was cited by Spring Valley police on complaints of DUI, speeding, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and illegal transportation of alcohol at 2:35 a.m. July 23 at Richard A. Mautino and Ponsetti drives.
Patricia G. Ramirez, 23, of DePue, was charged by the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office with battery and resisting or obstructing a peace officer at 3:20 a.m. July 23 at 103 E. Fourth St. in DePue.
Samuel A. Vickery, 27, of Ottawa, was picked up by the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office on a failure to appear warrant at 6:44 p.m. July 23 near Route 40 and .5 1800 N. Ave near Manlius.
Jacob M. Deom, 26, of Manlius, was charged by the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office with failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and DUI at 9:49 p.m. July 22 at 2125 N. Ave. at 1200 E. St. in Walnut.
Edwin D. Rosado Arroyo, 26, of Spring Valley, was cited by Spring Valley police on complaints of driving while license suspended and excessive noise at 7:33 p.m. July 22 at Dakota and Power streets.
Ana A. Gonzalez, 26, of Princeton, was charged by the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office with failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, DUI and operation of an uninsured motor vehicle at 3:07 a.m. July 21 near Route 26 and 3065 E. St. in Spring Valley.
Joanne M. Garncarz, 38, of Granville, was cited by Spring Valley police on a complaint of driving while license suspended 7:32 p.m. July 19 at Spalding and Illinois streets.
Orlando G. Rivera Gamino, 27, of Sioux City, Iowa, was cited by Spring Valley police on a complaint of no valid driver’s license 12:29 a.m. July 18 at St. Paul and Spalding streets.
Ashley E. Alley, 34, of North Varna, was cited by Spring Valley police on a complaint of driving while license is revoked 10:03 p.m. July 17 at St. Paul and Hennessey streets.
Miguel A. Villalobos, 18, of Princeton, was cited by Spring Valley police on a complaint of driving while license is suspended 8:01 p.m. July 16 at Dakota Street and Strong Avenue.
Jolene F. Voss, 55, of Hennepin, was cited by Spring Valley police on a complaint of driving while license is suspended 7:12 p.m. July 15 at Spalding and Caroline streets.
Emily L. Falk, 33, of Spring Valley, was cited by Spring Valley police on complaints of criminal damage to property and public intoxication 9:22 a.m. July 14 on the 100 block of East Iowa Street.
Jody M. Olsen, 43, of Spring Valley, was cited by Spring Valley police on a complaint of leaving the scene of a property damage accident 11:36 p.m. July 13 on Minnesota and Hennessey streets.
Shaw Local News Network relies on reports furnished by police in our coverage area. Individuals in Police Reports who have been charged with a crime have not been proven guilty in court.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Mendota Fire Chief Dennis Rutishauser has seen numerous fatal crashes along Route 251 lately, and he’s getting tired of it. Rutishauser poses for a photo near the intersection of North 39th Road and Route 251 on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, near Mendota. A roughly 9-mile stretch of Route 251 has had an uptick of crashes and fatalities lately from just south of North 36th Road to just south of 45th Road. Rutishauser blames it on a variety of factors including speed, cellphone use and general inattention. (Scott Anderson)
Dennis Rutishauser has been a firefighter more than 40 years and has seen plenty of bad accidents on Route 251 between Peru and Mendota – but he’s never seen a string of fatalities as he has this year.
Rutishauser is Mendota fire chief and is dismayed over five fatal scenes in just less than three months, all within a roughly 9-mile span of Route 251 from just south of North 36th Road near Troy Grove to just south of North 45th Road north of Mendota.
“Slow down. Stay off the phones. Don’t follow too closely. Don’t overtake people improperly.”
While reckless behavior and excessive speed are ongoing issues, Rutishauser is looking to the county and the state for solutions to improve safety on an increasingly deadly stretch of road.
“I’ve had accidents always on this stretch of road, but not this frequently,” he said. “Cellphones could be a problem. The traffic is really heavy now, so it’s kind of hard to pass and when someone does there are cars being run off the road.
“There’s no one issue.”
Although many of the crashes remain under investigation, suspected causes vary among the five deaths. Medical issues are suspected in at least one case and investigators have not ruled out driver inattention in other cases.
Nevertheless, the recent spate of fatalities has been eye-popping. Police and coroner records show five fatal crashes in just 88 days, all within a relatively short corridor. They include:
Madrick Musgrove, 16, of Mendota died April 18 just south of North 45th Road; James A. Staublein, 64, of La Salle died May 7 from multiple injuries sustained in a crash a half mile north of U.S. 52 in Troy Grove Township;Jerome E. Johnson, 25, of Ottawa died May 10 after being struck by a motor vehicle on Route 251, a quarter mile south of North 36th Road, in Dimmick Township. Johnson’s death was the result of a hit-and-run and remains under investigation; Jacob Stewart, 33, of Spring Valley sustained fatal injuries June 22 while changing a tire near 36th Road, a mile south of U.S. 52; David T. Gorman, 47, of Steward died July 14 after his southbound vehicle left Route 251 about ¼ mile north of 22nd Street and struck a tree
What’s the solution? Rutishauser said he hopes better awareness and perhaps better signage will help. He would welcome input and corrective action by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Not much shoulder, is there? An aerial view of the intersection of U.S 52 and Route 251 on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, near Troy Grove. A stretch of Route 251 has had an uptick of crashes and fatalities lately from just south of North 36th Road to just south of 45th Road. (Scott Anderson)
Jason Martin, undersheriff of the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office, said he agreed with Rutishauser’s assessment and had succinct advice for motorists.
“Slow down,” Martin said. “Stay off the phones. Don’t follow too closely. Don’t overtake people improperly.”
The sheriff’s office, cognizant of the recent tragedies, means to enforce these things, too. Martin said patrol officers have been instructed to increase patrols on Route 251 when in the general vicinity.
One potential long-term fix is adding shoulder space or pull-over spots. Presently, there is little or no shoulder along much of the corridor in question – steep ditches on either side increase the risk of a rollover – which means tragedy might have been avoided in the Stewart fatality had there been some space for roadside repairs.
State Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, pledged to inquire in how to improve road safety.
“I will ask [Illinois Department of Transportation] to look into this dangerous stretch of the road,” Rezin said.
A semi truck passes by an intersection along Route 251 on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, near Mendota. A mile stretch of Illinois 251 has had an uptick of crashes and fatalities lately from just south of North 36th Road to just south of 45th Road. (Scott Anderson)
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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