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The Illinois Valley Baseball League Senior League Team, made up of players from La Salle, Peru, Oglesby and Utica, will represent District 20 in the Central Region Tournament, which begins Friday in Peru.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Freedom House’s COO Chloe Lund and CEO Michael Zerneck are pictured outside the Simon Conference Center in Princeton where the 2024 GALA will be on Saturday, April 13. (Photo provided by Diana Whitney)
The Power of Love is coming to Freedom House.
The Simon Conference Center in Princeton is the site of the 2024 GALA celebration. This year’s event features a champagne reception, food and drink, live and silent auctions and music by Greg Percifield. The evening also will include a special tribute honoring former Board President and Director Marshall Jones.
Freedom House, which will celebrate 41 years of service to the area provides free and confidential services to victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. More than 900 individuals were served in 2023 by a range of services, such as emergency shelter, legal and 24/7 medical advocacy, a professionally staffed 24-hour crisis line, individual and family counseling, and therapy for victims and their families. Staff also provides prevention education for kindergarten through 12th grade students and the community at large.
Services are free. Federal and state grants help cover some of the costs, but donations are needed to make these vital services continue.
According to CEO Michael Zerneck, statistics concerning abuse are staggering.
“Data shows that one in three women is physically abused by an intimate partner, with one in four men experiencing assault by an intimate partner as well,” Zerneck said in a news release. “Twenty percent of women experience rape in their lifetime, while close to 3% of men report complete or attempted rape.”
He explained domestic and sexual abuse know no age, gender, race or socioeconomic background.
“Every community in the US is affected. The resulting loss of wages, increased need for health care, school disruptions, mental health services, court time and emotional and physical toll on the abused and their children is staggering,” Zerneck said.
He said Freedom House services are aimed at curbing the abuse and helping victims and survivors find a safe way forward.
“But all that takes professional help, and that’s why we need the financial support of the communities we serve,” he said.
The Freedom House GALA plays a major role in fundraising. The evening is a special one, and the agency said it hopes to fill the tables and auction with the generosity of people who share a desire to help victims gain a better life.
Those wishing to support victims of domestic and sexual violence can purchase seats for the GALA in several ways. To reserve a spot at the GALA and make a lasting difference in the lives of many seeking to break the chain of abuse, visit freedomhouseillinois.org. Or send contributions to Freedom House, 440 Elm Place, Princeton, IL 61356 Attn: GALA Event.
Live and silent auction items as well as monetary donations also are appreciated.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Spectators watch drone demonstrations Aug. 1, 2023, during the National Night Out event at Zearing Park in Princeton. The 2024 event also has drone demonstrations scheduled. (Scott Anderson)
The Princeton Police Department and Princeton Park District are teaming up Tuesday, Aug. 6, to host National Night Out at Zearing Park.
The two entities are coming together in recognition of America’s Night Out Against Crime.
The event will be from 5 to 8 p.m., with hot dogs, chips and water served to attendees.
There will be a visit from the Life Flight helicopter 5 to 5:30 p.m., a K-9 demonstration at 6:30 p.m., a drone demonstration, face painting, a blood drive, tours of emergency vehicles and Mr. Cinnamon the Balloon Twister.
Several community partners and sponsors also contributed to the event.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
OSF HealthCare St. Clare Medical Center is offering essential training courses to equip individuals with life-saving skills, including suicide prevention and CPR certification. All courses are offered at OSF St. Clare, 530 Park Ave. E. in Princeton. (Shaw Local News Network)
OSF HealthCare St. Clare Medical Center is offering essential training courses to equip individuals with lifesaving skills, including suicide prevention and CPR certification. All courses are offered at OSF St. Clare, 530 Park Ave. E., in Princeton.
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, April 10: LivingWorks safeTALK: Suicide Awareness and Intervention. Multipurpose Room, fourth floor. Learn to recognize signs of suicidal thoughts, engage in meaningful conversations and connect individuals to support. This is a free course, complimentary of OSF HealthCare Foundation. Register online or email Stefanie Morris at stefanie.morris@osfhealthcare.org.
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, April 14: American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Course. White Oak Conference Room, third floor. Training will be offered for health care professionals on high-quality compressions, AED use and more. The cost is $50. To register, email Debi Johnson at diaperduty@hotmail.com.
Noon to 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 16: American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR/AED Course. White Oak Conference Room, third floor. Designed for non-health care professionals to learn CPR, choking response and AED use. The cost is $50. Certification is valid for two years. For information, email Morris.
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 8, and Friday, May 9: LivingWorks ASIST: Suicide Intervention Training. White Oak Conference Room, third floor. A two-day interactive workshop co-hosted by OSF and ICAHN, providing hands-on suicide intervention training. The cost is $75. For information, email Morris.
OSF St. Clare encourages community members to participate in courses and help create a safer environment. Find out more about events at osfhealthcare.org/events.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Postal carriers in Princeton will collect nonperishable food items Saturday, May 10, from residents’ porches or curbs for the Bureau County Food Pantry. (Derek Barichello)
Princeton residents have a challenge before them.
Postal carriers will collect nonperishable food items Saturday, May 10, from residents’ porches or curbs for the Bureau County Food Pantry.
Before the pandemic, Princeton was among the most generous communities, donating more than 30,000 pounds of food. Post-pandemic, collections have been about 10,000 pounds, organizers said.
Sullivans Foods donates grocery bags that will be delivered to homes this week. Residents can use those bags to fill with nonperishable food items.
“The need exists all the time, 1 in 5 individuals in our communities are suffering from food insecurity,” said Vanessa Hoffeditz.
Last year, the food pantry served more than 5,000 individuals in Princeton and its surrounding communities. Senior citizens are among the fastest growing clients, Hoffeditz said.
Nonperishable food items must be set out by 7 a.m. The Princeton Post Office will be looking for volunteers beginning at 8 a.m. to help with collection. Wyanet Carpets and Etreme Rentals donates use of its vehicles for collection.
“I can’t say enough about what postal carriers do,” Hoffeditz said.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
The Princeton Plan Commission (members double as Design Review Commission) approved Tuesday, July 8, 2025, plans presented by JCS Ag Services, LLC, and by Michlig Ag Solutions, Inc. (Tom Collins)
Two agribusinesses got the final votes needed to set up shop in Princeton.
On Tuesday, the Princeton Plan Commission – from which members double as Design Review Commission members – approved plans presented by JCS Ag Services LLC and Michlig Ag Solutions Inc.
Together, the two businesses will purchase four lots in Princeton’s Tech Park.
The commissioners voted unanimously to approve the dual petitions, but with conditions that proposed gravel roads be paved or replaced with concrete within two years.
JCS Ag Services owner Sam Lowers, a Wyanet resident, proposes a pole frame building (80 feet wide, 104 feet long) with an office 30 feet in length facing Backbone Road. A secondary containment area will house six vertical liquid fertilizer tanks holding 30,000 gallons each. The business sells herbicides, seeds and fertilizers, among other products.
Ag businesses come to Princeton Sam Lowers (left) and John King present their plans for dual agribusinesses to the Princeton Plan Commission. (Tom Collins)
“We believe that the farmers in the 30-mile radius of Princeton, Illinois, will benefit from our business due to our ability to provide competitive pricing on their inputs while providing them top-tier service that they deserve,” Lowers wrote in the petition.
Aesthetically, the design includes a monument-style sign nestled in a mulch bed with greenery, plus a flagpole, trees and landscaping around the office.
“I’m excited to start a business to support the community and our local farmers,” Lowers after the unanimous vote.
As for Michilig Ag, President John King proposed a manufacturing facility for “specialized seed fluency.”
“Specialized seed fluency products are experiencing significant momentum,” King wrote in his petition. “Although standard talc and graphite formations continue to hold the majority of market share, they are seeing limited innovation and minimal growth.
“In contrast, the market for biological- and nutrient-enhanced seed fluency products is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 20% to 25% over the next five years.”
King proposes a pole frame building (60 feet wide, 120 feet long) with an office 40 feet in length facing the road.
King expressed his gratitude at having the commission’s support.
“I grew up in Bureau County, and it’s good to bring the Michilig name back to Princeton and Bureau County,” King said. “We’re looking forward to building the business here in Bureau County.”
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
The Down on Main Summer Street Concerts series kicks off Friday in downtown Princeton. (Mike Vaughn for Shaw Media)
The Down on Main Summer Street Concerts series kicks off Friday in downtown Princeton.
Barracuda, a Heart tribute band, will perform beginning at 6 p.m. on South Main Street between Peru and Marion streets. Food and other activities will begin at 5 p.m.
City Manager Theresa Wittenauer said Monday the Down on Main series will have a number of guest vocalists perform “The Star Spangled Banner” throughout the series.
In addition to live performances, the concert series will feature local food and drink vendors. Attendees are asked to leave their dogs at home, because of safety precautions.
Admission is free because of the support of sponsors: Princeton Chevrolet GMC, Gardner Denver, Princeton and Utica Pioneer Production Plants, Corteva Research and Pioneer Seed Dealers: Andrew Pierson, Rob Colby and Will Linker, Yepsen Insurance Agency, Starved Rock Media, Ace Retail Support Team, Allegion, Conxxus, Advanced Asphalt, Compeer Financial, Marquis Inc, Central Bank, OSF Saint Clare Medical Center, First State Bank, Michlig Energy, Lorita Hellman – State Farm Agent. Community Sponsors are Jackie Davis, Beck Oil Company, Corn Belt Energy, Downtown Liquidation, May May Angel & Harris, Midland States Bank, Prairie State Tractor, Darrell Fox, Gwyn & Anthony Giaquinto, Jan Milles, Monica Robbins, Colleen Sissel and Tom Lange, Dan and Cynthia Tracy
For more information about the Down on Main Street Summer Concert Series, go to princetontourism.org or contact toursim@princeton-il.com.
July 12: Mike and Joe, cover band
Aug. 9: Dillon Carmichael, country artist
Sept. 5: World Turning Band, Fleetwood Mac tribute
October 5: Mae Estes at Oktoberfest Celebration at Rotary Park
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
(Front, from left) Eric T. Mrowicki, Senior Steward; Jeffrey L. Glade, Senior Deacon; Raymond W. Miller, Sr., Junior Warden; Steven J. Brown, Worshipful Master; Eric M. Lynch, Senior Warden; Alexander J. Zarka, Chaplain; Scott E. Heyob, Junior Deacon; Jacob Erickson, Junior Stewart. Back: Larry E. Lawson, Secretary; Gary E. Olson, Tyler; Lucas E. Matson, Treasurer; Richard Spahn, Installing Officer and Area Deputy Grand Master for the Northern Area. Missing was Richard Brown, Marshal. (Photo provided by Jeffrey Glade)
Steven J. Brown of Ladd assumed the top job of Worshipful Master, as St. John’s Lodge No. 13 Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Peru held its 184th annual installation of officers during an open ceremony on Saturday at the Peru Masonic Center.
Brown, who was installed by Area Deputy Grand Master for the Northern Area, Richard Spahn of DeKalb, takes over from Benny L. Nooks of Princeton, who served the previous two one-year terms as Master. Nooks leaves some big shoes to fill, as St. John’s earned two statewide awards for membership growth and a 2024 Silver Grand Master’s Award of Excellence honor during his tenure. The lodge also awarded $4,000 in scholarships to local students over those two years.
Elected to serve St. John’s Lodge for the upcoming 2025 year, along with Brown, are Eric M. Lynch of Peru as Senior Warden; Raymond W. Miller, Sr. of La Salle as Junior Warden; Lucas W. Matson of Ottawa as Treasurer; and Larry E. Lawson of Princeton as Secretary.
Officers appointed by Brown for the 2025 year are: Jeffrey L. Glade of Mendota, Senior Deacon; Scott E. Heyob of La Salle, Junior Deacon; Eric T. Mrowicki of Oglesby, Senior Steward; Jacob Erickson of La Salle, Junior Steward; Alexander J. Zarka of La Salle, Chaplain; Richard Brown of Peru, Marshal; and Gary E. Olson of Peru, Tyler.
St. John’s Lodge No. 13 is one of the oldest continuously operating organizations in La Salle County, established on Oct. 4, 1842, and meeting in the same location on Fourth Street in Peru since 1896. For more information on Masons in Illinois, or to consider applying for membership, check out www.ilmason.org.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
The River Bend Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry will be in Bureau County on Thursday, Dec. 5. (Photo submitted by the Hall Twp. Food Pantry)
The River Bend Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry will be in Bureau County on Thursday, Dec. 5.
The mobile pantry will begin distribution at 10 a.m. at the fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton. Registration is from 9:15 to 10 a.m.
Those using the pantry should arrive 30 minutes before distribution. The distribution will be indoors and may take up to two hours. Laundry baskets are great for using the food pantry.
The food pantry is coming to Princeton in partnership with the Bureau County Food Pantry, Old Wheels Club and First Lutheran Church. For information, visit riverbendfoodbank.org.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Emergency lights
The La Salle County Coroner’s Office has released the identity of the body found in a field near Grand Ridge.
Francesca A. Zeman, 46, of Grand Ridge died of heat stroke, according to preliminary findings released Friday by the coroner’s office.
Authorities had conducted a missing person search and located the body on East 18th Road, approximately a quarter mile south of North 19th Road, next to the roadway.
The location had previously been described as rural Streator.
Further forensic and toxicology testing is pending the final outcome. No foul play is suspected at this time. This incident is under further investigation and review by the La Salle County Coroner’s Office, La Salle County Sheriff’s Office and Illinois State Forensic Services Unit.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network