OSF HealthCare to hold health and wellness expo June 26 in Princeton – Shaw Local


OSF St. Clare in Princeton (Shaw Local News Network)
OSF Health Care will partner with the Bureau County Farm Bureau and the Bureau County Senior Center to hold a The Power of Community: Health, Wealth and Wellness Expo from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, June 26, at the Bureau County Metro Center, 837 Park Ave. W., Princeton.
The event features various community resources for older adults, caregivers and their families. The resources include OSF HealthCare services, Alzheimer’s and dementia support, end-of-life and retirement planning, financial and legal guidance, health and wellness education, mobile phone assistance, retirement communities and caregiving support.
The OSF OnCall King Care-A-Van also is available from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The van will provide cardio checks, glucose and cholesterol screenings. OSF Digital Health Workers also will explain how to connect primary care providers and explore OSF OnCall virtual health programs.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

source

Stage 212 in La Salle to begin Queen of Hearts raffle to benefit auditorium renovation project – Shaw Local


Stage 212 in La Salle has announced the new Queen of Hearts raffle to benefit its Auditorium Renovation Project. (Tom Collins)
Stage 212 in La Salle has announced the new Queen of Hearts raffle to benefit its Auditorium Renovation Project.
The Queen of Hearts is a progressive raffle utilizing a deck of 54 playing cards (including two jokers) that are placed face down on a mounting board purchased from a certified gaming vendor. Once a card is selected, it will be turned over with the card face up on the board. The Queen of Hearts is the Jackpot Card. The board will be displayed in the Atrium of the Westclox Building, next to Fire on Fifth, at 300 Fifth St., Peru.
The Queen of Hearts drawing will take place at 7 p.m. Wednesdays in the Atrium of the Westclox Building with one ticket drawn from the tickets purchased that week. If the Queen of Hearts is not revealed, the jackpot will roll over for the next weekís drawing. Winners will be announced/posted on Facebook, on Stage 212′s website, in The Atrium and at Stage 212.
The ticket holder who selects the Queen of Hearts is the grand prize winner. If the grand prize winner is present at the time of the drawing, they will receive 100% of the jackpot. If the grand prize winner is not present, they will receive 50% of the jackpot. The jackpot is defined as 70% of the total ticket sales accumulated at the time of the last drawing.
Tickets will be available starting July 1 with the first drawing to be held 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 10 at The Atrium. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5 with no limit on the number of tickets purchased. They will be sold at Stage 212, 700 First St., La Salle, during events, and at Fire on Fifth during regular business hours.
All players must be 18 years of age or older to participate. All proceeds from this raffle will benefit Stage 212′s Auditorium Renovation Fund. Stage 212, Inc. is a 501c3 charitable organization. For more information and complete rules, visit stage212.org.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

source

Big Lots announces deal with Gordon Brothers, Peru store future not known yet – Shaw Local


A view of Big Lots on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, at the corner of 38th Street and Route 251 in Peru. Big Lots reached a deal Friday to keep hundreds of its stores open but it is unclear how it will affect the Peru store. (Scott Anderson)
Big Lots reached a deal Friday to keep hundreds of its stores open but it is unclear how it will affect the Peru store.
Big Lots Account Associate Jillian Choy said in an email that the company was unable to provide any additional details about the Peru store at this time.
The company said in a Friday news release it has agreed to a sale transaction with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners LLC (Gordon Brothers Retail Partners) that enables the transfer of Big Lots assets.
“We are pleased to reach this strategic agreement with Big Lots and partner with Variety Wholesalers to achieve a path forward that allows Big Lots to continue to serve customers with extreme bargains and an outstanding shopping experience,” Rick Edwards, Gordon Brothers Retail Partners’ head of North America Retail said in the release.
Big Lots Inc., which filed for bankruptcy in September, announced Dec. 19 that it would no longer be able to complete its previously announced asset purchase agreement with Nexus Capital Management and was preparing to move forward with going-out-of-business sales at all remaining Big Lots stores.
Variety Wholesalers, according to the news release, owns more than 400 retail stores in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic United States and intends to acquire between 200 and 400 Big Lots stores, which it plans to operate under the Big Lots brand moving forward, and up to two distribution centers.
“Variety Wholesalers may employ Big Lots associates at the acquired stores and distribution centers, as well as certain corporate associates needed to support the go-forward footprint,” the company said in the release.
Bruce Thorn, Big Lots’ president and CEO, said in the release that the strategic sale to Gordon Brothers and the transfer to Variety Wholesalers is a favorable and significant achievement for Big Lots that reflects the tireless work and collective effort of the team.
“This sale agreement and transfer present the strongest opportunity to preserve jobs, maximize value for the estate and ensure continuity of the Big Lots brand,” he said. “We are grateful to our associates nationwide for their grit and resilience throughout this process.”
Lisa Seigies, Variety Wholesalers’ president and CEO, said they are excited to partner with Gordon Brothers to provide a path forward for the Big Lots brand and hundreds of its stores.
“We look forward to working with members of the Big Lots team to realize the exciting opportunities ahead,” she said in the news release.
The agreement is subject to approval by the Bankruptcy Court and other customary closing conditions.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

source

True Leaves Bookshop in Princeton to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day – Shaw Local


True Leaves Bookshop in Princeton will be celebrating Independent Bookstore Day – a nationwide event honoring the magic of indie bookstores and the communities that support them – from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 26. (Photo provided by Angela Adams)
True Leaves Bookshop in Princeton will be celebrating Independent Bookstore Day – a nationwide event honoring the magic of indie bookstores and the communities that support them – from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 26.
Located at 15 Park Ave W. in the historic Sash-Stalter-Matson Building, True Leaves Bookshop will host a day for book lovers.
“Whether you’re a local or just visiting, we’d love for you to be part of our day,” said co-owner Matthew Adams. “Grab a doughnut, meet a friend, pick up a new or used book – have some fun.”
“Indpendent Bookstore Day celebrates the irreplaceable role independent bookstores play in communities,” said Angela Adams, co-owner of True Leaves Bookshop. “In a world of big box stores, Independent Bookstore Day is a chance to support local, connect with fellow readers and celebrate what makes indie bookshops so special.”
True Leaves will serve complimentary refreshments, along with have some special releases and promotions.
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.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

source

IVAC names 40 Under Forty recipients for 2024 – Shaw Local


The Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce announced this years group of 40 Under Forty recipients. (Image provided by IVAC)
The Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce announced this years group of 40 Under Forty recipients.
This year’s recipients represent organizations and industries from all across the Illinois Valley. The recipients exemplify a drive to make a positive impact on our communities, our businesses and our organizations, and have a proven track record for both business and community service and involvement.
The group is made up of leaders in education, small business, finance, nonprofits, retail and community protection, among other sectors.
“This award is about celebrating the next generation of difference makers across the Illinois Valley,” IVAC Executive Director Bill Zens said. “The group that was selected this year are not only difference makers in their organizations but also our communities. I am in awe of the work they are doing, and will continue to do to make the Illinois Valley an amazing place to be.”
The chamber’s selection committee included Steve Wrobleski, La SallePeru High School (IVAC Board president), Rachel Balestri, Eureka Savings Bank (IVAC Board vice president), Kim Bima, OSF Healthcare (IVAC Board member), Jay McCracken, Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce and Tracy Morris, Illinois Valley Community College.
The recipients are
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

source

Princeton Tree Board to plant 100 trees; show off state record white pine – Shaw Local


Arborist and Princeton Tree Board member Dennis Taylor talks about the April 19 event to plant 100 trees at Oakland Cemetery in Princeton. (Derek Barichello)
The Princeton Tree Board will plant 100 trees on Saturday, April 19, at Oakland Cemetery, 1103 Park Ave. W. and the community are invited to help.
Planting will be done by professionals, ensuring each tree is placed with expertise. Complimentary coffee and doughnuts will be served, provided by the Princeton City Council.
There will be free tree giveaways. Take home a tree, available on a first come, first-served basis.
Participants will also get a chance to see the state record white pine. There will be a guided hike with arborist Dennis Taylor. Walk around the grounds and gain insights into the local flora with Taylor.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

source

Bureau County grand jury: April 17, 2025 – Shaw Local


The following cases were considered on April 17 by the Bureau County Grand Jury. (Scott Anderson)
The following cases were considered on April 17 by the Bureau County Grand Jury.
Agustin Ruiz, 30, of Ohio, Illinois was indicted on two counts of the Class 4 felony offense of domestic battery. He is accused of making contact of an insulting or provoking nature to two different household or family members and had been previously convicted of domestic battery in 2021. A deputy from the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office testified before the grand jury. The defendant is on pretrial release.
William H. Shan, 67, was indicted for the Class 3 felony offense of unlawful failure to register as a sex offender. He is accused of failing to register in accordance with the provisions of the sex offender registration act in that he failed to register within three days of establishing a residence in Spring Valley. An officer from the Spring Valley Police Department testified before the grand jury. The defendant is on pretrial release.
Dacia L. Nelson, 30, of Tiskilwa was indicted for the Class 4 felony offense of a controlled substance (cocaine). She is accused of having in her possession less than 15 grams of a substance containing cocaine, a controlled substance, other than is authorized in the Illinois Controlled Substance Act. A troop from the Illinois State Police testified before the grand jury. The defendant is on pretrial release.
These indictments were presented to the grand jury by Bureau County State’s Attorney Daniel C. Anderson, First Associate State’s Attorney Donna Engels, Assistant State’s Attorney Thomas Briddick andd Associated State’s Attorney William Brozovich. The indictments were returned before Judge Geno Caffarini and Judge James Andreoni. There was on 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

Thank You Teacher Letters 2025: News Tribune – Shaw Local


Letters to Teachers for Thank You Teachers
Heuser, Swett, Bellino, Bertolino, Faley, Fox (Ottawa High School): I am a fellow teacher thanking the special educators on the 300 floor at Ottawa High School. This year, my classroom was moved the 300 floor which is occupied by some of the hardest working educators I have met in my entire career. They have strong knowledge of their students, find ways to make kids feel seen and “shine,” and never, ever give up. As co-workers, they are supportive, great listeners, and a joy to be around. Being a teacher is definitely emotionally challenging, but I am thankful to work such strong women who value their career, co-workers, and students. Ashley Carls
Jan Benning, Oglesby Lincoln School: Thank you for caring for the kids the way you do! You have always taught with your heart, no matter the circumstance. Congrats on 35 years of teaching! Wyatt Barnhart
Holly Rapp- Tonica: Ms Rapp has been the definition of excellent teacher, athletic director, and coach. She is the definition of what a teacher should be. She goes above and beyond in every role she has and makes education and sports tons of fun.. Owen White
Kriss Criss Northview School: Thank you for all that you do—you are truly amazing, caring, and a wonderful source of positive energy! Lorenca Neziri
Brittany Martin- Northwest Elementary School: Thank you for always showing up & teaching our kids with a smile on your face. Your positivity & bubbly personality radiate through you into your students. We are so thankful to have you as our daughter’s teacher! Parker Sampson
Chloe Cinnotto Northview Elementary: Thank you for all of the math mysteries! They are the best! Thank you for all the fun we have in your class! You are the best! Joslyn Urbanc
Carly Christman: Thank you for teaching me, helping me learning, reading books to me, and for playing games with us! You are a big help to me and I appreciate you! Joslyn Urbanc
Mackenzie Smoode: Thankyou for everything. Ramses Salazar
Taylor Buck Ladd Grade School: Taylor, thank you for being someone I look up to each & everyday for my own classroom in the near future!🍎🥰 Kam Gambiani
Janice Campbell, Mendota Township Highschool: Being with high schoolers for more than 35+ years can get very tiring. Even more if you are teaching a different language!But Mrs. Campbell my Spanish language teacher has always expected the best from my class and myself. She has always been the teacher that I look forward to during the day and the one I can be myself around with. She made a classroom feel like a second family because being able to talk about our day or goof around came so easy when it came to her. As her teaching career comes to an end I would say Campbell put her students first always. She has always wanted to see us succeed and learn more about our culture whether that was the past or just writing material. Mrs Campbell will always be the best Spanish teacher my class could have for our high-school years because she always made us laugh during a class period even if we were not having the best day. Kashia Ortega Jaramillo
Michelle “Micki” Jewett, Marquette Academy: A Superhero in the Classroom. Teachers are special people, but it takes a true educational superhero to teach preschool students. Miss Micki and her team are just that—superheroes. As both a parent and an educator myself, I have seen firsthand the dedication and patience it takes to guide young learners. Preschoolers come in at all different levels, with unique needs and personalities, and shaping them into curious, confident students is no small task. Miss Micki makes this magic appear effortless. She is not only a fantastic teacher—she is a champion for every child in her care. She always has a handle on my daughter’s special medical circumstances, ensuring she is safe, supported, and thriving. She is organized, thorough, and deeply committed to helping each child reach their individual best. Beyond academics, Miss Micki nurtures the social-emotional growth that is so critical at this age. She helps her students learn how to express themselves, navigate friendships, and build confidence—all in a warm and caring environment. My daughter absolutely adores Miss Micki. She feels loved, cared for, and excited to learn every single day. There is no greater gift as a parent than knowing your child is in a classroom where they feel safe, valued, and happy. We are beyond grateful for Miss Micki and her incredible team. Thank you for your patience, your kindness, and your unwavering dedication to the youngest learners. You are shaping the foundation of their education, and we are so lucky to have you! With heartfelt appreciation, Melanie & Ava Lukacsy. Ava Lukacsy
Ann Bruch , IVCC -Nursing: Ann, you are the best instructor ever!! Thank you for sharing your intelligence with us. I have never had a teacher make such a big impact on my life, I would go to nursing school over and over and over again , just for you! Marianna Rosales
Madyson Hiester Lasalle Lincoln Jr. High: Thank you for being awesome! Your class goes bye so fast because “time flies when you’re having fun”. Words can’t express how much I enjoy having you as a teacher! Keep being funny and kind! Ava Busche
Heather Francis DePue Unit School: Thank you for helping me on my rough days. Thank you for helping me learn to express myself through music. You are an amazing teacher. You are simply the best! Xiomara Mejia
Brandi Lequia – Putnam County High School: Thank you for being you! Lily Thompson
Ms. Mara Roesler: Ms. Mara’s teaching approach is adaptive to everyone’s needs and makes learning more fun. She accepts input from students creating an engaging classroom. She’s happy and empathetic, and kind. She cares about her students and their success. Rob Lewis
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

source

Princeton bridal shop to close, with plans to reopen – Shaw Local


Sean Philip Bridals is closing in Princeton, but will reopen at a new location.  (Scott Anderson)
Sean Philip Bridals is closing in Princeton, but will reopen at a new location.
“Thank you for all of your support these past few years,” read a post on the business’ social media. “We have loved every single moment watching faces light up with ‘the one’ gowns and smiled a lot when the prom boys put together a unique tuxedo combination.”
Sean Philip will operate by appointment only for brides looking to purchase samples off the sales floor. Brides are asked to email seanphilipbridals@gmail.com.
Zepha and Shawn Gerber opened the business in 2021.
The last day is Saturday, March 29. The new location has not been announced.
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.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

source

Reading Fire Department to host 32nd annual Firefest – Shaw Local


The Reading Fire Department in South Streator is hosting its 32nd annual Firefest from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at The Oakley Avenue Klub, 806 Oakley Ave., Streator. (Derek Barichello)
The Reading Fire Department in South Streator is hosting its 32nd annual Firefest from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at The Oakley Avenue Klub, 806 Oakley Ave., Streator.
Tickets are available for $10 from any Reading firefighter, or at Reading Township Hall, Harcar’s Meat Market, 12th Street Tap and at the door the night of the event.
Each ticket enters the buyer for a drawing to win a $500 grand prize. Ticket includes food, beer and a chance at the grand prize.
Live Music from Old Country will be performed at 8 to 11 p.m. There also will be raffle items. Guests must be 21 to enter.
Proceeds will be used to purchase new fire equipment.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

source

1 91 92 93 94 95 876