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A tentative labor agreement was reached Thursday between the Streator Elementary Association and the Streator Elementary Board of Education, according to a union official. (Tom Sistak)
A tentative labor agreement was reached Thursday between the Streator Elementary Association and the Streator Elementary School District 44 Board, a union official said.
The agreement was announced about 9 p.m., less than 12 hours before the union was set to begin a strike. Details have not been shared regarding the agreement. The district said it was waiting until the union shares the agreement with its members and ratifies it before releasing details.
“Through thoughtful discussion and reasonable concessions on both sides, we were able to come to an agreement that moves our teachers to among the highest paid in the area and creates more full-time positions,” District 44 board President Angela Risley said. “The board hopes this contract for our teachers and support staff paves the way for a stronger, more unified future.”
Classes continued as scheduled Friday.
Talks began at 10 a.m. between the union and the board to reach a labor agreement. The parties were assisted by David Born. He was a regional director in the Chicago office with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.
Since the discontinuation of the federal agency’s services to public unions by the Trump administration, Born has started a private practice. Born is familiar with Streator. He has mediated the last three contracts between the parties.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The former YMCA building on Jackson Street in Ottawa is where Illinois Valley PADS requested to temporarily relocate its homeless shelter operations during construction of a new facility. (Derek Barichello)
Illinois Valley PADS requested a temporary conditional use permit to relocate the organization’s homeless shelter operations to the former Ottawa YMCA building on Jackson St. while construction begins on a new facility.
Executive Director Carol Alcorn told the Ottawa Plan Commission on Monday the former YMCA is the only facility in the area that can accommodate the space and service needs of their shelter during construction.
“The only facility that meets our needs for kitchen access, showers, and overnight accommodations is the old YMCA,” Alcorn said. “We’re only proposing to use the second floor, away from the flood plain and the pool area.”
PADS plans to demolish its current shelter at 1120 Canal St., which has served the area for more than 20 years.
A new shelter will be built on the same site, funded in part by a $2 million state grant along with additional local donations. Alcorn said construction of the new shelter is expected to take 14 to 24 months, depending on contractor availability and supply timelines.
In the meantime, PADS is requesting to lease the former YMCA building – which is slated for eventual demolition – for up to two years as a temporary location.
The temporary move would involve about $80,000 in repairs, including roof work, HVAC upgrades and interior remodeling to separate men’s and women’s sleeping areas.
Alcorn said PADS intends to install security measures while maintaining strict rules during its stay.
“We would like to remain in Ottawa,” Alcorn said. “Otherwise, we’d have to relocate to Peru, and there just wouldn’t be enough space to serve everyone who needs it.”
The plan commission voted to recommend the temporary permit, and the Ottawa City Council will consider the proposal at its next meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, at Ottawa City Hall, 301 W. Madison St.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Parade Marshal Joe Evola is accompanied by his wife, Caterina, during the Marseilles Fun Days parade Sunday. (The Times)
Sam’s Pizza is hosting a block party Sunday to celebrate 50 years.
The pizza place, 240 Washington St. in Marseilles, opened in 1975, said owner Joe Evola. His father, Salvatore, opened the Ottawa location in 1954.
The event is noon to 3 p.m. The street will be blocked off with tables set up. Customers can also bring lawn chairs and there will be pizza specials. The band Moementum will perform.
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

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The Ottawa City Council approved an ordinance during its Tuesday, March 18, 2025, meeting at Ottawa City Hall that will implement a 1% non-home rule municipal retailers’ occupation tax and a 1% non-home rule municipal service occupation tax. (Shaw file photo)
The Ottawa City Council on Tuesday approved a new 1% sales tax and service tax for the city.
The approval comes after Gov. JB Pritzker’s decision to eliminate the grocery tax next year.
Under this change, Ottawa and other towns in Illinois were granted the authority to either reapply to maintain the grocery tax, impose a general sales tax, or apply a 1% tax on both retailers’ and service occupations.
Ottawa Mayor Robb Hasty said the 1% sales tax essentially will be a replacement for the revenue lost from the grocery tax repeal.
“We agree with the governor’s decision that everyone needs to eat, so we are in favor of not taxing groceries, medicine or medical equipment,” Hasty said during the meeting. “However, in order to recoup the funds the city would have received, we decided to implement a 1% sales tax. This will help us recover the lost revenue and provide additional funds for future projects.”
The new tax will start in January, and it’s expected to help the city cover the gap left by the grocery tax while funding other future projects in Ottawa.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Princeton players taking part in the Bradley University Team Camp were Addy Dever (from left), Maddie Gibson, Alice Scruggs, Ava Munson, Danika Burden, Cam Driscoll and Jocelyn Strouss. (Photo provided by Tiffany Gonigam)
The Princeton girls basketball team got to tune up their game and get a taste of the college experience Saturday at the Bradley University Team Camp.
The Tigresses played three games at the Markin Student Center and Renaissance Coliseum on the Bradley campus in Peoria. There were 37 teams in attendance.
“It was really neat. I think it’s good for the kids to get to see a college campus and they enjoyed being able to be on the Renaissance Coliseum court,” PHS coach Tiffany Gonigam said. “Many of them noted how intimidating it would be with the way the floor sat below the stadium-style seating.”
While it was Princeton’s first time at the Bradley camp, Gonigam got to experience it playing for Bureau Valley and then coach Jeff Ohlson, now athletic director at PHS.
The Tigresses went 1-2, defeating Chicago Marshall 30-21 while losing to the Heart of Illinois Travel team and Chicago Trinity.
Princeton players and their young followers pose at the gym logo at the Bradley University Team Camp. (Photo provided by Tiffany Gonigam)
Jhavon Hayes has resigned as head softball coach at Princeton High School after three seasons to land what she calls her “dream job” as hitting coach at Illinois State University, her alma mater.
“I had the conversation before just about entertaining the idea and then it opened. I was praying, got confirmation. I got the sign I needed,” Hayes said. “My coach (ISU head coach Tina Kramos) told me to get on campus ASAP. So I’ll start Aug. 1.”
This will be a full-time position with ISU, so Hayes will be giving up her current job as a foster care caseworker.
“I love my job currently, but I got a call for my dream job. Got to take it or else I’ll regret it,” she said.
Kramos was an assistant coach at ISU when Hayes played for the Redbirds in 2010-13 and served as a student assistant in 2014 working with hitters.
Hayes met with her PHS squad Thursday because she wanted to let them know before they heard it somewhere else, she said. After having a turnaround season in 2024 with a 17-8 record from 7-17 in 2023, Hayes said this year’s 15-12 campaign was a bit of a disappointment.
“The last season wasn’t what we hoped it would be. Had some injuries and just trying to figure out how to plug people in,” Hayes said.
Princeton softball head coach Jhavon Hayes talks to her team on the mound while facing L-P in March 2025 at the La Salle-Peru Athletic Complex. She has resigned after three seasons to take a hitting coach position at Illinois State University. (Scott Anderson)
Former Mendota standout Amellia Bromenschenkel has been named as an assistant coach for the University of Northern Iowa women’s basketball program. She joins the UNI staff after a playing career at Purdue Fort Wayne, where she appeared in a program-record 147 games and is ranked in the top-10 in school history in points (1,536), rebounds (516), field goals (568), 3-pointers (173), steals (183), and blocks (80).
“We are excited to welcome Amellia to our Panther family. She will be a good fit for what we are looking for,” UNI head coach Tanya Warren.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Maximus Gibson (center) with Nancy Gartner, the Daughters of the American Revolution Princeton-Illinois Chapter Regent and Christina Bannon, State Regent. (Photo provided by Nancy Gartner)
Maximus Gibson, son of Aaron and Gladys Gibson of Princeton, was the 2025 Illinois Daughters of the American Revolution Patriots of the American Revolution essay contest winner for his essay on Founding Father Roger Sherman.
Gibson is a freshman at Princeton Christian Academy. He received his recognition at the State Illinois DAR Youth Luncheon in Bloomington.
Sherman was the only person to sign all four great state papers of the United States: the Articles of Association in 1774, the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the Articles of Confederation in 1781 and the U.S.Constitution in 1787.
Each year, the Princeton-Illinois chapter of DAR promotes and conducts the “Patriots of the American Revolution” essay contest for high school students. Students select a figure from the American Revolution and discuss how he or she contributed to the founding of a new nation.
The essay that wins at the chapter level is then submitted to state chairs of American history, from which a state-wide winner is selected.
Princeton-Illinois chapter, DAR is honored to have the State winner a Bureau County student.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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An interior view of the Red Covered Bridge on Monday, June 30, 2025 in Princeton. Last Friday, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced that the historic bridge enters next rehabilitation phase. Phase II includes the preparation of a detailed cost estimate and expected to take 12 to 18 months to complete and will result in advertising a repair contract to bidders. Approximately $1 million is identified to pay for the needed repairs in IDOT’s most recent multiyear program. A view of the Red Covered Bridge on Monday, June 30, 2025 in Princeton. Last Friday, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced that the historic bridge enters next rehabilitation phase. Phase II includes the preparation of a detailed cost estimate and expected to take 12 to 18 months to complete and will result in advertising a repair contract to bidders. Approximately $1 million is identified to pay for the needed repairs in IDOT’s most recent multiyear program. The bridge survived a number of threats, both intentional and unintentional, including arson, erosion and high winds. It also has survived several strikes by large trucks with it’s most recent strike in 2023. (Scott Anderson)
Princeton’s historic Red Covered Bridge has entered the next phase of rehabilitation after sustaining heavy damage when the driver of a semitractor-trailer tried to pass through it.
The bridge, an Illinois landmark, closed in November 2023, following the accident that damaged sections of the bridge’s façade and roof, when the semi driver attempted to enter through the north end.
Princeton City Manager Theresa Wittenauer said in a news release that the city has received many inquiries about the status of the rebuild of the bridge and how to prevent this type of accident in the future.
The Illinois Department of Transportation said in a news release that IDOT’s District 3, where the bridge is located, has worked behind the scenes to prepare for the structure’s rehabilitation following a vehicle strike that left it severely damaged.
“The district has begun the first phase of engineering, also called Phase I, which will define the scope of work and a preliminary cost estimate,” according to the news release. “IDOT responded quickly by inspecting the structure and working to ensure the roof was temporarily supported until a permanent fix could be made, preventing additional, costly damage.“
Other precautions were taken to prevent further damage to the 149-foot historic structure. In 2024, a structural engineering firm completed a thorough inspection and evaluation, which reviewed the entire structure for typical aging over time and included initial concepts of potential repair techniques, according to IDOT.
The consultant’s findings have been documented in a Bridge Condition Report, which was reviewed and approved by IDOT this past January, according to the release.
In April, IDOT said it received concurrence from the State Historic Preservation Office that IDOT’s preliminary repair plans will not adversely affect the historic nature of the bridge.
IDOT said the district is prepared to begin Phase II engineering as soon as Phase I design approval is received from the Region 2 engineer.
“Phase II includes the preparation of a detailed cost estimate and is expected to take 12 to 18 months to complete and will result in advertising a repair contract to bidders,” IDOT said. “Approximately $1 million is identified to pay for the needed repairs in IDOT’s most recent multiyear program.
Wittenauer said the city is thrilled to hear about IDOT’s recent plans moving forward, as well as funding being allocated for the rehabilitation of the historic Red Covered Bridge.
“This project represents not only a vital investment in local infrastructure but also a meaningful commitment to preserving a cherished piece of our community’s heritage,” she said. “The Red Covered Bridge is a beloved landmark and a key attraction that draws visitors to our area, supporting local tourism and businesses. We deeply appreciate IDOT’s support in helping safeguard this iconic structure for generations to come.”
A view of the Red Covered Bridge on Monday, June 30, 2025 in Princeton. Last Friday, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced that the historic bridge enters next rehabilitation phase. Phase II includes the preparation of a detailed cost estimate and expected to take 12 to 18 months to complete and will result in advertising a repair contract to bidders. Approximately $1 million is identified to pay for the needed repairs in IDOT’s most recent multiyear program. A view of the Red Covered Bridge on Monday, June 30, 2025 in Princeton. Last Friday, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced that the historic bridge enters next rehabilitation phase. Phase II includes the preparation of a detailed cost estimate and expected to take 12 to 18 months to complete and will result in advertising a repair contract to bidders. Approximately $1 million is identified to pay for the needed repairs in IDOT’s most recent multiyear program. The bridge survived a number of threats, both intentional and unintentional, including arson, erosion and high winds. It also has survived several strikes by large trucks with it’s most recent strike in 2023. (Scott Anderson)
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The Friends of Strays animal shelter, 2845 N. Main St., Princeton, will be sponsoring an open house from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5. (Photo provided by Mike Patterson)
The Friends of Strays animal shelter, 2845 N. Main St., Princeton, will be sponsoring an open house from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5.
There will be music provided by John McDermott of Ottawa, a bake sale, food and drink for purchase, gift bags, raffles and many activities for children. Tours will take place from noon to 2 p.m. and open adoption is available all day. Admission is free.
All of the proceeds go to the Friends of Strays shelter.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The two Indiana men who died in a Sunday boat accident at La Salle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area in rural Marseilles were identified Tuesday. (Derek Barichello)
The two Indiana men who died in a Sunday boat accident at La Salle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area in rural Marseilles were identified Tuesday.
The La Salle County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased as Clarence B. Royster, 80, of Gary, Indiana; and Clarence B. Royster III, 53, of Merrillville, Indiana.
More than 20 agencies were involved in a search for the men Sunday, after their 17-foot fishing boat had capsized on the 2,000 acre lake, according to Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police reports. A 7-year-old girl also was on the boat, but she was able to swim to shore, also wearing a flotation device. She was assisted by visitors who helped her contact her mother and grandmother. The men were the girl’s great-grandfather and grandfather.
This accident remains under investigation by La Salle County Coroner’s Office and the IDNR Conservation Police.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Aelsa Woods has been named general manager of the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra, succeeding Barbara Lukancic following her retirement. (Photo Provided By Aelsa Woods, Taken By Andrea Crawford.)
The Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra has named Aelsa Woods as its new general manager following the retirement of longtime former manager Barbara Lukancic.
Woods, a La Salle–Peru native, brings a background in arts administration and music performance to the role. She is a former concertmaster of the Illinois Valley Youth Symphony and has performed as a violist with IVSO.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Music from Illinois State University.
Woods has experience managing orchestras, mentoring students and developing marketing strategies for arts organizations, including the Heartland Festival Orchestra and The Music Shoppe, according to a news release.
“Aelsa’s journey is rooted in the Illinois Valley, and her professional evolution mirrors the spirit of innovation and community that drives IVSO forward,” Vice Chairman of the IVSO Board of Directors Rich Crum said in a statement. “She understands the power of music to connect and inspire.”
Woods steps into the role following IVSO’s 75th anniversary season. Crum said the board is grateful for Lukancic’s years of service and is looking forward to Woods’ leadership.
For more information on Woods or the IVSO, visit its website.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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