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Pleasant View expansion plan uses universal design & innovative technologies to appeal to Chicagoland elders
Pleasant View, a non-profit Lutheran Life Community in Ottawa, Illinois, announces the expansion of its 62+ senior living community with up to 24 new cottage homes. However, this isn’t your grandma’s cottage. Pleasant View is betting that younger retirees in their 60s and early 70s will gravitate towards innovative smart home technology and universal design capable of growing and adapting to their needs for the decades to come.
Tiskilwa man sentenced to 3.5 years prison for thefts
A 31-year-old Tiskilwa man was sentenced July 11 to 3½ years in prison and ordered to pay $13,957 in restitution for theft and unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle. After an investigation by the Princeton Police Department, Dean W. Blair admitted that in October 2023 he stole a 26-foot trailer filled with commercial sound equipment and a Chevrolet Express van. The value of the stolen equipment was determined to be more than $10,000.
Vernon Eugene Setchell Jr.
Vernon Eugene Setchell Jr, affectionately known as Vern, passed away on June 7, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Born on May 12, 1942, in Mendota, Illinois to Vernon Setchell and Dorothy Spitz. He was a beloved partner, father, stepfather, grandfather, and friend, leaving behind a legacy of love, service and exploration.
OSF HealthCare defers decision on future Ottawa hospital plans for 1 month
The state of Illinois’ decision for future services at OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa has received a stay. Ottawa Commissioner Tom Ganiere informed the Ottawa City Council on Monday that, as of 5 p.m. Tuesday, OSF HealthCare has deferred its certificate of need application for one month, to the September meeting of the Illinois Health Facility and Services Review Board, in order to discuss the opposition its healthcare plan for the area has stirred.
Howard Fellows Stadium getting face-lift ahead of 2024 season
La Salle-Peru High School’s Howard Fellows Stadium is getting a major face-lift before the 2024 season. The $2.6 million project includes concrete restoration throughout the stadium, remodeled bathrooms, repainting and signage throughout the stadium. “We’re excited to continue making improvements to our facilities,” L-P Superintendent Steve Wrobleski said....
Starved Rock Country Community Foundation facilitates $7,000 in arts grants
The Starved Rock Country Community Foundation, in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Illinois Arts Council, recently awarded $7,000 to support four local nonprofit groups. Arts of Starved Rock Country Fund Administrator René Parks Wendinger said grants were made to:. Community Players of Streator, $3,100,...
La Salle County Democrats to host annual barbecue July 20 at Buffalo Rock State Park
The La Salle County Democrats are hosting their annual barbecue from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at Buffalo Rock State Park, 1300 N. 27th Road, Ottawa. The public is invited to buy tickets and attend. The event includes burgers, hot dogs, a cake walk, a 50/50 raffle, kids games and raffle baskets.
Ottawa council OKs study for possible hotel on riverfront
The Ottawa City Council authorized Tuesday a proposal for a hotel market study by HVS Global Hospitality Services regarding the possibility of a hotel on the Ottawa riverfront. Mayor Robb Hasty explained as the city is “97% done with the feasibility study of the amphitheater itself,” it should provide a...
Review, fundamentals at forefront as Marquette begins football camp
The Marquette football team began its initial week of summer camp Monday evening on the practice field just west of Gould Stadium. Crusaders veteran head coach Tom Jobst said this year’s camp is much different than last year in which the graduation of a number of players meant a rather young and inexperienced group.
College signing: Seneca’s Austin Aldridge will take the field for IVCC baseball
Seneca’s Austin Aldridge has signed on to continue his education at Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby and his baseball career at the NJCAA level with the Eagles. Aldridge was a second-team member of the 2024 Times All-Area Baseball Team. Pictured at his signing ceremony, left to right, are: front row - Crystal Aldridge, Austin Aldridge and Ryan Aldridge; back row - Nick Harsted, Ted O’Boyle and Tim Brungard.
Vital ICE: A Life-Saving App Offered Free by Norberg Memorial Home
As part of its extensive array of online resources, Norberg Memorial Home proudly offers Vital ICE, a life-saving initiative available to the public. “J.D. and I are thrilled to provide this incredible service free of charge to our community,” said Janice Smallwood, co-owner of Norberg Memorial Home with her husband, J.D. “Anyone with a smartphone can access this valuable app—you don’t have to be our client. When we began the program, we had under 100 users…now we have over 4,300!”
3 busted in Princeton drug raid, house boarded up
A house on the 800 block of North Main Street in Princeton was boarded up and no one will be allowed to return after repeated illegal activity there, said Princeton Police Chief Tom Kammerer on Monday. Three people face felony drug charges after a drug raid at the house on...
IVCC tuition due July 31 for fall classes
The first day of classes is a critical date for college students to remember, but they won’t want to miss a key deadline coming up in two weeks. Tuition for Illinois Valley Community College’s fall classes is due July 31. “Lock in your spot by paying early,” said...
Ancient fault line likely responsible for DeKalb County earthquake, says NIU expert
SOMONAUK – The earthquake Monday in southern DeKalb County near Somonauk was likely caused by an ancient fault line that runs through northern Illinois, a Northern Illinois University professor said. A 3.4 magnitude earthquake struck at 2:53 a.m. Monday about a mile northwest of Somonauk at the border of...
Ottawa takes down Jefferson Street bus stop
The old bus stop at the corner of La Salle and Jefferson streets in downtown Ottawa was removed Monday, but not for the reason some people on social media might think. Ottawa Police Chief Brent Roalson said the covered bench that once served as a waiting spot for the old mini bus that shuttled residents around town and more recently had been used for shelter by two homeless men has been removed because of its deteriorated condition.
Mendota Minor League baseball team places 2nd in state
The Mendota Minor League baseball team placed second in the state tournament in Paris, Illinois. On Tuesday, Mendota defeated Olney 3-2 in seven innings in the semifinals before falling 7-3 to Hinsdale in the championship game. Against Olney, Liam Christmann grounded into a fielder’s choice to score Harry Coss for...
New consignment shop opening in Princeton
After closing her consignment store in Rock Falls, Jenny Chagala is reopening the store in her hometown of Princeton. “Today marks a significant milestone in my journey: I’ve finally secured the building I’ve been dreaming of for years to relocate my consignment shop, and it’s back in my hometown where my heart truly belongs,” Chagala said on the business’ Facebook page July 2.
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