North Utica
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OSF Defers Upcoming State Hearing to Let Ottawa Review Enhanced Plans for Services
OSF HealthCare is calling a temporary time-out on its plans for its future presence in Ottawa. The provider was to clear another regulatory hurdle on August 8, when it was going to discuss its permit applications in front of a state review board. The Peoria-based healthcare provider intends to designate...
With Upcoming Retirement, SV Schools Searching for Superintendent
The job comes around to every school board ….sometime. That job is to search for a new superintendent. With the impending retirement of Superintendent James Hermes, the Spring Valley School District 99 has commenced a search for his replacement. This task is being approached in two ways. The board has hired the Illinois Association of School Boards to assist and the IASB has prepared a survey for District employees and members of the community to complete. Results will be tallied and used to help advertise the position. All survey responses will remain anonymous. Deadline is July 31. You can find the survey link on the Spring Valley C C S D 99 Facebook page.
Thousands in Grants Awarded to Starved Rock Country Artistic Non-Profits
The Starved Rock Country Community Foundation, in conjunction with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Illinois Arts Council awarded grants totaling $7000 to four groups across Starved Rock Country, supporting local nonprofits. Grants were awarded to the Community Players of Streator for their production of "Newsies" taking place...
5 Ottawa Senators’ Storylines to Watch in 2024-25
After seven years without even a sniff of playoff action, hopes are high among the Ottawa Senators faithful that their club will contend for Lord Stanley’s silverware this season. Here’s a look at five storylines to follow closely in 2024-25. How these storylines turn out could decide whether the team’s long playoff drought comes to an end or continues for an eighth consecutive season. Will Tim Stutzle Rebound in 2024-25? The Senators’ star centreman, Tim Stutzle, will have to return to form for his team to make the playoffs this season. In 2023-24, he played 75...
Gene W. Brunner
MENDOTA – Gene W. Brunner, 87, of Mendota, passed away peacefully at home, on June 21, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, at Holy Cross Church, Mendota with Father Jeff Windy officiating. Visitation will be from 9-10:30 a.m. at the church with an 8:45 a.m. Rosary. Burial will be at St. Vincent's Cemetery in LaSalle. Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota is assisting the family.
A one-of-a-kind garden center | Hornbaker Gardens
Today we are visiting Hornbaker Gardens, located near Princeton, Illinois, a place you have to see to believe! No other garden center in the area has the inventory they have here. Packed with plants, trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, and succulents, you name it, they’ve got it. Joining us today is Dave Hornbaker, Co-owner and Creative Director at Hornbaker Gardens.
Pamela Jo Peterson (Ryan), 67
Pamela Jo Peterson (Ryan), 67 formally of Somonauk, IL passed away Tuesday July 2nd in Fountain Hills, AZ. Pam was born August 13th, 1956, to Harlan and Georgia Ryan. Pam graduated from Hinsdale South High School. She married her high school sweetheart Jerry Peterson in 1973 and together they had four children. Pam was a proud housewife, raising her children and helping with her grandkids. Pam enjoyed spending her time in Mesa Regal with family and friends playing cards and pool volleyball.
North Utica Traffic Lights Now Operational
UTICA, N.Y. -- In North Utica, a new traffic signal is now in operation. A new traffic light has been installed on North Genesee Street, but it is still covered up. The State Department of Transportation has activated the signal. The three-color signal is located on North Genesee Street, helping...
Ohio Softball Adds Madi McCrady, Former Bobcat, as Assistant Coach for Pitching Staff
The Ohio softball team has announced former Bobcat pitcher Madi McCrady as the new assistant coach, focusing on working with the pitching staff, per head coach Jenna Hall. Madi McCrady played 100 games with 85 starts during her time at Ohio, accumulating 429 strikeouts and a 5.02 ERA. In 2019,...
Gregory A. Hillberg, 76
Gregory A. Hillberg, 76, of Somonauk, IL, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. He was born on May 14, 1948 in Chicago, IL. He was the son of Arthur and Arlene (Johnson) Hillberg. Greg married Josephine Pusateri on September 6, 1969 and spent the next 54 years loving each other.
Senators’ Latest Trades Helping Team Become More Balanced
The Ottawa Senators made two surprising moves this past week, trading away top prospect Roby Jarventie to the Edmonton Oilers along with a fourth-round pick for Xavier Bourgault and Jake Chiasson, and trading goalie Kevin Mandolese and a seventh-round pick to the Colorado Avalanche for a sixth-round pick. Both prospects were well-liked in the organization and, on the surface, it doesn’t make sense as to why they would be moved now, especially for pieces that won’t help the team this season. However, neither prospect had secured a roster spot during their four-plus years with the franchise, and rather than continue...
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.
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....
Work at Broadway Park in Marseilles may begin end of July, early August
Marseilles Mayor Jim Hollenbeck said Wednesday to the City Council and the audience the city will continue to make the most of a $600,000 Open Spaces Land Acquisition and Development grant obtained for the Broadway Park improvement project. The work is slated to start at the end of this month...
Streator council to host special meeting to review details on funding oxidation project
Streator’s City Council decided to table the decision on funding the oxidation ditch project at the wastewater treatment plant during Wednesday’s meeting. Originally estimated to be about a $2 million project, the lowest bid for the project came in at $3,149,815. Despite securing a federal grant of $1.2 million earmarked for the project, Streator faces a funding gap of about $1.45 million to cover the increase in equipment and labor expenses that drove up the cost of the project.
Ottawa Elementary’s summer meal program provides food weekly for children across La Salle County
This summer, Shepherd Middle School in Ottawa is hosting a vital food program aimed at children younger than 18 years old. Organized by Ottawa Elementary School District, the program ensures that any child in need, regardless of their school affiliation, receives nutritious meals. Meals this week included a cheesy pull apart and a hamburger on a bun, breakfast foods, chicken nuggets and breadsticks.
Marseilles reaches agreement with CSX to maintain property along rail line
The Marseilles City Council reached a land lease agreement with CSX Transportation and now will maintain the area near the property line. According to Marseilles Mayor Jim Hollenbeck, the agreement will have the city trim weeds and maintain the area next to the CSX track from First to Chicago streets.
5 Things to Do: Third Friday hits streets of Ottawa, monster trucks roar into Princeton in the Illinois Valley
Here are five things to do this weekend and within the next couple weekends. 1. Third Friday: Activities will kick off 5 p.m. Friday on the 200 block of West Madison Street in downtown Ottawa. More than 40 artists will feature their work. There will be live music from Patric Butler, free ax throwing from Axetreme Throwing, free kids crafts from Open Space Art Gallery and Studio and free mini golf throughout the downtown. The event goes to 9 p.m. Go to https://www.facebook.com/OttawaILArt for more information on the event and to see a list of artists.
Sandwich city councilman, former mayor wants to reduce mayor’s salary before election
With Mayor Todd Latham absent from the Sandwich City Council meeting Monday night, the former mayor Rich Robinson discussed reducing the salary for the mayor’s position. On the council since 2003, alderman Rich Robinson, who was mayor pro tem, presented his plan that would cut the salary in half.
Photos: Ottawa Shepherd Middle School provides free summer meals
Ella Waddell fills a bag full of food inside the trunk of a vehicle Wednesday, July 17, 2024, outside of Shepherd Middle School in Ottawa. The summer meal program holds a pickup from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday. (Scott Anderson)
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