BCJ-02-04-2016

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“PRSRT.STD.” US POSTAGE PAID NO. 486 PRINCETON, IL 61356 SHAW MEDIA

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Vol. 10 No. 28

Remember that you are dust ...’

Ash Wednesday falls on Feb. 10 this year. It takes its name from the Christian ritual of blessing the ashes of last year’s Palm Sunday branches and marking the heads of parishioners with the coinciding words of either “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40-day period of Lent, an allusion to the time Jesus spent fasting in the desert. A marking of ashes were used as an expression of grief in ancient times and are now used as a sign of repentance and faith.

Covering a period of approximately six weeks, Lent will end this year on Thursday, March 24. The following Sunday will be Easter.

Many believers commit to fasting or denying themselves indulgences during these 40 days as a sign of remorse over their sinful behavior.

Easter, a foundation of the Christian faith, is the holiday commemorating the belief of Jesus Christ returning from the dead after three days and his ascension to Heaven.

Pictured is the Rev. Scott Schmidt administering the sign of the cross in ashes to parishioners of St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Princeton.

IV Scene photo/Dave Cook

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2

2 • Thursday, February 4, 2016

Illinois Valley Scene

Landing on ‘An Unknown Shore’ PHS grad publishes his first novel

By Eric Engel eengel@bcrnews.com

PRINCETON — American author Henry Miller said every writer has to pay an apprenticeship of one million words. They must become one with the language by becoming one with their interpretation of it. A writer can still work even when they aren’t creating, and they can create with the reckless enthusiasm of a kid at Disney World.

When an author writes, they must do so with the entire human race in mind, and they must do so with a single pen, fashioned solely for their grip.

Jim Yeazel has been interested in writing since he can remember, and he said it was the only thing he ever really wanted to do. His father played around with some ink and paper, and always had books of every variety occupying the sills of his library, so Yeazel seemingly inherited his love for language before ever beginning his exploration of it.

Yeazel, a 1972 graduate of Princeton High School, grew up out in the country where he and his brothers invented every stage worthy of a proper production. Yeazel has always believed the imagination needs a set of sprinter’s cleats, that it may roam like a cheetah with visions of blistering speed across the open plains of creative engagement.

“It stimulates your humanness, this idea of exploring ourselves and who we are in the human drama,” Yeazel said, adding it’s not so much about finding the absolute answers, but exploring the questions that makes for a conscious contributor to the metrics of mankind. “As a person I never reach that end point completely, so what I think today might not be what I think

“I hit a point of self-discovery, and it got easier. It had always been such hard work because I was fighting myself, but then I said wait a minute, I can do this, and it wasn’t work anymore.”

Jim Yeazel, author tomorrow.”

Yeazel, who now lives in Downers Grove with his wife and daughter, said he was 12 or 13 when he knocked out his first story, about fishing at the canal, on the teeth of an old beat up typewriter.

In his younger days, he didn’t think of lingual creation as a professional venture he could pursue, simply a task that was accomplished with ease.

Words were fascinating to Yeazel, like a painter swiping every brush into an easel of color for the first time, regardless his extensive pilgrimage across the canvas.

The task of a writer is not only telling a story, but telling it the way it’s meant to be told, Yeazel said, and good writing is emotional and psychological in that it takes place under the surface.

Ernest Hemingway, with his simplistic expressions, was the first author that made an impression on Yeazel while Miller’s “stream of consciousness” was the opposite of Hemingway’s approach.

“When I read an author I feel like I’m spending time with that person in his mind; I’m in his company,” Yeazel said.

“I hope people have that sense when they read my work.”

Yeazel recently published his first novel, “An Unknown Shore,” after a lengthy journey with the pen in his palm. He said the “whodunit, sounds in the night” murder mys-

tery took him quite some time to write. The biggest mistake a rookie writer can make is aiming for the biggest deer in the forest with their first arrow instead of waiting for the accuracy of instinct. To get next door a person usually turns left for a few steps, but there are times when a person turns right and walks all the way around the world to accomplish the same end point.

“It took me a long time to get back to where I originally started,” Yeazel said, speaking of the journey that gained him great experience and insight, yet might not be the best way to write a book. “I could have made it a lot easier on myself if I had just followed my instincts.”

The soft-spoken and introspective Yeazel said his brother John came to him with an idea that eventually developed into “An Unknown Shore.”

There were many hidden gems within the words, so to speak, that Yeazel had never intended to dig up, yet every petal in the garden grows at its own pace.

“It’s all about finding your own voice, for time isn’t unlimited, and I have many stories to tell,” said Yeazel, who considers it a great blessing to understand one’s potency at an early age.

“It takes a sort of courage to be that person, and if it’s one thing I’ve learned

BCR photo/Eric Engel

Jim Yeazel, formerly of Princeton, recently published his first novel, “An Unknown Shore,” in January 2016. The psychological thriller is the first of many stories Yeazel said he has warming on the burner for future release. over the years, it’s to have that self-belief.”

Yeazel has given great effort to overcome inner barriers that at times discourage every person from hunting down the true and authentic mentality that rests in the core of their approach.

Seeing the characters in his novel come to life, after countless revisions and rough drafts, and having pride in the sentences only he alone will ever write have been the greatest rewards of the overall composition.

“I hit a point of self-discovery, and it got easier. It had always been such hard work because I was fighting myself, but

then I said wait a minute, I can do this, and it wasn’t work anymore,” Yeazel said, adding his wife advised him not to write a New York Times bestseller, but to write “An Unknown Shore.”

“Embrace that love for writing and be thankful you’ve found something you can truly do. It’s all writing, and good writing never goes out of style.”

Yeazel said he hopes his readers can enjoy a good story, and after all these years of creation, he feels his words allow him to alleviate fear, negativity and ignorance in the world. Having always hidden his light under bushel to an extent, Yea-

zel relies on his humility to influence his surroundings. Relinquish praise, for it will fill your head, but relish encouragement, for it will fill your heart.

“To beginning writers, I’d say ... write. Keep writing and get through those million words as fast as you can,” he said, motivating those drawn to the quill to not get discouraged and to write what their heart desires, as it’s all part of the apprenticeship. “Find your voice, and find a story worth telling.”

“An Unknown Shore” is available on Amazon in both eBook and trade paperback format.

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3

Thursday, February 4, 2016 • 3

Illinois Valley Scene

A gym full of gold Special Olympics fills the PCHS gymnasium

By Dave Cook dcook@bcrnews.com

GRANVILLE — No matter where you looked there were either athletes celebrating the results of determined practicing or friends and family in the stands cheering them on toward victory.

On Saturday, Jan. 23,

area athletes and families gathered in the Putnam County High School gymnasium for the Starved Rock Area Special Olympics. More than 90 participants on 15 teams, including contenders from Putnam County High School, Princeton High School, John F. Kennedy School in Spring Valley, Hall High School, Gateway and more competed in the three basketball events; Shooting, dribbling and a target pass.

Winners will travel to the state competition at Illinois State University in Bloomington-Normal on March 12.

IVS photos/ Dave Cook

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4 • Thursday, February 4, 2016

Illinois Valley Scene

‘My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry’

By Terri Schlichenmeyer

PRINCETON — Thursday, Feb. 4, 1:30 p.m., children’s story time presented by Bureau County Senior Center.

Monday, Feb. 8, 6:30 p.m., Monday Movie: As the Civil War continues to rage, America’s president struggles with continuing carnage on the battlefield as he fights with many inside his own cabinet on the decision to emancipate the slaves.

Tuesday, Feb. 9, 10:30 a.m., Youth Services story time and craft. The theme will be Mardi Gras/Jester.

Tuesday, Feb. 9, 1:30 p.m., Smartphone-Beginners Know How will be led by IV Cellular. Get to know a smartphone, how to connect to wi-fi, basic set-up and overview of the phone, picture messaging, email, voice mail, the App Store and how to download apps, button configuration and fun tips and tricks.

Thursday, Feb. 11, 4 p.m., Friends of the Library Book Club will meet to discuss “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr.

TISKILWA — Every Thursday at 9:30 a.m., the library will host a senior fitness class.

Participants will focus on balance, endurance, muscular strength, mental clarity and socialization.

Every Thursday at 5:30 p.m., the library will have yoga class, where participants will enjoy camaraderie with others and be challenged mentally and physically.

The February library board meeting has been changed to Monday, Feb. 8, at 4:30 p.m.

OHIO — Saturday, Feb. 13, 10 a.m., the library will host a Valentine’s Day party.

Patrons will make crafts and have treats afterward.

BUREAU — The Leepertown Township Public Library is open from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 5 to 7 p.m.

Thursday; and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The library has computers for patron usage, as well as copier, scanning and fax services. Call 815-659-3283 for information.

(The fax number is the same as the phone number).

PERU — Did you resolve to relax? Improve your diet? The Peru Library helps you keep those resolutions with two new programs.

Color Me Calm is the library’s new monthly program. Participants meet to enjoy a peaceful time coloring – letting cares and worries slide away. Color Me Calm meets the second Tuesday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon.

Tasty Tuesdays, a three-part series on diet fads, portion distortion and label reading to improve eating habits is taught by Susan Glassman of the University of Illinois Extension.

Her next session on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., will discuss portion distortion.

She will also be at the library on Tuesday, March 8, to discuss label readings.

In order to have sufficient food for Tasty Tuesdays participants, registration is requested. Call 815-224-0889 to register for this free class.

Local artist offers painting workshop STERLING – Get inspiration and do some painting yourself with local artist Beverly Garcia. She will do a free painting demonstration from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 20. All ages are invited to stop in and watch a talented artist at work! Then, take an opportunity to sharpen your own skills.

Artists of all levels, ages 15 through adult, can work on their very own painting with assistance from Garcia. Tuition is $50 per person for the two-day workshop, which runs from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays, Feb. 20 and 27.

Garcia grew up in a small farming village in Nebraska and moved to the Chicago area after high school. After her children were grown, she immersed herself in weekly painting classes and pursued further study at workshops with nationally recognized artists, the American Academy of Art and the Halstead Academy. Today, she works from her studio in Grand Detour and is active in art organizations around the Rock River Valley.

Garcia uses oils and pastels with bold colors in a representational style. Her work includes still-lifes, landscapes, portraits and farm animals. In her opinion, talent is overrated. She says, “Success in art has more to do with good instruction and miles of canvas.”

Garcia’s work, along with that of Stuart Roddy and Craig Tompkins, is on display at Woodlawn Arts Academy through Feb. 12, as part of the Academy’s Winter Art Exhibit. It can be viewed during regular business hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays.

Pre-registration for Open Studio Painting is required. Register online at [ http://www. woodlawnartsacademy.com/ ]www.woodlawnartsacademy.com, by calling 815-6264278 or by visiting the Academy. Woodlawn Arts Academy, a United Way of Whiteside County agency, offers financial assistance to those who qualify. To apply, visit the website or stop in the office to request an application.

“I forgive you.”

Are there any three more powerful words?

Can “I love you” — also used for counter tops, couches or coats — bestow such mercy? I don’t think so.

“I forgive you.” In release and relief, those words put things back on track — although, in the new book “My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry”

by Fredrik Backman, the transgressions hardly need absolution.

Every grandmother’s house smells a little different.

Some smell like cookies or old magazines, soup or stale perfume. But 7-yearold Elsa’s granny’s flat — the whole building, in fact — smelled like coffee, cigarettes, a “very large animal of some sort,” and Granny.

For her entire life, Granny was the only friend Elsa had. Granny played games with Elsa, gave her rides in Renault (the car Granny said she won in a poker game), told Elsa stories (Granny loved stories!) and she taught Elsa how to get to the Land-of-Almost-Awake, the magic kingdom of Miamas, and a troubled knight named Wolfheart. Granny had a lot of superpowers, one of which was always being on Elsa’s side.

And that, perhaps, was why she never mentioned the word “cancer” to Elsa.

She didn’t want Elsa to know, or to mourn. That was probably why Granny never said goodbye before leaving Elsa with an assignment befitting a knight of Miamas.

The assignment was a treasure hunt (Granny loved treasure hunts!), with clues and messages for people in their building: Britt-Marie, who was a “nag-bag,” and her husband, Kent; the boy who danced, and his mother; Maud, who fixed

everything with cookies, and Lennart; Al, who drove Taxi. The first clue took Elsa to the door of a vicious dog that lived downstairs. If the dog didn’t kill her, surely the second delivery would: it was an apology for The Monster, who lived next to the dog.

As Elsa made the deliveries, three more clues appeared until everything — including Granny’s not-so-goodbye — began to make sense. And so did the knowledge that “It’s possible to love your grandmother for years and years without really knowing anything about her.”

Did you ever read a novel that was so captivating that when it was over, you felt a little adrift?

That’s how I was when I finished “My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry.”

If you can remember that time in your life when magic was real, grown-

ups were mysteries, and you were about to learn the truth about both, then you’re halfway to understanding what makes author Fredrik Backman’s book so appealing: though she’s “insanely” precocious, Elsa still relies on a magic-and-pretend life that’s whisked away so quickly, it’s breathtaking.

And yet, that havingto-grow-up-fast time is mercifully aborted by the posthumous wishes of the kind of grandmother you’ll wish you had, the one who knows there’s no need to hurry childhood’s exit.

Bring tissues when you start “My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry,” but bring your funny bone, too. It’s that kind of book — one that, if you miss it, you’ll never forgive yourself.

Terri Schlichenmeyer is a book reviewer from West Salem, Wis. She may be contacted at bookwormsez@yahoo.com.

Friends of Strays February Pet of the Month is

IV Scene photo/Dave Cook

More than just reading a good book Librarian Ellie Barbeau (left) and curator Margaret Martinkus display some of the items which can be made from old books. Those attending the program Upcycling DIY Book Crafts at Princeton Public Library on Thursday, Jan. 28, were provided with all the materials needed to make their own decorative objects.

She is an older Chihuahua who was found wandering on a country road, apparently after years of neglect. She was very frightened when she first came to us, but love and patience have won her over (the treats might have helped). She had some growths that needed to be removed along with many bad teeth, so she prefers her food on the softer side. She likes to be held and will cuddle all day.

Probably would do best in a quiet home. She is seems to be pad trained and would be a great apartment dog.

Call Friends of Strays, Inc. for more information about Ginger Snap or other animals available for adoption!

Friends of Strays, Inc. No-Kill Animal Shelter

2845 N. Main St. Princeton, IL

(815) 872-7387

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Thursday, February 4, 2016 • 5

Illinois Valley Scene

Photo contributed

Senior division: Sarah Sharp (from left), Danielle Jameson, Joannah Cisneros, Jessica Photo contributed Znaniecki and Faith Sommer.

Junior division: Abigail Meyers (from left), Madelynn Anderson and Billy Hawley.

IVSO announces winners of the Young Performer’s Competition OGLESBY — Winners of the 2016 Illinois Valley Symphony’s Orchestra Young Performer’s Competition held on Saturday, Jan. 9, have been announced.

The winners of the senior and junior divisions will perform with the orchestra at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 12, in the Ottawa High School Auditorium. Tickets for this event may be purchased online at ivso.org or at the door the day of the performance.

The winners will also have the opportunity to perform with the IVSO for area grade school students on Friday, Feb. 26, at Ottawa High School and Streator High School.

Students achieving runner-up and honorable mention in both divisions will be given the opportunity to be recognized for their accomplishments at an honors recital at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, at the Music Suite 408 Westclox Fine Arts Factory.

In the senior division, the winner was Sarah Sharp,

oboe, Ottawa High School. The runner-up was Danielle Jameson, violin, home-schooled. Honorable mentions were: Joannah Cisneros, flute, LaSalle-Peru High School; Jessica Znaniecki, flute, LaSalle-Peru High School; and Faith Sommer, violin, Hall High School.

In the junior division, the winner was Abigail Meyers, violin, home-schooled. The runner-up was Madelynn Anderson, horn, LaSalle-Peru High School. Honorable mention was Billy Hawley, violin, home-schooled.

Auction Calendar Feb. 5 – LaVerne McCabe estate, farmland, 10 a.m., sale held at Neponset Community Building, Neponset, Rediger Auction Service, auctioneers.

Feb. 19 – Heirs of John H. Holly, farmland, 10 a.m., sale held at 391 Illinois Route 89 (McNabb Fire Hall), McNabb, McConville Realty & Auctioneering, auctioneers.

Feb. 24 – Charles A. Abell, combine and heads, tractors, sprayer, semi truck, trailer, machinery, equipment, 10 a.m., 401 W. Main St. (The Shed), Wyanet, Rediger Auction Service, auctioneers.

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Hannah Olin and Sierra Smith practice a skit to perform at a local library. Join them and the other Crossroads students at the Feb. 15 Crossroads High School open house.

Crossroads High School, Junior High plans open house on Feb. 15 TISKILWA — Crossroads High School and Junior High will host an open house for prospective students and their parents on Monday, Feb. 15, President’s Day, from 8:15 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.

School will be in session that day, so visitors can see the teachers and students in action. Visitors are welcome to stay a few classes or all day. Those who plan to stay over the lunch hour should bring your a lunch.

Crossroads High School offers a classical Christian education for students in grades 7-12. This open house is an opportunity for students to explore if this might be the right fit for them in the next school year. The school is located at 400 N. Galena St. in Tiskilwa at the Reagan Building.

Registration for the 2016-17 school year is open at this time as well. Registration materials can be downloaded from the Crossroads website at CrossroadsHighSchool. net or requested by email at info@CrossroadsHighSchool.net. If you are unable to make it on Feb. 15 and would like to visit the school another time, call Crossroads High School at 815-646-4037 to make arrangements.

Send your news/event releases to news@bcrnews.com.

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6

6 • Thursday, February 4, 2016

Illinois Valley Scene

Senior Spotlight Brianna Lau • St. Bede Academy School: St. Bede Academy.

Date/place of birth: Jan. 20, 1998; Spring Valley.

Hometown: LaSalle, Ill. Family: Parents, Mike and Lisa Lau. Sports: Tennis, basketball, softball.

Favorite sport and why: Softball, because I’ve been playing for a long time and it has become a way of life.

Favorite food and where to get it: Tacos from Mickey’s Massive Burritos.

Likes: Spending time with family and friends, and cats.

Dislikes: Waking up early.

Person with the greatest influence on my athletic career (and why): Keith Kamphuis, because he was one of the best first softball coaches when I was 12, and he was the best coach I have ever had.

Person with the greatest influence in my life (and why): My mom; she always pushes me to be the best person I can be.

Who would be your dream celebrity prom date: James Lafferty (Nathan Scott).

Name three historic figures you’d like to meet (and why): Sigmund Freud, he is very psychological; Mother Teresa, she is so caring and influential; and Walt Disney, to discuss Disney movies.

If stranded on a deserted island, I would have my: Friends.

The last song I listened to: Probably any song on the new Adele album.

People would be surprised to know: I look quiet, but I actually talk a lot.

I stay home to watch: Netflix.

When I need luck for a big game, I: Rub my “Rally for Lily” bracelet.

The funniest person I’ve ever met (and why): My physics teacher, Mr. Fess. He’s always making us laugh.

What they’ll say about me at school after I graduate: She was always very nice and smiled a lot.

Most embarrassing moment: Falling up the stairs freshmen year in front of seniors.

Most unforgettable moment: Senior Spirit Day. Ultimate sports fantasy: Meeting Taj Gibson.

What I would like to do in life: Go to college and travel the world.

Three words that best describe myself: Lights, camera, action.

IVS photo/Dan Dwyer

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Ask About Our $25 Sign-On Bonus.

Here’s a look at the upcoming area sports slate: Thursday, Feb. 4 Boys basketball: LaMoille/Ohio at Little Ten Conference Tournament, tba.

Girls basketball: Kewanee at BV, Hall at Prophetstown, St. Bede at Rockridge, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 5 Boys basketball: BV at Morrison, DePue at Woodland, Hall at Riverdale, Princeton at Newman. St. Bede at Fulton, 7:30 p.m.; LaMoille/Ohio at Little Ten Conference Tournament, tba.

Saturday, Feb. 6 Boys basketball: Princeton at BV.

Girls basketball: Princeton at Henry, 3:30 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 8 Boys basketball: Girls basketball: IHSA regionals, tba Tuesday, Feb. 9 Boys basketball: BV at St. Bede, Serena at DePue, Hall at St. Bede, Girls basketball: IHSA regionals, tba Volleyball: Princeton Logan at Peru Parkside, 4:15 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 10 Girls basketball: IHSA regionals, tba Thursday, Feb. 11 Girls basketball: IHSA regionals, tba

Friday, Feb. 12 Boys basketball: Hall at BV, Quest Academy at DePue, Earlville-Leland at LaMoille/Ohio, Newman at St. Bede, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 13 Boys basketball: St. Bede at Indian Creek Shootout.

Wrestling: Princeton, St. Bede at Seneca 1A Regional, Hall/PC at New Lenox 2A Regional.

Tuesday, Feb. 16 Volleyball: Trinity/Holy Cross at Princeton Logan, 5 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 20 Volleyball: Princeton Logan, Spring Valle JFK at SRC Tournament at Ottawa, tba

Routes are available delivering the Bureau County Republican in Cherry, Ladd, Manlius, Princeton, Sheffield & Spring Valley.

Delivery days are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings by 7:00 am.

No Collecting Involved.

For more information, please call Tom Long, District Manager (815) 875-4461 Ext. 6350

800 Ace Road • Princeton, IL 61356 • 815-875-4461

7

Thursday, February 4, 2016 • 7

Illinois Valley Scene

Youth basketball PRINCETON — The Princeton Park District is offering a winter youth basketball league at the Bureau County Metro Center Feb. 13 through March 19 for grades 1-6. Games are on Saturday, beginning at 9 a.m. For more information, call 815-8720840.

St. Bede spring training clinic

PERU — The St. Bede Bruins baseball team will hold its Spring Training Baseball Clinic in March. Session 1 for ages 6-8 will be from 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 5. Session II for ages 9-11 will be from 1 to 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 6. Session III for ages 12-14 will be from 8:30 am. to noon, Saturday, March 12.

Instructors for the clinic will be St. Bede coaches and players, headed by varsity coach Bill Booker. Participants will learn baseball fundamentals for the upcoming season. Sessions will focus on hitting, field, throwing, bunting, pitch and catching skills.

Early registration postmarked

by Feb. 25 are $30 for first child and $25 for each additional sibling. Fees are $35 after Feb. 25 or at the door.

A check made payable to St.

Bede Baseball, made be sent to St. Bede Academy, att. Bill Booker, 24 W. US HWY, Peru, IL. 61354.

IVCC softball clinic OGLESBY— Illinois Valley Community College’s softball team will host the 17th annual IVCC Eagles Softball Clinic Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 13 and 14, in IVCC’s gym. Coaches and current players will offer instruction in hitting, bunting, fielding, throwing, base running and communication.

Participants in grades 2-4 will meet from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Sunday. Grades 5-8 will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Cost of the clinic is $30 per player and includes five hours of instruction and a clinic T-shirt.

If a player can only come one day, the cost is $20.

All players should bring a glove and tennis shoes (no spikes or cleats allowed).

If a player has her own bat, she is allowed to bring it. Please make sure all items have the player’s name on them for identification purposes.

To register, contact softball coach Cory Tomasson at 815224-0509 or the athletic department at 815-224-0472.

YL Curling Outing TRIUMPH — The Bureau County Farm Bureau Young Leader Committee will take part in the annual District 4 YL Curling outing from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, at the Waltham Curling Club in Triumph.

All participants in the curling activity will have to sign a liability waiver before they can play.

All are asked to wear clean tennis shoes. The cost is $20 per person to curl.

If you are a Farm Bureau member between the ages of 18-35 and would like to take part in this event, call the Bureau County Farm Bureau office at 815-8756468 before noon on Wednesday, Feb. 3, to register. Bring a friend.

Princeton Shootout

PRINCETON — The Princeton High School Athletic Boosters will be hosting the 23rd annual Princeton Boys Shootout Feb. 27-28 at Princeton High School and Logan Junior High School.

Thirty-two teams from Bureau County, Quad Cities, Rockford, western suburbs and the Peoria areas will be represented. Teams will compete in the Grade 7-8 brackets Feb. 27 and in the Grade 5-6 brackets Feb. 28. Tournament games will be scheduled between 8 a.m. to 6

p.m. throughout both days. In addition, a 3-point shot and Hot Shot competition will also be held.

The public is encouraged to attend the tournament with one gate fee for all locations each day. Tournament T-shirts can be purchased at all admission gates. Entry deadline is Feb. 1.

For more information, call or text 815-876-7021.

Indoor golf

PRINCETON — Indoor golf is underway at the Bureau County Metro Center, using the OptiShot golf simulator, which allows golfers to practice their swings while playing some of the world’s best courses. You may call for a tee time or to join a league.

For more information, call Nick Davis at 815-872-0840.

Lori’s Walleye Run

SPRING VALLEY — The 30th Annual Lori’s Walleye Run will start at 9 a.m. Saturday March 26, at Hall High School. Entry fee is $25 if postmarked by March 18 and $30 through and including race day. Make checks payable to Spring Valley Walleye Club, 407 W. Dakota St., Spring Valley, IL. 61362.

Race day registration packet pick-up is available from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at HHS. Awards will be given to the top three place-fin-

ishers in each age bracket, the overall male and female finishers as well as those from Spring Valley.

Minor modifications have been made to the course with starts and finished in Hall parking lot.

Coaches Clinic

Manlius — The 2016 Bureau County Track and Cross Country Coaches Clinic will be Saturday, Feb. 6 at Bureau Valley High School in Manlius. The clinic starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m.

Any updated information will be posted at www.bureauvalleytrack.net. For more information, contact Dale Donner at 309-895-2037 or by email at daledonner@yahoo.com.

This year’s speakers include: Jim Aikens (Fremd High School), Chad Laktos (Edwardsville High School), Will Kupisch (Downers Grove North High School), Alec Holler (Edwardsville High School), Todd Ehlert (Geneseo Middle School), Ken Jakalski (Lisle High School), Karonji Carr (Normal U-High), Randy Moore (Rockford Christian High School) and Denise Urycki (Metamora High School) ••• Items for the Happenings section can be emailed to sports@ bcrnews.com.

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