BCJ-04-07-2016

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

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Vol. 10 No. 37

‘For it’s root, root, root for the home team ...’

Whether it’s high school baseball or softball, a rousing Little League game, a church league, a T-ball contest or even one of the area farm teams in Peoria or the Quad Cities, Bureau County — just like the rest of the nation — loves its ball games.

Area baseball/softball enthusiasts won’t be longing long for the crack of the bat and the cheers from the crowd, as the season arrives with all the fanfare of area youth enjoying the game. On most every night and during every weekend, you’ll be able to find a game in Bureau County — whether it’s being played by the very, very young ... the older guys who still love the game ... and everyone in between. It’s in our blood ... our nation’s favorite pastime, so to speak. So take the family out to the ball game ... to the crowd. Buy them some peanuts and Crackerjacks ...

You won’t care if you ever get back.

And don’t forget to “root, root, root for the home team; if they don’t win it’s a shame. For it’s one, two, three strikes you’re out; at the old ball game!”

Pictured, Princeton Tiger pitcher Garrett Allen moves in to cover home plate during a contest between the Tigers and the Ottawa Pirates. A wild pitch allowed the Ottawa runner to score a run and beat the throw.

IVS photo/Mike Vaughn

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2 • Thursday, April 7, 2016

Illinois Valley Scene

Quite the character Hall High School senior wins prestigious award due to his integrity

By Eric Engel eengel@bcrnews.com

SPRING VALLEY — Recognized for his achievements as an individual who gives full effort on and off the playing field, Hall High School senior Jake Merkel is the recent recipient of the Burlsworth Character Award.

The award winner characterizes a student who understands leadership and attention to detail, whether that’s running a crisp route on the way to the end zone, understanding the value in studying for a test or simply speaking to one’s peers with kindness and respect.

Merkel was nominated by Hall High School head football coach Randy Tieman, and the senior wide receiver/safety said he wasn’t actually aware of his inclusion as a finalist until he won the award, and yet his thoughts on teamwork indicate his worthiness of the achievement.

“If you can get everybody on the same page, you’ll have good team chemistry, and that’s how you win games,” Merkel said, mentioning he also protects third base on the Hall baseball team and brings a hefty Louisville Slugger to home plate each time he’s called upon. “If you care for each other, you’ll play well together.”

The Burlsworth Character Award is handed out in memory of Brandon Burlsworth, a nerdy walk-on to the Arkansas Razorbacks football team whose tireless dedication to improvement turned him into a first team All-American in 1998.

Burlsworth was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1999, but died in a head-on car crash just days after the draft.

Merkel epitomizes the kind of person

“It was kind of surprising winning this award because you never think about trying to win something for having good character ...”

Jake Merkel Burlsworth was — a hard-working slice of humble pie — and he credits his approach to life to being raised in a tight-knit family.

“My family is really close, and they always taught me to have good manners and do the right thing, so I picked up on it early and have been doing it ever since,” Merkel said, mentioning his older brother has been there for him throughout his life, teaching him how to conduct himself properly even as they have somewhat opposite personalities.

Merkel believes in the power of the little things, like a kind word or a positive gesture, and knows at a young age being a leader means treating everyone with genuine kindness, regardless if they are friend or stranger. His future plans include studying sports management at North Central College or St. Ambrose University.

“It was kind of surprising winning this award because you never think about trying to win something for having good character, but it’s definitely cool.”

As a reward for the accolade, Merkel, Tieman and Hall High School will be BCR/photo contributed included in the end credits of the movie Jake Merkel, a senior at Hall High School, won the Burlsworth Character Award, due to “Greater,” the summer 2016 film comhis blend of humility and leadership on the field and in the classroom. memorating Brandon Burlsworth.

IVCH ‘Cookin’ with the Doctors’ fundraiser PERU — At least 10 area physicians will have their culinary skills on display at the second annual “Cookin’ with the Doctors” fundraiser for the Illinois Valley Community Hospital Foundation from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 7, at Senica’s Oak Ridge Golf Club.

The event will give guests the opportunity to sample the cooking creations of members of the IVCH medical staff.

Money raised from ticket sales, sponsorships and a silent auction will go into a Foundation fund for the purchase of a new MRI unit for the hospital’s diagnostic imaging department.

So far, the list of doctors who will be cooking April 7 includes: • Dr. Paul Kim, • Dr. Merle Piacenti, • Dr. Steve Lukancic, • Dr. Mark Fernandez, • Dr. Scott Millington,

• Dr. Robert Pode, • Dr. Neelam Goel, • Dr. Paul Bonucci, • Dr. Eugene Becker, and • Dr. Thomas Szymke.

“Besides enjoying great food, guests will also get an opportunity to talk with the doctors in an informal setting,” said Renee Kim, IVCH Foundation Board of Directors’ member and chair of the committee planning “Cookin’ with the

Doctors.”

Cookin’ tickets are $35 if purchased in advance either online at www. ivch.org or at the IVCH West Street information desk between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. weekdays.

Tickets will be $40 at the door.

For more information, including how to reserve Photo contributed a private table for 10, call Jheri Emmerling, IVCH Dr. Neelam Goel (left), who served Indian stew at last Foundation secretary, at year’s Cookin’ with the Doctors event, is returning to this 815-780-4642. year’s IVCH Foundation fundraiser.

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Thursday, April 7, 2016 • 3

Illinois Valley Scene

PRINCETON — Thursday, April 7, all day, Little Free Libraries showcase will be on display.

Thursday, April 7, 6:30 p.m., the library will also host an adult coloring session.

Friday, April 8, all day, Little Free Libraries showcase will be on display.

Friday, April 8, 6 p.m., Little Free Libraries showcase opening reception and auction.

Saturday, April 9, all day, Little Free Libraries showcase will be on display.

Monday, April 11, all day, Little Free Libraries showcase will be on display.

Monday, April 11, 6:30 p.m., Monday Movie: A museum guard infiltrates the Smithsonian Institution

in order to rescue Jedediah and Octavius, who have been shipped to the museum by mistake.

Tuesday, April 12, all day, Little Free Libraries showcase will be on display.

Tuesday, April 12, 10:30 a.m., youth services story time and craft.

Tuesday, April 12, 6:30 p.m., the library will host a guitar jam.

Wednesday, April 13, all day, Little Free Libraries showcase will be on display.

Wednesday, April 13, 6:30 p.m., Widmark Wednesday: A quintet of five of O. Henry’s most celebrated stories from his New York Period (190210) in this anthology film.

Thursday, April 14, all day, Little Free Libraries

showcase will be on display.

Thursday, April 14, 4 p.m., Friends of the Library Book Club will meet.

Thursday, April 14, 6:30 p.m., the library will host a program about Hexi Club-English paper piecing (quilting).

SPRING VALLEY — Friday, April 15, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., the library will host a Rules of the Road review course. The course is free to anyone who wishes to attend. The purpose of the course is to help participants pass the Illinois drivers license renewal examination. The course prepares applicants for the general written and road examination, and also provides information on the

vision screening. For further information, contact the driver services department at 312-814-3676.

LAMOILLE — Thursday, April 14, from 1 to 4 p.m., the library will host Therapy Thursdays. Spend the afternoon coloring with friends.

Materials will be furnished.

The library will also be participating in the Rebecca Caudill Book Choice Award for 2017. This program is open to children in fourth through eighth grades. Twenty books have been nominated for the award, but each participating child has to read only three of the nominees to vote for their favorite. The Rebecca Caudill group will meet at the library for fun talks, games and snacks, ending with a pizza party and voting in February 2017.

The library is also taking part in choosing the Abraham Lincoln High School Book Award. This award will be chosen from 20 nominees and voted on by participating high school students. The program will

be conducted in the same manner as the Rebecca Caudill program. If interested in joining either of these groups, please contact the library for a list of the nominated books.

MINERAL — The Mineral-Gold Public Library will be celebrating National Library Week from Monday, April 11, to Saturday, April 16. Stop in and register to win an adult or children’s gift basket. Anyone coming in during the week will have their name put in the drawing for the baskets.

The library will also be giving away children’s small paperback books to all the children who come in that week. Stop in and enjoy a cookie and pick up a good book to read. There will also be a candy guessing jar for adults and children to be given away.

DEPUE — On the second Tuesday of every month, the library hosts blood pressure and blood sugar screenings for free. The screenings are administered by St. Margaret’s Health.

TISKILWA — Every

Thursday at 9:30 a.m., the library hosts a senior fitness class. Participants focus on balance, endurance, muscular strength, mental clarity and socialization.

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

WALNUT — The library is collecting empty inkjet cartridges for recycling. Cartridges can be deposited in a collection bin located to the left inside the door to the library. Cartridges should be placed in a sandwich bag before being dropped off.

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).

Gypsy coeds ride the Silver Streak exhibit Coming to the Model T Museum in Indiana Long before Thelma & Louise rode off in their ’66 Thunderbird convertible, there were the Gypsy Coeds.

In the mid 1930s and early ‘40s, this group of fiercely independent young ladies would pack themselves and a few belongings into Darlene Dorgan’s silver 1926 Model T Touring Car (dubbed the Silver Streak) and set off during the summers in search of adventure.

Darlene and various combinations of 19 other girls made eight trips, logged more than 71,500 miles and found adventure at every turn.

They met the reclusive Dr. Dafoe and watched the Dionne quintuplets play outside through a one-way screen.

They attended the New York and San Francisco World’s Fair; met movie stars and moguls, dignitaries and corporate leaders; slept in parks, schoolyards, jail cells and by the side of the road; and formed a special bond with Henry Ford who hosted and assisted the girls on many occasions.

John Butte had heard stories about these trips from his mother (one of the Gypsy Coeds) and, upon her death in 2011, was determined to find the car.

He tracked it to Portland, Ore., where Darlene’s descendants had taken it after it had sat in storage for decades at the Dorgan’s Bradford, Ill., home.

Butte purchased the Silver Streak and brought it back to the Bradford area.

Remarkably, the exterior had never been restored … and it still ran.

Butte’s desire to preserve the car quickly evolved into preserving its history as well.

An exhibit “Gypsy Coeds Ride the Silver Streak” was created by the Peoria Riverfront Museum, and Butte tells the stories of the girls’ travels through 44 states, Mexico and Canada at a top speed of about 45 miles an hour.

After its highly successful debut at the Peoria museum last fall, the Silver Streak — along with pictures and fascinating information about the Gypsy Coeds and their trips — will be on display at the Model T Museum in Richmond, Ind., from April 9 to Aug. 7.

The Model T Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a,m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 309 N. Eighth St., Richmond, Ind., in the Historic Depot District.

It features an impressive collection of vehicles including one of the first Ts and one of the last, a Pietenpol airplane, T-related memorabilia, reference materials and an extensive gift shop which includes copies of Butte’s recently released book, “Darlene’s Silver Streak and The Bradford Model T Girls.”

For more information call the Model T Museum at 765-488-0026.

River Valley Players Dinner Theater presents: Saturdays, April 16 & 23: Dinner & Show • 6:30pm • $30 Sundays, April 17 & 24:

Dinner & Show • 12:30pm • $30

Friday, April 22: Show Only • 7:30 • $17

A Musical Comedy - Murder Mystery Book, Music & Lyrics by James McDonald, David Vos & Robert Gerlach Additional Music by Ed Linderman Saturdays, April 16 & 23: Dinner & Show—6:30pm—$30 St. John’s Center Sundays, April 17 & 24: Dinner & XXIII Show—12:30pm—$30 Friday, April 22: Show Only—7:30—$17

(formerly St. Mary’s)

1301 2nd St., Henry, IL

St. John’s XXIII Center (formerly St. Mary’s); 1301 2nd St., Henry, IL

For reservations: (309) 238-RVPT (7878) or

Contact (309)238-RVPT (7878) for reservations or order online and rivervalleyplayers@yahoo.com www.rvphenry.org at www.rvphenry.org and rivervalleyplayers@yahoo.com

Photo contributed

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Illinois Valley Scene

Fundraiser planned OHIO — The Ohio Public Library will hosts its annual fundraiser Sunday, April 3, at the Sip N’ Snack in Mendota. Tickets are available at the library or from any library board member.

Benefit planned

LASALLE — A benefit for Sgt. Jason Brokaw of the Peru Police Department will be from 6 p.m. to midnight Saturday, May 26, at the LaSalle Knights of Columbus, 209 Gooding St., LaSalle. The benefit will help Jason and his family offset expenses due to his ongoing medical issues.

The donation is $20. The event will include food, raffles, a cash bar and a chance to win a $500 door prize. Musical entertainment will be provided by The Craig’s, Road Angel and 303. Tickets are available at the door, at the Peru Police Department or from any Peru officer.

Jazz concert PRINCETON — The Logan Junior High School Jazz Band will perform in a joint concert with the Princeton Community Jazz Band on Saturday, April 23, at the Bureau County Fairgrounds. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert will start at 7 p.m. The evening will also feature the debut performance of the Princeton Community Jazz Band under the direction of Brandon Stover.

Tickets, which will be available at the door, are $5 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens. Desserts will also be available for purchase. For more information, call Brandon Stover at 815-875-6415.

Taco dinner in Mineral

MINERAL — The Mineral-Gold Fire Department will have a taco dinner from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at the Mineral Community Hall. The event will also include raffles and a 50/50. Carry-outs will be available.

Country breakfast fundraiser

PRINCETON — Crossroads High School and Junior High will host a country breakfast fundraiser from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, April 17, at the Princeton Elks Lodge, 1105 E. Peru St. in Princeton. The breakfast will include biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs and potatoes, cinnamon rolls, fruit and beverage. Tickets can be purchased from Crossroads students or by calling 815-646-4037 or they may be purchased at the door for a suggested donation of $10 per adult and $5 per child ages 6-11. Children 5 and under are free.

Quilt raffle

PRINCETON — The Princeton High School Music Boosters are sponsoring a quilt raffle as a fundraiser.

The quilt pattern is “Diamond Double” and is done in black, white and royal blue fabric. The quilt measures 75 inches by 65 inches. Profits from the raffle will benefit the

band and choir programs at Princeton High School. For tickets, contact any PHS Music Booster member or the following board members: Dawn Rudolph at 815-7193019, Linnea Campbell at 815-875-1635 or Lori Biggs at 815-878-5639.

Trivia Night planned

LAMOILLE — A Trivia Night in support of the LaMoille and Ohio Athletic Boosters, will be Saturday, April 30, at the LaMoille Lions Club, 308 Howard St., LaMoille. The entry fee is $100 per team, with six to 10 people per team.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the first-, second- and third-place teams. To register a team, call Brian Chasteen at 815-993-3032, Dee Hughes at 815-866-2226 or Kim Fahs at 815-303-7733. You must be 21 or older to participate. The event will also include silent auctions, raffles, cash beverages and snacks.

Fish fry and drawdown in Manlius

MANLIUS — The Manlius Historical Society will hold a fish fry and drawdown Saturday, April 9, at the Manlius Sportsmen’s Club. The fish fry will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and the drawdown will begin at 6:30 p.m. First prize will be $1,000. The event will also include a 50/50, raffles, auction and other prizes. For tickets to the event, call Robert Andersen at 815-713-0251 or Kenny Rodgers at 815-454-2532. Tickets may also be purchased as the door. Proceeds will be used for continued renovation and operational expenses. Donations are tax deductible.

Yard and bake sale

PRINCETON — A yard and bake sale to benefit the youth mission trip will be Friday, April 29, and Saturday, April 30, at The People Church in Princeton. Hours for Friday will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and hours on Saturday will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

‘A Knight to Remember’ SPRING VALLEY — The Spring Valley Boosters will present “A Knight to Remember,” a princess and knight dance, from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 9, in the John F. Kennedy Gym in Spring Valley.

The night includes dancing, a wrist corsage, photo and much more. Tickets are $25 per couple, $5 per additional guest. To ensure a corsage, tickets should

be purchased by Friday, April 8. Tickets can also be purchased at the door. Call Kelli at 815-393-4595.

Also, attendees who purchase a ticket are also able to receive a special dinner discount at the following restaurants the night of the event: Alfano’s, Angelo’s, Gold Mine, Valley Bar & Grill and Verucchi’s. Discounts vary at participating restaurants.

ATTENTION READERS: Sauk Valley Media and Bureau County Republican are publishing a

QUILTED BARN BOOK

Photo contributed

2015 Safety Town attendees practice bicycle and pedestrian safety in PJWC’s outdoor “Safety Town.” Safety Town is held each year in June in Princeton, and is open to 4 and 5 year olds who reside in Bureau County.

Register now for PJWC Safety Town program PRINCETON — The Princeton Junior Woman’s Club will sponsor its annual Safety Town program in June.

Safety Town is a two-week program taught by certified teacher Jessica Pinter and Officer Rob Jensen (D.A.R.E. officer for the Princeton Police Department).

The program, consists of daily classroom instruction in combination with outdoor safety demonstrations and practice. Safety Town is open to all children in Bureau County, who are 4 or 5 years old

by June 1, 2016. No exceptions are made to this age policy.

Students attend Safety Town at St. Louis School in Princeton from 9 to 11 a.m.

Monday through Friday from June 13 to June 24. Parents drop the children off and pick them up each day, and attend an hour-long “graduation” on the last Friday of the program. Graduation day allows parents to see what their kids have learned, and celebrate with goodie bags, graduation certificates and refreshments.

High School aged volunteers are used to help Jensen and Pinter run the program. The volunteers pass a background

check and earn volunteer hours from the program. High school students interested in volunteering will earn hours for their school or organization. Volunteer applicants can fill out a volunteer application and submit it to the address on the form, or can come to the in-person registration.

There are two ways to register students and volunteers for Safety Town. Applications are accepted by mail (the mailing address is on the form) with applications postmarked by April 27 or in person at the Prouty Building in Princeton from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 24. Registration and volunteer forms can be printed online via the Princeton Junior Woman’s Club Facebook page or picked up at anytime at the Prouty Building lobby.

The in-person registration on May 4 is the very last date they can accept registrations. Safety Town has a very limited number of student spots. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and once the slots are filled, no more registrations can be accepted.

Questions can be emailed PrincetonJuniors@gmail.com.

Deadline for submission is April 30, 2016

in 2016 If you would like your barn to be included in this publication, please submit a photo, along with some basic information to:

Sauk Valley Media, Quilted Barn Book 3200 E. Lincolnway, Sterling, IL 61081 or Bureau County Republican, Quilted Barn Book 800 Ace Rd., Princeton, IL 61356

Owner(s) of barn: __________________________________ Phone number: ____________________________________ Address of barn: ___________________________________ Information about barn: _____________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________

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Thursday, April 7, 2016 • 5

Illinois Valley Scene

Out and about ...

Chicago-bound? the 18th annual Chicago Kids and Chicago to host Midwest go, Kites Festival returns to Cricket Hill in Lincoln Park (Montrose and Wilson) on Rum Festival Saturday, May 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

CHICAGO — Chicago is set to host the largest rum festival in the Midwest from Friday, April 29, to Saturday, April 30. Hundreds of rum aficionados will have access to a variety of events, ranging from educational to tastings at The Bottom Lounge (1375 W. Lake St.). The festival is divided into three sessions: For more information visit www. midwestrumfest.com/. Tickets can be purchased at www.eventbrite.com/e/ midwest-rum-fest-2016-chicago-il-tickets-19177546558.

Chicago Kids and Kites Festival

CHICAGO — A favorite family event and a harbinger of springtime in Chica-

Admission is free.

Once again, the city of Chicago will provide kite kits for children to build, decorate and fly, while supplies last.

Other activities include face painting, balloon artists and crafts.

One of the most popular highlights of the festival is the Big Kite Candy Drop, which is a pinata-like kite filled with candies that drop from the sky, taking place during the afternoon, weather permitting. Kite Harbor will be onsite for kite buyers, and professional kite flyers will demonstrate their skills with over-sized and uniquely-shaped kites.

For more information, visit chicagokidsandkites.us or join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Auction calendar

PAC will present ‘Imagine That’ PRINCETON — The Prairie Arts Council will present “Imagine That,” the art of Jeanne O’Melia through May 1 at the Prairie Arts Center Gallery in Princeton.

O’Melia has studied art at Iowa State University and Augustana College, Rock Island, and The Clearing, Door County, Wis. Traveling extensively throughout the world, she makes line drawings in ink or paints in watercolor on location. Her drawings from travels and at home are the inspiration for cyanotype prints, acrylic paintings and found-object sculptures “I employ a variety of media to express my feelings and reactions to the world we live in.

“I have been drawn to depicting the human figure since I first learned to draw.

People come in all shapes and sizes and are fascinating to watch. Watercolor was the first medium I used. I still take my watercolors, paper and a sketch book with me on trips, even biking or kayaking.”

About 20 years ago, O’Melia began making sculptural figures from found objects, brazing metals together. Growing up on a farm near Princeton, she knew about welding. Most metal scraps were found during bicycle tours.

“I’ve added dumpster diving to gather a wider range of found objects. Gradually I have used other materials — plastic, paper and even cigarette butts. A variety of adhesives are used to hold the pieces together including JB Weld and Gel Medium.

“I have been creating large papier-mâché heads for years. They get burned with their clothed, firecracker filled bodies each New Year’s Eve at midnight. It makes a great celebration. Many ethnic groups have used papier mâché in art and for festivals, and I’ve always been fascinated by them.

O’Melia has taught art as part of the Illinois Arts in Education Artist Roster program. In Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica and San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico, she volunteered to work with children creating art from found objects. “Being up to my elbows in papier mâché paste with a group of first graders is really fun for me.”

Her work has been exhibited in the Quad Cities and other venues throughout Illinois and in Cook, Minn. She also exhibited in Montreal and Atikokan, Quebec, and won first place in Friends of Quetico Provincial Park art show. She was a delegate on a “Friendship through the Arts” Tour in China.”

“Art for me is an avenue through which I can bloom. Growing up on a farm, I have always loved nature and her bloomings.

Experiencing nature, being a part of it, caring for it anchors me in the stream of life. For me, art is like breath itself.”

“This exhibit contains my latest watercolors and acrylic paintings and collages.

There are also sculptures created within the in the last five years. I really like trying new art forms. I have been doing a few abstract works inspired by music. There are always several art works going in my studio at one time. I am never bored. I enjoy creating for special exhibits with a theme. There is always some new challenge ready for me to tackle. It makes my world go round.”

There was a reception Friday, April 1, at the Prairie Art Center Gallery. O’Melia will also offer a “Trash For Treasures” collage class for children from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 9, and for adults, age 17 and above, from 1 to 3 p.m., also on Saturday, April 9. Both classes will be offered at a $5 fee, including materials, but you must pre-register by Thursday, April 7, by calling 815-875-2787.

DNR hunter safety course scheduled PUTNAM — Area residents will have an opportunity to learn basic principles of safe hunting at a Department of Natural Resources hunter safety course on Friday, April 15, and Saturday, April 16, at the Putnam County Conservation District, Senachwine Unit, Putnam.

The class will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sat-

urday.

A 1996 state law requires that all hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1980, successfully complete the hunter education course before they can receive their first hunting license. Participants completed the course receive a Hunter Education Certification card verifying that they have passed the course of instruction.

The minimum 10-hour course includes instruction in wildlife management, firearms safety, hunter ethnics, game identification, first aid, survival techniques and regulations.

For more information about the course, call Randy Witko at 815437-2070 or the Putnam County Conservation District at 815-882-2319.

Want the public to know about your upcoming event? Send your release to news@bcrnews.com.

April 9 – Clement and Mary Henkel estate, appliances and furniture, barn and primitive items, household items.

10 a.m., 307 Greenwing Road, (Corner of Maytown Road and Greenwing Road) Sublette, Tumbleson Auction Co., auctioneers.

April 9 – Jim and Bernie Lusietto, tools, lawn and garden, archery, firearms and miscellaneous, 10 a.m., 26149-1340 North Ave., Princeton, 61356. Rediger Auction Service, auctioneers.

April 9 – John W. Milam, collector tractors, utility trailers, Hyster forklift, hit and miss engines, antique farm equipment, shop equipment and tools, 9:30

a.m., 3159 North Illinois Route 23, Ottawa, Bradley Auctions, Inc., auctioneer.

April 15 – Central Bank will sell the following real estate at 11 a.m., at the on-site location of 25297 2100 North Ave., Princeton, approximately 6.5 miles north of Princeton on Route 34, thence west one-half mile to location. Tumbleson Auction Co., auctioneer.

April 23 – Herbert Bialas real estate, 11 a.m., 24642 2650 East St., Princeton, (south of Van Orin, one-fourth mile on 2600 East St. to 2750 North Ave., then east one-half mile to 2650 East St., then south 3 miles to sale site). Espe Auctioneering, auctioneer.

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Illinois Valley Scene

Senior Spotlight Levi Bates • Princeton High School Name: Levi Bates.

School: Princeton High School.

Date/place of birth: April 28, 1998, Princeton, lll.

Hometown: Princeton.

Family: Parents - Joe and Jody; Sisters - Mollie and

Katie.

Sports: Football, baseball and basketball.

Favorite sport and why: Football, there is no better

feeling than being out under the lights on a Friday night with your closest friends.

Favorite food and where to get it: Chicken Alfredo from Olive Garden.

Likes: Warm weather, food and being with friends.

Dislikes: Snow, school, annoying people.

Person with the greatest influence on my athletic career (and why): My dad, because he started me at a

young age and kept me active, and he made me do it until I got it right.

Person with the greatest influence in my life (and why): My mom, because she made me strive to be my

best, and was always there for me.

Who would be your dream celebrity prom date: Jen-

nifer Aniston.

Name three historic figures you’d like to meet (and why): Michael Jordan, because he was the greatest

of all time; Jackie Robinson, because he is the most important baseball player of all time; and Kris Bryant, because he is going to win the 2016 World Series.

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

Mom to cook me food.

The last song I listened to: “Roses” by the Chain-

smokers.

People would be surprised to know: I have lived in the same house my whole life.

I stay home to watch: March Madness.

The last song I listened to: Listen to really loud music.

The funniest person I’ve ever met (and why): Jack (Bays), because the things he says are so dumb that it is actually funny.

What they’ll say about me at school after I graduate:

He was quiet, but he definitely knew what he was doing.

Most embarrassing moment: Last year during baseball, I hit two doubles and missed first base on both of them, and I got called out.

Most unforgettable moment: The whole 2015 football season.

Ultimate sports fantasy: Beat Michael Jordan in a game of 1 on 1.

What I would like to do in life: Go to college, get a very good job and raise a family.

Three words that best describe myself: Quiet, happy and athletic.

Bede, BV at Prophetstown, Hall at Riverdale, LaMoille at Hiawatha, 4:30 p.m.

Girls soccer: Princeton invite, 5 p.m.

Saturday, April 9

Here’s a look at the upcoming area sports slate: Thursday, April 7 Baseball: BV at Newman, Hiawatha at LaMoille, Princeton at St. Bede, 4:30 p.m.

Softball: BV at Newman, Hiawatha at LaMoille, Princeton at St. Bede, 4:30 p.m.

Track: Girls - Princeton Howard Monier Invite, 4:30 p.m.

Boys tennis: St. Bede at Pontiac, 4 p.m.

Friday, April 8

Baseball: Amboy at St. Bede, Hall at Riverdale, LaMoille at Hiawatha, Princeton at Morrison, 4:30 p.m.

Softball: Amboy at St.

Baseball: BV at Prophetstown-DH, 11 a.m.

Softball: BV at West Carroll Invite in Thomson, 8 a.m., Princeton at L-P-DH, Veteran’s Park, Peru, 10 a.m.

Girls soccer: Princeton invite, 9 a.m.

Track: Coed - BV, Hall, Princeton at Mendota Don Gooden Invitational, 10 a.m.

Monday, April 11

Baseball: Amboy at Hall, BV at Rockridge, Princeton at Kewanee, St. Bede at Newman, 4:30 p.m.

Softball: Amboy at Hall, BV at Rockridge, Princeton at Kewanee, St. Bede at Newman, 4:30 p.m.

Boys tennis: Princeton at Newman (Sauk Valley), 4:30 p.m.

Girls soccer: Princeton at Morris, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, April 12

Baseball: Amboy at LaMoille, St. Bede at Rockridge, 4:30 p.m.

Softball: Amboy at LaMoille, St. Bede at Rockridge, 4:30 p.m.

Girls soccer: Princeton at IVC, 4:15 p.m.

Track: Boys - Howard Monier Invite at Princeton, 4:30 p.m.

Boys tennis: Princeton at St. Bede, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 13

Baseball: Somonauk at Hall, 4:30 p.m.

Softball: Somonauk at Hall, St. Bede at L-P, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 14

Baseball: Hall at Amboy, Kewanee at Princeton, Indian Creek at LaMoille, Newman at St. Bede, 4:30 p.m.

Softball: Hall at Amboy, Kewanee at Princeton, Newman at St. Bede, Indian Creek at LaMoille, 4:30 p.m.

NEED EXTRA CASH??

Ask About Our $25 Sign-On Bonus.

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 Sports

Thursday, April 7, 2016 • 7

Illinois Valley Scene

Hunter safety PUTNAM — Area residents will have an opportunity to learn basic principles of safe hunting at a Department of Natural Resources hunter safety course on Friday, April 15, and Saturday, April 16, at the Putnam County Conservation District, Senachwine Unit, Putnam. The class will be from 6 to 9 p.m.

Friday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

A 1996 state law requires that all hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1980, successfully complete the hunter education course before they can receive their first hunting license. Participants completed the course receive a Hunter Education Certification card verifying that they have passed the course of instruction.

The minimum 10-hour course includes instruction in wildlife management, firearms safety, hunter ethnics, game identification, first aid, survival techniques and regulations.

For more information about the course, call Randy Witko at 815-437-2070 or the Putnam County Conservation District at 815-882-2319.

Rumble for the kids

PRINCETON — This year’s Rumble For The Kids will be Saturday, April 30, at Logan Junior High School’s Pannebaker Gymnasium. Doors will open at 4 p.m. with a 5 p.m. bell time.

Rumble For The Kids is an annual wrestling event that helps raise money for non-profit organizations that assist in helping local kids.

St. Margaret’s Health 10K

SPRING VALLEY —The fourth annual St. Margaret’s Health 10K and 3 Mile Fun Run/ Walk will start at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 23,

at St. Margaret’s. Cost is $30 for the 10K and $25 for the 3M Run/Walk. Race-day registration and packet pickup will take place from 7 to 8:50 a.m. at the west pavilion parking lot.

Proceeds will be benefit the ongoing renovations and improvements to St. Margaret’s Health facilities including the esophageal and colon cancer prevention center.

Online registration is available at www. runrace.net. For more information, call Gina Mudge at (815) 378-9726 or at gcmudge@ gmail.com.

L-P volleyball tournament

LASALLE — The second annual LEAD 6-on-6 volleyball fundraiser will be Saturday, April 30 in Sellett Gym at LaSalle-Peru Township High School. The tournament hosted by LP’s LEAD (Leadership, Education, Awareness of Disabilities) team will raise money to support the Starved Rock Area 16 Special Olympics.

Teams of up to eight players with at least two women are invited to register. All players must be at least 18 years old. The cost to participate is $100 per team. To register, contact Kristie Witte at kwitte@lphs.net or call 815223-1721, ext. 348.

Thank Dank 5K

MENDOTA — This year’s Thank Dank 5K race will be Sunday, May 1 at Lake Kakuska in Mendota. Registration and check-in will be from 8-9:45 a.m. with the race to start at 10 a.m.

Registration must be received by Friday, April 15 to receive a T-shirt. Cost is $20 in advance and $25 the day of the race. Preregistered participants by April 24 may pick up their race day materials between 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday, April 30 at the United Meth-

odist Church, 100 6th St., Mendota.

There will also be a Fun Walk in which children 10 and under can walk for free.

Children shirts are $10 and must be ordered

by April 15.

Checks should be made out to James Dankenbring Scholarship Fund-MHS and sent to 726 N. 38th Rd., Mendota, IL, 61342. For more information, email thethankdank5k@ yahoo.com.

Get Your Rear in Gear 5K

LADD — The Get Your Rear in Gear 5K Run/Walk will be Saturday, May 28 at the Ladd Community Center. Registration and check-in will be from 7 to 9 a.m. with the run/walk to start at 9:05 a.m. Race-day registration (after May 9) is $30 for the adult 5K Run/Walk ad $20 for the youth 5K Run/ Walk.

SRR Walking Clinic

LASALLE — Starved Rock Runners will offer a walking clinic from Monday, June 6 through Monday, Aug. 16 at Northwest School in LaSalle. Goals of the clinic are to improve motivation, promote health, fitness and self confidence through a unique training program. There will be a meeting Monday, May 23 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Illinois Valley YMCA. For more information, contact Janine Sabib at jenericmom@gmail.com.

Toluca 5K Run/Walk

TOLUCA — The Toluca Double Diamond 5K Run/Walk will be at 8 a.m., Saturday, June 11 at the Toluca Ball Park. Packet pickup will be from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. with the run/ walk to start at 8 a.m. Early registration is $20 and $25 after June 1. To register, visit www. runrace.net.

St. Bede Family Run/Walk PERU — St. Bede Academy will host a 3 Mile Family Run/Walk at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 4. Entry fee is $25 postmarked by June 1 and $30 day of race. Check-in/packet pickup will be from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the park shelter on campus. To register, go to www. runrace.net. For more information, call Joe Bornac at 815-488-4112 or Dennis Summer at 815-257-3311 or visit 5K@starvedrockrunners.org.

Shooting Camp

PERU — St. Bede Academy will host a Breakthrough Basketball Shooting Camp June 17-19.

Camp sessions are: fifth to eighth grade will meet from 9 a.m. to noon and ninth through 12th grade from 1 to 4 p.m. June 17, June 18 and June 19 at St. Bede. Campers will receive instruction on the foundation of shooting, how to shoot off the dribble, shoot off the catch and advanced shooting technique used by the pros. There is limited availability as each session is limited to 36 players to ensure a high number of repetitions and improvement. Cost is $145.

Campers may receive a 20 percent discount if signed up before April 15. For information, call SBA at 815-223-3140.

Chamber golf outing

PRINCETON — The Princeton Chamber Ambassador Golf Outing will be Friday, May 13. It is a team event with many sponsorship opportunities available. More details to come.

••• Items for the Happenings section can be emailed to sports@bcrnews.com.

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Illinois Valley Scene