BCJ-12-31-2015

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

Thursday, December 31, 2015

Happy New Year!

Malinda Herr at Tractor Supply Co. in Princeton works on the store’s 2016 calendar display. As the world closes the chapter on 2015, many exciting things are in store around the world for 2016. Some of those events include completion of the Panama Canal expansion project; Rio de Janeiro hosts the Olympic Games; India will host its first manned space flight; a space hotel is planned; a pill to prevent sunburn is expected to be released; the U.S Presidential election will be held; and more.

On a more personal side, people around the world will be making their New Year’s resolutions as we turn the calendar page to 2016. Some of the most popular New Year’s resolutions are to lose weight, get more exercise and become better organized, however, the key to success is keeping those resolutions throughout the entire 12 months of 2016.

Whatever your new year holds for you, we at the Illinois Valley Scene wish you a healthy and happy 2016.

Happy New Year!

IV Scene photo/Dave Cook

Vol. 10 No. 24

2 2 • Thursday, December 31, 2015

Illinois Valley Scene

Glad to be in the show Princeton musician discusses new album and an easy-going approach to life

By Eric Engel eengel@bcrnews.com

PRINCETON — The artist takes the stage, instrument in hand. He asks, can you hear me? Are you near me?

Can I share my fears, my dreams of peace, and everything between? Will you join me in discovery of something greater than before?

Are you ready for your transformation, are you willing to open that door?

Every eye in the room is frozen with focus, and the birth of sound begins ...

When Brett Conlin was a teenager, he picked up a bass guitar and began plucking at the strings. He didn’t have a clue how to actually do that, but he was punk rock; he did what he wanted and learned quickly how to shift a riff. Learning music off the Internet was big during those days, so he’d sit and jam in his bedroom, reaching musical nirvana three chords at a time.

Conlin of Princeton said his punk rock days were a wild ride when other musicians tossed his way the finest fret board tricks they knew. He and his band mates toured and put out a vinyl record like “professionals,” and eventually Conlin gave up the backseat in exchange for wheel man duties, grabbing the microphone that stands on the front lines. His early days allowed him to relinquish some emotional angst ... but where a boy once screamed a man now sings.

“My music is a release; it’s cathartic; and it’s motivation,” Conlin said, offering a blend of honky tonk, country, folk rock and a little bit of blues for working class Midwesterners. “It’s always a meaningful story to me, but it’s all about whatever people take away from it.”

Conlin dipped a heavy pen into the ink of creativity the last few years, evolving from a punk rocker to a stomp box operator with a pair of keys on his shoes to a full blown band member with a stand up bass player, his brother on drums and

talent infused into every instrument. His lyrics never get too political, and he tries not to alienate anyone because he believes quality sound can reach any background.

After teaming up with Kyle Fisher, a fellow musical mind he met at work, Conlin started recording in Fisher’s basement studio about a year back. Fisher said he had played with Conlin at random locations and recognized the talent in Conlin’s testimony, but hounded him for a while to get the ball rolling on an actual album.

“We worked together, and I heard some of his stuff and saw he was growing, but then I heard his song ‘Glad to See You Go’ and knew we needed to record,” Fisher said, mentioning although they got together two or three times a month, busy schedules mandated a yearlong recording process.

Conlin said using a friend’s recording studio put no burden on his wallet, and having a truthful audio engineer like Fisher allowed Conlin to push the envelope further and fill the trash can with wasted time.

“Kyle would make recommendations; some would be garbage and some would be great. We don’t see eye to eye on everything, but we can sit down and be honest with each other,” Conlin said, relaying he relishes the energy of a live show more than the patience required in a recording studio.

“I’ve been in situations where you have three days to record an album, and it can work if it’s planned out, but if you just fly by the seat of your pants, you overlook things that could be better because you’re in such a rush to get things done,” Conlin said.

Fisher called the recording process a total learning experience — as in he still has a lot to learn — but acknowledged we’re all our own worst critic. When things got tense in the studio, the musicians would put down their battle axes

Photo contributed

Brett Conlin, left, has stood on many stages since his early punk rock days, and said although some settings aren’t as friendly as others, there are few things in the world like connecting with the crowd on a single string of electric energy or acoustic serenity. and crack a few smiles, finding rhythm in more than just the sheets of music.

“You have to make sure you’re still having fun because we’re just playing music,” Fisher said.

Conlin said people romanticize a musician’s life, envisioning stories of wayward drifter millionaire maestros due to the mystery associated with a foreign tune, but sometimes the truth entails sleeping in the back of your car. Traveling the circuit can still be intimidating at times, he said, when no one wants to hear your tear-jerker song or you have personal things going on, but getting on stage and playing a killer show is a single feeling under the sun.

“Sometimes when you grab the audience you can hear a pin drop, and every word coming out of your mouth connects with everyone there. There’s nothing like it in the world,” Conlin

said, who enjoys peaceful moments with his friends and family as much as a solid stage on the open road.

Conlin’s 12-song album, “Glad to See You Go” was unleashed Dec. 1. He said songs off the “musical mutt” will offer some alt-country, gritty blues and a rolling rock or two. Physical CD copies are in the works, but he realizes the need to respect the technological tendency of listeners, as well as his own progression.

“Don’t take yourself too seriously. You can play serious music and still have fun doing it or sing depressing songs yet not live your life that way,” said Conlin, who loves music differently than he once did and will always listen to the lessons of fans and comrades.

“I hope fans discover something about themselves listening to my songs, be it good or bad,” he said, aware his creations truly

“Glad to See you Go,” the new album by Brett Conlin, debuted on Dec. 1 after a year-long recording process. affect others. “There was a point in my life I almost stopped playing music, and other people’s music got me back into it. It was what I needed, so I hope people get that out of it.”

Visit Amazon, iTunes, Spotify or CD Baby to listen to “Glad to See You Go,” and check out Facebook, Twitter or reverbnation.com/ brettconlin for dates on upcoming shows.

Our Office Will Be Closed on New Year’s Day and will reopen on Monday, January 4, 2016 at 8:00 am We Wish Everyone a Safe and Happy New Year!

BCR photo/Eric Engel

Brett Conlin relies on a myriad of experiences in his life when writing and performing his songs, which allows him to keep his ears open to all perspectives when it comes to the potency of different musical flavors.

800 Ace Road • P.O. Box 340 • Princeton, IL 61356 815-875-4461 • Fax: 815-875-1235 OUR PROMISE: Relevant Information • Marketing Solutions • Community Advocates

3 Thursday, December 31, 2015 • 3

Illinois Valley Scene

Mark your calendar The Princeton Moose Lodge will have a New Year’s Eve dance from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, at the lodge, 1339 N. Euclid Ave., Princeton.

Music will be provided by The Generics. Snacks, party favors and a champagne toast is included in the cost of $15 per person.

The First United Church of Christ in Sheffield will host its monthly community coffee from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016, in the UCC Parish

Hall. Fresh-baked cinnamon rolls will be served.

The Princeton Moose Lodge will host a bingo night at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and sandwiches will be available for purchase. The lodge will continue to host bingo the first and third Tuesday of each month.

The lodge is at 1339 N. Euclid Ave. in Princeton. For more information, call the lodge at 815-879-5261.

Auction Calendar Dec. 31 – Farm machinery consignment auction, combine, tractors, tillage and planting equipment, antiques, collectibles, wagons, grain cart, augers, vehicles, 9:30 a.m., 401 W. Main St. (The Shed), Wyanet, Rediger Auction Service, auctioneers.

Jan. 1-3 – Three-Day New Years holiday estate auction, auto, furniture, glassware, pottery, clocks, sterling, jewelry, decoys, firearms, toys, 10 a.m., 1635 N. Main St. (Tum-

bleson Auction Center), Princeton, Tumbleson Auction Company, auctioneers.

Jan. 8 – Diane Oster, farm land, 10 a.m., auction held at 401 W. Main St. (The Shed), Wyanet, Rediger Auction Service, auctioneers.

Jan. 27 – Allen Pork Farms, tractors, combine and heads, machinery and equipment, 10 a.m., 401 W. Main St. (The Shed), Wyanet, Rediger Auction Service, auctioneers.

BCR photo/Becky Kramer

Just for Kix Dancers from Just for Kix presented “It’s a Marshmallow World in Winter,” on Saturday, Dec. 19, at Prouty Gym in Princeton. Event-goers enjoyed a variety of dancers from participants of all ages.

BCR photos/Joann Bowman

Holiday Harmony The Princeton Community Band and the Bureau County Chorus entertained event-goers Sunday, Dec. 20, at Sally Skinner Auditorium at Princeton High School.

4 4 • Thursday, December 31, 2015

Illinois Valley Scene

Want to see your name in the paper?

Jumble mumble Can you unscramble these words about the New Year?

1.

2.

3.

4.

1620 _______________________ lecebrtnaoi __________________ tarpy _______________________ najaruy _____________________

5.

6.

7.

8.

ginthdim ____________________ lresotionsu __________________ sremstrae __________________ cutonwond __________________

Answers: 1. 2016; 2. celebration; 3. party; 4. January; 5. midnight; 6. resolutions; 7. streamers; and 8. countdown.

Facts about New Year celebrations • New Year observances were first started about 4,000 years ago.

• Noise making and fireworks is an old New Year tradition.

• Noise making and fireworks are believed to scare off evil spirits, which gives a person a better chance for a happy New Year.

Say what?

Two snowmen were standing in a field. One said to the other, “Can you smell carrot?”

The second snowman said, “No, but I can taste coal.”

••• A teacher was discussing the holidays with her class.

Teacher: What’s a good holiday tip?

Student: Never catch snowflakes on your tongue until all the birds have flown south for the winter.

Directions: Put grape juice and milk in a blender. Add ice cream. Put the lid on the blender and blend for 15 to 30 seconds. You could also make this recipe with orange concentrate instead of grape if you like that flavor better.

Q. What do you say to someone you didn’t see on New Year’s Eve? A. I haven’t seen you for a year.

••• Q. What comes at the end of New Year’s Day? A. The letter “y” does.

••• Q. What did Jack Frost say to Frosty the Snowman?

A. Have an ice day!

••• Q. What does a snowman take when he gets sick?

A. A chill pill.

••• Q. What two letters of the alphabet do snowmen like best?

A. I.C. ••• Q. What do you call a penguin in the Sahara desert?

A. Lost.

••• Q. Why don’t mountains get cold in the winter?

A. They wear snow caps.

••• Q. Who doesn’t like to sit in front of a fire?

A. A snowman.

Sauk Valley Media and A. He fell off the bottom step.

••• Q. What has a ring, but no finger?

A. A telephone.

••• Q. What always sleeps with its shoes on?

A. A horse.

••• Q. What three keys can’t open any doors?

A. A turkey, a donkey and a monkey.

Yum yum recipes Purple joy milkshake Ingredients: 6 ounces frozen grape juice concentrate 1 cup milk 2 cups vanilla ice cream

LOL jokes

ATTENTION READERS:

A riddle of this, a riddle of that Q. What gets wetter and wetter the more it dries?

A. A towel.

••• Q. What invention lets you look right through a wall?

A. A window.

••• Q. A boy fell off a 50-foot ladder, but he didn’t get hurt. How is this possible?

Hey, kids!

My name is Logan Serpette. I am a fifth-grade student at Henry-Senachwine Grade School, and I am the author of Cool Kids’ Corner.

Do you have something you want to see in the newspaper? Email your jokes, recipes and other items to me at coolkidscorner@outlook.com. I can’t wait to read your stories and try your recipes.

When you email me, make sure you include your name, your hometown and how old you are, so you can be famous in the newspaper. Celebrate being a kid!

Bureau County Republican is publishing a

QUILTED BARN BOOK 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 3600 E. Lincolnway, Sterling, IL 61081 or Bureau County Republican, Quilted Barn Book 800 Ace Rd., Princeton, IL 61356

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

5 Thursday, December 31, 2015 • 5

Illinois Valley Scene

Warm up with wild rice soup Soup is an ideal meal on cold winter days. One of the best things about soup is its versatility. Soup makes a great entrée, and it also can serve as a warming appetizer or a delicious side dish.

Soup also knows no bounds with regard to ingredients, making it a meal that can be enjoyed several times per week without boring the taste buds.

Those who need to warm up this winter may want to try the following recipe for “Minnesota Wild Rice Soup” courtesy of The Culinary Institute of America’s “Book of Soups” (Lebhar-Friedman).

Minnesota Wild Rice Soup Makes 8 servings 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 3 carrots, finely diced 2 leeks, white and light green parts, finely diced 2 celery stalks, finely diced 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 2 quarts chicken broth (see below) 3/4 cup wild rice 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste 3/4 cup heavy cream, hot 3 tablespoons dry sherry 1/4 cup minced chives 3 tablespoons chopped parsley Heat the butter in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the carrots, leeks and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Reduce the heat to low, add the flour, and stir well. Cook gently, about 3 minutes, stirring constantly.

Add the broth gradually, whisking well with each addition to eliminate flour lumps. Bring to a simmer.

Add the wild rice and salt. Continue to simmer until the rice is tender but still somewhat chewy, about 45 minutes.

Stir in the heated cream and sherry.

Season with salt. Serve in heated bowls, garnished with chives and parsley.

Chicken Broth Makes about 2 quarts 4 pounds stewing hen or chicken parts or meaty bones, such as backs and necks 3 quarts cold water 1 large onion, diced 1 carrot, diced (about 1/3 cup) 1 celery stalk, diced (about 1/2 cup) 5 to 6 whole black peppercorns 3 to 4 parsley stems 1 bay leaf 1 sprig fresh thyme 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, or to taste Place the chicken and water in a large pot (the water should cover the chicken by at least 2 inches; add more if necessary). Bring the water slowly to a boil over medium heat.

As the water comes to a boil, skim any foam that rises to the surface. Adjust the heat once a boil is reached so that a slow, lazy simmer is established. Cover partially, and simmer 2 hours, skimming as often as necessary.

Add the remaining ingredients. Continue to simmer, skimming the surface as necessary, until the broth is fully flavored, about 1 hour.

If using hen or chicken parts, remove them and cool slightly. Dice or shred the meat, and reserve to garnish the broth or save for another use. Discard the skin and bones.

Strain the broth through a fine sieve or cheesecloth-lined colander into a large metal container. Discard the solids.

If you are using the broth right away, skim off any fat on the surface. If you are not using the broth right away, cool it quickly by transferring it to a metal container (if it’s not in one already) and placing the container in a sink filled with ice-cold water. Stir the broth as it cools, and then transfer it to storage containers. Store in the refrigerator, up to 5 days, or in the freezer, up to 3 months.

Label and date the containers clearly before putting them into the freezer.

Minnesota Wild Rice Soup

Roasted Butternut Squash and Shallot Soup 4 cups 1-inch cubed peeled butternut squash (about 1 1/2 pounds) 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/4 teaspoon salt 4 large shallots, peeled and halved 1 1/2-inch piece peeled fresh ginger, thinly sliced 2 1/2 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth 2 tablespoons (1-inch) slices fresh chives Cracked black pepper (optional) Preheat oven to 375°. Combine squash, olive oil, salt, shallots and ginger in a roasting pan or jelly-roll pan; toss well.

Bake at 375° for 50 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Cool 10 minutes.

Place half of squash mixture and half of broth in a blender. Remove center piece of blender lid (to allow steam to escape); secure blender lid on blender. Place a clean towel over opening in blender lid (to avoid splatters). Blend until smooth.

Pour into a large saucepan. Repeat procedure with remaining squash mixture and broth. Cook over medium heat 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Top with chives and pepper, if desired.

Loaded Potato Soup 4 6-ounce red potatoes 2 teaspoons olive oil 1/2 cup prechopped onion 1 1/4 cups fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 cups 1% low-fat milk, divided 1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 3 bacon slices, halved 1.5 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1/3 cup) 4 teaspoons thinly sliced green onions

Pierce potatoes with a fork. Microwave on high for 13 minutes or until tender. Cut in half; cool slightly. While potatoes cook, heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion; sauté 3 minutes. Add broth. Combine flour and 1/2 cup milk; add to pan with 1 1/2 cups milk. Bring to a boil; stir often. Cook 1 minute. Remove from heat; stir in sour cream, salt and pepper. Arrange bacon on a paper towel on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a paper towel; microwave on high for 4 minutes. Crumble bacon. Discard potato skins. Coarsely mash potatoes into soup.

Top with cheese, green onions and bacon.

French Onion Soup 2 teaspoons olive oil 4 cups thinly vertically sliced Walla Walla or other sweet onion 4 cups thinly vertically sliced red onion 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup dry white wine 8 cups less-sodium beef broth 1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme 8 1-ounce slices French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes 8 1-ounce slices reduced-fat, reducedsodium Swiss cheese Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onions to pan;

sauté for 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in sugar, pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Reduce heat to medium; cook 20 minutes, stirring frequently. Increase heat to medium-high, and sauté for 5 minutes or until onion is golden brown. Stir in wine, and cook for 1 minute. Add broth and thyme; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 2 hours. Preheat broiler. Place bread in a single layer on a baking sheet; broil 2 minutes or until toasted, turning after 1 minute. Place 8 ovenproof bowls on a jelly-roll pan. Ladle 1 cup soup into each bowl. Divide bread evenly among bowls; top each serving with 1 cheese slice. Broil 3 minutes or until cheese begins to brown.

Broccoli and Cheese Soup Cooking spray 1 cup chopped onion 2 garlic cloves, minced 3 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth 1 16-ounce package broccoli florets 2 1/2 cups 2% reduced-fat milk 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 8 ounces light processed cheese, cubed (such as Velveeta Light) Heat a large non-stick saucepan coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; saute 3 min-

utes or until tender. Add broth and broccoli. Bring broccoli mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium; cook 10 minutes.

Combine milk and flour, stirring with a whisk until well blended. Add milk mixture to broccoli mixture. Cook 5 minutes or until slightly thick, stirring constantly.

Stir in pepper. Remove from heat; add cheese, stirring until cheese melts.

Place one-third of the soup in a blender or food processor, and process until smooth.

Return pureed soup mixture to pan.

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6 Sports 6 • Thursday, December 31, 2015

Illinois Valley Scene

Senior Spotlight Savannah Dean • Bureau Valley High School Name: Savannah Dean School: Bureau Valley High School.

Date/place of birth: Aug. 15, Plainfield.

Hometown: Sheffield.

Family: Dad, James Dean; Mom, Patsy Dean; brother, Dalton.

Sports: Volleyball, basketball.

Favorite sport and why: Both, because I love the atmosphere of the gym during games and the games themselves.

Favorite food and where to get it: Mexican at Los Ranchitos.

Likes: Riding four wheelers, hanging with friends!

Dislikes: Spiders.

Person with the greatest influence on my athletic career: My mom, because she comes to all my sporting events and always know what to tell me I need to work on or when I am mad.

Person with the greatest influence in my life: My whole family, because they all have had a part in shaping me into the person I’ve become.

Who would be your dream celebrity prom date: Channing Tatum.

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

The last song I listened to: “Break-Up in a Small Town,” Sam Hunt.

People would be surprised to know: I hate chocolate.

I stay home to watch: “Criminal Minds.”

When I need luck for a big game, I: Listen to my game day playlist.

The funniest person I’ve ever met: Tiana Kennedy, because she seems so sweet but once you get to know her she is sooo sassy and has a comeback for everything!

What they’ll say about me at school after I graduate: I was a hardworking student and athlete.

Most embarrassing moment: When I was running in P.E. class and tripped over nothing and fell on my face.

Most unforgettable moment: When we went undefeated in volleyball and winning our regional championship all in one year.

Ultimate sports fantasy: To stand on the sidelines of a Green Bay Packers game.

What I would like to do in life: Become a pediatric nurse.

Three words that best describe myself: Athletic, sassy, loud.

A look at the upcoming area sports slate:

at Hall, Prophetstown at BV, Riverdale at Princeton, L/O at Paw Paw, St. Bede at Kewanee, 7:30 p.m.

Volleyball: Chillicothe at Princeton Logan, 4:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 1 Happy New Year’s.

Monday, Jan. 4 Girls basketball: Amboy at BV, Princeton at Erie, L/O at Newark, DePue at Leland/Earlville, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 5 Boys basketball: BV at Rockridge, Morrison at Hall, St. Bede at Princeton, 7:30 p.m. Junior High - Mendota Holy Cross at Princeton Logan, 5 p.m.

Girls basketball: BV at Henry, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 7 Boys basketball: Junior High - Princeton Logan at Putnam County, 5:30 p.m.

Girls basketball: BV at Sherrard, Erie at Hall, St. Bede at Amboy, Princeton at Orion, Serena at L/O, Peoria Christian at DePue, 7:30 p.m.

Volleyball: Princeton

Logan at Tonica.

Friday, Jan. 8 Boys basketball: BV at Riverdale, Hall at St. Bede, Princeton at Morrison, Newark at L/O, Midland at DePue, 7:30 p.m.

Wrestling: Princeton Invitational Tournament.

Saturday, Jan. 9 Boys basketball: Alleman at BV, 6 p.m. Junior High - Princeton Logan, Spring Valley JFK at SRC Tournament at Ottawa, tba.

Girls basketball: L/O at Stark County, 1 p.m., PC at Hall, 2:30 p.m., St. Bede at Alleman, 3 p.m.

Wrestling: Princeton Invitational Tournament.

Monday, Jan. 11 Girls basketball: Orion

Tuesday, Jan. 12 Boys basketball: Princeton at BV, L/O at DePue, Hall at Prophetstown, Sherrard at St. Bede, 7:30 p.m. Junior High - Princeton Logan, Spring Valley JFK at SRC Tournament at Ottawa, tba.

Volleyball: Princeton Logan at Midland, 4:15 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 14 Boys basketball: L-P at Princeton, 7:30 p.m. Junior High - Princeton Logan, Spring Valley JFK at SRC Tournament at Ottawa, tba.

Girls basketball: L/O at Earlville/Leland, 7 p.m., Hall at Sherrard, Princeton at Kewanee, DePue at Henry, 7:30 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, December 31, 2015 • 7

Illinois Valley Scene

Hall hitting clinic SPRING VALLEY — The Hall Red Devils will hold a hitting clinic for both baseball and softball players with former pro player and internationally-known hitting instructor, Mark Doran. The baseball portion of the clinic will be Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, and the softball portion will be Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016. For more information, check the Hall High School athletic website and click on the clinic tab.

Princeton Shootout

PRINCETON — The Princeton High School Athletic Boosters will be hosting the 23rd annual Princeton Boys Shootout Feb. 27-28, 2016, 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, 2016, and in the Grade 5-6 brackets Feb. 28, 2016. 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, 2016. For more information, call or text 815-876-7021.

Rifle Club

2016. Enrollment forms and a complete calendar can be found at: http://web.extension.illinois. edu/blmp/4hss/3163.html or at the University of Illinois Extension Office in Henry.

Archery will be postponed until March 2016. The facility set up for archery closed its doors. They are in the process of obtaining new equipment from Whitetails Unlimited in order to provide archery at the Marshall-Putnam Fairgrounds. Registration is also open for archery.

Shoot dates are not available at this time. More information will provided when available.

Contact the University of Illinois Extension office, 509 Front St., Suite 4, Henry, or Anne at 309-364-2356 or by email at amscheel@illinois.edu for more information. All paperwork and payment must be completed prior to the first club date.

CHILLICOTHE — The Marshall-Putnam 4-H Shooting Sports is now accepting enrollment for .22 rifle club. The deadline to sign up for .22 rifle is Jan. 6, 2016. The club, which is open to all youth ages 10-18, will meet at the indoor range at the Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club on Route 29. The cost is $15 with your own .22 rifle, or $20 if you use a provided .22 rifle.

The club will meet Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 14,

MCNABB — The 21st annual Fat (Rear) 50 will start at 9 a.m.

Saturday, Jan 9, 2016, at Putnam County Junior High School in McNabb and finish there. It is a 50K run and runners are welcome to run as much or as little as you want. There are no fees.

For more information, contact Bob Rehn at 815-882-2120 or email to rehnfarms@nabbnet. com.

SBA Cuties Camp

PERU — The St. Bede Academy cheerleaders will hold a Cuties Cheerleading Camp with practices from 5 to 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2016, and Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016, and a performance during halftime of the Bruins varsity basketball game Friday, Jan. 15, 2016.

Cost is $30 per cheerleaders. Checks payable to St. Bede Academy cheerleading may be sent to St. Bede Academy, C/O St. Bede Cheer, 24 W US Highway 6, Peru, IL 61354. For more information, contact Lauren Passini at 815-481-2728 or Lauren_Passini@outlook.com.

Fat 50 run

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.

Indoor soccer

PRINCETON — The indoor adult soccer league runs through Jan. 19 at the Bureau County Metro Center. The league with games beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Coaches Clinic

Manlius — The 2016 Bureau County Track and Cross Country Coaches Clinic will be Feb. 6, 2016, at Bureau Valley High School in Manlius. Clinic cost is $75 if mailed

by Jan. 28, 2016, and $95 at the door or mailed later. 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.

Catching clinic

SOUTH HOLLAND – South

Suburban College head baseball coach Steve Ruzich will be directing a two-day Catching Camp on Wednesday, Dec. 30, and Thursday, Dec. 31, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The cost of the Catching Camp is $100, and checks should be made payable to SSC Bulldog Baseball. Enrollment is limited, so early registration is suggested. South Suburban College is located at 15800 S. State St., South Holland. For more information, contact Coach Ruzich at 708-225-5843.

I-70 Baseball Coaches Clinic

GREENVILLE — Legendary Atlanta Braves pitching coach Leo Mazzone, Jack Leggett (Clemson), Pat McMahon (N.Y. Yankees) and Rick Eckstein (University of Kentucky) will be the speakers for the 13th annual I-70 Baseball Coaches Clinic Jan. 17-18, 2016, at Greenville High School Auditorium. For information or a brochure, visit www.i70clinic.com, follow on Twitter @i70clinic or contact Joe Alstat at 618-664-5580 or jalstat@ bccu2.org.

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

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