NewsTribune_Year in Review_122921

2021 A Look Back at Notable Stories and Events We Covered in 2021

est. 1851

JANUARY

JAYCE EUSTICE – JEUSTICE@SHAWMEDIA.COM

Illinois Valley Community Hospital in Peru is now known as St. Margaret’s Health-Peru after consolidating with St. Margaret’s Health in Spring Valley.

SCOTT ANDERSON – SANDERSON@SHAWMEDIA.COM

Tyler Towne, LaSalle-Peru High School and Illinois Valley Community College graduate, poses with Mr. Peanut and the Planters NUTmobile outside of L-P High School on Friday.

The Planters NUTmobile will be seen in and around Starved Rock Country from Jan. 15 to 25. Stops include Hy-Vee, Illinois Valley YMCA and Peru’s skating rink.

Happy Holidays!

Happy New Year!

from your friends at

701 E Thompson St • Princeton • 815-875-2425 • norbergfh.com

SM-LA1942129

Smith’s SM-LA1942317

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Sales & Service

1604 Peoria St., Peru • 815-223-0132

Thank You

Warm Wishes for a Joyous Holiday Season and a Very Happy New Year

With glad tidings to all of our customers at this special time of year.

We truly value your business and renew our commitment to serving you well in the year ahead.

www.eurekasavings.com SM-LA1937364

SM-LA1941534

250 Marquette St. 1300 13th Ave. LaSalle, IL 61301 Mendota, IL 61342 815-223-0700 815-539-5656 101 N. Columbia Ave. Oglesby, IL 61348 815-883-3354 2959 Peoria St. 105 W. 1st South St. Peru, IL 61354 Wenona, IL 61377 815-223-9400 815-853-4333

3

KIM SHUTE – KSCHUTE@SHAWMEDIA.COM

Spring Valley Police Chief Adam Curran on Monday promoted officer Sarah Kinkin to the rank of sergeant. Kinkin is the first female officer in Spring Valley history to be promoted to that rank.

HAPPY

SCOTT ANDERSON – SANDERSON@SHAWMEDIA.COM

Climbers climb a frozen waterfall at Wildcat Canyon as spectators watch at Starved Rock State Park on Sunday.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

HOLIDAYS! 1102 Meriden St., Mendota 815-539-9341 SM-LA1938917

Happy

Holidays!

There is nothing like a glowing fire to warm up the entire family. Maze Lumber has a whole line of fireplaces... one is right for you.

Along Peru’s Historic Riverfront MENDOTA • PRINCETON • SPRING VALLEY SM-LA1940530

Now Hiring/EOE

1100 Water Street

815-223-1742 • mazelumber.com

YEAR IN REVIEW | Wednesday, December 29, 2021 | NewsTribune | www.newstrib.com

FEBRUARY

MARCH

SCOTT ANDERSON – SANDERSON@SHAWMEDIA.COM

The boom was loud and could be felt all the way to the La Salle-Peru area, where residents said it was like a loud crack of thunder. The remains of the former Utica bridge will be cleaned up to clear the Illinois River.

SCOTT ANDERSON – SANDERSON@SHAWMEDIA.COM

DOUBLE HOMICIDE

Police say Sandwich man killed former in-laws in Sheridan Authorities are investigating the crime scene at the home of Gregory S. Barnes Sr. and Brenda J. Barnes, who police said were shot to death.

Merry Christmas

Pay the Date Membership Special! Join Early and SAVE!

Joiners Fees waived during the month of January!

Sue Heider Spencer Luecke Mark Witek Steve Witek Kristy Pytel Amy Noy SM-LA1941646

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Registered Representaves with and Securies and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, A Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA / SIPC

Happy Holidays!

From Our Family to Yours Personal Injury & Worker’s Compensation Attorneys

SM-LA1938962

815-223-0177 • GANASSIN.COM Peru | Morris | Ottawa | Chicago

PLUS

Your first month’s membership dues amount will match the date on the calendar when you join: Join January 1st and your dues are $1 Join January 2nd and your dues are $2...

Stop in or contact the front desk for more information!

IIllinois ll Valley YMCA 300 Walnut St., Peru

Route 251, Mendota

815-223-7904 815-538-2900 ivymca.com

5

KIM SHUTE – KSHUTE@SHAWMEDIA.COM

The Bureau County Sheriff’s Office and Illinois Department of Transportation were called to the scene to investigate after a semitrailer tried to cross the Red Covered Bridge outside Princeton on Wednesday afternoon, causing damage to the bridge structure.

SCOTT ANDERSON – SANDERSON@SHAWMEDIA.COM

Workers dismantle the Sandy Ford Bridge on Wednesday as it blocks the channel of the Vermilion River on North 18th Road.

Wishing You & Your Family

a Happy, Healthy Holiday From Your Friends at

St. Margaret’s Health aboutsmh.org

YEAR IN REVIEW | Wednesday, December 29, 2021 | NewsTribune | www.newstrib.com

APRIL

Have a Great

NEW YEAR! Happy Holidays!

GRAIN COMPANY

Happy Holidays!

1503 Washington Street Mendota, IL 61342 815-539-7801 specialtybodypaint@hotmail.com

3004 E. 12th Street • Mendota SM-LA1938819

LOTS OF JOY

Merry Christmas

AT CHRISTMAS

from

Mendota Monument Company VAESSEN BROTHERS

CHEVROLET, INC.

U.S. Highway 52 Sublette, IL

800-227-5203 or 815-849-5232

606 S. Main, Mendota ta 1-800-7276 1-800-845-5809 | 815-539-7276

www.vaessenbrothers.com

Wishing You Happy Holidays!

SM-LA1938838

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northernillinoisseamlessroofing.com | 815-539-5142

Merry

CHRISTMAS 815-535-6295 1922 Tower Rd. • Sublette, IL 61367

Season’s Greetings BEDDING IN MENDOTA 1091 S St Hwy. 251 Mendota, IL 815-539-6263 www.meyersfurniture.com

Mon. & Fri. 9-6 • Tue.-Wed. 9-5 • Closed Thursday • Sat. 10-5 • Sun. 12-4 SM-LA1938766

from all of us at

City of Mendota

800 Washington St. Mendota, IL 61342

815-539-7459

SM-LA1941326

1700 Burlington Street Mendota, IL (815) 910-5300

TRIPLESERVICEINC.COM 815-539-3828

www.StonecroftVillage.com

SM-LA1940713

Warm Wishes for aHopeCool Christmas your holiday season shapes

Merry Christmas!

up to be wonderful in every way.

800 Monroe Street Mendota, IL 61342

815-539-7211

N.L. Morton B Buildings, ildi Ltd. SM-LA1940716

Merry Christmas!

203 N. 4099th Road, Mendota

815-539-9325

Serving the Illinois Valley Since 1974

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Hours: 8-12/1-5:30 M-F 8-12 Sat

307 Plaza Drive • Mendota • 815-538-2412 EUGENE BODMER

SM-LA1941303

Merry Christmas!

Happy Holidays!

McConville Realty & Auctioneering 612 S. Main St., Mendota

501 Ninth Ave., Mendota www.blackbros.com

815-539-5673

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

CARRIAGE HOUSE ELECTRIC

Gloria Cogdal

Designated Managing Broker • 815-228-2752

815-538-5598

Sally Corrigan

Broker • 815-830-8101 1316 Lakewood Pl #5 • Mendota SM-LA1940149

SM-LA1941322

MENDOTA, IL

YEAR IN REVIEW | Wednesday, December 29, 2021 | NewsTribune | www.newstrib.com

Happy Holidays From The Residents and Employees of Stonecroft Village!

Happy Holidays!

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MAY

JUNE

SCOTT ANDERSON – SANDERSON@SHAWMEDIA.COM

Utica Fire and EMS, along with conservation police, the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office and several other agencies, responded to the boat ramp at Starved Rock State Park about 7:30 p.m. Thursday for what had been reported as an explosion. The La Salle County Coroner’s Office said three men were found dead.

SCOTT ANDERSON – SANDERSON@SHAWMEDIA.COM

PISTOL SHRIMP SEASON OPENER

Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp’s Chance Resetich throws out Lafayette’s Mike Synder at first.

Resetich is originally from Spring Valley and is currently playing for the Pistol Shrimp.

SCOTT ANDERSON – SANDERSON@SHAWMEDIA.COM

Workers with Environmental Restoration LLC use a barrier to contain oil while performing cleanup efforts at Barto Landing in Spring Valley on Tuesday.

Happy Holidays!

SCOTT ANDERSON – SANDERSON@SHAWMEDIA.COM

Randy and Patty Norman of Kansas City ride their bikes Tuesday over the new bridge and culvert at the washout site on the Illinois and Michigan Canal about 3 miles east of Utica.

Cyclists can now bike the canal between Utica and Ottawa.

From Our Family to Yours Simply The Finest In Retirement Lifestyles

Liberty Village

Libertyvillageofperu.com SCOTT ANDERSON – SANDERSON@SHAWMEDIA.COM

Not-For-Profit Provider SM-LA1935700

An annular solar eclipse rises in the east over Interstate 80 in Bureau County near Princeton on Thursday.

9

SCOTT ANDERSON – SANDERSON@SHAWMEDIA.COM

An aerial view of the partial building collapse at 1001 First St. in La Salle covers the sidewalk and some of Tonti Street on Monday, July 19.

SCOTT ANDERSON – SANDERSON@SHAWMEDIA.COM

The Most Rev. Louis Tylka, coadjutor bishop of the Peoria diocese, sprinkles holy water throughout the hallways during a blessing dedication at OSF St. Clare Medical Center, formerly Perry Memorial Hospital, in Princeton on Thursday. The bishop walked the halls while blessing them with Jackie Kernan, president of OSF St. Clare Medical Center. Perry Memorial Hospital was founded May 29, 1916. The hospital is now part of the OSF health care system.

AUGUST

SCOTT ANDERSON – SANDERSON@SHAWMEDIA.COM

The Taste of the Illinois Valley returned this year to Centennial Park in Peru. The festival features a live band, children’s activities, including a zip line, bounce house, slide, bungee jumping, rock wall and food from local vendors. The festival continues through Sunday.

SCOTT ANDERSON – SANDERSON@SHAWMEDIA.COM

FIERCE WINDS TOPPED 80 MPH

A power pole fell during Tuesday’s storm onto a fence outside the Tri-County Fairgrounds in Mendota.

YEAR IN REVIEW | Wednesday, December 29, 2021 | NewsTribune | www.newstrib.com

JULY

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SEPTEMBER

Hail covers the ground and grass areas at Earlville Community Park in Earlville on Tuesday.

The town was hit by a severe thunderstorm that produced pea to nickle size hail that accumulated on grassy surfaces and other areas throughout the town.

SCOTT ANDERSON – SANDERSON@SHAWMEDIA.COM

SCOTT ANDERSON – SANDERSON@SHAWMEDIA.COM

Firefighters from four counties were dispatched about 5:45 a.m. Wednesday to Marquis Energy for report of a fire at the facility.

SCOTT ANDERSON – SANDERSON@SHAWMEDIA.COM

Utica firefighters and paramedics clean the Stars of Hope bus at the Utica Fire Station on Wednesday. Fire Chief Ben Brown will have the honor of driving the bus to New York City to attend the 20th anniversary of 9/11.

11

SCOTT ANDERSON – SANDERSON@SHAWMEDIA.COM

Jelani Day’s mother, Carmen Bolden-Day (from left) and the Rev. Jesse Jackson walk to a prayer site Tuesday at Plain and Water streets in Peru for the March for Jelani Day.

ADAMS CREEK CLEANSED

Bureau County creek once labeled after a man’s skin tone receives new name from national board A small waterfall creates a picturesque view of Adams Creek as it passes through Seatonville on Friday near the intersection of Peru Road and Brookie Avenue. The name of the creek officially was changed to Adams on Thursday after the U.S. Board on Geographic Names voted unanimously on the action.

SCOTT ANDERSON –SANDERSON@SHAWMEDIA.COM

SCOTT ANDERSON – SANDERSON@SHAWMEDIA.COM

Members of the Mendota soccer team celebrate after defeating Quincy Notre Dame in a Class 1A sectional championship match Saturday in Chillicothe.

YEAR IN REVIEW | Wednesday, December 29, 2021 | NewsTribune | www.newstrib.com

OCTOBER

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NOVEMBER

SCOTT ANDERSON – SANDERSON@SHAWMEDIA.COM

Workers with D Construction begin paving the bridge deck that spans over the Little Vermilion River on Monday along Interstate 80 east of the Route 351 interchange near La Salle.

The work is part of a larger $16.38 million project to replace beams and the deck on the bridges carrying I-80 over the Little Vermilion River east of the Route 351 interchange.

PHOTO BY TOM SISTAK FOR SHAW MEDIA

Traffic resumes Wednesday across the Vermilion River on the newly opened Sandy Ford Bridge. The new bridge opened after seven months of construction.

DECEMBER

SCOTT ANDERSON – SANDERSON@SHAWMEDIA.COM

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive to Peru on a fire truck during the Peru Hometown Christmas parade on Saturday.

PHOTO BY JAYCE EUSTICE –JEUSTICE@SHAWMEDIA.COM

The Doug and Rorie Schweickert Charitable Trust presented a check for$1 million to the city of Peru during the Tuesday City Council meeting. The money will go for park upgrades at Washington Park and Veteran’s Park.