Building Trades backers get their meeting with school board

Normally Kingman Gym has raucous crowds for basketball games. Monday night it was because a few hundred folks wanted to tell the Ottawa High School Board in person they’re not happy.

After over a half-dozen people spoke about the importance of building trades, the alleged bullying atmosphere by administrators, and what could be done to come up with money for building trades, Board President Timothy Creedon tried to wrap up the regular meeting to move into closed session but was drowned out by the crowd wanting a statement. Creedon at first said he couldn’t say anything because nothing was on the agenda but eventually said the board respected the crowd by letting them speak and the board has a made a decision and there will not be building trades next year.

Before the crowd left, many chanted “save our trades” and Inga Carus of Carus Corporation got the last words in telling the board they’re inviting kids to move away taking away building trades. She also told administrators they should be ashamed of themselves for punishing students who walked out after hearing Dave Keely was being cut.

“Take Back the Night” event scheduled for Tuesday in Princeton

It’s not fun to talk about but domestic violence and sexual assaults happen in the Illinois Valley. Freedom House of Princeton is there to help victims and they could use your support Tuesday night.

The domestic violence shelter is hosting a sexual assault awareness event called “Take Back The Night”. Victims of domestic violence and survivors of sexual abuse will tell you about their plight through words and art.

Shirts designed by survivors will be on display as part of the “Clothesline Project”. Organizers will also have a “Silent Witness Project” featuring silhouettes of people murdered by domestic violence.

“Take Back The Night” starts at 6pm inside the Nelson Chapel on Elm Place in Princeton. Donations will be accepted to help the non-profit Freedom House.

Bureau County man receives state recognition for volunteering

You volunteer to share knowledge and what you love with others.  If you get a thank you for it, that’s a bonus. AmeriCorps member Ronald Happach of Sheffield has been recognized for his time tutoring and mentoring at the Illinois Youth Center in Kewanee.

Happach is a winner of the 2014 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award.  Happach used to teach industrial education at Sauk Valley College. He was one of 23 people to receive the honor.   

Volunteers needed for Oglesby Summer Fun Fest

If your summer schedule is open, consider volunteering to help with the Oglesby Summer Fun Fest. The festival includes food, a carnival, musical acts and fireworks. Extra hands are needed with all of the events.

City Clerk Becky Clinard says they need people to greet the entertainers, direct traffic during the fireworks, sell beer garden tickets, staff the running race and help with the Kids’ picnic.

Oglesby Summer Fun Fest is June 26-29. Most of the events will be at the swimming pool grounds. If you would like to volunteer, call city hall.

Another deadly weekend in Chicago

CHICAGO (AP) – Yet another violent weekend in Chicago. Four people were killed and at least 31 wounded in shootings over the weekend – the third weekend in a row in where more than 30 people suffered gunshot wounds.

Among those killed was a 21-year-old woman who was shot while riding in a car in the Logan Square neighborhood early Sunday. Police say her passenger was a noted gang member and was the target of the shooting.

A 17-year-old boy was also shot and killed while standing on the street in the Austin neighborhood.