Maribeth M. Wilson

Preston, 25, of Mendota, said he has always had a passion for helping others, originally centering his interest on becoming a teacher. But life had other plans.

The new playground at Zearing Park is on track for completion in fall 2025, the Princeton Park District said in a news release.

SRCCF has continued to create opportunities for artists and arts organizations across La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties. SRCCF’s component fund, the Arts of Starved Rock Country, is the primary driver of this, according to a SRCCF news release.

The La Moille Lions Club will host a chicken dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at 308 Howard St.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 5 and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6 to Sunday, Sept. 7.

To make reservations for the luncheon, contact Connie Espel at 815-303-8982 or via e-mail at cespel@ivnet.com by Sept.10.

The second installment of La Salle County real estate taxes is due Tuesday, Sept. 9.

The Princeton Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution dedicated a commemorative plaque at the historic home of Princeton’s first mayor, Justus Stevensand his daughter, chapter founder Darlene Stevens Reeve.

The Illinois Extension Master Naturalist program is designed for adults who want to have a positive impact on their community by serving as environmental stewards and naturalists.

The Princeton Park District has officially begun work on the new all-inclusive playground at Zearing Park.

The Hegeler Carus Mansion has upgraded the Mansion’s driveway thanks to a donation of gravel provided by Tri Con Materials, according to a Hegeler Carus news release.

The AARP Driver Safety Program is a classroom and online driver refresher course designed for drivers 50 years or older. The program aims to help participants retain their driving competency.

The Illinois Valley Hispanic Partnership Council’s 2025 Queen Queen Litzy Celis will host a special story time event at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, at the Graves-Hume Public Library in Mendota.

Volunteers spent 40 hours upgrading the fence and wrapped up on Saturday, Aug. 23, in time for this year’s Homestead Festival.

The event featured a flag presentation by the American Legion, historical reenactments, campaign music and remarks from local leaders.