Bill Freskos

1 week ago | shawlocal.com | Bill Freskos

The Ottawa Police Department honored officers for their years of service Tuesday as part of the city’s recognition of National Police Week, from May 11–17. During Tuesday’s Ottawa City Council meeting, Mayor Robb Hasty formally proclaimed the week in honor of law enforcement officers, both local and nationwide. Commissioner Tom Ganiere led the presentation of service awards, recognizing officers for milestones ranging from two to 25 years of service. Sgt.

1 week ago | shawlocal.com | Bill Freskos

Growing up, Cheyenne Timm saw school as more than just a place to learn – it was where she felt supported, inspired and connected. The relationships she built with her teachers left a lasting impression and led her to pursue a career in education. “I just made a lot of great relationships with my teachers, and it inspired me to go into education,” Timm said. “I did a co-op program when I was a senior in high school and shadowed one of the science teachers.

1 week ago | shawlocal.com | Bill Freskos

At Shepherd Middle School in Ottawa, the band class is more than just an extracurricular activity – it’s a place for students to grow, connect and express themselves. Leading the charge is Martin Czernicki, the school’s band director. Band teaches kids so much more than just how to play an instrument. It teaches listening skills, teamwork and how to get along with others who may have different beliefs or experiences.

1 week ago | shawlocal.com | Bill Freskos

If you ask Hall High School science teacher Nicky Barto what advice she would give to her students about their future career, it would be this: “Find your passion, jump in with both feet, and do it well. If you have a career that you enjoy, you don’t really have to work in the traditional sense, do you?”Barto can easily offer that advice because she’s lived it. Now in her 23rd year at Hall, Barto has built a career in education around her passion for science, starting at a young age.

1 week ago | shawlocal.com | Bill Freskos

The American Legion Post 33 in Ottawa has announced the winners of the 2025 Department of Illinois Americanism Essay Contest, which invited students to consider on the topic, “What Is My Favorite National Memorial or Monument?”The contest is held each year to help students learn and reflect on patriotism and citizenship. In Class 1 (eighth grade), first place went to Axel Gutierrez of Ottawa, followed by Maddie Schillings of Ottawa in second and Maddie Salz of Ottawa in third.