Bill Freskos

Reporter

Bill Freskos is a multimedia journalist with Shaw Media, covering the Illinois Valley. A native of Fox River Grove, Illinois, he recently graduated from Columbia College Chicago in May 2024. Bill reports on a wide range of topics, including local news, government, politics, business, and sports, across La Salle, Bureau, and Putnam counties. He proudly contributes to all three phases of Shaw Media, including news and sports coverage while also providing coverage for Shaw Local Radio stations. Whether reporting on breaking news, community issues, or the latest in sports, Bill's goal is to deliver accurate and engaging stories that resonate with readers.

Latest from Bill Freskos

Streator man sentenced to 18 years in prison for shooting last year

A Streator man was sentenced to 18 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections after being convicted of aggravated battery with a firearm.

By Bill Freskos●

Streator makes room in 2025 budget for multiple projects, including pickleball courts

The Streator City Council approved a 2025 budget Wednesday with room for projects, including the construction of pickleball courts, new lights at Bodznick Park and replacing the electrical generator at City Hall.

By Bill Freskos●

Streator trio sentenced to prison from drug, weapons bust

Three Streator residents were sentenced Dec. 16 to prison after being arrested in a drug and weapons bust in October of last year.

By Bill Freskos●

Streatorland Food Pantry seeks volunteers, depends ‘solely on donations’

The Streatorland Food Pantry is seeking extra volunteers and donations as the holiday season is officially here.

By Bill Freskos●

Streator requests $222,264 more property tax dollars

During its meeting last week, the Streator City Council approved a 4.99% increase to the city's tax levy, bringing the total levy for the year to $4,673,263.

By Bill Freskos●

Oglesby commissioner Don Finley to step down

Oglesby Commissioner Don Finley announced his resignation at Monday night’s regular Oglesby City Council meeting, stepping down from his position as early as Jan. 6.

By Bill Freskos●

Starved Rock Country Community Foundation awards $1,000 grant to Streator Family YMCA Parkinson’s program

The Streator Family YMCA has been awarded a $1,000 community grant from the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation to support its Rock Steady Boxing to Fight Parkinson’s Disease program.

By Bill Freskos●

Oglesby council may seek Plan Commission’s help to inform residents about question to change government

Oglesby commissioners suggested Monday the Plan Commission organize informational sessions to ensure residents are fully informed before voting.

By Bill Freskos●

Streator Salvation Army seeking volunteer bell ringers

The Streator Salvation Army is seeking volunteers for its annual Red Kettle Campaign this year.

By Bill Freskos●

Oglesby voters to decide on change in city government on April ballot

A proposed change to Oglesby’s city government is in the process of being on the ballot in 2025, after a referendum was approved on Tuesday morning during a hearing at La Salle County Courthouse in Ottawa.

By Bill Freskos●

Merry on Main shopping event set Friday in Streator

The Merry on Main holiday shopping event will take place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, on Main Street in Streator.

By Bill Freskos●

The Silver Fox/The 122 Club named Streator Chamber’s November Business of the Month

The Streator Chamber of Commerce has named The Silver Fox/The 122 Club its November 2024 Business of the Month.

By Bill Freskos●

Streator Lions Club celebrates annual Christmas party

The Streator Lions Club celebrated its annual Christmas party Wednesday, Dec. 4, at The Pines, with 15 members and their spouses in attendance.

By Bill Freskos●

Streator Chamber of Commerce hosts DIY craft event

The Streator Chamber of Commerce is inviting people to a no-cost DIY Christmas themed craft event at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Streator Public Library.

By Bill Freskos●

Somonauk High School students make impact in community service for CASA

Somonauk High School students dedicated their Seminar Day on Dec. 10 to the theme of gratitude, with a focus on community service for La Salle County Court Appointed Special Advocate.

By Bill Freskos●