Bill Freskos

Reporter

Bill Freskos is a multimedia journalist with Shaw Media, covering the Illinois Valley. Bill reports on a wide range of topics, including crime, sports, business, government, and politics, across La Salle, Bureau, and Putnam counties. He contributes to all three phases of Shaw Media, including news and sports coverage while also providing coverage for Shaw Local Radio stations.

Latest from Bill Freskos

Uncertainty colors local businesses' reaction to potential trade war

Most businesses are awaiting consequences, but not all are forecasting doom and gloom

By David Petesch, Joey Weslo, Bill Freskos, Jessie Molloy, Bob Okon and Denise M. Baran-Unland●

Immigration attorney: People should come to U.S. the right way, government needs to give them the right way

Immigration attorney Sara Dady said the Illinois Trust Act helps build trust with local police to ensure public safety, particularly for people who fear deportation if they report incidents

By Bill Freskos●

Ottawa opens applications for Veteran Banner Program

Ottawa announced the opening of the application period for its 2025 Veteran Banner Recognition Program, which honors local veterans by displaying banners along busy streets downtown.

By Bill Freskos●

Development approved for commercial space, apartments in downtown Ottawa

The Ottawa City Council approved two TIF District Redevelopment Agreements during their regular meeting on Tuesday night.

By Bill Freskos●

Trinity Rose Montessori School in Ottawa to host open house

Trinity Rose Montessori School will host an open house from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23, at its location in the education building at 717 Chambers St., on the Trinity Lutheran Church of Ottawa campus.

By Bill Freskos●

Phase one of Post Street bridge replacement in Ottawa underway

Ottawa City Council approved the design work for the replacement of the Post Street Bridge, which has been closed since July.

By Bill Freskos●

2 arrested following gun report at Walmart parking lot in Streator

Two individuals were arrested Friday after a report of violence at the Walmart parking lot in Streator.

By Bill Freskos●

‘We might just have to weather the storm’: How Trump tariffs could affect the Illinois Valley

Farmers and grocery shop owners in La Salle County are bracing for the impact the U.S. faces of a potential trade war from recently imposed federal tariffs.

By Bill Freskos●

Streator police investigate burglary, seek suspect near South Fourth Avenue

The Streator Police Department is investigating a burglary that occurred late Wednesday on the 300 block of South Fourth Avenue.

By Bill Freskos●

3 locations chosen for pickleball courts in Streator

The former Lipton Tea building lot on the corner of Wasson and Main streets, Merriner Park and Oakland Park emerged Wednesday as possible sites for pickleball courts in Streator.

By Bill Freskos●

Streator police offer free firearm trigger locks to residents

In an effort to promote firearm safety, the Streator Police Department announced they are offering free firearm trigger locks to residents.

By Bill Freskos●

$15,000 facade grant for Michael Recycling & Disposal in Streator gets nod

The Streator Plan Commission endorsed a $15,000 façade grant for Michael Recycling & Disposal’s building at 506 E. Hickory St. as part of the city’s Downtown Building Repair and Façade Grant Program.

By Bill Freskos●

Crematory at former McGrath’s Seafood site in Streator receives recommendation

Schultz Crematory and Funeral Services is aiming to open at the former McGrath’s Seafood location in Northpoint Plaza, and the Streator Plan Commission recommended its approval.

By Bill Freskos●

Streator Public Library named Streator Chamber’s January Business of the Month

The Streator Chamber of Commerce has named the Streator Public Library its Business of the Month for January 2025.

By Bill Freskos●

Evergreen Place in Streator opens new kitchen with ribbon-cutting ceremony

Evergreen Place Supportive Living in Streator held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday to celebrate the completion of its new kitchen.

By Bill Freskos●