Ottawa cheese vendor to continue tradition

EYES ON ENTERPRISE

Stephanie Jaquins

Chuck’s Cheese founder Chuck Geiger recently retired, but his cheese spreads still can be found in grocery store coolers.

Gina and Allen Stoudt recently purchased the business, not wanting to see an Ottawa favorite cease production because of Geiger’s retirement.

Outside the Illinois Valley, the cheese spreads are available in the Quad Cities, Peoria and Bloomington, and Gina Stoudt said she plans to further expand availability.

Locally, Chuck’s Cheese can be purchased at Handy Foods and Spaces, Ottawa; D&S Foods, Marseilles; Seneca Food Mart, Seneca; HyVee, Peru; and the Norway Store, Sheridan.

Geiger also worked with groups to sell his cheese for fundraising, and Stoudt plans to continue and grow that as well. She also plans to establish a website with online sales.

The same flavors will be available: original, garlic jalapeño, horseradish, garden vegetable and Swiss almond.

According to a 1999 The Daily Times article, Geiger’s one-man business, which was located at 1881 1/2 W. Norris Drive, then shipped cheese to 22 outlets in a 50-mile radius. Geiger, who began making cheese in the late 1980s in addition to his full-time job as a CSX engineer, told the The Daily Times he used a blend of various cheeses, added flavoring and spices, mixed it up and packaged it. The article noted Geiger was awarded several ribbons from the Illinois State Fair.

Geiger bought the original recipe from the late Harold Pellegrini, of Marseilles, who used to sell the spread to Geiger when he was one of the owners of the shuttered Butcher Block in downtown Ottawa.

Geiger’s longtime companion, Marlene Stillwell, said he loved the business and was happy to see it continue locally.

Food truck sets up in Streator

Yatta Hibachi and Sushi announced its plans to open a food truck at Westgate Plaza, behind the Dollar General store. The food truck is operated by the Pontiac-based restaurant, serving sushi rolls, hibachi, appetizers and noodles, among other menu items. Go to Yatta Hibachi and Sushi on Facebook for more information.

Streator record shop vacates

Hometown Shoppes

Groovy Dog Records announced it is no longer located inside Hometown Shoppes, 16 Northpoint Drive, Streator.

In a Facebook post, the shop owner, Bill Dvorak, encouraged customers to visit him at upcoming record shows. Find Groovy Dog Records on Facebook for more details.

Oglesby restaurant announce new hours

Mr. Salsa’s Mexican Restaurant, 309 E. Walnut St., Oglesby, announced new hours.

The restaurant will be closed Mondays and open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Streator nursery, landscape business reopens

Danchris Nursery, 1000 Bernstein St., Streator, is open for the season. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

The Times / NewsTribune / Bureau County Republican is committed to keeping readers up to date with business happenings in the area. Much of our reporting relies on what we see and hear, but we’re also reaching out to readers for tips on business items. If you have a tip to share for Eyes on Enterprise, email newsroom@mywebtimes.com.

Grandpa Joe (played by Eric Vipond), Grandma Josephine (Kim Jalley), Grandma Georgina (Jess Lenkaitis) and Grandpa George (Charlie Lenkaitis) act out a scene during a performance of “Willy Wonka” on Thursday at Putnam County High School.

ON THE COVER: Willy Wonka, played by Mavrick Holocker, acts out a scene during a performance of “Willy Wonka” on Thursday.

Putnam County Theatre Department to present ‘Willy Wonka’

Shaw Local News Network

The Putnam County High School Theatre Department will be presenting Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka,” based on the book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 23, and Friday, March 24, as well as 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, March 25, in the PCHS auditorium.

The production, adapted for stage by Leslie Bricusse and Tim McDonald, features songs from the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder and new songs by Bricusse and Anthony Newley.

The show follows candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his candy bars. Whomever claims the tickets will win a free tour of the of the factory as well as a lifetime supply of candy.

Four of the five winning children are brats while the fifth is a likable young man named Charlie Bucket, who takes the tour with his grandfather.

Characters will be brought to life “in a world of pure imagination” by high school students including Mavrick Holocker, Garret Luke, Mayra Macias, Lisa Myres, Ryan Oliver, Anna Sandberg, Eric Vipond, Cole Vipond and Maddy Wasilewski.

To kick off their upcoming performances, the cast held a preview day on Thursday for students at Putnam County primary and junior high schools.

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Scott Anderson file photo – sanderson@shawmedia.com

Saturday, March 25th, 2023

5pm - 8pm

Magnolia Fire Station

Dinner includes Fried Chicken, Mostaccioli, Salad, & Bread, Coffee, Lemonade, or Tea and Dessert.

$13 - Adults

$6 - Child 6-12

Children - 5 and under eat FREE

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The next Region 3 - Human Services Services Transportation Plan Meeting will be 10 a.m. Friday, March 24, at the Lee County Council on Aging, 100 West Second St., Dixon.

Region 3 consists of Bureau, DeKalb, Grundy, Kendall, La Salle, Lee, Ogle and Putnam counties.

Human service organizations with an interest in public transportation are encouraged the attend as well as anyone that is interested in public transit.

For information, contact hstp@ ncicg.org or 815-433-5830.

There also will be reserved time slots available via Zoom for public comment between 10:15 and 10:30 a.m. To reserve a time, contact 815433-5830.

The HSTP identifies transportation needs and develops solutions to improve transportation services for the general public. An emphasis is place on seniors, people with disabilities, individuals with lower income and veterans.

Granville Knights of Columbus to host drive-thru fish fry March 24

The Granville Knights of Columbus will host a drive-thru fish fry from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 24, at the Sacred Heart Church Hall, 311 Hennepin St., Granville.

Illinois Valley Democrats to meet March 23 in La Salle

The Illinois Valley Democrats will meet 7 p.m. Thursday, March 23, at the La Salle VFW, 2325 Donahue and 24th streets.

The monthly meeting will discuss the upcoming consolidated election. Food can be purchased through the La Salle VFW. All Democrats are welcome to attend.

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