Pinch-hit grand slam in 9th lifts Pistol Shrimp

By J.T. PEDELTY jpedelty@shawmedia.com

ALTON – The Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp scored four runs in the top of the ninth inning to defeat the Alton River Dragons 8-4 on Friday evening to snap a two-game losing streak.

Illinois Valley (8-13) led throughout until the River Dragons scored three in the home half of the eighth to tie things 4-4. Pinch-hitter Nick Chavez came through with the game-winning hit in the top of the ninth, a grand slam home run. It was one of two Pistol Shrimp homers on the day. Gage Burdick tagged a two-run shot in the fourth following Jake Ferguson’s tworun double.

Lemont native Justin Rios (2⅔ IP, 1 ER, 1 K) earned the win in relief of Sebastian Gonzalez (6⅓IP, 0 ER, 5 K), with the two overcoming three errors that led to three unearned runs.

On Thursday, Illinois Valley suffered its second consecutive 8-7 loss at O’Fallon, surrendering an early 5-0 lead and a 7-6 advantage heading into the seventh inning.

Max Handron blasted a tworun, first-inning homer for the Pistol Shrimp, with Zach Lane going 4 for 5 with three runs batted in. Jake Ferguson also had an RBI for the Pistol Shrimp in support of starter River Scott (3 IP, 5 ER, 2 K) and reliever and losing pitcher Daniel Vogt (5. IP, 2 ER, 2 K).

The Pistol Shrimp are at Burlington on Saturday before returning home to Peru for a 4:05 p.m. game with LaFayette.

“We’ve been here 50 years in the community. Some are sad about it and I’m sad that they’re sad. For a lot of them it’s been generations – their first outings as babies was here for dinner and then those kids, now their kids’ first outing was here for dinner, so it’s sad, it’s bittersweet.”

To celebrate 50 years, a street fest is planned for 2 p.m. Saturday, July 1, in downtown Ransom outside Jerry’s with live music, food, beer and spirits. The live entertainment includes Jaik Willis, folk Americana, 2 to 3:30 p.m.; Joe Hermes, country, 4 to 5:30 p.m.; Bob Bradish & The Backstabbers, rock and alternative rock covers, 6 to 8 p.m.; and Jump – American’s Van Halen Experience, 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.

For more information on the sale of the business, call 708-323-2655.

Mall retailer moving near Kohl’s

After many years in the Peru Mall, Spencer Gifts is moving to a new location.

Spencer’s is relocating to a nearly 2,100-square-foot space at Peru Marketplace, 5259 Illinois 251, between Game Stop and Lee Nails.

Peru Mayor Ken Kolowski posted the update on his Facebook page and said the retailer hoped to reopen sometime this week.

Over the years, many other former mall retailers have moved to this center anchored by Walmart and Kohl’s, including Game Stop, Kay Jewelers and Famous Footwear.

Spencer’s, which has more than 670 locations throughout the United States and Canada, sells tees, body jewelry, décor and more.

Former St. Margaret’s physicians join Carle Health

Carle Health has completed contract agreements with providers Drs. Thaw Tun and Mario Cote.

Carle Health Public Relations Manager Brittany Simon said Carle is excited to welcome their experience and patient-centered approach to care to the health care system.

Long-term arrangements for their practices are being finalized, but Simon said both physicians will have adequate support and the facilities to continue serving patients close to home when they begin work in early July.

Tun, a primary care/internal medicine physician, previously worked at the St. Margaret’s Health Henry Clinic and Cote, a geriatric and internal medicine physician, was previously located in the St. Margaret’s Peru Medical Clinic. The hospital and all its facilities closed June 16.

Based in Urbana, Carle Health, also known as The Carle Foundation, is a vertically integrated health system with more than 11,000 employees in its hospitals, physician group, health businesses.

Halloween store returning to Peru Mall

Spirit Halloween will once again return to the Peru Mall.

In previous years, the store has set up in the former JC Penney, 3950 Illinois 251, Peru.

In a Facebook post confirming the store’s return, the Peru Mall said more details will later be announced.

Spirit Halloween has more than 1,400 locations across the U.S. and Canada and offers costumes for infants/toddlers, children, teens and adults as well as decor.

Marseilles hardware store extends hours

Gleason’s Hardware is extending its hours during its closing sale.

The store at 385 Main St., Marseilles, will be open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Plans to close were announced earlier this year for Gleason’s, which opened in 1929. It is the oldest continuous family-owned business in Marseilles.

Henry pub for sale

Shandy’s Pub & Grub, 1106 Western Ave., Henry, is for sale but will remain open.

Owner Cindy Carr posted the news

“We would like to move on to the next chapter of our lives,” Carr wrote. “As most of you know, I have been here for over 20 years starting out for my parents back in 2000. Shane and I have owned and operated it for over eight years successfully because of all our great customers which have become our second family.”

Carr noted future bookings will be honored as they don’t expect an immediate sale and will give customers ample notice of a sale. For more information, call 309-364-3174.

La Salle clothing stores offer displaced St. Margaret’s employees discount

Bold & Curvy Boutique and Amia Boutique are offering discounts to former St. Margaret’s Health employees in the wake of the hospital’s closure.

This week, former SMH employees shopping for interview attire will receive 30% off their purchase at Amia and 30% off new items at Bold & Curvy or a free interview outfit from its consignment sale.

• 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 news-