Author: princetonmays

emergency lights (Stock image)
The Illinois State Police is investigating a death in Bureau County.
At 9:51 p.m. Dec. 10, troopers, along with other local law enforcement partners, located a suspect vehicle wanted in connection to a homicide in Rock County, Wisconsin, the agency said in a press release.
A traffic stop was attempted, and a pursuit ensued, ending at the Great Sauk Trail Rest Area on Interstate 80 west of Princeton.
Law enforcement attempted to contact the driver and officers approached the vehicle. The driver, who was alone in the vehicle, was discovered deceased with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The ISP said in the release that it will conduct a thorough investigation and remain in contact with the Bureau County State’s Attorney’s Office regarding the incident. The investigation is active and ongoing and no additional information is available at this time.
Shaw Local News Network provides local news throughout northern Illinois

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Princeton High School’s Scholastic Bowl team is headed to the small screen after competing on Stateline Quizbowl in a matchup against Byron. (Photo provided by Brody Anderson)
Princeton High School’s Scholastic Bowl team will appear on “Stateline Quizbowl” in a matchup against Byron.
The episode will air Jan. 17 on WTVO Channel 17, with an encore broadcast Jan. 18 on WQRF Channel 39, according to the school. The episode will be available online beginning Jan. 19 on the Eyewitness News WTVO/WQRF YouTube channel.
“Getting to represent Princeton on TV is unreal,” said coach Brody Anderson. “There’s this electric mix of nerves and excitement, and then the cameras roll, and you realize we’re really doing this.”
The show features students competing in fast-paced trivia, representing their schools. Princeton’s appearance continues the program’s tradition of showcasing academic excellence.
Shaw Local News Network provides local news throughout northern Illinois

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Protesters hold signs during a “ICE out for good” protest on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026 at Rotary Park in Princeton. The Bureau County Democrats organized the event. About two-dozen protesters gathered to protest the ICE officer who shot and killed Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis on Jan. 7. (Scott Anderson)
Over 15 years covering news, sports and events in the Illinois Valley. Support my work with a digital subscription.

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The Rotary Club of Princeton has revamped its donation process in order to streamline its non-profit organization and to support its mission. (Provided)
The Rotary Club of Princeton has announced that scholarship applications for 2026 are now open.
The Swan Eickmeier four-year scholarship is available to graduating seniors attending Princeton High School, Princeton Christian Academy or homeschooled students living in the Princeton School District who plan to attend an accredited college or university beginning fall 2026.
A maximum of three $5,000 scholarships will be awarded based on need and other achievements outlined in the application.
The Swan Eickmeier Community College/Vocational Scholarship is available to students planning to attend a two-year community college or private or trade school in pursuit of an associate’s degree or certificate. A maximum of two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded using the same criteria.
Applications are due by April 3 and are available at phs-il.org or princetonrotaryclub.com.
The Princeton Rotary Club will host a scholarship fair from 5:30-8 p.m. on Wednesday at the Prouty-Zearing Community Building, 435 S. Main St., Princeton.
Graduating seniors are encouraged to attend to meet local scholarship representatives and make connections. Attendees will have a chance to win $250.
Shaw Local News Network provides local news throughout northern Illinois

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BUREAU Co., Ill. (KWQC) – Deputies said a 78-year-old man was airlifted after a truck and a train crashed Wednesday morning.
About 9:34 a.m., deputies responded to a crash involving a truck and a train in the 900 block of East Street, according to a news release.
Deputies said a 78-year-old man from Princeton, Illinois, was driving a truck north of East Street when it crashed with an Iowa Interstate train.
The driver was removed from the truck by emergency crews and airlifted, deputies said.
The crash is being investigated.
Copyright 2026 KWQC. All rights reserved.

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Levi Boggs, left, a senior at Princeton High School, holds his tuba after being selected for the All-State Honors Orchestra. Scarlett Nichols, a junior, holds her flute after being selected for the All-State Band. Both students will perform at the ILMEA All-State Music Festival at the Peoria Civic Center on Saturday, Jan. 31. (Photo provided by Steven Olson)
Two students from Princeton High School have been selected to participate in the Illinois Music Education Association All-State Music Festival, the highest honor for student musicians in Illinois.
Levi Boggs, a senior, was selected to play tuba with the All-State Honors Orchestra, the upper of two all-state groups. Boggs previously was selected for All-State performances his sophomore year and received a “Best of Day” award for his tuba solo at the IHSA Solo and Ensemble tournament last spring.
Scarlett Nichols, a junior, was selected to play flute with the All-State Band. Nichols also performs with the Peoria Youth Symphony Orchestra.
Both students were selected through an audition process in October and participated in a regional festival at Augustana in November. They will travel to Peoria to rehearse in ensembles with top musicians from around the state and perform at the Peoria Civic Center at 7 p.m. Jan. 31.
Shaw Local News Network provides local news throughout northern Illinois

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Tossed & Found Resale + Consignment is relocating to a larger space in Princeton in March. (Scott Anderson)
Tossed & Found Resale + Consignment is relocating to a larger space in Princeton in March.
The shop, currently at 225 Backbone Road, will move to 902 N. Main St., the former location of Sean Philip Bridals, which closed in March 2025.
The current location will remain open until mid-February, when staff will begin the moving process.
The relocation will provide more space for merchandise, according to the business.
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.

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A Blue Margaritas Restaurant will be opening in Princeton at 105 Ave Road. (Stephanie Jaquins)
Blue Margaritas opened on Wednesday at 105 Ace Road in Princeton.
The restaurant specializes in traditional Mexican dishes inspired by cuisine from different regions of Mexico, according to its website.
Blue Margaritas opened its first Illinois Valley location in Oglesby in June 2023. The chain also operates locations in Germantown Hills, Peoria, Springfield and Washington.
The company was established in 2015.
For more information, visit bluemargaritas.com or find Blue Margaritas Mexican Bar & Grill Princeton on Facebook.
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.

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Heavy smoke blows over Interstate 180 about a half-mile south of the Illinois Route 26 and Interstate 180 intersection on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026 near Princeton. A Mutual Aid Box Alarm (MABAS) was dispatched around 12:30p.m. Bureau County Fire departments from Bureau, Ladd, Wyanet, Princeton, Hennepin and others assisted with the brush fire. (Scott Anderson)
Firefighters put out an estimated half-mile-wide brush fire on Tuesday afternoon near Princeton.
The fire was located near the Hennepin Canal and just south of the Interstate 180, Route 26 intersection.
There were no injuries reported and information on the cause of the fire and any damage was not immediately available.
Smaller brush fires were also reported in Grand Ridge and Ottawa as of Tuesday afternoon.
Shaw Local News Network will update this story as more information becomes available.
Bill Freskos is a multimedia journalist based in the Illinois Valley. He covers hard news, local government, sports, business enterprise, and politics while contributing to Shaw Local Radio stations for Shaw Media across La Salle, Bureau, and Putnam counties.

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Princeton Elementary School District 115 will hold kindergarten registration for new students and current Bright Beginnings Preschool students on Feb. 26 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Feb. 27 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Douglas gymnasium. (Shaw Local News Network)
Princeton Elementary School District 115 will hold kindergarten registration for new students and current Bright Beginnings Preschool students on Feb. 26 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Feb. 27 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Douglas gymnasium.
Parents must bring a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate and proof of residency at the time of registration. The registration fee is $90.
Children must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2026.
For alternate registration times or questions about the registration process, contact the District Office at 815-875-3162 or Douglas Elementary School at 815-872-9741.
Shaw Local News Network provides local news throughout northern Illinois

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