Author: princetonmays

Bean Buzz is closing in Princeton. (BCR Photo/Goldie Rapp)
Bean Buzz in Princeton is closing.
The coffee shop with a drive-thru will have its last day Saturday, April 12. It is for sale by the owner. Customers are asked to use their gift cards and loyalty cards.
Open since August 2021, the business is owned by Janet Johnson, who chose to open the coffee spot in the former bank building at 130 N. Main St. Aside from coffee, Bean Buzz sells coffee apparel, travel mugs, coffee cups, candies, energy bars and bakery items.
• 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.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Putnam County’s Traxton Mattingly waits for the throw during a game last season. (Scott Anderson)
With the season having starting Monday, here’s a look at baseball teams around the NewsTribune area.
Coach: Chris Newsome
Top returners: Jaden Stoddard, sr., 1B/P; AJ Furar, sr., 2B; Johnathon Stunkel, jr., SS/OF/P; Miles Main, sr., C/P; Drew Carlson, sr., 2B/OF/P; Kade Zimmerlein, so., 3B/P; Daric Wiesbrock, sr., OF/P; Cameron Spradling, sr., OF; Traxton Mattingly, jr., C/1B/3B/P; Brayden Zuniga, jr., OF/P
Key newcomers: Tayton Kays, jr., OF/P; Maddox Poole, fr., IF/P
Worth noting: The Panthers return almost everyone from last year’s team that went 7-19. “Experience will be something we rely on this year,” Newsome said. “Our guys have shown a willingness and hunger to put in the work to get better so that we can put out a product that is competitive every time we take the field.” Stunkel (.300 BA, 22 R, 16 RBIs in 2024) and Mattingly (.286, 12 RBIs, 11 R) are expected to lead the way offensively, while Poole “has the capabilities to be an impact player for us.” Returners Carlson, Main, Stoddard, Wiesbrock, Furar, Spradling, Kays, Zungia and Zimmerlein also will contribute offensively. “I expect our offense to be constantly evolving throughout the season based on who we are facing on a daily basis,” Newsome said. “There are some solid arms in our conference so we may have to play some small ball at times. I anticipate this group of guys to provide a more heady type of play both in the batter’s box and on the base paths.” Newsome expects to have pitching depth with Stoddard, Stunkel, Main, Carlson, Mattingly, Zimmerlein, Zungia, Kays and Wiesbrock logging innings.
Coach: Cody Zinke
Top returners: Braiden Freeman, sr., P/SS; Evan McPheeters, sr., IF/P/OF; Brody Hartt, jr. C/IF/P; Dane Doyle, jr., P/1B; Jack Gillespie, sr., C/OF/IF
Key newcomers: Gavin Evans, jr.; IF/OF; Payton Gagliardo, jr., IF/OF; Rhett Watson sr., OF; Oscar Castaneda, fr., IF/P; Esten Otero, fr., IF/P
Worth noting: The Trojans have only 16 players in the program, so they will have only a varsity team this fall. Zinke expects Freeman and Doyle to lead the pitching staff. McPheeters also will log a lot of innings, while Gillespie, Hartt, Castaneda and Otero also will pitch. “Guys with limited experience are going to have to get more comfortable on the mound and step up for us,” Zinke said. Freeman (.261 BA, 14 R in 2024) and Hartt (.328) will be counted on to lead a young lineup. “Freeman and Hartt are going to set the table for us. I expect both of them to get on base quite a bit,” Zinke said. “The top of our order will have to be big for us because of the inexperience we will have in the bottom of the order.” Gillespie will be a big run producer, while Doyle, McPheeters and Watson also will be in the mix in the middle of the order. Castaneda and Otero also could work their way into the heart of the lineup. “I expect to compete in every game we play, and in order to do that we will need our guys with varsity experience to lead our younger guys,” Zinke said.
Coach: Wick Warren
Top returners: Jordan Reinhardt, sr., P/IF; Noah LaPorte, sr., OF/P; Luke Smith, sr., P; Will Lott, sr., IF/P; Ace Christiansen, sr., C; Jace Stuckey, sr., IF/OF/P; Nolan Kloepping, sr., IF/OF; Tyler Forristall, jr., P
Key newcomers: Ryan Jagers, jr., IF/P; Braden Shaw, so., P; Stihl Brokaw, jr., IF; Jack Oester, fr., IF
Worth noting: The Tigers have a senior-heavy team that’s looking to improve on last year’s 9-13 record and contend for a regional championship. Reinhardt (.508 average in 2024), Christiansen (.412) and Lott (.338) will be among the team’s top offensive weapons along with LaPorte. “Jordan, Ace, William and Nolan were our leading hitters last season, and I expect big things at the plate from all four this season,” Warren said. “I expect Noah to be the leading defensive center fielder in the area and to contribute in a big way offensively. Jace has looked very good in preseason hitting work.” Princeton will have plenty of options on the mound, led by Reinhardt (2-2, 3.54 ERA), Lott (3-0, 3.88 ERA) and Forristall (3.88 ERA). “We face a good, tough schedule, but we have a very experienced team and we expect to be competitive with all our opponents,” Warren said.
Coach: Ryan Schisler
Top returners: Elijah Endress., sr., IF/P; Bryce Helms, sr., P/OF; Logan Philhower, jr., IF/P; Brock Rediger, sr., IF/P; Landon Smith, sr., IF; Landen Birdsley,, sr., IF/OF; Drake Taylor, so., IF; Blake Foster, so., IF/P.
Worth noting: As they enter the Lincoln Trail Conference, the Storm have an experienced roster, led by three-year players Endress, Helms and Philhower, who were all-conference picks last spring. “It’s a nice group of guys that were motivated to put in the work in the offseason and I think we learned a lot as a group last year from the highs and lows, so if we can learn from our mistakes and play a more aggressive brand of baseball this season this will be a pretty dangerous team,” Schisler said. Helms and Endress will lead the pitching staff. Helms was 4-2 with a 1.90 ERA last season, and Endress was 3-3 with a 2.39 ERA. Offensively, Endress is the team’s top returning weapon after hitting .438 with 21 RBIs, 17 runs and 21 steals. Birdsley (.304) and Philhower (.286, 19 RBIs, 12 SB) also will be key hitters in the lineup. Schisler is looking forward to the new challenge of the LTC. “We have played most of the eastern half of the conference for years, but we are coming into Mercer County’s schedule this year on the western half, so we aren’t too familiar with the teams there. I think that’s exciting as that allows us to set any history aside and just focus on playing our best baseball each day.”
Coach: Dillon Reel
Top returners: Easton Fruit, sr., P/OF; Grady Harp, sr., OF; Aaden Browder, so., P/1B; James Henne, sr., P/1B; Joe Clifford, sr., C/Ut.; Declan Brennan, so., P/Ut.; Hayden Spoonmore, so., SS/P
Key newcomers: Austin Todd, sr., IF/P; Lane Rohrer, fr., OF/P;, Adam Waite, sr., Ut./P
Worth noting: The Red Raiders had solid wins near the end of last season they hope mean good things entering the 2025 season. “We want to finish at the top of the conference,” Reel said. “This team has a great group of seniors who are leaders on and off the field. Add in the amount of sophomores returning from their first season of varsity play and it looks promising. Coming off last year with big wins over Somonauk and Newark, we’re hoping to build on that.” Pitching depth and experience are expected to be the team’s strengths with Henne, Fruit, Brennan, Browder and Spoonmore logging time on the mound. Offensively, the Red Raiders look to put the ball in play and move runners. “We want to be aggressive on the base paths and put pressure on the opponent.”
Coach: Mark Brown
Top returners: Zach Johnson, sr., IF; Eli Gerdes, jr., OF; Lucas Anson, jr., IF/OF/C; Layten Gerdes, jr., IF/P; Drew Overocker, so., IF; Lucas May, jr., OF; Jordan Heider, sr., IF; Tyler Serna, sr., C/P; Cooper Haugens, sr., OF/IF
Worth noting: The Knights return eight starters from last year’s team that went 11-13 overall and 7-4 in the Heart of Illinois Conference, including All-HOIC players in Heider, Anson, Layten Gerdes and Serna. “Many of the juniors and seniors have started the previous two seasons,” Brown said. “There should be very little they haven’t seen. Not that this guarantees more wins by any means, but they will be prepared for what the season brings.” Heider and Eli and Layten Gerdes will hit toward the top of the lineup, while Serna, May and Johnson will be in the middle of the order. Serna and Layten Gerdes are the team’s top two pitchers, but Brown said “all of the guys can throw.” “We have been talking this entire offseason about an all-in approach to the game,” Brown said. “Since the first night of practice, our focus has been on establishing routines and goals, which focus more on the mental side of the game.”
Coach: Ted Rowe
Top returners: Carson Rowe, jr.; Jacob Miller, jr.; Austin Keith, so.; Jayden DeWeerth, jr.
Key newcomers: Caleb Wiesbrock, fr.; Ben Meachum, jr.
Worth noting: Carson Rowe returns after earning Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association Class 1A All-State honors last season. He hit .422 and recorded a 2.11 ERA. He’ll start the season as the team’s leadoff hitter. “We have a lot of new hitters, so the order is yet to be determined,” Ted Rowe said. “Our offense will score by moving runners over and hitting them in. There’s potential pop with a few hitters, but no major power hitters.” Rowe also will be the team’s ace, while Miller will be the Mallard’s No. 2 pitcher after recording a 2.91 ERA last year. Meachum will step in as the team’s No. 3 pitcher. “If Jacob can dial his control in, he can potentially rival Carson as our ace,” Ted Rowe said. When not pitching, Rowe will play shortstop and Miller will be in left field. Keith will play center field and Wiesbrock will catch. Other possible starters are Landon Harbison at second base, DeWeerth at third base and Ashton Sprague at fiest base. “Defense will be the team’s strength,” Ted Rowe said.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The operator of an ATV in Streator was taken to OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria for treatment of injuries received during a crash with a parked vehicle. And also cited by police following the crash. (Tom Sistak)
The operator of an ATV in Streator was taken to OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria for the treatment of injuries suffered during a crash with a parked vehicle. The operator also was cited by police after the crash.
Police said the crash occurred at 3:39 p.m. Monday between an ATV and a parked vehicle at 200 E. Hickory St. Police said witnesses told them the ATV driver was operating the vehicle on two wheels when he lost control and struck a parked motor vehicle, causing damage.
The operator of the ATV also lost consciousness from the impact, police were told. After he regained consciousness, he fled the scene of the crash before responding officers arrived, police were told.
Officials said there is video of the incident. The operator was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
The operator of that ATV had suffered a significant injury from the crash and checked themselves in at a local hospital. After being advised of their rights, the patient admitted to operating the ATV on the date and time of the crash, police said. Police said the 21-year-old was cited on complaints of operating an uninsured vehicle, not having a valid driver’s license, improper lane usage, duty to remain at the scene/report after damaging an unattended vehicle and reckless driving (operating on two wheels).
Police issued a pair of reminders to residents about the city’s laws.
“Although the operator of the ATV involved in this accident was 21 years old, we remind parents not to purchase these nonstreet-legal machines for their children unless they have an off-road area for them to use them and a trailer to transport these vehicles there and back,” police said in a news release. “They are not to be operated on city streets and will be impounded by our agency when we recover them being operated on our streets.”
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Princeton City Manager Teresa Wittenauer is embraced with hugs from supporters after the City Council opted not to vote on her employment future during a special meeting Tuesday, April 15, 2025, essentially deciding to maintain her as its city manager. (Derek Barichello)
With City Manager Theresa Wittenauer’s future on the agenda for a special meeting Tuesday, the Princeton City Council opted to keep her onboard after a 1 hour, 15 minutes meeting behind closed doors with her.
The City Council didn’t take a vote, instead coming out of the closed session meeting apologizing to Wittenauer and more than 100 people in attendance in overwhelming support of her. The City Council chambers overflowed with people, creating standing room only in the back of the room with about 20 others watching a live feed of the council meeting in a separate, adjacent room.
Heading into Tuesday, the council had posted the special meeting to discuss the city manager’s performance and determine her further employment.
“I know it’s caused a lot of additional drama that I look back and it was not necessary to have that drama,” Princeton Ray Mabry said. “I will take the ding on that one.”
Ten people, including some city staff, offered public comment in support of Wittenauer before the council went into closed session, drawing applause at times.
Among the comments, Wittenauer was praised for reducing the city’s debt from $42 million in 2019 to $14 million now, her leadership in getting several projects completed throughout the city and her leadership approach with staff.
Wittenauer opened the public comment period saying the meeting announcement left her shocked, but added her heart was filled by the outpouring of support.
“I don’t have to prove anything more, you recognize it, you see it and you appreciate it, and I thank you all,” Wittenauer said. ” … I have loved this community since the day I stepped into City Hall. My smile already starts.”
Wittenauer said she is looking forward to rebooting the positivity in the city.
“It’s first and foremost, let’s get back after it all after this is over,” she said.
Wittenauer has been Princeton’s city manager since 2019 and her contract runs through 2027, concurrently with Mabry’s mayoral term.
After the meeting, dozens of people in attendance made a line to give her a hug.
Mabry said the City Council learned from its closed session with Wittenauer that it can do a better job communicating with her.
“We came to a resolution moving forward that can be good for the city council, city manager, city employees and community as a whole,” Mabry said after Tuesday’s meeting.
Wittenauer asked to give a final comment before Tuesday’s meeting adjourned.
“I’m going to keep this short and sweet, ‘See you tomorrow,’” she said to another round of applause.
Shaw Local News Network will update this story with more information.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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On Monday, Princeton Mayor Ray Mabry signed a letter of support toward a potential Illinois Municipal Electric Agency solar project that would be located at the Princeton Transfer Station on Peggy Lane. (Troy Taylor)
Princeton Mayor Ray Mabry signed a letter of support Monday for a potential Illinois Municipal Electric Agency solar project that would be located at the Princeton Transfer Station on Peggy Lane.
Although the letter did not mark a commitment from the city toward a project, it indicated the city’s interest in investigating a potential project at the proposed location.
In February, the City Council denied a proposed IMEA solar array project that was to be located in lots 12, 13 and 15 of the city’s Tech Park. The denial came from a 2-2 vote, with one council member abstaining.
Although arguments against the Tech Park project varied from location, landscaping plans, conditional uses and government transparency, all voting members previously indicated their support of solar projects in Princeton.
An IMEA spokesperson present at Monday’s meeting said the interest from developers in a solar array project seems to be there, and sites that will be looked at include Princeton, Oglesby and Marshall.
Without upgrades, the Princeton Transfer Station site has the ability to house up to a 3-megawatt array, although the project could begin as a 1-megawatt array and undergo future expansion.
The IMEA spokesperson also said that the city could incur some costs in the planning stages of a project because of the city’s decision to change locations.
After Mabry’s signing of the letter in support of a project, the Princeton City Council will vote on an official resolution at an upcoming meeting.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Michael Wittig (Photo provided by Erica Rabe)
Michael Wittig, a Bureau County patrol officer, will run for Bureau County sheriff with the goals of leading with integrity and serving with honor, he said.
“As a veteran, I understand the value of duty, discipline and sacrifice,” Wittig said. “I have dedicated my entire professional life to serving others, and will bring that same commitment to leading the sheriff’s office.”
He is aiming to gain the Democratic nomination in the 2026 election. Jim Reed currently is the county’s sheriff, serving his third term.
Wittig began his service in the United States Army as a company clerk, a TOW missile gunner and a squad leader, his news release said. During his military career, Wittig served in Alaska, Kentucky, and as part of Task Force Falcon during peace-keeping operations in Kosovo.
“My time in the military taught me the importance of teamwork and accountability first and foremost, but also respect for those you serve,” Wittig said. “These principles will guide me as the department and I move forward into a challenging 21st century with the utmost in professionalism and deep connections to the community we serve.”
Wittig and his family live in Princeton, where he was born and raised after graduating from Princeton High School. He began his career in public service in 1997 when he joined the U.S Army before moving into law enforcement in 2003 in Bartonville. As a police officer, he has worked as a patrol officer and an investigator, as well as qualifying for various specialties within the law enforcement community such as being a field training officer and a range master, both of which focus on teaching officers.
In his personal life, he was a volunteer youth coach, a member of the Princeton Moose Lodge, the American Legion and Shooting Park Road Baptist Church.
If he were to be elected sheriff, Wittig said he is committed to ensuring public safety while building a deeper trust and a more collaboration with all members of the community.
If elected, he said his first priorities include; promoting community-oriented policing practices, which is a style of policing he has believed in and practiced as long as he’s been in law enforcement, enhancing transparency within the department so the community knows and understands what their sheriff’s office is doing and improving the law enforcement training deputies receive to make the department more agile and thoughtful in responding to the myriad of different types of calls for service.
“I am committed to keeping our streets safe and ensuring that our deputies have the training and resources they need to protect and serve,” Wittig said. “Together, the sheriff’s office and the community can build a safer, stronger community for everyone.”
Wittig said his campaign motto will be “Leading with Integrity, Serving with Honor.”
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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North Central Area Transit is adding an additional route to improve access. Beginning July 1, NCAT will be providing service between Streator and the La Salle–Peru area daily, which includes trips to Utica, Oglesby, Mendota and Spring Valley. (Shaw file Photo)
North Central Area Transit is adding an additional route to improve access. Beginning July 1, NCAT will be providing service between Streator and the La Salle–Peru area daily, which includes trips to Utica, Oglesby, Mendota and Spring Valley.
NCAT only provides service between Streator and the L-P area Tuesdays and Thursdays. Expanding to five days a week will help serve Illinois Valley Community College students, individuals needing to see medical or dental specialists, and perhaps even open opportunities for employment.
“We’re happy to help people get where they need or want to go,” NCAT Transit Director Kim Zimmerman said, “no matter where they are going.”
Since NCAT will be running one bus between the two locations, it asks that riders be patient, as they may have to arrive earlier or be picked up later than requested.
“We try to be as convenient as possible,” Zimmerman said, “but we can’t be in two places at once. We are going to pick up as many people as we can going in the same direction around the same time. We appreciate our riders’ flexibility and patience.”
Call 833-433-6228 to schedule a ride. All rides must be scheduled by 10 a.m. two business days in advance. However, because of limited capacity, NCAT may not be able to accommodate all requests. NCAT provides transportation from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Office hours are from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The Ottawa City Council gave approval for the Trinity Rose Montessori School to conduct classes in the education building adjacent to the Trinity Lutheran Church at 717 Chambers St. beginning this September. The school will open under the guidance of Association Montessori Internationale and Executive Director Suzannah Walter. (Photo provided by Fran Brolley)
The Ottawa City Council gave approval Tuesday for the Trinity Rose Montessori School to conduct classes in the education building adjacent to the Trinity Lutheran Church at 717 Chambers St. beginning in September.
Teacher Suzannah Walter, who is head of the school, said the class will be for children ages 3 to 6, and they will be taught in one classroom, as per the Montessori method of education. She has begun giving tours to parents and children and already has started accepting applications.
Walter – a native of Grand Ridge who has 30 years of teaching experience, much of it in Joliet and at one of the biggest schools in the country, located in the Chicago area – is a firm believer in the Montessori way of teaching through self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play among children of different ages.
“I drove from Grand Ridge to Joliet every day for 11 years, taking my boys there for school from preschool all the way through eighth grade, so my heart is truly in it,” said Walter, who will be teaching with Ottawa native and church member Casey McGrath. “I am a believer. … It’s just a delightful way to teach children, and we can’t wait to get started.
“Some people have heard of Montessori, and others know very little about it, so I love educating the parents about it a little as well.”
Also on Tuesday, Mayor Robb Hasty read into the record a proclamation declaring March 29, 2025, as Margaret Seeman Day in the city. Seeman will be celebrating her 105th birthday that day.
In other action, the council:
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The Princeton City Council is planning to meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, to discuss further employment of City Manager Theresa Wittenauer. (Derek Barichello)
The Princeton City Council is planning to meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, to discuss further employment of City Manager Theresa Wittenauer.
The council’s agenda said it will meet in closed session, which is allowed by state statute to discuss personnel, and then it will conduct a public discussion among council members and vote.
Princeton Mayor Ray Mabry said he is asking the city’s legal counsel if public comment can be added to the agenda. Council member Jerry Neumann said he would like the council to hear public comment prior to going into closed session.
Mabry said the special meeting was called by him to discuss Wittenauer’s performance and possible termination.
“I’ve been mayor two years and it felt like the appropriate time to discuss her performance,” Mabry said. “No decisions have been made. We had to put it on the agenda the way it is about voting, because that way if we decide to take action, it is in there. We can come out of closed session and take action.”
Neumann said he was taken by surprise at the mayor calling for the special meeting and said he’ll be advocating for Wittenauer to retain her position.
“There’s been no indication of a problem of any kind,” Neumann said of the city manager.
Neumann commended Wittenauer for her work to reduce the city’s debt from $42 million to $13 million and her personnel decisions.
“She is a phenomenal city manager,” Neumann said. “She’s doing an exceptional job, and has done so many things for this city and community. She’s been better than any other city manager I’ve work with and I’ve been on City Council for 10 years and have worked with three. She is by far the best one we’ve ever had.”
Neumann also was concerned about the timing of the meeting. Don Saletzky is set to take a spot on the City Council in May after receiving the most votes in the April 1 election, taking Martin Makransky’s seat. A new council will be in place within a month.
Neumann said he wants to make sure his colleagues hear the positive impact Wittenauer has made, including any comments from the public.
“I want to be sure whoever attends this meeting has an opportunity to speak if they wish,” Neumann said. “I’m going to insist the public has an opportunity to speak before executive session, before we make any decision.”
Mabry said his perspective on how the city runs has changed since he became mayor, and he will share those observations with his colleagues during Tuesday’s session.
“As a mayor and council, this is nothing we take lightly,” Mabry said. “We take this very seriously. And as a mayor, I’m just one vote, there are four additional votes. I’m going to rely on the council for direction and advice.”
City council members Hector Gomez, Michael McCall and Makransky also were contacted by Shaw Local News Network and said they were not going to comment on personnel matters prior to Tuesday’s meeting.
Makransky said it’s going to be an interesting meeting, also noting he is approaching it with an open mind.
“I’ve never been a part of anything like that,” the council member said.
Former Princeton mayor Joel Quiram posted Sunday on Facebook about the meeting, alerting residents and supporting Wittenauer.
“Theresa has been invaluable in her role as our city manager,” Quiram said. “From continuing to lower our debt, to the remaking of our depot parking lot, to our ever-evolving street program, and her involvement in saving our hospital from closing and all the behind the scenes day to day activity involved with properly managing a city our size, not to mention her ever present positive and gregarious personality, Theresa is our city’s greatest asset.”
Quiram shared contact information for the City Council and encouraged residents to voice their concerns.
“If you care about the direction Princeton takes, between good and bad, and you prefer good, please take a moment to contact council members, either by phone or email, and express your feelings,” Quiram said.
Neumann said he was uncertain of what direction Princeton would go if it fired Wittenauer.
“She’s the hub of everything we do,” he said.
Wittenauer has been Princeton’s city manager since December 2019. Wittenauer’s contract runs concurrently with Mabry’s term through the 2027 election.
The meeting is scheduled to take place at City Hall, 2 S. Main St.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Princeton Junior Women’s Club president and Princeton High School business and technology teacher, Julie Kuhne, and club co-treasurer Gail Jagers present a check to Princeton High School Principal Andy Berlinski for the 2024-2025 school year EXTRA program. (Photo provided by Julie Kuhne )
Princeton Junior Woman’s Club was looking for a new project in the community.
The focus was on a group that was typically overlooked. Through multiple discussions and looking at existing community programs, the EXTRA program was born in spring of 2022. The purpose of this program is to give something a little extra to Princeton High School students who receive free or reduced lunches. On average 40% to 45% of the student population is part of the free and reduced lunch program. While students receive meals from the school, it is one of the basic lunch options. It does not allow them to get a second serving or anything additional that is offered in the cafeteria.
The recipients of this program are selected at random by Principal Andy Berlinski in coordination with Shawn Lewis, cafeteria manager, and are anonymous to PJWC. Students receive $10 that is added to their lunch account to cover their EXTRA food.
PJWC recently held a bake sale at lunch in the park to raise funds for this program as well as Safety Town. During the 2023-2024 school year, the marketing class created and sold a variety of products from ornaments in December to water bottles, keychains and stickers in the spring. The proceeds that were generated from these sales were donated to PJWC towards the EXTRA program.
In addition, after a successful Homestead Baby Contest, Princeton Junior Woman’s Club donated $2,000, the most to date to the EXTRA program for the 2024-2025 school year. This will assist 200 students throughout the year.
“We would love to ensure that all of the students are able to receive a little something EXTRA throughout the course of the school year and have a goal of making the amount given $20 per student,” the PJWC said in a news release.
If you would like to contribute to this program you may do so by mailing a check to PJWC, PO Box 541, Princeton, IL 61356, or via Venmo, @P-Juniors-71, be sure to designate the EXTRA program on your donations. PJWC is looking for new members and can be reached at princetonjuniors@gmail.com. Meetings are held at 6 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month at the Prouty Building, 435 S. Main St. Its Oct. 9 meeting will feature a program on Cyber Security. All are welcome to attend.
Pictured are members of the Princeton High School marketing class with Principal Andy Berlinski who elected to donate money to the EXTRA program. (From left) Mr. Berlinski, Izaiah Smallwood, Paige Fox and Olivia Fox pose for a photo. (Photo provided by Julie Kuhne )
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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