Author: princetonmays

To stream News 8 on your phone, you need the News 8 app.
Next up in 5
Example video title will go here for this video
Next up in 5
Example video title will go here for this video

PRINCETON, Ill. — Ollie’s has opened a new distribution center in Princeton, Illinois.
According to company officials, the facility is more than 615,000 square feet and will serve as a hub for the chain’s plan to expand to more than 1,300 stores. Additionally, the center will bring more than 200 full-time jobs to the region.
“The opening of our first Midwest distribution center enhances our ability to service 150 plus stores, fueling the next phase of our growth,” Ollie’s President Eric van der Valk said. “Along with delivering more bargains, this new facility has created valuable jobs for the hardworking people in America’s heartland. We are grateful for the tremendous support from state and city officials, as well as the warm welcome from Illinois residents. We are proud to be part of this community.”
According to Ollie’s officials, the chain currently has 525 stores across 31 states.

source

Actor John Travolta surprised patrons Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, at the Uptown Grill in La Salle with co-owners Ryan and Alexis Anderes. The star of “Grease” and “Pulp Fiction” is also an accomplished pilot; but Illinois Valley Regional Airport would not confirm whether he arrived by air. (Photo provided by Uptown Grill)
Actor John Travolta surprised patrons Saturday at the Uptown Grill in La Salle with co-owners Ryan and Alexis Anderes.
Alexis Anderes said Travolta flew into the Peru airport and was with his flight instructor whose wife has family in this area. They had dinner in the lounge area – Travolta ordered the pan fried lemon sole filet – and “kindly” obliged fans who asked for a picture with him.
“Ryan and I spoke with him on his way out and of course thanked both him and his flight instructor for coming in and how thrilled we were to have him dine with us,” Alexis Andreas said. “He told us we had a very nice restaurant and that his meal was delicious.”
Past celebrities to visit the Uptown include star athlete Bo Jackson, WWE wrestler Bret “The Hitman” Hart and Micky Dolenz of The Monkees.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

source

Dave Camp was always just one of the boys when it came to coaching his Princeton Post 125 American Legion baseball team. He often struck a pose laying in front of the team for team photos. (Photo provided)
I didn’t need a ball drop or a turn of the calendar to tell me it was the new year.
Early every January, like clockwork, Dave Camp would text to let me know the Princeton Master’s bowling tournament was starting up.
He would follow up with each weekend’s results and photos to help give the bowlers some recognition.
Dave took it upon himself to help promote the sport of bowling in Princeton and the baseball teams he coached. He was deeply attached to all of his fellow bowlers, youth bowlers and ball players.
Sadly, those texts won’t come next month. We lost Dave to a tragic accident on Friday north of Ottawa, where he had just attended his brother’s (Jason Smith) Princeton Tiger basketball team’s game. His wife, Melinda, and son, Michael, were both injured, but recovering, and his daughter, Lexee, was treated and released.
It is a loss shared by the whole community and the many lives Dave touched in his humorous way. To know Dave was to love Dave.
And we all did.
Dave was just one of the guys pic.twitter.com/W7GXtekA5f
Dave started up the Princeton Post 125 American Legion team so that kids like Michael could play baseball. He kept it going for the kids long after Michael was done. He didn’t have to, but he did for the love of the kids and the game.
“David Camp’s first legion team was with a bunch of kids like myself who just wanted to keep playing baseball. He started a group chat and said let’s keep doing this and worked effortlessly to make it happen,” said Kyle Arnett, a 2012 Princeton High School grad. “I think we just shared jokes more than we talked baseball on those chains. All he wanted was to see us happy and together. He made those summers better.”
Another one of Dave’s legion kids is Tanner Kuhne, 26, of Princeton. He said his best memory was knocking off a very good Peoria team to win the championship game in Kewanee.
“That game and that summer was the most fun I ever had playing baseball and Dave was a huge part in that,” he said. “I could write a book on Dave. One thing that stands out about Dave was his love for baseball. Dave was all about competing/winning, but he was also about having fun and giving opportunities to all that wanted to play. Not very often you find a coach that is as welcoming as he was.
“Speaking for myself and for all of his former players, he will be greatly missed in the community and on the field.”
Dave Camp had a bubbly personality, full of smiles and jokes (Photo provided)
Lexee Camp started a memorial page for her dad on Facebook and tributes came pouring in. Here is a sample:
Robin Camp Eikenberry described her brother “as kind, funny, loved his sports, but most of all loved his family very much.”
Chris Eggers said he’s going to miss bowling and “sitting around talking sports with Dave.”
Gretchen Currie got to meet Dave when her son, Nicholas, joined the Legion team. She said Dave was one of his favorite coaches.
“He had such a strong desire to help these kids reach their dreams. I know Nicholas had some amazing experiences and has made some lifelong friends because of Dave and his Princeton Legion team,” she said.
Randy Allen, who formed a lifelong friendship with Dave through bowling and their favorite sports teams, and “cheered as our Cubs finally won a world series, diagnosed exactly what the Illini needed to do to be relevant, and shared our despair for how bad the Bears are,” said he’s going to miss those times terribly.
“You take these things for granted, never expecting to not have another chance to have those conversations again,” he said.
Garrett Allen said “it’s hard to write this knowing how many lives you truly impacted. You made a team full of misfits enjoy summer baseball and gave us some of the greatest memories we could have made together. Growing up you were always apart of all of our lives. I’ll always cherish all of the times you helped coach juniors, would talk about endless sports with me, and how just this past week how excited you were for me to be a basketball coach. You always showed compassion, understanding, and were always someone that was there to help. The Princeton community sure will miss you.”
Chris Stier, a longtime friend/bowling teammate, said “He always was there for his family and his friends and never was shy about lending a helping hand. Dave has been there to listen and give advice throughout all my adult life since we’ve been friends. He’s been a pillar in the bowling community for years. Always stepping in to help with tournaments, youth, and even helping making improvements to the bowling center when able to. Dave was a great man, a great friend, and a great dad. He will be missed.”
Tracy Joiner Nally said, “If you ever needed anything, Dave was there to give a helping hand without hesitation.”
John Donofrio said, “His love for coaching youth in sports was passionate and never ending. His positive influence from coaching for so many over the years will never be matched or be forgotten.”
Kaden Baker said, “In the youth bowling league he helped teach me to slow down and be calm. I appreciated his guidance and teaching.”
Chris Layton said Dave has been a part of his life “for as long as I can remember and I will always cherish his jokes and wise words.”
Kayla Miller said, “I am going to miss Dave’s loving and joyful personality. I am grateful I had him as a bowling coach. The advice he would give me every time I stepped up to the lanes will forever change my life.”
Emma Nicoli said, “Dave was the best bowling coach a kid could have asked for. He made me into the bowler I am today.”
Nicole Walker said, “Dave was one of the junior bowling coaches when I started and I told him, ‘I can’t even throw the bowling ball,’ and he said ‘Yes you can.’ I was in junior bowling for quite awhile and I can remember him saying the more practice the better.”
Carla Vergamini said, “David was an amazing mentor, coach, a very kind soul always full of life, laughter and care. He meant a lot to my kids very much.”
Matt Putts said, “You could tell Dave had a lot of passion for things and the people he loved. What a great man.”
The lives that Dave has touched are endless and these are just a sample of the many remembrances of a good man, yet to come. I will remember him as a good friend and a man who loved his family and sports teams.
I asked Jason Smith how he thought his big brother would like to be remembered. He said, “That he was a guy that loved his wife and kids very much and for having a lot of passion and love for bowling and baseball and hoped he passed that on to the kids.”
* In closing, I’d also like to express my condolences to the family of Beau Harp, 50, who passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Nov. 27. He was an old Walnut Blue Raider standout and a devoted follower to his kids’ (Drew, Ellie and Sophie) extracurricular activities in Princeton. He, too, will be deeply missed.
Kevin Hieronymus has been the BCR Sports Editor since 1986. Contact him at khieronymus@bcrnews.com
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

source

Voters and election judges run the poll at the La Salle VFW in this 2022 file photo. (Scott Anderson)
The Illinois State Board of Elections certified the results of the November election on Monday.
Here are the final results of the races La Salle and Bureau counties voters weighed in on, including in county, state and federal congressional races as well as referendum questions.
* Indicates who won
Auditor
*Stephanie Jo Thompson (R): 31,044
Ashley Franciskovich (D): 19,459
La Salle County Chairperson
*Donald E. Jensen (R): 27,681
Brian Dose (D): 23,388
District 4
*Beth Findley Smith (R): 1,363
Christine Valenta (D): 768
District 11
*Thomas J. Templeton (R): 1,100
Gelinda Heller (D): 701
District 13
Melody Burgess (R): 503
*Alexandria “Ali” Braboy (D): 605
District 17
Kristy Donnelly (R): 980
*Douglas Trager (D): 1,047
District 18
Lloyd Chapman (R): 833
*Thomas R. Miller (D): 1,007
District 19
*James Bailey (R): 866
Olivia Romine (D): 812
District 25
*Ronald G. Blue (R): 848
Fred Nimke (D): 641
State’s Attorney
*Daniel C. Anderson (R): 9,577
Bradley P. Popurella (D): 5,987
Coroner
*Kurt Workman (R): 8,053
Alexandria “Lexi” Wamhoff (D): 7,587
Tom M. Lytton vacancy
Kenton Skarin (R): 440,671
*John Anderson (D): 462,754
Mary K. O’Brien vacancy
Jason Helland (R): 437,954
*Linda Davenport (D): 465,319
Daniel L. Schmidt vacancy
John F. Costello Jr. (R): 450,377
*Lance Peterson (D): 450,589
William E. Holdridge retention
*Yes: 548,099
No: 164,877
Cynthia M. Raccuglia retention
*Yes: 61,100
No: 22,201
Troy Holland retention
*Yes: 66,418
No: 15,454
Shall the village of Seneca allow backyard chickens?
*Yes: 756
No: 425
Shall Putnam County School District Number 535 issue $34 million in construction bonds?
Yes: 1,234
*No: 1,658
Shall the city of Peru construct and operate a swimming pool using the hotel/motel tax?
*Yes: 3,513
No: 1,608
Shall Walnut Public Library District annex portions of Bureau Valley School District 340 territory into it?
Yes: 1,026
No: 209
Shall Annawan School District 226 elect its board members at large instead of by geographic area?
Yes: 661
No: 398
Shall a new fire protection district be formed to serve Spring Valley?
Yes: 1,852
No: 582
Shall the Seatonville Fire Protection District No. 18 be consolidated with the Ladd Fire Protection District No. 20?
Yes: 262
No: 85
74th District
*Bradley Fritts (R): 31,516
David Simpson (D): 17,101
75th District
*Jed Davis (R): 33,715
Heidi Henry (D): 21,169
76th District
*Amy Briel (D): 23,931
Liz Bishop (R): 23,336
105th District
*Dennis Tipsword (R): 38,132
Morgan Phillips (D): 17,158
14th Congressional District
*Lauren Underwood (D): 183,446
James Marter (R): 149,464
Roy Jones (write-in): 16
Constant Connor VlaKancic (write-in): 3
La Salle County’s vote
Kamala D. Harris / Tim Walz (D): 21,029
Donald J. Trump / JD Vance (R): 30,717
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. / Nicole Shanahan (I): 686
Bureau County’s vote
Kamala D. Harris / Tim Walz (D): 5,900
Donald J. Trump / JD Vance (R): 9,784
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. / Nicole Shanahan (I): 308
Statewide
*Kamala D. Harris / Tim Walz (D): 3,062,863
Donald J. Trump / JD Vance (R): 2,449,079
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. / Nicole Shanahan (I): 80,426
Advisory question regarding candidates interfering with election worker’s official duties
La Salle County’s vote
Yes: 44,523
No: 6,615
Bureau County’s vote
Yes: 13,820
No: 1,707
Statewide
Yes: 4,813,971
No: 595,677
Advisory question to create an additional tax on income greater than $1 million
La Salle County’s vote
Yes: 29,197
No: 21,926
Bureau County’s vote
Yes: 8,833
No: 6,644
Statewide
Yes: 3,288,462
No: 2,121,507
Advisory question regarding health insurance plans providing coverage for pregnancy benefits
La Salle County’s vote
Yes: 34,408
No: 16,416
Bureau County’s vote
Yes: 9,973
No: 5,329
Statewide
Yes: 3,914,126
No: 1,474,158
Source: County clerks and the Illinois State Board of Elections
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

source

Princeton Tigers logo
At Princeton: The Tigers swept their home opener at Prouty Gym on Tuesday, defeating Putnam County-Hall 78-6 and Mercer County 77-6.
Brayden Bickett (106), Jacob Paul (113), Allister Swanson (120), Kaydin Gibson (126), Corbin Brown, Dominic Lewis (150), Andrew Giaquinto (157), Casey Etheridge (165) and Cade Odell (285) all won twice by fall.
Ian Morris defeated Mercer County on a tech fall and PCH by fall while Kane Dauber (132) and Ace Christiansen (144) won by fall and a forfeit.
Mercer County defeated PC-Hall.
At Ottawa: St. Bede defeated Kankakee 48-24 while falling to the host Pirates 60-23.
Double winners for the Bruins were Logan Pineda (165), Grady Gillan (215) and Max Moreno (132). Michael Benge (113) won by fall over Ottawa and by forfeit vs. Kankakee. Brax Kim (157) won by fall against Kankakee.
Hinckley-Big Rock 64, LaMoille 33: The Royals overpower the Lions in Little Ten action at Dean Madsen Gymnasium in LaMoille. Brayden Klein led the Lions with 10 points and Tyler Billhorn added eight points.
Princeton 56, Rock Falls 24: The Tigresses jumped out to 17-7 first-quarter lead and never looked back on the way a road win over former NCIC rival Rock Falls.
Keighley Davis poured in 21 points for PHS while Paige Jesse and Camryn Driscoll added eight each and freshman Avaya Koning and Payton Brandt added six each.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

source

Anyone interested in learning more about the Mackinac Island trip can attend an informational preview set 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, at the Bureau County Farm Bureau building, 1407 N. Main St., Princeton. (Shaw Local News Network)
The Bureau County Farm Bureau announced it will be partnering with Tri-State Travel and other surrounding farm bureaus to offer a trip to Mackinac Island and other locations this summer.
The trip will take place Aug. 9-13.
Anyone interested in learning more about the trip can attend an informational preview set 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, at the Bureau County Farm Bureau building, 1407 N. Main St., Princeton.
Tri-State Travel has lined up the trip and will be on-hand to highlight the sights of the trips as well as answer any questions. Pricing, insurance and booking information will be available.

Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

source

The following marriage licenses were recorded Dec. 2, 2024, through Jan. 11, 2025, at the Bureau County Courthouse. (Shaw Media file photo)
The following marriage licenses were recorded Dec. 2, 2024, through Jan. 11, 2025, at the Bureau County Courthouse:

Sean Michael Hurless of Spring Valley and Elizabeth Joy Adamson of Princeton.
Elise Lauryn Hobbs of Washington, Illinois, and Reuben Lee Roberts of Gridley.
John Mark Tiethoff of Spring Valley and Mary Jane Brandt of Spring Valley.
Kaylee Ann Kalisak of La Moille and Calvin Michael Nickel of La Moille.
Mercedes Alyssa Heinrich of Princeton and Lance Douglas Stowe of Tiskilwa.
Tasha Marie Roalson of Washington, Illinois, and Christopher Sean Noel of Washington, Illinois.
Jessica Emily Godinez of DePue and Jesus Daniel Gil Arias of DePue.
Juana Rodriguez-Torales of Spring Valley and Juan Manuel Arana-Salinas of Spring Valley.
Mandy Lynn Owens of Princeton and Jeremy David Smith of Princeton.
Nathaniel Michael Beyer of La Crosse, Wisconsin, and Mia Kay Elizabeth Newman of La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

source

The Peru municipal pool committee meetings will not be open to the public — for now. (Shaw Local News Network)
The Peru municipal pool committee meetings will not be open to the public — for now.
Chairman Rick O’Sadnick updated Monday the Peru City Council, explaining the committee had met twice briefly, once as an introduction and the second time reviewing past reports.
Afterward, Alderman Tom Payton asked if the meetings were open to the public.
“Not at this time,” O’Sadnick said. “You know down the road we’re probably going to open them up, but just as we get started, we’re not trying to hide anything obviously but we’re trying to get to know each other first and get a direction to where we want to go.”
In December, O’Sadnick told Shaw Local News Network “Once we get started, all open pool committee meetings will be publicized and all will be encouraged to attend and make their voices and suggestions heard.”
City Clerk Dave Bartley said in response to an online public comment questioning the legality of the committee that the committee doesn’t violate the Open Meetings Act.
“It’s worth noting that the two aldermen serving on the committee does not violate the Open Meetings Act,” he said. “There isn’t a requirement for that. It’s commonly used within the city … it’s a tool that’s used in the city from time to time when there’s planning or organization and getting public input from various projects.”
Mayor Ken Kolowski announced Nov. 25 he had chosen O’Sadnick, Alderman Andy Moreno, Parks and Recreation Director Adam Thorson and referendum originator Sherry Mayszak to be a part of the committee. Peru resident Christine Mitchell, who is the former manager of the Spring Valley swimming pool, was added to the panel in December.
An advisory referendum passed in November, asking residents if the city should construct and operate a municipal swimming pool funded by the use of the hotel/motel tax.
The pool committee will focus on cost, location and design by looking at construction of a municipal pool from the ground up.
O’Sadnick said the committee isn’t starting from scratch as a lot of work has been done since the old pool has been taken out; including work back in 2020 and 2021 seeking bids and feasibility studies.
“So, it’s only been a couple of years,” he said. “So that’s kind of what we’ve been doing so far — reviewing past reports, existing data, reaching out to those same firms asking them to pull those files and please update them.”
O’Sadnick said the meetings have been productive and the committee will keep ”plugging along,” but nothing has been decided.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

source

Princeton invites visitors to its inaugural Restaurant Weekend to enjoy local favorites and support the restaurants that make the city special. (Scott Anderson)
Princeton invites visitors to its inaugural Restaurant Weekend to enjoy local favorites and support the restaurants that make the city special.
From Thursday, March 6, to Sunday, March 9, eateries across Princeton will feature special menus, discounts and signature dishes, giving residents and visitors a chance to experience hometown dining.
With a mix of family-owned restaurants, sweet escapes and nightspots participating, this event showcases the flavors and hospitality that define Princeton, said Victoria Yepsen, Princeton Tourism.
“This weekend is all about celebrating the great local restaurants,” Yepsen said. “It’s a perfect chance to try something new, revisit a favorite spot, and show support for the businesses that help make Princeton feel like home.”
Go to princetontourism.org/restaurant-weekend for participating businesses.
Princeton Restaurant Weekend is an event designed to highlight the local dining scene and encourage community support for hometown restaurants, Yepsen said.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

source

Bureau County Sheriff Jim Reed listens Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, during a meeting of the Bureau County Board. The board, partly at Reed’s urging, tabled an intergovernmental agreement with Cook County for overflow inmates to be housed in Bureau County Jail. Though Reed said there was “misinformation” about the agreement, he recommended the board study it in more detail. (Tom Collins)
Bureau County Jail may yet house overflow inmates from Chicago, but the Bureau County Board tabled the proposal for additional study and discussion.
The County Board was scheduled to vote Tuesday on an intergovernmental agreement to hold inmates from the Cook County Jail at a rate of $65 per day.
Sheriff Jim Reed said, however, he recommended the board postpone final action to study the issue more closely – and to sift through social media feedback that Reed said was misguided and inaccurate.
“To put it bluntly, we don’t want them here.”
“There’s a lot of false misinformation about this,” Reed said, urging the board to send the proposal to committee.
It was tabled by a roll call vote of 11-3. Those who voted no – Republicans Sandy Hoos, Marsha Lilley and August Block – signaled they were ready to kill the intergovernmental agreement. With the measure tabled, discussion resumes at a committee meeting at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 5.
Jim Reed speaks Bureau County Sheriff Jim Reed discusses why he urged the Bureau County Board to table action on the jail accepting inmate transfers from Cook County. (Tom Collins)
Besides bringing in revenue, Reed said additional inmates would be welcome because the Bureau County Jail needs to be occupied and used lest it fall into disrepair. Similarly, the county has entered into food and service contracts and risks losing money by not keeping the daily census afloat.
Leasing overflow space to overcrowded jails is an arrangement that has worked for La Salle County. Jason Edgcomb, superintendent of La Salle County Jail, said intergovernmental agreements with other counties have generated needed revenue. Cook County alone brings in about $15,000 a month.
The out-of-towners haven’t created issues for corrections officers. Most, Edgcomb said, are glad to be out of inner-city lockup and “they don’t give us any problems.”
Such arguments fell flat with the residents who rose to speak during the public comment period who expressed concerns or flat-out opposed it.
“I think it is a terrible idea with far-reaching, negative consequences,” said Amy Thompson, who said she foresaw numerous problems including criminals released into the local community. She added later, “To put it bluntly, we don’t want them here.”
Mary Lynn May said she wanted assurances that Cook County would fetch and remove discharged inmates upon release. She also wanted clarification on where the new revenue would go.
“I myself do not see an upside in any of this,” Terry Smallwood said. “I have a lot more questions than answers.”
“My question is,” said Janet Day, “is the continued viability and safety of our community at risk?”
Hoos said her constituents were overwhelmingly opposed to the proposal and, “We know for every one complaint there’s probably 15 others.”

Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

source