Author: princetonmays

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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Bean Buzz is closing in Princeton. (BCR Photo/Goldie Rapp)
Bean Buzz is closing in Princeton.
The coffee shop with a drive-through will have its last day Saturday, April 12. 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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The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be awarding the city of Mendota a $600,000 park grant to renovate Strouss Park. (Bill Freskos)
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be awarding the city of Mendota a $600,000 grant to renovate Strouss Park.
This combination project involves the acquisition of land and the development of park amenities, creating a space for all ages.
The project includes rotating the west baseball field to increase the size for tournament-level play; updating dugouts, bleachers and lighting for the existing ball fields; renovating current bathrooms and the concession stand; adding an additional basketball court; creating a walking path throughout the park; building a new pavilion with restrooms on the north side; installing a new and larger playground; and enhancing the park with bike racks, picnic tables and permanent tailgating games such as bags.
In addition, Tri-County Financial Group Inc. agreed to donate a 1.88-acre parcel adjacent to Strouss Park that will expand and be included in the park, providing space for the larger ball field and new pavilion.
Strouss Park was built in 1995, and except for a few small updates, all the equipment and facilities are 29 years old.
Gov. JB Pritzker and the IDNR announced Monday that more than $55.2 million in grant funding was awarded to 100 local park projects throughout Illinois to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program. The Mendota project will cost about $1,284,700.
Mendota thanked Tri-County Financial Group and the IDNR for making this project a reality.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Princeton’s Kelsea Klingenberg slaps the ball to third to drive in the winning run against Rock Falls in May 2024 in a Class 2A regional softball semifinal. She is one of five returning first-team all-conference players returning for the Tigresses. (Alex T. Paschal)
Jhavon Hayes handed out the Princeton softball uniforms for picture day last week. And then she took them all back.
In the preseason, no one’s earned the jersey quite yet, she said.
“I gave jerseys out for pictures and I asked for them all back. So even our seniors who are going to be on varsity, they need to earn their jersey, too,” Hayes said. “There’s rumors going around who’s doing what. Until I say it, it’s not a thing.
“I fully expect all my returners to contribute like they have the past two years and my freshmen to be able to contribute when they get the call to be up on varsity, whenever that may be. I expect just about all of them to get that call, whether it’s in a pinch running role, or actually having a role.”
The Tigresses have made great strides under Hayes, going 7-17 in her first season as head coach and flipping the numbers last year, going 17-8 and playing for a regional championship. They aim to take it another step this year.
“I’ve already told the girls we’re not going to get complacent. We learned a lot Year 1. We applied our knowledge Year 2 and Year 3 they know what to expect and we can build off last season’s success,” Hayes said. “First they said, ‘Yeah, ‘we’re going to win State.’ (I said), ‘Let’s bring it down a little.‘ We’re going to get farther than last season. That’s our goal. These seniors are pretty determined.”
Kelsea Klingenberg, one of four seniors for PHS, wants to go out a winner.
“Our sights are set on adding some numbers to the softball board that hangs in Prouty,” she said. “I’m confident in our team’s abilities and believe we can reach the ambitious goals we have set. I’m excited to see what this season holds for our team, and I’m eager to get out on the field and give it our all.”
Kelsea Klingenberg
Even though the uniforms have not been handed out for keeps, Hayes knows she has a stock of talent to take the next step.
There are five returning First-Team Three Rivers East All-Conference players back in camp. Klingenberg, a senior outfielder and a Parkland College signee who led the area with a .489 average, junior Keely Lawson, a slugging shortstop who batted .400 with six home runs and 39 RBIs, and sophomore slugger/pitcher Avah Oertel, who batted .357 with six homers and 35 RBIs and went 8-6 with a 3.42 ERA in the circle, were chosen unanimously.
Junior third baseman Makayla Hecht (.481, 31 steals, 36 runs), who creates havoc on the bases, and sophomore Kiyrra Morris (.372), who “provides a consistent bat,” were also named to the first team while junior pitcher Reese Reviglio (9-2, 2.16) was named to the second team.
Senior first baseman Ellie Harp (.392) and classmate Sam Woolley (18 RBI), a Judson University recruit, are also returning starters along with juniors Izzy Gibson (6 HR, 17 RBIs) at catcher, Caroline Keutzer (.346), a slap-hitting outfielder, and Sylvie Rutledge at second base. Senior Neveah Briddick (P/SS) also returns.
Hayes said it’s nice to bring in a freshmen class that reached the IESA level at Logan Junior High and expects them to be able to contribute.
“It’s definitely a learning curve right now, because I move quick. And they‘re trying to get on our level and move at our pace,” Hayes said. “It may not be right at the beginning, but I do expect just about all of them to be able contribute in some way, shape or form.
“Just with the little time we’ve gotten on the field, I want to put them in more competitive situations this week, so they can earn that varsity level if they are going to get moved up. I think they’re some kids who have done that and some kids I expect more out of.”
Hayes said they have enough players to play JV games depending on how their opponents’ numbers shape up.
The Tigresses are scheduled to open the season at home Friday against IVC.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce announced this years group of 40 Under Forty recipients. (Image provided by IVAC)
The Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce announced this years group of 40 Under Forty recipients.
This year’s recipients represent organizations and industries from all across the Illinois Valley. The recipients exemplify a drive to make a positive impact on our communities, our businesses and our organizations, and have a proven track record for both business and community service and involvement.
The group is made up of leaders in education, small business, finance, nonprofits, retail and community protection, among other sectors.
“This award is about celebrating the next generation of difference makers across the Illinois Valley,” IVAC Executive Director Bill Zens said. “The group that was selected this year are not only difference makers in their organizations but also our communities. I am in awe of the work they are doing, and will continue to do to make the Illinois Valley an amazing place to be.”
The chamber’s selection committee included Steve Wrobleski, La Salle–Peru High School (IVAC Board president), Rachel Balestri, Eureka Savings Bank (IVAC Board vice president), Kim Bima, OSF Healthcare (IVAC Board member), Jay McCracken, Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce and Tracy Morris, Illinois Valley Community College.
The recipients are
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Michael Stutkze, Grants Committee member, presents a check to Sarah Criner representing Open Prairie Church and the Loads of Love laundry program. (Photo provided by Tracy Wright)
Two more Love Our Community grant recipients have received $1,000 from Princeton Rotary Club.
Checks were presented to Open Prairie Church and the Loads of Love laundry program and to Princeton Buddy Bags.
In total, 10 local nonprofit organizations will receive $1,000 from Rotary Club of Princeton through its Love Our Community grant program.
Love Our Community grant funds are generated through fundraisers and other activities. These recipients were selected from numerous applications that were submitted to Rotary. The funds for these grants area raised at Rotary’s annual auction.
The recipients for 2025 are Western Bureau County Food Pantry, Elmore Disaster Relief Inc., Loads of Love Laundry Mission, Buddy Bags Inc., North Central Regional Betterment Coalition, Gateway Services, Barker Farm Outreach, Perfectly Flawed Foundation, Magi Baby Chest and Freedom House.
The goal is to award a total of $10,000 each year, funds permitting, to local nonprofits to show appreciation for the time and resources they put forth to serve the community. Love Our Community Grant applications for 2026 will be accepted beginning in November 2025.
Each organization is invited to attend a Rotary Club meeting where they have the opportunity to share information about how the money will be used.
Michael Stutzke, Grants Committee member, presents a check to Diane Heller representing Princeton Buddy Bags. (Photo provided by Tracy Wright)
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency were in La Salle County this week completing a federally evaluated exercise for the La Salle Generating Station nuclear plant near Marseilles. (Shaw Local News Network)
Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency were in La Salle County last week completing a federally evaluated exercise for the La Salle Generating Station nuclear plant near Marseilles.
While the official report won’t be available for 90 days, the preliminary consensus of the evaluation team is that the La Salle County Emergency Management Agency along with a long list of local response partners demonstrated their ability to manage an off-site response to a nuclear power plant emergency. This important exercise, which took place at different locations throughout the county, was conducted to test and evaluate the county’s readiness to respond to a potential nuclear emergency.
This type of exercise is conducted every other year in La Salle County and includes the participation of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Constellation, La Salle County Sheriff’s Office, La Salle County Highway Department, La Salle County Health Department, the Regional Office of Education, La Salle County Information Technology Department, WCMY 1430 AM and 93.5 FM radio, La Salle County Board Office, the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS), the American Red Cross, Illinois Valley Community College, Seneca grade and high schools, La Salle County GIS Department and Bruce Harris and Associates. Additionally, the municipalities of Marseilles, Seneca, Ottawa and Streator also participated.
The exercise involved a simulated emergency scenario designed to test the effectiveness of emergency response plans, communication systems and coordination between agencies within and outside of the county.
“The safety and well-being of our community is a top priority,” said emergency management agency director Fred Moore in a news release. “This exercise was a critical step in ensuring that we are fully prepared to protect residents in the event of a nuclear emergency. We are proud of the collaboration between local, state and federal partners, as well as our dedicated emergency response teams and EMA volunteers, for their professionalism and commitment to safeguarding our community.
There were over 45 different criteria evaluated at the La Salle County Emergency Operations Center including radiation exposure control, alert and notification, traffic and access control, emergency operations center management and protective action decision making.
“While we hope to never face such an emergency, exercises like this ensure we are ready to act swiftly and efficiently should the need arise,” Moore said. “This successful demonstration reinforces our commitment to the preparedness of our community and the strength of our emergency management system.”
La Salle County EMA will continue to work closely with local agencies, the state of Illinois, and the La Salle Generating Station to refine response strategies and ensure ongoing preparedness. The agency remains committed to conducting regular training and exercises to further enhance the county’s emergency response capabilities, the agency said in a news release.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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A La Salle County grand jury convened Tuesday and returned the following indictments.
A La Salle County grand jury convened Tuesday and returned the following indictments:
Richard Young, 42, of La Salle (residential burglary; unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon; retail theft; theft);
Jordan Wilkinson, 26, of Ottawa (unlawful failure to register as a violent offender against youth);
Marqus Gary, 21, of Markham (two counts of burglary; unlawful use of a credit card);
Dylan Washkowiak, 24, of Streator (three counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse);
Nathan Price, 52, of La Salle (armed violence);
Erik Pinter, 46, of Mendota (two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance);
Terrell Davis, 25, of Lansing (aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful use of a weapon; aggravated unlawful restraint);
Destine Phillips, 24, of Chicago (unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver);
Eric Sobin, 23, of Spring Valley (aggravated battery; aggravated domestic battery);
Michael West, 65, of Peru (aggravated battery);
Dejuan Colon, 18, homeless (aggravated battery; theft);
Cody Abercrombie, 42, of Thomaston, Georgia (operating a commercial vehicle under the influence);
Jacob Handzo, 29, of Streator (unlawful delivery of a controlled substance; unlawful delivery of a look-alike substance);
Lesley Warren, 39, of La Salle (unlawful delivery of a controlled substance);
Matthew Persich, 36, of Peru (two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance);
Madison Vargas, 19, of Streator (obstructing justice);
James Redmond, 60, of Rocky River, Ohio (unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver);
Dustin Gray, 35, of Sandwich (obstructing justice);
Sydney Jorgenson, 28, of Marseilles (domestic battery).
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Payton Frueh was selected as the District FFA Proficiency Winner in Equine Entrepreneurship. (Photo provided by Jill Frueh)
Payton Frueh was selected as the District FFA Proficiency Winner in Equine Entrepreneurship.
Frueh is a member of the Princeton FFA Chapter of the Illinois Association FFA. Illinois FFA recognizes students in 48 different areas based on their work-based learning, also known as Supervised Agricultural Experiences or SAE. FFA members who demonstrate outstanding agricultural skills and competencies through record keeping, leadership and scholastic achievement may be considered for this award. SAEs allow students to learn by doing by either owning and operating an agricultural business, working or serving an internship at an agriculture-based business or conducting an agriculture-based scientific experiment and reporting results.
Frueh was selected as the District 1 Winner by a committee of agriculture industry representatives and teachers knowledgeable in this work-based area. Frueh is the daughter of Jared and Jill Frueh from Ohio, Illinois.
Receiving this honor now makes her eligible to compete in the State FFA Awards Selection process in Mt. Zion on Saturday, March 22. Frueh was chosen previously as the Chapter and Section awardee in this area.
Frueh has been involved in the following other agriculture education and FFA activities: Horse Judging, Livestock Judging, Soils Judging and the Envirothon. Dan Foes is the agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor at Princeton High School.
Frueh will receive a plaque for her accomplishments. These plaques are made possible by gifts by individuals, businesses, corporations and organizations through the Illinois Foundation FFA.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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A driver and three passengers were taken to the hospital following a two-vehicle collision Monday morning, off the Interstate 80 ramp near Columbus Street in Ottawa. (Felix Sarver)
A driver and three passengers were taken to the hospital following a two-vehicle collision Monday morning, off the Interstate 80 ramp near Columbus Street in Ottawa.
One of the drivers was found to be experiencing a diabetic emergency, the Ottawa Police Department said in a crash report. The driver had no other injuries and was taken to OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa.
The three passengers in the second vehicle told emergency responders they had arm and chest pain from the seatbelt and were taken to OSF in Ottawa, according to the report. The driver of the second vehicle refused medical treatment.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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