Author: princetonmays

Jordan Reinhardt and the Princeton Tigers are reloading for another regional championship run. (Scott Anderson)
Princeton High School basketball fans will find some familiar faces, some old but familiar faces and some new ones suiting up for the Tigers this season.
The five returning seniors – Jayden Fulkerson, Wyatt Koning, Noah LaPorte, Jordan Reinhardt and Luke Smith – will be reunited with classmates Asa Gartin and Arthur Burden, who took last year off.
The Tigers also add the talents of senior Jeremy Borsch, who played on the JV last year, juniors Stihl Brokaw, Ryan Jagers, Gavin Lanham, Jackson Mason and Daniel Barnes, a transfer from Princeton Christian Academy, and sophomore Luke LaPorte.
“We have a solid group coming back. A group that played really well together this summer and that was without Ryan who was still coming off an ACL injury,” PHS coach Jason Smith said. “I love the way we compete and I believe we have quite a bit of depth this year. We might struggle early (due to extended football playoffs) but the more practices and games we have with each other and the more continuity, the better we will be.”
Everybody knows about the talents of Noah LaPorte, the Tigers 6-6 senior standout and Northwestern University football recruit. The BCR Player of the Year averaged 21.5 points and 12 rebounds a year ago and will be taking aim on the all-time school scoring record set by Grady Thompson two years ago.
Most of all, Smith wants LaPorte to be a leader this year.
“He’s going to do a lot on the basketball court for us. He needs to be the on the floor and off the floor leader that he’s capable of doing,” Smith said. “All eyes are on him this year. He’ll embrace that. He’s used to that all through football this year and last year and the focal point was on him last year anyway. I’m just looking forward to him being Noah LaPorte and he’ll do fine and help his team win. He wants to win. He doesn’t like to lose. It’s contagious and I love it.”
Princeton’s Noah LaPorte is the reigning BCR Player of the Year. (Scott Anderson)
While Smith plans to play LaPorte more away from the basket this year and have him handle the ball some, the Tiger coach acknowledged there will be the Twin Towers in play with the LaPorte brothers, including the 6-4 and growing Luke.
“You’ll see a little LaPorte and LaPorte connection. You’ll see big brother get a little frustrated with little brother from time to time and probably vice-versa,’ Smith said with a laugh.
Reinhardt gives the Tigers a 3-point weapon and benefits starting the season healthy after having come in injured off football a year ago. He averaged 8.8 points and 3.7 rebounds as a junior.
Smith said it’s nice to have Gartin, a 6-2 forward, who played his freshman and sophomore seasons, back in the fold.
“I was disappointed he didn’t play last year. He’s just a nice addition,” Smith said. “He plays with a little edge, which is what a lot of these guys need. He’s got a lot of skill. He’s quick. He doesn’t get tired. He’s strong and can shoot the ball outside, but he’s a bit of a slasher for us. And he can play some defense. He’s smart and all those intangibles add up to pretty good basketball player.”
Burden, a standout linebacker for the Tiger football team who wrestled last year, will also be a nice addition, Smith said, providing some inside muscle as a 6-2 forward.
“He came in probably a quarter a way through the summer and asked me if he could play. I said, ‘Here’s a jersey. You bet.’ You can never have enough athletic, skilled kids,” Smith said. “He’s a strong physical kid. An athletic kid who likes to play basketball and is very coachable. He’s going to help, especially down low in rebounding and playing defense.”
Smith is excited to have Jagers back in action after missing his sophomore season and summer basketball recovering from an ACL injury. Classmates Lanham and Mason are expected to provide key minutes as well.
The Tiger coach said this may be his best shooting team with the likes of Reinhardt, Fulkerson, Noah LaPorte, Jagers and Mason.
Brokaw and Barnes will be utilized on the JV team along with juniors Cayden Benavidez, Eli Burden and Jack Orwig.
The Tigers have won three straight regionals, including two Sweet 16 appearances, and Smith said he’d be disappointed if they didn’t make another deep postseason run and play for another regional championship.
“Any time you have a talent of Noah and Jordan and combine them with a bunch of juniors the likes of Gavin, Ryan and Jackson and Luke LaPorte coming in as a sophomore, it’s good,” Smith said. “If we can get those guys all working the same rope, I like our chances in a lot of different aspects.”
The Tigers will open the season at the Shootin’ the Rock Shootout at Ottawa at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26 against Oak Forest.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Mendota’s Cesar Casas kicks the ball during the Trojans’ 2-0 win over Aurora Central Catholic in the Class 1A Mendota Supersectional. (MaKade Rios of Shaw Local)
A look at the top boys soccer players in the NewsTribune area for the 2024 season.
Grabiel Cano
Grabiel Cano, Jr, F, DePue–Hall: Cano was the top offensive threat for the Little Giants with 21 goals, which ranks fourth in the area. He also had seven assists for DePue (10-15-1). Cano was voted to the All-Three Rivers Conference team.
Cesar Casas
Cesar Casas, so., MF, Mendota: Casas was the area’s leading scorer with 32 goals. He also had 12 assists, which was second in the area. He helped Mendota place third in the Class 1A state tournament. Casas scored the game-winning goal with less than a minute left in the sectional final and scored in the supersectional. He was first-team All-Three Rivers Conference.
David Casas
David Casas, sr., MF, Mendota: Casas was a strong leader for the Trojans, helping Mendota place third at state in Class 1A. Casas scored eight goals, including one in the regional final, and had six assists. He was unanimously voted to the All-Three Rivers Conference team.
Johan Cortez (Scott Anderson)
Johan Cortez, jr., MF, Mendota: The 2024 NewsTribune Boys Soccer Player of the Year finished with 28 goals, which was third in the area, and 28 assists, which led the area. He had a hat trick in the regional final and scored Mendota’s only goal in regulation of the third-place state game. He was a unanimous All-Three Rivers Conference selection.
Isaac Diaz
Isaac Diaz, so, F, Mendota: Diaz was one of four scoring options for Mendota. He finished with 31 goals, which ranked second in the area. He scored two goals in the sectional semifinals and one in the supersectional to help Mendota reach the Class 1A state tournament for the first time. He was named first-team All-Three Rivers Conference.
Asa Gartin
Asa Gartin, sr., D, Princeton: Gartin was a strong defender for the Tigers. “He is strong and fast and covers up many of our mistakes,” coach David Gray said. Gartin also scored four goals. Gartin was voted first-team All-Three Rivers Conference.
Adrian Gonzalez
Adrian Gonzalez, jr., D, La Salle-Peru: Gonzalez helped the Cavaliers record five shutouts. He also contributed on offense with two goals and four assists.
Mateo Goy
Mateo Goy, jr., GK, Mendota: Goy made 103 saves and allowed 24 goals in 30 games. Goy recorded three shutouts in the postseason and never gave up more than one goal in a game in the playoffs to help the Trojans place third in Class 1A. He was named second-team All-Three Rivers Conference.
Mauricio Martinez
Mauricio Martinez, sr., D, Mendota: Martinez was the leader of a defense that gave up just 25 goals in 30 games. Martinez also scored three goals and had 11 assists, which ranked third in the area. Martinez was named first-team All-Three Rivers Conference.
Ismael Mejia
Ismael Mejia, so., MF, La Salle-Peru: Mejia led L-P’s offense as he finished with eight goals and nine assists, which ranked fifth in the area.
Osvaldo Morales
Osvaldo Morales, sr., MF, DePue-Hall: Morales was solid in the middle for the Little Giants. He scored eight goals and had five assists. Morales was named second-team All-Three Rivers Conference.
Chase Sims
Chase Sims, sr., F, Princeton: Sims was the top offensive threat for the Tigers as he finished with 11 goals. He scored a hat trick in Princeton’s regional semifinal victory. He was voted first-team All-Three Rivers Conference.
Honorable Mention: Ilan Bardot, sr., DePue-Hall; Sebastian Carlos, jr., Mendota; Landon Davis, jr., Princeton; Abe Garcia, so., La Salle-Peru; Cameron Kelly, sr., Mendota; Ramiro Palacios, jr., Mendota; Adan Pantoja, fr., La Salle-Peru; Izaiah Smallwood, sr., Princeton
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Princeton High School’s Varsity Scholastic Bowl Team competed at the Riverdale Early Season Tournament this past Saturday, winning second place out of 10 teams. (Photo provided by Brody Anderson)
Princeton High School’s Varsity Scholastic Bowl Team competed at the Riverdale Early Season Tournament this past Saturday, winning second place out of 10 teams.
Princeton defeated Rock Falls, United Township, Ashton-Franklin Center, Galena and Morrison. This is the best finish Princeton has had in this tournament.
Max Wilborn received all-tournament fourth place, and Clayton Rokosz was 11th place all-tournament. The victory against Morrison was PHS Head Coach Brody Anderson’s 100th career win coaching Scholastic Bowl.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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A free lunch is scheduled 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Park Place, 406 E. Hickory St., Streator. (Tom Sistak)
A free lunch is scheduled 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Park Place, 406 E. Hickory St., Streator.
The menu will include mostaccioli, salad, rolls, dessert and a beverage. It will be sponsored by SOCU.
Carryouts will begin at 12:15 p.m.
The free lunch program is set the second Saturday of every month, organized by Deacons of Park Place and Hardscrabble Lions Club. Everyone is welcome.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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For those who like to write, The Times and NewsTribune is offering an opportunity for your voice to be heard. (Shaw Local File Photo)
For those who like to write, The Times and NewsTribune are offering an opportunity for your voice to be heard.
We are accepting applications for the next term of Write Team members. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, Dec. 31.
We want to bring local voices to the Illinois Valley.
We believe everyone has stories to tell. You have opinions. You have observations. And believe us, although people may not always agree with you, they enjoy reading local voices. This is an opportunity to connect with the community, and we know connections are made because we receive feedback after columns have hit home with readers.
Still nervous about applying? We’re more than happy to answer your questions. Feel free to contact News Editor Derek Barichello at 815-431-4073 or dbarichello@shawmedia.com.
The Write Team consists of local residents who volunteer to write columns every two weeks for six months (the term may be modified depending on interest). Professional writing experience is not needed. We just ask that you have a passion for words.
To apply, email a short bio about yourself, your city of residence, why you like to write, a sample column (or outline) and ideas for future columns to dbarichello@shawmedia.com.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Bureau County Metro Center – Youth Basketball at BCMC: Join the Fun Starting February 15th!
The Bureau County Metro Center (BCMC) is excited to announce the return of our Youth Basketball program, beginning February 15, 2025! Open to kids in Kindergarten through 5th grade, this program focuses on skill development, teamwork, and the joy of the game.
Registration is now open and will close on January 24, 2025, so don’t miss your chance to sign up!
Program Details:
Volunteer Coaches Needed! This program thrives because of the dedicated parents and community members who step up to coach. Volunteer coaches play a vital role in fostering a positive and educational environment for our young athletes.
While the league is recreational, emphasizing learning and development, it also introduces elements of competition in a supportive way. If you’re passionate about basketball and youth development, consider signing up as a volunteer coach—you’ll make a lasting impact on the kids and the program!
How to Register:
Registration is simple and can be completed in person at the Metro Center, online at princetonparkdistrict.org, or by phone at 815-872-0840.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to keep your kids active, learning, and having fun this winter. Sign up today and join us for another exciting season of Youth Basketball at BCMC!
For more information, please contact:
Bureau County Metro Center
837 Park Ave W
Princeton, IL 61356
Ph: 815-872-0840
www.princetonparkdistrict.org

[Sponsored] Bureau County Metro Center – Princeton Park District
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Spring Valley and Standard firefighters responded to a water rescue along the boat ramp on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, at the Spring Valley Boat Club in Spring Valley. (Scott Anderson)
A man was found Thursday in the Illinois River near Spring Valley after a passerby saw him jump from the ledge of the Route 89 bridge. He died after arriving at the hospital.
The man was taken to OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Peru after rescuers in boats discovered him from the water. Putnam County Sheriff Josh Boedigheimer said resuscitation efforts were in progress when the victim was taken to the hospital. Boedigheimer said the man died shortly after he arrived at OSF.
The sheriff said at 5:11 p.m. Thursday a passerby saw the man get out of his vehicle and jump from the bridge’s ledge. The act appeared to be intentional, Boedigheimer said.
First responders from at least seven police, EMS and rescue teams assembled at the Spring Valley Boat Club during the rescue.
The death remains under investigation and the La Salle County Coroner’s Office is expected to release any further information.
Anyone who is considering harming themselves should contact the 988 lifeline. The 988 Lifeline is available 24 hours a day throughout the entire year. Conversations are free and confidential. Counselors are available to talk to them.
Dozens of first responders respond for a water rescue along the boat ramp on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, at the Spring Valley Boat Club. (Scott Anderson)
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Flames filled the interior of Princeton High School, which was destroyed a century ago on Dec. 15, 1924. (Photo provided by C.E. Crichfield)
‘The date was Dec. 15, 1924. The time was about 8:15 p.m. The place was the Charles and Edna Crownover home in the 400 block of East Crown Street, just south of the 1867 Princeton High School building.
Fourteen-year-old Ralph Crownover, a PHS freshman, had just ridden his bicycle home from attending Christmas play rehearsal at the Congregational Church.
Crownover parked his bike in the family’s barn, entered the house through the back door, grabbed an apple in the kitchen, walked into the hallway that faced the front of the house, and then, according to Edna, saw something absolutely terrifying.
“I heard him exclaim, ‘Mama, the high school is on fire. There is smoke coming out of the window!’” Mrs. Crownover told a newspaper reporter later.
Ralph’s mother sprang into action.
“I did not stop to look but rushed to the telephone and called central. During the momentary delay that occurred in putting through the call, the flames broke out, and when I got the operator, I told her the high school was burning, urging haste as it appeared to be a bad fire,” Edna said.
It wasn’t just a bad fire. It was a disastrous fire. Visible for miles around, the flames, of unknown origin, roared out of the school’s library and spread throughout the school. They burned through the roof, blazing to the high heavens and destroying the venerable 57-year-old three-story brick structure within less than four hours.
This was despite the best efforts of Princeton Fire Department firefighters who, under the direction of Chief Arthur Nelson, deployed fire hoses from three neighboring hydrants but were hampered in their heroic efforts by low water pressure.
Early on, some firefighters smashed a window and sprayed water into the blazing library room. Others battered down the door to the main hallway and, armed with a fire hose, pushed their way inside to try to douse the flames.
As the Bureau County Republican described it, “A brief but desperate battle was fought, but in the end the firemen were forced to retreat before the stifling smoke and flames that belched forth to meet them.”
As word spread, several thousand onlookers gathered to watch in horror as the historic landmark, home of Illinois’ first township high school, burned down. Everyone soon realized the battle was hopeless. A photo taken by C.E. Crichfield shows flames throughout the structure as brick walls stood in stark silhouette to the inferno inside.
Principal Owen V. Shaffer, 31, was only in his first year on the job, and what a literal trial by fire he faced! Shaffer arrived on the scene about 45 minutes after the alarm was sounded. Knowing the value of the school’s irreplaceable records, he decided to try to enter his office on the second floor to save them.
The Republican described his vain attempt:
“A ladder was raised against the window on the south side of the wing in which the office was located, and Mr. Shaffer climbed up and tried to force an entrance. When he raised the sash, a furious cloud of black smoke rolled out of the opening, and at the same time flames broke through the roof above him.”
Firefighters holding the ladder saw the danger and ordered Shaffer to climb back down quickly.
“A short time later, the floor of the office crashed into the basement and a portion of the roof fell in,” the Republican stated.
After spraying water on the inferno for an hour, firefighters withdrew and concentrated their efforts on protecting nearby buildings from igniting. A brisk breeze from the southeast blew live sparks and burning embers downwind at least a mile, the BCR reported. Small fires had to be extinguished at 32 S. Euclid Ave., 218 N. Church St. and 504 N. Main St.
Everything was thought to be burned up in the building.
“Not so much as a lead pencil was saved. All the valuable books, records, paintings, statuary and equipment of every sort were consumed by the blaze,” the BCR stated.
Two pianos were destroyed, as were personal musical instruments owned by students, including a xylophone, violin, cornet and trombone.
The situation could not have been more shocking and depressing.
Yet, Principal Shaffer did not let the disaster intimidate him. Instead, knowing that 305 high school students and their families depended on him to keep high school education alive in Princeton, he immediately formulated plans to resume classes after the first of the year.
In those days, there was only a county superintendent of schools, not school superintendents in every school district, so the mantle of leadership during this trying time rested squarely on Shaffer’s shoulders, and he rose to the occasion.
”We are going to try to reorganize and have things in running shape by the close of the regular Christmas vacation,” Shaffer announced two days after the fire. “We are going ahead with our program of school activities as though nothing had ever happened. We hope to be ready in temporary quarters by Jan. 5.”
Meeting in an emergency session the day after the fire, the school board fielded numerous offers of help. The board accepted offers by Princeton City Hall, the post office, First Christian Church and Swedish Mission Church to host temporary classrooms. The Apollo Theater was utilized for at least two all-school assemblies, organized by Shaffer, to acquaint students and faculty with the temporary setup plans.
An inventory was taken of which textbooks were needed and how many. Some students had taken books home with them to study before the fire struck, so those volumes were spared from the flames. Hundreds of tablet arm desks were ordered. A local contractor was hired to build partitions to create separate classroom areas.
Amazingly, on Jan. 5, 1925 – exactly three weeks after Princeton High School burned to the ground – high school classes resumed in Princeton in their new temporary homes. Student editors of the 1925 Tiger yearbook playfully christened the new setup “Princeton College” because pupils had to walk among separate buildings, mostly along Main Street, to attend classes.
On Jan. 15, a bit of good news appeared on the Republican’s front page. A story reported the school’s safe had just been dug out of the ruins. Principal Shaffer arrived on the scene, unlocked the heavy steel door, and inside the safe, he found all the school’s student records. They were practically intact and still legible.
“The finding of the records … will save a great deal of trouble and confusion in making out the credits of the individual students for graduation and college entrance requirements,” the BCR reported.
A new school building was desperately needed, and the PHS board of education acted quickly to start the process. By late January, the board had hired the architectural firm of Royer, Danely and Smith of Urbana to design plans for the new high school. The firm had recently designed high schools in Urbana, Sandwich, Cairo and Freeport.
Plans were being formulated to hold a bond referendum in the April election to finance construction. This would supplement the expected $72,200 fire insurance payout.
Fast forward to September 1926, and the brand new $400,000 Princeton High School was complete and in operation. It was dedicated two months later.
What became of Ralph Crownover, the freshman who first spotted the fire, and Owen V. Shaffer, the principal who led the high school through its worst crisis?
Crownover graduated from PHS in June 1928, worked as an electrician and electrical contractor in the 1930s, served as an Army corporal in the South Pacific during World War II, moved to Florida, and lived to be 95.
Shaffer, a respected educator and community leader, served 27 more years as PHS principal. Unfortunately, an illness took his life in 1952. He was 58. Among the children he and his wife, Ina, reared was prolific artist and sculptor O.V. “Verne” Shaffer.
Dec. 15, 1924, was a dark day for Princeton High School, but the leadership of Principal Shaffer, supported by the school board and community, helped to restore hope and build a bright future.
Note to readers: Sources for this story are the archives of the Bureau County Republican and Bureau County Tribune, Princeton Tiger yearbooks, Princeton Public Library archives, “A History of Princeton” by George O. Smith, and several other online sources.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Most local fire departments were busy in 2024, with some reporting calls climbed by more than half. But was the spike in activity because of more structure fires?
Got a news tip? Email ntnewsroom@shawmedia.com
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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A woman fell Thursday afternoon from the Veterans Memorial Bridge in Ottawa and was taken to OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria by medical helicopter.
A woman fell Thursday afternoon from the Veterans Memorial Bridge in Ottawa and was taken to OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria by medical helicopter.
Her fall occurred on the north side of the bridge from the west sidewalk, in a portion of the bridge not above the Illinois River, the Ottawa Fire Department said Thursday. Firefighters received the call at 4:33 p.m. Thursday. Ottawa police also responded to assist firefighters.
No foul play is suspected, nor is there any belief there was a structural deficiency with the bridge, Ottawa Police Det. Cpl. Matthew Najdanovich said.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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