Author: princetonmays

A family was able to escape a house fire safely Tuesday night in Marseilles, however, they lost pets. (Derek Barichello)
A family was able to escape a house fire safely Tuesday night in Marseilles, but they lost their pets.
Firefighters responded at 9:25 p.m. Tuesday to the two-story house in the 400 block of Washington Street for a fire that is believed to have started in the laundry room, Fire Chief Dave Parrott said. Firefighters arrived to find flames at the back of the house and were able to control the fire within 15 to 20 minutes, he said. There were no injuries.
The fire is believed to be electrical in nature, but the investigation still is being finalized, Parrott said.
Fire departments from Ottawa, Seneca, Serena, Grand Ridge and Wallace assisted in the response. The family is being assisted by the American Red Cross.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Five Streator residents were charged following a shooting reported Nov. 26 on the 1400 block of South Cleveland Avenue in South Streator, the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office said Monday.
Five Streator residents were charged following a shooting reported Nov. 26 on the 1400 block of South Cleveland Avenue in South Streator, the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office said Monday.
The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office said 10 individuals were detained after the sheriff’s office and Streator Police Department arrived at the scene at 5:21 p.m. Nov. 26 of a reported shooting and observed several men run into a building, the sheriff’s office said in a news release.
The sheriff’s office said it was determined a firearm was discharged in a backyard in the 1400 block of Cleveland Avenue. A search warrant was conducted at a residence on that block and as a result five individuals were arrested.
Jonathan Morgan was charged on a complaint of possession of a controlled substance; Linda Robertson was arrested on La Salle County warrants; Matthew Scott was arrested on La Salle County warrants and charged with possession of a controlled substance; Ray Keith was charged on a complaint of possession of a controlled substance and Christopher Martinez was arrested on Livingston County warrants.
Streator police, its K-9 unit, Vermilion Valley dispatch, the Livingston County State’s Attorney’s Office and its Flock Safety cameras assisted in the investigation, the sheriff’s office said.
Matthew Scott (Photo provided by Livingston County Sheriff's Office)
Johnathan Morgan (Photo provided by Livingston County Sheriff's Office)
Linda Robertson (Photo provided by Livingston County Sheriff's Office)
Ray Keith (Photo provided by Livingston County Sheriff's Office)
Christopher Martinez (Photo provided by Livingston County Sheriff's Office)
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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A Streator resident was injured early Monday morning after being attacked by their two dogs, according to Streator police. (Shaw Local News Network)
A Streator resident was injured Monday morning after being attacked by their two dogs, Streator police said.
Streator police and Animal Control responded to the home and removed the dogs when the victim called for help after confining them to another part of the house.
The victim went to OSF Center for Health-Streator for treatment of their injuries. No further details on the extent of the injuries were available.
The two dogs were taken to a local veterinarian, where both were euthanized.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Owner Kendall Eslinger opened the mobile coffee bar in the summer providing a variety of standard and unique coffee drinks. (Charlie Ellerbrock)
Kendall’s Coffee in Ottawa is closed for the winter.
Owner Kendall Eslinger opened the mobile coffee bar in the summer providing a variety of standard and unique coffee drinks. It was primarily located in the parking lot of 229 Estates, 1002 First Ave., on Ottawa’s South Side.
“I’m so grateful for all the support and our amazing start to Kendall’s Coffee this year. Thank you so much,” Eslinger wrote on her business’ social media. “I’m so excited for 2025 season. See you in the spring!”
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 La Salle County Health Department is encouraging residents to test the radon level in their home. (Photo provided by Steve Cole)
The La Salle County Health Department is encouraging residents to test the radon level in their homes.
Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally in most soil. As radon travels through the soil, it can move through small spaces in a foundation easily and enter a building, where it becomes trapped and accumulates in the air.
Radon has no taste, smell or color. Testing is the only way to find out if there is a dangerous level of radon in a home. The best time to test for radon is during cold temperatures when windows and doors are closed.
Most radon exposures occur in the home. When people breathe in radon, it damages the lungs, which can cause lung cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking. Radon can be found throughout Illinois, and levels can vary from one home to another, even in the same neighborhood. It’s estimated that more than 1,160 people in Illinois develop radon-related lung cancer each year, according to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.
The Environmental Protection Agency has established the radon action level at 4 picocuries per liter of air (4 pCi/L). At or above this level, it is recommended that corrective measures be taken to reduce indoor radon levels, according to the health department. Radon mitigation is the only effective way to reduce levels and decrease the risk of lung cancer, the health department said. The most common radon reduction system involves the installation of a vent pipe and fan, which draws air from underneath a building and displaces it outside. The cost of a system varies depending on the reduction method chosen and building size. Radon is a preventable health threat through testing and mitigation.
According to a study conducted by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, 45% of homes tested for radon in Illinois had levels at or above the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L. Per the IEMA Public Radon Dashboard, the average radon measurement in La Salle County is 7 pCi/L.
“Testing for radon is the only way to know if your family is at risk,” said Jennie Osborn, director of environmental health at the La Salle County Health Department. “I encourage all homeowners in La Salle County to pick up a free radon test kit so they know their home’s level.”
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends home tests for radon every two years.
In 2024, the La Salle County Health Department gave out 202 test kits. Overall, 140 of those test kits have been submitted for analysis, for a 70% usage rate. A total of 110 have produced valid results, with 53 having a result above 4 pCi/L. The average result of the kits analyzed in 2024 is 6.56 pCi/L.
The La Salle County Health Department, through a grant from the IEMA, has free radon test kits available to residents of La Salle County. Test kits can be picked up at the health department during regular business hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 717 E. Etna Road in Ottawa. A staff member will assist with instructions on using the test kit, as well as provide information regarding radon, radon measurement and radon mitigation. Additionally, should radon test results show a high level of radon in the home, the health department can provide a list of licensed radon measurement professionals and licensed radon mitigation professionals for follow-up.
Call the La Salle County Health Department at 815-433- 3366 for more information on radon test kits.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Princeton’s Jordan Reinhardt drives on Dixon Monday night at Prouty Gym. The Dukes won 61-50. (Mike Vaughn)
PRINCETON – The best thing about Monday’s 61-50 loss to Dixon for the Princeton Tigers is that they won’t have long to dwell over it.
The Tigers will to have to answer the bell less than 24 hours later to take on Riverdale back at Prouty Gym on Tuesday night.
“It’s better than football. You have to wait a whole week (after a loss) and we get to go back at it tomorrow,” said PHS senior Jordan Reinhardt, who led the Tigers with 20 points.
“Obviously, it matters. We always want to compete, but we won’t see (Dixon) again. We’re looking forward to tomorrow. (Riverdale) is in our sub-sectional.”
Princeton coach Jason Smith said it is a good thing the Tigers (9-12) can get right back after it.
“I guess that’s a saving grace because we looked pretty disinterested for some reason,” he said. “Dixon’s a very good basketball team. I think we’re a very good basketball team when we compete. I just didn’t see the competitive fire in us for whatever reason.
“I don’t know if it was because it was on Monday, coming off a weekend or what it was exactly. We need to wake up in the morning and smell the roses because we’ve got Riverdale tomorrow. Doesn’t get any easier.”
Smith said he’s not using the Monday thing as an excuse, because Dixon had to suit up on a Monday, too.
“No excuses. I have to coach them better. They got to want to come out and compete better,” he said.
The Dukes (20-4) and Darius Harrington were simply too much for the Tigers. The Dixon senior forward poured in a game-high 36 points, 25 of which came in the middle two quarters.
Eli Davidson buried a jumper to give the Dukes a 17-10 lead early in the second quarter. Harrington then took over, scoring four straight hoops to give the Dukes a 25-12 lead and added 3 of 4 free throws for a 30-18 lead at quarter’s end.
Harrington was just warming up. He dumped in 14 points in the third quarter to help run the Dukes’ lead to 47-33.
“He’s just a tough player. He’s a tough matchup, night in and night out. He can score at all three levels. Great kid on top of it,” Dixon coach Chris Harmann said. “He really did a good job working in on some of their zones early on. I thought really did a nice job in the third quarter.”
The Dukes led as much as 61-42 late in the fourth quarter with junior reserve Ryan Jagers pulling the Tigers closer with a 2-pointer and a 3-pointer in the final minutes.
Princeton’s Jackson Mason shoots over Dixon’s Brody Nicklaus Monday night at Prouty Gym. The Dukes won 61-50. (Mike Vaughn)
Harmann said the Dukes made Princeton senior Noah LaPorte, who’s averaging about 22 points per game, a focus of their attention and did a good job holding him to 11 points.
“I thought we played pretty well on both ends of the court,” Harmann said. “We did some things to try to limit the LaPorte kid That kid’s a load. He can play basketball. When he gets you down around the block area, it’s over.
“It’s one of those things, where they’ve got guys knocking down shots, it’s a tough night. We got lucky on a couple of those tonight. They did get a couple good looks, the ball rimmed out on them. We were fortunate for them.”
Brady Feit scored 10 points for the Dukes.
The Tigers fell behind 9-2 to start the game and 15-8 at the end of the first quarter.
Reinhardt said they have to do a better job answering the bell each night.
“We have to start off hot. Every game we just start out slow and it bites us,” he said.
Riverdale (16-5) will be in the Tigers’ sub-sectional, in which Princeton will be hosting a regional, and a win over the Rams would be important for the seeding meeting.
“It’d be nice to have a win over those guys because of the seeding situation,” Smith said. “But at this point, the way we’re playing for a play-in spot. I think it’s a big game for us in multiple fashions. One, so we know we can compete with teams like that and two for the seeding of it all.”
Princeton’s Arthur Burden shoots over Dixon’s Darius Harrington Monday night at Prouty Gym. The Dukes won 61-50. (Mike Vaughn)
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Leonard Wayne Lance is presented with a Quilt of Valor on Sept. 15, 2024, at Senica Square in Oglesby, as Dominic Rivara, who also was honored, looks on. The Illinois Valley Quilts of Valor awarded 189 quilts in 2024 (Derek Barichello)
The Illinois Valley Quilts of Valor group will host its National Sewing Day for Quilts of Valor from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Princeton Moose Lodge, 1339 N. Euclid St.
In 2003, quilter Catherine Roberts started the movement that became Quilts of Valor when her son was deployed in Iraq. Since that time, more than 401,361 have been awarded. The local group Illinois Valley Quilts of Valor awarded 189 quilts in 2024 and has given more than 800 quilts since its start in April 2017.
The National Sew Day allows QOV groups to share their process with the public and increase the ability to make more quilts to meet the need of La Salle, Bureau, Putnam, northern Marshall, eastern Henry and southern Lee counties.
For the sew day, bring your own QOV project, sew one of the group’s kits, sew on labels/bindings, and make quilt blocks or pillowcases. Bring a sewing machine and notions, a rotary cutter, etc. Ironing stations and cutting stations will be provided. A Quilt of Valor ceremony is planned for 1 p.m., with five local veterans receiving quilts. RSVP for seating count and if you need a kit to sew. Call Terry at 815-866-3534.
After the sew day, at 3 p.m. a fundraiser will be held by the Princeton Moose Lodge to support the cost of supplies to make the quilts. Each quilt takes about 100 hours and costs about $300 to $350 to make. There will be raffle baskets, a 50/50 drawing and music bingo from 3 to 6 p.m.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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An individual was life flighted to the hospital following a crash between a car and a semi tractor trailer on Monday morning near the Grand Ridge Grade School. (Shaw Local News Network)
An individual was life flighted to the hospital following a crash between a car and a semi tractor trailer on Monday morning near the Grand Ridge Grade School.
At about 6:45 a.m. Monday, a dispatch call was made about the collision along Route 23.
According to Grand Ridge Fire Department Chief Tim Geiger, the crash was a near head-on wreck and all involved in the crash were reported to be conscious.
One individual was airlifted to St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, while another was treated with minor injuries on the scene, according to Geiger.
The area where the crash occurred was reopened to traffic about an hour after the incident.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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To enter, send a high-resolution color photo of the baby to the email. Photos cannot be cropped or altered and professional photographs will not be accepted. (Photo provided by Gail Jagers)
Here are the current entries for the Princeton Junior Woman’s Club’s 2023 Baby Contest.
Tristyn Mecum – 20 month old daughter of Brittney and Chris Mecum of Princeton. (Photo provided by Gail Jagers)
The PJWC is accepting entries that are sent to princetonjuniors@gmail.com by midnight Wednesday, Aug. 9.
Entrants must be Bureau County residents younger than 24 months as of Sept. 8. The message must also include the child’s name, sex, birthdate, age, parent names, parent addresses and two valid contact phone numbers.
More information regarding voting and prizes can be found here.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Tekeisha U. White (Photo provided by La Salle County Jail)
A 21-year-old woman was arrested Friday on an arson charge after a Thanksgiving evening fire in Ottawa.
Ottawa firefighters were called at 7:58 p.m. Thursday for a bedroom fire in the 1500 block of Pine Street. The house had been vacated, and no one was inside as firefighters arrived. After receiving statements from the residence’s occupants, along with preliminary observations by firefighters and police officers, it was determined that the origin of the fire appeared intentional, Ottawa Police Detective Cpl. Matthew Najdanovich said in a news release.
After an investigation, which included the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, Tekeisha U. White, who had been temporarily living at the residence, was arrested and charged with arson, a Class 2 felony carrying a potential three- to seven-year prison sentence. White was taken to the La Salle County Jail, where she will be held pending a detention hearing.
There were no injuries reported as a result of the fire.
Firefighters arrived at 8:03 p.m. and found the single-story residence with smoke coming out of the front door and smoke and flames out of a window on the north side of the building, Fire Chief Brian Bressner said in a news release. Within 10 minutes, the fire was under control, but firefighters continued with salvage, overhaul and investigative operations, Bressner said.
The Ottawa Fire Department received support from several agencies, including the Ottawa Police Department, Ottawa Central Dispatch, the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, the Wallace Fire Department, Marseilles emergency medical services, the Ottawa Water Department, Nicor Gas and Ameren.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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