Author: princetonmays

The Princeton Public Library, 698 E. Peru St., will host activities the week of Jan. 22. (Shaw File photo)
The Princeton Public Library, 698 E. Peru St., will host activities the week of Jan. 22.
5:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22: Monday Night Movie. January’s movies are all movie musicals from various decades.
10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23: Preschool Storytime/Craft, Matson Meeting Room. Cats and Mittens with paper mitten sewing craft
3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25: Youth Dungeons & Dragons For ages 10 and older – second and fourth Thursdays. For more information, contact the PPL Youth Services Desk 815-875-1331, ext. 220 or email help@princetonpl.org
Shaw Local News Network provides local news throughout northern Illinois

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The Princeton Public Library, 698 E. Peru St., will host activities the week of Jan. 22. (Shaw File photo)
The Princeton Public Library, 698 E. Peru St., will host activities the week of Jan. 22.
5:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22: Monday Night Movie. January’s movies are all movie musicals from various decades.
10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23: Preschool Storytime/Craft, Matson Meeting Room. Cats and Mittens with paper mitten sewing craft
3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25: Youth Dungeons & Dragons For ages 10 and older – second and fourth Thursdays. For more information, contact the PPL Youth Services Desk 815-875-1331, ext. 220 or email help@princetonpl.org
Shaw Local News Network provides local news throughout northern Illinois

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Boggios Orchard and Produce float had a giant ear of corn during the Homestead Festival Parade on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 in Princeton. (Mike Vaughn for Shaw Local News )
The 54th annual Homestead Festival, an end-of-summer tradition in the Illinois Valley, returns Sept. 4-7 in Princeton.
The festival honors Rev. Owen Lovejoy’s contributions to the Underground Railroad and offers a blend of historical experiences and modern-day fun.
From a Main Street parade and a classic car show to a flea market and live entertainment, the festival highlights Bureau County and offers something for everyone.
The Homestead Festival parade rolls down Main Street during the Homestead Festival on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 in Princeton. (Mike Vaughn for Shaw Local News )
Live Music
Enjoy performances from Electric Avenue: “The ’80s MTV Experience” on Thursday, Sept. 4; Rodeo Drive and Infinity on Friday, Sept. 5 and Midnight Rider on Saturday, Sept. 6.
Car Show
The 45th annual car show is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7 on South Main Street. More than 20 classes of vehicles will be on display and judged for trophies.
Craft Show
Dozens of vendors will line the Bureau County Courthouse lawn on Saturday, Sept. 6 and Sunday, Sept. 7 for the craft show. Browse home decor items, handmade jewelry, sculpture, art and much more.
Homestead Festival Parade
The parade steps off at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6 from North Main Street and travels about 2 miles before finishing at South Main Street. This year’s parade marshals are Dr. Barbara Swalve Everett and Dr. Richard Everett.
Additional events happening throughout the weekend include a pie-eating contest, baby contest, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, Euchre tournament, tug fest, Underground Railroad 5K race, kids activities, BBQ contest and much more.
Tours of the Owen Lovejoy Homestead will be ongoing throughout the festival.
For more information and a complete lineup of events, visit homesteadfestival.com or the festival’s Facebook page.
Aimee Barrows is the editor of The Scene, Shaw Local News Network's entertainment section. The Scene is your go-to destination for all things fun in Northern Illinois. Prior to The Scene, Aimee was the editor of the Kane County Chronicle for five years, and a freelance reporter for Shaw Media for four years.

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Princeton Logan defeated Mendota Northbrook 36-18 to capture the IESA Class 3A Princeton Regional championship Tuesday at Pannebaker Gym on Tuesday. The Lions (16-3) advance to the Morris Saratoga Sectional, facing the winner of the Crest Hill Richland Regional at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3. Team members are Hattie Dye (front row, from left), Ashlyn McConnell, Lauren Driscoll, Addi Odell and Skylar Hayden; and (back row) assistant coach Garey Driscoll, Alyxis Watson, Avery May, Abby Michlig, Maycie Munson, Leena Gutshall, Alivia Norman, head coach Adam Gutshall and Cora Gutshall. Absent was Hayleigh Mack. (Photo provided)
Kevin has been sports editor of the BCR since 1986 and is Sports Editor of Putnam County Record. Was previously sports editor of the St. Louis Daily News and a regular contributor for the St. Louis Cardinals Magazine. He is a member of the IBCA and Illinois Valley Hall of Fames. He is one of 4 sportswriters from his tiny hometown Atlanta, IL

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An aerial view of the Bureau County Courthouse on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024 in Princeton. (Scott Anderson)
The Bureau County Grand Jury considered the following cases on Nov. 14.
The following cases were presented by State’s Attorney Daniel C. Anderson and Assistant State’s Attorney William Brozovich before judges Geno J. Caffarini and James Andreoni:
Casey M. Evans, 49, Princeton, was indicted on a Class 4 felony charge of driving while license revoked. She is accused of driving while her privileges were revoked and has two previous convictions for the same offense. A Princeton police officer testified. Evans is on pretrial release.
Hunter J. Bland, 24, Manlius, was indicted on two counts of Class 2 felony unlawful failure to register as a sex offender. He is accused of failing to register on his annual registration due date in September. A Bureau County Sheriff’s Department sergeant testified. Bland is on pretrial release.
Rigoberto Mejia, 33, DePue, was indicted on a Class 4 felony charge of driving while license revoked. He is accused of driving while his privileges were revoked and has two previous convictions for the same offense. A Ladd police officer testified. Mejia is on pretrial release.
Angalo C. Magnotti, 35, Spring Valley, was indicted on two counts of Class 3 felony threatening a public official. He is accused of threatening to kill two Spring Valley police officers. A Spring Valley police officer testified. Magnotti is detained at the Bureau County Jail following a detention hearing.
Jeremiah J. Widmer, 45, Princeton, was indicted on Class 3 felony escape and Class 4 felony criminal damage to government property. He is accused of violating home confinement terms by removing his GPS ankle monitor and damaging the device. A pretrial services officer testified. Widmer is detained at the Bureau County Jail following a detention hearing.
Steven J. Cain, 36, Princeton, was indicted on a Class 4 felony charge of unlawful possession of a controlled substance. He is accused of possessing less than 15 grams of cocaine. A Princeton police officer testified. Cain is on pretrial release.
Tammie N. Snow, 40, Princeton, was indicted on a Class X felony charge of unlawful possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine. A Bureau County Sheriff’s Department investigator testified. Snow is on pretrial release.
Two cases were suppressed.
The indictments are accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Maribeth M. Wilson has been a reporter with Shaw Media for two years, one of those as news editor at the Morris Herald-News. She became a part of the NewsTribune staff in 2023.

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Victoria Suarez Yepsen has been named the City of Princeton’s new tourism director. (Photo provided by City of Princeton)
Victoria Suarez Yepsen has been named Princeton’s new tourism director.
She will be filling the role of the previous director Jenica Cole, who for almost two years has been in the middle of many of Princeton’s hallmark events, working to market and promote the city and its assets.
Cole was wearing two hats as the director of the Princeton Chamber of Commerce and the Princeton tourism director. Because of the growth the city is experiencing, these two roles now require full-time directors for each position.
“Having a chamber director and tourism director is such a positive for Princeton,” Cole said. “Princeton is growing, Princeton is thriving. There will now be two of us to promote and help progress Princeton forward; and will allow for each of us to collaborate and focus on specific roles for both the city of Princeton and Chamber of Commerce. This is going to be an amazing milestone for our community and I look forward to working with [Yepsen].”
As tourism director, Yepsen’s primary responsibilities will be to promote and market Princeton to the traveling public and work to establish Princeton as a destination for meetings, shopping, events, group tours, day trips and live performances.
City Manager Theresa Wittenauer expressed confidence in the new hire, who brings loads of experience and enthusiasm to her new position.
“The city of Princeton is pleased to welcome Victoria to our team,” Wittenauer said. “We expect her vast experience and background will help take the city’s tourism development and marketing efforts in new and exciting directions.”
Most recently, Yepsen served as the executive director of the Bureau County United Way where she successfully exceeded the campaign goals for the past two years through hosting numerous community events and fundraisers for local nonprofits and businesses.
Victoria Suarez Yepsen will be filling the role of the previous director, Jenica Cole, who for the past nearly two years has been in the middle of many Princeton’s hallmark events, working to market and promote the city and its assets. (Photo provided by City of Princeton)
Yepsen will look to use her experience with community engagement, advertising and social media to expand Princeton’s marketing reach.
Yepsen, originally from Princeton, is a graduate of Princeton High School. She attended Illinois State University where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in music business.
Yepsen recently relocated from Chicago and now resides in Princeton with her husband, Brent.
“It’s an honor for me to hold the position as director of tourism and I am proud to promote and advocate for my hometown that has shaped me into the person I am today,” Yepsen said. “I’m looking forward to building upon Princeton’s tourism expansion to generate further growth and success for our community.”
In her tourism director position, Yepsen will handle media inquiries about area attractions, city news, as well as festivals and events. Her responsibilities also will include responding to visitor inquiries and distribution of materials to surrounding areas.
“We are excited to have Victoria join the city ranks in her new position of tourism director for the city of Princeton,” Mayor Joel Quiram said. “We can’t wait for her to get started on promoting all things tourism, not only throughout the state, but throughout our region as well.”
Yepsen joined Princeton Tourism on Nov. 10 and will be formally introduced at the Princeton City Council on Nov. 21.
Yepsen can be reached by contacting Princeton City Hall at 815-875-2631 or vyepsen@princeton-il.com.
Shaw Local News Network provides local news throughout northern Illinois

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(Row 1 L-R) Ellie Welte, Jadah Shipley, (Row 2 L-R) Abigail Brown, Caitlin Meyer, Morgan Foes,(Row 3 L-R) Bennett Williams, Michael Smith and Morgan Bartkiewicz were designated at Illinois State Scholars from Princeton High School. (Photo provided by Elena Hilmes)
Princeton High School Principal Andy Berlinski has announced that eight students from the graduating class of 2024 have been designated as Illinois State Scholars.
“Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients from Princeton High School,” Berlinski said. “This designation is an indication of each individual’s scholastic achievement and hard work. This designation is well deserved by each.”
The designated Princeton High School state scholars include: Morgan Bartkiewicz, daughter of Emily Stevensen and Christopher Bartkiewicz; Abigail Brown, daughter of Brett Brown and Jill Lundeen; Morgan Foes, daughter of Dan and Bridget Foes; Caitlin Meyer, daughter of Eric and Heather Meyer; Jadah Shipley, daughter of Kim Kuehl and Nathan Shipley; Michael Smith, son of Kelly Smith and Brandon Smith; Ellie Welte, daughter of Brooke and Mike Welte and Bennett Williams, son of Cheryle and Mark Williams.
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission, the state’s college access and financial aid agency, recognizes the academic achievement of Illinois high school students annually.
Shaw Local News Network provides local news throughout northern Illinois

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Allegion’s LCN Operations in Princeton has announced that 2023 Princeton High School Graduate Kayle Jaeger has been awarded the 2023 LCN Engineering and Business Scholarship. (Photo provided by Minerva Andriotis)
Allegion’s LCN Operations in Princeton has announced that 2023 Princeton High School Graduate Kayle Jaeger has been awarded the 2023 LCN Engineering and Business Scholarship.
The scholarship is awarded in the amount of $1,000 for four years, for a total of $4,000.
“I am very thankful to Allegion/LCN for their help in achieving my future goals,” Jaeger said. “Winning this scholarship will be put to good use toward tuition and lessen my financial burden.”
In high school, Jaeger participated in baseball for two years and golf for one year. He was also a member of the German Club, Concert Choir and Concert Band.
Jaeger plans to attend the State Farm College of Business at Illinois State University in the fall and will be working toward a degree in Business Administration.
Since 2018, the LCN Engineering and Business Scholarship has been awarded to one area student annually. Applications are accepted each year by May 1 and blind applications this year were reviewed by a five-member external and internal selection committee.
Shaw Local News Network provides local news throughout northern Illinois

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The Princeton Tigers wrestling team defeated Rockridge and Sherrard on the Prouty Gym mats Friday, clinching its first conference championship in 14 years. (Kevin Hieronymus)
PRINCETON – Fourteen years is a long time.
Most of the Princeton wrestlers were either in diapers or just coming out of them the last time the Tigers won a conference championship in 2011.
The Tigers wrestling team put up a new marker on the Prouty Gym banner Friday, sweeping a pair of Three Rivers dual matches to claim the conference championship.
The Tigers first defeated Rockridge 40-35 and then took down Sherrard 58-21 to wrap up the Three Rivers championship.
It was Princeton’s first conference title since 2011, in an abbreviated NCIC conference field, and their first in the Three Rivers. PHS also won the NCIC championship in 2007, its only other conference title.
“It means a lot. Looking up at that board, we last won it in 2011. This is the first time in the TRAC, That’s sweet,“ said PHS senior Ace Christiansen, who was one of five Tigers to sweep two matches Friday.
“We knew they were pretty solid teams. They didn’t have anybody over the top, but we knew they were going to be pretty tough. I think we did very well.”
PHS junior Casey Etheridge, who took both of his matches moving up a weight to 175 pounds, was glad the Tigers could get what eluded them in football.
“It feels great to get a conference championship in wrestling because it’s been that long. And in football, we didn’t get it done, so it feels nice to get it in another sport,” he said.
“We didn’t wrestle our best against Rockridge, but I thought we wrestled better against Sherrard. Sherrard beat Rockridge and we wrestled real well against Sherrard.”
Tiger coach Steve Amy knew he had the makings of a champion when they hit the mats this season bringing back four state medalists.
“We knew we had a pretty special group. As long as everyone fit in the right weights, we’d be pretty good,” he said. “Hats off to these guys. They’ve worked hard all year and they deserve it and hopefully next week (at regional) they’re ready to go.”
Of the double winners on the night, Amy especially praised freshman Andrew Giaquinto for stepping in at 165 to fill in for Mike Kurth, who was ill.
He pinned Rockridge’s Isaac Bull at 0:47 and Sherrard’s Jaydon Wilson at 3:29.
“He did a great job filling. Had a guy sick, so we moved the lineup around a little bit and he came away with two wins. It was great,” Amy said.
“He did a great job,” Etheridge said. “He’s been working really hard. He stepped up tonight and got both those pins.”
Etheridge took care of business with two falls on the night, at 0:25 against Rockridge’s Levi Junis and at 0:30 against Sherrard’s Alexander Buckner.
Christiansen scored a 10-0 major decision over Rockridge’s Thomas Sowards and an 18-2 technical fall over Sherrard’s Andrew Knox.
Augustus Swanson scored two falls, at 0:27 over Rockridge’s Cooper Larson and at 0:36 over Sherrard’s Tavian Strauss.
Kane Dauber also went 2-0 with a forfeit against Rockridge and a 16-1 tech fall over Sherrard’s Jacob Fratzke.
Jacob Paull (1:08) and Eli Berlin (0:54) both contributed falls against the Rockets at 113 pounds and 190, respectively.
Other PHS winners against Sherrard were Jaydon Cooke (126) by fall at 0:26, Brennen Emmett (157) by fall at 3:29 and Brayden Bickett (106), Corbin Brown (138) and Daniel Gilbertson (285) by forfeit
Amy doesn’t want the Tigers to be satisfied as they gear up for the Class 1A St. Bede Regional next week.
“They had a good year, so far. Looking forward to adding to it at regional next week, hopefully,” Amy said.
Kevin has been sports editor of the BCR since 1986 and is Sports Editor of Putnam County Record. Was previously sports editor of the St. Louis Daily News and a regular contributor for the St. Louis Cardinals Magazine. He is a member of the IBCA and Illinois Valley Hall of Fames. He is one of 4 sportswriters from his tiny hometown Atlanta, IL

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Central Bank Illinois has announced a variety of staff changes for the organization moving forward. The business is headquartered in Geneseo and has branches located in Peru, Princeton, Rochelle and more. (BCR photo)
Central Bank Illinois has announced staff changes for the organization moving forward. The business is headquartered in Geneseo and has branches located in Peru, Princeton, Rochelle and more.
Ed Wolf recently joined Central Bank Illinois as a vice president – senior loan officer. He is responsible for developing loan relationships with a focus on Commercial and Agricultural lending. With his banking experience, education and work ethic, Wolf looks to be an asset as the business expands into the Sterling-Rock Falls market.
Originally, from Walnut, IL, Wolf grew up on the family farm where he was involved in all aspects of corn and soybean production, as well as raising livestock. Wolf is a graduate of Walnut High School and earned his bachelor’s degree from Augustana College.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome Ed to Central Bank,” said Rick Clary, community bank president for Central Bank Illinois in Princeton. “His previous experience makes him a valuable addition to our bank and loan team serving the entire market area.”
Kristine Kinmon joined Central Bank Illinois as branch deposit operations officer. Kinmon has a customer service background and hopes to bring leadership skills to her new position. As branch deposit operations officer, Kinmon will oversee operations at the new branch expansion in Sterling-Rock Falls.
“Kristi has shown that she is highly organized with strong attention to detail, exactly what is needed to manage branch operations.” Clary said. “Her wide range of experience and customer service skills makes her an asset to both the bank and to our customers. We are pleased she has joined our organization.”
Kinmon earned her A.A.S. accounting degree from Sauk Valley Community College.
Payton Shipp joined Central Bank Illinois as an assistant vice president, agriculture – commercial loan officer.
He is responsible for developing loan relations with a focus on small business and farm lending. With his education and banking experience, Shipp hopes to be able to begin contributing his expertise immediately in the lending area and within the bank as a whole.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome Payton to Central Bank, Clary said. “His previous experience as a loan officer makes him an extremely valuable addition to our entire market area.”
Shipp earned his bachelor’s degree from University of Wisconsin-Platteville in agricultural business with a minor in crop and soil science. Payton currently serves as the vice president of the Rock River Marketing organization.
Shaw Local News Network provides local news throughout northern Illinois

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