Author: princetonmays

Princeton firefighters respond to the scene of a semi crash on Interstate 80 on top of the U.S. 34 overpass on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in Princeton. The crash occurred in the eastbound lane shortly after 5 p.m. Illinois State Police also responded to the incident. Traffic was down to one lane for about an hour. (Scott Anderson)
Over 15 years covering news, sports and events in the Illinois Valley. Support my work with a digital subscription.

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Skooner’z Grill and Bar in Princeton will close Saturday, March 1, according to its owners. (Shaw Local News Network)
Skooner’z Grill and Bar in Princeton will close Saturday, March 1, according to its owners.
The establishment’s owners said they’ve made the decision to “slow down and enjoy life a little more” after 20 years of running the business.
“While this chapter comes to a close we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of our amazing customers,” the owners said in a Facebook announcement. “We’ve cherished the moments shared with all of you. You’ve made Skooner’z a place of laughter, connection and unforgettable memories, your support has meant the world to us.”
The owners thanked their staff and customers.
“We’ll miss seeing your faces, but we’re excited about the next adventure ahead,” they said.
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.
Derek Barichello is the news editor for The Times in Ottawa and NewsTribune in La Salle, part of Shaw Local News Network, covering La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties. He covers local and breaking news in the areas of government, education, business and crime and courts, among others.

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Princeton Police Chief Tom Kammerer of Princeton (center, standing) has announced his candidacy for Bureau County Sheriff. Pictured with Kammerer are (seated, from left) daughter Katie and wife Betsy (holding Lou the Aussie), daughter Maddy (holding Hazel) and (rear, from left) sons Lucas, Tom and Evan. (Photo provided by Beth Welbers)
Princeton Police Chief Tom Kammerer of Princeton announced his intention to run for Bureau County sheriff.
“I am a police officer, not a politician” says Kammerer, who seeks the Republican nomination. “I want those who are casting their vote for this office to have a chance to interview me and know who they are voting for.
“Until this election is over, I am still the chief of police for the City of Princeton. Any campaigning efforts for this office will be conducted in the evening hours or on weekends.”
Kammerer is supported in this decision by his wife of 35 years, Betsy, who owns and operates Miss Betsy’s Donut Shop in Princeton, and their four children. The Kammerer family has been active in the community since moving seven years ago to Princeton from Oswego, where Tom retired as commander of the Naperville Police Department.
“Law enforcement is something that you do with your community, not to it,” said Kammerer, a member of the boards of Second Story and the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotics Team and a former member of the Freedom House board.
He participates in other groups including Rotary, Dementia Friendly Princeton, OSF St. Clare Community Council, Illinois Valley Chiefs of Police, Homestead Steering Committee, Princeton Homelessness Coalition, Emergency Telephone System Board (ETSB), and Community Emergency Services and Support Act (CESSA) regional committee.
He is also employed part-time at the Arukah Institute of Healing where he led the development of two grant-funded, community programs: Vigilant, a peer support resource for first responders, and the Living Room, a walk-in behavioral health crisis and resource hub. Both provide unprecedented access and proper care to meet longstanding community needs.
He holds a Bachelor’s in Law Enforcement Administration from Western Illinois University and a Masters in Public Safety Administration from Lewis University/University of Virginia. Further training includes being a class supervisor at the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy, basic training at the Illinois State Police Training Academy, 10 weeks of executive leadership training at the FBI National Training Academy at Quantico, Medical/Legal Death Investigation at St. Louis University, Supervision of Police Personnel at Northwestern University, three weeks of executive leadership training at the Senior Management Institute for Policing at Boston University, and thousands more hours of additional training spanning his career.
For community, Kammerer is passionate about furthering recovery-oriented education and employment, helping people getting back on their feet through training, finding, and maintaining employment. Kammerer’s department were also forerunners in working with Arukah’s mobile crisis/988 team, which helped residents quickly access substance use or mental health support in crisis after a 911 call. “This partnership has changed our ability to get folks immediately to the care that can treat the source, rather than putting a bandaid on the situation.”
Many of the programs established at the Princeton Police Department, such as Dementia Friendly Princeton, Autism Safety Project and various mental health and substance use efforts, are scalable and can be expanded in the entire county.
“I believe that every person in our community has value and dignity, and that part of our job at the county will be to listen and help them find their way. We will do this by working closely with the good efforts of our community partners. Collaborative effort is how the county can help ensure Bureau residents are safe, productive and enjoy a high quality of life,” says Kammerer.
“Our deputies will be trained in Crisis Intervention Training,” he said, “so they can properly deescalate and facilitate resource connection across Bureau’s 869 square miles which will reduce repeat calls for service.”
“Should I be elected, I will appoint John Simonton to be my Chief Deputy. John has extensive experience in policing, including two terms as the Lee County Sheriff. He currently teaches at the Sauk Valley Community College Police Academy and has unending enthusiasm for mentoring and teaching. Between us, we have nearly 70 years of experience, much of it in leadership. Our intention will be to grow the next generation of leaders at the Bureau County Sheriff’s Department.”
Tom Collins covers criminal justice in La Salle County.

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Princeton police officers Kelsey Kowalski (left) and Alejandro Jaramillo were honored Tuesday, March 4, 2025, during the Princeton City Council meeting. (Derek Barichello)
Facing a life-and-death situation with a female who was found unresponsive and unconscious, Princeton police officers Kelsey Kowalski and Alejandro Jaramillo acted without hesitation to perform life-saving measures.
For their quick and decisive actions, the duo was honored Tuesday with live-saving awards from the Princeton Police Department. Police Chief Tom Kammerer presented the awards to open the Princeton City Council meeting.
Kammerer said a woman with suicidal ideations who also had taken an unknown pill had been traveling to Princeton. Kowalski located the vehicle in the Walmart parking lot, Kammerer said.
“On approaching the vehicle, Officer Kowalski attempted to make contact with a female that was unresponsive, unconscious and had shallow breathing,” Kammerer said.
Kowalski requested EMS. Realizing the vehicle was locked, Kowalski used her window-breaking tool on the passenger side window to gain entry and administer first aid. Once entrance was gained Kowalski and Jaramillo were able to remove the woman from the vehicle.
The officers began life-saving measures, including the usage of three doses of Narcan before EMS arrived.
“Because of the quick and decisive action of officer Kowalski and Jaramillo, the female survived and was transported to the hospital,” Kammerer said.
The police officers received applause.
“As a council, we’re so proud of you,” Mayor Ray Mabry said.
Derek Barichello is the news editor for The Times in Ottawa and NewsTribune in La Salle, part of Shaw Local News Network, covering La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties. He covers local and breaking news in the areas of government, education, business and crime and courts, among others.

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Illinios State Police said Tuesday they are investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash on Route 29, about 1 mile west of Route 89, near Spring Valley.
The crash occurred at about 10:58 p.m. Monday. The roadway was closed during the investigation and was open at about 3 a.m. Tuesday.
The investigation is active and the Illinois State Police did not release any further information.
Derek Barichello is the news editor for The Times in Ottawa and NewsTribune in La Salle, part of Shaw Local News Network, covering La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties. He covers local and breaking news in the areas of government, education, business and crime and courts, among others.

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Don Saletzki (Photo provided by Don Saletzki)
Name: Don Saletzki
What office are you seeking?: Princeton City Council
Age: 62
Occupation and employer: Research and development manager, Flight Manufacturing Corp.
Education: Princeton High School, IVCC
Community Involvement: Organizer of the Homestead Festival car show since 2001
Family: Married with two adult children
I was born and raised in Princeton. As a native I have gained a great knowledge of our town and its rich history. My grandfather was a downtown Spurgeons manager. Our families roots and devotion to the town run deep, I want to be a part of Princeton’s continued success.
I would like to focus on several blighted properties, look at all aspects for a possible resolution and ideally have a positive outcome for one that is historic. With a good understanding of the ADA I have a desire to ensure we are meeting the needs of these individuals with future projects.
Our location and proximity to the interstate yield us an advantage as does a municipal power plant. We need to give consideration to the feasibility of future development in the interstate area. Short term we need to heavily promote city owned lots that are shovel ready with utilities in the Tech park. We need to identify available buildings and businesses that would be attractive for Immedient occupancy, and promote based on what is uniquely different in Princeton that sets us apart from other locations.
We are fortunate for a town this size we have a municipal power plant, a city staffed line crew that in any weather can usually get you power back on line in under 30 minutes. Well staffed and equipped police, fire, ambulance, street crews and an up-to-date water plant.
I applaud the volunteers of the warming center. It is complex, the solution is to get to the heart of the root cause of homelessness, be it mental instability or addictions the nonprofits as well as Arukah have staff and resources to get help to those individuals that truly want positive change. The city should not be involved in some type of low barrier housing solution that would only enable continuing behavior.
Many nonprofits have grant writers on staff that secure state and federal funding this of course is dependent on the type of nonprofit we are referring to. The city should not play a large role, it would be case by case, but keep in mind this is money that comes at the expense of city services. We are elected as representatives of the taxpayers, we should be good stewards of their money
Tourism and chamber have both done well at promoting Princeton favorably. Many of us go to a town for the first time and our first impression is what sticks with us. We must always be sure we are conveying a positive look, we have aspects after daylight that could be improved with lighting to look more inviting, this is easily rectified. We must look at things as if it was our first time as this is how new visitors see it.
Derek Barichello is the news editor for The Times in Ottawa and NewsTribune in La Salle, part of Shaw Local News Network, covering La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties. He covers local and breaking news in the areas of government, education, business and crime and courts, among others.

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As the owners of A Second Chance Liquidation, Ashley and Mike Taylor have embraced ways to support and give back to the Princeton community. (Scott Anderson)
As the owners of A Second Chance Liquidation, Ashley and Mike Taylor have embraced ways to support and give back to the Princeton community.
When the former Grandma Rosie’s Sweet Treats, 920 W. Peru St., Princeton, was listed for sale, Ashley saw a similar opportunity.
“My liquidation business helps my community and families and hearing feedback about that fills my heart, and my goal is to have the same thing for the ice cream (business),” she said.
Taylor’s vision for Faith’s Fabulous Treats, which opens Tuesday, is affordable food and treats in a family-friendly atmosphere.
“We want to make meals for a family to come in and enjoy a night on the town and still be affordable,” she said.
The menu will include combo baskets with a choice of tenderloins, burgers, gyros, barbecue, grilled pork chop, brat patty, pulled pork, grilled cheese or Italian beef with fries, cole slaw, and a drink. The kids combo is a hot dog, burger, corn dog, or grilled cheese, with chips, a small ice cream cone, and a small drink. The menu also includes appetizers and fried sweets, such as funnel cake, fried oreo, fried Snicker, and fried Milky Way. Other sweets treats are slushies, shakes, cones, and sundaes, including specialty sundaes. Taylor also added a Go Team Go menu, which is Princeton Tigers-themed desserts, which feature blue raspberry treats to match the high school’s colors.
The business is named after the owners’ miracle baby, Faith Neveah, who will be 1 year old in June.
“I instantly knew it was something I wanted to do for my daughter and hopefully it will be thriving so one day I can hand it down to her,” Ashley said.
In addition to Faith’s and A Second Chance Liquidation, The Taylors also own other businesses in Princeton and Ottawa.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Delivery is available by calling 815-719-6710.
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

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If his lead holds, Don Saletzki will be joining the Princeton City Council. (Photo provided by Don Saletzki)
If his lead holds, Don Saletzki will be joining the Princeton City Council.
Saletzki garnered 471 votes in unofficial totals Tuesday compared to 425 for Michael McCall and 403 for Martin Makransky with two seats open.
McCall and Makransky currently sit on the City Council.
Saletzki was born and raised in Princeton. He worked as a research and development manager at Flight Manufacturing Corp. and has organized the Homestead Festival car show since 2001.
“I would like to focus on several blighted properties, look at all aspects for a possible resolution and ideally have a positive outcome for one that is historic,” Saletzki said. “With a good understanding of the ADA I have a desire to ensure we are meeting the needs of these individuals with future projects.”
McCall and Makransky have been Princeton council members for the past four years.
Derek Barichello is the news editor for The Times in Ottawa and NewsTribune in La Salle, part of Shaw Local News Network, covering La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties. He covers local and breaking news in the areas of government, education, business and crime and courts, among others.

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Princeton City Manager Teresa Wittenauer is embraced with hugs from supporters after the City Council opted not to vote on her employment future during a special meeting Tuesday, April 15, 2025, essentially deciding to maintain her as its city manager. (Derek Barichello)
With City Manager Theresa Wittenauer’s future on the agenda for a special meeting Tuesday, the Princeton City Council opted to keep her onboard after a 1 hour, 15 minutes meeting behind closed doors with her.
The City Council didn’t take a vote, instead coming out of the closed session meeting apologizing to Wittenauer and more than 100 people in attendance in overwhelming support of her. The City Council chambers overflowed with people, creating standing room only in the back of the room with about 20 others watching a live feed of the council meeting in a separate, adjacent room.
Heading into Tuesday, the council had posted the special meeting to discuss the city manager’s performance and determine her further employment.
“I know it’s caused a lot of additional drama that I look back and it was not necessary to have that drama,” Princeton Ray Mabry said. “I will take the ding on that one.”
Ten people, including some city staff, offered public comment in support of Wittenauer before the council went into closed session, drawing applause at times.
Among the comments, Wittenauer was praised for reducing the city’s debt from $42 million in 2019 to $14 million now, her leadership in getting several projects completed throughout the city and her leadership approach with staff.
Wittenauer opened the public comment period saying the meeting announcement left her shocked, but added her heart was filled by the outpouring of support.
“I don’t have to prove anything more, you recognize it, you see it and you appreciate it, and I thank you all,” Wittenauer said. ” … I have loved this community since the day I stepped into City Hall. My smile already starts.”
Wittenauer said she is looking forward to rebooting the positivity in the city.
“It’s first and foremost, let’s get back after it all after this is over,” she said.
Wittenauer has been Princeton’s city manager since 2019 and her contract runs through 2027, concurrently with Mabry’s mayoral term.
After the meeting, dozens of people in attendance made a line to give her a hug.
Mabry said the City Council learned from its closed session with Wittenauer that it can do a better job communicating with her.
“We came to a resolution moving forward that can be good for the city council, city manager, city employees and community as a whole,” Mabry said after Tuesday’s meeting.
Wittenauer asked to give a final comment before Tuesday’s meeting adjourned.
“I’m going to keep this short and sweet, ‘See you tomorrow,’” she said to another round of applause.
Shaw Local News Network will update this story with more information.
Derek Barichello is the news editor for The Times in Ottawa and NewsTribune in La Salle, part of Shaw Local News Network, covering La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties. He covers local and breaking news in the areas of government, education, business and crime and courts, among others.

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Nellie Roberts Curiosity Shop, 625 N. Main St., Princeton, recently opened a new antique mall, joining other area antique and collectable stores in the city. (Derek Barichello)
Nellie Roberts Curiosity Shop, 625 N. Main St., Princeton, recently opened a new antique mall, joining other area antique and collectable stores in the city.
The shop has more than 15 dealers of antiques and collectables from vintage Teddy Bears, books, china, toys, dolls, vintage clothing and small furniture, among other items.
A grand opening will be scheduled for Thursday, May 1, and will run through that weekend.
• 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.

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