Author: princetonmays

Protesters flood rotary park at the “No Kings” protest on Saturday, June 14, 2025 in Princeton. (MaKade Rios for Shaw Media)
“I feel like we’re doing the same thing we did back in the 1960s.”
That’s what Marcie Moore of Princeton said during the “No Kings” protest Saturday, maintaining the messaging has remained the same throughout the decades, but the country has regressed.
“Civil rights, health care, individual rights — we’re doing it all over again,” she said.
More than 100 people gathered at 11 a.m. Saturday at Rotary Park in Princeton for the “No Kings” protest.
Demonstrators displayed signs with messages ranging from “Rage Against Fascism” to “No Human Being is illegal on Stolen Land” while chanting “No more Kings.” The rally was one of thousands set to take place Saturday across the United States to voice opposition against President Donald Trump’s policies.
Christian Oliveras, of the Sterling and Rock Falls area, said he traveled more than an hour to fight against the administration’s blatant disregard for constitutionally protected rights.
“We’re not okay with the division,” he said. “Especially people being detained without due process. … They are not upholding the laws. I feel like we need to send a message saying we need to uphold what’s been written in the Constitution.”
As a Puerto Rican, Oliveras brought his passport with him to the protest and he carries it with him daily. Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory and residents are U.S. citizens.
“I know that by coming here there’s a chance that if there is an ICE agent here I will be targeted because of my skin color,” he said.
Although Oliveras said he’s heard stories of people being detained who have proper documentation, like passports.
“Not being given that process and not being able to prove that I’m a U.S Citizen and instead being deported to God knows where,” he said is a fear he lives with daily.
Mary Gapinski of Spring Valley said the tipping point for her was the arrest and deportation of noncriminals.
“I’m also holding my breath on the bill that will change Medicare,” she said. “I’m a nurse, and a lot of the doctors believe in universal health care, that I work with. Well that’s not happening. So I’m holding my breath on how that will change.”
The majority of demonstrators said they had reached out to their local representatives or said they were happy with the way their representatives were handling the Trump administration.
“I got a letter back from Senator Dick Durbin,” said Lynn Fuerst of Lake Thunderbird. “He said unfortunately the Senate and the House of Representatives are run by Republicans, but hopefully we can change that by the next election.”
Moore said we can’t afford to rest following the nationwide demonstrations; they are just there to bring visibility and enable other people to feel free and step up.
“We can’t just lay down and let this happen,” she said. “Keep on it. Keep our politicians accountable. … For too long people have not been involved in politics because it’s too sticky. It’s our duty to be aware of what’s going on.”
Protesters flood rotary park at the “No Kings” protest on Saturday, June 14, 2025 in Princeton. (MaKade Rios for Shaw Media)
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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An interior view of the Red Covered Bridge on Monday, June 30, 2025 in Princeton. Last Friday, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced that the historic bridge enters next rehabilitation phase. Phase II includes the preparation of a detailed cost estimate and expected to take 12 to 18 months to complete and will result in advertising a repair contract to bidders. Approximately $1 million is identified to pay for the needed repairs in IDOT’s most recent multiyear program. A view of the Red Covered Bridge on Monday, June 30, 2025 in Princeton. Last Friday, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced that the historic bridge enters next rehabilitation phase. Phase II includes the preparation of a detailed cost estimate and expected to take 12 to 18 months to complete and will result in advertising a repair contract to bidders. Approximately $1 million is identified to pay for the needed repairs in IDOT’s most recent multiyear program. The bridge survived a number of threats, both intentional and unintentional, including arson, erosion and high winds. It also has survived several strikes by large trucks with it’s most recent strike in 2023. (Scott Anderson)
Princeton’s historic Red Covered Bridge has entered the next phase of rehabilitation after sustaining heavy damage when the driver of a semitractor-trailer tried to pass through it.
The bridge, an Illinois landmark, closed in November 2023, following the accident that damaged sections of the bridge’s façade and roof, when the semi driver attempted to enter through the north end.
Princeton City Manager Theresa Wittenauer said in a news release that the city has received many inquiries about the status of the rebuild of the bridge and how to prevent this type of accident in the future.
The Illinois Department of Transportation said in a news release that IDOT’s District 3, where the bridge is located, has worked behind the scenes to prepare for the structure’s rehabilitation following a vehicle strike that left it severely damaged.
“The district has begun the first phase of engineering, also called Phase I, which will define the scope of work and a preliminary cost estimate,” according to the news release. “IDOT responded quickly by inspecting the structure and working to ensure the roof was temporarily supported until a permanent fix could be made, preventing additional, costly damage.“
Other precautions were taken to prevent further damage to the 149-foot historic structure. In 2024, a structural engineering firm completed a thorough inspection and evaluation, which reviewed the entire structure for typical aging over time and included initial concepts of potential repair techniques, according to IDOT.
The consultant’s findings have been documented in a Bridge Condition Report, which was reviewed and approved by IDOT this past January, according to the release.
In April, IDOT said it received concurrence from the State Historic Preservation Office that IDOT’s preliminary repair plans will not adversely affect the historic nature of the bridge.
IDOT said the district is prepared to begin Phase II engineering as soon as Phase I design approval is received from the Region 2 engineer.
“Phase II includes the preparation of a detailed cost estimate and is expected to take 12 to 18 months to complete and will result in advertising a repair contract to bidders,” IDOT said. “Approximately $1 million is identified to pay for the needed repairs in IDOT’s most recent multiyear program.
Wittenauer said the city is thrilled to hear about IDOT’s recent plans moving forward, as well as funding being allocated for the rehabilitation of the historic Red Covered Bridge.
“This project represents not only a vital investment in local infrastructure but also a meaningful commitment to preserving a cherished piece of our community’s heritage,” she said. “The Red Covered Bridge is a beloved landmark and a key attraction that draws visitors to our area, supporting local tourism and businesses. We deeply appreciate IDOT’s support in helping safeguard this iconic structure for generations to come.”
A view of the Red Covered Bridge on Monday, June 30, 2025 in Princeton. Last Friday, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced that the historic bridge enters next rehabilitation phase. Phase II includes the preparation of a detailed cost estimate and expected to take 12 to 18 months to complete and will result in advertising a repair contract to bidders. Approximately $1 million is identified to pay for the needed repairs in IDOT’s most recent multiyear program. A view of the Red Covered Bridge on Monday, June 30, 2025 in Princeton. Last Friday, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced that the historic bridge enters next rehabilitation phase. Phase II includes the preparation of a detailed cost estimate and expected to take 12 to 18 months to complete and will result in advertising a repair contract to bidders. Approximately $1 million is identified to pay for the needed repairs in IDOT’s most recent multiyear program. The bridge survived a number of threats, both intentional and unintentional, including arson, erosion and high winds. It also has survived several strikes by large trucks with it’s most recent strike in 2023. (Scott Anderson)
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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The Princeton Plan Commission (members double as Design Review Commission) approved Tuesday, July 8, 2025, plans presented by JCS Ag Services, LLC, and by Michlig Ag Solutions, Inc. (Tom Collins)
Two agribusinesses got the final votes needed to set up shop in Princeton.
On Tuesday, the Princeton Plan Commission – from which members double as Design Review Commission members – approved plans presented by JCS Ag Services LLC and Michlig Ag Solutions Inc.
Together, the two businesses will purchase four lots in Princeton’s Tech Park.
The commissioners voted unanimously to approve the dual petitions, but with conditions that proposed gravel roads be paved or replaced with concrete within two years.
JCS Ag Services owner Sam Lowers, a Wyanet resident, proposes a pole frame building (80 feet wide, 104 feet long) with an office 30 feet in length facing Backbone Road. A secondary containment area will house six vertical liquid fertilizer tanks holding 30,000 gallons each. The business sells herbicides, seeds and fertilizers, among other products.
Ag businesses come to Princeton Sam Lowers (left) and John King present their plans for dual agribusinesses to the Princeton Plan Commission. (Tom Collins)
“We believe that the farmers in the 30-mile radius of Princeton, Illinois, will benefit from our business due to our ability to provide competitive pricing on their inputs while providing them top-tier service that they deserve,” Lowers wrote in the petition.
Aesthetically, the design includes a monument-style sign nestled in a mulch bed with greenery, plus a flagpole, trees and landscaping around the office.
“I’m excited to start a business to support the community and our local farmers,” Lowers after the unanimous vote.
As for Michilig Ag, President John King proposed a manufacturing facility for “specialized seed fluency.”
“Specialized seed fluency products are experiencing significant momentum,” King wrote in his petition. “Although standard talc and graphite formations continue to hold the majority of market share, they are seeing limited innovation and minimal growth.
“In contrast, the market for biological- and nutrient-enhanced seed fluency products is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 20% to 25% over the next five years.”
King proposes a pole frame building (60 feet wide, 120 feet long) with an office 40 feet in length facing the road.
King expressed his gratitude at having the commission’s support.
“I grew up in Bureau County, and it’s good to bring the Michilig name back to Princeton and Bureau County,” King said. “We’re looking forward to building the business here in Bureau County.”
Tom Collins covers criminal justice in La Salle County.

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Princeton High School (Derek Barichello)
Tiny Tigers Preschool is accepting applications for the 2025-26 school year as it begins its 35th year.
The preschool is part of the Child Care Occupations class at Princeton High School. Juniors and seniors enrolled in the class gain hands-on experience by planning and leading developmentally appropriate activities for preschoolers under the supervision of instructor Jennifer Wagner.
Sessions run from early November through mid-May and are held from 8:05 to 10:35 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Children can attend on a flexible schedule. The cost is $2 per day.
Applications are accepted throughout the school year after a child turns 3 and until they enter kindergarten. Tiny Tigers follows the Princeton High School calendar for holidays and vacations.
Applications are available at the Princeton High School main office, PHS website or by emailing jennifer.wagner@phs-il.org. For more information, call Wagner at 815-875-3308, ext. 154.
Shaw Local News Network provides local news throughout northern Illinois

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La Salle County Courthouse (Derek Barichello – dbarichello@shawmedia.com)
A driver was charged Tuesday in connection with a crash that killed a Princeton man on Thanksgiving weekend near Ottawa. He was using a handheld cellphone, prosecutors allege.
Daniel P. Olson, 56, of Manville was charged Tuesday in La Salle County Circuit Court with four charges – two felonies and two misdemeanors – all filed after an investigation into the Nov. 29 crash north of Ottawa that killed David A. Camp.
Olson’s controlling charge is reckless homicide, a Class 3 felony carrying two to five years in prison with the possibility of probation, but it is subject to the state Truth in Sentencing Act requiring certain felons to serve at least 85% of their prison time.
Olson also is charged with aggravated use of a communications device (resulting in a death), a Class 4 felony carrying one to three years in prison. Court records specifically allege that Olson accessed a website, calling it “a proximate cause” of the fatal crash.
That is believed to be the first such charge filed in La Salle County. The charge is relatively new, on the books since 2021, and the La Salle County State’s Attorney’s Office said Wednesday that this likely is precedent-setting, at least for the county, but declined additional comment on a pending case.
Additionally, Olson is charged with two counts of aggravated use of a communications device (resulting in bodily harm), both misdemeanors carrying up to a year in jail, for injuries to two other occupants in the Camp vehicle. Both survived.
Ottawa defense attorney Darrell Seigler entered his appearance Wednesday on Olson’s behalf. Seigler declined to comment.
Olson is scheduled to appear July 31 in La Salle County Circuit Court. He is not in custody, and there is no pending motion to have him detained. Neither of Olson’s felony charges is a detainable offense as defined by the SAFE-T Act, which gives all suspects a presumption of pretrial release.
Details of the crash remain pending. The two-vehicle collision occurred the Friday after Thanksgiving at Route 23 and North 32nd Road, a T-intersection north of Ottawa. Camp, 57, was subsequently identified as the person who died.
Although almost 230 days have elapsed between the incident and the filing of charges, that is a comparatively rapid turnaround. Accident reconstructions can take weeks or months, particularly when resulting in a fatality, and forensic IT investigators would need additional time to produce admissible evidence showing use of a handheld device.
Tom Collins covers criminal justice in La Salle County.

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Aimee (Rachel) Pampe, DO, will begin on Sunday, July 20 at OSF Medical Group, located at 530 Park Ave. E., Suite 303B, in Princeton. (Shaw Local News Network)
OSF HealthCare in Princeton has added a new primary care provider to its staff to better serve the community, OSF said in a news release.
Aimee (Rachel) Pampe, DO, will begin on Sunday, July 20 at OSF Medical Group, located at 530 Park Ave. E., Suite 303B, in Princeton.
According to the news release, Pampe will offer several services, including osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), preventive care, chronic disease management and mental health care.
She received a Bachelor of Science from Lipscomb University and her medical degree from A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. She did her family medicine residency at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, according to the news release.
New or existing patient appointments with Pampe or a member of their care team can be made by calling 815- 876-3350.
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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Princeton High School (Derek Barichello)
Princeton High School District 500 will hold registration for the 2025-26 school year from July 24 through Aug. 12. Parents should log into their student’s Teacherease account to complete online registration, which includes updating student information, viewing schedules and submitting forms and fees.
Families are encouraged to complete the Free and Reduced Lunch Application, recently mailed home, to determine eligibility for fee waivers.
Freshman orientation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 12. Students should enter through Door 3 (flag pole entrance). Sophomores, juniors and seniors may attend orientation that same day between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., entering through the main entrance (Door 1).
All students will have ID and yearbook photos taken, receive Chromebooks, planners, and can return required forms and pay registration fees.
Students new to the district or without internet access should call 815-875-3308 to schedule an appointment. Registration forms are available online at www.phs-il.org under the “2025-2026” tab.
Shaw Local News Network provides local news throughout northern Illinois

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Jasmine Chin of Princeton, tries on a new pair of shoes during the Shoes and Socks Giveaway on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025 at the Second Story Teen Center in Princeton. The drive collected 1,250 socks and 420 pairs of shoes from size 4-14 for kids. Half of the donations came from Another Child Foundation and Christ Community Church in Princeton. The other remaining supplies were donated from people in the community. (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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Michelle Duttlinger of Ottawa won the Hometown National Bank “Hometown Hero” sweepstakes on Friday, Aug. 23, 2025, at Hy-Vee in Peru. Each year, the public is invited to nominate people who have made a positive impact within their community. Six finalists are honored at an event at Your Peru Hy-Vee, with one grand prize winner winning a 2-minute Hy-Vee shopping spree.
Got a news tip? Email ntnewsroom@shawmedia.com
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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