Author: princetonmays

The Gamers Guild Lounge, 104 N. Main St., Princeton, offers tabletop gaming, video gaming and virtual reality games. (Derek Barichello)
While living in San Antonio, Texas, Nancy Vaca attended many board and video game conventions and lounges where people gathered to play games like Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter.
“After meeting tons of people in the community and hearing their stories wishing for a place like that nearby, I decided to open The Gamers Guild Lounge,” Vaca said.
The Gamers Guild Lounge, 104 N. Main St., Princeton, offers tabletop gaming, video gaming and virtual reality games. The tabletop gaming section has board games and puzzles, and guests can bring their trading cards. The gaming area includes an Xbox, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch. The virtual reality room has two Meta Quest VRs with headsets. They also have items for purchase, such as Warhammer products, Pokemon cards, and video game-themed collectibles.
Hours are 1 to 9 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday.
• 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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The Princeton Elementary School District is accepting applications for two open board member positions. (Shaw Local News Network)
The Princeton Elementary School District is accepting applications for two open board member positions.
Interested applicants can pick up information about the positions at the district office, 506 E. Dover Road. The deadline to submit applications is May 16.
Application packets will highlight the legal qualifications for board members, the term of office, formal application process and board policy relative to the vacated positions.
These particular vacated positions will have new members appointed to fulfill two-year terms, which extend to April 2027.
The Board will have a special meeting for the purpose of interviewing candidates some time in early June, with the intent to appoint/approve candidates at the June 23 regular meeting.
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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OSF St. Clare in Princeton (Shaw Local News Network)
OSF Health Care will partner with the Bureau County Farm Bureau and the Bureau County Senior Center to hold a The Power of Community: Health, Wealth and Wellness Expo from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, June 26, at the Bureau County Metro Center, 837 Park Ave. W., Princeton.
The event features various community resources for older adults, caregivers and their families. The resources include OSF HealthCare services, Alzheimer’s and dementia support, end-of-life and retirement planning, financial and legal guidance, health and wellness education, mobile phone assistance, retirement communities and caregiving support.
The OSF OnCall King Care-A-Van also is available from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The van will provide cardio checks, glucose and cholesterol screenings. OSF Digital Health Workers also will explain how to connect primary care providers and explore OSF OnCall virtual health programs.

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Protesters gathered Saturday and lined the 100 block of North Main Street in Princeton to express their opposition to current U.S. foreign policy, domestic policy and the separation of powers being tested by the White House. (Tom Collins)
No kings. Racial justice. Democracy. Resist. Hands off.
About 40 protesters gathered Saturday and lined the 100 block of North Main Street in Princeton to express their opposition to current U.S. foreign policy, domestic policy and the separation of powers being tested by the White House.
Saturday’s demonstration was the fourth one organized by the Bureau County Democratic Party, which to date had aligned its local demonstrations with national protests.
“Mostly people are fearful of losing our democracy,” said Rick Wilkin, party chairman. “People are coming out to say, ‘I am not willing to go quietly into the night and have democracy ripped out from underneath me.’”
Tom Jackson of Princeton organized the protests and prepared food to fortify the protesters before they line the streets.
“I think we’ve seen a significant increase in participation and interest with our organization and looking for some change within the county and nationally, particularly right now,” Jackson said.
Deb Swenson of Princeton said she thinks opinion may be shifting in their favor, noting an increase in the number of passersby who’ve demonstrated support for the protesters.
“It’s been surprisingly positive,” Swenson said. “We’ve mostly had people honking or giving thumbs up.”
While the signage raised indicated disparate objections – policy toward Ukraine versus domestic policy, for example – Mary Ann Smith of Princeton said the group is united in its belief the current administration has lost sight of its mission to serve the greater good.
“We have to turn our country around from the MAGA and get back to our roots, which are compassionate and logical,” Smith said. “We have a government that functions to serve the people and not to serve one person.”
More dates are anticipated, though dates are pending.
 
 
Tom Collins covers criminal justice in La Salle County.

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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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Princeton Police Officer Taylor Wetsel recites her oath Monday, May 5, 2025, with City Clerk Janet Henning at Princeton City Hall. (Derek Barichello)
Taylor Wetsel is where she wants to be.
On her application to become a Princeton police officer, she said she wanted to become an officer since she graduated Princeton High School in 2022 and she loves her hometown.
“Taylor is a lifelong resident of Princeton,” Princeton Police Chief Tom Kammerer said at Monday’s City Council meeting. “We look forward to her having a long career of service in her hometown.”
Wetsel was sworn into the department Monday. She has started her field training and will do so until August, Kammerer said. She will succeed Officer Erik Sorenson, who is retiring June 3.
“We will remain at full staff,” Kammerer said.
Wetsel is an Illinois Valley Community College graduate where she played softball and volleyball. Several members of Wetsel’s family was present for the swearing in and helped pin her badger onto her uniform.
Princeton Police Chief Tom Kammerer (left) introduces new officer Taylor Wetsel on Monday, May 5, 2025, during the Princeton City Council meeting at City Hall. (Derek Barichello)
Princeton Police Officer Taylor Wetsel gets her badge put on her uniform by family members Monday, May 5, 2025, at Princeton City Hall. (Derek Barichello)
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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Bureau County Family Health staff (From left) Dawn Sanchez, Hector Gomez, Angie Reiner CNM, Dawn Rudolph, Dr. Shaw McMillin, Kendra Poole FNP, Pat Chou, Lisa Entwistle, Joyce Barajas and Chris Landaus pose for a photo in the entrance to the Bureau County Family Health clinic inside the Bureau County Health Department on Friday, June 6, 2025 in Princeton. The Bureau County Family Health clinic provides women’s health {including prenatal care, postpartum care, menopause and hormone specialty} and primary care (encompassing all ages and stages of life). The clinic is open Monday’s and Thursday’s from 9a.m.-7p.m. and Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s from 10a.m.-6p.m. closed Fridays. They can be reached at 815-880-8596. (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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Here's a game-by-game look at Week 1 across The Times area, with games including Streator, Ottawa, Marquette, Seneca, Fieldcrest, Dwight, Sandwich and Flanagan-Cornell/Woodland.
Got a news tip? Email ntnewsroom@shawmedia.com
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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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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