Author: princetonmays

The following cases were considered on April 17 by the Bureau County Grand Jury. (Scott Anderson)
The following cases were considered on April 17 by the Bureau County Grand Jury.
Agustin Ruiz, 30, of Ohio, Illinois was indicted on two counts of the Class 4 felony offense of domestic battery. He is accused of making contact of an insulting or provoking nature to two different household or family members and had been previously convicted of domestic battery in 2021. A deputy from the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office testified before the grand jury. The defendant is on pretrial release.
William H. Shan, 67, was indicted for the Class 3 felony offense of unlawful failure to register as a sex offender. He is accused of failing to register in accordance with the provisions of the sex offender registration act in that he failed to register within three days of establishing a residence in Spring Valley. An officer from the Spring Valley Police Department testified before the grand jury. The defendant is on pretrial release.
Dacia L. Nelson, 30, of Tiskilwa was indicted for the Class 4 felony offense of a controlled substance (cocaine). She is accused of having in her possession less than 15 grams of a substance containing cocaine, a controlled substance, other than is authorized in the Illinois Controlled Substance Act. A troop from the Illinois State Police testified before the grand jury. The defendant is on pretrial release.
These indictments were presented to the grand jury by Bureau County State’s Attorney Daniel C. Anderson, First Associate State’s Attorney Donna Engels, Assistant State’s Attorney Thomas Briddick andd Associated State’s Attorney William Brozovich. The indictments were returned before Judge Geno Caffarini and Judge James Andreoni. There was on suppressed case.
These indictments are only accusations against the defendants. They are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Letters to Teachers for Thank You Teachers
Heuser, Swett, Bellino, Bertolino, Faley, Fox (Ottawa High School): I am a fellow teacher thanking the special educators on the 300 floor at Ottawa High School. This year, my classroom was moved the 300 floor which is occupied by some of the hardest working educators I have met in my entire career. They have strong knowledge of their students, find ways to make kids feel seen and “shine,” and never, ever give up. As co-workers, they are supportive, great listeners, and a joy to be around. Being a teacher is definitely emotionally challenging, but I am thankful to work such strong women who value their career, co-workers, and students. Ashley Carls
Jan Benning, Oglesby Lincoln School: Thank you for caring for the kids the way you do! You have always taught with your heart, no matter the circumstance. Congrats on 35 years of teaching! Wyatt Barnhart
Holly Rapp- Tonica: Ms Rapp has been the definition of excellent teacher, athletic director, and coach. She is the definition of what a teacher should be. She goes above and beyond in every role she has and makes education and sports tons of fun.. Owen White
Kriss Criss Northview School: Thank you for all that you do—you are truly amazing, caring, and a wonderful source of positive energy! Lorenca Neziri
Brittany Martin- Northwest Elementary School: Thank you for always showing up & teaching our kids with a smile on your face. Your positivity & bubbly personality radiate through you into your students. We are so thankful to have you as our daughter’s teacher! Parker Sampson
Chloe Cinnotto Northview Elementary: Thank you for all of the math mysteries! They are the best! Thank you for all the fun we have in your class! You are the best! Joslyn Urbanc
Carly Christman: Thank you for teaching me, helping me learning, reading books to me, and for playing games with us! You are a big help to me and I appreciate you! Joslyn Urbanc
Mackenzie Smoode: Thankyou for everything. Ramses Salazar
Taylor Buck Ladd Grade School: Taylor, thank you for being someone I look up to each & everyday for my own classroom in the near future!🍎🥰 Kam Gambiani
Janice Campbell, Mendota Township Highschool: Being with high schoolers for more than 35+ years can get very tiring. Even more if you are teaching a different language!But Mrs. Campbell my Spanish language teacher has always expected the best from my class and myself. She has always been the teacher that I look forward to during the day and the one I can be myself around with. She made a classroom feel like a second family because being able to talk about our day or goof around came so easy when it came to her. As her teaching career comes to an end I would say Campbell put her students first always. She has always wanted to see us succeed and learn more about our culture whether that was the past or just writing material. Mrs Campbell will always be the best Spanish teacher my class could have for our high-school years because she always made us laugh during a class period even if we were not having the best day. Kashia Ortega Jaramillo
Michelle “Micki” Jewett, Marquette Academy: A Superhero in the Classroom. Teachers are special people, but it takes a true educational superhero to teach preschool students. Miss Micki and her team are just that—superheroes. As both a parent and an educator myself, I have seen firsthand the dedication and patience it takes to guide young learners. Preschoolers come in at all different levels, with unique needs and personalities, and shaping them into curious, confident students is no small task. Miss Micki makes this magic appear effortless. She is not only a fantastic teacher—she is a champion for every child in her care. She always has a handle on my daughter’s special medical circumstances, ensuring she is safe, supported, and thriving. She is organized, thorough, and deeply committed to helping each child reach their individual best. Beyond academics, Miss Micki nurtures the social-emotional growth that is so critical at this age. She helps her students learn how to express themselves, navigate friendships, and build confidence—all in a warm and caring environment. My daughter absolutely adores Miss Micki. She feels loved, cared for, and excited to learn every single day. There is no greater gift as a parent than knowing your child is in a classroom where they feel safe, valued, and happy. We are beyond grateful for Miss Micki and her incredible team. Thank you for your patience, your kindness, and your unwavering dedication to the youngest learners. You are shaping the foundation of their education, and we are so lucky to have you! With heartfelt appreciation, Melanie & Ava Lukacsy. Ava Lukacsy
Ann Bruch , IVCC -Nursing: Ann, you are the best instructor ever!! Thank you for sharing your intelligence with us. I have never had a teacher make such a big impact on my life, I would go to nursing school over and over and over again , just for you! Marianna Rosales
Madyson Hiester Lasalle Lincoln Jr. High: Thank you for being awesome! Your class goes bye so fast because “time flies when you’re having fun”. Words can’t express how much I enjoy having you as a teacher! Keep being funny and kind! Ava Busche
Heather Francis DePue Unit School: Thank you for helping me on my rough days. Thank you for helping me learn to express myself through music. You are an amazing teacher. You are simply the best! Xiomara Mejia
Brandi Lequia – Putnam County High School: Thank you for being you! Lily Thompson
Ms. Mara Roesler: Ms. Mara’s teaching approach is adaptive to everyone’s needs and makes learning more fun. She accepts input from students creating an engaging classroom. She’s happy and empathetic, and kind. She cares about her students and their success. Rob Lewis
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Sean Philip Bridals is closing in Princeton, but will reopen at a new location.  (Scott Anderson)
Sean Philip Bridals is closing in Princeton, but will reopen at a new location.
“Thank you for all of your support these past few years,” read a post on the business’ social media. “We have loved every single moment watching faces light up with ‘the one’ gowns and smiled a lot when the prom boys put together a unique tuxedo combination.”
Sean Philip will operate by appointment only for brides looking to purchase samples off the sales floor. Brides are asked to email seanphilipbridals@gmail.com.
Zepha and Shawn Gerber opened the business in 2021.
The last day is Saturday, March 29. The new location has not been announced.
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 Reading Fire Department in South Streator is hosting its 32nd annual Firefest from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at The Oakley Avenue Klub, 806 Oakley Ave., Streator. (Derek Barichello)
The Reading Fire Department in South Streator is hosting its 32nd annual Firefest from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at The Oakley Avenue Klub, 806 Oakley Ave., Streator.
Tickets are available for $10 from any Reading firefighter, or at Reading Township Hall, Harcar’s Meat Market, 12th Street Tap and at the door the night of the event.
Each ticket enters the buyer for a drawing to win a $500 grand prize. Ticket includes food, beer and a chance at the grand prize.
Live Music from Old Country will be performed at 8 to 11 p.m. There also will be raffle items. Guests must be 21 to enter.
Proceeds will be used to purchase new fire equipment.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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A tentative labor agreement was reached Thursday between the Streator Elementary Association and the Streator Elementary Board of Education, according to a union official. (Tom Sistak)
A tentative labor agreement was reached Thursday between the Streator Elementary Association and the Streator Elementary School District 44 Board, a union official said.
The agreement was announced about 9 p.m., less than 12 hours before the union was set to begin a strike. Details have not been shared regarding the agreement. The district said it was waiting until the union shares the agreement with its members and ratifies it before releasing details.
“Through thoughtful discussion and reasonable concessions on both sides, we were able to come to an agreement that moves our teachers to among the highest paid in the area and creates more full-time positions,” District 44 board President Angela Risley said. “The board hopes this contract for our teachers and support staff paves the way for a stronger, more unified future.”
Classes continued as scheduled Friday.
Talks began at 10 a.m. between the union and the board to reach a labor agreement. The parties were assisted by David Born. He was a regional director in the Chicago office with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.
Since the discontinuation of the federal agency’s services to public unions by the Trump administration, Born has started a private practice. Born is familiar with Streator. He has mediated the last three contracts between the parties.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The former YMCA building on Jackson Street in Ottawa is where Illinois Valley PADS requested to temporarily relocate its homeless shelter operations during construction of a new facility. (Derek Barichello)
Illinois Valley PADS requested a temporary conditional use permit to relocate the organization’s homeless shelter operations to the former Ottawa YMCA building on Jackson St. while construction begins on a new facility.
Executive Director Carol Alcorn told the Ottawa Plan Commission on Monday the former YMCA is the only facility in the area that can accommodate the space and service needs of their shelter during construction.
“The only facility that meets our needs for kitchen access, showers, and overnight accommodations is the old YMCA,” Alcorn said. “We’re only proposing to use the second floor, away from the flood plain and the pool area.”
PADS plans to demolish its current shelter at 1120 Canal St., which has served the area for more than 20 years.
A new shelter will be built on the same site, funded in part by a $2 million state grant along with additional local donations. Alcorn said construction of the new shelter is expected to take 14 to 24 months, depending on contractor availability and supply timelines.
In the meantime, PADS is requesting to lease the former YMCA building – which is slated for eventual demolition – for up to two years as a temporary location.
The temporary move would involve about $80,000 in repairs, including roof work, HVAC upgrades and interior remodeling to separate men’s and women’s sleeping areas.
Alcorn said PADS intends to install security measures while maintaining strict rules during its stay.
“We would like to remain in Ottawa,” Alcorn said. “Otherwise, we’d have to relocate to Peru, and there just wouldn’t be enough space to serve everyone who needs it.”
The plan commission voted to recommend the temporary permit, and the Ottawa City Council will consider the proposal at its next meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, at Ottawa City Hall, 301 W. Madison St.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Parade Marshal Joe Evola is accompanied by his wife, Caterina, during the Marseilles Fun Days parade Sunday. (The Times)
Sam’s Pizza is hosting a block party Sunday to celebrate 50 years.
The pizza place, 240 Washington St. in Marseilles, opened in 1975, said owner Joe Evola. His father, Salvatore, opened the Ottawa location in 1954.
The event is noon to 3 p.m. The street will be blocked off with tables set up. Customers can also bring lawn chairs and there will be pizza specials. The band Moementum will perform.
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 Ottawa City Council approved an ordinance during its Tuesday, March 18, 2025, meeting at Ottawa City Hall that will implement a 1% non-home rule municipal retailers’ occupation tax and a 1% non-home rule municipal service occupation tax. (Shaw file photo)
The Ottawa City Council on Tuesday approved a new 1% sales tax and service tax for the city.
The approval comes after Gov. JB Pritzker’s decision to eliminate the grocery tax next year.
Under this change, Ottawa and other towns in Illinois were granted the authority to either reapply to maintain the grocery tax, impose a general sales tax, or apply a 1% tax on both retailers’ and service occupations.
Ottawa Mayor Robb Hasty said the 1% sales tax essentially will be a replacement for the revenue lost from the grocery tax repeal.
“We agree with the governor’s decision that everyone needs to eat, so we are in favor of not taxing groceries, medicine or medical equipment,” Hasty said during the meeting. “However, in order to recoup the funds the city would have received, we decided to implement a 1% sales tax. This will help us recover the lost revenue and provide additional funds for future projects.”
The new tax will start in January, and it’s expected to help the city cover the gap left by the grocery tax while funding other future projects in Ottawa.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Princeton players taking part in the Bradley University Team Camp were Addy Dever (from left), Maddie Gibson, Alice Scruggs, Ava Munson, Danika Burden, Cam Driscoll and Jocelyn Strouss. (Photo provided by Tiffany Gonigam)
The Princeton girls basketball team got to tune up their game and get a taste of the college experience Saturday at the Bradley University Team Camp.
The Tigresses played three games at the Markin Student Center and Renaissance Coliseum on the Bradley campus in Peoria. There were 37 teams in attendance.
“It was really neat. I think it’s good for the kids to get to see a college campus and they enjoyed being able to be on the Renaissance Coliseum court,” PHS coach Tiffany Gonigam said. “Many of them noted how intimidating it would be with the way the floor sat below the stadium-style seating.”
While it was Princeton’s first time at the Bradley camp, Gonigam got to experience it playing for Bureau Valley and then coach Jeff Ohlson, now athletic director at PHS.
The Tigresses went 1-2, defeating Chicago Marshall 30-21 while losing to the Heart of Illinois Travel team and Chicago Trinity.
Princeton players and their young followers pose at the gym logo at the Bradley University Team Camp. (Photo provided by Tiffany Gonigam)
Jhavon Hayes has resigned as head softball coach at Princeton High School after three seasons to land what she calls her “dream job” as hitting coach at Illinois State University, her alma mater.
“I had the conversation before just about entertaining the idea and then it opened. I was praying, got confirmation. I got the sign I needed,” Hayes said. “My coach (ISU head coach Tina Kramos) told me to get on campus ASAP. So I’ll start Aug. 1.”
This will be a full-time position with ISU, so Hayes will be giving up her current job as a foster care caseworker.
“I love my job currently, but I got a call for my dream job. Got to take it or else I’ll regret it,” she said.
Kramos was an assistant coach at ISU when Hayes played for the Redbirds in 2010-13 and served as a student assistant in 2014 working with hitters.
Hayes met with her PHS squad Thursday because she wanted to let them know before they heard it somewhere else, she said. After having a turnaround season in 2024 with a 17-8 record from 7-17 in 2023, Hayes said this year’s 15-12 campaign was a bit of a disappointment.
“The last season wasn’t what we hoped it would be. Had some injuries and just trying to figure out how to plug people in,” Hayes said.
Princeton softball head coach Jhavon Hayes talks to her team on the mound while facing L-P in March 2025 at the La Salle-Peru Athletic Complex. She has resigned after three seasons to take a hitting coach position at Illinois State University. (Scott Anderson)
Former Mendota standout Amellia Bromenschenkel has been named as an assistant coach for the University of Northern Iowa women’s basketball program. She joins the UNI staff after a playing career at Purdue Fort Wayne, where she appeared in a program-record 147 games and is ranked in the top-10 in school history in points (1,536), rebounds (516), field goals (568), 3-pointers (173), steals (183), and blocks (80).
“We are excited to welcome Amellia to our Panther family. She will be a good fit for what we are looking for,” UNI head coach Tanya Warren.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Maximus Gibson (center) with Nancy Gartner, the Daughters of the American Revolution Princeton-Illinois Chapter Regent and Christina Bannon, State Regent. (Photo provided by Nancy Gartner)
Maximus Gibson, son of Aaron and Gladys Gibson of Princeton, was the 2025 Illinois Daughters of the American Revolution Patriots of the American Revolution essay contest winner for his essay on Founding Father Roger Sherman.
Gibson is a freshman at Princeton Christian Academy. He received his recognition at the State Illinois DAR Youth Luncheon in Bloomington.
Sherman was the only person to sign all four great state papers of the United States: the Articles of Association in 1774, the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the Articles of Confederation in 1781 and the U.S.Constitution in 1787.
Each year, the Princeton-Illinois chapter of DAR promotes and conducts the “Patriots of the American Revolution” essay contest for high school students. Students select a figure from the American Revolution and discuss how he or she contributed to the founding of a new nation.
The essay that wins at the chapter level is then submitted to state chairs of American history, from which a state-wide winner is selected.
Princeton-Illinois chapter, DAR is honored to have the State winner a Bureau County student.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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