Author: princetonmays

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Update:
A crash this morning involving two semi-trailer trucks on Interstate 80 near Princeton, Illinois, sent a Gary, Indiana man to a Peoria hospital with serious injuries via Life Flight helicopter. Injured was Richard Puryear, 35. He had to be extricated from the cab of his truck after it rolled into the ditch next to the highway and overturned.
Police say it took around three hours to extricate Puryear. The driver of the second truck, Carl D. Jones, 49, of Byhalia, Mississippi, was uninjured.
The accident is still under investigation and citations are pending.
Original post: 
PRINCETON, Illinois — Drivers on westbound Interstate 80 were being re-routed because of a crash.
There were two vehicles involved, including a semi that rolled, according to Princeton’s Fire Chief. The semi was hauling a chemical, and fortunately the load did not spill.  The crash was initially reported around 3 a.m., Friday, April 28.
The chief said that a person who was trapped in a vehicle was extricated between 5:30 a.m. and 6 a.m. before being airlifted to a hospital.
According to reports by WZOE in Princeton, Illinois, Exit 56 (IL-26) on I-80 westbound was closed and traffic was being re-routed to IL 26 and onto US 34, or from US Highway 6 to IL 40.
Around 8:50 a.m. the roadway was still closed and crews remained on scene, according to a spokesperson from the Illinois State Police Department.
Before 9:30 a.m. traffic maps were no longer showing any signs of backup on I-80 and Illinois State Police confirmed that the roadway was clear.
Click here to see traffic conditions, anytime. 
I80W closed at Exit 56 (Princeton exit) due to multi-vehicle accident…traffic re-routed to IL 26 (to US 34) OR US Highway 6 (to IL 40) TFN
— WZOE NEWS (@WZOENEWS) April 28, 2017

WZOE NEWS UPDATE: I80W closed at Exit 56 (Princeton exit) due to multi-vehicle accident…traffic re-routed to US Highway 6 TFN….
— WZOE NEWS (@WZOENEWS) April 28, 2017

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The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the region, warning of "oppressively hot and humid" weather until early next week.
Got a news tip? Email ntnewsroom@shawmedia.com
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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CONXXUS completed a roughly $4 million investment in Princeton’s infrastructure to provide high-speed internet to residents using a 100% fiber-optic network and is hosting an event to educate the community. (Christopher Braunschweig)
CONXXUS completed a roughly $4 million investment in Princeton’s infrastructure to provide high-speed internet to residents using a 100% fiber-optic network and is hosting an event to educate the community.
The event scheduled 4 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Prouty-Zearing Community Building, 435 Main St., Princeton, will provide residents an opportunity to ask questions and sign up for the high-speed internet service.
“When evaluating optimal placement of our fiber internet, we look at several factors. We were impressed with the pride of ownership Princeton residents have in their town,” CEO of CONXXUS and Metro Communications Zak Horn said in a news release. “We want to be a part of that, not only bringing the best internet technology to Princeton, but also investing in causes important to the Princeton community. That is a priority for us.”
With this investment from CONXXUS, Princeton will benefit from faster internet speeds, unlimited data usage, symmetrical upload and download speeds, and 24/7 customer service from CONXXUS representatives, the company said in a news release.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Fawcett’s Pharmacy, located at 519 S. Main St., announced changed hours for Saturdays. (Shaw Local News Network)
Fawcett’s Pharmacy recently announced new hours.
The pharmacy at 519 S. Main St., Princeton, is changing its Saturday hours to 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The pharmacy also reminded customers they will be closed Memorial Day.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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emergency lights (Stock image)
A 14-year-old riding an electric bike in Ottawa was injured Tuesday afternoon in a collision with a semitractor-trailer on the city’s west side, according to the Ottawa Police Department.
Officers responded to the 1500 block of West Norris Drive about 2:15 p.m. May 27, where the crash occurred, according to a news release.
The teen was taken by Ottawa Fire Department medics to OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center for the treatment of injuries suffered in the crash.
The extent of the injuries has not been released.
The crash remains under investigation by an Ottawa Police Department traffic crash reconstructionist, with assistance from the Illinois State Police.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Ottawa Police Department at 815-433-2131.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Reddick Library in Ottawa will host one of three air fryer cooking classes led by the University of Illinois Extension, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12. (Photo provided by Lisa Katrein)
The University of Illinois Extension will lead a series of air fryer cooking classes this month in La Salle and Bureau counties to help local residents prepare delicious and healthy meals without using a hot oven or stove.
Susan Glassman, University of Illinois Extension’s Nutrition and Wellness Educator, will teach attendees how air fryers work, discover which foods cook best in them and help prepare and sample a roasted vegetable recipe.
The classes are all designed for beginners and experienced home cooks.
Participants will also take home healthy recipes and cooking tips.
The events will be held at the following locations:
Those in need of accommodations to participate should contact Glassman at susang@illinois.edu or 815-224-0889.
Early requests are encouraged to ensure access needs are met.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The vacant lot at 106 W. Etna Road in Ottawa, located between Thornton’s and Tapatios, will soon be home to a new Chipotle with a mobile order pickup window. (Bill Freskos)
A new Chipotle restaurant is officially coming to Ottawa after the Ottawa City Council gave final approval Tuesday night following a positive recommendation from the plan commission last week.
The popular fast-casual restaurant plans to build on a vacant lot at 106 W. Etna Road, between Thorntons and Tapatios.
It will include a pickup window, not a traditional drive-thru, for customers who order ahead using the Chipotle app or website.
Property owner Michael Cairo explained the setup during the plan commission meeting last week.
“It’s not a typical drive-thru. You don’t wait in line to order. You’re told when to pull up after placing an order through the app,” Cairo said.
The site also will include four marked parking spots in front of the building for customers grabbing mobile orders. Drivers will be encouraged to loop around the building to exit.
The restaurant will occupy one unit of a planned commercial duplex on the property.
City officials were glad to see development finally moving forward on the lot, which has sat empty for years.
There’s no word yet on when construction will start.
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)
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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A 40-year-old motorcyclist of Ottawa was injured Monday in a single-vehicle crash on Columbus Street in Ottawa, just south of the railroad tracks. (Bill Freskos)
A 40-year-old motorcyclist of Ottawa was injured Monday in a single-vehicle crash on Columbus Street in Ottawa, just south of the railroad tracks.
The crash occurred about 6:30 p.m. as the motorcyclist was traveling south on Columbus Street, Ottawa police said. The rider was riding past West Joliet Street and crossing over the railroad tracks when they lost control, went over the curb and collided with a tree, police said.
The Ottawa Police Department and the Ottawa Fire Department responded to the scene to assist. The motorcyclist was taken to OSF Saint Elizabeth in Ottawa for treatment.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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ILLINOIS, USA — Early voting for the 2024 general election officially started in Illinois on Thursday, Sept. 26.
Voters across the News 8 viewing region can vote now at the following locations:
Rock Island County Clerk’s Office (1504 Third Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201)
Open Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 
Knox County
If within Galesburg city limits: Vote at Galesburg City Hall from Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 5p.m. || Saturdays 1-5 p.m.
If outside Galesburg city limits: Vote at Knox County Clerk’s Office from Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 
Henry County Clerk’s Office (307 W Center Street, Cambridge, IL 61238)
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. || Saturday: 8 a.m. – Noon)
Bureau County Clerk & Recorder’s Office (700 S Main Street, Princeton, IL 61356)
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Whiteside County Clerk’s Office (200 E Knox Street, Morrison IL 61270)
Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Carroll County Courthouse- County Clerk’s Office (301 N Main Street, Mt Carroll, IL 61053)
Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 a.m. 
Jo Daviess County Administrative Offices (219 Kelly Lane, Galena, IL 61036)
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Warren County Clerk’s Office (100 W Broadway, Monmouth, IL 61462)
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 
Henderson County Courthouse (307 Warren Street, Oquawka, IL 61469)
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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