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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.
 
 
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Sebastian Carlile, 35, of Streator, was arrested Jan. 17, on multiple felony charges, including armed habitual criminal and methamphetamine delivery. He is currently on parole. (Photo Provided By Livingston County Sheriffs Office)
The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office assisted by several local and state agencies seized multiple firearms, a large amount of ammunition and illegal drugs on Friday at a residence on South Carr Street in South Streator, following complaints from local residents.
The investigation led to the arrest of two Streator residents with multiple felony charges related to firearms and controlled substances.
Sebastian Carlile, 35, of Streator faces multiple charges including armed habitual criminal, methamphetamine delivery (15-100 grams), felon in possession of firearms (three counts), possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number and possession of a controlled substance.
Annette Essman, 30, of Streator also faces charges of methamphetamine delivery (15-100 grams), felon in possession of firearms (three counts), possession of methamphetamine (5-15 grams), possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number, and possession of a controlled substance.
Carlile is on parole and Essman is on pre-trial release for related charges.
The agencies who assisted in the operation was the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Response Team, Pontiac Police Department, Illinois State Police Air Operations, Streator Police Department, Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotics Team, V-COM and the Livingston County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Annette Essman, 30, of Streator, was arrested Jan. 17, on multiple felony charges, including methamphetamine delivery and felon in possession of firearms. She is on pre-trial release for related charges. (Photo Provided By Livingston County Sheriffs Office)
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A Spring Valley man charged in the Ottawa shooting death will stand trial for murder on Sept. 8; but the jury won’t hear a tainted confession he gave police.
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Mr. Coca-Cola Dick Volker of Princeton recently presented The History of Coca-Cola to more than 550 Coca-Cola Collectors Club members from all over the world at the 50th Anniversary of the organization during a weeklong event at the Isle Casino Hotel in Bettendorf, Iowa. (Photo provided by Loretta Volker)
Mr. Coca-Cola Dick Volker of Princeton recently presented The History of Coca-Cola to more than 550 Coca-Cola Collectors Club members from all over the world at the 50th Anniversary of the organization during a weeklong event at the Isle Casino Hotel in Bettendorf, Iowa.
The members enjoyed a relaxing cruise aboard the Celebration Belle paddlewheel boat on which a live band entertained visitors over a three-course prime rib dinner.
The collectors sold and swapped hundreds of Coke memorabilia during the five-day meeting. Next year the convention will be in Lexington, Kentucky.
Volker has been presenting The History of Coca-Cola to retirement homes, public libraries, historical organizations and chambers of commerce throughout Illinois and Iowa for the past eight years.
Mr. Coca-Cola Dick Volker of Princeton recently presented The History of Coca-Cola to more than 550 Coca-Cola Collectors Club members from all over the world at the 50th Anniversary of the organization during a weeklong event at the Isle Casino Hotel in Bettendorf, Iowa. (Photo provided by Loretta Volker)
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Flags of Freedom Committee members present a star from a former flag Monday, April 7, 2025, to the city of Princeton at the Princeton City Council meeting. (Derek Barichello)
The Flags of Freedom in Princeton held a fundraiser Saturday to celebrate its 20th anniversary and keep the flags flying at the Interstate 80 exits to the city.
Along with Saturday’s celebration, state Rep. Ryan Spain, R-Peoria, recognized the group’s success and congratulated the city, presenting Resolution 201 to the General Assembly in Springfield.
Rodney Johnson, chairman of the Flags of Freedom Committee, read the resolution Monday to the Princeton City Council and Tom Root presented one of the stars from a former flag in a display case to the city. Mayor Ray Mabry said it will hang in City Hall.
“The Flags of Freedom Committee is made up not just of veterans, but a lot of people who are not veterans and they are serving every day on this committee,” Mabry said. “And they’re kicking butt and taking names.”
The Flags of Freedom was co-founded by Jack Scott and Harry Burrows with the original committee established in 2004 to get the project off the ground. Former Princeton Police Chief Tom Root, who was a noncommissioned officer in the U.S. Army, co-chaired the first committee.
The Flags of Freedom display, which was completed in 2005, features four flagpoles at each corner of Exit 56, the intersection of Route 26 and the cross-country interstate. The flags are a tribute to the men and women who have served, are currently serving and have served in the U.S. military.
Rodney Johnson (left), chairman of the Flags of Freedom Committee, read the resolution Monday, April 8, 2025, to the Princeton City Council and Tom Root presented one of the stars from a former flag in a display case to the city. (Derek Barichello)
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La Salle-Peru senior Kaedin Bond was hot at the plate last week, going 9 for 13, and was voted NewsTribune Athlete of the Week.
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The longtime location of Goetsch’s Fresh Fruits & Veggies Farm Stand in Ottawa is for sale putting the farm stand’s future in jeopardy. (Shaw Media file photo)
The longtime location of Goetsch’s Fresh Fruits & Veggies Farm Stand in Ottawa is for sale putting the farm stand’s future in jeopardy.
The farm stand is located on Gentleman Road behind Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa and usually opens in May.
“I was informed the other day that unbeknownst to me they were putting the farm up for sale,” owner Tim Goetsch posted Monday on the business’ Facebook page. “You work your whole life to build a reputation and in one minute it could be gone.
“Thank you for all your help during the years. I’m hoping I’m here for many more years to come, but I’m going to need your help and support.”
Goetsch said his grandparents have owned the land since he was a child.
“He grew the popcorn for the town back then,” he said. “The Abe Lincoln popcorn guy that was down by the theater. That was our popcorn.”
His elderly father, Leo, has limited involvement in the stand today. He’ll stop by for a few minutes when the weather is good and will ride along on trips to Michigan to pick up fruit.
The land remains with the family today, but a member wants to sell it. Funds are being raised to help him stay at the longtime stand. Goetsch said if he is unable to remain on the land, he is open to moving the business to a new location.
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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A 28-year-old man was arrested Tuesday after police said he displayed a handgun in the area of City Park in Streator. (Derek Barichello)
A 28-year-old man was arrested Tuesday after police said he displayed a handgun in the area of City Park in Streator.
Kegan Sears is preliminary charged with armed violence, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, illegal possession of a firearm, violation of pre-trial release, obstructing a peace officer and disorderly conduct.
Police received the report at about 10:39 a.m. Officers arrived, and as they tried to make contact, Sears fled on foot, carrying a handgun, police said. Officers witnessed Sears go into a residence several blocks away and officers continued into the residence, finding the man hiding underneath some stairs.
Sears was taken to La Salle County Jail, pending a detention hearing.
Sears had been wanted for a felony theft charge in 2019. After being arrested, he was granted pre-trial release in July and again in April.
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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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An Ottawa man was ticketed for his role in a three-vehicle crash April 15 on Route 71 that injured three.
An Ottawa man was ticketed for his role in a three-vehicle crash April 15 on Route 71 that injured three.
Jesse E. Zamarripa, 41, was charged with failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, not having a valid driver’s license and improper lane use, according to an Ottawa police report released Tuesday.
Zamarripa was charged after his vehicle struck from behind a vehicle driven by Todd D. Volker, 61, of Ottawa. Volker’s vehicle then was pushed into an oncoming vehicle driven by Marisha C. Maier, 40, of rural Ottawa.
Volker, Maier and one of Maier’s passengers, a 6-year-old girl, were taken from the scene by Ottawa Fire and EMS.
A spokesman for the OSF network said Tuesday that Volker is in fair condition. There were no current records for Maier and her daughter, suggesting both were previously discharged.
The crash occurred near Hank’s Farm restaurant in Ottawa and pulled away some first responders tending to a residential fire. One of the vehicles had a moderate fire in the engine compartment, which was quickly extinguished by responding crews.
Route 71 remained closed for several hours to allow for an investigation by the Ottawa Police Department.
Ottawa first responders were assisted by Illinois State Police, the Wallace Fire Department and the Marseilles Area Ambulance Service.
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