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The Princeton-Illinois chapter Daughters of the American Revolution presented an American flag to new citizen Cynthia DelGado Lara at its April 5 meeting. Pictured are (from left) Elizabeth Hauger, Cynthia Delgado Lara, Juanita Tarrence and Nancy Gartner. (Photo provided by Nancy Gartner)
The Princeton-Illinois chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented an American flag to new citizen Cynthia DelGado Lara at its April 5 meeting.
DelGado Lara came to La Salle Elementary School District 122 in third grade from Mexico speaking limited English. DelGado Lara’s hard work over the years paid off, and she took freshman high school algebra as an eighth-grade student.
Her conscientious and considerate caring for others, exhibiting an excellent work ethic and good citizenship resulted in her being awarded the DAR Good Citizen Award her senior year at La Salle-Peru High School from the Illini DAR chapter based in Ottawa, according to the Princeton DAR.
DelGado Lara became a valued bilingual paraprofessional at Lincoln Junior High in La Salle. During that time, she started her own family, continued working in her family’s business, completed her bachelor’s degree in education and taught at Waltham Elementary.
DelGado Lara made one more of her dreams come true: She became an American citizen.
“She exemplifies what an American citizen should be,” the DAR said in a news release. “Our founding fathers would be proud.”
Princeton chapter American flag Chair Juanita Tarrence and Vice Regent Elizabeth Hauger presented DelGado Lara with an American flag that has flown over the National Daughters of the American Revolution home in Washington, D.C., Memorial Continental Hall. Memorial Continental Hall is the only monument in Washington dedicated to the patriots of the American Revolution.
Daughters of the American Revolution is a service organization concerned with historic preservation, education and patriotism.
Any woman older than 18 can join the DAR by documenting her lineage to a man or woman who aided the cause of American independence through military, civil or patriotic service. To find a local chapter, visit dar.org/membership.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Bureau County Metro Center – BCMC Summer Day Camp Kicks Off May 29!
With summer just around the corner, the Bureau County Metro Center is excited to announce the return of its Summer Day Camp, starting Thursday, May 29. Running weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., this engaging and active program is open to children ages 5 to 12 and is designed to make every summer day full of fun, creativity, and friendship.
The Day Camp is a fantastic way for kids to stay active and social during the summer months. Each day, experienced and energetic counselors guide children through a variety of activities, including arts and crafts, gym games, park outings, swimming, snacks, movies, and themed events. These daily activities promote teamwork, creativity, and a chance to make new friends in a safe, structured environment.
Parents are encouraged to stop by the Metro Center to register their child, fill out necessary paperwork, and pick up the parent handbook, which outlines the daily schedule and other important information.Pre-registration is required before attending any camp day, ensuring that every child is properly accounted for and that staff can prepare accordingly.
The Camp offers flexible attendance options with affordable daily pricing: $26 per day for BCMC members, $28 for Princeton residents, and $30 for non-residents. This allows families to plan around their schedules while providing a consistent, high-quality experience for their children.
BCMC’s Summer Day Camp is more than child care—it’s a summer adventure that encourages kids to try new things, stay active, and enjoy the season to the fullest. Whether attending for a few days or all summer long, your children are sure to create lasting memories. For more information or to get signed up, visit the Metro Center today!
For more information, please contact:
Bureau County Metro Center
837 Park Ave W
Princeton, IL 61356
Ph: 815-872-0840
www.princetonparkdistrict.org
Bureau County Metro Center
[Sponsored] Bureau County Metro Center – Princeton Park District
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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PRINCETON — Love Holy Trinity Blessed Mission is the new owner of the former Orchard View Rehab and Healthcare — formerly the county-owned Prairie View Nursing Home.

The new buyer, officially listed at the Bureau County Courthouse as Chicago Title and Trust, purchased the property on Feb. 17 On Friday, Jan Imhof of Dubuque, Iowa, a spokesperson for Love Holy Trinity Blessed Mission, confirmed the religious organization is the new owner.

According to Bureau County Zoning Officer Kris Donarski, the property includes about 20 acres, the former Orchard View nursing home and the residence on the property.

Love Holy Trinity Blessed Mission originated in Chicago with ties to Madison, Wis., and Dubuque, Iowa. Imhof released the following as the organization’s mission statement:

“To help The Salvation of God’s people’s Souls in order to give praise and glory to God, in thanksgiving for our Salvation, by:

“1. Proclaiming and witnessing Jesus Christ, Who Is The Truth, The Way, The Life.

“2. Proclaiming and witnessing ‘The Holy Map to Heaven.

“3. Helping God’s people to follow Jesus Christ, ‘The Holy Journey to Heaven.

“Therefore we as a Mission bring Almighty God’s eternal Life-Giving Holy Word, The Truth, to all God’s people for the Purification and Sanctification of their Souls by keeping God’s Commandment to Love God with all your Heart, with all your Soul, with all your Mind, and with all your strength, and Love your neighbor as yourself, Based on The Holy Roman Catholic Church’s Faith which is Founded on The Seven Holy Sacraments.”

To date, the organization has not acknowledged how they intend to use the property.

Donarski said the property is zoned agriculture. The nursing home and residence on the property were established before the county had its zoning ordinances and is therefore considered grandfathered in. The same use (nursing home) for the property can continue with a different owner as long as no more than 12 months has elapsed since it was last used for that purpose. The last resident moved from Orchard View on June 9, 2011.

Since the farm residence is already zoned agriculture, the use of the house as a residence would be a permitted use.

If Love Holy Trinity Blessed Mission would have other proposed uses for the nursing home building, including establishing a multi-family dwelling or apartments, the new owner would need to file a petition with the Bureau County Zoning Office and go through the hearing process before final approval would be considered by the Bureau County Board.

Donarski said no conditional use or rezoning requests have been filed in her office regarding the property.

Comment on this story at www.bcrnews.com.
See: Love Holy Trinity Blessed Mission in the media
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The Bike Place, 701 N. Main St., Princeton, has closed its showroom for the off season. (Cody Cutter)
The Bike Place, 701 N. Main St., Princeton, has closed its showroom for the off season.
Mechanics will remain available for repairs by calling 815-797-2399. Bikes can be browsed on the business’ website, thebikeplace.org.
Bikes for donation can be left on the rack in the back of the building.
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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Mendota Northbrook School administrators issued a reminder to students and parents of the consequences of threatening messages, following an inappropriate message Tuesday that was found not to be a credible threat. (Shaw Local News Network)
Mendota Northbrook School administrators issued a reminder to students and parents of the consequences of threatening messages, following an inappropriate message Tuesday that was found not to be a credible threat.
A staff member Tuesday at Mendota’s Northbrook School identified an inappropriate message written on the wall that was threatening in nature.
The Mendota Police Department was contacted and began an investigation. After speaking with several students and reviewing camera footage, the police identified a timeframe and an individual they believed was responsible.
“The police and our school’s leadership team take this situation very seriously,” said Superintendent Brad Cox and Principal Paula Daley in a joint message. “While there is no credible threat to the safety of our students or staff, students must understand the impact of their behavior.”
The administrators asked parents to remind their students to always report anything they hear or see that is inappropriate, threatening or could cause harm to others; and to remember that there are potentially severe consequences for making threats to the safety of others, regardless of the intent to cause harm.
The administrators’ message was shared on social media by Mendota Police Department.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Princeton resident Bill Nelson holds a piece of the Interurban rail whicch was found when Car Quest was being built next to the Pizza Hut. (Photo contributed)
PRINCETON — San Francisco might be famous for its street cars, but in Princeton’s past, street cars were a major mode of transportation.
The Interurban, as it was called, was part of Princeton’s transportation system from 1907 until 1929, when service to Princeton was discontinued. First owned by the Chicago, Ottawa and Peoria Railway and later by the Illinois Traction System, the first car to Princeton was run on Feb. 15, 1907.
The main line ended at the railroad tracks on the north side of town. The Interurban rails traveled south with a siding onto Franklin Street. The tracks then ran through town on Main Street, heading south until they reached Bryant’s Nursery. There, the tracks went southeast to Bureau, DePue, Marquette, Spring Valley, Peru and finally all the way to Joliet.
Fares at the time were included: Princeton to Spring Valley — 45 cents; Princeton to LaSalle — 55 cents; Bryant’s Nursery to the battery house — 5 cents; and Barbara Schaefer’s Farm to Bureau — 5 cents. There was also local service from the north side of Princeton to Bryant’s Nursery for 5 cents.
Local service was scheduled every 20 minutes with the main service running every hour. The cars would stop for anyone standing along the line and pick them up, even if those passengers were out in the woods.
The day was June 20, 1911, and Interurban 266 was scheduled to make its 9:30 p.m. run from Princeton to Bureau. A month earlier, an Interurban had struck a horse and buggy, driven by Grover Huffaker, near Crown Street. Huffaker and his occupant, Bertha Gallagher, were uninjured, but the horse was rushed to the veterinary hospital.
About the same time, the Spring Valley City Council had “Declared War” on the Interurban company due to poor service. Their desire was to place restrictions on the line running through Spring Valley. Their request was to have flagmen at each crossing and that the train should not exceed a 10 mile an hour speed limit while within city limits.
Walter C. Beane was on his way to Geneseo on June 20, 1911, for his firm’s International Harvester of Plano. Beane was to catch the 9:30 p.m. car after missing the 8:30 p.m. service by 5 minutes. The interurban finally left the north side of town at 10 p.m. The conductor on board was George Scott with motorman Harry Brown of Peru and apprentice motorman William Zerkie of LaSalle.
Record indicate Beane was watching Scott “turning the seats,” when suddenly he heard a crunching noise and found himself falling. The lights then went out leaving the car in darkness except for a street lamp. Car 266 had just crossed the “Y” section of track at Franklin Street when it tipped over onto its side and slid about 35 feet.
Beane stated immediately after the accident, “I saw the conductor pass me going towards the rear, and I followed him. He kicked out the glass from the vestibule door and crawled through it. I followed at his heels. When we reached the rear platform, I asked the conductor how we were going to get out, but he did not respond. Instead he climbed through the side door and crawling over the end of the car, let himself down to the ground. I did likewise.”
The first thing both men noticed was that Motorman Brown was underneath the car. He was dead. Motorman William Zerkie was also found dead at the wheel of the car. The coroner’s report said they both died instantly.
A coroner’s inquest was held beginning before midnight at the American House and lasted until 4 a.m. Testimony was given by Conductor George Scott, and he testified the car was traveling at a speed of 15 miles an hour when it wrecked. The rules at the time stated that a car was restricted to a 4 mile an hour limit over a “Y” section of track. Also giving testimony was Motorman John Merkley. He was a driver for the local Interurban and had witnessed the crash from his Interurban at Clark Street. He was to reveal that after the crash, he found the switch box cover to be cracked. He opened the box and found it to be full of gravel, and when he cleaned out the rocks, the tracks switched. This switch directed the cars to the siding when closed and on through to the main line when open.
The next day Car 266 was taken to Ottawa for repairs. Damage was minimal. But the car almost toppled into Skin Creek when it swayed while being loaded. Crowds gathered to watch. Just another day in Princeton’s past.
Sources: Wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Ottawa_and Peoria Railroad; Web.me.com/willvdv/chirailfan/interik.html; Bureau County Republican from Feb. 21, 1907, Feb. 23, 1907, March 7, 1907, June 22, 1911, and June 24, 1911.
The Electric Interurban Railways’ ” the “Illini Trail,” which extended westward down the Illinois Valley north of the river from Joliet to Princeton with branches to Ladd and Streator, was one of the longest interurban lines in the state. It was built in sections by several different companies.

After the Ottawa to Ladd segment was completed in 1904, the section eastward from Ottawa to Marseilles was completed in the same year. The line then extended to both the east and west, and reached Princeton in 1907, Morris in 1909, and Joliet in 1912. Service out of Joliet was hourly with alternating trains west of Spring Valley terminating at Princeton and Ladd.

Within a few weeks after the interurban street car began its trips through Princeton, a smaller in-town street car was installed to run down the middle of Main Street between the north and south ends of town, making round trips every 20 minutes. Poles were placed along the side of Main Street to hold in place the electric power lines that powered the street cars.

Around 1910, a new brick roadway was built on Main Street, surrounding the street car rails. In time, Main Street’s brick pavement and street car rails were covered with about three inches of asphalt.

The Great Depression finally killed the interurban in 1934.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The following church services are scheduled for the Easter holiday. (Geoff Stellfox – gstellfox@shawmedia.com/Geoff Stellfox – gstellfox@shawmedia.com)
The following church services are scheduled for Holy Week and the Easter holiday.
Holy Week services at the Granville United Church of Christ include:
Trinity United Church of Christ will host Maundy Thursday services at 6 p.m. Good Friday services will be at noon at DePue UCC. Easter Sunday services will be at 10:15 a.m. at Trinity UCC.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Shower and t’storms likely today, then pleasant heading into the weekend.
A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. A few clouds. Low 57F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. A few clouds. Low 57F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
Some clouds in the morning will give way to mainly sunny skies for the afternoon. High 73F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph.

Wind: NNE @ 4mph
Precip: 15% Chance
Humidity: 87%
Wind Chill: 63°
Heat Index: 63°
UV Index: 0 Low
Visibility: 9 mi

Wind: NNE @ 4mph
Precip: 15% Chance
Humidity: 92%
Wind Chill: 61°
Heat Index: 61°
UV Index: 0 Low
Visibility: 10 mi

Wind: NNE @ 4mph
Precip: 4% Chance
Humidity: 92%
Wind Chill: 61°
Heat Index: 61°
UV Index: 0 Low
Visibility: 10 mi

Wind: NNE @ 3mph
Precip: 4% Chance
Humidity: 94%
Wind Chill: 61°
Heat Index: 61°
UV Index: 0 Low
Visibility: 10 mi

Wind: NNE @ 4mph
Precip: 3% Chance
Humidity: 97%
Wind Chill: 60°
Heat Index: 60°
UV Index: 0 Low
Visibility: 9 mi

Wind: NNE @ 5mph
Precip: 3% Chance
Humidity: 98%
Wind Chill: 59°
Heat Index: 59°
UV Index: 0 Low
Visibility: 9 mi

Wind: NNE @ 5mph
Precip: 6% Chance
Humidity: 99%
Wind Chill: 59°
Heat Index: 59°
UV Index: 0 Low
Visibility: 9 mi

Wind: NNE @ 5mph
Precip: 9% Chance
Humidity: 98%
Wind Chill: 58°
Heat Index: 58°
UV Index: 0 Low
Visibility: 8 mi

Wind: NNE @ 6mph
Precip: 9% Chance
Humidity: 98%
Wind Chill: 57°
Heat Index: 58°
UV Index: 0 Low
Visibility: 9 mi

Wind: NNE @ 6mph
Precip: 9% Chance
Humidity: 96%
Wind Chill: 57°
Heat Index: 58°
UV Index: 0 Low
Visibility: 9 mi

Wind: NE @ 8mph
Precip: 7% Chance
Humidity: 91%
Wind Chill: 57°
Heat Index: 58°
UV Index: 0 Low
Visibility: 9 mi

Wind: NE @ 9mph
Precip: 6% Chance
Humidity: 86%
Wind Chill: 58°
Heat Index: 59°
UV Index: 1 Low
Visibility: 10 mi
Currently in Paducah
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Princeton’s Interim Police Chief Scott Underwood (left) announces patrolman Adam Gutshall’s promotion to sergeant during Monday’s Princeton City Council meeting. Gutshall’s children, Noah, 7, and Leena, 4, presented him with his sergeant uniform chevrons. (BCR photo)
PRINCETON — During Monday’s Princeton City Council meeting, Princeton patrolman Adam Gutshall was promoted to sergeant for the police department.
During a special ceremony, Gutshall was presented with his sergeant uniform chevrons by his two children, Noah, 7, and Leena, 4.
Gutshall is a 2002 Bureau Valley High School graduate. He earned an associate’s degree from Sauk Valley Community College and a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University.
In 2008, he graduated from the University of Illinois Police Training Institute. He was hired as a patrolman for city of Princeton in November 2007. In 2012, he took over as range officer.
During his time with the police force, Gutshall has implemented a scenario-based tactical training in firearms program, which has increased the overall firearms training program. He’s also the assistant team leader for the Illinois Valley Special Response Team.
In 2013, he was presented with the Officer of the Year award by the Princeton Police Department.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Dennis Farrell (left) is the recipient of Princeton’s first City Manager Beautification Award. He was recognized for the honor during Monday’s city council meeting. He is pictured here with Princeton City Manager Theresa Wittenauer (right). (BCR photo)
PRINCETON — Dennis Farrell is the first recipient of Princeton’s new City Manager Beautification Award.
The award was developed to recognize citizens making significant contributions to the community through their time, actions, talents and dedication.
Farrell was recognized for his contributions to beautifying the city on Monday during Princeton City Council’s meeting.
His nominator said Farrell has been observed for many years maintaining the area around the Red Covered Bridge.
“He takes considerable pride in the community,” his nominator, who remain anonymous, said about Farrell.
Farrell received a plaque and standing ovation from the city council and members of the audience at Monday’s meeting.
He said we have very appreciative of the award.
Want to nominate someone for the City Manager Beautification Award?
Email Theresa Wittenauer at twittenauer@princeton-il.com with a nomination and tell why you feel they deserve to be recognized for their efforts in the community.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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