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Bureau County Metro Center – Bureau County Metro Center Offers Youth Flag Football This Spring
The Bureau County Metro Center is gearing up for another exciting season of youth flag football, with registration now open for the upcoming spring league. This program has continued to grow each year, and for the first time, the league will expand to include a third age division, providing more opportunities for young athletes to get involved in the sport.
In previous seasons, the league was limited to two age groups: kindergarten through second grade and third through fourth grade. This year, a new structure will introduce three divisions: kindergarten through first grade, second through third grade, and fourth through fifth grade. The addition of fifth graders marks an important step toward expanding the program for older athletes in the future. Flag football offers a safe and engaging way to learn the fundamentals of the game without the risks associated with tackle football, making it an appealing option for children of all experience levels.
Registration for the league will remain open through Friday, April 4. Games will begin on Saturday, April 26, at Zearing Park and will continue for six weeks, barring any weather cancellations. The cost to participate is $50 for Bureau County Metro Center members, $55 for Princeton residents, and $60 for non-residents.
Much like the center’s successful youth basketball program, the flag football league relies on the support of dedicated volunteer coaches. Parents and community members are encouraged to get involved by assisting with at least one practice per week and helping on game days. Volunteers play a vital role in ensuring that young athletes have a positive and rewarding experience on the field.
With the expansion of the league and the continued enthusiasm from the community, this season is expected to be the most exciting yet!
For more information, to register, or to inquire about volunteering, please contact:
Bureau County Metro Center
837 Park Ave W
Princeton, IL 61356
Ph: 815-872-0840
www.princetonparkdistrict.org
Princeton Park District logo
[Sponsored] Bureau County Metro Center – Princeton Park District
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Two people injured in Easter Sunday gunfire have been released from the hospital, Streator police confirmed Tuesday. (Derek Barichello)
Two people injured Easter Sunday by gunfire have been released from the hospital, Streator police confirmed Tuesday.
“Our investigators, along with other assisting agencies, are still following up on leads in order to accurately identify any persons of interest,” Deputy Chief Robert Wood said in a Tuesday update.
As previously reported, shots were fired at 5:51 p.m. Sunday at Main and Sterling streets. Streator police observed evidence that confirmed multiple shots were fired in this area. Two vehicles were identified as being involved.
Streator police reported early Monday that a 17-year-old died from injuries suffered in the shooting.
La Salle County State’s Attorney Joe Navarro has said authorities are not yet ready to release the identity of the teen who died. The case is under active investigation, Navarro said.
The Streator Police Department requests that anyone with information about this incident call the department at 815-672-3111.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Oglesby voters appeared to shoot down a referendum proposing a restructured government. According to unofficial results, the referendum failed by a roughly 3-to-1 margin. (Derek Barichello)
Oglesby voters shot down a referendum proposing a restructured government. Just over 70% of voters opposed the city manager concept.
The La Salle County Clerk’s Office reported 283 “yes” votes to 678 “no.” The total isn’t final but advocates and opponents agreed the margin was decisive.
“It is disappointing,” Mayor Jason Curran said, “but the people spoke.”
Curran said the council would resume work on the comprehensive plan, which was among the issues postponed while the city awaited Tuesday’s results.
“I think this was an amazing team effort,” said Brandy Day, a vocal opponent of the proposal and who penned an editorial published in Shaw Media. ”The town came together to speak their minds.
“We have a lot of work to do going forward for a more community-driven dialogue.”
“The people of Oglesby have spoken and the no vote won by a huge margin,” said Jay Baxter, a proponent who circulated petitions to put a referendum on the ballot. “Now the question is can the commissioner form of government solve the real and significant problems Oglesby faces caused by the commissioner form of government.”
Baxter secured plenty of signatures to put the question to voters, but there were hurdles.
For one, voters had seemed unclear on whether the referendum was advisory or binding. Oglesby Plan Commission Chairman Ken Ficek had to explain in late February that it was binding and the city would hire a city manager with a majority vote “yes.”
“Some people think this is advisory,” Ficek had said, “and it’s not.”
Multiple residents also spoke up at city council meetings in opposition toadding a new salary and to giving an outside hire day-to-day control over city operations and administration of city workers. Not least, the city would not be able to quickly rescind it.
Karl Ottosen, a Naperville attorney brought in for a question-and-answer session, had said that if Oglesby found a city manager didn’t work then voters would have to wait four years to hold a referendum on whether to abandon the managerial form of government. The clock starts ticking the date a manager is hired, not when the question passes.

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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The following cases were considered by the Bureau County Grand Jury on Feb. 18, 2025. (Scott Anderson)
The following cases were considered by the Bureau County grand jury Feb. 18.
Christopher L. Crowe, 44, of Kewanee was indicted for the Class 4 felony offense of domestic battery. He was accused of causing bodily harm to a household or family member and had been previously convicted of domestic battery in 2005. A deputy from the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office testified before the grand jury. The defendant is on pretrial release.
Jaffeth J. Campos-Barrientos, 44, of DePue was indicted for the Class 3 felony offense of defacing identification marks on a firearm. He was accused of possessing a firearm with the manufacturer’s serial number removed, changed, altered or obliterated. An officer from the DePue Police Department testified before the grand jury. The defendant is on pretrial release.
Nathan D. Benavidez, 40, of Princeton was indicted for the Class 1 felony offense of unlawful possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance (fentanyl). He is accused of having in his possession, with the intent of delivering, more than 1 gram or more but less than 15 grams of a substance containing fentanyl. An officer from the Princeton Police Department testified before the grand jury. The defendant is in custody of the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office, with pretrial release having been denied.
Jesse J. Hanson, 22, of Amboy was indicted for the Class 4 felony offense of unlawful possession of a controlled substance (cocaine). He is accused of possessing less than 15 grams of a substance containing cocaine. An officer from the Princeton Police Department testified before the grand jury. The defendant is on pretrial release.
Michael R. L. Strader, 38, no town provided, was indicted for the Class 4 felony offense of criminal damage to state-supported property and resisting or obstructing a correctional institution employee. He is accused of damaging a property that is supported in whole or in part with Bureau County funds and resisted the performance of a correctional institution employee of the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office. A sergeant from the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office testified before the grand jury. The defendant is not in custody in this case.
These indictments were presented to the grand jury by Bureau County State’s Attorney Daniel C. Anderson, First Assistant State’s Attorney Donna Engels, Assistant State’s Attorney Thomas Briddick and Assistant State’s Attorney William Brozovich. The indictments were returned before Judge Geno Caffarini and Judge James Andreoni. There were two suppressed cases.
These indictments are 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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A Night to Remember prom is scheduled for special needs high school aged people and older 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at the Bureau County Metro Center, 837 Park Ave. W., Princeton. (Derek Barichello)
A Night to Remember prom is scheduled for special needs high school aged people and older 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at the Bureau County Metro Center, 837 Park Ave. W., Princeton.
Each attendee receives a crown. Corsages and boutonnieres will be provided.
Attire will be dresses or dress pants for the ladies, shirt and tie for the gentlemen.
A red carpet event is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
Refreshments will be served, along with cupcakes, cookies, ice cream and punch. A photo booth will be on hand for pictures.
Anyone needing a caregiver will need to bring their own caregiver.
Anyone interested in attending should RSVP to Dianne Van Drew by March 24, email vandrewd49@comcast.net, text or call 815-677-2263
The event is free and sponsored by First Lutheran Church, Princeton.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Here are some fish fries planned in La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties. To submit a fish fry, email information to newsroom@shawmedia.com (smpics/Getty Images)
Lent has begun. And that means Friday fish fries across the region.
Here are some fish fries planned in La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties. To submit a fish fry, email information to newsroom@shawmedia.com
Ottawa VFW, 1501 La Salle St., will host a fish and shrimp fry 4 to 7 p.m. Cost is $15 for cod fried or baked or $10 for shrimp. It includes potato, coleslaw, bread and butter.
Granville Volunteer Fire Department will host a fish fry from 5 to 8 p.m. Cost is $14 per plate and includes fish, fries, coleslaw, bread and dessert. Beverages will be available for purchase.
The Granville Knights of Columbus will host a fish fry from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Church Hall, 311 Hennepin St. Dine-in and carryout options will be available.
Ottawa VFW, 1501 La Salle St., will host a fish and shrimp fry 4 to 7 p.m. Cost is $15 for cod fried or baked or $10 for shrimp. It includes potato, coleslaw, bread and butter.
St. Bede Academy boys and girls track and field teams will be hosting a Lenten Fish Fry from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ladd Moose, 1528 E. Cleveland St. Tickets cost $15 and include fish, fries or baked potato and coleslaw. Desserts will be available for a small donation. Carryout or dine-in options are available.
The Oglesby Knights of Columbus, 307 E. Florence St., will host a fish and shrimp fry from 4 to 7 p.m. Proceeds benefit Holy Family School. Meals are available for carryout only and can be picked up in the bar, which will be open. The dining room is closed. Dinners are $15 each and include fried cod, fried shrimp or a combination, plus fries, coleslaw and bread. To place an order, call 815-883-3181.
Granville Volunteer Fire Department will host a fish fry from 5 to 8 p.m. Cost is $14 per plate and includes fish, fries, coleslaw, bread and dessert. Beverages will be available for purchase.
The Manlius Sportsmens Club will host a fish fry from 6 to 8 p.m. A donation of $15 a person is asked. Carryouts will be available.
Ottawa VFW, 1501 La Salle St., will host a fish and shrimp fry 4 to 7 p.m. Cost is $15 for cod fried or baked or $10 for shrimp. It includes potato, coleslaw, bread and butter.
Ottawa VFW, 1501 La Salle St., will host a fish and shrimp fry 4 to 7 p.m. Cost is $15 for cod fried or baked or $10 for shrimp. It includes potato, coleslaw, bread and butter.
The Manlius Sportsmens Club will host a fish fry from 6 to 8 p.m. A donation of $15 a person is asked. Carryouts will be available.
Ottawa VFW, 1501 La Salle St., will host a fish and shrimp fry 4 to 7 p.m. Cost is $15 for cod fried or baked or $10 for shrimp. It includes potato, coleslaw, bread and butter.
Ottawa VFW, 1501 La Salle St., will host a fish and shrimp fry 4 to 7 p.m. Cost is $15 for cod fried or baked or $10 for shrimp. It includes potato, coleslaw, bread and butter.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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A semi tractor trailer caught fire Sunday, March 23, 2025, near the Route 89 Ladd and Spring Valley exit on Interstate 80. (Dani Holland)
A semi tractor trailer caught fire Sunday near the Route 89 Ladd and Spring Valley exit on Interstate 80.
Firefighters responded to the fire on the westbound lane shortly after 6 p.m.
A big boom was followed by smaller ones. The tractor and trailer were total losses.
No further information was provided at the scene.
— Shaw Local Radio program director Dani Holland contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Toby Landrus (Photo provided by Bureau County Sheriff's Office)
The jury trial for a Wyanet man charged with six counts of possessing child sexual abuse has been scheduled for July.
Toby Landrus, 51, was in Bureau County court Monday for a pretrial hearing. He’s charged with possessing child sexual abuse material on his cellphone, according to court records.
The first two counts are Class X felonies, involving Landrus allegedly videotaping a child younger than 18, and the remaining counts are Class 1 felonies accusing Landrus of photographing a child younger than 18. The most severe charges have a potential sentencing range of six to 30 years.
Landrus was arrested by the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office on Nov. 22. He was granted pretrial release on the condition that he wear an electronic ankle monitor.
Landrus’ pretrial hearing is set for 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, at the Bureau County Courthouse, 700 S. Main St., Princeton.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Illinois State Police troopers spent the pre-dawn hours Saturday picking up nails – possibly strewn intentionally – from the turnarounds on Interstate 80 in La Salle and Bureau counties. (Felix Sarver)
Illinois State Police troopers spent the pre-dawn hours Saturday picking up nails – possibly strewn intentionally – from the turnarounds on Interstate 80 in La Salle and Bureau counties.
The agency said in a Saturday police report that troopers were dispatched about 4:30 a.m. to I-80 at milepost 93, near the Marseilles exit, following a report of nails having been deposited in various emergency vehicle median turn arounds.
“Troopers are currently clearing the emergency vehicle turn arounds on the interstate from milepost 52 (west of Route 26 in Princeton) to 93 in Bureau and La Salle counties,” the agency reported. “There have not been reports of nails in the roadway at this time. There is no additional information available to share at this time.”
Following that report, state police issued an appeal for the public’s help in identifying persons of interest. The agency said nails, specifically “a large amount of roofing nails” contained in plastic Easter eggs, were discovered around 1:30 a.m. Saturday in the emergency crossovers between Geneseo and Atkinson.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Special Agent Nicholas Rubino at 309-752-4915 ext. 4931.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The Music Suite 408 flute ensembles, under the direction of Natalie Lindig, Becky Weiler and Sue Gillio will present the 32nd annual Spring Flute Fling at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 4, at the Zion United Church of Christ, Peru.
Got a news tip? Email ntnewsroom@shawmedia.com
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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