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A Newark man died Saturday following a single-vehicle motorcycle crash near Belle River Drive and East 30th Road in Northville Township in La Salle County.
A Newark man died Saturday following a single-vehicle motorcycle crash near Belle River Drive and East 30th Road in Northville Township in La Salle County.
Warren J. Kaforski, 24, was identified as the motorcyclist, the La Salle County Coroner’s Office said Tuesday in a news release. A forensic autopsy was conducted Sunday with preliminary indications Kaforski died from fatal injuries from the crash.
This incident is under further investigation by the La Salle County Coroner’s Office and the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office.
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A Hennepin man pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor Thursday for pulling a gun during a 2021 argument at the Peru YMCA. (Derek Barichello – dbarichello@shawmedia.com)
A Hennepin man pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor Thursday for pulling a gun during a 2021 argument at the Peru YMCA.
Mark J. Judd, 42, was awaiting trial in La Salle County Circuit Court on a charge of unlawful use of a weapon, a Class 4 felony carrying up to three years in prison. When he appeared Thursday, however, the felony was dismissed, and Judd instead pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of misdemeanor unlawful use of a weapon.
Judd pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years of conditional discharge, a nonreporting form of probation, plus 90 days in jail. He is to report Nov. 4 and, with three days of credit and day-for-day good time, could be home before Christmas.
Assistant La Salle County State’s Attorney Jeremiah Adams said in open court that Peru police responded Oct. 23, 2021, to the Illinois Valley YMCA. There, a man with a gun had called 911 to say that he was attacked and pulled the weapon to defend himself. The gun, Adams said, was confiscated and will be destroyed.
Surveillance, Adams said, showed that Judd was approached by two men, and he pulled a gun. Judd did not have a valid concealed carry permit. When interviewed, Adams said, Judd admitted to pulling and pointing the loaded gun.
Judd has no previous criminal history, Adams said.
When reached for comment, Judd provided a lengthy statement in which he said he was acting not only in self-defense but also to protect a minor whose name is redacted.
“I truly had no choice to protect myself and [the girl’s] life but to draw my firearm,” Judd wrote. “I had my concealed carry for five years, and it expired during COVID and that timeframe. I’ve never pulled it besides to safely store it at night.”
The two men involved in the altercation also were charged. Andrew L. Martinez, 38, of Utica was placed on conditional discharge after pleading guilty to misdemeanor battery in 2022. Joshua M. Martinez, 40, of DePue was charged with misdemeanor assault, but the charge was later dismissed.
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Princeton vs. Rock Falls logo
The path to the Class 2A sectional championship game at Marengo was not an easy one for either Princeton or Rock Falls.
The Rockets got a buzzer-beater from Ryken Howard to slip past Winnebago 42-40 on Tuesday.
The Tigers had to rally from a 12-point deficit, fueled by a 17-0 run, to overturn Byron 46-42 in Wednesday’s semifinal.
The Tigers (21-12) and Rockets (24-8) will meet for the championship at 7 tonight at Marengo High School.
Princeton is riding a 12-game streak after standing 9-12. The Tigers own a 60-52 win over Rockets on Jan. 4 at Rock Falls.
Tonight’s winner will face the winner from the Chicago Christ the King Sectional in Monday’s Class 2A supersectional at Sterling High School. No. 2 Christ the King (24-9) meets No. 1 Montini Catholic (20-12) for the sectional title in Chicago.
Princeton will make its 13th sectional final appearance dating back to 1936, winning six of the first nine, but losing its last three. The Tigers last won a sectional championship in 2009 at Chillicothe, defeating Peoria Manual 71-65. The Tigers have also won sectional championships in 1954, 1955, 1992, 1994 and 2003.
Rock Falls has won nine sectional championships, its last in 2006 in Class AA.
Rock Falls won the 1999 Class A State championship with a state runner-up finish in 1958 in the one-class system. Princeton’s best state showing was a fourth-place finish in 1955, also in the one-class system, following a Sweet 16 run in 1954.
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Princeton senior Noah LaPorte celebrate their 59-53 regional championship victory Seneca at Prouty Gym Friday night. It was Princeton’s fourth straight regional title. (Mike Vaughn)
PRINCETON – The Princeton Tigers stood 9-12 on Jan. 27 after losing to Dixon.
There may have been some doubters outside the Tigers’ camp believing they would not go far in the postseason, and Princeton’s regional streak would come to an end.
Look at them now. The Tigers have not lost since, stringing 11 straight wins including Friday’s 59-53 triumph over Seneca to claim the Class 2A regional championship on their home floor.
“I think we had a lot of hope. We all knew we play together good, and we’ve done it in the past years, so we knew we could do it,” Princeton senior Jayden Fulkerson said.
“I always believed,“ Princeton senior Asa Gartin said. ”Toward the beginning, we didn’t have that chemistry set. As we continued to build in practice and games we’re winning, our chemistry got better, and we were confident after that. We were like, ‘We got this.’
“We had that burning in our hearts and that chip on our shoulder.”
“I think after last year, coming in .500 or below, we knew it was possible. We knew what we’re capable of,” senior all-stater Noah LaPorte said. “We battled some injuries early in the season. We got everyone back and healthy and started playing good.
“We’re on a streak right now, and it’s a great feeling. Having everyone being a part of it is great.”
Tigers coach Jason Smith was always a believer.
“I believed in these guys. I never once doubted them,” he said. “I thought once we got consistency, they got it rolling really quick.”
Princeton’s Noah LaPorte and Seneca’s Grant Siegel battle for a loss ball in Friday’s regional finals at Prouty Gym. The Tigers won 59-53 to claim their fourth straight regional title. (Mike Vaughn)
The streak of four straight regionals matches the run of four from 1992-95 as the most in PHS history.
“Senior year, you’re on a three-year regional win streak, you want to get that fourth,” Princeton’s Jordan Reinhardt said.
The Tigers (20-12) advance to the Marengo Sectional to face No. 2 Byron (21-9) at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Byron beat Rockford Lutheran 64-51 at the Woodstock Regional. Princeton beat Byron 53-51 on a last-second basket by LaPorte on Feb. 8.
The Tigers led by as much as 14 points (43-29) late in the third quarter and by 10 when LaPorte gave them a 47-37 lead on a putback with 6:48 left in the game. LaPorte followed a 3-pointer by Seneca’s Paxton Giertz with a spin move in the post to keep the Tigers up by nine at 49-40 with six minutes to play.
The Irish kept charging back. Grant Sigel scored on a putback, James Zydon hit a 3-pointer, and Giertz scored again to cap a 7-0 Irish run to make it 49-47 with 4:24 left.
Zydon connected for another trey to draw Seneca within 51-50.
Seneca’s Cameron Shirley twists and shoots in Friday’s regional championship at Princeton. The Tigers won 59-53 to claim their fourth straight regional title. (Mike Vaughn)
LaPorte scored in the post and missed his free throw, but Asa Gartin hustled after the rebound. He passed to Luke Smith, who was fouled and swished two free throws. Reinhardt and Fulkerson each followed with a pair of charity tosses to run the Tigers to a 59-50 lead.
“I don’t know which (regional championship) is sweeter than the next. Maybe this one feels better because it was at home,” Smith said. “Lot more pressure than I thought it was going to be. Seneca’s a heck of a ball team. We knew we were in a battle, but our kids fought, had heart and grit and fight like they always do and had that determination that they don’t want to lose and they’re winners. Those kids are winners.”
The Irish (26-7) forced the Tigers’ hand with defensive pressure at times, helping them use a 11-4 run to close within 26-23 at the half.
“We wanted to press and wear them out. I thought that worked to an extent, but you can’t press if you don’t score,” Seneca coach Russ Witte said. “We had too many long stretches where we couldn’t put the ball in the hole. We had open looks. We just couldn’t consistently knock anything down.
“I thought our kids played outstandingly hard. You get a stop and a conversion on the other end, now you flip the switch.”
LaPorte poured in 27 points, including 16 in the second half, to lead all scorers, with Reinhardt adding 11.
Giertz netted 26 points in his last game in the Irish Green and White, finishing with 2,506 career points as their all-time leading scorer.
The Tigers knew they had their hands full with Giertz.
“We just had to play really hard,” Reinhardt said. “13 (Giertz) is a great player. He was obviously the main guy we focused on, but we stuck to our plan and it worked out.”
“He’s a great player. He can score from anywhere,” Fulkerson said.
Princeton’s Noah LaPorte gets a helping hand from Seneca’s Zeb Maxwell in Friday’s regional finals at Prouty Gym. The Tigers won 59-53 to claim their fourth straight regional title. (Mike Vaughn)
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FILE – “I Voted” stickers rest on a ballot machine at a voting site in Ottawa. (Scott Anderson)
Voters this week in La Salle and Bureau counties determined who will make the important decisions regarding their communities, schools, townships, fire departments, parks and libraries.
Write-in ballots may not be tallied on election night.
Results include early voting, all mail-in, provisional and Election Day ballots as of the time last reported by county.
Mail-in ballots have two weeks to arrive as long as they were postmarked by Election Day. Provisional ballots also can be addressed and counted during that time.
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Mendota’s Cesar Casas kicks the ball during the Trojans’ 2-0 win over Aurora Central Catholic in the Class 1A Mendota Supersectional. (MaKade Rios of Shaw Local)
A look at the top boys soccer players in the NewsTribune area for the 2024 season.
Grabiel Cano
Grabiel Cano, Jr, F, DePue–Hall: Cano was the top offensive threat for the Little Giants with 21 goals, which ranks fourth in the area. He also had seven assists for DePue (10-15-1). Cano was voted to the All-Three Rivers Conference team.
Cesar Casas
Cesar Casas, so., MF, Mendota: Casas was the area’s leading scorer with 32 goals. He also had 12 assists, which was second in the area. He helped Mendota place third in the Class 1A state tournament. Casas scored the game-winning goal with less than a minute left in the sectional final and scored in the supersectional. He was first-team All-Three Rivers Conference.
David Casas
David Casas, sr., MF, Mendota: Casas was a strong leader for the Trojans, helping Mendota place third at state in Class 1A. Casas scored eight goals, including one in the regional final, and had six assists. He was unanimously voted to the All-Three Rivers Conference team.
Johan Cortez (Scott Anderson)
Johan Cortez, jr., MF, Mendota: The 2024 NewsTribune Boys Soccer Player of the Year finished with 28 goals, which was third in the area, and 28 assists, which led the area. He had a hat trick in the regional final and scored Mendota’s only goal in regulation of the third-place state game. He was a unanimous All-Three Rivers Conference selection.
Isaac Diaz
Isaac Diaz, so, F, Mendota: Diaz was one of four scoring options for Mendota. He finished with 31 goals, which ranked second in the area. He scored two goals in the sectional semifinals and one in the supersectional to help Mendota reach the Class 1A state tournament for the first time. He was named first-team All-Three Rivers Conference.
Asa Gartin
Asa Gartin, sr., D, Princeton: Gartin was a strong defender for the Tigers. “He is strong and fast and covers up many of our mistakes,” coach David Gray said. Gartin also scored four goals. Gartin was voted first-team All-Three Rivers Conference.
Adrian Gonzalez
Adrian Gonzalez, jr., D, La Salle-Peru: Gonzalez helped the Cavaliers record five shutouts. He also contributed on offense with two goals and four assists.
Mateo Goy
Mateo Goy, jr., GK, Mendota: Goy made 103 saves and allowed 24 goals in 30 games. Goy recorded three shutouts in the postseason and never gave up more than one goal in a game in the playoffs to help the Trojans place third in Class 1A. He was named second-team All-Three Rivers Conference.
Mauricio Martinez
Mauricio Martinez, sr., D, Mendota: Martinez was the leader of a defense that gave up just 25 goals in 30 games. Martinez also scored three goals and had 11 assists, which ranked third in the area. Martinez was named first-team All-Three Rivers Conference.
Ismael Mejia
Ismael Mejia, so., MF, La Salle-Peru: Mejia led L-P’s offense as he finished with eight goals and nine assists, which ranked fifth in the area.
Osvaldo Morales
Osvaldo Morales, sr., MF, DePue-Hall: Morales was solid in the middle for the Little Giants. He scored eight goals and had five assists. Morales was named second-team All-Three Rivers Conference.
Chase Sims
Chase Sims, sr., F, Princeton: Sims was the top offensive threat for the Tigers as he finished with 11 goals. He scored a hat trick in Princeton’s regional semifinal victory. He was voted first-team All-Three Rivers Conference.
Honorable Mention: Ilan Bardot, sr., DePue-Hall; Sebastian Carlos, jr., Mendota; Landon Davis, jr., Princeton; Abe Garcia, so., La Salle-Peru; Cameron Kelly, sr., Mendota; Ramiro Palacios, jr., Mendota; Adan Pantoja, fr., La Salle-Peru; Izaiah Smallwood, sr., Princeton
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Dig Doug’s in Streator reopened after a recent burglary. (Derek Barichello)
Dig Doug’s BBQ in Streator recently reopened its doors after a break-in that left the restaurant’s front door shattered and cash stolen.
The burglary occurred on the morning of Dec. 29, before owner Doug Allen arrived at his restaurant to find the damage.
“As soon as I turned into the parking lot and my headlights hit the front door, I saw it was gone. Glass everywhere,” Allen said.
Although Allen initially investigated the scene before calling the police, he was able to confirm money was stolen during the break-in.
“I probably shouldn’t have gone in there before I called the police, but I had to see what happened,” he said.
Despite the emotional toll of the incident, Allen and co-owner, Joi Ruffin, were able to reopen quickly.
The break-in took place on a Sunday, Dig Doug’s last day of operation for the week, and the restaurant was closed for repairs during its normally scheduled Monday-to-Wednesday closure.
The owners had to board up the door, repair the damage and address the impact on their security systems.
“We’ve been here for seven years, and we’ve had some vandalism, but this is the first time we’ve been burglarized,” Allen said. “I mean, I just felt sick to my stomach when I first saw it.”
The break-in left an emotional mark on the business, with Ruffin explaining how things feel different moving forward.
“Every time the door opened after it happened, you’re jumping. It’s changed the way we think. We used to leave the door between the kitchen and the lobby open because we trusted our customers. Now, it feels different,” Ruffin said.
The restaurant received support from the Streator community, rallying to help cover repair costs and allowing a quick turnaround.
Tonya Olson, a local friend, organized a fundraiser, while several other local businesses donated money.
“People in Streator really stepped up when we needed it the most and we can’t thank them enough,” Allen said. “It made it possible for us to reopen as quickly as we did and keep going.”
While the burglary has been a setback, the two emphasized they’re determined to stay open while doing their best to prevent these situations in the future.
Since the break-in, the co-owners have updated their security, including a new camera system while putting stricter protocols in place to avoid another.
“We’re doing things differently now. We’ve thought about everything, from how we secure the money to making sure our staff is well prepared in case of another emergency,” Allen said.
While an arrest in connection with the break-in has not officially been made, the Streator Police Department recently announced they have identified a suspect.
The man they identified as a suspect was arrested Jan. 7 in Pontiac on another charge. Streator police said there was an arrest warrant for the Dec. 18 burglary of a tavern.
Regardless, Allen and Ruffin expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received and plan to continue serving customers with the same passion as before.
“It’s going to take more than this to shut Dig Doug’s down,” Allen said, noting that their resilience has only made the staff and business stronger.
“We’re just thankful for everyone in the community who’s supported us through all this,” Ruffin said. “It was a tough situation, but we’re back.”
The front door of Dig Doug’s BBQ was shattered during a burglary on Dec. 29. The restaurant has since reopened. (Photo Provided By Doug Allen)
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Princeton native attorney Daniel C. Anderson announced his intention to run as a Republican for Bureau County state’s attorney. (Photo provided by Daniel C. Anderson)
Princeton native attorney Daniel C. Anderson announced his intention to run as a Republican for Bureau County state’s attorney.
He filed his candidacy paperwork earlier this month with the county clerk’s office.
He is serving as the first assistant Bureau County state’s attorney. Anderson is a lifelong resident of Princeton and graduated from Princeton High School in 1996. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University in 2000 and juris doctorate degree from Southern Illinois University School of Law in 2003.
Anderson began his legal career with the Princeton firm Russell, English, Scoma & Beneke before moving to the state’s attorney’s office in 2007, where he continues to serve.
Anderson has served under three state’s attorneys and has more than 16 years of criminal prosecution experience. He has handled many cases and been involved with multiple aspects of county government. Anderson was promoted to first assistance in July 2023 under current State’s Attorney Tom Briddick, who will not seek election in 2024.
Anderson has been active in community organizations such as Cub Scouts, Princeton Youth Football League, and Princeton Youth Baseball and Softball leagues. He participates with the Princeton High School Athletic and Music Booster Clubs. He also previously served on the Prairie State Legal Services board.
Anderson has been married to his high school sweetheart Heidi for 21 years. She is a second-grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary School in Princeton. Together, they are raising three children, Ben, Nolan and Ashley, all students at PHS.
Attorney Bradley P. Popurella filed paperwork to run for the Democratic nomination.
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The Marseilles Public Library, 155 E. Bluff St., will host a pair of activities for children on Feb. 21 and Feb. 22. (Photo provided by Marseilles Public Library)
The Marseilles Public Library, 155 E. Bluff St., will host a pair of activities for children on Feb. 21 and Feb. 22.
Register for all activities by calling the library at 815-795-4437.
10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21: Preschool storytime. Join Miss Becky for some stories and crafts geared towards preschool aged children with caregivers while enjoying a light snack.
3:45 to 4:45 p.m. Thursday Feb. 22: Curious Kids, kindergarten through eighth graders. Learn about water and enjoy a light snack.
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The following property transfers were recently recorded at the Bureau County Recorder of Deeds’ office in the Bureau County Courthouse. (BCR file)
The following property transfers were recently recorded at the Bureau County Recorder of Deeds’ office in the Bureau County Courthouse:
Judith Hall to Valerie Kramer, warranty deed, Lots 3 and 4 in Block 4 in Cherry, $53,000.
Gregory Schallhorn to Joanna Brenner, warranty deed, Lots 2, 3, 4 and 5 in Block 4 in Andrew J. Johnson’s Addition in Seatonville, $88,000.
Austin Kraft to Tyler Thompson Jr., warranty deed, Lot 6 and part of Lot 7 in Riley’s Addition in Mineral, $45,500.
Walter Raineri (decd) and Patricia Raineri to John and Sarah French, warranty deed, Lot 7 in Block 14 in Greenwood’s Addition in Spring Valley, $67,000.
Gary and Amanda Roberts to Brian and Jennifer Lord, warranty deed, Lot 33 in Hudson West Addition (Phase 111) in Princeton, $250,000.
Derek Egan to Michael and Valerie Judkins, warranty deed, part of Lot 15 in Walnut, $149,500.
Mary Miller to Abel and Maria Rios, warranty deed, Lots 12 and 13 in Block 4 in Banschbach’s Fourth Addition in DePue, $29,000.
Robert Fenwick to Sara Rokey, warranty deed, parts of Lot 2 in Fairview Subdivision in Princeton, $135,000.
LR Asset Holdings LLC to Endress Place LLC, warranty deed, part of Section 33 in Macon Township, $370,000.
Collin Cromwell to Abby Nord and Alec Warren, joint tenancy deed, Lot 165 in Elston’s Addition in Princeton, $163,000.
Stephanie Lloyd to Damon Macklin, warranty deed, parts of Section 17 in Walnut Township, $55,000.
Britta and Joshua Fuzak to Carol Fifield, warranty deed, part of Lot 79 in Princeton, $185,000.
Carolyn Senneff to Grace Senneff, warranty deed, part of Lot 93 in Tiskilwa, part of Lot 96 in Tiskilwa, part of Lot 94 in Tiskilwa and part of Lot 95 in Tiskilwa, $74,000.
Carol and Thomas Smith to Matthew Smith, warranty deed, part of Lot 1 in Block 2 in Farnham’s Addition in Princeton, $160,000.
Cathy and George Smith to Collin Fasking, warranty deed, part of Lot 112 in Princeton, $115,000.
Gary Ernat to Alma Madera, warranty deed, Lot 10 in Block 15 in Ladd, $30,000.
Karl Larson (tr) and Lloyd Larson Trust to Jeanette and Thomas Schrock, trustees’ deed, part of Section 35 in Arispie Township, $367,000.
Ronald Dickson to Mario Alvarez Romero and Guillermina Parra Salinas, warranty deed, Lot 2 in Block 1 in Second Park Subdivision in DePue, $5,500.
Robert Demichelis to James and Patricia Reese, warranty deed, parts of Section 2 and part of Section 1 in Hall Township, $18,000.
Thomas Christianson to Brush Creek Investments LLC, warranty deed, part of Lot 41 in Princeton, $60,000.
Jay Pankey to Kevin and Mallory Wetzell, warranty deed, parts of Section 16 in Mineral Township, $385,000.
Maria and Oscar Sanchez to Luis Angel Castellanos Reyes and Adelina Reyes Cruz, warranty deed, Lot 4 in Block 17 in Spring Valley, $50,000.
Jorge Quintana and Nanci Villava to Katelynn and Thomas Lynch, warranty deed, Lot 24 in Block 3 in Second Park Subdivision in DePue, $45,000.
Leigh Ann and Vincent Bulthuis to Joseph and Karin Cartwright, warranty deed, Lots 19 and 20 in Deer Run South Sec. 1, Sec. 35-16-9, in Princeton, $22,000.
Matthew and Robin Shives to Ricky York, warranty deed, Lot 9 in Block 8 in Tiskilwa, $129,900.
Chris and Gregg Ripka to Gage Ripka, warranty deed, Lot 3 in Block 17 in Ladd, $85,000.
Tommy Messino, Bureau County Sheriff James Reed and Spring Valley City Bank to Mehdi Mejri, sheriff deed, Lots 15, 16 and 17 in Block 8 in Cherry, $2,000.
Heather and Wesley Sampson to Cartus Financial Corporation, warranty deed, Lot 7 in Block 56 in Spring Valley, $141,000.
Cartus Financial Corporation to Miranda Lewis and Brett Ordonez, warranty deed, Lot 7 in Block 56 in Spring Valley, $141,000.
Keith Estrada (tr) and Paul Wehner Jr. Trust to Charles Cotton and Gregory Wunderlich, trustees’ deed, Lot 7 in A. and H. Carse’s Addition in Princeton, $70,000.
Shawn and Zepha Gerber to Robert Johnston III, warranty deed, Lot 5 in Anderson Subdivision (SE and SW 5-16-9) in Princeton, $386,000.
Vickie Chiesi (tr) and Vickie Claggett Living Trust to Amy and Stephen Peterson, part of Section 14 in Concord Township, $320,000.
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