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The Princeton Public Library will be celebrating National Library Week beginning Monday, April 8. (Shaw File photo)
The Princeton Public Library will be celebrating National Library Week beginning Monday, April 8.
The library at 698 E. Peru St. will offer take-and-make Scrabble tile coasters. They will be available in the circulation area while supplies last.
5:30 p.m. Monday, April 8: All movies in April have a maritime theme. Monday’s movie will be shown in conjunction with the Bureau County Historical Society’s 1912 Exhibit. Because of its distributor contract, the library can’t list movie titles. Call the Circulation Desk for more information about a particular movie night at 815-875-1331, ext 200. All movies are free and open to the public.
10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 9: Preschool story time/craft, Matson Meeting Room, books and libraries, with craft.
1 p.m. Thursday, April 11: Princeton Caregivers Support Group Alzheimer’s support group.
3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 11: Youth Dungeons & Dragons for ages 10 and older. For more information, contact the PPL Youth Services Desk at 815-875-1331, ext. 220, or email help@princetonpl.org.
1 p.m. Saturday, April 13: Bureau County Photographers, Curt Johnson will be presenting a program identifying photographers from Bureau County. His presentation includes photographs from some well known county photographers and some new names he’s discovered in the past two years.
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A veterans dinner and dance is scheduled Friday, Nov. 8, at the Princeton Moose Lodge, 1339 N. Euclid Ave. (Scott Anderson)
A veterans dinner and dance is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 8, at the Princeton Moose Lodge, 1339 N. Euclid Ave.
Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Veterans are invited for a free dinner. There will be a dance from 6:30 to 9 p.m. featuring the Generic’s Band. The event is open to the public.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The motorist who died in a Monday crash near Cedar Point has been identified as 56-year-old Dewayne Chandler of DePue.
The motorist who died in a Monday crash near Cedar Point has been identified as 56-year-old Dewayne Chandler of DePue.
The La Salle County Coroner’s Office issued a news release Tuesday about the two-vehicle crash reported Monday on Route 71 in Eden Township, east of Cedar Point.
A forensic investigative autopsy was conducted, with preliminary results indicating that Chandler died of injuries from the motor vehicle crash.
The incident remains under investigation by the La Salle County Coroner’s Office and the Illinois State Police Accident Reconstruction Unit.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Skooner’z Grill and Bar in Princeton will close Saturday, March 1, according to its owners. (Shaw Local News Network)
Skooner’z Grill and Bar in Princeton will close Saturday, March 1, according to its owners.
The establishment’s owners said they’ve made the decision to “slow down and enjoy life a little more” after 20 years of running the business.
“While this chapter comes to a close we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of our amazing customers,” the owners said in a Facebook announcement. “We’ve cherished the moments shared with all of you. You’ve made Skooner’z a place of laughter, connection and unforgettable memories, your support has meant the world to us.”
The owners thanked their staff and customers.
“We’ll miss seeing your faces, but we’re excited about the next adventure ahead,” they said.
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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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The Streator Police Department is seeking the community’s assistance with a shooting they said resulted in property damage at about 9:25 p.m. Friday in the 300 block of South Sterling Street. (Tom Sistak)
The Streator Police Department is seeking the community’s assistance with a shooting they said resulted in property damage at about 9:25 p.m. Friday in the 300 block of South Sterling Street.
Police said it is alleged two individuals on foot fired several rounds at a victim as he was entering his vehicle. No description of the suspects has been provided to the Streator Police Department.
Police are asking anyone who lives in this vicinity to check their home surveillance or ring cameras between 9 and 10 p.m. for anyone on foot or anything that appears suspicious.
If anyone has any information regarding this incident contact the Streator Police Department at 815-844-0911.
This is an ongoing investigation and more information will be released as it becomes available, police said.
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Princeton’s Reese Reviglio and Hall’s Natalia Zamora force a jumpball during the Princeton Holiday Girls Basketball Tournament on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 at Princeton High School. (Scott Anderson)
PRINCETON – Rivals Princeton and Hall played a classic finals game in the Princeton Holiday Girls Basketball Tournament on Saturday night at Prouty Gym.
The Red Devils rallied from a 16-point halftime deficit to force overtime with two last-second free throws only to have the Tigresses prevailing 60-53.
Fans couldn’t have asked for much more. The only thing the game didn’t provide was a champion.
Princeton’s win created a three-way tie in the Gold Pool with the Tigresses, Red Devils and Midland, who all finished 1-1.
Midland, which beat Princeton 50-47 on Thursday but lost to Hall 48-40 on Friday, claimed the tiebreaker by virtue of its 74% free-throw shooting. Princeton claimed second and Hall third.
“What a great atmosphere and just a great position to be in. On the last night of this tournament to have us and Hall playing each other, and then it goes to overtime,” Princeton coach Tiffany Gonigam said. “The tale of two halves to even be in that position. There’s just no better feeling than two good teams and all the battles over the years. Just a classic.”
Princeton’s Olivia Mattingly eyes the hoop as Hall’s Charlie Pellegrini during the Princeton Holiday Girls Basketball Tournament on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 at Princeton High School. (Scott Anderson)
The Tigresses (3-1) held the Red Devils scoreless 7-0 in the overtime session with early baskets by Keighley Davis and Olivia Mattingly and free throws Avaya Koning (2-4) and Makayla Hecht (1-2).
“We knew we had to put the pressure down (in overtime) and play good defense and be smart on offense,” Davis said.
Moving forward, Davis said, “We need to come out even better and stronger.”
Davis finished with 18 points, Mattingly had 15, and freshman Payton Brandt added 13.
Princeton started the second quarter on a 13-0 run, including two baskets in the post by Brandt and a 3-pointer by Paige Jesse, on the way to a 35-19 halftime lead.
Junior hot shot guard Charlie Pellegrini wouldn’t let Hall lose, leading the Lady Devils on a furious second-half comeback, scoring 18 of her game-high 21 points, making five 3s on the night.
Her 3-pointer and layup capped a 13-0 third-quarter run to help draw the Red Devils within 41-34 at quarter’s end. Pellegrini knocked down three treys in the fourth quarter, the last hoop tying the game at 51 with 1:10 left in regulation.
Davis and Mattingly each made 1-of-2 free throws in the final minute to put the Tigresses ahead 53-51.
Hall sophomore Caroline Morris was fouled with two seconds left and calmly swished a pair from the charity stripe to send the game into OT.
Hall’s Charlie Pellegrini reacts with teammate Caroline Morris after sinking a three-point basket against Princeton during the Princeton Holiday Girls Basketball Tournament on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 at Princeton High School. (Scott Anderson)
“I told the girls I’m proud of the way they played,” Hall coach TJ Orlandi said. “Down 16 at half after playing a terrible first half compared to how we played the first three nights here. We just didn’t look ready to play, a step slow. Maybe playing back-to-back nights, long week, I don’t know.
“It was like in the second half we found another gear, had a little pride, I think. Put on press, had some success with that. The girls were active. Obviously, we wanted to win, but I think we can take a lot from this game and this week moving forward.”
Pellegrini was backed by Morris with 10 points and Natalia Zamora and Ava Delphi with eight each.
While disappointed to lose out by the tiebreaker, both Gonigam and Davis praised Midland for its performance.
“Hats off to Midland, because it wasn’t even close. Hall and Princeton were both in the 50s, and they were over 70%,” Gonigam said, referring to the team’s free-throw percentages. “Great job by them. They had a fantastic tournament. They’ve have a nice young team. It was fun these last couple days watching those top teams go at.”
“Midland played a good game. They had a good tournament. Well-deserved,” Davis said.
A fire alarm halted play in the first minute of the game. After Pellegrini hit a “logo 3″ to draw the Red Devils within 18-16 at the end of the first quarter, it was Princeton, who caught fire, starting the second quarter on a 13-0 run.
Brandt scored three hoops, Davis had two and Paige Jesse hit a 3-pointer from the top of the key to send the Tigresses to a 35-19 halftime lead.
• Tournament notes: Hall’s Pellegrini and Ella Sterling and Princeton’s Davis and Camryn Driscoll were named to the all-tournament team. Neither Sterling nor Driscoll played Saturday, out with injuries. The prognosis is good for both. Also named to the all-tournament were Kaitlyn Anderson of Henry, Maggie Spratt of Putnam County, Riana Foster of IVC and Emma Franks, Jordyn Pyles and Anna McGlasson of Midland.
Hall’s Ava Delphi shoots a jump shot over Princeton’s Olivia Mattingly during the Princeton Holiday Girls Basketball Tournament on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 at Princeton High School. (Scott Anderson)
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Princeton intends to keep a 1% sales tax on groceries in place, despite the state passing legislation that would eliminate the tax in 2026. (Alex T. Paschal)
Princeton intends to keep a 1% sales tax on groceries in place after the state passed legislation that would eliminate the tax in 2026.
The Princeton City Council passed Monday the first reading of an ordinance to maintain the tax. A final reading will be voted on in an upcoming council meeting.
City Manager Theresa Wittenauer said while it is challenging to figure out how much Princeton would stand to lose in funds if it were to allow the 1% sales tax on groceries to be repealed, the Illinois Municipal League completed a comparative study with similar sized communities and figured the loss for cities like Princeton would be about $350,000 to $400,000 annually.
Wittenauer said collecting revenue from sales tax allows the city to benefit from people who live outside of Princeton, not just property owners. At a meeting earlier this month, Wittenauer credited sales tax revenue with keeping the property tax rate down. She said the city also may see a jump in sales tax with the construction of an Aldi grocery store in the works.
“This is not a new tax,” Wittenauer said.
Communities have a deadline of Oct. 1 to pass an ordinance if they wish to keep the 1% sales tax on groceries in place.
Mayor Ray Mabry said it is prudent for the city to maintain the sales tax.
At the time of the state’s repeal of the tax, Illinois was one of 13 states that collects a sales tax on groceries. Gov. JB Pritzker said he believes the tax is regressive and hurts low-income Illinoisans. The measure also intended to lift the burden of inflation for consumers, the governor’s office said at the time of the repeal.
With a number of communities concerned about a loss in local revenue, the Illinois Municipal League said it played a role in allowing communities to maintain the sales tax and delaying implementation of the repeal for communities to figure out how they want to move forward.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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PRINCETON, Ill. — April 15, 2024 will mark 112 years since the Titanic sunk and now the Bureau County History Center is bringing the story to life of one of the ship’s survivors.
In 2023, one of their researchers discovered Nellie Becker, who’s buried in Princeton’s Oakland Cemetery, sailed and survived the Titanic, along with her three children.
Her story is part of the museum’s 1912 Exhibit.
“We just had one little paragraph on her,” Curator Jessica Gray said. “It was a detective story, trying to piece out those details and tell it in a way that was captivating.”
Gray learned that Nellie and her husband Allen were missionaries. They were living in India when her youngest child Richard became sick, and doctors said he needed to return to the U.S. Allen was set to travel with the Becker family but became too ill to leave. Nellie traveled with Richard and her two daughters, Ruth and Marion on the Titanic. 
“They are woken up at about 11:30 in the evening on April 14,” Gray said. “There’s some voices in the hallway and she’s not sure what’s going on. And she goes out and she meets with a steward and he says, ‘ma’am, you must come right away. Get your life preserver on.’ And she says ‘I have children, do I have time to dress them?’ And he says ‘ma’am, you have time for nothing.'”
The Becker family was traveling in second class. Nellie later sent Ruth, who was 12, back downstairs for blankets. Marion and Richard were first put on lifeboat 11, but Nellie was told there was no room for her.
“Nellie screams and begs to be let into the boat with her children, which you can imagine you’re handing your two-year-old and your four-year-old to like 50 strangers in the middle of the ocean, any mother would be frantic,” Gray said. “They kind of pick her up and throw her in. And she turns around, stands up and the boat has been lowered and there’s her 12-year-old left alone on the ship. And she screams at her, ‘Ruth get in another boat!'”
Ruth was able to get into lifeboat 13. She was on it for about three hours before being rescued by the RMS Carpathia. Nellie and the other children were on their boat for about seven hours.
“By the time they are rescued, Ruth, her hands and her legs are frozen, so she can’t hardly move,” Gray said. “And they lower a swing to the lifeboat and they literally pick her up and strap her in. Because she can’t do anything, she can’t hold on.”
“Three children is the most amount of children rescued in any one family,” she said. “They didn’t lose anyone, which almost every family lost at least one person in their party. It’s quite remarkable … She is the hero of that family to get those kids off that ship safely and home back to America.”
Nellie’s husband, Allen, most likely would’ve died if he had traveled on the Titanic with them. 
He would later join the family nine months later in Michigan. He and Nellie moved to Princeton in 1927 so he could pastor St. Matthew’s English Lutheran Church. Gray said that some people have come into the museum and remembered him baptizing a member of their family or marrying their parents. One of her friends said her grandfather was Nellie’s doctor.
Nellie struggled after surviving the sinking, dealing with trauma. She was institutionalized at one point while living in Princeton. 
The younger daughter Marion died in 1944 in California and was buried in Princeton’s Oakland Cemetery. 
The couple moved to Michigan in 1945, and nine years later, the Rev. Becker passed and his remains were placed in the family plot at Oakland. Nellie died in 1961 of a heart attack at age 84. One of their son’s wives is buried with them as well. 
“Being able to tell [Nellie’s] story now, with the understanding of her struggles that she experienced later in life, being able to tell it in a way that does service to her in a way that hasn’t been done before, was really the great honor of myself and this society to tell her story in a way that she deserved,” Gray said. 
The 1912 Exhibit isn’t just about the Titanic; it also features other parts of Bureau County’s history happening during that year. The exhibit is open through December. You can find a list of events happening throughout the months, including a guest speaker and a showing of the 1997 Titanic movie, here. You can also learn more about Nellie Becker’s story here.
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Around 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, a Marseilles police officer searches under a crashed truck following a two-vehicle crash. Multiple aluminum ladders secured to a large trailer connected to the pickup remained in place. (Annette Barr Photography for Shaw Local)
A Palos Heights man allegedly carjacked a Ford F350 on Friday night and then struggled with three police officers, allegedly striking each of them. He was granted pre-trial release on Monday.
Frank C. Lennon, 26, could face four to 15 years in prison if convicted of vehicular hijacking, a Class 1 felony. He also is charged with three counts of aggravated battery to a peace officer, a Class 2 felony carrying three to seven years, for the blows allegedly administered to the responding police officers.
Court dates are pending. Chief Judge H. Chris Ryan Jr. released Lennon from custody following a Monday appearance in La Salle County Circuit Court.
The La Salle County State’s Attorney’s Office, when reached for comment, fell back on the court record spelling out facts from the still-emerging case. While aggravated vehicular hijacking (typically committed with a weapon) is a detainable offense, Lennon’s charge of vehicular hijacking (without a weapon) is not a detainable offense.
Details of the incident still are emerging. According to police and court records, Lennon was in a car crash with a Ford F350 at 8:36 p.m. Friday on U.S. 6 at East 22nd Road west of Marseilles.
After the occupants emerged from their respective vehicles, Lennon allegedly struck one of the occupants and drove from the scene not in his own vehicle but in the F350, according to court records.
The F350 was halted in the 2200 block of U.S. 6 near Marseilles. The incident drew officers from the Marseilles Police Department and the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office.
“A Marseilles officer arrived on scene and was immediately confronted by a suspect, later identified as [Lennon],” Marseilles police said in a Monday news release. “The officer ordered Frank to show his hands. Frank did not comply and attempted to walk past the officer. The officer ordered Frank to stop at which time Frank began attacking the officer. A second Marseilles officer arrived on scene and Frank was later taken into custody.”
Frank C. Lennon (Photo provided by La Salle County Jail)
A Marseilles firefighter searches the area of the crash Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, for something in the grass. About half a dozen more first responders aided in the search. (Annette Barr Photography for Shaw Local)
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Junior forward Keighley Davis returns to her third season on the Princeton varsity. (Scott Anderson)
There are big expectations in the Princeton girls basketball camp this season, both on and off the court.
The Tigress return three all-conference players in first-team juniors Keighley Davis and Camryn Driscoll and senior Paige Jesse (honorable mention) from last year’s 20-9, Three Rivers East champion as well as three other upperclassmen who logged a lot of varsity minutes last season.
Off the court, coach Tiffany Gonigam is expecting her second child in April. She had stepped away from coaching expecting her first child, Quimby, now 3, on the eve of the 2021-22 season, and returned to the bench last year.
The program has posted a 67-17 record (.798) in the last three seasons with a run of three straight conference championships. They would like to continue that winning trend.
“I don’t want to put a limit or a standard on what the girls can or should accomplish this season. We don’t just rise to the level of our goals or expectations, we fall to the level of the work we put in daily,” Gonigam said. “Surely, when you win the conference three years in a row, people on the outside will have that expectation, and there is no doubt we will have a target on our back. But, we know in order to accomplish our goals it is going to come with a daily battle for our culture, building fundamental habits and having a resilient work ethic.”
Camryn Driscoll
Davis and Driscoll have been up with the varsity since their freshman season and were key players to the Tigresses’ 2021-22 conference championship. Both were named first-team All-BCR as well as unanimously first-team Three Rivers East last season.
Driscoll took over at point guard last year, averaging 12.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 4 steals per game.
Davis averaged 13 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals. She is the area’s top returning career scoring leader with 741 points.
Princeton’s Keighley Davis had a breakout freshman season. (Mike Vaughn)
Jesse and classmate Olivia Mattingly were key contributor’s to last year’s team and junior forwards Makayla Hecht and Reese Reviglio also played a lot of varsity minutes.
Other returning players include senior Halli Peterson (injured last season), Zoey Byers and Neveah Briddick.
Sophomores Kiyrra Morris (G) and Danika Burden (C) each saw limited time as freshman on last year’s varsity squad and will look to make an impact this year along with a trio of newcomers – junior guard Riley Rauh and freshmen forwards Payton Brandt and Avaya Koning.
Gonigam said the Tigresses are looking good in camp.
“I am very happy with the team’s progress in our first week of practice. We ended our summer season with our team camp, planning our season goals and the type of person, player and team we need to be in order to reach those goals,” Gonigam said. “I feel the girls have picked up right where they left off, building chemistry with each other and setting a standard for what it looks like to work hard at practice.
“The program has had a lot of success over the past few seasons and the girls certainly want to continue that. We play a tough schedule this year and the conference brings back a bunch of talented teams and players, but the girls are up for the challenge. Every tough game we can play early on will only make us better come January and February.”
The Tigresses open the season on Monday, Nov. 18 against Henry-Senachwine to tip off their own holiday tournament. This year’s field includes holdovers Mendota, Stark County, Putnam County and Henry and newcomers Hall, IVC and Lowpoint-Washburn.
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