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Three people face felony drug charges after a drug raid at the house on the 800 block of North Main Street in Princeton. (Shaw Local File Photo)
A house in the 800 block of North Main Street in Princeton was boarded up and no one will be allowed to return after repeated illegal activity there, Princeton Police Chief Tom Kammerer said Monday.
Three people face felony drug charges after a drug raid at the house, police said.
Robert L. Rigby, 36, of Princeton was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver, a Class 2 felony carrying three to seven years in prison, and unlawful possession of a controlled substance (heroin), a Class 4 felony carrying one to three years.
Alfred L. Alm, 49, of Princeton was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony carrying two to five years in prison.
Desiree J. Adams, 44, of Princeton was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony.
All three were charged after the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotics Team, assisted by the Princeton Police Department and the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant at the residence.
All suspects were released with a notice to appear in Bureau County Circuit Court.
Kammerer said Monday that Princeton police will work with agencies such as the Arukah Institute of Healing to help anyone who is homeless, but those individuals also must be cooperative.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Safe Journeys – What to Know About Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, supporting survivors, and educating communities on ways to prevent sexual violence. Sexual assault is a widespread issue that affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and identities. By understanding the scope of the problem, recognizing available resources, and encouraging open discussions, individuals and communities can work together to create a safer and more supportive environment for survivors.
Sexual assault is alarmingly common, with statistics showing that one in three women and one in six men experience some form of sexual violence in their lifetime. Additionally, an estimated 80% of sexual assaults go unreported, often due to fear, shame, or lack of support. Survivors may struggle with emotional, physical, and psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and difficulty in relationships. Raising awareness about these realities is crucial in breaking the silence and stigma surrounding sexual violence.
Prevention and education play a key role in reducing sexual violence. Schools, workplaces, and communities can take action by promoting consent education and creating policies that support survivors. Understanding that consent must be clear, enthusiastic, and continuous helps shift cultural attitudes and prevent harmful situations.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a reminder that everyone has a role to play in supporting survivors and preventing sexual violence. By fostering a culture of respect, consent, and support, communities can work toward a future where all individuals feel safe and empowered. If you or someone you know needs help, reaching out to Safe Journeys can be the first step toward healing and justice.
Safe Journeys provides free confidential services, including short-term shelter for people who are unsafe due to domestic violence, along with supportive counseling and other support services to those in need. Please reach out immediately if you need help.
Safe Journeys has offices in Streator, Ottawa, Peru, Mendota, IVCC, and Pontiac. Please visit www.safejourneysillnois.org, email us at info@safejourneysillinois.org, or call our 24 hour support line at 815-673-1555.
Funding is provided in full or in part by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority and the Illinois Department of Human Services.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
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Route 251 south of Mendota was shut down about four hours Friday night after a vehicle struck from behind a vehicle that had halted from mechanical issues. There was no shoulder. (Scott Anderson)
Route 251 south of Mendota was shut down about four hours Friday night after a vehicle struck from behind a vehicle that had halted from mechanical issues. There was no shoulder.
Mendota Fire Chief Dennis Rutishauser said in a Sunday report first responders were dispatched about 7:30 p.m. to the scene. One patient was taken to OSF St. Paul Medical Center in Mendota and then transferred to a Rockford medical center. A condition report was not available Sunday. A second motorist was taken to OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Peru, with minor injuries.
Illinois State Police handled the call and an ISP reconstruction unit was called.
Mendota and Troy Grove responded as did Peru EMS. La Salle County Emergency Management Agency was requested for traffic control while the road was closed. A Life Flight medical helicopter was requested to the scene but was unable to fly because of weather conditions.
Route 251 was reopened around 11:30 p.m.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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MOLINE, Ill. — UPDATE: THIS SEVERE THREAT HAS PASSED THROUGH THE REGION. You can find storm and damage photos on News 8’s Near Me page. 
A Weather Impact Alert from the StormTrack8 team is in place Monday evening due to high heat and a significant chance of severe storms. The National Weather Service has increased the severe weather threat to a 4 out of 5 for nearly all of the viewing region, with damaging winds that could reach 70+ mph being the primary threat. 
The News 8 viewing region is also under a heat advisory throughout Monday evening, as heat indices are forecasted to reach 100 to 110 degrees.
But severe storms are the main cause for Monday’s StormTrack8 Weather Impact Alert. The bulk of the severe weather will come through the region from 5-9 p.m., with the main impact coming from strong winds. Watch the latest forecast from the News 8 Storm Track 8 team above.
8:31 p.m. | Severe thunderstorm warnings continue to move east with the line of storms
BREAKING: We're tracking a Severe Thunderstorm WARNING for Peoria, McLean, Tazewell, Woodford, Logan, Marshall, Stark, Fulton, Mason, Knox, De Witt Counties until Jul 15 9:30PM. Track this storm now using the WQAD News 8 App https://t.co/vfIuqyVikP #WeTrackStorms pic.twitter.com/Z650tzxkNJ
8:26 p.m. | Those in the Milo area asked to take cover due to strong winds with embedded rotation, NWS says
Parts of southern Bureau County, especially Milo area, and much of Putnam County look to get very strong winds with embedded rotation. Take cover ahead of these storms in the lowest level! #ILwx https://t.co/OOALO0HzK9
8:25 p.m. | Severe thunderstorm warning continues for Sterling, Rock Falls area
Severe Thunderstorm Warning continues for Sterling IL, Rock Falls IL and Walnut IL until 8:45 PM CDT. This destructive storm will contain wind gusts to 80 MPH! pic.twitter.com/dfNMq6UlNV
8:20 p.m. | Tornado warning for Bureau and Putnam counties in Illinois
BREAKING: We're tracking a Tornado WARNING for Bureau, Putnam counties until Jul 15 9:00PM. Take shelter NOW! Track this storm now on the News 8 App https://t.co/vfIuqyVikP WeTrackStorms pic.twitter.com/GmFqEfD4rY
8:10 p.m. | Severe thunderstorm warning until 9 p.m. containing 
Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Princeton IL, Spring Valley IL and De Pue IL until 9:00 PM CDT. This destructive storm will contain wind gusts to 80 MPH! pic.twitter.com/RZblQn6GMd
8:09 p.m. | Severe thunderstorm warning in effect for Bureau and Putnam counties 
BREAKING: We're tracking a Severe Thunderstorm WARNING for Bureau, Putnam Counties until Jul 15 9:00PM. Track this storm now using the WQAD News 8 App https://t.co/vfIuqyVikP #WeTrackStorms pic.twitter.com/lN2wmutAhL
8:02 p.m. | Severe thunderstorm warning continues
Severe Thunderstorm Warning continues for Kewanee IL, Monmouth IL and Geneseo IL until 8:15 PM CDT. This storm will contain wind gusts to 70 MPH! pic.twitter.com/Pevco6ASSM
7:59 p.m. | Tornado warning in effect for Peoria, Knox, Fulton, Stark and Marshall counties in Illinois
BREAKING: We're tracking a Tornado WARNING for Peoria, Knox, Fulton, Stark, Marshall counties until Jul 15 8:30PM. Take shelter NOW! Track this storm now on the News 8 App https://t.co/vfIuqyVikP WeTrackStorms pic.twitter.com/3TPwyeSjar
7:52 p.m. | Severe thunderstorm warning until 8:45 p.m. 
BREAKING: We're tracking a Severe Thunderstorm WARNING for Whiteside, Rock Island, Bureau, Henry, Scott Counties until Jul 15 8:45PM. Track this storm now using the WQAD News 8 App https://t.co/vfIuqyVikP #WeTrackStorms pic.twitter.com/EfP9PXLwIq
7:49 p.m. | A storm near the Sterling, Rock Falls area contains wind gusts up to 80 mph
Severe Thunderstorm Warning continues for Clinton IA, Sterling IL and Rock Falls IL until 8:00 PM CDT. This destructive storm will contain wind gusts to 80 MPH! pic.twitter.com/SV080D0zHK
7:48 p.m. | A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for multiple of our hometowns
BREAKING: We're tracking a Severe Thunderstorm WARNING for McDonough, Des Moines, Lee, Hancock, Henderson, Van Buren, Clark, Henry, Warren, Scotland Counties until Jul 15 8:30PM. Track this storm now using the WQAD News 8 App https://t.co/vfIuqyVikP #WeTrackStorms pic.twitter.com/689dus4cnN
7:47 p.m. | Severe thunderstorm warning for southern parts of region
Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Burlington IA, Macomb IL and Fort Madison IA until 8:30 PM CDT pic.twitter.com/wn6IkLv57g
7:47 p.m. | Tornado on the ground near Andover
Received several reports of a tornado on the ground near Andover by I-74. Take cover now! https://t.co/t5nWKT2mSR
7:45 p.m. | Tornado warning in effect for Henry, Whiteside and Bureau counties
BREAKING: We're tracking a Tornado WARNING for Henry, Whiteside, Bureau counties until Jul 15 8:30PM. Take shelter NOW! Track this storm now on the News 8 App https://t.co/vfIuqyVikP WeTrackStorms pic.twitter.com/riRKnA5mdD
7:40 p.m. | Severe thunderstorm warning continues
Severe Thunderstorm Warning continues for East Moline IL, Kewanee IL and Monmouth IL until 8:15 PM CDT. This storm will contain wind gusts to 70 MPH! pic.twitter.com/XMaJqLiczU
7:39 p.m. | Severe thunderstorm warning in effect for Knox, Fulton and Stark counties in Illinois
BREAKING: We're tracking a Severe Thunderstorm WARNING for Knox, Fulton, Stark Counties until Jul 15 8:15PM. Track this storm now using the WQAD News 8 App https://t.co/vfIuqyVikP #WeTrackStorms pic.twitter.com/skFgaFAI7x
7:37 p.m. | Severe thunderstorm warning continues
Severe Thunderstorm Warning continues for Freeport IL, Lena IL and Stockton IL until 7:45 PM CDT. This destructive storm will contain wind gusts to 90 MPH! pic.twitter.com/n7AnaJpyEb
7:29 p.m. | Severe thunderstorm warning continued for northern parts of the viewing region
Severe Thunderstorm Warning continues for Clinton IA, Sterling IL and Rock Falls IL until 8:00 PM CDT. This destructive storm will contain wind gusts to 80 MPH! pic.twitter.com/P7nDZX6khh
7:29 p.m. | Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Mount Pleasant, Mediapolis and Columbus Junction.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning continues for Fairfield IA, Mount Pleasant IA and Wapello IA until 7:45 PM CDT. This storm will contain wind gusts to 70 MPH! pic.twitter.com/9FQlcYnfWc
7:27 p.m. | Low Driving Visibility 
With these storms, we can verify the visibility in the severe winds and very heavy rainfall is less than one eights of a mile. Motorists in advance, including I-80, I-88, and I-74 in Illinois be prepared, and if you can wait the storms out somewhere, do so! #ILwx
7:26 p.m. | Severe Thunderstorm Warning including East Moline, Kewanee and Monmouth
Severe Thunderstorm Warning including East Moline IL, Kewanee IL and Monmouth IL until 8:15 PM CDT. This storm will contain wind gusts to 70 MPH! pic.twitter.com/t5oBgUFWyb
7:23 p.m. | Thunderstorms producing winds of 80 to 100 mph
Text: Thunderstorms are producing damaging winds of 80 to 100 mph, isolated tornadoes. Significant wind damage has been reported. Be prepared to act quickly and shelter indoors this evening! pic.twitter.com/09F2BJY2dT
7:21 p.m. | 74 mph Wind Gusts at NWS Office, Davenport.
Received a 74 mph wind gust here at our NWS office at the Davenport IA just 2 min ago.
7:15 p.m. | Tornado Warning for Moline, Rock Island and Davenport.
Tornado Warning including Davenport IA, Moline IL and Rock Island IL until 8:00 PM CDT pic.twitter.com/YyTgWdQ7GE
7:15 p.m. | Winds in excess of 70 mph headed toward the Quad Cities
[July 15 7:14 pm] Strong storms are expected to reach the following cities at the times listed. Winds in excess of 70 mph, torrential rain, and frequent lightning will be possible! Take cover!

745p: ~Burlington
800p: ~Sterling Rock Falls
815p: ~Princeton IL
830p: ~Macomb IL
7:10 p.m. | Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Galena, Mount Carroll and Stockton.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning continues for Freeport IL, Galena IL and Lena IL until 7:45 PM CDT. This destructive storm will contain wind gusts to 90 MPH! pic.twitter.com/ZR9L6HkxQ9
7:08 p.m. | Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Fairfield, Mount Pleasant and Wapello. 
Severe Thunderstorm Warning continues for Fairfield IA, Mount Pleasant IA and Wapello IA until 7:45 PM CDT. This storm will contain wind gusts to 70 MPH! pic.twitter.com/MykqLGrK3D
7:02 p.m. | Tornado Warning for Clinton, De Witt and Camanche.
Tornado Warning including Clinton IA, De Witt IA and Camanche IA until 7:45 PM CDT pic.twitter.com/MpoYorlOfe
[July 15 6:07 pm] Strong storms are expected to reach the following cities at the times listed. Winds in excess of 70 mph, torrential rain, and frequent lightning will be possible!

Iowa City: ~6:30 pm
Iowa side of QCA: ~715-745 pm
Illinois side of QCA ~730 – 815 pm
One of the most important actions to take under a heat advisory is to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities. However, avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol. 
Here are some other tips to keep in mind during high heat:
It’s important to know the signs of heat exhaustion in order to act accordingly. Here are some from the American Red Cross:
If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion, move them to a cooler place. Remove tight clothing and spray them with water. Wet cloths or towels can also be applied to the skin. In addition, immersing the person in cool water can help. 
According to the Red Cross, heat strokes usually occur when signs of exhaustion are ignored. Changes in consciousness, high body temperature and vomiting are all signs of heat stroke. If someone is showing signs of heat stroke, call 911 and work to cool them down with the tips mentioned above. 
____________________________________________
Stay tuned for more from News 8 as our StormTrack8 weather team starts to roll out our new Weather Impact Alert system. It’s part of our effort to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date forecast information. 
Need tips on how to stay safe during severe weather? Check out the National Weather Service’s Severe Weather Safety Guidelines here. 
Stay weather aware by downloading the Storm Track 8 mobile app to get live weather alerts sent straight to your phone. 
Follow the StormTrack8 weather team on social media:

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We may never know what caused a car to crash into an unoccupied home off of Route 6 in Princeton, Illinois Monday night. The car hit the house causing a fire engulfing the entire structure.
The Bureau County Coroner identified the man found in the car as 33-year-old Nicholas Stocking of Princeton, Illinois. But because of the nature of the flames, the cause of death is undetermined.
Looking back days later, Princeton Fire Chief Chuck Woolley says the way they fought the fire wouldn’t have changed dramatically even if they knew the car was lodged inside.
“Initially it might have been altered somewhat. But we would of initially had to have knocked the fire down getting to it. But once we discovered it, it was obviously too late,” says Woolley.
Chief Woolley says the department’s first priority is to get the fire under control, but they usually try to conserve evidence as best as possible after. The vehicle was already totaled by the time it was discovered.
The man who previously owned the home died days before the incident, leaving oxygen tanks inside. These posed a real danger to fire crews.
“There were fairly large explosions that shook the ground from blowing up. They were kind of like missiles,” says Woolley.
The icy cold weather also made things harder.

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PRINCETON, Ill. — A new Civil War monument honoring Black soldiers was unveiled in Princeton on Friday. 
The project, called “Lift Every Name Who Served,” was started by the Bureau County Historical Society (BCHS) earlier this year. It came shortly after a local historian, Sarah Cooper, wrote an article connecting Black Civil War soldiers to Bureau County. 
These soldiers were not included in the county’s Soldiers and Sailors Monument and according to the society’s executive director, the article inspired an area donor to fully fund the project. 
The monument honors 45 Black Union servicemen who fought for the 29th Regiment U.S. Colored Infantry, the 8th U.S. Colored Infantry and the 13th U.S. Colored Artillery. 
According to Cooper’s article, the 29th Infantry was present when Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant in Virginia. The infantry itself was formed in Quincy, Illinois, but many men returned to the state after the war ended, with some residing in Bureau County. 
Charles Moses was one of those soldiers. He lived in Princeton with his wife, Priscilla Parham. BCHS teamed up with the Bureau County Genealogical Society and was able to contact Moses’ great-granddaughter, Frances Clarke, who attended the unveiling ceremony. 
“It’s important that he served because he was a person who was once enslaved,” Clarke said. “And he served in a war that changed the trajectory of life in the United States.”
The monument is located at the corner of Park Avenue West and South Pleasant Street in Princeton. 
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PRINCETON, Ill. — Editor’s Note: The video attached originally aired on Oct. 24 around when Swanson’s equipment was initially stolen. 
Updated Story: 
Back in October, Princeton resident Gary Swanson had his van and thousands of dollars in sound equipment stolen. Swanson is known for providing music at numerous community events. 
Last Saturday, Swanson learned that the Princeton Police Department had recovered some of his equipment. According to a Facebook post, two vintage keyboards, a small 16-channel Peavy mixer board, three microphones, an empty wireless mic system case and some speaker chords were recovered. 
“This experience has been challenging,” Swanson said in the Facebook post. “Spite what happened I was determined to move on and do what I love to do, providing sound, my studio, and my band… all I can say is wow, I did not expect all the support from the community and others that I received. It will definitely ‘get the music rolling again!'”
Original Story:
Police officers in Princeton, Illinois are asking for the public’s help in locating a stolen van and sound equipment.
According to a recent Facebook post, the van and equipment were stolen at some point overnight between Oct. 21 and Oct. 22. 
The 2000 Chevrolet gray conversion van and speakers were taken from Gary Swanson’s shop on Peru Street. The gray trailer with them is labeled with the letters “GES.”
“As many of you know, Gary donates the sound services for numerous community events,” the Facebook post from Princeton police reads. “He is very passionate about Princeton and the surrounding communities, volunteering his time, selflessly, promoting a positive message wherever he goes.”
News 8 spoke with Swanson’s daughter for more information and got photos of the missing items, which can be found below. 
“The whole town knows and loves my dad, the whole county,” Holly Nelson said. “Everybody knows and loves my dad. He does stuff for free. It’s just a terrible thing that happened to a really good guy.”
Police are asking for the community’s help in locating the equipment, and anyone with information is asked to reach out the the Princeton, Illinois Police Department. Anonymous reports are taken. Police added that if someone has the equipment, they can leave it undamaged where it can be easily found. 
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PRINCETON, Ill. — The beloved Red Covered Bridge in Princeton, Illinois has been hit by a semi-truck, according to the Bureau County Historical Society and History Center. 
The accident occurred Thursday morning around 7:30 when a truck driver from Alabama collided with the historic structure, according to reports on Facebook. 
News 8 talked with a spokesperson from the Bureau County Historical Society who said the community is devastated over the loss of the historical landmark, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places back in 1975. 
Illinois has only nine covered bridges recorded statewide, with two of them being in Princeton. The oldest of the two is the Red Covered Bridge which was built around 1863, the same year the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. 
WATCH: News 8 Drone checks out the historic covered bridges of Princeton, Illinois
The 149-foot-long span cost $3,148.57 to construct and was once part of the Peoria-Galena Trail, crossing over Big Bureau Creek.
Prior to today’s accident, the bridge was one of five covered bridges in Illinois that was still open to vehicular traffic. 
It’s still unknown what the community’s plan is moving forward at the time of publication. However, the spokesperson from the historical society said they would be involved in any restoration plan if that were to occur.  
News 8 will update this news story as more information is made available. Download our app and subscribe to our YouTube channel for updates.  
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PRINCETON, Ill. — The Illinois Department of Transportation began temporary repair work Monday of the historic Red Covered Bridge in Princeton.
The bridge was hit by a semi-truck on Nov. 16 and the truck caused extensive damage.
“Most of the tresses on the north end of the bridge were all compromised and ripped out, so the roof basically collapsed and the walls on the north end started flaring out,” said Princeton City Clerk Peter Nelson. “I was pretty much devastated. I got a sick feeling in my stomach and I just could not believe the extent of the damage and also the unfortunate circumstances of why it happened. It did not need to happen.”
Paul Wappel, a spokesperson for IDOT, said crews are installing temporary supports.
“(It’s) being done to ensure the existing damage to this structure doesn’t worsen or create additional issues,” he said in an email to News 8. “The supports will remain in place until permanent repairs can be made to the bridge, which will remain closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The Department won’t have any recommendations on permanent repairs or restoration measures until a full assessment of the bridge is completed, which will take several months.”
Princeton city, Bureau county and state leaders, as well as community members, met Wednesday morning to get an update on the bridge.
“The message that I know I personally received from all of this was that the goal is restoration and then doing whatever we need to do to facilitate the road changes or signage changes to ensure this doesn’t happen again,” said Lex Poppens, the executive director of the Bureau County History Center.
The iconic Red Covered Bridge was constructed in 1863-64, according to the history center. They believe the first to have crossed it was a man named Joseph Bryan on his horse in April 1864.
It’s reported that it was constructed by a committee appointed by the Bureau County Board. The county pitched in $1,000, Dover Township, where the bridge is located, paid $600 and area residents pitched in the remaining $1,548.57.
Illinois has only nine covered bridges recorded statewide, with two of them being in Princeton. Before the accident, the bridge was one of five covered bridges in Illinois that was still open to vehicular traffic. 
“This is a staple and a focal point for our community and our area and who else can say that they have a 160-year-old bridge that’s functional?” said Jenica Cole, the executive director of the Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce. “This bridge means a lot to a lot of people.”
She is hopeful conversations are moving in a positive direction toward restoration.
“It’s in our hearts and on our minds and we’re all rallying to hope this bridge comes back to what it once was,” she said.
Poppens said people from around the state have reached out offering to donate barn wood. 
“The woods around here are where the bridge came from,” he said. “We have an owner nearby who has trees of the same size that were used for this willing to donate those trees.”
The cost of the repairs won’t be known until IDOT can finish evaluating the condition of the bridge. The assumption, Nelson said, is that the driver’s company, Wynn Logistics, and its insurance policy will be covering some if not all of the repairs.
A semi-truck previously crashed into the Red Covered Bridge in April 2021, but the damage wasn’t to this extent. There was damage to the bridge’s north end, and the bridge was closed until late August that year when repairs were made.
Reportedly, both drivers were following GPS navigation when they hit the bridge, despite there being signs warning of a five-ton weight limit and 11-foot, 10-inch height restriction. 
Nelson said they want to look into whether the GPS route can be altered.
“We need to make sure the structure is safe from here on out and is not really subjected to these types of issues anymore,” he said. “We’re not sure if that means we need to restrict traffic on the bridge or if we just enhance our warnings prior to getting to the bridge. Certainly we need to restrict semi traffic from this bridge.”
Traffic will remain closed on the bridge for the foreseeable future.
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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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