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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
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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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)
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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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.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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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.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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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.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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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.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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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.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
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.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
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.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
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.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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