Category: Uncategorized

The following cases were considered Sept. 12 by the Bureau County grand jury:
Angelina R. Victorinio, 35, of Princeton, was indicted on the Class 3 felony offense of unlawful possession of methamphetamine. She is accused of possessing less than 5 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine. A Princeton police officer testified before the grand jury. This defendant is released from custody on a personal recognizance bond.
James A. Peacock, 26, of Princeton, was indicted for the Class 4 felony offense of theft. He is accused of exerting unauthorized control over property of a Princeton business with the intent to deprive the owner permanently of the use of the property. The defendant had been previously convicted of retail theft in a Bureau County case. A Princeton police officer testified before the grand jury. The defendant is in custody of the Bureau County Sheriff’s Department with bond set in the amount of $15,000, 10% to apply.
Joseph R. Balma, 46, of Spring Valley, was indicted for the Class 4 felony offense of criminal trespass to a residence. He is accused of entering a Spring Valley residence without authority. A Spring Valley police officer testified before the grand jury. This defendant is in custody of the Bureau County Sheriff’s Department with bond set in the amount of $25,000, 10% to apply.
Jacob J. West, 39, of Spring Valley, was indicted for the Class 4 felony offense of unlawful possession of a controlled substance (fentanyl). He is accused of having in his possession less than 15 grams of a substance containing fentanyl. A Spring Valley police officer testified before the grand jury. The defendant is free from custody after posting bond.
These indictments were presented to the grand jury by Bureau County State’s Attorney Thomas Briddick and First Assistant State’s Attorney Greg Sticka. The indictments were returned before Judge Geno Caffarini and Judge James Andreoni. There was one suppressed case.
These indictments are accusations against the defendants. They are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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Gary Swanson mans the sound board for Sunday’s concert. (Mike Vaugh)
Just over a week after a van and trailer full of sound equipment was stolen from a shop in Princeton, organizers have announce a Can’t Stop the Music: Benefit for Gary Swanson to raise money to replace some of the stolen items.
The event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17 at the Princeton Moose Lodge, located at 1339 N. Euclid Ave. in Princeton.
The event will feature a spaghetti dinner, salad, bread and butter at the cost of a donation toward the replacement of lost items. Drinks will also be available for purchase.
This event is open to all and donations will be accepted at the Moose Lodge or mailed to P.O. Box 36 in Princeton IL, 61356.
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The Princeton Police Pension Board will host a meeting at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 30, at the Princeton Police Department, 615 Elm Place. (Shaw Local File Photo)
The Princeton Police Pension Board will host a meeting at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 30, at the Princeton Police Department, 615 Elm Place.
Shaw Local News Network provides local news throughout northern Illinois

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Princeton officer Erik Sorenson watches as K9 officer Gus poses in front of the Princeton Police Department sign. (Derek Barichello)
The Princeton Police Pension Board will hold a meeting at 1 p.m. Monday at the Princeton Police Department.
Shaw Local News Network provides local news throughout northern Illinois

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ALDI to open first location in Princeton November 13  OurQuadCities
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Beloit homicide suspect takes own life at Illinois rest area, police confirm  mystateline.com
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Smoke billows from a home in the 300 block of South Chestnut Street as firefighters work the scene on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025 in Princeton. Firefighters from Malden, Bureau, Walnut, Princeton, Spring Valley, Ladd and Wyanet all responded to the scene. Flames could be seen when the fire departments arrived coming from the second story. The fire happened shortly after 5:15p.m. (Scott Anderson)
Over 15 years covering news, sports and events in the Illinois Valley. Support my work with a digital subscription.
Over 15 years covering news, sports and events in the Illinois Valley. Support my work with a digital subscription.

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The Princeton Police Pension Fund Board will meet at 1 p.m. on Wednesday at the Princeton Police Department. (Derek Barichello)
The Princeton Police Pension Fund Board will meet at 1 p.m. on Wednesday at the Princeton Police Department.
Shaw Local News Network provides local news throughout northern Illinois

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The Evangelical Covenant Church will host a special needs prom night on Saturday, April 17. The church is located at 24 N. Main St. in Princeton. (Shaw Local News Network)
A free prom night designed for people with special needs at high school age or older will return this spring at a new location in Princeton.
The event is scheduled for 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 17, at the Community Life Center (west building) of Evangelical Covenant Church, 24 N. Main St., Princeton. Organizers ask guests to arrive by 5:15 p.m. for the 5:30 p.m. red-carpet entrance.
Each guest will receive a crown, reflecting the theme: “In God’s eyes we are all Kings and Queens.”Corsages and boutonnieres will be provided.
Attire is semi-formal, but organizers suggest dresses or dress pants for women and a shirt and tie for men.
Refreshments will include cupcakes, cookies, ice cream and punch. A photo booth will also be available.
Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by April 1 to Dianne Van Drew by email at vandrewd49@comcast.net or by calling or texting 815-677-2263.
Bill Freskos is a multimedia journalist based in the Illinois Valley. He covers hard news, local government, sports, business enterprise, and politics while contributing to Shaw Local Radio stations for Shaw Media across La Salle, Bureau, and Putnam counties.

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Nancy Gartner, regent of the Princeton-Illinois chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and Jenny Wheat, Northern Adult Education Coordinator for the Illinois Department of Corrections, pose together at the chapter’s February meeting. Wheat presented information on GED high school diploma programs for adults. (Photo provided by Princeton DAR)
The Princeton-Illinois chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution met in February to celebrate Valentine’s Day and hear a presentation on adult education programs.
Chapter member Jenny Wheat, Northern Adult Education Coordinator for the Illinois Department of Corrections Office of Adult Education and Vocational Services, discussed how GED high school diploma programs can be made accessible to adults constrained by financial, family and other circumstances from completing their education.
“The program showed how the GED High School Diploma program can be made accessible with just the right person willing to help,” the chapter said.
The chapter’s March meeting will honor Bureau County youth who have been chosen as DAR Good Citizen representatives from their high schools and youth who participated in the American History Essay Contest.
About the Daughters of the American Revolution
The DAR provides opportunities to contribute to the community, honor patriots, veterans and current active military, preserve American history and make lifelong friendships while serving the community.
Any woman 18 and older may join by documenting her lineage to a man or woman who aided the cause of American Independence through military, civil or patriotic service. To find a local chapter, visit dar.org/membership.
Shaw Local News Network provides local news throughout northern Illinois

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