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A view of the Jersey Mike’s Subs and Panchero’s building located at the intersection of Route 26 and Backbone Road on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 in Princeton. (Scott Anderson)
A Panchero’s Mexican Grill appears to be planning a location in Princeton, according to city officials.
City Planner Michael Zearing said the city recently issued sign permits for the restaurant, indicating the restaurant still intends to open, though a timeline hasn’t officially been announced yet.
“Our understanding is that they are planning to locate here still,” Zearing said. “We have issued sign permits for them, but other than that we don’t have any documentation for the interior outfit, so I can’t give a timeline.”
The restaurant is expected to open at 1839 N. Main St., Unit 1, in the same commercial building as the incoming Jersey Mike’s Subs location. Zearing said the restaurant would occupy Unit 1, the south side of the building.
Zearing also said construction on the building continues to progress, with a late spring opening still anticipated for Jersey Mikes.
With a similar style to Chipotle or Qdoba, Panchero’s offers tacos, burritos and quesadillas with a variety of customizable options for each.
Panchero’s has already established four locations in the state, including in Peoria, Rockford, Moline and Quincy. The franchise’s corporate office did not respond to a call for confirmation and comment from Shaw Local News Network on Wednesday morning.
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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Derek Fetzer of the Princeton Rotary Club’s Grant Committee presents checks to representatives from three nonprofits: Bryce Nyman of Flags of Freedom, Buc Grey of Club 56, and Michelle Hansen and Stefanie Morris of Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network. (Photo provided by Princeton Rotary Club)
The Rotary Club of Princeton awarded $10,000 in grants to 10 local nonprofits through its “Love Our Community” program.
Three organizations received their checks Tuesday at the club’s noon meeting: Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network, Flags of Freedom, and Club 56.
Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network will use its $1,000 grant to pay for suicide intervention skills training.
Flags of Freedom will use the funds for flag maintenance and repair.
Club 56 is using its grant for summer camp programming.
The “Love Our Community” grant program awards funds to local nonprofits in appreciation for the resources and time they dedicate to serving the community. The program is funded by Rotary Club fundraisers and activities.
The Rotary Club of Princeton has served the community since 1920. The organization’s mission is to model service above self, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its business, professional, and community leaders’ fellowship.
For more information, visit www.princetonrotaryclub.com.
Shaw Local News Network provides local news throughout northern Illinois

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The Princeton-Illinois and Illini chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution celebrated their mutual 130th anniversary Friday with a luncheon at Lock 16 Cafe in La Salle.
The Princeton-Illinois and Illini chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution celebrated their mutual 130th anniversary Friday with a luncheon at Lock 16 Cafe in La Salle.
The two chapters are among the oldest in Illinois and the nation. Princeton-Illinois was chartered on April 13, 1896, as the 12th chapter in Illinois. Illini was chartered one month later on May 29, 1897, as the 13th chapter.
The chapters honored their organizing regents: Darlene Stevens Reeve, daughter of Justus Stevens, the first mayor of Princeton, and Phebe Anthony Sherwood of Ottawa.
State Regent Marria Blinn, Honorary State Regent Debra Coe, State Chaplain Debby Katzman and District II Director Laurie Perry attended the celebration.
The Daughters of the American Revolution is a women’s service organization dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. The organization honors current military and veterans while fostering lifelong friendships.
Any woman age 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.
For more information about local chapters, visit dar.org/membership.
Shaw Local News Network provides local news throughout northern Illinois

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An aerial view of the home where the shooting took place in the Hummingbird Lane Mobile Home Park on Monday, May 11, 2026 in DePue. Law enforcement agencies are investigating the scene of a fatal domestic disturbance in the 2700 block of East Street west of DePue. According to the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office, officers responded to a barricaded subject at a mobile home in the Hummingbird Lane Mobile Home Park. A 3-year-old later died at a local hospital, while the suspect remained hospitalized Monday afternoon. (Scott Anderson)
A 3-year-old boy was killed by an officer Sunday morning during a domestic disturbance in rural DePue, according to the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office and the child’s family.
The child, identified as 3-year-old Damian Camacho by his aunt Cindy Almanza, and the suspect were both shot.
Bureau County Sheriff James Reed said in a news release deputies were dispatched about 2:42 a.m. Sunday, May 10, to a reported domestic disturbance involving a barricaded person.
According to the release, the suspect was reported to be armed with a knife and had barricaded himself in a room with multiple people inside. After arriving on the scene, officers made repeated attempts to get the suspect to come out and resolve the situation peacefully, according to the release.
After those efforts failed, and based on information from the 911 call and what officers said they could hear at the scene, authorities believed the people inside were in immediate danger, police said.
Officers then went into the residence and fired shots at the suspect, police said.
The 3-year-old was taken to a local hospital by Illinois State Police and Bureau County sheriff’s deputies, where he was later pronounced dead.
The suspect also was taken to the hospital for treatment and remains hospitalized as of Monday afternoon.
The suspect’s identity has not been made public but the person is facing charges of aggravated unlawful restraint, aggravated assault and domestic battery. Additional charges may be filed, according to the release.
While it was previously reported that the shooting happened in rural Princeton, the address, 2700 block of East Street, is just west of DePue off Illinois Route 29.
Responding agencies included the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office, DePue Police, Ladd Police, Princeton Police and Illinois State Police.
The investigation is being handled by the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police and the Bureau County Coroner’s Office.
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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An unidentified juvenile is dead after what police have termed “an officer-involved” shooting Sunday in rural Princeton. (Stock image)
An unidentified juvenile is dead after what police have termed “an officer-involved” shooting on Sunday in rural Princeton.
In a Monday news release issued by the Illinois State Police Troop 2, one person was killed and another injured after shots were fired Sunday at a location in the 2700 block of East Street in Princeton.
Multiple sources confirmed the juvenile killed was a young child, not a teenager.
“At the request of the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office and Princeton Police Department, the Illinois State Police is investigating an officer-involved shooting,” according to the release.
State police said Bureau County deputies and Princeton police responded to a call of a domestic disturbance, while state police troopers assisted with providing perimeter security. ​
“Officers were advised the subject was armed and holding several people hostage, including juveniles,” police said. “On scene, officers entered the residence and shots were subsequently fired. The subject and one juvenile were struck by gunfire.
“ISP officers entered the residence after shots were fired to assist with providing medical aid and transported the juvenile to a local hospital, where they were pronounced deceased. The subject was taken to a local hospital with gunshot wounds.
“This is an active investigation and no further information is available at this time. Once the investigation is complete, it will be turned over to the Bureau County State’s Attorney’s Office for review.”
Tom Collins covers criminal justice in La Salle County.

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Kids swim in Alexander Park pool on Friday, June 20, 2025 in Princeton. (Scott Anderson)
The Bureau County Metro Center announced that the opening of Alexander Pool in Princeton will be delayed due to a “major mechanical failure” with their filtration pump and motor.
According to the Metro Center, because the replacement equipment is built-to-order, it could be a while until the pool opens up.
With that, the Bureau County Metro Center will have extended open swim times at other pools while Alexander gets fixed up.
“We sincerely apologize for the delay and appreciate your patience,” the pool said. “We are doing everything we can to expedite the process and will post regular updates and a revised opening date right here and on our website.”
For the temporary additional Metro Center swim schedules, visit Princeton Park District’s website or call 815-872-0840.
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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Peru’s Kori Suarez will help the Princeton Community Band open its 22nd season Sunday with a free concert. (Photo provided by Ann Lusher)
The Princeton Community Band will open its 22nd season Sunday with a free concert featuring soprano soloist Kori Suarez.
The concert begins at 6 p.m. in Soldiers and Sailors Park. The band, directed by Ann Lusher, will perform Disney’s “Fantasia 2000,” “Singin’ in the Rain,” a Billy Joel medley, “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond, and John Philip Sousa’s “The Fairest of the Fair.”
Suarez, of Peru, will sing the folk song “The Water is Wide.”
In case of rain, the concert will move to the Evangelical Covenant Church’s Community Life Center Building at 24 N. Main St.
Lawn chairs are suggested. Refreshments will be available from the Lions Club. Donations are accepted. The band is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Shaw Local News Network provides local news throughout northern Illinois

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University of Illinois Extension and Bureau County Farm Bureau will host a workshop for people who recently inherited farmland or became landowners without farming experience. (Provided photo/U of I Extension)
University of Illinois Extension and Bureau County Farm Bureau will host a workshop for people who recently inherited farmland or became landowners without farming experience.
The program, called First Steps for Farmland Owners, will cover how farmland values are determined, setting fair cash rent, understanding rental agreements and conservation practices and programs.
The session is designed for landowners deciding whether to keep property in the family, lease it to a farmer or explore other options.
The workshop will be held Aug. 4, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon at Bureau County Farm Bureau, 1407 N. Main St., Princeton.
To register, visit go.illinois.edu/FirstStepsBureau.
For accommodations, contact Emily Hansen at emhansen@illinois.edu or 815-433-0707. Early requests are encouraged.
Shaw Local News Network provides local news throughout northern Illinois

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From left to right: Cathy Foes, Steve Bouslog, Jeff Hunt, Lynn Olds, Pat Schou, Jaimie Pinter and Tracy Wright of the Princeton Rotary Club at the annual installation of officers. (Photo Provided By Princeton Rotary Club)
The Princeton Rotary Club held its annual installation of officers for the upcoming year during its weekly meeting, according to a news release from the club.
Outgoing president Steve Bouslog administered the oath of office to incoming president Pat Schou at the meeting.
After the installation, Schou thanked Bouslog for his leadership and presented him with a plaque.
Incoming president Pat Schou (left) presents outgoing president Steve Bouslog (right) with a plaque in recognition of his year of service with the Princeton Rotary Club. (Photo Provided By Princeton Rotary Club)
The club installed its new officer slate, including Cathy Foes as president-elect, Lynn Olds as vice president and Jaimie Pinter as director, according to the release.
Jeff Hunt continues as treasurer and Tracy Wright continues as secretary.
Ashley Oliver and J.D. Orwig continue their director terms for one and two years, respectively.
Schou shared, according to the release, that her goals for the year are to focus on community service, participate in the international polio walk, get involved with youth exchange, develop a new strategic plan after the completion of membership surveys and get to know each other.
To learn more, visit www.princetonrotaryclub.com.

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The Princeton Police Pension Fund Board will meet Wednesday, July 29, at 1 p.m. at the Princeton Police Department. (Derek Barichello)
The Princeton Police Pension Fund Board will meet Wednesday, July 29, at 1 p.m. at the Princeton Police Department.
Shaw Local News Network provides local news throughout northern Illinois

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