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Scott Harp of Princeton has had an Anna’s hummingbird, which is native to California, visit his feeder for the past 82 days. It is only the second recorded sighting of an Anna’s hummingbird in Illinois. (Photo provided by Scott Harp)
About 20 minutes before sunrise, Scott Harp gets a visitor at his Princeton home.
For the past 82 days, Harp has been greeted regularly by an Anna’s hummingbird, a species native to the Pacific coast.
His encounter with the hummingbird is only the second recorded sighting in Illinois and has garnered attention in the birding world, attracting a crowd of spectators with cameras to view the rarity.
Harp has kept a log of the visitors, counting 166 spectators since the sighting was confirmed and shared with the birdwatching community. A couple from the United Kingdom visiting the U.S. was among the visitors.
“It’s gained a lot of attention,” Harp said. “Our yard is a certified wildlife habitat, and we’ve had migrating birds pass through before, but nothing like this.”
Harp said he’s not sure how the Anna’s hummingbird ended up 1,800 miles from its home and found his sugar water feeder, but the small bird was fortunate that Harp is always prepared for vagrants. He first spotted the hummingbird Oct. 17 and received an identification of its species Oct. 26.
“We keep our feeder filled until the second week of November in case we get any late migratory birds,” Harp said.
Harp has named his visitor Frost.
The Princeton resident is hopeful the hummingbird, a first-year male, will survive the Illinois winter. Harp keeps a heat lamp on his feeder to ensure the sugar water doesn’t freeze. The hummingbird also enters into a hibernating-like state called torpor during the evenings to conserve energy and heat. Harp said the bird arrives just before sunrise, feeds and becomes full of energy.
Harp said there was another Anna’s hummingbird spotted in Columbus, Ohio, and he’s been in communication with the resident where that hummingbird is feeding to compare notes and share observations.
According to the National Audubon Society, “the Anna’s hummingbird is a permanent resident of the Pacific coast, staying through the winter in many areas where no other hummingbirds are present. It is more vocal than most hummingbirds. Males have a buzzy song, often given while perched. In recent decades, the species has expanded its range, probably helped along by flowers and feeders in suburban gardens; it now nests north to British Columbia and east to Arizona.”
“This has been a blessing in the middle of winter,” said Geraldine Woodlief, a Princeton resident familiar with the hummingbird’s story. “To have it visit for 82 days and to have cars lining up to come out here and see it, it’s been special.”
Harp, who has had Rufous hummingbirds and other broad-tailed birds visit his feeders, acknowledged the unique situation, but also understands the commitment ahead.
“It’s really been something special, but it comes with responsibility,” he said.
Each morning, before sunrise, the bird feeder will need to be ready.
Derek Barichello is the news editor for The Times in Ottawa and NewsTribune in La Salle, part of Shaw Local News Network, covering La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties. He covers local and breaking news in the areas of government, education, business and crime and courts, among others.

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The Princeton City Council weighed in Jan. 20 on a Bureau County Board item to house inmates from Cook County, with each council member saying they opposed the idea. (Jayce Eustice)
The Princeton City Council weighed in Jan. 20 on a Bureau County Board item to house inmates from Cook County, with each council member saying they opposed the idea.
Mayor Ray Mabry brought up to the council that the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office is considering housing up to 50 Cook County inmates at the jail in Princeton as a way to generate revenue and keep the jail fully functioning.
“I’ve had a number of residents approach me and say it’s not a good idea, and I don’t think it’s a good idea,” Mabry said. “I’ll say that in fairness to the County Board they’ve tabled this to the next meeting and I’ll be attending that meeting listening and learning.”
Council member Hector Gomez said he attended the Jan. 14 County Board meeting and he wasn’t concerned about the inmates, which he said would be secure in the jail, but any visitors who would come to Princeton to see the inmates.
Council members Jerry Neumann, Michael McCall and Martin Makransky said they spoke to residents not in favor of it, and added that they also were not in favor of the idea.
The discussions is scheduled to resume at a Bureau County Board committee meeting at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 5. The Bureau County Board sets policy for the jail. The Princeton City Council has no jurisdiction over it.
Sheriff Jim Reed recommended the board postpone final action to study the issue more closely – and to sift through social media feedback that he said was misguided and inaccurate.
Besides bringing in revenue, Reed said additional inmates would be welcome because the Bureau County Jail needs to be occupied and used lest it fall into disrepair. Similarly, the county has entered into food and service contracts and risks losing money by not keeping the daily census afloat.
Leasing overflow space to overcrowded jails is an arrangement that has worked for La Salle County. Jason Edgcomb, superintendent of La Salle County Jail, said intergovernmental agreements with other counties have generated needed revenue. Cook County alone brings in about $15,000 a month and the arrangement has not led to any issues, he said. If it were to enter into an agreement, Bureau County would receive $65 per day for each inmate it accepts.
Derek Barichello is the news editor for The Times in Ottawa and NewsTribune in La Salle, part of Shaw Local News Network, covering La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties. He covers local and breaking news in the areas of government, education, business and crime and courts, among others.

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Gov. JB Pritzker (left) announces a $3.6 million in investment in Arukah Institute of Healing on Jan. 7, 2025, in Normal, accompanied by Dr. Sarah Scruggs, founder & CEO of Arukah. (Photo provided by Cory Scott)
The Arukah Institute of Healing Inc., which serves Bureau, La Salle, Grundy, Marshall and Putnam counties, has been awarded $3.6 million as part of Gov. JB Pritzker’s $200 million statewide initiative to expand innovative health care services for underserved populations.
Arukah was one of only 13 recipients selected for this competitive grant through the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services and the Capital Development Board.
Pritzker announced the funding during a Jan. 7 news conference in Normal. He called the initiative a “first-of-its-kind collaboration” aimed at addressing root causes of health disparities, providing comprehensive care and strengthening health care infrastructure for underserved communities.
With this investment, Arukah will enhance its headquarters in Princeton while also expanding its reach with the purchase and development of a second location in Ottawa. This expansion reflects Arukah’s commitment to addressing the growing mental health and substance-use treatment needs in the region.
“[It’s] a transformational investment,” said Sarah Scruggs, founder and CEO of Arukah. “This investment is transformational not just for Arukah but for the communities we serve. It affirms our mission to address mental health and substance-use challenges at their roots, providing holistic, comprehensive care where it is needed most.
“At Arukah, we believe that true healing comes from understanding and treating the whole person – mind, body and spirit – while also addressing the social and environmental factors that shape health. This funding allows us to expand access, create lasting impact, and bring healing to more individuals and families.
“We are deeply grateful for the support of Gov. Pritzker, HFS and the Capital Development Board. With this investment, we are not just building facilities – we are building stronger, healthier communities.”
Arukah’s expansion will provide critical services in mental health, substance-use treatment and community-based wellness programs, ensuring that more individuals have access to the care they need closer to home.
For more information, visit arukahinstitute.org.
Tom Collins covers criminal justice in La Salle County.

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Princeton firefighters respond to the scene of a semi crash on Interstate 80 on top of the U.S. 34 overpass on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in Princeton. The crash occurred in the eastbound lane shortly after 5 p.m. Illinois State Police also responded to the incident. Traffic was down to one lane for about an hour. (Scott Anderson)
Over 15 years covering news, sports and events in the Illinois Valley. Support my work with a digital subscription.

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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.
Derek Barichello is the news editor for The Times in Ottawa and NewsTribune in La Salle, part of Shaw Local News Network, covering La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties. He covers local and breaking news in the areas of government, education, business and crime and courts, among others.

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Princeton Police Chief Tom Kammerer of Princeton (center, standing) has announced his candidacy for Bureau County Sheriff. Pictured with Kammerer are (seated, from left) daughter Katie and wife Betsy (holding Lou the Aussie), daughter Maddy (holding Hazel) and (rear, from left) sons Lucas, Tom and Evan. (Photo provided by Beth Welbers)
Princeton Police Chief Tom Kammerer of Princeton announced his intention to run for Bureau County sheriff.
“I am a police officer, not a politician” says Kammerer, who seeks the Republican nomination. “I want those who are casting their vote for this office to have a chance to interview me and know who they are voting for.
“Until this election is over, I am still the chief of police for the City of Princeton. Any campaigning efforts for this office will be conducted in the evening hours or on weekends.”
Kammerer is supported in this decision by his wife of 35 years, Betsy, who owns and operates Miss Betsy’s Donut Shop in Princeton, and their four children. The Kammerer family has been active in the community since moving seven years ago to Princeton from Oswego, where Tom retired as commander of the Naperville Police Department.
“Law enforcement is something that you do with your community, not to it,” said Kammerer, a member of the boards of Second Story and the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotics Team and a former member of the Freedom House board.
He participates in other groups including Rotary, Dementia Friendly Princeton, OSF St. Clare Community Council, Illinois Valley Chiefs of Police, Homestead Steering Committee, Princeton Homelessness Coalition, Emergency Telephone System Board (ETSB), and Community Emergency Services and Support Act (CESSA) regional committee.
He is also employed part-time at the Arukah Institute of Healing where he led the development of two grant-funded, community programs: Vigilant, a peer support resource for first responders, and the Living Room, a walk-in behavioral health crisis and resource hub. Both provide unprecedented access and proper care to meet longstanding community needs.
He holds a Bachelor’s in Law Enforcement Administration from Western Illinois University and a Masters in Public Safety Administration from Lewis University/University of Virginia. Further training includes being a class supervisor at the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy, basic training at the Illinois State Police Training Academy, 10 weeks of executive leadership training at the FBI National Training Academy at Quantico, Medical/Legal Death Investigation at St. Louis University, Supervision of Police Personnel at Northwestern University, three weeks of executive leadership training at the Senior Management Institute for Policing at Boston University, and thousands more hours of additional training spanning his career.
For community, Kammerer is passionate about furthering recovery-oriented education and employment, helping people getting back on their feet through training, finding, and maintaining employment. Kammerer’s department were also forerunners in working with Arukah’s mobile crisis/988 team, which helped residents quickly access substance use or mental health support in crisis after a 911 call. “This partnership has changed our ability to get folks immediately to the care that can treat the source, rather than putting a bandaid on the situation.”
Many of the programs established at the Princeton Police Department, such as Dementia Friendly Princeton, Autism Safety Project and various mental health and substance use efforts, are scalable and can be expanded in the entire county.
“I believe that every person in our community has value and dignity, and that part of our job at the county will be to listen and help them find their way. We will do this by working closely with the good efforts of our community partners. Collaborative effort is how the county can help ensure Bureau residents are safe, productive and enjoy a high quality of life,” says Kammerer.
“Our deputies will be trained in Crisis Intervention Training,” he said, “so they can properly deescalate and facilitate resource connection across Bureau’s 869 square miles which will reduce repeat calls for service.”
“Should I be elected, I will appoint John Simonton to be my Chief Deputy. John has extensive experience in policing, including two terms as the Lee County Sheriff. He currently teaches at the Sauk Valley Community College Police Academy and has unending enthusiasm for mentoring and teaching. Between us, we have nearly 70 years of experience, much of it in leadership. Our intention will be to grow the next generation of leaders at the Bureau County Sheriff’s Department.”
Tom Collins covers criminal justice in La Salle County.

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Princeton police officers Kelsey Kowalski (left) and Alejandro Jaramillo were honored Tuesday, March 4, 2025, during the Princeton City Council meeting. (Derek Barichello)
Facing a life-and-death situation with a female who was found unresponsive and unconscious, Princeton police officers Kelsey Kowalski and Alejandro Jaramillo acted without hesitation to perform life-saving measures.
For their quick and decisive actions, the duo was honored Tuesday with live-saving awards from the Princeton Police Department. Police Chief Tom Kammerer presented the awards to open the Princeton City Council meeting.
Kammerer said a woman with suicidal ideations who also had taken an unknown pill had been traveling to Princeton. Kowalski located the vehicle in the Walmart parking lot, Kammerer said.
“On approaching the vehicle, Officer Kowalski attempted to make contact with a female that was unresponsive, unconscious and had shallow breathing,” Kammerer said.
Kowalski requested EMS. Realizing the vehicle was locked, Kowalski used her window-breaking tool on the passenger side window to gain entry and administer first aid. Once entrance was gained Kowalski and Jaramillo were able to remove the woman from the vehicle.
The officers began life-saving measures, including the usage of three doses of Narcan before EMS arrived.
“Because of the quick and decisive action of officer Kowalski and Jaramillo, the female survived and was transported to the hospital,” Kammerer said.
The police officers received applause.
“As a council, we’re so proud of you,” Mayor Ray Mabry said.
Derek Barichello is the news editor for The Times in Ottawa and NewsTribune in La Salle, part of Shaw Local News Network, covering La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties. He covers local and breaking news in the areas of government, education, business and crime and courts, among others.

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Illinios State Police said Tuesday they are investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash on Route 29, about 1 mile west of Route 89, near Spring Valley.
The crash occurred at about 10:58 p.m. Monday. The roadway was closed during the investigation and was open at about 3 a.m. Tuesday.
The investigation is active and the Illinois State Police did not release any further information.
Derek Barichello is the news editor for The Times in Ottawa and NewsTribune in La Salle, part of Shaw Local News Network, covering La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties. He covers local and breaking news in the areas of government, education, business and crime and courts, among others.

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Don Saletzki (Photo provided by Don Saletzki)
Name: Don Saletzki
What office are you seeking?: Princeton City Council
Age: 62
Occupation and employer: Research and development manager, Flight Manufacturing Corp.
Education: Princeton High School, IVCC
Community Involvement: Organizer of the Homestead Festival car show since 2001
Family: Married with two adult children
I was born and raised in Princeton. As a native I have gained a great knowledge of our town and its rich history. My grandfather was a downtown Spurgeons manager. Our families roots and devotion to the town run deep, I want to be a part of Princeton’s continued success.
I would like to focus on several blighted properties, look at all aspects for a possible resolution and ideally have a positive outcome for one that is historic. With a good understanding of the ADA I have a desire to ensure we are meeting the needs of these individuals with future projects.
Our location and proximity to the interstate yield us an advantage as does a municipal power plant. We need to give consideration to the feasibility of future development in the interstate area. Short term we need to heavily promote city owned lots that are shovel ready with utilities in the Tech park. We need to identify available buildings and businesses that would be attractive for Immedient occupancy, and promote based on what is uniquely different in Princeton that sets us apart from other locations.
We are fortunate for a town this size we have a municipal power plant, a city staffed line crew that in any weather can usually get you power back on line in under 30 minutes. Well staffed and equipped police, fire, ambulance, street crews and an up-to-date water plant.
I applaud the volunteers of the warming center. It is complex, the solution is to get to the heart of the root cause of homelessness, be it mental instability or addictions the nonprofits as well as Arukah have staff and resources to get help to those individuals that truly want positive change. The city should not be involved in some type of low barrier housing solution that would only enable continuing behavior.
Many nonprofits have grant writers on staff that secure state and federal funding this of course is dependent on the type of nonprofit we are referring to. The city should not play a large role, it would be case by case, but keep in mind this is money that comes at the expense of city services. We are elected as representatives of the taxpayers, we should be good stewards of their money
Tourism and chamber have both done well at promoting Princeton favorably. Many of us go to a town for the first time and our first impression is what sticks with us. We must always be sure we are conveying a positive look, we have aspects after daylight that could be improved with lighting to look more inviting, this is easily rectified. We must look at things as if it was our first time as this is how new visitors see it.
Derek Barichello is the news editor for The Times in Ottawa and NewsTribune in La Salle, part of Shaw Local News Network, covering La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties. He covers local and breaking news in the areas of government, education, business and crime and courts, among others.

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As the owners of A Second Chance Liquidation, Ashley and Mike Taylor have embraced ways to support and give back to the Princeton community. (Scott Anderson)
As the owners of A Second Chance Liquidation, Ashley and Mike Taylor have embraced ways to support and give back to the Princeton community.
When the former Grandma Rosie’s Sweet Treats, 920 W. Peru St., Princeton, was listed for sale, Ashley saw a similar opportunity.
“My liquidation business helps my community and families and hearing feedback about that fills my heart, and my goal is to have the same thing for the ice cream (business),” she said.
Taylor’s vision for Faith’s Fabulous Treats, which opens Tuesday, is affordable food and treats in a family-friendly atmosphere.
“We want to make meals for a family to come in and enjoy a night on the town and still be affordable,” she said.
The menu will include combo baskets with a choice of tenderloins, burgers, gyros, barbecue, grilled pork chop, brat patty, pulled pork, grilled cheese or Italian beef with fries, cole slaw, and a drink. The kids combo is a hot dog, burger, corn dog, or grilled cheese, with chips, a small ice cream cone, and a small drink. The menu also includes appetizers and fried sweets, such as funnel cake, fried oreo, fried Snicker, and fried Milky Way. Other sweets treats are slushies, shakes, cones, and sundaes, including specialty sundaes. Taylor also added a Go Team Go menu, which is Princeton Tigers-themed desserts, which feature blue raspberry treats to match the high school’s colors.
The business is named after the owners’ miracle baby, Faith Neveah, who will be 1 year old in June.
“I instantly knew it was something I wanted to do for my daughter and hopefully it will be thriving so one day I can hand it down to her,” Ashley said.
In addition to Faith’s and A Second Chance Liquidation, The Taylors also own other businesses in Princeton and Ottawa.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Delivery is available by calling 815-719-6710.
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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