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La Salle County Courthouse (Derek Barichello – dbarichello@shawmedia.com)
A driver was charged Tuesday in connection with a crash that killed a Princeton man on Thanksgiving weekend near Ottawa. He was using a handheld cellphone, prosecutors allege.
Daniel P. Olson, 56, of Manville was charged Tuesday in La Salle County Circuit Court with four charges – two felonies and two misdemeanors – all filed after an investigation into the Nov. 29 crash north of Ottawa that killed David A. Camp.
Olson’s controlling charge is reckless homicide, a Class 3 felony carrying two to five years in prison with the possibility of probation, but it is subject to the state Truth in Sentencing Act requiring certain felons to serve at least 85% of their prison time.
Olson also is charged with aggravated use of a communications device (resulting in a death), a Class 4 felony carrying one to three years in prison. Court records specifically allege that Olson accessed a website, calling it “a proximate cause” of the fatal crash.
That is believed to be the first such charge filed in La Salle County. The charge is relatively new, on the books since 2021, and the La Salle County State’s Attorney’s Office said Wednesday that this likely is precedent-setting, at least for the county, but declined additional comment on a pending case.
Additionally, Olson is charged with two counts of aggravated use of a communications device (resulting in bodily harm), both misdemeanors carrying up to a year in jail, for injuries to two other occupants in the Camp vehicle. Both survived.
Ottawa defense attorney Darrell Seigler entered his appearance Wednesday on Olson’s behalf. Seigler declined to comment.
Olson is scheduled to appear July 31 in La Salle County Circuit Court. He is not in custody, and there is no pending motion to have him detained. Neither of Olson’s felony charges is a detainable offense as defined by the SAFE-T Act, which gives all suspects a presumption of pretrial release.
Details of the crash remain pending. The two-vehicle collision occurred the Friday after Thanksgiving at Route 23 and North 32nd Road, a T-intersection north of Ottawa. Camp, 57, was subsequently identified as the person who died.
Although almost 230 days have elapsed between the incident and the filing of charges, that is a comparatively rapid turnaround. Accident reconstructions can take weeks or months, particularly when resulting in a fatality, and forensic IT investigators would need additional time to produce admissible evidence showing use of a handheld device.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The Down on Main Summer Street Concert Series in Princeton is set to return this summer. (Scott Anderson)
The Down on Main Summer Street Concert Series in Princeton is set to return this summer.
The lineup of bands was announced April 10. The street will be closed farther south to allow space for construction at the intersection of Main and Peru streets.
Friday, June 20: Mae Estes
Friday, July 18: The Dave Matthews Tribute Band
Friday, Aug. 8: Face 2 Face, the Elton John and Billy Joel Tribute Show
Thursday, Sept. 4: Electric Avenue
Saturday, Oct. 18: Heidelberg German Band for Oktoberfest
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.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The Illinois Municipal Electric Agency has announced the completion of its solar project at Peggy Lane and Epperson Road in Princeton. The one-megawatt solar site is now operational and generating electricity. (Photo provided by Illinois Municipal Electric Agency)
The Illinois Municipal Electric Agency has announced the completion of its solar project in Princeton. The one-megawatt solar site is now operational and generating electricity.
The project, located on city property at Peggy Lane and Epperson Road, is a single-axis tracking solar energy generation facility that is expected to produce 1781 megawatt hours in its first year of production.
For more information on this project, visit imea.org.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Jason Donahue is honored with a Quilt of Valor on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, by volunteers Martha Petelli and Betty Baznik as Terry Johnson speaks of his service. (Derek Barichello)
Eight veterans were awarded Quilts of Valor on Wednesday from the Illinois Valley chapter following a Starved Rock Country Community Foundation meeting in La Salle.
The foundation sponsored recommendations for each of the recipients – Jason Donahue of Mendota, Joshua Noonan of Ottawa, Jim Ebens of Mendota, Mark Pohl of Mendota, Tom Troutman of Mendota, Alex Cruz of Normal, Kelsy Cruz of Normal and Tonya Willey of Ottawa.
Part of a nationwide campaign started by Catherine Roberts, Illinois Valley Quilts of Valor has awarded more than 800 quilts since 2017.
“We are vested in letting our veterans know, we know freedom isn’t free,” said Terry Johnson, group leader of the Illinois Valley Quilts of Valor. “We want to thank you for your service.”
The quilt’s contain a three-part message from the hearts of their creators, Johnson said. The messages are of thanks for the veteran’s service, to acknowledge freedom isn’t free and to offer comfort when family and friends may not always be around, but are always present in their spirit.
“There are tears and memories stitched in every quilt,” Johnson said.
The recipients received their quilts Wednesday in front of family and friends, as well as members of the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation board of directors. Quilts of Valor volunteers Martha Petelli of La Salle and Betty Baznik of Peru helped distribute the quilts during the ceremony.
Donahue served in the Navy from 1989 to 1995 as a petty officer 2nd Class. Donahue served as an electronics technician. He received the Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Action Medal and Kuwait Liberation Medal for his service.
Noonan, a La Salle County Sheriff’s Office detective in the criminal investigation unit, and resident of Ottawa, served in the Army from October 2007 to March 2012 as a sergeant E5. He served in the Airborne Infantry Regiment and Global Response Force, a rapid deployment force designed to respond to unforeseen or unplanned operations worldwide, primarily composed of the 82nd Airborne Division and other joint military assets. Noonan was deployed to Haiti in 2010 following the earthquake that killed 300,000 people, deployed to Iraq in 2011 and completed basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He received the Expert Infantryman Badge, Iraq Campaign Medal with campaign star, Army Commendation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Parachutist Badge. Noonan also is a member of the sheriff’s office’s SWAT team.
Ebens served in the Army from 1969 to 1970 as a sergeant. He was deployed to Vietnam and served as a cook. He received the Vietnam Service Medal and Good Conduct.
Pohl served in the Navy from 1987 to 1996 as a 2nd Class Petty Officer as a radioman. He received the National Defense, Sea Service, Good Conduct, Southwest Asia Medal and Meritorious Unit Medal.
Troutman served in the Army from 1968 to 1970 as a sergeant and Vietnam Mortar Operator. He received the Vietnam Service Medal, Purple Heart and Combat Infantry.
Alex Cruz served in the Marines from 2018 to 2022 as an E4 corporal in Camp Pendleton and Okinawa, Japan, Okinawa, serving as an artillery crew member. He received the Meritorious Mast Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Certificate of Commendation.
Kelsy Cruz served in the Marines from 2019 to 2023 as an E-4 corporal in Camp Pendleton and spent six months in Okinawa, Japan. She received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.
Willey served in the Army from November 1994 to November 2002. Willey was stationed at 85th Division Sheridan/Arlington Heights and Fort Cavasos, Texas. Willey received an Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Army Service ribbon. Willey was an Army bandsman.
To nominate a veteran for a Quilt of Valor, go to qovf.org and fill out the form.
(From left) Veterans Tom Troutman, Mark Pohl, Joshua Noonan, Tonya Willey, Kelsy Cruz, Alex Cruz, Jason Donahue and Jim Ebus were honored with Quilts of Valor on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, at a ceremony in La Salle conducted by the Illinois Valley Quilts of Valor with Starved Rock Country Community Foundation sponsoring the nominations. (Derek Barichello)
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Princeton High School (Derek Barichello)
Tiny Tigers Preschool is accepting applications for the 2025-26 school year as it begins its 35th year.
The preschool is part of the Child Care Occupations class at Princeton High School. Juniors and seniors enrolled in the class gain hands-on experience by planning and leading developmentally appropriate activities for preschoolers under the supervision of instructor Jennifer Wagner.
Sessions run from early November through mid-May and are held from 8:05 to 10:35 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Children may attend on a flexible schedule. The cost is $2 per day.
Applications are accepted throughout the school year after a child turns 3 and until they enter kindergarten. Tiny Tigers follows the Princeton High School calendar for holidays and vacations.
Applications are available at the Princeton High School main office or by emailing jennifer.wagner@phs-il.org. For more information, call Wagner at 815-875-3308, ext. 154.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Bureau County Metro Center – Princeton Park District’s Alexander Pool is Open for Summer!
Excitement is in the air as the Princeton Park District has opened its Alexander Pool for the summer! Our team has been hard at work making significant improvements to ensure a fantastic experience for all of our visitors. The most noticeable upgrade is the brand new concrete around the entire pool deck, providing a fresh, safe, and smooth surface for everyone to enjoy.
In addition to the new concrete, we are thrilled to announce the installation of a small slide in the shallow end of the pool, specifically designed for our youngest guests. This new feature promises endless fun and excitement for the kiddos, making Alexander Pool the perfect destination for families looking to cool off and enjoy the summer sun.
Summer swimming offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. Swimming is an excellent full-body workout that helps improve cardiovascular health, build strength, and increase flexibility. It’s also a great way to relieve stress and enjoy social interaction in a relaxed setting. For children, swimming can help develop motor skills and encourage a lifelong love of physical activity.
For those planning to visit frequently, we offer several membership options to suit your needs. Here’s a quick overview of our pricing:
Whether you’re looking to swim laps, relax by the poolside, or let the kids enjoy the new slide, our membership options offer a convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy all that Alexander Pool has to offer.
The Princeton Park District team is excited to welcome you and ensure a memorable and enjoyable summer at Alexander Pool. Don’t miss out on the fun – come celebrate the start of the swimming season with us!
For more information and to purchase memberships, visit our website or contact the Princeton Park District office. We look forward to seeing you at the pool!
Bureau County Metro Center
837 Park Ave W
Princeton, IL 61356
Ph: 815-872-0840
www.princetonparkdistrict.org
Bureau County Metro Center
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Preston R. Dunning (Photo provided by La Salle County Jail)
Drug agents said they seized a pair of 9 mm pistols, 34 grams (.07 pounds) of purported cocaine and 151 grams of hallucinogenic mushrooms. The man charged in connection with the seizure was granted release from the La Salle County Jail – for now, anyway.
Preston R. Dunning, 25, of Ottawa appeared Tuesday in La Salle County Circuit Court and was granted pretrial release even though one of his charges is a Class X felony carrying a sentence of up to 30 years in prison with no possibility of probation.
Under the SAFE-T Act, however, all defendants have a presumption of pretrial release. Class X felony suspects are thus eligible for release.
According to court records, the guns and drugs were seized in a March 23 drug raid of Dunning’s residence. The Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotics Team seized a volume of drugs “indicative of an individual’s intent to distribute.” The handguns “were test-fired and found to be operable.”
The La Salle County State’s Attorney’s Office did not comment directly on the facts of the case, citing Illinois Supreme Court rules that the prohibit law enforcement from commenting on active investigations.
However, First Assistant La Salle County State’s Attorney Jason Goode said the case remains under review and additional charges may be forthcoming. Detention could be revisited later.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Bureau County Metro Center – BCMC Summer Day Camp Kicks Off May 29!
With summer just around the corner, the Bureau County Metro Center is excited to announce the return of its Summer Day Camp, starting Thursday, May 29. Running weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., this engaging and active program is open to children ages 5 to 12 and is designed to make every summer day full of fun, creativity, and friendship.
The Day Camp is a fantastic way for kids to stay active and social during the summer months. Each day, experienced and energetic counselors guide children through a variety of activities, including arts and crafts, gym games, park outings, swimming, snacks, movies, and themed events. These daily activities promote teamwork, creativity, and a chance to make new friends in a safe, structured environment.
Parents are encouraged to stop by the Metro Center to register their child, fill out necessary paperwork, and pick up the parent handbook, which outlines the daily schedule and other important information.Pre-registration is required before attending any camp day, ensuring that every child is properly accounted for and that staff can prepare accordingly.
The Camp offers flexible attendance options with affordable daily pricing: $26 per day for BCMC members, $28 for Princeton residents, and $30 for non-residents. This allows families to plan around their schedules while providing a consistent, high-quality experience for their children.
BCMC’s Summer Day Camp is more than child care—it’s a summer adventure that encourages kids to try new things, stay active, and enjoy the season to the fullest. Whether attending for a few days or all summer long, your children are sure to create lasting memories. For more information or to get signed up, visit the Metro Center today!
For more information, please contact:
Bureau County Metro Center
837 Park Ave W
Princeton, IL 61356
Ph: 815-872-0840
www.princetonparkdistrict.org
Bureau County Metro Center
[Sponsored] Bureau County Metro Center – Princeton Park District
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Bureau County State’s Attorney Tom Briddick will not run for election in 2024. Briddick, who was appointed to the office in August 2022, said in a statement released Monday, Nov. 27, 2023, he plans to pursue other opportunities. (Scott Anderson – sanderson@shawmedia.com)
Bureau County State’s Attorney Tom Briddick will not run for election in 2024.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as both assistant state’s attorney and currently the state’s attorney in Bureau County and to serve the residents of Bureau County,” Briddick said in a Monday statement. “While I will be finishing out my term in office, I have decided not to seek election in 2024 as I wish to pursue other opportunities.”
Briddick, who was appointed in August 2022, said he notified his staff and colleagues of his decision a month and a half ago.
“I want to thank the Bureau County Board for appointing me as state’s attorney,” Briddick said. “It has been amazing meeting and working with so many talented and hard-working individuals here in Bureau County.”
One declared candidate has emerged. Princeton attorney Bradley Popurella announced last week that he is running for state’s attorney. Popurella has owned and operated Popurella Law Office in Princeton since 2016 and serves as the first assistant public defender for Bureau County, a role he held since 2014.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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The next show on the Festival 56 in Princeton docket is “Urinetown the Musical.” (Derek Barichello)
The next show on the Festival 56 in Princeton docket is “Urinetown the Musical.”
Don’t let the title of this show deter you, the theater said. As one of the characters in the show Little Sally said to Officer Lockstock, “How about a bad title or subject matter? That could make a bad show.”
This show deals with timeless topics: politics, greed, human rights, responsibility and the right to be free. This show not only will feature some great music but also the young actors from Learning Stage’s Camp 56. They will be on board with this zany production.
The show will run at 7:30 p.m. July 13, 16, 17, 18, 19 and at 2 p.m. July 14, 20 and 21 at the Grace Theater, 316 S. Main St.
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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