Category: Uncategorized

Aldi eyes mid-November opening in Princeton – Shaw Local

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Excavators clear a lot for a future Aldi store on the corner of North Main Street and Backbone Road on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Princeton. Aldi broke ground last week. The timeline is to have the store open by Thanksgiving this year. (Scott Anderson)
The Aldi sign at Backbone Road and Main Street in Princeton has caught the attention of residents.
City Manager Theresa Wittenauer said work is underway on the new grocery store at the site of the former Midland Bank, with more businesses in the works to be added to the development.
Wittenauer said Aldi is looking to complete construction and open in mid-November.
“You might be able to do some Thanksgiving shopping there,” Wittenauer said during Monday’s Princeton City Council meeting.
Mayor Ray Mabry said the grocery store is being built with no economic incentives from the city. He told those in attendance that the city supports its existing businesses while also encouraging new business developments.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Estate of Jean Lawton donates $80,000 to Princeton Public Library – Shaw Local

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The Princeton Public Library announced a donation of $80,000 from the estate of Jean Lawton, which will significantly enhance the library’s educational programs, community outreach efforts and infrastructure improvements. (Shaw File photo)
The Princeton Public Library announced a donation of $80,000 from the estate of Jean Lawton, which will significantly enhance the library’s educational programs, community outreach efforts and infrastructure improvements.
Lawton grew up in Princeton and will be remembered by many longtime Princeton residents. She was a lifetime reader who looked back fondly on trips with her mother to Matson Public Library in childhood, who later in life expanded her reading horizons through membership in a book discussion group, and who occasionally gave iPhone photography workshops at the Princeton Public Library on return visits to her hometown.
The Princeton Public Library is committed to providing resources and programs that cater to the diverse needs of its community. In addition to a robust collection of print materials, the library offers DVDs, e-books, audiobooks, wifi and public computers, among other items. The library building houses spaces for community programs, meetings and research, along with its own cafe, which welcomes visitors six days a week from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“We are incredibly grateful for this generous bequest,” said Director Julie Wayland. “This donation will allow us to expand services, reach more people, and improve our facilities. It is a remarkable contribution that will have a lasting impact on our community.”
The funds will be allocated toward developing new multigenerational initiatives, enhancing our outreach programs, and making necessary upgrades to the library’s facilities, ensuring it continues to serve as a vital community resource.
For more information about the Princeton Public Library and how you can support its mission, visit the website www.princetonpl.org.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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‘People are fearful of losing our democracy,’ protesters rally against Trump administration in Princeton – Shaw Local

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Protesters gathered Saturday and lined the 100 block of North Main Street in Princeton to express their opposition to current U.S. foreign policy, domestic policy and the separation of powers being tested by the White House. (Tom Collins)
No kings. Racial justice. Democracy. Resist. Hands off.
About 40 protesters gathered Saturday and lined the 100 block of North Main Street in Princeton to express their opposition to current U.S. foreign policy, domestic policy and the separation of powers being tested by the White House.
Saturday’s demonstration was the fourth one organized by the Bureau County Democratic Party, which to date had aligned its local demonstrations with national protests.
“Mostly people are fearful of losing our democracy,” said Rick Wilkin, party chairman. “People are coming out to say, ‘I am not willing to go quietly into the night and have democracy ripped out from underneath me.’”
Tom Jackson of Princeton organized the protests and prepared food to fortify the protesters before they line the streets.
“I think we’ve seen a significant increase in participation and interest with our organization and looking for some change within the county and nationally, particularly right now,” Jackson said.
Deb Swenson of Princeton said she thinks opinion may be shifting in their favor, noting an increase in the number of passersby who’ve demonstrated support for the protesters.
“It’s been surprisingly positive,” Swenson said. “We’ve mostly had people honking or giving thumbs up.”
While the signage raised indicated disparate objections – policy toward Ukraine versus domestic policy, for example – Mary Ann Smith of Princeton said the group is united in its belief the current administration has lost sight of its mission to serve the greater good.
“We have to turn our country around from the MAGA and get back to our roots, which are compassionate and logical,” Smith said. “We have a government that functions to serve the people and not to serve one person.”
More dates are anticipated, though dates are pending.
 
 
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Firearms, ammunition, drugs seized in South Streator arrests – Shaw Local

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Sebastian Carlile, 35, of Streator, was arrested Jan. 17, on multiple felony charges, including armed habitual criminal and methamphetamine delivery. He is currently on parole. (Photo Provided By Livingston County Sheriffs Office)
The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office assisted by several local and state agencies seized multiple firearms, a large amount of ammunition and illegal drugs on Friday at a residence on South Carr Street in South Streator, following complaints from local residents.
The investigation led to the arrest of two Streator residents with multiple felony charges related to firearms and controlled substances.
Sebastian Carlile, 35, of Streator faces multiple charges including armed habitual criminal, methamphetamine delivery (15-100 grams), felon in possession of firearms (three counts), possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number and possession of a controlled substance.
Annette Essman, 30, of Streator also faces charges of methamphetamine delivery (15-100 grams), felon in possession of firearms (three counts), possession of methamphetamine (5-15 grams), possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number, and possession of a controlled substance.
Carlile is on parole and Essman is on pre-trial release for related charges.
The agencies who assisted in the operation was the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Response Team, Pontiac Police Department, Illinois State Police Air Operations, Streator Police Department, Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotics Team, V-COM and the Livingston County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Annette Essman, 30, of Streator, was arrested Jan. 17, on multiple felony charges, including methamphetamine delivery and felon in possession of firearms. She is on pre-trial release for related charges. (Photo Provided By Livingston County Sheriffs Office)
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Princeton man gives Coca-Cola presentation at collectors club meeting – Shaw Local

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Mr. Coca-Cola Dick Volker of Princeton recently presented The History of Coca-Cola to more than 550 Coca-Cola Collectors Club members from all over the world at the 50th Anniversary of the organization during a weeklong event at the Isle Casino Hotel in Bettendorf, Iowa. (Photo provided by Loretta Volker)
Mr. Coca-Cola Dick Volker of Princeton recently presented The History of Coca-Cola to more than 550 Coca-Cola Collectors Club members from all over the world at the 50th Anniversary of the organization during a weeklong event at the Isle Casino Hotel in Bettendorf, Iowa.
The members enjoyed a relaxing cruise aboard the Celebration Belle paddlewheel boat on which a live band entertained visitors over a three-course prime rib dinner.
The collectors sold and swapped hundreds of Coke memorabilia during the five-day meeting. Next year the convention will be in Lexington, Kentucky.
Volker has been presenting The History of Coca-Cola to retirement homes, public libraries, historical organizations and chambers of commerce throughout Illinois and Iowa for the past eight years.
Mr. Coca-Cola Dick Volker of Princeton recently presented The History of Coca-Cola to more than 550 Coca-Cola Collectors Club members from all over the world at the 50th Anniversary of the organization during a weeklong event at the Isle Casino Hotel in Bettendorf, Iowa. (Photo provided by Loretta Volker)
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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Flags of Freedom’s 20th anniversary recognized by General Assembly – Shaw Local

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Flags of Freedom Committee members present a star from a former flag Monday, April 7, 2025, to the city of Princeton at the Princeton City Council meeting. (Derek Barichello)
The Flags of Freedom in Princeton held a fundraiser Saturday to celebrate its 20th anniversary and keep the flags flying at the Interstate 80 exits to the city.
Along with Saturday’s celebration, state Rep. Ryan Spain, R-Peoria, recognized the group’s success and congratulated the city, presenting Resolution 201 to the General Assembly in Springfield.
Rodney Johnson, chairman of the Flags of Freedom Committee, read the resolution Monday to the Princeton City Council and Tom Root presented one of the stars from a former flag in a display case to the city. Mayor Ray Mabry said it will hang in City Hall.
“The Flags of Freedom Committee is made up not just of veterans, but a lot of people who are not veterans and they are serving every day on this committee,” Mabry said. “And they’re kicking butt and taking names.”
The Flags of Freedom was co-founded by Jack Scott and Harry Burrows with the original committee established in 2004 to get the project off the ground. Former Princeton Police Chief Tom Root, who was a noncommissioned officer in the U.S. Army, co-chaired the first committee.
The Flags of Freedom display, which was completed in 2005, features four flagpoles at each corner of Exit 56, the intersection of Route 26 and the cross-country interstate. The flags are a tribute to the men and women who have served, are currently serving and have served in the U.S. military.
Rodney Johnson (left), chairman of the Flags of Freedom Committee, read the resolution Monday, April 8, 2025, to the Princeton City Council and Tom Root presented one of the stars from a former flag in a display case to the city. (Derek Barichello)
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Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network

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