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Local News

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IVCH offers CPR class
8/31/10

If you’ve always wanted to learn CPR, now is your chance. A public Heartsaver CPR class is being offered on Tuesday, September 14th. The class will be held at 1 pm at the YMCA in Peru. Advance registration and prepayment of $30 is required. You can register by calling 815-780-3337 or by going online at ivch.org.

Interstate 55 to undergo upgrade
8/30/10

An Interstate 55 interchange near Joliet is to undergo a $69 million upgrade. Governor Quinn says the enhancement will create about 900 construction jobs and make the road safer for motorists. State Senator A.J. Wilhemi says the new interchange will increase the area's viability as a transportation hub for the entire country. The project is part of the "Illinois Jobs Now!" capital construction program. Officials expect the work to be completed by the fall of 2012.

Marshall County boy dies in pitbull attack
8/29/10

A seven-year old boy has been fatally attacked by a pack of dogs on farm property outside Varna. The Marshall County Sheriffs department says family members found Jason T. Walter lying in the driveway of the Eric Shanklin farm. He was pronounced dead by the Marshall county coroner shortly after. Three pit bulls and a mixed breed dog owned by other residents of the property were captured and taken to the county vet clinic to be euthanized. An investigation continues.

Motorcycle accident kills Neponset man
8/28/10

A Neponset man died in a motorcycle accident Friday night. The Bureau County Sheriff's Department says George Bates, 68, was pronounced dead at the scene near the intersection of Routes 6 and 34. An investigation continues.

Oglesby man drowns south of Bloomington
8/24/10

An Oglesby man has drowned in a lake south of Bloomington. Officials have identified the Clinton Lake weekend drowning victim as 58-year-old Robert Swarts. Conservation Police Officer Ray Wichus says Swarts fell off his boat around one o'clock Sunday afternoon. Wichus says the incident happened east of the Clinton Lake Marina, near the Route 10 cove. Sonar crews were called in to help locate Swartz's body, which was found about six hours later. Wichus says the victim was not wearing a life jacket.

Princeton jewelry store robbed
8/23/10

A Princeton business was robbed early Sunday morning. Bruce Jewelers had an unknown amount of merchandise stolen according to Princeton Police. The number of suspects is unknown…a window was broken and a trail of blood left behind. CrimeStoppers and the Princeton Police Department are offering a reward for information regarding the crime.

IVCC to host disc golf course grand opening
8/20/10

Area disc golf fans take notice. Illinois Valley Community College this week is hosting a grand opening of its nine-hole disc golf course just north of the campus’ baseball field. The free event is Thursday afternoon beginning at 1:30 and features contests and prizes with all ages and skill levels welcome. At 3:30, a best-shot event is planned for more advanced players. In disc golf, individual players throw a flying disc into a basket or at a target. IVCC math instructor Wes Black is course coordinator. For more information, call Black at (815) 326-9726.

Area businesses being warned of phone scam
8/18/10

The LaSalle County Health Department is warning businesses of a “health inspector impersonator” telephone scam. The scam is used to gain access to personal and detailed business information. The warning comes following notification by the State Department of Public Health, as well as nearby counties where the scam has taken place. The ploy involves people telephoning businesses and identifying themselves as “public health officials” working for the health department. They try to schedule a restaurant inspection and then ask detailed personal and business information. Director of Environmental Health Ted Pumo says they have not had any reports of the scam in LaSalle County yet, but want businesses to be ready just in case. More information is available by calling the health department at (815)-433-3366 or visiting their website at lasallecounty.org/hd.

Single vehicle accident in LaSalle County leaves 3 dead
8/16/10

Three people are dead and three others hospitalized after a single-vehicle accident in rural LaSalle County. According to the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Department, 49-year old James Black of Grand Ridge was driving a pickup truck at a high rate of speed in Farm Ridge Township Sunday night when he lost control of the vehicle and it struck a telephone pole and continued through an empty field before rolling several times and striking a house. The owner of the house was not at home at the time. Black and two passengers; 18-year old Robert Eccleston of Streator and 16-year old Brittany Burash of Grand Ridge were pronounced dead at the scene. Three other passengers; Cody Black and Adam Renner, both age 17, and 19-year old Anthony Schumacher, all from Streator were taken to Ottawa & Streator hospitals. An investigation into the crash continues.

Princeton father and daughter remain hospitalized from Tuesday's I-80 crashes
8/12/10

A father and daughter from Princeton remain hospitalized in Peoria, three days after being injured in the second of two major crashes on Interstate 80 between the Utica and Ottawa exits. According to District 17 State Police, at about 2:30 Tuesday afternoon, Thomas Bolin, 37, and Corren Bolin, 14, were waiting in traffic that was backed up due to a crash involving two semis that had happened about 20 minutes earlier. Their car was reportedly struck from behind by a semi driven by a Montpelier Ohio man. Both father and daughter were flown by helicopter to St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. One injury resulted from the first crash, but that person was treated and released at Ottawa Regional Hospital. No tickets have been issued in either accident, but state police say both crashes remain under investigation.

More details revealed from Tuesday’s pair of crashes on Interstate 80 between Utica and Ottawa
8/11/10

More details are being released about Tuesday afternoon’s pair of major crashes on Interstate 80 that shut down the eastbound lanes between Utica and Ottawa for hours and sent several people to area hospitals. According to District 17 State Police, in the first accident, 28-year old Karolis Bogusas of Elmhurst had his semi parked on the shoulder of the road when it was struck from behind by a semi driven by 38-year old Kevin Haeffner of Nebraska. Frozen meat from Bogusas’ trailer spilled onto the roadway, backing up traffic. Bogusas was not hurt. Haeffner was treated and released at Ottawa Regional Hospital.

As the eastbound traffic was backed up due to the accident, about a mile and a half to the west, a semi driven by 50-year old Rex Davis of Montpelier, Ohio struck several stopped vehicles before its trailer came to rest on top of one of the cars. That car’s driver and passenger were reportedly taken by helicopter to Peoria. While there has been no confirmation by authorities, one published report says the injured pair are a 37-year old Princeton man and his 13-year old daughter.

No tickets have been issued in either accident, but state police say both crashes are under investigation.

Pair of crashes shut down Interstate 80 near Utica
8/10/10

A pair of traffic crashes Tuesday afternoon shutdown the eastbound lane of Interstate 80 between the Utica and Ottawa exits. According to Illinois State Police Trooper Craig Graham, the first crash happened just after 2 o’clock when a semi struck another disabled semi that was stopped on the shoulder of I-80 at milepost 84. That caused eastbound traffic to backup, resulting in another crash involving an additional semi and several cars at milepost 83. One of those injured was life-flighted from the scene of the crash; one was taken to an Ottawa hospital and one to Illinois Valley Community Hospital in Peru. Traffic was backed up for several miles and IDOT re-routed vehicles to Route 6 while emergency officials tended to the scene. The names of those involved in the crashes have not been released.

Ottawa woman pleads guilty to St. Patrick's Day arson
8/9/10

The former top law enforcer in LaSalle County has a law-breaker in his family. Terri James, 42, the wife of former LaSalle County State’s Attorney Mike James, has pleaded guilty to arson and theft charges in a plea deal that stops a trial that would have gotten underway Monday. James will be sentenced next month. Prosecutors say they’ll recommend a sentence of no more than 14 years. James set fire to an Ottawa home on St. Patrick’s Day. Prosecutors also say she stole $100,000 from a church where she served as a financial officer. Mike James was the LaSalle County State’s Attorney from 1996 to 2000.

20 year old from Ohio crowned Bureau County Fair Queen
8/8/10

A soon-to-be Junior at Illinois State University is the new Bureau County Fair Queen. Leah Metcalf, 20, of Ohio was crowned Sunday night at the Bureau County Fairgrounds. Emcee Tommy Rose of WZOE made the announcement. Laura Brummel, 17, of Manlius is First Runner-Up and Jessica Walter, 18, of Seatonville is Second Runner-Up. Junior Miss honors go to Megan Foes, 14, of Mineral, while Taylor Wetzel, 6, of Princeton was crowned Little Miss Bureau County. The 155th Bureau County Fair runs August 25th through the 29th.

More awards presented at Bureau County Fair Queen Pageant
8/8/10

In addition to the royalty crowned, numerous other awards were presented at Sunday night's Bureau County Fair Queen Pageant. Queen Leah Metcalf also was named Miss Swimsuit, Best Speech, Best Evening Gown and Best Interview. Second Runner-Up Jessica Walter also took Miss Congeniality and Miss Photogenic. Rachael VanKerrebroeck, 17, of Mineral won People's Choice, a new award this year.

Junior Miss Megan Foes also won for Best Party Dress, Best Speech and Best Interview. First Runner-Up is Sierra Storm, 13, of Princeton and Second Runner-Up is Brianna Legner, 12, of Princeton. Taylor Daniel, 14, of Princeton won Miss Photogenic, Mackenzie Ott, 13, of Dalzell was named Miss Congeniality and Jaclynn Rapp, 12, of Princeton won the People's Choice award.

For Little Miss, Sierra Wierzbicki, 8, of Walnut is the First Runner-Up and Chelby Hall, 8, of Tiskilwa is Second Runner-Up. Valeria Burgin, 6, of Cherry is Little Miss Photogenic and Allison Morton, 7, of Princeton is the People's Choice award winner.

Wyoming Police Chief killed in Marshall County car crash
8/7/10

The Wyoming Police Chief was killed in a 2-vehicle wreck on Friday. William "Bill" Bauer, 36, was pronounced dead at the scene near the intersection of County Road 250 East and Camp Grove Road just before noon, according to Marshall County Coroner Dave Lenz. The crash happened about two miles east of Camp Grove. Police say the driver of a southbound car, Stacey Heinz, 32, of Wyoming, Illinois had stopped at the stop sign and proceeded through the intersection and apparently didn't see Bauer's car approaching from the west. Bauer's car struck Heinz' car, pushing it into a ditch, rolling one time. Heinz and two small children were taken to the hospital. Heinz was in good condition while the children were treated and released. Bauer was enroute to the Illinois Valley Crime Commission executive board's luncheon in Hennepin at the time of the crash. He was in his uniform, but he was not driving his squad car, Lenz said. The crash remains under investigation.

IVCH has a new doctor
8/6/10

A new obstetrician/gynecologist has joined the Illinois Valley Community Hospital medical staff. Dr. Shyrlena Bogard is in practice with Dr. Andrew Guzman and Dr. Denise Klemczak at the Women’s Health Care Center at IVCH. Originally from Tennessee, Bogard was the administrative chief resident at Eastern Virginia Medical School before joining IVCH. She received her medical degree from the Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Dr. Bogard’s undergraduate degree is from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago. She is also a graduate of the Chicago Area Health and Medical Careers program and the recipient of an Illinois Department of Public Health medical school scholarship.

City of Princeton switching its cellular phone service provider
8/3/10

The City of Princeton is switching its cellular phone service provider. At Monday’s City Council Meeting, the board voted to change from Sprint to Illinois Valley Cellular. The move will save as much as five-thousand dollars a year according to City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh. He says the money saved can go into other projects. Princeton’s Information Technology Manager recently left for a job in Chicago. In another cost-saving move, the council voted to contract his job out to Quentech Incorporated. The council also approved putting up stop signs at the intersection of Jones and West Long streets. A “coffee with the city manager” event will take place next Thursday evening at 6:30 at the Princeton Public Library. It’s a chance for citizens to meet with Fiegenschuh. If you can’t attend, he says you can also submit comments and questions on the city’s website at princeton-il.com.

Princeton Park Board members hold their meeting in an unusual place
8/2/10

It’s not often a board holds its meeting away from council chambers, but that’s just what the Princeton Park District Board did this week. The group normally gathers at the Bureau County Metro Center. But for Monday’s meeting, board members were given a bus tour of City County Park, Joe Myers Woods and Nature Preserve and Westside Ball Park. Executive Director Elaine Russell says taking the board members into the parks gives a new dimension to the board’s discussions and responsibilities. The group’s road show is not finished, as Park Board members will tour Alexander Park, including the sport court, shelter and Skate Park, on September 7th. The parks tour finishes up at Zearing Park for the September 20th meeting.

Hometown boat racer wins national championship on Lake DePue
8/1/10

DePue native Paul Bosnich III won the 250 cc Runabout on Saturday on Day 2 of racing in the APBA Pro Nationals boat racing on Lake DePue. Bosnich edged runner-up Rich Krier by two points, 827 to 825. Other winners from Saturday’s racing were David Verboort in the C Racing Runabout class, Chris Hellsten in the 350 Hydro, Justin Gibson in the C Racing Hydro and Jared Gryskiewicz in the 500 Runabout. The 175 Runabout Class was scratched due to only 2 boats qualifying for the race.

In Friday’s racing, national titles were won by Justin Gibson in the C Racing Hydro, John Peters in the OSY 400 Hydro, Colin Rucker in the K-PRO Hydro, Dominic Difebo in the 125 Runabout, James Nilson in the C Service Runabout, Sean McKean in the 500 Hydro, and 79-year old Ralph Donald in the 175 Hydro.

No serious injuries were reported through the first 2 days of racing, despite a wreck involving 3 boats Friday night and 2 racers being thrown from their boats Saturday.

Henry man found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity
7/31/10

A former Henry man was found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity this week. Marshall County State’s Attorney Paul Bauer says it was stipulated in court there was enough evidence to find James Pehm, 32, guilty of murdering his brother, Fred Pehm, 40. Bauer says the psychiatrist found Pehm was insane at the time of the murder. Pehm was charged with first-degree murder in June 2008 for shooting his brother five times at the family’s trailer in rural Henry. Pehm was also charged with attempted murder for trying to shoot another man, but the gun apparently jammed when he pulled the trigger. Pehm was found mentally unfit to stand trial a year ago and has been in custody ever since with the Department of Human Services in Alton. Bauer says the psychologist found Pehm suffers from psychosis and a number of other issues. A September court hearing will review Pehm’s mental status.

Princeton National Bancorp announces second quarter earnings
7/31/10

Princeton National Bancorp, parent company of Citizens First National Bank, announces a second quarter earnings available to common shareholders of 3-cents a share. President and CEO Tom Ogaard says there was improvement over the prior quarter. Oggard says they continue to improve the net interest margin which has helped provide reserves set aside for problem loans. Princeton National Bancorp reports non-interest income was $2 million for the second quarter, compared to $3.7 million in the second quarter last year. PNBC says the decline was largely due to impairment of mortgage servicing rights of $588,000 and a decrease of almost $500,000 in gains from the sale of available-for-sale securities.

Princeton apartment fire displaces family
7/30/10

An apartment fire at 721 Longhaven in Princeton remains under investigation. Thursday afternoon’s fire displaced a family from their home. Princeton Fire Chief John Petrakis says fire damage was contained to a bedroom closet on the first floor, but smoke damage was sustained on the first and second floors of the home. A home occupant was evaluated for possible smoke inhalation, but declined transport to the emergency room for further evaluation. Damage estimates for building and contents are $3,000.

Over 80 residents attend Manlius meeting on sewer project update
7/30/10

Manlius’ new wastewater treatment plant is 60% complete. Over 80 residents attended this week’s Manlius Village Board meeting to hear an update on the town’s sewer project. Village President Gene Menard says they anticipate tapping into the new sewer system within the next five to six weeks. He says it is the property owners’ responsibility to tap in from the property line to their home. He says the cost varies on the home, but for the average household it’s likely to costs $800. Grants are available and information will be mailed to residents. Manlius has always had septic tanks at individual homes.

Walnut Village President resigning
7/30/10

Walnut’s Village President of six-years is resigning at next month’s board meeting. Gary Brooks has recently taken on another role, in addition to owning a Walnut newspaper. Brooks says he told the village board he would stay through September if they needed time to find a replacement.

Car accident fire destroys teen's car
7/30/10

A 16-year old Wyanet girl walked away with minor injuries after her car caught fire early Thursday morning near Orchard View. The fire destroyed the vehicle – with nothing left of it and even melted the battery out of the bottom of the car. Bureau County Sheriff reports say the girl drove off the road distracted and hit a telephone poll. Ameren and Princeton Electric responded due to the downed lines near the car. No tickets were issued.

State asks for suit against Illinois Veterans Home in LaSalle to be dropped

The family of a man who died at the Illinois Veterans Home in LaSalle late last year says the home's employees shouldn't have let him have solid food. Howard E. Engler, 79, was on a restricted diet because he had trouble swallowing. He choked to death. The state is asking for the lawsuit to be dismissed. Its court documents say Engler himself is at least partly to blame, because he should have known better than to try to eat food he couldn't swallow. A LaSalle County Judge has set a September 30th hearing to decide whether to dismiss the lawsuit.

Pedestrian killed by train identified
7/29/10

The pedestrian hit by a train in Toluca has been identified. Nancy Alden, 43, of Toluca was fatally injured at about 12:30 Wednesday morning at the Route 117 crossing. The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department says it was an apparent suicide. The matter remains under investigation.

Princeton tornado siren malfunctions
7/29/10

The Princeton tornado siren went off a little before 3:30 Wednesday afternoon. Fire Chief John Petrakis says the fire department did not activate the siren. He says it’s believed to be a malfunction due to the weather, possibly lightening striking it.

Pedestrian killed in train accident in Toluca
7/29/10

A train going through Toluca hit and killed a pedestrian early Wednesday morning. The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department is working to identify the woman, who they describe as a white female, about 25-years old or older, darkish hair and a heavier build. The victim was wearing a tie-dyed type of shirt, slip-on tennis shoes, with a gold wedding ring and band on her left hand and a golf ring with a blue stone on her right hand. The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad contacted the sheriff’s department about the accident at 12:30 Wednesday morning.

NCICG moving from Princeton to Ottawa
7/28/10

North Central Illinois Council of Governments is moving out of town after celebrating its 30th year anniversary in Princeton. NCICG will be moving to what was a beauty school in Ottawa for a brief time. Director Nora Fesco Ballerine says the search started in Princeton a year ago and moved to area communities. Mayor Keith Cain says he’s disappointed NCICG is leaving Princeton. The City of Ottawa awarded NCICG a low interest loan for $65,000 from its revolving loan fund for construction work and building modifications. NCICG serves local elected officials, particularly in grant writing and zoning in Bureau, Putnam, Marshall, Stark, LaSalle, Grundy and portions of Lee and DeKalb counties.

Area residents face power outages of nearly 24 hours
7/27/10

Damage estimates from Friday’s severe storms in Princeton are estimated at about 30-thousand dollars. Superintendent of the Electric Department Jason Bird says two circuits went out - a tree came down on lines on South Church Street affecting that area of town and a line came down on the ground near LCN. Bird says customers without power the longest were in the South Church Street area, estimating about 50 customers without power shy of 24-hours. Wyanet Mayor Bruce Hand says his city was without power for about that long. He says the power went out a half hour before the storm, while it was still sunny outside. He says businesses were closed because of the power outages, including Casey’s General Store, the bank, Wyanet Locker, restaurants and taverns. Manlius, Sheffield, Buda and Mineral faced extended outages. Ameren Spokesperson Leigh Morris says high winds damaged five sub-transmission lines near Annawan. He says 78-hundred customers were without power at the height of the outages in Henry, Bureau and LaSalle counties.

PES keeping preschool program, but scaling it back with state funding cuts
7/20/10

Princeton Elementary is keeping its preschool program 3 and 4-year olds, but is reducing the number of students by 40. Superintendent Tim Smith says the board approved the reinstatement of the Early Childhood Block Program at Monday’s meeting. Smith says the district will save $120,000 with the reduction. Princeton Elementary anticipates $420,000 for its Early Childhood program, which is down from $540,000 the prior year. PES is looking for a new board member. Paul Stephens resigned, as he is moving out of state. Applications are available at the district office – 506 East Dover Road in Princeton.

LaSalle man allegedly starts his home on fire
7/20/10

A LaSalle man is reportedly on his way back to prison for violating parole. Joshua Hoyt, 29, allegedly started his home on fire at 237 Tonti Street Monday night. Police Chief Rob Uranich says there are conflicting reports as to whether he lived there. Uranich says Hoyt told police he lived there and another tenant is saying he didn’t live there. Hoyt was on parole with the Illinois Department of Corrections. He was still in custody at the LaSalle County Jail earlier today. LaSalle Fire Department reports say the fire was contained to the rear portion of the home and was contained within 15-minutes upon firefighters arrival. No injuries were reported. Damage estimates are $30,000 for the structure and $20,000 for contents.

Construction continues at new Spring Valley eye clinic
7/20/10

Construction for a new eye clinic building in Spring Valley continues. The Spring Valley City Council approved a resolution for construction of a commercial entrance onto Route 6 and 89. Illinois Valley Eye Care will be located at 215 Richard Mautino Drive and will replace its current location at 200 West Dakota Street. Dr. Beth Kunkel says they will be moving into the new building by the end of the year. In other business, the Spring Valley City Council will have a special meeting on Thursday, July 29. The public meeting starts at 6:45, with the special meeting to follow. The council is to pass an appropriations ordinance – its list of projects the city would like to see completed and estimated costs.

City moves forward with water plant project
7/19/10

Princeton is moving forward with construction on its water plant. The city council passed an ordinance at last night’s meeting to borrow $2.5 million from Central Bank. Water Superintendent Mike Eggers says Phase 2 will be the new water treatment plant, along Ace Road and near the new water tower. Some road projects will start soon. The council approved a $230,000 bid from Advanced Asphalt of Princeton. It is for the overlay of Main Street from the railroad tracks to Clark Street and some sidewalk replacement. City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh says capital funds from the state will cover $88,000. Also, the city approved an almost $230,000 bid from Advanced Asphalt for a one-mile section replacement of John Deere Road. The state is to reimburse up to $250,000 for that project.

Construction moving along at Zearing Park
7/19/10

Construction continues at Zearing Park. At Monday’s Princeton Park Board meeting, Engineer Kevin Heitz says the concession stand is to be completed at the end of next month. Heitz says the septic system will be installed the first or second week of August. He says plans are being finalized for the electric building and electric distribution of the park. Heitz says all asphalt paving work has been completed, except for a couple areas near the concession stand. The expansion project – estimated to be finished early next year - will include multipurpose fields, fishing pond, walking paths, a concession stand and bathrooms.

Beef Backer Award presented to First Farm Credit Services
7/18/10

The Beef Backer Award was presented Saturday during Princeton’s Beef and Ag Days. The award was given to First Farm Credit Services in Princeton. Bureau County Cattleman Association’s Larry Magnuson says the award is in recognition of an individual or business that has helped the Bureau County Cattleman in promoting beef in Bureau County. This weekend marked the 31st Annual Beef and Ag Festival in Princeton.

Neff receives Citizens First National Bank's Citizen of the Year award
7/17/10

Citizens First National Bank presented its Citizen of the Year Award last night to Beverly Neff of Princeton. President and CEO Tom Ogaard says Neff has been involved in many organizations, especially as Girl Scout leader for the past 10 years. Neff also served as Girl Scout Treasurer and helps with the Day Camp. She’s also a CPR instructor for the American Red Cross. Neff is a retired Air Force nurse.

Steele honored with Bureau County Ag Service award
7/17/10

The Bureau County Farm Bureau, Bureau County Pork Producers and Bureau County Cattleman’s Association presented its Bureau County Agriculture Service Award during Princeton’s Beef and Ag Day Festival. Bureau County Cattleman Association’s Larry Magnuson says this year’s recipient Harold Steele has done a lot for agriculture. President George W. Bush appointed Steele to the Farm Credit Administration Board in 1989. He received numerous awards including being named as Prairie Farmer Magazine’s “Master Farmer” in 1970.

Investigation continues into "suspicious" fire at BV district office
7/17/10

The investigation continues into Friday morning’s fire at the Bureau Valley District Office in Manlius. Bureau County Sheriff John Thompson says Sheriff’s Investigators, Illinois Fire Marshal’s Investigators and State Police Forensic Services assisted the Manlius Fire Department, with additional support from the Walnut, Sheffield and Buda fire departments. Firefighters arrived shortly after 6 am and were on the scene for about two hours. Although the blaze was contained to the east portion of the building and was quickly put out, it reportedly caused extensive fire and smoke damage and destroyed not only computers, but some records kept at the district office. New Bureau Valley Superintendent John Bute says the fire won’t affect the beginning of the upcoming school year. Thompson says Manlius Fire Chief Bob Neahring found the damage to the building to be “significant” and believes the fire to be suspicious in both nature and origin. Thompson says as a result of the preliminary findings, the matter remains under investigation.

Voters to decide fate of new jail
7/15/10

It will be up to the voters to decide if Bureau County will get a new jail. A referendum question asking voters for $15 million in bonds for the project will be on the ballot in November’s General Election. The Bureau County Board also approved a couple road projects. One is a federal funds agreement for roadwork on the Wyanet-Walnut Blacktop, County Highway 8. Civil Constructors of Freeport was awarded the almost $6 million contract to replace three existing bridge structures. The county will be cover about 15% of the costs. The board also approved emergency repair work on Backbone Road, County Highway 9. Pavement Maintenance Services of Henry was awarded the $75,000 contract and will be paid from county motor fuel tax money.

Princeton couple escapes early morning fire
7/14/10

An early morning fire caused almost $190,000 in damage between the house and contents. The Princeton Fire Department was called to 235 North Mercer Street in Princeton at about 5:30 AM Tuesdsay. Fire Chief John Petrakis says it was difficult to access the fire. The fire ate its way through the floor. The occupants of the home Tracey Merkel and Justin Hamm were not injured. Clay Skinner of Princeton owns the home. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Wind Farm Owners not commenting on lawsuit filed against them
7/13/10

A local farmer wants the Big Sky Wind Farm project stopped. Friesland Farms filed a lawsuit last month. Farm Owner Larry Gerdes owns property right across the street from some of the turbines, known as Baumgartner Farm. He also owns three other farms within a mile from the wind farm in rural Walnut. The lawsuit alleges the property value will decrease and it will be difficult to lease a home on that property. Some of the many negative affects from the wind farm listed are noise, visual disturbances, excessive traffic with construction, excessive dust and inability to cropdust. The lawsuit requests the project be stopped and the wind turbines to be removed. Big Sky Wind Farm is to include over 100 wind turbines in Bureau and Lee Counties. Director of Communications for Edison Mission Energy - the owner of the wind farm - Susan Olvarria says it is the company’s policy not to comment on pending litigation. Gerdes and the Rockford law firm representing him could not immediately be reached for comment.

Royalty crowned at Marshall Putnam Fair
7/9/10

If you’re at the Marshall-Putnam Fair this weekend, you’ll likely see girls driving a golf cart with a big crown. That’s the royalty of the fair – the winners of the pageant that is. Krista Shirley of Washburn says it was overwhelming at first to be crowned Fair Queen. Little Princess Paige Davis of Henry tells what her favorite part of the fair is. First Runner-up of the Queen Pageant was Bethany Harrison and Junior Miss Lauren Sendelbach, both of Henry.

Compton (L)

More than 800 walkers take part in community walk for suicide prevention

A little rain didn’t deter the more than 800 walkers who turned out for a community event for suicide prevention Saturday morning in Princeton. The first “Living Works” suicide walk began at Darius Miller Park on North Main Street and ended at the south end of the city at Zearing Park, where a closing ceremony was held. During WZOE’s on-location broadcast amid a sea of orange tee-shirts, event organizer Chris Compton said this is just the beginning. Nancy Churchill of the 13th Judicial Family Violence Prevention Council, co-sponsor of the event, thanked the many volunteers who helped out. Ron Denault and his family lost daughter Courtney to suicide a little over a year ago. The closing ceremony concluded with a balloon release in memory of those lost to suicide. More information on the organization’s cause is available online at livingworkssuicidewalk.com.