Princeton Public Library Director Grant Lynch is resigning to take a job in Wisconsin. According to a press release from the library, Lynch has accepted a position as Executive Director of the Waukesha Public Library. Lynch has been director of the Princeton Public Library since 2008. Under Lynch’s direction, the library saw the expansion of library services with the opening of the Library Café, digital e-book and audiobook circulation, and an expanded collection of CDs, DVDs, and audiobooks. He also oversaw expanded programming and promotions, including community art shows, historical exhibits and programs on the Woodstock Music Festival, the Cherry Mine Disaster and World War II. Library Board President Paul Ernst says Lynch will be greatly missed by the board, the library staff, and by the greater Princeton community. No word yet on a replacement for Lynch. His resignation is effective June 6th.
Federal Warrant Issued In Newlywed Murder
(Burbank, IL) -- A federal warrant has been issued for a man wanted in the murder of his newlywed wife. Authorities say that's because Arnoldo Jiminez has fled Illinois. Authorities say cell phone records traced Jiminez through Tennessee, Arkansas and finally to Texas, where he has ties. Jiminez is suspected in last Friday's stabbing death of wife Estrella Carrera, just hours after they married.
Obama Preps For NATO Summit
(Washington, DC) -- President Obama is busy preparing for this weekend's NATO summit. In a White House briefing yesterday, National Security Advisor Tom Donilon said he expects a lot of discussion about North Korea's nuclear program, ongoing violence in Syria and the gradual winding-down of the long war in Afghanistan. Donilon said
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Princeton National Bancorp, Incorporated, released the first quarter 2012 results. The parent corporation of Citizens First National Bank ended its first quarter with a net income available to common stockholders of 686-thousand dollars, or 20 cents per common share. President and CEO Tom Ogaard says he’s optimistic about the future. Ogaard went on to say they are watching expenses and he is expecting some resolution to some problem loans within the next 3 to 6 months.
Childcare Funding Restored
(Springfield, IL) -- Childcare providers in Illinois may get paid after all. Governor Quinn previously said the state could no longer afford to pay for the program, at least not for the rest of this fiscal year. But lawmakers have voted to shift about 73-million dollars within the state's budget to cover the costs. That means about 85-thousand single parents can keep their kids in daycare and 33-thousand child care providers can keep their doors open. The bill now moves to the Senate.
Man Commits Suicide At Springfield Hotel
(Springfield, IL) -- A Nebraska man apparently committed suicide during a standoff with Springfield police last week. Authorities were called to the Comfort Inn after reports that a guest might be suicidal. Police arrived on the scene and Douglas Smith, from Bellevue, Nebraska pointed a gun at
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Princeton’s Fire Chief is moving on after nearly 3 years at the position. John Petrakis is resigning to join the Channahon Fire Protection District. Channahon has a population of about 12,500 and is located 70 miles east of Princeton. Petrakis has been with the Princeton Fire Department since 2004, at first as deputy fire chief before assuming the role of chief in June of 2009. He says he’ll miss Princeton but is leaving for family reasons, as the move will put his children closer to their grandparents. Petrakis says he looks forward to the challenges of his new job, but also says he’ll miss the staff he now works with in Princeton. Petrakis says his resignation as Princeton Fire Chief will be effective June 16th. No word yet on a permanent replacement for Petrakis in Princeton, but Mayor Keith Cain and City Manager Jeff Clawson are reportedly already in the process of choosing an interim chief. Then they’ll begin the search for a permanent replacement, and Cain says that hire could be from within or they could go outside the department.
