Local News

Local News

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Interstate 80 remains closed
2/2/2011

Interstate 80 between Princeton and Ottawa remains closed. The state police say they aren’t sure when it will be reopened. Area police and fire fighters spent much of the night pulling people off the road and directing them to staging areas due to whiteout conditions and five to six feet tall snow drifts flowing into traffic. Tractor trailers have been put up in the Harper Wyman and Wal-mart parking lots in Princeton. Police say they were finding space for smaller vehicles.

Snow plow crews pulled off the roads - Part of I-80 closed
2/1/2011

Bureau County and township snow plow crews were pulled off the roads Tuesday night due to whiteout conditions. According to Bureau County ESDA Coordinator Kristine Donarski, they could not keep up with the drifting and blowing snow. They planned to resume plowing Wednesday morning as conditions allow. In addition, Interstate 80 is closed between Princeton and Ottawa. District 17 troopers were helping to find safe areas for stranded motorists and the Illinois National Guard has been activated to assist with stranded motorists on highways. A blizzard warning remains in effect until 3:00 Wednesday afternoon.

Warming centers set up to help people escape winter storm
2/1/2011

In Princeton, it's the Prouty Building in the 400 block of South Main Street. In Buda, the community hall and in Wyanet, the village hall.

Kinzinger postpones Princeton and Ottawa visits
2/1/2011

Congressman Adam Kinzinger has postponed a couple of area visits due to the severe weather. Kinzinger had town hall meetings planned for this afternoon at the Prouty Building in Princeton and tonight at Ottawa City Hall. The 11th District Republican says he will reschedule both events.

Meetings held to discuss several ordinances concerning windfarms
2/1/2011

Over fifty people crowded the board meeting room in the Bureau County Court House last night to hear discussions on several ordinances concerning wind farms. A joint meeting between the Zoning Committee and the Transportation Committee met first to discuss road agreements, transportation issues, and decommissioning plans for wind farms. County engineer John Gross expressed his concerns over the three year conditional use permits being too long. Transportation Committee Chairman Steve Sondergroth suggested a one-year road agreement, which will have to be discussed at the next Zoning Board of Appeals meeting. The cost to dismantle wind turbines after they become obsolete or are no longer useful was next up for discussion. Bill Welty, Ogle County Board member, shared the wealth of research their board has done and some of the new ordinances they will propose after the Ogle County moratorium is over. The two committees then split to conduct their own meetings.

Midwest facing huge winter threat
1/31/2011

The threat of winter weather is forcing many to cancel plans and will likely make driving anywhere in the state an arduous task. The storm taking aim at the Midwest has caused the Illinois Pork Producers Association to reschedule its 2011 Pork Expo. The trade show originally was scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday at the Peoria Civic Center. It's been postponed until Feb. 15 and 16. The expected storm also prompted the Illinois Legislature to cancel sessions this week. Meanwhile the Illinois Department of Transportation plans to put more emergency traffic patrol trucks on the roads to clear stalled vehicles and help stranded motorists. IDOT spokesman Guy Tidgell says extra mechanics also will be on duty in case equipment fails. And the department has plenty of salt and drivers to handle what the National Weather Service says could be a life-threatening storm. IDOT is recommending that people adjust their schedules to be off the roads Tuesday and Wednesday. The blizzard could bring white-out conditions with snow falling at rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour in some areas.

State Police warns people of driving in severe weather
1/31/2011

State police are urging drivers to avoid cell phone use or any other distractions and be sure that everyone in the vehicle is seat belted. They say if you have to drive, be sure to have a full tank of fuel along with bottled water and food in case you become stranded. Ameren Illinois is urging its power customers to make sure their cell phones are charged in case of a power outage.

City of Princeton preparing for the big storm
1/31/2011

City manager Jeff Fiegenschuh says Princeton is preparing for the worst, and hoping for the best. He says the city's emergency command centers will stay open throughout the duration of the coming storm. You can contact City Hall at 815 875 2631 or the water treatment facility…the 24 hour emergency number…at 815 875 8066. Any emergencies regarding police, ambulance or fire should be directed to 911. Fiegenschuh says to stay tuned to WZOE-AM and Classic Hits 98.1 FM for city updates.

Princeton residents warned of snow ordinance
1/31/2011

With snow on the way, you might want to move your car off Princeton streets. Under the city’s snow ordinance, you can’t park on streets within twelve hours of a three-inch or more snowfall. Violators may be towed at their own expense, and police say parking tickets will be issued. If you don’t have a driveway you are expected to make parking arrangements prior to a major snowfall.

Peru City Council to hold moment of silence
1/31/2011

A moment of silence will begin tonight’s Peru City Council meeting in remembrance of Ron Wren. Wren served as the fourth ward alderman for the city until his death last Friday from a stroke. He was the chairman of the Electric committee and the Buildings and Grounds Committee.

Fundraiser planned for Princeton teen
1/31/2011

Doctors say a Princeton teen’s recent surgery is “only a band aid” and the permanent fix…a new heart…will come at a cost. That’s why friends of 16-year old Noah Bickett are throwing him a benefit. Organizer Kyle Burrows is a junior at Illinois State University. Lately he’s been spending weekends clocking miles between Normal and Princeton in order to plan the event with Kristin Bickett, Noah’s cousin. Burrows says he grew up next to the Bicketts…running around the neighborhood with Noah and his older brother. The February 12th fundraiser is being held at the Princeton Moose lodge from 5 to Midnight. Tickets are available now in Princeton at Citizens First National Bank on South Main Street and Wyanet Carpet on North Main. For 15 dollars you can eat and take in live music beginning at 7 p.m. Food is being served from five to eight. Burrows says he welcomes any support. Local groups 212, Rodeo Drive and For I Will Shake the Heavens will be performing. Donations can also be made to the Noah Bickett Benefit Account at Citzens First National Bank.

Tax help on the way courtesy of IVCC
1/31/2011

If you're not tax savvy, there is help in the area. Illinois Valley Community College is again partnering with United Way of Eastern LaSalle County to offer volunteer income tax assistance. The program runs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 2 to 6 pm. IVCC accounting students and staff will be on hand in Room F-113 at the college. College Vice President of Learning and Student Development Rick Pearce says it's a win-win situation, as the community receives solid tax prep and the students get invaluable experience.

New Jersey man jailed after I-80 stop near Utica
1/30/2011

An Interstate 80 traffic stop has landed a New Jersey man in jail on drug charges. State police pulled over a vehicle being driven by John Griffiths near Utica Friday morning for improper lane usage. After a police dog picked up the scent of drugs, police searched the car and discovered 112 pounds of what they believe to be marijuana. Griffiths was charged with possession with intent to deliver and was taken to the LaSalle County Jail.

Now easier to find out what happens to your Princeton High School district tax dollars
1/29/2011

Ransom woman below legal blood-alcohol limit at time of death
1/25/2011

Tanya Shannon was well below the legal blood-alcohol limit at the time of her death. The 40-year-old Ransom woman was missing for most of December after a car accident. She was found in a rural LaSalle County field on January 3rd. The coroner says her blood-alcohol content was 0.053. The cause of death was ruled as exposure to the cold. Her husband, 41 year old Dale Shannon, was driving the car the morning of the December 5th accident. He died instantly from injuries when the car struck a utility pole. He was three times the legal limit.

Area school offering parents a look at their student’s future classes
1/25/2011

Princeton High School Guidance Director Brian Church says the orientation meeting is to help explain entry-level courses and registration procedures next year. The meeting starts at 6:30 next Monday in the high school’s Sally Skinner Auditorium.

Bureau County Genealogical Society expanding its reach
1/24/2011

President Esther Tracy says in order to better accommodate the working public…the society is experimenting with Saturday hours. The library on South main will be open from 10 to 3 every first Saturday of the month starting on February 5th. Tracy says the library is free and open to all researchers. Membership is not necessary.

Prayer service held for two Tazewell County teens killed in head-on auto collision
1/24/2011

One of Illinois’ newest congressmen to tour the area soon
1/23/2011

The 11th District's Adam Kinzinger is leaving Washington at the end of the month. He will stop at Minonk City Hall on the 29th from 10 to 11, the Prouty building in Princeton on February 2nd from 5:35 to 6:30, and at Ottawa City Hall the same night from 7:30 to 8:30.

Area blues musician expects to perform at his own benefit
1/22/2011

Tony Martin of Walnut was paralyzed from the waist down last fall in an auto accident with an uninsured motorist. Longtime friend Randy Clegner says they’re hopeful for his recovery. Clegner says Martin is known for his ability to work a crowd and draw people into his performances. An all day blues jam and fundraiser are being held today to help raise money for medical costs and other needed expenses for Martin. Clegner says there will be bucket auctions, live auctions, raffles and a BBQ dinner from 5:30 to 7. Tickets are $12 at the door to get into the jam.

Two Charged in Death of Ottawa Woman
1/20/2011

Area Eagle Watch Weekend on the way
1/19/2011

America’s most well known bird of prey has filled out its winter roost in large numbers this year. Every winter the Illinois Valley continues to see more eagles. Starved Rock State park is celebrating their presence as Eagle Watch Weekend kicks off Saturday. Marketing Director Kathy Casstevens says there is something for everyone. The eagles will return to their breeding grounds up north beginning mid-March.

New water plant means higher water rates in Princeton
1/19/2011

The Princeton City Council recently approved an increase that will allow them to secure a $15 million loan from the state. The funds will help build phase two of a proposed water treatment facility. City manager Jeff Fiegenschuh says something has to done, and since this debt is coming at a low interest, it’s best to do it now. The increase will go into effect October first.

Reward increased to $25,000 for Bureau Valley arsonist
1/17/2011

Ten thousand dollars is off the table, a $25,000 dollar reward is now the offer to catch an arsonist. Investigators say fires that destroyed part of the Bureau Valley School District's administrative offices last summer were set intentionally. Bureau County Sheriff John Thompson says the insurance carrier and BV superintendent John Bute felt it was appropriate and motivating to increase the reward amount. He says he encourages the public to come forward with information to help with the investigation. You can contact the sheriff or investigator Randy Hasbrook at 815-875-3344 or the Bureau Putnam County Crime Stoppers at 800-939-6929.

Grant "shedding new light" on Metro Center
1/17/2011

Princeton Park District Director Elaine Russell says an Electrical Efficiency Grant recently provided new light bulbs for the entire Metro Center except the gym, which is next on the list. The award from the city was for nearly $4,600. The district is also expecting the final state reimbursement for the Zearing Park expansion. Russell says they should see the money within a month.

Chamber of Commerce directors speak out against tax increase
1/15/2011

Area chamber of commerce directors say the recent tax increase will make Illinois a tougher place to do business. Princeton Chamber Director Kim Frey says she’s trying to look for the silver lining in this situation. She says another positive is the cash flow that state officials say will open up to schools, hospitals and others Illinois owes money.

Bureau County says yes to cleaning up Lake Depue
1/14/2011

Coroner says fire not the cause of death of Ottawa man
1/13/2011

Fire was not the cause of an Ottawa man’s death early Monday. The Peoria county coroner says 76 year Eldon Wolfe died of spinal injuries he sustained from jumping out a window to escape the fire at his home Sunday night. His wife…72 year old Barbara Wolfe…was taken to Loyola Medical center where she was listed in critical condition on Tuesday. The state fire marshall is investigating the cause of the fire.

Hat show this weekend at the Prairie Arts Center
1/13/2011

Need a new look up top? Maybe you can get some ideas at this weekend's “Fashion: The Art of the Hat” show at the Prairie Arts Center. The event will feature the hat collection of Julia Cain of Princeton’s Flowers by Julia. Cain has been collecting hats since she was in college and now has more than 700. She says she hope to get people talking about style and reflecting on the past. Cain says the whole collection won’t be on display, just a selection of the most unique hats. Opening day is tomorrow from five to seven and the event will continue through February 6th during open gallery hours.

Investigation continues into Ottawa man's death
1/11/2011

The investigation continues into the death of an Ottawa man whose house caught fire Sunday night. Eldon Wolfe, 76, was flown to at OSF in Peoria where he died early yesterday. His wife Barbara, 72, is in critical condition at Loyola Medical Center. Ottawa Fire Chief Jeff Newbury says the fire was accidental and he believes it started in the kitchen…but the cause remains unknown at this time. Newbury says there is significant smoke and heat damage to the West Madison and Boyce Memorial Drive home.

Talks of halting of wind turbine production in Bureau County making waves
1/11/2011

Talks of halting of wind turbine production in Bureau County is making waves. Complaints from rural residents about the turbines at last month's county board meeting had several board members saying no more until zoning ordinances are overhauled. Princeton city commissioners and Mayor Keith Cain are urging the board to consider the economic benefits…like tax revenue and jobs….of the turbines during tonight’s session.

Preliminary autopsy results announced for Shannon
1/6/2011

Tanya Shannon died from exposure to the cold, according to a preliminary autopsy. The body of the 40-year Ransom woman and mother of four was found in a field Monday morning. Shannon disappeared a month ago following a car crash that killed her husband, Dale Shannon, 41. Officials say Shannon’s body was found in the vicinity of the crash scene on Grand Ridge Mazon Blacktop. Search efforts were resumed after snow melted from last week’s warm weathers, revealing the body. LaSalle County Coroner Jody Bernard says they’re waiting on a final autopsy report and toxicology results.

Lovejoy celebration underway
1/6/2011

About 80 well-wishers gathered last night at the Elk’s Lodge to begin a year long celebration of Owen Lovejoy’s 200th birthday. Princeton Chamber of Commerce Director Kim Frey gave the welcome and introduced the Lovejoy Board of Trustees and city officials. Dexter Brigham, co-founder of Festival 56, presented a biography on Lovejoy and summed his life up with a quote from his friend. Many other events are in the process of being planned. Pam Lange of the Bureau County Historical Society shares one. Actors, authors, and special speakers sponsored by the Princeton Public Library are among other programs to look forward to this coming year.

Ribbon-cutting held for new Princeton coffee shop
1/6/2011

Java on Main is picking up steam, or froth, or whatever goes into making those sweet coffees. The new business was welcomed by the Princeton Chamber of Commerce this morning with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Owner Tina Bennett says she knew the community wanted a coffee shop. Bennett worked at both Echo Express and Townsend Coffee House before it closed late last fall.

Princeton Park district has a lot on its plate for 2011
1/5/2011

Executive Director Elaine Russell says the Princeton Park Board is prioritizing new projects now that the Zearing Park expansion is nearly complete. Russell says staff and commissioners will be attending conferences in Chicago soon to develop new program ideas and find out how other park districts are operating

Ottawa man to speak on T-Rex
1/4/2011

A Tyrannosaurus Rex conjures up images of a huge dinosaur with lots of sharp teeth. But Ottawa native Steve Brusatte cuts this extinct animal down to size in his upcoming talk. The PhD student at Columbia University became interested in dinosaurs while fossil hunting for an Ottawa High School class. Brusatte says he now wants to bring that love to the public. Brusatte’s presentation “Dinosaur Biology and Evolution: The Latest Research on Tyrannosaurs” is tomorrow at 6:30 pm at the Utica Township Community Hall. The LaSalle County Historical Society event is free to all.

Searchers find missing Ransom woman
1/3/2011

Tanya Shannon's body was found this morning in LaSalle County. The body, clad in a red dress and gray hooded sweatshirt, was found on the first day of renewed searching efforts. Shannon, 40, disappeared nearly a month ago, following a car crash that killed her husband, 41 year old Dale Shannon. Shortly after the accident, deputies found footprints in the snow leading away from the car, and law enforcement worked for several days before suspending the search on December 8th. LaSalle County Sheriff Tom Templeton says Shannon's body was found in an open field about 3/4 of a mile southeast of the crash site. Her purse was found with her body. Templeton explains why the body wasn't found during earlier searches. An autopsy has been scheduled for later this week. Search efforts resumed Monday morning after last week's warm weather melted much of the snow in the area.

Investigation continues into Euclid Chemical plant fire
1/3/2011

The investigation continues into the early October fire that destroyed the Euclid Chemical Company plant east of Sheffield. The blaze caused air quality concerns for residents living in the immediate area, but illnesses have been reported. The Illinois State Fire Marshal's office says they hope new information develops within the next few weeks.

First 2011 IVCH baby is from Mendota
1/3/2011

A Mendota couple had the first baby of 2011 to be born at Illinois Valley Community Hospital. The first IVCH baby of the new year is Ember Castaneda, who arrived at 10:05 p.m. Saturday, January 1st. She is the daughter of Alma and Gerardo Castaneda of Mendota. The New Year's baby weighed seven pounds and two ounces and was 19 1/2 inches in length. There were 410 births at IVCH in 2010.

Search for missing Ransom woman to resume
1/2/2011

The search for a missing Ransom woman who vanished after a car accident last month will resume tomorrow morning. Tanya Shannon has not been seen since the December 5th accident that killed her husband Dale. Several days after the crash, LaSalle County Sheriff Tom Templeton suspended the search, saying they had no choice but to wait until the snow melts, when searchers would be able to see more. Warmer temperatures late this past week melted much of the snow.

Officials say Peru burning through their Winter salt supply
12/30/2010

Officials say Peru has used up about half of their Winter salt supply. Public Works Superintendent Gary Bleck says plows in Peru have dropped around 1700 tons of salt this season to combat heavy snows. But Bleck says he’s seen similar seasons where they still have salt left in April.

Marshall County traffic accident kills Peoria man
12/30/2010

A Peoria man is dead after a two-vehicle accident in Marshall County yesterday. Daniel Terando, 45, was pronounced dead at the scene, just north of the Marshall-Peoria County line on Illinois Route 29. Both the driver and passenger of the other car were treated and released from Methodist Hospital in Peoria.

LaSalle County reports
12/29/2010

A Hudson woman faces multiples charges including DUI. Catherine Wilson, 45, was arrested earlier this week after she drove off the road and struck a road sign.

A Marseilles man faces similar charges. Carl Schumacher, 62, was charged with DUI and picked up on an arrest warrant as well.

Christmas Eve car crash kills former LaSalle-Peru area man
12/28/2010

An Aurora man died in a car accident Christmas Eve. Michael Ariano, 48, formerly of the LaSalle Peru area, was westbound on Interstate 80 near LaSalle when he lost control of his car, rolling it several times. Ariano was pronounced dead at Illinois Valley Community Hospital.

Officials blame downtown Mendota fire on repair work
12/27/2010

Officials say a contractor doing repair work was the cause of the fire that closed off downtown Mendota yesterday. Fire Chief Dennis Rutishauser says fire damage was contained to the Main Street Station restaurant and bar. He says damage to the building is estimated at $250,000. Rutishauser says no one was injured and the buildings next to Main Street Station have been cleared for return.

Princeton Police reports
12/27/2010

A Princeton man has posted bond after his felony arrest. Daniel Miceli, 24, has been charged with unlawful possession of heroin.

A Hillsdale woman was arrested early this morning at Bureau Valley Junior High School. Police say Sarah Colbert, 25, faces DUI charges.

State police say LaSalle County will see more patrols in January
12/27/2010

District 17 Police Captain Dan Roach says federal dollars will allow the police to place intense focus on areas for traffic violations, and safety belt and child safety seat laws. Police say safety belts save over 15,000 lives each year. They say half of the people killed in car accidents were not properly buckled up. Roach says LaSalle will also step up alcohol enforcement patrols during January. Additionally funded through a federal grant, police say the patrols will focus on preventing, detecting and taking action against offenders, drug or alcohol related.

Sheffield friends building ice rink at Veteran's Park
12/23/2010

Ben Tuttle and David Anderson aren’t sitting around this winter…in fact they will be skating soon. The Sheffield natives are building an ice rink on top of the tennis court at Veteran’s Park. And what was originally going to be in Tuttle’s back yard…is now a project that could benefit the whole community. They say they couldn’t have done this alone and that they are grateful for the help they received. Anderson and Tuttle hope to have ice hockey games and also offer skating and hockey lessons.

Bureau County Sheriff's Department reports
12/22/2010

A Spring Valley man will appear in court after an alcohol related offense. Eric Fitzpatrick, 23, was cited for public drunkenness.

An area woman has bonded out of Bureau County Jail after a weekend arrest. Lori Vazquez, 53, of Spring Valley faces two counts of domestic battery.

Grants bringing new equipment to Illinois Valley Community Hospital
12/22/2010

Officials at IVCH say a $47,000 award was recently approved by the board to purchase safety items and equipment for a physical rehabilitation opening in 2011. A new maternal-fetal monitor for the obstetrics unit and a treadmill for the cardiac unit are also on the budget.

Bureau County Sheriff warns of Winter travel
12/21/2010

With the winter weather that has been blanketing the area this afternoon, Bureau County Sheriff John Thompson says travelers are experiencing extreme difficulties, with vehicles in ditches throughout the county. The Sheriff is recommending against traveling, but warns if you must travel, use extreme caution.

I-80 traffic accident near Princeton kills Massachusetts man
12/17/2010

A Massachusetts man was killed yesterday in a roll over accident on Interstate 80 just east of Princeton. State police say James Thompson, 62, of North Adams, Massachusetts lost control of his car on wet, icy roadways and was thrown from the vehicle as it rolled. Bureau County coroner Janice Wamhoff pronounced Thompson dead at the scene. Both of Thompson’s passengers were treated and released.

Missing Ransom woman's husband three times legal limit during auto accident
12/16/2010

The husband of missing ransom woman Tanya Shannon was three times the legal limit when he died in a car accident on December 5th. The LaSalle County coroner’s office says Dale Shannon, 41, had a blood alcohol content of .266. The coroner’s office says Shannon died of a broken neck on impact when his car struck a telephone poll. LaSalle County Sheriff Tom Templeton says Shannon was not wearing a seatbelt. No other drugs or intoxicating substances were found in his system. Tanya Shannon was reported missing following the accident. Authorities say searches of the field surrounding the accident site haven’t turned up anything.

Dahl replacement to be sworn-in
12/15/2010

A first time Illinois House member is already leaving her post, for another. 75th District seat holder Sue Rezin, newly elected in November, will be sworn into the state senate this evening to fill a 38th district vacancy created by Granville Republican Gary Dahl. Dahl says he retired earlier this month in order to spend more time with his family. An Illinois Senate press release states the Rezin was selected after a “extensive interview process of nine candidates.”

Princeton Police Department releases November activity report
12/15/2010

The Princeton Police Department’s activity report is out for November. Officers made 31 traffic arrests and 32 non-traffic arrests. Sixty-two warnings were issued and 16 parking tickets were handed out. One person was arrested for battery, two for domestic battery and nine on theft charges. There were 3 drug, 1 paraphernalia and 3 disorderly conduct arrests. Four people were ticketed for speeding, 4 for driving with no valid driver’s license and 2 for driving on a suspended or revoked license. However, no tickets were issued for seatbelt violations. Princeton Police officers responded to a total of 760 calls during November.

Iowa man killed in I-80 accident west of Princeton
12/15/2010

PHS teacher disappointed with recent school board decisions
12/15/2010

Princeton High School teacher Roger Lowe spoke at last night’s board meeting defending the value of Physical Education and Driver Education. Last month, the board voted to allow GPA credit for Band and Choir. Lowe, the division head of P.E. and Driver’s Ed., says his classes are educationally and academically challenging and also deserve consideration for GPA credit. But PHS Superintendent Kirk Haring says he doesn’t anticipate the issue will be visited until next year.

Interstate 80 pileup leaves several injured
12/13/2010

Several people were injured in an auto pile up on interstate 80 yesterday. Henry Moore, 58, of Kansas City was treated and released, Rafal Zarebczan, 30, is stable but closely monitored at St. Margaret’s in Spring Valley, and Mary Nahs, 59, of Peoria was taken to Illinois Valley Community Hospital and then to OSF Peoria where she is in good condition. State police say auto extrication was necessary on some of the vehicles at pileup between Route 89 and Spring Creek exits they say involved nine semis and 15 cars. Witnesses say it looked more like 30 vehicles and that up to ten ambulances were on scene.

Winter weather wreaking havoc on area travelers
12/12/2010

Blowing and drifting snow and slippery conditions have been wreaking havoc on area roadways, reducing visibility in rural areas to zero. Numerous multi-vehicle crashes occurred on Interstate 80. The westbound lane of I-80 was reportedly closed west of Peru due to a multiple vehicle crash, apparently at the bridges just east of the Ladd exit. Up to 30 vehicles, at least nine of them semis, may have been involved with many sustaining serious damage. Witnesses reported seeing semis in the median and ditch and up to ten ambulances on the scene. No word yet on injuries. Motorists are advised to use extreme caution, especially on interstates, as preliminary observations indicate icing may have been a factor in this multi-vehicle accident.

"It's A Wonderful Life" in Princeton
12/11/2010

Community leaders took to the stage and airwaves Saturday for a holiday fundraiser. In classic 1940’s radio play style, Festival 56 presented “It’s a Wonderful Life” in front of a live audience at the Grace Theatre in Princeton and broadcast live on WZOE-AM. All the roles were handled by local business and organization leaders and government officials. The morning performance featured Rick Clary and WZOE General Manager Steve Samet as George Bailey and his guardian angel, Clarence. City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh played mean old Mr. Potter. The afternoon show had Tom Ogaard and Rex Conger in the George and Clarence roles, Mayor Keith Cain as Mr. Potter and WZOE-AM morning host Tommy Rose as Uncle Billy. Also as part of the event, the Bureau County Chorus, under the direction of Joy Schertz, performed several holiday songs.

Search for missing Ransom woman called off
12/8/2010

Bureau Valley offering $10,000 reward
12/8/2010

The Bureau Valley High School District is offering $10,000 to help catch an alleged arsonist. Part of the district's administrative offices were destroyed in a fire this past summer. Bureau County Sheriff John Thompson says investigators have determined the fire did not stem from natural causes. Thompson says through the efforts of the school and Scott Brothers Insurance, they have determined it proper to offer a reward. He is encouraging the public to come forward with information to help with the investigation. You can contact Thompson or Investigator Randy Hasbrook at (815)-875-3344 or the Bureau Putnam County CrimeStoppers at (800)-939-6929.

Search continues for missing Ransom woman
12/7/2010

Big reward offered in Bureau Valley arson investigation
12/7/2010

A large reward is being offered to catch an arsonist…county officials say. Ten-thousand dollars is on the table for information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the fire at the Bureau Valley School District administrative offices this past summer. Bureau County Sheriff John Thompson says investigators have determined that the fire was not caused by natural causes. Thompson is encouraging the public to come forward with information. You can contact the Sheriff or investigator Randy Hasbrook at 815 875 3344 or the Bureau Putnam County Crime Stoppers at 800 939 6929.

Princeton sales tax revenue increasing
12/7/2010

Mayor Keith Cain says people are keeping more of their business local, which is what’s largely responsible for the increase in Princeton’s sales tax revenue. Last month saw nearly 20,000 more sales tax dollars than in November 2009. And compared to this time last year, the city is up $42,000 dollars. Cain says it’s obvious people are shopping Princeton more. Cain says automotive industry promotions probably helped boost tax revenue back in October as well.

Old and new Bureau County Board members sworn-in
12/7/2010

The old and new were sworn in on the Bureau County Board at Monday night’s re-organizational meeting. New member Robert Albrecht, the District 14 challenger who unseated Rick Wilkin, says he hopes to avoid partisan politics and accomplish things for his community. Dale Andersen was re-elected board chair and vice chair went to Mark Pierson. County committee assignments were also announced at the meeting.

Park expansion project coming in well under budget
12/7/2010

The Zearing Park Expansion project in Princeton is expected to come in under budget. Park District Director Elaine Russell says they will have $135,000 left over from a state grant once bills are paid. She says that’s money they can use to further development the park. The park board is also accepting petitions for three spots on the board. Russell says she will accept them until December 20th.

Princeton man killed in auto accident near City County Park
12/6/2010

A local grade school basketball coach was killed in a Saturday morning car accident near Princeton's City County Park. Larry Busch, 54, of Princeton lost control of his vehicle on Route 26, which was reportedly snowy and icy, and struck another car. Bureau County Coroner Janice Wamhoff pronounced Busch dead at Perry Memorial Hospital. Wamhoff says Bush was on his way to the Ohio school to board a school bus to take his team to Neponset for a game. The driver of the other car, Steven Slaight, 59, of Ohio was taken to Perry Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Search continues for LaSalle County woman after fatal car crash
12/6/2010

A Ransom woman remains missing after a fatal car accident early Sunday morning. Evidence at the scene indicates Tanya Shannon, 40, was in the vehicle at the time of the wreck on Grand Ridge Mazon blacktop in southeastern LaSalle County. An autopsy was scheduled for Monday on the driver, Dale Shannon, 41, who was found dead at the scene. The woman is described as 5 feet 2 inches tall, 125 pounds with shoulder-length strawberry blonde hair and green eyes. She was last seen wearing a red dress and a gray fleece hooded jacket, and possibly glasses. Anyone with information on Tanya Shannon's location should call the LaSalle County Sheriff's Office at (815)-433-2161.

Lengthy Comcast internet service outage comes to an end
12/6/2010

An hours-long internet service outage affecting Comcast customers in Northern Illinois, the Chicago area, northwest Indiana, southwest Michigan and Minnesota came to an end Monday morning. A Comcast spokeswoman said the outage started around 7:30 Sunday. Officials say any users experiencing problems connecting should turn off their modem and turn it back on to reset. Customers calling 1-800-Comcast during the outage were greeted by a recorded message saying that the company was experiencing technical difficulties and asking the caller to call back later.

"It's A Wonderful Life" coming to Princeton
12/3/2010

Community leaders are taking to the stage and airwaves for a holiday fundraiser. In classic 1940s radio play style… Festival 56 presents “It’s A Wonderful Life” to be performed live and broadcast on WZOE-AM twice on Saturday, December 11th at the Grace Theater in Princeton. Each performance will feature different casts made up of area government officials, business and organization leaders. Festival 56's Dexter Brigham says they’ve had fun working with people who aren’t involved in acting. You can see "It’s A Wonderful Life" at the Grace Theater on stage or hear it live on WZOE 1490-AM. Different casts will perform at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.. Tickets are 12 dollars and seating is general admission. Call 815-879-5656, visit the box office, or go online to festival56.com.

Senator Dahl announces resignation
12/2/2010

State Senator Gary Dahl is resigning. The Granville Republican came to the Senate in 2004 after beating incumbent Pat Welch. He was reelected in 2008 but says he's frustrated with the way things are going in Springfield. Dahl says it's been "an absolute pleasure serving the people in the 38th District," but he says it's time to move on to a new chapter in his life, one in which he'll spend more time with his family. His last day on the job will be next Friday, December 10th. The Republican Party chairmen in his district will decide who replaces him.

Princeton Fire Department to get new gear
12/1/2010

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.