Local News

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La Salle County auto accident kills recent PC graduate, injures 4 other people
7/3/2008

The Putnam County School District was open Thursday afternoon to support the family and friends of those involved in Wednesday’s car accident near Lostant. Recent Putnam County graduate Cameron Eshleman, 18, of Magnolia, died at the scene of the accident at Route 18 and East 3rd Road. William Heinzeroth of Mark was driving the 1999 Mazda that Eshleman was a passenger in. Also in the car were Nicole Doyle of Standard and Tara Casey of Granville. Doyle is in critical condition at St Anthony’s Medical Center in Rockford while Heinzeroth and Casey are at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Peoria. Heinzeroth is in good condition. Casey is in fair condition. The driver of the other vehicle, Steven Dunning of Streator, is in critical condition at OSF St. Francis Hospital. The La Salle County Sheriff’s Department has released few details of the two-vehicle crash as it remains under investigation.

Accident south of Henry sends 3 people to the hospital
7/3/2008

Three people are hospitalized in stable condition after a 2 car accident around 2:30 Wednesday afternoon on Route 29, about a mile south of Henry. Witnesses in another vehicle told police they were following a van, driven by Theodore Fairfield, 75, of Toulon, when an oncoming station wagon crossed the centerline, striking Fairfield’s van head-on. The driver of the station wagon, Arthur Gingrich, 70, of Cazenovia had to be extricated from his vehicle. He was flown to Saint Francis Medical Center. His passenger, Alicia Gingrich, 69, was taken to Saint Francis by ambulance. Fairfield had to be extricated from his van and was taken to Proctor Hospital by ambulance. The Marshall County Sheriff’s office continues to investigate. Henry Fire and Rescue, Lacon-Sparland Ambulance, Henry Police, and Putnam County E-M-S assisted at the scene.

Man accused of 1999 rape at Princeton hotel faces additional charges
7/3/2008

The man accused of the 1999 rape at a hotel in Princeton is facing additional charges. Ricardo Louison, 46, was charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault, a Class X felony, in April. Louison was additionally charged with attempted murder, armed robbery, and kidnapping Wednesday. Louison is accused of having forcible sexual intercourse with a then 20-year old hotel clerk while threatening her with a knife. The alleged incident occurred April 19, 1999, at the Comfort Inn Hotel. The incident was reported as a possible kidnapping. At Wednesday’s court hearing, Louison waived a preliminary hearing and his right to a jury trial on all four charges. Louison has been held at the Bureau County Jail on $250,000 bond since his arrest in April. A bench trial is set for July 15th.

Man accused of killing 8 people being held in jail on $1 million bond
7/3/2008

A Knox County judge has upheld a $1 million bond for a man suspected of killing 8 people in a 2-state spree. Nicholas Sheley, 28, appeared in court Thursday afternoon in Galesburg. He’s charged with the June 28th beating death of 65-year old Ronald Randall. Sheley waived his right to a public defender, indicating he will hire his own attorney. Authorities earlier transferred Sheley from Madison County, where he had been held since his arrest Tuesday in Granite City. Sheley is charged in Knox County with first-degree murder, aggravated battery, vehicle hijacking and theft in Randall’s death. He’s also charged in the death of a Sterling man. Police have named him a suspect in 4 killings in Rock Falls and 2 in Missouri.

Spring Valley man sentenced for role in domestic violence incident
7/3/2008

A Spring Valley man was sentenced to prison for his role in a domestic violence incident. On Wednesday, Travis Billups, 19, was sentenced to one and a half years in prison after entering a plea of guilty to criminal trespass to a residence. According to the Bureau County State’s Attorney’s office, in April, Billups and another man entered the residence of a Spring Valley woman without her permission. That other man was the woman’s ex-boyfriend. An altercation ensued and Billups was arrested the next day by Spring Valley Police. At the time of his arrest, Billups had outstanding warrants for domestic battery and violation of an order of protection. He entered guilty pleas to both. Judge Cornelius Hollerich sentenced him to 6 months in the Bureau County Jail, concurrent with the prison sentence. He received credit for time served since his arrest April 22nd. This was Billups’ first adult conviction.

Sterling man suspected of killing 8 people captured outside bar
7/2/2008

Illinois State Police on Tuesday night captured an ex-convict suspected of killing 8 people in 2 states. Nicholas Sheley, 28, was captured in Granite City. State Police Region 2 Commander Mark Maton says Sheley didn't put up a fight. The FBI launched a manhunt for Sheley, who they believe is tied to the killings of eight people in Illinois and Missouri. Among those killed were a 93-year-old man in Sterling, a child, and a couple whose blood-soaked dogs were found roaming a motel parking lot. Maton says Sheley will be arraigned Wednesday. The arrest took place outside a bar. Sheley had entered the bar, ordered water and went to the restroom before a bartender and customer recognized him. They notified police and within minutes, authorities, including FBI agents, arrived at the bar. Sheley was arrested outside the bar around 7 p.m.. He had gone outside to smoke a cigarette.

Magnolia man killed in accident near Lostant
7/2/2008

One person died and several others were injured in a 2-vehicle accident near Lostant early Wednesday morning. The accident occurred at Route 18 and East 3rd Road at 3:50 a.m.. Cameron Eshleman, 18, of Magnolia was pronounced dead at the scene. The others injured were flown to trauma centers in Rockford, Peoria and Chicago. Firefighters had to extricate all occupants of the two vehicles. The sheriff’s department is not releasing any names of the other people involved at this time as the accident remains under investigation.

Princeton City Manager explains proposed development district
7/2/2008

Princeton City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh made an effort to clear up some confusion concerning development on the north end of Princeton. The explanation came during an interview on WZOE’s Open Line program. As previously reported on WZOE, a company that wants to develop some buildings on North Main Street approached the city. Fiegenschuh said there are two separate proposals, one for the old Wal-Mart Building and one for the office building on the corner of Main and Backbone Road. Fiegenschuh explained the sales tax would only be collected by the new businesses in the district, not existing businesses. The state would then collect the tax from the businesses, and it would go directly back to the developers to fund their project. Fiegenschuh said it was an idea worth exploring. The Princeton City Council has not yet voted on whether or not to proceed.

Semi strikes IDOT maintenance truck on I-80
7/1/2008

A crash involving a semi and an Illinois Department of Transportation maintenance truck brought traffic to a standstill Monday afternoon. The accident happened in the westbound lane of Interstate 80 at milepost 58, just east of Princeton. According to the Illinois State Police, the driver of the semi, Gary Coffey, 53, of Loda failed to change lanes as he approached the maintenance truck. Michael Martin, 60, of Princeton was in the truck, which was involved in road repair. Coffey’s semi struck the maintenance vehicle and pushed it into the median. Princeton Fire and Rescue took Martin to Perry Memorial Hospital for treatment. Coffey was not injured. He was charged with failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, disobeying a traffic control device, improper lane usage, and violation of Scott’s Law.

State Police find missing man from Canada on the river near Starved Rock
7/1/2008

State police have located a missing man from Canada following a search. The man was found two miles east of Starved Rock on the Illinois River on a boat float dock at 9:30 Tuesday morning. The search for the 43-year old started Monday morning. State troopers found an abandoned vehicle with the keys in the ignition on Route 71 at Starved Rock Sunday night. According to state police, family members were contacted and advised police the man was mentally disabled and not taking his prescribed medicine. When found, the man paddled to the Ottawa River Rescue Boat and was taken by ambulance to Ottawa Regional Hospital for evaluation. His name is not being released because of his medical condition. The search included Illinois State Police Air Operations, Utica and LaSalle Police Department Canine Team, Ottawa River Rescue, La Salle County Sheriff’s Department and Mounted Patrol, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police, and Zone 3 investigators. An Air National Guard helicopter was also used in the search.

Semi driver hits construction vehicle on I-80
7/1/2008

A semi driver hit a construction worker’s vehicle on Interstate 80 near Princeton Monday afternoon. A state highway worker reportedly noticed a semi driver not slowing down and getting into the other lane, as traffic was restricted to one lane with construction work. The semi struck the construction worker’s vehicle at milepost 58. The worker honked his horn to warn other workers. The semi pushed the construction worker’s vehicle into the median. Princeton Ambulance took the driver of the construction vehicle to Perry Memorial Hospital. The semi driver refused treatment. The interstate was closed to traffic. State Police and Illinois Department of Transportation employees directed traffic off the interstate to Route 6 in Princeton.

Black bear reported in Sheffield
7/1/2008

A black bear has been spotted in Sheffield. Bureau County Sheriff John Thompson says his department has received several calls over the past few days. Thompson says he believes the reports are factual. He says the owner of Sheffield Plumbing and Hardware, Tim Ries, reported seeing the bear. Another man, Robert Feurer, also reported seeing the bear near his property. Thompson says an investigator interviewed a father and son from Geneseo who were traveling to the Mautino Recreation Center and reported seeing a 300-pound black bear. Thompson says the bear has been reported on the west side of town near the intersection of Route 6 and 34. It’s unusual to have a black bear in the area. The bear has apparently not posed any type of threat. Thompson says a black bear is usually timid around people unless they are caring for their young. Black bears eat plants and berries. He says the best advice is to use common sense, don’t get close to the bear and don’t try to feed it. Thompson says nothing will be done about the bear unless it causes problems. He says if that’s the case, conservation police will be called in to tranquilize and re-locate the bear away from Bureau County.

IVCH has new nursing supervisor
7/1/2008

Illinois Valley Community Hospital has a new nursing supervisor. Wilma Hart-Flynn is the new chief nursing officer at IVCH. Hart-Flynn joins IVCH from Provena Mercy Medical Center in Aurora, where she was director of emergency services. Earlier in her career, Hart-Flynn worked as a shift coordinator at Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet and as a staff nurse at Morris Hospital. She is also a former Captain in the United States Army Nurse Corps Reserves. As chief nursing officer, Hart-Flynn supervises all IVCH nursing units as well as the hospital’s anesthesia, surgery, ambulatory surgery, EKG, home health, intravenous therapy, social service and counseling departments. The Marseilles resident is a graduate of Illinois Valley Community College and earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in nursing with a certificate in nursing education from the University of Phoenix. Hart-Flynn replaces Jeanette Coughlin, who recently retired as IVCH assistant administrator for patient care services after a 40 year career with the hospital.

4th of July road closures
7/1/2008

The Illinois Department of Transportation will be suspending some construction-related lane closures to give motorists a break as they hit the roads for the holiday weekend. According to IDOT, construction related lane closures will be suspended, wherever possible, from 3:00 Thursday, July 3rd to midnight Sunday, July 6th. Due to the nature of some projects, some construction zones will continue to operate. In Bureau County, Illinois 89 over I-80 will have one lane open in each direction due to bridge a replacement. Illinois 26 just south of Ohio, Route 40 just north of Buda, and Illinois 89 in Spring Valley will each have one lane open controlled by signals for bridge replacements. Interstate 80 just west of Ladd will have one lane open in each direction due to emergency bridge repairs. In La Salle County, Interstate 39 will have one lane open in each direction over the Abraham Lincoln Bridge. Illinois 71 at Starved Rock State Park will be closed for a bridge replacement. A detour is posted. Illinois 178 two and three miles south of Route 71, Illinois 71 five miles northeast of I-80, and Marseilles Road over I-80 will each have one lane open controlled by signals due to bridge replacements.

Princeton dentist has license reprimanded
6/30/2008

A Princeton dentist has had his license reprimanded. According to reports from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Bruce Shriver allegedly failed to diagnose recurrent decay and failed to maintain proper records for a patient. The IDFPR is requiring Shriver complete refresher courses. He must complete three hours of continuing education in the area of record keeping, as well as three hours in the area of diagnosis and treatment planning.

NCI Works developing 'No Place Like Home' initiative
6/30/2008

A recent study from a local workforce board found many young people leave the area to find a good-paying job. The North Central Illinois Works also found some employers expressed concerns they can’t find local talent to fill the higher-skilled jobs. As Pam Furlan with NCI Works says, the organization developed the initiative, “No Place Like Home,” based off a program in Louisiana, to find a solution. Furlan adds North Central Illinois Works developed the idea of a website. Furlan says some of the jobs may not have immediate openings, but the idea is to let young people know about the kinds of jobs in the area. Some examples include engineer and information technology positions. Furlan says data from employers will be gathered this month. The website, nciworks.org, is to be launched in August.

Fireworks schedule
6/29/2008

Here’s the schedule for area fireworks:

Princeton, Spring Valley, Hennepin, and Henry are having fireworks at dusk on Friday, July 4th. Henry’s Fourth of July parade will be at 2:00. You can hear a live broadcast of the parade on WRVY, 100.5 FM. Walnut’s fireworks will be Sunday, July 6th at dusk. Peru’s fireworks are Thursday, July 3rd.

Tractor drive helps ag students
6/29/2008

You can drive your tractor through scenic Putnam County and help raise money for the “Crops for College” scholarship fund. The Marshall-Putnam Farm Bureau Young Farmers are sponsoring a “Crops for College” tractor drive Saturday, August 2nd. There is no year restriction on tractors, however participants need to be able to travel 10-miles-per-hour. The cost is $40 per tractor, and includes lunch for all participants. The drive is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will start and end at the Putnam County Conservation Area in McNabb. A rain date is scheduled for August 9th. The Farm Bureau’s Carl Zigler says all proceeds will go to the “Crops for College” Ag Scholarship Program. For more information or to sign up for the tractor drive, call the Marshall-Putnam Farm Bureau at 309-364-2501 or log on to mpfarmbureau.com.

Hearings for proposed new Marshall County zoning ordinance to begin in August
6/27/2008

Hearings for the proposed new zoning ordinance in Marshall County are scheduled to begin in August. Marshall County Zoning Director George Meister says most of the text has been reviewed and changes have been made. Meister says it hasn’t changed the intent - rather it’s making it easier to read and follow. As previously reported, the zoning ordinance was ruled “unconstitutionally vague” in late December. A Pekin man attempting to develop a gravel pit challenged the county’s zoning ordinance. The zoning commission was formed to establish a new ordinance. According to Meister, State’s Attorney Paul Bauer and Appellate Prosecutor Chuck Zallar are currently reviewing the documents from a legal standpoint. Maps should be finished in mid-July. Hearings will be held in each of the county’s 12 townships starting in August. Meister anticipates the new ordinance will go to the county board for its approval in October.

Princeton Library Board hires new director
6/26/2008

The Princeton Library District hired a new director at Wednesday night’s board meeting. The board hired Grant Lynch. He grew up in Connecticut, taught high school English for five years in Virginia and is a recent graduate of the University of North Carolina with a master’s degree in library science. Lynch shares what he hopes to accomplish as the new director. The board thanked retiring library director Carol Bird for her seven years of service. Bird says she is really happy with the way the new library turned out. A retirement party will be held for Bird at the Princeton Public Library from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, June 30th.

Area unemployment rate up from a year ago
6/26/2008

The unemployment rate in the area is 1.5% higher than at this time last year. According to the Illinois Department of Employment Security, manufacturing jobs in the area had the largest decline. La Salle County witnessed the biggest increase in unemployment. The jobless rate was 5.3% in May 2007. This May it was 7%. Putnam County’s jumped from 4.8% last year to 6.1% this year. Bureau County’s unemployment rate was 4.2% last May. This May it was 5.3%. Marshall County’s unemployment rate went from 3.8% to 4.7%.

La Salle County Jail inmate found dead in cellblock
6/26/2008

A man found guilty Wednesday of sexual assault was found hanging in a shower stall of his cellblock. Jail staff found Dale Schmick, 31, at 2:00 a.m. Thursday morning. According to La Salle County Sheriff reports, staff removed him from the cell and he was taken by ambulance to Community Hospital of Ottawa where he was pronounced dead by Coroner Jody Bernard. Illinois State Police and the La Salle County Coroner’s office are conducting an investigation. An autopsy was performed late Thursday.

LaMoille man reported missing and found dead died from natural causes
6/26/2008

A LaMoille man who was reported missing and later found dead, died of natural causes. As previously reported on WZOE, Terry Drummer, 58, was reported missing by family members on May 28th. His body was found in a pasture just south of LaMoille High School. At that time, Bureau County Coroner Janice Wamhoff said no foul play was suspected. Wamhoff says the results of an autopsy confirmed Drummer died from an enlarged heart. The coroner says no inquest will be needed.

Henry-Senachwine Grade School holds registration
6/26/2008

Henry-Senachwine Grade School will hold registration Thursday, July 24th. All students in grades kindergarten through 8th will register in the school’s foyer and office. Registration times will be from 8:00 a.m. to noon, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.. New students should not wait, but contact the school office immediately. Free and reduced-cost lunch applications will be available at registration. Kindergarten students will need to bring a completed physical exam with immunization record and a completed dental exam. Second and 6th graders will need to bring a dental exam. New students to the district will need a physical exam. All school fees will be due on the day of registration. Call the grade school office with any questions at 309-364-2531.

Four members of "Da Hittaz" get prison sentences
6/25/2008

Four people involved in what has been referred to as the biggest drug bust in La Salle County will be doing prison time. People referring to themselves as “Da Hittaz Club” from a MySpace page boasting about its drug deliveries in the area were found guilty of criminal drug conspiracy. In a bench trial Monday, Judge H. Chris Ryan Junior found the leader of the drug conspiracy, Calvin Merritte, his brothers, Clarence Merritte and Paul Forbes, and his mother, Joy Forbes, all originally from Chicago, guilty. Each one will receive between 6 and 30 years in prison. Chief Deputy State’s Attorney Brian Vescogni says the drug task force and his office invested about 14 months in the case. About 40 witnesses were called to the stand. Other people involved in the drug ring testified in the trial. Melissa Lobb and Darnell Smith pled guilty to unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. Lobb was sentenced to 8 years in prison and Smith got 7 years. William Bradley also testified in the trial. He pled guilty to unlawful permitted use of a building. His Ottawa tattoo shop was used to package and distribute cocaine and heroin. Michael Goldsmith is set for trial July 7th. Kwame Riddle was the first to plea guilty to drug charges in mid-May. He was sentenced to 6 years in prison. Two are still at large on a warrant, Shelby Stevens and Michael Thompson. The sentencing hearing for the leader and his 3 family members is scheduled for August.

PHS tax rate declines for third straight year
6/25/2008

The tax rate at Princeton High School has decreased. Superintendent Kirk Haring told the board at last night’s meeting the rate was going from $2.12 to $2.09 this year. The first payment is due July 16th. The board also voted to keep its fees for the 2008-2009 school year the same. In other business, the board formally hired Dave Moore as athletic director, head football coach, and teacher. As previously reported on WZOE, an announcement was made earlier this month that Moore would be taking the position. Moore was Bureau Valley head football coach. Bureau Valley will likely be hiring a new football coach at its July board meeting.

Union president confirms 60 jobs to be lost at Bay Valley Foods in Mendota
6/25/2008

About 60 people at Bay Valley Foods in Mendota will soon be without a job. As reported last week, Bay Valley Foods spokesperson Ron Bottrell of Chicago told WZOE the company is building a distribution center in the first quarter of 2009. He said about 60 warehousing and labeling jobs in Mendota would be affected. According to Bottrell, TLC Companies will be hiring and filling positions, as it will run the facility for Bay Valley Foods. Last week, Union President Chris Valvo asked to make a comment following union meetings. He commented on Wednesday. Valvo says there will be more meetings in the near future. The Rochelle facility is to be completed prior to the end of the first quarter of 2009.

Bench trial for Spring Valley-Alfano lawsuit continued to July
6/25/2008

The trial between the City of Spring Valley and Maria Alfano was continued. The 2 sides were in court for about two hours Tuesday afternoon at the Bureau County Courthouse. The city filed a lawsuit against Alfano citing her building at 118 West St. Paul Street violates the city’s property maintenance and occupancy code. At a court hearing in November 2007, the city was advised Alfano would demolish the building soon. The city claims she has not made the necessary repairs for the building to be in compliance with the zoning codes. Alfano did not appear in court. Her attorney Tom Tonozzi asked for a continuance, stating he didn’t know why his client wasn’t in court. Judge C.J. Hollerich denied the motion. Tonozzi argued that the damage was caused from the neighbor who tore its building down at 116 West Saint Paul Street. According to Tonozzi, his client didn’t do anything wrong and would have to pay about $30,000 to demolish the building. He says there is a federal lawsuit pending in Peoria involving the matter. Andreoni said the City of Spring Valley never made a determination the building needed to be torn down. He says the city can prove the building has violated codes for over 30 days. Andreoni wants fines imposed of $27,000, which would be $100 for each of the 270 days the building has been in violation of the city codes and demolition of the building within 30 days. He says if the building is demolished, the city would waive the majority of the fines. City Engineer Jim Clinard testified that he inspected the building. Tonozzi requested the case be continued so his client could testify. The case was continued to July 8th.

Civil War Monument speaker to visit Princeton
6/24/2008

A civil war monument speaker is visiting Princeton this week. The Bureau County Genealogy Society is hosting a program on the topic of Allatoona Pass. Speaker Tom Gaard of Iowa and other volunteers are working to raise funds to pay for the erection of an Illinois monument by the October 5th anniversary date to honor the soldiers who fought at the Battle of Allatoona Pass in Georgia in October 1864. The battle had one of the highest casualty rates in the Civil War. A number of Bureau County soldiers were involved in the battle. Chairman of the Bureau County Genealogy Society Program Esther Tracy says she hopes local residents will attend and research their ancestors. The public is invited to the program at the Bureau County Genealogy Society Library at 629 South Main Street in Princeton at 7:00 p.m. Thursday.

La Salle Veterans Home has new administrator
6/24/2008

The Illinois Veterans Home in La Salle has named a new administrator. Norman Gross was recently hired. Gross previously served as the administrator of Heritage Manor Nursing Home and Heritage Square Retirement Center in Dixon. Gross shares what he hopes to accomplish at the VA. Former Administrator Michael Dechy resigned abruptly in March. Dechy told WZOE he resigned because of a breakdown in negotiations over compensation. He served as administrator for only 5 weeks. Administrator of the Quincy VA, Bruce Vaca filled in as acting administrator until Gross was hired.

Local attorney memorialized by Illinois Bar Association
6/24/2008

A Princeton attorney who died in December is being memorialized by the Illinois State Bar Association. According to the ISBA, the association's General Practice Section "Tradition of Excellence Award" will now be known as the "Matthew A. Maloney Tradition of Excellence
Award". The award will be presented to Maloney posthumously during the Illinois Bar Association's annual meeting. Maloney was a past chair of the bar association's section council, and a former assembly member. Maloney was a longtime Bureau County public defender.

Ladd man killed in accident on Interstate 80
6/23/2008

An accident between a truck tractor, a semi trailer, and service truck resulted in a fatality at milepost 84.5 near Ottawa on Interstate 80 Monday morning. The La Salle County coroner pronounced William Waite Jr., 49, of Ladd, dead at the scene. According to State Police reports, Mark Boehm, 43, of Spring Valley, was driving his Double D semi trailer when for an unknown reason the vehicle left the road and struck the rear of a service truck driven by Waite. Waite's vehicle was parked on the shoulder of the eastbound lane on I-80. Waite's vehicle was parked behind Randall Moss, 40, of Rochelle's, disabled truck tractor. Waite was in the process of performing repairs. Christian Henninger, 30, of La Salle, was with Waite. After hitting the service truck, Boehm’s truck traveled to the left and became jackknifed in the center median where it caught fire. Henniger was taken to Ottawa Regional Hospital and later transferred by helicopter to another hospital. Condition reports on Moss and Boehm are unclear at this time. District 17 State Police and the La Salle County Coroner’s office are investigating the accident.

PES behind $134,000 in general state aid revenue
6/23/2008

The Princeton Elementary School District is behind about $134,000 in general state aid revenue. That’s what Superintendent Tim Smith told the school board at last night’s meeting. Smith says that is money due to the district that has been delayed due to the finances of the state government. Smith adds Governor Rod Blagojevich is talking about releasing all the payments. Smith says the money will start coming in at the first quarter of next fiscal year.

Spring Valley's mayor wants tougher liquor laws
6/23/2008

Spring Valley’s mayor wants to get tougher on establishments selling alcohol to minors. Mayor Jim Narczewski expressed his concerns at last night’s city council meeting over 3 businesses cited recently as a result of State Police liquor law compliance checks. He told council members this was the second offense for two of the three. He reported a citizen group had contacted him with their concerns. According to Narczewski, the city’s liquor commissioner currently may issue fines of $500 per offense or revoke the establishment’s liquor license. He suggested revising the city ordinance to allow fines of $500 for the first offense, $1,000 for the second, $1,500 for the third and automatic revocation of the business’s liquor license for the fourth offense. City Attorney Jim Andreoni told the council he would review state statutes concerning the amount of fines that could be levied, and the length of time a liquor license could be suspended. Businesses are required to have both state and local liquor licenses to sell alcohol. Narczewski said if the city doesn’t take action, the state liquor commission will. The issue will be discussed at upcoming finance and legislative committee meetings.

Stark County has two separate fatal accident over the weekend
6/23/2008

Stark County saw 2 separate fatal accidents over the weekend. Stark County Deputy Steve Sloan reports the first occurred early Saturday morning just west of Elmira on Route 93. Alan Hand, 52, of Henry, couldn't handle a curve and his motorcycle flipped. The second accident happened Sunday afternoon on Route 40 at the intersection with Osceola Road. According to Sloan, it appears Patricia Mallary, 73, of Waukegan, stopped at the stop sign and pulled out in front of another vehicle. Bradford Rescue took Mallary to OSF St. Francis Hospital in Peoria. Her passenger, Phyllis Wilkinson, 80, of Peoria, was pronounced dead at the scene. The two people in the other vehicle, Donald Schick, 47, and his brother, Dennis Schick, 39, both of Rock Falls were taken to Kewanee Hospital by Bradford Ambulance. No tickets have been issued at this time. Sloan says it does not appear alcohol was a factor in either of the accidents.

Elderly Princeton woman loses $10,000 in scam
6/22/2008

An elderly Princeton woman lost almost $10,000 in a scam. According to Princeton Police Chief Tom Root, the woman received a letter she won $500,000 in a Reader’s Digest Sweepstakes. The letter stated not to tell anybody about winning the money. The phone calls directed her to pay taxes in order to receive the money. Root warns if you receive a check in the mail and don’t know the sender, don’t cash the check or forward funds. You will be responsible for the funds because it’s a scam. Other advice includes not giving personal information in response to any e-mails, letters, or phone calls. Don’t respond to e-mails if you don’t know the sender, don’t respond to letters claiming you've won a lottery and don’t make phone calls to numbers they provide

Plano Molding Company cuts staff
6/20/2008

Some area residents are now unemployed. Plano Molding Company laid off workers at all of its locations: Mendota, Plano, and Sandwich. Vice President of Human Resources Lisa Jorth of Plano says one of the reasons was the rising cost of its primary raw material, plastic. Jorth would not say how many lost their job. About 120 people did work at the Mendota facility. She would confirm that less than half were let go. She says the rumor that all full-time employees were let go is untrue. Jorth says Plano does not anticipate calling back any of the people let go. She says the company will continue to use part-time employees and agency workers to meet rising production needs. Plano Molding Company is known for its plastic tackle box, but the company also makes gun cases, bow cases, toolboxes, plastic shelving, and caboodles.

No more races at Bureau County Speedway this year
6/19/2008

Races will not take place at the Bureau County Speedway for the rest of the season. The speedway board and shareholders made the decision to suspend races for the rest of the season. About 60 people attended a meeting Wednesday evening at the grandstand. The speedway has been facing some financial concerns and attendance has been low. The poor economy and high gas prices are being blamed for the low attendance. The speedway will look at re-organizing next year. Speedway promoter and owner of Ramer Race Promotions Paul Ramer of Mendota declined to comment.

Investigation into damage at post office continues
6/19/2008

Authorities continue to investigate the water damage to the Princeton Post Office. A valve to the second floor was found turned on early Sunday morning. Postal Inspector Bill Nichols says all interior doors to the post office are locked and there was no forced entry to the doors. The mailbox area remains taped off as the area is drying. Those wanting to get mail need to go to the lobby. A reward is offered to anyone with information leading to the arrest of those involved with the water damage. If you have any information, you’re asked to call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at (630) 260-5363 or the Princeton Police Department at (815) 872-2351.

Henry coach re-instated
6/19/2008

Henry Senachwine’s head baseball coach was re-instated at Wednesday night’s school board meeting. Superintendent Tom Urban says Todd Berger was removed from his coaching position by the administration on May 22nd. Berger has been the coach and PE teacher at the grade school for the past eight years. Urban would not comment on the decision or reasons for dismissal, citing it as a personnel issue. Berger would not comment on the reasons for the original dismissal either. He did say the support from the teachers and community was great. About 25 people supporting Berger attended the meeting.

Marshall Putnam Relay for Life raises over $70,000
6/18/2008

Over $70,000 was raised at the Marshall Putnam Relay for Life event held at Henry Senachwine High School over the weekend. Event co-chair Jean Goldner says the top fundraising team was the Dick Bernardi Memorial Team. Seventy-five survivors joined in Friday's survivor ceremony. This year's honorary survivor was Peyton Nave. Relay for Life celebrates cancer survivorship and raises money for cancer research and support programs.

Henry City Council wants to increase tax rate for police
6/18/2008

The Henry City Council is looking at increasing its tax rate for police. The board discussed raising its rates by 45-cents to 60-cents per $100 assessed valuation at Monday’s meeting. According to City Clerk Jean Goldner, the rate of 15-cents per $100 assessed valuation has not increased since 1953. The council is in the first stages of discussion. A public hearing will be held as the necessary paperwork is completed. The proposed increase will be on the November ballot for Henry residents to decide. Goldner says all the information has to be submitted to the county clerk’s office by September 4th.

Some Bay Valley Foods employees may be without a job
6/18/2008

Some employees at Bay Valley Foods in Mendota may soon be without a job. The company told employees about 60 warehousing and labeling jobs would be relocated to Rochelle. The private-label soup manufacturer currently employs over 200. Bay Valley Foods is building a distribution center in Rochelle. It is anticipated to open in the first quarter of 2009. Bay Valley Foods Spokesperson Ron Bottrell of Chicago says the facility will primarily be a distribution center for its products. Bottrell says when Bay Valley Foods bought the business from DelMonte Foods in 2006 employees were told the warehousing and labeling jobs would probably not remain in Mendota. According to Bottrell, TLC Companies will be hiring and filling positions, as it will run the facility for Bay Valley Foods. The union in Mendota will be having a meeting on Sunday. Union President Chris Velvo said the union would be happy to comment following the meeting.

BV to hold auction at former Wyanet High School next month
6/18/2008

A public auction of unneeded items at the former Wyanet High School will be held next month. The Bureau Valley School board announced the date of Sunday, July 13, at 11:00 AM at Monday’s board meeting. Superintendent Terry Gutshall says items such as desks, tables, chairs, exercise equipment, and the old gym floor of the Wyanet building will be some of the items in the auction. Rediger Auction Services of Wyanet will be in charge of the sale. Gutshall says the architect is working on demolition bids for the Wyanet building. It is anticipated bids will be in need month. He anticipates demolition would begin in the fall, at the earliest.

Wrongful death lawsuit filed against Bureau County, the sheriff, and two correctional officers
6/17/2008

A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against Bureau County, Sheriff John Thompson, and two correctional officers. The parents or administrators of Austin and Jerry Wells of Princeton and Mindy Davis of Iowa filed the lawsuit at the Federal Courthouse in Peoria. The suit filed by Attorneys Janine Hoft and Jan Susler of Chicago claim the county, Thompson, and Officers Sherry Keefer and Chris Spiegel failed and refused to accommodate Well’s mental disabilities and modify the jail facility when he was in custody. The coroner pronounced Wells dead on June 9, 2007. Wells hung himself with a bed sheet that he had tied to the upper bunk of his cell. He was arrested three days prior for a misdemeanor charge of keeping his girlfriend out past curfew. The suit claims correctional officers failed to reconstruct, repair, or remedy the cell so correctional officers could conduct visual checks. The lawsuit states the sheriff’s department learned the locks on the doors of the cell didn’t function correctly when, during a visual check, a detainee opened a door, prior to Well’s arrest. The lawsuit is seeking monetary damages on behalf of Wells' estate. A specific amount was not stated. The lawsuit also asks for a jury trial on each count filed.

U.S. Postal Service investigating water leak at Princeton Post Office
6/17/2008

If you go to the Princeton Post Office, you’ll see the mailbox area is taped off. Fire Chief Gary Hanna says the Princeton Fire Department responded to the post office at 8:00 Sunday morning after receiving a call stating water was coming out of the front door to the post office. According to Hanna, the fire department's water connection to the second floor was switched on. After an employee drove past the post office and saw the police cars and fire trucks, the employee returned with a key. Firefighters turned off the water to the building, as well as the valve on the second floor. Postal Inspector Bill Nichols says the matter is under investigation. Nichols says there was no forced entry to the interior door leading to the second floor. He says all interior doors are locked. There’s a sign in the front door of the post office from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The mailbox area will be closed for the next several days, allowing the area to dry. Mail may be picked up in the lobby.

Businesses showing interest in former Wal-Mart and Sullivan buildings
6/17/2008

Plans are in the works for some new businesses to go into the former Wal-Mart building in Princeton. A member of the managing agency for the Wal-Mart building Bob Ricca with Central Realty of St. Louis made a presentation to the Princeton City Council at Monday night’s meeting. According to Ricca, a dollar-type store and hardware business is looking at the building. He says he is working closely with the vacant Sullivan’s building. Ricca says a furniture store is looking at the old Sullivan’s and a drug store developer is looking at building next to the former grocery store. Ricca is proposing the creation of a business tax district for the developer. The proposal includes a sales tax that would be an additional one-percent sales tax above the existing rate. Ricca is also proposing the developer receive a local sales tax rebate that the city receives from the state to offset costs of the project. Mayor Keith Cain shares his thoughts on the proposal. Cain says the council will revisit the plans soon.

Two Chicago motorcyclists arrested for speeding on I-80 near La Salle
6/16/2008

Two Chicago area men were arrested for speeding on their motorcycles near La Salle. According to State Police reports, troopers clocked Eric Worness, 18, of Plainfield, and Anthony Yark, 19, of Joliet, at 145 miles-per-hour on Interstate 80, milepost 79 at 5:00 Sunday afternoon. Worness was arrested for speeding over 40-miles per hour, suspended driver’s license, failing to secure registration, improper use of registration, and violation of classification, meaning he didn’t have a motorcycle license. Yark was charged with speeding over 40-miles an hour. Both men were locked up in the La Salle County Jail.

Bureau County American Red Cross has new director
6/13/2008

The Bureau County American Red Cross has a new executive director. Lori Compton of Tiskilwa starts at the Princeton office Monday. Director of Communications Leslie Anthony with the Quad Cities Chapter says Compton has served on the Board of Directors for the past six years and was a past board president. Penny Best has served as the director for over six years. She retired in September 2006 but returned to the organization after her replacement Barbara Prendergast left.

La Salle man in court on charges of beating up a man in the ER
6/13/2008

A La Salle man was in court Friday on charges of beating up a man at the emergency room of an area hospital. Brandon Wyatt, 30, of La Salle was indicted for aggravated battery at the Bureau County Courthouse. Wyatt allegedly beat up an Oglesby man May 16th in the ER at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Spring Valley. He is jailed on $40,000 bond.

A Princeton man is in trouble for allegedly committing battery to a police officer. Michael Heiserman, 26, was indicted for aggravated battery and criminal damage to property. He’s also accused of damaging state supported property on May 20th. He is jailed on $40,000 bond.

A Princeton man was indicted for two counts of burglary and one count of theft Friday at the Bureau County Courthouse. Kevin Koetz, 31, is accused of entering a building in rural Princeton in early March and entering a Princeton building in April. He is also accused of stealing wire from the City of Princeton Electric Department on Wednesday.

A Princeton woman was indicted on drug charges. Tonya Carter, 32, was indicted for unlawful possession of a controlled substance. She’s accused of having less than 10 grams of cocaine Tuesday. She is jailed on $20,000 bond.

A Princeton man is in trouble for allegedly driving while his license was revoked. Thomas Charles, 52, was indicted for driving while license revoked subsequent offense. He is accused of driving Tuesday while his license was revoked due to a DUI conviction. He is in jail on $50,0000 bond.

PHS taking Bureau Valley's head football coach
6/12/2008

Princeton High School has a new head football coach and athletic director. And he’s a familiar name to area football fans. Bureau Valley Head Football Coach Dave Moore has accepted the position at PHS verbally. PHS Principal Barb Schmidt says the board will vote on it at its June 25th board meeting. Moore led Bureau Valley to the state championship his first season in 2005 and has been a coach with Bureau Valley since it became a district in 1995. He teaches advanced PE and summer’s driver’s ed. Moore taught biology in the past. Bureau Valley Principal Mike Patterson says its bittersweet to see Moore leave. According to Patterson, Moore recommended assistant football coach and social studies teacher Jeff Ohlson be promoted to head coach. Patterson says the district will take applications and conduct interviews. He says the board will likely hire Moore's replacement at July’s school board meeting. The PHS football coach and athletic director job opened at the beginning of the month, as Dave Smith accepted the head-coaching job at Mt. Zion High School.

Granville woman found dead in her car five days after accident
6/12/2008

The body of a Granville woman was found in her vehicle in the country. According to reports from the Bureau County Sheriff’s office, police were notified of a car in a ravine at 8:30 Wednesday night. Officers found Jayne Rott, 48, dead in her car. Reports indicate the accident occurred about five days earlier, sometime after midnight Friday. The car was found in a ravine on 925 North Avenue near 2425 East Street in Leepertown Township, located southwest of Bureau Junction. Rott’s car apparently left the roadway, entered the ditch, struck a ravine, and came to rest almost 200 feet from where it left the roadway. Sheriff John Thompson says some issues pertaining to her death are questionable. Coroner Janice Wamhoff says autopsy and toxicology reports will take six weeks. She says it may have been a natural cause of death, but would not comment any further. Princeton EMS personnel assisted Wamhoff with removal of the body. The vehicle suffered severe damage. The accident remains under investigation.

Interim Marshall County Supervisor of Assessments hired
6/12/2008

The Marshall County Board hired an interim Supervisor of Assessments at Thursday’s meeting. Tricia Heath will start at the end of the month. Becky DeRubeis will be retiring in February 2009. In other business, the board appointed Wally Groom of Henry to replace the vacancy on the board. Jay McCracken resigned from the board last month. He will be leaving to serve as superintendent of the Putnam County School District.

Owner of former Toluca Garment Company indicted for deceptive practice
6/12/2008

The owner of the former Toluca Garment Company was indicted for two counts of deceptive practice last week at the Marshall County Courthouse. Louis M. Magliano Jr., 50, is accused of writing two bad checks to an independent contractor and employee. According to State’s Attorney Paul Bauer, the two checks amounted to about $900. Magliano was not present in court. He lives in the state of Ohio. As previously reported, Magliano abruptly closed the doors of the Toluca Garment Company in September 2007. In a written memo to employees, Magliano told them he could no longer pay them. Some employees had their paychecks from September 14th bounce. Bauer says the hope is that Magliano will be arrested in Ohio and extradited to Marshall County. Magliano could serve up to three years in prison for each of the Class 4 felonies.

Search for body of missing girl is over
6/11/2008

The search is over. Authorities have recovered the body of a young girl missing since Saturday afternoon. Guadalupe Aguayza, 11, of Chicago had been wading in the Illinois River in an area below the Starved Rock Lock and Dam. According to witnesses she went under water, and was not seen again. Ottawa River Rescue, Peru River Rescue, and the Department of Natural Resources had been searching the river since that time. According to Illinois Conservation Police spokesperson Chris McCloud, Aguayza's body was found around 7:00 Tuesday night on the Illinois River near the Interstate 39 Bridge, about 5 miles from where she entered the water. The incident remains under investigation by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the La Salle County Coroner’s Office.

Rural Henry man accused of killing his brother
6/11/2008

A rural Henry man is in jail for allegedly killing his brother. James Pehm, 30, reportedly shot his brother, Fred Pehm, 41, with a 22-caliber rifle multiple times following a fight Tuesday afternoon. Marshall County Sheriff Rob Russell says James Pehm was coaxed out of his mother’s trailer south of Route 29 following a one hour standoff with police. Russell adds that both brothers have had misdemeanor drug charges and traffic arrests in the past. Fred Pehm was pronounced dead at the scene. James Pehm has been charged with first-degree murder and is being held at the Marshall County Jail on $500,000 bond. He will appear in court Monday for a formal arraignment hearing. Russell says the incident remains under investigation.

Arizona man sentenced on drug charge
6/11/2008

An Arizona man arrested with 200 pounds of marijuana and $12,600 in currency entered a negotiated plea of guilty to possession of cannabis with the intent to deliver, a Class 1 Felony. Judge Marc Bernabei accepted Lloyd Wingfield’s plea in Bureau County Court Wednesday morning. Illinois State Police stopped Wingfield on Interstate 80 just east of Princeton for improper lane usage in early February. A search of his van revealed the cannabis and cash. Judge Bernabei sentenced Wingfield to 4 years conditional discharge, 6 months in the Bureau County Jail with credit for time served, and $2,520 in court costs. He was also ordered to forfeit the money found in his van. Wingfield, 63, was arrested in 1975 in Florida for possession of marijuana. He was convicted for that offense and violation of bail bond in 1983.

Bureau County Board approves pay raises for county office holders
6/11/2008

At last night’s Bureau County Board meeting, the Board approved rezoning property in Bureau Township belonging to Paul Cobane from agricultural to rural estate. The Board heard from Seatonville Mayor Rick Piontek in favor of the rezoning. The board also heard from adjacent property owner Jeffery Moon opposed to the rezoning. His concern was a 300 yard setback requirement, and it’s affecting his ability to hunt on his property. The board also heard from Corss Cemetery Trustee Marlene Klingenberg who was opposed and concerned with keeping the area surrounding the cemetery undeveloped. The board authorized salary increases for certain county office holders. The County Assessor’s salary was increased $1,429, Animal Control $836, Coroner $870 and ESDA/Zoning $1,000. Certain non-union county employees were also given raises equal to union employees. The board approved sending 5 people for the Jail Task Force to Colorado for a training session August 18th-21st. Those five will work with architects to determine what is needed in a new jail for Bureau County. Jail Task Force Chairman Joe Bertetto told the board he hopes to determine the cost of a new jail by the end of the year.

Students raise money for Relay for Life
6/10/2008

The annual Relay for Life Bureau County is coming up August 1st and 2nd at Hall High School in Spring Valley. It’s an event where people can gather to celebrate those who have survived cancer, remember those who’ve died, and fight back against the disease. Event co-chair Krista Hanson says there will be something new this year. Hanson said opening ceremonies would be at 6:30 Friday evening with a survivors lap at 7:00. This year there will be a survivors dinner from 5:00 to 6:00. Some other activities include a hospital gown design and style show, a silent auction, and a trick or treat lap for kids. The luminaria ceremony will be at 9:00 Friday evening. For more information or to sign up log onto relayforlifebureau.com.

Fitness trial for Seneca man accused of murder has been postponed
6/9/2008

The fitness trial for the Seneca man accused of murdering an elderly couple has been postponed. The doctor to examine Keith Machowiak, 39, is now unavailable. At Friday morning’s hearing at the La Salle County Courthouse, Judge H. Chris Ryan Jr. allowed defense to hire a new doctor to examine Machowiak. Machowiak is accused of murdering Catherine Twardowski, 87, and Aloysius Twardowski, 84, by hitting them in the head with a shovel at their home in rural Seneca in July 2007. A status hearing is set for July 11th.

Restoration continues at Mt. Bloom
6/6/2008

Restoration efforts continue at Mt. Bloom Cemetery in Tiskilwa. A group has formed called the Friends of Mt. Bloom. President of the Tiskilwa Historical Society Cecille Gerber tells how the group was formed. Gerber says the building is beyond repair, but the group wants to restore the steps. The Friends of the Tiskilwa Historical Society hope to raise $10,000 over the next few months. To date, $3,000 has been raised. To make a donation, mail a check to the Tiskilwa Historical Society at Box 87 in Tiskilwa with a notation of “Mt. Bloom Restoration.”

Fire on Crown Street
6/5/2008

The Princeton Fire Department was called to a house fire at 426 West Crown just before 2:00 Thursday afternoon. When they arrived, firefighters found the house fully involved. The owner of the house, Ron Rote, was at home at the time of the fire and escaped without injury. Two pets were lost in the fire. Fire Chief Gary Hanna says the home was close to a total loss. The State Fire Marshall’s office is investigating the cause of the fire. The Princeton Fire Department was assisted by the Wyanet and Malden fire departments, 10-33 Ambulance, and Princeton water and electric departments.

Teens sentenced for Leepertown bomb threat
6/5/2008

Two teen boys arrested for making a bomb threat at Leepertown Grade School May 12th appeared in Bureau County Court Thursday morning. The 14 and 16 year olds from Bureau entered pleas of guilty to Class 3 Felony disorderly conduct. Both were sentenced to 18 months probation, 30 days detention, and 75 hours public service work. The 16 year-old had also been charged with criminal damage to property. That charge was dropped in the plea agreement, but he was ordered to pay $502 restitution. As a condition of his plea agreement, the 14 year old, who was a student at the school, was also ordered to write a letter of apology. On the morning of May 12th, staff at Leepertown School found a note on one of the school's doors stating, "Today everyone dies at school. Boom Boom. 1 o'clock. Goodbye." Children were evacuated from the building, and school was dismissed for the day, while authorities made a search of the school. The two admitted to authorities they wrote the note to get the 14 year old out of school for the day.

Princeton Streetscape Phase One complete
6/4/2008

Phase One of Princeton’s Streetscape Project has wrapped up. According to Princeton City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh, the city will be going out for bids in July for Phase Two of the project, which includes the section of Main Street from the railroad tracks to Clark Street. During an interview on WZOE’s Open Line program, Fiegenschuh said the city already bid out the streetlights. He also learned recently that state is going to approve the city’s IDOT permit for the new streetlights. Fiegenschuh said the city already qualified for a $100,000 USDA grant for Phase Two of the project.

Walnut man will do prison time for stealing a wallet
6/4/2008

A Walnut man will do prison time for taking a wallet. Keith Kinney, 46, was arrested in March after an 81-year-old Walnut man reported to the Walnut Police Department he was the victim of a theft. He told police that Kinney took his wallet containing $60 in cash. After an investigation, Kinney was charged with theft, a Class 3 Felony. Kinney entered a plea of guilty in Bureau County Court. Judge Cornelius J. Hollerich sentenced him to 4 years in prison. Kinney was also ordered to pay $60 in restitution and $135 in fees and court costs. Kinney was convicted of theft in Cook County in 1984. He was sentenced to 4 years in prison after being convicted of residential burglary in Cook County in 1995. He also served a year in prison after a 2003 conviction in Cook County for unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

Princeton High School assistant principal and football coach resigns
6/3/2008

Dave Smith, varsity football coach, assistant principal, and athletic director at Princeton High School, will be resigning. Smith has accepted the head coaching job at Mount Zion High School near Decatur. Smith has been at PHS since 2004. He has also coached at St. Charles and Burlington Central, as well as Eureka College and Aurora University. According to Superintendent at Mount Zion Superintendent Darbe Brinkeotter says Smith was officially hired for the 2008-09 school year at Monday night’s school board meeting. Princeton High School Superintendent Kirk Haring says he was disappointed by Smith’s decision to resign.

Princeton City Council hires new water superintendent
6/3/2008

The Princeton City Council will be purchasing the property included in the new Princeton Commercial Park. The board voted to buy about 140 acres between Route 26 and Interstate 80 at Monday night’s board meeting. The city will be purchasing the property from Bonucci Farms for about $3.5 million. City Manager Jeff Fiegenshuh says the city will issue debt to pay for the property and is working on small grants to offset the costs. City Commissioner Bob Warren was the only commissioner who voted no for the purchase. Fiegenshuh says that is the piece of property that companies looking at the community are interested in. Fiegenshuh says the city has granted Bonucci Farms the right to farm and pay cash rent to farm until the property is developed. He says he hopes to have a business there within the next year. The closing date on the property is November 1st, 2008. In other business, Mike Eggers was appointed as the new Superintendent of the Princeton Water Department. As previously reported on WZOE, former Superintendent Mike Scott no longer works for the city. Scott took full permanent disability through the city through IMRF. Scott was suspended with pay for six months in March after pleading guilty to submitting falsified reports to the Illinois EPA.

Park board approves engineering services contract for park expansion
6/3/2008

The Princeton Park District approved an engineering services agreement for the expansion at Zearing Park. The board approved a $70,000 contract with Chamlin and Associates of Peru at Monday night’s meeting. The board also signed the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grant agreement with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources as well as an agreement with North Central Illinois Council of Governments. The NCICG will serve as the administrator of the grant. Local businessman Dan Ellberg of Indian Valley Timber and Stone offered to do two free test digs where the pond is to be located to look at elevation levels. The expansion at Zearing Park will include the development of soccer fields, playground equipment, a lake, fishing pier, shelter, concession stand, restrooms, parking, and access road. Construction is to start by mid-summer.

Radio personality in trouble with the law
6/2/2008

A local radio personality is in trouble with the law. Rod Thorson, 43, of rural Streator, allegedly pointed a gun at his neighbor at about 9:00 Friday night at his neighbor’s home on North 1759th Road. According to La Salle County Sheriff’s Department reports, Thorson knocked on a neighbor’s door and when he answered, Thorson fired his gun in the air, recharged the shotgun, and then pointed it directly at the neighbor. Reports indicate the neighbor slammed the door and called 911. Thorson was arrested at his home for unlawful use of a weapon and reckless discharge of a firearm. He was held in jail without bond until his court hearing Sunday at the La Salle County Courthouse. Judge James Brusatte set bond at $10,000. Thorson posted 10 percent. Both charges are Class 4 felonies. Thorson could serve up to three years in prison or 180 days in jail if he’s found guilty. He also could receive probation. Thorson will appear in court with his attorney on Thursday. Thorson works for WLPO Radio in Oglesby.

Bureau County Fair grandstand tickets to go on sale
6/2/2008

Tickets for all grandstand shows at the 153rd Bureau County Fair in Princeton are now on sale at the fair secretary’s office. That includes the 33rd annual Country show starring Rodney Atkins, performing Friday, August 22nd at 7:30pm. Atkins was recently nominated for six awards at the 43rd Academy of Country Music awards including Top Male Vocalist, Album of the year, Song of the Year and Video of the Year. Advance tickets for the Bureau County Fair Queen Pageant, Little Miss Bureau County Fair and Junior Miss Pageants, which will take place Tuesday, July 29th starting at 6:00 pm at the Bureau Valley High School in Manlius are also available. For ticket information call 875-2905 or visit the fair’s website BureauCountyFair.com. The 153rd Bureau County Fair runs August 20th through the 24th in Princeton

Area residents share thoughts on high gas prices
6/2/2008

$3.99 a gallon. That’s the going rate for gasoline around the area. "Awful", "horrible", and "no fun" is how some people at Beck's West Gas Station in Princeton describe the high gas prices. Sharon from Princeton says she’s had to cut back. Ann DePouw of Princeton says she doesn’t travel much. A clerk from Becks says she hears the same question day after day. She says she is in the same boat as many, having to work a second job. Bob Gustafson of Princeton says he’s not traveling too far. Lifelong Princeton resident Lloyd Brennemen, 91, says he sticks around town, but he knows a lot of people have to travel. Most people would probably enjoy paying for fuel what he did when he first started driving.