CHERRY — They are growing up in the shadow of the site of a horrendous disaster and live in the shadow of the memorial of those who died ... but it took a recent centennial celebration and a school project to bring the home truth.

PRINCETON — It seems just like yesterday, but it’s that time of the decade again.

The budget numbers finally came out of Springfield Wednesday, and pretty much everything local educators had feared came true.

PRINCETON — Inadequate capacity, an aging facility, and high operation costs are just three reasons why Princeton needs a new water treatment plant.

PRINCETON — The Optimist Club of Princeton will offer the Ralph Chelin Memorial Scholarship.

PRINCETON — The kick-off for the March of Dimes’ season begins locally Thursday with “Steppin Out For Our Babies” in Princeton.

PRINCETON — The Princeton Police Department Citizen’s Police Academy will begin at 6:30 p.m. April 6.

PRINCETON — The Bureau County Youth Development Coalition invites the public to attend its upcoming meeting scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at the University of Illinois Extension – Bureau County office, located at the Becker Professional Suites, 850 Thompson St., Princeton.

New officers of the Illinois Valley Association of Chiefs of Police installed Wednesday at its meeting at the Wise Guys in Princeton were (from left to right) Deputy Chief Allen Beaber of the Princeton Police Department, president; Chief Brian Zielman of the Ottawa Police Department, immediate past president; Captain Dan Roach of the Illinois State Police at District 17, sergeant-at-arms; and Chief Tom Root of the Princeton Police Department, third vice president. Judge C.J. Hollerich administered the oath of office. Officers absent were Assistant Chief James Knoblauch of the Oglesby Police Department, second vice president; Chief Tom Smith of the Mendota Police Department, secretary/treasurer and Chief Robert Uranich of the LaSalle Police

SPRINGFIELD — Despite Illinois’ overwhelming deficit, Gov. Pat Quinn presented a “borrow and spend” budget on March 10 that state Sen. Dale Risinger (R-Peoria) said may be the most irresponsible budget ever submitted to the General Assembly.

PRINCETON — Help will available for those who need assistance in filling out their application for Illinois Cares RX/Circuit Breaker applications.

SPRING VALLEY — The Father Daughter Dance has been rescheduled for April 10.

PRINCETON — The regular monthly meeting of the Bureau/Putnam County Local Emergency Planning Committee scheduled for March 18 has been canceled.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Working to bring common-sense to Washington while finding common-ground with colleagues from both sides of the aisle, Rep. Debbie Halvorson (IL-11) was recently voted in as Freshman Class President by freshmen Democratic House members.

The first step in planning for this year’s apple crop is addressing last year’s insect and disease problems, said a University of Illinois Extension green industry specialist.

OGLESBY — llinois Valley Community College's Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting at noon Monday in the Board Room, C 307, to approve a faculty resignation.

Four Walnut residents were honored Monday during the Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet, as they were inducted into the Walnut Hall of Fame. Inductees into the Hall of Fame were the late Arden Noble, Tom Garland, Nancy Ohda and the late Walt Ohda. Pictured are Shirley Noble (from left), who accepted the award on behalf of her husband; Tom Garland; and Nancy Ohda, also accepting for Walt Ohda.

Editor’s note: This is the third in a three-part series on the Illinois Honor Roll.

WYANET — Wyanet Mayor Bruce Hand, who is also the village’s liquor commissioner, along with village board members approved three liquor licenses within the village limits at Tuesday evening’s village board meeting.

Ann Hunter weighs out another five-pound bag of freshly-made sausage last Saturday at St. Patrick Parish in Arlington. A large group of willing volunteers made 5,200 pounds of sausage last weekend, much of which will be consumed at Sunday’s annual pancake and sausage breakfast. The all-you-can-eat breakfast will feature “Nuco’s” sausage, pancakes, eggs, toast and beverage. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children 6 to 10.

PRINCETON — A Princeton man has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to the Class 4 felony of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, heroin.

Rose Nelson took this postcard perfect photo east of Wyanet on her way to work. She said the snow and ice were so pretty that day that she couldn’t resist taking lots of pictures. She would like to share this one with us.

PRINCETON — To elect or to appoint the Bureau County Coroner ... that is the question. In November, Bureau County voters may get to answer that question.

PRINCETON — The look of postal delivery could be changing in the not-so-distant future.

BUDA — According to Buda Mayor Lloyd May, youth in Buda are looking for something to do, and they suggested to May that maybe a skateboard ramp would be possible.

March 13 — Gladys Cooper estate and Ellowyn Kaletka estate, antique and modern furniture, rugs, electronics, glassware, collectibles, firearms, decoys, jewelry, vintage Barbies, 10 a.m., 1635 N. Main St. (Tumbleson Auction Center), Princeton, Tumbleson Auction Co., auctioneers.

Think traffic moves just a little bit too slowly along Interstate 80?

HENRY — A fundraiser for Honor Flight will be held Monday at the Henry American Legion Post 323.

BUREAU — The Leepertown Board of Education will meet as a committee of the whole in the school cafeteria at 9 a.m. Friday to discuss energy saving improvements for the building.

PRINCETON — A Tiskilwa man has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to the Class 4 felony of obstructing justice.

DEPUE — St. Mary’s Cemetery in DePue will have its spring clean up of all winter decorations. Anyone wishing to keep items must have them removed by March 28.

BUREAU — The Cemetery Committee of Greenwood Cemetery has announced that cemetery cleanup will begin in April. Any personal items must be removed by April 1, or they will be discarded.

PRINCETON — With the worst of the winter storms hopefully behind Bureau County for the season, residents can turn their thoughts to severe weather patterns which typically occur in the spring and summer months.

PRINCETON — The Bureau/Putnam County Transportation Partner Group (TPG) is beginning its survey process to help determine public transportation needs in the two-county area.

SPRING VALLEY — Three Spring Valley residents have been arrested after a weekend break-in incident in the 100 block of East Seventh Street in Spring Valley.

MALDEN – What do a cattle rancher in Bolivia, a woman with a soft drink business in Peru, a Peru businessman, a bookstore owner in Paraguay, a young mother in Nicaragua, a Moroccan immigrant in California, and a cattle rancher in Azerbaijan have in common?

A national group has reviewed guns laws across the country and has given Illinois a low score. The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence released its 2009 state scorecards last month for all 50 states and gave Illinois just 28 points out of a possible 100 points.

SHEFFIELD — For the first time in 15 years, Sheffield residents will see an increase in their water/sewer bill, possibly as soon as the June statements.

So you’re finally going to renovate your home. Are you all ready? Is the bid complete? Check. Have you checked your contractor’s references? Double check. What about his certification to renovate a house built before 1978? Huh?

Tammy Tieman, Theresa Cotter and Michelle Kinnamon look at some of the art made by children of the Junior Art League at the Prairie Arts Center in Princeton. The exhibit is showing works of art by young members of the art league, ages 9-13, and includes pottery, origami, mixed media, photography and watercolor. It is open to the public Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the center at 24 Park Ave. East.

Carol Greathouse of DePue submitted these photos taken during a walk in the park on Lake DePue.

"I like all the ideas that come into my head when I am creating art." —

Princeton Tigers’ fans raise their hands during a free throw in the second half Friday in the season-ending 70-54 loss to the Winnebago Indians at the Byron Class 2A sectional. Winnebago (31-0) will now play Peoria Manual Tuesday night at the DeKalb 2A Supersectional. Manual crushed Kewanee 79-31 at the Farmington Class 2A Sectional.

PRINCETON — More than 130 people crowded into the conference room at the University of Illinois Extension office in Princeton Thursday night to express their support for the organization.

PRINCETON — Princeton residents are encouraged to learn more about a proposed water treatment plant project, why it's needed for the city and its estimated $19 million cost.

Long-term unemployed workers who were facing the end of their benefits got a reprieve Tuesday when Congress passed and President Barack Obama signed into law a one-month extension of the existing programs.

Bureau County United Way executive director Michelle Lymberopoulos (left) and Quinta Morton display some of the decorated chairs which will be auctioned off during United Way’s second annual comedy dinner auction planned for tonight, Saturday, at Wise Guys Bar & Grill in Princeton, beginning at 6 p.m. Tonight’s event will include a live, silent and “chairity” auction, as well as live entertainment. Proceeds from this evening’s event will go to United Way’s 2010 campaign goal of $127,000.

PRINCETON — Princeton Police Chief Tom Root has released the activity report for February.

Debbie Rabe (front) joins about 25 other area women during the social time prior to Friday morning’s World Day of Prayer service hosted at the Hollowayville United Church of Christ, east of Princeton. After a time of coffee and refreshments, the group joined in a time of community prayer. The World Day of Prayer dates back to the 19th century and is observed in more than 170 countries and regions on the first Friday each March.

PRINCETON — “We the People Princeton” will meet at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Princeton Public Library. The public is invited to attend. For more information, contact Brian Jones at (815) 376-5150.

Dorothy Kerr of Princeton sent in this photo of the 1938 Ohio softball champions. The ballplayers include (front row, from left) Francis Powers, Arnold Clarke, Clifford Heaton, Robert Hild, Richard Swanson, Eugene Hansen, Robert Alm, James Ericson, Dale Kerr and Teddy Kerr; (second row) Donald Krappf, Fergus Conner, James Sheehan, Robert Schnieder, Glen Boyle, Melvin Hansen, Jack Cassidy, Walter Minnick and coach Barnes; and (back row) Marvin Sullivan, Leo Gorman, Roland Williams, Jack Krapff and Wayne Schell Jr.

Dorothy Kerr of Princeton submitted this photo of the 1938 Ohio football team. The team includes (front row, from left) Donald Krapff, Dale Kerr, Bernard Warkins, Robert Smith, Kenneth Esterday, Edward Shehann and Ralph Sisler; and (back row) coach C.N. Barnes, Gerald Dalton, Robert Boyle, Eugene Sidebottom, Charles Powers, Raymond Naughtin and LaVern Smith.

SPRINGFIELD — Senators spent long hours in legislative committees during the week, trying to meet a March 5 deadline to move Senate bills out of committee, according to state Sen. Dale Risinger (R-Peoria).

MANLIUS — Village engineer Jack Kusek of McClure Engineering of LaSalle gave the Manlius Village Board a reassuring update on the village’s newly-implemented sewer project at its meeting this week..

PRINCETON — The Bureau County Senior Center will hold computer classes for seniors from 9 to 11 a.m. beginning March 15.

PRINCETON — The Bureau/Putnam County Crime Stoppers is asking for public assistance in solving recent thefts and burglaries in western Bureau County.

PRINCETON — The cause remains under investigation into a Wednesday night house fire in Princeton.

February continued the cold trend with snow cover and an average statewide temperature of 25.1 degrees, 5.1 degrees below normal. A few more producers were able to complete harvest of corn as the weather warmed slightly, with only light snow in some areas. There was a lot of grain movement last month along with preparing equipment for spring.

SPRING VALLEY — It was only five months ago when Spring Valley Mayor Cliff Banks, the aldermen and the city’s planning commission faced down a crowd of angry Webster Park residents and told them no.

Editor’s note: This is the second in a three-part series on the Illinois Honor Roll.

PRINCETON — The Princeton Technology Park should have a new resident by mid-summer.

PRINCETON — One hundred and twenty-nine years after its founding, the American Red Cross has developed into an international emergency response organization with 35,000 employees and more than 500,000 volunteers in the United States. Worldwide, the International Red Cross serves in 186 counties with millions of volunteers.

WALNUT — David Geier of Allied Waste, the garbage disposal company for the village, presented to the Walnut Village Board a proposal that would extend his current contract with the village for an additional five years.

The Manlius Sportsman’s Club held its annual wild game supper Saturday where people could choose to eat venison, raccoon, chicken, turkey, or pheasant.

LADD — The annual spring cleanup at Ladd Cemetery will begin March 20. All grave decorations will be removed and disposed of at this time. Anyone wishing to retain these items must pick them prior to the cleanup date.

PRINCETON — Princeton City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh and Superintendent of Water Mike Eggers have announced a public meeting is planned to provide information on the city’s water treatment project.

PRINCETON — The city of Princeton could be selected as a testing community for Google.

LASALLE — The next meeting of the Bureau/LaSalle County Tea Party will be from 6 to 8 p.m. March 23 at the Flying J Truck Stop in LaSalle. The truck stop is located at the Interstate 80 and Route 351 exit. For more information, call Art Havenhill at (815) 685-1905 or Chris Arndt at (815) 370-5599.

PRINCETON — The Princeton-Illinois Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will meet for the Youth Day luncheon at noon Friday at the First United Methodist Church. Good Citizen winners from the nine area high schools will be honored. The program, “Ronald Reagan’s Early Years,” will be presented by Joan Johnson, president of the Tampico Historical Society. Members are asked to bring any Ronald Reagan memorabilia for display. Diana Williamson is the good citizen chairman with Carol Arteberry, Sharon Bittner, Carol Schennum, Patricia Polson and Joanne Swan helping.

Ed Herrmann of Spring Valley submitted this photo of a frozen waterfall in the lower dells of Matthiesen State Park. He said only a few people were out in the park this day, one of which was another photographer who appears to be shooting a closeup of the falls.

March 4  — Putnam County Land Auction, American Legion, Granville, 10 a.m., Farmers National Co., Jim McRell, agent, auctioneer.

PRINCETON — The Illinois Theatre Conservatory (ITC) announces Film Nights, a free, fun and educational exploration of cinematic masterpieces of the 20th century.

PRINCETON — A Princeton man is facing prison after being found guilty in Putnam County Court of the November 2007 critical injury of a teenage girl.

NEPONSET — Defying the odds, a number of schools across the state are continuing to show that low scores are not a necessary result when the students are low income.

PRINCETON — The Princeton Park Board has gone on record as not being able to partner with Princeton High School on a proposed new tennis court project for Alexander Park.

HENNEPIN — As the old hymn goes, “Have you trials or temptations? Take it to the Lord in prayer,” and that’s exactly what some of the ArcelorMittal steel plant workers are doing.

Keeley Robinson, 7, of Princeton and her friend, Kamilla Klingenberg, 8, of Princeton look at the hand-carved carousel horse at Saturday night’s opening gala for “From Both Sides” art exhibit at the Princeton Public Library. The horse was carved by Ken Stoner and won a national carving contest in 1994. The exhibit runs through March 21 at the library located at 698 E. Peru St.

Steve Bosi of Ladd holds his 8-month-old son, Brody, while older brothers, Ryan, 2, and Zack, 6, enjoy their food at a pancake and sausage breakfast and bake sale Sunday at St. Benedict’s Hall in Ladd.

ANNAWAN — Two of the three youth charged in a December 2009 assault incident at Annawan High School will be allowed to graduate early from high school.

“I think he needs to be left alone and deal with that in his private life,”

It’s the time of year when eagles soar, and along the mighty Mississippi River, there never seems to be a shortage of this national symbol ... or the photographers who want to capture this majestic bird of prey. BCR correspondent photographer Mike Vaughn said he’s seen people from all over the Midwest photographing the eagles in this area — often as many as 100 to 150 photographers at a time.

This year was a great turnout for the Princeton FFA group. Ten tractors made the journey to the high school with 13 students, some doubling up. While Mike Bowman only had a two-mile drive, many of the other students had to drive their tractors further, including Kyle Regal from Walnut, Aaron Friel from Lake Thunderbird, Mackenzie Bickett from Malden and the Jensens from Tiskilwa. So while most of us were sleeping, they were up before 4 a.m. and on the road to meet everyone else at the Princeton Public Library by 6 a.m. They were then treated to a police escort to the high school.

PRINCETON/LADD — A fifth-grade student at Ladd Community Consolidated School has won the 2010 Tar Wars billboard contest.

PRINCETON — The drive continues to develop a public transportation system for Bureau County, under the steering of the Bureau/Putnam Transportation Partnership Group (PTG).

PRINCETON — A Princeton man is facing prison after being found guilty in Putnam County Court of the November 2007 critical injury of a teenage girl.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Debbie Halvorson has announced a GI Bill Helpline was launched Feb. 18 to help veterans with questions on how to benefit from the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

OTTAWA — The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that the road work on Interstate 80, which began Monday, is expected to be completed in the fall.

PRINCETON — The Princeton High School Fine Arts Division will have its annual Festival of Two Arts on March 8.

SPRINGFIELD — Senate lawmakers were busy in committee hearings during the week of Feb. 22-26, approving legislation that would target the growing social issue of “sexting,” change Illinois’ legislative scholarship program and push back the state’s February primary election date, according to state Sen. Dale Risinger (R-Peoria).