Former Princeton mayor fills vacancy on the Bureau County Board

Some retirements are only temporary.

According to the NewsTribune, former Princeton Mayor Keith Cain is not ready to be done with politics. He was appointed Tuesday to the Bureau County Board. Cain retired as mayor of Princeton earlier this year after 16 years. Before that he was a city commissioner.

Cain replaces Jeff Mangrich who is moving out of his district.

Churches unite in hopes of bringing holiday stress relief through prayer

Churches in the Illinois Valley are using the holiday season as a time to work together to help those affected by suicide, depression, drug and alcohol abuse.

“Prayers for the Valley” is a non-denominational event taking place at IVCC Wednesday at 6:30. It’s being held by Grace United Methodist, St George Orthodox Church, and Life Church.

Toni Lucas is the Spiritual Formations Director for Grace United. She believes the event can provide relief from recent stressful events.

Lucas says they’re holding the event around the holidays because they can be the most isolating for people suffering from depression. In addition to music and personal stories about recovery they will provide those looking for assistance with literature and contact information of people that can help.

Earlville superintendent told to work from home during investigation

Working from home sounds like a great idea if it’s your choice.

Earlville School Superintendent Wade Winekauf has been told by the school board and their attorney to work from home while they investigate his domestic battery arrest. Winekauf was arrested Thanksgiving weekend at his home. He has since posted bond and is due back in Ogle County Court next week.

The Earlville School Board had a special meeting Thursday to talk about what to do with Winekauf. Besides being a school superintendent, Winekauf is also a part-time police officer in Polo.

Cause of Saturday house fire in Princeton declared accidental

A house fire Saturday morning in Princeton has been ruled accidental.

Princeton Fire Chief Chuck Woolley says the cause of the fire on Ina Avenue was a Terracotta wood burner on a porch of the house. He says the wood burner wasn’t extinguished completely before everyone went to bed.

Woolley says he still called the fire marshal to look at the fire because of the extent of damage. The Reinhardt family has been displaced.

New bill finally means money is available to big lotto winners in Illinois

Christmas has come early for Danny Chasteen of Oglesby.

State lawmakers Monday approved money for state lotto winners meaning Chasteen should soon get his $250,000 payout. He won big on a scratch off ticket in July but was never paid because of the state not having a budget. The state has been withholding money to anyone who won $600 or more.

Chasteen lawyered up with other lotto winners and has sued the state to try and claim his money plus interest. The suit claimed the lottery committed fraud by advertising and selling tickets without being able to pay the winnings.

Winners who already turned in their winning tickets will have their paperwork processed first. The lottery expects to start paying out next week once money is transferred into their accounts.