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Serving Bureau County Since 1847
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
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CCL + FOID = Streamlined process By Goldie Currie gcurrie@bcrnews.com
Beginning next week, Illinois State Police are merging FOID and concealed carry license (CCL) application processes. The modernized online system is intended to provide a user-friendly portal, designed to ease and streamline the processes.
The process, which is expected to be more efficient, will begin Monday, March 16. The ISP will no longer accept the current FOID paper applications after Monday, March 9. Like the CCL, the new FOID application will be available through the department’s website and through the paper alternative call center method
for those who do not have computer access. Minors under the age of 21 without an Illinois driver’s license or identification card and Amish applicants will be required to complete an alternative call-in paper application. Princeton Police Chief Tom Root is in favor of this change. “The online option is
the future,” he said. “It’s a lot easier. There’s no paperwork involved. People can just go online and apply. It’s going to make the flow and paper trail a lot better.” Root said state police have also discussed combining the FOID and CCL permits, and this change could be a step in that direction. “If you have a concealed
carry card; you have to have a FOID, so why have two permits?” he questioned. “Hopefully they will make that happen, and it won’t be too far down the road.” Root said this new online process could also encourage more people to apply for a FOID. “I could see it happen because it’s such an easy process. A lot of people
are trying to get away from paper and going electronic,” he said.
How will this work? The ISP has made changes to the login for both the CCL and FOID applications.
FOID Page 4
19 years of service Princeton Mayor Keith Cain is looking forward to spending more time with family By Zita Henneberry zhenneberry@bcrnews.com
PRINCETON — After serving the Princeton community for the past 19 years, Princeton Mayor Keith Cain will step down at the end of his term. Cain served three years as a commissioner for the city of Princeton and the last 16 years as mayor. He has decided not to seek re-election. “We have a great city with great people in it,” Cain said. Cain, appreciated by many for his years of service to the community, believes people will remember him as the guy who always tried for a positive attitude toward Princeton. Now however, Cain is looking forward to spending more time with his family. By taking a step back, Cain said he will be
more available for activities and events with his grandchildren. “It’s a 24-hour job,” said Cain of his 16 years as mayor. With the mayoral election in April, Cain will be exiting the council chambers and leaving his chair behind for good. When Cain took up the position years ago, he said Princeton was in “fair” condition. According to Cain, the city was in need of many expensive projects. Many of those projects have now been completed, he said, which in return has increased the debt. However, he added, the current city’s infrastructure has greatly improved in the last 20 years. “The city’s infrastructure is in much better shape but still in need of more work,”
Cain Page 4
BCR photo/Zita Henneberry
Lions come out to support charity Lions Club Vice President Scott Bickett places the drawn ticket numbers into the drawdown board at the annual Lions Club charity event. Look to page 3 for full coverage.
On the horizon ... Storms, tornadoes and flooding ... Are you ready? By Goldie Currie gcurrie@bcrnews.com
BCR photo/Zita Henneberry
Princeton Mayor Keith Cain will step down after 19 years of service to the community. Year 169 No. 30 One Section - 16 Pages
© Bureau County Republican
Looking at the higher temperatures expected this week, it’s evident spring is trying it’s best to get here fast. As exciting as that sounds, warmer tem-
peratures also mean an increased potential for severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and flooding. To help people prepare for severe weather, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) will join the
Storms Page 4
What are the terms again? • Tornado Watch - conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes. • Tornado Warning - a tornado has been reported by spotters, or National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists have determined that one is about to form in the next several minutes. Go to a substantial shelter immediately. • Severe Thunderstorm Watch - conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms containing large hail and damaging wind. • Severe Thunderstorm Warning - large hail and/ or damaging wind has been reported by spotters, or is about to develop. Go to a substantial shelter immediately. Source: www.Ready.Illinois.gov