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Thursday, August 14, 2014
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Who owns this bridge?
County board struggles with ownership in Selby Township By G oldie C urrie gcurrie@bcrnews.com
PRINCETON — Figuring out who has jurisdiction over an old bridge in Selby Township was a major topic of discussion at Tuesday night’s Bureau County Board meeting. The controversial debate was sparked after Greg Hinton of La Grange applied for a conditional use permit to place a double-wide mobile home on his property at 1550 North Avenue, Selby Township. To get the mobile home back to his property, heavy trucks would have to cross the old bridge over
Bureau Creek leading back to the property. This has caused concern for Selby Township Highway Commissioner George Glover, who pointed out on Tuesday the bridge is in the worst condition he’s ever seen for a bridge. The old bridge has never been maintained for as long as he can remember because it was not recognized as a public road, and it’s never been inspected by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). Since applying for the conditional use permit, Hinton has gotten permission from a nearby farmer to use his field for the purpose of avoiding the bridge to get the mobile home to his property.
But figuring out who has jurisdiction over the bridge is still a concern to Glover. After looking through old records from the county and township, he has found no evidence of either one taking jurisdiction over the bridge. The township has been collecting motor fuel tax on the road, but Glover pointed out that necessarily doesn’t mean anything because sometimes the township receives tax money on roads they shouldn’t, and sometimes they don’t receive money on roads they should. Attorney Bob Russell, who represents the township, spoke to the board on Tuesday.
See Bridge Page 4
Ready ... set ... Ignite! PHS freshmen become familiar with their new school By Goldie Currie gcurrie@bcrnews.com
BCR photo/Goldie Currie
Incoming freshmen at Princeton High School play a game on the school’s front lawn during Ignite Day — a day where new PHS freshmen merge with PHS upperclassman to help them adjust to the high school transition. The students participated in a host of activities and games throughout the day — all geared toward helping them meet new people and “breaking the ice” with other students.
PRINCETON — Princeton High School’s incoming freshmen gathered on the school’s front lawn Tuesday morning to partake in the traditional activities of Ignite Day. With the leadership of upperclassmen, the activities encouraged interaction, teamwork, trust and a positive attitude among the new freshmen students. The PHS Ignition program meshes new students and upperclassmen in hopes to boost student achievement and involvement in school organizations. Ignition sponsor Renee Kozeal explained the program “breaks the ice” to help start building relationships among the freshmen class. “The point is we want the freshmen to get to know each other instead of sitting in their own groups that they know and are comfortable with,” she said. “The activities push them outside of their comfort zone … This is a way to get them to start breaking down those walls.” Following the activities, Ignition mentor Anjali Patel said it was a successful day for both the freshmen and fellow Ignition mentors.
See Ignite Page 2
Bureau County mourns Hornbaker, Fulara Kathy Hornbaker dies at 62 By T erri S imon tsimon@bcrnews.com
PRINCETON — Long-time Princeton business owner, teacher and youth group leader Kathy Hornbaker died Monday after suffering from frontal lobe dementia for seven years. She was 62. While Hornbaker was well-known as one of the smiling faces at Hornbaker Gardens, which she created and owned with her husband, Rich, in 1987, she also taught in the Leepertown and Tiskilwa Grade School districts, impacting several children during her time there as a grade school teacher. Year 168 No. 97 Two Sections - 28 Pages
She also was integral in several youth groups in the area, including those at her church. But aside from all her professional accomplishments, perhaps the characteristics in which Hornbaker will be remembered most fondly were her abilities to be a good friend — someone whose smile lit up the room, someone who her friends and family could count on for love and understanding. “Kathy was a very special friend to me. With incredible patience, she became a wonderful friend to me as I first came to know her and worked
See Hornbaker Page 4
Barb Fulara dies at 61 By Goldie Currie gcurrie@bcrnews.com
SPRING VALLEY — Long-time Hall High School teacher and librarian Barbara Fulara is being remembered for her generosity and caring personality, along with her passion for her profession and courageous battle with cancer. Fulara, 61, of Dalzell died Monday in her home. She touched the lives of many and was a well known figure in the community through her involvement in many school activities including Drama Club, Thespians, Debate Team, Radio Club, National Honor Society, LEO Club and
more. She was a long-time friend and support system to the Wolsfeld family, who previously resided in Spring Valley. Candyce Wolsfeld explained when her youngest daughter was battling cancer, Fulara was there giving her encouragement and inspiration through her battle. “I can remember Zoey’s first Relay for Life, and Barb was there and battling cancer, too. She really spoke to us and talked to Zoey, and I thought, ‘What a courageous woman! Here she is battling her own cancer, and she’s taking
See Fulara Page 4
Stay Cool This Summer in the comfort of your home! Get your air conditioner checked & cleaned or replace that old unit with a new high efficiency Carrier unit.
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