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Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Asking for federal $$$ By Barb Kromphardt bkromphardt@bcrnews.com
PRINCETON – On Friday, Gov. Pat Quinn asked the federal government to add Bureau and 15 other Illinois counties to a recent federal disaster declaration for 11 counties hit by widespread flooding in mid-April. “We are continuing to do everything possible to help the families and businesses who are recovering from this historic flood,” Quinn said. “I want to thank President Obama for his fast approval of our first request for federal assistance, and I urge quick federal approval of this request, so people in these counties can access the critical help they need.” The federal disaster declaration will help people and businesses in Bureau and the other new counties added to the list by allowing them to apply for grants and loans to assist with stormrelated losses. According to reports from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), more than 800 flood-damaged homes were found in the counties requested Friday, including 14 homes that were destroyed and 202 with major damage. Bureau County ESDA coordinator Kris Donarski said Quinn’s request is the latest step toward getting federal funds for the county, following local and state disaster declarations. Personnel from Illinois and Federal Emergency Management Agencies, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and affected communities have documented damage to more than 4,300 homes since April 29. Donarski said five teams were sent out to assess the state, county by county, for damages received by the April rains and flooding. She and local officials met two weeks ago with one of the teams.
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Armed robbery Two arrested after allegedly robbing Princeton store By Barb Kromphardt bkromphardt@bcrnews.com
PRINCETON – Two people were arrested Saturday night following an armed robbery on Princeton’s north end business district earlier in the afternoon.
Princeton Police Chief Tom Root said David E. Jones, 30, of Kewanee allegedly entered Anne’s Antiques at 938 N. Main St., displayed a handgun, and ordered the owner and a female subject in the store to the floor. He grabbed all the money from the register and fled on foot in an unknown direction.
Root said Jones was later identified by a female subject, Rebecca L. Daily, 20, of Buda, who was later charged with being Jones’ accomplice. Root said after a long afternoon and evening search, involving several police departments, Jones was arrested at the
See Robbery Page 2
BCR photo/Becky Kramer
Talking the talk ... walking the walk Donning ladies’ shoes and other women’s apparel, these “gentlemen” participated in the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event, an international men’s march to stop rape, sexual assault and gender violence. The march was held Saturday at Soldiers and Sailors Park in Princeton and was sponsored by Princeton Tourism and Freedom House. The fundraiser was held not only to raise awareness but also as a fundraiser for Freedom House.
Singing for a cause Phil Kaufmann to perform ‘The Cotton Patch Gospel’ By Donna Barker dbarker@bcrnews.com.
PRINCETON —A rural Tiskilwa man has raised more than $78,500 for hunger relief during the past two years through his performances of “The Cotton Patch Gospel” musical. Area residents can help Phil Kaufmann continue with that mission of hunger relief by attending the June 8-9 performances of “The Cotton Patch Gospel” at the Prairie Arts Center in Princeton. Ticket information is available through Mark Frank at 815-875-2249.
Proceeds from the June shows will be split between the Buddy Bag lunch program for area children and the Bureau County Food Pantry in Princeton. Kaufmann has performed “The Cotton Patch Gospel” as a one-man show for more than two years. His first show was March 31, 2011, and he recently returned from Brooklyn, N.Y., where he performed his 75th show. In a recent interview, Kaufmann said “The Cotton Patch Gospel” tells the story of what it would be like if Jesus was born in Gainesville, Ga., in the 20th century. The musical was written by
Tom Key and Russel Trez and features the music of singer/songwriter Harry Chapin. While in New York recently, Kaufmann performed the show for Chapin’s widow. With permission from the Chapin family, and through the use of audio and video technology, Kaufmann portrays more than 20 characters, plays 11 musical instruments and sings his own backup vocals for his one-man rendition of “The Cotton Patch Gospel.” In describing the musical, Kaufmann said he likes the fresh, contemporary approach to the story of the life of Christ
See Kaufmann Page 4
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